JP4375036B2 - Navigation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation apparatus provided with user interface means for performing an input corresponding operation corresponding to an input operation by a user or an output operation for outputting information to the user.

  Conventionally, a destination setting input operation is accepted from a user (user), a route to the destination set by the user is searched, and the user is guided to the destination according to the guidance route obtained as a search result. A navigation device is known.

  As a user interface means for performing an input corresponding operation corresponding to an input operation of various information (such as a destination) by the user in the navigation device, for example, a plurality of operation menu items are displayed on the screen of the display device, and the user There is user interface means configured to accept a touch operation via a touch input screen. The user can set a destination or a route search condition by performing an arbitrary input operation via the user interface means.

The input operation by the user is not limited to the touch operation, and may be an input operation by an operation of an operation switch or the like provided outside the screen frame.
In addition, the navigation device instructs a display device that displays a guide route to a destination on a screen, a traveling direction, and the like as a user interface that performs an output operation to output various information (such as a guide route) to the user. A speaker for outputting voice messages is provided.

  As a conventional navigation device, there has been proposed a navigation device configured to change a guide route according to a time condition such as a guidance time zone and a day of the week when searching a traffic route to a destination ( (See Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Thus, by changing the guide route based on the time condition, there is an advantage that a guide route that is advantageous to the user can be set, such as arrival at the destination in the shortest time.
JP 2002-148065 A (paragraph number [0041]) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-5099 (Claims 2 and 3)

  By the way, the navigation device described in the prior art document is not configured such that the input-corresponding operation and the output operation of the user interface are changed according to some condition, but is configured to always execute the same input-corresponding operation and output operation. ing.

  On the other hand, the schedule state of the user is constantly changing, and the operation form that the user preferentially requests the user interface changes with the change of the state.

  In other words, the above-described conventional navigation device always uses the same user interface operation form, so even if the user's request changes due to the situation change, it cannot execute the input corresponding operation according to the change and is used. For the user, there is a problem that the input operation becomes complicated and the operability may be inferior.

  For example, when a menu screen on which various operation menu items are arranged is displayed over a plurality of pages, if the menu screen displayed as the initial screen when a display request is input from the user is always the same, the initial menu The operation menu items displayed on the screen always have the same contents. However, in the actual use environment of the car navigation apparatus, menu items that are frequently used during the work hours of the user are often different from menu items that are frequently used during the private hours of the user.

  As described above, the operation menu items frequently requested by the user change according to the schedule status of the user. Therefore, in order to display the operation menu item to be selected, an operation for sequentially displaying a plurality of menu screens is required. This increases the operation work for the user, and there is a problem that the operation work becomes complicated.

  In addition, when the output operation of the user interface is always fixed to the same output form, it may not be possible to provide a comfortable use environment according to the schedule state of the user.

  For example, when notifying the user of the guidance route by voice output, if the atmosphere created by the guidance voice is always the same, the guidance voice output mode corresponding to the atmosphere required for the user's working hours and Only one of the guidance voice output modes corresponding to the atmosphere required in the user's private time zone can be satisfied.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of these problems, and provides a car navigation device that suppresses deterioration in operability and comfort for the user even when the user's schedule changes. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a navigation device that includes user interface means and guides a route to a destination, wherein the schedule determination means determines a user's schedule. The navigation apparatus is characterized in that, based on the determination result, the operation form control means changes the input corresponding operation form or the output operation form of the user interface means.

  That is, the user interface means performs an input corresponding operation corresponding to an input operation by the user or an output operation for outputting information to the user, but the operation form control means performs the operation according to the user's schedule. The operation mode corresponding to input in the user interface means is changed. Therefore, even when the user's request changes with the situation change, the input corresponding operation according to the change can be executed. Thereby, the complexity of the input operation by the user can be eliminated, and the operability of the navigation device can be improved.

  In addition, since the operation form control means changes the output operation form in the user interface means according to the user's schedule, even if the use environment that the user feels comfortable changes with the change of the situation, the change in response to the change Output operation can be executed. Thereby, it is possible to provide a comfortable use environment for the user and to improve the feeling of use of the navigation device.

And the above-mentioned navigation apparatus is provided with the corresponding | compatible setting memory | storage means to memorize | store a type of a user's schedule and an input corresponding | compatible operation form or an output operation form correspondingly, for example as described in Claim 3 , and a schedule determination means However, the user's schedule may be determined based on the current date and time.

  In other words, the user's schedule changes from time to day in the day and from day to time in the week, so at least one of the time, date and day of the week is specified from the current date and time. And a user's schedule can be determined by using the specific result.

  Then, the operation form control means determines the input correspondence operation form or the output operation form of the user interface means from among the operation forms stored in the correspondence setting storage means, as a result of determination by the schedule determination means (in other words, it is determined The operation mode corresponding to the type of schedule) is changed.

  As a result, the complexity of the input operation by the user can be eliminated according to the type of the user's schedule, the operability of the navigation device can be improved, and a comfortable use environment for the user can be provided. The usability of the apparatus can be improved.

Further, the above navigation apparatus, for example, as described in claim 4, with a corresponding setting storage means for storing in correspondence with the type and the input corresponding operation mode or the output mode of operation of the user's schedule, the schedule judging means However, the user's action schedule information may be acquired from the outside, and the user's schedule may be determined based on the action schedule information.

  Then, the operation form control means is an operation corresponding to the type of the schedule determined by the schedule determination means among the operation forms stored in the correspondence setting storage means as the input corresponding operation form or the output operation form of the user interface means. Change to form.

  That is, according to the user's action schedule information, since the user's schedule can be accurately determined, by changing the input corresponding operation form or the output operation form of the user interface means based on the determination result, the user interface means The operation mode can be changed to an operation mode suitable for the user's schedule.

The navigation device configured as described above can eliminate the complexity of the input operation for the user, and can provide a comfortable use environment for the user.
The user's action schedule information can be acquired from, for example, a personal personal digital assistant (PDA) in which action schedule information is stored, or data storage in which action schedule information is stored. There is a method of acquiring from a device through a communication line.

Next, in the above navigation apparatus, for example, as described in claim 5 , the user interface means includes display means for displaying at least the operation menu items, and the operation form control means displays the display form in the display means. Display control means for controlling the display may be provided.

  Thereby, even when a user's request changes with a situation change, the operation menu item according to the change can be displayed, and the complexity of the input operation in the user can be eliminated.

  As a method for changing the display mode, for example, when displaying a plurality of operation menu items, the user interface means configured to display the operation menu items in a plurality of pages displays the first page according to the schedule determination result. There is a method of changing the operation menu items to be displayed.

  As a result, the optimum operation menu item can be displayed on the first page in accordance with the user's schedule, and the user can easily perform the menu selection operation and can eliminate the complexity of the input operation.

In the above navigation device, for example, as described in claim 6 , the display control means displays a menu screen on which a plurality of operation menu items are arranged when controlling the display form on the display means. Can be configured. In this case, the display control means may change the display order of the operation menu items displayed on the menu screen according to the type of the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means.

  Then, when displaying the menu screen, the display control means changes the display order of the operation menu items so that the operation menu items corresponding to the user's schedule type are displayed at the initial display stage of the menu screen. It is.

  In this way, the display control means changes the display order of the operation menu items, so that the user can search for the operation menu items from a plurality of menu screens even when the type of schedule changes. Since there is no need to execute the screen feed operation, the complexity of the input operation can be eliminated.

Thereby, the complexity of the input operation by the user can be eliminated, and the operability of the navigation device can be improved.
In the above navigation device, for example, as described in claim 7 , the display control means can be configured to control the screen design displayed on the display means. And a display control means is good to change a screen design according to the kind of user's schedule judged by schedule judgment means.

  In other words, the display control means changes the screen design according to the type of the user's schedule, thereby realizing a navigation device that displays on the display means a screen design suitable for the type of the user's schedule.

  Thereby, since the screen design displayed on the display means becomes a screen design suitable for the type of the user's schedule, even when the user's comfortable use environment changes with the situation change, the user interface means An output operation corresponding to the change can be executed. Thereby, it is possible to provide a comfortable use environment for the user and to improve the feeling of use of the navigation device.

The screen design is determined by the color of the display frame, character font, character font, character color, type of screen background pattern (wallpaper), and the like.
Next, in the above navigation apparatus, for example, as described in claim 1 , the user interface means includes voice output means for outputting at least a voice message notifying the guide route, and the operation mode control means is voice. Voice output control means for controlling the voice output form from the output means may be provided.

Then, the voice output control means changes the voice output form in accordance with the type of the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means.
As a result, even when the user's comfortable use environment changes with a change in the situation, an audio output operation corresponding to the change can be executed. Thereby, it is possible to provide a comfortable use environment for the user and to improve the feeling of use of the navigation device.

Further, in the above navigation device, as described in claim 1 , the sound output control means outputs a sound tone in the sound to be output according to the type of the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means. It is preferable to change the sound output form by changing.
For example, the schedule determination means determines whether or not the user's schedule is a work schedule indicating the work hours, and the voice output control means determines that the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means is for work If the schedule is a schedule, the tone of the sound output by the voice output means is set to low tone, while if the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means is not a work schedule, the voice output For example, the tone of the sound output from the means is set to a high tone.

  In other words, for example, the sound output control means can produce a calm atmosphere by lowering the tone of the sound of the output sound in a certain schedule type, and the sound of the output sound in other schedule types. You can create a fun atmosphere by raising the tone of the.

  Therefore, according to this navigation device, it is possible to execute route guidance while changing the atmosphere formed by the output voice according to the change in the schedule status of the user, and improve the satisfaction of the user. it can.

Further, in the above navigation device, as described in claim 2 , the voice output control means outputs the voice message from the plural kinds of voice messages so that the voice output mode of the voice output means is output. Can be configured to control. Then, the voice output control means changes the voice message output by the voice output means to a voice message suitable for the type of schedule according to the type of schedule of the user determined by the schedule determination means. The sound output form of the output means may be changed.
For example, the voice data storage means stores at least a work voice message and a private voice message as voice messages, and the voice output control means determines that the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means is the work schedule. If the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means is not a work schedule, the voice output means sets the voice message output by the voice output means to the work voice message. For example, the voice message output by is set as a private voice message.

  That is, the voice output control means changes the output operation mode of the user interface means (voice output means) so as to output a voice message composed of sentences suitable for the user's schedule.

  As a result, route guidance can be executed while changing the atmosphere formed by the output voice according to the change in the schedule status of the user, and the satisfaction of the user can be improved.

  The voice output control means is a voice message representing the same semantic content, and is configured to output any one of at least two kinds of voice messages composed of different sentences. As described above, the voice output form can be changed according to the determination result by the schedule determination means.

Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Needless to say, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an in-vehicle navigation apparatus 1 that guides a route to a destination set by a user.
The navigation device 1 includes a position detector 12 for detecting the current position of the vehicle, an operation switch group 20 for inputting various commands to the device, and a remote control terminal (not shown) for inputting various commands to the device. Hereinafter, the remote control sensor 21 for inputting a signal from a remote control), a data input device 22 for inputting various information such as map information and user schedule information from an external device, a map display screen and a TV screen. A display device 26 for performing various displays such as a speaker, a speaker 28 for outputting sound, and a navigation control circuit 30 for performing various processes.

  The navigation control circuit 30 executes various processes in response to commands input from the position detector 12, the operation switch group 20, the data input device 22, and the remote controller via the remote control sensor 21, and the display device 26 and the speaker 28. To control.

  The position detector 12 receives a transmission radio wave (GPS signal) from an artificial satellite for GPS (Global Positioning System) via a GPS antenna, and detects a position, direction, speed, etc. of the vehicle, A gyroscope 12b that detects a traveling direction based on the magnitude of rotational motion applied to the vehicle, and a vehicle speed sensor 12c that includes a vehicle speed sensor, a wheel sensor, and the like and that detects the travel distance of the vehicle are provided. Since each of the sensors 12a to 12c has an error having a different property, the sensors 12a to 12c are configured to detect positions while complementing each other. Depending on the accuracy, the sensor 12a to 12c may be configured using only a part of the above-described sensors. Further, from a geomagnetic sensor that detects an absolute direction based on geomagnetism, a rotation difference between left and right steering wheels, or the like. Other sensors such as a sensor for obtaining the direction by accumulating the steering angle of the obtained vehicle may be additionally used.

  Further, the operation switch group 20 is configured by using various switches such as a touch switch configured integrally with the display device 26 and set on a display screen, and a mechanical key switch provided around the display device 26. . The touch switch includes a plurality of infrared sensors arranged in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction on the screen of the display device 26. For example, the infrared ray is blocked by a finger, a touch pen, or the like. The detected position is detected as a two-dimensional coordinate value (X, Y). Accordingly, the touch switch is configured such that a user can input a predetermined instruction by directly touching the display screen.

  The operation switch group 20 includes various switches for operating the navigation device 1. Specifically, the operation switch group 20 includes a switch for switching display contents on the display device 26, and a switch from the user to the destination. It includes a switch for setting a route.

  On the other hand, the data input unit 22 has a function of inputting map data including so-called map matching data for improving the accuracy of position detection, road data representing road connections, etc. from a storage medium, user schedule information ( (Behavior schedule information) and traffic jam information from an external device.

  As a storage medium, a CD-ROM or a DVD is generally used because of the amount of data, but another medium such as a memory card may be used. In addition to the PDA (personal portable information terminal), the electronic notebook, and the notebook personal computer, the external device includes a data storage device (server) that can transmit and receive data through a wireless communication line. Since such a data storage device does not need to be installed in a vehicle equipped with the navigation device 1, it is difficult to be limited by the installation space, can store a large amount of data, and the user's schedule information (behavior schedule information) ) And traffic jam information, various information such as weather forecasts and news can be stored.

  In the present embodiment, the display device 26 is a color display device, and a mark indicating the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detector 12 and road data input from the data input device 22 are displayed on the screen. Furthermore, additional data such as a guide route, a name, and a mark displayed on the map can be displayed in an overlapping manner. Further, the display device 26 can display various menu screens including a destination setting menu screen for the user to select a destination setting method.

The speaker 28 outputs a voice message to notify the user of various guidance information processed by the navigation control circuit 30.
In the present embodiment, the display device 26 and the speaker 28 correspond to the user interface means described in the claims. In particular, the display device 26 corresponds to the display means, and the speaker 28 corresponds to the audio output means. It corresponds to.

  The navigation control circuit 30 is configured around a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and controls the entire apparatus. The navigation control circuit 30 includes a current position calculation unit 31, a destination setting unit 32, a display control unit 33, an audio output control unit 34, a route setting unit 35, a calculation parameter table storage unit 36, and a guidance route storage. Unit 37, display data storage unit 38, and audio data storage unit 39.

  The current position calculation unit 31 calculates the current position based on the input data from the GPS receiver 12a, the gyroscope 12b and the vehicle speed sensor 12c, and the map data acquired from the storage medium via the data input unit 22. The GPS signal received by the GPS receiver 12a also includes time information, and the current position calculation unit 31 can output current time information including at least information on time, date, and day of the week.

The destination setting unit 32 stores a destination input via the operation switch group 20 or the remote control sensor 21.
The route setting unit 35 acquires a calculation parameter table corresponding to the current time from the calculation parameter table storage unit 36, and uses the acquired calculation parameter table to calculate a destination setting unit from the current position output by the current position calculation unit 31. The optimum route to the destination stored in 32 is calculated. As this route search method, for example, a method such as the Dijkstra method is known. The guidance route as the route search result is stored in the guidance route storage unit 37.

  The calculation parameter table storage unit 36 stores a calculation parameter table including calculation parameters such as a road width coefficient, a road type coefficient, a traffic light coefficient, and a right / left turn coefficient as a calculation parameter table for use in route search. .

  The display control unit 33 controls the display form in the display device 26, and displays a requested screen according to a command input by the user via the operation switch group 20 or the remote control sensor 21, Display control processing such as processing for displaying a menu screen on which a plurality of operation menu items are arranged over a plurality of pages, and processing for highlighting a route search result stored in the guide route storage unit 37 over road data is executed. To do. The screen data to be displayed on the display device 26 is stored in the display data storage unit 38, and the display control unit 33 takes in predetermined screen data from the display data storage unit 38 as necessary, and displays the screen data. The display content of the display device 26 is controlled based on the data.

  The voice output control unit 34 detects the current position in the route search result (guide route) stored in the guide route storage unit 37 based on the current position data output from the current position calculation unit 31, and appropriately By outputting a voice message from the speaker 28, voice guidance for informing the traveling direction of the route and the like is performed. The voice message output from the speaker 28 is stored as voice data in the voice data storage unit 39, and the voice output control unit 34 takes in predetermined voice data from the voice data storage unit 39 as necessary, and A voice message output from the speaker 28 is controlled based on the voice data.

The voice data storage unit 39 stores at least a work voice message and a private voice message as voice messages.
Next, in the navigation device 1, when a display command for the destination setting menu screen is input by the user operating the operation switch group 20 or the remote controller, the display control unit 33 of the navigation control circuit 30 executes the command. Processing contents of the destination setting menu display processing will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the destination setting menu display processing.
When the process is started, first, in S100 (S represents a step, the same applies hereinafter), a process of acquiring current time information including at least information on time, date, and day of the week from the current position calculation unit 31 is performed.

  In the next S110, the current time, date, and day of the week are specified based on the current time information, and it is determined whether the user's schedule at the specific time is a working time zone (working schedule). If yes, the process moves to S120. If a negative determination is made, the process moves to S140.

  As a determination mode in S110, when the current time information is determined by focusing on the day of the week, for example, from Monday to Friday, it is determined as a work schedule (affirmative determination), and Saturday and Sunday are for work. There is a determination mode in which it is determined that the schedule is not (negative determination). In addition, as another determination mode when paying attention to the day of the week, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which the user sets a day of the week as a work day and a day of the week as a holiday and determines based on the set contents. is there.

  Further, when making a determination by paying attention to the time in the current time information, for example, the user sets a work time zone and a home time zone in advance, and determines that the work schedule is in the work time zone, and returns home. It is also possible to take a judgment form that judges that it is not a work schedule in the time zone.

  If an affirmative determination is made in S110, in S120, processing for acquiring work display data including work operation menu items to be displayed on the destination setting menu screen is executed from the display data storage unit 38. In continuing S130, based on the operation menu item acquired by S120, the process which displays the 1st page of the destination setting menu screen in which a work operation menu item is arrange | positioned on the display apparatus 26 is performed.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S110, in S140, a process of acquiring private display data including private operation menu items to be displayed on the destination setting menu screen from the display data storage unit 38 is executed. In subsequent S150, based on the operation menu item acquired in S140, the first page of the destination setting menu screen on which the private operation menu item is arranged is displayed on the display device 26.

  Then, when the process of S130 or S150 is completed, the destination setting menu display process ends. By executing the destination setting menu display process in this way, the destination setting menu screen is displayed on the display device 26.

  Here, FIG. 3 shows an explanatory diagram showing the display layout of the destination setting menu screen displayed on the display device 26, and FIG. 4 shows the destination among the data stored in the display data storage unit 38. An explanatory view showing a database structure of an operation menu item displayed on a setting menu screen is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the destination setting menu screen 41 includes six display areas 42 for displaying operation menu items, a previous page request area 43 for requesting a page return operation, and a page turning operation. A next page request area 44 for requesting is arranged and configured.

  Further, as can be seen from the database structure of the operation menu items shown in FIG. 4, the navigation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured to include a database for displaying a destination setting menu screen extending over a plurality of pages.

  The display data storage unit 38 stores a database for associating the user's schedule type with the input corresponding operation mode (specifically, the contents of the operation menu items displayed on the destination setting menu screen). Yes.

  That is, when the user's schedule is determined to be a work schedule (affirmative determination in S110), the navigation device 1 acquires work data from the database shown in FIG. 4 (S120), and out of the work data A work destination setting menu screen on which six operation menu items for the first page (50 sound input, address, facility, telephone number, nearest search, memory point) are arranged is displayed on the display device 26.

  Thereafter, when the user requests a page turning operation using the operation switch group 20 (specifically, the next page request area 44) or the remote control, the display control unit 33 of the navigation control circuit 30 includes the work data. The display device 26 displays a work destination setting menu screen on which six operation menu items for the second page (return to home, postal code, map code, recommended spot, (blank), (blank)) are arranged. A page turning operation process for displaying on the page is executed.

  In addition, when “Nearest Search” is selected from the operation menu items displayed for work, it is frequently used for work such as “Gas station” “Convenience store” “Parking” “Bank” “Post office”. Displays the nearest search result screen where items are preferentially placed on the top side. In addition, when “memory spot” is selected from the operation menu items displayed for work, a memory spot list screen in which the memory spot registered as “work” as the spot classification is preferentially arranged on the top side. Is displayed.

  If the navigation device 1 determines that the user's schedule is not the work schedule (No in S110), the navigation device 1 acquires private data from the database shown in FIG. 4 (S140), and the private data Display device for a private destination setting menu screen in which six operation menu items for first page (50 sound input, recommended spot, return home, phone number, nearest search, memory point) are arranged 26.

  Thereafter, when the user requests a page turning operation using the operation switch group 20 (specifically, the next page request area 44) or the remote controller, the display control unit 33 of the navigation control circuit 30 includes the private data. To display a private destination setting menu screen on which six operation menu items for the second page (facility, address, postal code, map code, recommended spot, (blank)) are arranged on the display device 26. The page turning operation process is executed.

  That is, the navigation device 1 includes a destination setting including operation menu items (address, facility) that are frequently used in the working hours when the user's schedule at the time of a display request from the user is a work schedule. When the menu screen is displayed and the user's schedule at the time of the display request from the user is not a work schedule, the purpose is to include operation menu items (recommended spots, return to home) that are frequently used in private hours Display the ground setting menu screen.

  When “Nearest Search” is selected among the operation menu items displayed for private use, the frequency of use at leisure or vacation such as “Gas station”, “Convenience store”, “Parking”, “Restaurant”, “Department store”, etc. The nearest search result screen is displayed in which high items are preferentially placed on the top side. In addition, when “memory spot” is selected from the operation menu items displayed for private use, the memory spot that is registered with the spot classification classified as an item other than “work” is arranged on the top side. Display the point list screen.

  Next, processing contents of the schedule state flag setting process executed at the start timing of the device in order to determine the user's schedule state in the navigation device 1 will be described. The schedule state flag setting process is executed by the current position calculation unit 31 of the navigation control circuit 30. The state of the schedule state flag (working state flag) set by this setting process is stored in a flag state storage unit (memory or the like) (not shown) and is stored in a state that can be referred to from each unit of the navigation control circuit 30. Is done.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the schedule state flag setting process.
When the process is started, first, in S200, a process of acquiring current time information including at least information about time, date, and day of the week from the GPS receiver 12a is performed.

  In the next S210, the current time, date and day of the week are specified based on the current time information, and it is determined whether or not the user's schedule at the specific time is a working time zone (working schedule). If yes, the process moves to S220. If a negative determination is made, the process moves to S230.

In addition, as a judgment aspect in S210, the judgment aspect similar to S110 in the destination setting menu display process mentioned above can be taken.
When an affirmative determination is made in S210 and the process proceeds to S220, in S220, a process of setting the work state flag to the ON state (set state) is executed. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S210 and the process proceeds to S230, in S230, a process of setting the work state flag to the OFF state (reset state) is executed. Note that the status of the work status flag is stored in a flag status storage unit (memory or the like) (not shown).

Then, when the process of S220 or S230 is completed, the schedule state flag setting process ends.
That is, the schedule state flag setting process determines the user's schedule state based on the current time information, and sets the work state flag to the ON state or the OFF state according to the determination result. The work status flag is used to check the schedule status of the user by referring to each process separately executed in the navigation control circuit 30.

  Next, when the navigation apparatus 1 outputs a voice message including various types of guidance information for informing the user, the processing content of the voice output control process executed by the voice output control unit 34 of the navigation control circuit 30 is described. explain.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the audio output control processing.
When the process is started, first, in S300 (S represents a step, the same applies hereinafter), a process of acquiring the status of the work status flag from the flag status storage unit is performed.

  In the next S310, it is determined whether or not the user's schedule is a working time zone (working schedule) based on the work status flag. , The process proceeds to S340. In S310, an affirmative determination (determined that the user's schedule is a work schedule) is made when the work status flag is in an ON state, and a negative determination (a user's schedule) when the work status flag is in an OFF state. Is not a work schedule).

  If an affirmative determination is made in S310, in S320, a process of acquiring a work voice message from the voice data storage unit 39 is executed. In subsequent S330, the work voice message acquired in S320 is subjected to data conversion so that the tone of the sound is lowered, and the tone of the voice message is set to a low tone.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S310, processing for acquiring a private voice message from the voice data storage unit 39 is executed in S340. In subsequent S350, the private voice message acquired in S340 is subjected to data conversion so as to increase the tone of the sound, and the tone of the voice message is set to a high tone.

  The voice data storage unit 39 stores a database for associating the user's schedule type with the output operation mode (specifically, the contents of the work voice message and the private voice message).

  Then, when the process of S330 or S350 is completed, the process proceeds to S360, where a process of outputting the voice message set by the process of S320, S330, S340, S350 from the speaker 28 is executed.

When the process of S360 is completed, the audio output control process ends.
By executing this voice output control process, when the user's schedule is a work schedule, the voice message output from the speaker 28 is set to the work voice message and the tone of the sound is low. Is set. When the user's schedule is not a work schedule, the voice message output from the speaker 28 is set as a private voice message and the sound tone is set high.

  Note that the working voice message and the private voice message are voice messages having the same semantic content, but are different in expression format (phrase). For example, it can be distinguished by whether or not it is a sentence using honorific, a voice message consisting of a sentence using honorific can be used as a work voice message, and a voice message consisting of a sentence not using honorific is It can be used as a private voice message.

  Since the working voice message is a voice message composed of courtesy words such as using honorific, the user can recognize that it is a working hour and can maintain a sense of tension. Also, since the private voice message is a voice message composed of friendly words rather than courtesy words, the user can recognize that it is not a working hour and can relax.

  Next, the processing contents of the screen design setting process executed by the display control unit 33 of the navigation control circuit 30 in order to set the screen design to be displayed on the display device 26 in the navigation device 1 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the screen design setting process.
When the process is started, first, in S700 (S represents a step, the same applies hereinafter), a process of acquiring current time information including at least information on time, date, and day of the week from the current position calculation unit 31 is performed.

  In the next S710, the current time, date, and day of the week are specified based on the current time information, and it is determined whether the user's schedule at the specific time is a working time zone (working schedule). If yes, the process moves to S720. If a negative determination is made, the process moves to S740.

In addition, as a judgment aspect in S710, the judgment aspect similar to S110 in the destination setting menu display process can be taken.
If an affirmative determination is made in S710, in S720, various types of information related to the work screen design for display on the display device 26 (display frame color, character font, character font, character color, type of screen background pattern (wallpaper)) Etc.) to obtain work screen design data from the display data storage unit 38. In continuing S730, the screen design of the screen displayed on the display apparatus 26 is set to the work screen design based on the work screen design data acquired in S720, and the process which updates the display content in the display apparatus 26 is performed.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S710, in S740, a process for acquiring private screen design data including various information related to the private screen design to be displayed on the display device 26 from the display data storage unit 38 is executed. In subsequent S750, the screen design of the screen displayed on the display device 26 is set to a private screen design based on the private screen design data acquired in S740, and processing for updating the display content of the screen in the display device 26 is executed. .

  Then, when the process of S730 or S750 is completed, the screen design setting process ends. By executing the screen design setting process in this way, the screen design of the display device 26 is updated according to the user's schedule.

  As an example of the work screen design, for example, a screen design in which a screen background pattern (wallpaper) is set as a work wallpaper made up of an office town landscape or the like can be cited. Further, as an example of the private screen design, for example, a screen design in which the screen background pattern is set as a private wallpaper made up of a resort landscape or the like can be cited.

  As described above, the navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment determines the user's schedule in various control processes executed by the navigation control circuit 30, and displays the schedule according to the user's schedule based on the determination result. The operation mode corresponding to input by the device 26 and the output operation mode by the speaker 28 are changed.

  In other words, the display device 26 and the display control unit 33 display various menu screens and perform an input corresponding operation corresponding to the input operation of the destination by the user. When the menu screen is displayed on the device 26, the menu items included in the first page are changed according to the user's schedule. From this, even if a user's request | requirement changes with a schedule condition change, the navigation apparatus 1 can display the menu screen according to the change.

  The speaker 28 and the voice output control unit 34 perform an output corresponding operation for outputting a voice message including various information such as a traveling direction and a guide route. The voice output control unit 34 performs the output operation. Depending on the user's schedule, the output operation mode is changed by changing the voice message or changing the tone of the sound. Therefore, the navigation device 1 can perform an output operation according to the change even when the use environment that the user feels comfortable changes with the change of the situation, and therefore provides a comfortable use environment for the user. Thus, the usability of the apparatus can be improved.

  And since the navigation apparatus 1 determines whether a user's schedule is a work schedule based on the present date and time in determining a user's schedule, it is for every time slot | zone within one day. Even when the user's schedule changes, the operation menu screen can be displayed according to the user's schedule and the voice message can be output according to the user's schedule. Similarly, even when the user's schedule changes for each day of the week, the operation menu screen display operation according to the user's schedule and the voice message according to the user's schedule Output operation becomes possible.

  As a result, the complexity of the input operation for the user can be eliminated depending on whether it is a work schedule or not, and the operability of the navigation device can be improved and a comfortable use environment for the user can be provided. Thus, it is possible to improve the usability of the navigation device.

  In addition, the navigation device 1 changes the operation menu items arranged on the first page of the destination setting menu screen according to the user's schedule. A setting menu screen is displayed. If it is not a work schedule, a private destination setting menu screen is displayed. As a result, even when the user's request changes with a change in the situation, the operation menu items corresponding to the change can be displayed with a small number of input operations, and the complexity of the input operation for the user can be eliminated.

  Note that the work operation menu item is an operation menu item that is frequently used during work hours, and as can be seen from the database configuration shown in FIG. 4, for example, an address search menu (a menu for setting a destination based on an address) ) And a facility search menu (a menu for setting a facility used for work as a destination).

  The private operation menu item is an operation menu item that is frequently used in a private time zone. As can be seen from the database configuration shown in FIG. 4, for example, a recommended spot search menu (for searching for a recommended spot for leisure use). Menu) and home setting menu (menu for setting home as the destination).

  Next, the navigation device 1 is configured to determine whether or not the user's schedule is a work schedule and to set the screen design as a work screen design or a private screen design based on the determination result. ing. That is, when the user's schedule is a work schedule, the display control unit 33 sets the screen design as the work screen design, and when it is determined that the user's schedule is not the work schedule, The display control unit 33 sets the screen design as a private screen design.

  Thereby, the screen design displayed on the display device 26 becomes a screen design according to the user's schedule, and the display control unit 33 and the display device 26 as the user interface means of the navigation device 1 are changed according to the situation change. Even when the comfortable usage environment changes, an output operation corresponding to the change can be executed. Thereby, the navigation apparatus 1 can provide a comfortable use environment for the user, and can improve the usability of the apparatus for the user.

  Next, the navigation device 1 includes, as user interface means, a speaker 28 that outputs at least a voice message for notifying a guidance route, and a voice output control unit 34 that controls a voice output form from the speaker 28. Yes. And the audio | voice output control part 34 changes an audio | voice output form according to the user's schedule determined in S310 in an audio | voice output control process.

  For this reason, the navigation device 1 can execute a sound output operation according to the change even when the use environment comfortable for the user changes according to the change of the situation, so that the use environment comfortable for the user can be provided. It is possible to improve the usability of the apparatus.

  Then, the navigation device 1 is configured to output a voice having a lower tone when compared to a case where the user's schedule is determined to be a work schedule, compared to a case where the user's schedule is determined not to be a work schedule. Has been.

  Thereby, in the case of a work schedule, it is possible to produce a calm atmosphere by lowering the tone of the sound of the output voice, and it is possible to perform route guidance in an atmosphere suitable for work days or work hours. In addition, when it is not a work schedule, it is possible to produce a pleasant atmosphere by raising the tone of the sound of the output voice, and it is possible to perform route guidance in a pleasant atmosphere suitable for holidays or after work hours.

  Therefore, the navigation device 1 can execute route guidance while changing the atmosphere formed by the output voice according to the change in the schedule situation of the user, and the satisfaction of the user can be improved.

  The navigation device 1 is configured to determine whether or not the user's schedule is a work schedule, and to change the voice message based on the determination result. That is, if it is determined in S310 in the voice output control process that the user's schedule is a work schedule, a work voice message composed of sentences for work status is output, and it is not a work schedule. If it is determined, a private voice message composed of sentences for private situations is output.

  Thereby, the navigation apparatus 1 can execute route guidance while changing the atmosphere formed by the output voice according to a change in the schedule state of the user, and can improve the satisfaction of the user. .

  In the navigation device 1 of the present embodiment, S110 in the destination setting menu display process, S210 in the schedule state flag setting process, S310 in the audio output control process, and S710 in the screen design setting process are described in the claims. Corresponds to the schedule determination means.

  The display control unit 33 and the audio output control unit 34 correspond to the operation mode control means described in the claims. In particular, the display control unit 33 corresponds to the display control unit, and the audio output control unit 34. Corresponds to the sound output control means.

Further, the display data storage unit 38 and the audio data storage unit 39 correspond to the correspondence setting storage unit described in the claims.
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can take a various aspect, without being limited to the said embodiment.

  For example, in the navigation device of the present embodiment, the destination setting menu display process (specifically, S110) and the screen design setting process (specifically, S120) determine the schedule based on the current time when the process is executed. However, the schedule of the user may be determined based on the state of the schedule state flag (working state flag) set at the time of starting (starting up) the apparatus.

  In the voice output control process (specifically, S310), the user's schedule is determined based on the state of the schedule state flag (working state flag) set at the time of starting (starting up) the apparatus. The user's schedule may be determined based on the current time when the process is executed.

  In addition, by determining the schedule based on the state of the schedule state flag (working state flag) set at the time of starting, it is determined that the user's schedule state is the same state during the device operation period from the starting time of the device to the stopping time. it can. Such a determination form can be applied to a navigation device used by a user whose schedule state does not change during the device operation period, thereby suppressing an increase in processing load on the device.

  In addition, the determination mode for determining the schedule based on the current time at the time of processing execution is applied to a navigation device used by a user whose schedule state frequently changes during the device operation period, so that the schedule state changes. Therefore, it is possible to provide a comfortable use environment for the user and to improve the usability of the apparatus for the user.

  Next, in the said embodiment, although the user's schedule state was determined based on time information, user's action schedule information (schedule information) is acquired from the outside, and based on the acquired action schedule information The schedule state of the user may be determined.

  That is, according to the user's action schedule information, since the user's schedule can be accurately determined, based on the determination result, depending on whether it is a work schedule or not, the input corresponding operation mode or the output operation mode is determined. By changing, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of the input operation for the user and provide a comfortable use environment for the user.

  Specifically, in the control process described above, it can be realized by replacing the process of acquiring current time information with the process of acquiring action schedule information from the outside. As a method for acquiring the user's schedule information, for example, a method for acquiring from a personal digital assistant (PDA) in which action schedule information is stored, a wireless communication line from a stationary data storage device, or the like There is a method of acquiring action schedule information through. Examples of portable information terminals include PDAs, electronic notebooks, and notebook personal computers. Examples of wireless communication lines include lines using a mobile phone communication network.

  Next, the number of display areas on the destination setting menu screen is not limited to six as in the above-described embodiment, and is set to an appropriate number according to the screen size of the display device and the user's preference. be able to. In addition, a menu item that is determined to be highly likely to be selected based on the determination result of the schedule state is displayed in the display area close to the driver's seat among the plurality of display areas on the destination setting menu screen. Good.

  In this way, by changing the display arrangement or display position of the menu items displayed on the menu screen, it becomes easy for the user sitting in the driver's seat to select the menu item and reduce the complexity of the operation. it can.

  Next, the mode of displaying a menu screen on which a plurality of operation menu items are arranged over a plurality of pages is not limited to the mode of displaying by page advance and page reverse as described above. A mode of displaying as a typical structure can also be taken.

  In the case of a hierarchical structure, for example, when it is determined as a work schedule, a menu screen including many work operation menu items is placed higher than a menu screen including many private operation menu items. On the other hand, if it is determined that the schedule is not a work schedule, a menu screen including many private operation menu items may be displayed at a higher level than a menu screen including many work operation menu items.

  As a result, the operation work performed by the user to search for necessary operation menu items from a plurality of menu screens can be reduced, and the complexity of the input operation for the user can be eliminated, improving the operability of the navigation device. Can be achieved.

It is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart showing the processing content of the destination setting menu display processing. It is explanatory drawing showing the display layout of the destination setting menu screen. It is explanatory drawing showing the database structure of the operation menu item displayed on the destination setting menu screen among the data memorize | stored in a display data memory | storage part. It is a flowchart showing the processing content of a schedule state flag setting process. It is a flowchart showing the processing content of audio | voice output control processing. It is a flowchart showing the processing content of the screen design setting process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Navigation apparatus, 12 ... Position detector, 20 ... Operation switch group, 21 ... Remote control sensor, 22 ... Data input device, 26 ... Display apparatus, 28 ... Speaker, 30 ... Navigation control circuit, 31 ... Current position calculation part, 32 ... Destination setting unit, 33 ... Display control unit, 34 ... Audio output control unit, 35 ... Path setting unit, 38 ... Display data storage unit, 39 ... Audio data storage unit.

Claims (7)

A navigation device comprising user interface means for performing an input corresponding operation corresponding to an input operation by a user or an output operation for outputting information to the user,
Schedule determination means for determining a user's schedule;
According to the type of user's schedule determined by the schedule determination unit, an operation mode control unit that changes the input corresponding operation mode or the output operation mode of the user interface unit;
Equipped with a,
The user interface means includes voice output means for outputting a voice message to the user,
The operation form control means includes a sound output control means for controlling a sound output form in the sound output means,
The voice output control means changes the tone of the sound in the voice output by the voice output means according to the type of schedule of the user determined by the schedule determination means,
The schedule determination means determines whether the user's schedule is a work schedule indicating a work time zone,
The voice output control means sets the tone of the sound in the voice output by the voice output means to a low tone when the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means is a work schedule, If the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means is not a work schedule, the tone of the sound output by the voice output means is set to a high tone,
A navigation device characterized by the above.   A voice data storage means for storing at least a work voice message and a private voice message as a voice message;
  The voice output control means controls the voice output form of the voice output means so as to output any voice message from a plurality of types of voice messages stored in the voice data storage means, and determines the schedule. According to the type of the user's schedule determined by the means, the voice message output by the voice output means is changed to a voice message suitable for the type of schedule, and the use determined by the schedule determination means If the person's schedule is a work schedule, the voice message output by the voice output means is set as a work voice message, while the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means is a work schedule. If not, the voice message output by the voice output means is private. Be set to the door for the voice message,
  The navigation device according to claim 1.   Corresponding setting storage means for storing the type of the user's schedule and the input corresponding operation mode or the output operation mode in association with each other,
  The schedule determination means determines the user's schedule based on the current date and time,
  The operation form control means corresponds to the type of schedule determined by the schedule determination means among the operation forms stored in the correspondence setting storage means for the input corresponding operation form or the output operation form of the user interface means. Changing to an input-compatible operation mode or an output operation mode,
  The navigation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   Corresponding setting storage means for storing the type of the user's schedule and the input corresponding operation mode or the output operation mode in association with each other,
  The schedule determination means obtains user's action schedule information from the outside, determines the user's schedule based on the action schedule information,
  The operation form control means corresponds to the type of schedule determined by the schedule determination means among the operation forms stored in the correspondence setting storage means for the input corresponding operation form or the output operation form of the user interface means. Changing to an input-compatible operation mode or an output operation mode,
  The navigation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   The user interface means includes display means for displaying at least operation menu items,
  The operation form control means includes display control means for controlling the display form in the display means,
  The display control means changes a display form in the display means according to the type of the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means,
  The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein   The display control means controls the display form of the display means so as to display a menu screen on which a plurality of operation menu items are arranged, and also sets the type of user schedule determined by the schedule determination means. In response, changing the display order of the operation menu items displayed on the menu screen,
  The navigation device according to claim 5.   The display control means controls the screen design displayed on the display means, and changes the screen design according to the type of the user's schedule determined by the schedule determination means,
  The navigation device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above.

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