JP2001229363A - Three-dimensional map display device and method for displaying symbols on three-dimensional map - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a method and an apparatus for displaying symbols on a three-dimensional map in a manner that is easy to always see in a direction perpendicular to the user's line of sight even on a machine with a small memory and a low CPU capacity. I do. In the navigation device, a route selection unit searches for a guidance route from input information from an input unit, current position information from a position detection unit, and map information from a map data storage unit. I do. The guidance unit 6 generates a three-dimensional landscape based on these pieces of information, and selects a symbol to be displayed from the symbol storage unit 5. The symbol processing unit 7 calculates the display coordinates of the symbol to be displayed, and selects the corresponding image data. The synthesizing unit 8 synthesizes the three-dimensional landscape from the guidance unit 6 and the image data of the symbol from the symbol processing unit 7. The output unit 9 displays the guidance based on the information from the combining unit 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map and a method of displaying the same, and more particularly, to displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map in a navigation device, always in the direction of the user's line of sight. The present invention relates to a display device for displaying symbols perpendicularly to a display device and a display method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional navigation devices display a three-dimensional map in order to allow a user to visually grasp terrain and the like in a realistic manner. In general,
Such a three-dimensional map is displayed based on a method generally used in computer graphics technology.

[0003] When displaying symbols on such a three-dimensional map, for example, a method of pasting and displaying a texture on a polygon such as a quadrangle is used.
Here, when the viewpoint position or direction changes, the orientation of the polygon changes along with the three-dimensional map. But, for example,
When the three-dimensional map is viewed obliquely, the symbols appear obliquely distorted, making it difficult to visually recognize. Therefore, it is preferable that the symbols are always displayed perpendicular to the user's line of sight.

Therefore, conventionally, a method of individually controlling the directions of polygons for displaying symbols is generally used so that the symbols are always displayed perpendicular to the user's line of sight. .

When such a conventional method is used,
When the viewpoint position or direction on the three-dimensional map changes, the navigation device recalculates the direction of the polygon for displaying the symbol so as to be perpendicular to the user's line of sight.

[0006]

However, recalculating the orientation of the polygon every time the viewpoint position or the direction on the three-dimensional map is changed becomes a heavy load for a terminal having limited hardware resources. . In particular, there is a problem that as the number of symbols to be displayed increases, the calculation load further increases.

When the above-described conventional method is used, the size of the displayed polygon changes according to the distance from the viewpoint. Therefore, the texture applied to the polygon must also be scaled up or down. However, when the texture is enlarged or reduced, a step-like jaggedness called jaggy occurs. Due to this jaggy, there is a problem that symbols displayed on the three-dimensional map are difficult for the user to visually recognize or impair the aesthetic appearance.

In particular, when a single still image is scaled up or down, the degree of jaggies becomes severe. Therefore, when a symbol displayed on a three-dimensional map is composed of a single still image, There is a problem that a dirty display becomes conspicuous.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize an apparatus which can display a symbol with excellent visibility even in a machine having a small memory and a low CPU when displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map. Is to provide a way.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, when displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map, the symbol is always displayed perpendicularly to the direction of the user's line of sight.
A method for displaying a symbol on a two-dimensional map, wherein a three-dimensional landscape creating step of creating a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen from a predetermined viewpoint based on three-dimensional map information stored in advance; A symbol selection step of selecting a symbol to be displayed based on the selected three-dimensional map information and the pre-stored symbol information and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol, and a three-dimensional coordinate of the selected symbol. A symbol coordinate calculating step of calculating a symbol coordinate on the two-dimensional screen, a symbol image selecting step of selecting a symbol image corresponding to the selected symbol, and synthesizing the symbol image on the symbol coordinates with respect to the three-dimensional landscape. A two-dimensional / three-dimensional combining step and a display step of displaying a combined image to a user are provided.

As described above, according to the first invention, only the display position of the symbol is three-dimensionally processed, and the display of the symbol is performed by pasting the two-dimensional image as it is and the three-dimensional map information. By combining, less memory and lower C
Even in a PU-capable machine, it is possible to easily display a symbol always perpendicular to the user's line of sight and provide a symbol display with excellent visibility.

[0012] A second invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the symbol image selecting step calculates a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determines a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance. A size determining step of determining a size, and an image determining step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance.

As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, a three-dimensional perspective can be obtained by changing the size of the image, and the symbol is excellent in visibility without disturbance of the image such as jaggies. An indication can be provided.

[0014] A third invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the symbol image selecting step includes a step of selecting an image different from the previously displayed symbol image to provide an animation effect to the user. A type determining step of determining the type of a symbol image to be displayed, and an image determining step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined type from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance, so as to switch at a time interval. including.

As described above, according to the third aspect, even in a machine having a small memory and a low CPU capacity, symbols are always displayed perpendicular to the user's line of sight, and the user is alerted by animation. , A symbol display with excellent visibility can be provided.

A fourth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein in the symbol image selecting step, a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates is calculated, and a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance is calculated. In order to provide a user with an animation effect, the type of the symbol image to be displayed is changed so that a predetermined time is switched to an image different from the symbol image displayed last time. The method includes a type determining step of determining, and an image determining step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance.

As described above, according to the fourth aspect, even in a machine having a small memory or a low CPU capacity, a symbol is always displayed perpendicularly to the user's line of sight, and 3 It is possible to provide a symbol display with excellent visibility that obtains a dimensional perspective, has no image disturbance such as jaggies, and draws the user's attention by animation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional map display device for displaying symbols on a three-dimensional map, always displaying the symbols perpendicular to the user's line of sight. Input means, map data storage means for storing three-dimensional map information in advance, symbol storage means for storing symbol information in advance, instructions input at the input means, and three-dimensional information stored in the map data storage means. A three-dimensional landscape creating means for creating a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen from a predetermined viewpoint based on the map information, an instruction input by the input means, and a three-dimensional landscape stored in the map data storage means. A symbol for selecting a symbol to be displayed based on the two-dimensional map information and the symbol information stored in the symbol storage means, and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol. Symbol selecting means for calculating the symbol coordinates on the two-dimensional screen from the three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbols; symbol image selecting means for selecting the symbol image corresponding to the selected symbols; Two-dimensional / three-dimensional synthesizing means for synthesizing the symbol image selected by the symbol image selecting means on the symbol coordinates with the three-dimensional landscape created by the landscape creating means;
Display means for displaying to the user an image synthesized by the three-dimensional / three-dimensional synthesis means.

As described above, according to the fifth aspect, only the display position of the symbol is three-dimensionally processed, and the display of the symbol is performed by pasting the two-dimensional image as it is and the three-dimensional map information. By combining, less memory and lower C
Even in a PU-capable machine, it is possible to easily display a symbol always perpendicular to the user's line of sight and provide a symbol display with excellent visibility.

A sixth invention is an invention according to the fifth invention, wherein the symbol image selecting means calculates a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determines a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance. Size determination means for determining the size, and image determination means for determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage means in advance.

As described above, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a symbol which can obtain a three-dimensional perspective by changing the size of the image and which is excellent in visibility without disturbance of the image such as jaggies. An indication can be provided.

A seventh invention is the invention according to the fifth invention, wherein the symbol image selecting means sets an image different from the previously displayed symbol image in order to provide an animation effect to the user. And a symbol image corresponding to the determined type is determined from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage unit in advance so as to switch at a time interval. Image determining means.

As described above, according to the seventh aspect, even in a machine having a small memory or a low CPU capacity, symbols are always displayed perpendicular to the user's line of sight, and the user is alerted by animation. , A symbol display with excellent visibility can be provided.

An eighth invention is an invention according to the fifth invention, wherein the symbol image selecting means calculates a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and calculates a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance. In order to provide a user with an animation effect, the type of the symbol image to be displayed is changed so as to switch at a predetermined time to an image different from the symbol image displayed last time. A type determining means for determining, and an image determining means for determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage means in advance.

As described above, according to the eighth aspect, even in a machine having a small memory or a low CPU capacity, a symbol is always displayed perpendicularly to the user's line of sight, and the symbol is displayed by a change in image size. It is possible to provide a symbol display with excellent visibility that obtains a dimensional perspective, has no image disturbance such as jaggies, and draws the user's attention by animation.

The ninth invention is executed in a three-dimensional map display device. When the three-dimensional map display device displays a symbol on a three-dimensional map, the symbol is always perpendicular to the user's line of sight. A recording medium on which a program for displaying is described, wherein the program creates a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen from a predetermined viewpoint based on three-dimensional map information stored in advance. A program step of selecting a symbol to be displayed based on the pre-stored three-dimensional map information and the pre-stored symbol information, and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol; A program step for calculating symbol coordinates on a two-dimensional screen from the two-dimensional coordinates, and a symbol image corresponding to the selected symbol. And the program step to select,
The method includes a program step of synthesizing a symbol image on symbol coordinates with respect to a three-dimensional landscape, and a program step of displaying the synthesized image to a user.

As described above, according to the ninth aspect, only the display position of the symbol is three-dimensionally processed, and the display of the symbol is performed by pasting the two-dimensional image as it is and the three-dimensional map information. By combining, less memory and lower C
Even in a PU-capable machine, it is possible to easily display a symbol always perpendicular to the user's line of sight and provide a symbol display with excellent visibility.

A tenth invention is according to the ninth invention, wherein the program step of selecting a symbol image calculates a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and calculates a symbol corresponding to the distance. The method includes a program step of determining a size of an image and a program step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance.

As described above, according to the tenth aspect, a symbol having a three-dimensional perspective can be obtained by a change in the size of an image and has excellent visibility without image disturbance such as jaggies. An indication can be provided.

An eleventh invention is an invention according to the ninth invention, wherein the program step for selecting a symbol image is different from the previously displayed symbol image in order to provide an animation effect to the user. A program step of determining a type of a symbol image to be displayed so that the image is switched at a predetermined time interval; and a program step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined type from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance. And

As described above, according to the eleventh aspect, even in a machine having a small memory and a low CPU capacity, symbols are always displayed perpendicular to the user's line of sight, and the user is alerted by animation. , A symbol display with excellent visibility can be provided.

A twelfth invention is the invention according to the ninth invention, wherein the program step of selecting a symbol image calculates a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and calculates a symbol corresponding to the distance. A program step for determining the size of the image, and in order to provide an animation effect to the user, to switch at a predetermined time to an image different from the previously displayed symbol image,
The method includes a program step of determining a type of a symbol image to be displayed and a program step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance.

As described above, according to the twelfth aspect, even in a machine having a small memory or a low CPU capacity, a symbol is always displayed perpendicularly to the direction of the user's line of sight. It is possible to provide a symbol display with excellent visibility that obtains a dimensional perspective, has no image disturbance such as jaggies, and draws the user's attention by animation.

A thirteenth invention is a navigation device for guiding a vehicle on a map, wherein the symbol is always displayed perpendicularly to the user's line of sight when displaying the symbol on a three-dimensional map. Input means for inputting an instruction from a user, position detecting means for detecting a current position of the vehicle, map data storing means for storing three-dimensional map information in advance, and symbol storing for storing symbol information in advance. Means for selecting a route to a destination based on the instruction input by the input means, the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection means, and the three-dimensional map information stored in the map data storage means. A predetermined viewpoint based on the selection means, the instruction input by the input means, the three-dimensional map information stored in the map data storage means, and the route selected by the route selection means. Three-dimensional landscape creating means for creating a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen, instructions input by an input means, three-dimensional map information stored in a map data storage means, and stored in a symbol storage means Symbol selecting means for selecting a symbol to be displayed based on the selected symbol information and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol, and calculating a symbol coordinate on a two-dimensional screen from the three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol. The symbol coordinate calculating means for calculating, the symbol image selecting means for selecting a symbol image corresponding to the selected symbol, and the symbol image selecting means on the symbol coordinates for the three-dimensional landscape created by the three-dimensional landscape creating means. A two-dimensional / three-dimensional synthesizing means for synthesizing the selected symbol image, and an image synthesized by the two-dimensional / three-dimensional synthesizing means, And display means for displaying relative.

As described above, according to the thirteenth aspect, only the display position of the symbol is three-dimensionally processed, and the display of the symbol is performed by pasting the two-dimensional image as it is and the three-dimensional map information. By synthesizing, even in a machine having a small memory or a low CPU capability, a symbol can always be displayed perpendicularly to the user's line of sight, and a symbol display with excellent visibility can be provided.

A fourteenth invention is an invention according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the symbol image selecting means calculates a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates and determines a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance. Size determination means for determining the size, and image determination means for determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage means in advance.

As described above, according to the fourteenth aspect, a three-dimensional perspective can be obtained by changing the size of the image, and the symbol is excellent in visibility without disturbance of the image such as jaggies. An indication can be provided.

A fifteenth invention is a invention according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the symbol image selecting means sets an image different from the previously displayed symbol image in order to provide an animation effect to the user. And a symbol image corresponding to the determined type is determined from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage unit in advance so as to switch at a time interval. Image determining means.

As described above, according to the fifteenth aspect, even in a machine having a small memory or a low CPU capacity, symbols are always displayed perpendicular to the user's line of sight, and the user is alerted by animation. , A symbol display with excellent visibility can be provided.

A sixteenth invention is according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the symbol image selecting means calculates a distance from a predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determines a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance. In order to provide a user with an animation effect, the type of the symbol image to be displayed is changed so as to switch at a predetermined time to an image different from the symbol image displayed last time. A type determining means for determining, and an image determining means for determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage means in advance.

As described above, according to the sixteenth aspect, even in a machine having a small amount of memory and a low CPU capacity, a symbol is always displayed perpendicular to the user's line of sight, and 3D is displayed by a change in image size. It is possible to provide a symbol display with excellent visibility that obtains a dimensional perspective, has no image disturbance such as jaggies, and draws the user's attention by animation.

[0042]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Explanation of Basic Concept of the Present Invention) Before giving a detailed explanation of an embodiment of the present invention, the basic concept will be explained for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, when displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map, a texture is attached to a polygon such as a quadrangle to control only the display position of the symbol instead of controlling the orientation of the polygon. 3D processing, 2
Paste the dimension symbol image as it is.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the symbol itself is constituted by a two-dimensional image and displayed at the calculated position. On the other hand, a three-dimensional map is composed of three-dimensional information and displayed through three-dimensional processing. These are combined and displayed. With such a configuration, the symbols are always displayed perpendicular to the direction of the user's line of sight, and the symbols can be displayed with excellent visibility.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of images each having a different size are prepared for each symbol, and an image having an appropriate size is selected and displayed according to the distance from the viewpoint to the symbol. . With such a configuration, it is possible to perform symbol display with excellent three-dimensional sense of distance and excellent visibility without disturbance of images such as jaggies.

The above explanation of the basic concept should be used only for facilitating the understanding of the present invention.
It should be pointed out in advance that it should not be used to unduly narrow the scope of the invention.

(Description of Specific Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1, the navigation device includes an input unit 1, a position detection unit 2, a map data storage unit 4, a symbol storage unit 5, an information processing unit 10, and an output unit 9. Further, the information processing unit 10 includes the route selecting unit 3
, A guiding unit 6, a symbol processing unit 7, and a combining unit 8.

The input unit 1 is composed of a remote controller, a touch sensor, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., which are operated by a driver as a user. , Search mode selection and the like. The instruction information output from the input unit 1 is input to the route selection unit 3 and the guidance unit 6.

The position detecting section 2 comprises a GPS, a radio beacon receiver, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular speed sensor, an absolute direction sensor, and the like, and detects the current position of the vehicle. Then, the current position information of the vehicle output from the position detection unit 2 is input to the route selection unit 3 and the guidance unit 6.

The map data storage unit 4 stores data on an optical disc (C
D, DVD, etc.), a hard disk, a large capacity memory, etc.
Records information on road networks, such as regulatory information. Then, the map data recorded in the map data storage unit 4 is appropriately read and used by the route selection unit 3 and the guidance unit 6. The map data stored in the map data storage unit 4 is three-dimensional map data.

Similarly to the map data storage unit 4, the symbol storage unit 5 includes an optical disk (CD, DVD, etc.), a hard disk, a large-capacity memory, etc., and describes Z values corresponding to symbol image data. A table described below is recorded. Then, the information recorded in the symbol storage unit 5 is appropriately read out and used by the guidance unit 6 and the symbol processing unit 7. The image data stored in the symbol storage unit 5 is two-dimensional data.

The information processing unit 10 processes data input from the input unit 1, the position detection unit 2, the map data storage unit 4, and the symbol storage unit 5 by a predetermined method described later, and inputs the processed data to the output unit 9. . The function of this information processing unit 10 is CP
It can also be realized by software control based on U. In this case, a recording medium storing the software control program is mounted on the navigation device. Hereinafter, each component included in the information processing unit 10 will be described.

The route selection unit 3 reads map data in a required range from the map data storage unit 4 according to the instruction of the instruction information input from the input unit 1. Then, the route selection unit 3 determines a departure place and a destination based on the instruction information such as point information input from the input unit 1 and the current position information of the vehicle input from the position detection unit 2, Search for the least cost route from the starting point to the destination. The route information output from the route selection unit 3 is input to the guidance unit 6.

The guiding unit 6 is configured to perform three-way operation based on the route information input from the route selecting unit 3, the vehicle position information input from the position detecting unit 2, and the map data input from the map data storage unit 4. Generate a dimensional landscape. The generated three-dimensional landscape is input to the synthesizing unit 8.

The guidance unit 6 displays the route information based on the route information input from the route selection unit 3, the symbol data input from the symbol storage unit 5, and the map data input from the map data storage unit 4. Select the symbol to be used.
Information on the selected symbols to be displayed is input to the symbol processing unit 7.

The symbol processing section 7 selects the display coordinates of the symbol to be displayed and the corresponding image data based on the information on the symbol to be displayed selected by the guiding section 6 and inputs the selected image data to the synthesizing section 8.

The synthesizing unit 8 synthesizes the three-dimensional landscape input from the guiding unit 6 and the image data of the symbol input from the symbol processing unit 7 and inputs the synthesized image to the output unit 9 as an image for guidance. .

The output unit 9 includes a display device (a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, etc.), a speaker, and the like, and displays an image for guiding guidance input from the synthesizing unit 8 and outputs a voice for guiding guidance. I do.

Next, the overall operation of the navigation device shown in FIG. 1 will be described. First, after instructing the route search mode in the input unit 1, the driver sets a destination point. When the route search mode is instructed from the input unit 1, the route selection unit 3 inputs the destination set by the input unit 1, inputs the current position information of the vehicle from the position detection unit 2, and outputs the current position of the vehicle. Set location as starting point.
Next, the route selection unit 3 reads from the map data storage unit 4 map data in a range covering the departure place and the destination place.
Next, the route selection unit 3 searches the read map data for a guidance route (for example, a minimum time route or a shortest distance route) between the departure place and the destination. The algorithm for the route search executed by the route selection unit 3 at this time is, for example, the well-known Dijkstra method. When the route search is completed, the route selection unit 3 outputs the searched route information to the guidance unit 6. The guiding unit 6 stores therein the received route information.

Next, the driver uses the input unit 1 to instruct the guidance mode. When a guidance mode is instructed from the input unit 1, the guidance unit 6 receives the route information input from the route selection unit 3, the vehicle position information input from the position detection unit 2, and the map data storage unit 4. A three-dimensional landscape is generated based on the input map data. In addition, the guiding unit 6
Selects a symbol to be displayed, and selects a symbol processing unit 7
Enter

The symbol processing section 7 selects the display coordinates of the symbol to be displayed and the corresponding image data and inputs them to the synthesizing section 8. The synthesizing unit 8 synthesizes the three-dimensional landscape input from the guidance unit 6 and the image data of the symbol input from the symbol processing unit 7 and inputs the synthesized image to the output unit 9 as an image for guidance. The output unit 9 displays an image for guidance and guidance and outputs audio for guidance and guidance based on the information input from the synthesis unit 8.

In the above description, the operation of the navigation device in the guidance mode has been described. However, the same symbol display operation can be performed even when the vehicle is not guided and is self-propelled.

Next, the overall operation of the navigation device shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device in FIG. In step S100 of FIG.
The input unit 1 receives at least information necessary for guidance from a driver who is a user. Next, in step S200, the position detector 2 detects the current position of the vehicle.

In step S300, the route selection unit 3
Searches for a guidance route from the destination set by the input unit 1, the current position information of the vehicle detected by the position detection unit 2, and the map information read from the map data storage unit 4. The route selection unit 3 supplies the searched route information to the guidance unit 6.
Output to

In step S400, the guiding unit 6
Based on the route information input from the route selecting unit 3 and the current position information of the vehicle input from the position detecting unit 2, a three-dimensional landscape is created. Further, in step S500,
The guidance unit 6 includes the route information input from the route selection unit 3,
Based on the symbol data input from the symbol storage unit 5 and the map data input from the map data storage unit 4, a symbol to be displayed is selected, and its three-dimensional coordinates are calculated.

In step S600, the symbol processing section 7 performs a subroutine for selecting the display coordinates of the selected symbol to be displayed and the corresponding image data. Details of this subroutine processing will be described later.

In step S700, the synthesizing unit 8
The three-dimensional landscape input from the guidance unit 6 and the image data of the symbol input from the symbol processing unit 7 are combined.
In step S800, the output unit 9 displays an image input from the synthesizing unit 8 and outputs sound for guidance.

Next, the operation of the symbol processing section 7 in the subroutine step S600 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the symbol processing unit 7 in the subroutine step S600.

In step S610 of FIG. 3, the symbol processing section 7 calculates the projection of the symbol to be displayed selected by the guiding section 6 from the three-dimensional coordinates to the screen coordinates. The calculated coordinates are used as the display coordinates of the symbol.
Output to the synthesizing unit 8.

In step S620, the symbol processing section 7 calculates the Z value of the symbol to be displayed from the three-dimensional coordinates of the symbol. The Z value is a value indicating the distance from the viewpoint position to the coordinates.

In step S630, symbol processing section 7 determines the size of the image corresponding to the calculated Z value. Typically, the symbol processing unit 7 determines this size with reference to a preset table. The structure of the table will be described later.

In step S640, the symbol processing section 7 determines the type of image to be displayed from information such as the elapsed time and the previously displayed image. Typically, the symbol processing unit 7 prepares two or more images corresponding to a predetermined Z value in a preset table, and switches between the images according to the elapsed time. Select the type of image to be displayed so as to switch to a different image. The structure of the table will be described later. If the images are selected so as to be switched alternately or continuously, the symbols will be displayed in the form of animation. However, if such an animation effect is not required, this step may be omitted.
The structure of the table when this step is omitted will also be described later.

In step S650, the symbol processing unit 7 selects a corresponding image from the size or type of the image determined in steps S630 to S640 based on a table described later and outputs the selected image to the synthesizing unit 8.
The subroutine processing ends.

Next, what table is used to select an image corresponding to a symbol to be displayed by the symbol processing section 7 will be described below. First, the aforementioned step S64
A case where 0 is omitted and no animation effect is used will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a table defining the relationship between the Z value and the image when the animation effect is not used. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the Z value on the table is divided into three stages, z1 to z3 are predetermined values, and have a relationship of z1>z2> z3. In the field of the image file corresponding to the Z value, an image file name is typically written. In FIG. 4, images corresponding to the image file names are respectively written for easy understanding visually. Here, the Z value is divided into three stages, but it goes without saying that the Z value may be divided into any number of stages.

As is clear from the comparison of the symbol images in FIG. 4, the images are not similar in shape, but are designed to be easily viewed by the user in each size. Therefore, regardless of the display position and size of the image, the present apparatus can provide a symbol image that is always easy for the user to see.

When the above table is used,
The operation will be described using an actual display screen as an example. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an actual display screen when the animation effect is not used.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the Z value is z1
If it is larger, a smaller symbol image is displayed. Next, as the viewpoint approaches the symbol image,
As shown in FIG. 5B, when the Z value is larger than z2 and equal to or smaller than z1, an image of an intermediate size is displayed. As the viewpoint further approaches the symbol image, as shown in FIG. 5C, the Z value becomes larger than z3 and z
When the number is 2 or less, a large image is displayed. Then, even if the viewpoint changes (for example, if the user tries to turn left at the intersection in the figure), the image is always displayed perpendicularly to the user's line of sight as shown in FIG. Have been. Therefore, regardless of the display position and size of the image, the present apparatus can provide a symbol image that is always easy for the user to see.

Next, a case where the animation effect is used without omitting the above step S640 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a table defining a relationship between a Z value and an image when an animation effect is used.

In FIG. 6, the Z value is divided into three stages, z1 to z3 are predetermined values, and z1>z2> z3
It is assumed that In the field of the image file corresponding to the Z value, an image file name is typically written. Here, as the image file corresponding to the predetermined Z value, an image corresponding to an odd-numbered frame and an image corresponding to an even-numbered frame are prepared. Therefore, the symbol processing unit 7 selects the image so that the image is alternately switched every time the frame number is changed, so that a display animation effect can be obtained.

Here, the number of image files corresponding to the predetermined Z value is two, but any number may be used. Further, the table may not be configured so that a plurality of image files correspond to the frame number, but may be configured to correspond to the elapsed time. That is, the table may be configured such that a plurality of image files are made to correspond to the elapsed time so that the image is switched every time a predetermined time elapses.

As is clear from the comparison of the symbol images in FIG. 6, as in FIG. 4, the design is devised so that the user can easily recognize the size of each symbol. It is devised so that the above animation effects can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to provide a symbol image that is always easy for the user to see and that draws the user's attention by an animation effect.

Next, an actual display screen when such a table is used will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an actual display screen when an animation effect is used.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the Z value is z1
If it is larger, a smaller symbol image is displayed. Next, when the frame is switched, as shown in FIG. 7B, a small symbol image different from the symbol shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. If the viewpoint does not move, the symbol shown in FIG. 7A is displayed in the next frame. By repeating such display at predetermined time intervals, it is possible to obtain an animation effect as if the symbols in the figure are bowing.

Next, as the viewpoint approaches the symbol image, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the Z value is larger than z2 and equal to or smaller than z1, an image of an intermediate size is displayed. . When the frame is switched, the image of FIG. 7D is displayed, and an animation effect can be obtained by switching the display, as described above.

As the viewpoint further approaches the symbol image, as shown in FIG. 5E, when the Z value is larger than z3 and equal to or smaller than z2, a large image is displayed. When the frame is switched, the image shown in FIG. 7F is displayed, and an animation effect can be obtained by switching the display, as described above.

Then, even if the viewpoint has changed (for example, if the user tries to turn left at the intersection in the figure), the state shown in FIG.
As shown in (g), the image is always displayed facing directly perpendicular to the user's line of sight. When the frame is switched, the image shown in FIG. 7H is displayed, and an animation effect can be obtained by switching the display, as described above. Therefore, it is possible to provide a symbol image that is always easy for the user to see and that draws the user's attention by an animation effect.

As described above, the navigation device according to one embodiment of the present invention can display a symbol having a three-dimensional sense of distance and excellent visibility. However,
If the effect of realizing a three-dimensional sense of distance by changing the size is neglected by emphasizing the animation effect, only the correspondence between the frame number and the image is represented without providing a plurality of Z values in FIG. The symbol processing unit 7 may be configured to select an image to be displayed using a table. In such a configuration, step S6 in FIG.
Steps 20 and S630 are omitted.

The above-described symbol display is not limited to the case where the display is performed only by the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, but can be performed by any device that displays a three-dimensional map. For example, by modifying the embodiment of the present invention, it can be easily applied to map software implemented on a personal computer, a portable map display device, and the like.

More specifically, in FIG. 1, the route selecting section 3 and the guide section 6 can be easily applied to the above-described apparatus by replacing them with a landscape generating section for generating a three-dimensional landscape. Further, even if the position detecting section 2 is an essential component for the navigation device, it is not necessarily required for the above-described device, and thus can be omitted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of a symbol processing unit in the navigation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of a table defining a relationship between a Z value and an image when an animation effect is not used.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an actual display screen when an animation effect is not used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a table defining a relationship between a Z value and an image when an animation effect is used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an actual display screen when an animation effect is used.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 input unit 2 position detection unit 3 route selection unit 4 map data storage unit 5 symbol storage unit 6 guidance unit 7 symbol processing unit 8 synthesis unit 9 output unit 10 information processing unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09B 29/00 G06F 15/62 350A 9A001 29/10 15/66 330Z (72) Inventor Teruaki Ata Osaka 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AC02 AC04 AC14 AC18 5B050 BA07 BA08 BA09 BA17 EA19 EA27 5B057 CE08 5H180 AA01 BB04 BB13 FF04 FF05 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF33 9A001 BB06 CZ05 DZ15 HH26 HH29 JJ11 JJ77 K17

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A method for displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map, wherein the symbol is always displayed perpendicular to a line of sight of a user when the symbol is displayed on the three-dimensional map. A three-dimensional landscape creating step of creating a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen from a predetermined viewpoint based on the information; and displaying based on the three-dimensional map information and the symbol information stored in advance. Select the symbol to be
A symbol selecting step of calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol, a symbol coordinate calculating step of calculating symbol coordinates on a two-dimensional screen from the three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol, and a symbol image corresponding to the selected symbol A symbol image selecting step of selecting a symbol image, a two-dimensional / three-dimensional synthesizing step of synthesizing the symbol image on the symbol coordinates with respect to the three-dimensional landscape, and a displaying step of displaying the synthesized image to a user A symbol display method on a three-dimensional map, comprising: 2. The symbol image selecting step includes: calculating a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determining a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance; An image determination step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from the plurality of symbol images obtained, the symbol display method on a three-dimensional map according to claim 1. 3. The symbol image selecting step includes: selecting a symbol image to be displayed such that the symbol image is switched to an image different from a previously displayed symbol image at a predetermined time interval in order to provide an animation effect to a user. The symbol on the three-dimensional map according to claim 1, further comprising: a type determining step of determining a type; and an image determining step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined type from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance. Display method. 4. The symbol image selecting step includes: calculating a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determining a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance; A type determining step of determining a type of a symbol image to be displayed so as to switch to an image different from the previously displayed symbol image at a predetermined time interval to provide an animation effect, and a plurality of pre-stored symbol images. 2. The method for displaying symbols on a three-dimensional map according to claim 1, further comprising: an image determination step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from the symbol image. 5. A three-dimensional map display device for displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map, always displaying the symbol perpendicularly to the user's line of sight, wherein input means receives an instruction from the user. Map data storage means for storing three-dimensional map information in advance; symbol storage means for storing symbol information in advance; instructions input in the input means; and three-dimensional map information stored in the map data storage means And based on
A three-dimensional landscape creating means for creating a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen from a predetermined viewpoint; an instruction input by the input means; three-dimensional map information stored in the map data storage means; Symbol selection means for selecting a symbol to be displayed based on the symbol information stored in the symbol storage means and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol; and a two-dimensional screen based on the three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol. Symbol coordinate calculating means for calculating the above symbol coordinates, symbol image selecting means for selecting a symbol image corresponding to the selected symbol, and the symbol coordinates for the three-dimensional landscape created by the three-dimensional landscape creating means. A two-dimensional / three-dimensional synthesizing unit for synthesizing the symbol image selected by the symbol image selecting unit; And display means for displaying the image synthesized by the dimension combining means to the user, the three-dimensional map display device. 6. The symbol image selecting means calculates a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determines a size of a symbol image corresponding to the distance, and the symbol storage means 6. The three-dimensional map display device according to claim 5, further comprising: an image determination unit that determines a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance in the unit. 7. The symbol image selecting means, for providing an animation effect to a user, switches a symbol image to be displayed to a different image from a previously displayed symbol image at a predetermined time interval. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: a type determining unit configured to determine a type; and an image determining unit configured to determine a symbol image corresponding to the determined type from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage unit in advance. Dimensional map display device. 8. A symbol image selection unit, comprising: calculating a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, determining a size of a symbol image corresponding to the distance; Type determining means for determining the type of the symbol image to be displayed so as to switch to an image different from the previously displayed symbol image at a predetermined time interval in order to provide an animation effect. The three-dimensional map display device according to claim 5, further comprising: an image determination unit that determines a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from the stored plurality of symbol images. 9. The method is executed in a three-dimensional map display device,
And a recording medium describing a program for displaying the symbol always perpendicular to the user's line of sight when the three-dimensional map display device displays the symbol on the three-dimensional map. A program step for creating a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen from a predetermined viewpoint based on the three-dimensional map information stored in advance; Based on the selected symbols to be displayed,
A program step of calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol; a program step of calculating symbol coordinates on a two-dimensional screen from the three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol; and selecting a symbol image corresponding to the selected symbol. A recording medium, comprising: a program step; a program step of combining the symbol image with the three-dimensional landscape on the symbol coordinates; and a program step of displaying a combined image to a user. 10. A program step for selecting the symbol image, comprising: calculating a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determining a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance; 10. The recording medium according to claim 9, further comprising: a program step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from the plurality of symbol images obtained. 11. The program step of selecting a symbol image should be displayed so as to switch to an image different from a previously displayed symbol image at a predetermined time interval in order to provide an animation effect to a user. The recording medium according to claim 9, comprising: a program step of determining a type of a symbol image; and a program step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined type from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance. 12. A program step of selecting the symbol image, comprising: calculating a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determining a size of the symbol image corresponding to the distance; A program step of determining the type of symbol image to be displayed so as to switch to an image different from the previously displayed symbol image at a predetermined time interval in order to provide an animation effect, and a plurality of pre-stored symbol images. 10. The recording medium according to claim 9, further comprising: a program step of determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from the symbol image. 13. A navigation device for displaying a symbol on a three-dimensional map, always displaying the symbol perpendicularly to the user's line of sight, for guiding a vehicle on a map, comprising: Input means for inputting an instruction of the vehicle, position detecting means for detecting the current position of the vehicle, map data storing means for storing three-dimensional map information in advance, and symbol storing means for storing symbol information in advance. A route to a destination is selected based on an instruction input by the input unit, a current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection unit, and three-dimensional map information stored in the map data storage unit. A route selection unit, an instruction input by the input unit, three-dimensional map information stored in the map data storage unit, and the route selection unit A three-dimensional landscape creating unit that creates a three-dimensional landscape projected on a two-dimensional screen from a predetermined viewpoint based on a route; an instruction input by the input unit; and a three-dimensional landscape stored in the map data storage unit. A symbol selecting unit that selects a symbol to be displayed based on the two-dimensional map information and the symbol information stored in the symbol storage unit, and calculates three-dimensional coordinates of the selected symbol; and a three-dimensional symbol of the selected symbol. Symbol coordinate calculating means for calculating symbol coordinates on a two-dimensional screen from coordinates, symbol image selecting means for selecting a symbol image corresponding to the selected symbol, and a three-dimensional landscape created by the three-dimensional landscape creating means. Two-dimensional / three-dimensional combining means for combining the symbol image selected by the symbol image selecting means on the symbol coordinates. A display device for displaying to the user an image synthesized by the two-dimensional / three-dimensional synthesizing device. 14. The symbol image selecting means calculates a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determines a size of a symbol image corresponding to the distance, and the symbol storage means 14. The navigation device according to claim 13, further comprising: an image determination unit that determines a symbol image corresponding to the determined size from a plurality of symbol images stored in advance in the unit. 15. The symbol image selecting means, for providing an animation effect to a user, switches the symbol image to be displayed to a different image from the symbol image displayed last time with a predetermined time interval. 14. The navigation according to claim 13, further comprising: a type determining unit that determines a type; and an image determining unit that determines a symbol image corresponding to the determined type from a plurality of symbol images stored in the symbol storage unit in advance. apparatus. 16. The symbol image selecting unit calculates a distance from the predetermined viewpoint to the symbol coordinates, and determines a size of a symbol image corresponding to the distance. Type determining means for determining the type of the symbol image to be displayed so as to switch to an image different from the previously displayed symbol image at a predetermined time interval in order to provide an animation effect. 14. Image determination means for determining a symbol image corresponding to the determined size and type from the stored plurality of symbol images.
The navigation device according to claim 1.