JP3250554B2 - Map 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 map display device which displays a road map viewed from a preset position as a three-dimensional image.

[0002]

[0003]

In the traditional car navigation system [invention is technical problem to be solved], when displaying a three-dimensional image, distant views of the three-dimensional image is possible to view the sky as (background image) and general Has become. However,
In this case, even when the viewpoint direction changes (when the traveling direction of the vehicle changes), the same image (sky) is always displayed as a distant scene, so there is much room for improvement in the appearance on the display. Met. On the other hand, in the related art, based on altitude data obtained from map data, a shape of an actual mountain range that becomes a distant scenery is calculated, and the shape of the mountain range obtained based on the calculation result is calculated based on a distance of a three-dimensional image. Something that is drawn (displayed) as a landscape is also considered. However, in this method, a large load is applied to the arithmetic processing for converting the actual altitude data into the data for drawing, so that the time required for processing such as scrolling and rotating the display map becomes longer, and as a result, the display screen becomes larger. It is difficult to smoothly change the image, and the three-dimensional display content may be uncomfortable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to minimize the occurrence of a sense of discomfort when displaying a map three-dimensionally as compared with an actual scene. Therefore, its purpose is to provide a map display device capable of performing the scrolling and rotation of the three-dimensional map display, the change of the background image displayed on a display screen along with it less discomfort relatively smoothly.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a road map created based on map data is stored in a predetermined location.
From the viewpoint position of the camera in a preset viewpoint direction.
Map display having a function of displaying on a display unit as a two-dimensional image
3D image projected above the road map on the device
Image design corresponding to a distant view of
Left and right images at the left
Distant view preparation data that is a continuous form between
Storage that is prepared separately from the map data and stored in advance
Means and viewpoint orientation at the current location, and
The distance stored in the storage means based on the viewpoint orientation.
Corresponds to image designs within a predetermined angle range from the scenery design data
Display control means for drawing data on the display unit .
It is characterized by the following.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the map data
A road map created based on the
3D image as viewed from the set viewpoint orientation
In the map display device having a function to be displayed on the radical 113, road
In contrast to the distant scenery of the three-dimensional image projected above the road map
Developed image designs in a plane for a predetermined viewing angle
Left and right images are continuous between left and right
The map data as distant view preparation data
Storage means for storing in advance are prepared separately from, the storage
Out of the distant view design data stored in the means,
A predetermined angle range developed to the left and right based on a fixed viewpoint orientation
Distant scenery of a three-dimensional image based on the data
That it was equipped with a display control means for rendering on the display unit
Features.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined
The viewpoint position is the current position of the vehicle, and the traveling direction of the vehicle is forward.
It is characterized in that the predetermined viewpoint orientation is set.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the map data
The road map created based on the current location of the vehicle
Displayed on the display as a three-dimensional image viewed in both traveling directions
In the map display device having a Shimesuru function, on the road map
Image corresponding to the distant scenery of the three-dimensional image projected to
Image design is flattened out by a predetermined viewing angle
It is a form that left and right end images are continuous between left and right
Apart from the map data as such distant view preparation data
Storage means for storing in advance is prepared, progression direction of the vehicle
Direction, and based on the detected traveling direction of the vehicle.
The distant view design data stored in the storage means
The data corresponding to the image design in the predetermined angle range from
Display control means for drawing on the display unit .
You. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the map data
The road map created based on the current position of the vehicle
Displayed on the display as a three-dimensional image viewed in the direction of travel
In the map display device having a function of road map above
Image corresponding to the distant scenery of the three-dimensional image projected on the
In a state where the design is spread out two-dimensionally by a predetermined viewing angle
In this case, the left and right images are continuous between the left and right.
Unescaped design data for use separately from the map data
Storage means for storing previously been meaning, stored in the storage means
Out of the distant view design data,
Predetermined that expands to the left and right based on the viewpoint orientation according to the direction
Distant 3D image based on terrestrial scenery data of angle range
Display control means for drawing a landscape of the image on the display unit .
It is characterized by the following. Therefore, as the distant view preparation data,
By storing data corresponding to an actual distant scenery (for example, data corresponding to the shape of a mountain range that becomes a distant scenery), it is possible to display the sky as a distant scenery in comparison with a conventional configuration in which the sky is fixedly displayed. Appearance is improved. In addition, the displayed background image changes sequentially according to the viewpoint direction (the traveling direction of the vehicle) , so that the appearance on the display is also improved from this aspect.

In this case, the distant view design data stored in the storage means is in a state in which an image design corresponding to a distant scene of the three-dimensional image is flatly developed by a predetermined viewing angle.
In this case, the left and right images are continuous between the left and right.
Prepared separately from map data as distant view preparation data
Since that is the one that, when drawing a predetermined portion of the distant view for design data, if included both ends of the distant view for design data to the data discontinuity image views of distant displayed Although there is a possibility that the discomfort is caused become, the
The background image displayed based on the distant view design data does not become discontinuous as described above. As a result, when a road map displayed as a three-dimensional image is scrolled or rotated, the background image projected on the display screen can be relatively smoothly changed with a sense of incongruity in accordance with the scrolling or rotation. There is no danger of feeling strange. Further, it is only necessary to read out distant view image data to display a distant scene, and a calculation operation based on actual altitude data as in the related art is unnecessary, which adversely affects the control operation of the display control means. This eliminates the possibility of giving a sense of discomfort on the display from this aspect as well.

[0010]

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the distant view design data stored in the storage means is data corresponding to a 360 ° viewing angle of a distant scene of a three-dimensional image.
The viewpoint orientation and the distant scenery in the three-dimensional image can be displayed in a state where they match the actual scenery, and the discomfort on the display can be further reduced.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores an image design substantially along a distant scene that can be actually recognized for each specific area on the road map above the road map of the three-dimensional image. Since the unique distant view preparation data for projecting is stored, even if the viewpoint position changes, it is possible to display a distant view roughly along the actual scenery in the 3D image, which makes the display uncomfortable It can be further reduced.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores a plurality of distant view design data created in accordance with an actual distant scene whose aspect changes depending on the season, time, and the like. This makes it possible to display a distant scene corresponding to an actual scene that changes in accordance with the transition of the scene, the transition of time, and the like, thereby improving the appearance on the display and reducing the discomfort on the display. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention,
According to this, a road map created based on map data
When viewing from a fixed viewpoint position in a preset viewpoint direction
Map table with function to display on display unit as 3D image
3D image projected above the road map on the display device
Image design corresponding to the distant scene of the image
Left and right images are left
Distant view preparation data that is continuous between right and left
To be prepared separately from the map data and stored in advance.
Storage means and the viewpoint orientation can be changed by manual operation.
The distant view design data stored in the storage means
Of which is based on the viewpoint orientation changed by the manual operation
A distant view preparation artisan day with a predetermined angle range developed to the left and right
Draw a distant view of a 3D image based on the data on the display
And a display control unit that performs Follow
According to the ninth aspect, in particular, the viewpoint orientation is manually operated.
Can be changed. According to the invention of claim 10
If the distant view preparation data stored in the storage means is
Display data, the display control means
Distant view of a 3D image simply by reading the data as it is
Can be drawn, reducing the load on the display control means.
Become so.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a car navigation system will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Schematically shows the overall configuration. In FIG. 2, the position detection unit 1 is a GPS (Global Positioning Sys
tem) A part which is composed of a receiver, a direction sensor, a gyro sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, etc. (all not shown), and calculates current position information (including altitude information) of the vehicle. The position detector 1 is configured to use each sensor while interpolating because each sensor has an error having a different property. However, if the current position can be calculated, it is not necessary to provide all of these sensors. At least one of them.

The map data storage 2 is a device for inputting so-called map matching data for improving the accuracy of position detection, various data including map data and target data, and includes a DVD player, a CD player, and a hard disk. It is composed of devices and the like.

The switch information input unit 3 is, for example, switches mounted on the left and right and up and down of the display device, and also includes a viewpoint change switch (not shown) for changing the viewpoint height of the three-dimensional display screen in a plurality of steps. It has a configuration that includes it.

The memory unit 4 includes a ROM and a RAM (both not shown), and temporarily stores a navigation program, a work memory of the program, map data obtained from the map data storage unit 2, and the like. This is the part to do.

The display unit 5 is for displaying a map, a destination selection screen, or the like as a navigation. The screen includes a current position mark of the vehicle input from the position detection unit 1 and a map data storage unit 2. The road map created based on the map data from, and additional data such as a guide route and a mark of a set point to be displayed on the road map are displayed in a superimposed manner. The audio output unit 6 outputs audio for guidance and audio for explaining screen operations.

The control unit 7 (corresponding to a display control unit) automatically selects an optimum route from the current position to the destination in accordance with an operation on the switch information input unit 3 to form and display a guidance route. It performs a route guidance function, performs map matching processing, calculates guidance voice, draws a map, and the like. The Dijkstra method is known as a method for automatically setting the optimum route in this way.

Although the control unit 7 is actually constituted by a microcomputer, functionally, it is a map data acquisition unit 8, a map matching unit 9, a route calculation unit 10, a route guidance unit 11, a drawing Unit 12, screen control management unit 1
3 is comprised.

The map matching unit 9 uses the current position information detected by the position detection unit 1 and the road shape data of the map data read from the map data storage unit 2 to determine on which road the current position is located. Identify. In addition, the user performs an operation of displaying a desired map using the switch information input unit 3, and sets a destination. The route calculation unit 10 calculates information on the current position calculated by the map matching unit 9 and the route from the departure point specified by the user to the destination.

The route guidance unit 11 calculates the result of the route calculation and the road shape data stored in the map data,
A point required for guidance is calculated from the position information of the intersection, the position information of the railroad crossing, or the like, and what kind of guidance (turn right or turn left) is calculated.

The drawing unit 12 draws a map corresponding to the current position, a schematic diagram of an expressway, and an enlarged view near an intersection in the vicinity of an intersection in accordance with an instruction from the screen control management unit 13.
The display image of the display unit 5 is stored in a frame memory (for example, VRAM) for storing the image.

In this case, in the drawing unit 12, based on the current position information from the position detection unit 1 and the viewpoint height information from the switch information input unit 3, the line-of-sight direction from the display reference point (current position mark) Is set to determine the display target range of the map data, an operation of calculating coordinate conversion parameters necessary for three-dimensional display is performed, and further, map data of a predetermined range including the determined display target range is stored in the map data storage unit. (2) It is not necessary to read the portion overlapping with the map data of the already displayed screen again, but to read only newly necessary map data. Next, the drawing unit 12
Converts the map data obtained as described above into three-dimensional image data using the coordinate conversion parameters, and displays the converted map data on the display unit 5 in a bird's-eye view state as shown in FIG. It is configured to display. In FIG. 3, an index denoted by reference symbol PP is a current position mark, and a line denoted by reference symbol GL is a route guide line indicating a guidance route.

The map data acquisition unit 8 acquires map data required by each of the processing units from the map data storage unit 2,
Provided to each processing unit. Each of the above-described processes is performed based on a program stored in the ROM of the memory unit 4.
This is executed while performing data transfer with M.

The control unit 7 draws a desired image on the drawing unit 12 based on the information calculated by the route guidance unit 11 when the vehicle advances and reaches a position to be guided, Output a predetermined voice to guide the user to the destination.

The flowchart of FIG. 1 shows a part of the control contents of the control unit 7 corresponding to the features of the first embodiment, which will be described below together with the related operation. FIG. 1 shows a routine for changing the viewpoint altitude for detecting the altitude of the vehicle and changing the display contents accordingly. This routine is executed at a predetermined cycle (for example, every time the vehicle travels a predetermined distance). Has become.

In FIG. 1, when the viewpoint height changing routine is started, first, in step S101,
The current altitude of the vehicle is calculated based on the output from the GPS receiver in the position detection unit 1, and the relation between the altitude calculated in this way and the altitude calculated in the previous cycle is determined. The determination step S102 is executed.

If there is no difference between the newly calculated altitude and the previously calculated altitude, that is, if it is determined that the altitude of the vehicle is “no change” as compared with the previous altitude, the additional altitude ΔH to be added to the viewpoint altitude. Is set to zero (step S103).
After the execution of step S103, the viewpoint height at the time of rendering the three-dimensional image is set to the latest viewpoint height (a value automatically set as an initial value or set by the user using the viewpoint change switch in the switch information input unit 3). Altitude obtained by adding the additional altitude ΔH to the calculated value).
(After executing step S103, ΔH = 0) is determined to be a value obtained by adding the step S104, and the step S105 of designating a three-dimensional image by designating the viewpoint height determined in this way is sequentially returned. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the newly calculated altitude is "changed in the plus direction" with respect to the previously calculated altitude, the result of the previous determination in step S102 is "changed". It is determined whether or not "none" or "change in the minus direction" (step S106). Here, the state determined as “YES” corresponds to the state in which the vehicle is approaching an uphill. In this case, step S107 of saving the vehicle altitude at that time as a change point (+) altitude is performed. After the execution, the steps S103 to S105 are sequentially executed, and the process returns.

If "NO" is determined in the step S106, the step S108 for calculating the additional altitude ΔH by subtracting the change point (+) altitude from the current altitude is executed. S
105 is sequentially executed and the routine returns.

If it is determined in step S102 that the newly calculated altitude is "changed in the negative direction" with respect to the previously calculated altitude, the process proceeds to step S1.
It is determined whether or not the previous determination result in “02” was “no change” or “change in the plus direction” (step S
109). Here, the state determined as “YES” corresponds to the state in which the vehicle is approaching a downhill, and in this case, step S110 of saving the vehicle altitude at that time as a change point (−) altitude is performed. After the execution, the steps S103 to S105 are sequentially executed, and the process returns.

If "NO" is determined in the step S109, the additional altitude ΔH is calculated from the latest accumulated value ΣΔH of the additional altitude ΔH in the + direction by the difference between the change point (−) altitude and the current altitude. After executing step S111, which is calculated by subtracting the above, steps S104, S1
05 and then returns.

The control contents of the viewpoint height changing routine as described above are summarized as follows. That is, FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the relationship between the traveling position of the vehicle (indicated by the distance from the origin “0”) and an example of the altitude change accompanying the traveling of the vehicle. In FIG. 4, h (i) is the altitude of the vehicle at an arbitrary point, H is a preset viewpoint altitude, H
(I) is the viewpoint altitude at an arbitrary point, h (+), h
(+) 'Is a change point (+) altitude when the vehicle altitude changes in the plus direction (this is stored in step S107), and h (-) is a change point when the vehicle altitude changes in the minus direction. (-) Altitude (this is stored in step S110).

In FIG. 4, at the timing T1 at which the altitude of the vehicle changes in the plus direction, the changing point (+) altitude h (+) at that time is stored, and thereafter, as the vehicle travels ( That is, the viewpoint altitude H (i) is changed to H (i) = H + ΔH = H + (h (i) −h (+)) (1) according to the increase in the current altitude of the vehicle. . Incidentally, at the timing T1, h
Since (i) = h (+), that is, ΔH = 0, the viewpoint height H (i) is not changed.

Thereafter, at timing T2 when the altitude of the vehicle changes again in the plus direction, the change point (+) altitude h (+) 'at that time is stored and the viewpoint altitude H (i) is
The value is changed to a value obtained by adding a new additional altitude ΔH (= h (i) −h (+) ′) to the latest viewpoint altitude H (i) obtained by the above equation (1).

Thereafter, at timing T3 when the altitude of the vehicle changes in the negative direction, the change point (-) altitude h at that time is obtained.
(−) Is stored, and the viewpoint altitude H (i) is obtained by adding the initial altitude H of the viewpoint altitude to the additional altitude ΔH obtained by the following equation.
Is changed to the value obtained by adding. Here, ΣΔH is the cumulative value of the latest additional height ΔH in the + direction as described above.

.DELTA.H = .SIGMA..DELTA.H- (h (-)-h (i)) Further, during a period in which the altitude of the vehicle does not change, the additional altitude .DELTA.H
Is set to zero, and the viewpoint altitude H (i) up to that point is maintained as it is.

As a result, the viewpoint altitude H (i) is dynamically changed according to the traveling altitude of the vehicle, and when the vehicle climbs up a hill or descends to a valley, etc. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the three-dimensional display content is uncomfortable. In addition, the amount of change in the current altitude h (i) of the vehicle is the altitude (change point (+) altitude = h (+) and h (+) of the vehicle at the time when the vehicle approaches an uphill and at the time when the vehicle approaches a downhill. ) ', Change point (-) altitude = h
(−)), The viewpoint altitude H
The control for dynamically changing (i) can be performed in a state according to the actual running state of the vehicle. Furthermore, since the amount of change in the current altitude h (i) of the vehicle is measured based on the originally required output of the GPS receiver, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to add an extra circuit configuration.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 5 to 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. explain. In other words, the hardware configuration of the second embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). ) Stores distant view design data used to draw a distant view (that is, a distant view) of the three-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 5. Here, the distant view preparation data refers to data (data representing a background) for projecting a mountain range, a sky, a star, etc. above a three-dimensional map prepared separately from map data for drawing a map. .

As shown in FIG. 6, this distant view prepared design data is obtained, for example, in a state where an image design corresponding to the shape of a mountain, which becomes a distant scenery, is planarly developed by a viewing angle of 360 °. The quantized data is stored in the map data storage unit 2 as bitmap data. In this way, when the distant view design data is data corresponding to a 360 ° viewing angle, the left and right end images in the developed image design of the distant scene shown in FIG. 6 necessarily have a continuous form. Things. Note that the example of FIG. 6 shows distant view design data centered on a predetermined reference viewpoint azimuth (for example, any one of north, south, east, west and east) and leftward from the reference viewpoint azimuth. The image at the position A rotated by 180 ° and the image at the position B rotated 180 ° to the right are the same. The distant view design data is unique to each specific area on the road map (for example, each of a large number of unit map data constituting the road map), and is stored for each scale of the three-dimensional image. There are, therefore, a plurality of types.

Here, the distant view preparation data unique to each specific area is defined as a three-dimensional image of a road map of a three-dimensional image, which is an image design which is substantially recognizable for each specific area on the road map and which is substantially recognizable. Refers to the unique data prepared to be projected upward. Specifically, for example, at a certain point in Yamanashi prefecture or Shizuoka prefecture, Mt.Fuji is drawn at a position located in a predetermined direction in the distant view preparation data, for example, at a certain point in Gifu prefecture or Shizuoka prefecture, Mt. Data created in consideration of regional characteristics, such as drawing in the direction, corresponds to this.

The control section 7 performs control for displaying a road map as a three-dimensional image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint position (current position of the vehicle) in a preset viewpoint direction (vehicle traveling direction). At the time of the display control, the viewpoint orientation at the current position is calculated, and based on the angle difference between the calculated viewpoint orientation and the reference viewpoint orientation, the distant view design data corresponds to an image design in a predetermined angle range. It is configured to cut out data and draw a background image of a distant scene corresponding to the data. That is, as schematically shown in FIG. 7, the angle difference between the reference viewpoint azimuth (0 °) and the viewpoint azimuth at the current position located to the right of the reference viewpoint azimuth is α.
When the angle is °, the control unit 7 converts the data in the predetermined angle range (−W ° to + W °) around the point deviated rightward by α ° from the center of the distant view design data shown in FIG. The distant scene of the three-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 5 is cut out based on the cut out distant view design data thus cut out. Incidentally, PP in FIG. 7 is a current position mark of the vehicle.

The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows a part of the control contents of the control unit 7 corresponding to the features of the second embodiment, which will be described below together with related operations. FIG. 5 shows a viewpoint azimuth change routine for detecting the current position and the viewpoint azimuth of the vehicle (the traveling direction of the vehicle) and changing the display contents accordingly. This routine is executed at a relatively short cycle. Configuration.

In FIG. 5, when the viewpoint change routine is started, first, in step S201,
The current position and viewpoint of the vehicle (corresponding to the traveling direction of the vehicle) are calculated based on the outputs from the GPS receiver and the direction sensor in the position detection unit 1. Next, in step S202, the display unit 5 selects a plurality of types of distant view design data.
The data corresponding to the distant scenery (background image) to be displayed is determined based on the current position and the scale of the display map calculated as described above. .

Thereafter, the distant view design data determined as described above is replaced with the currently used distant view design data (display section 5).
Is determined (step S203). If it is determined “NO” here, the process proceeds to step S205 after executing step S204 of acquiring the distant view design data determined in step S202 from the map data storage unit 2, and then proceeds to step S205.
If "YES" is determined, step S204 is jumped to step S205.

In the step S205, the step S2
Based on the viewpoint orientation calculated in step 01, the drawing start position and the drawing stop position (data) in the valid distant view design data (the currently used distant view design data or the newly obtained distant view design data). (Equivalent to the cutting range of
To determine. Then, after that, the determined drawing start position and drawing stop position are designated to instruct drawing of an image (background image) corresponding to the distant view design data (step S2).
After performing step 06, the process returns.

In short, the control unit 7 controls to display the road map as a three-dimensional image viewed from the current position of the vehicle in a predetermined viewpoint direction. At this time, the control unit 7 controls the current position and the viewpoint direction (vehicle direction). Of the plurality of types of distant view design data stored in the map data storage unit 2, the one corresponding to the current position and the scale of the display map calculated as described above is selected, and By extracting and drawing data in a predetermined angle range based on the calculated viewpoint orientation from the distant view design data, a background image that is a distant view of a three-dimensional image is projected.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment in which data corresponding to the actual distant scenery (for example, data corresponding to the shape of the mountain range which becomes the distant scenery) is stored as the distant scenery design data, the present embodiment is fixed as the distant scenery. The appearance on the display is improved as compared with the conventional configuration for displaying the converted sky. Further, the displayed background image is the viewpoint orientation (in the case of this embodiment,
Since it changes sequentially according to the traveling direction of the vehicle), the appearance on the display also improves from this aspect.

In this case, the distant view prepared design data stored in the map data storage unit 2 is a form in which an image design corresponding to a distant scene of a three-dimensional image is planarly developed by a viewing angle of 360 °. Since the left and right images are continuous, even if both ends of the distant view design data are included in the cutout data as described above,
The background image displayed based on the distant view design data does not become discontinuous. As a result, when a road map displayed as a three-dimensional image is scrolled or rotated, the background image projected on the display screen can be relatively smoothly changed with a sense of incongruity in accordance with the scrolling or rotation. There is no danger of feeling strange. In addition, as described above, the distant view preparation data is a 3D image of a distant view.
Since the data is equivalent to a viewing angle of 60 °, it is possible to display the viewpoint orientation and the background image in the three-dimensional image substantially in the state of being substantially coincident with the actual scenery. It can be further reduced.

Further, only a readout of the distant view image data is required to display a distant view, and a calculation operation based on the actual altitude data as in the related art is unnecessary, so that the load on the control unit 7 is reduced. As a result, the control operation is not adversely affected, and there is no possibility that the display may be uncomfortable. Moreover, since the distant view design data is bitmap data, the control unit 7
The distant scenery of the three-dimensional image can be drawn only by reading out the distant view design data as it is, and the load on the control unit 7 can be reduced in this aspect as well. In addition, the map data storage unit 2 stores distant view design data unique to each specific area on the road map (for example, each of a large number of unit map data constituting the road map), so that the viewpoint position has changed. Even in such a case, the background image substantially following the actual scenery can be displayed in the three-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 5, and the discomfort on the display can be further reduced.

(Other Embodiments) In the first embodiment, altitude information is stored together with map data, and the altitude of the point where the current position is located is obtained from the altitude information stored as described above. It is also possible to apply to the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited to a vehicle, and is also applicable to a portable map display device configured to be carried by a person.

In the second embodiment, the distant view design data corresponding to the 360 ° view angle is stored, but the view angle of the background image indicated by the distant view design data is set to less than 360 °. Thus, the background image can be displayed in a simplified state. However, in this case, when obtaining distant view design data in which an image design corresponding to a distant scene is developed two-dimensionally, the left and right end images in the developed image design are set to be continuous between the left and right. I do. When using the simplified terrestrial design data in this manner, when a predetermined portion of the distant design data is cut out and drawn, if the cut-out data includes both ends of the distant design data, it is displayed. There is a possibility that the background image may be discontinuous and a sense of incongruity may occur, but since the distant view design data is stored in a form in which the left and right end images are continuous between the left and right, the data is displayed based on the data. As described above, the background image does not become discontinuous, and there is no fear of giving a sense of discomfort on the display. In addition, when a mountain range that becomes a distant scene is displayed based on the simplified terrestrial scenery design data in this way, the displayed image is different from the actual shape of the mountain range, but the display appearance is improved. In that respect, it will have some effect.

In the second embodiment, the map data storage 2
On the other hand, distant view design data corresponding to scenes such as seasons and time, more specifically, a plurality of distant view design data corresponding to actual distant scenes whose aspect changes according to season, time, etc. are created and stored. It is good also as composition which uses them selectively. According to this configuration, it is possible to display a distant scene corresponding to an actual scene (colored leaves, snow scene, etc.) that changes in accordance with the change of seasons, the change of time, and the like, so that the display appearance is improved. Can be improved and a sense of discomfort on display can be reduced. Alternatively, a plurality of types of sky pattern data according to the weather may be stored, the weather data may be obtained through communication or the like, and an image may be displayed by selectively using the sky pattern data according to the current weather. In the second embodiment, the viewpoint azimuth is changed in accordance with the viewpoint azimuth (the traveling direction of the vehicle). However, a configuration in which the viewpoint azimuth can be changed by a manual operation may be employed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a main part of control contents of a control unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall schematic block diagram.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a display example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship between a traveling position of a vehicle, an altitude of the vehicle, and a viewpoint altitude.

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an image design corresponding to distant view prepared design data.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of drawing a distant scene of a three-dimensional image from distant scene preparation data.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a position detection unit, 2 is a map data storage unit (storage unit), 3
Indicates a switch information input unit, 5 indicates a display unit, and 7 indicates a control unit (display control means).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Junichi Ando 1-1-1, Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Pref. Denso Corporation (56) References JP-A-10-143066 (JP, A) JP-A-10-307034 (JP, A) JP-A-9-244003 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01C 21/00 G08G 1/0969 G09B 29/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A road area created based on map data.
Viewing the figure from a predetermined viewpoint position with a preset viewpoint direction
Has a function to display on the display unit as a three-dimensional image of the state
In a map display device, a distant view of a three-dimensional image projected above a road map
The corresponding image design is displayed in a plane for a predetermined viewing angle.
Left and right images were continuous between left and right when opened
The map data is used as distant view preparation data
Storage means, which is prepared separately from the data and stores in advance, and calculates the viewpoint orientation at the current position and calculates the calculated viewpoint direction.
The distant view preparations stored in the storage means based on the position
Data corresponding to the image design within the specified angle range from the data
JP further comprising a display control means for rendering on the display unit
Map display device. 2. A road area created based on map data.
Viewing the figure from a predetermined viewpoint position with a preset viewpoint direction
Has a function to display on the display unit as a three-dimensional image of the state
In a map display device, a distant view of a three-dimensional image projected above a road map
The corresponding image design is displayed in a plane for a predetermined viewing angle.
Left and right images were continuous between left and right when opened
The map data is used as distant view preparation data
Data and storage means for storing in advance are prepared separately from, the distant view for design data stored in said storage means
That is, the image is developed right and left based on the predetermined viewpoint direction.
Three-dimensional image based on distant view design data in a predetermined angle range
Bei and display control means for rendering a view of the distant on the display unit
A map display device characterized by the following. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined viewpoint position is defined as a current position of the vehicle.
And the traveling direction of the vehicle is set to the predetermined viewpoint direction.
Item 3. The map display device according to item 1 or 2. 4. A map display device having a function of displaying a road map created based on map data as a three-dimensional image viewed from a current position of a vehicle in a traveling direction of the vehicle on a display unit. the image design corresponding to a distant view of a three-dimensional image displayed, as distant view for design data such that the left and right ends image that is continuously form between the left and right at a predetermined angle of view amount corresponding state of plane deployed The map day
Storage means for storing in advance are prepared separately from the data, and detects the traveling direction of the vehicle, detected the vehicle
Display control means for drawing, on the display unit, data corresponding to an image design within a predetermined angle range from the distant view design data stored in the storage means based on both traveling directions. Display device. 5. A road area created based on map data.
Fig. 3 shows the figure viewed from the current position of the vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
Map display having a function of displaying on a display unit as a two-dimensional image
In the device, in the distant view of the three-dimensional image projected above the road map
The corresponding image design is displayed in a plane for a predetermined viewing angle.
Left and right images were continuous between left and right when opened
The map data is used as distant view preparation data
Data and storage means for storing in advance are prepared separately from, the distant view for design data stored in said storage means
In other words, based on the viewpoint direction corresponding to the traveling direction of the vehicle,
Based on the terrestrial view preparation data of a predetermined angle range developed to the left and right
Table for drawing a distant scene of a three-dimensional image to be displayed on the display unit
Map display device characterized by comprising a 示制control means. Design data wherein said distant view, map display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the data corresponding to the viewing angle of 360 ° min. 7. The distant view prepared design data includes a unique design for projecting an image design substantially along a distant scene that can be actually recognized for each specific area on the road map above the road map in a three-dimensional image. The map display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data is stored in the storage means in advance as data. 8. design data the distant view, to the claims 1, characterized in that it is pre-stored in the storage means with a plurality prepared in accordance with the actual distant landscape that varies depending on the season and time aspects 8. The map display device according to any one of 7). 9. A road area created based on map data.
Viewing the figure from a predetermined viewpoint position with a preset viewpoint direction
Has a function to display on the display unit as a three-dimensional image of the state
In a map display device, a distant view of a three-dimensional image projected above a road map
The corresponding image design is displayed in a plane for a predetermined viewing angle.
Left and right images were continuous between left and right when opened
The map data is used as distant view preparation data
Storage means that is prepared separately from the data and stored in advance, and the viewpoint orientation can be changed by manual operation, and the distant view design data stored in the storage means is stored in the storage means.
That is, based on the viewpoint orientation changed by the manual operation,
To the terrestrial scenery design data within a predetermined angle range developed to the left and right
Draw a distant scene of a three-dimensional image based on the display unit
Map display device comprising display control means.
Place. 10. The distant view preparation design data is stored in the storage device.
Is stored in advance in the column as bitmap data.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
Map display device.