JP3044991B2 - Travel position display device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a travel position display device (navigation device) for displaying the current position of an automobile or the like together with a map on a display device, and in particular, automatically provides voice guidance when approaching an intersection on a route. The present invention relates to a travel position display device provided with a voice guidance device to be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional on-vehicle traveling position display device will be described with reference to FIG.

First, prior to the description of the prior art, the configuration of FIG. 1 will be described. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a direction sensor. The direction sensor 1 uses a geomagnetic sensor for detecting an absolute running direction of the vehicle and an optical gyro for detecting a relative running direction of the vehicle. 2 is a distance sensor that generates a pulse corresponding to the number of rotations of the wheel, and 3 is a GPS (Global).
The GPS receiver 3 receives and calculates radio waves transmitted from a plurality of satellites to calculate the position (latitude, latitude, etc.) of the reception point.
Longitude). 4 is CD-R
The CD-ROM player 4 is an OM player.
The map data is read from the CD-ROM 5 on which the map data is recorded.

[0004] Reference numeral 6 denotes a display / operation unit provided in the vehicle interior. The display / operation unit 6 includes a liquid crystal display 6A for displaying a map, a current running position, an azimuth, and the like of the automobile, and a front surface of the liquid crystal display 6A. Touch panel 6 provided
B on the touch panel 6B,
A switch for instructing reduction, a switch for instructing a route search, a switch for selecting a destination from the place names displayed on the liquid crystal display 6A, and the like are provided. Reference numeral 7 denotes an apparatus main body, which is installed in a trunk room or the like.

Next, the configuration of the apparatus main body 7 will be described.
8 is a PCU (central processing unit) for performing various operations, 9 is C
RO storing programs for various operations performed by PU8
M (read only memory), 10 is a RAM (random access memory) for storing data from the azimuth sensor 1, the distance sensor 2, the GPS receiver 3, the CD-ROM player 4 and the like, and the calculation results in the CPU 8, and 11 is a liquid crystal ROM in which patterns of characters and symbols to be displayed on the display 6A are stored, 12 is an input interface, 13 is a communication interface, 14 is an image processor, and the image processor 14 is map data stored in the RAM 10, The data and the like are converted into image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 6A.

[0006] The image data converted by the image processor 14 is stored in an image memory 15. The image data stored in the image memory 15 is read out and the liquid crystal display 6
A is transmitted to A to display a map and the current position of the car. Reference numeral 16 denotes a voice processor, which generates a predetermined voice message based on a command from the CPU 8. The voice message generated by the voice processor 16 is output from a speaker 17.

In FIG. 1, the output of the azimuth sensor 1 and the output of the distance sensor 2 are sent to the CPU 8 via the input interface 12, and the CPU 8 calculates the current position to obtain the latitude and longitude of the current position. Based on the current position, map data in a predetermined range centered on the current position is read from the CD-ROM 5 by the CD-ROM player 4, and the map data is stored in the RAM 10 via the communication interface 13.

[0008] A part of the map data stored in the RAM 10 is read, converted into image data by the image processor 14, and written into the image memory 15. Image memory 15
Is read by the image processor 15 and sent to the liquid crystal display 6A, and a map of a predetermined range centering on the current position is displayed.

If the map data read from the RAM 10 contains character codes and symbol codes, patterns corresponding to these character codes and symbol codes are stored in the ROM 1.
1, characters such as place names and symbols such as schools are displayed together with the map on the liquid crystal display 6A. In addition, the current position displayed on the liquid crystal display 6A is sequentially changed based on the traveling speed and traveling azimuth sequentially obtained as the vehicle travels. When a route search is instructed and a destination is specified, a route that can be predicted to reach the destination in the shortest time is selected by the route search, and the selected route is displayed on the map displayed on the liquid crystal display 6A. .

When the current position of the vehicle obtained by the CPU 8 reaches a predetermined point just before the intersection, the voice processor 16 is activated and a predetermined message is created. Please be careful. "

FIG. 2 shows a display example of the liquid crystal display 6A. A road map is displayed, along with place names, intersection names, road names, and the like.

In FIG. 2, a broken line 18 indicates a route selected by the route search, 19 indicates a vehicle mark of the vehicle, and the vehicle mark 19 indicates a current position and a traveling direction of the vehicle. Reference numeral 20 denotes a running locus of the automobile.

Next, a description will be given of the conventional route search function. The route search searches for a route that can be assumed to be able to run in the shortest time among a plurality of routes from the current position to the designated destination, and displays the selected route on the liquid crystal display 6.
This is a function for displaying on the map displayed in A. This route search includes, for example, the distance from the current position to the destination,
Based on the type of road (expressway, national highway, prefectural road, etc.), the width of the road, etc., a route that is assumed to be able to reach the destination in the shortest time is selected.

FIG. 3 shows data stored in the CD-ROM 5. The units 1, 2, ... are divided into units by latitude and longitude based on a nationwide topographic map, and the roads in each unit are represented as a set of nodes representing coordinate points and links connecting the nodes. , The node number, the latitude of the node, the route, and whether or not the node is an intersection node are set for each node. Also, a link number and a link distance are set for each link. CD
The ROM 5 stores, for each unit, the node number of each node existing in each unit, the latitude and longitude, the presence / absence of an intersection node, and the like, and the number of each link existing in each unit, the link distance, and the like. It is remembered.

Here, when the route search function is selected by operating the touch panel 6B, a route search mode is entered. In this route search mode, a destination is first input. The designation of the destination is performed by selecting from the place names displayed on the liquid crystal display 6A, or by specifying a point on the map displayed on the liquid crystal display 6A with a finger. When the destination is specified, the route search process starts.

This route search process automatically selects a route that can be predicted to reach the destination fastest among a plurality of routes from the current position to the destination. Distance, road identification (expressway, national road, prefectural road ...), road width, and the like.

In FIG. 3, the bold line indicates the guide route selected as a result of the route search.
→ 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → Unit 1 node 1 → 2 → 3
→ The route 4 is the selected guide route. When the guidance route is selected, approximately 700 m, 300 m, and 1 m before the intersection node (node 4 of unit 2).
Guidance points (guide points) A, B, and C are set at 00m. When the current position reaches the guidance point A as the vehicle travels, a predetermined voice guidance, for example, a voice saying "It is an intersection at about 700 m, please be careful." Similarly, when you reach the guidance points B and C, please note that each of them is an intersection at about 300m.
"Please be careful about the intersection at about 100m."

FIG. 4 shows a table created by a route search. FIG. 4A is a table of unit-based route tracking data of a guide route from the current position to the destination. In the example of FIG. 3, units 2 and 1 are written in the unit-based route tracking data table.

FIG. 4B is a table of route tracking data, in which the order of the nodes in each unit of the selected guide route is written in the order of the routes. FIG.
In the example, the node 1 of the unit 2 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6
Is written, and nodes 1 → 2 → 3 of unit 1 continue
→ 4 is written.

FIG. 4C is a table of guidance point data, which is 700 m, 300 m, and 100 m before the intersection node (node 4 of unit 2) of the selected guidance route.
m, for example, in the case of FIG. 3, node 2 of unit 1
And 3, and between the nodes 4 and 5 of the unit 2, a guidance point is set.
In the process of traveling along the guidance route displayed in the above, the voice guidance is performed each time the current position reaches the guidance points A, B, and C.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether or not to perform intersection guidance in the conventional example. FIG. 8 shows a state where other links 22 and 23 cross at node 3 (intersection node 3) of the guide route 21 including nodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S1, a route search data table (FIG.
A) is created. Next, in step S2, a route tracking data table (FIG. 4B) is created from the unit-specific route tracking data. In step S3, an intersection node is searched from the route tracking data table.

In FIG. 8, a white circle 24 is a node and a black circle 2
Reference numeral 5 indicates an intersection node. Next, in step S4, the turning angle θ at the intersection in the guide route is determined.
Is a bending angle between the link between the nodes 2 and 3 and the link between the nodes 3 and 4. Next, it is determined whether the bending angle θ obtained in step S5 is smaller than the angle of 10 °. If it is determined in step S5 that the turning angle θ is smaller than the angle of 10 °, the process proceeds to step S8, and the process ends without performing the intersection guidance by voice.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the bending angle is not smaller than 10 °, it is determined in step S6 that the bending angle θ is 45 ° or more, and if it is determined that it is 45 ° or more, the flow proceeds to step S9. Intersection guidance is provided by voice. If it is determined in step S6 that the bending angle θ is not equal to or greater than 45 °, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, it is determined whether there is another link within ± 60 ° with respect to the traveling direction, and if it is determined that there is another link, the flow proceeds to step S9 to perform intersection guidance by voice, and in step S7 ± 6.
If it is determined that there is no other link within 0 °, the process proceeds to step S8, and the intersection guidance by voice is not performed.

A guidance point data table shown in FIG. 4C is created including the presence or absence of voice guidance determined by the above processing.

As described above, in the conventional example, when the turning angle at the intersection of the guidance route satisfies a certain condition, the intersection guidance by voice such as "about 700 m is an intersection, please be careful" is performed before the intersection. It is something that is.

[0027]

However, in the above-described conventional intersection guidance, when turning right or left at an intersection node, voice guidance is provided from one speaker. Unless the display 6A is confirmed or the contents of the voice guidance of "turn right" and "turn left" are not surely confirmed, it is impossible to know where to turn.

As described above, in the conventional example, it is not possible to confirm to which direction the intersection node is to be turned only by the voice guidance at the guide point, and it is necessary to look at the liquid crystal display 6A or to pay attention to the content of the voice guidance. Had to be tilted.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problem. By determining where to turn at an intersection node, and changing the output location of voice guidance according to the direction of the turn, the voice guidance at the guide point is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide a travel position display device provided with a voice guidance device that allows the user to aurally confirm where to turn at the preceding intersection.

[0030]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vehicle position detecting means for detecting a vehicle position, and a set of nodes representing coordinate points and links connecting the nodes. Display means for displaying the map read from the map data storage means storing the road information and the vehicle position detected by the vehicle position detection means in association with each other;
Route search means for automatically searching for a route to the destination,
Guide point automatic setting means for automatically setting a predetermined point in front of the intersection on the route selected by the route search means as a guide point; and an intersection right for determining whether the route turns right or left at the intersection. When there is a left turn determination means and a branch other than the above-mentioned route at the intersection where the bending angle of the route is greater than or equal to a first predetermined angle, smaller than a second predetermined angle, and smaller than a third predetermined angle at the intersection. When the bending angle is equal to or larger than the second predetermined angle, it is determined that guidance is necessary, and the bending angle is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle and smaller than the second predetermined angle. And the third point at the intersection
If there is no branch other than the above path smaller than the predetermined angle of
And, when the bending angle is smaller than the first predetermined angle , according to the determination result of the intersection guidance presence / absence determination means that determines that guidance is unnecessary, the intersection right / left turn determination means and the intersection guidance presence / absence determination means, When the vehicle's position passes through the guide point, at the time of a right turn, it performs necessary intersection guidance by voice from the right speaker,
When turning left, there is provided voice guidance means for performing necessary intersection guidance by voice from a left speaker.

[0031]

[0032]

According to the present invention, whether the route searched by the route searching means makes a right turn or a left turn at an intersection is determined by the intersection right / left turn determining means, and the bending angle of the route at the intersection is determined.
Is greater than or equal to the first predetermined angle and smaller than the second predetermined angle
And the path at the intersection that is smaller than a third predetermined angle
If there is a branch other than the above, and the bending angle is the second predetermined angle
If it is above, it is determined that guidance is required
Judgment by the judgment means, intersection right / left turn judgment means and intersection plan
According to the judgment result of the inside presence / absence judgment means, when turning right,
If you give the necessary intersection guidance by voice from the peaker
When turning left, it is necessary to use the sound from the left speaker
Guides you at an intersection .

[0033]

[0034]

1 to 6 show an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an intersection right / left turn determination process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, at step S1, a route search data table for each unit (FIG.
A) is created. Next, in step S2, a route tracking data table (FIG. 4B) is created from the unit-specific route tracking data. In step S3, an intersection node is searched from the route tracking data, and a guidance point data table (C in FIG. 4) is created.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a black circle 25 on the guide route 21 following nodes 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 is an intersection node, and this intersection node has another link 2
2, 23 are connected. Therefore, in the intersection node search in step S3, node 3 is searched, and the black circle 25 indicates an intersection node. Next, in step S4, the turning angle θ at the intersection in the guide route is determined. The bending angle θ is the bending angle between the link between the nodes 2 and 3 and the link between the nodes 3 and 4. And

Next, in step S5, the obtained bending angle ±
It is determined whether θ is smaller than the angle of 10 °. Step S5
When it is determined that the turning angle ± θ is smaller than the angle of 10 °, the process proceeds to step S8, and the process ends without performing the intersection guidance by voice.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the bend angle is not smaller than 10 °, it is determined whether or not the bend angle ± θ is 45 ° or more in step S6. Proceeding to step S9, the intersection right / left turn determining means determines right or left turn based on the turning angle θ at the intersection. When θ is +, the process proceeds to step S10 to perform voice guidance from the right speaker, and when θ is −, the process proceeds to step S11 to perform voice guidance from the left speaker. In the case of 6, the data is output from the right side.

If it is determined in step S6 that the bend angle θ is not equal to or greater than 45 °, the process proceeds to step S7. Step S
At 7, it is determined whether there is another link within ± 60 ° with respect to the traveling direction, and if it is determined that there is no other link, the process proceeds to step S8, and the intersection guidance by voice is not performed. Conversely, when it is determined that there is another link, the process proceeds to step S9, and the intersection right / left determination unit determines right or left turn based on the turning angle θ at the intersection. When θ is +, step S
Proceeding to 10, voice guidance is performed from the right speaker, and when θ is-, proceeding to step S11, voice guidance is performed from the left speaker.

The guidance point data table shown in FIG. 4C is created including the presence / absence of voice guidance and the distinction of right / left turn determined by the above processing.

As described above, in the above embodiment, the turning angle at the intersection is determined, the presence or absence of voice guidance is determined based on the turning angle, and the output of voice guidance is changed according to the turning direction. The turning direction can be checked without checking the liquid crystal display 6A after the voice guidance, and appropriate voice guidance can be performed without hindering driving of the automobile.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the direction sensor 1, the distance sensor 2, and the GPS receiver serve as the vehicle position detecting means, the CD-ROM player 4 serves as the map data storage means, the display / operation section 6, and the image processor. 14 constitutes display means, CPU 8, ROM 9 and RAM 10 constitute route search means, guide point automatic setting means and intersection left / right turn determination means, and CPU 8, voice processor 16 and speaker 17 constitute voice guidance means and intersection guidance presence / absence determination means, respectively. I do.

[0043]

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the above embodiment, it is determined which of the searched route is turning at the intersection, and the voice guidance is provided from the right speaker or the left speaker of the voice guidance means according to the determination result. To do
This has the advantage that it is easy to determine whether the vehicle is turning right or left at an intersection while traveling.

According to the present invention, the presence or absence of voice guidance is determined according to the bending angle of the route at the intersection.
The voice guidance becomes more accurate, and it is possible to eliminate anxiety given to the driver when performing voice guidance at an intersection with a small bending angle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a traveling position display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view showing road data recorded on a CD-ROM in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a table of each data in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an intersection guidance determination processing procedure in the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view for explaining the principle of determination of intersection guidance in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a conventional procedure for determining intersection guidance;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a principle of determining intersection guidance in the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 direction sensor 2 distance sensor 3 GPS receiver 4 CD-ROM player 5 CD-ROM 6 display / operation unit 6A liquid crystal display 6B touch panel 7 device body 8 CPU 9 ROM 10 RAM 11 ROM 12 input interface 13 communication interface 14 image processor 15 image Memory 16 Audio processor 17 Speaker

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G08G 1/0969 G01C 21/00 G09B 29/00-29/10

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A vehicle read out from a map data storage means storing road information as a set of a node representing a coordinate point and a link connecting the nodes, the vehicle position detection means for detecting the position of the vehicle. Display means for displaying the vehicle position detected by the vehicle position detection means in association with the vehicle position,
Route search means for automatically searching for a route to the destination,
Guide point automatic setting means for automatically setting a predetermined point in front of the intersection on the route selected by the route search means as a guide point; and an intersection right for determining whether the route turns right or left at the intersection. When there is a left turn determination means and a branch other than the above-mentioned route at the intersection where the bending angle of the route is greater than or equal to a first predetermined angle, smaller than a second predetermined angle, and smaller than a third predetermined angle at the intersection. When the bending angle is equal to or larger than the second predetermined angle, it is determined that guidance is necessary, and the bending angle is equal to or larger than the first predetermined angle and smaller than the second predetermined angle. And the third point at the intersection
If there is no branch other than the above path smaller than the predetermined angle of
And, when the bending angle is smaller than the first predetermined angle , according to the determination result of the intersection guidance presence / absence determination means that determines that guidance is unnecessary, the intersection right / left turn determination means and the intersection guidance presence / absence determination means, When the vehicle's position passes through the guide point, at the time of a right turn, it performs necessary intersection guidance by voice from the right speaker,
A traveling position display device comprising: voice guidance means for performing necessary intersection guidance by voice from a left speaker when turning left.