JP2001147118A - Map image display device and navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a navigation device capable of reading and using detailed data with respect to destination setting data and map image data with little effort. SOLUTION: A destination information storage unit 1031 of the navigation device stores destination setting data for a prefecture including a driver's address, and a map information storage unit 103.
Reference numeral 5 stores map drawing data for prefectures including the address of the driver. When there is a display request from the input unit 105 for data not included in these storage units 1031 and 1035, the arithmetic processing unit 101 detects this and sends the data to the information center 105 via the vehicle-side communication unit 108. And receives the corresponding data. Then, display on the display unit 106 and route guidance are performed according to the received data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a map image display which can read and use detailed data for setting destinations, route search data, and map image data with little effort. The present invention relates to a device and a navigation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a navigation device mounted on a vehicle or the like for performing route search and guidance processing, and a map image display device for displaying a map image for route guidance or the like in a navigation device or the like have been widely used. In such a navigation device, when acquiring a departure place, a destination, a transit point, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a destination, etc.), a category such as a genre category, a category based on the first sound of the name, a regional category, etc. View and get your choice. Then, the destinations and the like included in the selected section are displayed in a list by names such as building names and store names, and a destination is selected from the list. The destination and the like may be obtained by directly inputting a name, a telephone number, and an address. Then, based on the correspondence data between the name and telephone number of the destination and the like, the address and the position and the position, the position of the set destination and the like are acquired, and the route is searched based on the data on the road and the intersection, Based on the search result, route guidance such as displaying an image including the route on the display unit is performed.

[0003]

In the above navigation apparatus, it is desired that the destination can be set without any details. In addition, the map image of the navigation device and the map image display device also functions sufficiently as route guidance during driving, and, for example, for a destination that cannot be reached unless it passes through a living road or the like where vehicles cannot pass. It is desired that detailed map data be available, such as displaying a map for walking after getting off the vehicle. However, the number of buildings and the like set as destinations and the like is very large, and data on their names and divisions, correspondence data for acquiring positions from names, telephone numbers, addresses, etc., data used for route search, The amount of map image display data used for route guidance is enormous. Therefore, a dedicated navigation device for in-vehicle use,
It is difficult to store all data in a mobile computer or the like that also has a navigation function.

[0004] For this reason, the above-mentioned data is divided into predetermined regions and the like and stored in a plurality of CD-ROMs.
A technique has been proposed in which a CD-ROM is exchanged and used as necessary, or data in a predetermined area is stored in a CD-ROM or a hard disk, and data in another area is received from an information center by communication. . As for data for map images, those of a predetermined scale are CD-RO.
There has been proposed a technique in which data for displaying a larger scale map stored in an M or a hard disk or the like is received from an information center through communication. However, such a technique has a problem that it is time-consuming, for example, it is necessary to replace a CD-ROM, or it is necessary to connect a communication line to an information center to specify and request necessary data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to reduce detailed data for data for setting destinations, data for route search, and data for map images. And a navigation device.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display apparatus, a map data storage unit storing map image data, and a map image data stored in the map data storage unit. Display control means for displaying a map image on the image display device and display state change instructing means for instructing a change in the display state of the map image displayed on the image display device, and the display state change instructing means. Determining means for determining whether image data for displaying a map in the indicated display state is stored in the map data storage means, and map image data for displaying a corresponding map by the determining means; Requesting means for requesting map information data for displaying a map image in an indicated display state from an information center when it is determined that the image data is not stored in the map data storage means; And a map image data receiving means for receiving map image data in response to a request by the request means, wherein the display control means, when the map image data is received by the map image data receiving means, The above object is achieved by providing a map image display device that displays a map image in a display state instructed by the image display device using map image data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the map image display device according to the first aspect, the change of the display state instructed by the display state change instructing means is performed on the scale, the display area, and the display of the map image. At least one of the regions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display apparatus, destination data storage means storing destination data including a plurality of destinations, and a condition for inputting a condition for setting the destination. Input means, a destination extraction means for extracting a destination satisfying the condition input by the condition input means from the destination data storage means, and the destination extracted by the destination extraction means as a destination candidate. Display control means for displaying on the image display device, display target change instructing means for instructing a change of a display target of a destination candidate displayed on the image display device, and a change instruction for the display target change instructing means. Determining means for determining whether a destination candidate to be displayed is stored in the destination data storage means,
Request means for requesting the information center for a destination candidate to be displayed in response to the change instruction, when the determination means determines that the corresponding destination candidate is not stored in the destination data storage means, Destination candidate receiving means for receiving a destination candidate in response to a request from the requesting means, wherein the display control means receives the destination candidate when the destination candidate receiving means receives the destination candidate. The above object is achieved by providing a navigation device that displays a candidate for a place on the image display device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the third aspect, the condition input by the condition input means is at least one of destination classification and destination detail. One.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search route data storage means for storing search route data corresponding to a predetermined area, a destination setting means for setting a destination, and the search route data storage. Route searching means for performing a route search to the destination set by the destination setting means using the data of the search route stored in the means; and setting the route setting means by the destination setting means. Determining means for determining whether a route search to a destination is possible; requesting means for requesting a route search to the destination determined to be impossible by the determining means to an information center; The above object is achieved by providing a navigation device including a search result receiving means for receiving a search result according to the above request.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the fifth aspect, the determination means is configured to select a start area within a predetermined distance from the departure place and a destination area within a predetermined distance from the destination. If the data of the search route including at least one of the above is not stored in the search route data storage means, it is determined that the route search cannot be performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the map image display device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the route searching means determines that the route search is possible by the determining means. And the request unit requests the information center to perform a route search when the route search by the route search unit is not established.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the map image display device according to the first or second aspect, the requesting means includes a confirmation means for confirming whether to make a request to the information center, When the confirmation of the request is obtained by the confirmation means, a request is made to the information center.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation apparatus according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, the request means determines whether or not to make a request to the information center. There is provided a confirmation means for confirming, and when the confirmation of the request is obtained by the confirmation means, a request is made to the information center.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is also an image display device as an embodiment of the present invention, and a navigation system including an information center 150. The navigation device 100 is mounted on a vehicle and used, and includes an arithmetic processing unit 101, a program storage unit 102, a storage unit 103, a current position detection unit 104, an input unit 105, a display unit 106 as an image display device, An audio output unit 107 and a vehicle-side communication unit 108 are provided. Information center 150
Is arranged in an information center and communicates with a plurality of navigation devices 100, and includes a center-side communication unit 151, a system control unit 152, and a database 153 as all data storage means. .

Operation processing unit 1 of navigation device 100
Reference numeral 01 denotes a display control process for displaying a map image on the display unit 106 using graphic image data, and displaying a map in a display state instructed when an instruction to change the display state is obtained. And whether or not map image data for displaying a corresponding map is not stored in the storage unit 103 in the determination process of determining whether or not image data for performing the operation is stored in the storage unit 103. In this case, request processing for requesting the information center 150 for map image data for displaying the map image in the indicated display state, and reception processing for receiving the map image data according to the request are performed. A destination extraction process for extracting, from the destination data storage means, a destination that satisfies a condition for displaying a destination candidate;
Display control processing for displaying the destination extracted in the destination extraction processing on the display unit 106 as a destination candidate, and a destination candidate displayed in response to an instruction to change the display target of the destination candidate displayed on the display unit 106 Is determined in the storage unit 103 when the corresponding destination candidate is not stored in the storage unit 103.
A request process for requesting the information center 150 for a destination candidate to be displayed in response to the change instruction, and a destination candidate reception process for receiving a destination candidate according to the request by the request process are performed. Further, a route search process for searching for a route to a destination set using the search route data stored in the storage unit, and whether or not a route search to the destination by the route search process is possible. Judgment processing for judging, request processing for requesting the information center to search for a route to the destination for which it has been judged that the path search cannot be performed, and search result reception for receiving a search result according to the request for the request processing And processing. The program storage unit 102 includes an arithmetic processing unit 101
Stores various programs and data necessary for performing the above processes. Various storage media such as a ROM are used for the program storage unit 102.

The storage unit 103 has a RAM, a CD-RO,
Various storage media such as an M, a flash memory, a DVD, and a hard disk, and a means for reading or reading / writing data stored in a medium such as a storage medium driving device are used. The storage unit 103 includes a destination information storage unit 1031 as a destination data storage unit, a traveling route storage unit 103
2, a vehicle position storage unit 1033, a search route information storage unit 1034 as a search route data storage unit, a map information storage unit 1035 as a map data storage unit, and other storage units. The storage medium used for each storage unit is appropriately selected depending on whether only reading of information or both reading and writing is performed, the amount of information to be stored, and the required access speed to the information. .

The destination information storage unit 1031 has a CD-R
OM or the like is used. The destination information storage unit 1031 displays the destination set in the route search on the display unit 106.
Data (base data) to be displayed on the map, and data for route search, the destination name and its reading, the destination district, the latitude and longitude as the destination coordinate data, and both ends of the road leading to the destination Intersection number assigned to the intersection,
The telephone number and the address are stored. The destination name is a name of various points such as a building, a public facility, and a park that can be selected as the destination. The destination area is a classification of each destination. Golf courses, famous spots, hot springs, ski resorts, shrines,
Temples, amusement parks, campgrounds, castles and castle ruins, animal and botanical gardens, stations,
Parking lot, school, airport / airfield, government office, hospital, sea bathing,
In addition, it is classified into various categories such as.

The data stored in the destination information storage unit 1031 is stored only for destinations that satisfy a predetermined rule. In the present embodiment, only destinations that satisfy the rules determined for each section are stored. For example, amusement parks and animal and plant gardens have a site area of 30 square km or more, parking lots have a capacity of 30 or more private cars, various restaurants have a parking lot for customers, etc. It is. These rules are not different for each category, but are common to all categories, such as pre-registered driver's addresses, locations in the prefecture where the address is located, and locations within the specified area such as the Kanto region. It may be. The destination information storage unit 1031 functions as a data storage unit that stores base data of an image to be displayed on the display unit 106.

The traveling route storage section 1032 is provided in a predetermined area on the RAM, and stores passing intersection sequence data for specifying the searched recommended route on the map image based on the map image data.

The vehicle position storage unit 1033 is secured in a predetermined area on the RAM, and stores a plurality of current and past position data measured at predetermined time intervals by the current position detection unit 104 so as to be readable and writable (updated). You. For example, position data of measurement points included in a certain distance, position data of a certain number of measurement points, and the like. These position data are used for so-called map matching for obtaining a traveling locus of the vehicle by connecting a plurality of data and specifying a road on which the vehicle is traveling.

The search route information storage unit 1034 stores a CD-R
OM, DVD-ROM, hard disk, etc. are used,
Data necessary for searching for a recommended traveling route based on a set destination or the like is stored. In the present embodiment, the search route information storage unit 1034 stores intersection data, road data, and node data.
The intersection data includes, for each intersection number of each intersection, the name of the intersection, the latitude and longitude of the intersection, the road number with the smallest number of the roads starting from the intersection, and the road ending at the intersection. Of these, the road number with the smallest number and the presence or absence of a signal are stored correspondingly. The road data includes the intersection number of the starting point, the intersection number of the ending point, the thickness of the road, the prohibition information, the speed limit, the number of nodes, the head address of the node string data, the length of the road, And the coordinate positions of the starting point and the ending point of the road correspond to each other. The node data is data on a feature point (node) on a road. The node data is data relating to one point on a road. If a node connecting nodes is called an arc, a road is represented by connecting each of a plurality of node rows with an arc. In the node data, the east longitude, the north latitude, the attribute, and the like of each node correspond to the address of the node, and information about a pedestrian crossing, a tunnel, and the like that can be detected by a sensor or the like is stored as the attribute.

The map information storage unit 1035 stores a CD-RO
M, compact flash, DVD, hard disk and the like are used. The map information storage unit 1035 stores drawing data (map image data) for drawing and displaying a map on the display unit 106. The map information storage unit 1035 functions as a map data storage unit that stores map image data to be displayed on the display unit 106. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a structure of drawing data stored in a map information storage unit 1035. In this drawing data, a plurality of scaled data are stored for a predetermined area in the whole country (in the present embodiment, a prefecture where a driver's address is registered in advance), as shown in FIG. , And are hierarchized for each scale. That is, from the top layer,
1 in 30,000, 1 in 243,000, 1 in 88,000, 27
1 / 1,000, 1/9000, 1/6000, 1 / 3,000 ...
Thus, it has a hierarchical structure. In other areas, only the drawing data of a part of these scales (hereinafter referred to as a standard scale, in the present embodiment, from 730,000 to 1 / 6,000 of the above-mentioned scales) is used. Is stored. The scale of the drawing data does not have to be hierarchized, and may be a plurality of arbitrary scales such as 1 / 100,000, 1 / 90,000, 1 / 50,000, 1 / 20,000. be able to. In addition, in the drawing data, the map is divided into blocks (districts) of a certain suitable range, and the data of each scale is stored separately for each drawing data of the block. The drawing data of each block includes position coordinates (x, y) of two vertices on the diagonal line of the rectangular area and (x ′,
y ').

The current position detector 104 receives signals from a plurality of GPS satellites and measures the absolute position of the vehicle.
A receiving device, a speed sensor for measuring a relative position of the vehicle, a direction sensor, and the like are provided. The relative position measured by the speed sensor or the direction sensor is used to obtain a position in a tunnel or the like where the GPS receiver cannot receive radio waves from the satellite, and to correct a positioning error of the absolute position measured by the other GPS receiver. Used for etc.

As the input unit 105, various input devices such as a touch panel attached to the display surface of the display unit 106, a joystick, and an information input device using a voice recognition device are used. In the touch panel, when the user touches an icon or the like displayed as an image on the display unit 106, the corresponding information or command is input. An information input device using a voice recognition device recognizes a voice uttered by a user, and inputs information or a command corresponding to the recognized voice.
The input from the input unit 105 is recognized by the arithmetic processing unit 101, and various screens such as a menu screen and a destination setting screen corresponding to the operation content are displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106. The input unit includes a display state changing unit that instructs a change in a display state of the map image displayed on the display unit 106, a condition input unit that inputs a condition for setting a destination, and a display unit that is displayed on the display unit 106. It functions as display target change instructing means for instructing the change of the display target of the destination candidate, and destination setting means for setting the destination.

As the display unit 106, various displays such as a liquid crystal display and a CRT are used. The display unit 106 includes a destination setting image for setting search conditions necessary for searching for a route, such as a departure point and a destination, and a map image for route guidance including the searched recommended route. Various images are displayed. The screen displayed on the display unit 106 includes, as an initial screen, a menu selection screen for performing route guidance or changing settings such as a display screen, and a menu operation displayed on the selection screen (in the case of a touch panel type, The route guidance is selected by an operation such as pressing a corresponding portion of the display unit 106 or selecting a menu with a joystick or the like. Then, on the route guidance screen, a destination setting menu is sequentially displayed as a search condition setting screen.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a menu for setting a destination displayed on the display unit 106. The destination setting menu has a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 3, and when route guidance is selected on the menu selection screen, a destination setting method menu of the highest layer is displayed first. . When a setting method is designated, designation keys for designating a destination division are displayed as a lower layer screen, and designation of each designation key (in the case of a touch panel type, a display section is displayed). , Or operation with a joystick, etc.), for example, a genre, a restaurant, a ramen shop, a list of names of corresponding destinations, etc., are sequentially displayed up to the lowest layer screen. . Other images displayed on the display unit 106 include a departure point setting screen similar to the destination as a condition setting screen, and recommendation of whether to give priority to a short distance route or a route not using an expressway. There are a screen for setting the priority of route determination and a screen for displaying a map image for route guidance.

The voice output unit 107 includes a voice synthesizer and a speaker. The voice output unit 107 functions as a route guidance unit together with the arithmetic processing unit 101, and provides guidance voice for performing route guidance to a destination, for example, “100”.
Turn right at the intersection ahead of m. Is synthesized based on the voice guidance data stored in the travel route storage unit 1032 and output from the speaker. The speaker that outputs such a guidance sound may be used also as a speaker for in-vehicle audio, and a dedicated speaker may be arranged above the driver's seat or windshield (upper center, upper driver's seat, etc.). You may.

The vehicle-side communication section 108 comprises a modem and the like, and a wireless communication device such as a portable telephone and a PHS connected thereto. The vehicle-side communication unit 108 is connected to the information center 1
Voice communication (call) and data communication with the communication device 50 are performed. The vehicle-side communication unit 108 functions as a requesting unit, a map image data receiving unit, a destination candidate receiving unit, and a search result receiving unit together with the arithmetic processing unit 101.

On the other hand, the center side communication unit 151 of the information center 150 is constituted by communication devices such as a modem, a terminal adapter, and a router, and communicates with the navigation device 100 via a communication line, a PHS, a mobile phone, and other wireless communication means. Line). The center-side communication unit 151 functions as a data supply unit together with the system control unit 152, and
And data communication such as transmitting image data to the navigation device 100 in response to the request.

System control unit 152 of information center 150
Is constituted by a computer system (not shown) having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and other functions.
The CPU controls the entire system according to various programs stored in storage means including the ROM,
A request receiving process of receiving a data request transmitted from the navigation device 100 via the center-side communication unit 151, a data extracting process of extracting image data corresponding to the transmitted data request from the database 153, Data transmission processing for transmitting the extracted data via the center-side communication unit and other various processing required by the information center 150 are performed.

The ROM stores programs and data for executing these various processes by the CPU.
The RAM is used as a so-called working area where various data is read and written when the CPU executes various programs.

The database 153 includes a destination information database 1531 as an entire data storage unit in which data on a destination as base data is stored in a larger amount than the destination information storage unit 1031, and a map image as base data. Is stored in the map information database 1532 in which the data of the map information storage unit 1035 is stored more. Each database is CD-ROM, DVD
-Stored in a large-capacity storage medium such as a ROM or a hard disk. These destination information databases 1531
The data in the map information database 1532 is updated every predetermined period. The destination information database 1531 stores the same data as the destination information storage unit 1031 for destinations nationwide that can be set as destinations in the route search. That is, the destination information database 1
The information 531 stores the settable destinations irrespective of whether or not the rules provided for each section are satisfied. Therefore, for example, in an amusement park or an animal or botanical garden, data of a site having a site area of less than 30 km2 is not stored in the destination information storage unit 1031 of the navigation device 100, but is stored in the information center 150. It is stored in the destination information database 1531.

The map information database 1532 stores drawing data for drawing and displaying a map on the display unit 106. In this drawing data, data of the same scale as the map information storage unit 1035 of the navigation device 100 is divided into blocks and stored for the whole country. Therefore, in the map information database 1532, for the area other than the predetermined area (in this embodiment, the prefecture where the driver's address is registered in advance), the drawing data of the map of a scale other than the standard scale is stored in the navigation device 100.
Is not stored in the map information storage unit 1035 of the information center 150, but is stored in the map information database 1532 of the information center 150.

Next, the route search and guidance processing in the navigation system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a main flow of a process (navigation process) performed by the navigation device 100 in the route search / guidance process by the navigation system of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a display screen of the destination list displayed on the display unit 106 in the search condition acquisition processing in the navigation processing.
FIG. 6 shows a display screen of the destination list displayed after FIG.

In the navigation process, the arithmetic processing section 101 first displays a destination setting screen as an initial screen on the display section 106 as shown in FIG. 4 (step 11). On the destination setting screen, as shown in FIG. 5A, input methods of "designation from the Japanese syllabary list", "designation from the genre list", "input of telephone number", and "input of address" are displayed. . And, by the input from the driver,
Acquire a destination (destination acquisition processing) (Step 1)
3).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the destination acquisition process. In this search condition acquisition process, as shown in FIG. 7, from among the input methods displayed on the display unit 106, the driver moves the cursor to a display of a desired input method with a joystick or a key, and then presses the determination key. A selection of a destination input method is obtained by an input from the input unit 105 such as pressing or inputting an input method by voice (step 131). If "specify from the Japanese syllabary list" or "specify from the genre list" is selected as the input method (step 133; Y), a syllabary or genre classification list is displayed as shown in FIG. 5B. The information is displayed on the unit 106, and the selection of the area or genre is obtained (step 135). Then, from the destination information storage unit 1031, the arithmetic processing unit 101 determines whether the first sound of the destination name is included in the selected category such as “A” or a ramen shop, and A destination within a range of 20 km from the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection unit 104 is extracted and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM, and FIG.
As shown in (1), the names of the extracted destinations are displayed in a list (step 137). In the present embodiment, the destinations are listed in order of proximity to the current position of the vehicle, and are displayed together with the direction and distance from the current position of the vehicle.

Then, the input to the displayed destination list is obtained from the input unit 105. When the driver's input is to select a destination from the destination list (139;
In Y), the selected destination is acquired as a route search destination and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (step 14).
7) The destination acquisition process ends, and the process returns to the main routine. If the driver's input is to select a destination other than the displayed destination list without selecting a destination (step 139; N), the arithmetic processing unit 101
Requests the information center 150 for additional destination data (additional destination data request processing) (step 14).
1). As an input for requesting a destination other than the displayed destination list, as shown in FIG. 6A, further selecting such as pressing a down arrow key in a state where the last destination in the display list is selected. Input to try to select a later destination,
There is an input or the like of selecting and clicking a key on which the meaning of displaying the "additional data" and the additional destination is displayed. FIG.
Is the information center 1 in the additional destination data request processing.
5 shows the contents of the request data transmitted to 50.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the additional destination data request processing, in the section selected in step 139, the current position of the vehicle detected by the current position detection unit 104, the cursor moving direction in a list display state, and The vehicle traveling direction is transmitted to the information center 150. After the additional destination data request processing, the arithmetic processing unit 101 waits for reception of the additional destination data from the information center 150.

Then, additional destination data is received from the information center 150 (step 143). This additional destination data does not meet the rules for the selected segment,
In addition, it is data on destinations within 20 km from the current position of the vehicle and included in the selected section. For data corresponding to each destination, the destination information storage unit 10
31 is the same as the data corresponding to each destination. Upon receiving the additional destination data, the arithmetic processing unit 101
Causes the display unit 106 to redisplay the destination list based on both the received additional destination data and the destination data extracted in step 137 and stored in the predetermined area of the RAM. FIG. 9 is an example of additional destination data (data of destination candidates) transmitted from the information center 150 for the information included in the additional destination data request processing of FIG. The additional destination data as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed following the destination (Pre. In the figure) displayed in step 137 as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the arithmetic processing unit 101 acquires the selection of the destination from the displayed destinations by the driver's input (step 145). Subsequently, the selected destination is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM as a destination of the route search (step 147), the destination acquisition processing ends, and the process returns to the main routine.

If "input telephone number" or "input address" is selected as the input method in step 131 (step 133; N), the telephone number or address is obtained by voice input from a keyboard or a microphone. , R
It is stored in a predetermined area of the AM (step 151). Then, based on the data stored in the destination information storage unit 1031, the destination corresponding to the obtained telephone number or address is searched, and if there is a corresponding destination (step 15).
3; Y), the corresponding destination is acquired as a route search destination (step 157). Then, the obtained destination is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (step 1).
47) The destination acquisition process ends, and the process returns to the main routine.

If there is no corresponding destination (step 153; N), similar to step 141, additional destination data is requested (additional destination request processing).
The additional destination data is received in the same manner as in step 3 (step 15).
5). Then, from the received additional destination data, the destination corresponding to the telephone number or the address input in step 1155 is obtained (step 157). Then, the process proceeds to step 147, where the destination is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM. Then, the destination obtaining process is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine.

When the destination is obtained, the operation processing unit 1
01 acquires a departure place (departure place acquisition processing) (step 15). The departure place is obtained by the driver selecting the name of the departure place from a list or inputting a telephone number or address. The list for acquiring the selection of the name of the departure place includes the data stored in the destination information storage unit 1031 as in the case of the destination, and the destination information database 1 of the information center 150 in the same manner as the additional destination data.
It is displayed on the display unit 106 based on the additional departure place data extracted and transmitted from the 531. This list includes
In addition to the name of the departure place as in the case of the destination acquisition processing, “current location” is displayed so as to be selectable. When the input of the current position is obtained, the result of detection of the current position of the vehicle by the current position detection unit 104 becomes the departure point. When a telephone number or an address is input, the data stored in the destination information storage unit 1031 as in the destination acquisition processing, or the destination information database of the information center 150 as in the additional destination data. 1
The departure place is specified and acquired based on the additional departure place data extracted and transmitted from 531.

When the departure place is obtained, the arithmetic processing unit 101
Acquires other conditions (step 17). The other conditions are priorities when one route is selected from a plurality of routes in the route search. The priority is
The display unit 10 displays conditions such as "select a route that can be reached in a short time", "do not use an expressway", and "designate a stopover".
6 and a selection is obtained. Unless otherwise specified, the shortest route is searched for. If "designate a waypoint" is selected, the waypoint is acquired by the same input as the departure place.

After acquiring the destination, the departure point, and other conditions, the arithmetic processing unit 101 determines the recommended traveling route from the departure point to the destination by using intersection data, node data, and road data in the search route information storage unit 1034. (Route search processing) (step 19). For details of this route search, for example, a method described in JP-A-1-173297, JP-A-1-173298,
It is executed by other various known methods. Then, after storing the data of the coordinate sequence of the intersection on the searched optimal route (passing intersection sequence data) in the traveling route storage unit 1032 (step 21), a route guidance process is performed (step 2).
3).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the route guidance process. FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing images displayed on the display unit 106 during the route guidance process. In the route guidance processing, the map drawing data of the drawing data stored in the map information storage unit 1035 is read out with reference to the passing intersection sequence data stored in the traveling route storage unit 1032, and the route guidance is started (step 233). ). In the route guidance, as shown in FIG. 11A, a map image M from the departure place is displayed on the display unit 106,
The search route is displayed on the map image based on the intersection designation data, and the corresponding voice guidance is output from the voice output unit 107 when the intersection turns right or left. In the route guidance, in the present embodiment, the map image M displayed at the start of the route guidance is a predetermined one of the standard scales (initial scale, this embodiment) in the drawing data stored in the map information storage unit 1035. , A map image is displayed by 1/9).

During the route guidance, the display unit 106 displays a scale display bar B in addition to the map image M. This scale display bar B displays the scale of the map image displayed on the display unit 106 with respect to the scale of the displayable map image. The scale of the map image that can be displayed is the scale of the drawing data stored in the map information storage unit 1035 of the navigation device 100.
Also, the area of the drawing data received from the map information database 1532 of the information center 150 in the scale drawing data requesting process (FIG. 10, step 285) described later has the scale. In the present embodiment, the scale display bar B is a white square with a scale that can be displayed in the width direction of the screen.
■ Sp (current scale display), which is represented by Sa (possible scale display) and is colored with another color among white squares, represents the scale of the map image displayed on the display unit 106. I have.

During route guidance, the arithmetic processing unit 101 detects the position of the vehicle by the current position detecting unit 104, and the position of the vehicle is determined from the center on the displayed map image by the movement of the vehicle. It is monitored whether or not it is in the above-mentioned eccentric position (step 251). Then, when the vehicle position is at a position (edge position on the image) displayed at a position deviated from the center on the map image by a predetermined amount or more (step 251; Y),
Does the map information storage unit 1035 have the same scale as the map image displayed on the display unit 106 and the drawing data (reading drawing data) of the map image in the traveling direction of the vehicle of the drawing data used for display? It is checked whether it is (step 253).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between drawing data used for the currently displayed map image and read drawing data. As shown in FIG. 13, the arithmetic processing unit 1
Reference numeral 01 denotes drawing data of a map image having the same scale as the map image displayed on the display unit 106 and adjacent to the drawing data MD used for display in the traveling direction of the vehicle (arrow A in the figure). (Reading drawing data) It is checked whether or not YD exists in the map information storage unit 1035.

If there is no drawing data for reading in the map information storage section 1035 (step 253; N), the information is sent to the information center 150 via the vehicle-side communication section 108.
A request for drawing data is made (step 255). FIG.
Represents the contents of a request for drawing data transmitted to the information center 150 in step 253. As shown in FIG. 14, a request for drawing data for read drawing data includes information for specifying the requested drawing data. That is, in the present embodiment, as information for specifying the position coordinates of the necessary drawing data, the diagonal position coordinates ((X1, Y
1), (X2, Y2)) and the direction of movement of the cursor (scroll direction; this direction of movement is upward when the vehicle is moving northward, rightward when it is near east, downward when it is near south, If it is close to the west, it is facing left, and is indicated by arrows in the same direction as the top, bottom, left and right in the figure). In order to specify the required scale of the drawing data, the scale of the currently displayed map image is included.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a map image based on the read drawing data transmitted from the information center 150 in accordance with the contents of the request in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 shows the read drawing data in FIG. This shows a state where the drawing data of the displayed map image is made continuous. The arithmetic processing unit 101 receives the drawing data transmitted from the information center 150 (step 257), and stores the drawing data in a predetermined area of the RAM (step 259). Then, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the received drawing data is combined with the data on the vehicle traveling direction side of the drawing data of the map image displayed on the display unit 106 in a continuous state. Then, using the synthesized drawing data, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1C, the scrolled map image is displayed (step 261). The map image displayed in FIG. 11C is a portion corresponding to FIG. 16C.

During route guidance, the map image displayed on the display unit 106 is scrolled by a predetermined input operation from the input unit 105, such as pressing an arrow key of a remote controller. Therefore, the arithmetic processing unit 101
Monitors whether there is a scroll request from the input unit 105 during the route guidance (step 271). If the position of the vehicle is not at the edge position on the image (Step 251; N) and there is a request for scrolling (Step 271; Y), the drawing used for display is performed based on this request. Drawing data of a map image adjacent to the data MD in the traveling direction of the vehicle (direction of arrow A in FIG. 13) or image data adjacent to the rear of the vehicle (direction of arrow B in FIG. 13) is read drawing data. Then, the process proceeds to step 253, and thereafter, the processes up to displaying the map image based on the drawing data for reading on the display unit 106 (step 261) are performed. However, in this case, the map image based on the read drawing data may not include the current position of the vehicle. In this case, if the map image includes a series of passing intersections, the recommended route is indicated, the vehicle position is not displayed, and the vehicle turns right or left. And the like are provided only by voice.

During route guidance, the scale display bar B displayed on the display unit 106 displays the current scale display 縮 by pointing to the possible scale display □ Sa or pressing an arrow on the remote control.
The position of Sp is changed (FIG. 12).
(D)). Thereby, the scale display bar B is displayed on the display unit 10.
6 functions as a display state change instructing unit for instructing a change in the display state of the displayed map image so as to change the scale of the map image displayed in 6 to the scale corresponding to the position ■. Then, the arithmetic processing unit 101 monitors whether or not there is a request to change the current scale display / position of the scale display bar B, that is, whether there is a request to change the scale of the map image (step 281).

If the driver changes the position of the current scale display and requests a change in the scale (step 28).
1; Y) is a block in which the arithmetic processing unit 101 obtains the requested scale from the changed position of the current scale display ■, and includes the center coordinates of the displayed map image. It is checked whether the drawing data (scaled drawing data) of the map image is stored in a predetermined area of the map information storage unit 1035 and the RAM (step 283). In the present embodiment, a request is made when the requested scale of the map image is a standard scale and when the center coordinates of the displayed map image are within a predetermined area (prefecture where the driver's address is located). The drawing data of the map image is stored in the map information storage unit 1035.
And the scale of the requested map image is a scale other than the standard scale, and the center coordinates of the displayed map image are outside the predetermined area (the prefecture where the driver's address is located). The drawing data of the requested scale map image is not stored in the map information storage unit 1035. The drawing data received from the map information database 1532 of the information center 150 by the below-described scale drawing data request processing (FIG. 10, step 285) is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM.

If the map image data of the requested scale is stored in the map information storage unit 1035 (step 283; Y), the arithmetic processing unit 101 proceeds to FIG.
As shown in (e), the drawing data is read out and displayed as a map image together with the recommended route on the map image and the position of the vehicle (step 261). Further, in the state where the current scale display bar Sp is displayed at the minimum scale position among the displayable scales □ Sa on which the Sp is displayed, for example, the left arrow key is pressed, and the current scale display is further performed.
For example, when there is an input to move Sp to the detail side, and when the current scale display ■ Sp of the scale display bar B is at the position of the maximum scale among the displayable scales □ Sa, for example, the rightward The current scale is displayed, such as when the arrow keys are pressed.
If there is an input to move Sp to the wide area side, the drawing data of the requested reduced scale map image is not stored in the map information storage unit 1035 or the RAM (step 283; N). A request for transmission of the drawing data is transmitted to the center 150 via the vehicle-side communication unit 108 (reduced-scale drawing data request processing) (step 28).
5).

FIG. 17 shows the contents of the drawing data request transmitted to the information center 150 in the reduced scale drawing data request processing in step 129. As shown in FIG. 17, in the reduced-scale drawing data request process, information for specifying the requested drawing data is included. That is, in the present embodiment, the position coordinates of the center of the map image displayed on the display unit 106 are included as information for specifying the position coordinates of the necessary drawing data. Also, as data for specifying the required scale of the drawing data, the scale of the currently displayed map image, and
The cursor movement direction (right arrow when requesting image data for large scale, that is, wide area display, and left arrow when requesting image data for small scale, that is, detailed display) is included. .

Then, drawing data according to the request is received from the information center 150 (step 287), and the drawing data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (step 289).
The process proceeds to step 275), and the map image is displayed on the display unit 106 based on the drawing data as shown in FIG.
To be displayed. At this time, the number of displayable scales □ Sa of the scale display bar B corresponding to the received drawing data increases, and the current scale display ■ S is displayed at the position of the increased displayable scale □ Sa.
p is displayed. When there is no need to update the image (step 281; N) and after displaying a new map image on the display unit 106 (after step 261), the arithmetic processing unit 101
Checks whether the vehicle has arrived at the destination (step 263). If the vehicle has not arrived at the destination (step 2)
63; N), the process returns to step 233, and the same operation is repeated until the vehicle arrives at the destination. If the vehicle has arrived at the destination (step 263; Y), the route guidance ends, and the process returns to the main routine. Then, the entire navigation processing is also terminated.

According to the present embodiment, data for setting route search conditions (data for setting a destination in this embodiment) and data for route guidance (this embodiment) are provided in the navigation device 100 on the vehicle side. , Only a part of the map image drawing data) is stored, so that the storage capacity of the storage unit for storing data on the vehicle side can be reduced, and the trouble of exchanging the CD-ROM and the like can be reduced. Not required. Then, a storage medium with a high read speed or a small storage medium can be used as a storage medium of the storage unit without being limited by the storage capacity. According to the present embodiment, of data for setting route search conditions (data for setting a destination in the present embodiment) and data for route guidance (drawing data for a map image in the present embodiment) When a portion that is not stored in the vehicle is required, a storage unit for these data (a destination information storage unit 10).
31 and the map information storage unit 1035), which are detected by the arithmetic processing unit 101, and automatically detected by the information center 150.
Since the data is requested from the information center 150 and received from the information center 150, there is no need to make a telephone call, input data, or exchange a CD-ROM to request the data from the information center. According to the present embodiment, map data is stored in the vehicle-side navigation device 100 for prefectures including the driver's address, which are considered to be frequently used, so it is necessary to receive data from the information center 150. And the route guidance can be efficiently performed.

Note that the vehicle control device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example,
In the above embodiment, the drawing data of the map image is
Depending on the scale and the area, those stored on the vehicle side and those received from the information center are distinguished, but not limited to this.For example, for each scale, detailed information up to the periphery is displayed. It is assumed that the display unit 106 can display the drawing data of the map that displays only the map and the building that serves as a guide for route guidance on the display unit 106. For the detailed information map, only the predetermined area is stored in the vehicle side. You can also.

In the above embodiment, the data for setting the destination and the drawing data for the map image are divided into those used from the storage unit 103 of the navigation device 100 and those used by receiving from the information center 150. However, only part of search route data (data necessary for searching for a recommended route based on a set destination or the like; intersection data, road data, node data, etc.) is stored in the navigation device 100. Other data is stored in the information center 150.
(Search route information database) in the information center 15
You may make it receive from 0. In this modification, when a route can be set using search data in an in-vehicle storage device (storage unit 103) such as a navigation device, a route is set (route search) using the search data, and the in-vehicle storage device (storage unit 103) is a technique that attempts to set a route (route search) using search data held by the information center 150 when a route cannot be set (route search).
This is related to the above-described embodiment in terms of auxiliary use of data of the information center 150.

As described above, in the technique for making the search route data usable from the information center 150,
FIG. 18 shows an example of the flow of the route search process (step 19 shown in FIG. 4). That is, in this route search processing, the arithmetic processing unit 101 checks whether or not search data of 5 km square centering on the departure place is in the search route information storage unit 1034 as search route data storage means (step 191). ) Also, it is checked whether or not search data of 5 km square centering on the destination exists in the search route information storage unit 1034 (step 193). If none of them is present (step 191; N, step 19
3; N), the arithmetic processing unit 101 determines that the route search cannot be performed, and the information center 1 via the vehicle-side communication unit 108.
A search condition such as a destination and a departure place is transmitted to 50 to request a route search (step 195). Then, the route guidance data (passing intersection column data) as the search result is transmitted to the information center 1.
50 (step 197), and returns to the main routine. If both the 5 km square search data centering on the departure point and the 5 km square search data centering on the destination are in the search route information storage unit 1034 (step 193; Y), the route on the way is Is likely to be stored, the search route information storage unit 1034 of the navigation device 100
A route search is performed using the route search data stored in the storage device (step 196). Then, when the recommended route is obtained (route search completed) (Step 198; N), the process returns to the main routine with this route as the recommended route. If the calculation becomes impossible and the recommended route is not obtained (route search is not established) (step 198; Y), the process proceeds to step 195 to receive route guidance data from the information center (steps 195 and 197). And return to the main routine.

In the above-described modified example, when it is determined that the route search cannot be performed (step 191; N and step 193; N), and when the route search is not established (step 198; N). Requesting a route search from the information center, a request may be made for search data including from the departure place to the destination, and this data may be received to perform a route search.

The map image based on the drawing data may be used not only for route guidance but also for selecting a destination, a departure place, and a transit point. In this case, similarly to the above-described route guidance processing, data that is not stored in the map information storage unit 1035 when the scale is changed or the display position is changed may be received from the information center 150.

In the above-described embodiment and each modified example,
Although the information center 150 and the navigation device 100 directly transmit and receive data, the data may be exchanged between the information center 150 and the navigation device 100 via a relay base. The navigation system can be a navigation system that transmits and receives data through a unique communication network such as a taxi, a bus, a transportation vehicle, and a center that distributes them.

The data stored in the destination information storage unit 1031, the search route information storage unit 1034, and the map information storage unit 1035 can be compressed to further reduce the required memory capacity.

The data received from the information center is stored in RAM
Is stored in the destination information storage unit 1031 and the search route information storage unit 1.
034, and the map information storage unit 1035, respectively. In this case, the driver may select whether to store the information or not. Also,
The retention period is divided into predetermined periods such as one month, one year, etc., and deleted after the period elapses, until the registered home address changes, or when another prefecture becomes a different prefecture. May be divided until a predetermined condition is satisfied, such as reaching a predetermined amount or deleting.

The scale of the map image that can be displayed on the display unit 106 is set to be smaller than the same scale as the drawing data stored in the map information storage unit 1035 or the map information database 1532, and the scale between the scales of each drawing data is set. The reduced scale map image may be displayed by reducing or enlarging the image of the drawing data.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is checked whether necessary drawing data is present in the map information storage unit 1035 in consideration of the traveling direction of the vehicle. Therefore, all the drawing data of the map image adjacent to the current vehicle position may be stored in the RAM.

If there is an input requesting the scroll operation of the map image or the display of the map image of a different scale, or if there is a possibility that the information center may request drawing data or destination setting data due to the movement of the vehicle, The fact that there is a predetermined operation to request and receive data from the information center may be notified by display on the display unit 106 or by voice. FIG. 19 shows such an example. FIG. 19 (a)
Is a state in which the map image is displayed by the data of the end area in the same scale out of the drawing data of each scale stored in the map image information storage unit 1035;
The display unit 105 displays that data is received from the information center 150 in response to the next scroll request. FIG. 19B shows a state in which the map image is displayed by the data of the maximum scale or the minimum scale out of the drawing data stored in the map image information storage unit 1035. Information center 1 by request
The display unit 105 displays that data is received from 50. In addition, when there is an input requesting a scroll operation of a map image or a display of a map image of a different scale, or when there is a possibility that it is necessary to request drawing data or destination setting data from an information center due to movement of a vehicle. Regardless of the presence or absence of the next operation, data required for the next operation is requested to the information center 150 in advance, or the information center 1
50 may be received.

In the above embodiment, the scale bar B
The possible scale display □ Sa indicates the scale of the map image that can be displayed using the data stored in the navigation device, but the scale that can be displayed by receiving the drawing data from the information center 150 is also All scales may be displayed. In this case, it is preferable that the data that uses the data in the vehicle and the data that receives the data from the information center 150 through communication are displayed in different colors, for example.

The above-described change is not limited to one, and a plurality of these can be appropriately selected and adopted.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention,
With respect to data for setting a destination and the like, data for searching a route, and data for a map image, detailed data can be read out and used with little effort.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system including a navigation device as one embodiment of the present invention and an information center 150.

FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a structure of drawing data stored in a map information storage unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a destination setting menu displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main flow of a navigation process.

FIG. 5 shows a display screen of a destination list displayed on a display unit in search condition acquisition processing in navigation processing.

FIG. 6 shows a display screen of a destination list displayed subsequent to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a destination acquisition process.

FIG. 8 shows the contents of request data transmitted to the information center in the additional destination data request processing.

FIG. 9 is an example of additional destination data transmitted from the information center for information included in the additional destination data request processing of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a route guidance process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit during the route guidance processing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on a display unit during the route guidance processing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a relationship between drawing data used for a map image currently displayed and drawing data for reading.

14 shows the contents of a request for drawing data transmitted to the information center 150. FIG.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a map image based on read drawing data transmitted from the information center in accordance with the contents of the request in FIG.

16 shows a state in which the read drawing data of FIG. 15 is made continuous with the drawing data of the currently displayed map image.

FIG. 17 shows the contents of a drawing data request transmitted to the information center in the reduced scale drawing data request processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a route search process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 navigation device 101 arithmetic processing unit 102 program storage unit 103 storage unit 104 current position detection unit 105 input unit 106 display unit 107 sound output unit 108 vehicle-side communication unit 1031 destination information storage unit 1032 travel route storage unit 1033 vehicle position storage unit 1034 Search route information storage unit 1035 Map information storage unit 150 Information center 151 Center side communication unit 152 System control unit 153 Database 1531 Destination information database 1532 Map information database

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09B 29/00 G09B 29/10 A 29/10 G09G 5/00 510A G09G 5/00 510 5/36 510B 5 / 36 510 G06F 15/40 310F 370C (72) Inventor Naoki Ushiki 2-19-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Equos Research Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takashi Sugawara 2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo No. 19-12, Equos Research Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoshi Kitano 2-19-12, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd. Equos Research Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Yamakawa Outside Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 2-19-12 Kanda Inside Equos Research Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Yawata 2-19-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Equos Research Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shingo Ishida 2--19-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term inside Equos Research Co., Ltd. 2C032 HB05 HB15 HB25 HC05 HC13 HC24 HC25 HD16 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB05 AB13 AC02 AC09 AC13 AC16 AC18 AD07 5B075 ND06 NK43 PP03 PP13 PQ02 PQ04 PQ32 UU13 UU16 5C082 AA21 AA36 AA37 BA12 BA13 BA14 BB01 CB01 DA87 MM05 MM09 5H180 AA01 AA14 AA15 FF03 FF03 FF03 FF03 FF04 FF04 FF04

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image display device, map data storage means for storing map image data, and display for displaying a map image on the image display device using map image data stored in the map data storage means Control means; display state change instructing means for instructing a change in the display state of the map image displayed on the image display device; and an image for displaying a map in the display state instructed by the display state change instructing means. Determining means for determining whether data is stored in the map data storing means; and determining that the map image data for displaying the corresponding map is not stored in the map data storing means. Requesting a map image data for displaying a map image in an instructed display state from an information center; Map image data receiving means for receiving the map image data, the display control means, when the map image data received by the map image data receiving means, using the received map image data, A map image display device displaying a map image in a display state instructed on the image display device. 2. The display state change instructed by the display state change instructing means is at least one of a scale of a map image, a display area, and a display area. Map image display device. 3. An image display device, destination data storage means storing destination data including a plurality of destinations, condition input means for inputting a condition for setting the destination, and the condition input Destinations that meet the criteria entered by the means
A destination extraction unit that extracts from the destination data storage unit; a display control unit that displays the destination extracted by the destination extraction unit on the image display device as a destination candidate; Display target change instructing means for instructing a change of the display target of the destination candidate being provided, and whether or not the destination candidate displayed in response to the change instruction of the display target change instructing means is stored in the destination data storage means. Determination means for determining whether the destination candidate is not stored in the destination data storage means, and the destination candidate to be displayed in response to the change instruction is information Request means for making a request to a center; and destination candidate receiving means for receiving a destination candidate in accordance with a request from the request means, wherein the display control means comprises: the destination candidate receiving means. Navigation apparatus characterized by when receiving said destination candidate and displays the destination candidates received to the image display device. 4. The navigation device according to claim 3, wherein the condition input by the condition input means is at least one of destination classification and destination detail. . 5. A search route data storage unit storing search route data corresponding to a predetermined area; a destination setting unit for setting a destination; and a search route data stored in the search route data storage unit. Route search means for performing a route search to the destination set by the destination setting means using route data; and a route search to the destination set by the destination setting means by the route search means. Determining means for determining whether or not it is possible; requesting means for requesting the information center to search for a route to the destination determined to be impossible by this determining means; search results according to the request of the requesting means And a search result receiving means for receiving a search result. 6. The search route data storing means for storing search route data including at least one of a departure place area within a predetermined distance from a departure place and a destination area within a predetermined distance from a destination. If not stored in the means,
The navigation device according to claim 5, wherein it is determined that a route search cannot be performed. 7. The route search means performs a route search when the determination means determines that a route search is possible, and the request means determines an information when the route search by the route search means is not established. The navigation device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a route search is requested from the center. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request unit includes a confirmation unit for confirming whether to make a request to the information center, and when the confirmation unit obtains a confirmation that the request is made, the request is made to the information center. Claim 1 or Claim 2
2. The map image display device according to 1. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the requesting means includes a confirmation means for confirming whether to make a request to the information center, and when the confirmation of the request is obtained by the confirmation means, the request is made to the information center. The navigation device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: