U.S. patent application number 09/768460 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-05 for navigation device.
Invention is credited to Irie, Takashi, Norimoto, Masatsugu.
Application Number | 20010007090 09/768460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 14235786 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010007090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Irie, Takashi ; et
al. |
July 5, 2001 |
Navigation device
Abstract
A navigation device includes a map information storage means for
storing map information such as nodes, links and the like, a
present position detection means for detecting a present position
of a moving body, a route searching means for searching a route
from a present position to a guide point based on the map
information, a voice guide message generation means for generating
a voice guide message corresponding to the searched route, and a
voice output means for outputting the voice guide message. The
navigation device is adapted to store a level of importance of
nodes and links as a part of said map information, and the voice
guide message generation means selects links and nodes on the
searched route based on the level of importance and generates a
voice guide message corresponding to the selected nodes and
links.
Inventors: |
Irie, Takashi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Norimoto, Masatsugu; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
14235786 |
Appl. No.: |
09/768460 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09768460 |
Jan 25, 2001 |
|
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PCT/JP99/02748 |
May 25, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/428 ;
340/996 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 21/3629 20130101;
G08G 1/096827 20130101; G08G 1/096838 20130101; G08G 1/096872
20130101; G08G 1/096866 20130101; G08G 1/096861 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/211 ;
340/996 |
International
Class: |
G01C 021/30 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A navigation device comprising a map information storage means
for storing map information including node information, link
information and related information thereof, a present position
detection means for detecting a present position of a moving body,
a route searching means for searching a route from the present
position to a guide point based on said map information, a voice
guide message generation means for generating a voice guide message
corresponding to the route searched by said route searching means,
and a voice output means for outputting the voice guide message,
wherein: said map information storage means stores a level of
importance of each node and link as a part of said map information;
and said voice guide message generation means selects the nodes and
links on the searched route based on said level of importance and
generates the voice guide message corresponding to the selected
nodes and links.
2. A navigation device according to claim 1, wherein said voice
guide message generation means selects said nodes and links on the
searched route in such a manner that a level of importance of the
selected nodes and links is less than or equal to a predetermined
reference value and a number of the selected nodes and links is
less than or equal to a predetermined reference number, and
generates the voice guide message corresponding to the selected
nodes and links.
3. A navigation device according to claim 2, wherein when a
plurality of nodes and links with the same level of importance
exists and the number of the selected nodes and links is not equal
to the predetermined reference number, said voice guide message
generation means deletes nodes and links, which are located near
the guide point, from said plural nodes and links with the same
level of importance in such a manner that the number of the
selected nodes and links is equal to the predetermined reference
number.
4. A navigation device according to claim 2, further comprising a
reference value setting means for setting the predetermined
reference value and a reference number setting means for setting
the predetermined reference number.
5. A navigation device according to claim 1, wherein said map
information storage means stores information about voice playing
times relating to names of each node and link as a part of said map
information, and wherein said voice guide message generation means
selects said nodes and links on the searched route in order of high
importance in such a manner that the voice playing time for the
voice guide message is less than or equal to a predetermined
reference value and generates the voice guide message corresponding
to said selected nodes and links.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of international
Application No. PCT/JP99/02748, whose international filing date is
May 25, 1999, the disclosures of which Application are incorporated
by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a navigation device which
is mounted in a moving body and which guides a route from a present
position to a destination.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Navigation devices which guide a route from a current
position of an automobile to a destination while driving have been
widely applied. In this type of navigation device, when a
destination is set by a user, the device searches a preferred route
from the current position to the destination. When the searched
route is presented to a user, it is common to present the route in
an "entire route format" in which a route from a geographical
position, at which a destination is set, to the destination is
displayed on the same screen by switching a map scale. Furthermore,
a method is employed of displaying more detailed information about
the route by scrolling the map display automatically or manually
along the route by switching to a detailed map display with a large
map scale ratio. In addition, a method of sequential display of
guiding maps of intersections on the route forward of a current
position, or a method of displaying the route schematically by main
branching points on the display device are also known in the art.
Furthermore, it is possible to execute the guiding operation by use
of voice commands.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first conventional
navigation device as disclosed in JP-A-5-297800. In the figure,
reference numeral 1 denotes a touch switch for inputting a
destination or the like, 2 is a vehicle speed sensor for detecting
a vehicle speed, 3 is a bearing sensor for detecting a bearing, 4
is an external storage device for storing information displaying
classes of roads connecting branching points or information
displaying classes of branching point of roads and pre-stored map
information data. 5 is a display device for displaying information
regarding main points such as branching points which are on a route
from the present position to the destination. 6 is a control device
which searches a travel route of the vehicle based on an input
signal from the bearing sensor 3 and the vehicle sensor 2 and an
input signal from the switch 1 and which displays main branching
points on the travel route in summary form on the display device
5.
[0007] The operation of the first conventional navigation device
will be described below.
[0008] Firstly, route searching is executed. The route searching is
executed according to a Dijkstra method. Of the routes connecting
the present position and the destination, the device searches a
route passing along main roads in which there are few right or left
turns and in which the names of intersections at which turns are
made are known. The search is made on the basis of the map
information data stored in the external storage device 4.
[0009] After the route is searched, the number of nodes contained
on the route is counted and it is determined whether the number of
nodes is less than or equal to 10. When the number of nodes is less
than or equal to 10, the display process is executed to display the
searched route.
[0010] On the other hand, when there are more than 10 nodes, a
summarizing process is applied to the nodes contained on the route
in which they are summarized based on informational value of each
node. The summarizing process entails deleting those nodes of low
information value until the number of nodes contained on the route
are less than or equal to 10. Thereafter, display processing is
executed. Herein information value is a product of a turning
coefficient, a name presence/absence coefficient and a node
category coefficient. The node category coefficient is a fixed
coefficient corresponding to categories of nodes such as expressway
entrance/exit, tollway entrance/exit or national road intersection.
The node name presence/absence coefficient is a fixed coefficient
which corresponds to the presence or absence of a name of the node.
The turning coefficient is a fixed coefficient which corresponds to
the presence or absence of left or right turns.
[0011] In the display process, the name of the destination and
present position, the name of main branching points on the route
from the present position to the destination, the distance between
each branching point, representative place names which indicate the
direction of travel, and the names of roads which should be taken
at branching points are displayed on the display device 5.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second conventional
navigation device as disclosed in International Publication
WO98/51995. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a control
means which performs control of the overall device and each type of
calculation in the navigation device. 11 is a map information
storage means which stores digitized map information data such as
intersection data, road data and the like. 12 is a present position
detection means which detects a present position of the moving body
in which the navigation device is mounted.
[0013] 13 is a route setting means which sets a route between two
points on a map on the basis of map information data stored in the
map information storage means 11. 14 is a guide object intersection
detection means which detects a guide object intersection to be
guided on the route set by the route setting means 13. 15 is a
quantizing calculation means which quantizes the route of the
moving body onto a schematic map displaying the characteristic
features of the route.
[0014] 16 is a display means which displays a route quantized by
the quantizing calculation means with respect to a guide object
intersection detected by the guide object intersection detection
means 14. 17 is a voice guide message generation means having a
voice information storage means (not shown) which stores necessary
words or phrases for guide messages as voice wave form data. The
voice guide message generation means selects voice wave form data
such as words or phrases for guide messages and generates such
combinations as guide messages when a quantized route of the moving
body is displayed on the display means 16. 18 is a voice output
means which notifies a user by voice commands of guide messages
generated by the voice guide message generation means.
[0015] The operation of the second conventional navigation device
will be described below.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the second
conventional navigation device shown in FIG. 2.
[0017] Firstly, in a step ST1, the route setting means 13 sets two
points on the map on the basis of latitude and longitude from the
map information data read from the map information storage means 11
and then sets a route between the two points using a general search
algorithm on a network such as a Dijkstra method or the like.
[0018] Then, in a step ST2, the present position detection means 12
detects a present position (C1) of the moving body. In a step ST3,
the flags FL1, FL2, FL3 are respectively initialized to 0.
[0019] Then, in a step ST4, the guide object intersection detection
means 14 extracts an intersection with, for example, more than
three roads being connected to the intersection as a forward guide
object intersection (C2). The intersection is an intersection on
the route set by the route setting means 13 and, of the two
geographical points set by the route setting means, the
intersection is further forward than present position (C1) detected
by the present position detection means 12.
[0020] In the step ST5, the detection of the present position (C1)
of the moving body is performed again by the present position
detection means 12 and in a step ST6, a road distance (L1) between
the present position (C1) of the moving body and the forward guide
object intersection (C2) is calculated on the basis of map
information data read from the map information storage means
11.
[0021] Then, in a step ST7, further processing operations are
selected in response to this distance (L1).
[0022] When the distance (L1) is greater than a predetermined
reference distance (L2) (for example 1000 meters), the routine
progresses to step ST8 and it is determined whether the flag FL1
has a value of 0 or not. When the value of the flag is 0, in a step
ST9, a guide output A which is related to the forward guide object
intersection (C2) is executed. The guide output A comprises
extracting only the section to the forward guiding object
intersection (C2) extracted by the quantizing calculation means 15
of the road on the route on the map. Then, the result is quantized
to a simple arrow shape and a display map related to the forward
guide object intersection (C2) is displayed on the display means
16. A guide voice message related to the forward guide object
intersection (C2) is generated by the voice guide message
generation means 17 and the message is reported by voice commands
from the voice output means 18. After the execution of the guide
output A, in a step ST10, the flag FL1 is varied to a value of 1
and the fact that the guide output A in relation to the forward
guide object intersection (C2) has been executed is stored.
[0023] Thereafter, in a step ST11, it is determined whether or not
the process of setting the route by the route setting means 13 is
completed. When it is completed, the guide process is terminated.
When it is not completed, the routine returns to a step ST5 and
executes the steps of the routine after step ST6.
[0024] When the flag FL1 does not have a value of 0 in step ST8,
since the guide output A has already been executed, the routine
returns to a step ST5.
[0025] In a step ST7, when the distance (L1) is less than or equal
to the reference value (L2) and greater than the predetermined
reference value (L3) (for example 300 meters), the routine
progresses to a step ST12, and it is determined whether or not the
flag FL2 has a value of 0. When the flag FL2 has a value of 0, in
the step ST13, a guide output B related to the forward guide object
intersection (C2) is executed. The guide output B comprises
extracting only the route section connecting the forward guiding
object intersection (C2) of the road on the map extracted by the
quantizing calculation means 15. Then, the result is quantized to a
simple arrow shape and a display map related to the forward guide
object intersection (C2) is displayed on the display means 16. A
guide voice message related to the forward guide object
intersection (C2) is generated by the voice guide message
generation means 17 and the message is reported by voice commands
from the voice output means 18. After the execution of the guide
output B, in a step ST14, the flag FL2 is varied to a value of 1
and the fact that the guide output B in relation to the forward
guide object intersection (C2) has been executed is stored.
[0026] Thereafter, in a step ST11, it is determined whether or not
the process of setting the route by the route setting means 13 is
completed. When it is completed, the guide process is terminated.
When it is not completed, the routine returns to a step ST5 and
executes the steps of the routine after step ST6.
[0027] When the flag FL2 does not have a value of 0 in step ST12,
since the guide output has already been executed, the routine
returns to a step ST5.
[0028] When, in a step ST7, the distance (L1) has a value less than
the reference value (L3), the routine progresses to a step ST15 and
it is determined whether or not the flag FL3 has a value of 0 or
not. When the value of the flag is 0, in a step ST16, the guide
output C related to the forward guide object intersection (C2) is
executed. The guide output C comprises extracting the present
position of the moving body, roads other than roads on the route,
route roads connected to the forward guiding object intersection
(C2) and the forward guiding object intersection (C2) extracted by
the quantizing calculation means 15 on the map. Then, the result is
quantized to a simple arrow shape and a display map related to the
forward guide object intersection (C2) is displayed on the display
means 16. A guide voice message related to the forward guide object
intersection (C2) is generated by the voice guide message
generation means 17 and the message is reported by voice commands
from the voice output means 18. After the execution of the guide
output C, in a step ST17, the flag FL3 is varied to a value of 1
and the fact that the guide output C in relation to the forward
guide object intersection (C2) has been executed is stored.
[0029] Thereafter, in a step ST11, it is determined whether or not
the process of setting the route by the route setting means 13 is
completed. When it is completed, the guide process is terminated.
When it is not completed, the routine returns to a step ST5 and
executes the steps of the routine after step ST6.
[0030] When the flag FL3 does not have a value of 0 in step ST15,
since the guide output C has already been executed, the routine
returns to a step ST3, and the flags FL1, FL2, FL3 are initialized
to 0. In a step ST4, the forward guide object intersection (C2) is
extracted.
[0031] Since the conventional navigation device is constructed as
above, the problem has arisen that safe operation of the vehicle
can be affected as it is necessary for a user to monitor the guide
display even when display nodes are displayed in summary form by a
summarizing process. Furthermore, the number of guiding nodes
provided to guide the entire route by voice commands increases and
the problem has arisen that nodes can not be adapted to guide the
entire route appropriately in a short time.
[0032] Furthermore, when the number of guide nodes is reduced to a
predetermined number of summarized nodes in a convention navigation
device, the problem has arisen that it is difficult to make guide
nodes correspond to a predetermined number of nodes when a
plurality of nodes with the same informational value exists.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The present invention is proposed to solve the above
problems and has the object of providing a navigation device
adapted to store the level of importance of nodes and links and
select nodes and links on the searched route based on the level of
importance or time for playing voice information. In the navigation
device, a voice guide message is generated corresponding to the
selected nodes and links and guiding of the route is executed by
the voice guide message. Thus, it is possible to guide an entire
route appropriately in a short time by voice commands.
[0034] The present invention has the further object of providing a
navigation device in which when a plurality of nodes and links with
the same importance exists and the number of such nodes and links
is not equal to a predetermined reference number, nodes and links
in proximity to the present position, the number of which
corresponds with the predetermined reference number, is selected
from nodes and links with the same importance, thereby to make the
number of guide nodes and the like accurately correspond with the
predetermined reference number.
[0035] A navigation device of the present invention is adapted to
store a level of importance of each node and link as a part of map
information in a map information storage means, to select the nodes
and links on the searched route based on the level of importance
and to generate a voice guide message corresponding to the selected
links and nodes. In this way, it is possible to guide an entire
route appropriately in a short period of time by voice
commands.
[0036] The navigation device of the present invention may be
adapted to select the nodes and links on the searched route in such
a manner that the level of importance of the selected nodes and
links is less than or equal to a predetermined reference level and
the number of the selected nodes and links is less than or equal to
a predetermined reference number, and to generate a voice guide
message corresponding to the selected nodes and links. In such a
way, even when the number of nodes and links with a high level of
importance is less than a predetermined reference number, the voice
guiding with respect to the nodes and links having low level of
importance is not executed. Thus, it is possible to guide the
entire route appropriately.
[0037] The navigation device of the present invention may be
adapted to delete nodes and links, which are located in proximity
to the guide point, from the nodes and links having the same level
of importance and to make the number of the selected nodes and
links equal to a predetermined reference number, when there exists
a plurality of nodes and links with the same level of importance
and the number of the selected nodes and links is not equal to the
predetermined reference number. In this way, it is possible to make
the number of nodes and links to be guided correspond accurately
with the predetermined reference number.
[0038] The navigation device of the present invention may be
provided with a reference value setting means for setting a
predetermined reference value and a reference number setting means
for setting a predetermined reference number. In this way, it is
possible to provide a voice guide with the desired amount and level
of importance.
[0039] The navigation device of the present invention may be
adapted to store information about voice playing times relating to
names of each link and node as a part of map information in the map
information storage means, to select the nodes and links on the
searched route in order of highest importance in such a manner that
the voice playing time for the voice guide message is less than or
equal to a predetermined reference value, and to generate the voice
guide message corresponding to the selected nodes and links. In
such a way, it is possible to accurately make the time taken for
voice guiding under a predetermined reference value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first convention
navigation device.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second convention
navigation device.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining the operation of a second
conventional navigation device.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a construction of a
navigation device according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a construction of the
hardware in the navigation device shown in FIG. 4.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows an example of map information data stored in a
map information storage means.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows an example of a menu and a map displayed on a
display means.
[0047] FIG. 8 shows an example of a route determined by a route
searching means.
[0048] FIG. 9 shows an example of a menu for each setting category
of route voice guides according to a first embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of each section in
route voice guide processing.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of
extracting links and nodes as well as the proximate facilities to
links and nodes in step ST105 of FIG. 10.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows the relative relationship of guide number A
and distance X from a present position to a guide point obtained by
this formula.
[0052] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of
generating a voice guide message for extracted links and nodes as
well as the proximate facilities to links and nodes in step ST106
of FIG. 10.
[0053] FIG. 14 is an example of a set of supplementary voice
data.
[0054] FIG. 15 shows data related to extracted links and nodes as
well as the proximate facilities to links and nodes in the process
shown in FIG. 11 with respect to the route shown in FIG. 8.
[0055] FIG. 16 shows a voice guide message generated based on the
data shown in FIG. 15.
[0056] FIG. 17 shows a display example of a menu for each category
of setting of route voice guides according to a second
embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of
extracting links and nodes as well as the proximate facilities to
links and nodes in a second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] In order to describe the invention in greater detail, the
preferred embodiments will be outlined below with reference to the
accompanying figures.
[0059] Embodiment 1
[0060] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a construction of a
navigation device according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a construction of the
hardware in the navigation device shown in FIG. 4.
[0061] In FIG. 4, reference numeral 21 denotes a control means
which executes each type of calculation in the navigation device
and controls other constitutive elements. 22 is a map information
storage means which pre-stores digitized map information data such
as node data and link data displaying intersection points and
roads. 23 is a present position detection means which detects a
present position of a moving body in which the navigation device is
mounted.
[0062] 24 is a route search means which reads map information data
stored in the map information storage means 22, which searches a
route between two geographic points in a map on the basis of map
information data for example on the basis of a Dijkstra method and
which determines a single route. 25 is a route storage means which
stores a route determined by the route search means 24.
[0063] 26 is a display means which displays a route and the like
stored in the route storage means 25 and a map based on map
information data stored in the map information storage means
22.
[0064] 27 is a voice guide message generation means which has a
voice information storage means 31 which pre-stores voice waveform
data such as words and phrases required for voice guide messages.
Voice waveform data such as words and phrases constituting voice
guide messages are selected when performing voice guiding and voice
guide messages are generated by combining selected voice waveform
data. 28 is a voice output means which outputs voice corresponding
to voice guide messages generated by the voice guide message
generated means 27 and which reports the guide message to a
user.
[0065] 29 is an operation means which is operated when commands are
input into the navigation device by user and which supplies an
input user commands to the control means 21. 30 is a voice guide
information extraction means which extracts main guide information
from guide information on a route stored in the route storage means
25.
[0066] In FIG. 5, 51 is a CD-ROM storing digitized map information
and a read-out device thereof which correspond to the map
information storage means 22 shown in FIG. 4.
[0067] 52 is a GPS receiver which receives electromagnetic waves
from an artificial satellite using a geo-positioning system (GPS)
and which outputs a present position of the moving body in which a
navigation device is mounted. 53 is a bearing sensor which detects
a bearing in which the moving body is directed. 54 is a distance
sensor which detects a movement distance of the moving body. These
components correspond to the present position detection means 23
shown in FIG. 4.
[0068] 55 is a display device which has for example a liquid
crystal display and which displays map information, maps based on
map information data, determined routes and the like. The display
device corresponds to the display means 26 shown in FIG. 4. 56 is a
voice output means which outputs voice guide messages. It
corresponds to the voice output means shown in FIG. 4. 57 is an
input device which has a switch operated when commands are input
into the navigation device by a user and which supplies input user
commands to a control unit 58. The input device 57 corresponds to
the operation means shown in FIG. 4.
[0069] 58 is a control unit provided with a central processing unit
(CPU) 61, a read only memory (ROM) 62, a random access memory (RAM)
63, a display control section 64 and an input/output control
section 65. The control unit 58 calculates each type of calculation
in the navigation device and executes control of other constitutive
components. The control unit corresponds to the control means 21,
the route search means 24, the route storage means 25, the voice
guide message generation means 27 and the voice guide information
extraction means 30 shown in FIG. 4.
[0070] In the control unit 58, 61 is a CPU which executes
processing of route searching and guide point extraction. 62 is a
ROM which pre-stores data, programs and the like used by the CPU
61. 63 is a RAM into which map information data and programs used
by the CPU 61 are loaded and which stores the calculation results
of the CPU 61. 64 is a display control section which controls the
display device 55 and which displays each type of image on the
display device 55. 65 is an input/output control section which
executes transfer of signals and each type of data by acting as an
interface between the control unit 58 and each type of external
device (CD-ROM and read-out device 51 to input device 57).
[0071] FIG. 6 shows an example of map information data stored in
the map information storage means 22.
[0072] The map information data comprises a node data group 110
being the set of data related to nodes and a link data group 130
being the set of data related to links.
[0073] The node data group 110 is comprised by a node data record
120 which comprises each type of data related to each node. Each
node data record 120 has a node number 121 which shows a
distinguishing number which is uniquely assigned to a node which
corresponds to the node data record 120, a node coordinate 122
which shows latitude and longitude of a position of a node on the
map, a connecting link number 123 which shows the number of links
connecting the node, a link number 124 of each link connected to
the node, a node name 125 which is the name of the node, and a
proximate facility data record 150 which is the set of data related
to the proximate facilities which exist in the periphery of the
node. A node voice guide level 126 which shows a level of
importance of the referred node when performing voice guiding of a
route containing the node and a node voice guide time 127 which
shows a voice playing time required for voice guiding of the node
are also provided.
[0074] The proximate facility data record 150 has a facility name
151 which shows the name of facilities in the environs of each
node, a facility number 152 which displays a distinguishing number
which is uniquely assigned to each facility, and a facility
position 153 which shows the position of the facility which
corresponds to the node. A facility voice guide level 154 which
shows a level of importance of the referred facility when
performing voice guiding of a route containing a node and a
facility voice guide time 155 which shows a voice data playing time
required for voice guiding of the facility are also provided.
[0075] The link data group 130 is comprised by link data record 140
which comprises each type of data related to each link. Furthermore
each link data record 140 comprises a link number 141 which shows a
distinguishing number which is uniquely assigned to a link which
corresponds to link data records 140, an start node number 142
which shows a node connected to an start side of a link, a finish
node number 143 which shows a node connected to a finish side of a
link a link length 144 which shows the length of a link, and a link
attribute data record 160 which is the set of each type of data
related to a link attribute.
[0076] The link attribute data record 160 has a link category 161,
a flow regulation information 162 which shows flow regulation of a
road which corresponds to the link, a link name 163 which shows a
name of a link, a link name number 164 which shows a distinguishing
number which is uniquely assigned to the name of a link, a link
voice guide level which shows the importance of a link referred to
when performing voice guiding of a route containing the link, and a
link voice guide time 166 which shows a voice data playing time
required for voice guiding of the link. Furthermore, a link
proximate facility data record 170 is provided which is a set of
data related to facilities in the proximity of the link.
[0077] The link proximate facility data record 170 comprises a
facility name 171 which shows a facility name, a facility number
172 which shows a distinguishing number which is uniquely assigned
to the facility, a facility position 173 which shows a position of
facilities with respect to the link, and a facility voice guide
level 174 which shows the importance of a facility referred to when
performing voice guiding of a route containing a link, and a
facility voice guide time 175 which shows a voice data playing time
required for voice guiding of the facility.
[0078] The level of importance shown by the facility voice guide
level 174 can be determined by consideration of the level of
reputation of the facility in the general community or with
reference to a standard determined nationally. Alternatively they
may be determined by any other standard.
[0079] On such a way, a node voice guide level 126 which shows a
level of importance of each individual node and a corresponding
node voice level guide time 127 which shows the time required for
voice guiding the node, as well as a facility voice guide level 154
which shows a level of importance of each individual facility and a
facility voice level guide time 155 which shows the time required
for voice guiding the facility are contained in the map information
data. Furthermore, a link voice guide level 165 which shows a level
of importance of each individual link and a link voice level guide
time 166 which shows the time required for voice guiding the link,
as well as a facility voice guide level 174 which shows a level of
importance of each individual facility and a facility voice level
guide time 175 which shows the time required for voice guiding the
facility are contained in the map information data.
[0080] The operation of the present invention will be described
below.
[0081] The control means 21 displays a map corresponding to the map
information data in the display means 26 in response to an
operation of a user. A menu or the like is displayed for selecting
each function. FIG. 7 shows an example of a menu and a map
displayed on the display means 26. In the figure, a moving body
mark 211 which shows the present position of the moving body, a
bearing mark 212 which shows the direction of the map, a route line
213 which shows a route determined by the route search process to
be discussed below and a menu 214 for selecting each function such
as setting a destination are displayed on the map. When making a
selection on the menu, a cursor is moved in response to an
operation of a user on the operation means 29 and a selection is
made.
[0082] When a destination is selected, firstly the route search
process is performed. At this time, the present position detected
by the present position detection means 23 and the destination
input to the operation means 29 by a user are supplied to the route
search means 24 by the control means 21. Map information data is
read from the map information storage means 22 by the route search
means 24, routes between the present position and the destination
are searched by a Dijkstra method for example and a single route is
determined. Information relating to nodes and links which comprise
the route are stored in the route storage means 25.
[0083] FIG. 8 is an example of a route determined by the route
search means 24. On the route shown in FIG. 8, there are 15 nodes
N001-N00F between a present position and a destination (the figures
are hexadecimal numbers). There are 14 (=15-1) links L000-L00D (the
figures are hexadecimal numbers) connecting each node.
[0084] Since route voice guiding becomes possible when a route is
discovered by the route search process, options (route outline)
corresponding to the function of route voice guide on the menu as
shown in FIG. 7 are varied to be selectable by an operation of the
user. That is to say, before execution of the route search process
or when no route is found, it is not possible for the user to make
a selection and the option "route outline" is covered (i.e.
displayed gray).
[0085] Each category of setting the route voice guide is executed
before route voice guide processing. First the control means 21
displays a menu for each setting type of the route voice guide on
the display means 26. FIG. 9 shows an example of a menu display for
each type of setting of the route voice guide according to a first
embodiment. In the menu in FIG. 9, there is a guide point selection
term 201 which sets the execution of the route voice guide from a
present position to any geographical point, a guide number
selection term 202 which sets the total (guide number) of proximate
facilities of a link or node as well as links and nodes which
execute the voice guiding of the routes from a present position to
a destination and a guide level selection term 203 which sets the
level of detail of the voice guide.
[0086] There are the options "destination" and "detour" in the
guide geographical point selection term 201. The selection of the
option is executed by a user operating the operation means 29. When
"destination" is selected, route voice guide from a present
position to a destination is performed. When "route" is selected,
route voice guide from a present position to a predetermined detour
point is performed. Although there is one option "detour" in the
guide geographical point selection term 201 in FIG. 9, the option
may be adapted to provide a plurality of detours as options or to
add an option "selectable geographical point" for the user to
select a final geographical point for voice guiding in the
displayed map.
[0087] The guide number selection term has the options "5", "10",
"20" and "automatic". The selection of these options is performed
by the operation of the operational means 29 by the user. When any
of "5", "10" or "20" are selected, a respectively corresponding
number (5, 10, 20) is set as the total number of proximate
facilities for a link or node or as a link or node which executes
the voice guide. When "automatic" is set, a guide number (discussed
below) which is calculated in response to the distance from a
present position to a guide point is set as the total number of
proximate facilities for a link or node or as a link or node which
executes the voice guide. When setting the guide number of a guided
node or the like, apart from selecting a predetermined number as
above, the device is adapted to allow a user to directly set a
value as a guide number.
[0088] The guide level selection term 203 has the options "high",
"medium" and "low". The selection of these options is executed by a
user operating the operation means 29. When "high" is selected,
voice guiding is performed to nodes, links and facilities proximate
to nodes and links of low importance as far as allowed by the guide
number above. When "low" is selected, voice guiding is performed
only to nodes, links and facilities proximate to nodes and links of
high importance as far as allowed by the guide number above. When
"medium" is selected, voice guiding is performed only to nodes,
links and facilities proximate to nodes and links of medium
importance as far as allowed by the guide number above. The setting
of the reference value for level of importance when selecting a
guided node, apart from selecting a predetermined level as above
may be performed by the user directly setting a level of importance
with a value.
[0089] Thus, a reference number setting means and a reference value
setting means which set a guide level and guide number are
comprised by an operational means 29 and a display means 26 on
which a menu is displayed.
[0090] Next, route voice guide processing is performed. FIG. 10 is
a flowchart of the operation of each section in route voice guide
processing. Firstly, as a result of the route search process being
executed, the routine progresses from step ST101 to step ST102 when
the route is determined. Thus, the gray cover on the menu option
"route outline" is withdrawn allowing this option to be selected.
When the option "route outline" is selected, route voice guide
processing is performed (step ST103).
[0091] Firstly, in a step ST104, a present position of the moving
body is detected by the present position detection means 23. Then,
in a step ST105, the voice guide information extraction means 30
reads data relating to nodes and links which comprise the
determined route and extracts a number of nodes, links and
proximate facilities to nodes and links of high importance
corresponding to the guide number above based on voice guide
information extraction conditions set by the user in the menu (FIG.
9).
[0092] Then, in a step ST106, the extracted nodes and links and
proximate facilities to nodes and links are supplied to the voice
guide message generation means through the control means 21. The
voice guide message generation means 27 generates voice guide
messages relating to the extracted nodes and links and proximate
facilities to nodes and links. When a voice guide message is
generated, it is supplied to the voice output means 28 by the
control means 21. In a step ST107, the voice guide message is
output by the voice output means 28 and an outline of the route
from a present position to a guide point is reported to a user.
[0093] By adapting the output of voice guide messages in this way,
an outline of a searched route may be guided.
[0094] Next, in the above step ST105, the details of the process of
extracting nodes and links and proximate facilities to nodes and
links will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the details of
the process of extracting nodes and links and proximate facilities
to nodes and links in step ST105 in FIG. 10.
[0095] Firstly, in a step ST121, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 reads information relating to guide level
terms, guide number terms and guide point terms set by the user
from the control means 21, stores the node number of selected
geographical points based on information about the guide point term
and stores an extracted guide number Abased on information about
the guide number term. When "automatic" is selected at this time,
the guide number A is stored as 0. The voice guide information
extraction means 30 stores a value 100 as a reference value GL when
the guide level "high" is selected based on the information of the
guide level term. When the selected guide level is "medium", the
value 10 is stored as the reference level GL, and when the selected
guide level is "low", the value 5 is stored as the reference level
GL.
[0096] The voice guide information extraction means 30 sets the
initial level of the extraction level L of the importance of
extracted nodes, links and proximate facilities to 0. (In FIG. 6
these are shown as the facility voice guide level 154, 174, the
link voice guide level 165, and the node voice guide level 126).
When the extraction level L is 0, proximate facilities and nodes
and links which are less than or equal to an extracted level of 0
are extracted and as discussed below, the value of the extraction
level L is incremented sequentially by values of 1. Thus, only more
important information is extracted as the value of the extraction
level L reduces.
[0097] In the next step ST122, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 determines whether or not the guide number A is
0. That is to say, it is determined whether or not "automatic" has
been selected as a guide number term.
[0098] The voice guide information extraction means 30 reads link
information comprising route determined in the step ST123 from the
map information storage means 22 when the guide number A is 0. A
route X (kilometers) is calculated from the present position to the
guide point (the destination or detour) on the basis of the link
information. In step ST124, the guide number A is calculated on the
basis of the following formula.
A.thrfore.INT(Log (X+1).sup.0.7.times.6+0.5)
[0099] The term INT(y) is a function which outputs an integer which
is a real number (y) in which decimal points are rounded off. FIG.
12 shows the corresponding relationship of a guide number A and the
distance X from a present position to a guide point obtained by the
formula. As shown in FIG. 12, the increment of the guide number A
decreases as the distance X increases. In embodiment 1, the guide
number A which is set to "automatic" is calculated by the above
formula. However, the calculation may be performed on the basis of
another formula with distance or other element as a variable. When
the guide number A is not equal to 0, the processes in steps ST123
and ST124 are not performed.
[0100] In the step ST125, the voice guide information extraction
means 30 sets the extraction number SS (L) which shows the total of
proximate facilities and nodes and links with an importance of less
than the extraction level L, to an initial value of 0.
[0101] Then, in a step ST126, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 selects and extracts the node voice guide level
126, the link voice guide level 165 and the facility voice guide
level 153, 174 as shown in FIG. 6 from the nodes, links and
proximate facilities from the present position to the guide point
based on information regarding nodes and links which comprise the
route which is stored in the route storage memory 25. That is to
say, nodes, links and proximate facilities are selected and
extracted which have the same level of importance as the extraction
level L.
[0102] After the nodes, links and proximate facilities which have
the same level of importance as the extraction level L are
extracted, in a step ST127, the voice guide information extraction
means 30 selects links from the extracted links and makes two
adjacent links with the same link name number into one link. When
the two links are varied into one link in this fashion, the link
number, the start intersection number and the link attribute of the
link after variation are assigned from that link of the two
original links which is nearer the present position. The finish
intersection number is assigned from that link of the two original
links which is near the guide point. The link length of the link
after variation is equal to the sum of the respective lengths of
the two original links. Furthermore data relating to proximate
facility links of links after variation contains data relating to
proximate facility links of the two original links. Thus, the
facility position of each proximate facility is calculated and set
to a position corresponding to links after variation.
[0103] In a step ST128, the voice guide information extraction
means 30 updates the extraction number SS (L) by the sum of the
number S(L) of extracted nodes, links and related proximate
facilities in current step ST126 and the extraction number SS(L-1)
when the extraction level L is only smaller by a value of 1.
[0104] After the extraction number SS(L) in the extraction level L
at this time is calculated, in a step ST129, the voice guide
information extraction means 30 determines whether or not the
extraction number SS(L) is greater than or equal to the guide
number A above. When the extraction number SS(L) is not greater
than or equal to the guide number A, in a step ST130, the voice
guide information extraction means 30 determines whether the
extraction level L is smaller than a reference value GL of the
guide level above. When the extraction level L is smaller than the
reference level GL of the guide level above, in a step ST131, the
value of the extraction level L is increased by 1 and the routine
returns to the step ST126. Thus, the extraction of the nodes, links
and related proximate facilities corresponding to this extraction
level L are executed in the same way. On the other hand, in a step
ST130. when the extracted level L is smaller than the reference
value GL of the guide level above, it is determined whether all the
nodes, links, and related proximate facilities with a level of
importance up to the set reference value GL have been extracted or
not and the process of step ST105 is completed.
[0105] In the step ST129, when the extracted level SS(L) is greater
than the guide number A, in step ST132, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 determines whether or not the extraction number
SS(L) is the same as the guide number A. When the two are the same,
it is determined that a number of nodes, links and proximate
facilities of equal to the set guide number A has been extracted
and the processing of step ST105 is completed.
[0106] In the step ST132, when the extraction number SS(L) is not
the same as the guide number A, that is to say, when the extraction
number SS is greater than the guide number A, the voice guide
information extraction means 30 deletes one of the nodes, links or
related proximate facilities by the following process until the
extraction number SS(L) equals the guide number A.
[0107] Firstly, in a step ST133, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 determines that the number of proximate
facilities with an extracted level of importance L is greater than
the difference (SS(L)-A) of the extraction number SS(L) and the
guide number A. The voice guide information extraction means 30
also determines whether it is possible to delete related proximate
facilities from the environs of the guide point until the
extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A have the same value.
When it is determined that it is possible to delete related
proximate facilities from the environs of the guide point until the
extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A have the same value,
the proximate facilities are deleted in a step ST134 and the
extraction number SS(L) is made equal to the guide number A.
[0108] When the number of proximate facilities with an extraction
importance of L is less than the difference (SS(L)-A) of the
extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A, in a step ST135,
the voice guide information extraction means 30 deletes all the
proximate facilities from the extracted nodes, links and related
proximate facilities and updates the extraction number SS(L) by
subtracting that number of proximate facilities.
[0109] Thereafter, in a step ST136, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 determines whether the number of nodes from
among extracted nodes with an importance of L to which extracted
links with an importance of L are not connected is greater than the
difference (SS(L)-A) of the extraction number SS(L) and the guide
number A. The voice guide information extraction means 30 also
determines whether it is possible to delete such nodes from the
environs of the guide point until the extraction number SS(L) and
the guide number A have the same value. When it is determined that
it is possible to delete nodes from the environs of the guide point
until the extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A have the
same value, the nodes are deleted in a step ST137 and the
extraction number SS(L) is made equal to the guide number A.
[0110] When the number of nodes to which extracted links with an
importance of L are not connected is less than the difference
(SS(L)-A) of the extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A, in
a step ST138, the voice guide information extraction means 30
deletes all nodes to which extracted links with an importance of L
are not connected from the extracted nodes, links and related
proximate facilities and updates the extraction number SS(L) by
subtracting that number of nodes.
[0111] Thereafter, in a step ST139, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 determines whether the number of remaining
extracted nodes with an importance of L is greater than the
difference (SS(L)-A) of the extraction number SS(L) and the guide
number A. The voice guide information extraction means 30 also
determines whether it is possible to delete such nodes from the
environs of the guide point until the extraction number SS(L) and
the guide number A have the same value. When it is determined that
it is possible to delete nodes from the environs of the guide point
until the extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A have the
same value, the nodes are deleted in a step ST140 and the
extraction number SS(L) is made equal to the guide number A.
[0112] When the number of remaining extracted nodes with an
importance of L is less than the difference (SS(L)-A) of the
extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A, in a step ST141,
the voice guide information extraction means 30 deletes all
remaining extracted nodes with an importance of L from the
extracted nodes, links and related proximate facilities and updates
the extraction number SS(L) by subtracting that number of
nodes.
[0113] Thereafter, in a step ST142, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 determines whether the number of links to which
extracted nodes with an importance of L are not connected is
greater than the difference (SS(L)-A) of the extraction number
SS(L) and the guide number A. The voice guide information
extraction means 30 also determines whether it is possible to
delete such links from the environs of the guide point until the
extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A have the same value.
When it is determined that it is possible to delete such links from
the environs of the guide point until the extraction number SS(L)
and the guide number A have the same value, the links are deleted
in a step ST 143 and the extraction number SS(L) is made equal to
the guide number A.
[0114] When the number of links to which extracted nodes with an
importance of L are not connected is less than the difference
(SS(L)-A) of the extraction number SS(L) and the guide number A, in
a step ST144, the voice guide information extraction means 30
deletes all such links from the extracted nodes, links and related
proximate facilities and updates the extraction number SS(L) by
subtracting the total number of nodes.
[0115] Thereafter, in a step ST145, the voice guide information
extraction means 30 deletes links near to the guide point from the
remaining extracted links which have an importance of L and thus
makes the extraction number SS(L) equal to the guide number A.
[0116] In such a way, nodes and the like are extracted in order of
importance and when the extraction number SS(L) is greater than the
guide number A, nodes and the like are deleted from near the guide
point until the same number of nodes or the like as the guide point
A near the present position is selected. After the extraction
number SS(L) and the guide number A are made equal, the process of
step ST105 is completed.
[0117] The process of generating a voice guide message regarding
extracted links, nodes and proximate facilities of links or nodes
in a step ST106 will be described below. FIG. 13 is a flowchart
showing the details of the process of generating a voice guide
message for extracted links and nodes as well as the proximate
facilities of links and nodes in step ST106 of FIG. 10.
[0118] After extracted links and nodes as well as the proximate
facilities to links and nodes are supplied to the voice guide
message generating means 27 through the control means 27, in a step
151, the voice guide message generating means 27 firstly output
data relating to extracted links and nodes as well as the proximate
facilities to links and nodes in order of data proximate to a
present position. At this time, the data relating to node proximate
facilities is stated with the node proximate facility closer to the
present position than the node. The data relating to link proximate
facilities is stated with the link proximate facility further from
the present position than the link.
[0119] The voice guide message generation means 27 adds a group
flag GF to data related to nodes, links and related proximate
facilities comprising the route. Thereafter a value of 1 is
assigned to the group flag GF of the mutually connected nodes and
links, to nodes and related proximate facilities to that node, or
to nodes, links and proximate facilities related to links and
proximate facilities to that link. However, the group flag GF of
data which is closest to the guide point in the group is set to a
value of 0.
[0120] Next, in a step ST152, the voice guide message generation
means 27 extracts voice waveform data corresponding to extracted
nodes, links and proximate facilities related to nodes and links
from the stored voice information storage means 31. Such voice
waveform data consists of the names of nodes, names of links, or
the names of proximate facilities related to nodes and links.
[0121] In a step ST153, the voice guide message generation means 27
takes out supplementary voice data corresponding to predicates from
the voice information storage means 31 and generates a voice guide
message containing the previously taken out voice waveform data for
each name.
[0122] FIG. 14 shows an example of a set of supplementary voice
data. When the supplementary voice data shown in FIG. 14 is
pre-stored in the voice information storage means 31, a voice guide
message is generated by one of the following procedures by adding
supplementary voice data to each name of nodes or the like in the
stated order of step ST151 and then stating the data
sequentially.
[0123] Procedure 1.
[0124] When a right turn is made on the route at a node,
supplementary voice data (make right turn.) of distinguishing
number 301 is added after the voice waveform data of the node name
when the group flag GF has a value of 0. When the group flag GF has
a value of 1, supplementary voice data (make right turn and . . . )
of distinguishing number 401 is added.
[0125] Procedure 2.
[0126] When a left turn is made on the route at a node,
supplementary voice data (make left turn.) of distinguishing number
302 is added after the voice waveform data of the node name when
the group flag GF has a value of 0. When the group flag GF has a
value of 1, supplementary voice data (make left turn and.. ) of
distinguishing number 402 is added.
[0127] Procedure 3.
[0128] When a vehicle continues traveling in the same direction on
the route at a node, supplementary voice data (continue straight.)
of distinguishing number 303 is added after the voice waveform data
of the node name when the group flag GF has a value of 0. When the
group flag GF has a value of 1, supplementary voice data (continue
straight and . . . ) of distinguishing number 403 is added.
[0129] Procedure 4.
[0130] When a vehicle makes a U-turn on the route at a node,
supplementary voice data (make a U-turn) of distinguishing number
304 is added after the voice waveform data of the node name when
the group flag GF has a value of 0. When the group flag GF has a
value of 1, supplementary voice data (make a U-turn and) of
distinguishing number 404 is added.
[0131] Procedure 5.
[0132] When a vehicle continues traveling in the same direction on
the route at a link, supplementary voice data (continue straight.)
of distinguishing number 303 is added after the voice waveform data
of the link name when the group flag GF has a value of 0. When the
group flag GF has a value of 1, supplementary voice data (continue
straight and . . . ) of distinguishing number 403 is added.
[0133] Procedure 6.
[0134] When a link is a bridge, supplementary voice data ( . . .
cross.) of distinguishing number 305 is added after the voice
waveform data of the link name when the group flag GF has a value
of 0. When the group flag GF has a value of 1, supplementary voice
data (. . . cross and . . . ) of distinguishing number 405 is
added.
[0135] Procedure 7.
[0136] When a node is an entrance to an expressway, supplementary
voice data (enter . . . ) of distinguishing number 306 is added
after the voice waveform data of the node name when the group flag
GF has a value of 0. When the group flag GF has a value of 1,
supplementary voice data (enter and . . . ) of distinguishing
number 406 is added.
[0137] Procedure 8.
[0138] When a node is an exit of an expressway, supplementary voice
data (exit...) of distinguishing number 307 is added after the
voice waveform data of the node name when the group flag GF has a
value of 0. When the group flag GF has a value of 1, supplementary
voice data (exit . . . and . . . ) of distinguishing number 407 is
added.
[0139] Procedure 9.
[0140] When the group flag GF has a value of 0 at a link proximate
facility, supplementary voice data (pass on the... side) of
distinguishing number 308 is added after the voice waveform data of
the link proximate facility name. When the group flag GF has a
value of 1, supplementary voice data (pass on the . . . side and .
. . ) of distinguishing number 408 is added.
[0141] Procedure 10.
[0142] When the group flag GF has a value of 0, the route turns to
the right at a node which is a node proximate facility,
supplementary voice data (turn right at the mark) of distinguishing
number 309 is added after the voice waveform data of the node
proximate facility name. When the group flag GF has a value of 1,
supplementary voice data (at the mark . . . ) of distinguishing
number 409 is added.
[0143] Procedure 11.
[0144] When the group flag GF has a value of 0, the route turns to
the left at a node which is a node proximate facility and
supplementary voice data (turn left at the mark) of distinguishing
number 310 is added after the voice waveform data of the node
proximate facility name. When the group flag GF has a value of 1,
supplementary voice data (at the mark . . . ) of distinguishing
number 409 is added.
[0145] Procedure 12.
[0146] When the group flag GF has a value of 0, the route continues
in the same direction at a node which is a node proximate facility
and supplementary voice data (continue straight at the mark) of
distinguishing number 311 is added after the voice waveform data of
the node proximate facility name. When the group flag GF has a
value of 1, supplementary voice data (continue straight at the
mark) of distinguishing number 409 is added.
[0147] The route search means 24 predetermines whether the route
turns left or right or continues straight at each node or whether a
link is a bridge.
[0148] FIG. 15 shows data related to extracted nodes, links and
proximate facilities of nodes and links through a process shown in
FIG. 11 with respect to the route shows in FIG. 8. FIG. 16 shows a
voice guide message generated based on data shown in FIG. 15. The
link L001 shown in FIG. 15 is a single link made up of links L001,
L002, L003 in FIG. 8 by the process of step ST127 shown in FIG. 11.
In the same way, the link L005 shown in FIG. 15 is a single link
made up of links L005, L006, L007 in FIG. 8. The link proximate
facility S251 (not shown) belongs to the link L002 in FIG. 8,
however it is varied to belong to the link L001 after variation by
the process of step ST127.
[0149] In the step ST151 as shown in FIG. 13, the link L001, the
link proximate facility S251 and the node N005 is made into a group
500 and the node N006, the link L005 and the node N009 are made
into the group 501. A voice guide message shown in FIG. 16 is
generated by steps ST152, ST153 in FIG. 13 with respect to
extracted nodes, links and proximate facilities to nodes and
links.
[0150] In such a way, a voice guide message is generated and output
to the voice output means 28.
[0151] As shown above, according to embodiment 1, the importance of
nodes and links is stored. Nodes and links are selected from
amongst nodes and links on a searched route based on their
importance. Voice guide messages are generated with respect to
selected nodes and links and such messages are used to execute
guiding of a route by voice commands. Thus, it is possible to guide
an entire route appropriately in a short time by voice.
[0152] Furthermore, when a plurality of nodes and links which have
equal importance exist and their number does not equal a
predetermined reference number, a number of nodes which equals the
predetermined reference number is selected from those nodes of
equal importance near to a present position. Thus, it is possible
to accurately correspond the number of guided nodes or the like
with a predetermined reference number.
[0153] Embodiment 2
[0154] The navigation device according to embodiment 2 of the
present invention summarizes nodes, links and related proximate
facilities on the route which are voiced guided based on a guide
time pre-set by a user instead of summarizing on the basis of the
level of importance and predetermined guide number of nodes, links
and related proximate facilities on the voiced-guided route. That
is to say, this is a variation on the process (FIG. 11) of step
ST105 in FIG. 10 of the navigation device according to the first
embodiment.
[0155] Thus, according to embodiment 2, the summarizing process
entails summarizing nodes, links and related proximate facilities
on the voiced-guided route. In other respects, the present
embodiment is the same as the first embodiment and such description
will be omitted.
[0156] Before the route voice guide process, all types of settings
related to the route voice guiding are executed. Firstly, the
control means 21 displays a menu on the display means 26 for all
types of settings for route voice guiding. FIG. 17 shows a display
example of a menu for displaying each type of setting for route
voice guiding according to embodiment 2.
[0157] The menu shown in FIG. 17 comprises a guide point selection
term 601 which sets the execution of route voice guiding from a
present position to a given geographical point and a guide time
selection term 602 which sets a guide time for voice guiding of the
route from a present position to a guide point.
[0158] The guide point selection term 601 contains the options
"destination" and "detour". The selection of the options is
executed by a user operating the operational means 29. When
"destination" is selected, route voice guiding from a present
position to a destination is executed. When "detour" is set, route
voice guiding from a present position to a predetermined detour
point is executed. The guide point selection term 601 in FIG. 17
has one option "detour". However, a plurality of detours may be
selected as options or the user may add "selectable geographic
points" as options to select a final geographic point for voice
guiding.
[0159] The guide time selection term 602 has the options "short",
"middle" and "long". The selection of these options is executed by
a user operating the operational means 29. When "short" is selected
by a user with respect to nodes, links and related proximate
facilities on a route, voice guiding is performed for approximately
15 sec. When "middle" is selected, voice guiding is performed for
approximately 30 sec. When "long" is selected, voice guiding is
performed for approximately 1 minute. The user may directly select
a time limit for voice guiding with a figure.
[0160] Now the extraction process of nodes, links and related
proximate facilities according to embodiment 2 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of
extracting links and nodes as well as the proximate facilities of
links and nodes in a second embodiment.
[0161] Firstly, in a step ST201, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 reads information relating to guide time terms
and guide point terms set by a user from the control means 21. The
node number of the selected geographical point is stored based on
information relating to the guide point term. A selected guide time
is set to a reference value B for guide times based on information
relating to the guide time term. The voice guide information
extraction means 30 set an extraction level L which shows the
importance of extracted nodes, links and related proximate
facilities (in FIG. 6, a node voice guiding level 126, a link voice
guiding level 165 and a facility voice guiding level 154, 174) to a
value of 0. When the extraction level L is 0, the nodes, links and
related facilities with an extraction level of equal to or less
than 0 are extracted. As described below, the value of the
extraction level L is sequentially incremented by values of 1.
Thus, only increasingly important information is extracted at lower
extraction level values L.
[0162] In a step ST202, a voice guiding information extraction
means 30 sets an initial value 0 to an extraction number SS(L)
which shows the total number of nodes, links and related facilities
with an importance equal to or less than an extraction level of L.
An initial value 0 is set to a total guide time ST(L) which is
required to voice guide nodes, links and related facilities with a
level of importance less than or equal to an extraction level
L.
[0163] Then, in the step ST203, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 selects and extracts node voice guiding level
126, link voice guiding level 165 and facility voice guiding level
154, 174 shown in FIG. 6, that is to say, nodes, links and related
facilities which have an equal extraction level L of importance
from amongst the nodes, links and related proximate facilities from
a present point to a guide point based on node and link information
comprising a route stored in the route storage means 25.
[0164] After selecting and extracting nodes, links and related
facilities which have an equal extraction level L of importance, in
a step ST204, of the extracted links, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 converts two adjacent links with the same link
name number into one link. When two such links are converted into
one link, the link number of the link after conversion, the start
intersection number and the link attribute are assigned from the
link of the two original links which is nearer to the present
position. The finish intersection point number is assigned from the
link of the two original links which is nearer to the guide point.
The link length of the link after conversion is the sum of the link
lengths of the two original links. With respect to data about the
link proximate facilities of the link after conversion, data is
stored with respect to the proximate facilities of the two original
links and facility positions for each type of proximate facility is
calculated and set to a position which corresponds to the link
after conversion.
[0165] In step ST205, the voice guiding information extraction
means 30 updates the extraction number SS(L) by the sum of the
number S(L) of extracted nodes, links and related proximate
facilities in the current step ST203 and the extraction number
SS(L-1) in which the extraction level L is smaller by a value of 1.
Further it updates the total guiding time ST(L) by the sum of the
number T(L) of guiding time required for extracted nodes, links and
related proximate facilities in the current step ST203 and the
total guiding time ST(L-1) in which the extraction level L is
smaller by a value of 1. The sum T(L) of guiding time required for
extracted nodes, links and related proximate facilities is the
total of the node voice guiding time 127, the facility voice
guiding time 155, the link voice guiding time 166 and the facility
voice guiding time 175 in the map information data shown in FIG.
6.
[0166] After the calculation of the extraction number SS(L) and the
total guiding time ST(L) in the extraction level L at that point in
time, in a step ST206, the voice guiding information extraction
means 30 determines whether or not twice the sum of the total
guiding time ST(L) and the extraction number SS(L): (ST(L)+SS(L) x
2) is less than or equal to the reference value B above.
[0167] The comparison of twice the sum of the total guiding time
ST(L) and the extraction number SS(L): (ST(L)+SS(L) x 2) with the
reference value B above is performed for the following reason. The
total guide time ST(L) is the total sum of voice playing times for
names such as extracted nodes. In addition, the voice playing time
required for supplementary voice data referred to above which is
added to each node is on average two seconds. The playing time for
voice guide messages up to an extraction level 1 at that time thus
becomes (ST(L)+SS(L) x 2). Thus, when other supplementary voice
data is used, (ST(L)+SS(L) x Ts) is compared with a reference value
B based on an average playing time Ts for supplementary voice data
in response to the length of the supplementary voice data.
[0168] When the voice guide message playing time to an extraction
level L (ST(L)+SS(L) x 2) is not greater than or equal to the
reference value B, after the value of the extraction level L is
increased by a value of 1 in a step ST207, the routine returns to
step ST203 and the extraction of nodes, links and related proximate
facilities which correspond to an extraction level L is executed in
the same way.
[0169] On the other hand, when the voice guide message playing time
to an extraction level L is greater than or equal to a reference
level B, in a step ST208, the voice guiding information extraction
means 30 determines whether or not the voice guide message playing
time to an extraction level L is the same as the reference level B.
When both are the same, it is determined that the nodes, links and
related proximate facilities in a set guide time have been
extracted and the routine is completed.
[0170] When the voice guide message playing time to an extraction
level L is not the same as a reference level B, that is to say, the
voice guide message playing time to an extraction level L
(ST(L)+SS(L) x 2) is greater than a reference level B, the voice
guiding information extraction means 30 deletes by the following
process any of the nodes, links and related facilities with a level
of importance L until the voice guide message playing time to an
extraction level L (ST(L)+SS(L) x 2) is less than or equal to a
reference level B.
[0171] Firstly, in a step ST209, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 determines that the sum of the facility voice
guiding time for proximate facilities with an extracted importance
of L is greater than the difference of the voice guide message
playing time to an extraction level L (ST(L)+SS(L) x 2) and a
reference level B. Then, it is determined whether or not it is
possible to delete from those proximate facilities which are near
to guide points until the voice guide message playing time is less
than or equal to the reference value B. When it is determined that
it is possible to delete from those proximate facilities which are
near to guide points until the voice guide message playing time is
less than or equal to the reference value B, in a step ST210 such
proximate facilities are deleted until the voice guide message
playing time is less than or equal to the reference value B.
[0172] On the other hand, when it is determined that the sum of the
facility voice guiding time for proximate facilities with an
extracted importance of L is smaller than the difference of the
voice guide message playing time to an extraction level L and the
reference level B, in a step ST211, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 deletes all proximate facilities from extracted
nodes, links and related proximate facilities, reduces the total
guide time ST(L) by the sum of the facility voice guide time for
proximate facilities and updates the value. Also the value is
updated by reducing the value of the extraction number SS(L) by the
total number of proximate facilities.
[0173] Thereafter, in a step ST212, of the nodes which have an
extracted importance of L, the voice guiding information extraction
means 30 determines that the sum of the node voice guiding time for
nodes with an extracted importance of L to which links are not
connected is greater than the difference of the voice guide message
playing time to an extraction level L and a reference level B.
Then, it is determined whether or not it is possible to delete from
those nodes which are near to guide points until the voice guide
message playing time is less than or equal to the reference value
B. When it is determined that it is possible to delete from those
nodes which are near to guide points until the voice guide message
playing time is less than or equal to the reference value B, in a
step ST213 such nodes are deleted until the voice guide message
playing time is less than or equal to the reference value B.
[0174] On the other hand, when it is determined that the sum of the
node voice guiding time for nodes with an extracted importance of L
not connected to links is smaller than the difference of the voice
guide message playing time to an extraction level L and the
reference level B, in a step ST214, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 deletes all nodes which have an extracted
importance of L not connected to links from extracted nodes, links
and related proximate facilities, reduces the total guide time
ST(L) by the sum of the node voice guide time for such nodes and
updates the value. Also the value is updated by reducing the value
of the extraction number SS(L) by the total number of nodes.
[0175] Thereafter, in a step ST215, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 determines that the sum of the node voice
guiding time for remaining nodes which have an extracted importance
of L is greater than or equal to the difference of the voice guide
message playing time to an extraction level L and a reference level
B. Then, it is determined whether or not it is possible to delete
from those nodes which are near to guide points until the voice
guide message playing time is less than or equal to the reference
value B. When it is determined that it is possible to delete from
those nodes which are near to guide points until the voice guide
message playing time is less than or equal to the reference value
B, in a step ST216 such nodes are deleted until the voice guide
message playing time is less than or equal to the reference value
B.
[0176] On the other hand, when the sum of the node voice guiding
time for remaining nodes which have an extracted importance of L is
smaller than the difference of the voice guide message playing time
to an extraction level L and a reference level B, the voice guiding
information extraction means 30, in a step ST217, deletes all
remaining nodes which have an extracted importance of L from the
extracted nodes, links and related proximate facilities. The value
for the total guide time ST(L) is reduced by the sum of the node
voice guiding times for such nodes and the value is updated. Also,
the value for extraction number SS(L) is updated by being reduced
by the total number of such nodes.
[0177] Thereafter, in a step ST218, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 determines that of links with an extracted
importance of L, the sum of the link voice guiding time for links
with an extracted importance of L not connected to nodes is greater
than the difference of the voice guide message playing time to an
extraction level L and a reference level B. Then, it is determined
whether or not it is possible to delete from those links which are
near to guide points until the voice guide message playing time is
less than or equal to the reference value B. When it is determined
that it is possible to delete links which are near to guide points
until the voice guide message playing time is less than or equal to
the reference value B, in a step ST219 such nodes are deleted until
the voice guide message playing time is less than or equal to the
reference value B.
[0178] On the other hand, when the sum of the link voice guiding
time for links not connected to nodes which have an extracted
importance of L is smaller than the difference of the voice guide
message playing time with an extraction level L and a reference
level B, the voice guiding information extraction means 30, in a
step ST220, deletes all such links from the extracted nodes, links
and related proximate facilities. The value for the total guide
time ST(L) is reduced by the sum of the link voice guiding times
for such links and the value is updated. Also, the value for
extraction number SS(L) is updated by being reduced by the total
number of such links.
[0179] Thereafter, in a step ST221, the voice guiding information
extraction means 30 deletes such links which are near to guide
points from the remaining links with an extracted importance of L
until the voice guide message playing time is less than or equal to
the reference value B.
[0180] In such a way, when nodes of high importance are extracted
sequentially and a voice guide message playing time (ST(L)+SS(L) x
2) to an extraction level L is greater than or equal to a reference
value B of a guide time, a guide time is selected in a range of
basic values for guide times by deleting nodes and the like in
order of those near guide points. Thus, after the playing time of
the voice guide message is less than or equal to a reference value
for playing times, the routine is completed.
[0181] As shown above, according to embodiment 2, when there are a
plurality of links and nodes with the same level of importance and
when playing time of the voice guide message is greater than a
predetermined reference value, nodes or the like are selected from
the nodes and links with the same level of importance from those
near to a present position so that the playing time of the voice
guide message is less than a predetermined reference value. Thus,
it is possible to make the time for voice guiding to be accurately
less than or equal to a predetermined reference value.
[0182] The present invention is not limited to embodiments 1 and 2
above and may be applied through other embodiments. For example,
the extraction method of guiding points may vary the node or link
extraction conditions.
[0183] Furthermore, the voice-guide message generated by the voice
guide message generation means 27 may generate messages which guide
the position of a facility, a time or a distance apart from the
examples discussed above. Furthermore, the invention may be adapted
to generate a voice-guide message by combining simple phrases by
the insertion of conjunctions between phrases.
[0184] Furthermore, during voice guiding, the route from a present
position to a guide point is displayed on the same screen. The
position of those nodes, links and related proximate facilities
which correspond to information which voice guided may be displayed
in a different color from other parts or may be displayed by a
blinking light.
[0185] As shown above, the present invention is adapted for use in
a navigation device in which the level of importance of each node
and link is stored as a part of map information in a map
information storage means. Nodes and links from amongst the nodes
and links on the searched route are selected on the basis of the
level of importance and a voice guide message is generated which
corresponds to the selected nodes and links. Thus, it is possible
to guide an entire route appropriately in a short time by voice and
it is possible for a user to easily arrive at a destination.
* * * * *