JP4107827B2 - Image display device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image display device, and more particularly to an image display device that is employed in a navigation device or the like and uses photographic data such as a satellite photograph or an aerial photograph showing the surface of the earth.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a conventional navigation device. A vehicle speed sensor 2 for calculating the travel distance by calculating from the vehicle speed and a gyro sensor 3 for acquiring the traveling direction are connected to the microcomputer 1, and the microcomputer 1 determines the calculated traveling distance and the traveling direction. Based on this, the vehicle position is determined (autonomous navigation).
  The GPS receiver 4 receives a GPS signal from a satellite via an antenna 5 and is connected to the microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 determines the position of the vehicle based on the GPS signal. (GPS navigation).
[0003]
  Further, a DVD drive 6 capable of fetching electronic map data and the like from a DVD-ROM 7 in which electronic map data and the like are stored (a storage device such as a CD-ROM is also possible) is connected to the microcomputer 1. By aligning the determined vehicle position with the electronic map data (so-called map matching processing is performed), a map screen showing the vehicle position accurately is displayed on the display panel 9b. It is also possible to store electronic map data or the like on a DVD-RAM or HDD (magnetic hard disk) that can update the map.
[0004]
  In addition, a switch signal output from the joystick 8a or the button switch 8b provided on the remote controller 8 or a switch signal output from the button switch 9a provided on the display device 9 is input to the microcomputer 1 in accordance with these switch signals. The processing is performed by the microcomputer 1. For example, when the microcomputer 1 takes in the information of the moving destination from these switches, the microcomputer 1 searches for the optimum route from the vehicle position to the destination and displays it as a guidance route on the display panel 9b together with the map screen. ing.
[0005]
  As described above, in the navigation device, the map screen is displayed on the display panel 9b, the destination input by the user on the map, the guidance route to the destination, and the vehicle position mark corresponding to the current position of the vehicle. In addition, the driving trajectory of the host vehicle up to that point is displayed in a superimposed manner, and the user can obtain the route information by sequentially referring to the display panel 9b, and by following the route information, It has an excellent function of being able to reach the destination.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the conventional navigation device described above, the map screen displayed on the display panel 9b is created using map data, so that the current position of the vehicle can be understood or the actual situation around the current position can be understood. There were cases where it was difficult to grasp.
  This is because it is difficult on the map screen to represent the vertical relationship such as roads that intersect three-dimensionally, and there are actually many roads and buildings that are not displayed on the map screen.
[0007]
  As one means for solving such a problem, an invention is disclosed in which the current position of the vehicle is displayed on an aerial photograph screen created from aerial photograph data (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-113343). Publication 1)). The aerial photograph screen makes it very easy to understand the landmark building, etc., so it is easy to understand the current position of the vehicle and the actual situation around the current position. There is.
  However, just like the invention disclosed in publication 1, the aerial photograph screen is simplyindicateOnly by doing so, it was not possible to realize a navigation device that would satisfy the user sufficiently.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and makes it very easy to understand the current position of the host vehicle, and makes it very easy to grasp the actual situation around the current position, as well as user satisfaction. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display device for realizing a navigation device having a high level.
[0028]
[Means for solving the problems and effects thereof]
  To achieve the above objectiveImage display device according to the present invention (1) Based on the photographic data relating to the periphery of the current position of the self, which is read out based on the current position information of the self from the photographic data storage means storing the photographic data of the surface of the earth. Photo screen creation means for creating a photo screen showing the periphery, photo screen display means for creating a photo screen showing the periphery of the current position of the self created by the photo screen creation means, and the current position of the self Map screen creation for creating a map screen based on the map data read from the map data storage means storing the current position display means and the map data storing the current position on the photo screen based on the information Means, and based on the current position information of the self, the display area of the photo screen is reduced, while the display area of the map screen is enlarged, In accordance with the his own mobile, it is characterized by comprising a display switching means for switching the display to the map screen stepwise from the photographic screen.
[0029]
  And the image display device (1), For example, it is preferable that the display switching means switches the display while making the area displayed by the photograph screen coincide with the area indicated by the map screen.
  By the way, the amount of photo data is much larger than the map data, and the photo data may take a considerable amount of time to read from the storage device and process the image, so when using the map data, For example, there is a problem that it is difficult to fix the current position mark of the self on the display and update the screen in accordance with the movement of the self.
  In order to solve this problem, the photo screen is fixed on the display, and the current position mark of the self is moved on the photo screen. However, the photo screen is moved by the self. In the end, the current position mark of the self will be removed from the picture screen (ie, display).
[0030]
  The above image display device (1According to the above, the display area of the photo screen is reduced, while the display area of the map screen is enlarged, and the display from the photo screen to the map screen is changed little by little as the user moves. Therefore, it is possible to switch the display very visually. In addition, the above problem is solved by switching the display so that the current position mark of the self comes on the map screen before the current position mark of the self comes off from the photograph screen (display). You can also.
  Furthermore, if the display is switched while matching the area displayed on the photo screen and the area indicated by the map screen, the display can be switched without making the user feel uncomfortable.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiments of a navigation apparatus in which an image display apparatus according to the present invention is employed will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (1) is employed. However, the same components as those of the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.
[0038]
  A vehicle speed sensor 2 and a gyro sensor 3 are connected to a microcomputer 11, and the microcomputer 11 determines the position of the vehicle based on the calculated travel distance and travel direction (autonomous navigation). Further, the GPS receiver 4 is connected to the microcomputer 11, and the microcomputer 11 determines the position of the vehicle based on the GPS signal (GPS navigation).
[0039]
  Also, a DVD-ROM 17 (CD-ROM) in which electronic map data covering the whole country, and photographic data such as satellite photographs and aerial photographs showing the surface of the earth are recorded in a limited recording area (for example, major cities). A DVD drive 6 capable of taking in electronic map data, photo data, etc. is connected to the microcomputer 11 from the DVD-ROM 17 based on the current position of the vehicle. Necessary map data and photo data are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 18 in the microcomputer 11. The DVD-ROM 17 records, for example, a 1 m scale and a 4 m scale per pixel dot as photographic data showing the surface of the earth in the same area.
[0040]
  Further, a plurality of infrared LEDs and a plurality of phototransistors are arranged opposite to each other on the top, bottom, left, and right of the display panel 9b so that the position where the finger touches the display panel 9b can be detected and detected. The result can be acquired by the microcomputer 11.
[0041]
  Next, the processing operation [1] performed by the microcomputer 11 in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (1) will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the current position of the host vehicle is calculated from a GPS signal or the like (step S1). Based on the calculated current position information of the host vehicle and the map data stored in the buffer memory 18, the vicinity of the current position of the host vehicle is calculated. Is created (step S2). The data relating to the created map screen is stored in the buffer memory 18 and read out in accordance with the display timing.
[0042]
  Next, based on the current position information of the own vehicle and the photograph data stored in the buffer memory 18, whether or not the own vehicle exists in the recording area (for example, major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka). (Step S3), and if it is determined that the vehicle is present in the recording area, the current position information of the vehicle and two types of scale photographic data stored in the buffer memory 18 Based on this, two types of photo screens (for example, a wide screen photo screen, a detailed photo screen, etc.) showing the periphery of the current position of the vehicle are created (step S4). The data relating to the created photo screen is stored in the buffer memory 18 and read out in accordance with the display timing.
[0043]
  Next, a flag f indicating that the screen displayed on the display panel 9b is switched from the map screen to the photo screen.₁ Whether or not is 1 (step S5), flag f₁ Is not 1, that is, it is determined that the display has not been switched to the photo screen, the flag indicating that the display can be switched to the photo screen (that is, the vehicle is present in the recording area). f₂ Whether or not is 1 (step S6), flag f₂ If “1” is not 1, a “photo screen” button switch (touch switch) is formed for the user to instruct switching of the display from the map screen to the photo screen (step S7), and then the flag f₂ Is set to 1 (step S8), and the process proceeds to step S9. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a state in which a map screen is displayed on the display panel 9b. In FIG. 4B, a “photo screen” button switch is displayed on the map screen. .
  On the other hand, in step S6, the flag f₂ Is 1, that is, if it is determined that the “photo screen” button switch has already been formed, steps S7 and S8 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S9.
[0044]
  In step S9, it is determined whether or not the “photo screen” button switch is touched by the user. If it is determined that the “photo screen” button switch is touched, the “photo screen” button switch is removed (step S10). , Flag f₂ Is set to 0 (step S11), and then a photo screen showing the periphery of the current position of the vehicle (for example, a wide-area photo screen) is displayed and the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the photo screen. A vehicle position mark is displayed (step S12). An example of a method for displaying the vehicle position mark on the photograph screen is a method that uses the upper left and lower right latitude / longitude of a rectangular area represented by the photograph data.
[0045]
  After the processing in step S12, a “return” button switch for the user to instruct to return the display from the photo screen to the map screen, and a “scale switch” for the user to instruct to switch the scale of the photo screen. ”Button switch (steps S13 and S14) and flag f₁ Is set to 1 (step S15). FIG. 5 shows a state in which a photo screen is displayed on the display panel 9b.
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the “photo screen” button switch is not touched, the map screen is updated based on the current vehicle position information (step S16).
[0046]
  In step S5, the flag f₁ If it is determined that the display is switched to the photo screen, it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch has been touched (step S17), and it is determined that the “return” button switch has been touched. For example, the “return” button switch and the “scale switching” button switch are removed from the screen (steps S18 and S19), and the flag f₁ Is set to 0 (step S20).
  Thereafter, a map screen showing the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle is displayed (step S21), a “photo screen” button switch is formed (step S22), and the flag f₂ Is set to 1 (step S23).
[0047]
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the “return” button switch has not been touched, it is determined whether or not the “scale switch” button switch has been touched (step S24), and the “scale switch” button switch has been touched. If it is determined, the scale of the photograph screen is switched (step S25), and then the own vehicle position mark displayed on the photograph screen is updated based on the current position information of the own vehicle (step S26). ). FIG. 6 shows a state where the vehicle position mark displayed on the photo screen is updated.
[0048]
  Note that the scale of the photo screen is switched, for example, when a wide-area photo screen is displayed, data relating to the detailed photo screen is read from the buffer memory 18 and the detailed photo screen is displayed. On the other hand, when a detailed display photo screen is displayed, data relating to the wide display photo screen is read from the buffer memory 18 and the wide display photo screen is displayed.
[0049]
  If it is determined in step S24 that the “scale switching” button switch is not touched, there is no need to switch the scale of the photo screen, so step S25 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S26 as it is, Based on the position information, the vehicle position mark displayed on the photo screen is updated.
[0050]
  By the way, if it is determined in step S3 that the own vehicle does not exist in the recording area, the flag f indicating that the display is switched from the map screen to the photo screen.₁ Whether or not is 1 (step S31), flag f₁ Is not 1, that is, if it is determined that the map screen is being displayed, then the display can be switched to the photo screen (that is, the vehicle is present in the recording area). Flag f₂ Is determined to be 1 (step S32).
[0051]
  Flag f₂ Is 1, that is, it is determined that the “photo screen” button switch is formed, the “photo screen” button switch is removed (step S33), and the flag f₂ Is set to 0 (step S34).
  On the other hand, in step S32, the flag f₂ If it is determined that is not 1, the processing operation in steps S33 and S34 need not be performed, and the processing operation [1] is terminated as it is.
[0052]
  In step S31, the flag f₁ Is 1, that is, it is determined that the photograph screen is displayed, it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch is touched by the user (step S35), and it is determined that the “return” button switch is touched. For example, the “return” button switch and the “scale switching” button switch are removed (steps S36 and S37), and the flag f₁ Is set to 0 (step S38), and then a map screen showing the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle is displayed (step S39).
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the “return” button switch has not been touched, there is no need to return the display to the map screen, and the processing operation [1] is terminated.
[0053]
  According to the navigation device employing the image display device according to the above embodiment (1), when the vehicle enters an area in which photographic data is recorded (for example, a major city such as Tokyo or Osaka), “Photograph” Since the “screen” button switch is displayed, the user can easily recognize that he / she has entered the displayable area of the photo screen.
[0054]
  In addition, when the “photo screen” button switch is touched by the user, the display is switched from the map screen to the photo screen showing the periphery of the current position of the vehicle, so that the user looks at the photo screen, It becomes possible to easily understand the current position of the host vehicle, and to easily grasp the actual situation around the current position.
[0055]
  Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the above embodiment (1), the “photo screen” button switch is displayed to inform the user that the user has entered the displayable area of the photo screen. In this case, the navigation device according to another embodiment can change the shape and color of the vehicle position mark. Thus, the user may be notified that the user has entered the displayable area of the photo screen, or the display may be switched by touching the vehicle position mark whose shape or color has changed.
[0056]
  Here, only the case where the map screen is completely switched to the photo screen has been described, but when the photo screen is displayed, the display space of the map screen is reduced and the photo screen is displayed in an empty space. Alternatively, the photo screen may be superimposed on the map screen.
[0057]
  Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the above embodiment (1), a photographic screen is displayed in response to a switching instruction from the user, but the navigation device according to another embodiment Then, when the own vehicle enters the recording area, a photo screen showing the vicinity of the current position of the own vehicle may be automatically displayed. However, in this case, a method of completely switching from the map screen to the photo screen may be used, but it is more desirable to reduce the display space of the map screen and display the photo screen in an empty space.
[0058]
  Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (1), the amount of photo data is very large, and the photo data is very time consuming to read from the storage device and to process the image. In view of such a problem, the DVD-ROM 17 in which two types of photo data with different scales are recorded in the same area is adopted. However, image processing or the like can be performed on the photo data at high speed. For example, not a recording medium on which two or more types of photographic data are recorded, but a recording medium on which one type of photographic data having a small scale (for example, a scale of 1 m per pixel, that is, detailed image data) is recorded. You may do it.
[0059]
  Next, a navigation device employing the image display device according to Embodiment (2) will be described. However, since the navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (2) is the same as the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 11, the microcomputer is given a different symbol. Other explanations are omitted here.
[0060]
  The processing operation [2] performed by the microcomputer 11A in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (2) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in steps S41 to S43, a flag f to be described later.₃ ~ F₅ Whether or not is 1, and flag f₃ ~ F₅ If it is determined that all are not 1, the process proceeds to step S44, and it is determined whether or not the destination is input by the user and the setting of the route is completed.
[0061]
  If it is determined that the route setting has not been completed, the processing operation [2] is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the route setting has been completed, the set route is then recorded on the DVD-ROM 17. It is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a recording area (for example, a major city) of the photograph data (step S45), and if it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the recording area, It is determined whether or not a predetermined spot (for example, an interchange, a tourist attraction, etc.) exists around the route (step S46).
[0062]
  If it is determined that the predetermined spot exists on or around the route, necessary photographic data (that is, photographic data relating to the predetermined spot existing on or around the route) is obtained from the DVD-ROM 17. Based on the read photo data, a photo screen showing the predetermined spot is created (step S47). Note that the created data relating to the picture screen showing the predetermined spot is stored in the buffer memory 18.
[0063]
  Next, the route is displayed on the screen (step S48), and a button switch for the user to instruct the display of the photo screen showing the predetermined spot is formed in association with the position of the spot (step S48). S49), and a flag f indicating that the button switch is formed₄ Is set to 1 (step S50). FIG. 8 shows a state where the button switch is displayed on the map.
  For the button switch, as shown in FIG. 8, the display content is determined for each spot type. For example, the interchange is determined to be “IC” and the service area is determined to be “SA”. The user can easily select a desired spot.
[0064]
  Next, it is determined whether or not a route display end instruction has been made by operating the remote controller 8 or the like (step S51). If it is determined that the user has not made a route display end instruction, the screen is displayed. It is determined whether or not a button switch such as “IC” displayed above has been touched (step S52).
[0065]
  If it is determined that the button switch is not touched, the processing operation [2] is terminated, and if it is determined that the button switch is touched, a photo screen showing a spot corresponding to the touched button switch is displayed. (Step S53), a “return” button switch is formed for the user to instruct to return the display to the screen on which the route is displayed (step S54), and the flag f₄ Is set to 0 (step S55), and a flag f indicating that a photo screen showing a spot is displayed.₅ Is set to 1 (step S56).
[0066]
  Next, it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch has been touched by the user (step S57). If it is determined that the user has touched, the process returns to step S48 to display the route, and on the other hand, it is determined that the button has not been touched. Then, the processing operation [2] is finished as it is.
  If it is determined in step S51 that the user has issued a route display end instruction, a menu screen is displayed (step S58), and the flag f₄ Is set to 0 (step S59).
[0067]
  In step S45, it is determined that the set route is not traveling in the recording area, or in step S46, it is determined that the predetermined spot does not exist on or around the set route. In step S60, the route is displayed, and then a flag f indicating that the route is displayed in the same manner as before.₃ Is set to 1 (step S61).
[0068]
  Next, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the route display has been made by operating the remote controller 8 or the like (step S62), and if it is determined that the user has instructed to end the route display, the menu The screen is displayed (step S63) and the flag f₃ Is set to 0 (step S64). On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to end is not given, the processing operation [2] is ended as it is.
[0069]
  In step S41, the flag f₃ Is 1, that is, if it is determined that the route is displayed in the same manner as before, the process proceeds to step S62, and in step S42, the flag f₄ Is 1, that is, it is determined that the button switch for instructing the display of the photo screen showing the spot is displayed, the process proceeds to step S51, and whether or not the user has instructed the end of the route display. Determine whether.
  In step S43, the flag f₅ Is 1, that is, it is determined that a photo screen showing a spot is displayed, the process proceeds to step S57, and it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch has been touched.
[0070]
  According to the navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (2) is adopted, a predetermined spot existing on or around the set route (for example, an interchange, a service area, a tourist attraction, etc.) A photo screen showing is displayed. Accordingly, since the place that is difficult to express on the map screen can be displayed on the photo screen, the user can easily grasp the place. In addition, it is possible to make driving more enjoyable by displaying tourist attractions with many attractions on the photo screen.
  Further, since the button switch for instructing the display of the photograph screen is formed in correspondence with each spot, the user can easily select the desired spot.
[0071]
  Next, a navigation device that employs the image display device according to the embodiment (3) will be described. However, since the navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (3) is the same as the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 11 and the DVD-ROM 17, the microcomputer, And DVD-ROM are given different reference numerals, and other descriptions are omitted here.
[0072]
  The DVD-ROM 17B includes electronic map data covering the whole country, photograph data such as satellite photographs and aerial photographs that reflect the surface of the earth, and detailed data (for example, admission fees) regarding predetermined spots (for example, amusement facilities, restaurants, etc.) , Data on business days, etc.) are recorded. Note that a recording area (for example, a major city) is limited for photo data.
[0073]
  Next, the processing operation [3] performed by the microcomputer 11B in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (3) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a flag f indicating that the photo screen is displayed₆ Whether or not is 1 (step S71), flag f₆ Is not 1, that is, if it is determined that the photo screen is not displayed, it is determined whether or not it is the display timing of the photo screen (for example, when the user gives an instruction to switch the display to the photo screen) ( Step S72).
[0074]
  If it is determined that it is not the display timing of the photo screen, the processing operation [3] is terminated as it is, and if it is determined that it is the display timing of the photo screen, detailed data is recorded in the area where the displayed photo screen is projected. It is determined whether or not there is a predetermined spot (for example, a play facility, a restaurant, etc.) (step S73).
[0075]
  If it is determined that the predetermined spot exists, a button switch for instructing provision of detailed information regarding the predetermined spot is formed in association with each spot (step S74), and the photograph screen is displayed ( In step S75), a “return” button switch is formed for the user to instruct to return the display from the photo screen to the previous screen (step S76), and the flag f₆ Is set to 1 (step S77).
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the predetermined spot does not exist, step S74 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S75.
[0076]
  In step S71, the flag f₆ Is a flag f indicating that detailed information regarding the spot is displayed.₇ Is determined to be 1 (step S78), the flag f₇ Is not 1, that is, it is determined that the detailed information is not displayed, it is determined whether or not a button switch formed in association with each spot is touched (step S79).
[0077]
  If it is determined that the button switch has been touched, detailed data relating to the corresponding spot is read, detailed information relating to the spot is displayed based on the read detailed data (step S80), and flag f₇ Is set to 1 (step S81).
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S79 that the button switch has not been touched, it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch has been touched (step S82), and it is determined that the user has touched the “return” button switch. Then, the “return” button switch is removed (step S83), and the flag f₆ Is set to 0 (step S84), and the screen immediately before the photo screen is displayed (step S85). On the other hand, if it is determined that the “return” button switch is not touched, the processing operation [3] is terminated.
[0078]
  In step S78, the flag f₇ Is 1, that is, it is determined that the detailed information is displayed, it is determined whether or not the “return” button switch has been touched by the user (step S86), and it is determined that the “return” button switch has been touched. Then flag f₇ Is set to 0 (step S87), and the picture screen is displayed (step S88). On the other hand, if it is determined that the “return” button switch is not touched, the processing operation [3] is terminated.
[0079]
  According to the navigation device in which the image display device according to the embodiment (3) is adopted, detailed information (for example, amusement facilities, restaurants, etc.) existing in the area where the displayed photo screen is projected (for example, a play facility, a restaurant, etc.) , Information regarding admission fees, business days, etc.) is provided to the user, so that it is possible to realize a navigation device that can further enhance user satisfaction.
  In addition, since the button switch for instructing the provision of the detailed information is formed in association with each spot, the user can easily select the desired spot.
[0080]
  Next, a navigation device employing the image display device according to embodiment (4) will be described. However, since the navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (4) is the same as the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 except for the microcomputer 11, the microcomputer is given a different symbol. Other explanations are omitted here.
[0081]
  The processing operation [4] performed by the microcomputer 11C in the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (4) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the current position of the vehicle is calculated from the GPS signal or the like (step S91).₈ Is determined to be 1 (step S92).
[0082]
  Flag f₈ Is not 1, that is, it is determined that the photograph data has not been read out, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle reaches the destination within 10 minutes based on the calculated current position information of the host vehicle. (Step S93) If it is determined that it does not reach within 10 minutes, the processing operation [4] is terminated as it is, and if it is determined that it reaches within 10 minutes, photographic data relating to the vicinity of the destination is read from the DVD-ROM 17. Read and save in the buffer memory 18 (step S94), flag f₈ Is set to 1 (step S95), and the process proceeds to step S96.
  In step S92, the flag f₈ Is 1, that is, if it is determined that the photo data has been read out, steps S93 to S95 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S96.
[0083]
  In step S96, based on the current position information of the host vehicle, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle reaches the destination within 3 minutes. 4], on the other hand, if it is determined that it will reach within 3 minutes, a photo screen showing the destination periphery is created based on the photo data relating to the destination periphery stored in the buffer memory 18 ( Step S97), the created photo screen is displayed (Step S98), and the flag f₈ Is set to 0 (step S99).
[0084]
  According to the navigation device employing the image display device according to the above embodiment (4), the photograph screen showing the periphery of the destination is displayed. For example, whether or not the destination is in the city center. The user must obtain a wide variety of information about the destination, such as information, information on whether the road is wide or narrow, information on whether the village density is high or low, and information on the existence of amusement facilities and parking lots. Can do.
  Also, when the vehicle reaches the vicinity of the destination, a photograph screen showing the vicinity of the destination is displayed, so that the user can grasp the situation around the destination immediately before arriving at the destination.
can do.
[0085]
  In the navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (4), when the host vehicle reaches the vicinity of the destination, a photographic screen showing the vicinity of the destination is displayed. However, in a navigation device employing an image display device according to another embodiment, the photo screen is displayed when the destination is set by the user, or there is a display instruction from the user. Sometimes, the photo screen may be displayed.
[0086]
  In addition, a map screen, a photo screen, a screen showing detailed information, etc. displayed on the display panel 9b in the navigation device employing the image display device according to any of the above embodiments (1) to (4). May be displayed on the same screen, so that the user can efficiently grasp information obtained from various screens. Further, when various various screens are displayed on the same screen, the display space may be differentiated depending on the importance level or the instruction from the user.
[0087]
  In the navigation device employing the image display device according to any one of the above embodiments (1) to (4), the display is switched from a map screen to a photo screen, and / or the photo screen is switched to the map screen. By switching the display to, the area shown on the map screen and the area projected on the photo screen are matched (the scale, orientation, and position of both screens are matched), so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. The display can be switched.
[0088]
  Furthermore, it is possible to switch the display by performing fade-in and / or fade-out image processing (for example, changing the transmittance of the screen display between 100% and 0%) and switching the display. It can be performed. As a method for adjusting the scale, orientation, and position of these two screens, for example, the upper left and lower right latitude / longitude of the rectangular area represented by the map data, and the lower left and lower right latitude / longitude of the rectangular area represented by the photo data One method is to match the longitude.
[0089]
  By the way, the amount of photo data is much larger than the map data, and the photo data may take a considerable amount of time to read from the storage device and process the image, so when using the map data, For example, there is a problem that it is difficult to fix the current position mark of the self on the display and update the screen in accordance with the movement of the self.
[0090]
  As one method for solving this problem, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the photograph screen is fixed on the display panel 9b, and the current position mark of the self is displayed on the photograph screen. However, since the photo screen is not updated in accordance with the movement of the self, the current position mark of the self is finally removed from the photo screen (that is, the display panel 9b). It will end up.
[0091]
  As a method of avoiding such a situation, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11H, when switching the display from the photo screen to the map screen, the area indicated by the map screen The display area of the photo screen is reduced in accordance with the movement of the host vehicle while the display area of the map screen is enlarged while matching the area where the photo screen is projected. There is a method in which the display is changed little by little so that the current position mark comes on the map screen before the position mark is removed from the photo screen (display panel 9b). Can be avoided, and at the same time, the display can be switched visually.
[0092]
  Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to any of the above embodiments (1) to (4), two or more different states (for example, by season, by time zone, etc.) for the same area By reading out from a recording medium in which the photo data taken in is recorded based on a predetermined condition (for example, photo data taken in winter) and displaying a photo screen created based on the read photo data, for example, In the case of December, it is possible to display a photo screen (such as the situation of a snow-covered urban area) created based on photo data taken in winter, thus realizing a navigation device with higher added value. be able to.
[0093]
  Further, in the navigation device employing the image display device according to any of the above embodiments (1) to (4), based on a predetermined condition (for example, time zone), a predetermined image processing (for example, By displaying a photographic screen that has been subjected to filter processing or the like, for example, a photographic screen at night can be displayed after sunset, so that a device with high user satisfaction can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a navigation device employing an image display device according to an embodiment (1) of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed by a microcomputer in a navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (1).
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed by a microcomputer in a navigation apparatus employing the image display apparatus according to the embodiment (1).
FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing a state in which a map screen is displayed on the display panel.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a photo screen is displayed on the display panel.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state where an own vehicle position mark displayed on a photograph screen is updated.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed by a microcomputer in a navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (2).
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which button switches for selecting spots are displayed on a map.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed by a microcomputer in a navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (3).
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed by a microcomputer in a navigation device employing the image display device according to the embodiment (4).
FIGS. 11A to 11H are diagrams showing a state in which the display from the photo screen to the map screen is switched.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing a main part of a conventional navigation device.
[Explanation of symbols]
Microcomputer 11, 11A-11C
DVD-ROM 17, 17B
Buffer memory 18

Claims (1)

The surroundings of the current position of the self are indicated based on the photograph data relating to the surroundings of the current position of the self, which is read out based on the current position information of the self from the photograph data storage means storing the photograph data of the surface of the earth. A photo screen creation means for creating a photo screen;
Photo screen display means for displaying a photo screen showing the periphery of the current position of the self created by the photo screen creation means;
Based on the current position information of the self, current position display means for indicating the current position of the self on the photo screen;
Map screen creating means for creating a map screen based on the map data read from the map data storage means storing the map data;
Based on the current position information of the self, the display area of the photo screen is reduced, while the display area of the map screen is enlarged, and from the photo screen to the map screen according to the movement of the self. An image display device comprising display switching means for stepwise switching the display.

Images