JP5028172B2 - Navigation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device, and more particularly to a navigation device suitable for searching for a point desired by a user when setting a navigation destination or waypoint.

  Conventionally, in-vehicle navigation devices that perform navigation to guide the vehicle from the current location to the destination along the recommended route to the destination, the search data in the map data when setting the navigation destination or waypoint Is used to search for a point (facility, etc.) desired by a user who is a candidate for a destination or waypoint.

  In this type of in-vehicle navigation device, first, after searching for a point that includes a character input by the user in the name by searching by character input such as a 50-sound search, for the searched point, Narrowing of points using various narrowing methods has been performed.

  For example, FIG. 7 shows an example of the operation of an in-vehicle navigation device that narrows down points using this kind of narrowing-down method.

  In the example of FIG. 7, after shifting to the point search for setting the destination, first, as shown in FIG. 7A, a character input screen 1 for searching for a point by character input is displayed. It appears on the display. Here, the character input screen 1 includes a plurality of character input operation buttons 2 on which characters that can be input are written, an operation button 3 for confirming the contents of character input and instructing start of search, and A confirmation screen 4 for confirming the result of character input is included. The characters that can be input by the operation buttons 2 for character input can be switched between hiragana, katakana, alphabet, uppercase, lowercase, and the like. The operation buttons 2 and 3 can be operated by a touch operation on a touch panel, a remote operation using a remote controller, or the like.

  In order to instruct the character input screen 1 to start the search after the character “Fukushima” is input by operating the operation button 2 for character input, as shown in FIG. When the operation button 3 is operated, as shown in FIG. 7B, a search result display screen 6 showing all the search results of points by character input is displayed on the display.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7B, the search result display screen 6 includes a spot name list 7 indicating the names of spots that include the characters input on the character input screen 1 in the names. The point name list 7 is formed by arranging a plurality of operation buttons 8 each having a name of the searched point name. When the number of searched points is large, the search results for all cases can be viewed by scrolling or the like.

  The search result display screen 6 includes a map 9 around the point corresponding to the operation button 8 operated by the user in the point name list 7.

  Further, the search result display screen 6 includes an operation button 10 for narrowing down for instructing further narrowing down the points according to the region and the genre. A transition is made to a screen (not shown) for narrowing down points in the list 7 using the method of narrowing down the area and genre.

  FIG. 8 shows another example of the operation of the in-vehicle navigation device that narrows down points using the narrowing-down method.

  In the example of FIG. 8, after shifting to the point search for destination setting or the like, first, as shown in FIG. 8A, a character input screen 1 for searching for a point by character input is displayed. Is displayed. The character input screen 1 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, after the character “Fukushima” is input to the character input screen 1 using the character input operation button 2, an operation for instructing the start of search is performed. When the button 3 is operated, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), a search result display screen 11 showing a search result of a point by character input is displayed on the display.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, the search result display screen 11 includes a spot number list 12 indicating the number of spots that include characters entered in the character input screen 1 in the name. Yes. The point number list 12 includes an operation button 14 in which the number of points including the characters entered on the character input screen 1 as katakana are included in the name together with the characters “Fukushima”, and the inputted characters as alphabets. The operation button 15 in which the number of points included in the name is written together with the characters “FUKUSHIMA”, and the number of points that include the input characters in the name are written together with the characters “Fukushima” It is formed by arranging the operated buttons 16 arranged.

  Further, the search result display screen 11 includes an operation button 17 for narrowing down for instructing further narrowing down the points according to the region and the genre.

  Then, when one of the operation buttons 14, 15, 16 in which the number of points is written is operated on the search result display screen 11, and the operation button 17 for narrowing down is operated, The screen transitions to a screen (not shown) for narrowing down the points using the region and genre narrowing method for the points corresponding to the operated operation buttons 14, 15, 16 in the point number list 12. .

JP 2002-107173 A

  However, conventionally, whether or not one or more results of narrowing down can be obtained by narrowing down using various types of narrowing down methods such as region and genre. I didn't know how to narrow down by selecting individual filtering methods and actually displaying the results of the filtering. For this reason, there is a possibility that a meaningless narrowing-down result is displayed such that the number of narrowed points becomes zero.

  This has been an obstacle for the user to quickly search for a desired point.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can quickly search for a desired point and improve convenience. is there.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a navigation apparatus according to the present invention searches a point desired by a user from among a storage unit storing a plurality of points and the plurality of points stored in the storage unit. A navigation device comprising: search means; and character input means for inputting characters for searching for the point by the search means, wherein the search means is a current input content of the characters by the character input means. In the character input continuation enabled state in which the character input by the character input means can be continued and changed, the current character input in the attribute is selected from the plurality of points. It is formed to perform a character input search for searching for the point where the content is included, and the character input search is performed dynamically as the input content is changed. The formed character input search means and the point currently searched by the character input search means are formed so as to narrow down the points using a plurality of types of preset narrowing methods. And the narrowing-down means formed so as to be dynamically performed in accordance with the change of the search result of the character input search, and the plurality of types of narrowing-down based on the result of the narrowing-down by the narrowing-down means Among the methods, the narrowing-down corresponding to the effective narrowing-down method is performed while displaying the effective narrowing-down method on the display unit so that the number of the points indicated by the narrowing-down result using the method is one or more. The effective narrowing method is displayed so as to allow the user's operation to display the result, and the effective narrowing method is displayed. The narrowing-down method display processing means formed to be performed dynamically according to the change, and the narrowing-down result corresponding to the effective narrowing-down method displayed on the display unit by the narrowing-down method display processing means A narrowing-down result display processing means for displaying on the display unit in accordance with a user operation for display is provided.

  According to such a configuration, in a state where character input can be continued, the search result of the latest character input search is narrowed using a plurality of types of narrowing methods set in advance, and based on the result of this narrowing down In addition to presenting only the latest effective narrowing method to the user and allowing the user operation to display the narrowing result corresponding to the effective narrowing method, it is possible to display the meaningless narrowing result in advance. Therefore, it is possible to quickly search for a desired point and improve convenience for searching for a point. In addition, in the state where character input can be continued, it is also possible to examine and change the input contents of characters according to the contents of the effective narrowing method displayed on the display unit, so the optimum narrowing down according to the narrowing situation You can also get results.

  Further, in the present invention, the narrowing-down result display processing means is a type in which the effective narrowing-down method narrows down the points for each of the classification items as a state in which the points are classified according to the classification items specific to the type of the narrowing-down method. In the case of the narrowing-down method, as a result of the narrowing-down corresponding to the effective narrowing-down method, the display unit displays the number of points narrowed down by the effective narrowing-down method as a state classified for each classification item It is preferable that it is formed so as to be displayed.

  According to such a configuration, in the case where the effective narrowing-down method is a narrowing-down method of a type that narrows down the points for each classification item as a state in which the points are classified for each classification item specific to the type of the narrowing-down method, As a result, since the number of narrowed points can be displayed as a state classified for each classification item, the narrowing result can be displayed more easily, and convenience can be further improved.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the search means can further narrow down the points in accordance with a user operation for further narrowing down the points with respect to the narrowed down results displayed on the display unit. It is preferable to be formed.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to narrow down further points with respect to the result of narrowing down, so that a desired point can be reliably searched. In this case, since the user knows an effective narrowing-down method in advance, the possibility of narrowing down by selecting a useless narrowing-down method can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the search means displays on the display unit a character input screen that allows the character input by the character input means to be performed while confirming the current input content of the character. The narrowing-down method display processing unit includes a character input screen display processing unit, and the narrowing-down method display processing unit displays only the effective narrowing-down method as characters, and displays the narrowing-down result corresponding to the effective narrowing-down method on the display unit. The operation button enabled to be operated is displayed on the display unit together with the character input screen, and the narrowing-down result display processing means is configured to operate the operation button as the operation button is operated. It is preferable that the display unit displays the result of the narrowing down corresponding to the effective narrowing down method indicated by the characters above. Arbitrariness.

  According to such a configuration, the user can easily confirm the effective narrowing-down method corresponding to the input content of the current character based on the character notation state on the operation button of this effective narrowing-down method. Therefore, convenience can be further improved.

  Further, in the present invention, when there are two or more types of effective narrowing down methods, the narrowing down method display processing means, the more effective narrowing down method of the type having a larger number of points indicated by the narrowing down results, The narrowing-down result display processing means is formed so as to display characters on the top side of the operation buttons, and the narrowing-down result display processing means corresponds to the effective narrowing-down methods of each type written on the operation buttons. Is preferably displayed on the display unit in a state that can be selected by the user.

  According to such a configuration, the user can check an effective narrowing-down method having a large number of points indicated by the narrowing-down result based on the order of writing the effective narrowing-down method written on the operation buttons. , Convenience can be further improved.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, when there are two or more effective narrowing methods, the narrowing result display processing means corresponds to each type of the effective narrowing methods written on the operation buttons. The narrowing-down result is displayed on the display unit as a user-selectable state, and the search means displays the narrowing-down displayed on the display unit when there are two or more effective narrowing-down methods. Storage means for accumulating and holding the result of the user's operation for selecting the result, and the narrowing-down method display processing means is narrowed down so that there are two or more effective narrowing-down methods by the narrowing-down means. If the usage frequency of the user is high based on the result of the user operation stored and held in the storage and holding means, As the effective narrowing method corresponding to the result of the narrowing to be made, it is preferably formed so as to letter symbols at the head side on the operation button.

  According to such a configuration, the user can check an effective narrowing method corresponding to a narrowing result with high use frequency based on the order of writing the effective narrowing method written on the operation buttons. , Convenience can be further improved.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the attribute of the point includes the name of the point and the name of the location area of the point.

  According to such a configuration, since it is possible to search for a point that includes the input character content in the name or location name, it is possible to search for the desired point more quickly.

  In the present invention, the plurality of types of preset narrowing-down methods may be any of a plurality of preset categories as the classification item from the point currently searched by the character input search unit. A narrowing-down method that includes narrowing down each genre as a state in which the points that can be classified are classified by genre, and from the point currently being searched by the character input search means, A narrowing method that narrows down the points such that the input content of the character is included, and from the point currently searched by the character input search means, the input content of the current character in the trade name is By the narrowing-down method including narrowing down the points as included, and the character input search means The content is to narrow down the points that can be classified into any of a plurality of preset actions as the classification items from the points being searched for as actions classified into actions. It is preferable to include at least one of the narrowing-down methods.

  According to such a configuration, a method of narrowing down points that can be classified into any of a plurality of preset genres, a method of narrowing down points where the current character input content is included in the location name, Display the result of narrowing down using a method that narrows down the points where the current character input content is included in the business name, or a method that narrows down points that can be classified into one of multiple preset actions. Therefore, the desired point can be searched more reliably.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the point is preferably a navigation destination or a transit point.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve convenience when the user sets a navigation destination or waypoint.

  According to the navigation device of the present invention, a desired point can be searched quickly, and convenience can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an in-vehicle navigation device as an embodiment of a navigation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

  Note that portions that have the same or similar basic configuration as those in the related art will be described using the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle navigation device 20 according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a navigation main unit 21, a data reading device 22 connected to the navigation main unit 21, an input operation unit 24, and a GPS receiver 25. The vehicle includes an autonomous navigation sensor 26, a display 27, and a speaker 29.

  The input operation unit 24 has a function as a character input unit, and the input operation unit 24 may be a touch panel of the display 27, a remote controller, a linear encoder, a rotary encoder, or the like.

  The data reading device 22 is equipped with a storage medium 30 as a storage means. The storage medium 30 includes various data necessary for executing the functions of the in-vehicle navigation device 20 including map data. Is stored. In this embodiment, the map data includes road data and background data used for executing the map display function and the route guidance function, route calculation data used for executing the route search function, and points such as destinations and waypoints. Search data used for executing the search function. The search data is composed of entities (basic data elements) such as area (point) name, address, postal code, POI (Points Of Interest), and services (facility or store). This search data is data indicating a plurality of points.

  The storage medium 30 may be, for example, a DVD or a hard disk.

  The GPS receiver 25 receives information on the orbit and time (GPS information) from a GPS satellite (not shown), and outputs the received GPS information to the navigation main unit 21.

  The autonomous navigation sensor 26 is configured by a gyro sensor or the like. The autonomous navigation sensor 26 detects the traveling speed and angular velocity of the host vehicle and outputs the detection result to the navigation main unit 21.

  Next, the navigation main unit 21 will be described in detail. The navigation main unit 21 has an operation screen drawing unit 31. The operation screen drawing unit 31 executes the functions of the in-vehicle navigation device 20. It generates and outputs drawing data for various necessary operation screens.

  A display processing unit 32 is connected to the output side of the operation screen drawing unit 31, and a display 27 is connected to the output side of the display processing unit 32. The display processing unit 32 is configured to receive the drawing data of the operation screen output from the operation screen drawing unit 31, and the display processing unit 32 operates the operation screen corresponding to the input drawing data of the operation screen. Is displayed on the display 27.

  The user can perform an operation corresponding to the operation screen on the operation screen displayed on the display 27 by using the input operation unit 24.

  The operation screen drawing unit 31 includes a character input screen drawing unit 34. The character input screen drawing unit 34, together with the display processing unit 32, can select a user's screen from a plurality of points stored in the storage medium 30. Character input screen display processing means in search means for searching for a desired point is configured.

  That is, the character input screen drawing unit 34 is an operation screen for performing character input for searching for a point as a destination or waypoint candidate when the user sets a navigation destination or waypoint. As drawing data, drawing data of a character input screen that enables character input while confirming the input content of the current character is generated. The display processing unit 32 displays a character input screen corresponding to the drawing data of the character input screen generated by the character input screen drawing unit 34 on the display 27.

  The character input screen drawing unit 34 is a user for shifting to the setting of the destination or waypoint for the menu screen as the operation screen displayed on the display 27 by the operation screen drawing unit 31 and the display processing unit 32. When the above operation is performed, the drawing data of the character input screen may be generated.

  The navigation main unit 21 has a point search unit 35 constituting search means. The input operation unit 24 is on the input side of the point search unit 35, and the operation screen drawing unit 31 and the display are on the output side. The processing units 32 are connected to each other.

  In addition, a data read control unit 36 is connected between the spot search unit 35 and the data read device 22, and the data read control unit 36 sends a predetermined value from the storage medium 30 to the data read device 22. A read request for reading data is output.

  Further, a buffer 37 is connected between the point search unit 35 and the data reading device 22, and the data read by the data reading device 22 is temporarily stored in the buffer 37. It has become.

  The point search unit 35 has a character input search unit 39 as a character input search unit in the search unit.

  The character input search unit 39 acquires a character input result on the character input screen by the input operation unit 24 in a state where character input can be continued, and based on the acquired character input result, a current input by the input operation unit 24 It is designed to grasp the input contents of characters.

  Here, the state where character input can be continued means that the input content of the current character by character input using the input operation unit 24 can be changed by continuing character input using the input operation unit 24. This refers to the state (hereinafter the same). In other words, the character input continuable state can be said to be a state in which the character input content is not confirmed and the character input is not completed.

  Further, the character input search unit 39 grasps the input contents of the current character in the character input continuable state, and then causes the data read control unit 36 to output a read request for reading the search data, whereby the data reading device The search data read from the storage medium 30 by 22 is acquired through the buffer 37. And the character input search part 39 is a character input continuation possible state, the name of a point, the location area name (namely, address) of a point, etc. from many (plural) points, such as a facility and a sightseeing spot shown by search data, etc. The character input search is performed to search for a point where the input content of the current character is included in the attribute of the point.

  In addition to the character input search in such a state that character input can be continued, the character input search unit 39 confirms the input content of the character and instructs the user to start the search at the end of the character input as in the conventional case. The character input search may be performed even in a state in which the character input cannot be continued.

  Further, the character input search unit 39 repeats the character input search in the character input continuable state whenever the input content of the current character in the character input continuable state is changed. As a result, the character input search unit 39 can dynamically perform a character input search in a state where character input can be continued as the input content of the character is changed.

  In addition to the above configuration, the point search unit 35 further includes a narrowing unit 40 as a narrowing unit in the search unit. The narrowing unit 40 receives characters from the character input search unit 39 in a character input continuable state. The search result of the input search is acquired.

  The narrowing-down unit 40 then sets a plurality of types of preset points for the point currently searched by the character input search unit 39 based on the search result of the character input search in the acquired character input continuable state. Narrowing down points using each of the narrowing-down methods.

  These multiple types of narrowing-down methods include, for each genre, points that can be classified into any of a plurality of preset genres from the point currently searched by character input search in a state where character input can be continued. A narrowing-down method (hereinafter referred to as “genre-type narrowing-down method”) that includes narrowing down for each genre as the classified state may be included.

  Further, in the plurality of types of narrowing-down methods, a point where the input content of the current character is included in the name of the location area is narrowed down from the point currently searched by the character input search in a state where character input can be continued. May include a narrowing method (hereinafter referred to as a regional narrowing method).

  Further, the plurality of types of narrowing-down methods include narrowing down a point where the input contents of the current character are included in the trade name from the point currently searched by the character input search in the state where the character input can be continued. A narrowing-down method (hereinafter referred to as a trade name type narrowing-down method) may be included.

  Furthermore, in the plurality of types of narrowing-down methods, a point that can be classified into any of a plurality of preset actions from a point currently searched by a character input search in a state where character input can be continued is provided. A narrowing-down method (hereinafter referred to as action-type narrowing-down method) that includes narrowing down for each action as a state classified for each action may be included.

  Further, the narrowing-down unit 40 repeats the narrowing-down of points using the plurality of types of narrowing-down methods each time the search result of the character input search by the character input search unit 39 in the state where character input can be continued is changed. It has become. As a result, the narrowing-down unit 40 can dynamically narrow down the points in accordance with the change in the search result of the character input search in a state where the character input can be continued.

  In addition to the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the operation screen drawing unit 31 further includes a narrowing-down method drawing unit 41. The narrowing-down method drawing unit 41, together with the display processing unit 32, includes a narrowing-down method in the search unit. Display processing means is configured. That is, the narrowing-down method drawing unit 41 obtains the result of narrowing down the points from the narrowing-down unit 40, and based on the obtained narrowing-down result, among the plurality of types of narrowing-down methods, An effective narrowing-down method (hereinafter referred to as an effective narrowing-down method) is extracted so that the number of points indicated by the result is one or more. Further, the narrowing-down method drawing unit 41 generates drawing data of operation buttons in which only the effective narrowing down method is written as the extracted drawing data of the effective narrowing down method. This operation button (hereinafter referred to as an effective narrowing method notation button) is an operation that enables a user operation to display a narrowing result (hereinafter referred to as an effective narrowing result) corresponding to the effective narrowing method expressed in characters. It is a button. The display processing unit 32 displays the effective narrowing method notation button corresponding to the drawing data of the effective narrowing method notation button generated by the narrowing method drawing unit 41 on the display 27 together with the character input screen. Accordingly, it is possible to allow a user operation for displaying the effective narrowing result while displaying the effective narrowing method.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the narrowing-down method drawing unit 41 repeats generation of drawing data of the effective narrowing-down method notation button every time the effective narrowing-down method to be extracted is changed. Thereby, it is possible to dynamically display the effective narrowing-down method in accordance with the change of the effective narrowing-down method.

  In addition to the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the operation screen drawing unit 31 further includes a narrowing result drawing unit 42. The narrowing result drawing unit 42 together with the display processing unit 32 displays the narrowing result displayed in the search unit. The processing means is configured.

  That is, when the user operates the effective narrowing down method notation button using the input operation unit 24, the narrowing down result drawing unit 42 shifts to further narrowing down of the effective narrowing result as drawing data of the effective narrowing down result. The drawing data for displaying the effective narrowing-down result having the function of the operation screen that can be operated by the user is generated.

  Specifically, for example, as the drawing data of the effective narrowing result corresponding to the above-mentioned regional type narrowing method, a list of location / location names that include the input contents of the current character on the character input screen is displayed. It is sufficient to generate drawing data for displaying as a selectable state. Then, when the user performs an operation of selecting a location area name shown in the list of such location area names, an operation screen for further narrowing down the points located in the area indicated by the selected location area name It is only necessary to be able to make a transition to.

  In the present embodiment, the display processing unit 32 displays the effective narrowing result corresponding to the drawing data of the effective narrowing result generated by the narrowing result drawing unit 42 on the display 27.

  In this embodiment, when there are two or more effective narrowing methods, the narrowing result drawing unit 42 and the display processing unit 32 set two or more types of effective narrowing results corresponding to these as the effective narrowing results. It is displayed as a selectable state by selecting the corresponding tab.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the character input continuation possible state, the search result of the character input search is narrowed down using a plurality of types of narrowing methods set in advance, and based on the result of the narrowing down, Since only the effective narrowing method is presented to the user and a user operation for displaying only the effective narrowing result can be allowed, display of the meaningless narrowing result can be avoided in advance.

  As a more preferred embodiment, the narrowing-down result drawing unit 42 and the display processing unit 32 use a type of effective narrowing-down method that narrows down the points for each classification item as a state in which the points are classified for each classification item unique to the type of the narrowing-down method. Displays the number of points narrowed down by the effective narrowing down method as a result of the effective narrowing down as a state classified for each classification item.

  Specifically, for example, as an effective narrowing-down result corresponding to the genre-type narrowing method described above, the number of points indicating points narrowed down by the genre-type narrowing method is displayed as a state classified by genre.

  In this way, the number of narrowed points can be displayed as a state classified for each classification item, so that the narrowing result can be displayed more easily.

  As a more preferred embodiment, when there are two or more types of effective narrowing methods, the narrowing method drawing unit 41 and the display processing unit 32 are more effective as the types of effective narrowing methods having a larger number of points indicated by the effective narrowing results. Characters are displayed on the top side of the filter method display button.

  In this way, the user can easily confirm the effective narrowing-down method having a large number of points indicated by the effective narrowing-down result based on the order of writing the effective narrowing-down method written on the effective narrowing-down method notation button. .

  As another method for determining the order of the effective narrowing methods on the effective narrowing method notation button, first, the effective narrowing result displayed on the display 27 when there are two or more effective narrowing methods in the search means. An accumulation holding means for accumulating and holding the result of the user's operation for selecting is provided. This storage and holding means may be a RAM. The narrowing-down method drawing unit 41 and the display processing unit 32, when the narrowing-down unit 40 narrows down such that there are two or more effective narrowing-down methods, Based on the result, the effective narrowing method corresponding to the effective narrowing result that is considered to be frequently used by the user is indicated on the head side on the effective narrowing method notation button.

  In such a case, the user can easily confirm the effective narrowing method corresponding to the effective narrowing result having a high use frequency based on the order of the effective narrowing methods written on the effective narrowing method notation button. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the operation screen drawing unit 31 and the display processing unit 32 perform an operation for the user to shift to further narrowing using the input operation unit 24 with respect to the effective narrowing result displayed on the display 27. When it is performed, an operation screen (hereinafter referred to as a narrowing screen) for narrowing down the effective narrowing result is displayed on the display 27. This narrowing screen may be a screen that presents the user with an effective narrowing method different from the effective narrowing method corresponding to the effective narrowing result displayed on the display 27 as a selectable state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the user performs an operation for further narrowing down the effective narrowing result on the narrowing screen, the point search unit 35 responds to the effective narrowing result according to this operation. The point is further narrowed down.

  The result of narrowing down the effective narrowing down result may be displayed on the display 27 as the state of the operation screen that can further narrow down the points with respect to the narrowing down result. In this case, the narrowing down of the points can be repeated until the final candidate (or a plurality of destinations) of the destination or waypoint as the final point search result is displayed.

  Alternatively, as a result of narrowing the points with respect to the effective narrowing result, the final candidate of the destination or waypoint as the final point search result is displayed on the display 27 as a state that can be selected by operating the input operation unit 24. It may be a thing.

  In addition to the above configuration, the navigation main unit 21 includes various configurations necessary for navigation.

  That is, the navigation main unit 21 has a destination setting unit 43, and an input operation unit 24 is connected to the input side of the destination setting unit 43. The destination setting unit 43 sets a point corresponding to the operation result of the user input operation unit 24 for the final destination candidate displayed on the display 27 as a destination, and outputs the setting result. .

  The navigation main unit 21 has a waypoint setting unit 45, and an input operation unit 24 is connected to the input side of the waypoint setting unit 45. The waypoint setting unit 45 sets a point corresponding to the operation result of the user's input operation unit 24 for the final candidate of the waypoint displayed on the display 27 as a waypoint, and outputs the setting result. .

  A vehicle position calculation unit 46 is connected to the output side of the GPS receiver 25 and the autonomous navigation sensor 26, and the GPS information output from the GPS receiver 25 and the autonomous navigation sensor 26 are connected to the vehicle position calculation unit 46. The detection results output from are respectively input. And the own vehicle position calculation part 46 calculates a own vehicle position as an absolute coordinate based on the GPS information input from the GPS receiver 25 side (satellite navigation). In addition, the vehicle position calculation unit 46 calculates the vehicle position as a relative position from the previous vehicle position based on the detection result input from the autonomous navigation sensor 26 side (autonomous navigation). .

  The host vehicle position calculation unit 46 sends a read request to the data read control unit 36 to read out the map data corresponding to the host vehicle position calculated by autonomous navigation or satellite navigation and the surrounding area. The data reading device 22 reads the map data corresponding to the reading request from the storage medium 30. The read map data is temporarily stored in the buffer 37 and then input to the vehicle position calculation unit 46.

  Then, if the vehicle position calculated by satellite navigation or autonomous navigation is not on the road in the map data, the vehicle position calculation unit 46 sets the position on the corresponding road in the map data input from the buffer 37. A map matching process for correcting the vehicle position is performed, and the vehicle position corrected by the map matching process is used as a final calculation result.

  A recommended route calculation unit 47 is connected to the output side of the destination setting unit 43, the waypoint setting unit 45, the buffer 37, and the vehicle position calculation unit 46 and to the input side of the data read control unit 36. When the destination setting result is input from the destination setting unit 45 side and the calculation result of the vehicle position is input from the vehicle position calculation unit 46 side, the recommended route calculation unit 47 inputs data to the data read control unit 36. In addition, a read request for reading map data (route calculation data) in a predetermined area from the vehicle position to the destination is output to the data reading device 22. The data reading device 22 reads the map data corresponding to the read request from the storage medium 30. The read map data is temporarily stored in the buffer 37 and then input to the recommended route calculation unit 47. The recommended route calculation unit 47 calculates the recommended route from the vehicle position to the destination using the input map data, and outputs the calculation result.

  In addition, when a route setting result is input from the route setting unit 45, the recommended route calculation unit 47 calculates a recommended route that passes through the set route using map data. It is like that.

  In addition, the data read control unit 36 uses the input operation unit 24 for the menu screen displayed on the display 27 to allow the user to set the vehicle position and the surrounding area (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle surrounding area). When an input operation for displaying a map is performed, a read request for reading map data (road data and background data) about the area around the vehicle is output to the data reading device 22. The map data about the area around the vehicle read from the storage medium 30 by this read request is temporarily stored in the buffer 37.

  Further, a map drawing unit 48 is connected between the buffer 37 and the display processing unit 32, and the map drawing unit 48 acquires map data about the area around the vehicle from the buffer 37, and is acquired. Based on the map data, map drawing data of the area around the vehicle is generated, and the generated map drawing data is output to the display processing unit 32. The display processing unit 32 displays a map of the vehicle surrounding area corresponding to the map drawing data output from the map drawing unit 48 on the display 27. When the user performs an input operation to display a map of the area by designating an area other than the area around the own vehicle using the input operation unit 24, the map drawing unit 48 and the display processing unit 32 Based on the map data of the area, the map of the area is displayed.

  Furthermore, a host vehicle position drawing unit 50 is connected between the host vehicle position calculating unit 46 and the display processing unit 32, and the host vehicle position drawing unit 50 is connected to the host vehicle position calculating unit 46. The position data is acquired, and based on the acquired vehicle position data, drawing data for displaying the vehicle position mark indicating the vehicle position is generated and output to the display processing unit 32. Yes. The display processing unit 32 superimposes and displays the vehicle position mark corresponding to the drawing data of the vehicle position mark output from the vehicle position drawing unit 50 on the map displayed on the display 27. .

  In addition, a guide image drawing unit 51 is connected between the recommended route calculation unit 47 and the display processing unit 32, and the recommended route output from the recommended route calculation unit 47 is connected to the guide image drawing unit 51. Calculation results are input. Then, the guide image drawing unit 51 guides the vehicle along the recommended route to the destination along the recommended route based on the recommended route calculation result input from the recommended route calculating unit 47 (for example, intersection enlargement). Guide image drawing data for displaying an image or an image in which a recommended route is drawn on a road in a map) is generated. The display processing unit 32 displays a guide image corresponding to the guide image drawing data generated by the guide image drawing unit 51 on the display 27.

  Furthermore, a voice guidance unit 52 is connected between the recommended route calculation unit 47 and the speaker 29, and the calculation result of the recommended route calculated by the recommended route calculation unit 47 is input to the voice guidance unit 52. It has come to be. Then, the voice guidance unit 52 generates guidance voice data for performing voice guidance such as intersection left / right turn guidance based on the calculation result of the recommended route input from the recommended route calculation unit 47 side. . The speaker 29 converts the guidance voice data generated by the voice guidance unit 52 into voice and outputs the voice.

  Next, the main operation of this embodiment will be described using a more specific example.

  In the present embodiment, first, the user uses the input operation unit 24 to select a destination screen for the menu screen displayed on the display 27 by the operation screen drawing unit 31 and the display processing unit 32 as an initial navigation screen. Perform operations to move to settings.

  By this operation, the character input screen 54 as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display 27 by the character input screen drawing unit 34 and the display processing unit 32. This character input screen 54 is used for confirming a plurality of character input operation buttons 2 on which characters that can be input are written and the input contents of the characters and instructing the start of the search upon completion of the character input, as in the conventional case. Operation button 3 and a confirmation screen 4 for confirming the contents of the current character input.

  Next, when the user starts character input on the character input screen 54 using the input operation unit 24, the character input search unit 39 does not wait for the operation of the search start operation button 3 described above. By the character input search in the character input continuation enabled state, a point where the input content of the current character is included in the attribute is dynamically searched as the character input progresses. For example, on the character input screen 54 in FIG. 2, “○ △ □ ×” is input by the character input by Hiragana, but “○ △ □” just before the input state in FIG. 2 was input. The search result of the character input search unit 39 in the state in which the character input has progressed and the current “◯ △ □ ×” is input is found rather than the search result of the character input search unit 39 at the stage. The number of cases may be narrowed (reduced).

  When a character input search in such a state that character input can be continued by the character input search unit 39 is performed, a search result of the character input search, that is, a point that includes the character “◯ △ □ ×” in the attribute is obtained. The narrowing-down unit 40 narrows down points using a plurality of preset narrowing-down methods. This narrowing down is repeated each time the search result of the character input search unit 39 is changed.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of preset types of narrowing-down methods include the above-described four types of narrowing-down methods, ie, the genre type narrowing method, the regional type narrowing method, the trade name type narrowing method, and the action type narrowing method. Has been.

  At this time, in the narrowing-down using the genre type narrowing method, the points that include the characters “○ △ □ ×” in the attribute (name, location name, etc.) are “park”, “accommodation facility”, “convenience store”, etc. Narrow down by genre as a state classified by genre. In addition, in the action-type narrowing method, the points including the characters “○ △ □ ×” in the attribute are narrowed down for each action as being categorized by actions such as “play”, “eat”, “stay”, etc. . Furthermore, in the narrowing-down using the regional type narrowing-down method, the points including the characters “◯ Δ □ ×” in the location name are narrowed down. Furthermore, in the trade name type refinement search, points (such as companies) that include the characters “◯ △ □ ×” in the trade name are narrowed down.

  Next, the narrowing-down method drawing unit 41 extracts an effective narrowing-down method from the four types of narrowing-down methods based on the narrowing-down result of the narrowing-down unit 40.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, an effective narrowing method notation button 55 in which only the effective narrowing method is written is displayed side by side on the display 27 together with the character input screen 54 by the narrowing method drawing unit 41 and the display processing unit 32.

  On the effective narrowing method notation button 55 in FIG. 2, all of the four kinds of narrowing methods are written as effective narrowing methods.

  The number of effective narrowing-down methods displayed on the effective narrowing-down method notation button 55 can be changed in accordance with the result of the character input search, that is, the change of the input contents of characters on the character input screen 1.

  In FIG. 2, the characters “genre” indicating the genre type narrowing method are written at the head (left end) on the effective narrowing method notation button 55. The description order of the narrowing down method may be adjusted based on the number of narrowing down cases, the frequency of use of the effective narrowing down results, and the like.

  Therefore, the user can easily grasp the effective narrowing-down method corresponding to the narrowing-down method by confirming the effective narrowing-down method written on the effective narrowing method notation button 55. be able to.

  Next, when the user operates the effective narrowing method notation button 55 using the input operation unit 24, the narrowing result drawing unit 42 and the display processing unit 32 perform an effective corresponding to the genre type narrowing method as shown in FIG. 3. The narrowing result (hereinafter, genre type narrowing result display screen 57) is displayed on the display 27 as a default.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the genre type refinement result display screen 57 includes a plurality of genres such as parks, accommodation facilities, or convenience stores, each of which is written with characters along with the number of points (results of refinement) belonging to each genre. It is formed by arranging operation buttons 58, 59, 60 in a list format. Note that the points belonging to each genre include the characters “◯ Δ □ ×” in their attributes as described above. Further, the genre type narrowing result display screen 57 includes a scroll button 61 for confirming all genres together with the number of points belonging to each genre when the number of genres is large. Furthermore, the genre type refinement result display screen 57 includes a tab 62 for switching from the display state of other effective refinement results to the display of the genre type refinement result display screen 57.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the display state of the genre type refinement result display screen 57, the display 27 is displayed on the display 27 by the refinement result drawing unit 42 and the display processing unit 32. Tabs 63, 64, and 65 for switching to display of effective narrowing results corresponding to the respective mold narrowing methods are displayed.

  Then, when the user selects the tab 63 for switching to the display of the effective narrowing-down result corresponding to the regional narrowing-down method using the input operation unit 24 from the state of FIG. 3, the narrowing-down result drawing unit 42 and the display processing unit 32. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, an effective narrowing result (hereinafter, a regional narrowing result display screen 67) corresponding to the regional narrowing down method is switched and displayed on the display 27.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the regional type narrowing result display screen 67 displays a plurality of operation buttons 68, 69, and 70 each having a location name including the characters “◯ △ □ ×” described above in a list format. It is formed by arranging. In addition, the regional type narrowing result display screen 67 includes a scroll button 71 for confirming all the location area names when the number of location area names is large. Further, the regional type refinement result display screen 67 includes the above-described tab 63 for switching from the display state of other effective refinement results to the display of the regional type refinement result display screen 67.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4, in the display state of the regional type narrowing result display screen 67, the display 27 displays the effective narrowing result corresponding to each of the genre type narrowing method, the trade name type narrowing method, and the action type narrowing method. Tabs 62, 64, and 65 for switching to display are respectively displayed.

  When the user selects the tab 64 for switching to the display of the effective narrowing result corresponding to the trade name type narrowing method using the input operation unit 24 from the state of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the narrowing result drawing unit 42 and the display processing unit 32, as shown in FIG. 5, an effective narrowing result (hereinafter referred to as a trade name type narrowing result display screen 73) corresponding to the trade name type narrowing method is switched and displayed on the display 27.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the trade name type refinement result display screen 73 includes a plurality of operation buttons 74, 75, and 76 in which the company name and the store name including the characters “◯ △ □ ×” described above are written in the trade name. It is formed by arranging in a list format. For example, in consideration of the relationship between the head office and the branch office or the existence of companies and stores having the same trade name such as a chain store, the operation buttons 74, 75, and 76 have a point where the trade name matches. The number of cases is also written in text. Further, the trade name type narrowing result display screen 73 includes a scroll button 77 for confirming all trade names when the number of trade names is large. Furthermore, the trade name type refinement result display screen 73 includes the tab 64 described above for switching from the display state of other effective refinement results to the display of the trade name type refinement result display screen 73.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the display state of the trade name type refinement result display screen 73, the display 27 displays the effective refinement result corresponding to each of the genre type refinement method, the regional refinement method, and the action refinement method. Tabs 62, 63, and 65 for switching to display are respectively displayed.

  When the user selects the tab 65 for switching to the display of the effective narrowing-down result corresponding to the action-type narrowing-down method using the input operation unit 24 from the state of FIG. 3, 4 or 5, the narrowing-down result drawing unit 42 and As shown in FIG. 6, the display processing unit 32 switches the effective narrowing result corresponding to the action type narrowing method (hereinafter, action type narrowing result display screen 80) to be displayed on the display 27.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the action type narrowing result display screen 80 has a plurality of operation buttons each of which characterizes the genre such as playing, eating, and staying together with the number of points belonging to each genre (result of narrowing down). It is formed by arranging 81, 82, 83 in a list format. As described above, each of the points belonging to each action includes the characters “◯ Δ □ ×” in the attribute. The action-type narrowing result display screen 80 includes a scroll button 84 for confirming all actions together with the number of points belonging to each action when the number of actions is large. Further, the action type narrowing result display screen 80 includes the tab 65 described above for switching from the display state of another effective narrowing result to the display of the action type narrowing result display screen 80.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the display state of the action type narrowing result display screen 80, the display 27 displays the effective narrowing result corresponding to each of the genre type narrowing method, the regional type narrowing method, and the trade name type narrowing method. Tabs 62, 63, and 64 for switching to display are respectively displayed.

  Next, for example, when the user operates the operation button 58 in which the characters “park” are written on the genre type refinement result display screen 57 using the input operation unit 24, the user belongs to the genre indicated by the operation button 58. A transition is made to a refinement screen for instructing further refinement using a refinement method other than the genre type refinement method (for example, a refinement method for specifying a location area) for a park that is a point.

  When a final destination candidate is searched by such a narrowing down, a point selected by the user from the final candidates is set as a destination by the destination setting unit 43.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the search result of the latest character input search in the character input continuable state is automatically performed using a plurality of types of narrowing methods set in advance, Based on the result of this narrowing down, only the effective narrowing down method is presented to the user, and the user operation for displaying the effective narrowing down result can be allowed, thereby avoiding display of the meaningless narrowing down result. be able to.

  As a result, a desired point can be searched quickly, and convenience for searching for a point can be improved. In addition, in the character input continuation possible state, the input contents of characters can be examined and changed according to the contents of the effective narrowing method displayed on the display 27, so that the optimum narrowing result according to the narrowing condition is obtained. You can also get

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible as needed.

  For example, in FIG. 3, the genre type refinement result display screen 57 is displayed by default, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the effective refinement method notation button 55 described above is displayed on the button 55. When a plurality of types of effective narrowing-down methods are represented by characters, each type of effective narrowing-down method in the effective narrowing-down method representation button 55 is provided with a function as an operation button, so that each type of effective narrowing-down method is displayed. The narrowing-down method may be selectable individually. In this case, the user can display the effective narrowing-down method corresponding to the selected effective narrowing-down method by selecting the effective narrowing-down method on the effective narrowing-down method notation button 55. The effective narrowing down result can be displayed more quickly, and the convenience can be further improved.

The block diagram which shows embodiment of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention The figure which shows the display state of a character input screen and the effective narrowing-down method description button in embodiment of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the display state of a genre type | mold narrowing-down result display screen in embodiment of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus concerning this invention. The figure which shows the display state of a regional type | mold narrowing-down result display screen in embodiment of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the display state of a trade name type | mold narrowing-down result display screen in embodiment of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus concerning this invention. The figure which shows the display state of an action type | mold narrowing-down result display screen in embodiment of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus which concerns on this invention. In an example of a conventional point search method by character input, (a) shows a character input state on a character input screen, and (b) shows a point search result by character input. In another example of a conventional point search method by character input, (a) shows a character input state on the character input screen, and (b) shows a point search result by character input.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus 24 Input operation part 27 Display 30 Storage medium 32 Display processing part 34 Character input screen drawing part 35 Point search part 39 Input character corresponding point search part 40 Narrowing part 41 Narrowing method drawing part 42 Narrowing result drawing part

Claims (8)

Storage means for storing a plurality of points;
Search means for searching for a user's desired point out of the plurality of points stored in the storage means;
A navigation device comprising: character input means for inputting characters for searching for the point by the search means;
The search means includes
In the character input continuation enabled state in which the character input by the character input device can be changed by continuing the character input by the character input device, The character input search is performed to search for the point such that the input content of the current character is included in the attribute of the point , and the character input search is accompanied by the change of the input content. A character input search means formed to perform dynamically,
The point currently searched by the character input search means is formed so as to narrow down the points using a plurality of types of narrowing methods set in advance, and the narrowing is performed as the characters. A refinement means configured to be dynamically performed in accordance with a change in the search result of the input search,
In the character input continuation possible state, the number of the points indicated by the narrowing- down method using the narrowing-down method among the plurality of types of narrowing-down methods is one or more based on the narrowing-down result by the narrowing-down means The effective narrowing-down method is displayed on the display unit, and the user's operation for displaying the narrowing-down result corresponding to the effective narrowing-down method is allowed, and the effective narrowing-down method is displayed. A narrowing-down method display processing unit formed so as to dynamically display the effective narrowing-down method according to the change of the effective narrowing-down method,
Refine displaying the results of the narrowing corresponding to the effective narrowing instructions displayed on the display unit by the narrowing process display processing means, on the display unit with the user operation for displaying the results of this facet And a result display processing means ,
The narrowing-down result display processing means, when the effective narrowing-down method is a narrowing-down method of a kind that narrows down each spot as the state in which the effective spot is classified according to a classification item specific to the kind of narrowing-down method Is formed so that the number of points narrowed down by the effective narrowing method as a result of the narrowing down corresponding to the effective narrowing down method is displayed on the display unit as a state classified by the classification item. The navigation apparatus characterized by being made . The search means is configured to be capable of further narrowing down the points in accordance with a user operation for further narrowing down the points with respect to the result of the narrowing down displayed on the display unit. The navigation device according to claim 1 . The search means includes a character input screen display processing means for displaying on the display section a character input screen that allows the character input by the character input means to be performed while confirming the current input contents of the character. Prepared,
The narrowing-down method display processing means is an operation button in which only the effective narrowing-down method is written in text, and a user operation for displaying the narrowing-down result corresponding to the effective narrowing-down method on the display unit is enabled Is displayed on the display unit together with the character input screen,
The narrowing-down result display processing means displays the narrowing-down result corresponding to the effective narrowing-down method written on the operation button as the operation button is operated on the display unit. the navigation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is formed. When there are two or more kinds of effective narrowing methods, the narrowing method display processing means is arranged such that the narrowing of the effective narrowing methods having a larger number of points indicated by the narrowing result results in the head on the operation button. The narrowing-down result display processing means allows the user to select the narrowing-down result corresponding to each type of the effective narrowing-down method written on the operation button. The navigation device according to claim 3 , wherein the navigation device is configured to be displayed on the display unit as a simple state. If there are two or more effective narrowing-down methods, the narrowing-down result display processing means displays the narrowing-down result corresponding to each type of the effective narrowing-down method written on the operation button as a user. Is displayed on the display unit as a selectable state,
The search means includes accumulation holding means for accumulating and holding a result of a user operation for selecting the result of the narrowing displayed on the display unit when there are two or more effective narrowing methods.
The narrowing-down method display processing means is based on the result of the user's operation accumulated and held in the accumulation-and-holding means when the narrowing-down means narrows down such that there are two or more effective narrowing-down methods. Te, claim 3 use frequency users as the effective narrowing method corresponding to the result of the narrowing which is regarded as high, characterized in that it is formed so as to letter symbols at the head side on the operation button The navigation device described in 1. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the attribute of the point includes a name of the point and a name of a location area of the point. The plurality of preset narrowing methods are:
For each genre, the points that can be classified into any of a plurality of preset genres as the classification items from the points currently searched by the character input search means are classified by genre. Narrowing method with content to narrow down to
Wherein from the point that is currently retrieved by the character input retrieval means, narrowing method and contents to narrow down the location as contained in the locality name of the point input contents of the current of the character,
Wherein from the point that is currently retrieved by the character input retrieval means, narrowing method and contents to narrow down the location as contained in trade names of the point input contents of the current of the character,
And from the said point currently searched by the said character input search means, the said point which can be classified into either of the some preset action as the said classification item is made into the state classified for every action the navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the refinement method and contents to narrow down for each action. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the point is a navigation destination or a transit point.

Images