JP2009025237A - Information display, navigation system, information display method, information display program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display each data in a mode effectively making use of information included in the data. <P>SOLUTION: A map data acquisition part 101 acquires the map data related to a prescribed area, in this information display of the present invention 100. An image data acquisition part 102 acquires the image data imaged with an area including at least one part of the prescribed area. A determination part 103 determines each of a display density of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition part 101, and a display density of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition part 102, based on information related to a prescribed area. A display part 104 displays superposingly the map data and the image data of the display densities, each determined by the determination part 103. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display device, a navigation device, an information display method, an information display program, and a recording medium that display map data and image data in a superimposed manner. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the information display device, navigation device, information display method, information display program, and recording medium described above.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a navigation apparatus or the like, a technique is known in which map data of a predetermined area and image data obtained by capturing an actual situation of the area with a camera or the like are superimposed and displayed. In a navigation device using such a technique, for example, a user reads a landscape image, or the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the position coordinates of the landscape image stored in the memory, and the shooting direction and the vehicle traveling direction are approximately the same. If they match, the landscape image (image data) at the approaching position is read from the memory. On the other hand, map data around the vehicle position to be displayed on the display unit is obtained by the map data processing unit from the camera via the memory so that the background image passes through the background portion of the map when the map is superimposed on the landscape video. The background portion of the map is transparently processed, and the map processed by the map data processing processing unit is superimposed on the camera image called from the memory by the image combining unit and displayed on the display unit (for example, the following patent document) 1).

JP 2004-125446 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, a problem that the display density of the map data and the display density of the image data cannot be arbitrarily changed is given as an example. By displaying the map data and the image data in an overlapping manner as in the prior art, the information contained in each data can be shown to the user in a more easy-to-understand manner. However, the user can obtain information from either the map data or the image data. Whether you want to get depends on the situation. For example, in the above-described prior art, map data is processed so as to pass through the background portion of the map, and then the processed map data is superimposed on the image data and synthesized. In this case, since the emphasis is placed on the display of the image data, the visibility of the map data is lowered, and there is a problem that it may be difficult to obtain information from the map data.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an information display device according to the invention of claim 1 includes map data acquisition means for acquiring map data relating to a predetermined area, and at least a part of the predetermined area. Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing an area including the display density of map data acquired by the map data acquisition means and the image data acquisition means acquired based on the information on the predetermined area Deciding means for respectively determining the display density of image data; and display means for superimposing and displaying the map data and the image data of the display density respectively determined by the deciding means. .

  An information display device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an information display device mounted on a mobile object, the map data acquiring means for acquiring map data of a region around the current position of the mobile object, and the current position Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the peripheral area, and the display density of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means based on the information on the peripheral area of the current position, Determining means for respectively determining the display density of the image data acquired by the image data acquiring means; and display means for displaying the map data and the image data with the display density determined by the determining means superimposed on each other. It is characterized by providing.

  A navigation device according to a seventh aspect of the invention is a navigation device mounted on a moving body, wherein map data acquisition means for acquiring map data related to a current position peripheral area of the mobile body, and the current position peripheral area Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the image data; display density of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means based on information about the current position peripheral area; and the image data Determining means for respectively determining the display density of the image data acquired by the acquiring means; and display means for displaying the map data and the image data with the display density determined by the determining means superimposed on each other. It is characterized by providing.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information display method for acquiring map data relating to a predetermined area and image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the predetermined area, and information relating to the predetermined area. And determining the display density of the map data and the display density of the image data acquired in the acquisition process, and the map data and the image data of the display density determined in the determination process, respectively. And a display step of displaying the image superimposed on each other.

  An information display method according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring map data of a region around a current position of a mobile object and image data obtained by photographing a region including at least a part of the region around the current position; A determination step for determining the display density of the map data acquired in the acquisition step and the display density of the image data based on the information on the peripheral area of the current position; and the map of the display density determined in the determination step. And a display step of displaying the data and the image data in a superimposed manner.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an information display program causes a computer to execute the information display method according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect.

  A recording medium according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is readable by a computer that records the information display program according to the thirteenth aspect.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information display device, a navigation device, an information display method, an information display program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
First, the functional configuration of the information display apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the information display apparatus according to the embodiment. An information display device 100 according to an embodiment includes a map data acquisition unit 101, an image data acquisition unit 102, a determination unit 103, and a display unit 104. For example, the information display device 100 is a component in a navigation device mounted on a moving body. Provided.

  The map data acquisition unit 101 acquires map data related to a predetermined area. The predetermined region is, for example, a region around the current position of the mobile object on which the information display device 100 is mounted, or a region around a point where display of map data (or image data) is instructed. The map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 101 may include data related to a region other than the predetermined region.

  The image data acquisition unit 102 acquires image data obtained by capturing an area including at least a part of a predetermined area. The image data acquisition unit 102 acquires, for example, image data obtained by capturing an area including at least a part of the peripheral area of the location where the display of the current position of the mobile object and the map data (or image data) is instructed. The image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 102 may include data related to a region other than the predetermined region.

  The determination unit 103 determines the display density of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 101 and the display density of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 102 based on information about a predetermined area. When the predetermined area is the area around the current position of the moving body, the determination unit 103 determines the display density of the map data and the image data based on information about the area around the current position of the moving body, for example. More specifically, the determination unit 103 determines the display density based on, for example, the attributes of features in the area around the current position of the moving object. In this case, for example, when there is an intersection around the moving direction of the moving body, the determination unit 103 makes the display density of the image data higher than the display density of the map data.

  Further, the determination unit 103 may determine the display density based on the density of features in the area around the current position of the moving object, for example. In this case, for example, when the number of the features in the region around the current position of the moving body is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the determination unit 103 makes the display density of the image data higher than the display density of the map data.

  Further, when the information display device 100 is provided as a component of the navigation device, the determination unit 103 determines the display density based on, for example, the position of the moving body on the movement route searched by the search unit 105. To do. Here, the search unit 105 searches for a moving route of the moving object. In this case, for example, the determination unit 103 increases the display density of the image data as the current position of the moving object is closer to the destination point on the moving route.

  Further, the determining unit 103 may determine the display density based on the history information recorded by the recording unit 106 that records the history information of the area where the moving body has moved. In this case, the determination unit 103 determines the display density of the map data from the display density of the image data, for example, when the current position of the moving object is included in the history information, that is, when the point has been passed in the past. Also make it high.

  The display unit 104 superimposes and displays the map data of the display density determined by the determination unit 103 and the image data. Overlaid display means that map data and image data are superimposed and displayed so that both map data and image data are visible. For example, the display unit 104 adjusts the scale and display position of the map data and the image data so that the predetermined point on the map data and the predetermined point on the image data are drawn at the same position.

  Next, a procedure of information display processing by the information display device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information display processing by the information display device. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the information display device 100 first acquires map data of a predetermined area by the map data acquisition unit 101 (step S201). In addition, the information display apparatus 100 acquires image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of a predetermined area by the image data acquisition unit 102 (step S202).

  Subsequently, the information display apparatus 100 determines the display densities of the map data and the image data by the determination unit 103 (step S203). Then, the information display apparatus 100 displays the map data and image data of the display density determined in step S203 so as to be superimposed on the display unit 104 (step S204), and ends the processing according to this flowchart.

  As described above, according to the information display device 100, when map data and image data relating to a predetermined area (for example, the area around the current position of the moving object) are displayed in an overlapping manner, information related to the predetermined area is displayed. Based on this, the display density of each data is determined. Thereby, the display density of each data can be changed according to the situation of a predetermined area, and the information contained in each data can be used more effectively.

  The information display device 100 increases the display density of the image data in, for example, an intersection in the traveling direction, an area where features are dense, an area close to the destination point on the searched route, and the like. As a result, it is possible to facilitate the correspondence between the displayed data and the surrounding scenery. Further, the information display device 100 increases the display density of the map data at a place where the user has traveled in the past. Thereby, it is possible to prevent information unnecessary for the user from being displayed.

  Note that the information display device 100 may be configured as a single device in which the components are integrated, or each component is a single device, and the functions of the information display device 100 are realized by a plurality of devices. May be.

  Next, examples of the information display apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. In the following example, an example in which the information display device 100 according to the embodiment is applied to a navigation device 300 mounted on a vehicle will be described.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 300)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. The navigation device 300 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM (memory) 303, magnetic disk drive 304, magnetic disk 305, optical disk drive 306, optical disk 307, audio I / F (interface) 308, microphone 309, speaker 310, input device 311, A video I / F 312, a camera 313, a display 314, a communication I / F 315, a GPS unit 316, and various sensors 317 are provided. Each component 301 to 317 is connected by a bus 320.

  The CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 302 records programs such as a boot program, a communication program, a data display program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to control of CPU301. The magnetic disk 305 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to control of CPU301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disc 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  One example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 is map data used for route search / route guidance. The map data includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. The map data can be displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 314. Drawn. When the navigation device 300 is guiding a route, the map data and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 316 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a microphone 309 for audio input and a speaker 310 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 309 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 308. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 310. Note that the sound input from the microphone 309 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as sound data.

  Examples of the input device 311 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Further, the input device 311 can be connected to another information processing terminal such as a digital camera or a mobile phone terminal to input / output data.

  The video I / F 312 is connected to a camera 313 for video input and a display 314 for video output. Specifically, the video I / F 312 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 314, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 314 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The camera 313 captures images inside and outside the vehicle and outputs them as image data. An image captured by the camera 313 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as image data. The display 314 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 314, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 315 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 315 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301. Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks.

  The GPS unit 316 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates information indicating the current position of the vehicle (current position of the navigation device 300). The output information of the GPS unit 316 is used when the CPU 301 calculates the current position of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 317 are, for example, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and the like, and detect the moving state of the vehicle. The output signals from the various sensors 317 are used for the calculation of the current location by the CPU 301 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction.

  In the configuration of the information display apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the map data acquisition unit 101 and the recording unit 301 acquire image data by the CPU 301, the magnetic disk drive 304 and the magnetic disk 305, or the optical disk drive 306 and the optical disk 307. The function of the unit 102 is realized by the camera 313 and the communication I / F 315, the determination unit 103 and the search unit 105 are realized by the CPU 301, and the display unit 104 is realized by the CPU 301, the video I / F 312, and the display 314.

(Map data display processing by the navigation device 300)
Next, map data display processing by the navigation device 300 will be described. The navigation device 300 guides the route by displaying map data around the current position of the vehicle and around the destination point on the display 314 while the vehicle is traveling. The navigation device 300 reads the map data recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307, performs image processing according to the designated display mode and scale, and displays the map data.

  In addition, the navigation device 300 can acquire image data around the current position of the vehicle and around the destination point and display the image data on the display 314. For example, the navigation device 300 can read and display real-time image data captured by the camera 313 or image data previously captured and recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 on the display 314. . In addition, the navigation device 300 can receive image data captured by a camera mounted on another vehicle via the communication I / F 315 and display it on the display 314.

  Here, the navigation device 300 superimposes the map data and the image data on the display 314 when performing route guidance. For example, in a region where the user travels for the first time, it may be difficult to confirm the correspondence between the actual landscape and the map data. Also, in areas where roads are dense, it may not be possible to determine the correspondence between the roads to be bent and the actual roads shown on the map data. Even in such a case, if the map data and the image data are superimposed on each other and displayed on the display 314, the user can confirm the correspondence with the actual landscape by the image data displayed superimposed on the map data. You can drive with confidence.

  On the other hand, image data contains more information than map data, so on familiar roads and uncomplicated roads, it may be difficult to see the screen because of unnecessary information. . Therefore, when displaying the map data and the image data in a superimposed manner, the navigation device 300 changes the display density of each data according to the display area. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently use the information included in the map data and the information included in the image data to guide the route more easily. In the present specification, the process of displaying the map data and the image data in a superimposed manner is called “map data display process”.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of map data display processing by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the power is turned on (step S401: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not to display map data on the display 314 (step S402).

  For example, when the user searches for a destination point, the navigation device 300 displays map data around the candidate destination point. The navigation device 300 displays map data around the current position of the vehicle while performing route guidance to the destination point. Further, when the user performs a scroll operation during route guidance, the navigation device 300 displays map data around the scrolled point. On the other hand, for example, while TV or DVD is being viewed or various settings are being made, map data is not displayed, and television and DVD images and various setting screens are displayed. To do.

  When displaying map data (step S402: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 specifies the display position of map data (step S403), and reads the map data around the specified position from the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 (step S404). ). The display position of the map data is, for example, around the current position of the vehicle, around the candidate point of the destination point, around the point of the scroll destination, as described above. On the other hand, when the map data is not displayed (step S402: No), the navigation device 300 proceeds to step S409.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not image data around the display position specified in step S403 can be acquired (step S405). Whether the image data can be acquired depends on, for example, whether the camera 313 of the navigation device 300 is activated, and whether an image around the current position is included in the image data group captured in the past. to decide. Whether image data can be acquired is determined by, for example, sending a transmission request for image data around the display position to a navigation device mounted on another vehicle or an image server storing images. You may judge by receiving an answer.

  Moreover, you may enable it to designate the imaging | photography time and time slot | zone of the image data to acquire. Thereby, for example, acquisition of image data shot in real time (within a predetermined time from the current time) can be specified, or acquisition of image data shot at night or during the day can be specified. The navigation device 300 determines that the image data cannot be acquired when the image data taken at the designated time or time zone cannot be acquired. Note that the image data does not have to include the entire region around the current position of the vehicle (for example, the region included in the map data read in step S403). The image data may include an image of an area other than the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle.

  When image data can be acquired (step S405: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 acquires image data (step S406). On the other hand, when the image data cannot be acquired (step S405: No), the process proceeds to step S407.

  Subsequently, the navigation apparatus 300 sets the display density of the map data and the image data with reference to the features around the current position of the vehicle, past travel history information, the position on the set route, and the like (step S407). ). At this time, the navigation device 300 may set the display densities of the two data by a ratio, for example, “Map data 7: Image data 3”. If the image data cannot be acquired in step S405, the display density of the image data is set to zero. Details of the display density setting processing will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  And the navigation apparatus 300 performs the display process of map data and image data with the display density | concentration set by step S407 (step S408). Specifically, the map data and the image data are superimposed on the display 314 and displayed. If image data cannot be acquired in step S405, only map data is displayed. The navigation device 300 returns to step S402 and repeats the subsequent processing until the power is turned off (step S409: No). And if a power supply is turned off (step S409: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 will complete | finish the process by this flowchart.

  Next, a display density setting process (see step S407 in FIG. 4) for map data and image data will be described. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a procedure for setting display density of map data and image data. The flowchart in FIG. 5 is a process when traveling around a place other than the vicinity of the intersection, and the flowchart in FIG. 6 is a process when traveling near the intersection.

  First, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not an intersection is included in the map data read in step S403 of FIG. 4, that is, in the display area of the map data (step S501). When displaying map data around the current position of a traveling vehicle, it is determined whether there is an intersection within a predetermined distance in the traveling direction of the vehicle on the map data. If there is an intersection in the display area (step S501: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S507 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when there is no intersection in the display area (step S501: No), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the scale of the map data to be displayed is a wide area display (step S502). The wide area display refers to, for example, a case where the scale of the map data is 200 m or more. When the display scale of the map is the wide area display (step S502: Yes), the navigation device 300 includes a point on the travel route of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “display point on the route”) in the display area of the map data. It is determined whether or not (step S503). For example, when a travel route is set in the navigation device 300 and the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle is used as a display area, the current position of the vehicle is a display point on the route. If no travel route is set in the navigation device 300, the process proceeds to step S506.

  When the display point on the route is included (step S503: Yes), the navigation device 300 compares the distance from the departure point of the travel route to the display point on the route and the distance from the display point on the route to the destination point. To do. When the distance from the departure point to the display point on the route is longer than the distance from the display point on the route to the destination point, that is, closer to the destination point than the intermediate point on the route (step S504: Yes), the navigation device 300 The display density of the image data is set high (step S505), and the processing according to this flowchart ends. Further, even when the map display scale is not wide area display in step S502 (step S502: No), the navigation apparatus 300 sets the display density of the image data to be high (step S505) and ends the processing according to this flowchart.

  In general, as the driver gets closer to the destination point, the driver tends to watch the scenery outside the vehicle so as not to overlook the destination point. For this reason, the navigation device 300 increases the display density of the image data as the destination point gets closer, and makes it easier to match the scenery outside the vehicle and the position on the display screen. Further, by increasing the display density of the image data as it approaches the destination point, the user can recognize the position on the travel route (whether or not the destination point is close).

  On the other hand, when the distance from the departure point to the display point on the route is equal to or less than the distance from the display point on the route to the destination point, that is, close to the departure point (or located at the intermediate point) (step S504: No), Alternatively, when the route display point is not included in step S503 (step S503: No), the navigation device 300 sets the display density of the map data to be high (step S506), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. By increasing the display density of the map data, the amount of information displayed on the display 314 is reduced, and the display screen can be easily viewed.

  In addition, when there is an intersection in the display area (step S501: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S507 in FIG. 6 and determines whether the number of lanes in the intersection is two or more lanes on one side. (Step S507). When the number of lanes is two or more lanes on one side (step S507: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the number of facilities around the intersection is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S508). On the other hand, when the number of lanes is less than two lanes on one side (step S507: No), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S506 in FIG. 5, sets the display density of the map data to be high, and ends the processing according to this flowchart. .

  If it is determined in step S508 whether the number of facilities around the intersection is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, if the number of facilities is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S508: Yes), the navigation device 300 displays the vehicle travel history information. It is referred and it is judged whether it is an intersection that has traveled in the past (whether there is a travel history) (step S509). On the other hand, when the number of facilities is less than the predetermined number (step S508: No), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S506 in FIG. 5, sets the display density of the map data to be high, and ends the processing according to this flowchart.

  Further, when it is determined in step S509 that there is a travel history (step S509: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S506 in FIG. 5 and sets the display density of the map data to be high, and according to this flowchart. The process ends. On the other hand, when there is no travel history (step S509: No), the navigation apparatus 300 moves to step S505 in FIG. 5, sets the display density of the image data to be high, and ends the processing according to this flowchart.

  In step S507 and step S508, it is determined whether the structure of the intersection is complicated. The navigation apparatus 300 has a complex structure at intersections with two or more lanes on one side and the number of facilities around the predetermined number. Therefore, the display density of the image data is set high so that the actual scenery and the display 314 are brought closer to each other. Like that. In step S509, it is determined whether or not the intersection has traveled in the past. Even if the structure of the intersection is complex, if the user has traveled in the past, the map data display density is set high to make the display screen easier to view, assuming that the influence on driving is small. .

  7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams schematically showing display modes of map data and image data. 7 and 8, map data is M, image data is I, and display screens on which map data and image data are superimposed are 700 and 800, respectively. FIG. 7 shows a display example when the display density of the image data I is set high. In FIG. 7, the display density of the image data I is displayed higher than the display density of the map data M. When the image data I and the map data M are superimposed and displayed, the image data I is emphasized like the display screen 700.

  FIG. 8 shows a display example when the display density of the map data M is set high. In FIG. 8, the display density of the map data M is displayed higher than the display density of the image data I. When the map data M and the image data I are superimposed and displayed, the map data M is emphasized like the display screen 800.

  As shown in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, after adjusting the display density of the entire map data and the entire image data, both data are superimposed and displayed, and only a specific part of both data is highlighted. You may make it do. For example, in the vicinity of an intersection, the display density of the image data is increased on the entire screen to make it easy to understand the intersection of roads, and the display density of signals and traffic signs on the map data is increased so that the position of the signal Or the contents of traffic signs may be easily visible to the user.

  Here, in the case where the navigation apparatus 300 travels with a route set in advance, the display density (display density switching point) at each point on the route may be determined when the route is searched. This eliminates the need to perform display density setting processing (see step S407 in FIG. 4) for map data and image data during traveling, and can reduce the processing load on the navigation device 300 during traveling.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another procedure of map data display processing by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, when the route to the destination point is searched for (step S901: Yes), the navigation device 300 determines the display density of the map data and the image data at each point (section) on the searched route. Then, a display density switching point is set (step S902). The display density switching point is a point where the display density of map data and image data is changed. The navigation device 300 determines the display density by, for example, the display density setting process described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the navigation device 300 may cause the user to specify the display density of map data and image data at each point (section) on the route, for example.

  Further, the navigation device 300 may determine the display density according to the position on the route to the destination point. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a display density determination method according to the position on the path. In FIG. 10, switching points P <b> 1 to P <b> 4 are set on the route from the departure point S to the destination point G.

  For example, the navigation device 300 sets the ratio of the display density of the image data and the map data in the section S1 from the departure point S to the switching point P1 to 1: 9. In addition, the navigation device 300 switches the display density ratio of the section S2 from the switching point P1 to the switching point P2 to 3: 7 and the display density ratio of the section S3 from the switching point P2 to the switching point P3 to 5: 5. The display density ratio of the section S4 from the point P3 to the switching point P4 is set to 7: 3, and the display density ratio of the section S5 from the switching point P4 to the destination point G is set to 9: 1.

  In this way, the display density of the image data is increased as the destination point G is approached. As described above, as the driver gets closer to the destination point, the driver tends to watch the scenery outside the vehicle so as not to overlook the destination point. Because it is strong. For this reason, the navigation device 300 increases the display density of the image data as it approaches the destination point G, and facilitates the correspondence between the scenery outside the vehicle and the position on the display screen. Further, by increasing the display density of the image data as it approaches the destination point G, the user can recognize the position on the travel route (whether or not it is close to the destination point).

  Returning to the description of FIG. 9, the navigation apparatus 300 waits until the vehicle starts traveling (step S <b> 903: No loop). When the vehicle starts traveling (step S903: Yes), the navigation device 300 calculates the current position information of the vehicle (step S904), and reads map data around the current position from the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 (step S905). . When an arbitrary point on the route is designated by the user, the navigation device 300 reads map data around the designated point.

  Next, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether image data around the current position of the vehicle calculated in step S904 can be acquired (step S906). Details of the processing in step S906 are the same as in step S405 in FIG. When image data can be acquired (step S906: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 acquires image data (step S907). On the other hand, when the image data cannot be acquired (step S906: No), the process proceeds to step S908.

  Subsequently, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the current position (or designated point) of the vehicle is a display density switching point (step S908). When it is a switching point (step S908: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 changes the display density of image data and map data (step S909), and performs display processing of map data and image data (step S910). Immediately after the start of traveling, display processing is performed with the initial value of the display density determined during the route search (display density from the destination point to the first switching point). On the other hand, when it is not the display density switching point (step S908: No), the navigation device 300 does not change the display density and performs display processing at the same density as the display density so far (step S910).

  The navigation device 300 returns to step S904 and repeats the subsequent processes until the vehicle finishes traveling (step S911: No). And if a vehicle complete | finishes driving | running | working (step S911: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 will complete | finish the process by this flowchart.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 300, when map data and image data related to a predetermined region (for example, the region around the current position of the vehicle) are displayed in an overlapping manner, the navigation device 300 is based on information related to the predetermined region. The display density of each data is determined. Thereby, the display density of each data can be changed according to the situation of a predetermined area, and the information contained in each data can be used more effectively.

  The navigation device 300 increases the display density of the image data in, for example, an intersection in the traveling direction of the vehicle, an area where features are dense, an area close to the destination point on the searched route, and the like. As a result, it is possible to facilitate the correspondence between the displayed data and the surrounding scenery. In addition, the navigation device 300 increases the display density of the map data at a place where the user has traveled in the past. Thereby, it is possible to prevent information unnecessary for the user from being displayed.

  The information display method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the information display apparatus concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the information display process by an information display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the map data display process by a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a setting process of the display density of map data and image data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a setting process of the display density of map data and image data. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the display mode of map data and image data. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the display mode of map data and image data. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of the map data display process by a navigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the determination method of the display density according to the position on a path | route.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information display apparatus 101 Map data acquisition part 102 Image data acquisition part 103 Determination part 104 Display part 105 Search part 106 Recording part

Claims (14)

Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data relating to a predetermined area;
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the predetermined area;
Determining means for respectively determining the display density of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means and the display density of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means based on the information about the predetermined area;
Display means for superimposing and displaying the map data and the image data of the display density respectively determined by the determination means;
An information display device comprising: An information display device mounted on a moving body,
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data of a region around the current position of the mobile;
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the peripheral area of the current position;
Determination means for determining the display density of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means and the display density of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means, respectively, based on the information about the current position peripheral area;
Display means for superimposing and displaying the map data and the image data of the display density respectively determined by the determination means;
An information display device comprising:   The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the display density based on an attribute of a feature in the area around the current position.   4. The information display apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determining means makes the display density of the image data higher than the display density of the map data when there is an intersection around the moving direction of the moving body.   The information display device according to claim 4, wherein the determining unit determines the display density based on a density of the feature in the area around the current position.   The said determination means makes the display density | concentration of the said image data higher than the display density | concentration of the said map data, when the number of the said features in the said current position periphery area is more than predetermined number. Information display device. A navigation device mounted on a moving body,
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data relating to a region around the current position of the mobile body;
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the peripheral area of the current position;
Determination means for determining the display density of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means and the display density of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means, respectively, based on the information about the current position peripheral area;
Display means for superimposing and displaying the map data and the image data of the display density respectively determined by the determination means;
A navigation device comprising: Search means for searching for a moving route of the moving body,
8. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the determining unit determines the display density based on a position of the moving body on a moving route searched by the searching unit.   9. The navigation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determining unit increases the display density of the image data as the current position of the moving body is closer to a destination point on the moving route. Comprising recording means for recording history information of the area to which the moving body has moved;
The said determination means makes the display density of the said map data higher than the display density of the said image data, when the present position of the said mobile body is contained in the said log | history information. Navigation device. An acquisition step of acquiring map data relating to a predetermined area and image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the predetermined area;
A determination step for determining each of the display density of the map data and the display density of the image data acquired in the acquisition step based on the information about the predetermined area;
A display step of superimposing and displaying the map data and the image data of the display density respectively determined in the determination step;
An information display method characterized by including An acquisition step of acquiring map data of a region around the current position of the moving object and image data obtained by photographing an area including at least a part of the region around the current position;
A determination step for determining each of the display density of the map data and the display density of the image data acquired in the acquisition step based on the information about the current position peripheral region;
A display step of superimposing and displaying the map data and the image data of the display density respectively determined in the determination step;
An information display method characterized by including   An information display program for causing a computer to execute the information display method according to claim 11 or 12.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the information display program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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