JP2008292358A - Navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation system which appropriately determines whether or not voice notification is provided for specific points to prevent a user from being provided with unnecessary voice notification. <P>SOLUTION: The navigation system 10 comprises a voice output section 5 and performs route guidance for a recommended route to a destination from a present position. The system comprises a memory point information storage section 71 for storing memory points on a map, a travel-distance/travel-time managing section 12 for calculating the degree of separation between a starting point and the present position, a determination processing section 13 for determining whether or not the degree of separation between the starting point and the present position calculated by the travel-distance/travel-time managing section 12 is a threshold or more, and a main body control section 11 for controlling the voice output section 5, on the basis of the determination by the determination processing section 13, about whether or not voice notification for a memory point is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation system.

  Conventionally, a current position of a vehicle is detected based on position information received from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, and a travel route to a destination is displayed on a display unit, and voice notification / guidance is performed as necessary. There is a navigation system.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a conventional navigation system. As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional navigation system 90 includes a control device 91 including a main body control unit 92 and a determination processing unit 93, a vehicle position detection unit 94, an input unit 95, a display unit 96, and an audio output unit 97. I have. Also, an information storage including various programs (not shown), a map data file 98a, a storage device 98 that stores a sound data file 98b, a sound notification setting storage unit 99a that stores setting information on whether to perform sound notification, and the like. A part 99 is provided. Then, when the main body control unit 92 reaches a point where guidance is required based on the position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 94, the main body control unit 92 reads out corresponding map data and audio data from the storage device 98, and displays the display unit 96. The route guidance is performed by the display by the voice output by the voice output unit 97.

  The operation of such a navigation system is as schematically shown in FIG. That is, first, the user sets the presence / absence of voice notification for a specific point, and the set content is stored in the voice notification setting storage unit 99a (step S41). Then, when the vehicle is traveling and there is a specific point on the travel route, the main body control unit 92 determines whether or not the voice notification is set for the specific point (step S42). If it is determined that the voice notification is not set (step S42; NO), the main body control unit 92 controls the voice output unit 97 so as not to perform voice notification for the specific point. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the voice notification is set (step S42; YES), the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the specific point is calculated (step S43), and the determination processing unit 93 is performed. In step S44, it is determined whether the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the distance is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (step S44; NO), the main body control unit 92 controls the audio output unit 97 so as not to perform audio notification for the specific point, and the distance is determined. When it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value (step S44; YES), the main body control unit 92 controls the audio output unit 97 to perform audio notification for the specific point (step S45).

  However, points registered as specific points are often set by default to perform voice notification, and voice notification is performed even for points that do not require voice notification again, such as user-known points. There is a problem that it is bothersome.

For this point, for example, notification of guidance information regarding the distance to the branch point and the direction of travel at the branch point, the guidance information to be notified to the driver according to the distance to the branch point is limited, and the route guidance displayed on the display means A device (navigation device) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a navigation device capable of notifying a traffic jam location is also proposed that prohibits the operation of the alarm device until the travel distance exceeds a predetermined value even when there is traffic jam information on a set route. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). In addition, a navigation device has been devised that restricts guidance by images and voices for driving support in an area where the vehicle has traveled a predetermined number of times or more in the past, thereby preventing troublesomeness due to guidance (see, for example, Patent Document 3). . Furthermore, a navigation device having a calculation means for calculating the distance between the current position and the destination and a voice guidance restriction means for restricting voice guidance according to a decrease in the calculated distance has been proposed (for example, (See Patent Document 4).
JP-A-7-139959 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-73449 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-254771 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-226955

  However, it is troublesome for the user to be notified by voice that the own vehicle has approached a specific point in any case. However, all of the techniques described in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 4 are voices related to the route. It restricts guidance and the like, and does not restrict voice notification about a specific point, and the user's troublesomeness due to unnecessary voice notification cannot be eliminated.

  That is, since the timing of the voice notification is determined based on the relationship between the specific point and the current position of the vehicle, for example, when leaving from a parking lot near the home, if the home is registered as the specific point, Immediately, it is determined that the current position of the vehicle is close to the specific point (home). If the voice notification is set for the specific point (home), a voice notification indicating that the user has approached the home (specific point) is immediately received even though the vehicle has departed from the vicinity of the home. However, such a voice notification is unnecessary for the user and is problematic.

  In order to eliminate such unnecessary voice notification, it is necessary to set whether or not to perform voice notification for each specific point in the conventional technology. It is complicated.

  In addition, a specific point such as a point registered by the user may be set to perform voice notification by default. In some cases, voice notification is performed, and in other cases, voice notification is not performed. In order to do so, it is necessary to set whether or not the voice notification is necessary for each specific point in each case, and the user is forced to work. As described above, the conventional technique has a problem that it is difficult to use because the setting of whether or not to perform voice notification is not flexible.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and appropriately assigns whether or not to perform voice notification for a specific point to prevent unnecessary voice notification from being performed to the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system that can

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a navigation system,
A navigation system comprising a voice output means for performing voice notification and performing route guidance of a recommended route from a current position to a destination,
A specific point storage unit for storing a specific point on the map;
A degree-of-separation calculating means for calculating a degree of separation between the starting point and the current position;
A degree-of-separation determination unit that determines whether the degree of separation between the starting point and the current position calculated by the degree-of-separation calculating unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Voice notification control means for controlling the voice output means as to whether or not to perform voice notification regarding the specific point based on the determination by the separation degree determination means;
It is characterized by having.

Invention of Claim 2 is the navigation system of Claim 1, Comprising:
The degree of separation is at least one of a travel distance and a travel time from a starting point to a current position.

The invention according to claim 3 is the navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The specific point is a memory point arbitrarily set by a user.

Invention of Claim 4 is a navigation system as described in any one of Claims 1-3, Comprising:
The voice notification control means, for the specific point set as a passing point or destination on the route from the current position to the destination, regardless of whether voice notification is set for the specific point. The voice output unit is controlled to perform voice notification.

Invention of Claim 5 is a navigation system as described in any one of Claims 1-4, Comprising:
It has the 1st threshold value switching means which switches the threshold value about the said separation degree, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

The invention according to claim 6 is the navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The degree of separation is the travel distance and travel time from the starting point to the current position,
As the degree of separation between the departure point and the current position, whether the separation degree determination means performs the determination based on a travel distance from the departure point to the current position or a travel time from the departure point to the current position. It is characterized by comprising a separation index switching means for switching.

Invention of Claim 7 is a navigation system as described in any one of Claims 1-6,
Proximity calculation means for calculating the proximity between the specific point determined to perform the voice notification by the separation degree determination means and the current position;
Proximity determining means for determining whether or not the proximity between the specific point calculated by the proximity calculating means and the current position is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold;
Second threshold switching means for switching a threshold for the proximity, and
The voice notification control means controls the voice output means with respect to timing of voice notification regarding the specific point based on the determination by the proximity determination means.

The invention according to claim 8 is the navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The proximity is at least one of a travel distance and a travel time from a current position to a specific point,
As the degree of proximity between the specific point and the current position, whether the proximity determination unit performs the determination based on a travel distance from the specific point to the current position or a travel time from the specific point to the current position. Proximity index switching means for switching is provided.

  According to the navigation system of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately assign whether or not to perform voice notification for a specific point according to the degree of separation between the departure point and the current position. Can be automatically prevented, and the user's troublesomeness can be eliminated.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a navigation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a navigation system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The navigation system 10 performs route guidance of a recommended route from the current position to the destination. In this embodiment, the navigation system 10 detects the position of the own vehicle as shown in FIG. Unit 2, input unit 3 for various inputs by the user, display unit 4 for performing various displays, audio output unit 5 for outputting audio, storage device 6 for storing various data files, programs, etc., information storage for storing various information Part 7 and a control device 1 for controlling the entire system including these functional parts.

  The own vehicle position detection unit 2 is, for example, a GPS receiving device that receives radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite for satellite navigation in order to acquire current position data for calculating the current position of the own vehicle. , An angle sensor (such as a gyro sensor), a geomagnetic sensor as an orientation sensor, and various sensors such as a distance sensor (all not shown).

  The GPS receiver is configured to receive a GPS signal that is transmitted from a GPS satellite and includes the absolute position information and date / time information of the vehicle, and the vehicle position detector 2 uses the GPS receiver to detect the current position of the vehicle. (Absolute position: coordinates determined by latitude and longitude) and the current azimuth, and by combining the actual travel distance and azimuth data detected by each azimuth sensor (geomagnetic sensor, distance sensor, angular velocity sensor (gyro)) The present position data with high accuracy necessary for route search is calculated. Specifically, the vehicle position detection unit 2 detects an angular velocity (rotation speed in the horizontal direction per unit time) indicating the amount of change in the moving direction with an angle sensor, and detects geomagnetism with an azimuth sensor. Thus, the absolute azimuth data of the vehicle is acquired from the detection result, and a pulse signal for each unit travel distance corresponding to the rotation of the wheel is detected by the distance sensor. The own vehicle position detection unit 2 outputs each acquired detection result to the control device 1 as current position data representing a relative position change of the vehicle.

  In addition, the navigation system 10 may, for example, transmit traffic information (congestion information (congestion location, congestion distance, etc.), traffic regulations, etc.) transmitted from an FM multiplex broadcast or a beacon installed on a road via an antenna. (A restricted position, restriction contents, etc.)) may be provided.

  The input unit 3 includes, for example, a confirmation button, a character key, a numeric key, a search key, and various keys associated with various functions when using the navigation. Is provided. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with pointing devices, such as a touchscreen, in the display screen (not shown) of the display part 4 as needed, or input devices, such as a remote control.

  In the present embodiment, the input unit 3 registers a memory point, inputs whether or not to perform voice notification for each point, inputs a threshold value described later, and sets a degree of separation and proximity described later. It functions as a user interface for inputting an instruction or the like based on the travel distance or travel time as an index for determination.

  Here, the memory point is a point (specific point) registered so as to remain as a memory point for a point on the map or a point specified by inputting an address or the like. The memory point may be registered by inputting an address number or the like from the input unit 3 and inputting an instruction to register the address number, or when the display screen of the display unit 4 is a touch panel. Registration may be performed by pointing a specific point on the touch panel and inputting an instruction to register it. Further, for example, it may be one that is selected by a user from among buildings or places registered in advance as landmarks and registered as memory points. When it is registered as a memory location, it is stored in the memory location information storage section 71 of the information storage section 7 unlike a simple history. In the present embodiment, for the memory point, the setting for performing voice notification when the host vehicle approaches a predetermined range is set as a default, but the user cancels the voice notification setting from the input unit 3 or the like. Settings can be made. Setting information regarding whether or not to perform voice notification for each memory point is stored in a voice notification setting storage unit 72 described later.

  The display unit 4 includes, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (organic electroluminescence), and a plasma. Based on a display instruction from the control device 1, The vehicle mark indicating the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display screen together with the surrounding map. In addition, the display part 4 is comprised as a touchscreen as mentioned above, and may fulfill | perform the function as an input part.

  The audio output unit 5 is, for example, a speaker or the like, and is an audio output unit that outputs audio based on an audio signal transmitted from the control device 1. In the present embodiment, in accordance with an instruction from the control device 1, a voice notification that the vehicle has approached the memory point is performed.

  The storage device 6 includes an HD (Hard Disc), a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and the like, and records various application programs of the navigation system 10 executed by the control device 1, data related to these programs, and the like. For example, various programs such as current position detection processing and voice notification control processing executed by the control device 1, various setting data regarding the operation of the navigation system 10, and the like are stored. The program is stored in the form of computer readable program code, and the control device 1 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

  The storage device 6 stores a map data file 61 and an audio data file 62. The map data file 61 stores, for example, map information covering a wide area, road information, various symbol information such as facilities, the sea, and rivers. In addition, the voice data file 62 stores, for example, message data including words and phrases necessary for route guidance in advance. The map data file 61 and the audio data file 62 are constituted by magnetic and optical recording media such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM) and a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc ROM) that store these information. The navigation system 10 may be detachably mounted.

  The information storage unit 7 is a rewritable memory configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The information storage unit 7 is a memory point information storage unit 71 that stores memory point information registered by the user, and a voice notification setting storage that stores setting information about whether or not to perform a voice notification for each memory point (specific point). A storage area such as the unit 72 and a work area (not shown) for developing programs and temporarily storing various data are provided. The memory point information storage unit 71 that stores the memory point information is a specific point storage unit that stores a specific point (memory point) on the map, and information such as longitude and latitude information and design mark type of the registered memory point Is remembered.

  The control device 1 is a computer that is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, reads various control programs stored in the storage device 6, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the navigation system 10 according to the control program. The control device 1 includes a travel distance / travel time management unit 12, a determination processing unit 13, and a main body control unit 11 that controls the entire system.

  The travel distance / travel time management unit 12 determines from the vehicle position (departure point) at the start of travel to the current vehicle position based on the vehicle position information obtained by the vehicle position detection unit 2 described later. It is a functional unit that calculates and holds the travel distance. The time from the travel start time (departure time) to the current time is similarly calculated and held. In addition, the travel distance or travel time from the current position of the vehicle to the memory point is calculated and held.

  In the present embodiment, the travel distance / travel time management unit 12 is determined to perform voice notification by the distance calculation unit that calculates the distance between the departure point and the current position, and the determination processing unit 13 described later. It functions as a proximity calculation means for calculating the proximity between the memory location (specific location) and the current location. Here, the distance is the travel distance or travel time from the departure point to the current position, and the proximity is the travel distance or travel time from the current position to the memory point as the specific point. Whether the travel distance or the travel time is used as an index (separation index, proximity index) for determining the separation degree and the proximity degree may be determined by default, or the user instructs from the input unit 3 May be set by the main body control unit 11. Even if it is determined by default or the user once inputs an instruction, if the user later inputs a new instruction from the input unit 3, switching setting is performed by the main body control unit 11, and the separation index and the proximity index are set. It is possible to switch between the travel distance and the travel time.

  The determination processing unit 13 functions as a separation degree determination unit that determines whether or not the separation degree (travel distance or time) between the departure point and the current position calculated by the travel distance / travel time management unit 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. To do. Further, the determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not the proximity between the memory point (specific point) calculated by the travel distance / travel time management unit 12 and the current position is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Function as. The predetermined threshold value may be stored in advance in the information storage unit 7 or the like as a default, or an arbitrary value input as a threshold value from the input unit 3 or the like by the user may be set as the threshold value by the main body control unit 11. Good. Of course, even if the threshold value is set as a default in advance, the user can change it to an arbitrary value afterwards.

  The main body control unit 11 reads various navigation programs stored in the storage device 6 based on various data input from the vehicle position detection unit 2, the input unit 3, and the like, and performs various processes according to the read programs. The processing result is stored in a predetermined area such as the information storage unit 7 or displayed on the display unit 4.

  In addition, the main body control unit 11 functions as a voice notification control unit that controls voice notification to be output from the voice output unit 5. In the present embodiment, when the determination processing unit 13 determines that the degree of separation between the departure point and the current position is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the voice notification is performed. Therefore, even if the setting for performing voice notification is made for a certain memory point, the main body control unit 11 does not send a voice notification when the memory point is not separated from the departure point by a threshold value or more. The audio output means 5 is controlled so that it is not performed. In the present embodiment, the main body control unit 11 performs voice notification so that when the determination processing unit 13 determines that the proximity between the memory point (specific point) and the current position is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the main body control unit 11 performs voice notification. The timing of voice notification by the output means 5 is controlled. Further, for a memory point (specific point) set as a passing point or a destination on the travel route from the current position to the destination, the main body control unit 11 performs voice notification of the memory point (specific point). Regardless of whether or not the setting is made, the audio output means is controlled so as to perform the audio notification.

  Further, when the determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not the degree of separation between the departure point and the current position is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the main body control unit 11 uses a travel distance from the departure point to the current position as a separation degree or It is possible to switch which index of the traveling time from the starting point to the current position. That is, when the user inputs a switching instruction from the input unit 3 or the like, the main body control unit 11 functions as a separation index switching unit based on the inputted instruction, and the separation degree depends on any of the traveling distance or traveling time. Change the setting. Similarly, when the main body control unit 11 determines whether the proximity between the memory point (specific point) and the current position is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the main body control unit 11 uses the memory point ( It is possible to switch which index is used for the determination of the travel distance from the specific point) to the current position or the travel time from the memory point (specific point) to the current position. That is, based on an instruction input from the input unit 3 or the like, the main body control unit 11 functions as a proximity index switching unit, and performs switching setting according to which index of travel distance or travel time as proximity. It should be noted that both the travel distance and the travel time may be set as indexes for the distance determination and the proximity determination.

  Furthermore, the main body control unit 11 functions as a first threshold value switching unit that switches a threshold value for the degree of separation based on an instruction or the like input by the user. Similarly, the main body control unit 11 functions as a second threshold value switching unit that switches a threshold value for the proximity based on an instruction or the like input by the user. The threshold value for the degree of separation and the threshold value for the proximity degree may be set as default values, respectively, or may be input later by the user from the input unit 3 or the like. Even when a certain value is set in advance by default, the user can arbitrarily change the value. When there is an input by the user regarding the threshold value, the main body control unit 11 changes the threshold value.

  Next, the operation of the navigation system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

  First, as a premise, the user registers a point to be registered as a memory point (specific point) for an arbitrary point on the map data. As a result, information such as the longitude and latitude information of the registered points and the design mark type is stored in the memory point information storage unit 71. In addition, when the user operates the input unit 3 (or the touch panel of the display unit 4 when the display screen of the display unit 4 is configured as a touch panel), a voice notification is issued for the registered memory point (specific point). Set presence or absence. The presence / absence of voice notification may be set individually for each memory point (specific point) or may be set collectively for all registered memory points (specific point). The set contents are output to the control device 1 and stored in the voice notification setting storage unit 72 of the information storage unit 7 (step S1).

  When the vehicle is traveling and there is a memory point on the travel route, the main body control unit 11 determines whether or not the memory point is set as a passing point or a destination (step S2). When the memory point is not set as a passing point or destination (step S2; YES), the distance (travel distance or travel distance) from the departure point to the current position of the vehicle by the travel distance / travel distance management unit 12 Time) is calculated (step S3). Specifically, in the case of the travel distance, the distance is calculated from the longitude and latitude information of the departure point stored in the information storage unit 7 and the like and the longitude and latitude information of the own vehicle position acquired by the own vehicle position detection unit 2. calculate. In the case of travel time, the time is calculated from the calculated distance and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle.

  Then, the determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not the calculated separation degree (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S4). Here, the predetermined threshold value depends on one set in advance by default or selected by the user. When the user inputs the change of the threshold value by operating the input unit 3 or the like, the main body control unit 11 switches to the input threshold value. Whether the travel distance or travel time is used as an index for determining the degree of separation depends on what is set by default or selected by the user. When the user inputs an instruction to switch the index for determining the degree of separation, the main body control unit 11 switches the index for determining the degree of separation to the instructed one. In addition, for example, the travel distance may be short even if the travel time is long due to traffic jams, etc., so in principle, the travel time is an index, but the distance is an index that considers the travel distance as well. Both travel distance and travel time may be used.

  When the determination processing unit 13 determines that the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S4; NO), the main body control unit 11 issues a voice notification for the memory point. Regardless of whether or not the setting is made, the audio output unit 5 is controlled not to perform audio notification.

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination processing unit 13 that the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S4; YES), the main body control unit 11 next selects the memory point. It is determined whether or not the voice notification is set (step S5). If it is determined that the voice notification is not set (step S5; NO), the main body control unit 11 controls the voice output unit 5 so as not to perform voice notification for the memory point. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the voice notification is set (step S5; YES), the travel distance / travel distance management unit 12 further measures the proximity from the current position of the vehicle to the memory point. (Travel distance or travel time) is calculated (step S6). Specifically, in the case of a travel distance, the distance is calculated from the longitude and latitude information of the vehicle position acquired by the vehicle position detection unit 2 and the longitude and latitude information held in the memory point information storage unit 71. . In the case of travel time, the time is calculated from the calculated distance and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle.

  Then, the determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not the calculated proximity (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S7). Here, the predetermined threshold value depends on one set in advance by default or selected by the user. When the user inputs the change of the threshold value by operating the input unit 3 or the like, the main body control unit 11 switches to the input threshold value. Whether the travel distance or the travel time is used as an index for determining the proximity depends on what is set by default or selected by the user. As in the case of the separation degree, both the travel distance and the travel time may be used as an index for determining the proximity.

  When the determination processing unit 13 determines that the proximity (travel distance or travel time) is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (step S7; NO), the main body control unit 11 does not perform voice notification for the memory point. Thus, the audio output unit 5 is controlled.

  On the other hand, when the determination processing unit 13 determines that the proximity degree (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S7; YES), the main body control unit 11 provides voice notification about the memory point. The audio output unit 5 is controlled so as to perform (step S8).

  When the memory point is set as a passing point or destination (step S2; NO), regardless of the degree of separation from the departure point of the memory point and the presence / absence of voice notification for the memory point. Then, the process proceeds to the processing after step S6, and it is determined whether or not the proximity (travel distance or travel time) from the current position of the vehicle to the memory point is equal to or less than a certain threshold, and voice notification is performed. The main body control unit 11 controls the audio output unit 5 so as to give an audio notification when the degree of proximity is reached (when the proximity is below a certain threshold).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the memory point arbitrarily set by the user is not set as the passing point or the destination, the degree of separation from the departure point is determined and separated by a certain amount. It is a target to be notified for the first time when there is. For this reason, for example, if you register your home as a memory location, you will receive an unnecessary voice notification, such as receiving a home arrival notification as soon as you leave your car from a parking lot in the immediate vicinity of your home. Can be avoided.

  Also, by default, voice notifications are often set for points registered by the user as memory points, and when it is troublesome to receive voice notifications, conventional voice notification settings are made for each memory point. It is necessary to cancel. On the other hand, even when the memory point for which the voice notification setting is canceled is to be the target of the voice notification again, it is necessary to perform an operation for enabling the voice notification setting again for the memory point. As described above, it is very complicated for the user to perform the operation of switching the voice notification setting according to the case for each memory point. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, since the voice notification is not performed regardless of the presence or absence of the voice notification setting unless the degree of separation of the memory points is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, for example, voice notification is performed for the vicinity of the home familiar with driving. It is possible to prevent voice notification within a certain range from the departure point, and to eliminate voice notification that is less necessary for the user by a simple method of changing the threshold setting (switching the threshold). it can.

  In addition, since the threshold value can be changed by the user inputting from the input unit 3 or the like, it is possible to easily switch the range for receiving the voice notification depending on the case.

  In addition, since the voice notification is not performed regardless of the presence / absence of the voice notification setting unless the degree of separation at the memory point is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, it is not necessary to perform the operation for removing the voice notification setting for the memory point equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold Since it is excluded from the target of voice notification, the number of points where the user has to individually set the presence or absence of voice notification is reduced.

  In addition, for a memory point set as a passing point or a destination on the guidance route, a voice notification can be performed even if the voice notification setting is not enabled (regardless of the voice notification setting). It is possible to save the trouble of voice notification setting by.

  Furthermore, since the voice notification is not performed unless the proximity between the own vehicle and the memory point is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the troublesome voice notification even when the memory point is at a remote location.

  In addition, the threshold regarding the proximity between the vehicle and the memory point can be switched arbitrarily by the user, so it is optimal according to the preference of each user such as wanting to be notified at an early stage or not having to notify immediately before. Voice notification can be performed at the timing of

  In this embodiment, the case where various programs and map data files, audio data files, and the like are stored in the storage device 6 has been described as an example. However, the various programs are different from the map data files, audio data files, and the like. May be stored in the storage unit. Further, in the present embodiment, threshold information on the degree of separation and the proximity is stored in the information storage unit 7, but the threshold information may be stored in another storage unit. For example, a storage unit for storing these threshold values may be provided in the travel distance / travel time management unit 12 of the control device 1.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the navigation system according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in how to determine whether or not a memory point is a target of voice notification. Differences from the embodiment will be described.

  Note that the system configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the operation of the navigation system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as in the first embodiment, the user sets the presence / absence of voice notification for a registered memory point (specific point), and the set content is stored in the voice notification setting storage unit (step S11). .

  If there is a memory point on the travel route while driving the host vehicle, it is determined whether or not the memory point is set as a passing point or destination (step S12), and the memory point is determined as a passing point or destination. If it is not set as the ground (step S12; YES), the distance (travel distance or travel time) from the departure point to the current position of the vehicle is calculated by the travel distance / travel distance management unit (step S13). ). The method for calculating the degree of separation is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Then, in the determination processing unit, it is determined whether or not the calculated distance (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S14), and the distance (travel distance or travel time) is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold. Is determined (step S14; NO), the main body control unit does not perform the voice notification for the memory point regardless of whether or not the voice notification is set. To control.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S14; YES), the main body control unit is then set to make a voice notification for the memory point. It is determined whether or not it is performed (step S15). If it is determined that the voice notification is not set (step S15; NO), the main body control unit controls the voice output unit so that the voice notification is not performed for the memory point.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the voice notification is set (step S15; YES), the travel distance / travel distance management unit further measures the degree of proximity from the current position of the vehicle to the memory point ( The travel distance or travel time is calculated (step S16). Regarding the calculation of the proximity, the calculation method is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the determination processing unit, it is determined whether or not the calculated proximity (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S17), and the proximity (travel distance or travel time) is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold. Is determined (step S17; NO), the main body control unit controls the audio output unit so as not to perform audio notification for the memory point.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the proximity (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S17; YES), the main body control unit performs a voice notification for the memory point. Is controlled (step S18).

  When the memory point is set as a passing point or a destination (step S12; NO), regardless of the degree of separation from the departure point of the memory point and the presence / absence of voice notification for the memory point. Then, the process proceeds to the processing after step S16, and it is determined whether or not the proximity (travel distance or travel time) from the current position of the vehicle to the memory point is equal to or less than a certain threshold, and voice notification is performed. The main body control unit controls the audio output unit so that audio notification is performed (when the proximity becomes equal to or less than a certain threshold).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the memory point is not set as a passing point or a destination, the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) from the departure point to the current position of the vehicle is determined. When it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the memory point is subject to voice notification. For this reason, for example, in the vicinity of a home, a point registered as a memory point is requested to be alerted by voice notification even if the point is not set as a passing point or destination. When it is complicated to receive, a simple method of changing the threshold setting (switching the threshold value) eliminates unnecessary voice notification for the user, and sends voice notification for points that require voice notification. It is possible to appropriately sort the presence / absence of a voice notification to be received.

  In this embodiment, when the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) from the departure point to the current position of the vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the memory point is subject to voice notification. For example, as shown in the first embodiment, when the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) from the departure point to the current position of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the memory point is subject to voice notification. Such a setting is also possible, and it may be configured to be able to appropriately select and set which criterion is used for voice notification.

  Other than that, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the navigation system according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the second embodiment only in the processing method when the memory point is set as a passing point or destination on the travel route. Therefore, in the following, differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be particularly described.

  Note that the system configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the operation of the navigation system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Note that the processing from step S21 to step S28 is the same as the processing from step S1 to step S8 of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the memory point on the travel route is set as a passing point or destination (step S22; NO), the distance from the departure point to the current position of the vehicle by the travel distance / travel distance management unit (Travel distance or travel time) is calculated (step S29). The method for calculating the degree of separation is the same as that described in step 3 of FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. regardless of

  Then, the determination processing unit determines whether or not the calculated separation degree (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S30), and the separation degree (travel distance or travel time) is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. If it is determined (step S30; NO), the main body control unit does not perform voice notification for the memory point regardless of whether or not the voice notification is set. To control.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S30; YES), the process after step S26 is performed regardless of whether or not the voice notification is set for the memory point. When the process moves to processing, it is judged whether the proximity (travel distance or travel time) from the current position of the vehicle to the memory point is below a certain threshold, and it is time to send a voice notification (proximity When the degree falls below a certain threshold value), the main body control unit controls the audio output unit so as to perform audio notification.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the memory point is set as a passing point or a destination, the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) from the departure point to the current position of the host vehicle. If it is determined whether or not the threshold value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, and the threshold value is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the memory point is subject to voice notification. Even when you depart, you can avoid receiving voice notifications that you have arrived at home immediately, eliminate unnecessary voice notifications for users with a simple method, and voice notifications for points that require voice notifications It is possible to appropriately sort whether or not there is a voice notification of receiving.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The navigation system according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment to the third embodiment only in that a landmark is used as a specific point. Differences from the embodiment to the third embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the navigation system of the present embodiment is similar to the first to third embodiments in the control device 1, the vehicle position detection unit 2, the input unit 3, the display unit 4, and the voice. An output unit 5 is provided. The storage device 8 stores various programs (not shown), a map data file, and an audio data file. The map data file includes landmark information 81a regarding so-called landmarks such as famous buildings and facilities. Registered in advance. The landmark information 81a is, for example, information such as longitude and latitude information of registered landmarks and design mark types. In the present embodiment, this landmark is a specific point. In addition, an information storage unit 85 including a voice notification setting storage unit 86 that stores setting information as to whether or not to perform voice notification for each landmark is provided.

  Since other system configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the navigation system according to this embodiment will be described.

  First, as in the first embodiment, for a landmark (specific point) registered in advance in the map data file 81, the user sets the presence / absence of voice notification, and the set content is stored in the voice notification setting storage unit 86. Stored (step S31).

  When the vehicle is traveling and there is a landmark on the travel route, the main body control unit 11 determines whether or not the landmark is set as a passing point or a destination (step S32). Is not set as a passing point or destination (step S32; YES), the distance (travel distance or travel time) from the departure point to the current position of the host vehicle is determined by the travel distance / travel distance management unit 12. Calculated (step S33). The method for calculating the degree of separation is the same as in the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted.

  Then, the determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not the calculated separation degree (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S34), and the separation degree (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. If it is determined that it is not (step S34; NO), the main body control unit 11 makes a sound so as not to make a sound notification regardless of whether or not the landmark is set to make a sound notification. The output unit 5 is controlled.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S34; YES), the main body control unit 11 is set to perform voice notification of the landmark. It is determined whether or not (step S35). If it is determined that the voice notification is not set (step S35; NO), the main body control unit 11 controls the voice output unit 5 so as not to perform voice notification for the landmark. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the voice notification is set (step S35; YES), the proximity from the current position of the vehicle to the landmark is further determined by the travel distance / travel distance management unit 12. (Travel distance or travel time) is calculated (step S36). Regarding the calculation of the proximity, the calculation method is the same as that in the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted.

  Then, the determination processing unit 13 determines whether or not the calculated proximity (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S37), and the proximity (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold. If it is determined that it is not (step S37; NO), the main body control unit 11 controls the audio output unit 5 so as not to perform audio notification for the landmark.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the proximity (travel distance or travel time) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S37; YES), the main body control unit 11 outputs a sound so as to perform sound notification of the landmark. The unit 5 is controlled (step S38).

  When the landmark is set as a passing point or destination (step S32; NO), regardless of the distance from the departure point of the landmark and the presence / absence of voice notification for the landmark. Then, the process proceeds to the processing after step S36, and it is determined whether or not the proximity (travel distance or travel time) from the current position of the vehicle to the landmark is equal to or less than a certain threshold, and voice notification is performed. The main body control unit 11 controls the audio output unit 5 so as to give an audio notification when the degree of proximity is reached (when the proximity is below a certain threshold).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the landmark is not set as a passing point or a destination, the degree of separation (travel distance or travel time) from the departure point to the current position of the vehicle is determined. When it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the memory point is subject to voice notification, and therefore, for example, the user does not need to be well-known and receive voice guidance like a landmark within a predetermined range from home. Eliminates audio notifications for such items, and notifies users by notifying audio for landmarks outside the specified range. It is possible to appropriately sort the presence / absence of a voice notification for receiving a voice notification at a point.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of 1st Embodiment of the navigation system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the navigation system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process in 2nd Embodiment of the navigation system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process in 3rd Embodiment of the navigation system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of 4th Embodiment of the navigation system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the navigation system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the conventional navigation system. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the navigation system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Own vehicle position detection part 3 Input part 4 Display part 5 Audio | voice output part 6 Storage device 7 Information storage part 10 Navigation system 11 Main body control part 12 Travel distance / travel time management part 13 Judgment processing part 71 Memory point information storage Unit 72 Voice notification setting storage unit

Claims (8)

A navigation system comprising a voice output means for performing voice notification and performing route guidance of a recommended route from a current position to a destination,
A specific point storage unit for storing a specific point on the map;
A degree-of-separation calculating means for calculating a degree of separation between the starting point and the current position;
A degree-of-separation determination unit that determines whether the degree of separation between the starting point and the current position calculated by the degree-of-separation calculating unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Voice notification control means for controlling the voice output means as to whether or not to perform voice notification regarding the specific point based on the determination by the separation degree determination means;
A navigation system characterized by comprising:   The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the separation degree is at least one of a travel distance and a travel time from a starting point to a current position.   The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the specific point is a memory point arbitrarily set by a user.   The voice notification control means, for the specific point set as a passing point or destination on the route from the current position to the destination, regardless of whether voice notification is set for the specific point. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the voice output unit is controlled to perform voice notification.   The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising first threshold value switching means for switching a threshold value for the degree of separation. The degree of separation is the travel distance and travel time from the starting point to the current position,
As the degree of separation between the departure point and the current position, whether the separation degree determination means performs the determination based on a travel distance from the departure point to the current position or a travel time from the departure point to the current position. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a separation index switching means for switching. Proximity calculation means for calculating the proximity between the specific point determined to perform the voice notification by the separation degree determination means and the current position;
Proximity determining means for determining whether or not the proximity between the specific point calculated by the proximity calculating means and the current position is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold;
Second threshold switching means for switching a threshold for the proximity, and
7. The voice notification control unit controls the voice output unit with respect to timing of performing voice notification related to the specific point based on determination by the proximity determination unit. The navigation system according to one item. The proximity is at least one of a travel distance and a travel time from a current position to a specific point,
As the degree of proximity between the specific point and the current position, whether the proximity determination unit performs the determination based on a travel distance from the specific point to the current position or a travel time from the specific point to the current position. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising proximity index switching means for switching.

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