JP5040436B2 - Navigation system and point selection method using map printing medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation system and a point selection method using a map print medium.

  Patent Document 1 includes a recommended route search unit that determines a route based on position information such as a destination, and a route display unit that displays a route determined by the recommended route search unit. A navigation system including a route guidance device for guiding is disclosed. In this navigation system, the position indicating device reads the sheet-like map display means, and the route guidance device receives position information from the position indicating device. Further, the position information providing means provides the position information of the pen tip portion on the map sheet with the dot pattern printed on the position information providing layer.

JP 2003-287432 A (Claims, FIG. 5, paragraph 0037, etc.)

  In the navigation system, when searching for a route, it is necessary to select a destination or a stop point on the way. For this point selection, the user selects a point on the display map using the touch panel, inputs the address or telephone number of the desired point by remote control, or inputs the desired facility name by voice. Or Then, the navigation system searches the map database using information on the selected point as a search condition, obtains the latitude and longitude values of the point desired by the user, and searches for a guide route using the point.

  However, in order to display a map of a desired point, the user needs to perform an operation of switching the scale of the display map or an operation of switching the display range. In particular, when selecting a location such as a private home, the user needs to know the location accurately in advance, and the operation until the location is displayed becomes complicated. Also, when inputting a location address, facility name, etc., the user needs to know all the exact kanji spelling of the address, the official full name of the facility, and the like.

  Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pattern that can be converted into information indicating a position on the medium surface is printed on a map print medium such as a map sheet, and this pattern is read by a reading device such as a position information providing unit. It is conceivable to specify a point in the map read by the reading device. In this case, the user can select a desired point correctly and easily by selecting the point on the map print medium. The user does not need to change the scale of the map, change the display range, input all the kanji spellings of the address, or enter the full name of the facility.

  However, in order to be able to specify a point in the map read by the reading device, it is necessary to print on the map print medium so that each point that the user wants to select can be distinguished from other points. In addition, since there is a limit to the print size of the pattern that can be printed on the map print medium and the pattern reading resolution by the reading device, each point has a size at which the corresponding pattern can be read by the reading device, or Due to the above size, it must be printed on a map print medium. As a result, the map print medium read by the reading device has a limit on the small scale of the map that can be printed. For example, in order to make it possible to specify a point in detail at an address level, it is necessary to make the scale of the map 1/2000 or larger. A map print medium read by a reading device cannot print a map with a scale smaller than a certain scale.

  The present invention relates to a navigation system capable of specifying a point in a map read by a reading device and a method for selecting a point using the map print medium without any particular limitation on a map of a map print medium such as a map book. The purpose is to obtain.

The navigation system according to the present invention is used for reading a pattern from a map print medium in which a pattern that can be converted into information indicating a position on the medium surface is printed on the map, and for searching for a route at each point in the map. On the surface of the medium that is generated based on the location database that is associated with the location information that is attribute information unique to each location and includes information common to each region, and the reading of the pattern by the reading device From the information indicating the position of the attribute information, the first generation means for generating partial information to be collated with the information common to each region of the attribute information, and the point extraction process using the point database by being combined with the partial information The second generation means for generating complementary information capable of extracting the location information of the point, and the attribute information matching the search condition in which the complementary information is combined with the partial information. Lighted extraction means for extracting position information of a point from the location database has to have a, the attribute information unique to the point where location database stores a address including address, first generating means by the reading device A part consisting of a part excluding the address of the address using a conversion database in which the classification of the address of each point up to the town name is associated with the information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the pattern reading The information is generated, and the second generating means generates complementary information that is collated with the address of the address in the extracting means .

The navigation system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the above-described configuration of the invention. That is, the second generation means can generate complementary information by character recognition processing for the trajectory of the reading device.

The navigation system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. That is, it can have a presentation means for presenting a map including a point specified by partial information and a map including a point specified by partial information and complementary information .

The navigation system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. That is, the map print medium is provided with a map range and a character input range which are separately provided on the medium surface, and information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the reading of the pattern by the reading device is the map range and the character input. And a first generation unit that determines whether the information belongs to the map area when the determination unit determines that the position information on the medium surface is within the map range. Partial information is generated from the information indicating the upper position, and the second generating means, when the determining means determines that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the character input range, the position on the medium surface. Complement information can be generated from the information indicating.

The navigation system according to the present invention is a map print medium in which a pattern that can be converted into information indicating a position on a medium surface is printed so as to overlap the map, and a map range and a character input range are provided separately on the medium surface From the reading device that reads the pattern, the position information used for route search of each point in the map is associated with the attribute information unique to each point and including information common to each region A first generation means for generating partial information to be collated with information common to each area of the attribute information, from a point database and information indicating a position on a medium surface generated based on reading of a pattern by a reading device; Second generation means for generating complementary information that can extract position information of one point from the point extraction process using the point database by being combined with the partial information; Extraction means for extracting from the point database position information associated with attribute information that matches the search condition obtained by combining the complementary information with the partial information, a map including the point specified by the partial information, and the partial information and The presenting means for presenting a map including the point specified by the complementary information, and the information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the reading of the pattern by the reading device belong to either the map range or the character input range. Determining means for determining whether or not the first generating means indicates the position on the medium surface when the information indicating the position on the medium surface is determined to be within the map range by the determining means. Partial information is generated from the information, and the second generating means indicates the position on the medium surface when the determining means determines that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the character input range. It is possible to generate the complementary information from the information.

  The navigation system according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the components of the above-described invention. That is, the second generation means is a case where the information indicating the position on the medium surface is determined by the determination means to be within the character input range, and further when the partial information is generated by the first generation means. The complementary information is generated from the information indicating the position on the medium surface. In addition, the extraction unit extracts the position information of the point that matches the search condition when the complementary information is generated by the second generation unit.

The point selection method using the map print medium according to the present invention is attribute information unique to each point with respect to the position information used for route search of each point in the map printed on the map print medium. A map printing method that selects points from a point database that includes information that is common to each region, and that prints a pattern that can be converted into information indicating the position on the medium surface, superimposed on the map. A step of reading a medium by a reading device and a step of generating partial information to be collated with information common to each region of attribute information from information indicating a position on a medium surface generated based on reading of a pattern by the reading device And generating complementary information capable of extracting position information of one point from the point extraction process using the point database by being combined with the partial information; Comprising extracting positional information of the point associated with the attribute information matching the search conditions obtained by combining the complementary information to a separatory information from the point database, the unique attribute information point location database is stored In the step of generating the partial information, the address including the address is classified into the town name of the address at each point with respect to the information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the reading of the pattern by the reading device. In the step of generating partial information including a portion excluding the address of the address using the associated conversion database, and generating the complementary information, it is possible to generate complementary information that is collated with the address of the address in the extracting unit. . In addition, the point selection method using the map print medium according to the present invention is a route search for each point in the map printed on the map print medium in which the map range and the character input range are provided separately on the medium surface. A method for selecting a point from a point database in which attribute information unique to each point and including information common to each region is associated with the position information to be used. A map printing medium on which a pattern that can be converted into information indicating the printing is superimposed on the map is read by the reading device, and information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the reading of the pattern by the reading device is the map range And the information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the reading of the pattern by the reading device. It is possible to extract the position information of one point from the step of generating partial information to be collated with information common to each region of information and the point extraction processing using the point database by being combined with the partial information. Generating the partial information, and generating the partial information from the point database by extracting the position information of the point associated with the attribute information matching the search condition in which the complementary information is combined with the partial information. The step of generating partial information from the information indicating the position on the medium surface and generating complementary information when the information indicating the position on the medium surface is determined to be within the map range in the determining step. When the information indicating the position on the medium surface is determined to be within the character input range in the determination step, the information indicating the position on the medium surface is used. It is possible to generate the complete information.

  In the present invention, the information obtained based on the reading of the reading device is processed to generate information for specifying the reading point in the map in detail, so that the map of a map printing medium such as a map book is specially selected. The point in the map read by the reading device can be specified without any restriction.

  Hereinafter, a navigation system and a point selection method using a map print medium according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The navigation system will be described by taking a car navigation system as an example. A point selection method using the map print medium will be described as a part of the operation of the car navigation system.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a car navigation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The car navigation system 1 includes a map book 2 as a map print medium on which a plurality of maps are printed, an electronic pen 3 as a reading device for selecting a point in the map 12, and navigation capable of communicating with the electronic pen 3. And a main body 4. In addition, even if the navigation main body 4 is fixedly installed with respect to the vehicle, it may be detachably installed.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing one sheet 11 of the map book 2 in FIG. 2A is a visible article printed on the paper surface 11, and FIG. 2B is a dot pattern 14 printed on the paper surface 11 and readable by the electronic pen 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a map 12 representing a predetermined area at a predetermined scale (for example, 1 / 100,000) is printed at the center of the paper surface 11 of the map book 2. An address entry area (character input range) 13 for writing a numerical value such as an address with the electronic pen 3 is printed below the map range on which the map 12 is printed.

  In FIG. 2A, a dotted quadrilateral at the center of the map (map range) 12 indicates the range of “Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo”, and the point X is to be set by the user described later as the destination. The character string “2967-3” in the address entry area 13 is the address written by the electronic pen 3. These dotted squares, x dots and character strings are not printed on the map book 2.

  A dot pattern 14 composed of a plurality of dots is printed on the paper surface 11 of the map book 2 as shown in FIG. The dot pattern 14 is printed over the entire surface of the paper 11 so as to overlap the lower side of the map 12 with, for example, ink that absorbs infrared rays. The dot pattern 14 can be converted into a coordinate value as information indicating a position in the paper surface 11 by, for example, 6 × 6 dots. The coordinate value indicating each position in the paper surface 11 is a two-dimensional coordinate value represented by (x, y) with reference to the upper left corner of the paper surface 11 in FIG. 2B, for example.

  The map (map range) 12 and the address entry area 13 are printed separately on the paper surface 11. For this reason, the range of coordinate values obtained from the dots overlapping the map (map range) 12 and the range of coordinate values obtained from the dots overlapping the address entry area 13 do not overlap each other. The map (map range) 12 and the address entry area 13 can be discriminated from the coordinate values.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the car navigation system 1 of FIG.

  The electronic pen 3 has a pen-shaped housing as shown in FIG. In this housing, there are an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) 21, an infrared camera 22, a communication I / F (Inter Face) 23, a microcomputer 24 to which these are connected, a battery (not shown) for supplying power to them, and the like. .

  The microcomputer 24 of the electronic pen 3 includes a timer 25 that measures time and elapsed time, a memory 27 that stores read data 26, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is not illustrated, and the like. The CPU reads and executes a program (not shown) stored in the memory 27. Thereby, functions such as the coordinate reading unit 28 and the transmission unit 29 are realized in the microcomputer 24 of the electronic pen 3.

  The infrared camera 22 is, for example, an infrared CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and periodically outputs received infrared pattern data to the microcomputer 24. The infrared LED 21 and the infrared camera 22 are disposed toward the pen tip of the electronic pen 3. Thereby, the infrared camera 22 of the electronic pen 3 receives the reflected light from the paper surface 11 of the infrared map book 2 irradiated by the infrared LED 21 toward the pen tip, and periodically reads the dot pattern 14 near the pen tip. It will be.

  The coordinate reading unit 28 analyzes each pattern data periodically supplied from the infrared camera 22 and generates a read coordinate value encoded in each pattern data. The coordinate reading unit 28 stores the generated read coordinate value in the memory 27 in association with the current time measured by the timer 25. As a result, the read data 26 is stored in the memory 27.

  The communication I / F 23 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F. The USB I / F transmits / receives data to / from a USB I / F (here, the communication I / F 31 of the navigation body 4) of another device connected by the USB cable (communication cable) 5. In addition, the communication I / F 23 may be a so-called Bluetooth, even if the communication I / F 23 communicates with another device by a communication cable such as an E / N (Ethernet (registered trademark)) cable. You may communicate with another apparatus by radio | wireless communications, such as infrared communication and wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

  The transmission unit 29 manages communication by the communication I / F 23 of the electronic pen 3. The transmission unit 29 transmits, for example, the read data 26 stored in the memory 27 to the reception unit (the reception unit 48 of the navigation main body 4 described later).

  The navigation body 4 includes a communication I / F 31, a display device 32 as a presenting means, an input device 33 such as a touch panel, a GPS receiving device 34 for receiving radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, and a microcomputer to which these are connected. 35 and the like.

  The microcomputer 35 of the navigation body 4 has a memory 36, a CPU (not shown), and the like. The memory 36 includes received data 37, a conversion table 38 as a conversion database, partial data 39 as partial information, complementary data 40 as complementary information, search condition data 41, an address database 42 as a point database, an extracted point list 43, Various data such as navigation data 44 and guide route data 45 are stored. The reception data 37, the partial data 39, the supplement data 40, the search condition data 41, the extraction point list 43, the guide route data 45, and the like are data generated by various processes in the navigation main body 4. For example, the navigation main body 4 is not stored in the memory 36 at the time of activation.

  The CPU reads and executes a program (not shown) stored in the memory 36. Thereby, the microcomputer 35 of the navigation body 4 includes a current position generation unit 46, a UI (User Interface) unit 47, a reception unit 48, a conversion unit 49, a character recognition unit 50, a search condition generation unit 51, and a point extraction unit 52. A function such as the route search unit 53 is realized.

  Note that the program (not shown) stored in the memory 27 of the electronic pen 3 and the program (not shown) stored in the memory 36 of the navigation main body 4 are stored in the memories 27 and 36 before shipment of these devices. Even those that have been stored may be stored in these memories 27 and 36 after shipment of these devices. Further, some of the programs stored in these memories 27 and 36 may be stored after the shipment of these devices. As described above, the programs stored in the memories 27 and 36 after shipment are installed programs stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, it may be downloaded from a server device or the like via a transmission medium such as the Internet.

  Further, a part or all of the programs stored in the memory 36 of the navigation main body 4 and the various data described above can be attached to and detached from the navigation main body 4 or an external storage device such as an HDD other than the microcomputer 35. You may memorize | store in a memory card, CD-ROM, etc. In particular, the conversion table 38 has data closely related to the print contents of the map book 2. Therefore, the conversion table 38 may be stored in a memory card that can be detached from the navigation body 4 and provided to the user together with the map book 2. As a result, the navigation main body 4 can support a plurality of map books 2 and the like by exchanging and mounting a memory card corresponding to each map book 2 and the like.

  The current position generation unit 46 generates a latitude / longitude value of the current position of the vehicle based on the radio wave received by the GPS receiving device 34. When the navigation main body 4 has a function of receiving a gyro sensor or a D (Differential) -FM FM (Frequency Modulation) radio wave, the current position generation unit 46 is based on information obtained by these functions. The latitude / longitude value of the current position may be generated, or the latitude / longitude value generated based on the GPS receiving device 34 may be corrected based on these functions.

  The UI unit 47 displays the map 12 and characters on the display device 32 of the navigation body 4. In addition, the UI unit 47 acquires necessary data from the memory 36 or the like according to the operation of the input device 33 and causes the display device 32 to display the data.

  The receiving unit 48 manages communication by the communication I / F 31 of the navigation body 4. Then, the reception unit 48 stores the data received from the transmission unit (here, the transmission unit 29 of the electronic pen 3) in the memory 36. As a result, the reception data 37 is stored in the memory 36. When the read data 26 is received, received data 37 having the same data as the read data 26 is stored in the memory 36.

  The conversion unit 49 as a part of the first generation unit and the determination unit generates the partial data 39 using the reception data 37 and the conversion table 38 and stores it in the memory 36. As a result, the partial data 39 is stored in the memory 36. The partial data 39 includes, for example, data of a portion excluding an address up to the street name of the address.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the conversion table 38 in FIG. The conversion table 38 has a plurality of coordinate values obtained from the dot pattern 14 that is printed over the map 12 in the map book 2. Further, in the conversion table 38, each coordinate value is associated with conversion data indicating a partial address of a point in the map 12 printed over the dot pattern 14 in which the coordinate value is encoded. . Specifically, the data of the part excluding the street address up to the street name of the address is associated as conversion data.

  In FIG. 4, for example, the sixth coordinate value (x1, y6) from the top in FIG. 4 is associated with conversion data of “Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo”. This “Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo” corresponds to the portion excluding the street address up to the address of the address “2967-3 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo”, for example. As shown in the address database 42 of FIG. 5 to be described later, “Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo” also has an address “2967-4 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo”. That is, the conversion data “Ishikawacho, Hachioji City, Tokyo” is information common to a plurality of points in the address. That is, the conversion data is information common to each region of the attribute information.

  The character recognition unit 50 as a part of the second generation unit and the determination unit reproduces the locus of the electronic pen 3 written in the address entry area 13 using the reception data 37, and performs character recognition processing on the reproduction locus, Complement information indicating the address number is generated. In addition, the character recognition unit 50 stores the generated complementary information in the memory 36. As a result, the complementary data 40 is stored in the memory 36. The complementary data 40 includes numerical data indicating an address number, for example.

  The search condition generation unit 51 combines (connects) the partial data 39 and the complementary data 40 to generate search condition data 41. In addition, the search condition generation unit 51 stores the generated search condition data 41 in the memory 36. Thereby, the search condition data 41 as a search condition obtained by combining the partial data 39 and the complementary data 40 is stored in the memory 36.

  The point extraction unit 52 serving as an extraction unit extracts information on points that match the search conditions using the search condition data 41 and the address database 42. The spot extracting unit 52 stores the extracted spot information in the memory 36. As a result, the extraction point list 43 is stored in the memory 36. The point information extracted by the point extraction unit 52 includes, for example, the latitude / longitude value, address, name, and the like of the point.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the address database 42 in FIG. The address database 42 has a plurality of records for each address, for example. This address includes private homes. Each record has an address including an address, a name of a facility or a resident located at the address, a latitude / longitude value corresponding to the address, and the like. In the address database 42 of FIG. 5, for example, the address “2967-3 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo” has the name “Kenwood Co., Ltd.” and the latitude and longitude of “(E ** 1, N * 1)”. A value is associated.

  The route search unit 53 searches for a guidance route using the latitude and longitude values (position information used for route search for points) and the navigation data 44 in the extracted point list 43. The route search unit 53 searches for a guide route to a point registered in the extraction point list 43, for example. The route search unit 53 stores the guide route generated by the search in the memory 36. As a result, the guide route data 45 is stored in the memory 36.

  The navigation data 44 in FIG. 3 includes, for example, map display data, a plurality of node data, a plurality of link data, a plurality of facility data, and the like. The map display data is data for displaying a map on the display device 32, and is, for example, image data of the map 12 or the like posted on the map book 2. The node data is data of intersections and corner points, and has attribute information such as names of points and latitude / longitude values. The link data is data associated with a road section connecting the intersections, and includes attribute information such as information on a plurality of nodes to which the intersections are connected and road names. The facility data is data relating to facilities such as a company, a building, and an exhibition hall, and has attribute information such as text data indicating the name of each facility and latitude and longitude values.

  Next, the operation of the car navigation system 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  When the user connects the electronic pen 3 and the navigation main body 4 with a communication cable such as the USB cable 5, the communication I / F 23 of the electronic pen 3 and the communication I / F 31 of the navigation main body 4 recognize each other and perform data communication. It becomes possible.

  Further, the user uses the electronic pen 3 to check a desired point (for example, a point marked with “X” in FIG. 2A) on the map 12 of the map book 2. The infrared camera 22 of the electronic pen 3 receives the reflected infrared light from the paper surface 11 at the time of this check and outputs infrared pattern data. Infrared rays are absorbed by the dot pattern 14 printed on the paper surface 11. The coordinate reading unit 28 analyzes the dot pattern 14 periodically supplied from the infrared camera 22 and generates a read coordinate value. The coordinate reading unit 28 stores the generated read coordinate value in the memory 27 in association with the current time measured by the timer 25.

  As a result, the read data 26 having coordinate values encoded in the dot pattern 14 printed over the spot checked on the map 12 (for example, the spot marked with X in FIG. 2A) is stored in the memory 27. Is memorized.

  When new read data 26 is stored in the memory 27, the transmission unit 29 of the electronic pen 3 transmits this read data 26 to the reception unit 48 of the navigation body 4. Actually, the transmission unit 29 supplies the read data to the communication I / F 23 of the electronic pen 3. The communication I / F 23 of the electronic pen 3 transmits the supplied transmission data to the communication I / F 31 of the navigation body 4 via the communication cable. The reception unit 48 of the navigation main body 4 acquires the reception data 37 from the communication I / F 31 of the navigation main body 4 and stores it in the memory 36. Thereby, the read coordinate value corresponding to the point checked by the electronic pen 3 is stored in the memory 36 of the navigation body 4 as the reception data 37.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of point selection processing by the navigation main body 4 in FIG.

  When the received data 37 is stored in the memory 36 of the navigation body 4, the conversion unit 49 first determines that an input has been made with the electronic pen 3 (step ST1), and further, the read coordinate value included in the received data 37 is It is determined whether or not a point in the map 12 is to be selected (step ST2). Specifically, for example, the conversion unit 49 may determine whether or not the read coordinate value in the reception data 37 is within the map (map range) 12.

  When the read coordinate value in the received data 37 is within the map (map range) 12 (Yes in step ST2), the conversion unit 49 executes a data conversion process (step ST3). Specifically, the conversion unit 49 extracts conversion data associated with the read coordinate value in the reception data 37 in the conversion table 38 of FIG.

  When the received data 37 includes a plurality of read coordinate values, the conversion unit 49 calculates an average value of the plurality of read coordinate values or selects a representative value to obtain one coordinate value. What is necessary is just to extract the conversion data matched with this. If there is no coordinate value in the conversion table 38 that matches the calculated coordinate value, the conversion unit 49 selects the closest coordinate value and extracts the conversion data associated with the selected coordinate value. do it.

  Moreover, the conversion part 49 preserve | saves the conversion data produced | generated by the data conversion process in the memory 36 as the partial data 39 (step ST4). As a result, the partial data 39 is stored in the memory 36. When the check of FIG. 2 is performed, the memory 36 stores partial data 39 of “Ishikawacho, Hachioji City, Tokyo”.

  When new partial data 39 is stored in the memory 36, the UI unit 47 reads the partial data 39 and the navigation data 44, and causes the display device 32 to display the map 12 indicating the point specified by the partial data 39 ( Step ST5).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map screen displayed on the display device 32 when a point marked with “X” in FIG. 2 is selected by the electronic pen 3. 7 is the position of a point corresponding to the partial data 39 generated by the conversion unit 49. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 7 and FIG. 2, the position of the x mark in FIG. 7 is shifted above the map 12 from the point checked by the electronic pen 3 in FIG. 2. Then, the position of the x mark in FIG. 7 is a position that is substantially the center of the dotted square indicating “Ishikawacho, Hachioji City, Tokyo” in FIG.

  With the above processing, a point in the map 12 is selected using the map book 2 and the electronic pen 3, and partial data 39 schematically indicating the point is stored in the memory 36.

  Next, the user writes the address of the checked point in the address entry area 13 using the electronic pen 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the user writes the address “2967-3” in the address entry area 13. In the electronic pen 3, read data 26 having a plurality of read coordinate values at the time of address writing is generated. The transmission unit 29 transmits the read data 26 to the reception unit 48 of the navigation body 4. The receiving unit 48 stores the received data in the memory 36. As a result, the memory 36 of the navigation main body 4 stores reception data 37 having a plurality of read coordinate values when the user fills in using the electronic pen 3.

  Received data 37 having a plurality of read coordinate values at the time of writing in the address entry area 13 is stored in the memory 36 of the navigation body 4, and further, the read data values included in the received data 37 are converted by the conversion unit 49 in the map 12. If it is determined that the point is not to be selected (No in step ST2), the character recognition unit 50 first determines whether or not the read coordinate value in the received data 37 is the one at the time of character input ( Step ST6). Specifically, for example, the character recognition unit 50 determines whether or not the read coordinate value in the received data 37 is within the address entry area 13. When the character recognition unit 50 determines that the read coordinate value in the received data 37 is not in the address entry area 13 (No in step ST6), the navigation body 4 returns to the input waiting state of the electronic pen 3 ( Step ST1).

  If the read coordinate value in the received data 37 is within the address entry area 13 (Yes in step ST6), the character recognition unit 50 further determines whether or not the partial data 39 is stored in the memory 36. Judgment is made (step ST7). As described above, when a point in the map 12 is checked in advance, the partial data 39 is stored in the memory 36. On the other hand, when the point in the map 12 is not checked before the address is entered, the partial data 39 is not stored in the memory 36. In the latter case (No in step ST7), the navigation main body 4 returns to the input waiting state of the electronic pen 3 (step ST1).

  If it is determined that the partial data 39 is stored in the memory 36 (Yes in step ST7), the character recognition unit 50 executes a character recognition process (step ST8). Specifically, for example, the character recognition unit 50 first develops a plurality of read coordinate values in the received data 37 in a virtual two-dimensional space, and reproduces a trajectory based on the plurality of read coordinate values.

  Next, the character recognition part 50 performs a character recognition process with respect to the expand | deployed locus | trajectory (step ST9). The character recognition unit 50 recognizes a character, for example, by pattern matching processing with Arabic numerals or Chinese numerals. The character recognizing unit 50 stores character string data including a plurality of recognized characters in the memory 36 as complementary data 40. When the entry shown in FIG. 2A is made in the address entry area 13, the character recognition unit 50 stores the complementary data 40 of “2967-3” in the memory 36 (step ST10).

  When the complementary data 40 is stored in the memory 36, the search condition generation unit 51 executes a data combination process (step ST11). Specifically, for example, the search condition generation unit 51 reads the partial data 39 and the complementary data 40 from the memory 36 and combines these data. For example, when the partial data 39 of “Ishikawacho, Hachioji City, Tokyo” and the complementary data 40 of “2967-3” are stored in the memory 36, the search condition generation unit 51 combines “Hachioji City, Tokyo” The data of “Ishikawacho 2967-3” is generated. The search condition generation unit 51 stores the generated data as search condition data 41 in the memory 36 (step ST12).

  When the search condition data 41 is stored in the memory 36, the point extracting unit 52 executes a point extracting process (step ST13). Specifically, for example, the point extraction unit 52 collates the search condition data 41 read from the memory 36 with the address database 42 and searches the address database 42 for attribute information that matches the search condition data 41. Then, a record having matching attribute information is extracted from the address database 42 and stored in the memory 36 (step ST14). Thereby, the extraction point list 43 is generated in the memory 36. For example, when the search condition data 41 is “2967-3 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo”, the point extraction unit 52 reads “2967-3 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, Kenwood Corporation, ( E ** 1, N * 1) ”are extracted and stored as the extraction point list 43.

  When the extraction point list 43 is stored in the memory 36, the UI unit 47 reads the extraction point list 43 and the navigation data 44 from the memory 36, and displays the points specified by the extraction point list 43 together with the map 12 on the display device 32. (Step ST15).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the map screen displayed on the display device 32 when the address “2967-3” is written in the address entry area 13 in FIG. 2. 8 is the position of the point extracted based on the search condition data 41. As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 8 and FIG. 2, the position of the x mark in FIG. 8 substantially coincides with the point selected by the electronic pen 3 in FIG. Specifically, the position of the x mark in FIG. 8 is the position of the address “2967-3 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo”.

  By the above process, the point selection process based on the address using the map book 2 and the electronic pen 3 is performed. In addition, the latitude and longitude values of the point selected by the address are stored in the memory 36 as the extraction point list 43. For example, when a search start button (not shown) or the like is operated, the navigation main body 4 determines the end of the point selection process (determined Yes in step ST16) as shown in FIG. In addition, for example, the navigation main body 4 may determine the end of the point selection process when there is no input from the electronic pen 3 for a predetermined period.

  If the end of the point selection process is not determined (No is determined in step ST16), the navigation body 4 returns to the input waiting state of the electronic pen 3 (step ST1). Therefore, the user can select a point in the map 12 and perform handwriting input of the address on the address entry area 13 again.

  When the point selection process in FIG. 6 ends, the route search unit 53 executes the route search process. Specifically, the route search unit 53 first reads the extraction point list 43 and the navigation data 44 from the memory 36, and executes a guide route search process using the extraction points in the list. For example, the route search unit 53 searches for a guide route to the extraction point in the list. The route search unit 53 stores the searched guide route in the memory 36. As a result, the guide route data 45 is stored in the memory 36.

  When the guide route data 45 is stored in the memory 36, the UI unit 47 reads the guide route data 45 and causes the display device 32 to display a screen for allowing the user to check the guide route. The UI unit 47 may read the map display data in the navigation data 44 together with the guide route data 45 and display the guide route so as to overlap the map 12.

  Thereafter, when the vehicle on which the navigation main body 4 is installed starts moving or when a predetermined guidance start operation is performed on the input device 33 of the navigation main body 4, the UI unit 47 of the navigation main body 4 stores the memory 36. Route guidance based on the guidance route data 45 stored in the is started. For example, the UI unit 47 reads map display data from the navigation data 44 and causes the display device 32 to display the map 12 centered on the current position generated by the current position generation unit 46. In addition, the UI unit 47 displays a part of the guide route on the map 12 so as to overlap. When the current position approaches the corner of the guide route, the UI unit 47 notifies the user of the fact by voice or the like and guides the route. When the UI unit 47 determines that the end point of the guidance route has been reached, the route guidance is terminated.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the position information (location) of one address can be extracted from the dot pattern 14 printed on the paper surface 11 of the map book 2 by the point extraction process using the address database 42. It is not necessary to code information that is sufficiently fine (for example, an address to an address). As a result, the scale of the map 12 to be printed on the paper surface 11 of the map book 2 is not limited. On the other hand, when encoding sufficiently fine information to extract the position information (location) of one address in the dot pattern 14, each address (location) can be distinguished on the paper surface 11. The scale of the map 12 to be printed on the paper surface 11 of the map book 2 must be large. Specifically, the scale of the map 12 needs to be 1 / 5,000 or more.

  Moreover, the character recognizing unit 50 generates complementary data 40 combined with the partial data 39 generated based on the check of the point in the map 12 by the electronic pen 3, and the point extracting unit 52 complements the partial data 39. One search condition data 41 combined with the data 40 is generated, the search condition data 41 is collated with the address database 42, and the latitude and longitude of the point associated with the address that matches the one search condition data 41 Extract the value. Therefore, the latitude / longitude value of one point can be specified by the point extraction process based on the collation with the address database 42.

  Furthermore, the point extraction unit 52 can perform a search process based on one search condition data 41, for example, in the same manner as when all addresses are handwritten. The point extraction unit 52 does not handle the partial data 39 and the complementary data 40 as separate search conditions. Therefore, as in the case where all the addresses are handwritten and input, for example, the previous one that executes the search process based on one search condition data 41 can be used as it is for the point extraction unit 52.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the conversion table 38, the read coordinate value in the map 12 generated based on the reading of the dot pattern 14 by the electronic pen 3 is associated with the classification of the address of each point up to the town name. It has been. Then, the conversion unit 49 generates partial data 39 indicating a portion excluding the address of the address using the conversion table 38, and the character recognition unit 50 generates complementary data 40 indicating the address of the address. Therefore, in this car navigation system 1, it is possible to select a personal home or the like by suitably using the address structure. In addition, since a part up to the street name of the address is automatically generated by selecting a rough spot in the map 12, the user does not need to input characters such as kanji in the address by handwriting, It is possible to select a private home or the like by a simple operation as compared with the case of handwriting input.

  Further, in this embodiment, the complementary data 40 indicating the address of the address is generated by the character recognition process for the locus of the electronic pen 3 by the character recognition unit 50. As a result, the user can input the address of the address by handwriting input of the address of the address using numbers or the like. Moreover, the navigation main body 4 does not need to display the address of the private home address.

  In this embodiment, the display device 32 of the navigation main body 4 displays the points specified by the partial data 39 and the points specified by the partial data 39 and the complementary data 40 as a map screen. Therefore, the user can confirm during the operation whether or not a correct location is selected on the map displayed on the display device 32.

  In this embodiment, a point is displayed on the display device 32 and a map (map range) 12 and an address entry area 13 are printed on the paper 11 of the map book 2 separately. . Moreover, when the conversion unit 49 determines that the read coordinate value is within the map (map range) 12, the conversion unit 49 generates partial data 39 from the read coordinate value, and the character recognition unit 50 sets the read coordinate value to the address entry area 13. If it is determined that it is within the range, complementary data 40 is generated from the read coordinate value. Therefore, the user determines whether or not the desired point is likely to be included in the display map, and if it is determined that the desired point is not likely to be included, selects the point. Can be reworked.

  In this embodiment, when the character recognition unit 50 determines that the read coordinate value is within the address entry area 13, the character recognition unit 50 further determines that the partial data 39 is generated by the conversion unit 49, After that, complementary data 40 is generated from the read coordinate values. The point extraction unit 52 extracts the latitude and longitude values of the points that match the search condition data 41 only when the supplementary data 40 is generated by the character recognition unit 50. Therefore, for example, only the complementary data 40 is generated in a situation where the partial data 39 is not generated by the conversion unit 49, and the point extraction process is not performed by the search condition based only on the complementary data 40. Can be. The point extraction process can be executed only in a state where the partial data 39 and the complementary data 40 are prepared, without impairing the convenience of reselecting the point designated in two steps.

  The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. is there.

  In the above embodiment, the map 12, the address entry area 13 and the dot pattern 14 are printed on the map book 2. In addition, for example, the map 12, the address entry area 13 and the dot pattern 14 may be printed on a sheet such as a tourist information flyer.

  In the above embodiment, the dot pattern 14 is printed as a pattern that can be superimposed on the map 12 and the address entry area 13 and converted into information indicating the position on the paper surface 11 of the map book 2. In addition, for example, a QR (Quick Response) code, a bar code, or the like may be printed on the map 12 or the address entry area 13.

  In the above embodiment, the dot pattern 14 printed on the map book 2 is read by the electronic pen 3. In addition to this, for example, a pattern printed on the map book 2 or the like may be read by a reading device such as a mobile phone terminal with a camera or a portable information terminal.

  In the above embodiment, in the address database 42, addresses and telephone numbers are registered as attribute information unique to each point of latitude and longitude values in association with each latitude and longitude value. In addition, a map code HR (High Resolution) may be associated with the address database 42 as attribute information unique to the location of the latitude and longitude values. In the case of this modification or the like, the conversion table 38 only needs to associate the upper three digits (city code) or the upper six digits of the telephone number, standard map code, etc. as information common to each region. In addition, the user may use the electronic pen 3 to input by hand the lower digits of the telephone number or the high resolution part code of the map code.

  In the above embodiment, the complementary data 40 is generated by the character recognition unit 50 by character recognition processing for the locus of the electronic pen 3 during handwriting input. In addition to this, for example, the complementary data 40 may be generated by an area determination process for a check operation for numerical values of 0 to 9 printed in divided areas on the map book 2 or the like, a voice recognition process for voice input, or the like. Good. Note that the microphone to which sound is input may be provided on the electronic pen 3 or the navigation main body 4.

  In FIG. 9, along with the address entry area 13, a numerical value check column 61 of 0 to 9, a check column 62 of “− (hyphen)”, a check column 63 of “chome”, and a check column 64 of “address” are provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows the paper surface 11 (printed article) of the map book 2 which was. These check fields 61 to 64 are printed on the lower side of the address entry area 13 by dividing the map (map range) 12 and the address entry area 13 and the paper surface 11.

  Then, for example, the detailed address determination unit replacing the character recognition unit 50 determines which check fields 61 to 64 are checked based on the read coordinate values, and combines the numerical values corresponding to the determined check fields 61 to 64. The complementary data 40 indicating the address may be generated.

  In the said embodiment, the map screen containing the point which the partial data 39 shows, and the map screen containing the point which the search condition data 41 show are displayed on the display device 32, and the selection state of a point is shown with respect to a user. Has been. In addition to this, for example, the address indicated by the partial data 39 or the address indicated by the search condition data 41 may be output by voice from a speaker or the like (not shown) so as to present the selected state of the point to the user. .

  In the above embodiment, the electronic pen 3 selects one point on the map 12. In addition to this, for example, the electronic pen 3 may select a plurality of points on the map 12.

  In the above embodiment, the conversion unit 49, the character recognition unit 50, the search condition generation unit 51, the point extraction unit 52, and the like are realized in the navigation body 4. In addition to this, for example, some or all of the conversion unit 49, the character recognition unit 50, the search condition generation unit 51, the point extraction unit 52, etc. are read devices such as the electronic pen 3, mobile phone terminals, portable information terminals, personal It may be realized in a computer or the like. Furthermore, for example, it may be realized in a separate unit other than the reading device such as the electronic pen 3 that reads the map book 2.

  In the said embodiment, the navigation main body 4 is installed in a vehicle. In addition to this, for example, the navigation main body 4 may be composed of a mobile phone terminal, a portable information terminal, a personal computer, and the like, and may be used at home.

  The present invention can be suitably used in a car navigation system for selecting a point such as a destination.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a car navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing one sheet of the map book in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the car navigation system of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the conversion table in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the address database in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of point selection processing by the navigation main body in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map screen displayed on the display device when the point in FIG. 2 is selected with the electronic pen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen displayed on the display device when an address is written in the address entry area in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a page of a map book according to a modified example in which a check field is provided.

Explanation of symbols

1 Car navigation system (navigation system)
2 Map book (map printing media)
3 Electronic pen (reading device)
12 Map 14 Dot pattern (pattern)
32 Display device (presentation means)
38 Conversion table (conversion database)
39 Partial data (partial information)
40 Supplementary data (complementary information)
41 Search condition data (search condition)
42 Address database (point database)
49 Conversion unit (first generation means, part of determination means)
50 character recognition unit (second generation means, part of determination means)
52 point extraction unit (extraction means)

Claims (8)

A reading device reading the previous SL pattern map print media conversion possible patterns to the information indicating the position on the medium surface is overprinted with the map,
With respect to the position information used for the route search specified points before SL in the map, the location database which each point is correlated to include information common to each area a specific attribute information,
Before Symbol read information indicating the position on the medium surface, which is generated based on the reading of the previous SL pattern by the device, the first for generating partial information that is collated with common information before Symbol each region of the previous SL attribute information Generating means;
A second generating means for generating a complementary information capable of extracting position information of one point of the point extraction process using the pre-Symbol location database by being combined with the previous SL partial information,
It possesses an extraction means for extracting positional information of the point associated with the attribute information matching the search conditions obtained by combining the pre-Symbol complementary information before Symbol partial information from the previous SL location database, a,
The attribute information unique to the point stored in the point database is an address including an address,
The first generation means includes a conversion database in which classifications to street names of addresses at each point are associated with information indicating a position on the medium surface generated based on reading of the pattern by the reading device. To generate the partial information consisting of the part excluding the address of the address,
The navigation system according to claim 2, wherein the second generation unit generates the complementary information that is collated with an address of the address in the extraction unit . The second generation means generates the complementary information by a character recognition process for the trajectory of the reading device;
The navigation system according to claim 1 . Map including the point specified by the partial information, and said partial information and claim 1 or 2, wherein the navigation system of the have a presentation means for presenting a map including the point specified by the complementary information, wherein . The map print medium is provided with a map range and a character input range separately on the medium surface,
Determining means for determining whether information indicating a position on a medium surface generated based on reading of a pattern by the reading device belongs to either the map range or the character input range;
The first generating unit generates the partial information from the information indicating the position on the medium surface when the determining unit determines that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the map range. ,
The second generation means generates the complementary information from the information indicating the position on the medium surface when the determination means determines that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the character input range. To do,
The navigation system according to claim 3 . A reading device that reads a pattern from a map print medium in which a map range and a character input range are provided separately on a medium surface while a pattern that can be converted into information indicating a position on the medium surface is printed on the map. When,
A location database in which attribute information unique to each location and including information common to each region is associated with the location information used for route search of each location in the map;
First generation means for generating partial information to be collated with information common to each region of the attribute information from information indicating a position on the medium surface generated based on reading of the pattern by the reading device;
Second generation means for generating complementary information capable of extracting position information of one point from a point extraction process using the point database by being combined with the partial information;
Extraction means for extracting, from the point database, position information of points associated with attribute information that matches a search condition obtained by combining the complementary information with the partial information;
Presenting means for presenting a map including a point specified by the partial information, and a map including a point specified by the partial information and the complementary information;
Determining means for determining whether the information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the reading of the pattern by the reading device belongs to the map range or the character input range;
Have
The first generating unit generates the partial information from the information indicating the position on the medium surface when the determining unit determines that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the map range. ,
The second generation means generates the complementary information from the information indicating the position on the medium surface when the determination means determines that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the character input range. To do,
A navigation system characterized by The second generation means is a case where the information indicating the position on the medium surface is determined by the determination means to be within the character input range, and the partial information is further generated by the first generation means. Generating the complementary information from the information indicating the position on the medium surface,
The extraction means, when the complementary information is generated by the second generation means, to extract position information of a point that matches the search condition;
6. The navigation system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: A point database in which position information used for route search of each point in a map printed on a map print medium is associated with attribute information unique to each point and including information common to each region A method of selecting a point from
Reading a map print medium on which a pattern that can be converted into information indicating a position on the medium surface is printed with a map by a reading device;
The information indicating the position on the medium surface, which is generated based on the reading of the previous SL pattern by pre Symbol reading device, and generating partial information that is collated with common information before Symbol each region of the previous SL attribute information ,
Generating a complementary information capable of extracting position information of one point of the point extraction process using the location database by being combined with the previous SL partial information,
Extracting position information of a point associated with the attribute information matching the search conditions obtained by combining the pre-Symbol complementary information before Symbol partial information from the previous SL location database,
Have
The attribute information unique to the point stored in the point database is an address including an address,
In the step of generating the partial information, the information indicating the position on the medium surface generated based on the reading of the pattern by the reading device is associated with the classification up to the town name of the address of each point Using the database, generate the partial information consisting of the part excluding the address of the address,
The point selection method using a map print medium , wherein the step of generating the complementary information includes generating the complementary information that is collated with an address of the address in the extracting unit . For the position information used for route search of each point in the map printed on the map printing medium in which the map range and the character input range are separately provided, the attribute information is unique to each point. A method for selecting a point from a point database that includes information that is common to each region,
Reading a map print medium on which a pattern that can be converted into information indicating a position on the medium surface is printed with a map by a reading device;
A determination step of determining whether information indicating a position on a medium surface generated based on reading of a pattern by the reading device belongs to either the map range or the character input range;
Generating partial information to be collated with information common to each region of the attribute information from information indicating a position on a medium surface generated based on reading of the pattern by the reading device;
Generating complementary information capable of extracting position information of one point from the point extraction process using the point database by being combined with the partial information;
Extracting the position information of the point associated with the attribute information matching the search condition obtained by combining the complementary information with the partial information from the point database;
Have
In the step of generating the partial information, when it is determined in the determination step that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the map range, the partial information is obtained from the information indicating the position on the medium surface. Generate and
In the step of generating the complementary information, when it is determined in the determining step that the information indicating the position on the medium surface is within the character input range, the complementary information is obtained from the information indicating the position on the medium surface. Generating,
A method for selecting points using a map print medium characterized by the above.

Images