JP2011127949A - Navigation apparatus and method of scrolling map image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable display of a POI on an output device to be recognized easily. <P>SOLUTION: A scroll control means receiving a scroll instruction of a map image changes a scroll speed of the map image when the POI (Point Of Interest) is displayed within a prescribed display area of the display device during scroll of the map image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device and a map image scrolling method.

  There is a navigation device provided with a direction key or a touch panel as an input device. Such a navigation apparatus receives a scroll instruction from the user via a direction key or a touch panel, and executes a scroll process of the map image.

  By scrolling the map image, the user causes the output device to display a map image including a facility that the user wants to see, that is, POI (Point Of Interest).

JP 2008-089483 A

  However, the conventional navigation apparatus executes the map image scroll process at a constant speed while receiving the scroll instruction. Therefore, even if the POI is displayed on the output device in response to the scrolling of the map image, the user may not notice the presence of the POI. As a result, with the continuation of the scroll instruction, the POI falls out of the display area of the output device and is not displayed on the output device.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device and a map image scrolling method that can easily recognize that a POI is displayed on an output device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a navigation device according to the present invention includes scroll control means for receiving a scroll instruction for a map image, and the scroll control means is located within a predetermined display area of the display device during scrolling of the map image. A feature is that the scroll speed of the map image is changed when a POI (Point Of Interest) is displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily recognize that the POI is displayed on the output device.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a navigation device to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the scroll direction set on the touchscreen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the arithmetic processing part which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the scroll process of the navigation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a transition figure of the example of a screen of the navigation apparatus concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a transition figure of the example of a screen of the navigation apparatus concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a transition figure of the example of a screen of the navigation apparatus concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the screen of the navigation apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a transition figure of the example of a screen of the modification concerning an embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a navigation device 100 to which the present invention is applied. The navigation device 100 is a so-called navigation device that can display map information, perform route guidance from the current location to the destination, and show information related to the route and traffic information. As illustrated, the navigation device 100 includes an arithmetic processing unit 1, an output device 2, a storage device 3, a voice input / output device 4 (a microphone 41 as a voice input device, a speaker 42 as a voice output device), and an input device. 5, a ROM device 6, a vehicle speed sensor 7, a gyro sensor 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 9, an FM multiplex broadcast receiver 10, and a beacon receiver 11.

  The arithmetic processing unit 1 is a central unit that performs various processes. For example, the current location is detected based on information output from the various sensors 7 and 8, the GPS receiver 9, the FM multiplex broadcast receiver 10, or the beacon receiver 11. Further, map data necessary for display is read from the storage device 3 or the ROM device 6 based on the obtained current location information. Further, the read map data is developed in graphics, and a mark indicating the current location is superimposed on the map data and displayed on the output device 2. Further, using the map data or the like stored in the storage device 3 or the ROM device 6, an optimum route (recommended route) connecting the starting point (current location) and the destination instructed by the user is searched. Further, the user is guided using the speaker 42 and the output device 2.

  The arithmetic processing unit 1 has a configuration in which devices are connected by a bus 25. The arithmetic processing unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that executes various processes such as numerical calculation and control of each device, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores map data, arithmetic data, and the like read from the storage device 3. ) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 for storing programs and data, and an I / F 24 that is an interface for connecting various types of hardware to the arithmetic processing unit 1.

  The output device 2 is a unit that displays graphics information generated by the arithmetic processing unit 1. The output device 2 is configured by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

  The storage device 3 is composed of at least a readable / writable storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a nonvolatile memory card.

  This storage medium stores, for example, a link table, a traffic information table, route information, section information, and the like which are map data (including link data of links constituting roads on the map) necessary for a normal route search device. (Not shown). For example, the traffic information table is a table that stores traffic information transmitted from an external organization or the like (not shown) via a communication device such as the FM multiplex broadcast receiving device 10 or the beacon receiving device 11. The route information is information related to a route obtained as a result of route search by the navigation device 100 or the like. In addition, the section information is information including, for example, links constituting the section for each section in which one or a plurality of links are connected.

  The storage medium stores information related to POI. Specifically, the POI genre, the coordinate position on the map data, detailed information (name, address, telephone number, etc.), and status such as icon type are stored for each individual POI.

  The voice input / output device 4 includes a microphone 41 as a voice input device and a speaker 42 as a voice output device. The microphone 41 acquires sound outside the navigation device 100 such as a voice uttered by a user or another passenger.

  The speaker 42 outputs a message to the user generated by the arithmetic processing unit 1 as an audio signal. The microphone 41 and the speaker 42 are separately arranged at a predetermined part of the vehicle. However, it may be housed in an integral housing. The navigation device 100 can include a plurality of microphones 41 and speakers 42.

  The input device 5 is a device that receives an instruction from a user through an operation by the user. The input device 5 includes a direction key 51, a dial switch 52, a touch panel 53, and a scale change key that is another hard switch (not shown).

  The direction key 51 includes, for example, eight hard switches that indicate up / down / left / right and diagonal directions, and is used when selecting a menu item displayed on the output device 2 or determining a scroll direction of a map image. Each direction indicated by the direction key 51 indicates the moving direction of the menu item to be selected and the moving direction of the display area of the output device 2. For example, when selecting a menu item having a plurality of columns, the menu items arranged in the left column can be selected by pressing the direction key 51 indicating the left direction (not shown). When scrolling the map image, for example, when the direction key 51 indicating the left direction is pressed, the display area of the output device 2 moves in the left direction. Such a direction key 51 may be provided on a part of the dial switch 51.

  The dial switch 51 is configured to be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, generates a pulse signal for every rotation of a predetermined angle, and outputs the pulse signal to the arithmetic processing unit 1. The rotation angle of the dial switch 51 is obtained from the number of pulse signals input to the arithmetic processing unit 1.

  The touch panel 52 is mounted on the display surface side of the output device 2 and can see through the display screen. The touch panel 52 detects a touch with a human finger or a touch with a dedicated touch pen. The touch position by the user is specified based on XY coordinates set on the touch panel 52, for example. Such a touch panel 52 is configured by, for example, an input detection element using a capacitance method.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, areas 101 to 108 for receiving a scroll instruction for a map image together with a scroll direction are defined on the touch panel 52. Such areas 101 to 108 indicate the moving direction of the display area of the output device 2. For example, when the area 107 of the touch panel 52 is touched, the display area of the output device 2 moves in the left direction. Note that these areas 101 to 108 may be displayed in the display area of the output device 2 so as to be visible.

  The ROM device 6 is composed of at least a readable storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) such as a CD-ROM or a DVD or an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. In this storage medium, for example, moving image data, audio data, and the like are stored.

  The vehicle speed sensor 7, the gyro sensor 8, and the GPS receiver 9 are used in the navigation device 100 to detect the current location (own vehicle position).

  The vehicle speed sensor 7 is a sensor that outputs a value used to calculate the vehicle speed. The gyro sensor 8 is composed of an optical fiber gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like, and detects an angular velocity due to the rotation of the moving body. The GPS receiver 9 receives a signal from a GPS satellite and measures the distance between the mobile body and the GPS satellite and the rate of change of the distance with respect to three or more satellites to thereby determine the current position, travel speed, and travel of the mobile body The direction is measured and transmitted to the arithmetic processing unit 1.

  The FM multiplex broadcast receiver 10 receives an FM multiplex broadcast signal transmitted from an FM multiplex broadcast station. FM multiplex broadcasting includes VICS (Vehicle Information Communication System: Registered Trademark) information, current traffic information, regulatory information, SA / PA (service area / parking area) information, parking information, weather information, and FM multiplex general information. As text information provided by radio stations.

  The beacon receiving device 11 receives signals such as an optical beacon and a radio beacon. Signals such as a beacon include rough current traffic information of VICS information, regulation information, SA / PA (service area / parking area) information, parking lot information, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the arithmetic processing unit 1.

  As illustrated, the arithmetic processing unit 1 includes a main control unit 201, an input receiving unit 202, an output processing unit 203, and a scroll processing unit 204.

  The main control unit 201 is a central functional unit that performs various processes, and controls other functional units according to the processing content. The main control unit 201 also performs navigation processing (for example, traffic information display, current position display, route search, route guidance, etc.), which is a basic operation of the navigation device 100.

  The input receiving unit 202 is a functional unit that receives an instruction input from the user via the microphone 41 and the input device 5 (the direction key 51, the dial switch 52, and the touch panel 53). In addition, the input receiving unit 202 transfers the received instruction to another functional unit. For example, when the input reception unit 202 receives a scroll instruction from the user via the direction key 51 or the touch panel 53, the input reception unit 202 transfers this to a scroll processing unit 204 described later.

  The input receiving unit 202 receives a setting instruction related to POI. Specifically, a setting instruction for a category to which the POI belongs such as “restaurant”, “gas station”, or “movie theater” is received from the user. Upon receiving such a setting instruction, the input receiving unit 202 transfers the set POI information to a scroll processing unit 204 described later. The input receiving unit 202 stores the received POI information in the storage device 3 or the ROM device 6 via the main control unit 201.

  The output processing unit 203 is a functional unit that causes the output device 2 to display screen output. Dialogs for receiving screen data and display candidates that are required to be displayed on the output device 2, and for the road, other map components, current location, destination, recommended route, and message information in the designated drawing method A screen drawing command is generated so as to draw. Then, the generated command is transmitted to the output device 2.

  The scroll processing unit 204 is a functional unit that scrolls (moves) the map image displayed on the output device 2 and changes the scroll speed. The scroll processing unit 204 executes these processes in response to instructions received from the navigation device 100 or the user. For example, the scroll processing unit 204 controls operations such as start and end of scrolling, scrolling operation (scrolling direction, scrolling speed), and the like in accordance with a user instruction via the direction key 51 or the touch panel 53.

  Each functional unit described above is constructed by executing a predetermined program read by the CPU 21. Therefore, the storage device 3 (memory) stores a program for realizing processing of each functional unit.

  In addition, in order to make an understanding of the structure of the navigation apparatus 100 which concerns on this embodiment easy, each component mentioned above is classified according to the main processing content. Further, the present invention is not limited by the way of classifying the components or their names. The configuration of the navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes.

  Each functional unit may be constructed by hardware (ASIC or the like). Further, the processing of each functional unit may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, a map image scroll process executed by the scroll processing unit 204 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of scroll processing. For example, the scroll processing unit 204 starts this flow in the map image display mode (scroll acceptance mode).

  First, the scroll processing unit 204 determines whether or not there is an instruction to scroll the map image (S101). If there is no scroll instruction (No in S101), the scroll processing unit 204 repeatedly determines whether or not there is a scroll instruction in S101.

  On the other hand, when there is a scroll instruction (Yes in S101), the scroll processing unit 204 determines whether or not a POI corresponding to a preset category exists in the display area of the output device 2. (S102). As a result of the determination, if there is no corresponding POI in the display area (No in S102), the scroll processing unit 204 proceeds to S103.

  As a result of the determination in S102, if a POI exists in the display area (Yes in S102), the scroll processing unit 204 determines whether all the flags set for each individual POI existing in the display area are ON. Is determined (S104). As a result of the determination, if all of the POI flags are not ON (No in S104), that is, if at least one POI flag is set to OFF, the scroll processing unit 204 proceeds to S105. Transition.

  On the other hand, when all the POI flags are ON (Yes in S104), the scroll processing unit 204 proceeds to S103.

  In addition, ON / OFF of the flag provided in each POI recognizes that the POI that is not recognized by the user that it is displayed in the display area of the output device 2 and that it is displayed in the display area. It is set to distinguish the POI that has been set. More specifically, the POI flag that has not been recognized by the user is set to OFF. For example, based on the scroll of the map image, the POI flag that is newly displayed in the display area of the output device 2 and has not been recognized yet is set to OFF.

  On the other hand, the POI flag that is already recognized to be displayed in the display area is set to ON. That is, when the POI display is recognized, the setting of the flag is changed from OFF to ON. In this manner, whether or not the user has recognized the POI display is determined in S108 described later, and the flag ON / OFF setting is changed in S110.

  In the process of S103, the scroll processing unit 204 resets the scroll speed, and the process proceeds to S106. When the scroll speed is reset, a predetermined standard scroll speed is set. If the standard scroll speed is already set as the scroll speed, the scroll processing unit 204 maintains this setting.

  In the process of S105, the scroll processing unit 204 sets a scroll speed (Low) that is slower than a preset standard scroll speed, and the process proceeds to S106.

  In S106, the scroll processing unit 204 scrolls the map image. Specifically, the scroll processing unit 204 moves the display area according to the scroll direction received from the user, and scrolls the map image at the set scroll speed.

  Such scrolling of the map image is performed by gradually moving the display area of the output device 2 according to the scroll direction in the entire map in the map data, and sequentially displaying the map images included in the display area. To be achieved. The amount of movement of the display area is set according to the scroll speed. Therefore, in S106, the scroll processing unit 204 moves the display area in the entire map (the area of the currently displayed map image) according to the scroll direction and the predetermined scroll speed, and moves the display area within the moved display area. Are displayed on the output device 2.

  Next, when there is a POI that has moved out of the display area in response to the scroll processing in S106, the scroll processing unit 204 sets the POI flag to OFF (S107). If OFF is already set, the scroll processing unit 204 maintains this setting.

  Next, the scroll processing unit 204 determines whether or not the scroll instruction from the user has ended (S108). If the scroll instruction from the user continues (No in S108), the scroll processing unit 204 proceeds to S101.

  Note that the map image on the display screen is smoothly scrolled and displayed by repeating the processes in S102 to S106 described above while the scroll processing unit 204 receives the scroll instruction.

  On the other hand, when the instruction from the user has been completed (Yes in S108), the scroll processing unit 204 resets the scroll speed (S109), and proceeds to S110. If the standard scroll speed is already set as the scroll speed, the scroll processing unit 204 maintains this setting.

  In S110, the scroll processing unit 204 sets all individual POI flags existing in the display area to ON, and ends the series of scroll processing. If ON is already set, the scroll processing unit 204 maintains this setting.

  Heretofore, the map image scrolling process executed by the scroll processing unit 204 according to the present embodiment has been described.

  Next, transition of the screen example when the map image scroll process is executed will be described. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the example of a screen common to these figures, and a display location. Also, the corresponding processing steps are added in parentheses.

  First, a scroll process when there is no preset POI in the display area of the output device 2 will be described. As shown in the screen example 301 in FIG. 5A, when a map image scroll instruction is received (Yes in S101), the scroll processing unit 204 executes scroll processing at a standard scroll speed (S103, S106). As shown in the screen example 302, the scroll processing unit 204 maintains the standard scroll speed unless the POI is displayed on the output device 2.

  Next, a case where a preset POI is displayed on the output device 2 during the map image scrolling process will be described. As shown in screen examples 301 and 303 in FIG. 5B, when the POI 401 is displayed on the output device 2 during the scrolling of the map image, the scroll processing unit 204 is slower than the standard from the standard scroll speed. The scroll speed is changed to the scroll speed (Yes in S102, No in S104, S105, S106). Further, as shown in screen examples 303 and 304 in FIG. 6C, when the POI 401 moves out of the display area of the output device 2 based on continuation of scrolling, the scroll processing unit 204 sets the scroll speed to the standard scroll speed. Change (No in S102, S103, S106).

  Next, a case where a plurality of POIs are displayed on the output device 2 while the map image is scrolled will be described. As shown in the screen example 305 in FIG. 6D, when the first POI 401 and the second POI 402 are displayed on the output device 2, the scroll processing unit 204 executes scroll processing at a scroll speed slower than the standard (S102). Yes, No in S104, S105, S106). Then, as shown in the screen example 306, even when the first POI 401 is out of the display area of the output device 2 based on the continuation of scrolling, the scroll processing unit 204 maintains the scroll speed slower than the standard (Yes in S102). , S104, No, S105, S106). Furthermore, when the second POI 402 moves out of the display area of the output device 2 due to continuation of scrolling, the scroll processing unit 204 changes the scroll speed to the standard scroll speed (No in S102, S103, S106).

  Next, a process when the scroll instruction is once ended and the map image scroll instruction is received again in a state where the POI is displayed on the output device 2 will be described. Since the POI 401 is displayed on the output device 2 as shown in the screen example 307 in FIG. 7E, the scroll processing unit 204 executes the map image scroll process at a scroll speed slower than the standard ( (Yes in S102, No in S104, S105, S106). Here, once the scroll instruction is finished, the scroll processing unit 204 finishes (stops) the scrolling process of the map image (Yes in S108, S109, S110). When receiving the map image scroll instruction again, the scroll processing unit 204 starts the map image scroll process at the standard scroll speed (Yes in S102, Yes in S104, S103, S106).

  The transition of the screen example when the map image scroll process is executed has been described above.

  According to such an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily recognize that the POI is displayed on the output device by slowing down the scroll speed of the map image.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the POI is displayed on the output device 2, the scroll processing unit 204 slows down the scroll speed of the map image. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In the first modification of the present embodiment, when the POI is displayed in the display area of the output device 2 while the map image is being scrolled, the scroll processing unit 204 may stop the map image scrolling process.

  According to the first modification of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily recognize that the POI is displayed on the output device by stopping the scrolling of the map image.

  In the above-described embodiment and the first modification, when the POI is displayed in the display area of the output device 2, the scroll processing unit 204 changes the scroll speed of the map image. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment and the first modification. In another embodiment of the present invention, the POI is displayed in the display area excluding a predetermined area set along the outer edge of the display area, not whether or not the POI is displayed within the entire display area. Depending on whether or not, the scroll speed of the map image may be changed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, a predetermined area 311 is set along the outer edge of the entire display area of the output device 2. That is, in this embodiment, the display area 312 in a range narrower than the entire display area is set. This area is preset in a predetermined size. Even when the POI 401 is within the entire display area 311 of the output device 2, the scroll processing unit 204 does not change the scroll speed of the map image when it is located within the predetermined area 311.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the POI 401 is displayed in the narrowed display area 312 excluding the predetermined area 311, the scroll processing unit 204 scrolls the map image. Change the speed. Note that the change in the scroll speed of the map image may be slow, or the scroll of the map image may be stopped.

  According to such another embodiment of the present invention, it can be easily recognized that the POI is displayed on the output device. In addition, it is possible to prevent the scrolling from changing while the POI is displayed at the end of the display area of the output device. Therefore, the user can easily find the displayed POI.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, when the POI is displayed in the display area of the output device, the scroll processing unit 204 changes the scroll speed of the map image. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. In the second modification of the embodiment (including the case of the other embodiments described above), when the POI 401 is displayed in the display area of the output device 2 as shown in FIG. Output sound. Note that the scroll processing unit 204 may change the scroll speed of the map image together with the sound output.

  According to the second modification of the embodiment according to the present invention, it is possible to easily recognize that the POI is displayed on the output device by the output sound.

  In the third modification of the embodiment according to the present invention (including the other embodiments described above), the scroll processing unit 204 blinks the color of the POI displayed in the display area of the output device 2 or displays the time. The color is changed and displayed as time passes. The scroll processing unit 204 may change the blinking or color of the color and change the scroll speed of the map image.

  According to the third modified example of the embodiment according to the present invention, it can be easily recognized that the POI is displayed on the output device by the changing color.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Navigation device, 1 ... Arithmetic processing part, 2 ... Output device, 3 ... Storage device, 4 ... Voice input / output device, 5 ... Input device, 6 ... ROM Device: 7 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 8 ... Gyro sensor, 9 ... GPS receiver, 10 ... FM multiplex broadcast receiver, 11 ... Beacon receiver, 51 ... Touch panel

Claims (14)

Scroll control means for receiving a scrolling instruction for the map image;
The scroll control means includes
A navigation device characterized by changing a scroll speed of a map image when a POI (Point Of Interest) is displayed in a predetermined display area of the display device during scrolling of the map image. The navigation device according to claim 1,
The predetermined display area is a range narrower than the display area of the map image in the display area of the map image,
The scroll control means includes
A navigation device characterized by changing a scroll speed of a map image when the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area during scrolling of the map image. The navigation device according to claim 1 or 2,
The scroll control means includes
A navigation device characterized in that when the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area, the scroll speed of the map image is reduced. In the navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The scroll control means includes
When the map image scroll instruction is received again after the map image scrolling is stopped, there is no POI newly displayed in the predetermined display area as compared to before the map image scrolling is stopped. In this case, the map image is scrolled at a scroll speed before the scroll speed is changed. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The scroll control means includes
When the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area, a color used for displaying the POI is changed over time. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The scroll control means includes
A navigation device characterized by outputting a predetermined sound when the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area. In the navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The scroll control means includes
A navigation device, wherein scrolling of a map image is stopped when the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area. Receiving a map image scroll instruction;
When a POI (Point Of Interest) is displayed in a predetermined display area of the display device during the scrolling of the map image, the step of changing the scroll speed of the map image;
The map image scroll method characterized by performing this. In the map image scroll method according to claim 8,
The predetermined display area is a range narrower than the display area of the map image in the display area of the map image,
A map image scrolling method comprising: executing a step of changing a scroll speed of a map image when the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area during scrolling of the map image. The map image scroll method according to claim 8 or 9,
When the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area, a step of slowing down the scroll speed of the map image is executed. In the map image scroll method as described in any one of Claims 8-10,
When the map image scroll instruction is received again after the map image scrolling is stopped, there is no POI newly displayed in the predetermined display area as compared to before the map image scrolling is stopped. In this case, the map image scrolling method includes executing a step of scrolling the map image at a scroll speed before the scroll speed is changed. In the map image scroll method according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
When the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area, a step of changing the color used for displaying the POI with the passage of time is executed. In the map image scroll method according to any one of claims 8 to 12,
A map image scrolling method comprising: executing a step of outputting a predetermined sound when the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area. In the map image scroll method according to any one of claims 8 to 13,
A map image scrolling method comprising: executing a step of stopping scrolling of a map image when the POI is displayed in the predetermined display area.

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