JP4357925B2 - Destination search apparatus and destination search method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a destination search device and a search method in a navigation device and the like, and is particularly suitable for use in a destination search device and a destination search method that can easily search for location data of a destination to be searched. It is a thing.

  In general, a navigation device detects the current position of a vehicle using a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, or the like, reads out map data in the vicinity thereof from a recording medium, and displays it on a screen. Then, a vehicle position mark indicating the vehicle position is superimposed and displayed at a predetermined location on the screen, so that it can be seen at a glance where the vehicle is currently traveling.

  Also, most of the recent navigation devices are equipped with a route guidance function that allows a driver to easily travel to a desired destination without making a mistake on the road. This route guidance function automatically searches for the route with the lowest cost from the current location to the destination using map data, and uses the searched route as a guidance route to change the color of other roads on the map screen. draw. Further, when the vehicle approaches within a certain distance of the guidance intersection on the guidance route, the driver is guided to the destination by performing predetermined intersection guidance.

  The destination includes a destination that the driver wants to finally go to and a waypoint between the current location and the destination. The cost is a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined constant according to the road width, road type (whether it is a general road or a highway), right and left turns, traffic regulations, etc. based on the distance. The degree of aptitude is quantified. Even if there are two routes with the same distance, the cost differs depending on the search conditions such as whether the driver uses the highway, whether to give priority to time or priority to distance, etc. It will be. In the route search process, the link costs on various routes from the current location to the destination are sequentially added, using the points connecting multiple roads such as intersections and branches as nodes and the vectors connecting adjacent nodes as links. The route with the smallest sum of is selected as the guidance route.

In this type of in-vehicle navigation device, several destination setting methods are usually prepared. For example, a device that searches for a specific point by inputting an address, inputting 50 sounds, inputting a telephone number, or inputting a postal code is known. There is a combination of these input methods (for example, Patent Document 1). In the in-vehicle navigation device described in Patent Document 1, if there is a point corresponding to the input telephone number data, a map including the point is displayed, but there is no point corresponding to the input telephone number data. In this case, an area corresponding to the station number (area code and local area code in the telephone number) data in the telephone number data is searched, and the input mode is switched in a state where the address data is input to that area. Then, the user is caused to input address data from the middle, and a point corresponding to the address data is set.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-271084

  However, in the in-vehicle navigation device described in Patent Document 1, the address data is input up to the area corresponding to the station number data. However, for the address data after that, the user must input the address data. Therefore, there is a problem that the labor of data input cannot be reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and when searching for a destination using telephone number data, there is no location data corresponding to the inputted telephone number data. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the labor of inputting address data performed by the user and to enable quick search for a destination.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, when there is no location data corresponding to the input telephone number data, the area code data of the telephone number data or the area code data and the local area code data The address data of the facility serving as a landmark in the area specified by both are displayed, and the address data of the destination is acquired by enabling editing from any point of the address data.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, when searching for a destination using telephone number data, if there is no position data corresponding to the inputted telephone number data, the city in the telephone number data is displayed. Address data is input using the address data of the facility that is the landmark in the area specified by both the area code data or the area code data and the city code data, thus reducing the labor of inputting the address data. can do. Accordingly, the destination can be searched quickly.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an in-vehicle navigation device to which the destination search device according to the first embodiment is applied. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a map recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, which stores various map data necessary for map display, route search, and the like. Although the DVD-ROM 11 is used here as a recording medium for storing map data, other recording media such as a CD-ROM and a hard disk may be used. A DVD-ROM control unit 12 controls reading of map data from the DVD-ROM 11.

  The map data recorded on the DVD-ROM 11 includes position data corresponding to various points. Some position data is stored in association with telephone number data corresponding to the point.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes a position measuring device that measures the current position of the vehicle, and includes a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS receiver, a position calculation CPU, and the like. The self-contained navigation sensor includes a vehicle speed sensor (distance sensor) that outputs a single pulse for each predetermined travel distance to detect the travel distance of the vehicle, and an angular velocity sensor such as a vibration gyro that detects the rotation angle (movement direction) of the vehicle. (Relative orientation sensor). The self-contained navigation sensor detects the relative position and direction of the vehicle using these vehicle speed sensor and angular velocity sensor.

  A CPU for position calculation (not shown) calculates an absolute own vehicle position (estimated vehicle position) and vehicle direction based on relative position and direction data output from the self-contained navigation sensor. . The GPS receiver receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites with a GPS antenna, performs a three-dimensional positioning process or a two-dimensional positioning process, and calculates the absolute position and direction of the vehicle (the vehicle direction is The calculation is based on the current vehicle position and the current vehicle position one sampling time ΔT before).

  A map information memory 14 temporarily stores map data read from the DVD-ROM 11 under the control of the DVD-ROM control unit 12. That is, the DVD-ROM control unit 12 inputs information on the current vehicle position from the position measurement device 13 and outputs an instruction to read out map data in a predetermined range including the current vehicle position, thereby displaying a map display or guidance route. Map data required for searching (location data of various points, corresponding phone number data, area code data, city area code data, area code data or area code data (city code data and city area code data) The landmark position data of the facility to be the corresponding landmark, the address data corresponding to the position data, the address data corresponding to the landmark position data, etc.) are read from the DVD-ROM 11 and stored in the map information memory 14. The map information memory 14 corresponds to a storage unit or a first storage unit in claims.

  An example of the structure of the map data is shown in FIG. As a first pattern, as shown in FIG. 3A, the map data has a first table that represents telephone number data and position data of points corresponding to the telephone number data. Further, the map data has a second table that represents the area code data and the landmark position data of the facility that is a landmark corresponding to the area code data. At this time, in the map data shown in FIG. 3A, there is only one mark position data corresponding to the area code data. On the other hand, as the second pattern, as shown in FIG. 3B, the map data has a first table that represents telephone number data and position data of points corresponding to the telephone number data. . Further, the map data has a second table representing station number data and landmark position data of a facility that serves as a landmark corresponding to the station number data. At this time, in the map data shown in FIG. 3B, there is only one mark position data corresponding to the station number data.

  Convenience stores, public institutions (stations, government offices, schools, parks, etc.), information centers, police boxes, etc. can be considered as facilities serving as landmarks in the present embodiment. Since these facilities are likely to be familiar facilities for users, they are suitable as landmarks. In addition, since the destination search device of this embodiment is often applied to an in-vehicle navigation device, a facility adjacent to an intersection where a main road such as a national road intersects can be set as a landmark facility. . Such a facility is also suitable as a landmark because it is highly likely that the facility is familiar to the user.

  Here, the main road means a road having a predetermined rank or higher in the road classification. For example, in the Japanese road classification, in order from the highest rank: (1) Highway national highway, (2) Urban highway, (3) General national road, (4) Main local road, (5) Main local road (designated city road) ), (6) General prefectural roads, (7) Main roads, (8) General roads, (9) Narrow roads, (10) Ferry routes (routes), (11) Kartrain, (12) Other It is divided as follows. In the present embodiment, for example, (4) major local roads and higher are defined as main roads.

  In the United States of America, the navigation network of Navigation Technologies is classified into five function classes FC1 to FC5. FC1 is a super highway, FC2 is a highway, FC3 is an auxiliary road (Collector Roads), FC4 is a feeder road, and FC5 is a local street. Of these, for example, FC3 auxiliary roads and higher are defined as main roads.

  Reference numeral 15 denotes a remote controller (remote controller) (corresponding to the telephone number input means in the claims), and the user sets various information (for example, a route guidance destination) to the navigation device, Various controls (buttons, joysticks, numeric keys for entering phone number data, etc.) for performing operations (for example, menu selection operations, enlargement / reduction operations, manual map scrolling, character input, etc.) I have. Reference numeral 16 denotes a remote control interface, which receives an infrared signal corresponding to the operation state from the remote control 15.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a processor (CPU), which controls the entire navigation device. Reference numeral 18 denotes a ROM that stores various programs (such as a telephone number corresponding position data extraction program, an in-area landmark facility extraction program, an address data input program, and a guidance route search processing program). Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM which temporarily stores data obtained during various processes and data obtained as a result of various processes. The CPU 17, the ROM 18, and the RAM 19 correspond to the control means in the claims.

  The CPU 17 described above extracts position data corresponding to the telephone number data input from the remote controller 15 from the map information memory 14 and sets it as a destination in accordance with the telephone number corresponding position data extraction program stored in the ROM 18. If the position data corresponding to the input telephone number data cannot be extracted, the CPU 17 follows the area mark facility extraction program stored in the ROM 18 and the area code data in the telephone number data input from the remote controller 15. Alternatively, the landmark position data of the facility that is the landmark in the area corresponding to the station number data is extracted, and the result is stored in the RAM 19.

  As shown in FIG. 3, there is only one facility that is a landmark determined by the area code data or the area code data in one area. In this case, the CPU 17 extracts from the map information memory 14 address data corresponding to the landmark position data of the facility that is the landmark extracted by the in-area landmark facility extraction program in accordance with the address data input program stored in the ROM 18. . This address data is sent to the menu generation unit 24 described later. Then, the address data is displayed as a character string on the display device 28, and a cursor is displayed at a predetermined position in the character string. The user can edit the character string of the displayed address data with the remote controller 15 as necessary.

  The CPU 17 described above searches for a guide route with the lowest cost connecting the current location to the destination using the map data stored in the map information memory 14 in accordance with the guide route search processing program stored in the ROM 18. Do. As the destination here, it is possible to use the position data extracted as a result of the processing of the above-described telephone number corresponding position data extraction program or the in-area landmark facility extraction program and the address data input program.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a guidance route memory, which stores guidance route data searched by the CPU 17. The guidance route data stores the position of each node and an intersection identification flag indicating whether each node is an intersection, corresponding to each node from the current location to the destination.

  Reference numeral 21 denotes an intersection enlarged map memory, which temporarily stores enlarged map data of all guidance target intersections in the guidance route (intersection enlarged map for guiding the vehicle toward the destination, destination and travel direction arrow images). To store. The data of this enlarged intersection view is also appropriately read from the DVD-ROM 11 under the control of the DVD-ROM control unit 12.

  A display controller 22 generates map image data necessary for display on the display device 28 based on the map data stored in the map information memory 14. A video RAM 23 temporarily stores map image data generated by the display controller 22. That is, the map image data generated by the display controller 22 is temporarily stored in the video RAM 23, and the map image data for one screen is read and output to the image composition unit 27.

  The above-described menu generation unit 24 generates and outputs a menu image necessary for performing various operations and inputs using the remote controller 15. Reference numeral 25 denotes a guidance route generator, which generates guidance route data by using the processing result of the guidance route search processing program stored in the guidance route memory 20. That is, the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20 is selectively read out from the map area drawn in the video RAM 23 at that time, and the guidance is overlaid on the map image and highlighted with a predetermined color. Draw a route. Further, when the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection in front of the guidance route, an image of the guidance map of the approaching intersection is generated based on the enlarged intersection map data stored in the enlarged intersection map memory 21. And output.

  A mark generator 26 generates and outputs a vehicle position mark to be displayed at the vehicle position after the map matching process, various landmarks to display a gas station, a convenience store, and the like. Note that the map matching process includes the map data read into the map information memory 14, the vehicle position and vehicle orientation data measured by the GPS receiver measured by the position measuring device 13, and the vehicle estimated by the autonomous navigation sensor. This is a process for correcting the position of the traveling position of the vehicle on the road of the map data using the position and vehicle direction data.

  The above-described image composition unit 27 composes and outputs various images. That is, the map image data read by the display controller 22 is overlaid with the image data output from each of the menu generation unit 24, the guide route generation unit 25, and the mark generation unit 26, and image synthesis is performed. Output to. As a result, map information around the vehicle is displayed on the screen of the display device 28 together with the vehicle position mark, the destination mark, and the like. In addition, a guidance route is displayed on the map, and an enlarged view of the intersection is displayed when the position of the vehicle approaches the vicinity of the intersection.

  Reference numeral 29 denotes a voice generation unit that utters a voice for intersection guidance, a voice for various operation guidance, and the like. Reference numeral 30 denotes a speaker, which outputs the sound generated by the sound generator 29 to the outside. Reference numeral 31 denotes a bus, which is used for exchanging data between the various functional configurations described above. Reference numeral 32 denotes a user memory which stores various information newly set by the user or the like. The nonvolatile memory or the like whose stored contents are not erased even when the power of the navigation device of this embodiment is turned off. Consists of.

  Next, the operation of the destination search device provided in the navigation device configured as described above and the processing procedure of the destination search method will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the destination search apparatus and the destination search method according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of map data stored in the destination search apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an input screen of the destination search apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, there is only one place position data of a facility that serves as a mark corresponding to the area code or the area number data, and is stored in the DVD-ROM 11 in advance.

  In FIG. 2, first, the CPU 17 checks whether or not telephone number data is input by operating the remote controller 15 through a telephone number data input screen as shown in FIG. 4A (step S1). If telephone number data is not input (NO in step S1), the process in step S1 is repeated.

  When the telephone number data is input (YES in step S1), the CPU 17 uses the map data stored in the map information memory 14 in accordance with the telephone number corresponding position data extraction program stored in the ROM 18 to call the telephone number. The position data is searched using the data as a key (step S2). Then, as a result of this search, it is checked whether there is position data corresponding to the input telephone number data (step S3). At this time, the first table of map data shown in FIG. 3 is used.

  Since some of the position data stored in the map information memory 14 is stored in association with the telephone number data, the position data corresponding to the telephone number data can be searched. However, it is impossible to store the position data corresponding to all the telephone number data in the map information memory 14 because the telephone number is not invariant data but is frequently used by individuals. . Therefore, there may be a case where there is no location data corresponding to the telephone number data.

  Therefore, if there is position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by remote controller 15 (YES in step S3), CPU 17 obtains position data corresponding to the telephone number data from map information memory 14, It memorize | stores in RAM19 (step S4). Further, the CPU 17 acquires data necessary for displaying a map of the surrounding area from the map information memory 14 based on the acquired position data, and supplies it to the display controller 22. Thereby, a map including a point corresponding to the acquired position data is displayed on the display device 28 (step S5).

  Then, the CPU 17 confirms that there is no mistake at the point displayed on the map (the instruction input for setting as the destination is made by the remote controller 15), and sets the point as the destination (step) S6). At this time, the CPU 17 stores the position data acquired in step S4 in the guidance route memory 20 as destination data. Thereafter, when a route search instruction is issued by operating the remote controller 15, the vehicle position at that time is stored in the guidance route memory 20 as departure point data. Then, the travel route connecting the departure point and the destination stored in the guidance route memory 20 is searched under the conditions specified by the user. For example, the guide route that minimizes the cost under any of the conditions such as the shortest time, the shortest distance, and the shortest charge is searched and set. Further, the CPU 17 starts a process of guiding the vehicle to the destination based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20 (step S7).

  On the other hand, when the position data corresponding to the telephone number data does not exist in the map information memory 14 (NO in step S3), the CPU 17 stores in the map information memory 14 according to the in-area landmark facility extraction program stored in the ROM 18. Using the stored map data, the search for the area code data constituting the telephone number data or the landmark position data corresponding to the area code data is started (step S8). Then, the mark position data extracted as a result is stored in the RAM 19. In this search, the second table of map data shown in FIG. 3 is used.

  After extracting the area code data or the landmark position data corresponding to the area code data from the second table, the CPU 17 extracts the address data corresponding to the landmark position data from the map information memory 14 (step S9). The extracted address data is displayed as a character string on the address data input screen of the display device 28 shown in FIG. Then, for example, a cursor is displayed at the end of the displayed character string, and address data can be edited (step S10). At this time, the address data is displayed by prefecture, city, county name, character name, lot number, and the like.

  Here, the user can edit the address data while viewing the screen of the display device 28 and appropriately moving the cursor with the remote controller 15 as necessary. As address data editing method, data after the cursor is displayed may be overwritten, or may be inserted at the position where the cursor is displayed. Note that unnecessary character data generated by inputting address data may be automatically deleted, or may be deleted by operating the remote controller 15.

  Thus, CPU 17 checks whether or not the address data has been edited (step S11), and if it is determined that the address data has been edited (YES in step S11), the position corresponding to the edited address data. Data is acquired from the map information memory 14 (step S12). On the other hand, if it is determined that the address data has not been edited (NO in step S11), position data corresponding to the address data that has not been edited is acquired from the map information memory 14 (step S13).

  When the position data corresponding to the edited address data or the unedited address data is acquired, based on this position data, the CPU 17 stores the data necessary for displaying the surrounding map in the map information memory. 14 and supplied to the display controller 22. Thereby, a map including a point corresponding to the acquired position data is displayed on the display device 28 (step S5).

  Then, the CPU 17 confirms that there is no mistake at the point displayed on the map (the instruction input for setting as the destination is made by the remote controller 15), and sets the point as the destination (step) S6). At this time, the CPU 17 stores the position data acquired in step S12 or step S13 in the guidance route memory 20 as destination data. Thereafter, when a route search instruction is issued by operating the remote controller 15, the vehicle position at that time is stored in the guidance route memory 20 as departure point data. Then, the travel route connecting the departure point and the destination stored in the guidance route memory 20 is searched under the conditions specified by the user. For example, the guide route that minimizes the cost under any of the conditions such as the shortest time, the shortest distance, and the shortest charge is searched and set. Further, the CPU 17 starts a process of guiding the vehicle to the destination based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20 (step S7).

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, when searching for a destination using telephone number data, even if there is no location data corresponding to the telephone number data, the area code that constitutes the telephone number data The address data of the facility that is the landmark in the area corresponding to the station number data or the station number data is extracted and the address data input screen is displayed, and the address data is arbitrarily edited as it is input from the beginning on this address data input screen. By making it possible, it is possible to obtain position data as a destination and display it on a map. Therefore, when the destination cannot be searched by the telephone number, it is possible to reduce the labor of inputting the address data performed by the user and to search for the destination quickly.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The overall configuration of the in-vehicle navigation device to which the destination search device according to the second embodiment is applied is the same as that shown in FIG. However, the map data has the structure shown in FIG. 6, and the CPU 17 is different in that the process described later is performed.

  An example of the structure of the map data according to the second embodiment is shown in FIG. As a first pattern, as shown in FIG. 6A, the map data has a first table representing telephone number data and position data of points corresponding to the telephone number data. Further, the map data has a second table that represents the area code data and the landmark position data of the facility that is a landmark corresponding to the area code data. At this time, in the map data shown in FIG. 6A, there is one or more landmark position data corresponding to the area code data. On the other hand, as the second pattern, as shown in FIG. 6B, the map data has a first table that represents telephone number data and position data of points corresponding to the telephone number data. . Further, the map data has a second table representing station number data and landmark position data of a facility that serves as a landmark corresponding to the station number data. At this time, in the map data shown in FIG. 6B, there is one or more mark position data corresponding to the station number data.

  As shown in FIG. 6, one or more facilities that are landmarks determined by the area code data or the area code data exist in one area. When there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks, the CPU 17 obtains address data corresponding to the landmark position data of the facilities serving as a plurality of landmarks extracted by the in-area landmark facility extraction program according to the address data input program stored in the ROM 18. Extracted from the map information memory 14. This address data is sent to the menu generation unit 24 described later. Then, the list of the address data is displayed on the display device 28 so as to be selectable. When the user selects desired address data from the list-displayed address data, the address data is displayed as a character string on the display device 28, and a cursor is displayed at a predetermined position in the character string. The The user can edit the character string of the displayed address data with the remote controller 15 as necessary.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks, the CPU 17 determines the location data of the facilities serving as the landmarks extracted by the in-area landmark facility extraction program according to the address data input program stored in the ROM 18. Data necessary for displaying the surrounding map is acquired from the map information memory 14 and supplied to the display controller 22 to display a map including a plurality of points corresponding to the acquired landmark position data on the display device 28. You may do it. Here, the user moves the cursor to select a desired facility. When a user selects a desired facility from a plurality of facilities displayed on the map, address data corresponding to the facility is displayed as a character string on the display device 28 and a predetermined character string in the character string is displayed. A cursor appears at the position. The user can edit the character string of the displayed address data with the remote controller 15 as necessary.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the destination search apparatus and the destination search method according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the input screen of the destination search apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, one or more landmark location data of a facility corresponding to the area code or area code data exists for one area, and is stored in the DVD-ROM 11 in advance. .

  In FIG. 5, first, the CPU 17 checks whether or not telephone number data is input by operating the remote controller 15 through a telephone number data input screen as shown in FIG. 7A (step S41). If telephone number data is not input (NO in step S41), the process of step S41 is repeated.

  When the telephone number data is input (YES in step S41), CPU 17 uses the map data stored in map information memory 14 according to the telephone number corresponding position data extraction program stored in ROM 18 to call the telephone number. The position data is searched using the data as a key (step S42). Then, as a result of this search, it is checked whether there is position data corresponding to the input telephone number data (step S43). At this time, the first table of map data shown in FIG. 6 is used.

  If there is position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by remote controller 15 (YES in step S43), CPU 17 obtains position data corresponding to the telephone number data from map information memory 14 and stores it in RAM 19. Store (step S44). Further, the CPU 17 acquires data necessary for displaying a map of the surrounding area from the map information memory 14 based on the acquired position data, and supplies it to the display controller 22. Thereby, the map containing the point applicable to the acquired position data is displayed on the display apparatus 28 (step S45).

  Then, the CPU 17 confirms that there is no mistake at the point displayed on the map (the instruction input for setting as the destination is made by the remote controller 15), and sets the point as the destination (step) S46). At this time, the CPU 17 stores the position data acquired in step S44 in the guidance route memory 20 as destination data. Thereafter, when a route search instruction is issued by operating the remote controller 15, the vehicle position at that time is stored in the guidance route memory 20 as departure point data. Then, the travel route connecting the departure point and the destination stored in the guidance route memory 20 is searched under the conditions specified by the user. For example, the guide route that minimizes the cost under any of the conditions such as the shortest time, the shortest distance, and the shortest charge is searched and set. Further, the CPU 17 starts a process of guiding the vehicle to the destination based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20 (step S47).

  On the other hand, when the position data corresponding to the telephone number data does not exist in the map information memory 14 (NO in step S43), the CPU 17 stores in the map information memory 14 according to the in-area landmark facility extraction program stored in the ROM 18. Using the stored map data, a search for the area code data constituting the telephone number data or landmark position data corresponding to the area code data is started (step S48). Then, the mark position data extracted as a result is stored in the RAM 19. At this time, the second table of map data shown in FIG. 6 is used.

  The CPU 17 refers to the search result stored in the RAM 19 to check whether or not there are a plurality of mark position data in one area (step S49). If there is only one mark position data (NO in step S49), CPU 17 extracts address data corresponding to the mark position data from map information memory 14 (step S50).

  On the other hand, when there are a plurality of mark position data (YES in step S49), CPU 17 extracts address data of a plurality of facilities corresponding to the plurality of mark position data from map information memory 14 (step S55). . Then, the CPU 17 displays a list of address data of a plurality of facilities on the display device 28 (step S56). At this time, when the list is displayed as text, it is displayed as shown in the text display screen of FIG. 7B, and when the list is displayed as a map, it is shown in the map display screen of FIG. 7C. Is displayed.

  Next, the CPU 17 checks whether one facility is selected from the plurality of facilities displayed in a list (step S57). When one facility is selected from a plurality of listed facilities (YES in step S57), CPU 17 extracts address data of the facility from map information memory 14 (step S50). If one facility is not selected from the plurality of facilities (NO in step S57), the process in step S57 is repeated.

  As described above, when the address data of the facility serving as a landmark is extracted in step S50, the extracted address data is displayed as a character string on the address data input screen of the display device 28 shown in FIG. Then, for example, a cursor is displayed at the end of the displayed character string to enable editing of address data (step S51). Here, the user can edit the address data while viewing the screen of the display device 28 and appropriately moving the cursor with the remote controller 15 as necessary.

  Thus, CPU 17 checks whether or not the address data has been edited (step S52), and if it is determined that the address data has been edited (YES in step S52), the position corresponding to the edited address data. Data is acquired from the map information memory 14 (step S53). On the other hand, if it is determined that the address data has not been edited (NO in step S52), position data corresponding to the address data that has not been edited is acquired from the map information memory 14 (step S54).

  When the position data corresponding to the edited address data or the unedited address data is acquired, the CPU 17 uses the position data to map data necessary for displaying the surrounding map. Obtained from the information memory 14 and supplied to the display controller 22. Thereby, the map containing the point applicable to the acquired position data is displayed on the display apparatus 28 (step S45).

  Then, the CPU 17 confirms that there is no mistake at the point displayed on the map (the instruction input for setting as the destination is made by the remote controller 15), and sets the point as the destination (step) S46). At this time, the CPU 17 stores the position data acquired in step S53 or step S54 in the guidance route memory 20 as destination data. Thereafter, when a route search instruction is issued by operating the remote controller 15, the vehicle position at that time is stored in the guidance route memory 20 as departure point data. Then, the travel route connecting the departure point and the destination stored in the guidance route memory 20 is searched under the conditions specified by the user. For example, the guide route that minimizes the cost under any of the conditions such as the shortest time, the shortest distance, and the shortest charge is searched and set. Further, the CPU 17 starts a process of guiding the vehicle to the destination based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 20 (step S47).

  As described above in detail, according to the second embodiment, when the destination is searched using the telephone number data, the telephone number data is configured even when there is no position data corresponding to the telephone number data. The address data of the facility that is the landmark in the area corresponding to the area code or area code data is extracted, the address data input screen is displayed, and the address data is input from the beginning on this address data input screen. By making it editable arbitrarily, it is possible to obtain position data as a destination and display it on a map. Therefore, when the destination cannot be searched by the telephone number, it is possible to reduce the labor of inputting the address data performed by the user and to search for the destination quickly. Further, by making it possible to set a plurality of facilities that serve as landmarks in the area, facilities that are easily recognized by the user can be used as landmarks.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the area code data or the landmark position data of the facility serving as the landmark corresponding to the area code data is stored in the DVD-ROM 11 in advance. The facility that serves as the mark may be registered in the user memory 32 (corresponding to the second storage means in the claims) in association with the mark position data of the facility. For example, the user registers a desired point as a landmark facility with the remote controller 15 and registers corresponding area code data or station number data. In this case, since the facility serving as the mark is a facility registered by the user, the user can easily recognize the facility serving as the mark.

  Further, the map data may be configured to include the area code indicating the area specified by the area code and the area code specified by the area code, or the area data indicating the area specified by the area code and the area code. In this case, when the user designates a desired point as a landmark facility with the remote controller 15, the CPU 17 registers position data corresponding to the desired point as landmark position data, and an area where the desired point exists. It is possible to identify the area data and read the area code data or the corresponding area code data from the map data and register it in the memory 32. In this case, since the facility serving as the landmark is a facility registered by the user, the user can easily recognize the facility serving as the landmark. In addition, the user can register without knowing the area code data or the area code data corresponding to the point to be a landmark.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, a destination that has been set in the past may be registered in the user memory 32 as a landmark facility. For example, the user searches for a destination using the remote controller 15. The facility extracted by this search is used as a landmark facility, and is registered in the user memory 32 in association with the corresponding landmark position data. Thereby, since the facility used as a mark becomes a facility that has been set as a search history, the user can easily recognize the facility used as the mark.

  When a new landmark facility is registered in this way, there are two or more landmark facilities in the same area. In the first embodiment, there is only one landmark facility. Therefore, it is necessary to validate only the newly registered facilities as landmarks. In the second embodiment, since there are one or more facilities as landmarks, only newly registered facilities may be validated, or all facilities stored as landmarks may be validated. good.

  In addition, the user memory 32 is used as a device for storing a facility registered as a landmark registered by the user and a facility registered as a landmark based on the position data set as the destination. Any non-volatile memory may be used, and the user memory 32 can be eliminated by using a hard disk as the map recording medium or by making the map information memory 14 a non-volatile memory.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the map data may have the structure shown in FIG. According to FIG. 8, the map data includes the area data corresponding to the telephone number data composed of the area code data, the local area code data, the subscriber number data, and the area number data and the subscriber number data (the corresponding position data exists). Telephone number data that is not included is described as no data), the landmark position data of the facility that is the landmark corresponding to the station number data, and a flag (flag is shown) indicating whether or not this landmark position data corresponds to the area code data 1 indicates that it is landmark position data corresponding to the area code data). At this time, in the map data shown in FIG. 8, there is only one mark position data corresponding to the area code data and one mark position data corresponding to the station number data.

  In the second embodiment, the map data may have the structure shown in FIG. According to FIG. 9, the map data includes the area data corresponding to the telephone number data composed of the area code data, the local area code data, the subscriber number data, and the area number data and the subscriber number data (the corresponding position data exists). Telephone number data that is not included is described as no data), the landmark position data of the facility that is the landmark corresponding to the station number data, and a flag (flag is shown) indicating whether or not this landmark position data corresponds to the area code data 1 indicates that it is landmark position data corresponding to the area code data). At this time, in the map data shown in FIG. 9, one or more landmark position data corresponding to the area code data and one or more landmark position data corresponding to the station number data exist.

  In addition, each of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above is merely an example of actualization in carrying out the present invention, and thus the technical scope of the present invention is limitedly interpreted. It must not be done. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for a vehicle-mounted navigation device that can search for a destination by inputting telephone number data.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus to which the destination search apparatus by 1st Embodiment is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the destination search apparatus by 1st Embodiment, and the destination search method. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the map data memorize | stored in the destination search apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the input screen of the destination search apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the destination search apparatus by 2nd Embodiment, and the destination search method. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the map data memorize | stored in the destination search apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the input screen of the destination search apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the structure of the map data memorize | stored in the destination search apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the structure of the map data memorize | stored in the destination search apparatus by 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

11 DVD-ROM
12 DVD-ROM control unit 14 Map information memory 15 Remote control 16 Remote control interface 17 CPU
18 ROM
19 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Guide route memory 22 Display controller 24 Menu generation part 25 Guide route generation part 27 Image composition part 28 Display apparatus 32 User memory

Claims (19)

A telephone number input means for inputting telephone number data;
A plurality of location data are stored in association with telephone number data, respectively, and serve as landmarks in the area specified by both the area code data and the area code data and the local area code data constituting the telephone number data. Storage means for storing landmark position data of the facility;
Area data representing the area code data constituting the telephone number data and the area specified by the area code data, or the area specified by both the area code data and the city code data, and both Second storage means for storing area data representing
Position data corresponding to a desired point designated by a user operation on the operation unit is registered as mark position data in the storage unit, and the desired point is based on area data stored in the second storage unit Registration means for registering the area code data or the area code data and the city area data corresponding to the area where the
It is checked whether or not position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means exists in the storage means. If it is determined that the corresponding position data exists, the position data is obtained from the storage means. If it is determined that the corresponding position data does not exist, it is specified by the area code data constituting the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means or both the area code data and the local area code data. Control means for acquiring landmark position data of a facility to be a landmark in the area to be recorded from the storage means and displaying address data corresponding to the landmark position data in a rewritable manner;
A destination search apparatus characterized by comprising: The destination retrieval apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the landmark facility is a facility adjacent to a point where main roads intersect. If the control means determines that there is no location data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means, the area code data constituting the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means Alternatively, when there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks in the area specified by both the area code data and the city area code data, the landmark position data of the plurality of facilities is acquired from the storage means, and these landmark positions 2. The destination search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein address data corresponding to the data is displayed in a selectable list. If the control means determines that there is no location data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means, the area code data constituting the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means Alternatively, when there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks in an area specified by both the area code data and the city code data, the location information of the plurality of facilities is acquired from the storage means, and the plurality of facilities The destination retrieval apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination is highlighted on a map so that it can be selected. A telephone number input means for inputting telephone number data;
First storage means for storing a plurality of location data in association with each telephone number data;
A second readable / writable second storage means for storing the area code data constituting the telephone number data or the landmark position data of the facility serving as the landmark in the area specified by both the area code data and the local area code data When,
Area data representing the area code data constituting the telephone number data and the area specified by the area code data, or the area specified by both the area code data and the city code data, and both Third storage means for storing area data representing
The position data corresponding to a desired point designated by a user operation on the operation unit is registered as mark position data in the second storage unit, and based on the area data stored in the third storage unit Registration means for registering the area code data or the area code data and the area code data corresponding to the area where the desired point exists in the second storage means;
It is checked whether or not the position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means exists in the first storage means. If it is determined that the corresponding position data exists, the position data is If it is obtained from one storage means and it is determined that the corresponding position data does not exist, the area code data constituting the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means or the area code data and the city Control means for acquiring the landmark position data of the facility which is a landmark in the area specified by both the station number data from the second storage means and displaying the address data corresponding to the landmark position data in a rewritable manner;
A destination search apparatus characterized by comprising: 6. The destination search apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the landmark facility includes a destination recorded in the second storage means. When the control means determines that position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means does not exist in the first storage means, the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means When there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks in the second storage means in the area specified by both the area code data and the area code data and the city code data, the landmarks of the plurality of facilities 6. The destination search apparatus according to claim 5, wherein position data is acquired from the second storage means, and address data corresponding to the landmark position data is displayed in a selectable list. When the control means determines that position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means does not exist in the first storage means, the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means When there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks in the second storage means in the area specified by both the area code data and the area code data and the city code data, the landmarks of the plurality of facilities 6. The destination search apparatus according to claim 5, wherein position data is acquired from the second storage means, and the plurality of facilities are highlighted on a map so as to be selectable. A telephone number input means for inputting telephone number data;
A plurality of location data are stored in association with telephone number data, respectively, and serve as landmarks in the area specified by both the area code data and the area code data and the local area code data constituting the telephone number data. First storage means for storing landmark position data of the facility;
A second readable / writable second storage means for storing the area code data constituting the telephone number data or the landmark position data of the facility serving as the landmark in the area specified by both the area code data and the local area code data When,
Area data representing the area code data constituting the telephone number data and the area specified by the area code data, or the area specified by both the area code data and the city code data, and both Third storage means for storing area data representing
The position data corresponding to a desired point designated by a user operation on the operation unit is registered as mark position data in the second storage unit, and based on the area data stored in the third storage unit Registration means for registering the area code data or the area code data and the area code data corresponding to the area where the desired point exists in the second storage means;
It is checked whether or not the position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means exists in the first storage means. If it is determined that the corresponding position data exists, the position data is If it is determined that the corresponding location data does not exist, it is specified by both the area code data inputted by the telephone number input means or both the area code data and the city code data. Control means for acquiring landmark position data of a facility serving as a landmark in the area to be recorded from the first storage means or the second storage means, and displaying address data corresponding to the landmark position data in a rewritable manner;
A destination search apparatus characterized by comprising: 10. The destination search apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the facility serving as the landmark includes a destination recorded in the second storage unit. When the control means determines that position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means does not exist in the first storage means, the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means When there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks in the first storage means or the second storage means in an area specified by both the area code data and the area code data and the city code data The landmark position data of the plurality of facilities is acquired from the first storage means or the second storage means, and address data corresponding to these landmark position data is displayed in a selectable list. Item 10. The destination search device according to Item 9. When the control means determines that position data corresponding to the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means does not exist in the first storage means, the telephone number data input by the telephone number input means When there are a plurality of facilities serving as landmarks in the first storage means or the second storage means in an area specified by both the area code data and the area code data and the city code data The landmark position data of the plurality of facilities is acquired from the first storage means or the second storage means, and the plurality of facilities are highlighted on the map so as to be selectable. The described destination search device. A first step where the computer receives phone number data;
A second step in which the computer checks whether or not location data corresponding to the telephone number data input in the first step exists in the storage means;
And when the second step determines that corresponding position data exists, the computer acquires the position data from the storage means;
When it is determined by the second step that the corresponding position data does not exist, the computer uses the area code data constituting the telephone number data or both the area code data and the city code data. A fourth step of acquiring landmark position data of a facility serving as a landmark in the identified area from the storage means;
A fifth step in which the computer displays rewritable address data corresponding to the landmark position data acquired in the fourth step;
A sixth step in which the computer checks whether the address data displayed in the fifth step has been rewritten;
When it is determined that the address data has been rewritten by the sixth step, the computer obtains position data corresponding to the rewritten address data;
Location data corresponding to a desired point designated by a user operation on the operation unit is registered as mark position data in the storage means, and is specified by the area code data constituting the telephone number data and the area code data. Area data representing the area to be stored, or area data stored in the second storage means for storing area data representing both the area code data and the area code data and the area specified by both Based on the eighth step of registering the area code data or the area code data and the area code data corresponding to the area where the desired point exists in the storage means,
A destination search method characterized by comprising: 14. The destination search method according to claim 13, wherein the landmark facility is a facility adjacent to a point where main roads intersect. If it is determined in the second step that there is no location data corresponding to the telephone number data, and there are a plurality of facilities that serve as landmarks in the area, the computer may identify the plurality of facilities. An eighth step of acquiring position data and displaying a list of address data corresponding to these landmark position data in a selectable manner;
A ninth step in which the computer checks whether one address data is selected from the address data listed in the eighth step;
A tenth step of displaying the one address data in a rewritable manner when the computer determines that the one address data has been selected by the ninth step;
An eleventh step in which the computer checks whether one address data displayed in the tenth step has been rewritten;
If the computer determines that the one address data has been rewritten by the eleventh step, the computer obtains position data corresponding to the rewritten one address data;
The destination search method according to claim 13, further comprising: If it is determined in the second step that there is no location data corresponding to the telephone number data, and there are a plurality of facilities that serve as landmarks in the area, the computer may identify the plurality of facilities. An eighth step of acquiring position data and highlighting the plurality of facilities on a map so as to be selectable;
A ninth step in which the computer checks whether one facility is selected from the plurality of facilities highlighted on the map by the eighth step;
A tenth step of displaying the address data corresponding to the one facility in a rewritable manner when the computer determines that the one facility has been selected by the ninth step;
An eleventh step of checking whether the address data displayed in the tenth step has been rewritten by the computer;
And when the computer determines that the one address data has been rewritten by the eleventh step, the computer obtains position data corresponding to the rewritten address data.
The destination search method according to claim 13, further comprising: A first step where the computer receives phone number data;
A second step in which the computer checks whether position data corresponding to the telephone number data input in the first step exists in the first storage means;
When the second step determines that corresponding position data exists, the computer acquires the position data from the first storage means;
When it is determined by the second step that the corresponding position data does not exist, the computer uses the area code data constituting the telephone number data or both the area code data and the city code data. A fourth step of acquiring landmark position data of a facility serving as a landmark in the identified area from a second storage means capable of reading and writing;
A fifth step in which the computer displays rewritable address data corresponding to the landmark position data acquired in the fourth step;
A sixth step in which the computer checks whether the address data displayed in the fifth step has been rewritten;
When it is determined that the address data has been rewritten by the sixth step, the computer obtains position data corresponding to the rewritten address data;
Area data corresponding to a desired point designated by a user operation on the operation unit is registered as mark position data in the second storage means, and the area code data constituting the telephone number data and the area code data thereof Is stored in the third storage means for storing area data indicating the area specified by the area data, or area data indicating the area specified by both the area code data and the local area code data, and both. Based on area data, an eighth step of registering the area code data or area code data and the area code data corresponding to the area where the desired point exists in the second storage means;
A destination search method characterized by comprising: 18. The destination search method according to claim 17, wherein the facility serving as the landmark includes a destination recorded in the second storage unit. A first step where the computer receives phone number data;
A second step in which the computer checks whether position data corresponding to the telephone number data input in the first step exists in the first storage means;
When the second step determines that corresponding position data exists, the computer acquires the position data from the first storage means;
When it is determined by the second step that the corresponding position data does not exist, the computer uses the area code data constituting the telephone number data or both the area code data and the city code data. A fourth step of acquiring landmark position data of a facility serving as a landmark in the identified area from the first storage means or the second readable and writable second storage means;
A fifth step in which the computer displays rewritable address data corresponding to the landmark position data acquired in the fourth step;
A sixth step in which the computer checks whether the address data displayed in the fifth step has been rewritten;
When it is determined that the address data has been rewritten by the sixth step, the computer obtains position data corresponding to the rewritten address data;
The area data corresponding to the desired point designated by the user operation on the operation unit is registered as the mark position data in the first storage means or the second storage means, and the area code data constituting the telephone number data And area data representing the area specified by the area code data and area specified by the area code data, or area data indicating the area specified by both the area code data and the city code data and both. Based on the area data stored in the means, the area code data or the area code data and the area code data corresponding to the area where the desired point exists are stored in the first storage means or the second storage means. The eighth step of registering with
A destination search method characterized by comprising:

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