JP2000035340A - Target surveying device, target surveying method, navigation device and navigation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and quickly select a target agreeing with user's desire by indicating a place to drop in on the running way to destination or a destination place in priority order. SOLUTION: When a user inputs by voice a target category, surveying coordinates range and other surveying standard, a target existing in a specified range around the standard position automatically set is surveyed. What agree with the specified surveying standard on the surveyed target is selected, weighing according to the specified surveying standard is done and priority order of the target is determined and the surveyed target is indicated in the priority order. The user, referring to the indicated priority order, registers the desired target. It is also possible that a map screen is switched by specific operation by indicating a list screen like the figure is indicated before a map screen in the case the surveying target and the priority order are indicated. Then on, navigation destined to the registered target is conducted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a target search device,
The present invention relates to a target object search method, a navigation device, and a navigation method, for example, to a method of displaying targets displayed on a map screen in a predetermined priority order.

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional navigation device, there is, for example, a vehicle-mounted navigation device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-194473. In this vehicle-mounted navigation device, a map of an area desired by the user is displayed on a display device, and when the user selects a desired facility, the location of the facility present on the map screen is displayed by a mark. In addition, in response to the user's operation, the description of the facility displayed on the map screen is displayed. The user can set the destination based on the display and description of the facility on the map screen.

[0003]

For example, when a vehicle on which a user rides is traveling according to a route guide to a preset destination using a navigation device, a request for a meal or shopping is made. Occurs, and the user immediately tries to find a desired facility using the navigation device. In the above conventional navigation device, when a user selects a desired genre of a facility from a menu display, the facility of the designated genre existing in the map displayed at that time is displayed on the map screen.

[0004] However, when a plurality of facilities exist, the conventional navigation apparatus only displays a plurality of facility marks selected by the user on the map screen.
For this reason, it is difficult for the user to quickly determine which of the displayed facilities is the one that best matches the user's desire, and it is not necessary to meet the wish. One facility must be selected or stopped, and a description screen of each facility must be called to determine a facility that meets the demand based on the description.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention generates search criterion information serving as a search criterion when searching for a plurality of landmarks, and based on the generated search criterion information. Then, a priority is determined for each target to be searched, and each target is output in the order of the priority.

[0006] A plurality of targets, such as convenience stores, are displayed in the determined order of priority based on search criterion information corresponding to the user's desire such as distance and business contents. This allows the user to select a desired object in a short time even while the vehicle is running. Therefore, driving safety is not impaired.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Overall Circuit FIG. 1 shows the overall circuit of the navigation device. The central processing unit 1 performs operation control and calculation of the navigation device by the CPU 2. The ROMs 3 and 5 store a system program executed by the CPU 2, various parameters, and the like. The RAM 4 stores data input from the outside, various parameters used for calculation, calculation results, and the like. The clock 6 generates time information. The sensor input interface 7 inputs detection data from the absolute direction sensor 21, the relative direction sensor 22, the distance sensor 23, and the acceleration sensor 24 of the current position detection device 20 and sends the data to the CPU 2. The communication interface 8 sends and receives various data to and from a device connected to the data bus 28.

The image processor 9 reads out image data stored in the image memory 10 and outputs the image data to a display 33 such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or a plasma display, which can display images. The image memory 10 stores image data displayed on the screen of the display 33 and transmits and receives image data to and from the image processor 9. The image processor 9 converts data of a target or a road, which will be described later, into display data according to a command from the CPU 2 to form image data to be displayed on the screen of the display 33. At this time, an image around the screen displayed on the display 33 is also formed for scrolling the screen, and is stored in the image memory 10. The audio processor 11 inputs the synthesized audio waveform data read from the ROMs 3 and 5 by the CPU 2 to form an analog audio waveform, and sends the analog audio waveform to the speaker 13.

The current position detecting device 20 is a device for obtaining data for detecting a current position of an automobile equipped with a navigation device (hereinafter referred to as “own vehicle”). The absolute direction sensor 21 is, for example, a geomagnetic sensor that detects geomagnetism and outputs data indicating the north-south direction as the absolute direction. The relative azimuth sensor 22 outputs data indicating a deviation of the traveling direction of the vehicle from the absolute azimuth detected by the absolute azimuth sensor 21, and detects a gyro device such as a piezoelectric vibrating gyro or a steering angle of a wheel. This is a steering angle sensor. The distance sensor 23 outputs data indicating a traveling distance of the own vehicle, and is, for example, a digital counter linked to a traveling distance meter. Acceleration sensor 24
Is for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and is, for example, a semiconductor acceleration sensor.

The GPS receiver 25 is a GPS (Global P
ositioning System) signal and outputs position data. The beacon receiving device 26 receives GPS correction data and a beacon from an information providing system such as a VICS (road traffic information communication system) and outputs the received data. The data transmitting / receiving device 27 transmits / receives current position information to / from the interactive current position information providing system.

The data communication device 30 is a VICS or ATI
Signals are transmitted and received to and from a road information system such as S (traffic information service). The data transmitting and receiving unit 31 is, for example, V
The transmitting / receiving unit of the ICS is, for example, A
It is a communication unit of TIS.

On the screen of the display 33, a transparent touch panel 34 is provided. This touch panel has transparent touch switches arranged in a planar matrix. The printer 35 prints various information such as maps and facility guides output via the communication interface 8. The recording card reader 36 is an IC card, RO
This is a reading device for a card-shaped recording medium such as an M card and a memory card. The CD-ROM driver 37 is a reading device for a CD-ROM, which is a compact disk (CD) storage medium.

The voice recognition device 38 converts the voice picked up by the microphone 39 into a digital signal, determines whether a voice matching a predetermined command has been input, and determines whether a voice matching the command has been input. If so, the command data is sent to the CPU 2. This voice recognition device 38
Either the specific speaker recognition method or the unspecified speaker recognition method may be used.

The operation switch 40 is a wired remote control switch or a wireless remote control switch, or a manual switch arranged around the display 33. The operation switch 40 is used to operate the touch panel 34 for menu display, image quality adjustment, start of destination setting, and the like. A switch for instructing an operation other than.

2. External Storage Medium Various data files as shown in FIG. 2 are stored in the external storage medium such as the card type storage medium or the CD-ROM. The map data file F1 stores map data such as a national road map. The intersection data file F2 stores data on the intersection such as the position and name of the intersection. The node data file F3 stores data of nodes set on the road. The road data file F4 stores data on roads, such as the position and type of road, the number of lanes, and the connection relationship between roads. The photograph data file F5 stores image data of photographs of places where visual display is required, such as various facilities, sightseeing spots, and major intersections.

The destination data file F6 stores data such as locations and names of places and facilities which are likely to become destinations such as companies and offices described in main sightseeing spots, buildings, and telephone directories. Have been. The guidance point data file F7 stores guidance data of points where guidance such as the contents of a guidance display board installed on a road and guidance of a junction is required. The detailed destination data file F8 stores detailed data relating to the destination stored in the destination data file F6. The road name data file F10 stores name data of main roads among the roads stored in the road data file F4. The branch point name data file F11 stores name data of main branch points. The address data file F11 stores list data for searching a destination stored in the destination data file F6 from an address.

In the area / city station number list file F12, list data of only the area / city station numbers of the destination stored in the destination data file F6 is stored. The registered telephone number file F13 stores telephone number data to be remembered, such as business partners registered by a manual operation of the user. The landmark data file F14 stores data such as the position of a landmark on travel and the position and name of a place to be memorized, which are input by the user through a manual operation. The point data file F15 stores detailed data of the landmark points stored in the landmark data file F14. The target data file F16 stores data such as the position and description of the target, such as a place where the user wants to stop by other than the destination such as a gas station, a convenience store, or a parking lot.

3. Target Object Data File FIG. 3 shows details of the storage contents of the target object data file F16. The target objects are classified into a plurality of genres, and the number of classifications is stored as target object genre number data JN. Genres are divided into types such as facilities and places.For example, gas stations, convenience stores, parking lots, hotels, restaurants, family restaurants, soba shops, coffee shops, stations, subway station entrances, hospitals,
Parks, police, post offices, golf courses, driving ranges, temples and shrines,
This is the type of facility, place, or the like that may drop in while traveling, such as a cosmetics store or a pharmacy. And each genre J1-Jn
Includes genre code number data JC, target object number data m, and target object list data L determined for each genre.
1 to Lm are stored.

The target list data L1 to Lm include, for each of the m targets, target name data MM, target telephone number data MT, and target coordinate data M on the map.
Z, information data MD on the target is stored.
In the target information data MD, information on the target is classified into a plurality of items and stored. This item includes, for example, the usage fee of the target, the accommodation capacity of the facility (the number of parked vehicles and the number of people accommodated, the width, height, and length of vehicles that can be accommodated, etc.), and the brand (the name of the gas station distributor, chain store, etc.) , Address, service contents, availability of parking lot, business hours, types of restaurants, information on restaurants (whether they are high-end, whether they are chain stores, famous chefs, etc.), convenience store Information about items that are selection conditions when dropping in during traveling, such as a store name, is stored.

4. Data Group FIG. 4 shows a data group stored in the RAM 4. The external data GD includes the recording card reader 36 or C
All or part of the data stored in the external storage medium read by the D-ROM driver 37 is copied. The current position data MP is the current position data of the own vehicle detected by the current position detection device 20. The absolute direction data ZD is data obtained based on data from the absolute direction sensor 21. Relative azimuth data θ1
Is an angle formed by the traveling direction of the host vehicle with respect to the absolute azimuth obtained based on the data from the relative azimuth sensor 22.

The travel distance data ML is the travel distance of the own vehicle obtained based on the data from the distance sensor 23. The acceleration data ma is the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 24. The current position information PI is data on the current position input from the beacon receiving device 26 or the data transmitting / receiving device 27. VICS data VD
Is VICS data input from the data transmission / reception unit 31. ATIS data AD is ATIS data input from the telephone calling unit 32. The registered destination data TP is data on the destination such as the position and name of the destination registered by the user.

The registered target data SP is data relating to the target such as the position and name of the target set by the user. The optimum route data MW is data of an optimum route obtained in a route search process (step 52) described later. The genre code number JC is a genre code number of the genre selected in the target object selecting operation processing described later. The area designation data AS is data that designates a search area input in the target object selection operation processing. The sub-reference data KS is data for searching for a target input in the target selection operation processing. This sub-reference data KS may be plural.

The reference position data KP is a reference position for searching for a target determined in a reference position determination process described later.
The road information RD is information such as whether the traveling road used in the automatic setting process described later is an expressway or a general road. The traveling speed data V is the traveling speed of the own vehicle. The search area data KA is coordinate data of a search area for a target obtained in a target search process described later.
The search target data KM is data relating to the target searched in the target search processing, and is retrieved from the external data GD and stored.

The reach distance data TK is the reach distance to the search target obtained in the priority order determination process described later. The priority data UN is a priority displayed for selecting a search target determined in the priority determination processing. The target relative azimuth data θ2 is an angle formed by the search target with respect to the absolute direction. The target direction data θ is
The angle between the traveling direction of the vehicle and the search target. The destination avoidance data MK is the original destination data stored before the target is registered in the target registration processing. Although not shown, the RAM 4 stores data and variable data for various other processes.

[5] Overall Processing FIG. 5 is a flowchart of overall processing executed by the CPU 2. This process starts when the power is turned on and ends when the power is turned off. CP at start
Initialization processing of the U2, the RAM 4, the image memory 9, and the like is performed. Then, the current position acquisition process (step 5)
0), a destination setting process (step 51), a route search process (step 52), and a guidance display process (step 53) are repeatedly executed.

In the current position acquisition processing (step 50),
The current position of the vehicle is calculated based on the data sent from the current position detection device 20. In the current position calculation processing, the latitude and longitude are calculated from the data input from the GPS receiver 25, and the latitude and longitude are stored in the RAM 4 as the current position data MP. The current position data MP is corrected by information on the current position input from the beacon receiving device 26 or the data transmitting / receiving device 27.

Further, an arithmetic process for specifying the position of the host vehicle is performed based on the absolute azimuth data ZD, the relative azimuth data SD, and the traveling distance data ML. The position of the own vehicle obtained by this calculation processing is compared with the map data in the external data GD, and correction is performed so that the current position on the map screen is accurately displayed. By this correction processing, even when a GPS signal cannot be received in a tunnel or the like, the current position of the own vehicle can be accurately obtained. Mileage data M
L is corrected by the acceleration data ma in order to take into account errors due to tire slip and the like.

In the destination setting process (step 51), a destination setting operation process and a target selection operation process are executed. In the destination setting operation process, a destination setting input screen is displayed on the display 33 by a destination registration operation by the user. The user can specify the destination from any of the address, telephone number, and name. When one genre is selected from a genre-specific menu such as sightseeing spots and various facilities, a plurality of destinations stored in the selected genre are displayed on the display 33 in the form of a list. Further, detailed guidance of each destination can be displayed. When the destination is determined, an operation for instructing the destination to be determined is performed, so that data relating to the determined destination is stored in the RAM 4 as registered destination data TP.

The target object selecting operation process is a process of setting a place to be stopped as a target when there is a place to be stopped during traveling to the destination. The data relating to the set target is stored in the RAM 4 as registered target data SP. Details of the target object selection operation processing will be described later.

The operations of the destination setting operation process and the target object selection operation process include touch operation of the touch panel 34,
In addition to manual operation by the switch operation of the operation switch 40, operation by voice input can be performed by the voice recognition device 38. Switching between the manual operation and the voice input operation is performed by a changeover switch 41 provided on the operation switch 40. The switching operation between the destination setting operation process and the target selection operation process is also performed by the changeover switch 42 provided in the operation switch 40. The destination setting process (step 51) is jumped when a new destination setting operation or a new target object selecting operation is not performed.

In the route search process (step 52), the optimum route to the destination or the target is searched based on the registered destination data TP or the registered target data SP, the current position data MP, and the map data. The optimum route data MW is stored in the RAM 4. The optimal route is displayed as a bold red line on the map screen displayed on the display 33. In this route search process (step 52), if there is no change in the optimum route, the jump is performed.

In the guidance / display process (step 53), the guidance is sounded from the speaker 13 or the guidance is displayed on the map screen so that the vehicle can travel in accordance with the optimum route obtained in the route search process (step 52). Displayed inside.

By repeating the above processing, the map screen displayed on the display 33 displays the optimal route to the destination or the destination registered by the user, and the current position and traveling direction of the own vehicle. Then, the current position is corrected in accordance with the progress of the vehicle, and when approaching a point requiring guidance such as an intersection or a junction, the guidance is notified by voice or display.

6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the target selection operation process (step 100) executed in the destination setting process (step 51). This process is started when a destination selection operation is instructed by operating the destination / target changeover switch 42. In addition, since the operation of selecting the target is performed during traveling, in consideration of driving safety, when the start of this process is instructed, the operation by voice input is automatically set to be possible. When the user operates the manual / voice changeover switch 41 to switch to the manual operation, the manual operation of the operation switch 40 enables the selection operation of the target. Also, this processing may be executed by performing voice input during travel guidance without operating the changeover switch.

The target object selection operation process (step 100) is repeatedly executed in the same manner as the current position acquisition process (step 50), the route search process (step 52), and the guidance / display process (step 53). If the vehicle approaches an intersection during the operation of selecting the target, the operation of selecting the target is interrupted by interrupt processing for only a few seconds, and guidance is provided by voice and display, and the map screen display and the optimal route and The display of the current position may be performed.

This target object selection operation processing (step 10)
0), a process of determining a search criterion for a target (Step 102), a process of determining a reference position of a range for searching for a target (Step 104), a process of searching for a target according to the search criterion (Step 106), A process of determining a priority order according to whether the searched target matches the user's desire (step 108), a process of displaying the target with the priority order (step 110), and a user selection The process of registering the one target (Step 112) is sequentially performed.

7. Search Criteria Determination Process FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the search criterion determination process (Step 102). Genre input processing (step 120)
Then, first, a command signal is sent from the CPU 2 to the audio processor 11, and a question such as "What is the genre?" Note that, instead of sounding this question, the user may input a sound using a predetermined key of the touch panel 34 for voice input.

When there is a voice input from the voice recognition device 38 during a predetermined standby time, the CPU 2 converts the input voice data into code data by a predetermined operation. Then, the input code data is collated with the genre code number JC of the target object data file F16 in the external data GD, and a matching genre code number is obtained. The genre code number data JC that matches this voice input is stored in the RAM 4. For example, if the user wants to stop at a gas station on his way to the destination, he speaks "gas station" to store the genre code number JC of the gas station.

In the area input processing (step 122),
A command signal is sent from the CPU 2 to the voice processor 11 and “Please specify a search area” from the speaker 13.
Is generated. It should be noted that instead of the sound generation, a key input on the touch panel 34 may be used. Then, when there is a voice input from the voice recognition device 38 during the predetermined standby time, the voice data input by the CPU 2 is converted into the area designation data AS and stored in the RAM 4. Note that it is also possible to search for a target from all data without specifying an area in this way, but when assigning a priority to the searched targets as described above, a target closer to the reference position is selected. In many cases, processing is faster when an area is set in advance and search is performed.

If the scale of the map screen displayed during the navigation operation to the destination can be selected from two types, large and small, "wide area" and "details", for example, the user may say "Kouiki" The wide area designation data is set to the area designation data A so that the wide area display screen is used as a search area.
Stored as S. Further, when the user utters “show sai”, the detailed designation data is set to the area designation data A so that the detailed display screen is set as a search area.
Stored as S.

When three or more scale values can be selected on the map display screen, words for selecting each scale are determined, and when the user utters the words, the corresponding scale size data is displayed. It is stored as area designation data AS. Further, as described above, in addition to designating the entire map screen displayed at a predetermined scale as a search area, a voice input such as "radius 10 km" or "10 km square" is used to input a reference position described later. A range around a predetermined radius or a predetermined distance around KP can be used as a search area. In this case, the radius data or the side length data input by voice is stored as the area designation data AS. Further, by inputting a specific "city name" by voice, a range in which the city exists can be set as a search area.

The genre of the target and the search area are the main search criteria. In the next step 124, a sub-criteria specific to each genre of the target is input. In this process, a command signal is sent from the CPU 2 to the voice processor 11, and a voice is generated from the speaker 13 requesting the sub-criterion of the content corresponding to the specified genre code number JC. For example, if the designated genre is "gas station", a voice "What is the brand" is pronounced, and if the designated genre is "restaurant", a voice "What is the type of food" is pronounced.

When there is a voice input from the voice recognition device 38 during the predetermined standby time, the voice data input by the CPU 2 is converted into sub-reference data KS and stored in the RAM 4. The CPU 2 automatically selects a sub-criterion for an item that does not require a user's selection and stores it in the RAM 4. For example, sub-reference data KS representing “direction” or “parking” when the designated genre is parking is stored.
The sub-criterion is an item stored in the target information data MD of the target data file F16.

8. Reference Position Determination Process FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the reference position determination process (Step 104). First, from the CPU 2 to the audio processor 1
1, a command signal is sent to the speaker 1, and a voice saying “Please designate a reference position” is generated from the speaker 13. By the time the predetermined standby time elapses, the user displays the current position, the destination set before the start of traveling, a passing point such as an intersection or a building on the optimal route to the destination, and the display 33. A desired point is inputted by voice from the center of the displayed map screen and the points on a route such as an intersection or a building on the optimum route display currently displayed on the display 33.

When there is a voice input from the user, the CP
The contents of the voice input data are analyzed by U2, and if a position distant from the current position is specified, the specified point is stored in the RAM 4 as reference position data KP (step 148). That is, when the destination is specified (step 134), the position data on the map of the registered destination data TP is read and stored as the reference destination data KP.

The designation of a passing point or a point on a route (steps 136 and 140) requires the user to input the name of an intersection or a building by voice.
2, a point having the same name data as the name data input by voice from the intersection data file F2 and the destination data file F6 is searched. Then, the position data of the obtained point is stored as reference position data KP. When the map center is specified (step 138)
Stores the position data of the center coordinates of the map screen displayed on the display 33 as the reference position data KP. In addition, you may enable it to be designated as a reference | standard position other than the above points.

When the current position is designated (step 13
2) Or, if there is no voice input within the predetermined standby time (step 130), an automatic setting process (step 130) is performed based on the information of the currently traveling road, using the current position or a position away from the current position as a reference position. 142) is performed.
When the current position is set as the reference position by the automatic setting process (step 144), a process of correcting the reference position according to the traveling speed (step 146) is executed. Note that the input may be a key input on a touch panel or the like instead of voice.

9. FIG. 9 shows an automatic setting process of the reference position (step 14).
It is a flowchart of 2). RAM by CPU2
4 is read out of the current position data MP (step 1).
50). Then, the road data file F4 is searched based on the current position data MP, and information on the road on which the vehicle is traveling is obtained (step 152). This may be obtained from the current position information PI stored in the RAM 4. The obtained road information RD is stored in the RAM 4. The road information RD includes "0" if the road on which the vehicle is traveling is a highway.
"1" is set for an elevated road or a tunnel, and "00" is set for other cases.

Even if the current position is designated as the reference position by the user, if the currently traveling road is a highway,
Since it is impossible to go to a target other than the service area without getting down on the general road, the point where the user gets down on the general road is set as the reference position. That is, the interchange scheduled to descend on the optimal route to the destination is retrieved from the map data file F1, and the position of this interchange is stored in the RAM 4 as the reference position KP (step 156).

If the road on which the vehicle is currently traveling is an elevated road or a tunnel, it is not possible to make a right or left turn from the current position. Therefore, the next appearing intersection is searched from the intersection data file F2 and the position of this intersection is determined. It is stored as the reference position KP (step 160). And
If the road on which the vehicle is currently traveling is a general road and is neither an elevated road nor a tunnel, the current position MP is set as the reference position KP. This current position MP is further corrected by a reference position correction process (step 146). Is done.

10. Reference Position Correction Process FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the reference position correction process (step 146). If the current position is selected as the reference position, it is impossible to make a sharp turn, so the reference position is corrected forward from the current position according to the traveling speed V. The current traveling speed V is detected by the CPU 2 from the clock signal from the clock 6 and the traveling distance data ML from the distance sensor 23 (step 170). This may be traveling speed data output from a speedometer (not shown).

Then, the corrected distance AL corresponding to the detected traveling speed is obtained by the CPU 2 (step 172). The correction distance AL is determined by executing a predetermined calculation or by reading out from a memory table that stores the traveling speed V and the correction distance AL in advance. Next, the current position data MP from the RAM 4 is sent to the CPU 2.
Is read (step 174), and the position obtained by adding the correction distance AL forward of the current position is set as the reference position (step 176). The position after this correction is the reference position data K
It is stored in the RAM 4 as P.

12. Target Search Process FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the target search process (step 106). If the user specifies the radius of the search area or the length of the side in the search criterion determination process (step 102) (step 180), the CPU 2
AM4 reference position data KP and area designation data AS
Is read (step 182), and a circle of a radius centered on the reference position and voice-inputted by the user or a square having a length of one side voice-inputted by the user is assumed as a search area (step 182). 184). The assumed search area KA is stored in the RAM 4 in the form of circle or square map coordinate data centered on the reference position KP.

In addition, the search criterion determination processing (step 1)
If the user specifies "wide area" or "details" or the scale size in 02), the CPU 2 determines the contents of the area specification data AS (step 186),
The reference position data KP is read (step 18)
8). Then, a range of the map screen is assumed such that the center of the scaled map screen specified by the user matches the reference position KP, and the map coordinate data of this range is stored in the RAM 4 as the search area KA (step). 19
0).

Then, the genre code number data JC stored in the RAM 4 is read by the CPU 2 (step 192), and a genre corresponding to the genre code number JC is read from the target object data file F16. By searching for the target object coordinate data in the read genre, the search area K is searched.
A target existing in the map coordinates of A is searched (step 194). The name data MM, telephone number data MT, coordinate data MZ, and information data MD of each searched target are read out and stored in the RAM 4 as search target data KM.

12. Priority Order Determination Process FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the priority order determination process (step 108). First, the CPU 2
4 is read (step 20).
0). The map coordinate data MZ of each search target is read from the search target data KM (step 20).
2). Then, the reach distance TK from the current position to each search target is obtained by calculation (step 204).
The reach distance TK may be a straight line distance obtained by the Pythagorean theorem, or a route to each search target (a shortest route or an optimal route in consideration of road information) obtained using the map data file F1. (Good). Reached distance data T to each search target object obtained
K is stored in the RAM 4.

Further, the sub-reference data KS of the RAM 4 is read by the CPU 2 (step 206), and the reaching distance TK is weighted according to the sub-reference data KS, and unnecessary search target data KM is deleted. (Step 208). The priority order is determined according to the arrival distance TK weighted by the CPU 2 and the remaining search target data KM (step 210). The determined priority data UN is stored in the RAM 4.

13. FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts of a process (step 208) of changing the reach distance TK according to the sub-reference data KS. In this processing, the inside of the sub-reference data KS is determined by the CPU 2 (steps 220 and 25).
0, 260, ...). When data indicating “direction” is stored in the sub-reference data KS, the reference position data K
It is determined whether P is the current position (step 22).
2). If the current position is set to the reference position,
The angle between each search target and the host vehicle is calculated, and the direction of the search target in the traveling direction of the host vehicle is determined from the calculation result (step 224).

The angle between each search target and the host vehicle is calculated as follows. First, the CPU 2 causes the RAM 4
, The relative azimuth data θ1 is read out. The relative azimuth angle θ1 is an angle formed by the traveling direction of the host vehicle with respect to the north direction, and is represented by a value of 0 to 180 degrees counterclockwise and 0 to -180 degrees clockwise from the north direction. . Also, CPU
2, the current position data MP and the coordinate data MZ of each search target are read from the RAM 4, tan θ2 is calculated from the coordinate data MZ and the current position data MP, and tan θ2 of each search target is calculated from the calculated tan θ2. The relative azimuth θ2 with respect to the north direction is obtained. The relative azimuth θ2 of the search target is stored in the RAM 4.

Then, the direction θ of the search target object with respect to the traveling direction of the own vehicle is obtained by the CPU 2 by calculation of θ = θ2−θ1, and the target object direction data θ
Are stored in the RAM 4. Further, the target object direction θ is subjected to the following arithmetic processing when θ> 180 degrees: θ = θ−360 degrees When θ <−180 degrees: θ = 360 degrees + θ

From the result of the arithmetic processing, it is determined in which direction each search target exists with respect to the own vehicle. The determination of this direction is performed according to the following criteria. When 0 ≦ θ ≦ 90, “left front” When −90 ≦ θ <0, “right front” When 90 <θ ≦ 180, “left rear” when −180 ≦ θ <−90 Is "rear right" This determination result is added to each search target data KM in the form of a flag. For example, in the case of “left front”, “0”
In the case of "1", "front right", "10", and in the case of "back left" or "back right", "11" is added as a flag.

Next, if the direction of the target is "left forward" by the CPU 2, the reaching distance TK of the target is multiplied by "1", and a new reaching distance TK is set in the RAM 4.
Is updated and stored (step 230). If the direction of the target is “front right”, the reach distance TK of the target is
Is multiplied by “1.5”, and R is set as a new arrival distance TK.
The data is updated and stored in AM4 (step 234). Also, if the direction of the target is "left rear" or "right rear",
This arrival distance TK of the target is multiplied by “2” and updated and stored in the RAM 4 as a new arrival distance TK (step 238).

As described above, in the case of left-hand traffic, it is easy to stop in the order of “front left”, “front right”, and “back”.
Weighting is performed so that the arrival distance of the target that is most likely to drop in is reduced. The above direction calculation and weighting process (steps 222 to 238) are executed for all the search targets KM (step 240).

If the reference position is not the current position, the reference position data KP is read out, and the above processing is executed using this reference position data KP instead of the current position. Thus, the direction of the target with respect to the position of the own vehicle at the reference position is obtained, and the reaching distance TK is weighted according to the direction of the target. The azimuth angle θ1 of the own vehicle at the reference position is an angle formed by the traveling direction of the optimal route at the reference position with respect to the north direction, and is calculated from the road data file F3.

When the designated genre is "parking", data corresponding to "parking" is stored in the sub reference KS. When the “parking” data is included when the sub-references KS are sequentially read out by the CPU 2, as shown in FIG.
Road information such as the data VD or the ATIS data AD is read, and “fullness information data” is picked up from the read information (step 252). This fullness information data is added to the search target data KM in the form of a flag. Then, the CPU 2 deletes the search target data KM to which the “fullness information data” is added. As a result, the full parking is not displayed as the target.

Next, the CPU 2 reads out the stored number data in each of the remaining search target data KM, and weights the reachable distance TK of each search target in accordance with the stored number. For example, the arrival distance TK is multiplied by "2" when the number of accommodated vehicles is less than 50, "1.5" when the number is 50 to 99, and "1" when the number is 100 or more. Thereby, weighting is performed such that the larger the number of accommodated vehicles, the smaller the reachable distance TK.

When the designated genre is "gas station" or "convenience store", the sub-reference KS
Contains "brand" data such as a distribution company and a chain store name. In this case, the CPU 2 compares the code data of the designated brand with the brand code of each of the remaining search target data KM, and erases the search target data KM of a brand different from the designated brand. You. That is,
Only the search target data KM of the specified brand is selectively extracted (step 262). Thus, the target other than the brand specified by the user is not displayed.

Further, although illustration and description are omitted, in addition to the above sub-criteria, for example, "upper and lower limits" such as directions, distances, and charges, and "city, city outside, accommodation capacity, business hours, etc." Specified range "," selection designation "for specific landmarks," exclusion designation "for specific landmarks," fee "," position "near a pond or port," altitude "such as on a mountain or rooftop, "Depth" or "size", "attribute", "characteristics",
“Content”, “property” and the like can be used as the sub-criterion KS. When such a sub-reference KS is stored in the RAM 4, weighting of the arrival distance TK or elimination of unnecessary search target data KM is performed according to the sub-reference KS.

In addition to the road information, the arrival distance TK is weighted or unnecessary based on the information on the area where the target exists, the construction and traffic regulations, and the route information to the target such as the presence of a steep slope. For example, the search target data KM is deleted.

14. Priority Order Determination Process FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the priority order determination process (step 210). The CPU 2 reads the remaining search target data KM, and reads the reach distance data TK corresponding to the remaining search target KM (step 270). Then, the read reach distance data TK is arranged in ascending order (step 272), and the priority order is determined in ascending order of the reach distance data TK (step 274). The priority data UN is stored in the RAM 4 so as to correspond to each search target data KM.

15. Target Object Display Process FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the target object display process (step 110). The CPU 2 reads the search target data KM and the priority data UN remaining from the RAM 4 (step 280). Then, a command is sent from the CPU 2 to the image processor 9, and a map screen of a reduced scale designated around the reference position KP is read from the image memory 10.

The mark, name and priority of the search target are added to the image data read from the image memory 10, and the image data is displayed on the display 33 as a map screen (step 282). For example,
When “Soba shop” is specified as the genre of the target, as shown in FIG. 17, marks 63 to 62 of the target and numerals 63 to 65 indicating their names and priorities are displayed on the map screen. Is done.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which names and priorities are assigned only to the first to third targets. Further, when the user touches the “list” character on the screen with his / her finger, as shown in FIG.
The contents such as the name of M, the telephone number, the rank of store quality, etc. are displayed on the display 33 in the form of a list together with the priority (steps 284, 286). By touching the "return" character 67 on the screen with a finger, the display returns to the map screen display of FIG. This list can also be printed by the printer 35.

When the user touches the target marks 60 to 62 in FIG. 17 or the priority (the leftmost numeral in FIG. 18) or name in FIG. 18 with a finger, the position of the touched target is displayed. Is displayed on the display 33 (steps 288 and 290). For example, if "Yamamotoya" in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 is selected, the Yamamotoya mark 60 moves to the center of the screen as shown in FIG. 19, and the name 68 is displayed at the top of the screen. In this state,
If the character 67 of "return" is touched with a finger, it will return to the display screen of FIG. If the "set" character 72 is touched, this mountain bookstore is registered as a destination (step 2).
92, 112).

When the character 71 of "position change" is touched, the center cursor 6 displayed as a small circle surrounding the center of the screen is displayed.
9 and arrows 70 indicating eight directions are displayed around it (steps 294 and 296). This screen is used when the user wants to change another target from the target displayed in the center of the screen. When the user touches one of the arrows 70, the screen is scrolled in the direction of the touched arrow 70 (step 296).

The user performs the touch operation of the arrow 70 so that the mark of the desired target enters the center cursor 69 by scrolling the screen. For example, when the user selects the mark 73 in FIG. 19, the screen is scrolled so that the mark 73 falls within the center cursor 69 as shown in FIG. The new target selected is not limited to the genre specified by the user,
It can be freely selected from places, facilities, and the like displayed on the display 33. FIG. 20 shows a case where a restaurant is selected.

If the touch input of the arrow 70 has not been performed for a predetermined time, the display of the arrow 70 is erased, and a destination setting screen in which a character 71 of “change position” and a character 72 of “set” are displayed is displayed. Is done. In this state, the character of "position change" 7
When 2 is touched, the arrow 70 is displayed again, and the screen can be scrolled. Also, the character “set” 7
When 2 is touched, the target within the center cursor 69 is registered as a destination (steps 292 and 112).

16. Landmark Registration Processing FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the landmark registration processing (step 112). When the “SET” character 72 is touched while the destination setting screen is displayed, the CPU 2 stores the initial registered destination data TP set in the destination setting operation process in the RAM 4. It is moved and stored in a predetermined avoidance area MK (Step 3)
00). As a result, data on the original destination is stored.

Next, the coordinates of the center of the screen are read by the CPU 2 (step 302), and the data of the facility having the coordinates is stored in the target object data file F16 in the RAM 4.
, And the corresponding target data is read out (step 304). Then, the target data is stored in the RAM 4 as new registered destination data TP (step 306).

When the registration of the target is completed, the target becomes a new destination, and the display screen of the display 33 returns to the map screen around the own vehicle to search for a route to the target (step 52) and provide guidance. Display processing (step 53)
Is performed. As a result, navigation to the target specified by the user is performed by displaying an optimal route to the target, intersection guidance, and the like. Then, after the user has stopped at the target, by performing a destination return operation,
The initially avoided destination data is set again in the destination data TP, and navigation to the original destination is resumed.

As described above, the navigation device of this embodiment can select a target by a simple operation when a place to drop in is found on the way to the initially set destination. In addition, when there are a plurality of selected landmarks, the priority is automatically determined in order from the landmark that matches the user's desire, based on the criteria specified by the user or automatically set criteria, Since the priorities are displayed in a manner that is easy for the user to understand, the time for determining the target for the user is reduced, and safety during the operation of selecting the target is maintained.

Further, by inputting the information of the reference position or the search reference by voice input or input means such as a touch panel or a switch, a target desired by the user can be narrowed down in position or content. Can be. As a result, the processing can be speeded up, and a target that is more suitable for the user's wish can be searched. In addition, since operation by voice input is possible, even if a target object is selected during driving, safety of driving is not impaired.

Further, by changing the reference position according to predetermined conditions (steps 104, 142,
146), the reference position can be set according to the current driving situation. For example, when the speed of the own vehicle is high, the reference position can be set further ahead, and when traveling on an expressway, an interchange going down can be set as the reference position.
In addition, the reference position can be set to a position apart from the current position in addition to the current position (step 1).
04), it is possible to search for a target that matches the user's desire regarding the positional condition.

Further, the search criterion is not fixed, and can be changed according to the genre of the target, or the setting can be changed according to the user's preference (step 10).
2). As a result, it is possible to provide information on a target that more closely matches the user's wishes. Further, by assigning priorities to the targets based on geographical relationships such as distances and directions (step 208), it is possible to obtain information on the targets based on the ease of reaching the targets. Become. Further, by assigning priorities to the contents of the information on the target (steps 250 and 260), it is possible to obtain information on the target based on a criterion corresponding to the genre of the target.

Further, since the information on the target is stored for various items (the target data file F
16) Various search criteria can be set, and in response to various wishes of the user, it is possible to search for and display a target that best meets the wishes. In addition, by deciding the priority order of the target by taking in external information such as VICS and ATIS (steps 208 and 252), information on the fullness of the parking lot, the state of congestion on the road, or the information on the shop is obtained on-time. This makes it possible to obtain information on a target that better matches the user's wishes. In addition, by displaying the searched target with priority added (step 110), the user can immediately determine which target matches the user's desire most. it can.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the external recording medium for storing various data files shown in FIG. 2 may be a writable recording medium such as a floppy disk.

The sub-reference data KS is not limited to the items stored in the target information data MD in the target data file F16, but allows the user to freely register predetermined items. The registered item is used as a sub-criterion KS in the target object selecting operation process (step 100).
May be selected.

Further, a target object display process (step 11)
In the case of 0), when the search target and the priority are displayed, the list screen as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed before the map screen as shown in FIG. 17, and the screen is switched to the map screen by a predetermined operation. It may be made to be possible. Also,
The display of the priority order during the display of the map screen as shown in FIG. 17 or the display of the list screen as shown in FIG. 18 may be any display as long as the display is easy for the user to understand. For example, the color, brightness,
Illuminance, size, shape can be changed according to priority,
The display may blink. This makes it easier for the user to obtain information visually, which is convenient particularly when operating while traveling. Of course, the priority may be pronounced by voice.

Further, the reference position KP may be fixed to a predetermined point such as a current position or a destination, and may not be selectable by the user, thereby reducing the processing amount. An inexpensive navigation device can be provided. Further, the present invention can be applied to a navigation device such as a vehicle other than an automobile, a ship, an aircraft, a helicopter, and the like, and a map used for navigation may be a marine chart, a seabed map, or the like in addition to a road map.

The embodiments of the present invention are as follows.
[A] For a plurality of targets, a target storage means for storing information representing the target and information about the target in association with each other, and a reference position for retrieving the target stored in the target storage means Reference position storage means for storing information on the target, search reference information generating means for generating search reference information serving as a search reference when searching for a target stored in the target storage means, generated from the search reference information About the landmark according to the searched search criteria information,
Target information reading means for reading information representing a target or information about the target from the target storage means; reference position information reading means for reading reference position information from the reference position storage means; and target object information reading means Priority determining means for determining the priority of each target from the relationship between the information indicating each target read by the information or the information on the target and the reference position information read by the reference position information reading means. A display unit for displaying information on the priority determined by the priority determining unit.

[B] An input means such as a touch panel or a switch mounted on a display surface of a voice input device or a map display device is provided, and information relating to an operation performed by a user is input by the input means. The navigation device according to claim A, wherein the information on the reference position or the search reference information is input by means. [C] A reference position information changing means for changing the reference position information read by the reference position information reading means in accordance with predetermined conditions such as a type of a traveling road, a traveling speed, and road network information. The navigation device according to claim A, characterized in that:

[D] The search criterion information is the upper and lower limits, the specified range, the selection designation of a specific target, the exclusion designation of a specific target, the type of the target, or the property of the target. The navigation device according to claim A, wherein the data is data input from outside, data input by a user through manual operation, or data stored in advance. [E]
The navigation device according to claim A, wherein the reference position is a current position or a position distant from the current position, and the reference position is fixed or can be modified and changed.

[F] The relationship between the information on the target and the reference position information is a geographical relationship such as a distance or a direction or a relationship between the contents of the information on the target. Navigation device. [G] The information representing the target is the type of facility, building, or terrain, or the type or content of the target, or the position, altitude, depth, size, attribute, characteristic, property, or the like of the target. The navigation device according to claim A, wherein:

[H] The priority order determining means determines the priority order based on the route information to a target such as road information and area information input from the outside via a communication medium. The navigation device according to claim A. [I] The display means displays the priority order together with the searched target mark on the map screen of the map display device, displays the priority order in the form of a list on the map display device, or displays the map display device. The navigation device according to claim A, wherein the priority is displayed by changing the color of the mark of the target displayed on the map screen according to the priority.

A target storage means (external recording medium, RAM 4, target data file F16) for storing information representing the target and information about the target in association with each other for a plurality of targets, A reference position storage means (RAM4, step 104) for storing information on a reference position when searching for a target stored in the means, and a search reference when searching for a target stored in the target storage means. Search criteria information generating means (RAM4, steps 102, 182, 18) for generating search criteria information
6, 192), and for a target according to the search criterion information generated from the search criterion information, target information reading means (step) for reading information representing the target from the target storage means or information relating to the target. 106)
And reference position information reading means for reading reference position information from the reference position storage means (steps 200 and 226).
Priority determining means for determining a priority of each target from a relationship between information of each target read by the target information reading means and reference position information read by the reference position information reading means. (Step 10
8) and a display means (step 110) for displaying information on the priority determined by the priority determination means.

According to the present invention, a target desired by a user is searched based on search reference information serving as a reference for searching for a target.
Further, the priority of each target is determined from the relationship between the information on the target and the reference position information, and the information of the determined priority is displayed. As a result, even when the vehicle is running, the user can select a target that meets his or her needs in a short time with reference to the priority. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate on driving.

According to the present invention, the priority of each target is determined based on search reference information that is a reference for searching for a target, and information on the determined priority is output. For example, based on search reference information serving as a reference for searching for a target, the user searches for a desired target, and further determines the priority of each target from the relationship between the target information and the reference position information. The information of the determined priority is displayed.

Therefore, the priority of the target is displayed based on the search criterion information corresponding to the user's desire such as the distance and the business contents. This allows the user to select a desired object in a short time even while the vehicle is running. Therefore, driving safety is not impaired.

[0099]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in searching for a plurality of targets, search reference information serving as a search reference is generated, and a search is performed based on the generated search reference information. A priority is determined for each target, and each target is output in the order of the priority. As a result, a plurality of targets, such as convenience stores, are displayed in the determined order of priority based on the search reference information corresponding to the user's desire such as distance and business contents. Therefore, even when the vehicle is running, the user can select a target that meets his or her needs in a short time. For this reason, effects such as not impairing the driving safety can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall circuit diagram of a navigation device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data file stored in an external storage medium.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of a target object data file F16.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing data stored in a RAM 4.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an overall process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a target object selection operation process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a search criterion determination process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a reference position determination process.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a reference position automatic setting process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a reference position correction process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a target object search process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a priority order determination process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart of a reach distance changing process.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the remaining part of the flowchart of the reach distance changing process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a priority order determination process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a target object display process.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example in which a target is displayed on a map screen of a display 33.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example in which a list of target objects is displayed on a display 33.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an object setting screen displayed on a display 33.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the display 33 during a position change operation.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a target object registration process.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Central processing unit, 2 ... CPU, 3 ... ROM, 4 ...
RAM, 9 image processor, 10 image memory, 11
... Sound processor, 13 ... Speaker, 20 ... Current position detecting device, 21 ... Absolute direction sensor, 22 ... Relative direction sensor, 23 ... Distance sensor, 25 ... GPS receiving device, 26 ...
Beacon receiving device, 27: data transmitting / receiving device, 30: data communication device, 31: data transmitting / receiving unit, 32: telephone transmitting unit, 33: display, 34: touch panel, 36 ...
Recording card reader 37 CD-ROM driver
38: voice recognition device, 39: microphone, 40: operation switch, 41: manual / voice switch, 42: destination / target switch.

Claims (13)

[Claims] When searching for a plurality of targets, search reference information serving as a search criterion is generated, and priorities are determined for each target to be searched in accordance with the generated search criterion information. And a means for outputting each of the targets in the order of the priority. 2. Searching a plurality of landmarks to generate search criterion information serving as a search criterion, and determining a priority order for each target to be searched according to the generated search criterion information. And outputting the respective targets in the order of the priority. 3. The plurality of landmarks correspond at least to information representing the landmark and information about the landmark, and the search criterion information includes a search criterion when searching for the landmark. And the reference position information for searching for the target object, and the priority order of each target object is determined based on the information of each target object and the reference position information. The target object search device according to claim 1, wherein the target object search device is determined from a relationship between the two types of information. 4. A means for storing information of a target for a plurality of targets, a search is performed according to information of a reference position for searching for the target and search reference information serving as a search reference. A target search device comprising: means for determining the priority of each target; and means for outputting the targets in the order of the determined priority. 5. A means for storing information on a plurality of landmarks in accordance with information on a reference position for searching for the landmark and search reference information serving as a search reference. A priority order of each target object to be determined, and the target objects are output in the order of the determined priority order. 6. A means for storing, for a plurality of landmarks, information representing the landmark and information relating to the landmark in association with each other; means for setting information of a reference position when searching for the landmark; Means for generating search criterion information serving as a search criterion when searching for a target, and for a target corresponding to the generated search criterion information,
Means for reading the information representing the target or the information about the target; and reading the information representing the target or the information about the target and the reference position information thus set, for each target. A navigation device comprising: means for determining a priority; and means for outputting the targets in the order of the determined priority. 7. A means for storing information representing a target and information on the target in association with each other for a plurality of targets, setting information on a reference position when searching for the target, When searching for a target, search criteria information serving as a search criterion is generated, and for the target corresponding to the generated search criteria information,
The information indicating the target or the information on the target is read out, and the priority of each target is determined based on the relationship between the read information indicating the target or the information on the target and the set reference position information. A navigation method, wherein the order is determined, and the targets are output in the order of the determined priority. 8. The target search device according to claim 1, wherein the target is displayed in the form of a list arranged in the order of the determined priorities. Navigation device. 9. Searching a plurality of landmarks to generate search reference information serving as a search criterion, and prioritizing each target to be searched in accordance with the generated search criterion information. And a means for outputting the information of the priority order. 10. A search criterion information serving as a search criterion is generated when searching for a plurality of targets, and a priority is determined for each target to be searched in accordance with the generated search criterion information. And outputting the information of the priority order. 11. A means for storing information of a target for a plurality of targets, each of which is searched based on information on a reference position for searching for the target and search reference information serving as a search reference. A target search device comprising: means for determining the priority of a target; and means for outputting information on the determined priority in association with the target. 12. For a plurality of landmarks, means for storing information of landmarks is searched for based on information on a reference position for searching for the landmarks and search reference information serving as a search reference. A priority order of each target object to be determined, and information on the determined priority order is output in association with the target object. 13. A means for storing, for a plurality of landmarks, information representing the landmark and information relating to the landmark in association with each other; means for setting reference position information when searching for the landmark; Means for generating search criterion information serving as a search criterion when searching for a target, and for a target corresponding to the generated search criterion information,
Means for reading the information representing the target or the information about the target; and reading the information representing the target or the information about the target and the reference position information thus set, for each target. A navigation device comprising: means for determining a priority; and means for outputting information on the determined priority in association with the target.