JP4930795B2 - Navigation device and navigation program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device having at least three processor cores that perform information processing, and a navigation program in the navigation device.

  In recent years, the performance of navigation devices has been remarkably improved, and various processes associated with navigation have become more complicated. If you look specifically at processing that involves map display, a high-accuracy map that faithfully reproduces actual road conditions, including various facilities and information signs around the road (especially maps with 3D graphics display) ) Has been provided to users, and the processing for displaying these maps has become very complicated. As described above, as the processing associated with navigation becomes more complicated, further improvement in performance has been demanded for a processor core for executing such complicated processing.

  In order to meet such a demand for higher performance of the processor core, it has been conventionally attempted to increase the operating speed by increasing the operating frequency of the processor core. However, as the operating frequency of the processor core increases, the power consumption associated with it increases, so that a larger cooling power is required to ensure the normal operation of the processor core, and there is a limit to increasing the operating frequency. . Therefore, depending on the contents of processing, there is a problem that increasing the operating frequency may increase the processing time until each processing is completed.

  Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can process a huge amount of information without depending on an increase in the operating frequency of the processor core. For example, it is also considered that a plurality of processor cores are mounted on a navigation device, and various processes associated with navigation are distributed and executed by each processor core. However, at present, the following Patent Document 1 can be cited as a document disclosing a navigation device equipped with a plurality of processor cores.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-241376 (paragraph 0043 and FIG. 15)

  However, the navigation device described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that one processor core mainly performs control of navigation operation and the other processor core executes audio-related control. Therefore, in terms of processing associated with navigation, there is no disclosure about how to execute processing by specifically distributing information to be processed using a plurality of processor cores.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device capable of exhibiting quick responsiveness according to a scene by efficiently using a plurality of processor cores. And Moreover, it aims at providing the navigation program which can implement | achieve the navigation which can exhibit quick responsiveness according to a scene.

In order to achieve this object, the navigation apparatus having at least three processor cores for performing information processing according to the present invention is characterized by priority information storing priority information related to priority for each process associated with navigation. A storage unit, and a priority process determining unit that determines a priority process that is a process having a high priority on navigation with reference to the priority information when a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel; the number of processor cores to execute the priority process, the to be larger than the number of processor cores to execute processing other than priority processing, comprising: a core allocation means for allocating the processor core each treatment, and with the navigation As a plurality of image display processes for displaying a plurality of images on one or more display devices, When the display processing of the map around the vehicle position including the vehicle and the display processing of the enlarged map are executed in parallel, the priority processing determining means is an enlarged map as an image display processing having a high priority in navigation The display process is determined as the priority process .

  Here, a process having a high priority in navigation means a process that requires a high speed of response. According to the above characteristic configuration, when a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel, a priority process that requires a high speed of response is determined by the priority process determining means, and the calculation process of the determined priority process The processor core is assigned to each process by the core allocating means so that the number of processor cores for executing is larger than the number of processor cores for executing arithmetic processing of other processes. Therefore, since the priority processing is performed using more processor cores, it is possible to provide a navigation device that can exhibit quick responsiveness according to the scene.

As described above, the navigation device according to the present invention includes priority information storage means that stores priority information related to the priority of each process associated with navigation, and the priority process determination means refers to the priority information. that determine the priority processing Te.

That is , since the priority information storage means stores and holds priority information related to the priority for each process associated with navigation in advance, the priority process determination means refers to the priority information held by the priority information storage means. Thus, priority processing can be determined quickly.

As described above, the navigation device according to the present invention includes one or more display devices, and a plurality of image display processes for displaying a plurality of images on the display device are performed in parallel with the navigation. in case that the priority processing determination means that determine the priority of the navigation high image display processing as the priority processing. Here, the case where a plurality of images are displayed on the display device includes a case where a plurality of images are displayed on one display device and a case where an image is displayed on each of the plurality of display devices.

That is , when a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel, when a plurality of image display processes for displaying a plurality of images on the display device are executed in parallel, the plurality of image display processes Among these, processing that requires high speed for image display is determined as priority processing. Therefore, a display image with a high priority in navigation can be quickly displayed on the display device.

As described above, in the navigation device according to the present invention, when the map display process around the vehicle position including the guidance route and the enlarged map display process are executed in parallel with the navigation, the priority is given. processing determining means that determine the display process of the enlarged map as the priority processing.

The display processing of the enlarged map around the vehicle position, which is executed in parallel with the display processing of the map around the vehicle position including the guide route, mainly displays detailed road conditions at the route change point to guide the route change It is desirable that the enlarged map be displayed as soon as possible because it is performed when necessary. According to this feature configuration, when these processes are executed in parallel, the enlarged map display process is determined as the priority process, and thus the enlarged map can be quickly displayed on the display device.

According to the present invention, the navigation program having at least three processor cores that perform information calculation processing has a characteristic configuration in which a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel when a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel . A priority process determining function that determines a priority process that is a process having a high priority in navigation with reference to the priority information from the priority information storage means that stores priority information related to priority, and executes the priority process The computer realizes a core allocation function for allocating the processor core to each process so that the number of processor cores to be performed is larger than the number of processor cores that execute processes other than the priority process . A plurality of images for displaying a plurality of images on one or more display devices As the image display process, when the display process of the map around the vehicle position including the guidance route and the display process of the enlarged map are executed in parallel, the priority process determination function has high navigation priority. The enlarged map display process as the image display process is determined as the priority process .

According to this feature configuration, when a priority processing determination function is implemented in a computer, priority processing that requires a high speed of response is determined when a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel. Next, by realizing the core allocation function in the computer, the number of processor cores for executing the determined priority processing operation is larger than the number of processor cores for executing the other processing operation processing. Thus, a processor core is assigned to each process. Therefore, the priority processing can be performed using a larger number of processor cores, and thus navigation capable of exhibiting quick responsiveness according to the scene can be realized. Further, the priority processing determination function can quickly determine the priority processing with reference to the priority information held by the priority information storage means. Further, according to this feature configuration, a display image having a high navigation priority can be quickly displayed on the display device. In particular, the display processing of the enlarged map around the vehicle position, which is executed in parallel with the display processing of the map around the vehicle position including the guidance route, is mainly used for detailed road conditions at the route change point to guide the route change. It is desirable that the enlarged map be displayed as soon as possible. According to this feature configuration, when these processes are executed in parallel, the enlarged map display process is determined as the priority process, and thus the enlarged map can be quickly displayed on the display device.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a navigation device 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a navigation device 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of software of the navigation device 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the navigation device 1 including two display input devices 7. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority table stored in the priority database DB2, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display image for map display. 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a core allocation pattern by the core allocation unit 20, wherein (a) shows a display image displayed on the front seat display input device 7a, and (b) shows a rear seat. The display image displayed on the display input device 7b is shown.

1. Schematic Configuration of Navigation Device As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 according to this embodiment includes four processor cores 3, a drawing engine 4, a memory 5, a storage device 6, and two display input devices 7a. 7b and the audio output device 8 are provided as hardware configurations. In addition, the navigation device 1 includes a GPS receiver 21, an orientation sensor 22, and a distance sensor 23. These are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other via a communication line 9 such as a digital transfer bus.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device 1 includes a host vehicle position information acquisition unit 11, a navigation calculation unit 12, a host vehicle status acquisition unit 17, a destination setting status acquisition unit 18, a priority processing determination unit 19, and Each function part of the core allocation part 20 is provided. Each of these functional units is configured as software (program) stored in the storage device 6, and performs various processing on the input information using the processor core 3 that performs information processing. Here, the storage device 6 is a device having a recording medium capable of storing information and its driving means, such as a hard disk drive, a DVD drive equipped with a DVD-ROM, and a CD drive equipped with a CD-ROM. The map database DB1 and the priority database DB2 are stored.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation device 1 includes a front seat display input device 7a and a rear seat display input device 7b. These display input devices 7 are a combination of a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an input device such as a touch panel. The display input device 7 receives, for example, an input of a destination or the like and outputs it to the navigation calculation unit 12, and also displays a map display image Im or a route guidance image output from the image drawing unit 13 of the navigation calculation unit 12 along with the navigation. A display image such as Ig is displayed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the front seat display input device 7a and the rear seat display input device 7b correspond to the display means in the present invention. Although the front-seat display input device 7a and the rear-seat display input device 7b have hardware configurations independent of each other, the destination and the like are input to the same navigation calculation unit 12 from both. The result of the arithmetic processing by the navigation arithmetic unit 12 is configured to be output to any of them. Below, the structure of each part of the navigation apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated in detail.

2. Map Database The map database DB1 is a database in which map information M divided for each predetermined section is stored, and is stored in the storage device 6. As shown in FIG. 2, background information B, road information R, feature information F, and name information N are stored in the map database DB1. These pieces of information constitute map information M.

The background information B is information for drawing a background. Specifically, it is configured with information on water areas, green spaces, and facilities. These are configured by including position information on a map expressed by latitude and longitude, information on a shape indicating the outer shape of each area, and the like.
The road information R is information for drawing a road. Specifically, it is configured to include information on a large number of nodes and information on a large number of links that form a road by connecting two nodes. Here, each node is configured with position information on a map expressed in latitude and longitude, and each link is classified into a road type (type of highway, toll road, national road, prefectural road, etc.) and link length. It is configured with information such as road width. The road information R is also used for searching for a route to a destination input from the outside by the user.
The feature information F is information for drawing the feature. Specifically, it is configured with information on road markings, signs, tunnels, etc. provided on or around the road. These are configured to have information on the map position, feature type, form, etc. expressed in latitude and longitude.
The name information N is information for drawing a name. Specifically, it is configured with information such as place names, road names, and facility names displayed on the map. These are configured by including position information on a map expressed by latitude and longitude, character string information regarding each name, and the like.
These pieces of information each have information corresponding to the level corresponding to each scale.

  The map database DB1 further stores information on various facilities located around the road, that is, facility information E. The facility information E includes identification information (facility number) for identifying each facility from other facilities, position information of each facility, and attribute information. Here, the position information is information on the position (coordinates) on the map expressed by the latitude and longitude of the representative point of each facility, and the representative point of each facility is, for example, the length direction and the width direction of each facility. Set to the center position. The attribute information is information representing the attribute of each facility, and is information including, for example, a facility name, a name of a region where the facility is located, a genre name to which the facility belongs. The facility information E is used, for example, for searching for a facility or the like that matches a condition input from the outside by the user.

3. Priority database The priority database DB <b> 2 is a database that stores priority information H related to the priority of each process associated with navigation, and is stored in the storage device 6. In the present embodiment, this priority database DB2 corresponds to priority information storage means in the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the priority information H stored in the priority database DB2. In this example, the priority information H is stored in two priority tables. In these tables, the smaller the number, the higher the priority. In the table shown in FIG. 4A, priorities for various processes associated with navigation are set depending on whether a destination is set and whether the host vehicle is traveling or stopped. Has been remembered. According to the example of the table shown here, for example, when the host vehicle is traveling with the destination set, the host vehicle position detection process has the highest priority. It can be seen that the priority decreases in the order of image display processing, map image display processing, and point search processing. This is due to the following reasons. In other words, when the host vehicle is traveling with the destination set, it is necessary to always accurately know the host vehicle position as a reference for route guidance. Highest degree. In addition, since it is desired to display a new guide route as soon as possible when it deviates from the guide route, a guide route search process for performing a re-search (reroute) of the guide route, The priority of the guidance image display process executed in this way is relatively high. On the other hand, the point search process such as a stop-in facility search is a process for providing various types of information to the user, and there is no particular inconvenience in navigation even if the search takes time. Therefore, the priority is low. Thus, in the priority information H, the priority is set based on the degree of quickness required for the response. In other words, a process with a high priority in navigation is a process that requires a high speed of response.

  FIG. 4B shows two specific image display processes when a plurality of image display processes for displaying a plurality of images on the display input device 7 in parallel with navigation are executed. An example of a table in which priorities are set and stored is shown. In this table, of the two image display processes displayed side by side on the same line, the image display process displayed on the left side has a higher priority than the image display process displayed on the right side. I understand that. Specifically, it can be seen that the priority is higher in the display process of the enlarged map than the normal map display process, that is, the display process of the map around the vehicle position including the guide route. This is because the display processing of the enlarged map around the location of the vehicle is performed as soon as possible because it is necessary to display detailed road conditions at the route change point in order to guide the route change. This is because it is desired. Similarly, the display processing of the map being operated has a higher priority than the display processing of the map not being operated, and for the front seat that the driver will use rather than the display processing of the map for the rear seat. It can be seen that the map display processing has a higher priority. In this example, the priority between two image display processes displayed across different lines is not taken into account. Of course, a table that takes this into consideration may be created and stored.

4). Own vehicle position information acquisition unit The own vehicle position information acquisition unit 11 functions as own vehicle position information acquisition means for acquiring own vehicle position information P indicating the current position of the own vehicle. Here, the vehicle position information acquisition unit 11 is connected to the GPS receiver 21, the direction sensor 22, and the distance sensor 23. Here, the GPS receiver 21 is a device that receives a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite. This GPS signal is normally received every second and output to the vehicle position information acquisition unit 11. The own vehicle position information acquisition unit 11 analyzes a signal from a GPS satellite received by the GPS receiver 21, and acquires information such as the current position (latitude and longitude), traveling direction, and moving speed of the own vehicle. it can. The direction sensor 22 is a sensor that detects the traveling direction of the host vehicle or a change in the traveling direction. The azimuth sensor 22 includes, for example, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an optical rotation sensor attached to the rotating part of the handle, a rotary resistance volume, an angle sensor attached to the wheel part, and the like. Then, the orientation sensor 22 outputs the detection result to the own vehicle position information acquisition unit 11. The distance sensor 23 is a sensor that detects the vehicle speed and movement distance of the host vehicle. This distance sensor 23 integrates the detected acceleration, for example, a vehicle speed pulse sensor that outputs a pulse signal every time a drive shaft or wheel of the vehicle rotates by a certain amount, a yaw / G sensor that detects the acceleration of the host vehicle, and the like. It is composed of a circuit or the like. Then, the distance sensor 23 outputs information on the vehicle speed and movement distance as the detection result to the own vehicle position information acquisition unit 11 and the own vehicle status acquisition unit 17.

  And the own vehicle position information acquisition part 11 performs the calculation which pinpoints an own vehicle position by a well-known method based on the output from these GPS receiver 21, the direction sensor 22, and the distance sensor 23. FIG. Thus, the own vehicle position information acquisition unit 11 acquires the own vehicle position information P including the information on the current position of the own vehicle represented by the latitude and longitude and the information on the traveling direction of the own vehicle. Perform detection processing. The vehicle position information P acquired by the vehicle position information acquisition unit 11 is output to the navigation calculation unit 12.

5. Navigation Calculation Unit The navigation calculation unit 12 is a calculation processing unit that operates mainly in accordance with an application program for executing a guidance function as the navigation device 1. Here, the application program operates by referring to the own vehicle position information P acquired by the own vehicle position information acquisition unit 11, the map information M extracted from the map database DB1, the facility information E, and the like. Examples of processing executed by the navigation calculation unit 12 include guidance route search processing, map image display processing, guidance image display processing, and point search processing. In order to execute these processes, the navigation calculation unit 12 includes an image drawing unit 13, a guidance route search unit 14, a route guidance unit 15, and a point search unit 16. In the following description, the navigation calculation unit 12 means a combination of the image drawing unit 13, the guide route search unit 14, the route guidance unit 15, and the point search unit 16 unless otherwise specifically used. To do.

5-1. Image Drawing Unit The image drawing unit 13 functions as an image drawing unit that draws a display image for use in map image display processing and guidance image display processing associated with navigation. When drawing these display images, the image drawing unit 13 first determines a range for displaying a map. The range in which the map is displayed is, for example, a predetermined range around the vehicle position based on the vehicle position information P acquired by the vehicle position information acquisition unit 11, or around a specific point input by the display input device 7 The predetermined range can be set. Next, the image drawing unit 13 acquires background information B, road information R, feature information F, and name information N constituting the map information M from the map database DB1 for the determined map display range. Next, the image drawing unit 13 causes the processor core 3 to generate a drawing control signal based on the acquired information, and causes the drawing engine 4 to draw according to the drawing control signal, thereby drawing objects (here, Drawing images for each background, road, feature and name) are generated. The generated drawing images for each drawing target are superimposed to generate one map display image Im, as shown in FIG. Further, the image drawing unit 13 acquires the guide route information G generated by the guide route search unit 14 for the determined map display range, and generates the route guidance image Ig based on the acquired guide route information G. To do. The generated map display image Im and route guidance image Ig are further superimposed and output to the display input device 7.
In addition, the image drawing unit 13 performs a process of displaying the vehicle position mark superimposed on the display image generated as described above and displayed on the display input device 7 based on the vehicle position information P. Do.

5-2. Guide Route Search Unit The guide route search unit 14 functions as a guide route search unit that executes a guide route search process associated with navigation. When the destination is set by the user, the guide route searching unit 14 refers to the road information R constituting the map information M stored in the map database DB1 and routes from the departure point to the set destination. The process of searching and determining is performed. Here, the departure place is determined based on the own vehicle position information P acquired by the own vehicle position information acquisition unit 11, but can also be set by the user inputting with the display input device 7 or the like.

  The process of searching for and determining the guide route by the guide route searching unit 14 can be performed by various known methods, for example, by the following method. This method is based on the link length of each link constituting the guide route. For example, when the starting point and the destination are determined, a plurality of route candidates connecting both points can be cited. Each route candidate is recognized as a set of continuous links constituting the route candidate. For each of these links, as already described, the link length information is stored in the map database DB1. The guide route search unit 14 refers to the map database DB1 and acquires the link length information of each link constituting each route candidate, so that the total link length of all the routes for all route candidates, that is, the destination Calculate the distance to the road. For example, the total of the link lengths of the entire route is regarded as the cost required for passing the route, and the route candidate having the lowest cost is determined as the guide route. In the above description, only the link length has been described as an element for determining the cost. However, as is conventionally known, the travel time of each link and the type of road included in the link information of each link (highway , Types of toll roads, national roads, prefectural roads, etc.), width, the time to pass the intersection when the node connecting the links is an intersection, the distance from the departure point to the link or node, The number of road lanes may be included in the cost calculation.

In the above description, the case where the vehicle's position or a point designated by the user is set as the departure point has been described. However, when the vehicle deviates from the guidance route while traveling, the departure point from the guidance route is determined. A search for a guidance route can also be executed as a departure point. That is, the guide route search unit 14 also has a route re-search (reroute) function when deviating from the guide route.
And the guidance route search part 14 produces | generates the guidance route information G about the guidance route determined as mentioned above. The generated guidance route information G is output to the image drawing unit 13, the route guidance unit 15, and the destination setting status acquisition unit 18.

5-3. Route Guidance Unit The route guidance unit 15 functions as a route guidance unit that executes route guidance processing associated with navigation. The route guidance unit 15 includes a display input device 7 and a voice output device based on the guidance route information G generated by the guidance route search unit 14 and the vehicle position information P acquired by the vehicle position information acquisition unit 11. Route guidance is performed using one or both of 8. Specifically, for example, when there is an intersection that requires a right or left turn ahead while traveling on the guide route, the display input device 7 displays an enlarged map around the intersection side by side with a map around the vehicle position. Then, the voice output device 8 performs a process such as outputting a voice guidance that prompts the user to move the traveling lane in the direction of changing the course.

5-4. Spot Search Unit The spot search unit 16 functions as a spot search unit that executes spot search processing associated with navigation. The point search unit 16 is based on the map information M and facility information E stored in the map database DB1 and the conditions input from the outside by the user via the display input device 7 or the like. Search for facilities. Specifically, for example, when the user wants to stop at a restaurant for a meal while driving the vehicle, and the genre of “restaurant” is specified in the search condition setting, the point search unit 16 stores the map database DB1. With reference to the stored facility information E, a facility including “restaurant” in its attribute information is extracted from a plurality of facilities, and the result is displayed on the display input device 7.

6). Own vehicle status acquisition unit The own vehicle status acquisition unit 17 functions as own vehicle status acquisition means for acquiring the own vehicle status indicating whether the host vehicle is running or stopped. In the present embodiment, the host vehicle status acquisition unit 17 is connected to the distance sensor 23, and information on the vehicle speed and the moving distance as a detection result output from the distance sensor 23 is input. The own vehicle status acquisition unit 17 acquires the own vehicle status based on the information on the vehicle speed and the travel distance. Information about the acquired vehicle situation is output to the priority processing determination unit 19.

7). Destination Setting Status Acquisition Unit The destination setting status acquisition unit 18 functions as a destination setting status acquisition unit that acquires a destination setting status indicating whether or not a destination is set. Since whether or not the destination is set can be determined based on whether or not the guide route information G is generated and output in the guide route search unit 14, the destination setting status acquisition unit 18 Based on this guidance route information G, the destination setting status is acquired. Information about the acquired destination setting status is output to the priority processing determination unit 19.

8). Priority process determining unit The priority process determining unit 19 functions as a priority process determining unit that determines a priority process that is a process having a high priority in navigation. The priority processing determination unit 19 determines whether or not a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel, and whether or not the plurality of processes are image display processes when the plurality of processes are executed in parallel. When it is detected that a plurality of processes are executed in parallel, a process for determining a priority process from the plurality of processes is executed. Here, when the priority processing determination unit 19 determines the priority processing, the priority information H stored in the priority database DB2 is referred to. At this time, as described above, the information related to the vehicle status acquired by the vehicle status acquisition unit 17 and the information related to the destination setting status acquired by the destination setting status acquisition unit 18 are sent to the priority processing determination unit 19. Therefore, when a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel, the priority process determining unit 19 receives these pieces of information and refers to the priority table shown in FIG. The priority information H is acquired for each of the plurality of processes according to the vehicle status and the destination setting status. Note that when all of the plurality of processes associated with navigation are image display processes, the priority table shown in FIG. 4B is referred to. Next, the priority processing determination unit 19 compares the priorities acquired for each processing, and the processing with the higher priority (the processing with the smaller number indicating the priority in the example shown in FIG. 4) is prioritized. Determine as. Information regarding the priority processing determined by the priority processing determination unit 19 is output to the core allocation unit 20.

9. Core Allocation Unit The core allocation unit 20 functions as a core allocation unit that allocates many processor cores 3 to priority processing. In accordance with the information related to priority processing output from the priority processing determination unit 19, the core allocation unit 20 has a larger number of processor cores 3 that execute priority processing than the number of processor cores 3 that execute processing other than priority processing. As described above, the processor core 3 is assigned to each process. Thereby, since one process can be shared and executed by a plurality of cores, the process can be completed quickly, and a process requiring a high speed of response can be efficiently executed. Below, operation | movement of the priority process determination part 19 and the core allocation part 20 accompanying a navigation is demonstrated according to a specific example. Here, a description will be given focusing on a case where a plurality of image display processes are executed in parallel.

  For example, it is assumed that the vehicle is traveling toward the destination in a state where the destination is set and the route guidance is performed by the navigation device 1. The navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment has two display input devices 7, a front seat display input device 7 a and a rear seat display input device 7 b, and is based on one map display process during normal driving. A map around the vehicle position including the guidance route is displayed on both display input devices 7. At this time, a plurality of image display processes are not yet executed in parallel.

  Here, for example, an occupant other than the driver riding in the rear seat is checking the map displayed on the rear seat display input device 7b in an attempt to confirm the road situation ahead of the vehicle position along the guide route. It is assumed that the vehicle is scrolled in the traveling direction. Then, the map around the vehicle position including the guidance route is still displayed on the front seat display input device 7a, and the map according to the request (scroll) of the occupant of the rear seat is displayed on the rear seat display input device 7b. The two map display processes are executed in parallel. When detecting this, the priority process determination unit 19 acquires priority information H for these processes from the priority database DB2. In this example, two map display processes are the map display process in operation displayed on the rear seat display input device 7b, and the normal map display process (non-operating) displayed on the front seat display input device 7a. Therefore, “1” and “2” are acquired as the priority information H for these processes with reference to the table of FIG. The priority process determination unit 19 compares the priority information H and determines the map display process for the rear seat display input device 7b, which is the process with the smaller number representing the priority, as the priority process. Based on this, as shown in FIG. 6, the core assigning unit 20 assigns many processor cores 3 to the map display process for the rear seat display input device 7b. In the illustrated example, the number of processor cores 3 assigned to the map display processing for the front seat display input device 7a is one, whereas that for the map display processing for the rear seat display input device 7b is three. Processor core 3 is assigned.

  Next, for example, it is assumed that the map displayed on the rear seat display input device 7b is held in a state where it is scrolled by a certain distance. Then, the map around the vehicle position including the guidance route is displayed on the front seat display input device 7a, and the held map is displayed on the rear seat display input device 7b. One map display process is executed in parallel. When detecting this, the priority process determination unit 19 acquires priority information H for these processes from the priority database DB2. In this example, the two map display processes are a map display process for the front seat display input device 7a used by the driver and a map display for the rear seat display input device 7b used by a passenger other than the driver. Since this is a process, “1” and “2” are acquired as the priority information H for these processes with reference to the table in FIG. The priority processing determining unit 19 compares the priority information H, and determines the map display processing for the front seat display input device 7a, which is the processing with the smaller number representing the priority, as the priority processing. Based on this, as shown in FIG. 7, the core assigning unit 20 assigns many processor cores 3 to the map display process for the front seat display input device 7a. In the illustrated example, the number of processor cores 3 assigned to the map display process for the rear seat display input device 7b is one, whereas that for the map display process for the front seat display input device 7a is three. Processor core 3 is assigned.

  Next, for example, it is assumed that an intersection that turns left and changes course is approaching. Then, on the front seat display input device 7a, an enlarged map around the intersection is displayed side by side with a map around the vehicle position, and two map display processes are executed in parallel. Become. When detecting this, the priority process determination unit 19 acquires priority information H for these processes from the priority database DB2. In this example, the two map display processes are a map display process for displaying a normal map on the front seat display input device 7a and a map display process for displaying an enlarged map on the front seat display input device 7a. Referring to the table of FIG. 5B, “2” and “1” are acquired as the priority information H for these processes, respectively. The priority processing determination unit 19 compares the priority information H and determines, as the priority processing, the map display processing for displaying the enlarged map, which is the processing with the smaller number representing the priority. Based on this, as shown in FIG. 8, the core assigning unit 20 assigns many processor cores 3 to the enlarged map display process in the map display process for the front seat display input device 7a. In the example shown in the figure, the number of processor cores 3 assigned to the map display processing of the normal map on the left half of the display screen of the front seat display input device 7a is one, whereas that on the right half of the display screen Two processor cores 3 are assigned to the map display process of the enlarged map. In this example, one processor core 3 is also assigned to execute the map display process for the rear seat display input device 7b.

10. Procedure of Navigation Process Next, the procedure of the navigation process executed in the navigation device 1 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of navigation processing according to the present embodiment. The procedure of the navigation process described below is executed by software (program) that constitutes each functional unit of the navigation device 1 described above. At this time, the processor core 3 included in the navigation device 1 operates as a computer that executes the map display program.

  First, the navigation computing unit 12 performs navigation by executing processing such as guidance route search processing, map image display processing, guidance image display processing, and point search processing in accordance with the application program (step # 01). Next, the priority process determination unit 19 determines whether or not a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel (step # 02). When it is determined that the plurality of processes are not executed in parallel (step # 02: No), the navigation calculation unit 12 performs navigation again by returning to step # 01. On the other hand, when it is determined that a plurality of processes are executed in parallel (step # 02: Yes), the priority process determining unit 19 determines whether or not the plurality of processes are image display processes. (Step # 03). When it is determined that the plurality of processes are not image display processes (step # 03: No), the host vehicle state acquisition unit 17 acquires the host vehicle state, and information on the host vehicle state is given to the priority processing determination unit 19 (Step # 04). Also, the destination setting status acquisition unit 18 acquires the destination setting status and outputs information related to the destination setting status to the priority processing determination unit 19 (step # 05). The priority process determination unit 19 acquires priority information H corresponding to the situation for each process from the priority database DB2 based on the information on the host vehicle situation and the destination setting situation (step # 06). If it is determined in step # 03 that the plurality of processes are image display processes (step # 03: Yes), the process proceeds to step # 06 without executing steps # 04 and # 05. Next, the priority process determination unit 19 compares the priority levels set for each process, and determines the process with the higher priority level as the priority process (step # 07). Next, the core assigning unit 20 assigns many processor cores 3 to the priority process determined by the priority process determining unit 19 (step # 08), and returns to step # 01 again to perform navigation. Repeat the above.

[Other Embodiments]
(1) In the above embodiment, the case where the navigation device 1 has the four processor cores 3 has been described as an example. However, the number of processor cores 3 provided in the navigation device 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is three or more, and it is sufficient that the number of processor cores 3 is biased when divided into two or more groups.

(2) The above embodiment has been described with the case where the processing capabilities of the plurality of processor cores 3 are substantially equal. However, the processing capabilities of the processor cores 3 may be different from one another. In this case, it is preferable that the core allocation unit 20 is configured to take into account the high processing capability of each processor core 3 when allocating the processor core 3 to a plurality of processes.

(3) In the above embodiment, the priority information stored in the priority database has been specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the example shown here is only an example, and the order of priorities for each of a plurality of processes may be changed as appropriate, or priorities for each further subdivided process may be set and stored.

(4) In the embodiment described above, the navigation device 1 includes the two display input devices 7a and 7b, and an example in which image display processing for displaying a plurality of images on these devices is performed in parallel is given. Explained. However, even in the navigation device 1 having only one display input device 7, the present invention can be applied in a scene where image display processing for displaying a plurality of images in one screen is executed in parallel.

(5) In the above embodiment, the case where the navigation device 1 executes image display processing for displaying two images in parallel has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where image display processing for displaying three or more images is performed in parallel.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be suitably used for a navigation device having at least three processor cores that perform information processing and a navigation program in the navigation device.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the hardware of the navigation apparatus concerning this invention The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the software of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention Configuration diagram showing an example of a navigation device having two display input devices The figure which shows an example of the priority table stored in the priority database The figure which shows the composition of the display picture for map display Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the core allocation pattern by a core allocation part Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the core allocation pattern by a core allocation part Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the core allocation pattern by a core allocation part The flowchart which shows the process sequence by the navigation program which concerns on this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation apparatus 3 Processor core 7 Display input apparatus 7a Front seat display input apparatus 7b Rear seat display input apparatus 17 Own vehicle condition acquisition part 18 Destination setting condition acquisition part 19 Priority process determination part 20 Core allocation part DB2 Priority database (Priority storage means)
H Priority information

Claims (2)

A navigation device having at least three processor cores that perform information processing,
Priority information storage means for storing priority information related to the priority of each process associated with navigation;
In the case where a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel, priority processing determining means for determining priority processing that is processing with high priority on navigation with reference to the priority information ;
Core allocating means for allocating the processor core to each process so that the number of processor cores that execute the priority process is larger than the number of processor cores that execute processes other than the priority process ;
Equipped with a,
As a plurality of image display processes for displaying a plurality of images on one or more display devices along with navigation, a map display process around the vehicle position including the guidance route and a display process of the enlarged map are parallel. When executed as
The priority processing determining means is a navigation device that determines an enlarged map display process as an image display process having a high priority in navigation as the priority process . A navigation program in a navigation device having at least three processor cores for performing information processing,
In the case where a plurality of processes associated with navigation are executed in parallel , priority on navigation with reference to the priority information from the priority information storage means storing priority information relating to the priority of each process associated with navigation A priority process determination function for determining a priority process that is a high-level process;
A core assignment function that assigns the processor core to each process so that the number of processor cores that execute the priority process is greater than the number of processor cores that execute a process other than the priority process ;
Is realized on a computer ,
As a plurality of image display processes for displaying a plurality of images on one or more display devices along with navigation, a map display process around the vehicle position including the guidance route and a display process of the enlarged map are parallel. When executed as
The priority processing determination function is a navigation program that determines, as the priority processing, display processing of an enlarged map as image display processing having high priority in navigation.

Images