JP4276375B2 - Navigation device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of an information recording medium in which an information processing apparatus and an information processing program are recorded so as to be readable by a computer. More specifically, the present invention performs information processing while exchanging information between a plurality of recording media. It belongs to the technical field of an information recording medium in which an information processing apparatus to be performed and an information processing program for the information processing are recorded so as to be readable by a computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in an information processing device such as a navigation device for assisting the movement of a vehicle, for example, information such as map information recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk is used to determine the device type in advance. It is configured to execute information processing such as navigation processing.
[0003]
Here, in the navigation apparatus and the like as described above, a read-only optical disk is usually used as the recording medium. However, due to the multi-functionalization of these navigation apparatuses and the like in recent years, In many cases, it is required to write information desired by the user (for example, in addition to various information necessary for the navigation process, music information that the user desires to listen to (not related to the navigation process)). It has become.
[0004]
In addition, in the conventional optical disc, since a certain amount of time is required from the time when the detection pickup is moved to the position on the optical disc where the desired information is recorded, the detection of information during high-speed movement is required. A recording medium capable of detecting desired information at a higher speed has been demanded from a request for quick acquisition and the like.
[0005]
Therefore, in recent years, research on using a so-called hard disk that can be written with a large recording capacity and capable of high-speed search as a recording medium included in a navigation apparatus has become active.
[0006]
At this time, generally, there are many cases where two or more hard disks are connected to one navigation device and the like, and navigation processing is performed while exchanging information by mutually identifying them.
[0007]
On the other hand, as described above, as the information that the user desires to record on the recording medium, for example, as the information that accompanies the execution of the navigation processing, the position of the specific point frequently visited, up to the specific point Or information such as the signal waiting state (switching timing) of each signal on a frequently used road.
[0008]
On the other hand, as information recorded on the recording medium other than the information that the user desires to record as described above, for example, road information indicating road arrangement, the name of an intersection on the road, or one-way information Among them, the road information or the name of the intersection, etc. can be said to be information that is scheduled to be updated along with new road maintenance.
[0009]
Here, various methods can be considered as a method for updating these pieces of information. In general, a navigation device is configured so that a plurality of recording media can be connected, and the original map information among the plurality of recording media is used. It can be said that it is a simple and reliable method to perform the update by replacing (exchanging) the recording medium on which the information is recorded with a new recording medium on which the updated map information is recorded. .
[0010]
Then, when this point is applied to a navigation device using a hard disk as a recording medium, the navigation device is configured so that a plurality of hard disks can be connected in a replaceable manner. The recorded hard disk is completely replaced with a new hard disk in which updated map information and the like are recorded.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as described above, when recording information created by the user together with the map information on the hard disk in which the map information is recorded from the viewpoint of quick search or the like, if the hard disk is replaced, There was a problem that information created by the user was lost at the same time.
[0012]
In addition, when the amount of information created by the user is large, there is also a problem that the effort to copy the information to a new hard disk for updating becomes enormous when replacing the hard disk. It was.
[0013]
Furthermore, these problems lead to a problem that navigation processing using the updated map information cannot be started quickly as a result.
[0014]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is that even after updating specific information such as map information, information that has been additionally created until then is lost or To provide an information processing apparatus capable of immediately starting information processing without being newly recreated and an information recording medium in which an information processing program for the information processing is recorded so as to be readable by a computer is there.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1Programs and map information essential for navigation functionsThe first recording area in which is recorded and the userAdditional information specific to eachRecordDoThe second recording area andIn a navigation device comprising: a first recording medium comprising: the program, the map information, and the additional information;The first recording medium is thenavigationWhile connected to the device,A second recording medium having a fourth recording area capable of recording additional information is provided in the navigation device.ConnectedDetectSystem control unit, etc.InspectionMeans of exiting,When the connection of the second recording medium is detected, the additional information of the first recording medium is recorded in the fourth recording area at a preset timing.Such as system controlRecording means;Is provided.
[0016]
  Therefore, the second recording mediumofContactContinuedWhen detectedRecord additional information of the first recording medium in the fourth recording areaI.e.add toSince the information will be transferred,Programs and map information essential for navigation functionsIs recorded on the first recording mediumPrograms and mapsEven if it is removed for information update and replaced with a new recording medium,add toThe relevant without losing informationPrograms and mapsInformation can be updated.
[0017]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 2 is described in claim 1.navigationIn the deviceThe second recording medium further includes a third recording area in which an update program for updating the navigation function and updated map information are recorded, and the recording is performed when connection of the second recording medium is detected. Further provided is an activation unit that activates the navigation device based on the update program, the update map information, and the additional information..
[0018]
  Therefore,The second recording medium further includes a third recording area in which an update program and update map information are recorded, and when connection of the second recording medium is detected, the recorded update program and update map information, additional information, , Further comprising an activation means for activating the navigation device based onSoA navigation function using an update program or the like can be started quickly.
[0019]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 3 is described in claim 1 or 2.navigationIn the deviceThe preset timing is the timing when the connection of the second recording medium to the navigation device is detected, the timing immediately before the first recording medium is removed from the navigation device, the timing designated by the user, Or any timing before the amount of information in the free area in the second recording area reaches the amount of information in the additional informationConfigured to be.
[0020]
  Therefore,The preset timing for recording the additional information of the first recording medium in the fourth recording area is the timing when the connection of the second recording medium to the navigation device is detected, immediately before the first recording medium is removed from the navigation device. Either the timing, the timing specified by the user, or any timing before the amount of free space information in the second recording area reaches the amount of additional informationSoTransfer additional information to the fourth recording area flexibly and reliably at various timesbe able to.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0032]
In the embodiment described below, the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation device (hereinafter simply referred to as a navigation device) that guides vehicle travel while performing map display or audio output. It is a form.
[0033]
First, the overall configuration and outline operation of the navigation device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0034]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the navigation device according to the embodiment.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation apparatus S according to the embodiment includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 10 connected to an antenna AT, a speed sensor unit 11, an acceleration sensor unit 12, and a plurality of recording media. A hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 as a first recording medium that includes a single hard disk and reads / writes information from / to each of the hard disks, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, connection detection means, start setting means, and formation means As a system control unit 16, an azimuth angle sensor unit 17, and a voice guidance unit 18.
[0036]
In addition, the system control unit 16 includes a plurality of hard disks on which information obtained by updating map information (described later) recorded in each hard disk included in the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 is recorded as will be described later. A second hard disk recording / reproducing device 13a as a second recording medium can be connected.
[0037]
Next, an outline operation will be described.
[0038]
First, the GPS receiving unit 10 receives navigation radio waves from a plurality of artificial satellites belonging to the GPS via the antenna AT, calculates a pseudo coordinate value of the current position, and outputs it to the system control unit 16 as GPS data. .
[0039]
On the other hand, the speed sensor unit 11 detects the traveling speed of the vehicle, converts the detected speed into speed data having a pulse or voltage form, and outputs the speed data to the system control unit 16.
[0040]
Further, the azimuth angle sensor unit 17 is constituted by a so-called gyro sensor, detects the azimuth angle of the vehicle, that is, the traveling direction in which the vehicle is traveling, and converts the detected azimuth angle into azimuth angle data having a pulse or voltage form. And output to the system control unit 16.
[0041]
Further, the acceleration sensor unit 12 senses the moving state of the vehicle in the vertical direction by comparing the gravitational acceleration and the acceleration generated by the movement of the vehicle, and outputs acceleration data indicating the sensed moving state as a pulse or a voltage. Are converted into the form of the above and output to the system control unit 16.
[0042]
On the other hand, the hard disk in the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 (hereinafter, each hard disk in the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 is collectively referred to as a first hard disk) is necessary for map information such as a road map and other travel guidance. In addition to the program information and the like being recorded so as to be readable, it is additional information required when the navigation processing is executed using the navigation device S, and the user of the navigation device S can use the navigation device S. Additional information added after installation on the vehicle (more specifically, as mentioned above, the location of a specific point that the user frequently visits, the route to the specific point, or on a frequently used road Navigation processing related information such as signal waiting status (switching timing) for each signal, and use There is desired listening (independent of the navigation processing) music information, etc.) is recorded.
[0043]
At this time, the map information or the like is scheduled to be updated to new contents periodically (for example, once a year) in accordance with changes in actual road conditions.
[0044]
On the other hand, the hard disk in the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a connected to the system control unit 16 later (hereinafter, each hard disk in the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a is collectively referred to as a second hard disk). When no information is recorded in this (that is, when the second hard disk is all free space), updated map information etc. updated from the map information recorded in the first hard disk is recorded. May have been.
[0045]
Next, the operation unit 14 includes a remote control device including a number of keys such as various confirmation buttons and numeric keys, and is used for inputting a driver's command (for example, vehicle driving information display). .
[0046]
Next, the display unit 15 displays map information output from the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 and various states necessary for travel guidance in the navigation device S.
[0047]
In addition, the voice guidance unit 18 outputs travel route guidance information in the form of voice, including the traveling direction of the vehicle at the next intersection and information to be notified directly to the driver on the travel guidance (such as traffic jam information or road closure information).
[0048]
In parallel with these operations, the system control unit 16 includes various input / output ports (for example, a GPS reception port, a key input port, a display unit control port, etc.) for navigation processing including copy processing of additional information described later. The display unit 15 indicates the surrounding area including the current position of the vehicle on the basis of travel information (vehicle position data and speed data) obtained from a position calculation unit (not shown). Control is performed so that the travel route guide information is displayed on the map, and the travel route guide information and the like are output from the voice guide unit 18 as voice.
[0049]
At this time, the position calculation unit calculates a plurality of current pseudo positions of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed data and the azimuth angle data output from the speed sensor unit 11 and the azimuth angle sensor unit 17, and the GPS reception unit 10. A position mark (current position of the vehicle on the map) to be displayed on the display unit 15 by comparing the pseudo coordinate value corresponding to the current position output from the current position and one of the calculated current pseudo positions. The display position of the position mark) is calculated, and travel information such as the speed of the vehicle and the traveling direction of the vehicle other than the current pseudo position is also calculated, and provided in the system control unit 16 Well, it may be provided outside.
[0050]
Here, since the navigation apparatus S of the embodiment includes the acceleration sensor unit 12 described above, by using the acceleration data sensed by the acceleration sensor unit 12, the position calculation unit can detect the inclination of the road and its level. The current pseudo position of the vehicle is calculated while judging the difference.
[0051]
As a result, a three-dimensional intersection or a general road and a highway on an elevated road overlap in a plane, which was difficult only by using the data from the speed sensor unit 11 and the azimuth sensor unit 17 that sense a two-dimensional position. The current position of the vehicle can be accurately calculated even at the place where the vehicle is located. Further, for example, when a vehicle travels on a mountain road or a hill, the actual vehicle travel distance and the map generated when the current position is calculated based on each data from the speed sensor unit 11 and the azimuth sensor unit 17 are described. Using the sensed road slope to correct the error from the travel distance (ie, the travel distance as a result of moving while tilting is longer than the travel distance on a map that is flat) It is also possible to do.
[0052]
Next, information copying processing of additional information according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0053]
2 is a flowchart showing the information copying process executed mainly by the system controller 16, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the information copying process.
[0054]
In the copying process of the additional information according to the embodiment, first, when the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 including the first hard disk in which the map information and the like are recorded is connected to the system control unit 16, the system control unit 16 is confirmed whether or not the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a is normally connected (step S1). If not properly connected (step S1; NO), the confirmation operation is repeated until the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a is connected. On the other hand, when normally connected (step S1; YES), the map information already recorded on the first hard disk is updated to the second hard disk in the connected second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a. It is determined whether or not the updated map information and the like are recorded (step S2).
[0055]
As a result, when it is confirmed that the updated map information or the like is not recorded on the second hard disk (step S2; NO), it is next determined whether or not the entire second hard disk is an empty area. (Step S7).
[0056]
When the second hard disk is entirely free (step S7; YES), as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3, the current system control unit 16 has map information MP and program information PG for executing navigation processing. The hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 including the first hard disk D1 having the second recording area in which the additional information UD added by the user is recorded in addition to the first recording area in which is recorded, and the entire interior is an empty area EP Since the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a including the second hard disk D2 is connected in parallel, only the additional information UD on the first hard disk D1 is transferred to the second hard disk. It is copied to a preset area on D2, and has the same contents as the additional information UD on the second hard disk D2. Forming the additional information UD '(step S8). After the process of step S8 is completed, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 3, the content of the original first hard disk D1 remains unchanged, but additional information UD ′ is newly recorded on the second hard disk D2, The remaining area of the second hard disk D2 becomes a free area EP ′.
[0057]
If it is not determined in step S7 that the second hard disk is entirely free (step S7; NO), the display unit 15 indicates that the additional information UD copying process of the embodiment cannot be performed. Processing such as display is performed and the processing is terminated.
[0058]
When the additional information UD ′ is copied and recorded on the second hard disk D2, the additional information UD is then erased from the second recording area on the first hard disk D1 where the original additional information UD is recorded. (Step S9), the copying process of the additional information UD of the embodiment is completed. After the process of step S9 is executed, the second recording area on the first hard disk D1 in which the additional information UD has been recorded becomes a free area EP "as shown in the lower part of FIG. Will be used.
[0059]
On the other hand, if the updated map information or the like is recorded in the second hard disk in the connected second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a in the determination in step S2 (step S2; YES), the upper part of FIG. As described above, the current system control unit 16 receives the map information MP, the program information PG, and the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 including the first hard disk D1 in which the additional information UD is recorded, and the map information MP and the program information PG, respectively. A second hard disk having a third recording area in which updated map information MP ′ and updated program information PG ′, which are updated information, are recorded, and the remaining area being a free area EP ′ as a fourth recording area The second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a including D2 ′ is connected in parallel. Then, a process for restarting (initializing) the entire navigation device S is started (step S3), and the restart is executed using the updated map information MP ′ and the updated program information PG ′ (step S4). ).
[0060]
After the restart, only the additional information UD on the first hard disk D1 is copied to the empty area EP ′ on the second hard disk D2 ′, and the additional information having exactly the same contents as the additional information UD on the empty area EP ′. UD ′ is formed (step S5). After the process of step S5 is completed, the contents of the original first hard disk D1 remain the same as shown in the middle of FIG. 4, but the updated map information MP ′ and the update program information are stored on the second hard disk D2 ′. Additional information UD ′ is newly recorded in addition to PG ′.
[0061]
When the additional information UD ′ is copied and recorded on the second hard disk D2 ′, the entire first hard disk D1 in which the original additional information UD is recorded is then released (that is, the entire information is freely freed). The information is redefined as an area where information can be recorded and reproduced (step S6), and the copying process of the additional information UD of the embodiment is completed.
[0062]
After the process of step S6 is executed, the entire first hard disk D1 in which the additional information UD is recorded becomes a free area EP as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 and is used for other purposes thereafter. Thereafter, the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 may be removed from the system control unit 16, or may be left as it is for other uses.
[0063]
The timing for starting the process of forming the additional information UD ′ in step S5 or S8 described above is specifically started immediately from the timing when the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a is connected to the system control unit 16, for example. Alternatively, it may be performed immediately before the hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13 is removed from the system control unit 16. Further, it may be configured to start from a timing designated by the user, and further, configured to be executed before the information amount of the empty area EP or EP ′ reaches the information amount of the additional information UD. You can also.
[0064]
Further, immediately before the process of forming the additional information UD ′ is started, a display for causing the user to recognize and confirm the start may be executed using the display unit 15 or the voice guidance unit 18. .
[0065]
As described above, according to the update processing or the like of the additional information UD of the embodiment, when it is detected that the second hard disk recording / playback unit 13a is connected, the same information as the additional information UD is stored in the second hard disk D2. Alternatively, since the additional information UD is transferred on D2 ′, the first hard disk D1 in which the map information MP or the like is currently recorded is removed for the update of the map information MP or the like and is replaced with a new hard disk. Even if the recording / reproducing unit is exchanged, the map information MP and the like can be updated without losing the additional information UD used after the update.
[0066]
Further, when the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a includes the second hard disk D2 which is all free space, all of the additional information UD can be completely transferred.
[0067]
Further, when the second hard disk recording / reproducing unit 13a includes the second hard disk D2 ′ for update, the additional information UD is stored in the second hard disk D2 ′ in which the updated map information MP ′ and the like used immediately after the update is recorded. Therefore, the navigation process can be started immediately after the transfer using the updated map information MP ′ and the like and the additional information UD.
[0068]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where a hard disk is used as the recording medium has been described. However, in addition to this, if the rewritable recording medium is used, the present invention is applied to, for example, updating the contents of a semiconductor memory. You can also.
[0069]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the navigation device S that uses map information or the like has been described. However, in addition to this, for example, a rewritable recording medium that stores a plurality of pieces of music is provided. In the music reproducing apparatus, the present invention can also be applied to the case where a recording medium on which another new music is recorded is additionally connected and the music is updated.
[0070]
Furthermore, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is recorded on a flexible disk or hard disk as an information recording medium, and is read and executed by a general-purpose computer such as a microcomputer. It is also possible for a computer to function as the system control unit 16.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second recording mediumofContactContinuedWhen detectedRecord additional information of the first recording medium in the fourth recording areaI.e.add toSince the information will be transferred,Programs and map information essential for navigation functionsIs recorded on the first recording mediumPrograms and mapsEven if it is removed for information update and replaced with a new recording medium,add toThe relevant without losing informationPrograms and mapsInformation can be updated.
[0072]
  So for examplePrograms and mapsEven after updating the information, it was created by thenadd toThe navigation function can be started immediately without losing information or creating a new one.
[0073]
  According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1,The second recording medium further includes a third recording area in which an update program and update map information are recorded, and when connection of the second recording medium is detected, the recorded update program and update map information, additional information, , Further comprising an activation means for activating the navigation device based onSoA navigation function using an update program or the like can be started quickly.
[0074]
  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2,The preset timing for recording the additional information of the first recording medium in the fourth recording area is the timing when the connection of the second recording medium to the navigation device is detected, immediately before the first recording medium is removed from the navigation device. Either the timing, the timing specified by the user, or any timing before the amount of free space information in the second recording area reaches the amount of additional informationSoTransfer additional information to the fourth recording area flexibly and reliably at various timesbe able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating information copying processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram (I) illustrating a change in recording mode in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram (II) showing a change in recording mode in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... GPS receiver
11. Speed sensor part
12 ... Acceleration sensor
13. Hard disk recording / playback unit
13a ... Second hard disk recording / reproducing unit
14 ... operation unit
15 ... Display section
16 ... System control unit
17 ... Azimuth angle sensor
18 ... Voice guidance section
S ... Navigation device
AT ... antenna
MP ... Map information
MP ’… Updated map information
PG ... Program information
PG '... Update program information
EP, EP ', EP "... free space
UD, UD '... Additional information
D1 ... 1st hard disk
D2, D2 '... second hard disk

Claims (3)

A first recording medium having a first recording area in which a program essential for a navigation function and map information are recorded; and a second recording area in which additional information unique to each user is recorded ; In a navigation device that operates based on the map information and the additional information,
Between said first recording medium is connected to the navigation device, a detection means before Symbol second recording medium comprising a fourth recording area capable of recording additional information is detected to be connected to the navigation device ,
Recording means for recording the additional information of the first recording medium in the fourth recording area at a preset timing when connection of the second recording medium is detected;
A navigation device comprising: The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein
The second recording medium further includes a third recording area in which an update program for updating the navigation function and updated map information are recorded,
When the connection of the second recording medium is detected, the apparatus further comprises start means for starting the navigation device based on the recorded update program and update map information and the additional information. Navigation device. The navigation device according to claim 1 or 2,
The preset timing is:
Timing when connection of the second recording medium to the navigation device is detected;
Timing immediately before the first recording medium is removed from the navigation device;
The timing specified by the user, or
Any timing before the amount of information in the free area in the second recording area reaches the amount of information in the additional information,
A navigation device characterized by being any one of the above .

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