JPH05181416A - Device for displaying current position of mobile object body - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To effectively utilize the entire display screen, for example, by displaying a map on the entire display screen when the display direction need not be changed by receiving an operation input to a display means and changing the direction of the map. CONSTITUTION:An operation part display means 7 monitors traveling azimuth information 2f outputted from a direction detecting means 2c in a mobile object position detecting means 2 and generates and outputs operation part image information (image signal) 7a for displaying an input operation part for changing the display direction of the map on the screen of the image display device 6 when the mobile object travels in an opposite direction. Then a display position specifying means 7d for the operation part, etc., outputs specification information (data) 7h on an operation part display position, etc., for controlling whether or not the operation part and an operation message are displayed on the screen and the display position according to the judgment output signal of a judging means 7b or data 7g, and traveling azimuth information 7f.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation display device for displaying a current position and a traveling locus of a moving body on a map displayed on a display screen, and more particularly to a map display device according to a traveling direction of the moving body. When it is better to change the display direction, an input operation unit for inputting a display direction change command and a message prompting the input operation are displayed on the display screen without impairing the visibility of the map, and the operator's The present invention relates to a current position display device for a mobile body, the display direction of which can be changed based on the user's intention.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique is known in which a map is rotated and displayed so that the traveling direction of a vehicle is directed upward on a display screen. In this case, it becomes difficult to read when the character portion such as the place name is rotated together with the graphic information such as the road. For this reason, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-58510, one memory stores graphic data such as maps, and the other memory stores character data such as place names, and the graphic data such as maps are rotated and displayed. In this case, an image display device configured to display characters and symbols in an upright state on a map by converting the display position of the character data into a position corresponding to the rotation angle of the graphic and displaying the position is disclosed. ing.

Further, such a technique is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-738.
No. 06 publication. Japanese Patent Examination 3-73806
An upright position display device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. JP-A-2003-242242 discloses a position detecting means for detecting a current position of a moving body, a direction detecting means for detecting a deviation between a reference direction and a traveling direction of the moving body, and map information storage Map data storage means and character storage means for storing character information corresponding to map information. And
The map portion including the detected current position is searched from the map information storage means, the coordinates of the graphic portion are converted by the map conversion means so that the traveling direction is upward on the display screen, and the current position is included. The character portion of the map is searched from the character storage means, the posture of the character portion is converted so that the character portion is erected at the corresponding position of the figure on the display screen, and the character is displayed in a superimposed manner on the map. That is, graphic information such as road connection relations and character information such as intersection names are divided and stored, and the character information is displayed at an inclination according to the deviation angle from the reference direction, so that the characters are always displayed upright. I am letting you.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-57910 discloses that
A navigation device for rotating and displaying a road map so that the traveling direction faces upward is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 09 describes a navigation device that rotates a map of a departure intersection according to a rotation instruction.

Further, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-229866, in a device for controlling the traveling direction to be substantially above the display screen, when the change in traveling direction per unit time is a predetermined value or more, the display content is rotated. There is described a technique of suppressing unnecessary rotation processing by prohibiting the rotation or providing a predetermined hysteresis width in a threshold value for performing the rotation processing to limit the rotation processing.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-32214 discloses that
There is disclosed a technique for clarifying the azimuth by displaying a mark indicating a reference azimuth (for example, indicating which direction is north) on a display screen.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-67915,
A route guidance method has been disclosed in which a transparent touch panel arranged on a display screen is used to specify an initial position and a destination position of a vehicle to improve operability of instruction input.

[0008]

When the map is rotated and displayed so that the traveling direction of the vehicle is always substantially constant on the display screen, for example, it becomes easy to judge whether the vehicle turns right or left at an intersection. In order to rotate and display the map information and the character information with good followability according to the traveling direction of the vehicle, high-speed calculation processing of the display position coordinates of the map data and the character,
In addition, high-speed display processing is required, which may make the device complicated and expensive.

Further, the method of automatically changing the orientation of the map in accordance with the traveling direction of the vehicle has the merit of reducing the operation by eliminating the input operation for the operator to rotate the map. , If the driving direction is changed frequently, the operator has a hard time grasping the absolute direction of the map currently displayed (for example, which is north) and is confused about the direction determination. It can happen.

Therefore, if the operator does not change the orientation of the map automatically but the operator changes the orientation of the map, the absolute direction of the displayed orientation of the map can be easily grasped. Become.

[0011] Further, for example, when the user approaches a gas station or the like, or when the traveling direction is temporarily changed to get on or off a passenger, and the direction of the map is not so changed, the map is displayed. It may be desirable that the map having the shape already recognized by the operator is displayed as it is without changing the orientation, and the method of manually switching the display orientation of the map can handle this.

On the other hand, it is not preferable to newly provide the input means for changing the display direction of the map independently, from the viewpoint of operability and mounting because the number of operation switches increases. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a touch panel type input means equipped with a transparent electrode on the front surface of the display section or the like. However, if the characters / symbols indicating the input means are always displayed, the map will be correspondingly increased. The display area of etc. decreases, and it is not necessary to change the direction of the map (for example, when the moving body is traveling in the north direction while the map is displayed with north facing up). Even at this time, displaying the input means for switching the direction of the map is not desirable from the viewpoint of preventing erroneous operation.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. A first object of the present invention is to monitor the traveling direction of a moving body and to change the display direction of the map under the condition that
By making it possible to switch the display direction of the map by displaying the input operation unit for switching the display direction of the map or a message prompting the input operation on the screen or displaying it audibly, it is possible to eliminate erroneous operation of changing the display direction of the map. It is to provide a current position display device capable of switching the display direction of a map based on the operator's intention.

A second object is to improve the visibility of the map by changing the input operation section displayed on the screen or the display position of the message prompting the input operation according to the traveling direction of the moving body. It is to provide a current position display device.

Further, a third object is to monitor the traveling direction of the moving body, and when the traveling direction satisfies a judgment condition such as a predetermined threshold value, an input operation unit for switching the display direction of the map or When a message prompting the user to operate is displayed, when the traveling direction is near the threshold value, the input operation unit etc. is repeatedly displayed and disappeared, and there is a danger that the operator will be warned unnecessarily. Since there is a hysteresis width in the judgment conditions such as the display of the input operation unit and the threshold value for display stop, the stability of the visual display operation of the input operation unit or the audible display operation when the input operation is possible Is to try.

[0016]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile object current position display device, which is provided with at least a direction detecting means for detecting a traveling direction, and a map information. Map information for extracting the map information including the current position of the mobile unit from the storage means, associating the extracted map information with the position of the mobile unit, and changing the orientation of the map displayed on the image display device based on the map display direction designation information When the detection values of the arithmetic processing means and the direction detection means satisfy preset map display direction switching conditions, an input operation unit or an input operation for giving a command to change the direction of the displayed map is prompted. A display control means such as an operation unit for displaying a message on the screen of the image display device to enable the display switching input of the orientation of the map, and an operation input to the input operation unit were made. Characterized in that a map display direction designating means for changing a map of orientation on the display screen by detecting and.

It should be noted that the display control means such as the operation unit is arranged between the display judgment condition for displaying the input operation unit or the message prompting the input operation and the display stop judgment condition for stopping the display of the input operation unit. It is desirable to have a predetermined hysteresis width.

Further, the display control means such as the operation part may include an operation part display position specifying means for specifying the display position of the input operation part based on the traveling direction of the moving body.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a current position display device for a mobile body, the mobile body position detecting means having at least a direction detecting means for detecting a traveling direction, and the map information including the mobile body position detected from the map information storing means. And the calculation means for associating the map information with the moving body position and the detection value of the direction detection means satisfy the preset display direction switching condition of the map, the input of the map display direction change is accepted. A switch input acceptable state display means indicating that it is possible, and a map display direction designating means for changing the orientation of the map on the display screen based on a preset input operation being performed in the switch input acceptable state. It is characterized by having.

The switching input acceptable status display means is
It is desirable to provide a predetermined hysteresis width between the display determination condition for performing the display and the display stop determination condition for stopping the display.

[0021]

The present position display device for a moving body according to claim 1 is
When the display control means such as the operation unit detects that the traveling direction of the moving body is deviated from the direction of the currently displayed map by a predetermined angle or more, for example, the map display direction is changed on the screen of the display device. Displays the input operation section or a message prompting the input operation. Then, when an operation input is made to this input operation section or an operation input corresponding to a message is made, the map display direction changing means changes the display direction of the map on the screen. Therefore, at first, for example, when a map with north facing upward is displayed, and the traveling direction of the mobile body becomes, for example, south, an input operation unit or the like for changing the map display direction is displayed on the screen, When an operation input is given to the input operation unit or the like, the display of the map can be changed to, for example, south upward.

Incidentally, the display control means for the operation section, etc., is a judgment condition (for example, a display threshold value) for displaying the input operation section, etc.
Since a predetermined hysteresis width is provided between the input operation section and the determination condition for stopping the display (for example, the display stop threshold value), the traveling direction of the moving body is close to the threshold value. Also, the input operation unit and the like are not frequently displayed and disappeared repeatedly.

Furthermore, since the display control means of the operation unit and the like is configured to specify the display position of the input operation unit and the like based on the traveling direction of the moving body, the traveling direction of the moving body of the map displayed on the screen is By displaying the input operation unit at different positions, the display of the map on the traveling direction side is not masked by the input operation unit or the like, and the visibility of the map toward the destination can be secured.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switching device for inputting a switching position by detecting that the traveling direction of the moving body is deviated by a predetermined angle or more from the direction of the map currently displayed. It can be displayed visually or audibly that it is ready to accept. Then, in this switch input acceptable state, when a predetermined operation input is given, the map display direction changing means changes the display direction of the map on the screen.
Therefore, the change input is possible only under the condition that it is better to change the display direction of the map based on the traveling direction of the moving body. Therefore, for example, when the operation input unit for switching the display direction of the map is provided at a position where it is easy to operate while driving, such as the center part of the steering wheel or the winker lever, or switching command input means using voice recognition is used. Even if it is provided, erroneous operation input can be reduced.

The switching input acceptable state display control means is arranged between a determination condition (for example, display threshold value) for performing the display and a determination condition for stopping (for example, display stop threshold value). Since the predetermined hysteresis width is provided, the acceptable state and the non-receptive state do not frequently switch even when the traveling direction of the moving body is near the threshold value.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a current position display device for a moving body according to claims 1 to 3. The present position display device 1 of the moving body includes a moving body position detection means 2, a map information calculation processing means 3, a map information storage means 4, an operation unit display synthesis means 5, an image display device 6, and an operation unit. From the equal display control means 7, the map display direction designating means 8, the transparent touch panel 9 provided on the screen of the image display device 6, and the touch panel input detecting means 10 for detecting a touch input on the touch panel 9. Become.

The moving body position detecting means 2 detects the current position of the moving body and manages, for example, position data at predetermined time intervals as traveling locus data. The initial position setting means 2a and the distance detecting means 2b. And the direction detection means 2
c and a moving body position / trajectory calculating means 2d.

The distance detecting means 2b detects the traveling distance of the moving body and supplies a signal 2e relating to the traveling distance to the moving body position / trajectory calculating means 2d. For example, the unit traveling based on the rotational speed of the wheel or the like. It is composed of a distance sensor which outputs a pulse signal for each distance.

The direction detecting means 2c detects the traveling direction of the moving body and supplies a signal or data (hereinafter referred to as traveling direction information) 2f relating to the traveling direction such as a direction to the moving body position / trajectory calculating means 2d. , For example, a rate type direction sensor or gyroscope that detects the yaw direction change angular velocity of the moving body and outputs a signal proportional to the amount of change in direction due to traveling of the moving body, or a geomagnetic sensor that detects the direction of the geomagnetism, etc. It consists of.

In addition, GPS (Global Position)
In the case of the moving body position detecting means 2 for detecting the absolute position of the moving body using a satellite-based navigation system), the direction detecting means 2c detects the moving body position before a predetermined time and the current moving body position. The configuration may be such that the traveling direction is calculated from the difference.

The moving body position / trajectory calculating means 2d sequentially calculates, for example, a position on a two-dimensional coordinate based on the traveling distance and traveling direction information 2e, 2f supplied from the detecting means 2b, 2c. Data 2 related to the current position
g is supplied to the map information calculation processing means 3 and, for example, the position data 2g at every predetermined time interval is time-series managed and stored in a temporary storage device (not shown). It should be noted that the position data 2g need not be stored when the display of the traveling locus is unnecessary.

The initial position setting means 2a is for setting the initial position of the moving body and resetting the position. For example, a cursor or the like is displayed on the map displayed on the screen of the image display device 6, and the cursor is displayed. The position of the moving body may be set by moving it, or the touch panel 9 may be used to set the initial position and the like based on the input coordinate data 10a output from the touch panel input detection means 10. .. When the initial position setting data 2h is given, the moving body position / trajectory calculating means 2d calculates based on the position.

The map information calculation processing means 3 retrieves the map information including the position based on the data 2g relating to the current position of the moving body from the map information storage means 4, and the retrieved map information includes the current position of the moving body and the like. It is for synthesizing a traveling locus and, if necessary, a figure such as an arrow indicating the traveling direction. Further, the arithmetic processing unit 3 rotates the graphic of the map in the direction specified by the map display direction specifying information 7a supplied from the display direction specifying means 7, and the characters / symbols etc. at the corresponding position of the rotated map. Equipped with a function to combine in an upright state.

In order to realize such a function, the arithmetic processing unit 3 includes a map / moving body position synthesizing means 3a, a graphic information rotating means 3b, a character / symbol display coordinate converting means 3c, and
Character / symbol generating means 3d and graphic / character / symbol synthesizing means 3e
With.

The map information storage means 4 is a CD-ROM (read-only compact disc) storing map information.
And its reproducing device. In this CD-ROM,
Graphic data 4a such as topographic maps and road maps, and character symbols such as area names, road names, intersection names, main building names, and their coordinate position data 4b are in different areas 4c and 4d, respectively.
Alternatively, each data is managed and stored so as to be distinguished from each other, and the data is associated with each other.

The map / moving body position synthesizing means 3a creates a corresponding map on the basis of data relating to the current position of the moving body (for example, position coordinates, data such as longitude / latitude) supplied from the moving body position detecting means 2. The map data 4a of the corresponding map is retrieved and fetched into the map / moving body position synthesizing means 3a, and the character / symbol data 4b is fetched into the character / symbol display coordinate converting means 3c.

Then, the map / moving body position synthesizing means 3a
Is the position of the moving body with respect to the imported graphic data 4a.
The data 2g relating to the current position supplied from the trajectory calculating means 2d is combined, and if necessary, the data relating to the traveling locus and the data relating to the traveling direction are received from the moving body position / trajectory calculating means 2d, and these are synthesized. It is configured to do. It should be noted that, in this synthesizing step, for example, graphic information relating to the position of the moving body is synthesized based on the map information with the north side as the upper side.

The graphic information rotation processing means 3b receives as input the data 3f in which the map and the information such as the position of the moving body are combined, and the map display direction specifying information supplied from the display direction specifying means 7 to the combined data 3f. The graphic information is rotated based on 7a, and the rotation processing data 3g is supplied to the graphic / character / symbol synthesizing means 3e. The map display direction designation information 7a designates a map with north facing up (rotation angle 0
Degree), the graphic information rotation processing means 3b outputs the combined data 3f supplied from the map / moving body position combining means 3a without any processing.

The character / symbol display coordinate conversion means 3c performs coordinate conversion of data relating to the display position of each character / symbol based on the map display direction designation information 7g, and makes the converted coordinate data correspond to the character / symbol data. The attached conversion data 3h is supplied to the character / symbol generating means 3d.

The character / symbol generating means 3d generates a character generator (character / symbol generator) for generating dot data and pattern data of a corresponding character / symbol based on the data of the character / symbol and the generated character / symbol. It is provided with a character / symbol arranging means or the like for expanding at a designated coordinate position, and supplies the expanded image information 3i such as characters / symbols to the figure / character / symbol combining means 3e.

The graphic / character / symbol synthesizing means 3e is composed of image synthesizing means such as a superimposing circuit, and synthesizes the map image information 3g including the position of the moving body and the image information 3i such as character / symbol. The comprehensive map image information 3j is supplied to the operation unit display composition means 10.

The operation section display synthesizing means 5 is the comprehensive map image information (image signal) supplied from the map information calculation processing means 3.
3j is combined with image information (image signal) 7a of the operation unit or the like output from the display unit 7 for display of the operation unit or the like as necessary, and the combined signal 5a is supplied to the image display device 6. For example, it is composed of image synthesizing means such as a superimposing circuit or a picture-in-picture circuit. The graphic / character / symbol synthesizing means 3e in the map information calculation processing means 3 may be provided with a function of synthesizing the operation portion display.

The image display device 6 is provided with a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal) display device and a drive circuit thereof, and reproduces an image such as a map and the input operation section S. A touch panel 9 is provided on the screen of the image display device 6. Then, the input operation unit S (may be simply referred to as an operation unit S) displayed on the screen and the touch panel 9 are used to configure a touch-type input unit corresponding to an input operation switch. The touch panel 9 includes, for example, a plurality of contact points arranged in a matrix. Then, the touch panel input detection means 10 has coordinate data (input coordinate data) 10a of a position where a touch operation is performed on the touch panel surface.
Is configured to output.

In this embodiment, the touch panel 9 is used to designate the position on the display screen. However, a so-called pointing device such as a light pen (stylus), mouse, trackball or the like is used to display the screen. The upper position may be designated. In addition, a plurality of light projecting means are arranged in a row at a predetermined interval slightly forward of the display screen, and a plurality of light receiving means are arranged opposite to the lower side of the display screen so as to face the operator's finger. The input position in the horizontal direction of the screen is detected by detecting the position where the light is blocked by the touch operation on the screen by, etc. A blocking type position input device that detects the input position may be used.

The operating section display means 7 has the traveling direction information 2 output from the direction detecting means 2c in the moving body position detecting means 2.
When f is monitored and the traveling direction of the moving body is the opposite direction (for example, facing south) with respect to the direction of the currently displayed map (for example, north is facing upward), the display direction of the map is changed. Input operation unit S for displaying (for example, South on the upper side)
Image information (image signal) on the operation unit for displaying on the screen
7a is generated and output, and a judgment means 7b, a threshold judgment condition setting means 7c for giving threshold data 7f as the judgment condition, a display position designating means 7d for the operation section, an operation section figure, etc. And a generating means 7e.

The judging means 7b determines the traveling direction (orientation) of the moving body determined based on the traveling direction information 2f, and various threshold value data (hereinafter simply referred to as threshold value) supplied from the determination condition setting means 7c. Note) 7f is compared, and the comparison result 7g is output. For example, a threshold value (display threshold value) TSon for displaying the operation unit S in which the traveling direction of the mobile body is displayed in the south upper direction while the map with the north side facing up is displayed.
When it exceeds, the determination means 7b outputs the signal Son indicating that the state can be switched to the south upper display.

The judgment condition setting means 7c includes map display direction designation information 8a supplied from the map display direction designation means 8 and
Based on the output signal 7g of the judging means 7b, the judging means 7
Various thresholds 7f supplied to b are switched. For example, when the map display direction designation information 8a designates a map display with north facing upward, the determination condition setting means 7c first (when the determination output 7g outputs a signal indicating the north upward display state) from north upward. A threshold value (display judgment condition) TSon for changing the display to the south is output.

The direction of travel is the threshold value TSon.
When the switchable state signal Son to the south upward display is output from the determination means 7b beyond the above, the determination condition setting means 7c determines the threshold value (display stop determination condition) TSoff for stopping the display of the operation unit. Supply to means 7a. Thus, the display threshold TSon and the display stop threshold TSo
By providing ff, even if the traveling direction of the moving body is near the threshold value, it is configured to prevent the operation unit from being repeatedly displayed and disappeared.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the display threshold value TSon and the display stop threshold value TSoff of the operating section in the state where the map with the north side on the upper side is displayed. FIG. 2A shows an azimuth angle range Hson for displaying the operation unit for making the south the upper side in the state where the map having the north the upper side is displayed. As shown in the figure, when the azimuth north is expressed as 0 degree, the east to south azimuth is expressed as a positive angle (0 to +180 degrees), and the west to south azimuth is expressed as a negative angle (0 to -179 degrees), it is displayed. If the threshold value TSon is set to, for example, about ± 130 degrees, the traveling direction of the moving body is set to the display threshold value TSo.
When it goes to the south beyond n, the judging means 7b outputs a direction switchable state signal Son to the south.

The judgment condition setting means 7c outputs the display stop threshold value (display stop judgment condition) TSoff when receiving the switchable state signal Son, and the display stop threshold value (display stop judgment condition) TSoff is outputted. The azimuth angle range HSoff wider than the azimuth angle range Hson described above is set, and for example, the display stop threshold value TSoff is ± 115.
It is about a degree.

Here, when the traveling direction of the moving body is a condition under which it is better to change the direction of the currently displayed map, the operation section S for switching the display direction is displayed on the screen, and a manual input operation is performed. When considering a device that changes the display direction of the map based on the following, the following two types of operation methods can be assumed.

First, the first operation method is to set the map display on the upper side of the north to the standard display state, and display the operation unit S for switching the display on the screen when the moving body is heading to the south.
The map on the south side is displayed based on the input operation to this operation unit, but the operation unit S for switching the display direction is displayed.
Is a north-up display priority mode in which the display can be left as it is and the operator can return to the standard state map display on the upper side at any time.

The second operation method is the current display direction priority mode (travel direction upward direction priority mode), and when the direction of the map is changed so that the traveling direction of the moving body is substantially upward on the map, It became a good condition to temporarily stop the display of the operation unit for switching the display direction, newly monitor the traveling direction of the moving body with respect to the displayed map direction, and as a result, newly change the map direction. At this time, the operation unit S is displayed on the screen.

Incidentally, such an operation method (operation mode)
Is the same not only when the map is switched to the north-south direction but also when the map is switched to a plurality of directions such as north, south, east, and west.

Although it has been described that the judgment condition setting means 7c switches the threshold value data (judgment condition) 7f based on the map display direction designation information 8a, a mode in which the north is prioritized on the upper side display (north up). When the switching processing is performed in the display priority mode), the determination condition setting means 7c can simply perform the operation portion display control including the hysteresis characteristic based on the output 7g of the determination means 7b without referring to the map display direction designation information 8a. Good.

In the case of processing in the current display direction priority mode which is the second mode, the judgment condition setting means 7c, based on the map display direction designation information 8a, sets the display threshold set in advance for each map display direction. It is configured to supply the value TSon and the display stop threshold value TSoff.

If the information (signal or data) obtained by correcting the traveling direction information 2f based on the map display direction designating information 8a is supplied to the judging means 7b, the thresholds differ for each map display direction. Value data 7f (judgment condition)
It is possible to make a judgment under a judgment condition common to each direction without providing.

When the switching control is not performed in two directions such as north-south direction but in a plurality of directions such as east-west north-south direction, the determination means 7a switches from the determination condition setting means 7c to a plurality of directions. The value data (judgment condition) 7f is supplied, and the judgment result including the direction in which the switching condition is set is output.

When the information (signal or data) obtained by offsetting the traveling direction information 2f based on the map display direction designation information 8a is input to the determination means 7b, the map display direction designation information 8a is determined. The determination result 7g is supplied to the means 7b so that the determination means 7b knows the current map display direction, and the determination result 7g including the direction to which the switching condition is set is output.

Next, the operation unit display position designation means 7d and the operation unit graphic generation means 7e will be described. The display position designating means 7d for the operation portion or the like operates the operation portion S or the operation based on the judgment output signal or the data 7g of the judgment means 7b (for example, the signal Son indicating the switching state to the south upper display) and the traveling direction information 2f. Whether the message M is displayed on the screen,
In addition, the operating unit display position finger information (h) 7h for controlling the display position is output.

The operation unit figure generation means 7e stores means for storing an operation unit figure or the like which is a preset figure or character or a combination thereof, and specifies the operation unit figure or the like by the operation unit display position etc. designation information 7h. It is provided with a means for outputting the operation portion image information (signal) 7a arranged at the designated position. If you want to display the input operation with a message,
The operation unit graphic generation means 7e includes a character generation means such as a character generator.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a display example of the operation unit. FIG. 3A shows an operation unit S including a character frame W and a message m such as “switch map display direction”.
It should be noted that in the case of a configuration in which switching is performed in a plurality of directions, FIG.
As shown in an example in (b), for example, "switch south display",
You may make it display the message m including the display direction, such as "switching to the east". In this case, the operation section display position designating means 7d supplies not only information relating to the display position of the operation section S but also information designating the azimuth and the like to be displayed to the operation section graphic generation means 7e to generate the operation section graphic etc. The means 7e generates a character string including a direction such as "east" or "south" based on the given information such as a direction.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the symbol N indicating the direction is displayed based on the given information such as the direction, and the character generator such as the character generator is not provided. Good. Note that the azimuth symbol N shown in FIG. 3C indicates a switching input to the map with South as the upper side.

The so-called touch switch, which constitutes the input means by combining the function displayed on the screen and the touch panel 9, detects the touch position on the touch panel 9 and causes the operation corresponding to the function displayed at the touch position on the screen to be performed. Although it is common, in order to make it easier to switch the map display direction, a message prompting you to perform an operation such as "You can change the direction of the map, please touch the screen" as shown in Fig. 3 (d). It is also possible to display M and change the display direction of the map based on a touch operation on an arbitrary position on the touch panel 9.

When the input means for enlarging / reducing the map, switching the display contents, etc. is constituted by a touch switch, the input operation section S for switching the map display direction is used.
When performing display, the display of other touch switches may be temporarily stopped and the entire surface of the touch panel 9 may be used as an input unit for switching the map display direction.

Further, while the screen display for enlarging or reducing the map is left as it is, when the input operation section S for switching the map display direction is displayed, the input operation to any point on the touch panel can be performed. The input for switching the map display direction may be preferentially processed.

In FIG. 3, the symbol G indicates the display screen of the image display device 6. In addition, a character frame W in FIGS. 3A to 3C indicates an effective range of touch input.

Next, the display position of the input operation section S or the message M prompting the input operation will be described with reference to FIG. The operation unit etc. display position specifying means 7d determines the direction of the map currently displayed based on the map specification direction specifying information 8a, and specifies the display positions of the operation units S, M etc. based on the traveling direction information 2f. It is configured as follows.

In FIG. 4A, a standard reduced scale map is displayed on the screen in a north-up state, the current position of the moving body is approximately in the center of the screen, and the traveling direction of the moving body is approximately southeast. Shows the case of facing. In the figure, reference numeral X1
Indicates the current position of the moving body, X2 indicates the traveling (traveling) direction, and X3 indicates dots indicating the traveling locus. The traveling locus may be displayed as a line segment.

The display position designating means 7d for the operating part or the like designates the display position of the operating part S at the screen corner (on the upper left of the screen in FIG. 4) on the opposite side to the traveling direction. In addition, the display position designating means 7d for the operation unit, as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to divide the screen G into four quadrants, determine which quadrant the moving body is traveling from, and display the operation unit S in the quadrant that does not hinder the display of the map in the traveling direction. Good.

It is to be noted that which quadrant to which quadrant the moving body is heading on the display screen is determined in the graphic information rotation processing means 3b, and as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1, the graphic information rotation processing means 3b. Supply display position designation information of the operation unit S or the like to the operation unit display position designation means 7d, or
The display position designation information of the operation unit S or the like may be supplied to the operation unit graphic generation unit 7e.

Further, the operation section display control means 7 judges only the necessity of displaying the operation section S etc., supplies a display request for the operation section S etc. to the map information calculation processing means 3, and the operation section S etc. The map information calculation processing means 3 may be configured to determine the display position of and to generate graphic and character information of the operation unit S and the like.

When the operation section S including the operation guide message M and the message m having a relatively large number of characters shown in FIG. 3D is displayed, as shown in FIG. 4C, the moving body travels. Message M on the side of the screen opposite the direction
May be displayed. In this case, when the left and right sides of the screen G are selected, the display position designating means 7d such as the operation unit is displayed.
Is configured to specify a character string for vertical writing, as shown in FIG.

The graphic information rotation processing means 3b is configured to output the coordinate information of the current position of the moving body after the rotation processing and the information 7k related to the traveling direction, and the display position designating means for the operation unit and the like. If 7d is configured to specify the display position of the operation unit S or the operation guidance message M based on the information 7k, the traveling direction information 2f output from the direction detecting unit 2c is not used, Based on the traveling direction, the operation parts S and M can be displayed at a position that does not hinder the display of the map in the traveling direction.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an enlarged map of an urban area or the like. In the map enlarged display state, the current position X1 of the moving body may be displaced from the center of the screen to perform offset control for ensuring a wide display range of the map in the traveling direction of the moving body. When such offset processing is performed, the screen display area on the opposite side in the traveling direction is narrowed.

Therefore, the graphic information rotation processing means 3b supplies the information 7k after the rotation processing to the display position designating means 7d for the operation portion or the like, so that the display position designating means 7d for the operation portion or the like is virtual in FIG. When the input operation unit S is arranged on the side opposite to the traveling direction as indicated by the line s, it is checked in advance whether or not the current position display X1 of the moving body is masked, and the display position of the input operation unit S is checked. Can be controlled to change to the upper left or lower right of the screen. Such display position control can be similarly performed when the position of the operation guidance message M is designated.

The map display direction designating means 8 has the operating portion display position specifying information 7h supplied from the operating portion display control means 7.
On the basis of the above, it is determined that the input operation unit S for switching the map display is set on the screen, and the input coordinate data 1 supplied from the touch panel input detection means 10 is determined.
When it is detected that the input operation for switching the map display is performed based on 0a, the map display direction designation information 8a corresponding to the switching request is output.

For example, in the north-up display priority mode, the map display direction designating means 8 is provided with a means for storing the map display direction designating information 8a that is currently output or has been output in the past, and the present north is the upper side. When the display direction switching request is received while the map is displayed, the map display direction designation information 8a for setting the south side to the upper side is output, and when the display switching request is input again after this, the north side is set to the upper side. The map display direction designating information 8a for performing is output.

Further, in the case of a device for switching in four directions such as north, south, east and west, the map display direction designating means 8 is based on the information concerning the map switching direction contained in the designation information 7h on the operation portion display position. Then, it is configured to determine which direction the switching request specifies, and output the information 8a that specifies the display direction such as east up and west up.

As described above, the touch panel 9
In the case where the entire area of (1) is used as the input area for map switching, the map display direction designating means 8 outputs the information 8a for designating a new display direction regardless of the touch input position.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the current position display device 1 for a moving body according to claims 1 to 3 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6 (b), when the traveling direction of the mobile body is southward, the operation unit S for changing the display direction of the map on the display screen or the message M for changing the display direction is displayed. When they are displayed and input operations corresponding to these displays are performed, as shown in FIG. 6C, the display direction of the map is changed so that, for example, the south is the top.

In the north-up display priority mode, even if the south-up map is displayed, by continuing to display the operation section S for switching the map display direction, it is possible for the operator's intention. At any time, you can return to the map display of North Up.

The display position designating means 7d for the operation unit,
The traveling direction information 2f is continuously monitored, and the display position of the operation unit S or the message M prompting the operation is appropriately changed according to the traveling direction of the mobile body.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the map information calculation processing means. This map information processing means 3
0 temporarily stores the map / moving body position synthesis control means 31, and the graphic data 4a and the character symbol data 4b extracted from the map information storage means 4 based on the command from the map / moving body position synthesis control means 31. The map data temporary storage means 32, the character / symbol display coordinate conversion means 3c, the graphic information rotation processing means 33, the character / symbol generating means 3d, the graphic / character / symbol synthesizing means 3e, and the first direction (for example, north is up. ) The first azimuth composition information storage means 34 for temporarily storing the composite map, the second azimuth composition information storage means 34 for temporarily storing the composite map of the first direction (for example, south is up), and the map information calculation processing. It comprises a display map information switching means 36 for selectively switching the map information 30a to be output from the means 30 to the operation unit display combining means 5 shown in FIG.

The map data temporary storage means 32 is, for example, RA.
In M (random access memory), the first azimuth composition information storage means 34 and the second azimuth composition information storage means 34 are, for example, V
-RAM (random access memory for image display) can be used. Further, the display map information switching means 36 may be configured by using an IC such as a data bus switching circuit (bus selector), or from either the first azimuth composition information storage means 34 or the second azimuth composition information storage means 34. You may control whether to read map information.

The map / moving body position synthesizing control means 31 controls the map in the direction (for example, north is up or south is up) designated based on the map display direction designation information 8a supplied from the map display direction designation means 8. Control is performed to preferentially process the composition, and the map information output selection signal 30b is supplied to the display map information switching means 36 so that the map information of the designated direction is output.

When, for example, northward display is designated by the map display direction designation information 8a, the map / moving body position synthesis control means 31 displays northward on the graphic information rotation processing means 33 and the character / symbol display coordinate conversion means 3c. The storage contents of the first azimuth synthesis information storage means 34 for storing the synthetic map information of the upper side of the north are newly synthesized while outputting the calculation processing azimuth / synthesis information storage means designation command 30c for synthesizing the map of FIG. Update based on map information.

The process of synthesizing and updating the map information including the current position of the moving body may be carried out every time the preset traveling distance or preset traveling azimuth changes or at predetermined time intervals. Moving body position synthesis control means 31
On the basis of the currently designated display direction of the map, for example, synthesizes a map displayed northward and writes it in the first azimuth synthesis information storage means 34 to update the storage content of the first azimuth synthesis information storage means 34. Then, the arithmetic processing azimuth / synthesis information storage unit designation command 30c for synthesizing the map displayed on the south side is output, and the storage content of the second azimuth synthesis information storage unit 35 is updated.

The map / moving body position composition control means 31.
Monitors various kinds of information supplied from the moving body position detecting means 2 (for example, information 2e on traveling distance, information 2f on traveling direction, data 2g on current position of moving body),
When it is determined that the contents of the currently displayed map need to be updated (for example, when the mobile unit is making a U-turn or turning, or when it is necessary to read a new adjacent map) For example, the update of the map displayed on the south upper side is temporarily interrupted, and the map combining process in the currently designated display direction (north is up) is preferentially performed.

In the above description, the north upper display and the south upper display are switched. However, for example, when the map display is switched in the four directions of north, south, east and west so that the traveling direction of the moving body is substantially upward on the map. Each of the four directions is provided with respective synthetic map information storage means, and the synthetic calculation / memory update processing of the currently displayed direction is given the highest priority. Then, based on the traveling direction of the moving body, that direction is the upper side. 4th priority is performed by processing the map synthesis calculation / memory update processing in the second priority, and performing the map synthesis calculation / memory update processing in the direction in which the current display direction is reversed in the third priority. Alternatively, the map may be combined in the remaining direction and stored / updated.

Further, instead of switching to any display direction, the display direction of the map is switched based on the operator's intention (operation input to the input operation unit) so that the traveling direction of the moving body is upward. In the configuration, the first direction and the second direction
Two synthetic map information storage means for directions are provided, and synthetic calculation / memory update processing of the map of the current display direction is preferentially performed, and there is a possibility that switching will be performed next based on the traveling direction information 2f of the moving body. The map / moving body position combination control means 31 determines the direction, and the map combining operation in the determined direction is performed.
A memory update process may be performed.

The traveling direction of the moving body is always upward.
High-speed arithmetic processing is required for devices that perform map synthesis arithmetic processing.
Required, for example, north and south, or north, south, east, west, etc.
Map display direction only for multiple preset directions
For devices that can change the
Is decided in advance (or decided by the condition judgment)
Map of the direction currently specified so you can
While prioritizing the calculation processing to display
Create a map that can be switched to
By setting, the graphic information rotation processing means 33, character symbol display
Coordinate conversion means 3c, character / symbol generation means 3d, figure / character
The combination calculation means such as the symbol combination means 3e operates at a relatively low speed.
Even with an inexpensive configuration, the map display direction can be switched at high speed.
You can follow.

Further, since it is sufficient to prepare one kind of basic data of the currently displayed map in the map data temporary storage means 32 etc., the CD-RO which takes a relatively long time to access.
There is an advantage that it is not necessary to frequently access the map information storage means 4 such as M, and there is no display delay when switching the display direction of the map.

Next, the present position display device for a moving body according to claims 4 and 5 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The present position display device 11 for a mobile body according to claims 4 and 5 includes a switch input acceptable state display means 12 and a map switch input means 13.

The switch input acceptable state display means 12 comprises a judgment means 7b, a judgment condition setting means 7c, a visual display means 12a, and an audible display means 12b. Judgment means 7
b and the judgment condition setting means 7c are the same as those shown above.

Based on the judgment output 7g of the judgment means 7b, the visible display means 12a displays a lamp or L when the traveling direction of the moving body satisfies the condition for changing the display direction of the map.
Lighting or blinking of the ED or the like indicates that the switching input of the map display direction can be accepted.

Similarly, the audible display means 12b indicates by a voice message using a sound such as a buzzer or voice synthesis that the switching input of the map display direction can be accepted.

The map switching input means 13 is provided with a switch or the like for giving a manual operation input for map switching to a visible or audible display.

The display mode selecting means may be provided so that only one of the audible display and the visible display operates. Further, the map switching input means 13 is provided in a steering wheel (handle) portion, a dashboard portion, or the like that is easy for the driver to operate, or in parallel at a plurality of locations so that it can be operated from the front passenger seat or the rear seat, or the operation is performed. The input location may be selectable. Further, a voice recognition device or the like may be used to input the map direction switching command.

The present position display device 11 of the moving body displays the visual display means 12 and the audible means when the traveling direction of the moving body is deviated by a predetermined amount or more from the direction of the map currently displayed. The display means 13 indicates that the orientation of the map can be changed. When this map is displayed and a switching input is given from the map switching input means 13, the map display direction designating means 8 supplies new map display direction designating information 8a to the map information calculation processing means 3 to display an image. The orientation of the map reproduced and displayed on the device 6 is changed.

The visible display means 12a may be configured by using, for example, a meter or various kinds of display devices provided on a dashboard of an automobile or the like, or a display portion of an in-vehicle audio device. Similarly, the audible display means 12b
May be configured using a car radio or car stereo. Further, the map switching input means 13 is also configured to use an existing switch or the like, and when the map direction switching can be accepted, the input from the existing switch or the like is preferentially processed as the input for the map direction switching. You may.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a current position display device for a moving body according to another embodiment of the present invention. The present position display device 21 of the mobile body uses the image display device 6 as a visible display means, and can switch the display direction of the map from either the touch panel 9 or the map switching input means 13.

In each of the embodiments, the description is given using the self-supporting traveling type moving body position detecting means 2 provided with the distance and direction detecting means 2b and 2c and the initial position setting means 2a. 2 is a GPS (Global Positioning) that determines the absolute position of the moving body.
System: A satellite-based navigation system) and position beacons (radio beacons installed on the road that transmit position information)
The position may be detected by using.

[0104]

As described above, in the current position display device for a moving body according to claim 1, the traveling direction of the moving body satisfies the map display direction switching condition with respect to the direction of the currently displayed map. In this case, since the input means for changing the display direction of the map is displayed on the display screen displaying the map and the operation direction to the display means is received to change the orientation of the map, When it is not necessary to change the display orientation, the entire display screen can be effectively used by displaying a map on the entire display screen.

Since the input operation section is displayed only when the display orientation needs to be changed, unnecessary map display orientation switching due to an erroneous operation can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the input operation switch and the like are independently provided. ..

Further, since the display direction of the map is changed by the operator of this device performing a manual input, the display in which the intention of the operator is respected is compared with the device which automatically changes the display direction of the map. It is possible to switch, so that the operator is less likely to lose track of the orientation of the displayed map.

Since the present position display device for a moving body according to claim 2 has a predetermined hysteresis width between the display judgment condition and the display stop judgment condition of the input operation section, the traveling direction of the moving body is threshold. Even if the value is near the value, it is possible to prevent the display / non-display of the input operation unit from frequently switching.

According to the present invention, there is provided a display device for a current position of a moving body, in which the display position on the screen of the input operation section is set based on the traveling direction of the moving body. It can be displayed at the position. With this, it is possible to secure the map display in the necessary direction without hindering the display of the map corresponding to the traveling direction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a current position display device for a mobile body, wherein the traveling direction of the mobile body satisfies the map display direction switching condition with respect to the currently displayed map direction.
It is possible to change the display direction of the map by visually or audibly displaying that the display direction of the map can be changed, and when a predetermined operation input is given in this switch input acceptable state. Therefore, since it is possible to input the change only under the condition that it is better to change the display direction of the map based on the traveling direction of the moving body, for example, the center portion of the steering wheel, the turn signal lever, or the like, which is easy to operate while driving, Even if an operation input unit for changing the display direction of the map is provided in the case, or if a switching command input means utilizing voice recognition or the like is provided, erroneous operation input can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, the current position display device for a mobile body has a predetermined value between a display judgment condition value for displaying the switching input acceptable state and a stop judgment condition for stopping the display. Therefore, even if the traveling direction of the moving body is near the threshold value, the acceptable state and the non-receptive state are not frequently switched, and the stable operating state can be maintained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a current position display device for a mobile object according to claims 1 to 3.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a display threshold value of an input operation unit and a display stop threshold value.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an input operation unit and an input operation message.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a display position of an input operation unit and an input operation message.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an enlarged map of an urban area or the like.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching the display direction of a map.

FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram showing another configuration example of the map information calculation processing means.

FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of a current position display device for a moving body according to claims 4 to 5.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the present position display device for another moving body according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 11 21, 21 ... Current position display device for moving body, 2 ... Moving body position detecting means, 2c ... Direction detecting means, 2f ... Running direction information (signal or data relating to running direction), 2g ... Current position of moving body 3, 30 ... Map information calculation processing means, 4 ... Map information storage means, 5 ... Operation section display combining means, 6 ... Image display device, 7 ... Operation section display control means,
7a ... Image information such as operation unit, 7b ... Judgment means, 7c ... Judgment condition setting means, 7d ... Display position designation means for operation unit, 8 ...
Map display direction designation means, 8a ... Map display direction designation information,
9 ... Touch panel, 10 ... Touch panel input detection means,
Reference numeral 12 ... Switching input acceptable state display means, 12a ... Visible display means, 12b ... Audible display means, 13 ... Map switching input means, 31 ... Map / moving body position combination control means, 32 ... Map data temporary storage means, 34, 35 ... Composite information storage means for each direction, 36 ... Display map information switching means.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A direction for detecting a traveling direction of a moving body by using a sensor or the like for detecting an azimuth or a direction of the moving body or based on a difference between a moving body position before a predetermined time and a current moving body position. A mobile unit position detecting unit for detecting the position of the mobile unit, a map information storage unit for storing map information, and map information including the detected mobile unit position are extracted from the map information storage unit, Map information calculation processing means for associating the extracted map information with the position of the moving body, and changing the orientation of the map displayed on the image display device based on the map display direction designation information for designating the display direction of the map, and the direction detection. When the detection value of the means satisfies the preset display direction switching condition of the map, an input operation unit for giving a command to change the direction of the map or a method for prompting the input operation. Display control means such as an operation unit for displaying a message on the screen of the image display device to enable display switching input of the orientation of the map, and operation input to the input operation unit, or responding to the message Current position display device for a mobile body, which is provided with a map display direction designating means for detecting the input operation to output the map display direction designating information for designating the direction of the map to be reproduced and displayed. . 2. The display control means, such as the operation unit, displays a display judgment condition for displaying the input operation unit or a message prompting the input operation, and a display of the input operation unit or a message prompting the input operation. The present position display device for a mobile body according to claim 1, further comprising: a display stop determination condition for stopping the display, and a predetermined hysteresis width is provided between the display determination condition and the display stop determination condition. .. 3. The operation unit display control means includes an operation unit display position designation means for designating a display position of an input operation unit or a message prompting an input operation based on a traveling direction of a moving body. The present position display device for a mobile body according to claim 1. 4. A direction for detecting a traveling direction of a moving body by using a sensor or the like for detecting an azimuth or a direction of the moving body, or based on a difference between a moving body position before a predetermined time and a current moving body position. A mobile unit position detection unit for detecting the position of the mobile unit, a map information storage unit for storing map information, and map information including the detected mobile unit position are extracted from the map information storage unit, Map information calculation processing means for associating the extracted map information with the position of the moving body, and changing the orientation of the map displayed on the image display device based on the map display direction designation information for designating the display direction of the map, and the direction detection. Switching input indicating that the input for changing the orientation of the map is in an acceptable state when the detection value of the means satisfies the preset display direction switching condition of the map Acceptable state display means, and map display direction designating means for outputting to the map display direction designating information for designating the orientation of the map to be reproduced and displayed based on a preset input operation being performed in the switch input acceptable state. A current position display device for a mobile body, comprising: 5. The switching input acceptable state display means,
It has a display judgment condition for displaying the switching input acceptable state and a display stop judgment condition for stopping the display, and a predetermined hysteresis width is provided between the display judgment condition and the display stop judgment condition. It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
The present position display device of the moving body described.