JP2008216257A - Image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display device capable of providing a user with ample information regarding a place that is hard to express on a map screen, e.g., an interchange. <P>SOLUTION: This image display device includes a means for creating a map screen, in accordance with map data read out from map data storage means; a means for displaying the map screen thus created; a means for creating, in accordance with the photographic data related to a predetermined spot that exists on a guidepath or in the vicinity of the guidepath, a photograph screen indicative of the predetermined spot, the photographic data being read out, in accordance with guidepath information from photographic data storage means, in which photographic data acquired by taking photographs of the earth's surface have been stored; and a means for displaying the guidepath, for displaying buttons, according to their respective spots, each of which allows a user to issue instructions to display a photographic screen, indicative of a predetermined spot, and for, when the user presses a button, displaying a photographic screen indicative of a predetermined spot, corresponding to the button pressed by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image display device, and more specifically, employed in a navigation device or the like.
The present invention relates to an image display device that uses photographic data such as satellite photographs and aerial photographs of the earth surface.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a conventional navigation device. A vehicle speed sensor 2 for calculating the travel distance by calculating from the vehicle speed and a gyro sensor 3 for acquiring the traveling direction are connected to the microcomputer 1, and the microcomputer 1 determines the calculated traveling distance and the traveling direction. Based on this, the vehicle position is determined (autonomous navigation).
The GPS receiver 4 receives a GPS signal from a satellite via the antenna 5,
The microcomputer 1 is connected to the microcomputer 1, and the microcomputer 1 determines the position of the vehicle based on the GPS signal (GPS navigation).

Further, a DVD drive 6 capable of fetching electronic map data and the like from a DVD-ROM 7 in which electronic map data and the like are stored (a storage device such as a CD-ROM is also possible) is connected to the microcomputer 1. By aligning the determined vehicle position with the electronic map data (so-called map matching processing is performed), a map screen showing the vehicle position accurately is displayed on the display panel 9b. DVD-R that can update the map
It is also possible to store electronic map data or the like in an AM or HDD (magnetic hard disk).

In addition, a switch signal output from the joystick 8a or the button switch 8b provided on the remote controller 8 or a switch signal output from the button switch 9a provided on the display device 9 is input to the microcomputer 1 in accordance with these switch signals. The processing is performed by the microcomputer 1. For example, when the microcomputer 1 takes in the information of the moving destination from these switches, the microcomputer 1 searches for the optimum route from the vehicle position to the destination and displays it as a guidance route on the display panel 9b together with the map screen. ing.

As described above, in the navigation device, the map screen is displayed on the display panel 9b, the destination input by the user on the map, the guidance route to the destination, and the vehicle position mark corresponding to the current position of the vehicle. , And the traveling locus of the vehicle until then are displayed in a superimposed manner, and the user can obtain the route information by sequentially referring to the display panel 9b,
It has an excellent function of being able to reach the destination by following the route information.

However, in the conventional navigation device described above, the map screen displayed on the display panel 9b is created using map data, so that the current position of the vehicle can be understood or the actual situation around the current position can be understood. There were cases where it was difficult to grasp.
This is because it is difficult to represent the top and bottom positional relationships such as three-dimensionally intersecting roads on the map screen.
In fact, there are many roads and buildings that are not displayed on the map screen.

As one means for solving such a problem, an invention is disclosed in which the current position of the vehicle is displayed on an aerial photograph screen created from aerial photograph data (Patent Document 1 below). The aerial photograph screen makes it very easy to understand the landmark building, etc., so it is easy to understand the current position of the vehicle and the actual situation around the current position. There is.
However, as in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, simply displaying an aerial photograph screen has failed to realize a navigation device that satisfies the user sufficiently.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-113343

Means for solving the problems and their effects

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image display device that can provide a user with sufficient information about places that are difficult to express on a map screen, such as roads that intersect three-dimensionally. Yes.

In order to achieve the above object, an image display device (1) according to the present invention comprises a map screen creating means for creating a map screen based on map data read from a map data storage means storing map data, From the map screen display means for displaying the map screen created by the map screen creation means and the photograph data storage means in which the photograph data showing the surface of the earth is stored, based on the guidance route information, on the guidance route, Or a photo screen creating means for creating a photo screen showing the predetermined spot based on photo data relating to the predetermined spot existing around the guidance route, and displaying the guidance route and indicating the predetermined spot When a button for instructing the user to display a photo screen is displayed in association with each spot and the button is operated by the user Corresponding to the button operated by the user, it is characterized in that it comprises a photo-screen display means for displaying a photographic screen showing the predetermined spot created by the photographic screen creating means.

According to the image display device (1) described above, a photographic screen showing a predetermined spot (for example, an interchange, a service area, a tourist attraction, etc.) existing on or around the guidance route is displayed. Accordingly, since the place that is difficult to express on the map screen can be displayed on the photo screen, the user can easily grasp the place. In addition, it is possible to make driving more enjoyable by displaying tourist attractions with many attractions on the photo screen.
Furthermore, since the button for instructing the display of the photo screen is displayed in association with each spot, the user can easily select the desired spot.

Embodiments of a navigation apparatus in which an image display apparatus according to the present invention is employed will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (1) is employed. However, the same components as those of the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

A vehicle speed sensor 2 and a gyro sensor 3 are connected to the microcomputer 11.
The vehicle position is determined based on the calculated travel distance and traveling direction (autonomous navigation). In addition, the GPS receiver 4 is connected to the microcomputer 11, and the microcomputer 11 is connected to the GP.
The vehicle position is determined based on the S signal (GPS navigation).

In addition, a DVD that records electronic map data covering the entire country, and photo data such as satellite photographs and aerial photographs that reflect the surface of the earth in a limited recording area (for example, major cities).
A DVD drive 6 capable of taking in electronic map data, photo data, etc. from a ROM 17 (a storage device such as a CD-ROM is also possible) is connected to the microcomputer 11.
Reference numeral 1 indicates that necessary map data and photo data are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 18 in the microcomputer 11 from the DVD-ROM 17 on the basis of the current position of the determined vehicle. The DVD-ROM 17 records, for example, a 1 m scale and a 4 m scale per pixel dot as photographic data showing the surface of the earth in the same area.

Further, a plurality of infrared LEDs and a plurality of phototransistors are arranged opposite to each other on the top, bottom, left, and right of the display panel 9b so that the position where the finger touches the display panel 9b can be detected and detected. The result can be acquired by the microcomputer 11.

Next, the processing operation [1] performed by the microcomputer 11 in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (1) will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the current position of the host vehicle is calculated from a GPS signal or the like (step S1). Based on the calculated current position information of the host vehicle and the map data stored in the buffer memory 18, the vicinity of the current position of the host vehicle is calculated. Is created (step S2). The data relating to the created map screen is stored in the buffer memory 18 and read out in accordance with the display timing.

Next, based on the current position information of the own vehicle and the photograph data stored in the buffer memory 18, whether or not the own vehicle exists in the recording area (for example, major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka). (Step S3), and if it is determined that the vehicle is present in the recording area, the current position information of the vehicle and two types of scale photographic data stored in the buffer memory 18 Based on this, two types of photo screens showing the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle (for example, a wide-screen photo screen, a detailed display photo screen, etc.) are created (step S4).
. The data relating to the created photo screen is stored in the buffer memory 18 and read out in accordance with the display timing.

Next, it is determined whether or not the flag f ₁ indicating that the screen displayed on the display panel 9b is switched from the map screen to the photo screen is 1 (step S5), and the flag f ₁ is not 1. That is, if it is determined that the display has not been switched to the photographic screen, the flag f ₂ indicating that the display on the photographic screen can be switched (that is, the vehicle is in the recording area) is 1. determining whether a (step S6), and if the flag f ₂ is not 1 determines, "photo screen" button switch for instructing the user to switch the display from the map screen to the photographic screen (touch switch) to form a (step S7), and then the flag f ₂ to 1 (step S8), and the process proceeds to step S9. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a state in which a map screen is displayed on the display panel 9b. In FIG. 4B, a “photo screen” button switch is displayed on the map screen. .
On the other hand, in step S6, the flag f ₂ is 1, i.e. if it is judged that already "photo screen" button switch is formed, skipping step S7, S8, the process directly proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not the “photo screen” button switch is touched by the user. If it is determined that the “photo screen” button switch is touched, the “photo screen” button switch is removed (step S10). the flag f ₂ is set to 0 (step S11), and then, the photographic screen showing the current position around the vehicle (e.g., a wide area display pictures screen) and displays the current of the vehicle on the photographic screen A vehicle position mark indicating the position is displayed (step S12). An example of a method for displaying the vehicle position mark on the photograph screen is a method that uses the upper left and lower right latitude / longitude of a rectangular area represented by the photograph data.

After the processing in step S12, a “return” button switch for the user to instruct to return the display from the photo screen to the map screen, and a “scale switch” for the user to instruct to switch the scale of the photo screen. "Button switch (step S13
, S14), the flag f ₁ to 1 (step S15). FIG. 5 shows a state in which a photo screen is displayed on the display panel 9b.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the “photo screen” button switch has not been touched, the map screen is updated based on the current vehicle position information (step S16).
).

Meanwhile, in step S5, the flag f ₁ is 1, i.e. when it is judged that the switched display on photographic screen, "back" button switch determines whether the touched (step S17), "Back If it is determined that the “button switch” is touched, the “return” button switch and the “scale switch” button switch are removed from the screen (step S18).
, S19), the flag f ₁ to 0 (step S20).
Thereafter, the displays a map screen showing the current position periphery of the vehicle (step S21), and forms a "photo screen" button switch (step S22), and the flag f ₂ to 1 (step S23).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the “return” button switch has not been touched, it is determined whether or not the “scale switch” button switch has been touched (step S24).
If it is determined that the “switch to scale” button switch has been touched, the scale of the photo screen is switched (step S25), and then displayed on the photo screen based on the current position information of the vehicle. The own vehicle position mark is updated (step S26). FIG. 6 shows a state where the vehicle position mark displayed on the photo screen is updated.

Note that the scale of the photo screen is switched, for example, when a wide-area photo screen is displayed, data relating to the detailed photo screen is read from the buffer memory 18 and the detailed photo screen is displayed. On the other hand, if a detailed photo screen is displayed,
Data relating to the wide-area display photo screen is read from the buffer memory 18 and the wide-area display photo screen is displayed.

If it is determined in step S24 that the “scale switching” button switch is not touched, there is no need to switch the scale of the photo screen, so step S25 is skipped.
Proceeding directly to step S26, the vehicle position mark displayed on the photo screen is updated based on the current vehicle position information.

By the way, if it is determined in step S3 that the own vehicle does not exist in the recording area, it is determined whether or not the flag f ₁ indicating that the display is switched from the map screen to the photo screen is 1. (Step S31) If it is determined that the flag f ₁ is not 1, that is, the map screen is displayed, the display can be switched to the photo screen (that is, the vehicle is in the recording area). flag f ₂ is equal to or a 1 to indicate that) present within (step S32).

If it is determined that the flag f ₂ is 1, that is, the “photo screen” button switch is formed, the “photo screen” button switch is removed (step S33), and the flag f _{2 is set} to 0 (step S34). ).
On the other hand, in step S32, if the flag f ₂ is not 1 decision, step S33
Since it is not necessary to perform the processing operation in S34, the processing operation [1] is terminated as it is.

Further, in step S31, the flag f ₁ is 1, i.e. when it is judged that the displayed photo screen, "back" button switch by the user and determines whether it is touched (step S35), "Back If it is determined that the “button switch” is touched, the “return” button switch and the “scale switch” button switch are removed (steps S36 and S37).
), The flag f _{1 is set} to 0 (step S38), and then a map screen showing the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle is displayed (step S39).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the “return” button switch has not been touched, there is no need to return the display to the map screen, and the processing operation [1] is terminated.

According to the navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (1) is adopted,
When your vehicle enters an area where photo data is recorded (for example, a major city such as Tokyo or Osaka), a “photo screen” button switch is displayed, so the user enters an area where the photo screen can be displayed. Can be easily recognized.

In addition, when the “photo screen” button switch is touched by the user, the display is switched from the map screen to the photo screen showing the periphery of the current position of the vehicle, so that the user looks at the photo screen, It becomes possible to easily understand the current position of the host vehicle, and to easily grasp the actual situation around the current position.

Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the above embodiment (1), the “photo screen” button switch is displayed to inform the user that the user has entered the displayable area of the photo screen. In this case, the navigation device according to another embodiment can change the shape and color of the vehicle position mark. Thus, the user may be notified that the user has entered the displayable area of the photo screen, or the display may be switched by touching the vehicle position mark whose shape or color has changed.

Here, only the case where the map screen is completely switched to the photo screen has been described, but when the photo screen is displayed, the display space of the map screen is reduced and the photo screen is displayed in an empty space. Alternatively, the photo screen may be superimposed on the map screen.

Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the above embodiment (1), a photographic screen is displayed in response to a switching instruction from the user, but the navigation device according to another embodiment Then, when the own vehicle enters the recording area, a photo screen showing the vicinity of the current position of the own vehicle may be automatically displayed. However, in this case, a method of completely switching from the map screen to the photo screen may be used, but it is more desirable to reduce the display space of the map screen and display the photo screen in an empty space.

Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (1), the amount of photo data is very large, and the photo data is very time consuming to read from the storage device and to process the image. In view of such a problem, the DVD-ROM 17 in which two types of photo data with different scales are recorded in the same area is adopted. However, image processing or the like can be performed on the photo data at high speed. For example, not a recording medium on which two or more types of photographic data are recorded, but a recording medium on which one type of photographic data having a small scale (for example, a scale of 1 m per pixel, that is, detailed image data) is recorded. You may do it.

Next, a navigation device employing the image display device according to Embodiment (2) will be described. However, since the navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (2) is the same as the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 11, the microcomputer is given a different symbol. Other explanations are omitted here.

The processing operation [2] performed by the microcomputer 11A in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (2) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S41 to S43, it is determined whether the flag f ₃ ~f ₅ to be described later is 1, if the flag f ₃ ~f ₅ all 1 judged not, the process proceeds to step S44, the user It is determined whether or not the destination is input and the setting of the route is completed.

If it is determined that the route setting has not been completed, the processing operation [2] is terminated. If it is determined that the route setting has been completed, then the set route is the DVD-ROM 17.
It is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a recording area (for example, a major city) of the photograph data recorded in (step S45), and if it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the recording area, the set route is determined. It is determined whether or not a predetermined spot (for example, an interchange, a tourist attraction, etc.) exists above or around the route (step S46).

If it is determined that the predetermined spot exists on or around the route, DV
The necessary photographic data (that is, photographic data relating to the predetermined spot existing on or around the route) is read from the D-ROM 17, and a photographic screen showing the predetermined spot is displayed based on the read photographic data. Create (step S47). Note that the data relating to the created photo screen showing the predetermined spot is the buffer memory 18.
Saved with.

Next, the route is displayed on the screen (step S48), and a button switch for the user to instruct the display of the photo screen showing the predetermined spot is formed in association with the position of the spot (step S48). Then, a flag f ₄ indicating that the button switch is formed is set to 1 (step S50). FIG. 8 shows a state where the button switch is displayed on the map.
As shown in FIG. 8, the display content of the button switch is determined for each spot type. For example, the interchange is “IC” and the service area is “SA”.
Therefore, the user can easily select a desired spot.

Next, it is determined whether or not a route display end instruction has been made by operating the remote controller 8 or the like (step S51). If it is determined that the user has not made a route display end instruction, the screen is displayed. It is determined whether or not a button switch such as “IC” displayed above has been touched (step S52).

If it is determined that the button switch is not touched, the processing operation [2] is terminated, and if it is determined that the button switch is touched, a photo screen showing a spot corresponding to the touched button switch is displayed. (Step S53), a “return” button switch for instructing the user to return the display to the screen on which the route is displayed is formed (step S54), the flag f _{4 is set} to 0 (step S55), and Then, the flag f ₅ indicating that the photo screen showing the spot is displayed is set to 1 (step S56).

Next, it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch has been touched by the user (step S57). If it is determined that the user has touched, the process returns to step S48 to display the route, and on the other hand, it is determined that the button has not been touched. Then, the processing operation [2] is finished as it is.
Further, in step S51, it is judged that the route display termination instruction by the user is performed, by displaying a menu screen (step S58), the to 0 flag f ₄ (step S59).

In step S45, it is determined that the set route is not traveling in the recording area, or in step S46, it is determined that the predetermined spot does not exist on or around the set route. In step S60, the route is displayed, and then the flag f ₃ indicating that the route is displayed in the same manner as in the past.
Is set to 1 (step S61).

Next, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the route display has been made by operating the remote controller 8 or the like (step S62), and if it is determined that the user has instructed to end the route display, the menu It displays a screen (step S63), the flag f ₃ to 0 (step S64). On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to end is not given, the processing operation [2] is ended as it is.

Further, in step S41, the flag f ₃ is 1, i.e. if it is determined that the root in a similar shape to the conventional is displayed, the process proceeds to step S62, also, step S
In 42, the flag f ₄ is 1, i.e. if it is judged that are displayed button switch for instructing display of photographic screen shown spot, the program proceeds to step S51, the user by the route display of the end Determine whether an instruction has been made.
Further, in step S43, the flag f ₅ is 1, i.e. if it is determined that the photographic screen showing the spot is displayed, the process proceeds to step S57, the "back" button switch determines whether it is touched To do.

According to the navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (2) is employed,
A photograph screen showing a predetermined spot (for example, an interchange, a service area, a tourist attraction, etc.) existing on or around the set route is displayed. Accordingly, since the place that is difficult to express on the map screen can be displayed on the photo screen, the user can easily grasp the place. In addition, it is possible to make driving more enjoyable by displaying tourist attractions with many attractions on the photo screen.
Further, since the button switch for instructing the display of the photograph screen is formed in correspondence with each spot, the user can easily select the desired spot.

Next, a navigation device that employs the image display device according to the embodiment (3) will be described. However, since the navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (3) is the same as the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 11 and the DVD-ROM 17, the microcomputer, And DVD-ROM are given different symbols,
Other description is omitted here.

The DVD-ROM 17B includes electronic map data covering the whole country, photograph data such as satellite photographs and aerial photographs that reflect the surface of the earth, and detailed data (for example, admission fees) regarding predetermined spots (for example, amusement facilities, restaurants, etc.) , Data on business days, etc.) are recorded. Note that a recording area (for example, a major city) is limited for photo data.

Next, the processing operation [3] performed by the microcomputer 11B in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (3) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the flag f ₆ indicating that the photographic screen is displayed, it is determined whether a 1 (step S71), the flag f ₆ is not 1, i.e. it is judged that the photographic screen is not displayed, It is determined whether it is the display timing of the photo screen (for example, when the user gives an instruction to switch the display to the photo screen) (step S72).

If it is determined that it is not the display timing of the photo screen, the processing operation [3] is terminated as it is, and if it is determined that it is the display timing of the photo screen, detailed data is recorded in the area where the displayed photo screen is projected. Designated spots (eg, amusement facilities, restaurants, etc.)
Is determined (step S73).

If it is determined that the predetermined spot exists, a button switch for instructing provision of detailed information regarding the predetermined spot is formed in association with each spot (step S74), and the photograph screen is displayed ( In step S75, a “return” button switch for instructing the user to return the display from the photo screen to the previous screen is formed (step S76), and the flag f _{6 is set} to 1 (step S77). ).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the predetermined spot does not exist, step S74 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S75.

Meanwhile, in step S71, the flag f ₆ is 1, i.e. if it is determined that the photographic screen is displayed, the flag f ₇ indicating that the detailed information about the spot is displayed whether or not 1 determination (step S78), the flag f ₇ is not 1, i.e. the detailed information if judged not to be displayed, the button switch formed in correspondence with each spot to determine whether it has been touched (step S79).

When it is judged that the button switch is touched, it reads the detailed data for the corresponding spot, and displays detailed information about the spot based on the read detailed data (step S80), the flag f ₇ to 1 (step S81).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S79 that the button switch has not been touched, it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch has been touched (step S82), and it is determined that the user has touched the “return” button switch. if, to remove the "RETURN" button switch (step S83), the flag f ₆ to 0 (step S84), and displays the screen before one of said photographic screen (step S85). On the other hand, if it is determined that the “return” button switch is not touched, the processing operation [3] is terminated.

Further, in step S78, the flag f ₇ is 1, i.e. if it is determined that the detailed information is being displayed, the user "return" button switch is judged whether or not touched (step S86), " Back "When it is judged that the button switch is touched, the flag f ₇ to 0 (step S87), and displays the photos screen (step S88).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the “return” button switch is not touched, the processing operation [
3] is ended.

According to the navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (3) is adopted,
Detailed information (for example, information on admission fees, business days, etc.) related to the spots (for example, amusement facilities, restaurants, etc.) existing in the area where the displayed photo screen is displayed is provided to the user, so that the user is more satisfied. A navigation device capable of increasing the degree can be realized.
In addition, since the button switch for instructing the provision of the detailed information is formed in association with each spot, the user can easily select the desired spot.

Next, a navigation device employing the image display device according to embodiment (4) will be described. However, since the navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (4) is the same as the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 11, the microcomputer is given a different symbol. Other explanations are omitted here.

The processing operation [4] performed by the microcomputer 11C in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (4) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, calculate the current position of the vehicle from a GPS signal (step S91), then, determines whether or not the flag f ₈ indicating that read photographic data related to the peripheral destinations DVD-ROM 17 is 1 (Step S92).

If it is determined that the flag f ₈ is not 1, that is, the photo data has not been read, whether or not the vehicle will reach the destination within 10 minutes based on the calculated current position information of the vehicle (Step S93), if it is determined that it does not reach within 10 minutes, the processing operation [4] is terminated as it is, and if it is determined that it reaches within 10 minutes, the photographic data relating to the vicinity of the destination is stored on the DVD. -Read from ROM 17 and save to buffer memory 18 (
Step S94), the flag f ₈ to 1 (step S95), and the process proceeds to step S96.
Further, in step S92, the flag f ₈ is 1, i.e. if it is determined that the said photographic data is already read, skip steps S93～S95, the process directly proceeds to step S96.

In step S96, based on the current position information of the host vehicle, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle reaches the destination within 3 minutes. 4], on the other hand, if it is determined that it will reach within 3 minutes, a photo screen showing the destination periphery is created based on the photo data relating to the destination periphery stored in the buffer memory 18 ( step S97), to display the photo screen that was created (step S98), and the flag f ₈ to 0 (step S99).

According to the navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (4) is adopted,
A picture screen showing the destination area is displayed. For example, information on whether the destination is in the city center, information on whether the road is wide or narrow, and whether the village density is high or low. The user can acquire a great variety of information regarding the destination, such as information and information such as whether there is a play facility or a parking lot.
When the vehicle reaches the vicinity of the destination, a photograph screen showing the vicinity of the destination is displayed, so that the user grasps the situation around the destination immediately before arriving at the destination. Can do.

In the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (4), when the host vehicle reaches the vicinity of the destination, a photographic screen showing the vicinity of the destination is displayed. However, in a navigation device employing an image display device according to another embodiment, the photo screen is displayed when the destination is set by the user, or there is a display instruction from the user. Sometimes, the photo screen may be displayed.

In addition, a map screen, a photo screen, a screen showing detailed information, etc. displayed on the display panel 9b in the navigation device employing the image display device according to any of the above embodiments (1) to (4). May be displayed on the same screen, so that the user can efficiently grasp information obtained from various screens. Further, when various various screens are displayed on the same screen, the display space may be differentiated depending on the importance level or the instruction from the user.

In the navigation device employing the image display device according to any one of the above embodiments (1) to (4), the display is switched from a map screen to a photo screen, and / or the photo screen is switched to the map screen. By switching the display to, the area shown on the map screen and the area projected on the photo screen are matched (the scale, orientation, and position of both screens are matched), so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. The display can be switched.

Furthermore, it is possible to switch the display by performing fade-in and / or fade-out image processing (for example, changing the transmittance of the screen display between 100% and 0%) and switching the display. It can be performed. In addition, as a method for adjusting the scale, orientation, and position of these two screens, for example, the upper left and lower right latitude /
There is a method in which the longitude and the lower left and lower right latitude / longitude of the rectangular area represented by the photo data are matched.

By the way, the amount of photo data is much larger than the map data, and the photo data may take a considerable amount of time to read from the storage device and process the image, so when using the map data, For example, there is a problem that it is difficult to fix the current position mark of the self on the display and update the screen in accordance with the movement of the self.

As one method for solving this problem, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the photograph screen is fixed on the display panel 9b, and the current position mark of the self is displayed on the photograph screen. However, since the photo screen is not updated in accordance with the movement of the self, the current position mark of the self is finally removed from the photo screen (that is, the display panel 9b). Will end up.

As a method of avoiding such a situation, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11H, when switching the display from the photo screen to the map screen, the area indicated by the map screen While matching the area where the photo screen is projected, the display area of the photo screen is reduced in accordance with the movement of the vehicle, while the display area of the map screen is enlarged,
A method of switching the display little by little so that the current position mark comes on the map screen before the current position mark of the own vehicle comes off the photo screen (display panel 9b), As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the above situation and at the same time, it is possible to switch the display which is visually excellent.

Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to any of the above embodiments (1) to (4), two or more different states (for example, by season, by time zone, etc.) for the same area By reading out from a recording medium in which the photo data taken in is recorded based on a predetermined condition (for example, photo data taken in winter) and displaying a photo screen created based on the read photo data, for example, In the case of December, it is possible to display a photo screen (such as the situation of a snow-covered urban area) created based on photo data taken in winter, thus realizing a navigation device with higher added value. be able to.

Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to any of the above embodiments (1) to (4), based on a predetermined condition (for example, time zone), a predetermined image processing (for example, By displaying a photographic screen that has been subjected to filter processing or the like, for example, a photographic screen at night can be displayed after sunset, so that a device with high user satisfaction can be realized.

It is the block diagram which showed roughly the principal part of the navigation apparatus by which the image display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment (1) of this invention was employ | adopted. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the navigation apparatus by which the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment (1) was employ | adopted. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the navigation apparatus by which the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment (1) was employ | adopted. (A), (b) is the figure which showed the state by which the map screen was displayed on the display panel. It is the figure which showed the state in which the photograph screen was displayed on the display panel. It is the figure which showed the state by which the own vehicle position mark currently displayed on the photograph screen was updated. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the navigation apparatus by which the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment (2) was employ | adopted. It is the figure which showed the state in which the button switch for selecting a spot was displayed on the map. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the navigation apparatus by which the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment (3) was employ | adopted. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation which the microcomputer in the navigation apparatus by which the image display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment (4) was employ | adopted. (A)-(h) is the figure which showed the state which the display from a photograph screen switches to a map screen. It is the block diagram which showed the principal part of the conventional navigation apparatus schematically.

Explanation of symbols

Microcomputer 11, 11A-11C
DVD-ROM 17, 17B
Buffer memory 18

Claims (1)

Map screen creating means for creating a map screen based on the map data read from the map data storage means storing the map data;
Map screen display means for displaying a map screen created by the map screen creation means;
Based on photographic data relating to a predetermined spot existing on or around the guidance route, read based on guidance route information, from photographic data storage means storing photographic data representing the surface of the earth, Photo screen creation means for creating a photo screen showing a predetermined spot;
The guidance route is displayed, and a button for the user to instruct the display of a photo screen showing the predetermined spot is displayed in association with each spot,
When the button is operated by the user,
An image display device comprising: a photo screen display unit that displays a photo screen showing the predetermined spot created by the photo screen creation unit corresponding to the button operated by a user.

Images