WO2002084628A1

WO2002084628A1 - Map display apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2002084628A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/003598
Authority: WO
Inventors: Satoshi Tanaka; Katsutoshi Miyoshi; Shinichi Yoshioka
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-04-12
Filing date: 2002-04-11
Publication date: 2002-10-24
Also published as: KR100613929B1; JP2002372908A; KR20030096316A; DE10296637T5

Abstract

A map display apparatus can easily be detached from a vehicle such as an automobile and a user can easily carry the apparatus and get guide information even while walking. Even when a mounted memory has a small capacity, the display apparatus can fetch effective and sufficient map data. The map display apparatus includes a map information supply medium block (19) and a separable operation unit (A1). The operation unit includes a storage medium block (11), a control block for reading map data from the map information supply medium block (19) and storing the read map data in a storage medium block, and a display block (2) for displaying the map data which has been read in.

Description

Description Map display device Technical field

The present invention relates to a map display device having a map information supply media unit for supplying map data and displaying a destination and a current position on a display unit. Background art

A map display device, for example, a car navigation device is mounted on a vehicle and displays a destination (a destination or a stopover) and a current position of the vehicle. It would be convenient if the navigation device for displaying the destination and the current position could be used for purposes other than automobiles, for example, while walking.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a conventional map display device. The map display device A includes an operation device A and B includes a main device B and a broadcasting unit C.

The operating device A includes the following elements. The operation input unit 1 has a key for a user to perform an operation. The central processing unit (CPU) 4A is a control unit that controls the operation of the entire display device. The display unit 2 displays the image data processed by the CPU 4A. The GPS unit 5 inputs position information indicating the current position from the antenna at any time. ROM 6 stores menu screens and programs that summarize operation commands related to communication, various set values, and screen display characters. The RAM 7 stores data such as a list of telephone numbers of communication partners input from the operation input unit 1, various user setting values, and input information from the outside (for example, an Internet site). Evening can be erased as needed. The communication interface (I / F) unit 10 is an interface for connection with a portable telephone 9 such as a PHS or a digital portable telephone. Operation device A further includes a GPS antenna ATI. Mobile phone 9 is ante NA AT 2 is provided.

The broadcasting section C includes a TV tuner section (TV section) 12 and an FM receiving section (FM section) 13 having a receiver function such as FM multiplex broadcasting and FM radio broadcasting.

Main device B includes the following elements. The audio output unit 16 amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 16a. The GPS unit 17 inputs position information indicating the current position from the antenna as needed. The power supply unit 18 supplies power to the operation device A and the broadcasting unit C together with the main unit B. The map information supply media unit 19 has a DVD, a CD-R〇M, etc., and stores map data and various types of drive information. The main unit B has a gyro 20 as an acceleration sensor, a parking brake sensor 26 that detects a parking brake signal Sa from a vehicle equipped with this device, and a GP S that can be attached to the outside of the body of the vehicle. Connected to antenna AT3.

The mobile phone 9 is connected to a communication destination stored in the RAM 7 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 4A, performs data communication, and transmits and receives position information, character information, images, voices, and the like. The communication interface unit 10 detects whether or not the mobile phone 9 is connected and the type of the connected mobile phone 9 and monitors the communication result of the transmitted / received data, and notifies the CPU 4A of the communication result. In addition, the parking brake signal Sa is set to, for example, a High level in a lock state and a Low level in a released state.

In order to use such a map display device during walking, the user needs to carry all of the operation device A, the main device B, and the broadcasting unit C. In particular, main unit B is heavy because it includes power supply section 18 and gyro 20 and is difficult to carry. Further, when the main unit B is removed from a vehicle such as an automobile, it is particularly troublesome to remove the main apparatus B from the gyro 20 or the antenna AT 3 mounted on the automobile. Disclosure of the invention The map display device can be easily removed from a vehicle such as an automobile, and the user can obtain guidance information even when walking, without making it difficult to carry. <Also, even if the installed memory is small, the display device can be used. Can efficiently and sufficiently capture map data.

The map display device includes a map information supply media unit and an operation device that can be separated from the map information supply media unit. The operation device has a storage media unit, a control unit that reads map data from the map information supply media unit, and stores the read map data in the storage media unit, and a display unit that displays the read map data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a map display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front view of the map display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the map display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the central processing unit (CPU) of the map display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the map display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the map display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the map display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the CPU of the map display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the map display device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the map display device according to the second embodiment. You.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show reading tables of the map display device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the CPU in the map display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of the map display device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a screen of the display unit of the map display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a screen of the display unit of the map display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a screen of the display unit of the map display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a conventional map display device. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a map display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The display device includes an operation device A1, a main device B1, and a broadcasting unit C1. Operation input unit 1, Display unit 2, Central processing unit (CPU) 4, GPS unit 5, R〇M 6, RAM 7, Secondary battery unit 8, Mobile phone 9, Communication interface unit 10 , TV section 12, FM section 13, Audio output section 16, Speaker 16a, GPS section 17, Power supply section 18, Map information supply media section 19, Gyro 20, Parking brake sensor section 26 , GPS antennas AT1, AT3, and antenna AT2 are the same as those shown in FIG. 17, and therefore are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The screen operation unit 3 is mounted on the surface of the screen of the display unit 2, and operates as an input device by touching a predetermined place on the displayed screen. The external storage media unit 11 can store and read various data such as map data, and can exchange data with other similar devices. The audio output section 14 amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 15a or headset. Output to 15b. The light receiving section 25 receives light such as infrared rays transmitted from the remote controller 28. The secondary battery unit 8 has a built-in rechargeable battery and charger. The operating device A1, the main device B1, and the broadcasting unit C1 are connected to each other by connectors 21 to 24.

The GPS unit 5 inputs position information indicating the current position to the CPU 4, and the CPU 4 compares the input position information with the map data of the external storage media unit 11, and displays the current position on the corresponding latitude / longitude map screen. Is displayed with a marker such as an icon. The GPS section 17 inputs position information indicating the current position to the CPU 4 when used as a car navigation device. The CPU 4 compares the input location information with the map data in the map information supply media section 19, as in the GPS section 5, and displays the current location as a marker on the map screen on the corresponding latitude and longitude. . The map information supply media section 19 stores map data and various drive information. When the operation device A1 is separated, the CPU 4 recognizes that the destination has been reached or specifies the area, and the CPU 4 displays the current position of the map data from the above map data (the current position and the current position). The map data of the surrounding area (in the evening) or a predetermined place (for example, the destination) is automatically or manually loaded into the RAM 7 or the external storage medium unit 11 in advance. The control device A1 may be connected to a CCD camera. The GPS antenna is connected to each of the operation device A1 and the main device B1, or a connector is provided for each connection. The antenna AT3 is connected to the main unit B1 so as to be separable. The antenna AT 1 is connected to the operating device A 1 so as to be stowable.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the map display device according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the map display device. Operation device A1 as a separation unit, main unit Bl as a station unit, broadcasting unit C1, display unit 2, screen operation unit 3, secondary battery unit 8, speed 16a, map information supply media unit 19, light receiver 25, GPS antenna AT1, AT3, antenna AT2 are the same as those in Fig. 1, so One symbol is attached and the description is omitted. The evening touch pen 27 operates the screen operation unit 3 in the separated state. The remote controller 28 remotely controls the display device.

When the operating device A 1 is connected to the main device B 1, the CPU 4 determines that the instruction content of the remote controller 30 output from the light receiving unit 25 is valid, and the evening pen 27 is used as the screen operating unit ( in the case where evening Tsuchipaneru) 3 _c main unit operating device a 1 from B 1 for determining invalid instruction contents input via the display unit 2 from Tatsu Chipaneru 3 by the evening to Tutsi are separated, CPU 4 Determines that both the instruction content of the remote controller 30 output from the light receiving unit 25 and the instruction content input from the touch panel 3 are valid.

The main unit B1 is attached to, for example, a dash board of an automobile, and the operating device A1 is attached to the main unit B1 by connecting connectors 21 and 22. The operating device A1 can be removed from the main device B1, and the broadcasting unit C1 can be removed from the operating device A1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing functions realized by the CPU 4 executing a program stored in the ROM 6 or the external storage medium unit 11. The setting unit 41 sets the scale of the map and the range of the map. The larger the scale, the wider the map displayed on the screen. The reading unit 42 reads map data and the like from the map information supply media unit 19 of the main unit B1. The judgment section 43 makes various judgments.

The operation of the map display device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG.

In FIG. 4, first, the setting unit 41 sets the scale of the map according to the required accuracy (step S 1). Next, the reading unit 42 reads the map data of the range to be captured from the map information supply media unit 19 which is a large-scale memory medium at the scale set in step S1 (step S2). Next, the judgment unit 43 determines the map data amount read from the map information supply media unit 19 and the small storage medium. It is determined which one of the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11 is larger (step S3). If the determination unit 43 determines that the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11 is larger than the read map data amount, the CPU 4 stores the map data read from the map information supply media unit 19 in the external storage media unit. 11. Save as is in step 1 (step S5). If the determination unit 43 determines that the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11 is equal to or less than the read map data amount in step S3, the setting unit 41 increases the map scale (step S3). S 4). When the map scale is increased, a wider map is displayed on the screen, that is, the data amount of the map in the same area is reduced. The operation when the map capture scale is fixed will be described with reference to FIG. First, the setting unit 41 sets the range of the map to be captured (step S11). Next, the reading unit 42 reads the map data in the range set in step S11 from the map information supply media unit 19 at the requested scale (step S12). Next, the determination unit 43 determines which of the map data amount read from the map information supply media unit 19 and the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11 is larger (step S13). If the determination unit 43 determines that the storage capacity of the external storage medium unit 11 is larger than the read map data amount, the CPU 4 stores the read map data in the external storage media unit 11 as it is. (Step S15). If it is determined in step S13 that the storage capacity of the external storage medium unit 11 is equal to or smaller than the read map data amount, the setting unit 41 sets the map data capture range to be narrower (step S13). S14). Therefore, the storage capacity of the external storage medium unit 11 for storing the map data may be small.

The operation of importing a map including the current position and destination will be described with reference to FIG. First, the determination unit 43 determines whether a route from the current position to the destination is set (step S21). If no route is set, the setting unit 41 sets the map range so that the destination and the current location are included. (Step S22). If the route has been set, the setting unit 41 sets the range of the map so that the destination, the route, and the current position are included (step S23). The setting unit 41 sets the most detailed scale (step S24). The reading unit 42 reads the map data set at the scale (step S25). If the read data amount is smaller than the storable amount of the external storage medium unit 11 (step S26), the CPU 4 stores it as it is in the external storage medium unit 11 (step S28). If the amount of data read is larger than the storable amount of the external storage medium, the setting unit 41 sets the map scale one step higher (step S27), and the reading unit 42 sets the map at the set scale. Read. Thereafter, these operations are repeated until the read data amount becomes smaller than the storable amount of the external storage media unit 11, and when the data amount becomes smaller than the storable amount, the CPU 4 reads the read data amount. The evening is stored in the external storage media section 1 1 as it is.

The external storage media unit 11 uses a smaller capacity memory than the storage medium in the map information supply media unit 19, such as a flash memory or an IC memory, for reducing the size and weight of the operation device A1.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11 is equal to or less than the read map data amount, the central processing unit 4 increases the map scale to a necessary range. Map data can be imported to the external storage media unit 11. The operating device A1 can be easily separated electrically and mechanically from the main unit B1 by the connectors 21 and 22 and can be easily removed from the vehicle. Here, since the external storage medium unit 11 stores map data in a sufficient range, the operation device A 1 functions sufficiently as a navigation device even if it is detached from the main device B 1.

The operating device A1 can be more easily separated from the main device B1 if the operating device A1 is connected to the main device B1 wirelessly by light, sound, radio waves, or the like. (Embodiment 2)

The configuration of the map display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the central processing unit CPU 4 in the map display device according to the second embodiment. The determination unit 43 in the functional block diagram of the first embodiment is a determination unit 45, and a read table storage unit 46 is added. The read table storage unit 46 stores a table corresponding to the storage capacity of the external storage medium unit 11 and describing the scale and range of the map that can be imported. Figures 10 and 11 show some of these tables.

The operation of the map display device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 8, first, the setting unit 41 sets a range of a map to be captured (step S31). Next, the determination unit 45 determines the scale of the map that can be stored from the storage capacity of the attached external storage media unit with reference to the read table 46 of FIG. 11 (step S32). Then, the reading unit 43 reads the map data in the set range at the determined scale from the map information supply media unit 19 (step S33). The storage unit 44 stores the read map data in the external storage media unit 11 (step S34).

Next, the operation when the map capture scale is fixed will be described with reference to FIG. First, the setting unit 41 sets the scale of the map to be imported (step S41). Next, the deciding unit 45 decides the range of the map that can be stored based on the storage capacity of the external storage media unit mounted around the own vehicle position with reference to the read table 46 of FIG. 10 (step S4). 2). Then, the reading unit 43 reads the determined map range from the map information supply media unit 19 at the set scale (step S43). The storage unit 44 stores the read map data in the external storage media unit 11 (step S44). As described above, according to the second embodiment, the CPU 4 fetches the map data to be fetched in the range of the map to be fetched at the smallest possible scale by the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11. That is, the CPU 4 can capture the most detailed map data that can be captured. Therefore, a detailed map can be displayed even when the operation device A1 is separated from the main device B1 as in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, when the scale of the map to be captured is set, the CPU 4 captures the map data in the maximum possible range with the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11. That is, CPU 4 can capture the widest range of map data that can be captured. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, even when the operating device A 1 is separated from the main device B 1, a detailed map over a wide range can be displayed.

According to the second embodiment, the CPU 4 sets the scale or range of the map to be taken in according to the storage capacity of the external storage media unit 11, so that the taken external storage media unit 11 Does not overflow.

(Embodiment 3)

The configuration of the map display device according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a central processing unit (CPU) 4 in a map display device according to the third embodiment.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the screen of the display unit of the map display device according to the third embodiment, in which the center location 30 of the map to be saved, the storable range 31 and the display range 32 are displayed. .

The operation of the map display device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The car navigation screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit 2. The maps of the screens in Figs. 14 and 15 are downloaded from the map information supply media unit 19 or the information site. Map data is stored in RAM 7 ing.

In FIG. 13, first, the determination unit 43 determines whether or not a determination button (not shown) of the remote controller 28 for determining the center location 30 of the map to be saved is pressed (step S 51). ). If it is determined that the confirmation button has been pressed, the storage unit 47 stores the center location 30 in the RAM 7 (step S52). Next, the calculation unit 48 calculates a range centered on the location 30 that can be stored in the map data overnight storage area of the external storage media unit 11 for storing map data (step S53). . Then, the display unit 49 displays the savable range on the screen (step S54). This screen is shown in Figure 15. In FIG. 15, the storable range 31 is displayed in the display range _{32 c.} Thus, the display unit 49 sets the display range so that the storable range 31 is clear. Next, the determination unit 43 determines whether or not to save the map data of the storable range 31 (step S55). When the 〇K button (not shown) on the remote controller 28 is pressed, the determination unit 43 determines to save it. When the return button (not shown) is pressed, the determination unit 43 determines in step S54. The display of the displayed storable range is cleared (step S61), and it is determined whether or not the confirmation button is pressed again (step S51). Next, when it is determined in step S55 that the data is to be stored, the storage unit 47 stores the map data in the storable range 31 in the external storage media unit 11 (step S56). Figure 16 shows the screen display at this time.

When it is determined in step S51 that the confirmation button has not been pressed, the determination unit 43 determines whether scrolling of the screen, that is, movement of the center location 30 has been instructed (step S51). 5 7). If it is determined that scrolling has been instructed, the display unit 49 scrolls the screen of the display unit 2 (step S58), and after the scrolling is completed, it is determined whether the confirm button has been pressed again (step S58). S5 1). The scrolling is instructed by pressing the power button (not shown) on the remote controller 28, and the cursor button is clicked. The screen scrolls while being pressed. When there is no scroll instruction, the determination unit 43 determines whether or not a change in the scale of the map has been instructed.

(Step S59). Changing the scale of the map is instructed by the remote control 28 using the wide area detail button (not shown). When it is determined that the change of the scale of the map has been instructed, the display unit 49 displays the map of the changed scale (step S60), and then determines whether or not the confirm button has been pressed again. Be done

(Step S51). If the user does not give an instruction to change the scale of the map, it is determined again whether the confirmation button has been pressed (step S51).

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the center location and the scale are specified, the storable map range is displayed, so that the user can immediately recognize the range and need the range. It can be determined whether the range is sufficient. Industrial applicability

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION The map display apparatus by this invention can be easily removed from vehicles, such as a motor vehicle, can display a sufficient map, and can give guidance information to a user. Efficient and sufficient map data can be captured even when the memory of the removable operating device is small.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Map information supply media department,

Memory media department,

A control unit that reads map data from the map information supply media unit; and stores the read map data in the storage media unit.

A map display device comprising: a display unit that displays the read map data; and a control device that is separable from the map information supply media unit.

2. The control unit comprises:

Setting means for setting the map scale;

Reading means for reading the map data of the map scale from the map information supply media unit;

Determining means for determining whether or not the storage capacity of the storage media unit is larger than the data amount of the read map data of the map scale;

When the determination unit determines that the storage capacity is larger than the data amount, the read map data of the map scale is stored in the storage media unit;

The setting means resets the map scale to a large value when the determination means determines that the storage capacity is equal to or less than the data amount.

The reading means reads the map data of the reset map scale from the map information supply media unit,

The map display device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit includes:

Setting means for setting a range for reading map data; Reading means for reading the map data of the set range from the map information supply media unit;

Determining means for determining whether or not the storage capacity of the storage media unit is larger than the data amount of the read map data in the set range;

When the storage capacity is larger than the data amount, the read map data of the set range is stored in the storage media unit,

The setting means resets the range to be narrower when the storage capacity is equal to or less than the data amount.

The reading means reads the map data of the reset range from the map information supply media unit,

The map display device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit includes:

Setting means for setting a range including the first and second points of the map data; reading means for reading the map data of the set range from the map information supply media unit;

The map display device according to claim 1, comprising:

5. The map display device according to claim 4, wherein the read map data of the range is the most detailed map data having a data amount equal to or less than the storage capacity.

6. The map display device according to claim 4, wherein the setting unit sets the range including a route between the first and second points.

7. The control unit includes:

Setting means for setting a range for reading map data;

Table storage means for storing a table that defines the scale and size of the map corresponding to the storage capacity of the storage media unit;

Determining means for determining a map scale by the table from the set range and the specified area;

Reading means for reading map data of the map scale in the range from the map information supply media unit;

The map display device according to claim 1, comprising:

8. The control unit includes:

Setting means for setting the scale of the map to be read;

Storage means for storing a table that defines the scale and size of the map corresponding to the storage capacity of the storage media unit;

Determining means for determining a range of a map including a predetermined point based on the table;

Reading means for reading the map data of the set scale in the determined range from the map information supply media unit;

The map display device according to claim 1, comprising:

9. The control unit includes:

Setting means for setting the scale and range of the map to be read based on the storage capacity of the storage media unit;

Reading means for reading map data of the set scale and range from the map information supply media unit;

The map display device according to claim 1, comprising:

10. Map information supply media department,

Memory media department,

Calculating means for calculating a range of a map including a predetermined point, which can be stored in the storage media unit;

Display means for reading map data from the map information supply media unit and displaying the read map data and the calculated range;

Storage means for storing map data of the calculated range of the read map data in the storage media unit;

A map display device comprising: the map information supply media unit; and a separable operation device.