JP4836865B2 - Map display device and route display method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a map display device and a route display method, and more particularly to a map display device and a route display method for displaying a route connecting two points in a superimposed manner on a map.

Map display devices such as in-vehicle navigation devices and portable navigation devices have a route search function. When a destination is specified, the optimum route connecting the start point to the end point is searched with the current location as the start point and the destination as the end point. Is done. When the display of the entire route is instructed, the route from the start point to the end point is displayed on a map with the north facing upward, for example, so that the user can confirm the route before the start of traveling.
An example of a conventional entire route display function in the in-vehicle navigation device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the entire route, and the optimum route PR connecting from the departure point S to the destination O is represented on a map with north facing upward. When the display of the entire route is instructed, the vehicle-mounted navigation device determines the square region surrounded by the latitude line and the longitude line as the route display target region J with the departure point S and the destination O as diagonal vertices, and the route The route, the vehicle position mark, and the destination mark are drawn on a map including the display target area J facing north, and displayed on the screen. At this time, the midpoint position coordinates C of the departure point S and the destination O are made to coincide with the center of the map displayed on the screen (see reference numeral G in FIG. 19). The path displayed on the screen is as indicated by the symbol PM in FIG.

By the way, in the above-mentioned whole route display function, when the route connecting the departure point S and the destination O is largely detoured due to the presence of the sea, mountains, lakes, etc., the vicinity of the departure point S and the vicinity of the destination O In some cases, only some routes were displayed. For example, when the optimum route from the departure point S to the destination O is PR ′ in FIG. 20, the route displayed on the screen is as indicated by the symbol PM ′ in FIG. 21, and the broken line section cannot be seen.
Thus, a conventional technique for displaying the entire route on a map has been proposed (Patent Document 1). In this prior art, a map area including the entire route is obtained, a map is displayed using the obtained map area as a drawing area, and the route is superimposed on a road on the map.

Japanese Patent No. 2905491

However, the conventional technology has a problem that it is difficult to obtain a map area including the entire route. In particular, it is difficult to obtain a map area including the entire route in consideration of a case where a route connecting two points (for example, a departure point and a destination) greatly detours due to the presence of a sea, a mountain, a lake, or the like. In addition, the conventional technique has a problem that the calculation time for displaying the entire route becomes long and the entire route cannot be displayed promptly.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a map display device and a route display method capable of easily displaying the entire route connecting two points.
Another object of the present invention is to display the entire route or almost the entire route even when the route connecting two points (for example, the starting point and the destination) is largely detoured due to the presence of the sea, mountains, lakes, etc. It is to provide a map display device and a route display method that can be used.

Map display device The map display device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes route data storage means storing route data including a first point and a second point, map data storage means storing map data, and a map image. Is a map display device comprising: display means for displaying the image; and map display control means for drawing an image in which the route is superimposed on the map using the map data and the route data and displaying the image on the display means. The map display device further defines a single intermediate display point between the first point and the second point on the route, and circumscribes a triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point. Or a display target area determining means for determining, as a main display target area, a rectangular area circumscribing a triangular circumscribed circle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point, and the map display control means includes the main display target An image with a route superimposed on a map including the area is drawn and displayed on the display means.

  A map display device according to a second aspect of the present invention stores route data storing route data including route data including a route connecting the first point and the second point via one or more waypoints, and stores the map data. Map display comprising: map data storage means; display means for displaying a map image; and map display control means for drawing an image with a route superimposed on the map using map data and route data and displaying the image on the display means Device. The map display device further defines one intermediate display point between the first point and the second point on the route, the first point, each waypoint between the first point and the second point, and intermediate display A display target area determining means for determining a rectangular area circumscribing a polygon connecting the point and the second point as a main display target area, and the map display control means overlaps the route on the map including the main display target area The image is drawn and displayed on the display means.

  The map display device according to the third aspect of the present invention stores route data storing means for storing route data including a route connecting the first point and the second point via one or more waypoints, and stores the map data. Map display comprising: map data storage means; display means for displaying a map image; and map display control means for drawing an image with a route superimposed on the map using map data and route data and displaying the image on the display means Device. The map display device further defines a single intermediate display point between the first point and the second point on the route, and circumscribes a triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point. Or, a square area circumscribing a circumscribed circle of triangles connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point is set as a reference area, and all via points between the first point and the second point are within the reference area. When the reference area is determined as the main display area, and there are waypoints outside the reference area among the waypoints between the first point and the second point, between the first point and the second point A display target area determining unit that determines, as a main display area, a rectangular area that extends the boundary of the reference area outward until all the waypoints are within the reference area, the map display control unit includes the main display target area Draw an image with the route superimposed on the map and use it as a display Shimesuru.

In each of the map display devices described above, the intermediate display point is a point where the sum of the distance from the first point and the distance from the second point is substantially maximum. Alternatively, in each of the map display devices described above, the intermediate display point is a distance from the first point and a distance from the second point among a plurality of candidate points set between the first point and the second point on the route. The candidate point is a point that divides the route between the first point and the second point at equidistant intervals along the route.
In each of the map display devices described above, the map display control means matches the center of the display map with the center of the main display target area, or connects the center of the display map to the first point, the second point, and the intermediate display point. Try to match the outer center of the triangle.

Route display method The route display method according to the first aspect of the present invention is a route display method for drawing and displaying an image in which a route connecting from a first point to a second point is superimposed on a map. The step of defining one intermediate display point between the first point and the second point, the first point, the intermediate display point, the square area circumscribing the triangle connecting the second point or the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point A step of determining a rectangular region circumscribing a circumscribed circle of connecting triangles as a main display target region, and a step of drawing and displaying an image in which a route is superimposed on a map including the main display target region.

  The route display method according to the second aspect of the present invention is a route display method that draws and displays an image in which a route connecting the first point to the second point while passing through one or more waypoints is superimposed on a map. Yes, the step of defining one intermediate display point between the first point and the second point on the route, the first point, each way point between the first point and the second point, the intermediate display point, the second point The method includes a step of determining a rectangular area circumscribing a polygon connecting the two as a main display target area, and a step of drawing and displaying an image with a route superimposed on a map including the main display target area.

The route display method according to the third aspect of the present invention is a route display method that draws and displays an image in which a route connecting from a first point to a second point while passing through one or more waypoints is superimposed on a map. There is a step of defining one intermediate display point between the first point and the second point on the route, the first point, the intermediate display point, a rectangular region circumscribing the triangle connecting the second points, or the first point, The reference area is a rectangular area circumscribing the triangular circumscribed circle connecting the intermediate display point and the second point. When all the transit points between the first point and the second point are within the reference area, the reference area is the main area. The step of determining as a display area, when there are waypoints outside the reference area among the waypoints between the first point and the second point, all the waypoints between the first point and the second point are all Extend the boundary of the reference area outward until it falls within the reference area Determining the rectangular region as the main display area, and a step of displaying by drawing an image of extensive route map including a main display target area.
In each of the route display methods described above, the intermediate display point is a point where the sum of the distance from the first point and the distance from the second point is substantially maximum.
In each of the route display methods described above, the intermediate display point is a point that has the maximum sum of the distance from the first point and the distance from the second point among the plurality of candidate points set on the route. Is a point that divides the route between the first point and the second point at equidistant intervals along the route.
In each of the route display methods, the map display control means matches the center of the display map with the center of the main display target area, or connects the center of the display map to the first point, the second point, and the intermediate display point. Match the triangle's outer center.

According to the present invention, the entire route can be displayed on the map in most cases unless the route connecting the first point and the second point is extremely detoured.
Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the first point and the second point, the intermediate point that is separated from the first point and the second point on the route connecting the first point and the second point is also displayed. Therefore, even when the route connecting the two points of the first point and the second point is detoured due to the presence of the sea, mountains, lakes, etc., a wide range of the route can be grasped.
In addition, according to the present invention, when one or more waypoints exist between the first point and the second point, in addition to the first point and the second point, each waypoint is also displayed, A wide range of routes including the vicinity of each waypoint can be grasped.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily display the entire route connecting two points, and it is possible to reduce the time required for the display processing of the entire route and to display the entire route quickly.

  When the destination is set by the destination / intermediate point setting unit, the route search unit uses the map data to search for the optimum route that connects the starting point to the destination with the vehicle location as the starting point, The route data is stored in the route storage unit. The route data is composed of a node sequence. After this, when display of the entire route is instructed by the operation unit, the display target region determination unit determines that the sum of the straight line distance from the departure point and the straight line distance from the destination is approximately on the route between the departure point and the destination. Determine the maximum intermediate display point. Specifically, n candidate points that divide the route between the departure point and the destination by (n + 1) equally by measuring the distance along the route are determined, and the straight distance from the departure point and the straight distance from the destination. The candidate point with the largest sum is taken as the intermediate display point. Next, the display target area determination unit determines a rectangular area circumscribing a triangular circumscribed circle connecting the starting point, destination, and intermediate display point, and determines a north area facing upward as the main display target area. Is determined as the display center point. The map display control unit uses the map data and the route data to draw an image that includes the main display target region and overlaps the route on the north-facing map and displays the image on the display unit. At this time, the map display control unit matches the center of the display map with the display center point. In addition to the starting point and destination, the screen includes an intermediate display point far from the starting point and the destination, and a wide range of routes centering on the outer periphery of the triangle connecting the starting point, destination, and intermediate display point. Since it is displayed, it is possible to grasp a wide range of routes even when the route connecting the departure point and the destination is detoured due to the presence of the sea, mountains, lakes, and the like.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle navigation device embodying a route display method according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, 1 is a current position detection unit that periodically detects the current position and current direction of a vehicle by combining satellite navigation and autonomous navigation, and 2 is a map data storage unit that stores map data used for map drawing and route search. 3 is an operation unit for performing an instruction operation such as route search and entire route display, 4 is a destination / waypoint setting unit for setting a destination / waypoint, and 5 is a display unit for displaying a map. It has a rectangular screen 5A. Reference numeral 6 denotes a navigation device main body, which draws a map around the vehicle position and displays it on the display unit, an optimum route connecting the departure point and the destination with the shortest distance, or one or more waypoints from the departure point. The optimal route connecting the destination with the shortest distance is searched in order, or a map with the route superimposed is drawn and displayed on the display unit 5. Of the map display device main body 6, reference numeral 7 denotes a map display control unit for controlling display of a map, and includes an image storage unit 8 for storing a map image and a map drawing unit 9 for drawing a map. The map drawing unit 9 draws a map around the current location in the image storage unit 8 using the map data, or draws a map on which the route searched for is superimposed on the image storage unit 8. The image drawn in the image storage unit 8 is converted into a video signal, output to the display unit 5 and displayed on the screen. 10 is a route storage unit for storing route data, and 11 is a route search unit. When the route search is instructed by the operation unit 3 and only the destination is set by the destination / route point setting unit 4, the current location Is used as a starting point, and an optimal route connecting the starting point to the destination with the shortest distance is searched using map data, and the route data including the node sequence is stored in the route storage unit 10 (see FIG. 2 (1)). . In contrast to this, when one or more waypoints and destinations are set by the destination / routepoint setting unit 4, the current location is set as the departure point, and the destination is sequentially passed from the departure point to each route point using the map data. The optimum route connecting the ground to the ground with the shortest distance is searched (see FIG. 2 (2)).

A display target area determination unit 12 determines a main display target area when an entire route display is instructed by the operation unit 3 (in this embodiment, the first point is a departure point and the second point is a destination). . First, referring to the route storage unit 10, on the route between the starting point as the first point and the destination as the second point, the sum of the straight line distance from the starting point and the straight line distance from the destination is almost the maximum. An intermediate display point is determined. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of candidate points B1, B2,... Bn that divide the route between the departure point S and the destination O into equal sections are measured by the distance along the route. The sum Li (where i = 1, 2,... N) of the linear distance LSi between S-Bi and O-Bi (where i = 1, 2,... N) is determined, and the maximum Lm is determined. Is an intermediate display point Q. This makes it easy to calculate the sum of the straight line distance from the starting point and the straight line distance from the destination for all nodes on the route between the starting point and the destination without comparing the magnitudes. It is possible to obtain an intermediate display point where the sum of the straight line distance and the straight line distance from the destination is substantially maximum.
Next, if there is no waypoint on the route between the departure point and the destination (see Fig. 4), the smallest rectangular area that is facing upward and facing the triangle connecting the departure point, destination, and intermediate display point (see Fig. 4) The region J) surrounded by the longitude line and the latitude line is determined as the main display target region, and the coordinates of the outer periphery C of the triangle connecting the starting point, the destination, and the intermediate display point are determined as the display center point.
If one or more waypoints exist on the route between the departure point and the destination (see Fig. 6), the route points T1, T2 between the departure point, the departure point and the destination, and intermediate display A rectangular area J circumscribing a polygon connecting the point Q and the destination and having the vertical direction facing north is determined as the main display target area. Further, the center coordinates of the main display target area J are determined as the display center point C.

  When the main display target area and the display center point are determined, the map drawing unit 9 of the map display control unit 7 uses the map data and the route data, includes the main display target area, and the top in the vertical direction faces north. An image with the route superimposed on the map is drawn in the image storage unit 8 and displayed on the display unit 5. At this time, the map drawing unit 9 draws the map so that the center of the screen (see symbol G in FIGS. 5 and 7) matches the display center point C.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the route search process executed by the navigation device body, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the entire route display process, FIGS. 4 and 6 are explanatory diagrams of a method for determining the main display target area, and FIGS. It is explanatory drawing of a path | route display screen, Hereinafter, operation | movement of the above-mentioned Example is demonstrated with reference to these figures. In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the first point = starting point, the second point = destination, and n = 9.
(A) When there is no waypoint (i) Route search (see FIGS. 8 and 4)
When the user performs a route search instruction operation using the operation unit 3 and only the destination O is set by the destination / route point setting unit 4, the route search unit 11 departs from the current location detected by the current location detection unit 1. As the location S, the optimum route connecting the starting point S to the destination O with the shortest distance is searched using the map data, and the route data including the node sequence is stored in the route storage unit 10 (in step S10 in FIG. 8). YES, S11, S12, see FIG. 2 (1), symbol PR in FIG. 4).

(Ii) Whole route display (see FIGS. 9, 4 and 5)
When the user performs an instruction to display the entire route using the operation unit 3 after the route search is completed, the display target region determination unit 12 refers to the route data stored in the route storage unit 10 and first On the route between the starting point S as the point and the destination O as the second point, an intermediate display point Q on the route where the sum of the straight line distance from the starting point and the straight line distance from the destination is substantially maximum is determined. (See step S20 in FIG. 9 and symbol Q in FIG. 4). Specifically, for example, nine candidate points B1, B2,... B9 that divide the route between the starting point and the destination into ten equal parts by measuring the distance along the route as shown in FIG. Calculate the sum Li of the linear distance LSi between -Bi and the linear distance LOi between O-Bi (where i = 1, 2,... 9), among these, determine the maximum Lm, and display Bm in the middle Let it be point Q. Next, since there is no waypoint in the middle of the route between the departure point and the destination this time, it circumscribes the triangle connecting the departure point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q. The rectangular area with the smallest orientation is determined as the main display target area J, and the outer center coordinates of the triangle connecting the starting point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q are determined as the display center point C (NO, S22 in step S21). , S23, see FIG. 4). The center coordinates of the main display target area J may be set as the display center point C.

  When the main display target area J and the display center point C are determined, the map drawing unit 9 of the map display control unit 7 includes the main display target area J as shown in FIG. Then, the route PM, the vehicle position mark VM, and the destination mark OM are superimposed on the map with the north side facing up in the vertical direction and are drawn on the image storage unit 8 and displayed on the display unit 5 (step S24). At this time, the map drawing unit 9 matches the center G of the screen 5A with the display center point C. As described above, a wide range of routes including the departure point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q are displayed on the screen 5A.

(B) When there is a transit point (i) Route search (see FIGS. 8 and 6)
A route search instruction operation is performed by the user using the operation unit 3, and for example, two waypoints, a first waypoint T <b> 1, a second waypoint T <b> 2, and a destination O are set by the destination / route point setting unit 4. The route search unit 11 uses the current location detected by the current location detection unit 1 as the departure point S, and uses the map data to connect the departure point S to each destination T1 and T2 through the shortest distance in order. The route storage unit 10 stores route data including a node sequence (NO in step S10 in FIG. 8, YES in S13, S14, S12, FIG. 2 (2), and reference sign PR in FIG. 6). .

(Ii) Whole route display (see FIGS. 9, 6, and 7)
After the route search is completed, when the user performs an instruction to display the entire route using the operation unit 3, the display target area determination unit 12 refers to the route data in the same manner as described above and starts as the first point. An intermediate display point Q on the route where the sum of the straight line distance from the ground and the straight line distance from the destination as the second point is substantially maximum is determined (see step S20 in FIG. 9, FIG. 6). Next, since two waypoints T1 and T2 are included in the route between the departure point S and the destination O this time, the departure point S, the first waypoint T1, the second waypoint T2, and the intermediate display point Q Then, a rectangular area circumscribing the polygon connecting the destinations O (see symbol Z in FIG. 6) and whose top in the vertical direction faces north is determined as the main display target area J (YES in step S21, S25). Further, the central coordinates of the main display target area J are determined as the display center point C (see step S26, FIG. 6). It should be noted that a triangular outer center coordinate connecting the departure point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q may be used as the display center point C.

  When the main display target region J and the display center point C are determined, the map drawing unit 9 of the map display control unit 7 uses the map data and the route data to display the main route display target region J as shown in FIG. In addition, the route PM, the vehicle position mark VM, the waypoint mark TM, and the destination mark OM are drawn on the map whose vertical direction is northward and drawn on the image storage unit 8 and displayed on the display unit 5 (step S24). ). At this time, the map drawing unit 9 matches the center G of the screen 5A with the display center point C. As described above, a wide range of routes including the departure point S, the destination O, the intermediate display point Q, and the waypoints T1 and T2 are displayed on the screen 5A.

  According to this embodiment, when the optimal route connecting the starting point and the destination with the shortest distance does not include a transit point, when the display of the entire route is instructed, the display target area determination unit 12 first sets the first point as the first point. On the route between the starting point and the destination as the second point, an intermediate display point where the sum of the straight line distance from the starting point and the straight line distance from the destination is substantially maximum is determined. Subsequently, a rectangular area that circumscribes a triangle that connects the starting point, the destination, and the intermediate display point, and whose top in the vertical direction faces north is determined as the main display target area. Then, the map display control unit 7 uses the map data and the route data to generate an image including the main display target region and the route, the vehicle position mark, and the destination mark superimposed on the north-facing map in the vertical direction. It is displayed on the display unit 5. At this time, the center G of the screen 5A is set as a triangular outer center coordinate connecting the starting point, the destination, and the intermediate display point. Screen 5A displays a wide range of routes including the starting point and destination, as well as an intermediate display point far from the starting point and destination. Even when the connecting route is detoured, a wide range of routes between the departure point and the destination can be grasped.

  In addition, when the optimal route connecting the departure point and the destination with the shortest distance includes one or more waypoints in the middle, when display of the entire route is instructed, the display target area determination unit 12 first starts from the departure point. An intermediate display point on the route where the sum of the straight line distance and the straight line distance from the destination is substantially maximum is determined. Next, a rectangular area that circumscribes the starting point, each waypoint between the starting point and the destination, the intermediate display point, and the polygon that connects the destination, and the vertical direction on the north is determined as the main display target area. The Therefore, in addition to the starting point and destination, the screen displays a wide range of routes including an intermediate display point far from the starting point and destination, and each waypoint between the starting point and destination. Even if there are mountains, lakes, etc. and the route connecting the departure point, each waypoint, and the destination is detoured, a wide range of routes can be grasped. In particular, the route around each waypoint can be confirmed, which is very convenient.

  In addition, in order to determine an intermediate display point on the route where the sum of the straight line distance from the departure point and the straight line distance from the destination is approximately maximum, the route between the departure point and the destination is measured by the distance along the route. N candidate points that divide (n + 1) equally are defined, and a candidate point that maximizes the sum of the straight line distance from the starting point and the straight line distance from the destination is defined as an intermediate display point. As a result, the sum of the straight line distance from the departure point and the straight line distance from the destination is calculated for all nodes on the route, and the straight line distance from the departure point and the straight line from the destination point can be easily calculated without comparing the magnitudes. An intermediate display point where the sum of distances is almost maximum can be obtained.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle navigation device embodying the route display method according to the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same as FIG.
In FIG. 10, the display target area determination unit 12A of the navigation device body 6A determines the route display target area when the entire display of the route is instructed by the operation unit 3 (also in this embodiment, the first point = the departure place, the second Point = destination). First, referring to the route storage unit 10, the sum of the straight line distance from the departure point and the straight line distance from the destination is substantially maximized on the route connecting the departure point as the first point and the destination point as the second point. Determine the intermediate display point. The method for determining the intermediate display point is the same as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3).
Next, when there is no waypoint on the route connecting the starting point and the destination (see FIG. 11), it circumscribes the circumscribed circle of the triangle connecting the starting point, the destination, and the intermediate display point, and the vertical direction is northward Is determined as the main display target area J, and the center coordinates of the circumscribed circle (= the center coordinates of the main display target area) are determined as the display center point C. If there are one or more waypoints T1 and T2 on the route connecting the departure point and the destination as shown in FIG. 13, it circumscribes the circumscribed circle of the triangle connecting the departure point, the destination, and the intermediate display point. In addition, a rectangular region whose top in the vertical direction faces north is defined as a reference region J0. When all the transit points T1 and T2 between the first point and the second point are within the reference area J0, the reference area is determined as the main display area J. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when there are waypoints T1 'and T2' outside the reference area J0 among the waypoints between the first point and the second point, the first point and the second point A rectangular area J1 in which the boundary of the reference area is expanded outward is determined as the main display area J until all of the waypoints in between are within the reference area. Further, the center coordinates of the main display target area are determined as the display center point C.
The other components of the in-vehicle navigation device are exactly the same as in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing route display processing executed by the navigation device main body 6A, FIGS. 11, 13, and 15 are explanatory diagrams of a method for determining a main display target area, and FIGS. 12, 14, and 16 are route display screens. Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings. In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the first point = departure point and the second point = destination point.
(A) When there is no waypoint (i) Route search (see FIGS. 8 and 11)
When a route search instruction operation is performed by the user using the operation unit 3 and only the destination is set by the destination / route point setting unit 4, the route search unit 11 uses the current location detected by the current location detection unit 1 as the departure point. S is used to search for an optimum route connecting the starting point S to the destination O with the shortest distance using the map data, and the route data including the node sequence is stored in the route storage unit 10 (YES in step S10 in FIG. 8). , S11, S12, FIG. 2 (1), see the symbol PR in FIG. 11).

(Ii) Whole route display (see FIGS. 17, 11, and 12)
After the route search is completed, when the user performs an instruction to display the entire route using the operation unit 3, the display target region determination unit 12 </ b> A refers to the route data, and the starting point S and the second point as the first point. On the route connecting the destination O as a point, the intermediate display point Q on the route where the sum of the straight line distance from the departure point S and the straight line distance from the destination O is almost the maximum is the same as in the first embodiment. Determine (see step S30 in FIG. 17, FIG. 11). Next, since a transit point is not included in the route connecting the departure point S and the destination O this time, it circumscribes a circumscribed circle of the triangle connecting the departure point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q. The square area with the north facing upward is determined as the main display target area J, and the center coordinates of the circumscribed circle (= the center coordinates of J) are determined as the display center point C (NO in steps S31, S32, S33, see FIG. 11). ). The main display target area J of the second embodiment is the smallest square area circumscribing the triangle connecting the starting point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q with the vertical direction facing north, as shown in FIG. The main display target area J) is wider.

  When the main display target area J and the display center point C are determined, the map drawing unit 9 of the map display control unit 7 includes the main display target area J as shown in FIG. The route PM, the vehicle position mark VM, and the destination mark OM are overlaid on the map with the north side facing upward in the vertical direction, drawn on the image storage unit 8, and displayed on the display unit 5 (step S34). At this time, the map drawing unit 9 matches the center G of the map on the screen 5A with the display center point C. The screen 5A includes a starting point S, a destination O, and an intermediate display point Q, and a wide range of routes centering on the outer periphery of a triangle connecting the starting point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q are displayed (reference number). PM reference).

(B) When there is a transit point (i) Route search (see FIGS. 4 and 13)
The user performs a route search instruction operation using the operation unit 3, and the destination / route setting unit 4 sets, for example, two route points, the first route point T 1, the second route point T 2, and the destination point O. Then, the route search unit 11 uses the current location detected by the current location detection unit 1 as the departure point S, and uses the map data to connect the departure point S to each destination T1 and T2 through the shortest distance in order. The route storage unit 10 stores route data including a node sequence (YES in step S13 in FIG. 8, S14, S12, FIG. 2 (2), and reference sign PR in FIG. 13).

(Ii) Whole route display (see FIGS. 17 and 13 to 16)
When the user performs an instruction to display the entire route using the operation unit 3 after the route search is completed, the display target region determination unit 12A refers to the route data in the same manner as described above, and the straight line from the departure point S. An intermediate display point Q at which the sum of the distance and the straight line distance from the destination O is substantially maximized is determined (step S30 in FIG. 17). Next, since two waypoints T1 and T2 are included in the route this time, it circumscribes the circumscribed circle of the triangle connecting the starting point S, the destination O, and the intermediate display point Q, and the top of the vertical direction is northward The rectangular area is set as the reference area J0 (YES in step S31, S35, see FIG. 13). Subsequently, it is determined whether all waypoints between the departure point S and the destination O are within the reference area J0 (step S36). As shown in FIG. 13, when all the waypoints are entered, the reference area J0 is determined as the main display area J (YES in step S36, S37). If there is a waypoint that is not in the reference area J0 as shown in FIG. 15, the boundary of the reference area J0 is set outside until all the waypoints between the departure point S and the destination O enter. The expanded reference area J1 is determined as the main display area J (NO in step S36, S38, S39). Further, the central coordinates of the main display target area J are determined as the display center point C (step S33). Here, it is assumed that all the waypoints between the departure point S and the destination O are in the reference area J0 (see FIG. 13), and J = J0.

  When the main display target area J and the display center point C are determined, the map drawing unit 9 of the map display control unit 7 includes the main display target area J as shown in FIG. The route PM, the vehicle position mark VM, the destination mark OM, and the waypoint mark TM are drawn on the image storage unit 8 and displayed on the display unit 5 (step S34). . At this time, the map drawing unit 9 matches the center G of the screen 5A with the display center point C. The screen 5A includes not only the departure point S and the destination O, but also an intermediate display point Q far from the departure point S and the destination O, and each waypoint T1, T2, and a wide range centering on the main display target region J. The route is displayed.

  If the searched route is as shown in FIG. 15 and there is a waypoint between the departure point S and the destination O that is not in the reference area J0 (reference T1 ′, T2 '), the reference area J1 obtained by extending the reference area J0 until all the waypoints between the departure point S and the destination O enter inside is set as the main display area J. Therefore, as shown in FIG. A wide range of routes including the departure point S, the destination O, the intermediate display point Q, and the waypoints T1 'and T2' are displayed.

  According to this embodiment, when the optimum route connecting the starting point as the first point and the destination as the second point with the shortest distance does not include the transit point, the display target region is displayed when the whole route display is instructed. First, the determination unit 12A determines an intermediate display point on the route in which the sum of the straight line distance from the departure point and the straight line distance from the destination is approximately maximum. Subsequently, a rectangular area circumscribing a triangular circumscribed circle connecting the starting point, the destination, and the intermediate display point, and having a vertically upward direction facing north is determined as a route display target area. Then, the map display control unit 7 uses the map data and the route data to generate an image including the route display target area and the route, the vehicle position mark, and the destination mark superimposed on a map whose north side is vertically upward. It is displayed on the display unit 5. At this time, the center of the screen 5A coincides with the position coordinates of the outer periphery of the triangle connecting the starting point, the destination, and the intermediate display point. Therefore, the screen 5A includes not only the starting point and the destination but also an intermediate display point far from the starting point and the destination, and a wide range centering on the outer periphery of the triangle connecting the starting point, the destination and the intermediate display point. Since the route is displayed, even if the route connecting the starting point and the destination is detoured due to the presence of the sea, mountains, lakes, etc., a fairly wide range of the route can be grasped.

  Further, when the optimum route connecting the departure point and the destination with the shortest distance includes one or a plurality of waypoints, when the whole route display is instructed, the display target area determination unit 12A displays the departure point, the destination, and the intermediate display. A rectangular area circumscribing a circumscribed circle of triangles connecting the points and having a vertically upward direction facing north is defined as a reference area J0. When all the waypoints between the starting point and the destination are in the reference area J0, the reference area J0 is used as the main display target area as it is, but there are waypoints that are not in the reference area J0. In some cases, the boundary of the reference area J0 is expanded outward until all waypoints between the departure point and the destination are entered, and the expanded reference area J1 is determined as the main display target area. Therefore, regardless of the location of the departure point, destination, intermediate display point, and each waypoint, the screen displays the departure point and destination as well as the intermediate display point, departure point and destination far from the departure point and destination. Since a wide range of routes including each waypoint between the ground is displayed, even if the route connecting the departure point, each waypoint, and destination is detoured due to the presence of the sea, mountains, lakes, etc., the route is wide You can grasp the range. In particular, the route around each waypoint can be confirmed, which is very convenient.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the map including the route is displayed with the top facing north, but the top may be aligned with the current traveling direction of the vehicle. In addition, the first point is the departure point, the second point is the destination, and the entire route connecting the departure point and the destination is displayed. However, the current location and the destination may be the first and second points, The start point of any partial section of the route connecting the starting point and the destination may be the first point, the end point may be the second point, and further, the partial section of the route connecting the starting point and the destination is displayed. Also good. For example, the first waypoint on the route connecting the departure point and the destination may be the first point and the last waypoint may be the second point. In addition, a route that bypasses a traffic jam point in the middle of the route connecting the departure point and the destination may be displayed, or a side road route that connects the departure point and the destination may be displayed. Further, although the number of candidate points for determining the intermediate display point Q is n = 9, n may be 2 or more and 8 or less, or may be 10 or more.

  The present invention can be applied to various map display devices such as an in-vehicle navigation device having a route display function and a map search device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus which implemented the route display method of 1st Example based on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the memory content of the path | route memory | storage part in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the determination method of an intermediate display point. It is explanatory drawing (when there is no waypoint) of the determination method of a main display object area | region. It is explanatory drawing of a route display screen (when there is no waypoint). It is explanatory drawing (when there exists a waypoint) of the determination method of a main display object area | region. It is explanatory drawing (when there exists a waypoint) of a route display screen. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the route search process by the navigation apparatus main body of 1st Example. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the route search process by the navigation apparatus main body of 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus which actualized the route display method of 2nd Example based on this invention. It is explanatory drawing (when there is no waypoint) of the determination method of a main display object area | region. It is explanatory drawing of a route display screen (when there is no waypoint). It is explanatory drawing (when there exists a waypoint) of the determination method of a main display object area | region. It is explanatory drawing (when there exists a waypoint) of a route display screen. It is explanatory drawing (when a waypoint is outside a reference | standard area | region) of the determination method of a main display object area | region. It is explanatory drawing (when a waypoint is outside a reference field) of a route display screen. It is a flowchart which shows the route display process by the navigation apparatus main body of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing of the determination method of the conventional display object area | region. It is explanatory drawing of the conventional route display screen. It is explanatory drawing of the problem of the determination method of the conventional display object area | region. It is explanatory drawing of the problem of the conventional path | route display screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Present location detection part 2 Map data memory | storage part 3 Operation part 4 Destination / route point setting part 5 Display part 6, 6A Navigation apparatus main body 7 Map display control part 10 Path | route storage part 12 Display object area | region determination part

Claims (16)

A route data storage unit that stores route data including the first point and the second point, a map data storage unit that stores map data, a display unit that displays a map image, and a map using the map data and the route data In a map display device comprising map display control means for drawing an image with a route superimposed and displaying the image on a display means,
One intermediate display point is defined between the first point and the second point on the route, and a rectangular area circumscribing a triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point, or the first point and the intermediate display point Providing a display target area determining means for determining a square area circumscribing the circumscribed circle of the triangle connecting the second points as a main display target area;
The map display control means draws an image in which the route is superimposed on the map including the main display target area and displays the image on the display means.
A map display device characterized by the above. Route data storage means storing route data including a route connecting the first point and the second point via one or more waypoints, map data storage means storing map data, and display for displaying a map image A map display device comprising: means, and map display control means for drawing an image in which a route is superimposed on a map using map data and route data and displaying the image on a display means;
One intermediate display point is defined between the first point and the second point on the route, and the first point, each way point between the first point and the second point, the intermediate display point, and the second point are connected. Provided with a display target area determining means for determining a rectangular area circumscribing the polygon as a main display target area,
The map display control means draws an image in which the route is superimposed on the map including the main display target area and displays the image on the display means.
A map display device characterized by the above. Route data storage means storing route data including a route connecting the first point and the second point via one or more waypoints, map data storage means storing map data, and display for displaying a map image A map display device comprising: means, and map display control means for drawing an image in which a route is superimposed on a map using map data and route data and displaying the image on a display means;
One intermediate display point is defined between the first point and the second point on the route, and the first point, the intermediate display point, a rectangular area circumscribing the triangle connecting the second points, or the first point, the intermediate display A rectangular area circumscribing a triangular circumscribed circle connecting the point and the second point is set as a reference area, and when all the transit points between the first point and the second point are within the reference area, the reference area is set as a main display area. When there are waypoints outside the reference area among the waypoints between the first point and the second point, all the waypoints between the first point and the second point are within the reference area. Provided with a display target area determination means for determining a rectangular area that extends the boundary of the reference area outward until entering as a main display area,
The map display control means draws an image in which the route is superimposed on the map including the main display target area and displays the image on the display means.
A map display device characterized by the above. The intermediate display point is a point where the sum of the distance from the first point and the distance from the second point is almost the maximum,
The map display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The intermediate display point is a point having the maximum sum of the distance from the first point and the distance from the second point among a plurality of candidate points set between the first point and the second point on the route. ,
The map display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The candidate point is a point that divides the route between the first point and the second point at equidistant intervals along the route;
The map display device according to claim 5. The map display control means has made the center of the display map coincide with the center of the route display target area,
The map display device according to claim 1, wherein: The map display control means matches the center of the display map with the outer center of the triangle connecting the first point, the second point, and the intermediate display point,
The map display device according to claim 1, wherein: In a route display method for drawing and displaying an image in which a route from a first point to a second point is superimposed on a map,
One intermediate display point is defined between the first point and the second point on the route,
The rectangular area circumscribing the triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point and the second point or the rectangular area circumscribing the circumscribed circle of the triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point and the second point is determined as the main display target area. ,
Draw and display an image with the route superimposed on the map that contains the main display target area,
A route display method characterized by the above. In a route display method for drawing and displaying an image in which a route connecting from a first point to a second point via one or more waypoints is superimposed on a map,
One intermediate display point is defined between the first point and the second point on the route,
The first display area, the intermediate points between the first and second points, the intermediate display points, and the rectangular area circumscribing the polygon connecting the second points are determined as the main display target areas.
Draw and display an image with the route superimposed on the map that contains the main display target area,
A route display method characterized by the above. In a route display method for drawing and displaying an image in which a route connecting from a first point to a second point via one or more waypoints is superimposed on a map,
One intermediate display point is defined between the first point and the second point on the route,
The rectangular area circumscribing the triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point, or the rectangular area circumscribing the circumscribed circle of the triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point is set as the reference area.
When all the waypoints between the first point and the second point are within the reference area, the reference area is determined as the main display area,
When there are waypoints outside the reference area among the waypoints between the first point and the second point, all the waypoints between the first point and the second point are within the reference area. A rectangular area that extends the boundary of the reference area outward is determined as the main display area,
Draw and display an image with the route superimposed on the map that contains the main display target area,
A route display method characterized by the above. The intermediate display point is a point where the sum of the distance from the first point and the distance from the second point is almost the maximum,
12. The route display method according to claim 9, wherein the route is displayed. The intermediate display point is a point having the maximum sum of the distance from the first point and the distance from the second point among the plurality of candidate points set on the route,
12. The route display method according to claim 9, wherein the route is displayed. The candidate point is a point that divides the route from the first point to the second point at equidistant intervals along the route;
The route display method according to claim 13. The map display control means has made the center of the display map coincide with the center of the main display target area,
15. The route display method according to claim 9, wherein the route is displayed. The map display control means matches the center of the display map with the outer center of the triangle connecting the first point, the intermediate display point, and the second point,
15. The route display method according to claim 9, wherein the route is displayed.

Images