JP6582210B2 - Display control apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control device and the like, and more particularly to a display control device and the like for guiding information related to a map.

  A navigation system is known as a display control device that guides information related to a map. A navigation system generally has a function of displaying a map on display means such as a liquid crystal display, and further displaying a current position, a route to a destination, and the like on the map. Furthermore, a navigation system having a function of providing various information attached to map information such as neighboring information is also provided. There are various types of navigation systems such as an in-vehicle type and a portable type, and a navigation system in which a navigation function is installed in a smartphone is also used.

  Recently, a navigation system has been proposed that does not simply guide the route to the destination, but provides guidance in an entertaining manner that makes the movement fun and tickles the playfulness of the user. Yes. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a navigation system that displays a character on a screen and guides information using the character.

JP 2012-242187 A

  In Patent Document 1, map information is displayed, and a character unrelated to the alarm target is animated when the position specified by the position information of the alarm target and the current position of the vehicle have a predetermined approach relationship. Thus, a navigation system that can prevent an alarm target from being overlooked is disclosed. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose displaying a character whose correspondence with a region is defined, and the effect of enhancing interest is not sufficient.

  As described above, no idea has been made to give a high interest to the guidance of information by the control by the display control device by displaying the character whose correspondence with the region is defined.

In the present application, for example, the inventions described in the following aspects are disclosed.
<Viewpoint 1>
A display control device for guiding information related to a map including a plurality of regions,
A display control apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control to display on the display unit any one of a plurality of characters defined to correspond to the plurality of regions.
<Viewpoint 2>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a permitted character group that is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters on the display means,
The control means adds the character corresponding to the destination area to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control apparatus has moved to the area where the correspondence relationship with the character is defined. A display control device.
<Viewpoint 3>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a permitted character group that is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters on the display means,
The control means is characterized in that any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters is newly added to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control apparatus has moved a predetermined distance. Display control device.
<Viewpoint 4>
The plurality of characters includes at least one default character;
The display control apparatus, wherein the control means displays an image of the default character on the display means when the character is not included in the permitted character group.
<Viewpoint 5>
Further comprising mode selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in a different manner based on a user operation,
The display control apparatus, wherein the control means displays the character selected according to the mode selected by the mode selection means on the display means.
<Viewpoint 6>
The plurality of modes includes a first mode;
When the first mode is selected, the control means displays an image of the character designated by the user on the display means.
<Viewpoint 7>
The plurality of modes includes a second mode;
When the second mode is selected, the control means displays an image of the character associated with the area where the display control apparatus is currently located on the display means.
<Viewpoint 8>
The plurality of modes includes a third mode;
When the third mode is selected, the control means displays a different character image on the display means every time the display control apparatus moves a predetermined distance.
<Viewpoint 9>
Further comprising display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user operation,
The control means performs control for displaying the character image on the display means when the display mode is selected, and displays the character image on the display means when the non-display mode is selected. A display control device characterized by not performing the above.

  In the first aspect of the invention, the user sees the character displayed on the display means and becomes interested in the character, and is interested in the area associated with the character. Motivation to receive information related to the area can be given.

  In a preferred embodiment, the display control device may include display means for displaying an image or the like. In a more preferred embodiment, the display control device includes correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence relationship between regions and characters in the form of a table, a position of the display control device, a position detection means for detecting a movement distance, a movement distance detection means, and the like. It is good to have more. In another preferred embodiment, the display control device does not have all or part of the display means, the correspondence storage means, the position detection means, and the movement distance detection means. For example, these means may be general-purpose products that are usually commercially available.

  The region is preferably a geographical region. It is preferable that the regions do not overlap each other. The region is more preferably an administrative division, particularly preferably a prefecture or a municipality.

  The character is preferably a symbol, a figure or the like in the shape of a real or fictitious person or animal. The character is preferably, for example, a character (for example, a local character) managed by a region (for example, a local public entity). The character is preferably a so-called loose character. As a loose character, it is especially good to use a mascot character used for PR in the region, such as revitalizing the region and introducing special products. It is especially good to use cute illustrations.

  The correspondence between the plurality of regions and the plurality of characters is preferably one-to-one or one-to-many. In a preferred embodiment, correspondence with characters is defined for all regions included in the map. In another preferred embodiment, the correspondence with the character is defined only for a part of the regions in the map (for example, Shikoku 4 prefectures of the 47 prefectures of the Japan map).

  Information guidance preferably includes information guidance on events such as crackdowns. The information guidance is particularly preferably route guidance to the destination. Information guidance is preferably performed by displaying images on the display means.

  In the invention of aspect 2, any character selected from the permitted character group is displayed on the display means. When the display control device moves to a new area, a new character corresponding to the destination area is added to the permitted character group (the number of characters that can be displayed increases). Can be motivated.

  The permitted character group may include all or a part of the plurality of characters in the initial state (for example, factory-shipped state), but in the initial state, the permitted character group does not include any of the plurality of characters (permitted character). Preferably the group is an empty set. It is preferable that a character once added to the permitted character group is not deleted from the permitted character group. Particularly preferably, the display control device may be configured to store and retain characters of the permitted character group even when the display control device is powered off.

  Preferably, the movement to each area is determined based on information from the position detection means. Preferably, the display control device may perform a process of adding a character corresponding to the destination area only when the character corresponding to the destination area is not included in the permitted character group.

  In the invention of aspect 3, since the display control device moves a predetermined distance, a new character is added to the permitted character group (the number of characters that can be displayed increases), so that the user is motivated to move a longer distance. Can do. Preferably, the movement distance is calculated based on information from the position detection means.

  It is particularly preferable that the display control apparatus has both the viewpoint 2 and the viewpoint 3. Thereby, the problem that the user who moves only in the same area in the invention of the viewpoint 2 cannot increase the number of displayable characters is solved. Thus, in the second aspect of the invention, when a second condition different from the condition (first condition) that the display control device has moved to the area where the correspondence relationship with the character is defined is established. Preferably, any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters is newly added to the permitted character group. The second preferable condition different from the viewpoint 3 is that the usage time (for example, cumulative usage time) of the display control device has reached a predetermined time, and the number of days that have elapsed after manufacture, shipment, etc. of the display control device is the predetermined number of days. There are conditions such as.

  In the invention of the viewpoint 4, even when characters are not included in the permitted character group (for example, in the embodiment where the permitted character group at the time of factory shipment is an empty set, the power is turned on for the first time after factory shipment). Display can be performed. In a preferred embodiment, the default character may be a character whose correspondence with the area is not defined. In another preferred embodiment, the default character is a character that is defined to correspond to any region.

  In the invention according to the fifth aspect, the user can select a method for selecting a character to be displayed.

  In the invention of the viewpoint 6, the user can display a character arbitrarily selected from the permitted character group, and can improve voluntaryness.

  In the invention of aspect 7, since the character associated with the region where the display control device is currently located is displayed, the user can be motivated to move between the regions. Preferably, the current position of the control device is determined based on information from the position detection means.

  In the invention of aspect 8, since a different character is displayed each time the display control apparatus moves a predetermined distance, it is possible to motivate the user to move a longer distance. Preferably, the movement distance is calculated based on information from the position detection means.

  It is preferable that the second mode in the aspect 7 invention and the third mode in the aspect 8 invention can be selected simultaneously. This makes it possible to change the display character even when any of the conditions of movement to a different area or movement of a predetermined distance is satisfied. The plurality of modes may include modes different from the viewpoints 6 to 8. As other preferable modes, a mode in which different characters are displayed every predetermined time or every time zone, and a mode in which different characters are displayed according to the moving speed can be considered.

  The inventions of viewpoints 5 to 8 that cite viewpoint 2 or 3 are particularly preferable. As a result, it is possible to add characters of the permitted character group independently of the displayed characters. For example, in the display control device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if the user displays only a specific character in the first mode, the characters in the permitted character group are added depending on the moved area, distance, etc. If desired, other characters can be displayed.

  In the invention of the viewpoint 9, the character can be hidden according to the user's preference.

It is recommended to configure as follows.
<Viewpoint A>
When the character image changes from a state in which the character image is not displayed on the display unit to a state in which the character image is displayed, the character name is displayed together with the character image for a predetermined time, and then the name is not displayed. Processing to display is good. In particular, it is preferable that information on the area corresponding to the character is displayed together with the name of the character and then not displayed after the predetermined time.

In this way, the appearance of the character can attract the user's line of sight to the character of the display means, and it is possible to know the name of the character and the area corresponding to the character, and to know the character more deeply. In addition, it is possible to evoke interest in the corresponding area of the character. Moreover, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the character name and the corresponding area information are erased and the character is displayed, so that it becomes difficult to prevent the display of information in the background (for example, map information), If you forget the name of the character and the corresponding area, they will not be displayed, so you will not immediately know the answer.
In particular, the change from the state in which the character is not displayed to the state in which the character is displayed may be performed with the movement of the character. In particular, it is preferable that the character is displayed while gradually moving from the edge of the screen toward the center of the screen. In this way, the appearance of the character can be impressed and the user's line of sight can be more easily attracted to the display means.

<Viewpoint B>
When the character image changes from a state where the character image is not displayed on the display unit to a state where the character image is displayed, or from the state where the character image is displayed on the display unit It is preferable that display control is performed so that the character greets the user at least one of the times when the state changes to a state in which the character is not displayed.
In this way, the attachment to the character increases, and the possibility of calling up the attachment to the corresponding area is further increased.
<Viewpoint C>
A function for outputting information by voice and a selection function for selecting whether or not to display the character, and when the selection function is set to not display the character, In the case where it is selected that the output is output with a voice not related to the character and the character is displayed, the output of the voice may be performed with the voice of the character being displayed.

<Viewpoint D>
When the character being displayed on the display means is a character set not to speak, information may be output with a common character voice.

<Viewpoint E>
The information output by the voice of the character is performed at the time of outputting information suitable for the character image, and the information output by the voice other than the character is output when the information not suitable for the character image is output. Good. For example, when a crackdown warning is output, the voice of the character may not be output. In this case, a crackdown warning may be performed with a sound other than the voice of the character.
In this way, a necessary alarm can be obtained while maintaining the image of the character.

<Viewpoint E>
The correspondence between the character and the region may be wider than the region where the character is active. In this way, attention to a specific area within a wider area can be increased. In particular, the configuration of viewpoint 7 may be provided. For example, when the character is a character for promoting a city, the region may be a prefecture wider than the city. In this way, when you enter a certain prefecture, characters corresponding to a specific city in that prefecture will be displayed. When you enter the prefecture, it will motivate you to go to the city.

<Viewpoint F>
It has a function to display characters corresponding to the area related to the acquired current position, and when the current position cannot be acquired from the state where the current position can be acquired, it is displayed before the current position cannot be acquired. It is desirable to provide a function for maintaining the display of the character that has been displayed.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the character from suddenly disappearing when the current position cannot be acquired. In particular, an excellent effect is obtained when the current position is acquired by GPS.

<Viewpoint G>
A character mode in which the information is output by a character; a standard mode in which the information is not output by a character; and a switching function for switching between the character mode and the standard mode. It is preferable not to determine the condition of viewpoint 3.
In this way, since the permitted character group is updated only when the character mode is set, for example, when the standard mode is used when lending a vehicle or the like having the display control device to another person, Thus, the permitted character group can be updated at its own pace without being disturbed by others without being updated.

<Viewpoint H>
It has a function of detecting a user's touch on the display position of the character while the character is displayed on the display means, and when the touch to the character is detected, the character is deleted and the character is displayed. It is preferable to perform control to display other information at the location that has been set.
In this way, by touching the character, the character can be erased and other information can be displayed.

<Viewpoint I>
The character currently displayed on the map screen may be displayed on a button for displaying a display screen for information on the character or a button for displaying a setting related to display control of the character. .
In this way, it is possible to know the character to be displayed on the current map by looking at the character displayed on the button on the menu screen or the like without actually performing an operation of returning to the map screen.

<Viewpoint J>
It is preferable that a function of displaying a screen for displaying the character attributes as character information is provided, and that the plurality of characters are provided with explanation information about the same attribute, and display information indicating the same attribute is different. For example, for the attribute “a” of the character “name”, the character A displays “name” and displays the name after the attribute, and the character B displays “nickname” and displays the name in the vicinity thereof. . For example, for the attribute b of the character “age”, the character A displays “age” and the age is displayed in the vicinity thereof, and the character B displays “age” and the age is displayed in the vicinity thereof. indicate.
In this way, it is possible to deepen mutual understanding of attributes common to the plurality of characters without destroying the world view of the plurality of characters.

<Viewpoint K>
It has a function of displaying a screen that can list the plurality of regions, and a display mode of a region corresponding to a character existing in the permitted character group is different from a display mode of a region corresponding to a character not existing in the permitted character group. A display mode is preferable.
In this way, it is possible to easily grasp which local character is included in the permitted character group. For example, the acquisition status of the permitted character group for all character groups can be easily grasped. For example, in a case where a map of Japan is displayed, the region is 47 prefectures, and the character and the region are in a one-to-one correspondence, the map is divided into each prefecture, and among the prefectures, the permitted character is displayed. For prefectures to which characters in the group correspond, it is better not to display shaded areas, but to perform shaded display for prefectures to which characters in the permitted character group correspond. .

<Viewpoint L>
A function for outputting a time signal by voice may be provided, and when the time signal is notified, a predetermined word may be output by the voice of the character being displayed along with the time.

<Perspective M>
When all the characters are in the permitted character group, a predetermined effect may be performed. This effect may be a complete effect. For example, it may be an effect of celebrating that all characters have been acquired. At that time, it is preferable that the character set to be able to speak and the character set to be unable to speak exist in the permitted character group, and the predetermined effect is performed with the voice of the character that can speak. The contents may include information indicating that the characters in the area representing the area to which all characters correspond belong to the permitted character group. For example, when all the characters are characters of 47 prefectures, it may be output that the area representing the area corresponding to all the characters is nationwide, such as “national conquest”. After performing a predetermined effect, it is preferable to return to the information output screen of the original character.

<Viewpoint N>
In the case of the demonstration traveling function, the information guidance includes a route guidance function to the destination and a demonstration traveling function that performs a virtual traveling in a situation where the vehicle does not actually travel to the destination. Therefore, it is preferable that the movement is not regarded as the movement in the viewpoints 2 and 3. If it does in this way, it can prevent that a character is added to a permission character group one after another by demonstration run.

  The viewpoints 1 to 9 and the viewpoints A to N can be combined arbitrarily to constitute the display control device as long as no contradiction occurs between the constituent elements. At that time, it is preferable to derive a specific configuration by a combination that exerts the ordinary creative ability of those skilled in the art and produces a unique remarkable effect. Moreover, it is good to comprise as a program which makes a computer implement | achieve the function of the display control apparatus mentioned above.

1 is an external view of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the navigation apparatus concerning an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3A shows exemplary loose character information. FIG. 3B shows an exemplary permitted character list. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary first voice correspondence table defined for route guidance events. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary second audio correspondence table defined for route guidance events. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary third audio correspondence table defined for POI events. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary operation correspondence table. FIG. 8A shows an exemplary main menu screen. FIG. 8B shows an exemplary navigation menu screen. FIG. 9A shows an exemplary mode switching screen. FIG. 9B shows an exemplary guidance screen. FIG. 9C shows an exemplary mode switching screen. FIG. 9D shows an exemplary guidance screen. FIG. 10 (a) shows an exemplary search screen. FIG. 10B shows an exemplary registration / edit screen. FIG. 10C shows an exemplary registration / edit screen. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an exemplary loose character acquisition process. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an exemplary display mode selection process. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary loose character selection process. FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of an exemplary audio output process. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of an exemplary voice output / character display process. FIG. 16A shows an exemplary loose character screen. FIG. 16B shows an exemplary loose character information screen. FIG. 17A shows an exemplary loose character list screen. FIG. 17 (b) shows an exemplary national character illustration book screen. FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of an exemplary complete effect process. FIG. 19 shows an exemplary assistance screen with assistance.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the display control device of the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation device will be described.

[Basic configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a navigation apparatus suitable as an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a portable device body 2 that can be carried and a cradle 3 that is an attachment member that holds the device body 2. By attaching the apparatus main body 2 to the cradle 3, it functions as an in-vehicle device, and by removing it from the cradle 3, it functions as a portable navigation device (PND). In the present embodiment, the apparatus main body 2 can be attached to and detached from the cradle 3 and used together with the cradle 3 on a dashboard of a vehicle, or the apparatus main body 2 can be removed from the cradle 3 and used as a portable (PND). However, it may be a vehicle-mounted fixed type that cannot be easily attached to and detached from the cradle 3, or a portable type. Further, it may be realized by installing a predetermined application program (including preinstallation) in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. The application program may be a system for performing navigation, or a program for accessing a server on which a system for performing navigation is mounted and using the system. The present invention can be applied to various types of navigation systems.

  The apparatus main body 2 is detachably attached to the cradle 3. The apparatus main body 2 includes a flat rectangular case main body 4. A display unit 5 is disposed on the front surface of the case body 4, and a touch panel 8 that detects which part of the display unit 5 is touched is provided on the display unit 5, and alarm lamps 9 are provided on both sides of the front surface. It has. The cradle 3 includes a cradle main body 6 that holds the apparatus main body 2 and a pedestal portion 7 that supports the cradle main body 6 in an arbitrary posture at a predetermined position (dashboard or the like) in the vehicle interior. The pedestal portion 7 is sucked and fixed on a dashboard or the like by a suction cup provided on the bottom surface. The pedestal portion 7 and the cradle body 6 are coupled so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range via a coupling mechanism such as a ball joint. Since it is a ball joint, the pedestal portion 7 and the cradle body 6 rotate and move relatively within an arbitrary angle range in the three-dimensional direction, and remain at an arbitrary angular position due to frictional resistance in the joint portion. Therefore, the apparatus main body 2 attached to the cradle main body 6 can also be arrange | positioned with arbitrary attitude | positions on a dashboard.

  Further, an SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided on one side surface of the case body 4, and an SD memory card 22 on which map data and the like are recorded can be inserted into the SD memory card slot portion 21. The SD memory card slot section 21 includes a memory card reader / writer that reads and writes information from and into the inserted SD memory card 22. Further, a DC jack 10 is provided on the side surface of the case body 4 where the SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided. The DC jack 10 is for connecting a cigar plug cord (not shown), and is connected to a cigar socket of the vehicle via the cigar plug cord so that power can be supplied.

  On the other hand, a power switch and a USB terminal 23 are provided on the side surface opposite to the SD memory card slot 21. A software application can be upgraded by connecting to a personal computer via the USB terminal 23.

  The following devices and parts are arranged inside the case body 4. That is, the microwave receiver 11 is disposed inside the case body 4 on the back side. The microwave receiver 11 receives microwaves in a predetermined frequency band, and detects the signal level of the received microwaves when receiving microwaves in the set frequency band. Specifically, the RSSI voltage corresponding to the signal level and the electric field strength is used. The predetermined frequency band is, for example, a frequency band including a microwave frequency emitted from the vehicle speed measuring device.

  A GPS receiver 12 that receives a GPS signal and obtains the current position is disposed inside the upper surface of the case body 4. An infrared communication device 14 is disposed inside the case body 4 on the front side. The infrared communication device 14 transmits / receives data to / from a communication device incorporating an infrared communication device such as a mobile phone 15. Further, a speaker 20 is also built in the case body 4.

  Further, the navigation device 1 includes a wireless receiver 13 and a remote control receiver 16. The remote control receiver 16 performs data communication with a remote control (portable device: slave device) 17 and performs various settings for the navigation device 1. The wireless receiver 13 receives incoming radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. For example, the predetermined frequency may be a radio frequency band used when the emergency vehicle notifies the base station of the vehicle position.

  In addition, the navigation device 1 has a navigation function for outputting guidance voices at the occurrence of various events for the purpose of route guidance, notification of targets such as vehicle speed measurement devices and other traffic monitoring points existing in the vicinity. In this embodiment, as a guidance voice output mode, in addition to a normal mode in which guidance voice is output without displaying a character on a guidance screen for map information or the like, a so-called loose character (local character) is displayed on the guidance screen. It has a loose navigation mode that outputs guidance voice. The normal mode and the loose navigation mode are stored on the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as programs executed by the control unit 18 and are realized by the control unit 18 executing the programs.

  The database 19 can be realized by a nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPROM) in the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. In the database 19, information necessary for carrying out certain targets, maps and other functions at the time of shipment is registered, and data and the like on the targets added thereafter are updated through a predetermined process. can do.

  The database 19 stores loose character image data for displaying various characters on the display unit. The loose character image data includes 47 kinds of loose characters associated with a plurality of regions (47 prefectures) on a one-to-one basis and one kind of default character on a guidance screen GV (FIGS. 9B and 9D). This is data to be displayed on the guide screens GV1, GV2) exemplified in FIG. The loose character image data may be 3D model data that can be displayed in animation according to operation data described later.

  The database 19 further stores loose character information regarding 47 kinds of loose characters. FIG. 3A shows exemplary loose character information. As shown in the figure, the loose character information defines the correspondence between 47 kinds of loose characters and 47 prefectures. The management organization is a local public organization that manages each character.

  The loose character information further includes field data DA to DE that define setting information related to characteristics of the loose characters. Each of the field data DA to DE has a unique character number limit of, for example, about 15 to 300.

  For many loose characters (for example, more than half of loose characters), the field data DA is the name, the field data DB is the origin, the field data DC is the gender, the field data DD is the birthday, the field The data DE defines standard attribute data such as a profile.

  However, depending on the type of loose character, there may be defined attributes different from the standard, such as a nickname being defined in the field data DA and a place of appearance in the field data DB. Further, there is a case where a part of the profile is defined in the field data DD and a remaining part of the profile is defined in the field data DE. As described above, since the attributes of the field data DA to DF can be freely set, it is easy to appropriately explain any character having various characteristics.

  47 kinds of loose characters are allowed to be displayed on the guide screen GV under certain conditions. In the present application, the new permission for display on the guidance screen GV may be referred to as “acquiring” a loose character. In the present application, a set of loose characters permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV may be referred to as a “permitted character group”. The loose characters permitted to be displayed on the guide screen GV are added to the permitted character list illustrated in FIG. The control unit 18 determines that any character included in the permitted character list is permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV, and otherwise is not permitted. Further, the control unit 18 executes the complete effect when all the loose characters are acquired (completed), that is, when the 47th loose character is added to the permitted character list.

  Further, the database 19 stores voice data of guidance voice output from the speaker 20 every time the various events occur, and movement data defining the movement of the loose character. The action data includes steady action data that defines a steady action performed by the loose character while the guidance voice is not output, and specific action data that defines a plurality of specific actions performed by the loose character during the output of the guide voice. . The steady operation may be an operation that does not draw the user's attention strongly, for example, the slow character repeatedly turns to the right or to the left. The action data of the specific action is defined as a total of 15 types of characteristic movements, such as a movement to the right, a jumping movement, a joyful movement, an unpleasant movement, and a movement performed by a loose character.

  Furthermore, the database 19 stores a voice correspondence table (first to third voice correspondence table) and an action correspondence table that define the relationship between various events guided by the navigation operation described later, the guidance voice, and the specific action. Yes.

  Events are related to route guidance, such as route guidance events that need to be guided when route guidance to the destination, announcements about service areas and sights, warnings such as accident-prone areas and inspection areas, etc. Are classified into categories such as POI (Point of Interest) events, and the audio correspondence table stores information for each category.

  In addition, the voice output as the guidance voice includes the normal voice used in the normal mode and a specific loose character (hereinafter referred to as “specific loose character”. Yuru character Iku-kun (registered trademark) name is set as a specific Yuru character)) and the Yuru character used when other Yuru characters are displayed There are three types of audio. These voices are output by reproducing recorded data obtained by recording a phrase specified by each voice correspondence table by a voice actor or an announcer (hereinafter referred to as “voice voice etc.”).

  4 and 5 show exemplary first and second voice correspondence tables defined for route guidance events. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first voice correspondence table, an event number, a phrase number, a guide time, a normal voice phrase, and a loose character voice phrase are defined. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second voice correspondence table, an event number, a phrase number, a guide time, and a personal voice phrase are defined. In the first and second audio correspondence tables, the event number is a number (or symbol) assigned to each event type. There are, for example, about 500 types of events. The phrase number is a number assigned to each phrase. The guidance time indicates the time required for outputting the guidance voice. The normal voice phrase, the Yuru-chara voice phrase, and the principal voice phrase are text displays of voices output as the normal voice, the loose character voice, and the principal voice, respectively.

  As can be seen from the figure, the normal voice phrase is a relatively modified expression of tone, whereas the loose character voice phrase and the person's voice phrase are easy to get close to, and have a dull or individual expression. ing. Even when recording data is created, normal voice is recorded as a normal voice phrase and what the announcer uttered in a standard or modified tone, whereas loose character voice and personal voice are recorded as loose character voice phrases. And the voice phrases of the person's own voice phrases, etc., which are spoken in a familiar, gentle, loose, gusty or personal tone are recorded.

  In addition, the loose character voice phrase and the principal voice phrase may include additional information related to the information in addition to the information to be guided. For example, in the loose character voice phrase and the person's voice phrase for a time notification event (for example, event 413), in addition to time information to be notified (“noon”, “noon”), additional information (“mother” "Saiyo ~" and "Eat even if you eat eel?").

  The personal voice phrase may include information related to the area corresponding to the specific character, advertisement, solicitation, and the like. For example, in response to an event 392 that is an event approaching the destination, specify the person's voice phrase such as “I want you to come to the destination. Can do. In this case, “***” is a place name (for example, Shizuoka Prefecture) of the area corresponding to the specific character. Thereby, it is possible to solicit to a place other than the current destination. It is also conceivable to use “***” as a wild card and change the word / phrase corresponding to “***” in accordance with the number of occurrences of the event, the time of occurrence, the display mode at that time, and the like.

  In addition, the number of phrases for each event is one in the case of normal voice, while there are a plurality of cases in the case of loose character voice and principal voice. This is a diversified guidance voice when a loose character is displayed. One reason is that there is a high need to reduce the user's tiredness because voices with unique expressions and tone are easily memorized by the user about the ears.

  When a plurality of phrases are defined for a single event, different phrases are sequentially selected and guidance voices are output each time the event occurs. Phrases may be selected randomly rather than sequentially.

  Furthermore, regarding the loose character voice and the principal voice, the number of phrases is different for each event. For example, for event 391 (guidance start event), the number of phrases is four, while for event 393 (reroute event), the number of phrases is ten. This is because the higher the frequency of occurrence, the higher the need to reduce user fatigue due to frequent output of the same phrase.

  FIG. 6 shows an exemplary third audio correspondence table defined for POI events.

  The meanings of the event number, phrase number, guidance time, and normal voice phrase in the third voice correspondence table are the same as those in the first voice correspondence table. As can be seen from the figure, for each POI event, only the normal voice phrase is defined, and the loose character voice phrase and the personal voice phrase are not defined. Therefore, when a POI event occurs, the guidance voice in the normal voice is always output, and the guidance voice in the loose character voice and the principal voice is not output. This is because a POI event (particularly a warning event) often takes into account the fact that a simple guidance by loose character voice or the like is not familiar.

  FIG. 7 shows an exemplary operation correspondence table. As shown in the figure, an operation number is defined for each phrase number defined in the first to third audio correspondence tables of FIGS. The operation number is composed of a mode part (such as “right”) indicated in Roman letters and a time part (such as “03”) indicated by numerals. The aspect section defines the type of specific operation data. The time portion indicates the time that the specific operation continues. If the phrase number of the voice output as the guidance voice (phrase number in the first to third voice correspondence tables) is determined by this action correspondence table, the specific action performed by the loose character is uniquely determined. As described above, there are 15 types of specific actions. Of these, specific actions with high display frequency, such as actions that face the right, are actions that turn right (right and right1) in different modes. It is prepared.

Next, the operation of the navigation device 1 having the above configuration will be described.
<Menu operation>
As described above, the navigation device 1 includes the normal mode and the loose navigation mode, and these modes are switched in response to a touch operation on the display unit 5 by the control unit 18.

  When the “navi” button is touched on the main menu screen of FIG. 8A displayed on the display unit 5 when the power of the navigation device 1 is turned on, the navigation menu screen of FIG. 8B is displayed.

  When the user selects the “mode switch” button from the navigation menu screen when the operation mode is the normal mode, the mode switch screen illustrated in FIG. 9A is displayed. When the user selects the “YES” button, the operation is performed. The mode is switched to the loose navigation mode. In the loose navigation mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, navigation is performed using a guide screen GV1 that displays a loose character image C together with map information and the like. When the user selects the “mode switching” button from the navigation menu screen when the operation mode is the loose navigation mode, the mode switching screen illustrated in FIG. 9C is displayed. When the user selects the “YES” button, The operation mode is switched to the normal mode. In the normal mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, navigation using the guide screen GV2 displaying only map information and the like without displaying the loose character image C is performed.

  The switching screens shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C are displayed on the background, character fonts, icons, etc. so that the user can easily imagine the operation mode to be shifted to (when “YES” is selected). It is preferable to use a design suitable for the operation mode of the transfer destination. For example, the switching screen in FIG. 9A uses a comic design and a fairy tale design, and the switching screen in FIG. 9B uses an urban design and an urban design.

  When the “search” button is touched on the navigation menu screen, the search screen shown in FIG. 10A is displayed, and the destination can be searched. When the “registration / edit” button is touched on the navigation menu screen, the registration / edit screen shown in FIG. 10B is displayed, and route editing, registration point setting, history display, and the like can be performed. In addition, when the “Setting” button is touched on the navigation menu screen, the registration / editing screen shown in FIG. 10C is displayed, and an auxiliary map such as an intersection enlarged view, a radar screen, and a meter screen based on OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) information is displayed. The priority order of the screen can be set.

<Acquiring Yuru Chara>
FIG. 11 shows a loose character acquisition process that is always executed by the navigation device 1 when the loose character mode is selected as the operation mode. The loose character acquisition process is executed only when the operation mode is the loose character mode, and is not executed when the normal mode.

  The control unit 18 acquires the current position of the navigation device 1 by performing a positioning process with the GPS receiver 15 at a predetermined cycle, usually a 1-second cycle (step S11).

Next, the control unit 18 specifies a region (prefecture) to which the current position obtained by the positioning process belongs (step S12).
Next, with reference to the permitted character list (FIG. 3B) on the database 19, it is determined whether or not the loose character associated with the prefecture specified in step S12 has been acquired (step S13). .
If it has not been acquired (step S13; No), a loose character corresponding to the specified prefecture is added to the permitted character list (step S14).

  If it is determined in step S13 that the specified character has been acquired (step S13; Yes), step S14 is skipped.

  Subsequently, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the power is turned off between the previous positioning process and the current positioning process (step S15). If the power is not turned off (step S15; No), the distance between the previous and current positioning positions is obtained (step S16), and the obtained distance is added to the accumulated value of the past travel distance (step S17). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the accumulated value of the travel distance has newly exceeded a multiple of a predetermined value (in this embodiment, 200 km) (step S18). If it has exceeded (step S18; Yes), one of the unacquired loose characters is selected and acquired at random (step S19), and the current process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the power has been turned off between the previous positioning and the current positioning (step S15; Yes), and when the accumulated value of the travel distance does not exceed a multiple of 200 km (step S18; No), the current process is terminated.

  By such processing, for example, when driving for the first time to another prefecture across the prefectural border, the loose character of that prefecture is acquired. Even if the vehicle is traveling only within the same prefecture, a new character can be acquired every time the vehicle travels 200 km. However, for example, when the power is turned off and the ferry is moved from Hokkaido to Okinawa and the power is turned on, the moving distance of the navigation device 1 exceeds 200 km, but as a result of skipping steps S16 to S19, this moving distance is Since it is not counted as an accumulation place, it is not possible to acquire a new character due to the movement while the power is turned off (Note that if the power is turned on for the first time in Okinawa, it means that a new area has been entered, so step S14) You can get a loose character corresponding to Okinawa).

  The loose character acquisition process is executed regardless of which mode is selected as a display mode to be described later. Therefore, even if only the same loose characters are always displayed in the fixed mode, the user can move between areas or move long distances with the navigation device 1 turned on. , You can proceed with the acquisition of loose characters.

  Further, since a loose character is added (steps S14 and S19) under two conditions: when moving to a new area and when moving a predetermined distance, even a user who does not move to a remote place It is possible to proceed with character acquisition.

<Select / switch display mode>

  Next, a process of selecting a loose character displayed on the guidance screen GV1 in the navigation operation when the loose navigation mode is selected as described above will be described.

  The navigation device 1 has three display modes: a fixed mode, a prefectural border mode, and a mileage mode. The fixed mode is a mode in which a specific loose character is continuously selected. The prefectural border mode is a mode that displays the loose characters of the current prefecture. The travel distance mode is a mode in which the loose characters to be displayed are changed every time the navigation device 1 moves a predetermined distance, for example, 200 km.

  The selection of the display mode is performed, for example, by an operation on a selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 5 by touching the “local character” button on the navigation menu screen (FIG. 8B). . FIG. 12 shows display mode selection processing executed by the control unit 18 in response to the operation.

  In the display mode selection process, when the user selects the fixed mode (step S31; Yes), the control unit 18 subsequently displays the loose characters included in the allowed character list in the form of a list, etc. A favorite loose character is selected from the above (step S32). The control unit 18 stores the fixed mode and the selected loose character.

  When the user selects the prefectural border mode (step S33; Yes), the control unit 18 selects a loose character corresponding to the prefecture specified in the latest step S12 of the loose character acquisition process executed in parallel ( Step S34). The control unit 18 stores “prefectural border mode” and the selected loose character.

  When the user selects the travel distance mode (step S35; Yes), the control unit 18 selects any one of the loose characters included in the permitted character list (step S36). The selection of the loose character here may be selected randomly from the permitted character list, or the loose character displayed in the mileage mode immediately before the current display mode selection process may be selected. The control unit 18 stores the “travel distance mode” and the selected loose character.

  When “prefectural border mode” and “travel distance mode” are selected, a loose character is appropriately selected and changed during the navigation operation.

This selection of loose characters is performed by the loose character selection process of FIG.
When the loose character selection process is started, the control unit 18 first determines whether the “normal mode” is set or the “loose navigation mode” is set (step S41).
When “normal mode” is set, it is not necessary to select a loose character, and the current process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the “loose navigation mode” is set, it is next determined which selection mode is set (steps S42 to S44). In the case of the fixed mode (step S42; Yes), since it is not necessary to newly select a loose character, the process ends.

  In the case of the prefectural border mode (step S42; No, step S43; Yes), based on the prefecture specified in the latest step S12 of the loose character acquisition process being performed in parallel, the region border (prefectural border, etc.) is exceeded. It is determined whether or not a new area has been entered. If it is determined that a new area has been entered, a loose character corresponding to the new area is selected (step S45), and the process ends.

  In the travel distance mode (step S42; No, step S43; No, step S44; Yes), the accumulated value of the travel distance in the latest step S17 of the loose character acquisition process executed in parallel is a multiple of 200 km. It is determined whether or not it has been exceeded (step S46), and if it has been exceeded, a character different from the currently selected character is selected from the characters in the permitted character list (step S47), and the process is terminated. This selection may be, for example, a sequential selection. In this case, it may be possible to select in a specific order, such as selecting in order from the latest time added to the permitted character list.

<Navigation action>
When the “current location” button is touched on the navigation menu screen or the like in FIG. 8B, the control unit 18 executes a navigation operation. In the navigation operation, various cautions regarding traffic and guidance of warning information are performed, and when a destination is set in the search menu, registration / edit menu, etc. of FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), Route guidance based on route information generated based on the destination and the current position is performed.

  FIG. 14 shows an audio output process in the navigation operation when the operation mode is set to the normal mode. In the navigation operation in the normal mode, a guidance screen GV2 illustrated in FIG. In addition to the map including the current position acquired in step S11, the guide screen GV2 displays information such as place name, direction, scale, and time. The loose character image C is not displayed on the guidance screen GV2.

  In step S61 of FIG. 14, the control unit 18 determines an event corresponding to any event number defined in the first or third audio correspondence table based on the current position acquired in step S11, the set route information, or the like. It is determined whether or not the error has occurred. If no event has occurred, step S61 is repeatedly executed (step S61; No).

  If an event has occurred (step S61: Yes), the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event number are specified from the first or third voice correspondence table (step S62) and correspond to the specified phrase number. By reproducing the recorded data, the guidance voice is output (step S63). Step S63 ends when the guidance time specified in step S62 elapses, and then the process returns to step S61.

  As a result, the guidance screen GV2 without the loose character image C is displayed, and navigation is performed by outputting the guidance voice using normal voice.

  FIG. 15 shows the voice output / character display process in the navigation operation when the operation mode is set to the loose navigation mode. In the navigation operation in the loose navigation mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the display unit 5 displays the loose character image C superimposed on the guidance screen GV1 similar to the guidance screen GV2 in FIG. 9D. Is displayed. The loose character image C displayed here is an image of the loose character selected at that time (the loose character selected in the display mode selection process of FIG. 12 or the loose character selection process of FIG. 13).

  In step S71, the control unit 18 generates an event corresponding to any event number defined in the first to third audio correspondence tables based on the current position acquired in step S11, the set route information, or the like. To determine if

  If no event has occurred, in step S72, the loose character image C is operated according to the normal operation, and then the process returns to step S71. As described above, unless an event occurs, steps S71 and S72 are repeatedly executed, and the image C of the loose character performing the normal operation is continuously displayed. During this time, no guidance voice is output.

  If an event has occurred in step S71 (step S71: Yes), the process proceeds to step S73, where it is determined whether the generated event is a POI event prescribed in the third audio correspondence table, and in the case of negative (No) In step S74, it is determined whether or not the currently selected character is a specific loose character.

  If the determination in step S73 is affirmative (Yes), in step S75, the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event that has occurred are specified from the third sound correspondence table.

  If the determination in step S74 is negative (No) (if any character other than the specified character is selected), in step S76, the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the generated event are specified from the first voice correspondence table. Is done.

  If the determination in step S74 is affirmative (Yes) (when a specific character is selected), in step S77, the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event that has occurred are specified from the second audio correspondence table.

  In Steps S75 to S77, when a plurality of phrase numbers and guidance times corresponding to the event occurring in the first to third voice correspondence tables are defined, any phrase number and guidance time selected from the phrase numbers and guidance times are selected. Is identified. The selection here is preferably performed in a sequential manner. For example, when an event (for example, event 391) in which a specific character is selected occurs, the phrase number specified in the latest step S77 executed in the past for the same event (event 391) Is the third “IE_AN_470”, the fourth phrase number “IE_AN_471” and the guidance time (“11.844”) are specified in the present step S77. Thereby, even if the same event occurs frequently, the same phrase can be prevented from being repeatedly output.

  After steps S75 to S77, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S78, the operation number corresponding to the phrase number specified in steps S75 to S77 is specified from the operation correspondence table of FIG.

  In the subsequent step S79, the guidance voice is output by reproducing the voice data corresponding to the phrase number specified in steps S75 to S77, and the image of the loose character according to the specific action data specified in step S78. Processing for operating C is performed.

  As a result, the guidance screen GV1 on which the image C of the loose character is displayed and the guidance voice is output by the normal voice (in the case of step S75), the loose character voice (in the case of step S76) or the user's voice (in the case of step S77) Navigation is performed, and the sound corresponding to each event is spoken or listened as if the image of the loose character C was gesturing with a specific action corresponding to each event different from the steady action It can be produced as if it were.

  Step S79 ends when the guidance time specified in steps S75 to 77 has elapsed, and then the process returns to step S71.

<Initial navigation operation>
In an initial state (for example, a state where power is first turned on after shipment from the factory), it is preferable to display a default character on the screen and perform guidance such as an operation explanation.

  Thereafter, when the operation mode is set to the normal mode and the navigation operation is started, the voice output process similar to that described with reference to FIG. 14 is executed while the character displays the non-display guide screen GV2.

  On the other hand, when the navigation mode is started in the state where the loose navigation mode is set and the display mode selection process of FIG. 12 is not performed, the image of the default character is displayed on the guidance screen GV in the same manner as in FIG. 9B. In this state, the same voice output / character display processing as that in FIG. 15 is executed. As a result, the product concept in which any character corresponding to the display mode selected in the display mode selection process is displayed can be maintained even in the operation immediately after the initial state. In the voice output / character display process at this time, the default character may be handled as a normal character (not a specific character).

<Navigation operation immediately after power-on or resume>
Processing when the navigation mode is entered immediately after power-on or resume after the display mode selection processing of FIG. 12 is executed will be described.

  In the normal mode, there is no difference from the navigation operation in the normal mode described with reference to FIG.

  When the navigation operation is started immediately after the power is turned on or resumed in the loose navigation mode, the same navigation operation as in the normal mode is executed until the positioning information is acquired in step S11. That is, the voice output process described with reference to FIG. 14 is executed in a state where the guidance screen GV2 is displayed.

  Thereafter, when the positioning information in step S11 is successfully acquired, after performing the effect of causing the loose character selected at that time to appear on the guidance screen GV2, the navigation operation in the normal loose navigation mode is executed. That is, the voice output / character display process described with reference to FIG. 15 is executed in a state where the guidance screen GV1 is displayed. By performing the above effect, the user can be notified that the positioning has been successful.

<Display Yuru-chara information>
When the “Yuru Chara” button is touched on the navigation menu screen shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit 18 displays the Yuru Chara screen shown in FIG. Here, when the “yuru character information” button is operated, the control unit 18 reads the setting information of the currently selected loose character from the loose character information, and displays the loose character information screen of FIG.

  The broken lines in FIG. 16B are explanatory lines showing the fields A to E set in the screen. In each field A to E, information of field data DA to DF is displayed. With this loose character information screen, the user can know in detail the loose character being selected. Since the layout of the fields A to E is fixed and the field data DA to DF displayed in the fields A to E are standard attributes for many characters, the explanation is easy to understand for the user. Can be provided. On the other hand, depending on the kind of loose character, data of non-standard attributes can be displayed in the fields A to E, so that it is easy to explain loose characters with special characteristics that are difficult to explain as usual.

  When the “National Yuru Chara Illustration” is touched on the loose character screen of FIG. 16A, the control unit 18 makes the loose character list screen of FIG. 17A based on the permitted character list stored in the database 19. Is displayed. The name of each region (47 prefectures) is displayed in a list on the loose character list screen. For an acquired character, the image of that character is displayed in the corresponding area of the list. Furthermore, a mark M made up of “sound-added” characters or the like is displayed for a specific character that emits the person's voice. The mark M may be displayed even if the specific character is not included in the permitted character list. Thereby, it is clearly shown to the user that the specific character has not been acquired, and the acquisition can be motivated by the user.

  On the loose character list screen, you can scroll the list by touching the scroll button on the right.

  When “map display” is touched on the loose character list screen of FIG. 17A, the control unit 18 displays the national loose character picture book screen shown in FIG. On the nationwide Yuru-chara screen, the area corresponding to the acquired Yuru-chara and the area corresponding to the unobtained Yuru-chara are displayed on the simplified map in an identifiable manner. As an identification mode, as shown in the figure, it is preferable to hide the name of the area corresponding to the acquired character. By clearly indicating the unacquired area, the user can easily recognize the loose character in the area as the acquisition target. Alternatively, the area corresponding to the acquired or not acquired character may be shaded.

  When the user touches a desired area on the nationwide character catalog screen shown in FIG. 17B, the character information screen shown in FIG. 16B may be displayed for the character that corresponds to that region. In this case, the display of the loose character information screen may be permitted only for the loose characters already acquired.

  The number of acquired and unacquired loose characters is displayed together on the loose character list screen and the national loose character picture book screen. When the “current location” button is touched on the loose character list screen and the national loose character picture book screen, the screen returns to the guidance screen GV1 or GV2 of FIG. 9B or 9D depending on the operation mode at that time.

<Complete production>
As described above, the user can increase the number of acquired characters by mounting the navigation device 1 on a vehicle or the like and moving the vehicle. When the user acquires all characters in all prefectures, the control unit 18 performs a complete effect to notify the user that the acquisition of all characters has been completed.

  That is, when the 47th loose character is added to the permitted character list, the occurrence of the event 428 is determined. Then, if the loose character selected at that time is not a specific loose character, the complete effect process shown in FIG. 18 is executed.

  In the complete effect process, if the guide screen GV1 is being displayed in the loose navigation mode in step S81, the loose character image C is withdrawn from the guide screen GV1. In other cases, the guide screen GV2 without the loose character image C is displayed.

  In the subsequent step S82, the image C of the specific character is displayed on the guidance screen GV in step S81.

  Thereafter, in step S83, the phrase number (“IE_AN_600”) and guidance time (“8.434”) corresponding to the event 428 are specified, and in step S84, the operation data (“comp_08”) corresponding to the phrase number (“IE_AN_600”) is specified. ") Is identified.

  In the following step S85, the guidance voice is output by reproducing the voice data corresponding to the voice phrase specified in step S83, and the loose character image C is operated according to the action data of the specified action specified in step S84. Processing is performed.

  As a result, a special guidance voice such as “All Yuru Chara Complete ~ Nationwide Conquest ~" is output with the image C of the particular Yuru character displayed on the guidance screen GV.

  Step S85 ends when the guidance time specified in step S83 elapses, and then the image C of the specified character is withdrawn from the screen (step S86). Thereafter, the display on the display unit 5 is displayed before the complete effect processing. Returning to the state, the complete effect process is completed.

  The completion effect using the guidance voice and the display of the specific action based on the image C of the specific loose character can impress the user that the acquisition of the loose character has been completed. Further, even when the navigation operation is not being performed, by performing the complete effect, the user can be surely notified of the completion. It is also conceivable to set the complete effect only during the navigation operation or during the navigation operation in the loose character mode.

  If the selected character is the specified character when the occurrence of the event 428 is determined, steps S77 to S79 of the voice output / character display process are executed as they are in the same manner as described above. A complete production will be performed.

<Hide Yuru Character Image>
When a specific situation (for example, approach to an intersection to be changed) occurs during the navigation operation in the loose navigation mode, the priority of the auxiliary screen set in the registration / editing screen of FIG. The screen display is switched from the guidance screen GV in (b) to the guidance screen GV3 with assistance in FIG. On the guidance screen GV3 with assistance, the same map information as the guidance screen of FIG. 9B is displayed on the left side of the screen, and an auxiliary screen such as an enlarged intersection view is displayed on the right side of the screen.

  In such a guidance screen with assistance, the loose character image C is not displayed in consideration of not impairing the visibility of information displayed on the assistance screen.

  The guidance screen GV1 in FIG. 9B may be configured such that the image of the loose character image C can be hidden by touching the loose character image C image. Thereby, the visibility of the information in the display position of the loose character image C can be improved.

  Note that during the demonstration run, neither the acquisition of the loose character nor the display of the loose character is performed. In this case, for example, the user instructs the control unit 18 that it is a demonstration run. In this case, the control unit 18 can set only the normal mode.

  The invention disclosed in the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the number of loose characters is 47 in total, one in each prefecture, but the number is arbitrary. In addition, the size and number of areas to which loose characters are allocated, such as collecting loose characters on a per town / village basis, are arbitrary.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which recorded data in which utterances such as announcers and voice actors are recorded is used as voice data for all guidance voices. For example, all or part of guidance voices (for example, for normal mode) May be output by converting the text data into TTS (Text to Talk).

The following is a copy of each claim as filed.
<Claim 1>
A display control device for guiding information related to a map including a plurality of regions,
A display control apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control to display on the display unit any one of a plurality of characters defined to correspond to the plurality of regions.
<Claim 2>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a permitted character group that is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters on the display means,
The control means adds the character corresponding to the destination area to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control apparatus has moved to the area where the correspondence relationship with the character is defined. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 3>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a permitted character group that is a set of all or part of the plurality of characters on the display means,
The control means is characterized in that any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters is newly added to the permitted character group on the condition that the display control apparatus has moved a predetermined distance. The display control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
<Claim 4>
The plurality of characters includes at least one default character;
4. The display control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the character is not included in the permitted character group, the control unit displays an image of the default character on the display unit. 5.
<Claim 5>
Further comprising mode selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in a different manner based on a user operation,
The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the character selected according to the mode selected by the mode selection unit on the display unit.
<Claim 6>
The plurality of modes includes a first mode;
The display control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when the first mode is selected, the control unit displays an image of the character designated by a user on the display unit.
<Claim 7>
The plurality of modes includes a second mode;
The said control means displays on the said display means the image of the said character matched with the said area | region where the said display control apparatus is located when the said 2nd mode is selected. 6. The display control device according to 6.
<Claim 8>
The plurality of modes includes a third mode;
6. When the third mode is selected, the control means displays a different image of the character on the display means every time the display control device moves a predetermined distance. The display control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.
<Claim 9>
Further comprising display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user operation,
The control means performs control for displaying the character image on the display means when the display mode is selected, and displays the character image on the display means when the non-display mode is selected. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control device is not performed.
<Claim 10>
The program for making a computer implement | achieve the function of the display control apparatus in any one of Claims 1-9.

Claims (4)

A display control device for guiding information related to a map including a plurality of regions,
Provided with a function to display on the display means any one of a plurality of characters defined to correspond to a plurality of the regions, a function to display a character corresponding to a region related to the acquired current position, the current position is A display control apparatus comprising a function of maintaining a display of a character displayed before a current position cannot be acquired when the current position cannot be acquired from a state where the current position can be acquired. A function of displaying the attribute of the character as character information, comprising the description information about the same attribute among the plurality of characters, and different display information indicating the same attribute. Item 4. The display control device according to Item 1. A display control device for guiding information related to a map including a plurality of regions,
A function of causing the display means to display an image of any one of a plurality of characters defined to correspond to a plurality of the regions ,
Comprising a display makes function the attribute of the character in the character information among the plurality of characters, including descriptive information about the same attribute, characterized in that the display information indicating the same attribute different Table示制control device. The program for making a computer implement | achieve the function of the display control apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3 .

Images