JP2006078357A - Navigation system and navigation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation system with its image actively used by a driver and a navigation method. <P>SOLUTION: When a driver selects a building shown in a picture image displayed on a display part 7, a POI information acquisition part 110 identifies the selected building, based on the position of an own vehicle, the direction of the own vehicle, the photographing direction of a camera 25 relative to the direction of the own vehicle at the time of photographing, and map data, included in additional information associated with picture image data. The acquisition part 110 acquires POI information on the building from map data or from a server set up on a prescribed network. The POI information acquired is displayed on the display part 7. Further, it is also possible to automatically set a place, where a picture image is taken, as a destination, through the driver's selection on the picture image displayed on the display part 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device and a navigation method, and more particularly to a navigation device and a navigation method.

  Currently, there is a drive recorder as a device for recording a situation around the host vehicle as an image using a vehicle-mounted camera. This drive recorder is used together with, for example, a navigation device, and can store the acquired video together with the traveling position and the like. However, conventionally, information such as images recorded on the drive recorder has not been actively used except for use as evidence when an accident occurs. In recent years, there has been a movement to actively utilize such information.

  For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 shown below disclose techniques for creating a three-dimensional map database by controlling a photographing method and a vehicle-mounted camera at the time of photographing in conjunction with a map. Further, Patent Document 3 shown below discloses a technique for displaying a map in conjunction with a camera image. This technique is intended to be used later for viewing, for example, as a record of travel.

In addition, for example, in Patent Document 4 shown below, the route from the departure point to the destination is provided to the driver as an image based on the route searched by the navigation device and the image stored in the database. The technology is disclosed. Patent Document 5 shown below discloses a technique for sharing a photographed image with another vehicle.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-94571 JP 2002-213773 A JP 2004-45651 A JP 2003-228283 A JP 2003-269971 A

  However, since Patent Documents 1 and 2 are techniques for creating a map database using captured images, they are not intended to make the driver actively use the images. Further, Patent Documents 3 to 5 merely display an image on a driver and are not intended to make the driver actively use the image.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device and a navigation method that enable a driver to actively use video.

  In order to achieve such an object, the present invention is a navigation apparatus having a photographing means for photographing the surroundings of a host vehicle and a recording means for recording an image photographed by the photographing means, which is recorded in the recording means. Reproducing means for reproducing an image while traveling and input means for inputting a predetermined operation to the image reproduced by the reproducing means, and the driver can utilize the image reproduced by the reproducing means Configured to be. By making active use of the image while traveling, the usability of the image can be increased.

  In addition, the present invention provides a recording unit that records an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, a location where the image is captured in association with the image captured by the imaging unit, a direction of the vehicle, and a shooting direction relative to the direction of the vehicle. A navigation device having a means for reproducing the image recorded in the recording means, a selection means for selecting a building included in the image being reproduced, and the selected building for the recording means. A building specifying unit that is specified based on the location and the direction of the vehicle recorded on the vehicle and the shooting direction with respect to the direction of the vehicle, and an information acquisition unit that acquires information on the building specified by the building specifying unit And display means for displaying the information acquired by the information acquisition means. The driver can easily acquire necessary information based on the currently displayed image by selecting the building displayed in the image being played and automatically acquiring information related to this (such as the following POI information). The image can be used positively.

  Further, the present invention is a navigation device comprising a photographing means for photographing the surroundings of the own vehicle, and a recording means for recording a place where the image is photographed in association with the image photographed by the photographing means, Reproduction means for reproducing the recorded image, selection means for selecting the image being reproduced, and shooting location identification for identifying the location where the selected image was photographed from the location information recorded in the recording means And destination setting means for setting the location specified by the shooting location specifying means as a destination. By identifying the location of the image being reproduced and automatically setting it as the destination, the driver can actively use the currently displayed image.

  In addition, the above-described invention may be configured such that the reproduction unit displays a map image including a location where the image is taken together with the image. By displaying the map image at the same time as the image, it is possible to easily recognize where the image being reproduced is, and it is possible to promote active use of the image.

  In addition, the above-described invention includes a photographing unit that obtains the image by photographing the surroundings of the own vehicle, and a holding unit that temporarily retains an image for a predetermined period photographed by the photographing unit, and the recording unit However, when a predetermined operation is input from the driver, the image for the predetermined period held in the holding unit may be recorded. By configuring to save only when the driver recognizes that it is necessary, the storage capacity of the drive recorder can be used effectively.

  Further, the above-described invention has a photographing means for obtaining the image by photographing the surroundings of the own vehicle, and when the recording means enters the intersection, a railroad crossing, or a bridge, the photographing means The captured image may be recorded. It is possible to automatically save a highly necessary image (an image when passing through a specific place such as an intersection, a railroad crossing or a bridge) without bothering the driver.

  Further, the above-described invention includes a photographing unit that obtains the image by photographing the surroundings of the own vehicle, and an index generation unit that generates an index for specifying a place where the image is photographed. Records the index in association with the image, the reproduction means displays a list of the indexes, and when any index is selected from the driver, the image associated with the index is reproduced. It may be configured. By assigning an index to an image, it is possible to display a desired image with a simple operation using the index.

  In addition, the above-described invention may be configured such that the reproduction unit reads and reproduces the image from the recording unit when the own vehicle is stopped. By configuring the system to detect when the vehicle is stopped and play the image, the saved image is automatically played when there is no need for an explicit operation by the driver and it does not interfere with driving. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, the present invention is a navigation method using recording means for recording the location where the image was captured in association with the captured image, the direction of the own vehicle, and the photographing direction relative to the direction of the own vehicle. A first step of reproducing a recorded image; a second step of selecting a building included in the image reproduced in the first step; and a building selected in the second step. A third step of specifying based on the location and the direction of the own vehicle and the shooting direction with respect to the direction of the own vehicle, and a fourth step of acquiring information on the building specified in the third step; And a fifth step for displaying the information acquired in the fourth step. The driver can easily acquire necessary information based on the currently displayed image by selecting the building displayed in the image being played and automatically acquiring information related to this (such as the following POI information). It is possible to realize a navigation method that can actively use images.

  Further, the present invention is a navigation method using a recording unit that records a location where the image is captured in association with the captured image, the first step of reproducing the image recorded in the recording unit, A second step of selecting an image being reproduced in the first step; and a third step of identifying a place where the image selected in the second step was taken from information on the place recorded in the recording means. And a fourth step of setting the location specified in the third step as a destination. By specifying the location of the image being reproduced and automatically setting it as the destination, it is possible to realize a navigation method that allows the driver to actively use the currently displayed image.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the navigation apparatus and navigation method in which a driver | operator can utilize an image | video actively are implement | achieved.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, Embodiment 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a reading mechanism 1 is configured to read a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM (Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM storing map data and other guidance data. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a storage device such as a hard disk drive can also be applied.

  The operation unit 2 is configured for a driver to input various operations and settings to the in-vehicle navigation device 10. This may be configured individually such as a remote controller device or a control panel, or may be configured as a touch panel type input device formed integrally with a display unit 7 to be described later. Furthermore, it may be constituted by a microphone for voice input. The operation unit 2 functions as an input unit or a selection unit for the driver to select an image or a building in the image, as will be described later.

  The transmission / reception unit 3 is configured by an in-vehicle telephone or the like for communicating with various service centers or vehicles equipped with a communication function existing in a predetermined area (also referred to as a communicable area). The VICS (road traffic information communication system) receiving unit 4 is configured to receive VICS information transmitted from a radio wave beacon or an optical beacon. The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 5 is configured to receive a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS satellite and detect the latitude and longitude of the current position of the vehicle. The self-contained navigation sensor 6 includes an angle sensor 6a including a gyro for detecting the vehicle direction, and a distance sensor 6b that generates a pulse for every predetermined travel distance. Detect speed.

  One or more cameras 25 are preferably attached at positions where the front, rear, and left-right directions of the vehicle can be imaged, and the situation around the host vehicle is acquired as image information. In this embodiment, the camera 25 is assumed to be movable. That is, the camera 25 can swing the shooting direction.

  The drive recorder 26, along with the image acquired by the camera 25, information such as the current position and traveling direction of the own vehicle, the current date and time, the orientation of the camera relative to the own vehicle when the image is acquired (hereinafter referred to as additional information). It is a recording means for recording. The drive recorder 26 may be included in the navigation device 10 or may have a different configuration.

  The display unit 7 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display type display device or the like, and displays various information such as a map, a guidance route, a current position of the vehicle, and other landmarks input from the in-vehicle navigation device 10 on the screen. It is the structure for. Similarly, the speaker 8 is configured to output voice guidance information and the like input from the in-vehicle navigation device 10. In addition, the speaker 8 can also output music input from an audio device or the like.

  In the in-vehicle navigation device 10, the buffer memory 11 is configured to temporarily store map data and the like input from the reading mechanism 1 under the control of the control unit 17 described later. I / F (interface) 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 27, and 28 are an operation unit 2, a transmission / reception unit 3, a VICS reception unit 4, a GPS reception unit 5, a self-contained navigation sensor 6, a camera 25, and a drive recorder, respectively. 26 and an internal bus in the in-vehicle navigation device 10.

  The control part 17 is comprised by arithmetic processing apparatuses, such as a microcomputer and CPU (central processing unit), for example. This control unit 17 has a built-in navigation program, and detects the current position of the vehicle based on signals output from the GPS receiving unit 5 and the self-contained navigation sensor 6 according to this program, or obtains it with the camera 25. The recorded image and the additional information are recorded on the drive recorder 26, the map data to be displayed is read out from the reading mechanism 1 to the buffer memory 11, the guidance route is searched from the map data read out to the buffer memory 11, etc. Various processes related to navigation are executed. However, for example, the above program can be stored in a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or the like. In this case, the control unit 17 reads and executes it as necessary.

  The map drawing unit 18 is configured to perform a map image drawing process using the map data read to the buffer memory 11. The display information generation unit 19 is configured to generate various menu screens (operation screens) and various marks such as a vehicle position mark and a cursor according to the operation status. The guide route storage unit 20 stores data on all nodes of the guide route searched for in the control unit 17 based on the starting point, destination and other search conditions, and data of guide routes changed during the search (hereinafter referred to as these Is referred to as guidance route data). The guide route drawing unit 21 is configured to read the guide route data from the guide route storage unit 20 and draw the guide route in a display mode (highlighted display using colors and line widths) different from other roads. . The icon drawing unit 22 is communicable via an icon drawing process for instructing each landmark corresponding to each landmark data (also referred to as property data) included in the map data, and via the transmission / reception unit 3. This is a configuration for performing drawing processing of an icon of an opponent vehicle and an icon of a vehicle existing around the opponent vehicle based on information received from the opponent vehicle. The audio output unit 23 includes, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and the like, and outputs an audio signal to the speaker 8 based on a signal from the control unit 17.

  The image synthesizing unit 24 includes a guide route drawn by the guide route drawing unit 21 on the map image drawn by the map drawing unit 18, an operation screen and various marks drawn by the display information generating unit 19, and an icon drawing unit. Configuration for displaying various icons drawn at 22, images input from the control unit 17 (images captured by the camera 25 or images recorded on the drive recorder 26), and the like on the display unit 7 as appropriate. It is.

  Next, a configuration for causing the driver to actively use the image recorded in the drive recorder 26 will be described below.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration for causing the driver to actively use the image recorded in the drive recorder 26 as follows. Each block in FIG. 2 is a function realized by the control unit 17 executing a predetermined program, but the present invention is not limited to this, and this may be realized by a dedicated arithmetic circuit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 17 includes a current position and traveling direction calculation unit 101, an additional information generation unit 102, an image compression unit 103, a buffer 104, an operation information analysis unit 105, an image and additional information writing unit 106, and an image. And an additional information reading unit 107, a display image generation unit 108, a corresponding map drawing command unit 109, and a POI (Point of Interest) information acquisition unit 110.

  The current position and traveling direction calculation unit 101 calculates the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle based on the GPS signal input from the GPS receiving unit 5 and the angle information and distance information input from the self-contained navigation sensor 6. The calculated current position and traveling direction are input to the additional information generation unit 102. In addition to the current position and the traveling direction, the additional information generation unit 102 obtains information on the shooting direction of the camera 25 when the target image is acquired (hereinafter referred to as shooting direction information), and an operating system executed by the control unit 17. The current date and time are entered. The additional information generation unit 102 generates additional information to be attached to the image data from the input information. This additional information later functions as an index for reading out the target image data. The generated additional information is temporarily held in the buffer 104.

  The image compression unit 103 receives image data acquired by the camera 25. The image compression unit 103 compresses the input image data and inputs it to the buffer 104. The buffer 104 temporarily holds the image data and additional information input as described above. The additional information corresponds to the image data held together. Further, the image data and additional information held in the buffer 104 are, for example, for the past 30 seconds, and are stored in the drive recorder 26 when a predetermined operation is input from the driver. It can be configured to be discarded. As a result, only necessary images (or video (moving images), which are unified into images in the present invention) can be stored. However, when there is a sufficient space in the storage capacity of the drive recorder 26, all image data and additional information can be held. Alternatively, the driver may select whether to record all or only when necessary. In the following description, a configuration in which image data and additional information are recorded only when a predetermined operation is performed from the driver will be described as an example.

  The operation information analysis unit 105 analyzes the operation information input from the operation unit 2 in FIG. 1 and identifies what operation is input from the driver. When the specified operation is an operation according to the present invention, the operation information analysis unit 175 generates a command for executing this operation and inputs this to a predetermined functional block. For example, when the operation is to instruct to store the most recently acquired image, the operation information analysis unit 105 inputs a predetermined command to the image and additional information writing unit 106, and the image data stored in the buffer 104 and The additional information is stored in the drive recorder 26. Further, when the operation is an instruction to display an image recorded in the past, the operation information analysis unit 105 inputs a predetermined command to the image and additional information reading unit 107, and the image data recorded in the drive recorder 26 and The additional information is read and displayed. Further, when the operation is to display POI information such as a building included in the displayed image, the operation information analysis unit 105 inputs a predetermined command to the image and additional information reading unit 107 and the POI information acquisition unit 110. Then, POI information is acquired and displayed.

  When the command is input from the operation information analysis unit 105 as described above, the image and additional information writing unit 106 takes out the image data and additional information held in the buffer 104 and associates them with the drive recorder 26. To store.

  When the command is input from the operation information analysis unit 105 as described above, the image and additional information reading unit 107 reads the image data and additional information stored in the drive recorder 26, and displays the image information as the display image generation unit 108. The additional information is input to the corresponding map drawing command unit 109. When a command for obtaining POI information is input from the operation information analysis unit 105, the image and additional information reading unit 107 reads out the corresponding additional information and inputs it to the POI information acquisition unit 110.

  When the image data is input, the display image generation unit 108 inputs the image data to the image composition unit 24 in FIG. When the additional information is input, the corresponding map drawing command unit 109 specifies the corresponding map area, the position and traveling direction of the own vehicle, the shooting direction of the camera 25, and the like. The identified map area is input to the map drawing unit 18 in FIG. 1 as corresponding map information. On the other hand, the map drawing unit 18 executes the process from the reading of the map data to the drawing of the map image, which is input to the image composition unit 24. Further, the specified position and traveling direction of the own vehicle and the shooting direction of the camera 25 are input to the icon drawing unit 22 as icon information. On the other hand, in the icon drawing unit 22, an icon image of the own vehicle in which the direction of the camera is drawn is drawn and input to the image composition unit 24. As described above, when the map image, icon image, and display image are input, the image composition unit 24 synthesizes them and displays them on the display unit 7. As described above, the image and additional information reading unit 107 to the image composition unit 24 function as reproduction means for reproducing the image stored in the drive recorder 26.

  Here, FIG. 3 shows a display screen of the display unit 7 when the stored image is reproduced. As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 7 displays a map image, an icon image, and a display image. In FIG. 3, the map image is used as a background, and the display image is displayed as a pop-up window on the map image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display image is used as the background. On top of this, a map image may be displayed in a pop-up window. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 7 may be configured to display the time (shooting time) when the image was shot. In this case, time information included in the additional information is input from the control unit 17 to the display information generation unit 19, and the display information generation unit 19 generates an image thereof and inputs it to the image composition unit 24. The image composition unit 24 superimposes the image of the input time information on the map image as shown in FIG. 3 and displays it.

  On the other hand, when a POI information acquisition command is input, the POI information acquisition unit 110 identifies the building designated by the driver based on the additional information input from the image and the additional information reading unit 107 and the content of the command. To do. Specifically, the location where the image was taken and the direction of the camera 25 at this time are extracted from the additional information, and this is compared with the map data to identify which building is selected. That is, the POI information acquisition unit 110 also functions as a building specifying unit that specifies the selected building.

  The POI information acquisition unit 110 acquires POI information of the specified building from a predetermined server (for example, a server installed on the Internet). That is, the POI information acquisition unit 110 functions as an information acquisition unit. Access to a predetermined server is performed via the transmission / reception unit 3. When the POI information is acquired in this way, the POI information acquisition unit 110 inputs it to the display information generation unit 19 in FIG. On the other hand, the display information generation unit 19 displays the POI information as a pop-up as shown in FIG. 4, for example. FIG. 4 is an example of POI information displayed when the center “XXX tower” is selected on the display screen in FIG. 3. However, FIG. 3 shows an example in which an image read from the drive recorder 26 is displayed. For example, even when a captured image is displayed in real time, the image displayed on the display unit 7 is shown in FIG. It can be set as the structure similar to FIG. Moreover, the selection of the target building can be facilitated by using the operation unit 2 as a touch panel combined with the display unit 7 (including an integrated type). As a result, the driver can select the target building simply by touching it on the screen.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 5 to 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the navigation device 10.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, the navigation apparatus 10 waits for an operation to be input from the operation unit 2 (step S101). When an operation input is made, the navigation device 10 analyzes the input operation information (step S102), whether or not this is the storage of the image and additional information in the drive recorder 26 (step S103), the image and additional information. Whether or not it is a display request for a stored image (step S104), and whether or not it is a display request for POI information of a building in the displayed image (step S105). If “No” in each determination (No in Steps S103, S104, and S105), the navigation device 10 returns to Step S101. Needless to say, even if each determination result is “No”, the navigation apparatus 10 performs a predetermined operation for the input operation.

  As a result of the above determination, if the input operation is an image and additional information storage operation (Yes in step S103), the navigation device 10 displays the image data and the additional data held in the buffer 104 as shown in FIG. Information is written to the drive recorder 26 (step S111). Thereafter, the navigation device 10 returns to step S101.

  In addition, when inputting a display request for a stored image, the driver displays the position on the map when the supplied image is captured, the date and time (which may be the time zone) when the image was captured, or image data. Enter the number given to the additional information. This number may be configured to be automatically assigned when image data and additional information are written to the drive recorder 26. At this time, it is possible to make it easier to call the desired data by configuring the latest data so that a young number is assigned. Therefore, when the input operation is a display request for a stored image (Yes in step S104), the navigation apparatus 10 adds additional information based on the input position, date and time, or number as shown in FIG. The desired image data is identified and read out (step S121).

  Next, the navigation device 10 inputs the read image data to the display image generation unit 108, and generates an image to be displayed by executing image processing such as expansion processing (step S122). Further, the navigation device 10 specifies a corresponding map position from the additional information read simultaneously, and generates a corresponding map drawing command for causing the map drawing unit 18 to draw a map image including the position (step S123). The corresponding map drawing command generated in this way is input to the map drawing unit 18.

  When the corresponding map drawing command is input to the map drawing unit 18 as described above, the navigation device 10 reads the map data from the reading mechanism 1 based on this (step S124), and draws the map image (step S125). This operation is usually the same as the operation for drawing a map image including the current position.

  Further, the navigation device 10 specifies the traveling direction of the vehicle at that time and the photographing direction of the camera 25 from the additional information read simultaneously with the image data, and inputs the information into the icon drawing unit 22 so that the traveling direction and the photographing direction are determined. The expressed vehicle icon image is drawn (step S126).

  When the display image, the map image, and the own vehicle icon image are drawn as described above, the navigation apparatus 10 inputs these to the image composition unit 24 and generates a composite image (step S127). The generated composite image is input to the display unit 7 and displayed on the driver (step S128). Thereafter, the navigation device 10 returns to step S101.

  Furthermore, when the input operation is a request to display POI information of a building (step S105), the navigation device 10 determines the position and camera in the additional information associated with the displayed image as shown in FIG. The selected building is identified based on the image capturing position of 25, the position on the image to which the selection is input (for example, in the case of a touch panel type), and the map data (step S131). The map data includes information on buildings included in the map.

  When the building is specified in this way, the navigation apparatus 10 next requests POI information for the specified building from a predetermined server on the network (step S132). However, when the POI information related to the building is recorded on the recording medium of the reading mechanism 1 together with the map data, for example, the POI information acquisition unit 110 may be configured to acquire the POI information from the reading mechanism 1.

  When the navigation apparatus 10 receives the POI information for the above request (step S133), it draws an image for displaying it on the display unit 7 (step S135), and inputs it to the image composition unit 24. As a result, the image composition unit 24 composes an image in which the image of the POI information is superimposed on the image being displayed (step S135). The generated composite image is input to the display unit 7 and displayed on the driver (step S128). Thereafter, the navigation device 10 returns to step S101.

  By configuring and operating as described above, the building displayed in the image being reproduced is selected, and information relating to this (such as the following POI information) is automatically acquired, so that the currently displayed image is displayed. Based on this, it is possible for the driver to easily acquire necessary information, and the image can be actively used. Further, by displaying a map image at the same time as the image, it is possible to easily recognize where the image being reproduced is, and it is possible to promote active use of the image. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the drive recorder can be effectively utilized by configuring so that the storage is performed only when the driver recognizes that it is necessary.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, the configuration not specifically mentioned is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, an image when passing through a specific place such as an intersection, a railroad crossing or a bridge is automatically saved in the drive recorder 26. Whether or not the vehicle is currently passing a specific location such as an intersection, railroad crossing or bridge can be easily determined based on the map data and the current position.

  Since the configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment, the navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment is cited here. However, the functions executed by the control unit 17 are as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the control part 17, the specific place passage determination part 201 is added in the structure similar to FIG. 2 in Example 1. The specific location passage determination unit 201 is configured to determine whether or not the vehicle is currently passing through a specific location such as an intersection, railroad crossing, or bridge as described above. As described above, this determination can be made based on the map data and the current position. Therefore, the map data read from the reading mechanism 1 and the current position calculated by the current position and traveling direction calculation unit 101 are input to the specific place passage determination unit 201. However, the map data is not limited to all data, and the minimum necessary data may be input.

  When it is determined that the specific place passage unit 201 is currently passing the specific place, the specific place passage determination unit 201 generates a write command for writing the image data and the additional information held in the buffer 104 to the drive recorder 26. Is input to the image and additional information writing unit 106. On the other hand, the image and additional information writing unit 106 records the image data and additional information held in the buffer 104 on the drive recorder 26 until the passage through the specific place is completed, as in the first embodiment.

  By configuring and operating as described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a highly necessary image (an image when passing through a specific place) is automatically generated without bothering the driver. Can be saved.

  Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, the configuration not specifically mentioned is the same as that in the first or second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the image data and the additional information are configured to be provided with an index that can be easily specified by the driver. As the index, it is possible to apply the shooting date, place name, etc. (for example, the name of an image taken at an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, etc.).

  Since the configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment, the navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment is cited here. However, the functions executed by the control unit 17 are as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the control unit 17, an index generation unit 301 is added in the same configuration as in FIG. The index generation unit 301 is configured to generate an index as described above. For example, the current time, place name, or name of a specific place can be used to generate the index. Therefore, the index generation unit 301 stores the map data read from the reading mechanism 1 and the current position and the current position calculated by the traveling direction calculation unit 101 or the current date and time from the operating system executed by the control unit 17. Entered. However, the map data is not limited to all data, and the minimum necessary data may be input.

  When a predetermined operation is input from the driver, the operation information analysis unit 105 inputs a write command from the buffer 104 to the drive recorder 26 to the image and additional information writing unit 106 as in the first embodiment, and an index generation unit. An instruction for generating an index is input to 301. On the other hand, the index generation unit 301 acquires map data and the current position, and generates an index based on these. Further, the generated index is input to the image and additional information writing unit 106. The image and additional information writing unit 106 attaches the input index to the image data and additional information, and writes this to the drive recorder 26.

  On the other hand, when an operation for reading out the stored image is input from the driver, the operation information analyzing unit 105 acquires all (or from the latest to a predetermined number in the past) indexes via the image and additional information reading unit 107, A list is displayed on the display unit 7. Since this display can be realized by the method using the display information generation unit 19 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  When an operation for selecting one of the displayed indexes is input, the operation information analysis unit 105 generates a read command based on the operation, and inputs the read command to the image and additional information reading unit 107. On the other hand, the image and additional information reading unit 107 reads the selected image data and additional information, and the image data is sent to the display image generating unit 108 and the additional information is sent to the corresponding map drawing command unit 109, as in the first embodiment. input.

  With the configuration and operation as described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a simple operation (for example, an operation of pressing a predetermined button or an operation of touching a display screen) can be performed on an image. An index can be assigned, and a desired image can be displayed by a simple operation using the index. It should be noted that the present embodiment can be applied to both the case where image data and additional information are stored only when designated in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the case where image data and additional information are always stored. It is clear that there is.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, the configuration not specifically mentioned is the same as that of any one of the first to third embodiments.

  In the fourth embodiment, the stored image is automatically reproduced when the vehicle stops due to a signal waiting or the like. The image to be reproduced may be the latest image or a digest of a stored image (for example, a continuous image or a combination of the first few frames of video). The digest can also be limited to an image with an index according to the third embodiment.

  Since the configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment, the navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment is cited here. However, the functions executed by the control unit 17 are as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the control part 17, the stop determination part 401 is added in the structure similar to FIG. 2 in Example 1. FIG. This stop determination part 401 is a structure for determining whether the own vehicle stopped as mentioned above. This determination can be made based on the current position and the traveling speed calculated by the traveling direction calculation unit 101. That is, the current position and traveling direction calculation unit 101 according to the present embodiment calculates the traveling speed of the own vehicle and inputs this to the stop determination unit 401.

  When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, the stop determination unit 401 generates a read command for the last stored image data and additional information or the first few frames of each image data and each additional information. The image and additional information reading unit 107 is input. On the other hand, the image and additional information reading unit 107 reads the image data and additional information held in the drive recorder 26 in accordance with a command, reads the image data to the display image generation unit 108, and adds the additional information to the corresponding map drawing command unit 109. To enter each.

  By configuring and operating as described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is configured to detect that the vehicle is stopped and to reproduce an image, so that an explicit operation by the driver can be performed. The stored image can be automatically reproduced when it is not necessary and does not hinder driving.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in any one of the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, the configuration not specifically mentioned is the same as that of any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

  The fifth embodiment is configured such that an image currently displayed / reproduced can be set to a destination by a simple operation (for example, an operation such as touching a touch panel button provided on the screen).

  Since the configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment, the navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment is cited here. However, the functions executed by the control unit 17 are as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the control part 17, the destination setting part 501 is added in the structure similar to FIG. 2 in Example 1. FIG. As described above, the destination setting unit 501 is configured to automatically set the location where the currently reproduced image is taken as the destination based on a predetermined operation from the driver. The destination set by the destination setting unit 501 is input as destination information to a guide route calculation unit (not shown), and a guide route to the destination is calculated by a predetermined process. In addition, this guidance path | route calculation part can be set as the structure implement | achieved when the control part 17 performs a predetermined | prescribed program, or can also use a dedicated arithmetic circuit.

  When the driver inputs a predetermined operation from the operation unit 2, the operation information analysis unit 105 generates a command for setting the location where the currently reproduced image is captured as the destination, and inputs this to the destination setting unit 501. To do. When this command is input, the destination setting unit 501 receives additional information temporarily stored in the image and additional information reading unit 107 (this is additional information associated with the image data currently being reproduced). And specify the location when shooting. That is, the destination setting unit 501 also functions as a shooting location specifying means for specifying a location at the time of shooting. Thereafter, the destination setting unit 501 outputs this place as the destination.

  By configuring and operating as described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the location of the image being reproduced can be specified and automatically set as the destination. The driver can actively use the displayed image.

  As described above, Examples 1 to 5 are merely examples for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. Various modifications of these Examples are within the scope of the present invention. Further, it is obvious from the above description that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation apparatus 10 by Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function which the control part 17 implement | achieves in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen of the display part 7 at the time of reproducing | regenerating the image preserve | saved in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen structure at the time of superimposing POI information on the image of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus 10 by Example 1 of this invention (1). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus 10 by Example 1 of this invention (2). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus 10 by Example 1 of this invention (3). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus 10 by Example 1 of this invention (4). It is a block diagram which shows the function which the control part 17 implement | achieves in Example 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function which the control part 17 implement | achieves in Example 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function which the control part 17 implement | achieves in Example 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function which the control part 17 implement | achieves in Example 5 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reading mechanism 2 Operation part 3 Transmission / reception part 4 VICS reception part 5 GPS reception part 6 Autonomous navigation sensor 6a Angle sensor 6b Distance sensor 7 Display part 8 Speaker 10 Navigation apparatus 11 Buffer memory 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 27 I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Control part 18 Map drawing part 19 Display information generation part 20 Guidance route memory | storage part 21 Guidance route drawing part 22 Icon drawing part 23 Audio | voice output part 24 Image composition part 25 Camera 26 Drive recorder 101 Current position and advancing direction calculation part 102 Additional information Generation unit 103 Image compression unit 104 Buffer 105 Operation information analysis unit 106 Image and additional information writing unit 107 Image and additional information reading unit 108 Display image generation unit 109 Corresponding map drawing command unit 110 POI information acquisition unit 201 Specific place passage determination unit 301 Index generation unit 401 Stop determination unit 501 Destination setting unit

Claims (10)

A navigation device having photographing means for photographing the surroundings of the vehicle and recording means for recording an image photographed by the photographing means,
Reproduction means for reproducing an image recorded in the recording means while traveling;
Input means for inputting a predetermined operation on the image being played back by the playback means;
A navigation device characterized in that a driver can utilize an image reproduced by the reproducing means. A navigation device having a photographing means for photographing the surroundings of the own vehicle, and a recording means for recording the location where the image is photographed in association with the image photographed by the photographing means, the direction of the own vehicle, and the photographing direction relative to the direction of the own vehicle There,
Reproducing means for reproducing the image recorded in the recording means;
A selection means for selecting a building included in the image being reproduced;
A building specifying means for specifying the selected building based on the location and the direction of the own vehicle recorded in the recording means and the shooting direction with respect to the direction of the own vehicle;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information related to the building specified by the building specifying means;
A navigation device comprising: display means for displaying information acquired by the information acquisition means. A navigation device having a photographing means for photographing the surroundings of the own vehicle and a recording means for recording a place where the image is photographed in association with an image photographed by the photographing means,
Reproducing means for reproducing the image recorded in the recording means;
A selection means for selecting an image being reproduced;
A shooting location specifying means for specifying the location where the selected image was shot from the information on the location recorded in the recording means;
And a destination setting means for setting the place specified by the photographing place specifying means as a destination.   The navigation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the reproduction means also displays a map image including a place where the image is taken together with the image. Photographing means for obtaining the image by photographing the periphery of the vehicle;
Holding means for temporarily holding images for a predetermined period taken by the photographing means;
4. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording unit records an image for the predetermined period held in the holding unit when a predetermined operation is input from a driver. Having photographing means for obtaining the image by photographing the surroundings of the own vehicle;
4. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording unit records an image photographed by the photographing unit when the own vehicle enters an intersection, a railroad crossing, or a bridge. Photographing means for obtaining the image by photographing the periphery of the vehicle;
Index generating means for generating an index for specifying the location where the image was taken,
The recording means records the index in association with the image,
4. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reproduction unit displays a list of the indexes, and reproduces an image associated with the index when any index is selected from a driver.   4. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reproduction means reads and reproduces the image from the recording means when the own vehicle is stopped. A navigation method using a recording means for recording a shooting direction with respect to a location where the image was shot in association with the shot image, the direction of the own vehicle, and the direction of the own vehicle,
A first step of reproducing an image recorded in the recording means;
A second step of selecting a building included in the image being reproduced in the first step;
A third step of identifying the building selected in the second step based on the location recorded in the recording means, the direction of the own vehicle, and the shooting direction relative to the direction of the own vehicle;
A fourth step of acquiring information relating to the building identified in the third step;
And a fifth step of displaying the information acquired in the fourth step. A navigation method using recording means for recording the location where the image was captured in association with the captured image,
A first step of reproducing an image recorded in the recording means;
A second step of selecting an image being reproduced in the first step;
A third step of identifying the location where the image selected in the second step was taken from the information on the location recorded in the recording means;
And a fourth step of setting the place specified in the third step as a destination.

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