JP3801322B2 - Traffic information display device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a traffic information display device for converting map data stored in a map data storage means such as a CD-ROM into a deformed map having excellent discrimination.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When displaying a road map and road traffic information on a display device in the vehicle, the road information not required by the driver of the vehicle is deleted, and a deformed map with excellent identification is displayed, and FM multiplex broadcasting and other communication means are displayed. There is a demand for a traffic information display device that receives the road traffic information transmitted by, and displays it together with map data.
[0003]
Conventionally, as this type of traffic information display device, for example, a device described in JP-A-5-53498 has been known. This is because a general map display device displays map data stored in a CD-ROM or the like, whereas a deformed map creation means for connecting the start point and end point of each road existing in the map data with a straight line. It has an added configuration. Then, the road traffic information transmitted from the traffic information processing center, such as VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), is displayed superimposed on a deformed map (abbreviated map).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional traffic information display device, the number of display elements of the deformed map output within the display range of the display device cannot be controlled to an appropriate number requested by the user. For this reason, the display on the deformed map is excessively complicated or too simple, and there is a problem that the display content is difficult to understand. In addition, display elements output within the display range are partially concentrated, and there is a problem that display contents are difficult to understand.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and the map data stored in the map data storage means such as a CD-ROM is displayed according to the intention of the driver of the vehicle. It is an object of the present invention to realize a traffic information display device that can display a road map converted into a deformed map with excellent discrimination by restricting and can also guide traffic information. Another object of the present invention is to realize a communication information display device that prevents display elements from being partially concentrated in the display range by distributing display elements over the entire display range, so that the driver can easily see and understand the display contents. .
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve such problems, the present invention provides a map data storage means for storing road-related symbols including roads and intersections, and map data having the names of the road-related symbols as additional information, and the map data storage Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data stored in the means; parameter setting means for setting parameters including the number of road-related symbols to be output on a display screen and a ratio of the additional information to the road-related symbols And a display range moving means for moving the display range of the map in an arbitrary direction on the display screen according to the user's instruction, and a new range within the range designated by the display range moving means with respect to the previously created deformed map data. Additional map data acquisition means for acquiring map data necessary for the map data storage means, and the map data acquisition means The number of the road-related symbols and the additional information included in the map data acquired in step 3 is compared with the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information obtained from the parameters, and the road-related symbols included in the map data. And at least one of the number of additional information is greater than the number of the road-related symbol and the additional information obtained from the parameter, the importance assigned to the road-related symbol and the additional information respectively. Accordingly, by determining the road-related symbol and the additional information to be displayed on the display screen, the road-related symbol to be displayed on the display screen and the number of the additional information are controlled to a fixed number, When the display range moving means is instructed by the display range moving means, the shift is performed so that the boundary connection with the previously created deformed map can be maintained. A display element number control unit that adds the road related symbol and the additional information and deletes the road related symbol and the additional information of the deformed map that is out of the display range, and is controlled to a fixed number by the display element number control unit. The deformed map creating means for creating deformed map data describing important road information from the display element composed of the road-related symbol and the additional information, the deformed map created by the deformed map creating means, or the map Output means for displaying a detailed map held in the data storage means.
[0007]
  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a map data storage means for storing road-related symbols including roads and intersections, and map data having the names of the road-related symbols as additional information, and the map data storage Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data stored in the means, parameter setting means for setting parameters including the number of road-related symbols to be output on a display screen, and a ratio of the additional information to the road-related symbols A display screen magnification changing means for changing the display magnification of the map according to a user's instruction, and a map newly required for the previously created deformed map when the reduced display is instructed by the display screen magnification changing means Additional map data acquisition means for acquiring data from the map data storage means, and map data acquired by the map data acquisition means The number of the road-related symbols and the additional information included in the map data is compared with the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information included in the map data. Is greater than the number of the road-related symbol and the additional information obtained from the parameter, depending on the importance given to the road-related symbol and the additional information, respectively, on the display screen By determining the road-related symbols and the additional information to be displayed on the display screen, the road-related symbols to be displayed on the display screen and the number of the additional information are controlled to a fixed number, and the display screen magnification changing means In order to maintain the boundary connection with the previously created deformed map when the reduced display is instructed from A display element number control means for adding a road related symbol and the additional information and controlling the number of the road related symbols and the additional information on the entire display screen to a constant number, and the display element number control means controls the number to a constant number. Further, a deformed map creating means for creating deformed map data describing important road information from a display element composed of the road-related symbol and the additional information, a deformed map created by the deformed map creating means, or the map data Output means for displaying a detailed map held in the storage means.
[0008]
  Here, the road-related symbol includes a road and an intersection, and the additional information may be a name of a place where the road and the intersection are located and a name of the road and the intersection.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(Embodiment 1)
A traffic information display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a traffic information display apparatus according to the present invention. The traffic information display device according to each embodiment basically includes a vehicle position detection unit 1, an input unit 2, a map information calculation processing unit 3, a map data storage unit 4, and an output unit 5.
[0024]
The vehicle position detector 1 includes a GPS receiver, a vehicle speed sensor for measuring the speed of the vehicle, a gyro sensor for detecting the yaw angle of the vehicle, and the like. The vehicle position is calculated by performing a matching process between the output of each sensor and the map data recorded in the map data storage unit 4.
[0025]
The input unit 2 is a type of display element to be displayed on one screen when a deformed map (abbreviated map) is created in addition to the operation of switching the position and scale of the map to be displayed by a key input operation by a user such as a vehicle driver. And its number are set. The map information calculation processing unit 3 performs overall control in the traffic information display device by a program described in advance, and controls each unit in response to an operation request from the input unit 2 or parameters specified by the input unit 2 Based on the above, the detailed map data stored in the map data storage unit 4 is converted into substantially map data. The calculation processing procedure of the map information calculation processing unit 3 is different depending on each embodiment.
[0026]
The map data storage unit 4 is, for example, a CD-ROM that is a recording medium on which map data is recorded and its driving device, or in addition to this, a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk. The output unit 5 is a display device that presents the map data stored in the map data storage unit 4 and the processing result in the map information calculation processing unit 3 to the user, and outputs a display and sound for visually outputting information. It includes a speaker that does
[0027]
The traffic information display device of the present embodiment displays the following map information as a deformed map to the driver.
(1) A map that grasps the connection relationship of roads around the current location.
(2) A map for grasping the route of the route search result.
(3) A map that displays vehicle service information represented by traffic information and the like.
[0028]
When creating a deformed map, this traffic information display device displays the types and number of display elements composed of the number of intersections, the number of various names, landmarks, etc. displayed on one screen. The main purpose is to automatically provide the user with a constant amount of information regardless of the display range and display hierarchy.
[0029]
The operation of the traffic information display apparatus having such a function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 and the display maps of FIGS. First, the current vehicle position is calculated in step S1 of FIG. For this purpose, the vehicle position is detected by a vehicle position detection unit 1 composed of sensors such as GPS, vehicle speed, and gyro. In step S2, the display range of the map data is determined with the vehicle position detected in step S1 or an arbitrary position designated by the user using the input unit 2 as the center.
[0030]
In step S3, the map data corresponding to the display range determined in step S2 is read from the map data storage unit 4. Next, in step S4, it is selected whether or not to create a deformed map by input from the input unit 2. If the deformed map is to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S7. If the deformed map is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, normal map image data is created from the map data read in step S3. FIG. 3 shows an example in which normal map image data is displayed.
[0031]
When the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. 2, the type and number of display elements to be displayed in one screen are set. That is, the input unit 2 is used to set the number of intersections and character information such as intersection names and place names and the number of accompanying information such as landmarks in accordance with the range setting and the ratio to the number of intersections. In step S8, the range of the number of intersections set in step S7 is compared with the number of intersections included in the map data read out in step S3. When the number of intersections included in the map data is smaller than the set range, The process proceeds to step S9, and if it exceeds the set range, the process proceeds to step S10.
[0032]
When the process proceeds to step S9, the display range determined in step S2 is expanded in two directions by a predetermined value, and the expanded range is set as a new display range. Then, newly required map data is read from the map data storage unit 4 and the process returns to step S8.
[0033]
In the next step S10, the intersection included in the map data read in step S3 or step S9 is compared with the range of the number of intersections set in step S7, and the number of intersections included in the map data is set. Check whether the number of intersections is within the range. If it is within the set number of intersections, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is out of the range, the process proceeds to step S11.
[0034]
In step S11, the number of intersections is adjusted so that the number of intersections included in the map data converges within the set number of intersections, and the process returns to step S10. In the adjustment of the number of intersections in step S11, for example, the importance is defined by weighting using the type and number of roads connected to each intersection as a parameter, and the number of intersections to be displayed is processed by threshold processing. It is to adjust the increase or decrease.
[0035]
In step S12, the number of additional information set in step S7 is compared with the number of additional information in the map data to check whether the number of additional information in the map data is within a set value range. If the number of additional information in the map data is greater than the set value, the process proceeds to step S13, and if it is less than the set value, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S13, the number of additional information is adjusted so that the number of additional information in the map data converges to the number of additional information set in step S7, and the process returns to step S12.
[0036]
In the adjustment of the number of additional information in step S13, for example, place names are weighted in the order of prefectures, cities, towns, villages, and intersection names are weighted according to the importance of the intersection selected in step S11. The landmark is weighted according to the distance from the selected intersection. Then, by performing threshold processing, the increase / decrease adjustment of the number of additional information is performed. In step S14, a display image of the deformed map is created using the map data thinned to the number in the set range in step S10 and the additional information thinned to the number in the set range in step S12.
[0037]
In step S6, the display image of the normal map created in step S5 or the display image of the deformed map created in step S14 is output to the output unit 5.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the components of the map information calculation processing unit 3A in the first embodiment. Step S3 in FIG. 2 constitutes the function of the map data acquisition means 31 that acquires the map data stored in the map data storage unit 4. Step S7 constitutes the function of the parameter setting means 32 for setting the number of intersections output in one display screen and the ratio of the number of additional information to the number of intersections, and is set by the input unit 2.
[0039]
Steps S8 to S12 are functions of the display element number control means 33 for controlling the number of intersection data and additional information in the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means 31 based on the parameters set by the parameter setting means 32 to a fixed number. Is configured. Step S14 constitutes the function of the deformed map creating means 34 for creating deformed map data from the display elements composed of the intersections and additional information controlled to a fixed number by the display element number controlling means 33.
[0040]
FIG. 4 shows an image of map data after controlling the number of intersections and additional information, and FIG. 5 shows an image of a deformed map created from this map data. In the deformed map in FIG. 5, the number of intersections is set to 16, and the number of intersections × 0.5 or less is set for each item of intersection name, landmark, road name, and place name.
[0041]
In this embodiment, place information, intersection names, landmarks, and road names are targeted as additional information, but any kind of information may be used as long as the information is included in the map data.
[0042]
In the above embodiment, the display element number control means 33 controls the number of intersection data and additional information in the map data to a fixed number as the first example. However, the current position of the vehicle or the user specified it. The case where the display elements on the map are controlled according to the distance from the position will be described below as a second example.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 7, the thinning level is changed around the vehicle position. Within the range of the radius r1, the thinning level is set to 1, and only the narrow street is deleted regarding the road. The road name and landmark of this narrow street are deleted. The thinning level is set to 2 within the radius r2, and the local road is deleted along with the narrow street for the road. Further, since the vehicle cannot move to the place within the radius r3 for a while, the level is set to thinning level 3, and the roads including the local road and the prefectural road are also deleted.
[0044]
FIG. 8 is a map belonging to a specific map number in the map data storage unit 4. Assume that the current vehicle position is point P, and the display device displays a portion within the range indicated by the black frame. When the user of this map sees a wider range of maps, the display range must be expanded left, right, up and down from the black frame. If the display is enlarged as it is, the number of display elements such as road names, landmarks, and town names increases. Therefore, the deformed map creating means 34 in FIG. 6 reduces the number of display elements and the road data is also approximated by broken lines. Use to recreate the map.
[0045]
At this time, the display element number control means 33 deletes only the narrow streets where the vehicle cannot pass within the radius r1 from the point P, and displays the detailed map data as it is otherwise. FIG. 9 is a deformed map for FIG. 8 in which the number of display elements is limited by such a method. Therefore, when the vehicle is at the point P, the driver can easily find the target building or intersection that is supposed to be located in the vicinity, or the current traveling position can be estimated from the surrounding environment. Further, unnecessary detail display is distant from point P, and a wider range of landmarks or main road names can be displayed in a limited display range. As the vehicle moves, the detailed display area moves with the vehicle.
[0046]
Next, a third example of the display element number control means 33 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the display element number control means 33 controls the number of intersections and additional information that can be displayed in one screen so that the road type or road route selected by the user is given priority.
[0047]
FIG. 10 is a detailed road map of the city center. Here, expressways, city expressways, national roads, and prefectural roads are also displayed. When the road type is specified by the parameter setting means 32 so as to select, for example, a national road and a prefectural road, the map data acquisition means 31 receives the selected national road as shown in FIG. The line data and node data of the prefectural road are read and given to the deformed map creating means 34. Then, the display element number control means 33 reduces the number of display elements, and the deformed map creating means 34 creates a deformed map as shown in FIG. 12 and displays it on the display device. If a road route is designated, the road with the route number is displayed.
[0048]
By controlling the number of display elements in this way, it is possible to give information for driving while avoiding toll roads or conversely selecting only expressways to avoid waiting for traffic lights in the city center. it can.
[0049]
Next, another operation example of the deformed map creating means 34 will be described. The 1st example is putting together the intersection group into one representative intersection about the proximity intersection group comprised by a short distance road. When a vehicle moves from a suburb through a city center to another suburb, intersection information concentrated on the main trunk line in the city center is often not so important for the driver. Especially in the city center, the display density of roads, town names, and landmarks increases extremely, so it is better to display a deformed map for drivers who are not interested in this area.
[0050]
FIG. 13A is an example of a detailed map and a deformed map regarding an intersection. When the vehicle turns right or left at this representative intersection, it is more practical to proceed according to the road sign installed just before this intersection, rather than looking at this deformed map.
[0051]
Next, a second example of the deformed map creating means 34 will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), among the map data extracted by the map data acquisition means 31, one piece of bidirectional data can be used for data in which the upper and lower lines of the same route are recorded as separate data. To integrate it into the route.
[0052]
A road number or a road name is added to a main road in map data such as a CD-ROM together with a distinction between upper and lower lines and node and line data. Therefore, when the road number or the road name is the same and the node and line data are slightly different, the two upper and lower roads can be combined into one. FIG. 13B is an example of a detailed map and a deformed map regarding the vertical line. The driver can easily distinguish which of the upper and lower lines is traveling by looking directly at the adjacent road and the traveling direction of other vehicles. Therefore, this deformed map is useful enough. If you need a detailed map, you can stop the deformation. In this way, the number of lines in the display range is reduced, and character data such as road traffic information can be inserted into the vacant space.
[0053]
Next, a third example of the deformed map creating means 34 will be described. Here, among the map data extracted by the map data acquisition means 31, a plurality of roads are in a vertical relationship, and the upper and lower roads are displayed by three-dimensionally displaying the upper road of the road with respect to the data displayed in a superimposed manner. It is to clarify.
[0054]
The main roads in the city center have a large number of vehicles, and the direction of travel of the vehicles may vary, such as those that continue straight and those that turn right or left. For this reason, many of these arterial roads have an elevated road without a signal and a lower road that can be turned right or left. However, on the map, it is difficult for the driver to immediately determine the vertical relationship, and a map that is easy to understand is preferable.
[0055]
FIG. 14 shows an operation procedure of the deformed map creating means 34 in such a case. First, road data is acquired from map data in step R1. Then, in the next step R2, it is determined whether or not the roads overlap. If they overlap, the process proceeds to step R3. If they do not overlap, the process is stopped. In step R3, as shown in FIG. 13 (c), the upper road is translated in an empty direction. In step R4, pier marks are added at regular intervals between the upper and lower roads. Then, the driver can easily identify whether the road that is currently running becomes an overpass or a lower road by looking at the pier mark.
[0056]
Next, a fourth example of the deformed map creating means 34 will be described. Here, among the map data extracted by the map data acquisition means 31, a plurality of roads are in a vertical relationship, and for the data displayed in a superimposed manner, the display of the plurality of roads is performed by shifting one or the other relative to each other. To separate. FIG. 13D is a road map before and after separation when there are upper and lower roads. The operation procedure of the deformed map creating means 34 in this case is the same as that of the third example described above except that the pier mark is not added.
[0057]
(Embodiment 2)
Next, a traffic information display apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the traffic information display apparatus according to the present embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. This traffic information display device includes an external information acquisition unit 6 in addition to a vehicle position detection unit 1, an input unit 2, a map information calculation processing unit 3B, a map data storage unit 4, and an output unit 5.
[0058]
The external information acquisition unit 6 receives road traffic information by VICS using FM multiplex broadcasting or radio wave beacons. As shown in FIG. 16, the map information calculation processing unit 3B includes a map data acquisition unit 31, a deformed map creating unit 34, and an attribute symbol creating unit 35, and calculates map information necessary for creating a deformed map. is there. The attribute symbol creation means 35 creates an attribute symbol indicating a pointer to the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit 6.
[0059]
The operation of the traffic information display apparatus having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17 and the display maps of FIGS. First, in step Q1 of FIG. 17, the vehicle position detector 1 detects the current vehicle position. In step Q2, the display range of the map data is determined with the vehicle position detected in step Q1 or an arbitrary position designated by the user using the input unit 2 as the center.
[0060]
In step Q3, map data corresponding to the display range determined in step Q2 is read from the map data storage unit 4. Next, in step Q4, specific road traffic information on the currently read map is extracted from the road traffic information received by the external information acquisition unit 6.
[0061]
FIG. 18 is a deformed map to which attribute symbols are added, and FIG. 19 is a deformed map to which attribute symbols and character information are added. For example, when the external information acquisition unit 6 extracts character information such as “downstream street, Yamashita south 4 to 3 km in the direction of Kawanakacho” in step Q5, the “congestion” mark as shown at point P1 in FIG. 18 is used as an attribute symbol. create. In step Q6, a deformed map is created in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and an attribute symbol is added and displayed in step Q7. In the example of FIG. 18, traffic congestion has occurred in the vicinity of points P1 and P2, and the parking lot at point P3 is full.
[0062]
Next, when a driver of a vehicle traveling on the downstream street looks at the contents of the display device and wants to know detailed information of the traffic jam, the cursor of the input unit 2 may be operated to click on the mark P1. In step Q8, if the attribute symbol of point P1 is selected, the process proceeds to step Q9, and if not selected, the display of the mark is stopped. In step Q9, in the upper right window of FIG. 19, the text information “Travel time to Kawanakacho 25 minutes” is displayed in addition to the display of “Kawashita Street, Yamashita Minami 4 to Kawanakacho 3Km traffic jam”.
[0063]
As described above, when road traffic information is broadcast by VICS regarding the road included in the currently displayed map, the traffic jam information is automatically replaced with the “traffic jam” mark and displayed at the corresponding location. The driver can know more detailed road traffic information by selecting only attribute symbols relating to roads or intersections to be passed. Also, a deformed map of the traveling direction of the vehicle on the map is displayed without being masked by the broadcast character information.
[0064]
(Embodiment 3)
Next, a traffic information display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration of the traffic information display device of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 20 is an internal configuration diagram centering on the map information calculation processing unit 3C. The map information calculation processing unit 3C includes a map data acquisition unit 31, a display element number control unit 33, a deformed map creation unit 34, a detailed map data acquisition unit 36, and a detailed map display range setting unit 37. The map information necessary for creation is calculated.
[0065]
The display element number control means 33 is a means for controlling the number of intersection data and additional information in the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means 31 to a fixed number based on the parameters set by the parameter setting means 32. The deformed map creating means 34 is means for creating deformed map data from display elements constituted by intersections and additional information controlled to a fixed number by the display element number controlling means 33. The detailed map data acquisition means 36 is means for acquiring detailed map data of an arbitrary range of the deformed map data created by the deformed map creating means 34 from the map data storage unit 4. The output unit 5 is a display device that selectively displays the deformed map data created by the deformed map creating means 34 and the map data obtained by the detailed map data obtaining means 36.
[0066]
The operation of the traffic information display apparatus having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21 and the display maps of FIGS. First, in step N1, the current vehicle position is calculated. In step N2, the display range of the map data is determined with the vehicle position detected in step N1 or the arbitrary position designated by the user using the input unit 2 as the center.
[0067]
In step N3, the map data corresponding to the display range determined in step N2 is read from the map data storage unit 4. In step N4, the type and number of display elements to be displayed in one screen are set. That is, the input unit 2 is used to set the number of intersections and character information such as intersection names and place names and the number of accompanying information such as landmarks in accordance with the range setting and the ratio to the number of intersections. In Step N5, the range of the number of intersections set in Step N4 is compared with the number of intersections included in the map data read out in Step N3. When the number of intersections included in the map data is smaller than the set range, Proceed to step N7, and if it exceeds the set range, proceed to step N6.
[0068]
When the process proceeds to Step N6, the display range determined in Step N2 is expanded in two directions by a predetermined value, and the expanded range is set as a new display range. Then, newly required map data is read from the map data storage unit 4, and the process proceeds to Step N7.
[0069]
In step N7, the intersection included in the map data read in step N3 or step N6 is compared with the range of the number of intersections set in step N4, and the number of intersections in which the number of intersections included in the map data is set. Check whether it is within the range. If it is within the set number of intersections, the process proceeds to Step N9, and if it is out of the range, the process proceeds to Step N8.
[0070]
In step N8, the number of intersections is adjusted so that the number of intersections included in the map data converges within the set number of intersections, and the process returns to step N7. The adjustment of the number of intersections in step N8 is, for example, defining the importance by weighting using the type and number of roads connected to each intersection as parameters, and performing threshold processing on this importance, thereby displaying the number of intersections to be displayed. It is to adjust the increase or decrease.
[0071]
In step N9, the number of additional information set in step N4 is compared with the number of additional information in the map data to check whether the number of additional information in the map data is within the set value range. When the number of additional information in the map data is larger than the set value, the process proceeds to Step N10, and when it is smaller than the set value, the process proceeds to Step N11. In step N10, the number of additional information is adjusted so that the number of additional information in the map data converges to the number of additional information set in step N4, and the process returns to step N9.
[0072]
In the adjustment of the number of additional information in step N10, for example, place names are weighted in the order of prefectures, cities, towns, villages, and intersection names are weighted according to the importance of the intersection selected in step N8. The landmark is weighted according to the distance from the selected intersection. Then, by performing threshold processing, the increase / decrease adjustment of the number of additional information is performed. In step N11, a display image of the deformed map is created using the map data thinned to the number in the set range in step N7 and the additional information thinned to the number in the set range in step N9. In step N12, the deformed map is displayed on the display device.
[0073]
In the next step N13, it is checked whether or not the detailed map display range setting means 37 has specified the display range of the detailed map. If the display range is specified, the process proceeds to step N14. FIG. 22 shows a case where an area indicated by a frame L1 on the deformed map is instructed from the input unit 2 by the driver.
[0074]
In the next step N14, the detailed map data acquisition means 36 acquires the detailed map data in the frame L1 from the map data storage means 4. Then, in step N15, as shown in FIG. 23, a detailed map centering on the downstream street of Yamakawa City is displayed in a window.
[0075]
According to such a display method, the driver can see a detailed map of a specific area at the same time while displaying a wider range of deformed maps, so it is easy to grasp the whole and the vicinity of the vehicle position. . In particular, when you want to examine the boundary part of the deformed map you are currently viewing, you can view the detailed map on the adjacent page by simply moving the cursor and setting a frame without turning the page. Needless to say, in the state where only the deformed map or the detailed map is displayed, the position of the vehicle is controlled so as to be at the center of the display range regardless of the progress of the vehicle based on the position information from the vehicle position detection unit 1. .
[0076]
(Embodiment 4)
Next, a traffic information display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration of the traffic information display device of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 24 is an internal configuration diagram centering on the map information calculation processing unit 3D. The map information calculation processing unit 3D includes a map data acquisition unit 31, a display element number control unit 33, a deformed map creation unit 34, an additional map data acquisition unit 38, and a display range movement unit 39. Map data is read from the storage unit 4 to create deformed map data in which important road information is described, and a deformed map within a display range designated by the user is synthesized.
[0077]
The display range moving unit 39 is a unit that moves the display range in an arbitrary direction according to a user instruction. The additional map data acquisition unit 38 is a unit that acquires, from the map data storage unit 4, map data newly required for the previously created deformed map within the range instructed by the display range moving unit 39. The display element number control means 33 adds the intersection and additional information within the display range specified by the display range moving means 39 so that the boundary connection with the previously created deformed map can be maintained. This is means for deleting intersections and additional information in the deformed map and controlling the number of intersections and additional information as a whole to a fixed number.
[0078]
The operation procedure of the map information calculation processing unit 3D in this case is shown in FIGS. Since the control procedure from step S1 to step S14 shown in FIG. 25 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the operation procedure shown in FIG. 26 will be described. In step S <b> 21, whether or not to move the display range is selected through the input unit 2.
[0079]
If the display range is to be moved, the process proceeds to step S22, and if not moved, the process is terminated. In step S22, the direction and distance are instructed by the input unit 2, and a new display range is determined. In step S23, it is checked whether or not data outside the range of the previously read map is necessary for the display range determined in step S22. If a new map is necessary, the process proceeds to step S24, and if not necessary, the process proceeds to step S25.
[0080]
In step S24, newly required map data is read from the map data storage unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, a point on the road that intersects the boundary between the original map and the map whose display range has been moved is extracted as a boundary point. In the next step S26, the importance of the road including the extracted boundary point or the intersection where the road intersects is set to infinity. Next, returning to step S8 in FIG. 25, a deformed map is created in the same manner as the original map.
[0081]
FIG. 27 shows an example of moving the display range. FIG. 27A shows the original map, and FIG. 27B shows the movement position with respect to the original map. The black circles in the figure indicate the boundary points, and important roads that run from east to west and from north to south are still connected after movement.
[0082]
In this way, when the currently displayed deformed map is scrolled by the operation of the input unit 2, a detailed map that is not displayed is also deformed and displayed so that the road at the boundary portion is not displaced. Since the deformation process is performed only for the necessary range, the display range can be changed at high speed.
[0083]
(Embodiment 5)
Next, a traffic information display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration of the traffic information display device of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 28 is an internal configuration diagram centering on the map information calculation processing unit 3E. The map information calculation processing unit 3E includes a map data acquisition means 31, a display element number control means 33, a deformed map creation means 34, an additional map data acquisition means 38, and a display screen magnification change means 40. Map data is read from the data storage unit 4 to create deformed map data in which important road information is described, and a deformed map at a magnification (scale) designated by the user is synthesized.
[0084]
The display screen magnification changing means 40 is means for changing the magnification of the display screen according to a user instruction. The additional map data acquisition means 38 is means for acquiring map data newly required for the previously created deformed map from the map data storage unit 4 when the display screen magnification changing means 40 performs a reduction operation. In the case of the reduction operation, the display element number control means 33 adds the intersection within the display range specified by the display screen magnification changing means 40 and additional information so that the boundary connection with the previously created deformed map can be maintained, and the deformed map. This is means for controlling the number of the entire intersection and additional information to a fixed number. In the case of an enlargement operation, the display element number control means 33 controls the number of intersections and additional information within the display range designated by the display screen magnification changing means 40 to a fixed number.
[0085]
The operation procedure of the map information calculation processing unit 3E in this case is shown in FIGS. Since the control procedure from step S1 to step S14 shown in FIG. 29 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the operation procedure shown in FIG. 30 will be described. In step S31, whether or not to change the magnification of the display screen is selected through the input unit 2.
[0086]
If the display magnification is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S32. If not changed, the process is terminated. In step S32, the input magnification is instructed by the input unit 2. In step S33, it is determined whether what is instructed in step S32 is enlargement or reduction. In the case of enlargement, since no new map data is required, the process returns to step S10 and a deformed map is created in the same manner as the original map.
[0087]
When reduction is instructed in step S32, the process proceeds to step S34, and it is checked whether data outside the range of the previously read map is necessary. If a new map is necessary, the process proceeds to step S35, and if not necessary, the process proceeds to step S36.
[0088]
In step S35, newly required map data is read from the map data storage unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, a point on the road that intersects the boundary between the original map and the map after the reduction operation is extracted as a boundary point. In the next step S37, the importance of the road including the extracted boundary point or the intersection where the road intersects is set to infinity. Next, returning to step S10 in FIG. 29, a deformed map for the reduced map is created.
[0089]
FIG. 31 shows a map of a certain map number read from the map data storage unit 4, and a map of the outer area M2 is displayed on the output unit. When the user operates the input unit 2 to instruct expansion of the area M1, the result is as shown in FIG. In this case, there is no boundary point, and roads and the like located outside the frame of the area M1 disappear. When an instruction is given to reduce the area M2 to the area M1, the result is as shown in FIG. In this case, since a road or the like located outside the area M2 is newly displayed, the road passing through the boundary point indicated by the black circle in FIG. 33 is displayed so as not to shift. Thus, the area M2 is reduced to the area M4, and the display range is widened.
[0090]
This ensures the consistency of the boundary between the currently displayed reduced map and the previously created deformed map, and in particular, the road does not shift at the boundary. In addition, since the deformation process is performed only on the necessary range after the reduction operation, the display range can be changed at high speed.
[0091]
(Embodiment 6)
Next, a traffic information display apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration of the traffic information display device of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 34 is an internal configuration diagram centering on the map information calculation processing unit 3F. The map information calculation processing unit 3F includes a map data acquisition unit 31, a display element number control unit 33, a deformed map creation unit 34, and a deformed map storage unit 41, and calculates map information necessary for creating a deformed map. Is to do.
[0092]
The deformed map storage means 41 is means for storing deformed map data deformed in advance for a specific road. The deformed map creating means 34 is a means for creating deformed map data by adding connected map data based on the deformed map data acquired from the deformed map storage means 41.
[0093]
The operation of the traffic information display apparatus having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 35 and the display map of FIG. First, in step M1, the current vehicle position is calculated. In step M2, the display range of the map data is determined with the vehicle position detected in step M1 or the arbitrary position designated by the user using the input unit 2 as the center.
[0094]
In step M3, the map data corresponding to the display range determined in step M2 is read from the map data storage unit 4. In step M4, a display mode is selected. If a deformed map is to be displayed, the process proceeds to step M5, and if it is a normal map, the process proceeds to step M15. In step M5, deformed map data such as an urban highway as shown in FIG. 36 (a) is read from the deformed map storage means 41. In step M6, the scale data of these city expressways and the position data of the start point and end point are acquired.
[0095]
In the next step M7, the type and number of display elements to be displayed in one screen are set. In Step M8, the range of the number of intersections set in Step M7 is compared with the number of intersections included in the map data read out in Step M3. When the number of intersections included in the map data is smaller than the set range, The process proceeds to step M10, and if it exceeds the set range, the process proceeds to step M9.
[0096]
When the process proceeds to step M9, the display range determined in step M2 is expanded in two directions by a predetermined value, and the expanded range is set as a new display range. Then, newly required map data is read from the map data storage unit 4, and the process proceeds to Step M10.
[0097]
In step M10, the intersection included in the map data read in step M3 or M9 is compared with the range of the number of intersections set in step M7, and the number of intersections in which the number of intersections included in the map data is set. Check whether it is within the range. If it is within the set number of intersections, the process proceeds to Step M12, and if it is out of the range, the process proceeds to Step M11.
[0098]
In step M11, the number of intersections is adjusted so that the number of intersections included in the map data converges within the set number of intersections, and the process returns to step M10. In step M12, the number of additional information set in step M7 is compared with the number of additional information in the map data to check whether the number of additional information in the map data is within the set value range. If the number of additional information in the map data is greater than the set value, the process proceeds to step M13, and if it is less than the set value, the process proceeds to step M14. In step M13, the number of additional information is adjusted so that the number of additional information in the map data converges to the number of additional information set in step M7, and the process returns to step M12.
[0099]
In step M14, a display image of the deformed map is created using the map data thinned out in the number within the set range in step M10 and the additional information thinned out in the number in the set range in step M12. In step M15, a normal detailed map is created, and the process proceeds to step M16. When the deformed map as shown in FIG. 36B is created in step M14, the above map is displayed on the display device in step M16.
[0100]
According to such a creation method, it is not necessary to deform a specific road such as an urban highway each time. On the other hand, a commercially available electronic map often stores a highway deformed map in advance, so that a desired general deformed map can be created simply by transferring and aligning the map data. In addition, consistency between the highway gate-free part and the general road is not required.
[0101]
(Embodiment 7)
Next, a traffic information display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration of the traffic information display device of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 37 is an internal configuration diagram centering on the map information calculation processing unit 3G. The map information calculation processing unit 3G includes a map data acquisition means 31, a display element number control means 33, a deformed map creation means 34, and a deformed map storage means 42, and calculates map information necessary for creating a deformed map. Is to do.
[0102]
The display element number control means 33 is means for controlling the number of intersection data and additional information in the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means 31 based on the parameters set by the parameter setting means 32 to a fixed number. The deformed map creating means 34 is means for creating deformed map data from display elements constituted by intersections and additional information controlled to a fixed number by the display element number controlling means 33. The deformed map storage means 42 is means for storing the deformed map data created by the deformed map creating means 34 in accordance with a user instruction. The output unit 5 is a display device that displays the deformed map data created by the deformed map creating means 34 or the deformed map stored in the deformed map storage means 42.
[0103]
The operation of the traffic information display apparatus having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step L1, the current vehicle position is calculated. In step L2, the display range of the map data is determined with the vehicle position detected in step L1 or an arbitrary position designated by the user using the input unit 2 as the center.
[0104]
In step L3, the map data corresponding to the display range determined in step L2 is read from the map data storage unit 4. In step L4, a display mode is selected. If a deformed map is to be displayed, the process proceeds to step L5, and if it is a normal map, the process proceeds to step L13.
[0105]
In step L5, the type and number of display elements to be displayed in one screen are set using the input unit 2. In step L6, the range of the number of intersections set in step L5 is compared with the number of intersections included in the map data read out in step L3. When the number of intersections included in the map data is smaller than the set range, The process proceeds to step L7, and if it exceeds the set range, the process proceeds to step L8.
[0106]
When the process proceeds to step L7, the display range determined in step L2 is expanded in two directions by a predetermined value, and the expanded range is set as a new display range. Then, newly required map data is read from the map data storage unit 4, and the process proceeds to Step L8.
[0107]
In step L8, the intersection included in the map data read in step L3 or step L7 is compared with the range of the number of intersections set in step L5, and the number of intersections in which the number of intersections included in the map data is set. Check whether it is within the range. If it is within the set number of intersections, the process proceeds to step L10, and if it is out of the range, the process proceeds to step L9.
[0108]
In step L9, the number of intersections is adjusted so that the number of intersections included in the map data converges within the set number of intersections, and the process returns to step L8. In step L10, the number of additional information set in step L5 is compared with the number of additional information in the map data to check whether the number of additional information in the map data is within the set value range. When the number of additional information in the map data is larger than the set value, the process proceeds to step L11, and when it is smaller than the set value, the process proceeds to step L12. In step L11, the number of additional information is adjusted so that the number of additional information in the map data converges to the number of additional information set in step L5, and the process returns to step L10.
[0109]
In step L12, a display image of a deformed map is created using the map data thinned to the number in the set range in step L8 and the additional information thinned to the number in the set range in step L10. Note that if a normal detailed map is created in step L13, the process proceeds to step L14. In step L14, the above map is displayed on the display device. In the next step L15, it is determined whether or not to save the deformed map created in this way. In the case of saving, the process proceeds to step L16, and the created data is saved in the deformed map storage means 42.
[0110]
In this way, a deformed map that has been created once and often used can be immediately retrieved from the deformed map storage means 42, which is convenient for the driver. Also, logistics vehicles often use the same road regularly, so once a deformed map is created, it can be used repeatedly even if the driver changes, as long as the route is the same.
[0111]
(Embodiment 8)
Next, a traffic information display device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration of the traffic information display device of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 39 is an internal configuration diagram centering on the map information calculation processing unit 3H of the present embodiment. The map information calculation processing unit 3H includes a map data obtaining unit 31, a display range dividing unit 43, a display density calculating unit 44, a display element aligning unit 45, and a deformed map creating unit 34, and is necessary for creating a deformed map. It performs the calculation processing of the correct map information.
[0112]
The display range dividing unit 43 acquires map data of a predetermined range from the map data acquiring unit 31, discriminates the direction distribution of the road, and integrates the display elements, so that the display elements are grouped for each grouped range. It is means to do. In one map acquired from the map data acquisition means 31, when the main roads are formed in a grid like east-west and north-south, the north-south direction is the first direction, and the east-west direction is the second direction. Set the direction. In the case of a single map, if the main road is composed of roads along an environment that is difficult to change due to topography, such as main rivers or railway trunks, and roads orthogonal to these roads, the direction of the former road is designated as the first direction. The direction of 1 and the direction of the latter road are set as the second direction, and the reference direction is set. Furthermore, when the direction of the road is not uniform, the road having the largest road width or vehicle traffic is considered as a reference for the first direction.
[0113]
As described above, the display range dividing unit 43 examines the distributions of the display elements such as the intersections in the display range with respect to the first direction and the second direction, and groups the display elements for each grouped range. do.
[0114]
The display density calculating unit 44 is a unit that calculates the ratio of the number of display elements in each range grouped by the display range dividing unit 43 to the number of display elements in the entire display range. The display element aligning means 45 is a means for setting a reference coordinate axis in each display range grouped by the display range dividing means 43 and translating the display coordinates of the display elements in the area on the reference axis.
[0115]
The deformed map creation unit 34 rearranges the coordinate axes so that the intervals between the reference coordinate axes in each display range set by the display element alignment unit 45 are equal, or is calculated by the display density calculation unit 44. This is means for rearranging the coordinate axes at intervals weighted according to the ratio. Further, the deformed map creating means 34 changes the display coordinates of the display elements belonging to the respective reference coordinate axes, and creates deformed map data.
[0116]
The operation of the traffic information display apparatus having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the following description, as one of the map display elements, a node that is an intersection of a road and a road will be described as an example.
[0117]
First, the current vehicle position is calculated in step K1 of FIG. In step K2, the display range of the map data is determined with the vehicle position detected in step K1 or the arbitrary position designated by the user using the input unit 2 as the center. In step K3, the map data corresponding to the display range determined in step K2 is read from the map data storage unit 4. In step K4, parameters for determining the number of divisions for dividing the display range into small areas and whether the intervals between the reference coordinate axes are distributed uniformly or weighted by display density are set.
[0118]
In step K5, the display range dividing means 43 examines the distribution relating to the direction of the road, and determines the first direction and the second direction which are reference axes. FIG. 42 is map data showing roads and node distributions of a certain city when the latitude direction (latitude direction) is the first direction and the meridian direction (longitude direction) is the second direction. Then, according to the division number set in step K4, the display range is divided in the latitude direction and the longitude direction, and the number of nodes in each small area is counted.
[0119]
In step K6, it is determined whether or not the grouping process has been completed for all nodes in the small area divided in the latitude direction. If not completed, the process proceeds to step K8. If completed, the process proceeds to K7.
[0120]
Node grouping processing is shown in steps K8 to K15. In step K8, it is determined whether or not the determination condition 1 is satisfied. The determination condition 1 is that N (n-1)> N (n) or N (n + 1)> N (n) and N (n-1) with respect to the number N (n) of nodes in the small region n. It is a determination as to whether or not> N (n + 1) is satisfied. If the determination condition 1 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step K12, and if not, the process proceeds to step K9. In Step K12, the small area n is integrated into the same group as the small area n-1, and the process returns to Step K6.
[0121]
In step K9, it is determined whether or not the determination condition 2 is satisfied for N (n) as the number of nodes in the small region n. Judgment condition 2 is whether or not N (n-1)> N (n) or N (n + 1)> N (n) and N (n-1) <N (n + 1) are satisfied It is a judgment. If the determination condition 2 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step K13, and if not, the process proceeds to step K10. In Step K13, the small area n is integrated into the same group as the small area n + 1, and the process returns to Step K6.
[0122]
In step K10, it is determined whether or not the determination condition 3 is satisfied for N (n) as the number of nodes in the small region n. Judgment condition 3 is a judgment whether N (n-1) <N (n) or N (n + 1) <N (n) and N (n)> N (n + 2) are satisfied. is there. If the determination condition 3 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step K14, and if not, the process proceeds to step K11. In Step K14, the small area n + 1 is integrated into the same group as the small area n, and the process returns to Step K6.
[0123]
In step K11, it is determined whether or not the determination condition 4 is satisfied for N (n) as the number of nodes in the small region n. Judgment condition 4 is a judgment whether N (n-1) <N (n) or N (n + 1) <N (n) and N (n)> N (n-2) are satisfied. is there. If the determination condition 4 is satisfied, the process proceeds to Step K15, and if not, the process proceeds to Step K6. In step K15, the small area n-1 is integrated into the same group as the small area n, and the process returns to step K6.
[0124]
In step K7, it is determined whether or not the grouping process for all the nodes in the divided small area is completed in the longitude direction. If not completed, the process proceeds to step K8. If completed, the process proceeds to step K16 in FIG.
[0125]
FIG. 43 shows an example of the display range classified by the grouping process by the display range dividing means 43. In step K16, the display density calculation means 44 determines whether or not to calculate the display density. When the interval between the reference coordinate axes set in step K4 is an even distribution, the display density is not calculated. In the case of weighted distribution, the display density is calculated. If the display density is to be calculated, the process proceeds to step K17. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step K18.
[0126]
In step K17, the number of nodes in each display range grouped is counted, the density (ratio) with respect to the number of nodes in the entire display area is calculated, and the process proceeds to step K18. In step K18, a reference coordinate axis representing the display range is set at the center of each grouped display range, and then the process proceeds to step K19. In step K19, the coordinates of the nodes existing in the display ranges grouped by the display element alignment unit 45 are translated on the reference coordinate axis, and the process proceeds to step K20. FIG. 44 shows an example in which node coordinates are moved and aligned.
[0127]
In step K20, each reference coordinate axis is rearranged so that the interval between the reference coordinate axes set in each display range becomes the distribution value set in step K4. When the weight distribution is set in step K4, the interval between the reference coordinate axes is rearranged so as to be proportional to the display density using the calculation result of step K17.
[0128]
In step K21, the deformed map creating unit 34 translates the coordinates of each node on the reference coordinate axes rearranged in step K20, and creates a deformed map display image. 45A shows a display image before rearrangement, and FIG. 45B shows a display image after rearrangement (equal distribution). In step K22, the display image of the deformed map created in step K21 is output to the output unit 5.
[0129]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, when the currently displayed deformed map is scrolled by the operation of the input unit, the detailed map that is not displayed is also deformed and the road at the boundary portion is not shifted. Is displayed. Since the deformation process is performed only for the necessary range, the display range can be changed at high speed.
[0130]
  According to the invention described in claim 2 of the present application, the consistency of the boundary portion between the currently displayed reduced map and the previously created deformed map is ensured, and in particular, the road does not shift at the boundary portion. In addition, since the deformation process is performed only on the necessary range after the reduction operation, the display range can be changed at high speed.
[0131]
  As described above, the number of display elements such as intersections and additional information in one screen is automatically adjusted to the number specified by the user, so a constant amount of information is always used regardless of the display position and display hierarchy. Can be presented to the person. In addition, in order to expand the area with a large number of display elements, reduce the area with a small number of display elements, and distribute the number of display elements with a uniform density within the display range, a map with no bias in the number of display elements is provided to the user. Can be provided. In addition to the conventional detailed map display, it is possible to display a deformed map where it is easy to grasp information with good visibility.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a traffic information display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the traffic information display apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an example of normal map data (detailed map).
FIG. 4 is a first example of map data in which the number of display elements is controlled.
FIG. 5 is an example of a deformed map.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a thinning level when the number of display elements is controlled according to the distance from the vehicle position.
FIG. 8 is map data to be controlled in which the number of display elements is controlled according to the distance from the vehicle position.
FIG. 9 is an example of map data in which the number of display elements is controlled according to the distance from the vehicle position.
FIG. 10 is map data before controlling the number of display elements (road type) in the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is map data (No. 1) when the number of display elements (road type) is controlled in the first embodiment;
FIG. 12 is map data (part 1) when the number of display elements (road type) is controlled in the first embodiment;
FIG. 13A is a map obtained by deforming an intersection group into one intersection,
(B) is a deformed map in which the up and down lines are integrated into one road,
(C) is a deformed map that clearly shows the distinction between elevated and lower roads,
(D) is a deformed map in which adjacent parallel roads are separated and displayed.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for creating a deformed map when road displays overlap.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a traffic information display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit in the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the traffic information display device in the second embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a deformed map (No. 1) according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a deformed map (part 2) according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the traffic information display device in the third embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a deformed map (part 1) according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a deformed map (No. 2) according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an operation of the traffic information display device in the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the operation of the traffic information display device according to the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 27 is a deformed map according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing an operation of the traffic information display device in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the operation of the traffic information display device according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 31 is a deformed map before changing the magnification in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a deformed map obtained by changing the magnification in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a deformed map obtained by changing the magnification reduction in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit in the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the operation of the traffic information display device in the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 36 is a deformed map according to the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit in the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the operation of the traffic information display device in the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a map information calculation processing unit in the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 40 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an operation of the traffic information display device according to the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the operation of the traffic information display device according to the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram in which a map display range is divided into small regions in the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing grouping of nodes in the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram in which nodes are aligned in the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram in which the reference coordinates are rearranged in the eighth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Vehicle position detector
2 Input section
3, 3A-3H Map information calculation processing section
4 Map data storage
5 Output section
6 External information acquisition unit
31 Map data acquisition means
32 Parameter setting means
33 Display element number control means
34 Deformation map creation means
35 Attribute symbol creation means
36 Detailed map data acquisition means
37 Detailed map display range setting means
38 Additional map data acquisition means
39 Display range moving means
40 Display screen magnification change means
41, 42 Deformation map storage means
43 Display range dividing means
44 Display density calculation means
45 Display element alignment means

Claims (3)

Map data storage means for storing road-related symbols including roads and intersections, and map data having additional information on the names of the road-related symbols;
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data stored in the map data storage means;
Parameter setting means for setting a parameter including the number of the road-related symbols to be output in a display screen and a ratio of the additional information to the road-related symbols;
A display range moving means for moving the display range of the map in an arbitrary direction according to a user instruction on the display screen;
Additional map data acquisition means for acquiring map data newly required in the range instructed by the display range moving means for the previously created deformed map data, from the map data storage means,
The number of the road-related symbols and the additional information included in the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means is compared with the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information obtained from the parameters, and included in the map data. If at least one of the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information is greater than the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information obtained from the parameters, the road-related symbols and the additional information are provided respectively. The road-related symbol and the number of additional information to be displayed on the display screen are determined by determining the road-related symbol and the additional information to be displayed on the display screen in accordance with the importance level. When the display range moving means is instructed to move the display range, the previously created deformed map and boundary connection Destination road-related symbols so they can maintain and adds additional information, and a display element number control means for deleting the additional information and the road-related symbols deformed map which falls outside the display range,
Deformation map creating means for creating deformed map data describing important road information from the display elements composed of the road-related symbols controlled by the display element number control means and the additional information;
A traffic information display device comprising: a deformed map created by the deformed map creating means; or an output means for displaying a detailed map held in the map data storage means. Map data storage means for storing road-related symbols including roads and intersections, and map data having additional information on the names of the road-related symbols;
Map data acquisition means for acquiring map data stored in the map data storage means;
Parameter setting means for setting a parameter including the number of the road-related symbols to be output in a display screen and a ratio of the additional information to the road-related symbols;
A display screen magnification changing means for changing a map display magnification according to a user instruction;
Additional map data acquisition means for acquiring map data newly required for the previously created deformed map from the map data storage means when a reduced display is instructed by the display screen magnification change means;
The number of the road-related symbols and the additional information included in the map data acquired by the map data acquisition means is compared with the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information obtained from the parameters, and included in the map data. If at least one of the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information is greater than the number of the road-related symbols and the additional information obtained from the parameters, the road-related symbols and the additional information are provided respectively. The road-related symbol and the number of additional information to be displayed on the display screen are determined by determining the road-related symbol and the additional information to be displayed on the display screen in accordance with the importance level. When the reduced display is instructed from the display screen magnification changing means, the previously created deformed map and boundary connection As can be maintained, and the display element number control means for the road-related symbols and adds the additional information, and controls the number of the additional information and the road-related sign of the entire display screen to a certain number contained in the instruction magnification,
Deformation map creating means for creating deformed map data describing important road information from the display elements composed of the road-related symbols controlled by the display element number control means and the additional information;
A traffic information display device comprising: a deformed map created by the deformed map creating means; or an output means for displaying a detailed map held in the map data storage means. The road-related symbols include roads and intersections,
It said additional information includes traffic information display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the roads and intersections are places and names of the roads and intersections located.

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