JP2009250933A - Navigation device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device for vehicle, capable of providing only the necessary information related to own vehicle position, when map information is not needed, to circumvent the troublesomeness of map information, and appropriately providing necessary minimum navigation information. <P>SOLUTION: The navigation device for vehicle comprises: an operation part 10, to which operation input can be performed by a user; a display means 60, which screen-displays map information containing own vehicle position; a time count means 20 which counts the time from the final operation to the operation part and detects that the counted time reaches a predetermined time; and a display information control means 31 which controls, when it is detected by the time counting part that no operation is performed to the operation part for a predetermined time, to make the display of the map information reduce, excluding a predetermined area 70 around own vehicle position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle navigation device, and more particularly, to a vehicle navigation device that displays on a screen map information including a vehicle position.

Conventionally, a display unit having a backlight, sound generating means for generating sound, an operation unit for operating the device, detecting that the operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time, turning off the backlight and intermittently 2. Description of the Related Art A navigation device that includes a control circuit that generates sound by means of sound generation means and that prevents the user from forgetting to turn off the power when the display unit is dimmed to save power is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-159466

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, when the display unit is turned off to save power while the vehicle is traveling, the entire screen including the vehicle position information is darkened. There was also a problem that could not be grasped.

  On the other hand, in addition to the viewpoint of power saving, when the map information is not necessary, if the entire screen is lit, there are many users who feel that the screen is dazzling and information is excessive, and that it is troublesome.

  Therefore, the present invention provides only necessary information related to the vehicle position when map information is not needed, avoids the inconvenience of map information, and can appropriately provide the minimum necessary navigation information. An object is to provide a navigation device.

In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle navigation apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an operation unit that can be operated by a user,
Display means for displaying map information including the vehicle position on the screen;
A time counting means for counting the time from the last operation to the operation unit and detecting that a predetermined time has been reached;
Display information reduction control means for performing control to reduce display of the map information excluding a predetermined area around the vehicle position when the time counting unit detects that the operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time; It is characterized by having.

  Thereby, while giving information about the periphery of the own vehicle position, when the map is unnecessary, the display of the map information can be reduced, and the troublesomeness that the entire map information is displayed can be avoided.

A second invention is the vehicle navigation apparatus according to the first invention,
The display information reduction control means performs luminance reduction control for reducing the luminance of the screen from a predetermined area around the vehicle position.

  Thereby, screens other than the vicinity of the vehicle position can be darkened, and the dazzling of the screen and the troublesomeness of the map information can be effectively reduced.

3rd invention is the navigation apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 2nd invention,
The brightness reduction control is control for increasing the brightness reduction amount as the distance from the vehicle position increases.

  Thereby, a screen can be darkened as it leaves | separates from the own vehicle position, and a brightness | luminance inclination can be applied according to the importance of information.

4th invention is the navigation apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 1st invention,
The display information reduction control means performs control to lower the contrast of the screen than a predetermined area around the vehicle position.

  As a result, it is possible to blur the image display except in the vicinity of the own vehicle position, and it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness caused by the dazzling and clearness of the screen.

A fifth invention is the vehicle navigation apparatus according to the first invention,
The display information reduction control means controls to reduce the amount of POI information.

  As a result, facilities that are landmarks other than the vicinity of the vehicle position and map information such as facility names can be reduced, and annoyance due to excessive information can be reduced.

A sixth invention is the vehicle navigation apparatus according to the first or fifth invention,
The display information reduction control means performs control to reduce the number of roads.

  As a result, it is possible to display only main roads other than the vicinity of the own vehicle position, and it is possible to reduce annoyance caused by excessive road information by deleting unnecessary road displays.

A seventh invention is the vehicle navigation apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth inventions,
The display information reduction control means controls the route information to the destination so as not to reduce the map information.

  Thereby, the map information can be displayed also for the route display to the destination, and the troublesomeness can be reduced by reducing unnecessary map display information while effectively functioning the navigation function.

An eighth invention is the vehicle navigation apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,
When there is an operation input to the operation unit, there is provided display return means for stopping the control by the display information reduction control means and returning the normal display.

  Thereby, when the user is interested in the map display, the normal full screen display can be promptly performed, and sufficient map information can be provided to the user.

A ninth invention is the vehicle navigation apparatus according to the eighth invention,
The display control unit stops the display information reduction control when the vehicle position approaches a right or left turn point in a route to a destination.

  Thereby, the destination is set in the navigation device, and when the vehicle approaches an intersection or the like that is a right or left turn point in the route to the destination, the user can be notified that the right or left turn point has been approached, This can be done reliably when a navigation function is required. In addition, since the display information on the screen is switched to a normal overall display state, it is easy for the user to recognize the change, and to reliably recognize that the turning point is approaching. Can do.

  According to the present invention, when the map information is unnecessary, the user can reduce the map information to reduce annoyance, and can surely provide information related to the minimum necessary vehicle position.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes an operation unit 10, a time counting unit 20, a display control unit 30, and a display unit 60. Moreover, the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment may include a host vehicle position detection unit 40 and a map information storage unit 50 as necessary.

  The operation unit 10 is a part having input means such as operation buttons so that an operation input is possible when the user operates the vehicle navigation device 100. The operation unit 10 includes input means corresponding to necessary selection items so that the user can perform operations such as destination setting, display change, re-search, point registration, switching between wide area display and detailed display. The operation button may be provided as a touch panel on the display screen, or may be provided like a push button in a portion other than the screen. Moreover, the operation part 10 may be provided in the remote controller etc. so that remote operation is possible.

  The operation unit 10 has a function of recognizing that an operation has been performed by the user as an electrical signal. Thereby, the process according to a user's operation can be performed.

  The time counting unit 20 is a unit that counts the time from the last operation of the operation unit 10 and detects that the operation unit 10 has not been operated for a predetermined time when it reaches a predetermined time. As described above, since the user's operation input to the operation unit 10 can be recognized as an electrical signal, the time counting means 20 measures the elapsed time from the last operation time starting from the time when the last input of the electrical signal was received. To do. The time counting means 20 may measure time by applying a general timer, counter, or the like.

  The time counting unit 20 stores a predetermined time in advance, and outputs a detection signal to the display control unit 30 when it is detected that the operation unit 10 is not operated for a predetermined time by the user. The predetermined time serving as the count threshold may be set according to the user's preference, but for example, about 30 seconds may be set as a default value.

  The display control unit 30 is a unit that performs display control of the display unit 60. The display control means 30 has various control functions necessary for adjusting and controlling the display image of the display means 60. The display control means 30 of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a display information reduction control. Means 31 is provided, and display return means 36 is provided if necessary. The display control means 30 performs a calculation process in order to execute various controls. Therefore, the display control means 30 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a micro device including peripheral devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). It may be configured as a computer, or may be configured as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) having a predetermined arithmetic processing electronic circuit. Various means may be applied to the display control means 30 as long as control arithmetic processing is possible.

  The display information reduction control unit 31 uses the time counting unit 20 to detect the map information displayed on the display unit 60 when the operation unit 10 has not been operated by the user for a predetermined time. It is means for performing control to display an image by reducing information excluding the predetermined area.

  When the user does not operate the operation unit 10 for a predetermined period, it is considered that the user is not interested in the map information displayed on the display unit 60 of the vehicle navigation device 100. That is, the user tries to obtain appropriate map information by operating the vehicle navigation device 100 when the position of the vehicle is unknown or when searching for a route to a desired destination. On the other hand, when the user is driving on a known road or simply enjoying driving without specifying a destination, map information is not necessary, and thus the vehicle navigation device 100 is not operated. There are many. Therefore, in the vehicle navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the operation input to the operation unit 10 is not performed for a predetermined period, the user determines that detailed map information of the vehicle navigation device 100 is not required. . In this case, the display information reduction control means 31 performs control to reduce the map display for a predetermined area excluding the vicinity of the own vehicle position. As a result, the user can acquire only the information related to the vehicle position and reduce the amount of information about other map information, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by providing unnecessary information.

  In addition, although the predetermined area | region of the center part containing the own vehicle position may be set by a user's liking, for example, the area | region of about 10-20% of the whole screen of the display means 60 may be sufficient. For example, the predetermined area may be set to a circular area having a predetermined radius from the center point (intersection of diagonal lines) of the screen of the display unit 60, and the setting is expressed by a predetermined setting method such as size and pixel coordinates. It's okay.

  The display information reduction control means 31 is one or more of a luminance reduction control means 32, a contrast reduction control means 33, a POI information reduction control means 34, and a road number reduction control means 35, depending on the display information reduction method. Means.

  The brightness reduction control means 32 controls the brightness of the image on the display means 60 to keep the brightness of the center predetermined area including the display of the vehicle position relatively high, but lower the brightness of the other peripheral image. It is a means to perform. Thereby, the center part of a screen can be brightened and a peripheral part can be displayed darkly. In the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the current position of the host vehicle is displayed at the center position of the normal screen. Therefore, the brightness reduction control unit 32 increases the brightness setting of the pixel area of the predetermined area in the center. Then, control is performed to lower the brightness setting of the peripheral portion except for the central portion. The brightness setting may be adjusted by, for example, a brightness gain or may be controlled using various parameters. The contents of a specific control example will be described later.

  The contrast reduction control means 33 maintains the contrast of the image displayed on the display means 60 at a relatively high contrast in the central predetermined area including the display of the vehicle position, and the contrast of the image in the other peripheral areas outside the center. It is a means to perform control to lower. Thereby, the center part of a screen can be displayed clearly and the outer periphery part can be displayed dimly, and the burden of the user and the burden of eyes by the clear image display of map information can be reduced. The contrast reduction control may be performed by adjusting a contrast setting value. Details of a specific control example will be described later.

  The POI information reduction unit 34 displays POI (Point of Interest) information as it is for a predetermined central area including the vehicle position, and performs control for reducing POI information in the peripheral part excluding the central part. It is. The POI information is information such as a facility that the user is interested in while driving the vehicle, and corresponds to information such as a building or a plaza that serves as a landmark. Such a facility is usually displayed with a conspicuous mark in the vehicle navigation apparatus 100, and the name of the facility is often displayed by letters. Therefore, when it is determined that the map information is unnecessary for the user, it is possible to reduce the annoyance caused by excessive map information by reducing the amount of POI information.

  The POI information reduction control by the POI information reduction control means 34 detects a position on the map where the own vehicle is traveling based on information of the own vehicle position detection means 40 and the map information storage means 50. This is done by reducing the amount of facility information displayed for the area excluding the center including the vehicle position. For example, the facility displayed in the map information data may be controlled to be masked and deleted from the image. Details of the control example will be described later.

  The road number reduction control means 35 is a means for reducing the amount of information for the roads on the map by reducing the number of roads in the area excluding the predetermined area in the center including the vehicle position. Since roads have hierarchies such as highways, arterial roads, and narrow roads, the road number reduction control means 35 may perform control such as deleting thin roads with lower hierarchies from the map display, for example. Good. A specific control example of the road number reduction control means 35 will be described later.

  The display information reduction control unit 31 may include at least one control unit among the luminance reduction control unit 32, the contrast reduction control unit 33, the POI information reduction control unit 34, or the road number reduction control unit 35. Among the two control means, the luminance reduction control means 32 and the contrast reduction control means 33 can execute the display information reduction control only by controlling the display setting of the display means 60. On the other hand, the POI information reduction control means 34 and the road number reduction control means 35 need to grasp the own vehicle position on the map and surrounding facilities and roads. Information and map information are required.

  In addition to the display information reduction control method using the four control units described so far, the display information reduction control unit 31 is appropriately applied as long as it is a control method that reduces the troublesomeness of the user's map information. You may do it.

  When the display information reduction control means 31 is executing the control for reducing the display of the map information in a predetermined area excluding the vicinity of the vehicle position, the display return means 36 performs the display information reduction control by the display information reduction control means 31. Is stopped and the display is returned to the normal display of the full screen. The display return means 36 returns the display on the display means 60 to the normal display when, for example, an operation input to the operation unit 10 by the user is detected and detected. When there is an operation input to the operation unit 10 by the user, it is considered that the user is interested in the map information, so the display return means 36 promptly provides the map information to the user. For the return to the normal display by the display return means 36, for example, the display return means 36 may output a stop command signal to the display information reduction control means 31. If the display information reduction control by the display information reduction control means 31 is stopped, the vehicle navigation device 100 returns to the normal state, and can easily perform a return operation.

  The own vehicle position detecting means 40 is means for detecting the current position of the own vehicle. As described above, the display information reduction control by the luminance reduction control means 32 or the contrast reduction control means 33 can be controlled only by the luminance setting or contrast setting of the display means 60 without accurately grasping the vehicle position. However, in the display information reduction control by the POI information reduction means 34 or the road number reduction control means 35, the own vehicle position on the map is required, so the own vehicle position detection means 40 detects this.

  The own vehicle position detection means 40 may include means necessary for detecting the own vehicle position, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 41, a gyro sensor 42, a vehicle speed sensor 43, and the like.

  The GPS receiver 41 is means for detecting the absolute position of the vehicle on the earth by receiving radio waves from GPS satellites. The gyro sensor 42 is a means for detecting the angular velocity of the host vehicle, and may include an acceleration sensor in the horizontal direction, the front-rear direction, the vertical direction, and the like. The vehicle speed sensor 43 is means for detecting the traveling speed of the host vehicle.

  The own vehicle position detection means 40 uses these detection means to detect the absolute position of the own vehicle using the GPS receiver 41, detects the behavior of the vehicle using the gyro sensor 42 and the vehicle speed sensor 43, and stores the map information. Map matching with the map data stored in the means 50 is performed, and the vehicle position on the map is detected.

  The map information storage means 50 is means for storing map information data. As map information, POI information, road information, and the like are stored, and a hierarchy may be set according to the importance of the information.

  The display control means 30 performs map matching using the own vehicle position detected by the own vehicle position detection means 40 and the map information stored in the map information storage means 50, specifies the own vehicle position on the map, Control is performed to display a composite image of the vehicle position and map information on the display means 60.

  The display means 60 is means for outputting map information including information such as the vehicle position and the route to the destination as an image, and a display having a screen or the like may be applied. For example, the display unit 60 may be arranged at a position that is easily visible from the driver in front of the vehicle, and may provide map information to the user. As long as the display means 60 can display the map information as an image, various types of displays can be applied.

  Next, a display example of display information reduction control of the vehicle navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 60 of the vehicle navigation device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a display example in which the luminance reduction control means 32 is applied to the display information reduction control means 31.

  In FIG. 2, a predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position is displayed on the screen of the display means 60, and an area excluding the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position shows a dark display state. In the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position, the road that is running is indicated by a thick thick line, and the other roads are also indicated by a thin line. In addition, “Toyota Motor Corporation Headquarters”, “Iidamachi Substation”, etc. are shown as POI information.

  Thus, in one aspect of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position has a relatively high brightness so that the traveling position can be understood, and other areas are Then, the screen is dimmed to generate an image having a screen erasing effect and displayed on the display means 60. As a result, as in the case of a screen saver of a personal computer, when no operation is performed for a predetermined time, the map display can be turned off, and information on the traveling position of the host vehicle and its surroundings can be provided accurately.

  In FIG. 2, the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position is shown relatively wide, but in an actual screen, it may be 10 to 20% of the entire screen. The size and ratio of the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position may be set according to the user's preference.

  Next, a control mode when the luminance reduction control unit 32 is applied to the display information reduction control unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of display information reduction control by the luminance reduction control means 32.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram in which the A-A ′ line is added to the display example similar to FIG. 2. Hereinafter, the luminance reduction control in the A-A ′ line will be described as an example.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the luminance state of the pixel on the A-A ′ line corresponding to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, it can be seen that the brightness of the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position is high brightness H1, and the brightness is kept at low brightness L1 in other areas. In this way, the luminance reduction control means 32 maintains the luminance of the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position at the high luminance H1, and in the other areas, the luminance reduction reduces the luminance to the lower luminance L1 than the high luminance H1. Control is performed and display information reduction control is executed.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram showing luminance reduction control by the luminance reduction control means 32 in a mode different from that in FIG. In FIG. 3 (c), the luminance reduction control means 32 keeps the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position at the high luminance H2, and the other areas move away from the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position. The amount of decrease is increased and the luminance is set to be low. In this way, the brightness reduction control means 32 performs brightness reduction control such that the screen becomes darker as the brightness moves away from the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position in the center, like a contour line of a mountain. May be. In the case of a user who prefers an image that gradually darkens as it goes outward rather than the screen other than the vehicle position being completely dark, it is preferable to perform luminance reduction control as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of display information reduction control when contrast reduction control means 33 is applied to display information reduction control means 31. FIG. 4 shows contrast values for the A-A ′ line similar to FIG. The predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position is maintained at the high contrast value H3, and the area other than the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position is maintained at the low contrast value L3. For example, the contrast reduction control means 33 maintains the contrast value of the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position at the high contrast value H3, and sets the other areas to the low contrast value L3 lower than the high contrast value H3. Map information may be reduced. Thereby, a clear image with clear contrast is displayed for the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position, and a blurred image display can be performed for areas other than the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position, Map information can be reduced. For users who do not need to darken the screen and are sufficient to avoid the annoyance of map information simply by blurring the image, perform such display information reduction control. Also good.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display information reduction control example when the POI information reduction control means 34 is applied to the display information reduction control means 31. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image 90 displayed on the display unit 60. In FIG. 5A, a predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position is shown at the center, and large facilities 71 to 75 and small facilities 81 to 87 are shown as map information. In this case, for example, the POI information reduction control unit 34 may perform control such that the POI information of the large facilities 71 to 75 is left, the small facilities 81 to 87 are deleted, and the amount of POI information is reduced. .

  FIG. 5B is a diagram for describing a specific example of POI information reduction control performed by the POI information reduction control unit 34. FIG. 5B shows a layer configuration of an enlarged image of the region image 97 including the large facility 73 and the small facility 84 in FIG. In FIG. 5B, an image 97 is composed of a composite image of a first layer image 91, a second layer image 92, a third layer image 93, and a fourth layer mask image 94.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a facility image displaying facility markings is prepared in the first layer image 91. In the first layer image 91, facility images of the small facility 84 and the large facility 73 are displayed. In the second layer image 92, a road image displaying a road is prepared. Further, the third layer image 93 displays a character image displaying characters. In the third layer image 93, characters “convenience store” corresponding to the small facility 84 and characters “park” corresponding to the large facility 73 are displayed. The fourth layer mask image 94 is prepared with a mask image that covers the POI information to be erased. The fourth layer mask image is provided with a mask 95 that covers the marking of the small facility 84 and the characters of the “convenience store”. The image covered with the mask 95 is not displayed as the final composite image. In FIG. 5B, the final image 97 is shown, but the characters “park” and the large facility 73 are displayed, but the characters “convenience store” and the small facility 84 are erased. It is an image. As described above, the POI information reduction control unit 33 may perform control to delete the POI information desired to be deleted from the image by using the mask 95 from the map information. Thereby, control which reduces POI information about areas other than the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position can be performed.

  In FIG. 5, the example in which the small facilities 81 to 87 are targeted for POI information reduction has been described. For example, a hierarchy may be provided in advance in the POI information, and a facility having a lower hierarchy may be deleted. As for the character information, it may be controlled to delete the information “˜chome” of the address. These POI information reduction controls can be applied to various modes as long as they are controls that reduce the burden on the user's map information, and various mode settings may be possible depending on user settings.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the display information reduction control when the road number reduction control means 35 is applied to the display information reduction control means 31. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image 90 a displayed on the display unit 60. In FIG. 6A, a predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position is shown at the center of the image, and a road 76 is shown. The image 90a is divided into a plurality of regions, and regions n, n + 1, n + 2,. Consider an example of road number reduction control for reducing the number of roads 76 in a region other than the predetermined region 70 around the vehicle position in such an image 90a.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchy of roads 76 for each region. In FIG. 6B, each hierarchy of a highway, a main road, a general road, a narrow road, and a background is shown. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the number of roads 76 can be easily reduced by applying a composite image display format having a hierarchy to roads 76. In FIG. 6B, when the control for deleting the narrow road is performed, the control for not displaying the image of the layer of the thin road except for the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position may be executed. The non-display method may be a method using the mask 95 shown in FIG. 5 or may be controlled so that an image of a specified hierarchy is not displayed for a specified area. According to the method described in FIG. 6B, if the hierarchy of the road 76 is determined from the beginning, detailed specification of the position on the map is not required, and the predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position is not required. Since it is possible to perform control that does not perform display all at once, display information reduction control can be executed more easily.

  In FIG. 6B, an example of deleting a narrow road other than the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position has been described. However, for example, control may be performed so that a general road is also deleted. The setting may be made by the user. Thus, the troublesomeness of the user's excessive map display information can be reduced by controlling the number of roads other than the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position by the road number reduction control means 35.

  Further, the POI information reduction control by the POI information reduction control means 34 described in FIG. 5 and the road number reduction control by the road number reduction control means 35 described in FIG. 6 may both be executed simultaneously. That is, regarding the area excluding the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position, the POI information may be reduced and the number of roads may be reduced. Thereby, it can be set as the screen display which reduced the troublesomeness for the user who thinks that map information is troublesome.

  Next, the operation flow of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In step 200, it is determined by the operation unit 10 and the time counting means 20 whether there is no user operation for a predetermined time. The presence / absence of the user's operation may be detected by an electric signal from the operation unit 10, and whether or not the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time may be detected by the time counting means 20.

  If it is detected by the time counting means 20 that the user has not operated for a predetermined period, the process proceeds to step 210. On the other hand, if it is not detected that the user has not operated for a predetermined period, that is, if there is a user operation within the predetermined period, the process proceeds to step 230, where normal display is performed and the processing flow is terminated. Thereafter, the processing flow of FIG. 7 is repeated.

  In step 210, the display information reduction control means 31 executes display information reduction control for reducing map information other than the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position. The display information reduction control by the display information reduction control means 31 may be executed by various control methods as described in FIGS. These control methods may be configured to be appropriately selectable by the user, or may be a control method other than the control method described in FIGS.

  In step 220, it is determined in the operation unit 10 whether or not there is an operation input by the user. Even when the display information reduction control is being executed, if the user is interested in the map information, it is preferable to provide the map information. Therefore, the detection and determination of whether or not the operation unit 10 has been operated is performed. This is also performed during display reduction control.

  In step 220, when there is no user operation input to the operation unit 10, the processing flow ends. On the other hand, when there is a user operation input to the operation unit 10, the process proceeds to step 230.

  In step 230, the display information reduction control of the display information reduction control means 31 is stopped by the display return means 36, the display screen of the display means 60 returns to the normal full screen detail display, and the processing flow ends. Thereby, the user can fully utilize the navigation function of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100.

  After the processing flow is completed, the processing flow in FIG. 7 is repeated.

  As described above, according to the vehicle navigation device 100 according to the first embodiment, when there is no operation input to the operation unit 10 and the user thinks that the map information of the vehicle navigation device 100 is unnecessary, Map information is provided only for the predetermined area 70, and minimum map information is provided to reduce the troublesomeness of the user's map information and to provide information that does not cause inconvenience in normal driving. In addition, when there is an operation input to the operation unit 10 and map information is considered necessary, sufficient information can be provided promptly and the normal navigation function of the vehicle navigation device 100 can be performed sufficiently.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a vehicle navigation device 100a according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 8, the vehicle navigation apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment includes an operation unit 10a, time counting means 20, display control means 30a, own vehicle position detection means 40, map information storage means 50, and display means. 60 is the same as the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The vehicular navigation apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment is provided with a destination setting unit 11 in the operation unit 10a, a route display control unit 37 in the display control unit 30a, and display information. This is different from the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that new functions are added to the reduction control means 31a and the display return means 36a. Since other components are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  The destination setting means 11 is a means for setting the travel destination of the vehicle. The destination setting means 11 may be the same means as the destination setting means 11 provided in a known ordinary vehicle navigation device, or may be a setting means for inputting the destination on the screen. Alternatively, setting means that can be remotely operated by a remote controller or the like may be used.

  When the destination is set by the destination setting means 11, the information is sent to the display control means 30. When the input for setting the destination is the final input, the time counting from the final input by the time counting means 20 is started.

  The route display control unit 37 in the display control unit 30a is a unit that searches for a route to reach the destination input by the operation and displays the route on the display unit 60. The route display control unit 37 detects the vehicle position on the map by the vehicle position detection unit 40 and searches for an appropriate route to the destination using the map information stored in the map information storage unit 50. . The route search may use a known method that is normally performed. The route display control means 50 performs control to display the searched route on the display means 60 when the route search is completed. The display on the display means 60 is displayed so that the route to the destination is emphasized and is easily visible to the user.

  The display information reduction control means 31a performs normal detailed image display on the route to the destination in addition to the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position in the center of the display screen, and displays the area excluding them in the display area. Display information reduction control for reducing information is executed. That is, in the vehicle navigation device 100 according to the first embodiment, only the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position at the center of the screen is normally displayed, but in the vehicle navigation device 100a according to the second embodiment, the destination is displayed. The route is also normally displayed. As a result, when detailed map information is unnecessary, the user can obtain the minimum necessary information by grasping the position of the vehicle and the route to the destination, and reduce the information for other map information. Thus, annoyance can be avoided. That is, while performing the minimum navigation function, it is possible to avoid the troublesomeness caused by the excessive amount of map information of the user, and it is possible to execute control responding to conflicting requests.

  In addition to the function described in the first embodiment, the display return unit 36a displays the display information reduction control of the display information reduction control unit 31a when the vehicle approaches a turning point such as a right or left turning point in the route to the destination. Is stopped and the display on the display means 60 is returned to the normal display. Thereby, at a point where the user needs to pay attention in order to reach the destination, detailed map information can be provided to the user and the destination can be surely reached. Further, in this case, when the screen of the display unit 60 is switched to the normal display during the execution of the display information reduction control, the user can easily recognize that the screen has been switched, and can pay attention to the display screen. In other words, if detailed map information is always displayed, the user gets used to that information and there is a greater risk of missing the right and left turn points, but from a state where map information is reduced, If the screen is suddenly switched to the normal display screen, the user can be effectively recognized that an important point has approached, and the navigation effect can be further enhanced.

  The other components are the same as those in the first embodiment, and perform an operation of shifting to the display information reduction control when the condition that the operation unit 10a is not operated for a predetermined time is satisfied.

  Next, an example of display information reduction control by the display information reduction control means 31a of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit 60 on which display information reduction control is performed by the vehicle navigation device 100a according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, on the screen of the display means 60, a predetermined area 70 around the own vehicle position is shown in a normal display at the center of the screen, and a route 77 to the destination is also shown in a normal display. The area excluding the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position in the center and the route 77 to the destination is in a dark display state with reduced brightness. As described above, the vehicle navigation apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment has the destination set and the route 77 to the destination is displayed. In addition to the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position, The route 77 to the destination is also normally displayed to give detailed map information. Thereby, the user's troublesome map can be reduced while performing the navigation function.

  In FIG. 9, the display information reduction control means 30a performs the display information reduction control for the display information reduction control for the area excluding the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position and the route 77 to the destination. Although an example applied to the means 31a has been described, other contrast reduction control means 33a, POI information reduction means 34a, or road number reduction control means 35a may be applied. Also in this case, the content of the display information reduction control itself is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the display information is reduced except for the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position and the area indicating the route 77 to the destination. Reduction control may be performed.

  Next, the additional function of the display return means 37a of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the screen display of the display means 60 that has returned to the normal screen by the display return means 37a.

  In FIG. 10, when the vehicle position approaches the right turn point A, the map information of the entire detailed display is displayed with the screen of the display means 60 as a normal display even if there is no operation input to the operation unit 10a by the user. It has been broken. As described above, when the vehicle position approaches the right or left turning point, the display information reduction control by the display information reduction control means 31a is stopped, the normal detailed map information is provided to the user, and the right or left turn is surely performed. I will let you. Thereby, the user can surely reach the destination.

  The recognition that the vehicle position has approached the right or left turning point is, for example, when the point A where the straight line is broken is recognized in the guide straight line of the route 77 to the destination, and the vehicle position approaches this Alternatively, the display return means 36a may send a stop command signal to the display information reduction control means 31a.

  In addition, after returning to the normal display by approaching the right / left turning point A, the navigation device 100a according to the present embodiment returns to the normal control state, and executes display information reduction control if there is no operation for a predetermined period. May work as well.

  Next, the operation flow of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the vehicle navigation device 100a according to the second embodiment. The operation flow of FIG. 11 shows the operation flow including the case where the destination setting described in the first embodiment is not performed.

  In step 180, it is determined whether or not a destination setting input has been made to the destination setting means 11 of the operation unit 10a. When the destination is set, the process proceeds to Step 190, and when the destination is not set, the process proceeds to Step 200.

  In step 190, the route display control means 37 of the display control means 30a performs appropriate route search control to the destination, and the control for displaying the route 77 to the destination on the screen of the display means 60 is executed.

  In step 200, it is determined by the operation unit 10a and the time counting means 20 whether or not there is no user operation input to the operation unit 10a for a predetermined period. Since this step is the same step as the operation flow diagram of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the same step number is assigned and its description is omitted.

  In step 200, when it is determined that there is an operation input to the operation unit 10a by the user for a predetermined period, the process proceeds to step 230 to perform normal display, and the operation flow ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 200 that there is no operation input to the operation unit 10a by the user during the predetermined period, the process proceeds to step 205.

  In step 205, it is determined whether or not the display screen of the display means 60 has a display of the route 77 to the destination. For example, in step 190, the route display control unit 37 may store whether or not the route display control has been executed, set a flag, and determine based on the flag.

  If it is determined in step 205 that the route 77 to the destination is not displayed, the process proceeds to step 210. If it is determined that the route 77 to the destination is present, the process proceeds to step 215.

  In step 210, display information reduction control for reducing the display of map information is executed by the display information reduction control means 31a except for the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position in the center of the screen. Since this step has the same processing content as that described in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the same step number is assigned and its description is omitted. After step 210 is completed, the process proceeds to step 220.

  In step 215, display information reduction control is executed by the display information reduction control means 31a for the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position and the area excluding the route 77 to the destination. Thereby, the user can acquire not only the vehicle position information but also the route 77 to the destination.

  In step 216, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is approaching the right / left turn point. Even if the display information reduction control is being executed, if you are approaching the right or left turn point, you should give detailed map information to the user and call attention to ensure that you reach the destination. Since it is preferable, such control is executed.

  If it is determined in step 216 that the vehicle is approaching the right or left turn point, the process proceeds to step 220, where the display information reduction control means 31a is stopped by the display return means 36a, and normal display is performed. This reduces the risk that the user will pass through the important point.

  In step 220, the operation unit 10 determines whether or not there has been an operation input to the operation unit 10. This is because it is necessary to promptly provide detailed map information when the user is interested in the map information.

  If it is determined in step 220 that there is no operation input, the operation flow ends. The display information reduction control executed in step 210 or step 215 is continuously executed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 220 that there is an operation input, the process proceeds to step 230.

  In step 230, the display return means 36a outputs a command signal for stopping the display information reduction control to the display information reduction control means 31a, the display information reduction control is stopped, the normal display is restored, and the operation flow is ended. Thereby, the user who is interested in map information can acquire detailed map information.

  In the processing flow shown in FIG. 11, the display information reduction control is returned to the normal display from the execution state of the display information reduction control in addition to the operation input to the operation unit 10 in step 220, and the vehicle in step 216 approaches the right / left turn point This is different from the processing flow of FIG. Also, the display information reduction control is divided into step 210 and step 215 depending on the presence / absence of the destination setting, which is different from the operation flow of FIG. When the destination is not set, the operation flow of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment is substantially the same operation flow.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

  In particular, Example 1 and Example 2 are described separately depending on whether or not there is a setting for the destination, but even if there is a setting for the destination, only the predetermined area 70 around the vehicle position is normally displayed, The route 77 to the destination can also be set as an object to which the display information reduction control is applied. In this case, the return to the normal display also requires the approach of the vehicle to the right or left turning point. You can also. As described above, the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be executed in various combinations according to user preferences and settings.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a vehicle navigation apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of a display of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the display information reduction control by the brightness reduction control means. FIG. 3A is a diagram in which the A-A ′ line is added to the display example of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the luminance state of the pixel on the A-A ′ line. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing luminance reduction control in a mode different from that in FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of display information reduction control by the contrast reduction control means. It is the figure which showed the example of display information reduction control by POI information reduction control means. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image 90 displayed on the display unit 60. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of POI information reduction control. It is explanatory drawing of the display information reduction control by the road number reduction control means. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image 90 a displayed on the display unit 60. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of the hierarchy of the road 76. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100 which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a whole block diagram of the navigation apparatus for vehicles 100a which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the display screen of the display means 60 by the vehicle navigation apparatus 100a which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen display of the display means 60 which returned to the normal screen. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the vehicle navigation apparatus 100a which concerns on Example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10a Operation section 11 Destination setting means 20 Time counting means 30, 30a Display control means 31, 31a Display information reduction control means 32, 32a Luminance reduction control means 33, 33a Contrast reduction control means 34, 34a POI information reduction control means 35, 35a Road number reduction control means 36, 36a Display return means 37 Route display control means 40 Own vehicle position detection means 41 GPS receiver 42 Gyro sensor 43 Vehicle speed sensor 50 Map information storage means 60 Display means 70 Predetermined around the own vehicle position Area 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 Large facility 76 Road 77 Route to destination 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 Small facility 90, 90a Image 91 First layer image 92 Second layer Image 93 Third layer image 94 Fourth layer mask image 95 Mask 97 Region image 10 0, 100a Vehicle navigation device

Claims (9)

An operation unit that can be operated by the user;
Display means for displaying map information including the vehicle position on the screen;
A time counting means for counting the time from the last operation to the operation unit and detecting that a predetermined time has been reached;
Display information reduction control means for performing control to reduce display of the map information excluding a predetermined area around the vehicle position when the time counting unit detects that the operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time; A vehicle navigation device comprising:   2. The vehicle navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display information reduction control unit performs luminance reduction control for reducing the luminance of a screen from a predetermined area around the own vehicle position.   3. The vehicle navigation device according to claim 2, wherein the brightness reduction control is a control for increasing the brightness reduction amount as the distance from the vehicle position increases.   2. The vehicle navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display information reduction control unit performs control to lower a screen contrast than a predetermined area around the vehicle position.   The vehicle navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display information reduction control unit performs control to reduce an information amount of POI information.   6. The vehicle navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display information reduction control unit performs control to reduce the number of roads.   The vehicle navigation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display information reduction control unit performs control that does not reduce the map information for route display to a destination.   8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display return unit that stops the control by the display information reduction control unit and returns the normal display when an operation input is made to the operation unit. The vehicle navigation apparatus described.   The display return means, when the vehicle position approaches a left or right turn point in the route to the destination, stops the control by the display information reduction control and returns the normal display. The vehicle navigation device according to claim 8.