JP3920945B2 - Display device, map display device, display method, map display method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a display device and a display method that change a display state according to the state of a display device body, and more particularly to a map image display device and a map image display method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, devices that display a map image on a display are known, for example, as are widely used in navigation systems.
For example, the map information is stored in a medium such as a CD-ROM, and the map information such as the required area and the vicinity of the current position is read from the CD-ROM, and the map image is displayed based on the read map information. There are many.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in such a conventional electronic map display, the displayed map image itself is displayed with the specific direction of the screen up regardless of the posture of the display device main body and the like.
For this reason, it is necessary for the user to see the direction of the map image and the actual direction in the head while matching them.
In addition, a planar map image may make it difficult to see the image of each region, and it is required to realize a map display with higher added value.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In view of such problems, the present invention provides a display device, a display method, and a map display device that are easy to see from the user and easy to handle, and that can provide added value and display that is interesting. An object is to provide a map display method.
[0005]
  For this reason, as a display device, an inclination state detection means for detecting an inclination angle of the display device main body with respect to the gravity axis direction, a plan view, a bird's-eye view,One of themKind ofmapDisplay means for displaying an image, and display by the display means according to the inclination angle of the display device body detected by the inclination state detection means,mapDisplay control means for changing the display by switching the type of image is provided.
  As a display method, an inclination angle of the display device body with respect to the gravity axis direction is detected, and the display is performed based on the detected inclination angle of the display device body with respect to the gravity axis direction.mapChange the display by switching the image type.
[0006]
  Further, as the map display device, an inclination state detecting means for detecting an inclination angle with respect to the gravity axis direction of the display device body, a map information storing means for storing map information, and map information read from the map information storing means Based on top view, bird's eye view, 3D imageOne of themDisplay means for displaying different types of map images, and changing the display by switching the type of the map image displayed by the display means according to the inclination angle of the display device body detected from the inclination state detection means Display control means.
  As the map display method, the tilt angle of the display device body with respect to the gravity axis direction is detected, and the display is performed based on the detected tilt angle of the display device body with respect to the gravity axis direction.mapChange the display by switching the image type.
[0007]
In other words, in the present invention, by changing the display content in a state that matches the posture, movement, etc. of the device main body, a display that matches the actual orientation, a display that matches the posture of the device, and a three-dimensional display. Switching between standard display and flat display.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to an example of an electronic map device that displays a map image. The description will be given in the following order.
1. Configuration of electronic map device
2. Detection of posture and movement by sensor
3. Map display operation in display orientation specification mode
4). Map display operation in real direction reflection mode
5. Map display operation in nearby map display mode
6). Map display operation in virtual display mode
7). Map display operation in navigation display mode
8). Composition operation in various modes
[0009]
1. Configuration of electronic map device
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the electronic map apparatus of this example, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the external appearance of the electronic map apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic map apparatus 1 has, for example, a notebook shape that can be carried around, and a display unit 2 such as a liquid crystal display is formed on the upper surface.
The electronic map data recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM used in a normal navigation system, and an insertion portion 3 for inserting the CD-ROM is provided.
[0010]
Furthermore, various operators 4 are formed for user operations. The operation element 4 may be provided with a form necessary for various operations such as a press key and a jog dial. Of course, other forms such as a slide switch and a rotary knob may be used.
Necessary operations include power on / off operation, mode setting operation, operation for selecting the area of the map to be displayed, screen display scrolling and scale change, operation for requesting presentation of various information, etc. Any form is possible as long as the above operation is possible. Further, an operation device such as a mouse or a keyboard may be connected and used.
[0011]
The internal configuration of the electronic map apparatus 1 is as shown in FIG. 1, but a CPU 10 is provided as a part for performing overall operation control. A RAM 11 is prepared as a work area used for operations such as control / calculation of the CPU 10, and a ROM 12 is provided as an area for holding an operation program and the like.
[0012]
The CD-ROM 20 inserted from the insertion section 3 shown in FIG. 2 is loaded into the CD-ROM driver 14.
The CD-ROM driver 14 is a part that performs the reproducing operation of the CD-ROM 20 based on the control of the CPU 10. The CD-ROM 20 loaded in the CD-ROM driver 14 stores additional information such as map information, names for each point on the map, and building height information. Information reproduced from the CD-ROM 20 by the CD-ROM driver 14 is taken into the RAM 11 and subjected to necessary processing.
[0013]
Map image information reproduced from the CD-ROM 20 and used for display is taken into the map image memory 15.
The CPU 10 generates image data to be displayed based on the map image information read from the CD-ROM 20 and various additional information, and develops it in the map image memory 15. A required portion of the image data held in the map image memory 15 is sent to the display driver 13, and a map display of a certain area is executed on the display unit 2.
[0014]
Further, the map image displayed in this example is not only a normal map image recorded on the CD-ROM 20, but will be described later.Bird's eye viewImages and stereoscopic images (3D images) can be displayed. of courseBird's eye viewThe image data itself, which is an image or a 3D image, is recorded in advance on the CD-ROM 20 and read out.Bird's eye viewAn image or a 3D image may be supplied to the display driver 13 for display, but from the viewpoint of saving the recording capacity of the CD-ROM 20, etc.Bird's eye viewAs the additional information for generating images and 3D images, only the height of the building and the type of building facility are recorded, and the map information and additional information are used.Bird's eye viewIt is preferable to generate an image or a 3D image by image composition processing. An image compositing unit 16 is provided to perform this process, and each region (or each point on the map is the starting point) based on the control of the CPU 10.Bird's eye viewImages and 3D images can be generated in a pseudo manner.
[0015]
In the case of this example, not only a map display but also a function similar to that of a navigation system is provided. In other words, a map display centering on the current position is automatically performed, and a progress guide can be executed.
For this reason, a GPS receiver 18 is provided to detect the current position. The GPS receiver 18 is a part for obtaining current position information by a so-called GPS (Global Positioning System: Wide-area Positioning System), and based on a received signal from a satellite, position information (latitude / longitude), absolute azimuth information, speed Detect information. These pieces of information are supplied to the CPU 10.
[0016]
The sensor unit 17 is provided with sensors necessary for detecting the posture state and the moving state of the main body of the electronic map device 1. Detection information from the sensor unit 17 is supplied to the CPU 10.
As described above, data and control signals are transmitted between the units via the bus 19.
Various operation information from the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. 2 is input to the CPU 10.
[0017]
Based on the mode setting operation from the operation unit 4, the display area designation operation, the detection information from the sensor unit 17, the detection information from the GPS receiver 18, and the operation program stored in the ROM 12, the CPU 10 The reproduction operation by the ROM driver 14, the composition processing by the image composition unit 16, the writing / reading operation of the map image memory 15, and the display operation by the display driver 13 are controlled, whereby the map display desired by the user is executed on the display unit 2. Will be.
[0018]
2. Detection of posture and movement by sensor
Here, the posture / movement detection of the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 in the sensor unit 17 will be described.
The sensor unit 17 is provided with a tilt sensor function for detecting the tilt state of the main body, an azimuth sensor function for detecting an absolute azimuth (east, west, north and south), and a movement sensor function for detecting the movement (movement direction and movement amount) of the main body. For this purpose, various necessary sensors are mounted.
[0019]
For the sake of explanation, first, as shown in FIG. 2, the top, bottom, left and right directions as viewed from the screen of the display unit 1 in the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 are considered, and these are called the screen top, screen bottom, screen right, screen left, It will be distinguished from the upper and lower gravitational and absolute right and left directions.
[0020]
FIG. 3 shows an example of an inclined state of the electronic map apparatus 1 main body. 3A, 3B, and 3C show a state in which the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 is rotated in the vertical direction of the screen around the axis line from the left to the right of the screen. That is, FIG. 3A shows the posture in which the electronic map apparatus 1 is almost horizontal, and FIGS. 3B and 3C show the posture in which the screen is lifted up gravitationally. Although not shown, of course, there may be a posture in which the bottom of the screen is lifted up by gravity.
3A, 3D, and 3E show a state in which the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 is rotated in the horizontal direction of the screen around the axis line from the top of the screen to the bottom of the screen. That is, FIGS. 3D and 3E show the posture in which the left side of the screen is lifted gravitationally from the horizontal state of FIG. Although not shown, there may be a posture in which the right side of the screen is lifted up gravitationally.
[0021]
As sensors for detecting these inclination states, for example, an inclination sensor using, for example, a mercury switch may be formed biaxially in the sensor unit 17, or a gravity sensor for detecting the direction of gravity may be mounted.
The change in each posture depends on how the user holds the electronic map device 1 and how it is placed (placed horizontally on a desk or standing).
[0022]
Next, FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 and the absolute direction. 4A shows a state in which the screen is facing north as an absolute direction, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the left side of the screen faces north, and FIG. 4C shows a state between the bottom of the screen and the left side of the screen. The state is facing north.
In this example, for example, as in these cases, the electronic map apparatus 1 detects what azimuth posture is relative to the absolute azimuth. For this purpose, the sensor unit 17 is provided with an azimuth sensor such as an electronic compass. Mount. Actually, an example in which a geomagnetic sensor is employed can be considered. Moreover, you may utilize the azimuth | direction information of the advancing direction obtained by the GPS receiver 18 as an azimuth | direction sensor.
[0023]
FIG. 5 shows the movement status of the electronic map apparatus 1 main body. For example, a state in which the user holds the electronic map device 1 horizontally in a hand and moves it in a circle in front of the body is indicated by arrows in FIG. The moved state is indicated by each arrow in FIG.
In this example, when the electronic map apparatus 1 is moved as described above, it is detected how much it is moved in which direction with reference to the top, bottom, left and right of the screen. For this purpose, the sensor unit 17 includes an acceleration sensor, At least one sensor capable of detecting movement, such as each speed sensor and geomagnetic sensor, is mounted.
As for the movement situation, in addition to the case where movement is performed as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) while the electronic map apparatus 1 is horizontal with respect to the ground surface, the movement is made perpendicular or oblique to the ground surface. In some cases, movement as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be performed.
[0024]
In this example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 above, the inclination and movement of the electronic map apparatus main body and the direction with respect to the absolute direction are detected by the sensor unit 17, which is necessary for this purpose. A sensor is installed. Any type or number of sensors may be used as long as they can detect the tilt / movement / orientation.
As will be described later, the CPU 10 executes a predetermined display output process based on the detected tilt / movement / azimuth situation.
[0025]
FIG. 6 shows an example in which the electronic map apparatus 1 is attached to a predetermined stand 30 for use. In this case, a mounting portion 32 is formed on the stand 30 via a shaft portion 31, and a mounting mechanism (not shown) on the back of the electronic map device 1 is coupled to the mounting portion 32. It is assumed that the electronic map apparatus 1 is attached to the stand 30 by the shaft portion 31 and can be tilted / rotated in each direction.
When such a mechanism is considered, it is also conceivable to provide a mechanical position sensor on the mounting portion 32 and the shaft portion 31 side and detect the posture status of the electronic map apparatus 1 by its operation.
[0026]
3. Map display operation in display orientation specification mode
Hereinafter, the display operation based on the detection of the inclination / movement / azimuth of the electronic map apparatus 1 will be described in order as a display mode in each display operation mode.
As the display operation mode of this example, it is possible to set a display direction designation mode, a real direction reflection mode, a neighborhood map display mode, a virtual display mode, and a navigation display mode, and the user selects a mode by operating the operation unit 4 Thus, it is assumed that the operation in each mode described below is executed.
[0027]
First, the map display operation in the display orientation designation mode will be described with reference to FIGS.
The display orientation designation mode is such that the direction designated by the user is always on the map image regardless of the posture of the electronic map device 1 and is displayed in a state in which it coincides with the gravitational top of the electronic map device 1. This is the display operation mode.
For illustration purposes, the displayed map image orBird's eye viewThe top, bottom, left, and right as images, 3D images are called on the map, below the map, on the left of the map, and on the right of the map. Distinguish from left and right.
[0028]
In other words, in the display orientation designation mode, the electronic map apparatus 1 is designated in any posture (whether the top of the screen, the bottom of the screen, the right of the screen, or the left of the screen is gravitational upward). The direction is set on the map, and the display is performed so that the map and the gravitational top coincide.
The direction that can be specified by the user is the absolute direction such as east, west, south, and north, as well as the current traveling direction and the direction that the user is facing. If the user does not make a setting, an automatic setting may be performed such that, for example, north is on the map as the reference direction.
[0029]
FIG. 7 shows the control operation by the CPU 10 when the display orientation designation mode is set. It is assumed that the area as a map to be displayed is specified by the user, and map information and additional information of the area are read from the CD-ROM 20 and stored in the map image memory 15.
[0030]
In this display orientation designation mode, the CPU 10 always monitors the posture detection information (tilt state) from the sensor unit 17 as step F101. In step F102, it is determined whether the posture of the electronic map apparatus 1 is in the horizontal / vertical / diagonal state as shown in FIG.
If it is determined as vertical or oblique, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E, the process proceeds to step F103. And as a map information of the area that should be displayed now, it was seen from a certain point in that areaBird's eye viewAdditional information that can synthesize images and 3D images (orBird's eye viewIt is confirmed whether or not image data or 3D image data itself exists.
[0031]
About that regionBird's eye viewIf the data necessary for the process of synthesizing the image and the 3D image is not prepared (not recorded on the CD-ROM 20), the process proceeds from step F104 to F105 in order to perform normal planar map display.
Then, according to the attitude of the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 detected in step F101, display image data is generated so that the map image with the designated direction upward (on the map) matches the gravitational upward direction. Then, the display image data is supplied to the display driver 13 to display on the display unit 2.
An image in this case is shown in FIG.
[0032]
Assume that the user designates, for example, south as the display direction designation mode.
FIG. 8A shows a case where the user holds the electronic map device 1 vertically and then holds the electronic map device gravitationally.
In this case, as a map image, an image in which the south is on the map for a certain area is displayed. However, since the upper part of the screen and the gravitational upper part coincide with each other, the screen is displayed on the map as shown in FIG. ) Is displayed.
[0033]
FIG. 8B shows a case where the user further tilts the screen right with the electronic map device 1 held vertically.
At this time, the screen as the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 does not coincide with the gravity top. However, as the processing of step F105, a map image is generated so that the top of the map (= south) coincides with the top of gravity, so the map image to be displayed is Accordingly, a map image that is long from the southeast to the northwest of the map is displayed.
[0034]
Further, FIG. 8C shows a state in which the user holds the screen of the electronic map apparatus 1 vertically with the left side facing up, and at this time, as a process of step F105, the top of the map (= south) Since the map images are generated so as to match, as shown in the figure, the map image to be displayed is a map image in which the south is displayed on the gravity side, and accordingly, the map image becomes longer in the north-south direction of the map. .
[0035]
As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 8A to 8C, when the electronic map apparatus 1 is held vertically in the display orientation designation mode, a map of a certain area is only displayed at that time. Depending on the orientation, the designated direction is displayed on the map in the direction that is gravitationally upward in the top, bottom, left, and right of the screen. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the user, the designated direction is always displayed upward regardless of how the electronic map device 1 is rotated vertically. If you look at this as a display control action, the map that is displayed depends on what direction the gravitational upward direction is on the screen, the bottom of the screen, the left of the screen, and the right of the screen The image is changed azimuthally. Note that this operation is the same not only when the operation is in the vertical state but also when it is detected as the oblique state.
[0036]
By the way in step F104Bird's eye viewWhen it is determined that 3D display is possible, the process proceeds to step F106 to display a three-dimensional image from a certain point. In this case, display is performed so that the vanishing point (the farthest point in the depth direction) of the stereoscopic image is the designated direction and is gravitationally upward regardless of the attitude of the electronic map device 1. That is, the upper side of the stereoscopic image is made to coincide with the upper side of gravity.
In addition, when the posture of the body in the tilt direction is vertical, it is a 3D image.Bird's eye viewAn image shall be displayed.
[0037]
FIG. 9 shows an example in which the electronic map apparatus 1 is vertically held and a 3D image from a certain point is displayed.
As the 3D image itself, an image when a designated direction (for example, south) is viewed from a certain point is generated. This is artificially synthesized by using additional information such as height information of buildings around a specific point.
As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the electronic map apparatus 1 has a gravitational top as the directions on the screen, the screen bottom, the screen left, and the screen right. Even if it is held, the displayed 3D image is such that the top of the map (that is, the top of the 3D image) coincides with the top of gravity.
[0038]
In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, when the electronic map apparatus 1 was hold | maintained in the state inclined diagonally, it is the aspect similar to FIG.Bird's eye viewDisplay is executed.Bird's eye viewThe image is, for example, an image as shown in FIG.
[0039]
If the electronic map apparatus 1 is horizontal, the process proceeds from step F102 to F107. In this case, there is no direction corresponding to gravitational upper as the two-dimensional directions on the screen, the screen lower, the screen left, and the screen right at that time. Therefore, in step F107, the posture immediately before the posture is leveled is determined, and in step F108, the display is performed assuming that the direction that was immediately above is gravitational upward. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the electronic map apparatus 1 is placed horizontally immediately after the left of the screen is set to be gravitational upward, the map whose left side is in the designated direction (in this case, south). The image display is executed.
[0040]
As described above, in the display orientation designation mode, the specified direction is displayed in a state where it coincides with the gravitational upward of the moment, but the detection accuracy and detection in the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen It goes without saying that the number of steps, the detection accuracy of the slope, and the number of detection steps can be set in various ways. For example, if the number of detection stages is made fine, when the main body is rotated, the display image can be changed almost continuously so that the map is always on gravity, and every 45 ° or 90 °. If the number of steps is reduced, the display operation is such that the display direction is switched when rotated by a certain angle.
[0041]
And in this display orientation designation mode, the map is always displayed with the user's desired direction aligned in a gravitational upward direction, so it will always be visible from the user's point of view no matter what state you hold or place it. The upper direction (gravitational top) may be considered as the designated direction, and there is no need to consider the orientation to be read according to the posture of the electronic map apparatus 1.
[0042]
The detection accuracy and the number of detection steps are the same in the real orientation reflection mode, the neighborhood map reflection mode, and the virtual display mode, which will be described later, depending on the setting of the detection accuracy and the number of detection steps for posture and movement. Various changes can be set.
[0043]
4). Map display operation in real direction reflection mode
Next, the map display operation in the real orientation reflection mode will be described with reference to FIGS. The actual orientation reflection mode is a display operation mode in which a map is displayed in a state that matches the actual orientation regardless of the posture of the electronic map device 1.
[0044]
FIG. 10 shows a control operation by the CPU 10 when the real orientation reflection mode is set. In this case as well, the map area to be displayed is specified by the user, and the map information and additional information of the area are read from the CD-ROM 20 and stored in the map image memory 15. To do.
[0045]
Even in the real orientation reflecting mode, the CPU 10 always monitors the posture detection information (tilt state) from the sensor unit 17 as step F201. In step F202, it is determined whether the posture of the electronic map apparatus 1 is horizontal / vertical / diagonal as shown in FIG.
[0046]
If the electronic map device 1 is horizontal, the process proceeds to step F203. Then, it is determined which direction the absolute direction confirmed by the orientation sensor in the sensor unit 17 corresponds to as a two-dimensional direction on the screen, the screen bottom, the screen left, and the screen right, and the map image is east-west-north-north. Is displayed to match the actual east, west, south, and north.
[0047]
The image is shown in FIG. FIG. 11A shows a state in which the electronic map apparatus 1 is horizontal and the screen is facing north. At this time, in order to display the map image so that the north direction coincides with the actual north, an image is displayed so that the map is north as shown in the figure.
[0048]
FIG. 11B shows a state in which the screen of the electronic map apparatus 1 faces northeast. At this time, as shown in FIG. A map image that matches the direction of the map and that becomes longer from northwest to southeast is displayed.
Further, FIG. 11 (c) shows a state where the screen of the electronic map apparatus faces east. At this time, as shown in the figure, an actual image display is performed so that the screen is east of the map. A map image that is longer in the north-south direction and matches the direction is displayed.
[0049]
As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 11A to 11C, when the electronic map apparatus 1 is horizontal in the real direction reflection mode, the map of a certain area is consistent with the actual direction at that time. Will be displayed in the state. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the user, the map in which the actual direction is reflected can be viewed regardless of the direction in which the electronic map apparatus 1 is held horizontally, and the actual direction and the direction of the map image can be viewed. It is not necessary to read the map by thinking in the head and making them match. This also eliminates the mistake of reading the map direction.
[0050]
If it is determined in step F202 that it is vertical or oblique, the process proceeds to step F204. And as a map information of the area that should be displayed now, it was seen from a certain point in that areaBird's eye viewAdditional information that can synthesize images and 3D images (orBird's eye viewIt is confirmed whether or not image data or 3D image data itself exists.
[0051]
About that regionBird's eye viewIf the data necessary for the process of synthesizing the image and the 3D image is not prepared (not recorded on the CD-ROM 20), the process proceeds from step F205 to F207 in order to perform normal planar map display.
If it is vertical or slanted, the 2D direction on the screen on the screen, screen bottom, screen left, and screen right cannot be matched with the actual direction. It is detected whether the gravitational upper side corresponds to the top, bottom, left or right of the screen.
[0052]
In step F208, the map image is displayed in a state in which the detected upper, lower, left, and right sides of the gravitational upper side coincide with the direction seen through the electronic map apparatus main body 1. For example, it is assumed that the electronic map device 1 is held by hand when the user is facing north, and the electronic map device 1 is held diagonally or vertically with the screen as a gravitational top. In this case, the direction seen through the electronic map apparatus body 1 is, in other words, the direction in which the user is facing, that is, north. Accordingly, a map image in which the screen is north as shown in FIG. 11A is displayed. From this point of view, for example, even if the electronic map apparatus 1 is oblique or vertical, a map that is sensuously matched with the actual direction is displayed.
[0053]
For example, if the user turns to the east while holding it vertically, the display image is changed to a map image in which the screen is east.
That is, even if the electronic map apparatus 1 is vertical or oblique, it is possible to see a map in which the actual direction is always reflected.
[0054]
By the way in step F205Bird's eye viewWhen it is determined that 3D display is possible, the process proceeds to step F206, and a stereoscopic image display from a certain point is performed. In this case as well, display is performed so that the vanishing point of the stereoscopic image (the farthest point in the depth direction) matches the actual direction. That is, a 3D image viewed from a certain point as an image in which the depth direction of the stereoscopic image corresponds to the direction in which the user is actually facing (the direction seen through the electronic map apparatus main body 1) orBird's eye viewAn image is generated, and the top of the image (on the map) coincides with the gravitational upward direction.
[0055]
Therefore, when a 3D image is displayed with a certain intersection as a reference, if the user sequentially changes the direction to east, south, west, and north while holding the electronic map device 1, the displayed 3D image is , The image of the east, the image of the south, the image of the west, and the image of the north as seen from the intersection displayed at that time.
Of course, the 3D image is not limited to the synthesized image, but may be the actual image data.
In addition, when the posture of the body in the tilt direction is vertical, it is a 3D image.Bird's eye viewAn image shall be displayed.
[0056]
As described above, in the actual orientation reflecting mode, the displayed map image matches the actual orientation regardless of the orientation of the electronic map device 1, and it is possible to provide a map that is very easy to understand. Become.
In the display example of FIG. 11, the image of the azimuth magnet is displayed overlaid on the map image. By doing so, a map with easier orientation confirmation can be provided.
[0057]
5. Map display operation in nearby map display mode
The map display operation in the neighborhood map display mode will be described with reference to FIGS. In the neighborhood map display mode, when a map image of a certain area is displayed, if the user moves the main body of the electronic map device 1, the map displayed in a state corresponding to the moving direction and the moving amount is displayed. The display operation mode is scrolled.
[0058]
FIG. 12 shows a control operation by the CPU 10 when the vicinity map display mode is set. In this case, the map image information of the displayed area and the surrounding area is read from the CD-ROM 20 and held in the map image memory 15. Then, map image information of a part of the area is supplied from the map image memory 15 to the display driver 13, and a map of a certain area is displayed. In this case, if the map image information read from the map image memory 15 is shifted, scroll display in which the displayed area is shifted is realized.
[0059]
In this neighborhood map display mode, the CPU 10 first confirms whether or not the scroll button is pressed in step F301. The scroll button is one of the buttons as the operation unit 4 in the electronic map device 1, and the user can press the scroll button at an arbitrary time.
When the scroll button is not pressed, the processing of the CPU 10 proceeds to step F305, and the map image displayed at that time is continuously fixed and displayed as it is.
[0060]
When scrolling the displayed map image, the user moves the main body of the electronic map device 1 in an arbitrary direction (direction in which the map is desired to be scrolled) while pressing the scroll button. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the electronic map device 1 is held so as to swing in the front / rear / left / right direction, or move in a circle.
[0061]
The processing of the CPU 10 during the period when the scroll button is pressed proceeds to step F302, where information from the sensor unit 17 is monitored to detect the moving direction and moving amount of the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1.
Even if the scroll button is pressed, if the user does not give a movement operation to the electronic map device 1, that is, if it is determined that the movement zero is detected and stopped in step F302, in step F305, The map display is fixed as it is at that time.
However, if the movement state is detected, the process proceeds to step F304, and the displayed map image is scrolled according to the movement direction and movement amount.
[0062]
FIG. 13 shows an image of the display operation in the neighborhood map display mode.
FIG. 13 shows a map of the area in addition to the map of the area currently displayed on the display unit 2 of the electronic map apparatus 1.
The user moves the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1 in each direction as indicated by the arrows in the figure while pressing the scroll button as the operation unit 4, so that the map images of the regions in the surrounding parts are displayed on the display unit 2. The display image is scrolled so as to be displayed.
[0063]
For example, if the electronic map device 1 is moved upward in the figure (the user pushes the electronic map device 1 forward), a map is displayed for an area near “Tokyo Edogawa Ward”. Will be scrolled. If it moves like drawing a circle like Fig.5 (a), a surrounding area can be confirmed widely.
[0064]
The user can simply move the electronic map device 1 in a desired direction by making the scroll direction coincide with each moving direction indicated by the arrows and the scroll amount being an amount corresponding to the moving amount of the moving operation. It is possible to confirm a map of a desired area, and to realize an operation method that is very easy to understand and has an excellent user interface.
Of course, since the map image is not scrolled while the scroll button is not pressed, the user does not need to take care not to move the electronic map device 1 when viewing the currently displayed map.
[0065]
6). Map display operation in virtual display mode
Next, the map display operation in the virtual display mode will be described with reference to FIGS. Virtual display mode refers to the 3D display andBird's eye viewDisplayMode.
[0066]
FIG. 14 shows the control operation by the CPU 10 when the virtual display mode is set. In this case, when a map image of a certain area is displayed, the CPU 10 always monitors the posture detection information (tilt state) from the sensor unit 17 as step F401. In step F402, it is determined whether the posture of the electronic map apparatus 1 is horizontal / vertical / diagonal as shown in FIG.
[0067]
If the electronic map device 1 is horizontal, the process proceeds to step F403. An image in this case is shown in FIG. 15A, but the user looks down on the display unit 2 from above, but in this case, the CPU 10 performs normal two-dimensional map image display as shown in the figure. .
[0068]
If it is determined in step F402 that the state is an oblique state, the process proceeds to step F404. The image at this time is as shown in FIG. 15B, and the user is in an angle state such that the display unit 2 is viewed obliquely from above.
In accordance with this, the CPU 10 causes the image composition unit 16 to perform an operation as shown in step F404.Bird's eye viewSynthesize the images, and step F405Bird's eye viewAn image is displayed on the display unit 2.
[0069]
If the vertical state is determined in step F402, the process proceeds to step F406. The image at this time is as shown in FIG. 15C, and the user looks at the display unit 2 in the front direction.
In accordance with this, the CPU 10 synthesizes a 3D image as shown in the figure by the image synthesizer 16 in step F406, and in step F405,Bird's eye viewAn image is displayed on the display unit 2.
[0070]
With the virtual display mode as described above, the electronic map device is not only a two-dimensional map display, but also a three-dimensional image, realizing a lot of information that can be visually captured by the user and an interesting display. can do. Normal display,Bird's eye viewSwitching between display and 3D display is automatically performed according to the posture of the main body of the electronic map apparatus 1, so that an image that the user desires can be displayed and the user is not lost.
[0071]
7). Map display operation in navigation display mode
In this example, the GPS receiver 18 is provided, and the current position (latitude / longitude) of the electronic map device 1 itself can be detected. Therefore, navigation display is also possible by overlaying the current position display on the map image.
That is, the CPU 10 reads out map image data matching the current position from the CD-ROM 20 based on the current position information obtained by the GPS receiver 18, displays the map image on the display unit 2, and displays the map image within the display. By displaying a pointer or the like at a point corresponding to the current position, the user can check the current position and the surrounding area.
[0072]
8). Composition operation in various modes
Various map displays can be realized by synthetically executing the operations of the various modes described above.
For example, it is possible to combine the operations of the display orientation designation mode and the neighborhood map display mode. In this case, the designated direction is always displayed as gravitational upward, and the map of the surrounding area is scrolled by moving the main body of the electronic map device 1 while pressing the scroll button in that state.
In the example described with reference to FIG.Bird's eye viewThe virtual display mode operation of display is also executed additionally, but even when such a display is displayed, the screen can be switched by moving it while pressing the scroll button. Also good. In this case, the three-dimensional scene is scrolled according to the moving direction.
[0073]
It is also useful to combine the operations in the real direction reflection mode and the neighborhood map display mode. In other words, the map is displayed in a state that matches the actual orientation, and the map of the surrounding area is scrolled and displayed by moving the main body of the electronic map device 1 while pressing the scroll button. It is.
[0074]
Furthermore, in the case of the navigation display mode, if the operations of the display orientation designation mode, the real orientation reflection mode, and the neighborhood map display mode are performed in combination, a navigation function that is more convenient for the user will be realized. . Further, if virtual display is executed during the navigation function, it is more preferable because it matches the actual scene.
Not limited to the above, various display operations can be realized by combining operations in various modes.
[0075]
By the way, although this example has been described assuming that the present invention is applied as an electronic map display device, the present invention can be applied to display devices in general. That is, by changing the display contents according to the posture state and movement state of the display device main body, it is possible to realize display of various display contents with operability superior to the user interface.
For example, when a part of a certain image is enlarged and displayed, the surrounding image can be easily confirmed by scrolling according to the movement as in the above-described surrounding map display mode.
Furthermore, by switching from a planar image to a three-dimensional image according to the angle state as in the virtual display mode described above, a large amount of information can be provided to the user for a certain image.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the state of the body and / or movement of the display device body is detected, and the display state of the displayed image can be changed based on the detection information. Yes. In other words, by changing the display contents in a state that matches the posture, movement, etc. of the main body of the device, for example, on a map display etc., the display that matches the actual orientation or the specified direction regardless of the posture Various display changes can be realized, such as display with a fixed direction from the viewpoint, display that scrolls the display area according to movement, and switching between three-dimensional display and flat display, and the amount of information that can be displayed Many of them are easy to understand for the user, have good operability, and have the effect of being able to realize a display that matches the user's requirements at that time, and can exhibit a very good information providing function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic map device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the electronic map device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a change in posture of the electronic map device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a change in orientation of the electronic map device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a movement state of the electronic map device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram when the electronic map device of the embodiment is attached to a stand.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing in a display orientation designation mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display operation in a display orientation designation mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a display operation in a display orientation designation mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing in a real orientation reflection mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a display operation in the real direction reflection mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of processing in a neighborhood map display mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a display operation in the neighborhood map display mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of virtual display mode processing according to the embodiment;
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a display operation in the virtual display mode according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic map apparatus, 2 Display part, 3 Insertion part, 4 Operation part, 10 CPU, 11 RAM, 12 ROM, 13 Display driver, 14 CD-ROM driver, 15 Map image memory, 16 Image composition part, 17 Sensor part, 18 GPS receiver, 20 CD-ROM

Claims (12)

A tilt state detecting means for detecting a tilt angle of the display device main body with respect to the gravity axis direction;
Display means for displaying a map image of any kind among a plan view, a bird's eye view, and a 3D image;
Display control means for changing the display by switching the type of the map image displayed by the display means according to the inclination angle of the display device main body detected from the inclination state detection means. Display device. A moving state detecting means;
The display device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit further scrolls a map image displayed by the display unit according to a movement amount detected by the movement state detection unit. The moving state detecting means further detects a moving direction,
The display device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit further scrolls a map image displayed by the display unit in accordance with a movement direction detected by the movement state detection unit. The map image displayed by the display means further comprises reference direction setting means for setting a reference direction,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further changes the display so that the reference direction and a predetermined direction on the gravity axis substantially coincide with each other. A tilt state detecting means for detecting a tilt angle of the display device main body with respect to the gravity axis direction;
Map information storage means for storing map information;
Display means for displaying a map image of any kind among a plan view, a bird's eye view, and a 3D image based on the map information read from the map information storage means;
Display control means for changing the display by switching the type of the map image displayed by the display means according to the inclination angle of the display device main body detected from the inclination state detection means. Map display device. It further comprises an orientation detection means,
The display control means further changes the display so that the orientation detected by the orientation detection means and the orientation on the map image displayed by the display means substantially coincide. The map display device described. A current position detecting means;
The display control means further synthesizes a map image based on the map information read from the map information storage means and a position presentation image based on the current position information detected by the current position detection means,
The map display device according to claim 5, wherein the display unit further displays the map image and the position presentation image synthesized by the display control unit. Inclination state detection means for detecting an inclination angle of the display device body with respect to the gravity axis direction, display means for displaying any kind of map image among a plan view, a bird's eye view, and a 3D image, and the inclination state detection means. A display control unit configured to change a display by switching a type of the map image displayed by the display unit according to an inclination angle of the display device main body,
Detecting a tilt angle of the display device main body with respect to the gravity axis direction, and switching the type of the map image to be displayed and changing the display based on the detected tilt angle of the display device main body with respect to the gravity axis direction. A display method characterized by. In the display device further comprising a movement state detection means,
The display method according to claim 8, wherein the displayed map image is scrolled according to a movement amount detected according to a movement state of the display device. In the display device further comprising moving state detecting means for detecting the moving direction,
The display method according to claim 9, wherein the displayed map image is scrolled according to a moving direction of the display device. In the display device further comprising reference direction setting means for setting a reference direction for the displayed map image,
The display method according to claim 8, wherein the display is changed so that the reference direction and a predetermined direction on the gravity axis substantially coincide with each other. A tilt state detecting means for detecting a tilt angle with respect to the gravity axis direction of the display device body, a map information storing means for storing map information, a plan view based on the map information read from the map information storing means, a bird's eye view, Display means for displaying any kind of map image among 3D images, and the kind of image displayed by the display means according to the inclination angle of the display device body detected from the inclination state detection means In a map display device comprising display control means for switching the display to change the display,
Detecting a tilt angle of the display device main body with respect to the gravity axis direction, and switching the type of the map image to be displayed and changing the display based on the detected tilt angle of the display device main body with respect to the gravity axis direction. A map display method characterized by the above.

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