JP2012167946A - Navigation device and notification method of updated spots - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device and a notification method of updated spots which can notify information concerning not only registered spots or search spots but also spots which probably interest a user among spots whose information is altered during updation of map data.SOLUTION: A navigation device is provided with: a related spot alteration determination unit 19 for determining whether information of each of related spots having certain relation with registered spots and the like (stored in a user memory 17) which are determined as notification targets is altered during updation of map data by referring to map data stored in a hard disk 13; and an alteration notification unit 20 for notifying a user of alteration of information concerning each of the related spots whose information is determined to be altered during the updation of the map data. Thus, the navigation device includes not only predetermined spots determined as notification targets but also other spots having certain relation with the predetermined spots as notification targets when information of each of the other spots is altered during updation of map data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device and an update point notification method, and more particularly to a technique for notifying a user of a point where information has changed before and after updating of map data.

  In general, a navigation device uses map data to perform route search and route guidance processing. This map data is generated reflecting actual roads and surrounding facilities. Therefore, it is necessary to update the map data as appropriate in order to deal with newly created roads and surrounding facilities.

  Navigation devices are roughly classified into DVD type and hard disk type. A DVD type navigation device uses a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in which map data is recorded by loading it in a DVD driver. Update of map data in this type of navigation device is performed by replacing the old DVD with a DVD in which new map data is recorded.

  On the other hand, a hard disk type navigation device records map data on a built-in hard disk. Update of map data in this type of navigation apparatus is performed by downloading new map data from an external medium such as a DVD to a hard disk. Alternatively, a navigation device that can download new map data from a server wirelessly connected via a communication network is also provided.

  By the way, most navigation apparatuses can register an arbitrary point (for example, an arbitrary facility) desired by the user in the user memory so that the destination of the guidance route can be easily set, for example. Has been made. That is, the destination of the guide route can be easily set by calling a registered point stored in the user memory.

  In addition, most navigation devices are configured to automatically register a point once set by the user as a destination as a search point in the user memory. In this case, the destination of the guidance route can be easily set by calling the search point stored in the user memory.

  In this way, by storing information on registered points and search points in the user memory, the destination of the guide route can be easily set, which is very convenient for the user. However, when the map data is updated, there is a problem that the registration point and the search point are changed, and the point stored in the user memory cannot be called and cannot be used for setting the destination. is there.

  Conventionally, a technique for solving such a problem has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Literature 1, when the map data is updated, it is determined whether or not the memory location information registered by the user has been changed. Here, when the memory location information has been changed, it is determined whether or not there is matching information in another location. When there is matching information, the fact that the memory location information has been changed and the transfer destination candidate are notified. To do.

JP-A-2005-249466

  However, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1, only when the registration point has moved before and after the update of the map data, only that effect is notified. The registered point is a point registered by the user as an interesting point that is likely to be used frequently. However, the registered point is not necessarily limited to the registered point itself.

  For example, if a family restaurant at a certain location has been set as a registration point, even if the registration point itself has not moved before and after the update of the map data, a family restaurant at the same chain store will be newly established at another location. If so, the information that the new family restaurant has been newly established can be useful information for the user.

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that information on other points is not notified even if information on other points related to the registered point is changed before and after the update of the map data. The same applies to the search point. That is, there is a problem that even if information on other points related to the search point is changed before and after the update of the map data, information on the other point is not notified.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and relates to a point where a user may be interested in a point changed before and after updating the map data when the map data is updated. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to notify information other than a registration point or a search point.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, information on a predetermined point determined as a notification target is changed before and after updating the map data with reference to the map data stored in the map data storage unit. It is determined whether or not information on other points having a certain relationship with a predetermined point has been changed before and after the update of the map data. And it is made to alert | report that there was a change about the point determined that there was a change of information before and after update of map data among a predetermined point and the other points related to it.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, when map data is updated, not only predetermined points (registration points, search points, parking points, etc.) determined as notification targets but also the predetermined points. Other points that have a certain relationship are also subject to notification if there is a change before and after the update. The predetermined point is a point of interest that is likely to be frequently used by the user, but a point that has a certain relation to this is also a point that the user may be interested in. Therefore, it is possible to report information on points that the user may be interested in at points that have been changed before and after the update of the map data, in addition to registered points and search points, and to provide useful information for the user as much as possible. It is possible to notify without leaking.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the change alerting | reporting part of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the change alerting | reporting part of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the change alerting | reporting part of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the notification method of the update point performed with the navigation apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the change alerting | reporting part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the change alerting | reporting part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus by 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the change alerting | reporting part of 3rd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a navigation device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 100 according to the first embodiment includes, as its functional configuration, a DVD read control unit 11, an updated map data recording control unit 12, a hard disk 13 as a map data storage unit, and an operation reception unit 14. , Point registration unit 15, destination setting unit 16, user memory 17, predetermined point change determination unit 18, related point change determination unit 19, change notification unit 20, control unit 21, own vehicle position detection unit 22, map reading control unit 23, a route search unit 24, a guidance route memory 25, and a map drawing unit 26.

  The navigation device 100 is connected to an operation unit 101 such as a remote controller and a display unit 102 such as a liquid crystal display. Note that the operation unit 101 may be a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 102. In addition, the navigation device 100 includes a DVD driver (not shown) so that a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) 103 can be loaded. The DVD 103 is a recording medium in which update map data is stored, and it is assumed that difference data of a portion changed from the previous version of map data is stored.

  The DVD read control unit 11 has a functional configuration provided in the DVD driver, and controls reading of map data stored in the DVD 103. Specifically, when the user operates the operation unit 101 and instructs to update the map data with the DVD 103 loaded in the DVD driver, the DVD read control unit 11 is sent via the operation reception unit 14. In response to the read instruction signal, map data is read from the DVD 103 and supplied to the updated map data recording control unit 12.

  The update map data recording control unit 12 performs control to store the update map data read by the DVD read control unit 11 in the hard disk 13. That is, the update map data recording control unit 12 stores the map data for update in the hard disk 13 to update the old version of map data already stored in the hard disk 13.

  Thus, when updating map data, the update map data recording control part 12 stores map data in the hard disk 13 in the state which can identify the data before update, and the data after update (difference data). Specifically, the difference data is configured in units of meshes, and the update date (may be the update map creation date or update execution date) for each mesh may be attribute information. It memorize | stores in the state provided as.

  In this way, it is possible to identify that the map data of the mesh assigned with the latest date is the updated data, and the map data of the mesh assigned with other dates is the data before the update. . Note that the method described here is merely an example, and the data before update and the data after update may be identified by other methods.

  The operation reception unit 14 receives various operations performed on the navigation device 100 by the user using the operation unit 101. For example, an operation for instructing update of map data, an operation for registering a point desired by the user in the user memory 17, an operation for setting the destination of the guidance route, and the like are accepted.

  As described above, when the operation receiving unit 14 receives an operation for instructing update of map data, the operation receiving unit 14 supplies a read instruction signal for updating map data to the DVD read control unit 11. In addition, when the operation reception unit 14 receives an operation for spot registration performed through the menu screen displayed on the display unit 102, the operation reception unit 14 outputs an operation signal and input information necessary for performing spot registration along the menu screen. It supplies to the point registration part 15. Similarly, when the operation accepting unit 14 accepts an operation for setting a destination performed through a menu screen displayed on the display unit 102, an operation signal or the like necessary for setting the destination along the menu screen is displayed. The input information is supplied to the destination setting unit 16.

  The spot registration unit 15 performs a process of registering a spot desired by the user in the user memory 17 in accordance with the operation signal and input information supplied from the operation receiving unit 14. For example, the point registration unit 15 searches for a desired facility using map data stored in the hard disk 13 in accordance with an operation performed on the operation unit 101 by the user, and registers the searched facility in the user memory 17. A series of processing is performed. When a desired facility is stored in the user memory 17 as a registered location, information such as the location information (latitude / longitude or address), facility name, facility genre, etc. of the facility is stored in the user memory 17.

  The destination setting unit 16 performs processing for setting a point desired by the user as the destination of the guidance route according to the operation signal and input information supplied from the operation receiving unit 14. For example, the destination setting unit 16 searches for a desired facility using map data stored in the hard disk 13 in accordance with an operation performed on the operation unit 101 by the user, and sets the searched facility as a destination. A series of processing is performed.

  The user memory 17 stores information such as location information, facility name, and facility genre registered by the location registration unit 15 as registered location information. Further, the user memory 17 stores information such as position information, facility name, facility genre, and the like of a point that has been once set as a destination (including a transit point) by the destination setting unit 16 as information on a search point. . The user memory 17 may be configured using a partial area of the hard disk 13.

  The predetermined point change determination unit 18 determines whether or not information on a predetermined point determined as a notification target has been changed before and after the update of the map data. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined spot determined as the notification target is, for example, a registration spot registered in the user memory 17 by operating the operation unit 101. Further, it is assumed that the predetermined point determined as the notification target is a search point that has been set as a destination by the user operating the operation unit 101 at least n times (n is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1). By increasing the value of n to some extent, a user's favorite frequently visited location can be set as a notification target. Hereinafter, the registration points and search points that are predetermined points determined as notification targets are collectively referred to as “registration points and the like”.

  In addition, in order to set a search point that has been set as a destination n times or more as a predetermined point to be notified, the destination setting unit 16 counts the number of times set as the destination, and the count value is set for each point. It is stored in the user memory 17. That is, the destination setting unit 16 determines whether or not the set destination is registered as a search point in the user memory 17, and if it is registered, the set number of times of the destination is incremented by one. To update and store. On the other hand, when the set destination is not yet registered as a search point in the user memory 17, the destination is newly stored in the user memory 17, and 1 is stored as a count value of the number of times of setting the destination. .

  Specifically, the predetermined point change determination unit 18 determines whether a facility name such as a registered point stored in the user memory 17 is included in the map data stored in the hard disk 13. . When the facility name such as the registration point is not included in the map data, the predetermined point change determination unit 18 has changed the information such as the registration point before and after the update of the map data (for the facility corresponding to the registration point etc. Equivalent to deletion).

  In addition, when the facility name such as the registration point is included in the map data, the predetermined point change determination unit 18 includes the position information such as the registration point indicated by the map data stored in the hard disk 13 and the location information. Further, it is further determined whether or not the position information such as the registration point stored in the user memory 17 is different. If they are different, the predetermined point change determination unit 18 determines that the information such as the registered point has been changed before and after the update of the map data (corresponding to the transfer of the facility corresponding to the registered point).

  The related point change determination unit 19 determines whether or not information on other points having a certain relationship with a registered point or the like determined as a notification target has been changed before and after updating the map data. Here, it is assumed that the other points having a certain relationship with the registered points and the like are points whose positions are different from the registered points and the part of the facility names match. This corresponds to a chain store or branch of a facility corresponding to a registration point or the like. In addition, it is assumed that other points having a certain relationship with a registered point or the like are points whose positions are different from the registered point and the facility genre is the same. In the following, other points having a certain relationship with a registered point or the like determined as a notification target are referred to as “related points”.

  Specifically, the related point change determination unit 19 includes, among the map data stored in the hard disk 13, the facility name of the related point that partially matches the facility name such as the registered point stored in the user memory 17. It is determined whether or not it is included in the updated data. When the facility name of the relevant point is included in the updated data, the relevant point change determination unit 19 has changed the relevant point information before and after the update of the map data (in the establishment of a new facility corresponding to the relevant point) Equivalent).

  In addition, you may perform determination of whether the facility of a related point is newly established as follows. That is, when the location registration unit 15 or the destination setting unit 16 stores information such as the registration location in the user memory 17, the map data stored in the hard disk 13 is searched to extract the relevant location, and the extracted association The point information is also stored in the user memory 17 together. The related point change determination unit 19 includes a facility name of a related point that partially matches a facility name such as a registered point stored in the user memory 17 in the updated data stored in the hard disk 13. If it is determined that the facility name of the related point is also stored in the user memory 17, it is further determined. Then, only when the facility name of the related point is not stored in the user memory 17, the related point change determination unit 19 determines that the facility of the related point is newly established.

  When not only registered points but also related point information is also stored in the user memory 17, the related point change determination unit 19 deletes not only when the facilities at the related point are newly established before and after the update of the map data. It is also possible to detect the case of being moved or moved. That is, the related point change determination unit 19 determines whether the facility name of the related point stored in the user memory 17 is included in the map data stored in the hard disk 13. If the facility name of the relevant point is not included in the map data, the relevant point change determination unit 19 has changed the relevant point information before and after the update of the map data (corresponding to the deletion of the facility corresponding to the relevant point). ).

  When the facility name of the related point is included in the map data, the related point change determination unit 19 includes the position information of the related point indicated by the map data stored in the hard disk 13 and the user. It is further determined whether or not the position information of the related point stored in the memory 17 is different. If they are different, the related point change determination unit 19 determines that the information on the related points has been changed before and after the update of the map data (corresponding to the transfer of the facility corresponding to the related points).

  As described above, when not only the registered points and the like but also the information on the related points are stored in the user memory 17, the related point change determination unit 19 determines that the map data on the hard disk 13 includes the data before the update and the data after the update. Can be detected whether the facility at the relevant point is newly established before or after the update of the map data, whether it is deleted, or whether it has been transferred. Therefore, it is not essential to store the map data in the hard disk 13 in a state where the data before update and the data after update can be identified.

  The change notification unit 20 notifies that there is a change at a point where the predetermined point change determination unit 18 and the related point change determination unit 19 determine that the information has been changed before and after the update of the map data. For example, when it is determined by the predetermined point change determination unit 18 that the registered point has been transferred, the change notification unit 20 displays a message 51 “The facility at the registered point has moved” on the display unit 102 as shown in FIG. indicate. In addition to the message 51, the facility name of the registered point and the position information (address etc.) 52 before and after the transfer may be displayed, and the point update button 53 may be displayed. When the user operates the operation unit 101 and presses the point update button 53, the point registration unit 15 updates the information stored in the user memory 17 with respect to the changed registration point or the like (information after transfer). Update.

  In addition, when it is determined by the related point change determination unit 19 that there is a new related point whose facility name partially matches the registered point or the like, the change notification unit 20 displays “the chain of facilities at the registered point” as shown in FIG. A message 54 “The store is new” is displayed on the display unit 102. In addition to this message 54, information (facility name, address, etc.) 55 of a newly established facility may be displayed, and a point registration button 56 may be displayed. When the user operates the operation unit 101 and presses the location registration button 56, the location registration unit 15 causes the user memory 17 to store information on the newly established related location.

  In addition, when it is determined by the related point change determination unit 19 that there is a deletion or transfer of a related point whose facility name partially matches the registered point or the like, the change notification unit 20 may, for example, Is displayed on the display unit 102, or “the chain store of the facility at the registration point has moved”. In addition to this message 54, information (facility name, address, etc.) 55 of the deleted or transferred facility may be displayed and a point update button 53 may be displayed. When the user operates the operation unit 101 and presses the point update button 53, the point registration unit 15 updates the information stored in the user memory 17 with respect to the related point that has been deleted or moved to a new one.

  In addition, when it is determined by the related point change determination unit 19 that there is a new related point whose facility genre matches the registered point, the change notification unit 20 displays “the same genre as the facility at the registered point” as shown in FIG. A message 57 “The facility is new” is displayed on the display unit 102. In addition to this message 57, information (facility name, address, etc.) 55 of a newly established facility may be displayed, and a point registration button 56 may be displayed.

  The control unit 21 controls the predetermined point change determination unit 18, the related point change determination unit 19, and the change notification unit 20 to operate immediately after the map data is updated. That is, when the update of the map data by the update map data recording control unit 12 is completed, the control unit 21 receives an update completion notification from the update map data recording control unit 12. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 21 starts operations of the predetermined point change determination unit 18, the related point change determination unit 19, and the change notification unit 20.

  The own vehicle position detection unit 22 detects the current position of the own vehicle, and includes a self-contained navigation sensor and a GPS receiver. In addition, since the mechanism which detects a self-vehicle position using a self-contained navigation sensor and a GPS receiver is well-known, detailed description is omitted here.

  The map reading control unit 23 controls reading of map data stored in the hard disk 13. That is, the map readout control unit 23 reads out a predetermined range of map data around the vehicle position from the hard disk 13 based on the vehicle position information supplied from the vehicle position detection unit 22, and reads the read map data into the map drawing unit. 26.

  Based on the map data stored in the hard disk 13, the route search unit 24 searches for a guide route with the lowest cost connecting from the departure place to the destination. That is, the route search unit 24 sequentially adds the search branches (search links) along various routes from the departure point to the destination, sequentially adds the costs of the search branches, and the route having the smallest total cost value. Select.

  The guidance route memory 25 stores the guidance route data searched by the route search unit 24. The guidance route data stores the position of each node and an intersection identification flag indicating whether each node is an intersection, corresponding to each node from the departure point to the destination.

  The map drawing unit 26 includes the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 22, the map data read from the hard disk 13 by the map reading control unit 23, and the guidance route stored in the guidance route memory 25. Based on the data, map image data necessary for displaying the map around the vehicle position on the display unit 102 together with the guidance route and the like is generated.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device 100 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the update point notification method performed by the navigation device 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 5 starts when the map data is updated in accordance with an instruction from the user.

  In FIG. 5, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the update of the map data by the updated map data recording control unit 12 is completed (step S1). When determining that the update of the map data has been completed, the control unit 21 starts the operations of the predetermined point change determination unit 18, the related point change determination unit 19, and the change notification unit 20.

  The predetermined point change determination unit 18 refers to the map data updated in the hard disk 13 and determines whether or not the information such as the registration point determined as the notification target has been changed before and after the update of the map data ( Step S2). Here, when the predetermined point change determination unit 18 determines that there is a change in information such as a registration point before and after the update of the map data, the change notification unit 20 A message 51 indicating that there has been a change is displayed on the display unit 102 for a certain period of time to notify the user (step S3). At this time, information 52 such as registered points and a point update button 53 are also displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined by the predetermined point change determination unit 18 that there has been no change in information such as a registered point, the process jumps to step S4 without performing the process of step S3.

  After the fact that there has been a change in information such as the registered location is displayed on the display unit 102, the location registration unit 15 determines whether or not the location update button 53 has been pressed by the operation of the operation unit 101 (step S4). . When the point update button 53 is pressed, the point registration unit 15 updates the information stored in the user memory 17 with respect to the changed registered point or the like to new information included in the updated data of the map data. (Step S5). On the other hand, if the point update button 53 has not been pressed, the process jumps to step S6 without performing the process of step S5.

  When the predetermined point change determination unit 18 determines that there has been a change in information about a plurality of registered points, the change notification unit 20 displays a message 51 indicating that there has been a change at each registered point, etc. Are sequentially displayed on the display unit 102 at regular intervals. Then, when the location update button 53 is pressed while displaying information regarding a certain registered location, the location registration unit 15 updates the information stored in the user memory 17 regarding the registered location. .

  Next, the related point change determination unit 19 refers to the map data updated on the hard disk 13 and determines whether or not the information on the related point has been changed before and after the update of the map data (step S6). Here, when it is determined by the related point change determination unit 19 that there has been a change in the information of the related point before and after the update of the map data, the change notification unit 20 A message 54 or 57 indicating that there has been a change is displayed on the display unit 102 for a certain period of time to notify the user (step S7). At this time, the related point information 55, the point update button 53, and the point registration button 56 are also displayed. On the other hand, when it is determined by the related point change determination unit 19 that there has been no change in the related point information, the process jumps to step S8 without performing the process of step S7.

  After it is displayed on the display unit 102 that the related point information has been changed, the point registration unit 15 determines whether or not the point update button 53 or the point registration button 56 has been pressed by the operation of the operation unit 101. (Step S8). When the point update button 53 displayed together with the message indicating that the related point has been deleted is pressed, the point registration unit 15 deletes information stored in the user memory 17 regarding the related point where the deletion has been performed ( Step S9). Thereafter, the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  When the location update button 53 displayed together with the message indicating that the relevant location has been moved is pressed, the location registration unit 15 stores information stored in the user memory 17 regarding the relevant location where the relocation has been performed. The map data is updated to new information included in the updated data (step S9). Thereafter, the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  Further, when the location registration button 56 displayed together with a message indicating that a related location is newly established is pressed, the location registration unit 15 adds new information included in the updated data of the map data regarding the newly established related location. Is newly stored in the user memory 17 (step S9). Thereafter, the process of the flowchart of FIG. If neither the point update button 53 nor the point registration button 56 is pressed, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is terminated without performing the process of step S9.

  In addition, when the related point change determination unit 19 determines that there is a change in information regarding a plurality of related points, the change notification unit 20 displays a message 54, 57 indicating that there is a change at each related point, etc. Are sequentially displayed on the display unit 102 at regular intervals. Then, when the point update button 53 is pressed while displaying information related to a certain related point, the point registration unit 15 updates information stored in the user memory 17 regarding the related point. Further, when the location registration button 56 is pressed while displaying information related to a certain related location, the location registration unit 15 newly stores information related to the related location in the user memory 17.

  As described above in detail, in the first embodiment, with reference to the map data stored in the hard disk 13, information on registered points and the related points determined as notification targets are updated before and after updating the map data. It is determined whether or not it has been changed. Then, among the registered points and related points, for the points determined to have changed information before and after the update of the map data, the display unit 102 is notified of the change.

  According to the first embodiment configured as described above, when the map data of the hard disk 13 is updated, it has a certain relation to the registration point or the like as well as the registration point or the like determined as the notification target. As for related points, if there is a change before and after the update, it is subject to notification. A registered point or the like is a point of interest that is likely to be used frequently by the user, but a related point having a certain relation to this is also a point that the user may be interested in. Therefore, it is possible to notify not only registered points but also other information about points that the user may be interested in the points that have been changed before and after the update of the map data, and as much information as possible for the user is not leaked as much as possible. Can be notified.

  In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of registered points or related points that have been changed (transferred, deleted, newly established) before and after the update of the map data, a message notifying that there has been a change is displayed. They are displayed sequentially for a certain time. In this case, there may be a large number of related points that have changed. For example, since there are many related points in the map data that have the same facility genre as a registered point or the like, the number of related points that are extracted by the related point change determination unit 19 as being changed may be too large.

  Therefore, the related point change determination unit 19 is limited to the related points that are within a predetermined distance from the registered points among the related points that have a certain relationship with the registered points that are set as notification targets. It may be determined whether or not the information has been changed before and after the update. In this way, it is possible to notify the user that there has been a change only at a relevant point where the user is likely to go at a location that is relatively close to the registration point or the like that the user has registered with his / her own intention.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the navigation device 200 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, components having the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1 have the same functions, and thus redundant description is omitted here.

  The navigation device 200 according to the second embodiment is not immediately after the update of the map data, but after the update of the map data and when a predetermined trigger occurs, the predetermined point change determination unit 18. The related point change determination unit 19 and the change notification unit 32 are controlled to operate. Therefore, the navigation apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment includes a control unit 31 instead of the control unit 21 shown in FIG. The navigation device 200 according to the second embodiment includes a change notification unit 32 instead of the change notification unit 20 illustrated in FIG.

  The control unit 31 is, for example, triggered by the user operating the operation unit 101 to set one of registered points or the like as a destination, as a predetermined point change determination unit 18, a related point change determination unit 19, and a change notification unit. 32 is controlled to operate. That is, the destination setting unit 16 notifies the control unit 31 when one of the registered points stored in the user memory 17 is searched and set as the destination. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 31 controls the predetermined point change determination unit 18, the related point change determination unit 19, and the change notification unit 32 to operate.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the change notification unit 32 searches for one of the registered points and sets it as the destination (FIG. 7A), and then determines the predetermined point change determination unit 18 and the related point change determination. When the processing of the unit 19 is finished, a confirmation window 60 for notifying that there has been a change may be displayed on the display unit 102 (FIG. 7B). In this case, when the user operates the operation unit 101 and presses the “view” button 61 of the confirmation window 60, the change notification unit 32 displays and notifies the display unit 102 that the change has occurred (see FIG. 7 (c)). In the example of FIG. 7C, the destination setting screen is displayed, and the related points that have been changed are displayed on the setting screen.

  In this way, by notifying the change of the relevant point along the flow of FIGS. 7A to 7C, instead of the point searched from the registered point stored in the user memory 17, the relevant point. Setting as a destination can be performed with a simple operation. For example, when a related point is newly established at a position closer to the registered point, not only can this be known by notification, but it is also possible for the user to easily set the related point closer to the destination, which is very Convenient to.

  In addition, the control unit 31 uses the operation of the operation unit 101 to set a point within a predetermined distance from the registered point as a destination as a trigger, and the predetermined point change determination unit 18 and the related point change determination unit 19 are triggered. The change notification unit 32 may be controlled to operate. That is, when the destination is set by the destination setting unit 16, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the position of the destination is within a predetermined distance from the position such as the registration point stored in the user memory 17. When it is determined that the distance is within the predetermined distance, the predetermined point change determination unit 18, the related point change determination unit 19, and the change notification unit 32 are controlled to operate.

  In addition, the control unit 31 is triggered by the fact that the vehicle position detected by the vehicle position detection unit 22 has approached a point within a predetermined distance from the registration point or the like, and the predetermined point change determination unit 18 and the related point change determination. The unit 19 and the change notification unit 32 may be controlled to operate. That is, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the vehicle position detected by the vehicle position detection unit 22 is always within a predetermined distance from a position such as a registration point stored in the user memory 17 while the vehicle is traveling. Is monitored, and when it is detected that the vehicle is approaching within a predetermined distance, the predetermined point change determination unit 18, the related point change determination unit 19 and the change notification unit 32 are controlled to operate.

  In addition, the control unit 31 uses the route search unit 24 to set a guide route that passes through a point within a predetermined distance from the registration point stored in the user memory 17 as a trigger. You may control to operate the point change determination part 19 and the change alerting | reporting part 32. FIG. That is, the control unit 31 refers to the user memory 17 and the guide route memory 25 when the guide route is searched by the route search unit 24, and whether or not a registered point exists at a position within a predetermined distance from the guide route. If it is determined whether or not it is present, the predetermined point change determination unit 18, the related point change determination unit 19, and the change notification unit 32 are controlled to operate.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment in which the notification operation is performed after the update of the map data is performed and a predetermined trigger is generated, the registration point or the like that is of interest to the user is used. When setting to the ground or passing near a registered point or the like, the user can be notified that there has been a change in the registered point or the related point. In the first embodiment, when the update of the map data is completed, the change of all the registered points and the related points with respect thereto is notified. In the second embodiment, a predetermined trigger is used. Since the change is notified only for the registration point and the like related to the point and the related point with respect to the registration point, it is possible to prevent the point from being notified unnecessarily for many points.

  In addition, according to 2nd Embodiment, after updating map data, the time until a predetermined trigger generate | occur | produces may be considered. In that case, there is a possibility that the map data related to the update including the changed point is already out of date when the change of the registered point or the related point is notified.

  Therefore, when the change notification unit 32 according to the second embodiment notifies that there is a change in a registered point or a related point determined to have been changed in information before and after the update of the map data, FIG. As shown, the time information indicating the update time of the map data may be further notified. As the time information in this case, an update date given as attribute information to the mesh of the map data can be used. In this way, when notifying that there has been a change in a registered point or a related point, it is possible to notify the user of the information freshness such as when the change has occurred.

  Alternatively, when the change notification unit 32 notifies that there is a change in a point where it is determined that there has been a change in information before and after the update of the map data, the update time of the map data is a predetermined time (for example, It may be determined whether or not there is a change only if it is determined whether or not it is two years ago or more, and it is determined that it is not more than a predetermined time. The update time in this case can be determined using the update date given as attribute information to the mesh of the map data. In this way, when the information is too old from the present time point, it is possible to prevent the user from being misunderstood that it is a recent change by not notifying that there has been a change.

  In the second embodiment, four examples are given as the predetermined triggers, but it is not essential to use all of them as triggers. Moreover, although events other than these four may be used as predetermined triggers, it is preferable to use predetermined events as events related to registered points or nearby points. In addition, when information on related points is also stored in the user memory 17, an event related to the related point or a point in the vicinity thereof (for example, an event that the position of the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the related point) is determined in advance. It may be a trigger.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the navigation device 300 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, components having the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1 have the same functions, and thus redundant description is omitted here.

  The navigation device 300 according to the third embodiment is not immediately after the update of the map data, but after the update of the map data and when a predetermined trigger occurs, the predetermined point change determination unit 18. The related point change determination unit 19 and the change notification unit 42 are controlled to operate. Further, in the third embodiment, even when no registration point or the like is stored in the user memory 17, it is possible to notify that there has been a change before and after updating the map data.

  Therefore, the navigation apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment includes a control unit 41 instead of the control unit 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 and includes a change notification unit 42 instead of the change notification unit 20. The navigation device 300 includes a predetermined point change determination unit 43 and a related point change determination unit 44 instead of the predetermined point change determination unit 18 and the related point change determination unit 19 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the navigation device 300 further includes a parking detection unit 45. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the predetermined point determined as the notification target is a point where the vehicle is parked in the parking lot.

  The parking detection unit 45 is based on the map data read from the hard disk 13 by the map reading control unit 23, the vehicle position detected by the vehicle position detection unit 22 is in the parking lot, and the vehicle is parked. Is detected. Whether or not the vehicle is parked can be determined, for example, by checking whether the engine is turned off based on an accessory signal (ACC signal) sent from an ECU (electronic control unit) (not shown). it can. That is, the parking detection unit 45 determines that the vehicle is in the parking state when the vehicle position is in the parking lot and the engine is turned off.

  The control unit 41 uses the parking detection unit 45 to detect that the vehicle position is in the parking lot and that the vehicle is in the parking state, as a trigger, and the predetermined point change determination unit 43 and the related point change determination unit 44. Then, the change notification unit 42 is controlled to operate. At this time, the predetermined point change determination unit 43 and the related point change determination unit 44 are not registered points or the like stored in the user memory 17, but the facility names of the facilities that hold the parking lot in which the vehicle is parked, Using information such as position information and facility genre (obtained from the map data on the hard disk 13), it is determined whether or not there has been a change in information regarding registered points and related points.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the parking detection unit 45 detects that the vehicle position is in the parking lot and the vehicle is in a parked state, the change notification unit 42 uses the registered points and related points. A confirmation window 60 as to whether or not to notify that there has been a change in information is displayed on the display unit 102 (FIG. 10A). Then, when the user operates the operation unit 101 and presses the “view” button 61 of the confirmation window 60, the change notification unit 42 displays the change on the display unit 102 to notify the user ( FIG. 10B). In addition, in the example of FIG.10 (b), although the relevant point which changed was displayed on the setting screen of the destination, it is not limited to this display mode.

  According to the third embodiment configured as described above, even when the registered point is not stored in the user memory 17, there is a change before and after the map data is updated regarding the related point for the facility parked in the parking lot. This can be notified to the user. It can be said that the user is interested in the facility that the vehicle is parked in the parking lot of the facility. According to the third embodiment, it is possible to notify the user that there has been a change in the related points for such an interesting facility.

  Note that the first to third embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. It will not be. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or the main features thereof.

  For example, as a modification of the second embodiment, when the user operates the operation unit 101 to set the charging stand as the destination, the control unit 31 sets a point within a predetermined distance from the charging stand as the destination. When the vehicle position approaches a point within a predetermined distance from the charging station, or when a guide route passing through a point within a predetermined distance from the charging station is set, the predetermined point change determination unit 18 and related points The change determination unit 19 and the change notification unit 32 may be controlled to operate. This is effective when the vehicle is an electric vehicle.

  Moreover, although the said 1st-3rd embodiment demonstrated the example which updates map data using DVD103, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the first to third embodiments are also applied when the map data is updated by wirelessly connecting to a server (not shown) via a communication network and downloading the update map data from the server. Is possible.

  Moreover, although the said 1st-3rd embodiment demonstrated the example which memorize | stores a desired facility in the user memory 17 as a registration point, and made the said desired facility the point of notification object, this invention is limited to this. Not. For example, a desired road can be registered in the user memory 17 and the desired road can be set as a notification target point. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 101 and issues a point registration instruction while the vehicle is traveling on a road, the point registration unit 15 sets the current vehicle position detected by the own vehicle position detection unit 22. The corresponding road is stored in the user memory 17 as a registration point. When a desired road is stored in the user memory 17 as a registration point, location information (latitude / longitude, address, etc.) of the road, for example, the facility name and facility genre of the facility photographed by the in-vehicle front camera are stored in the user memory 17. To do. The related point change determination unit 19 extracts a related point using the facility name and the facility genre, and determines whether there has been a change.

13 Hard disk (map data storage unit)
15 point registration unit 16 destination setting unit 17 user memory 18, 43 predetermined point change determination unit 19, 44 related point change determination unit 20, 32, 42 change notification unit 21, 31, 41 control unit 22 own vehicle position detection unit 24 Route search unit 45 Parking detection unit

Claims (17)

A map data storage unit for storing map data;
A predetermined point change determination unit that determines whether or not the information on the predetermined point set as the notification target has been changed before and after the update of the map data;
A related point change determination unit that determines whether or not information of other points having a certain relationship with the predetermined point set as the notification target has been changed before and after the update of the map data;
A change notification unit for notifying that there has been a change at a point where it is determined that there has been a change in information before and after the update of the map data by the predetermined point change determination unit and the related point change determination unit; A featured navigation device. 2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined point determined as the notification target is a registered point that is registered in a user memory by a user operating an operation unit. 2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined point determined as the notification target is a search point that has been set a predetermined number of times or more by the user operating the operation unit. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined spot determined as the notification target is a spot parked in a parking lot. 2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other point having a certain relation to the predetermined point is a point having a position different from the predetermined point and having a part of the facility name. 2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other point having a certain relation to the predetermined point is a point that is different in position from the predetermined point and has the same facility genre. The control unit for controlling the predetermined point change determination unit, the related point change determination unit, and the change notification unit to operate immediately after the map data is updated. The navigation device according to 1. A control unit that controls the predetermined point change determination unit, the related point change determination unit, and the change notification unit to operate when a predetermined trigger occurs after the update of the map data; The navigation device according to claim 1, further comprising: The predetermined point set as the notification target is a registered point registered by the user in the user memory by operating the operation unit, or a search that the user has set at the destination more than a predetermined number of times by operating the operation unit Point
The control unit is configured to use the predetermined point change determination unit and the related point change determination as the predetermined trigger that a user operates the operation unit to set one of the registered points or the search points as a destination. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein the navigation device and the change notification unit are controlled to operate. The predetermined point set as the notification target is a registered point registered by the user in the user memory by operating the operation unit, or a search that the user has set at the destination more than a predetermined number of times by operating the operation unit Point
The control unit uses the predetermined point change determination unit, the point that the user operates the operation unit to set a destination within a predetermined distance from the registration point or the search point as a destination 9. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein the related point change determination unit and the change notification unit are controlled to operate. A vehicle position detection unit for detecting the vehicle position;
The predetermined point set as the notification target is a registered point registered by the user in the user memory by operating the operation unit, or a search that the user has set at the destination more than a predetermined number of times by operating the operation unit Point
The said control part is the said predetermined point change determination part by making into the said predetermined trigger that the own vehicle position detected by the said own vehicle position detection part approached the point within the predetermined distance from the said registration point or the said search point. 9. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein control is performed so that the relevant point change determination unit and the change notification unit are operated. A route search unit for searching and setting the guide route;
The predetermined point set as the notification target is a registered point registered by the user in the user memory by operating the operation unit, or a search that the user has set at the destination more than a predetermined number of times by operating the operation unit Point
The control unit is configured to change the predetermined point change determination unit and the related point change with the predetermined trigger that a guide route passing through a point within a predetermined distance from the registration point or the search point is set by the route search unit. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit and the change notification unit are controlled to operate. A vehicle position detection unit for detecting the vehicle position;
A parking detection unit for detecting that the vehicle position detected by the vehicle position detection unit is in a parking lot and is in a parking state;
The predetermined spot determined as the notification target is a spot parked in the parking lot,
The control unit is configured to use the predetermined point change determination unit and the related point change as the predetermined trigger when the parking detection unit detects that the own vehicle position is in a parking lot and is in a parking state. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit and the change notification unit are controlled to operate. The change notification unit, when notifying that there has been a change about the point determined to have changed information before and after the update of the map data by the predetermined point change determination unit and the related point change determination unit, 9. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein time information indicating an update time of map data is further notified. The change notification unit, when notifying that there has been a change about the point determined to have changed information before and after the update of the map data by the predetermined point change determination unit and the related point change determination unit, It is determined whether or not the update time of the map data is more than a predetermined time before the present time, and only when it is determined that the update time is not more than the predetermined time, the fact that the change has occurred is notified. Item 9. The navigation device according to Item 8. The related point change determination unit includes information on points within a predetermined distance from the predetermined point among the other points having a certain relationship with the predetermined point determined as the notification target. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the data has been changed before and after the data update. The predetermined that the navigation device refers to the map data stored in the map data storage unit and determines whether or not the information on the predetermined point determined as the notification target has been changed before and after the update of the map data. A point change determination step;
Whether the navigation device refers to the map data, and information on other points having a certain relationship with the predetermined point set as the notification target has been changed before and after the update of the map data. A related point change determination step for determining whether or not
A change notification step for notifying that there has been a change at a point determined to have changed information before and after the update of the map data in the predetermined point change determination step and the related point change determination step. An update point notification method.

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