JP5026177B2 - Navigation device for displaying traffic information and traffic information display method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle or the like, and more particularly to a technique for displaying traffic information acquired from the outside.

  A navigation device that displays road traffic information such as traffic jams and provides the user with VICS (registered trademark, Vehicle Information and Communication System) information is known (Patent Document 1). The display mode of the VICS information varies depending on the level of VICS information (levels 1 to 3). In the case of level 1, for example, a sentence expressing the name of a traffic jam point, the traffic jam distance, the required time between predetermined points, and the like is displayed. In the case of level 2, for example, an image in which a traffic congestion point is given a red or orange color or a character is displayed on a figure that simply represents road alignment. In the case of level 3, a traffic jam location, a traffic regulation location, a parking lot mark, and the like are displayed superimposed on the road map.

JP 2004-354212 A

  By the way, when the navigation device as described above receives VICS information (for example, level 1 and level 2), it displays an image of traffic information generated from the VICS information for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds). Therefore, after the traffic information display is erased, the user cannot see the traffic information. Then, in order to view the traffic information again, the user needs to wait until the navigation device receives and displays new VICS information by designating the traffic information to be viewed by menu operation or the like. Also, depending on the size and position of the displayed image, the user may not be able to confirm the current location of the vehicle, which may be inconvenient.

  The navigation device as described above receives VICS information (for example, level 3), and displays the traffic information superimposed on the map information. However, when viewing the traffic information of a point that is not displayed on the display with the set scale map information, the user needs to change the scale of the map information to display the wide area map or scroll the map screen. is there. Such an operation is troublesome for the user. In addition, the user cannot view traffic information at a point outside the range that can be displayed on the wide area map by the operation of displaying the wide area map. In addition, the user does not want to scroll the screen because he wants to know information about the current location of the vehicle as much as possible while driving.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a technique for displaying traffic information of points not included in the displayed map screen in a manner that is easy for the user to understand in the navigation device. With the goal.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is a navigation device that displays traffic information received from the outside, a map display unit that displays a map of a rectangular display target region, and the map display unit Acquisition means for acquiring traffic jam information associated with a spot not included in the map displayed by the map, and the map corresponding to the direction of the spot with which the traffic jam information acquired by the acquisition means is associated. A traffic jam information display means for displaying the traffic jam information superimposed on the map in a belt-like area along a side, and the traffic jam information display means displays the traffic jam information at the center of the side along the belt-like area. A colored image that spreads radially from the side is displayed with a gradation that increases in transparency so that the map information can be seen through from the center of the side.
Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a navigation device for displaying traffic jam information received from the outside, wherein the map display means displays a rectangular display target area map, An acquisition unit that acquires traffic jam information associated with a point that is not included in the map displayed by the map display unit, and a direction of a point that the traffic jam information acquired by the acquisition unit is associated; Traffic information display means for displaying the traffic information superimposed on the map in a belt-like area along the side of the map, and the traffic information display means follows the traffic information along the belt-like area. It is characterized by being displayed as a colored image with a gradation in which the transparency increases uniformly so that the map information can be seen through as it moves away from the side.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of a navigation apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. First, the hardware configuration of the navigation device 1 will be described.

  The navigation device 1 is a device that is mounted on a vehicle or the like and performs navigation processing for displaying traffic information such as map information, route information, and traffic jam information to guide a user. Of course, the navigation device 1 may not be provided in the vehicle, and may be a portable PND (Personal Navigation Device), for example. The navigation device 1 includes a control device 10, a display device 12, an input device 14, a voice input / output device 16, a storage device 18, various sensors 20, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving device 22, and FM multiplexing. It has a broadcast / beacon receiving device 24 and a communication device 26. Of course, the configuration of the navigation device 1 is not limited to the above, and may include, for example, a tuner for digital terrestrial broadcasting.

  The control device 10 is a central unit that controls each of the above devices and performs various processes. The control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). An interface for controlling communication with other devices may be provided. For example, the control device 10 calculates the current location using information output from the various sensors 20 and the GPS receiving device 22. Further, map information necessary for display is read from the storage device 18 based on the obtained current location information. Further, the read map information is developed in graphics, and a mark indicating the current location is superimposed on the map information and displayed on the display device 12. In addition, the map information is used to calculate an optimum route (recommended route) that connects the starting point (current location) instructed by the user and the destination, and displays the calculated route on the display device 12. The voice input / output device 16 is used to output a voice for guiding the user. In addition, a user request is received via the input device 14 and processing corresponding to the request is executed. In addition, traffic information and the like are received from the information center and displayed via the FM multiplex broadcast / beacon receiving device 24 and the communication device 26.

  The display device 12 is a device that displays the graphics information generated by the control device 10, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device.

  The input device 14 is a device for receiving an instruction from a user. The input device 14 includes, for example, a hard switch such as a touch panel, a joystick, or a keyboard attached on the screen of the display device 12.

  The voice input / output device 16 converts the message to the user generated by the control device 10 into a voice signal and outputs it. Moreover, the process which recognizes the voice which the user uttered and transfers the content to the control apparatus 10 is performed.

  The storage device 18 stores programs and data necessary for the control device 10 to execute various processes, map information used for navigation processing, a speech dictionary used for speech recognition (neither shown), and the like. To do. These pieces of information are read out on the memory by the CPU of the control device 10 and used. The storage device 18 is configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The map information will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the map information 1810 includes, for each mesh identification code (mesh ID) 1811 that is a partitioned area on the map, link data 1820 of each link constituting the road included in the mesh area. Contains. For each link ID 1821, the link data 1820 includes coordinate information 1822 of two nodes (start node and end node) constituting the link, road type information 1823 including the link, link length information 1824 indicating the link length, link The travel time 1825 includes a link ID (connection link ID) 1826 of a link connected to each of the two nodes, a lane number 1827 indicating the number of lanes included in the link, and the like. The link road type stores information indicating whether the road is a toll road.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the various sensors 20 are devices that collect data for calculating the current position of the vehicle, and include, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like. The collected data is sent to the control device 10 and used for navigation processing.

The GPS receiver 22 is a device for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite and generating position information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The generated position information is sent to the control device 10 and used for navigation processing.
The FM multiplex broadcasting / beacon receiving device 24 receives traffic information sent from the VICS center via FM multiplex broadcasting radio waves, radio beacons or optical beacons installed on the road (none of which are shown). It is a device for doing. The received traffic information is sent to the control device 10 and used for displaying the traffic information.

  Radio wave beacons and optical beacons transmit traffic information to vehicles passing near the installation point, and FM multiplex broadcasting covers a wider communication area. The traffic information sent by the beacon includes various static information such as location information, destination guidance, parking lot guidance, etc., and traffic jam information in relatively small areas (link information, traffic jam start and end positions, traffic jam congestion level, Cause) and other dynamic information such as temporary traffic restrictions (section, cause, etc.). The traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting includes various types of dynamic information such as traffic jam information in a relatively large area, weather information, and temporary traffic regulations.

  The communication device 26 is configured by a general mobile phone, for example, and is a device for receiving traffic information sent from the VICS center or other information centers via the mobile phone line and the base station. In addition, the traffic information collected by the vehicle is transmitted to the information center.

  Next, the functional configuration of the navigation device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control device 10 includes a main control unit 100, a current location calculation unit 102, a route calculation unit 104, a traffic information analysis unit 106, a display processing unit 108, and a user operation reception unit 110. These functional units are constructed by the CPU of the control device 10 loading a program and data necessary for executing the program from the storage device 18 onto the memory and executing the program.

  The main control unit 100 is a central functional unit that performs various processes, and controls other processing units according to the processing content. The main control unit 100 also performs navigation processing (for example, display of traffic information, display of the current position, route search, route guidance, etc.), which is the original basic operation of the navigation device 1. Specifically, map information around the current location calculated by the current location calculation unit 102 is read from the storage device 18. Then, the display processing unit 108 is instructed to display the current location information superimposed on the read map information. If there is route information calculated by the route calculation unit 104, the route may be displayed. In addition, traffic information is acquired and displayed via the traffic information analysis unit 106. The voice input / output device 16 is used to output a voice for guiding the user. In addition, processing corresponding to the user operation received via the user operation receiving unit 110 is performed.

  The current location calculation unit 102 calculates the current location using information output from the various sensors 20 and the GPS receiver 22 at predetermined intervals (for example, every predetermined distance and every predetermined time). The calculated current location information is sent to the main control unit 100, the route calculation unit 104, the traffic information analysis unit 106, etc., and is used for their processing.

  The route calculation unit 104 searches for a recommended route connecting between two designated points (current location, destination). Specifically, first, the current location calculated by the current location calculation unit 102 and the destination input via the input device 14 or the voice input / output device 16 are acquired. Further, the map information is read from the storage device 18. Then, using the Dijkstra method etc., the route connecting the two points (current location and destination) is converted into the link cost (for example, distance and travel time) of the road (link) connecting the predetermined point (node). Search for a route whose total cost on the route is the lowest for other routes. An optimal route may be searched using the traffic information acquired via the traffic information analysis unit 106.

  The traffic information analysis unit 106 receives traffic information transmitted from the VICS center or another information center via the FM multiplex broadcast / beacon receiving device 24 or the communication device 26. The received traffic information is stored in a writable memory (such as a RAM) so that it can be taken out and used at any time upon request. The link data included in the traffic information may be converted and stored so as to be associated with the link data of the map information 1810. In addition, the traffic information analysis unit 106 determines whether or not a point where various traffic information is to be displayed is included in the map of the display target area. The result of this determination is used for controlling the display of traffic information.

  The display processing unit 108 receives an instruction from another functional unit, generates and outputs a drawing command for causing the display device 12 to display a screen. For example, a map drawing command is generated so as to draw marks such as roads, other map components, current location, destination, and arrows for recommended routes with a specified scale and drawing method.

  The user operation receiving unit 110 receives a user operation input via the input device 14, analyzes the operation content, and controls other functional units so that processing corresponding to the operation content is executed. . Further, the corresponding operation content is analyzed from the words that are input via the voice input device 16 and recognized by voice, and other functional units are controlled so that processing corresponding to the operation content is executed. For example, when the user requests a search for a recommended route, the main control unit 100 is requested to display a map information or a dialog for receiving a destination setting.

  Next, a characteristic operation of the navigation device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for displaying traffic information in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The main control unit 100 starts this flow when the navigation device 1 is activated, for example, by turning on an ignition switch. The traffic information reception process (S110, S120) and the traffic information display process (S210 to S260) operate independently of each other.

  First, the traffic information reception process will be described. The traffic information analysis unit 106 acquires the traffic information received by the FM multiplex broadcast / beacon receiving device 24 and the communication device 26 (S110). Traffic information sent from a radio beacon or an optical beacon is received when the vehicle passes near the beacon installation point. Traffic information sent by FM multiplex broadcasting is received at regular intervals. The traffic information analysis unit 106 stores the acquired traffic information in a memory so that it can be taken out and used at any time (S120), and the process returns to S110.

  Next, the traffic information display process will be described. This process is a process for displaying traffic information of points not included in the map of the display target area (for example, an area within a predetermined distance centered on the current location of the vehicle). Specifically, the map of the display target area is a map of a range displayed on the display of the display device 12 with a set scale. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the current location of the vehicle is a point 501, the display target area is an area 500 and a map inside the area is displayed on the display. The map outside the area 500 is not displayed. That is, this process displays traffic information (for example, traffic jams 511, 512, 513, 514) that is not included in the area 500 together with the map in the area 500. This process is executed in parallel with or simultaneously with the navigation process (display of map, current location, route, etc.) by the main control unit 100. It is executed regardless of the timing at which the traffic information is received. Moreover, the traffic information of the points included in the display target area may be displayed by, for example, overlapping traffic information on a road by a known method. Hereinafter, display of traffic information will be described as an example.

  First, the traffic information analysis unit 106 reads traffic jam information from the traffic information stored in the memory (S210). The traffic jam information includes link information, a traffic jam start position and an end position, a traffic jam congestion degree (for example, traffic jam, congestion, smooth running, etc.), a cause, and the like.

  Further, the traffic information analysis unit 106 determines whether or not the read traffic information includes traffic information at a point not included in the display target area (S220). Specifically, map information around the current location calculated by the current location calculation unit 102 is acquired from the storage device 18. Then, by comparing the link information of each road included in the traffic jam information with the acquired map information, it is determined whether there is traffic jam information at a point not included in the map of the display target area. Here, traffic congestion information in the traveling direction on the road on which the vehicle is traveling is targeted. When it is determined that there is at least one traffic jam information outside the display target area (YES in S220), the process proceeds to S230. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no traffic jam information outside the display target area (NO in S220), the process returns to S210.

  When it is determined that there is traffic jam information outside the display target area (YES in S220), the main control unit 100 selects traffic jam information to be displayed by a predetermined method (S230). Specifically, for example, using the current location calculated by the current location calculation unit 102 and map information, one of the traffic jam information closest to the current location is selected from the traffic jam information in the traveling direction on the road on which the vehicle is traveling. To do. Of course, the selection of information to be displayed is not limited to the above method, and for example, a plurality of pieces of traffic information may be selected. The user may be able to set.

  When the traffic information to be displayed is selected, the main control unit 100 instructs the display processing unit 108 to display the traffic information (congestion direction) (S240).

  This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The display processing unit 108 displays the map information 611 of the display target area on the entire display area 600 of the display device 12 and displays the current location mark 612 in a superimposed manner. In addition, the traffic jam information image 621 is displayed in a predetermined display manner so as to be superimposed on the map information 611 in a band-like area 620 along the upper edge of the display area 600. Here, a colored image that spreads radially from the center of the upper edge of the display area 600 to the lower edge of the display area 600 is displayed blinking. The traffic jam information image 621 is displayed with a gradation that increases in transparency so that the map information can be seen through as the distance from the center of the upper edge of the display area 600 increases. The color of the traffic jam information image 621 is a predetermined color (for example, red for traffic jams and orange for traffic jams) corresponding to the congestion level included in the selected traffic jam information. When one color is used, the density may be changed according to the degree of congestion. Of course, the display mode is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the area of the traffic jam information image 621 is increased or decreased according to the degree of congestion (for example, the area is increased if the traffic is congested, and is decreased if the traffic is congested). You may do it. Also, the area may be increased or decreased, or the color density may be changed according to the distance to the traffic congestion point. Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (F), as a traffic jam information image 621, a colored image with a gradation that uniformly increases transparency so that map information can be seen through as the distance from the upper edge of the display area 600 increases. May be displayed blinking.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 instructs the display processing unit 108 to be located at a position where the display of the map information in the traveling direction of the vehicle is not hidden, such as the upper right end of the display area 600, as shown in FIG. A message 615 is displayed. The message 615 displays information obtained using traffic jam information, map information, current location information, and the like, for example, a remaining distance to the traffic jam point, an arrival time, and an arrow indicating the traffic jam direction. When the main control unit 100 receives a user's pressing operation on the area where the message 615 is displayed via the input device 14 and the user operation receiving unit 110, the message 616 as shown in FIG. Is displayed to the display processing unit 108. In the message 616, in addition to the information displayed in the message 615, more detailed information, for example, the cause of traffic congestion, traffic regulation, and the like are displayed.

  When the display of the traffic jam information (the traffic jam area) is started as described above (S240), the main control unit 100 displays the traffic jam information (information selected in S230) corresponding to the displayed traffic jam information image 621 as the display target. It is determined whether or not it is included in the area (S250). Specifically, the main control unit 100 uses the link information of the traffic jam information selected in S230, the current location calculated by the current location calculation unit 102, and the map information to determine whether the traffic jam information has entered the display target area. Are monitored at predetermined intervals (for example, at regular intervals or at regular intervals). If it is determined that it is not in the display target area, the process returns to S250. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display target area has been entered, the process proceeds to S260.

  When it is determined that the traffic jam information has entered the display target area (YES in S250), the main control unit 100 instructs the display processing unit 108 to delete the traffic jam information display (S260), and returns to S210. Specifically, the display processing unit 108 deletes the traffic jam information image 621. In addition, what is necessary is just to display the traffic information of the point included in a display object area, for example by overlapping traffic information on a road by a well-known method.

  As described above, the main control unit 100 executes the flow of FIG. In addition, when there is a change in the traffic information corresponding to the displayed traffic information image 621, for example, when the degree of congestion is changed, the display mode of the traffic information information 621 may be changed. In addition, when newly received traffic information at a location closer than the displayed traffic information, the newly received traffic information may be displayed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for displaying traffic information in a direction other than the traveling direction of the vehicle. Similar to the processing of FIG. 3, the main control unit 100 starts this flow when the navigation device 1 is activated by turning on an ignition switch or the like. In the following, a description will be given focusing on differences from the processing of FIG. Note that this flow and the traffic information display process (S210 to S260) operate independently of each other.

  First, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the vehicle is within a predetermined distance to a predetermined intersection (S305). Specifically, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current location has reached a predetermined distance to a predetermined intersection using the current location and map information calculated by the current location calculation unit 102. The predetermined intersection is, for example, a relatively large intersection where two or more lanes intersect. The user may be able to set. If it is determined that the distance is not within the predetermined distance, the process returns to S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the distance is within the predetermined distance, the process proceeds to S310. Since S310 is the same as S210 (FIG. 3), description thereof is omitted.

  The traffic information analysis unit 106 determines whether or not the read traffic information includes traffic information of points not included in the display target area (S320). Specifically, map information around the current location calculated by the current location calculation unit 102 is acquired from the storage device 18. Then, by comparing the link information of each road included in the traffic jam information with the acquired map information, it is determined whether there is traffic jam information at a point not included in the map of the display target area. Here, traffic congestion information on a road other than the traveling direction of the vehicle that branches off from an intersection (S305) within a predetermined distance from the vehicle is targeted. If it is determined that there is at least one traffic jam information outside the display target area (YES in S320), the process proceeds to S330. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no traffic jam information outside the display target area (NO in S320), the process returns to S305.

  When it is determined that there is traffic jam information outside the display target area (YES in S320), the main control unit 100 selects traffic jam information to be displayed by a predetermined method (S330). Specifically, for example, using the current location and map information calculated by the current location calculation unit 102, the traffic information on the road other than the vehicle traveling direction that branches off from the intersection within a predetermined distance from the vehicle is closest to the intersection. Select traffic information for each road. Of course, the selection of information to be displayed is not limited to the above method, and for example, a plurality of pieces of traffic information may be selected. The user may be able to set.

  When the traffic information to be displayed is selected, the main control unit 100 instructs the display processing unit 108 to display the traffic information (S340). An example of displaying traffic information in the left turn direction at an intersection will be described. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8E, an intersection mark 613 indicating an intersection within a predetermined distance from the vehicle is displayed, and a traffic jam information image 631 is displayed in a band-like shape along the left end side of the display area 600. In the area 630, the map information 611 is displayed in a predetermined display manner. Further, the main control unit 100 displays a message 617. The display mode of the traffic jam information image 631 is the same as that of the traffic jam information image 621.

  When the display of traffic jam information is started as described above (S340), the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the vehicle has passed the intersection (S350). Specifically, the current location calculated by the current location calculation unit 102 and the map information are used to monitor whether or not the vehicle has passed the intersection at predetermined intervals (for example, every fixed time or every fixed distance). . When it determines with not having passed, it returns to S350. On the other hand, when it determines with having passed, it progresses to S360. In addition, what is necessary is just to start the process of FIG. 3, when a vehicle turns left or right at the intersection.

  When it is determined that the vehicle has passed the intersection (YES in S350), the main control unit 100 instructs the display processing unit 108 to delete the display of the traffic jam information (S360), and returns to S305. Specifically, the display processing unit 108 deletes the traffic jam information image 631 and the intersection mark 613.

  As described above, the main control unit 100 executes the flow of FIG.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to this embodiment, the navigation apparatus can display traffic information of points not included in the displayed map screen in a manner that is easy for the user to understand. That is, the user can easily recognize through traffic the traffic information of a point that is not normally displayed without performing any operation. Further, the user can intuitively recognize the traffic information depending on the mode and position of the displayed traffic information, and can drive by predicting a route for avoiding traffic jams. In addition, since the traffic information display does not disappear in a predetermined time, the user can check the traffic information at any time. Moreover, since the display of traffic information does not hide the display of the current position and the surrounding information, the user is not anxious.

  The present invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments. Obviously, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate and not limit the gist and scope of the present invention.

  For example, information related to the weather at a point not included in the map of the display target area, for example, information such as sunny, rainy, snow, etc., information such as temperature, precipitation probability, chain regulation, and the like are displayed in the belt-like areas 620 and 630 ( (See FIG. 8).

The block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions and functional structure of a navigation apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the data structure of map information. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which displays the traffic information of the advancing direction of a vehicle. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which displays the traffic information of directions other than the advancing direction of a vehicle. The figure for demonstrating the relationship between a display object area | region and traffic information. The figure which shows the example of a screen of the traffic congestion direction display of the advancing direction of a vehicle. The figure which shows the example of a screen of the traffic congestion direction display of the advancing direction of a vehicle. The figure which shows the example of a screen of the congestion direction display of directions other than the advancing direction and advancing direction of a vehicle.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Navigation apparatus, 10 ... Control apparatus, 12 ... Display apparatus, 14 ... Input device, 16 ... Voice input / output device, 18 ... Memory | storage device, 20 ... Various sensors , 22 ... GPS receiver, 24 ... FM multiplex broadcast / beacon receiver, 26 ... communication device, 100 ... main control unit, 102 ... current location calculation unit, 104 ... path calculation 106, traffic information analysis unit, 108 ... display processing unit, 110 ... user operation reception unit,
1800 ... Map data, 1811 ... Mesh ID, 1820 ... Link data, 1821 ... Link ID, 1822 ... Coordinate information, 1823 ... Road type information, 1824 ... Link length information , 1825 ... Link travel time, 1826 ... Connection link ID, 1827 ... Number of lanes 500 ... Area, 501 ... Point, 511 ... Traffic jam, 512 ... Traffic jam, 513 ...・ Congestion, 514 ... Congestion,
600 ... display area, 611 ... map information, 612 ... current location mark, 620 ... area, 621 ... traffic jam information image, 615 ... message, 616 ... message, 613 ... Intersection mark, 617 ... message, 630 ... area, 631 ... traffic jam information image

Claims (6)

A navigation device that displays traffic information received from outside,
Map display means for displaying a map of a rectangular display target area;
Acquisition means for acquiring traffic jam information associated with points not included in the map displayed by the map display means;
Congestion information display means for displaying the congestion information superimposed on the map in a band-like area along the side of the map corresponding to the direction of the point to which the congestion information acquired by the acquisition means is associated. Have
The traffic information display means
The traffic information is displayed on a colored image that radiates from the center of the side along which the belt-shaped region extends, with a gradation that increases transparency so that the map information can be seen through from the center of the side,
Navigation device comprising a call.   A navigation device that displays traffic information received from outside,
  Map display means for displaying a map of a rectangular display target area;
  Acquisition means for acquiring traffic jam information associated with points not included in the map displayed by the map display means;
  Congestion information display means for displaying the congestion information superimposed on the map in a band-like area along the side of the map corresponding to the direction of the point to which the congestion information acquired by the acquisition means is associated. Have
  The traffic information display means
  Displaying the traffic jam information as a colored image with a gradation that uniformly increases in transparency so that the map information can be seen through as the distance from the side along which the belt-like region is located;
  A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The acquisition means includes
Obtain traffic information associated with points not included in the map in the direction of travel of the vehicle,
The traffic information display means
Displaying the traffic jam information superimposed on the map in a band-like region along the side corresponding to the traveling direction of the vehicle of the map;
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The acquisition means includes
For an intersection within a predetermined distance from the current location of the vehicle, obtain traffic information associated with a point not included in the map in a direction other than the traveling direction of the vehicle,
The traffic information display means
Displaying the congestion information superimposed on the map in a band-like region along a side corresponding to a direction other than the traveling direction of the vehicle of the map;
A navigation device characterized by that. A traffic jam information display method in a navigation device that displays traffic jam information received from outside,
A map display step for displaying a rectangular display target area map;
An acquisition step of acquiring traffic jam information associated with points not included in the map displayed by the map display step;
A traffic jam information display step for displaying the traffic jam information superimposed on the map in a band-like region along the side of the map corresponding to the direction of the point to which the traffic jam information acquired by the acquisition step is associated; Including,
The traffic information display step includes
The traffic information is displayed on a colored image that radiates from the center of the side along which the belt-shaped region extends, with a gradation that increases transparency so that the map information can be seen through from the center of the side,
A traffic information display method characterized by that.   A traffic jam information display method in a navigation device that displays traffic jam information received from outside,
  A map display step for displaying a rectangular display target area map;
  An acquisition step of acquiring traffic jam information associated with points not included in the map displayed by the map display step;
  A traffic jam information display step for displaying the traffic jam information superimposed on the map in a band-like region along the side of the map corresponding to the direction of the point to which the traffic jam information acquired by the acquisition step is associated; Including,
  The traffic information display step includes
  Displaying the traffic jam information as a colored image with a gradation that uniformly increases in transparency so that the map information can be seen through as the distance from the side along which the belt-like region is located;
  A traffic information display method characterized by that.

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