JP2006228149A - Region search system, navigation system, control method thereof, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To flexibly realizes such excellent convenience for use that a user is allowed to aim at a rough area to some extent or set a destination of navigation though having a faint memory, by displaying out one or more regions agreeing with inputted digits as a map or a name list even in the middle of input of a digit string like a telephone number. <P>SOLUTION: Each time a digit of the telephone number of the like is inputted, a region name agreeing with digits inputted theretofore is displayed stepwise like a prefecture name, a city name, or a town name, and a list of region names is displayed in the case that there are a plurality of prefecture names, city names, or town names agreeing with them. When a region name displayed in the list is selected, a map of its representative point can be displayed and setting it as a destination is accepted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention displays a map or name list that displays one or more regions that match the input digits, even when a numeric string such as a telephone number is being input, so that it can be used to provide a rough approximate area even if you are unaware. It relates to technology that flexibly realizes excellent usability, such as setting a navigation destination.

  In recent years, with the development of electronic technologies such as GPS, in-vehicle navigation devices have rapidly spread. The navigation device uses road map information prepared in advance on a DVD-ROM, HDD, etc., and displays the current position sequentially detected by GPS on the surrounding map in real time, or calculates the route to the specified destination. The guidance guidance along the route is output. In addition, there is a type having a function of searching various facilities from a database in specifying a destination. In this type, number information such as a 10-digit telephone number or a 7-digit postal code (hereinafter, a telephone number is taken as an example). If you enter a key and perform a predetermined operation such as the Enter button, the map of the point is displayed only when the facility name that matches the number is found in the database, and the point is set as the destination after confirmation be able to.

In addition, the coordinates corresponding to the input telephone number are read from the list in which the telephone number and the coordinates are associated, and the point is displayed on the map. If the input telephone number is not in the list, the telephone number There is also an example in which the coordinates of the representative points of the city / city code are displayed on a map (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-196668

  However, in any of the above prior arts, first of all, it is assumed that all digits of the telephone number are entered, and if there is no map display unless there is a data facility that matches all digits in the database, In addition to being unable to set the point as the destination, it was impossible to even know the approximate location of the point, which was inconvenient. Also, even in the example of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to use a phone number when it is halfway, and at least the area code or area code part must match the specific candidate corresponding to the representative point. There was a limit to usability.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems of the prior art. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a map or name list for one or more regions that match the entered digits even when a numeric string such as a telephone number is being entered. It is to provide a technology that flexibly realizes excellent usability, such as setting a rough area to some extent even if you are unaware, or setting it as a navigation destination.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention (claims 1, 5, and 9), an information input unit, a storage unit, and an output unit, and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit, In the area search device provided (the control method and control program), the number information including a multi-digit number string and the corresponding information of the corresponding area are stored in advance in the storage unit, and recorded by the previous processing unit. Accepting means (processing) for receiving and receiving digits of the number string constituting the number information one by one, and notifying means for judging and outputting area candidates corresponding to the number string up to the inputted digits based on the contrast information (Processing) is realized.

  In another aspect of the present invention (claims 2, 6, and 10), a navigation device (control thereof) comprising: an information input unit, a storage unit, and an output unit; and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit Method, control program), road map information for route search and map display is stored in the storage unit in advance, and number information including a multi-digit number string and corresponding area are compared with the storage unit. And accepting means (process) for accepting and receiving the digits of the digit string constituting the number information one by one by the processing unit; and region candidates corresponding to the digit string up to the inputted digit An informing means (processing) for determining and displaying and outputting based on the contrast information is realized.

  In this way, one or more regions corresponding to the digits already entered at that time are identified step by step, such as prefecture unit → city unit → town unit, even while entering a telephone number or postal code. By displaying it, it is possible to flexibly realize excellent usability, such as setting a rough area to some extent even if you are profound, or setting it as a navigation destination.

  In another aspect of the present invention (Claims 3, 7, and 11), in each of the above aspects, the reference information is associated with a reference position that represents each region, and is displayed and output by the processing unit. Selection means (process) for accepting one selection from the candidate area, and display means for displaying a map in a range including the reference position corresponding to the selected area based on the map information and the control information ( Processing).

  In this way, it becomes easy to confirm a place and set as a destination flexibly by displaying a map per reference position that represents a selected area corresponding to a digit up to the middle of input.

  In another aspect of the present invention (Claims 4, 8, and 12), in each of the above aspects, the reference information is associated with a reference position that is representative for each region, and is displayed and output by the processing unit. Selection means (process) for accepting one selection from the candidate areas, and destination setting means (process) for setting the reference position corresponding to the selected area as the destination based on the comparison information; It is characterized by realizing.

  In this way, by making it possible to set the reference position that represents the selected area corresponding to the middle digits of the entry as it is as the destination of navigation, we will go to the appropriate place such as in front of the station or ward office and deal with it later. Flexible usability can be realized.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when a numeric string such as a telephone number is being entered, one or more regions that match the entered digit are displayed and displayed on a map or name list, so that even a rough sketch can be roughly approximated to some extent. It is possible to provide navigation technology that flexibly realizes excellent usability, such as registering a specific area or setting a navigation destination.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the navigation device of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present device”) will be described with reference to the drawings. As an outline, in this embodiment, as the telephone number etc. is entered one digit at a time, the area name that matches the digit part already entered up to that point is expressed as “prefecture”> “city”> “town”. For example, when there are a plurality of matching “prefecture”, “city”, and “town”, the list is displayed. In addition, by selecting a region name displayed in the list, a map of the representative point can be displayed, and a setting as a destination is accepted.

  Note that the assumptions common to the explanation in the background art and the problems are not repeated. In addition, the present invention is characterized by the idea of displaying the corresponding area while narrowing it down step by step with the input of each digit of the numeric string, so that not only the navigation device but also the area search device for various information processing purposes, These control methods and control programs can also be grasped.

[1. Constitution〕
First, this apparatus includes the following elements shown in FIG. 1 (functional block diagram). That is, 1 to 3 are sensor groups for obtaining navigation data, and 1 is an absolute position / orientation detection unit represented by GPS, which indicates an antenna, a receiver, and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a relative orientation detection unit using a gyro or the like. Reference numeral 3 denotes a vehicle speed detector that processes pulses obtained from the vehicle.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a processing unit that controls the entire system and performs information processing, that is, a main CPU and its peripheral circuits. The memory M includes several types of memory, of which 5 is a ROM that is accessed by the processing unit 4 at the time of startup or the like, 6 is a dynamic RAM (DRAM) for loading a main program or providing a work area, 7 Is a static RAM (SRAM) that retains memory contents from power-off to the next power-on, and is backed up by the battery even when the main power is turned off. Reference numeral 8 denotes a video RAM (VRAM) provided for the display unit 10.

  The processing unit 4 is connected to a display unit 10 that is an information output unit and an input unit 11 via a user interface unit 9 that performs signal conversion and the like. The display unit 10 is, for example, a backlit liquid crystal display panel for displaying information such as a map and an operation menu. Reference numeral 11 denotes an input unit for receiving information such as various operations from the user. For example, a switch or a touch panel is used.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a disk control unit for reading a database such as road map information for route search and map display in navigation from a storage medium (for example, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard disk drive, etc.). In addition, the storage unit S is configured. The storage unit S is a storage unit that stores road map information D1 and contrast information D2.

  Of these, the road map information D1 mainly includes road data for route search and map data mainly used for map display, etc. The road data mainly includes nodes (points) indicating intersections and branch points, nodes Each link has attributes such as identification link ID, link length, type (national road, prefectural road, etc.), road width of the link, chargeable or free of charge, traffic regulation, etc. Each node has information such as the number of connected links, a link ID, and traffic restrictions between the links.

  In the route calculation, using the node and link information as described above, a value (road cost) indicating ease of passing is calculated, and the route is selected by connecting links so that the total road cost is minimized. At this time, the entry prohibition and the one-way information are used so as not to select a route inconsistent with the contents. The map data includes information such as intersection names and landmarks used for route guidance and map display. The contrast information D2 is contrast information between number information (telephone number, postal code, etc.) including a multi-digit number string and a corresponding area.

  13 is an FM multiplex broadcast reception and processing unit for extracting desired data from FM broadcast waves, and 14 is an optical / radio wave beacon and processing unit that receives VICS service data from optical beacons and radio beacons on the roadside and the like. is there. Reference numeral 15 denotes a speech recognition unit that receives speech from the user and recognizes speech.

  In the present apparatus configured as described above, the processing unit 4 realizes the portions 41 to 48 that operate as follows according to the program (FIG. 1). Each of these parts can be grasped as means for realizing and executing the following functions, processes, and operations.

[2. Effect)
[2-1. navigation〕
First, the current position calculation unit 41 sequentially calculates the vehicle position based on the navigation data from the sensor groups (1 to 3), and the destination setting unit 44 performs facility search according to the operation from the input unit 11. The destination of designation of the destination is accepted by scroll movement, cursor operation, etc. in the map display, and the calculation guidance section 42 calculates and sets an appropriate guidance route from the current location to the destination designated as described above, and then guides the guidance. The guidance guidance such as the traveling direction along the route is determined, and the display output unit 43 outputs the display of the surrounding map and the vehicle position and the guidance guidance by the screen display on the output unit 10 or a synthetic voice circuit (not shown). .

  In addition, the reception unit 45 (reception unit) performs a reception process of receiving the digits of the number string constituting the number information in the contrast information D2 one by one from the input unit 11, and the notification unit 46 (notification unit) A candidate for a region corresponding to a digit string up to the input digit is determined based on the contrast information, and a notification process is performed for outputting to the output unit 10 by a place name list display, a map area display, and the like.

  In this way, one or more regions corresponding to the digits already entered at that time are identified step by step, such as prefecture unit → city unit → town unit, even while entering a telephone number or postal code. By displaying it, it is possible to flexibly realize excellent usability, such as setting a rough area to some extent even if you are profound, or setting it as a navigation destination.

[2-2. (Map display around the reference position)
It is also possible to display a map around a reference position representing the area. In this case, in the reference information D2, reference positions (for example, main stations, intersections, historic sites, city halls, etc.) that are representative for each area are associated with each other, and the selection unit 47 (selection means) sends the output to the output unit 10. A selection process for accepting one selection from the displayed candidate areas is performed. In addition, the correspondence display unit 48 (display unit) performs a display process of displaying a map of a range including the reference position corresponding to the selected region based on the map information and the contrast information. In this way, it becomes easy to confirm a place and set as a destination flexibly by displaying a map per reference position that represents a selected area corresponding to a digit up to the middle of input.

[2-3. (Destination setting)
In the navigation device, the destination setting unit 44 (destination setting means) uses the reference position corresponding to the area selected by the selection unit 47 as described above, based on the reference information D2, as the destination of the route. You may make it perform the destination setting process set to the ground. In this way, by making it possible to set the reference position that represents the selected area corresponding to the middle digits of the entry as it is as the destination of navigation, we will go to the appropriate place such as in front of the station or ward office and deal with it later. Flexible usability can be realized.

[3. Example of screen transition)
Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of screen transition as a user interface in the above processing. Hereinafter, the circled numbers in the figure are represented as (1) and (2). In the screen example of FIG. 2A, 1 is an area name display field, 2 is a telephone number display, 3 is a clear button, 4 is a scroll button, 5 is an area name list portion, 6 is a so-called numeric keypad for inputting numbers, 7 is an enter button, and FIG. 2 (8) is an example of a map display.

  In this example, the operation flow for inputting a telephone number is as shown in FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first digit “0” of the telephone number is input. In Japan, all prefectures are still displayed in the list at this point. Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, when “2” in the second digit of the telephone number is entered, “prefecture” having an area code that matches the two digits of “02” is displayed in the list. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 (3), when the second digit “2” is entered, the “prefecture” is determined as “Miyagi prefecture” by the first three digits “022” entered so far. The “city” level appears in the list.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 (4), when the subsequent fourth digit “3” is entered, “city” is determined to be “Iwanuma City” by the entered fourth digit “0223”, and the “town” level of Iwanuma City is determined. Appears in the list. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2 (5), when the next fifth digit “3” is input, two “town” names that match the five digits “02233” are displayed in the list. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (6), when the sixth digit “2” is input, “022332” is obtained, and the number of matching candidates is one. Therefore, “town” is determined as “Watano town”. . The number after this is not a part that affects the decision of the town name, but is an individual number.

  Then, after entering all the telephone numbers (10 numbers), the “decision” button 7 is pressed, and if the facility name matching the number is found in a predetermined database such as for facility search, the point is displayed as a map. Even if it is not in the database, a map of the reference position (representative point) of the matching “town” level can be displayed based on the comparison information D2, and that point can be set as the destination.

  When there are a plurality of area names that match the input digit part up to a certain point in time, the area name is selected on the candidate list display as illustrated in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (8), a map of the representative point is displayed, and the point is set as the destination by a predetermined operation such as a “set to destination” button shown in the lower right of FIG. 2 (8). It is desirable to control as much as possible.

[4. Example of processing procedure)
An example of the processing procedure for realizing the user interface as described above is shown in FIG. For example, during normal map display (step 01), when an operation for searching for a telephone number is detected (step 02), each time a number is entered from the numeric keypad (step 03), the digit entered so far is displayed. An area matching the number is searched from the comparison information D2 (step 04). As a result, if there is no area that matches the input number (step 05), the process returns to waiting for input of the next digit (step 03), but if there is an area that matches the input number (step 05), it matches. If the number of regions is not only one but a plurality (step 06), the matching region names are displayed in a list (step 07), selection of items in this list is accepted (step 08), and a map of the corresponding region is displayed. (Step 13).

  If there is only one matching area (step 06), the matching area name is displayed on the area name display (step 09), and if it does not match to the “town” level (step 10), the subsequent digits (Step 03), if it matches to the “town” level (step 10), the search for the area name is terminated (step 11), and the operation of the decision button is waited (step 12). Is displayed (step 13).

[5. Example of map display)
In the above description, an example is shown in which the name of the area that matches the telephone number that is sequentially input for each digit is displayed as a character string (for example, FIG. 2). It is also desirable to display a map of the area to be used. In this case, for example, when only “0” is entered at the beginning of the telephone number, the entire map of Japan is displayed (FIG. 4). Next, when “2” is input and “02” is input, the areas of some prefectures corresponding to “02” are displayed, and “2” is input and “022” is input. At that time, a map including the area of the corresponding “Miyagi Prefecture” is displayed (FIG. 5). Furthermore, when “3” is input and “0223” is input, a map including the area of “Iwanuma City” is displayed (FIG. 6).

  In the examples of FIGS. 4 to 6, a map in which the area corresponding to the telephone number is enlarged is sequentially displayed. For example, the color of the corresponding area in the map of Japan in FIG. Or may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other areas.

[6. Other embodiments]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, The thing illustrated below and other embodiment other than that are included. For example, in the above example, a telephone number is input, but each time a postal code is input, it is possible to display a matching area on a map or list. As for the road map information, in addition to the mode (onboard) which is stored in advance as in the above embodiment, the latest road map information is predetermined by communication with the outside using a mobile phone or the like whenever necessary. A so-called off-board mode obtained from a server is also possible.

The functional block diagram which shows the structure of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the screen in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which illustrates the process sequence in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the screen in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the screen in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the screen in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1-3 ... Sensor part 4 ... Processing part 9 ... User interface part 10 ... Output part 11 ... Input part 12 ... Disk control part S ... Memory | storage part 41 ... Current position calculation part 42 ... Calculation guidance part 43 ... Display output part 44 ... Destination setting unit 45 ... reception unit 46 ... notification unit 47 ... selection unit 48 ... correspondence display unit

Claims (12)

An information input unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit,
The storage unit stores in advance the contrast information of the number information including a multi-digit number string and the corresponding region,
By the processing unit,
Accepting means for accepting input of digits of a digit string constituting the number information one by one;
Informing means for judging and outputting a candidate for a region corresponding to a digit string up to the inputted digit based on the contrast information;
An area search device characterized by realizing the above. An information input unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit,
Store road map information for route search and map display in the storage unit in advance,
The storage unit stores in advance the contrast information of the number information including a multi-digit number string and the corresponding region,
By the processing unit,
Accepting means for accepting input of digits of a digit string constituting the number information one by one;
Informing means for judging and displaying a candidate for a region corresponding to a digit string up to an inputted digit based on the contrast information;
A navigation device characterized by realizing the above. The reference information associates a reference position that is representative for each region,
By the processing unit,
Selection means for accepting one selection from the candidate areas displayed and output;
Display means for displaying a map of a range including the reference position corresponding to the selected region based on the map information and the contrast information;
The navigation device according to claim 2, wherein: The reference information associates a reference position that is representative for each region,
By the processing unit,
Selection means for accepting one selection from the candidate areas displayed and output;
Destination setting means for setting the reference position corresponding to the selected area as the destination based on the contrast information;
The navigation device according to claim 2, wherein the navigation device is realized. In a method for controlling an area search device comprising: an information input unit, a storage unit, an output unit; and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit,
The storage unit stores in advance the contrast information of the number information including a multi-digit number string and the corresponding region,
By the processing unit,
An acceptance process for accepting input of digits of a number string constituting the number information one by one;
A notification process for determining and outputting a candidate for a region corresponding to a number string up to an input digit based on the contrast information;
A method for controlling an area search apparatus, characterized by: In a control method of a navigation device comprising an information input unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit,
Store road map information for route search and map display in the storage unit in advance,
The storage unit stores in advance the contrast information of the number information including a multi-digit number string and the corresponding region,
By the processing unit,
An acceptance process for accepting input of digits of a number string constituting the number information one by one;
A notification process for determining and displaying a candidate for a region corresponding to a number string up to an input digit based on the contrast information;
The control method of the navigation apparatus characterized by performing this. The reference information associates a reference position that is representative for each region,
By the processing unit,
A selection process for accepting one selection from the candidate areas displayed and output;
A display process for displaying a map of a range including the reference position corresponding to the selected region based on the map information and the contrast information;
The method of controlling a navigation device according to claim 6, wherein: The reference information associates a reference position that is representative for each region,
By the processing unit,
A selection process for accepting one selection from the candidate areas displayed and output;
A destination setting process for setting the reference position corresponding to the selected region to the destination based on the contrast information;
8. The method of controlling a navigation device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: In a control program for an area search device including an information input unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit,
The storage unit stores in advance the contrast information of the number information including a multi-digit number string and the corresponding region,
By the processing unit,
An acceptance process for accepting input of digits of a number string constituting the number information one by one;
A notification process for determining and outputting a candidate for a region corresponding to a number string up to an input digit based on the contrast information;
A program for controlling an area search apparatus, characterized in that In a control program for a navigation device including an information input unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and a processing unit that performs information processing using each unit,
Store road map information for route search and map display in the storage unit in advance,
The storage unit stores in advance the contrast information of the number information including a multi-digit number string and the corresponding region,
By the processing unit,
An acceptance process for accepting input of digits of a number string constituting the number information one by one;
A notification process for determining and displaying a candidate for a region corresponding to a number string up to an input digit based on the contrast information;
A control program for a navigation device, characterized in that The reference information associates a reference position that is representative for each region,
By the processing unit,
A selection process for accepting one selection from the candidate areas displayed and output;
A display process for displaying a map of a range including the reference position corresponding to the selected region based on the map information and the contrast information;
11. The navigation apparatus control program according to claim 10, wherein the navigation apparatus control program is executed. The reference information associates a reference position that is representative for each region,
By the processing unit,
A selection process for accepting one selection from the candidate areas displayed and output;
A destination setting process for setting the reference position corresponding to the selected region to the destination based on the contrast information;
The control program for a navigation device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the control program is executed.

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