JP3915103B2 - Navigation device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a navigation device and an original map creation device, a storage medium, a map information transfer device, and an original map creation method related to the navigation device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, navigation devices mounted on vehicles are mainly used to indicate the position of the vehicle on a map and set an optimum route to the destination, and have been widely used.
In addition, recently, from the VICS Center, traffic information received via an optical beacon, a radio beacon and FM multiplex broadcasting and being able to travel around a congested road has begun to spread.
In addition, a vehicle in which various types of traffic information can be obtained in real time from an ATIS center or the like by using an in-vehicle phone.
Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-87234, detailed map information can be obtained from the information center via the road infrastructure side even when the in-vehicle navigation device does not have a map database. Even when a map database is possessed, an accurate composite map information can be displayed by obtaining the latest information from an information center.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, among the conventional navigation devices that obtain specific information (traffic information, parking lot information, map information, etc.) from an external information center, etc., all of these information are obtained uniformly. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to select and obtain only necessary information. Further, the map information is image information, and storing a large amount of map information uniformly in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM has a limitation in storage capacity and is not practical.
In addition, since wireless communication means such as an in-vehicle mobile phone is used, there has been a problem that a telephone charge for information transfer and a data use charge, which is an information use charge for an information center, increase in cost. Also, when using wireless communication means, communication is interrupted in the middle of the transfer due to radio interference, etc. In this case, the information transfer must be performed again from the beginning, which is troublesome in operation and reduces the communication cost. It also led to an increase.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the user can select and obtain only necessary information from an external information center, thereby reducing communication costs and communication. It is an object of the present invention to provide a navigation device, a storage medium, an original map creation device, a map information providing device, and an original map creation method that can prevent interruption.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention described in claim 1 is a request map transferred from a map information providing source outside the vehicle to a movable and writable storage medium mounted on the vehicle. A navigation apparatus for creating an original map by loading information, wherein a plurality of display image information and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the image information are stored in advance in the storage medium according to a user request The information encoded and transferred from the map information providing source by the communication code is displayed as the display image information by searching the display image information corresponding to the communication code. Yes.
The present invention described in claim 2 is the navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information encoded and transferred from the map information providing source includes a coordinate format and the communication code. Has been.
[0006]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the display image information includes a landmark.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the first aspect, the area of the storage medium storing the display image information and the communication code is not writable.
The present invention described in claim 5 loads an original map by loading requested map information transferred from a map information providing source outside the vehicle to a movable and writable storage medium mounted on the vehicle. In the navigation device to be created, a plurality of service information and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the service information are stored in advance in the storage medium, and from the map information providing source by the communication code according to a user request Information encoded and transferred is displayed as the service information by searching for the service information corresponding to the communication code.
[0007]
The present invention described in claim 6 is the navigation device according to claim 5, wherein the information encoded and transferred from the map information providing source includes information on a plurality of service facilities, and these services Facility information is hierarchically encoded by the communication code and is data-formatted.
The present invention described in claim 7 is the navigation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information encoded and transferred from the map information providing source includes a coordinate format and the communication code. Has been.
The present invention described in claim 8 is the navigation device according to claim 5, wherein the area of the storage medium storing the service information and the communication code is not writable.
[0008]
The present invention described in claim 9 loads the requested map information transferred from the map information providing source outside the vehicle into the movable and writable storage medium mounted on the vehicle, and loads the original map. In the navigation device to be created, a plurality of map part image information and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the map part image information are stored in advance in the storage medium, and from the map information providing source according to a user's request The information encoded and transferred by the communication code is displayed as the map part image information by searching the map part image information corresponding to the communication code.
The present invention described in claim 10 is the navigation device according to claim 9, wherein the information encoded and transferred from the map information providing source includes a coordinate format and the communication code. Has been.
[0009]
The present invention described in claim 11 is the navigation device according to claim 9, wherein the area of the storage medium storing the map part image information and the communication code is not writable.
The present invention described in claim 12 is an original map creation device for creating an original map by loading requested map information transferred from an external map information providing source onto a movable and writable storage medium. In the storage medium, a plurality of map information and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the map information are stored in advance, and encoded and transferred by the communication code from the map information providing source according to a user request. The map information corresponding to the communication code is searched for the obtained information, and this map information is displayed.
[0010]
The present invention described in claim 13 is a movable and writable program storing a program for loading requested map information transferred from a map information providing source outside the vehicle and creating an original map by an in-vehicle navigation device. A storage medium having a mark & code area in which a plurality of map information and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the map information are stored in advance. The information encoded and transferred by the communication code is displayed as the map information by searching the map information corresponding to the communication code.
The present invention described in claim 14 is a movable and writable storage medium storing a program for loading requested map information transferred from an external map information providing source and creating an original map by a computer. A plurality of map information and a mark & code area in which a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the map information are stored in advance, and the program is coded by the communication code from the map information providing source upon request. The information that has been converted and transferred is displayed as the map information by searching the map information corresponding to the communication code.
[0011]
The present invention described in claim 15 is a map information providing device for transferring requested map information to an in-vehicle navigation device using a movable and writable storage medium, wherein requested map information requested by a user is transmitted. The encoded information is encoded and transferred to the navigation device, and the encoded information is a plurality of display image information stored in advance in the storage medium and a plurality of communications corresponding respectively to the image information in the navigation device. By searching the display image information corresponding to the communication code based on the code, it is displayed as the display image information.
The present invention described in claim 16 is an original map creating method for creating an original map by loading requested map information transferred from an external map information providing source onto a movable and writable storage medium. In the storage medium, a plurality of map information and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the map information are stored in advance, the map information providing source is requested to request the plurality of map information, and the communication code The coded information transferred is displayed as the map information by searching the map information corresponding to the communication code.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As described above, the present invention selects external information by selecting only map information (display image information, service information, map part image information, etc.) considered necessary by the user in an in-vehicle navigation device or a personal computer such as a home. Obtained necessary map information from a center or the like via a communication means, and a portable and writable mass storage medium (IC card, CD-ROM, MO, PD, DVD) called a removable disk Etc.), and this storage medium is used in an in-vehicle navigation device to realize a comfortable car life.
Such an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an entire system related to the creation of an original map according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the entire system includes a personal computer 1 placed in a home (home) or office, an information center 2 that provides various map information necessary for driving a vehicle, and a VICS. FM multiplex broadcasting equipment 4 (which may be an optical beacon, a radio beacon or an in-vehicle mobile phone), a vehicle 6 equipped with a navigation device, a GPS satellite 8 that provides position information for detecting the current position of the vehicle, various maps It is composed of a portable writable mass storage medium 10 for storing.
[0013]
Here, the writable mass storage medium 10 is a removable disk such as an IC card, a CD-ROM, an MO, a PD, and a DVD. Thereafter, for convenience, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) 10 can be written. A typical example of a large-capacity storage medium will be described.
With reference to FIG. 1, the basic concept which is the premise of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, first, by using a personal computer 1 such as at home, only the map information considered necessary is obtained from the outside, and this map information is edited and processed to obtain original map information. Is created. At this time, commercially available map information is used as the base map information, and other necessary information is obtained from the information center 2 described above via the communication means. The base map information may be obtained from the information center 2. Further, the DVD 10 may include personal information of the user in addition to the map information. Thereafter, when actually required, the user inserts the DVD 10 into a navigation device mounted on the vehicle 6 and uses the stored information as necessary.
[0014]
In addition to using the personal computer 1 such as at home, the DVD 10 storing the original map information can be created by a navigation device mounted on the vehicle 6 via a mobile phone or the like.
Real-time information is included in traffic information (congestion information and parking lot information) and various service information (restaurant information, etc.). If you need to obtain such information, It will be obtained by an on-vehicle navigation device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall system of the vehicle-mounted navigation device. In FIG. 2, a navigation device 12 mounted on a vehicle 6 includes a navigation device body 14, an optical beacon communication device 15 capable of bidirectional communication with an optical beacon, a centralized control unit (TDM) 16, a multi-display 18, and a head-up. Necessary map information is requested from the display 20, the voice dialogue switch 22 (speaker 22a, microphone 22b), the operation switch 24, and the external information center 2 for voice input and output of the driver. It comprises a mobile phone 26 for receiving, a DVD 10 for storing map information, and the like.
[0015]
Here, on the multi-display 18, in addition to the navigation display, meter display, external monitor display, warning display, audio display, and the like are made. In addition to the navigation display, the head-up display 20 displays a vehicle speed, a warning display, an inter-vehicle distance, and the like. The operation switch 24 is used by the driver to change such various types of display contents. Further, such an operation can be performed by the voice interaction switch 22. The mobile phone 26 that obtains information from the outside is not limited to this, and may be an in-vehicle car phone or other wireless communication means.
In such a navigation device 12, the navigation device body 14 requests the map information necessary for the information center 2 by the mobile phone 26, and sends the necessary map information transferred from the information center 2 in response to the request by the mobile phone 26. Receive and store on DVD 10. In addition to this, traffic information (congestion, construction, accident, parking lot information, etc.) that is VICS information is obtained from the FM multiplex broadcasting equipment 4 (or optical beacon or radio beacon) and stored in advance. Necessary information is obtained from the information stored in the DVD 10. The obtained information is output to the central control unit 16 and displayed by the multi display 18 and the head-up display 20. At this time, a voice description may be given by the voice dialogue switch 22.
[0016]
Here, the head-up display 20 captures an image on the windshield, and the driver can view necessary information without diverting his / her line of sight, which is very effective for safety.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle specifically showing the navigation device mounted on the vehicle. In FIG. 3, the navigation device main body 14, the centralized control unit (TDM) 16, the multi-display device 18, the head-up display 20, and the voice dialogue switch 22 for driver voice input and output described in FIG. 2 are configured. A voice guide speaker 22a, a microphone 22b, an operation switch 24, a mobile phone 26, and a DVD 10 are shown. In addition to these, the vehicle 6 is provided with a data drive device 28 for inserting the DVD 10 and a RAM card device 30 for inserting a RAM card storing personal information such as seat position on the dash panel side in front of the passenger compartment. It has been.
[0017]
On the other hand, a mobile phone antenna 32, a VICS-compatible FM multiplex broadcast tuner 34, an FM antenna 36, a GPS antenna 38 for obtaining positional information from the GPS satellite 8, and a DVD changer 40 are mounted on the rear side of the vehicle 6. ing.
Next, a method for creating an original DVD storing information necessary for the user will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting necessary information using an in-vehicle navigation device. First, the information center 2 manages various map information including base map information and service information. As the base map information, there are “Chugoku Shikoku version”, “Hiroshima city housing map”, “Kyushu version”, “National main highway (national version)”, etc. as shown in FIG. There is information (tourist information / restaurants etc.). Of these pieces of map information, the user requests only the map information necessary for himself / herself from the information center 2 with the in-vehicle mobile phone 26 as described above. The navigation device 24 receives the requested map information by the mobile phone 26 and loads it onto the DVD 10.
[0018]
The same applies to the case where an original DVD is created by the personal computer 1 at home. However, as described above, when transferring a large amount of information via the communication means, if the home personal computer 1 is used, it is interrupted during the data transfer as compared with the case where the in-vehicle navigation device is used. Furthermore, since a high-speed communication line such as an optical cable or a high-speed modem is used, high-speed communication is possible. For this reason, when a large amount of map information including image information such as base map information is obtained, it is performed on the personal computer 1 at home in order to prevent interruption during data transfer and to reduce communication costs. Is desirable.
On the other hand, when it is desired to store real-time information such as traffic information (congestion, road regulation, parking space full / vacancy information), it is common to use the on-vehicle navigation device 12 on the go.
[0019]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S1, a base map is selected. Specifically, for example, if the user lives in Hiroshima city, only the map data that the user thinks necessary in the base map information of “Chugoku Shikoku version” and the base map information of “Hiroshima city housing map” Is selected as the base map (see FIG. 4). Next, in step S2, an additional map determined as necessary by the user is selected. In this case, for example, only map data that the driver considers necessary in the “Kyushu version” and the “National main highway (national version)” is selected as an additional map. Next, in step S3, a database that the driver thinks is necessary, for example, a part of “tourist guide / restaurant” is selected from various service information including traffic information. At this time, if the personal computer 1 is home, the remaining capacity of the DVD 10 is displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG. For this reason, the personal computer operator can determine whether or not more data can be stored. Therefore, when it is desired to store other data, the process returns to step S1 and the same operation is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that additional storage is impossible or storage of necessary information is completed due to the remaining capacity, the process proceeds to the next step S5, and the “base” selected in these steps S1, S2, S3 is selected. The data of “map”, “additional map”, and “service information” are stored, and the creation of the original DVD 10 is completed.
[0020]
Next, the contents of the base map information, traffic information, and various service information stored as map information in this way will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
The map information is input in a predetermined format and stored in a database so that it can be used by the navigation device. These pieces of information always include an “area” indicating the location, and further include “coordinates” indicating the location of information that requires an accurate position, such as service information. Here, the “coordinates” are represented by longitude (east longitude ○ degree ○ minute ○ second) and latitude (north latitude ○ degree ○ minute ○ second). As described above, since the “area” and the “coordinate” are included in the database, the service information and the like are displayed on the base map so that the position can be accurately displayed. ing.
[0021]
As described above, these databases are available from the information center 2 via communication means. The information center 2 functions as an information provider and simply manages these databases, and each data provider is supposed to update data as necessary.
Only a representative one of these databases will be described with reference to FIG. A is “base map information”, which includes “scale” and “area”, where “scale” represents a plurality of base map information having different scales, and “area” represents these base map information. Represents the area. B is “traffic information” and includes “area”, “traffic regulation”, and “congestion information”.
Further, all of the information other than the “base map information” and “traffic information” is service information, “accommodation facilities” represented by C, “shopping” represented by D, “restaurants” represented by E Etc. ”is included.
[0022]
This will be specifically described. “Accommodation facilities” represented by C include “area”, “classification”, “name”, “location”, “contact”, “accommodation fee”, “capacity”, “facility”, “parking lot” (Presence / absence / accommodation number) "," Introduction article "," Image image ", and" Coordinates "are included. In addition, “shopping” represented by D includes “area”, “classification”, “store name”, “product”, “location”, “contact”, “business hours / regular holidays”, “parking lot” (Presence / absence / accommodation number) "," Introduction article "," Image image ", and" Coordinates "are included. Furthermore, the “restaurant” represented by E includes “area”, “classification”, “store name”, “location”, “contact”, “business hours / regular holidays”, “price range”, “accommodation” “Number of people”, “Parking lot (presence / accommodation number)”, “Menu”, “Introduction article”, “Image image”, and “Coordinates” are included.
[0023]
These service information is further included in “financial institutions”, “GS (gas station)”, “parking lot”, “medical institution”, “convenience store (convenience store)”, “public institution” (“city hall”, “ (Including police stations and fire stations), sports facilities (including skiing, skating, gymnasium / pool, golf, bowling, tennis courts, etc.) , “Amusement” (including “Amusement Park”, “Movie Theater”, “Park” and “Zoo / Botanical / Aquarium”), “Transportation” (“JR / Private Railway”, “Route Bus”, “Airplane” ”,“ Expressway ”and“ Ship ”etc.),“ Housing ”,“ Cultural facilities ”(including“ Museum ”,“ Museum ”and“ Library ”),“ Tourist Information ”(“ Hot Spring ”) , “Kur House” and “Sightseeing Spot” Murrell), including the various types of information such as. Here, the “house” information is information for indicating the position of an individual house, a company office, or the like.
[0024]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating specific contents of various types of information included in the “restaurant” database represented by E in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the specific contents of “area”, “classification”, “store name”, “location”..., And “coordinates” are input in a predetermined format and converted into a database. “Coordinates” are expressed by longitude and latitude.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the display contents on the display and the operation method when the original DVD 10 is created by selecting these various types of information as necessary. This work is possible on both the personal computer 1 at home and the in-vehicle navigation device 12. When using the personal computer 1 at home, an instruction such as “OK” on the display is made using a mouse, and when using the in-vehicle navigation device 12, the touch panel on the display is pressed.
[0025]
This will be specifically described below with reference to FIG. T1 is a “main menu” initially displayed on the display and is used for information selection. The creator first designates necessary items from “map”, “service information”, and “traffic information” with the mouse, and then designates “OK”. In this “main menu” of T1, normally, the creator first designates “map”. Here, the “map” corresponds to the “base map information” in FIG. If "CANCEL" is specified, it will return to the previous screen.
When “Map” is designated in the “Main Menu” of T1, and then “OK” is designated, the screen moves to T2, which is the next screen. Next, the creator performs area selection on the screen of T2. Reference numeral 50 denotes a page break display, and a page in the front-rear direction can be selected. Here, for example, if “Kyushu” is designated and then “OK” is designated, the screen moves to T3 which is the “next screen”. The operator selects whether or not to memorize on the screen of T3. When “store” and “OK” are designated, loading of map information regarding “Kyushu” is started and stored in the DVD 10, and this storage is maintained thereafter. On the other hand, when “not stored” and “OK” are designated, loading of map information related to “Kyushu” is started and temporarily stored, but is automatically deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed. If necessary, the creator can return to the “main menu” of T1 by designating “CANCEL”. When “details” is designated on the screen of T2, the screen moves to the screen of T4 which is the “detailed menu of Kyushu”. When “Fukuoka Prefecture” and “Details” are designated on the screen of T4, the screen moves to the screen of T5 which is “Detailed Menu of Fukuoka Prefecture”. When “Fukuoka City Hakata Ward” and “OK” are specified on the screen of T5, the screen moves to T3 which is the “next screen”, and as described above, the map information regarding “Fukuoka City Hakata Ward” is stored. . In this way, first, the base map information is stored.
[0026]
Next, when the creator specifies “traffic information” and “OK” in the “main menu” of T1, the screen is normally operated to move to T5 via the screens of T2 and T4. . On the screen of T5, the creator selects an area that “traffic information” wants to know and designates “OK”. Thereafter, the screen shifts to T3, which is a “next screen”, and a selection is made as to whether or not to store in the screen of T3 as necessary. The designation of the “traffic information” is normally performed by the navigation device 12 mounted on the vehicle because the “traffic information” is real-time information.
Next, returning to the “main menu” of T1, when “service information” and “OK” are designated, the screen moves to the “service information setting detail menu” of T6. Here, when the creator wants to obtain several pieces of service information, the “macro setting” is designated in order to simplify the operation. In this case, the screen moves to the next “Macro setting menu” of T7. In the “Macro Setting Menu” of T7, the creator specifies any one of “Travel”, “Sales”, “Outdoor” (other information is displayed on the next page and after), and sets “OK”. specify. Here, “travel” includes “accommodation facilities” and “sightseeing information” shown in FIG. 7, “business” includes “housing information” and the like shown in FIG. "Is set in advance so as to include" sport facilities "shown in FIG. Next, the screen moves to T5 through T2 and T4, for example, and necessary area selection is performed. Thereafter, the screen moves to T3, and the selected area is stored in the navigation device body 14. In this way, in the “macro setting menu”, the service information area of the specified specific group is selected in advance.
[0027]
Next, the screen returns to the “service information setting detail menu” of T6. Here, the creator designates “individual setting”, and the screen moves to “service information selection menu” in T8. Here, when “macro setting” has already been selected in T6 and the service information area of a specific group has been stored, the creator uses, for example, “restaurant” in the “service information selection menu” in T8. And “details” can be specified, but if such service information area is not stored, it is necessary to store the area before specifying “restaurant” and “detail”. is there. For this reason, the creator must move a screen to T5 via T2 and T4 by designating a specific service, for example, “restaurant” and “OK”, and store a necessary area. In this way, first, the service information area or the specific service information area of a specific group is selected and stored in advance in the navigation device body 14.
[0028]
Thereafter, the worker designates, for example, “restaurant” and “details” in the “service information selection menu” of T8. In this case, the screen moves to “Detailed menu of restaurant” of T9. If, for example, “Japanese food” and “Details” are designated in the “Restaurant detailed menu” of T9, the screen moves to “Detailed menu of Japanese food” of T10. If you specify “Udon / Soba”, “Memory” and “OK” in the “Detailed menu of Japanese food” at T10, restaurants related to “Udon / Soba” in the selected area above Is determined to be the load target information.
Thereafter, the screen returns to the “detailed menu of restaurant” of T9 which is the previous screen. For example, when “Western food”, “Memory” and “OK” are designated in the “Restaurant detailed menu” of T9, service information of restaurants related to “Western food” in the selected area is loaded. It is determined to be target information. In T9, when “all”, “memory”, and “OK” are designated, information on all genres of restaurants is determined to be load target information.
[0029]
Thereafter, the process proceeds to T11 on the next screen. This T11 is for further selecting the load target information in association with service information related to “parking lot”. In T11, when the creator specifies “select only somewhere”, “store”, and “OK”, the information that has already been determined to be information to be loaded (here, related to “Udon / Soba” in T10). Of the service information of the restaurant and the service information of the restaurant related to “Western food” in T9), only a restaurant on the parking is selected as the load target information.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next screen T12. The T12 screen is the same as the T11 screen. For example, if business hours “17:00 to 23:00”, “memory” and “OK” are specified, the information is selected as load target information at T11. Only restaurants that are open from 17:00 to 23:00 are selected as load target information.
[0030]
Thereafter, the screen returns to the “service information selection menu” at T8. If necessary, the creator repeats the same operation as that of the “restaurant” described above in other services such as “financial institution”, “convenience store”, “GS (gas station)”, etc. Information to be loaded can be selected.
Thus, after selecting the load target information, the creator designates “load start” on the “service information selection menu” of T8. By designating this “load start”, loading of the load target information selected before this is started. That is, the load target information (request map information) transferred from the information center 2 is received by the mobile phone 26 or the like, and the information is stored in the DVD 10.
Also, “load start” is provided on the screens of T9, T10, T11, and T12. In these screens, when “load start” is designated, loading of the load start information selected before is started.
[0031]
Further, when “memory” and “OK” are designated on each of the screens T8, T9, T10, T11, and T12, the information selected on this screen is stored, and the memory is retained thereafter. It has become. On the other hand, when only “OK” is selected without designating “memory”, the information selected on the screen is temporarily stored, but is automatically deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed.
In this manner, information necessary for the user is appropriately selected and stored, and the production of the original DVD 10 is completed.
Next, the storage area and storage contents of the DVD 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This DVD 10 has the following storage areas. That is, a system area (Read Only) 60, a memory area (Read & Write) 62, a mark & code area (Read Only) 64, an image video recording area (Read & Write) 68, and a private mark & code area (Read & Write). ) 70, base map area (Read Only) 72, original map area (Read & Write) 74, and private data storage area (Read & Write) 76.
Here, the system area 60 is an area in which a basic system program for creating an original map is stored, and as a general rule, it is an unwritable area. The memory area 62 is a normal readable / writable memory area used as a work area. The mark & code area 64 includes a plurality of various marks (used as concepts including landmarks, service information, map parts, addresses, etc.) and a plurality of communication codes set so as to correspond to these marks. Is an area for storing. These marks and codes are stored in advance, and are in principle non-writable areas. The image video recording area 68 is an area for storing an image video shot by a CCD camera or a digital camera, and can be read and written. The private mark & code area 70 is an area for storing the changed private mark and the corresponding communication code when the stored mark is changed to a personal favorite, and can be written by the user himself / herself. is there. The base map area 72 is an area for storing base map information and cannot be written in principle. The original map area 74 is an area for storing original map information including various types of information created by the user himself (or an agent or the like) according to the user's needs, and can be read and written. The private data storage area 76 is an area for storing sheet position, address, and other personal information, and can be read and written.
[0032]
Next, the contents of the mark & code area 64 stored in advance on the DVD 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
Here, the 1st example of the mark memorize | stored is landmarks 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, such as a restaurant and a gas station (GS) as shown in FIG. These landmarks are a kind of display image information. As shown in FIG. 11, when creating the original map, the user uses the in-vehicle mobile phone 26 from the database 80 of service information (see FIG. 8) of the information center 2 outside the vehicle to the vehicle 6 side. Request to transfer necessary information. However, when image information such as these landmarks is transferred, the transfer amount increases compared to text information, and the transfer time is increased correspondingly, and communication costs such as telephone usage charges and data usage charges are increased. Increase is not preferable. In addition, if the transfer time becomes long, data is received by the in-vehicle mobile phone 26, so that radio waves may be interrupted and communication may be interrupted. In this case, it is necessary to start again, which is not preferable from this point.
[0033]
Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 11, a specific landmark is first encoded with a specific communication code in the database 80, and data 82 including this communication code is transferred to the vehicle side. On the vehicle side, data 82 including this communication code is stored. car The landmarks corresponding to the communication codes contained in the coded information are retrieved. The mark & code area 64 is an area for storing the coded information and the communication code corresponding thereto and searching for the information corresponding to the communication code. In this area, landmarks corresponding to the communication code are retrieved, and these landmarks are displayed on the base map in a superimposed manner on the screen of the navigation device 12.
This will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 11, first, a runt mark and a communication code are set in correspondence with each other in the database 80 of the information center 2. For example, a coffee shop landmark 84 corresponds to the communication code “0001”, a restaurant landmark 86 corresponds to the communication code “0010”, and a gas station (GS) 88 corresponds to the communication code “0011”. The landmark of the airport 90 corresponds to the communication code “0100”, the landmark 92 of the hospital corresponds to the communication code “0101”, and so on.
[0034]
The data 82 transferred from the information center 2 to the vehicle side includes a coordinate value 82a (represented by latitude and longitude) indicating the position of the landmark, the above communication code, related text data, and the like. In the vehicle-mounted navigation device 12, a landmark corresponding to the communication code included in the transferred data 82 is searched. Thereafter, as described above, the landmarks 84, 86, 88, 90, and 92 are displayed on the screen of the navigation device 12 so as to be superimposed on the base map at positions specified by the coordinate data.
Next, a second example of stored marks will be described with reference to FIGS. This example is service information of restaurants and the like, and this service information includes information on service facilities, and the information on these service facilities is hierarchically encoded with a communication code and is in a data format.
[0035]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the data 94 transferred from the information center 2 to the vehicle 6 side includes coordinate data, a communication code, and text data. Here, this communication code is for hierarchically coding corresponding service facilities. Specifically, the communication code indicated by reference numeral 96 is set by dividing the facility into fields such as “restaurant”, “gas station”, “convenience store”, and the like. The code is set by classifying “restaurant” in detail, such as “Western food”, “Chinese food”, “Japanese food”, etc. The communication code indicated by reference numeral 100 indicates “Western food” as “Italian food”. ”,“ French cuisine ”and the like, and the communication code indicated by reference numeral 102 is set by classifying“ business hours ”.
[0036]
Thus, the service facility information which is a part of the service information is encoded by the corresponding communication code in the database 80 of the information center 2, and this communication code is combined with other coordinate data and text data as data 94. It is transferred to the vehicle side. In the in-vehicle navigation device 12, a service facility corresponding to the communication code of the transferred data 94 is searched. Thereafter, as described above, an image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display of the navigation device 12.
Next, a third example of stored marks will be described with reference to FIGS. This example is image information of map parts for displaying a simple map. In this example, similar to the first example shown in FIG. 11, various map parts necessary for displaying a simple map are encoded in a communication code.
[0037]
That is, as shown in FIG. 14, map parts necessary for creating a simple map such as a bridge 110, a T-junction 112, a crossroad 114, a road 116, and a mountain 118 in the database 80 of the information center 2 are shown. Are set in correspondence with the communication codes. When transferring data related to these map parts 110, 112, 114, 116, and 118 to the vehicle side, the transfer data includes coordinate data, communication codes, and text, as in the first and second examples. Contains data.
Information relating to these map parts 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 is encoded by corresponding communication codes in the database 80 of the information center 2, and data including these communication codes, coordinate data, and text data is stored. It is transferred to the vehicle side. In the vehicle-mounted navigation device 12, a map part corresponding to the communication code of the transferred data is searched. Thereafter, a simple map as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the screen of the navigation device 12. Since this simple map is data-formatted so that the information of each map part includes coordinate values, the map can be accurately created with respect to the position. In addition, on the simple map, the landmarks shown in the first example are superimposed and displayed. This simple map is effective, for example, when there is no 1/5000 scale map in the base map information.
[0038]
Further, as a fourth example, for example, the address shown in FIG. 13, that is, “Hiroshima City”, “Higashi Ward”, “Hiroshima City Higashi Ward”, or the like may be coded with an appropriate communication code. Good.
As described above, various types of information such as display image information are previously encoded with a communication code, and the encoded information is transferred from the external information center to the vehicle side. Since various kinds of information corresponding to the above are searched, the transfer time is shortened. Therefore, necessary information can be obtained quickly and easily in the vehicle. Further, since the transfer time, that is, the communication time is shortened, the interruption of the communication can be prevented and the operation is simplified. Furthermore, since the communication time is shortened, the telephone usage fee and the data usage fee can be reduced.
[0039]
In addition, when such an original map is created, the above-described effect can be obtained by using the in-vehicle navigation device 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a similar operation may be performed by a personal computer at home or the like. Is possible. Also in this case, since various information including image information is encoded and transferred, the communication cost can be reduced accordingly. In this case, the DVD 10 storing the original map is carried to the vehicle side and used.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, various information including image information is encoded with a communication code and transferred from the information center to the vehicle side (or a personal computer such as a home). As a result, information can be obtained quickly and easily. In addition, communication interruption or the like can be prevented. Furthermore, communication costs can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overall system related to the creation of an original map according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire system of the in-vehicle navigation device
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a vehicle specifically showing a navigation device mounted on the vehicle.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting necessary information using an in-vehicle navigation device.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for creating an original DVD.
FIG. 6 shows a display screen that displays the remaining capacity of the DVD.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a database managed in the information center
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing specific contents of various types of information included in the “restaurant” database in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing display contents and an operation method on a display when an original DVD is created by selecting various types of information as necessary.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing storage areas and storage contents of a DVD.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining that a landmark is encoded by a communication code and transferred, and the communication code is decoded;
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining that service facility information is hierarchically encoded by a communication code and transferred.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image of a service facility (Italian food) displayed on the display of the navigation device.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing that map part information is encoded by a communication code;
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image of a simple map displayed on the display of the navigation device
[Explanation of symbols]
1 PC
2 Information Center
6 Vehicle
10 Storage media (DVD)
12 Navigation device
14 Navigation device body
15 Communication device for optical beacon
16 Central control unit
18 Multi-display
20 Head-up display
22 Voice dialogue switch
24 Operation switch
26 Mobile phone
60 System area
64 Mark & Code Area
68 Image video recording area
70 Private Mark & Code Area
72 Base map area
74 Original map area
80 database

Claims (7)

A navigation device for creating an original map by loading requested map information transferred from a map information providing source outside the vehicle to a movable and writable storage medium mounted on the vehicle,
The aforementioned storage medium, respectively and a plurality of communication codes corresponding respectively to the image information and the image information of these map parts of the plurality of map parts, to the display image information and the display image information of the plurality of landmarks A plurality of communication codes to be stored in advance,
The requested map information transferred from the above map information providing source upon user request includes a communication code that encodes map part image information for displaying a simple map constituting the original map, and a position for displaying the map part image information. Including the coordinate data indicating the position, the communication code obtained by encoding the display image information of the landmark displayed on the simple map, and the coordinate data indicating the position where the landmark is displayed,
By searching the map part image information and the landmark display image information corresponding to the communication code of the requested map information, the map part image information and the landmark display image information are placed at the positions indicated by the respective coordinate data. A navigation device that displays and creates an original map . The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the area of the storage medium storing the map part image information, the landmark display image information, and the communication codes thereof is not writable. An original map creation device that loads requested map information transferred from an external map information providing source and creates an original map on a movable and writable storage medium,
The aforementioned storage medium, respectively and a plurality of communication codes corresponding respectively to the image information and the image information of these map parts of the plurality of map parts, to the display image information and the display image information of the plurality of landmarks A plurality of communication codes to be stored in advance,
The requested map information transferred from the above map information providing source upon user request includes a communication code that encodes map part image information for displaying a simple map constituting the original map, and a position for displaying the map part image information. Including the coordinate data indicating the position, the communication code obtained by encoding the display image information of the landmark displayed on the simple map, and the coordinate data indicating the position where the landmark is displayed,
By searching the map part image information and the landmark display image information corresponding to the communication code of the requested map information, the map part image information and the landmark display image information are placed at the positions indicated by the respective coordinate data. An original map creation device characterized by displaying and creating an original map. A movable and writable storage medium storing a program for loading requested map information transferred from a map information providing source outside the vehicle and creating an original map by an in-vehicle navigation device,
The aforementioned storage medium, respectively and a plurality of communication codes corresponding respectively to the image information and the image information of these map parts of the plurality of map parts, to the display image information and the display image information of the plurality of landmarks A plurality of communication codes to be stored in advance, and has a mark & code area,
Shows the communication code in which the program is transferred from the map information providing source upon request and encoded map part image information for displaying a simple map constituting the original map, and the position for displaying the map part image information The requested map information including the coordinate data, the communication code that encodes the landmark display image information to be displayed on the simple map, and the coordinate data indicating the position where the landmark is displayed is encoded and transferred. By searching the map part image information and the landmark display image information corresponding to the communication code, the coordinate information indicated by the coordinate data is displayed as the map part image information and the landmark display image information. be displayed on the position, and wherein the <br/> creating an original map憶媒 body. A movable and writable storage medium storing a program for loading requested map information transferred from an external map information providing source and creating an original map by a computer,
Image information of a plurality of map parts, a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the image information of these map parts , a plurality of landmark display image information, and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the display image information Has a pre-stored mark & code area,
Shows the communication code in which the program is transferred from the map information providing source upon request and encoded map part image information for displaying a simple map constituting the original map, and the position for displaying the map part image information The requested map information including the coordinate data, the communication code that encodes the landmark display image information to be displayed on the simple map, and the coordinate data indicating the position where the landmark is displayed is encoded and transferred. By searching the map part image information and the landmark display image information corresponding to the communication code, the coordinate information indicated by the coordinate data is displayed as the map part image information and the landmark display image information. be displayed on the position, and wherein the <br/> creating an original map憶媒 body. A map information providing device for transferring requested map information to an in-vehicle navigation device using a movable and writable storage medium,
Display of map part image information for displaying a simple map constituting the original map requested by the user, coordinate data indicating a position for displaying the map part image information, and a landmark displayed on the simple map. Image information, coordinate data indicating a position for displaying a landmark, and display image information for the landmark. Of the requested map information , the map part image information and the landmark display image information are encoded. Transfer the communication code and coordinate data to the navigation device,
In the navigation device, the encoded information includes image information of a plurality of map parts stored in advance in the storage medium, a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the image information of these map parts, and a plurality of landmarks By searching the map part image information and the landmark display image information corresponding to the communication code based on the display image information and a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the display image information, An apparatus for providing map information , wherein an original map is created by displaying the map part image information and landmark display image information at a position indicated by each coordinate data . An original map creation method for creating an original map by loading requested map information transferred from an external map information providing source to a movable and writable storage medium,
The storage medium corresponds to the image information of a plurality of map parts, a plurality of communication codes respectively corresponding to the image information of these map parts, and the display image information of a plurality of landmarks and the display image information thereof. A plurality of communication codes to be stored in advance,
A coordinate data indicating the image information of the map part for displaying a simple map, the location on a map parts image information constituting the original map to the map information providing source, display of landmark to be displayed superimposed on the simple map Image information, coordinate data indicating the position where the landmark is to be displayed, and landmark display image information are requested, and the map part image information and landmark display image information are encoded using the above communication code. And transfer the communication code and coordinate data ,
The information transferred this encoded, by searching the display image information of the image information and the plurality of landmarks in the map parts that corresponds to the communication code, the image information and a plurality of landmarks in the map parts A method for creating an original map, wherein the original map is created by displaying the image information for display at a position indicated by each coordinate data .

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