U.S. patent application number 10/175318 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-14 for navigation apparatus for receiving delivered information.
Invention is credited to Endo, Yoshinori, Machii, Kimiyoshi, Matsuo, Shigeru, Morioka, Michio, Nakamura, Kozo, Sumitomo, Yoshitaka, Tanaka, Katsuaki.
Application Number | 20040204848 10/175318 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33129813 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040204848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsuo, Shigeru ; et
al. |
October 14, 2004 |
Navigation apparatus for receiving delivered information
Abstract
In a communication-type navigation system for downloading map
data according to the present invention, a reduction in the amount
of map information to be transferred, correction of a position
measured by a GPS, and delivery of advertisements are effected. In
this system, a terminal 5 stores rough map data in advance. Then,
when detailed map data is required, it is downloaded from a map
data delivery center to the terminal 5. Further, together with the
map data, GPS correction information is delivered to the terminal 5
from the map data delivery center 80. Still further, coupon
information associated with an advertisement is displayed and an
electronic mail on the coupon information is issued, by the map
data delivery center.
Inventors: |
Matsuo, Shigeru;
(Hitachinaka, JP) ; Machii, Kimiyoshi; (Hitachi,
JP) ; Tanaka, Katsuaki; (Hitachi, JP) ;
Nakamura, Kozo; (Hitachiota, JP) ; Endo,
Yoshinori; (Mito, JP) ; Morioka, Michio;
(Hitachi, JP) ; Sumitomo, Yoshitaka; (Hitachinaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANTONELLI, TERRY, STOUT & KRAUS, LLP
1300 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 1800
ARLINGTON
VA
22209-9889
US
|
Family ID: |
33129813 |
Appl. No.: |
10/175318 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/431 ;
340/990; 340/995.17; 707/E17.018 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/29 20190101;
G01C 21/32 20130101; G01C 21/3667 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/211 ;
340/990; 340/995.17 |
International
Class: |
G01C 021/34 |
Claims
1-6 (canceled).
7. The navigation apparatus for providing route guidance,
comprising: a data acquisition unit which obtains map data
delivered through communication or broadcasting; a storage media
which stores the map data obtained by the data acquisition unit in
a first storage area; and a route guidance controller which reads
out map data on a route from a current position of a vehicle to a
destination from the first storage area when the map data on the
route is stored in the first storage area to give route guidance
using a map represented by the map data, and reads out the map data
on the route from a second storage area where map data has been
stored in advance, when the map data on the route is not stored in
the first storage area, to give route guidance using a map
represented by the map data, wherein the map data stored in the
second storage area represents a map more simplified map than the
map represented by the map data delivered and then stored in the
first storage area, and wherein the first storage area and the
second storage area are provided on different storages.
8-15 (canceled).
16. A navigation apparatus for providing route guidance to a
destination by downloading map data from a server, comprising: a
communication unit for communicating with the server; a storage
unit which has a first storage area storing map data obtained by
said communication unit and a second storage area storing rough map
data covering large geographic areas in advance; a route guidance
unit, for moving from a current position to the destination, which
reads out map data around a running position from said storage
unit, said map data represents a map on a presentation apparatus to
give route guidance, requests detailed map data around the
destination and the current positions from the server through said
communication unit by transmitting information of the destination
and the current position to the server, and stores detailed map
data around the destination and the current position, said detailed
map data is downloaded from the server based upon said request to
the first storage area of the storage unit, wherein said route
guidance unit provides route guidance, when the map data around the
running position is stored in the first storage area, by reading
out the detailed map data around the running position in said first
storage area and using a map represented by said detailed map data,
and wherein said route guidance unit provides route guidance, when
the map data around the running position is not stored in the first
storage area, by reading out the rough map data from said second
storage area and using a map represented by said rough map
data.
17. The navigation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the map
data stored in the second storage area represents map data that
includes main map elements and is more simplified than the map
represented by the map data stored in the first storage area.
18. The navigation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the map
data stored in the second storage area represents a map covering a
wide area covering all of a country's geography.
19. The navigation apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the map
data stored in the second storage area represents a map covering a
wide area covering all of a country's geography.
20. The navigation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said
first storage area and said second storage areas are provided in
different storages.
21. The navigation apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said
first storage area and said second storage areas are provided in
different storages.
22. The navigation apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said
first storage area and said second storage areas are provided in
different storages.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a navigation apparatus for
giving route guidance using map data delivered through
communication or broadcasting. The invention also relates to an
information delivery apparatus for delivering map data using
communication and broadcasting.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Recently, there are proposed various navigation apparatuses
for giving a vehicle guidance on a route to a destination.
[0005] In JP-A-9-325040 and JP-A-10-246641, for example, there are
disclosed navigation apparatuses for downloading map data from a
data center. Since the navigation apparatuses of this type
eliminates the need for installing therein a storage device such as
a CD-ROM unit, miniaturization of the apparatuses can be effected.
In addition, the most up-to-date map data and real-time information
can be obtained from the apparatuses.
[0006] In JP-A-9-325040, there is disclosed a navigation system in
which a route search is not performed by a navigation apparatus,
but is performed by a server. The server is provided so that it can
be communicated with the navigation apparatus.
[0007] It is well known that position measurement using a GPS
(Global Positioning System) produces an error of approximately 100
m. In order to reduce the error, conventional navigation
apparatuses employ a D-GPS. In this system, GPS error information
broadcasted by an FM-multiplexed data broadcast is used to correct
the position measurement error caused by the GPS. There is also
provided a navigation apparatus equipped with a gyro sensor, for
using an output from the gyro sensor to correct the position
measurement error caused by the GPS.
[0008] In JP-A-11-296540, there is disclosed a technique for
delivering advertisement information associated with a map by using
an Internet. Further, in JP-A-11-248484, there is disclosed a
technique for providing advertisements for a vehicle-mounted
terminal.
[0009] The conventional techniques described above have the
following disadvantages:
[0010] (1) Disadvantage of the Techniques Described in
JP-A-9-325040 and JP-A-10-246641
[0011] In the navigation apparatuses described in these
literatures, map data is downloaded from the data center. Thus, if
a distance from the current position of a vehicle to a destination
is increased, it becomes necessary to download from the data center
all the map data representing maps associated with a recommended
route. For this reason, the amount of communication data increases,
so that it sometimes happens that display of maps for route
guidance is retarded, depending on communication conditions.
[0012] (2) Disadvantage of the Technique Described in
JP-A-9-325040
[0013] In the navigation system described in this literature, the
navigation apparatus does not perform a route search. The server
provided so as to allow communication with the navigation apparatus
performs the route search. This system, however, does not takes
into account action which should be taken in a situation where the
position of a vehicle being under route guidance has been deviated
from a route obtained by the route search.
[0014] (3) Disadvantage of Correction of an Error Produced in
Position Measurement Using the D-GPS and the Gyro Sensor
[0015] Since these techniques require special hardware such as an
FM receiver and the gyro sensor, the cost of the navigation
apparatus rises.
[0016] (4) Disadvantage of the Techniques Described in
JP-A-11-296540 and JP-A-11-248484
[0017] Recently, there is proposed service in which discounts on
merchandise advertised through the Internet are given. In this
service, advertisement information on a piece of the merchandise,
laid open to the public through the Internet, is displayed by using
a personal computer. In order to get a discount on this
merchandise, the advertisement information should be printed onto
paper by a printer, and presented to an advertiser as a coupon. If
this type of service is applied to the techniques described in the
above-mentioned literatures, the printer becomes essential. For
this reason, this service is not suited to be in use for a
vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus and a navigation apparatus of
a hand-held terminal type, because in the cases of these navigation
apparatuses, an installing space for the printer is limited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention has been made in view of the problems
described above. It is therefore an object of the invention to
solve various kinds of the problems with these conventional
navigation apparatuses and to thereby improve the operability of a
navigation system of a type which downloads map data delivered
through communication and broadcasting to give route guidance.
[0019] More specifically, it is a first object of the present
invention to ensure quick display of a map for route guidance even
when map data delivered from a data center to a navigation
apparatus is decreased so as to effect a reduction in the amount of
communication data.
[0020] Further, when the position of a vehicle being under route
guidance has been deviated from a route obtained by a route search,
it is a second object of the present invention to notify deviation
of the position of the vehicle so that a user can take appropriate
action.
[0021] Still further, it is a third object of the present invention
to improve accuracy with which position measurement of a vehicle is
performed, while effecting a reduction in the cost of a navigation
apparatus.
[0022] Yet, it is a fourth object of the present invention to
provide an environment where an advertisement coupon is available
even if a printer cannot be installed.
[0023] In order to achieve the first object, a navigation apparatus
according to a first aspect of the present invention obtains map
data delivered through communication or broadcasting, and then
stores the map data in a first storage area. The navigation
apparatus also stores map data in a second storage area in advance.
It is preferable that a map represented by the map data stored in
the second storage area is rougher and more extensive than a map
represented by the map data stored in the first storage area, which
was delivered through communication and broadcasting.
[0024] According to the first aspect of the present invention, if
the map data delivered through communication and broadcasting does
not contain all of map data on a route from the current position of
a vehicle to a destination, it becomes possible to read out map
data on the route from the second storage area and then to give
route guidance using a map represented by the map data.
Accordingly, even if the amount of the map data delivered through
communication and broadcasting is decreased to effect a reduction
in the amount of communication data, quick display of maps for
route guidance can be performed.
[0025] Further, in order to achieve the second object, a navigation
apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention
asks a user to check whether, if the current position of a vehicle
being under route guidance has been deviated from a recommended
route to a destination, a new route to the destination should be
searched again. If an approval from the user can be obtained, the
new recommended route to the destination is obtained from an
information delivery device.
[0026] According to the second aspect of the present invention, if
the position of the vehicle being under route guidance has been
deviated from the recommended route, the user is asked to check
whether the new route to the destination should be searched again.
Accordingly, it becomes possible for the user to take appropriate
action, according to whether the position of the vehicle has been
deviated from the recommended route intentionally or
unintentionally.
[0027] Still further, in order to achieve the third object, a
navigation apparatus according to a third aspect of the present
invention obtains GSP correction data from an information delivery
device for delivering map data to correct a position measurement
error caused by GPS position measurement means, when a vehicle
being under guidance on a route to a destination has come close to
a route change point such as an intersection on the route where the
course of the vehicle should be changed.
[0028] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the
GPS correction data is obtained from the information delivery
device for delivering the map data. Thus, it can be so arranged
that a receiver for receiving the map data also serves as a
receiver for obtaining the GPS correction data. With this
arrangement, special hardware such as an FM receiver or a gyro
sensor is not required for obtaining the correction data. Thus, it
becomes possible to improve measuring accuracy while achieving a
reduction in the cost of the navigation apparatus.
[0029] Still further, in order to achieve the fourth object, an
information delivery device according to a fourth aspect of the
present invention delivers advertisement data. Then, in response to
an instruction from a terminal that has received the advertisement
data, the information delivery device notifies both the terminal
that has received the advertisement data and the terminal of an
advertiser of coupon information on an advertisement represented by
the advertisement data.
[0030] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in
response to the instruction from the terminal that has received the
advertisement data, the coupon information is notified to the
terminal that has received the advertisement data. The coupon
information is also notified to the terminal of the advertiser.
Accordingly, the advertiser can be informed that the coupon
information has been notified to the terminal that has received the
advertisement data. Thus, if the user of the terminal notifies the
advertiser of the coupon information, the present invention
according to the fourth aspect can provide an environment where an
advertisement coupon can be utilized, even if a printer cannot be
installed.
[0031] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the following description of the embodiments
of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram schematically illustrating
a navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration
of a terminal main unit 5 of a navigation terminal 5 illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram showing a configuration of
software implemented on the terminal main unit 20 illustrated in
FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a server 81 of a map
data delivery center 80 illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram showing a configuration of
map data stored in a map DB 82 in the map data delivery center 80
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of the operation
of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the
operation of the navigation system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram showing maps displayed on
a display 10 of the navigation terminal 5 of a vehicle being under
route guidance according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 9 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of
guidance displayed on the display 10 of the navigation terminal 5
of the vehicle being under route guidance according to the first
embodiment of the present invention when the current position of
the vehicle has been deviated from a recommended route;
[0041] FIG. 10 is an illustrative diagram schematically showing a
navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a server 81' of the
map data delivery center 80 illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 12 is an illustrative diagram showing a display example
of map data transmitted to the navigation terminal 5 from the map
data delivery center 80, according to the second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0044] FIG. 13 is an illustrative diagram showing a display example
on a display screen illustrated in FIG. 12 when a user of the
navigation terminal 5 has selected a banner advertisement 12 using
a remote controller 40;
[0045] FIG. 14 is an illustrative diagram showing a display example
on the display screen in FIG. 13 when the user of the navigation
terminal 5 has selected a coupon issuing button 13 using the remote
controller 40;
[0046] FIG. 15 is an illustrative diagram showing a display example
where a coupon mail transmitting button 14 is displayed in place of
the coupon issuing button 13 on the display screen illustrated in
FIG. 13; and
[0047] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of a mail
received at a cellular phone 35 of a user when the user of the
navigation terminal 5 has selected a coupon mail transmitting
button 14 using the remote controller 40.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be
described.
[0049] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0050] FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram schematically showing a
configuration of a navigation system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a communication-type
navigation terminal for being mounted on a vehicle, reference
numeral 70 denotes a cellular phone base station for performing
radio communication with a cellular phone, reference numeral 80
denotes a map data delivery center for delivering map data, and
reference numerals 90.sub.1 to 90.sub.n denote GPS correction base
stations for calculating GPS correction data.
[0052] First, the navigation terminal 5 will be described.
[0053] The navigation terminal 5 obtains map data delivered from
the map data delivery center 80 and then gives guidance of a route
to a destination, using the map data obtained. Further, the
navigation terminal 5 stores rough map data covering large
geographic areas in advance. The rough map data is the map data
indicating only main map elements such as natural terrains of
Japan, expressways, and national roads, for example. If map data to
be displayed is not included in the map data obtained from the map
data delivery center 80, the navigation terminal 5 uses the rough
map data covering large geographic areas to give guidance of the
route to the destination. With this arrangement, even in an area
where communication with the map data delivery center 80 cannot be
performed, it becomes possible to use the navigation terminal 5.
Further, if a distance from a departure point to a destination is
long, detailed map data covering only areas around the departure
point and the destination can be obtained from the map data
delivery center 80, and map data on areas located enroute to the
destination can be obtained from the extensive, rough map data
stored in advance, for example. With this arrangement, it becomes
unnecessary to obtain all the map data representing the areas from
the departure point to the destination, from the map data delivery
center 80. Thus, even when the amount of data to be obtained from
the map data delivery center 80 is reduced, quick display of maps
for route guidance becomes possible. However, upon reception of a
request from a user, all the map data on the route may also be
obtained from the map data delivery center 80.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the navigation terminal 5
comprises a terminal main unit 20, a display 10, a memory card 30,
a remote controller 40, a GPS antenna 50, a cellular phone 35
equipped with an electronic mail receiving function, a microphone
60, and a parking brake sensor 25.
[0055] The memory card 30 is structured to be insertable into the
terminal main unit 20, and stores information such as map data the
terminal main unit 20 has obtained from the map data delivery
center 80. The display 10 displays a map image outputted from the
terminal main unit 20. The display 10 contains a loudspeaker, which
supplies an audio output from the terminal main unit 20. The remote
controller 40 receives an instruction from an operator and sends
the instruction to the terminal main unit 20. The cellular phone 35
receives information such as map data from the map data delivery
center 80, for supply to the terminal main unit 20. The GPS antenna
50 receives GPS data for supply to the terminal main unit 20. The
microphone 60 delivers an audio output received to the terminal
main unit 20. The parking brake sensor 25 senses a parking brake,
and then supplies a sensing signal to the terminal main unit
20.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the terminal main
unit 20.
[0057] In FIG. 2, a CPU 204 is a processor for performing
supervision and control over the components of the terminal main
unit 20. As illustrated, the CPU 204 is connected to the respective
components through a system bus 218. The CPU herein assumes what is
called a single-chip microcomputer in which a communication
function and a control function over peripheral devices such as an
A/D converter and a D/A converter, and parallel I/Os are integrated
into a single chip with a 32-bit RISC processor as a core. As the
microcomputer suitable for this purpose, there is provided a
Hitachi HD6417707, for example. Details of the Hitachi HD6417707
are described in a Hitachi's "SH7707 Hardware Manual".
[0058] The CPU 204 contains a plurality of communication ports, one
of which is connected to a photoreceptor 205. The CPU 204 receives
an instruction from the user input to the remote controller 40 via
the photoreceptor 205. Other one of the communication ports is
connected to an RS-232C driver 206. Since the RS-232C driver is a
standard interface that has been traditionally employed, connection
to various devices becomes possible. Other one of the communication
ports is connected to the parking braking sensor 25. In response to
a signal from the parking brake sensor 25, the CPU 204 senses a
stop of a vehicle on which the navigation terminal 5 is mounted,
and operates for giving route guidance responsive to the stop of
the vehicle. Still further, other one of the communication ports is
connected to the microphone 60. The CPU 204 recognizes the voice of
the user input into the microphone 60 to analyze an instruction
from the user.
[0059] An SRAM 207 and a DRAM 208 are employed as main memories for
the CPU 204. A flash memory 209 is a nonvolatile memory that is
rewritable. Programs, data that should not be erased when the
navigation terminal is turned off, and extensive, rough map data
are stored in the flash memory 209 in advance.
[0060] A graphics processor 211 is a processor for displaying a
picture on a display 10. The graphics processor 211 has a function
of writing a picture in a graphics memory 213 according to an
instruction from the CPU 204 and a function of reading out the
picture written periodically to display the picture on the display
10.
[0061] An NTSC encoder 212 converts RGB picture data outputted by
the display function of the graphics processor 211 into an NTSC
signal. The NTSC signal is supplied to the display 10, for display
as a picture.
[0062] A USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller is provided to
connect the terminal main unit 20 to a device having an USB
interface. The USB interface is the one mainly employed for
personal computers. For this reason, connection of peripheral
devices for personal computers, such as a mouse and a CCD camera to
the terminal main unit 20 becomes possible.
[0063] A modem controller 215 connects the terminal main unit 20 to
a telephone line. The cellular phone 35 is connected to the modem
controller 215 through the telephone line.
[0064] A D/A converter 216 converts digital audio data supplied
from the CPU 204 to analog audio data. An analog amplifier 217
amplifies the analog audio data supplied from the D/A converter
216. The amplified analog audio data is outputted from the
loudspeaker contained in the display 10 as an audio output.
[0065] A mode setting SW 203 specifies an operation mode for the
terminal main unit 20. The mode setting SW 203 performs switching
between a normal operation mode for the navigation apparatus and a
program version-up mode. In the program version-up mode, collective
erasing of data in the flash memory 209 is performed. Then, a new
program is downloaded from the memory card 30, for writing in the
flash memory 209. With this arrangement, program updating for the
terminal main unit 20 can be readily performed.
[0066] A PCMCIA card slot 210 is an interface for the memory card
30. The CPU 204 makes access to the memory card 30 through the
PCMCIA card slot 210, reads out data from the memory card 30, or
writes data on the memory card 30.
[0067] A GPS unit 219 receives a GPS signal from a GPS satellite
via the GPS antenna 50, and then uses the GPS signal to measure the
position of a vehicle.
[0068] Next, a configuration of software implemented on the
terminal main unit 20 is shown in FIG. 3.
[0069] Incidentally, the respective software shown in FIG. 3 is
stored in the flash memory 209 in advance, and then loaded into the
SRAM 207 and the DRAM 208 by the CPU 204, for implementation.
[0070] In FIG. 3, an OS 500 is provided to control the overall
operations of the terminal main unit 20 and performs task
management. A device driver 501 contains driver software by which
the CPU 204 performs data communications with the cellular phone 30
via the modem controller 215, driver software by which the CPU 204
receives an instruction from the remote controller via the
photoreceptor 205, and driver software by which the CPU 204, in
cooperation with the graphics processor 211, exercises control over
the screen of the display 10. Communications software 502 is
provided so that the navigation terminal 5 performs communication
with the map data delivery center 80 over a network such as the
Internet. The communications software contains WWW browser software
and electronic mail software. Car navigation software 504 uses map
data obtained from the map data delivery center 80 and map data
stored in the flash memory 209 to display maps such as a map
including a route to a destination and a map near the position of a
vehicle, for giving route guidance. The car navigation software 504
uses correction data obtained from one of the GPS correcting base
stations 90.sub.1 to 90.sub.n to perform error correction for the
position of a vehicle measured by the GPS unit 219.
[0071] Next, the map data delivery center 80 will be described.
[0072] The map data delivery center 80 delivers map data to the
navigation terminal 5 via the cellular phone base station 70. As
shown in FIG. 1, the map data delivery center 80 includes a server
81, a map database (DB) 82 for storing map data, and a point
information database (DB) 83 for storing information indicating the
types, names, addresses, and telephone numbers of primary
facilities such as restaurants, gas stations, leisure facilities,
and public facilities in respective areas of a map.
[0073] The server 81 can be constructed in a computer (such as a
personal computer) having a typical configuration that comprises a
CPU, a memory, an external storage such as a hard disk, and a
communication device for performing communications with other
device over the network such as the Internet.
[0074] A configuration of functional blocks of the server 81 is
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0075] The functional blocks shown in FIG. 4 are, for example,
stored in the external storage such as the hard disk in advance,
and then loaded into the memory by the CPU for being constructed in
the computer.
[0076] In FIG. 4, a communication unit 800 performs a process by
which the server 81 exchanges information with the navigation
terminal 5 over the Internet, and supports an Internet
protocol.
[0077] A user authentication unit 801 performs a user
authentication process when accessed by the navigation terminal 5,
and permits only a navigation terminal 5 registered in advance to
make access to the server 81.
[0078] Upon receipt of a request from the navigation terminal 5
that has been permitted to make access to the server, a route
search unit 802 is notified of the current position and the
destination of the navigation terminal 5, searches for a route from
the current position to the destination, using the map DB 82, and
notifies the navigation terminal 5 of the result of the search.
[0079] Upon receipt of a request from the navigation terminal 5
that has been permitted to make access to the server 81, a map data
cutting unit 803 reads out from the map DB 82 map data around a
place, requested by the navigation terminal 5, for transfer to the
navigation terminal 5.
[0080] A point information search unit 804 supports a destination
search for the navigation terminal 5 that has been permitted to
make access. When the navigation terminal 5 requests a list of
restaurants around the current position of the navigation terminal
5, for example, the point information search unit 804 searches the
point information DB 83 based on the coordinates of the current
position notified from the terminal 5, and then notifies the
navigation terminal 5 of the list. Upon receipt of the list, the
navigation terminal 5 selects one of the restaurants included in
the notified list. Then, with the selected restaurant as a
destination, the navigation terminal 5 requests the server 81 to
perform a route search. The route search unit 801 performs the
route search described above. The point information search unit 804
also performs various searches such as an address search and a
telephone number search, according to a request from the navigation
terminal 5.
[0081] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of map data stored in the map
DB 82.
[0082] As illustrated, respective meshes of map data obtained by
dividing an entire map into the meshes is stored in the map DB 82.
Then, more detailed map data contained in the respective meshes of
map data is hierarchically stored in different layers, being
associated with the respective meshes of map data. In an example
illustrated in FIG. 5, the entire land of Japan is divided into 42
meshes of regions. Map data for the respective meshes of regions is
stored, and more detailed map data in the respective meshes of map
data is hierarchically stored in different layers.
[0083] Next, the GPS correction base stations 90.sub.1 to 90.sub.n
will be described.
[0084] The GPS correction base stations 90.sub.1 to 90.sub.n are
disposed in diverse locations, being scattered all over the
country. Each of the GPS correction base stations 90.sub.1 to
90.sub.n receives the GPS signal from a GPS satellite, and uses the
GPS signal to measure the its own installation position. Then, the
result of measurement is compared with the exact coordinates of its
installation position, thereby detecting an error in position
measurement data obtained through the use of the GPS. Then, each of
the GPS correction base stations generates correction data
according to the error. The correction data is notified to the
navigation terminal 5 via the map data delivery center 80. The
navigation terminal 5 uses the correction data to correct the
result of measurement performed in the GPS unit 219, thereby
enabling an improvement in the accuracy of measurement of the
position of a vehicle on which the navigation terminal 5 is
mounted.
[0085] The GPS correction base station 90.sub.1 to 90.sub.n can be
configured by connecting the GPS antenna and the GPS unit to a
computer having a communication function for performing
communication with other device over a network such as the
Internet. The GPS unit receives the GPS signal from the GPS
satellite via the GPS antenna 50, and performs position
measurement. In this case, computation of correction data is
implemented by software.
[0086] Next, an operation of the navigation system will be
described.
[0087] FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining flows of the
operations of the navigation system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] The operation of the navigation terminal 5 in these drawings
is started when the communications software 502 and the car
navigation software 504 have been loaded into the SRAM 207 or the
DRAM 208 by the CPU 204 for implementation with the OS 500 and the
device driver 501 already loaded into the SRAM 207 or the DRAM 208
by the CPU 204 for implementation.
[0089] First, the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 obtains
position measurement data from the GPS unit 219, and checks whether
map data containing the coordinates of the current position of a
vehicle, indicated by the position measurement data is stored on
the memory card 30 (step S1000).
[0090] If the map data is not stored, the CPU makes access to the
map data delivery center 80 via the modem controller 215 and the
cellular phone 35, and transmits a request to transfer detailed map
data around the current position of the vehicle, together with the
coordinates of the current position (step S1002). At this point,
the CPU also transmits to the map data delivery center information
that is necessary for authentication of a user (the information is
stored on the memory card 30 in advance, for example).
[0091] Upon receipt of the request and the information, the user
authentication unit 801 in the map data delivery center 80 performs
user authentication and permits access only when the user has been
authenticated. Then when access is permitted, the map data cutting
unit 803 reads out from the map DB 82 the detailed map data around
the coordinates of the current position of the vehicle, notified by
the navigation terminal 5, and transmits the map data to the
navigation terminal 5 through the communication unit 800 (step
S2000).
[0092] Upon receipt of the map data from the map data delivery
center 80, the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 stores the map
data on the memory card 30. Further, in cooperation with the
graphics processor 211, the CPU causes the display 10 to display a
detailed map around the current position of the vehicle,
represented by the map data (step S1004).
[0093] On the other hand, when it is found that the map data
containing the coordinates of the current position of the vehicle
is stored on the memory card 30 in step S1000, the CPU reads out
the map data from the memory card 30. Then, in cooperation with the
graphics processor 211, the CPU causes the display 10 to display
the detailed map around the current position of the vehicle,
represented by the map data (step S1004).
[0094] Next, the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 checks
whether the user has provided an instruction to set a destination
through the use of the remote controller 40 or the microphone 60
(step S1006). Then, if it is found that the user has provided the
instruction to set the destination, the CPU 204 receives criteria
for a search for the destination entered by the user through the
use of the remote controller 40 or the microphone 60, and sends the
criteria to the map data delivery center (step S1008).
[0095] At this point, if access to the map data delivery center 80
has been made for the first time, or if it is found that the map
data containing the coordinates of the current position of the
vehicle is stored on the memory card 30 in step S1000, and the map
data is then read from the memory card 30 for display on the
display 10, the CPU transmits information necessary for user
authentication as well. When a predetermined facility nearest to
the current position of the vehicle is searched, for example, the
CPU 204 receives from the user the coordinates of the current
position of the vehicle and the type of the facility (such as a
restaurant, a gas station, a leisure facility, or a public
facility), as the destination search criteria. When the destination
is searched for by its telephone number, the CPU 204 receives the
telephone number from the user.
[0096] Upon receipt of the destination search criteria, the point
information search unit 804 in the map data delivery center 80
reads out from the point information DB83 destination candidates
that meet the search criteria notified by the navigation terminal
5. If the notified search criteria comprise the coordinates of the
current position of the vehicle and the type of the facility, the
point information search unit 804 searches the point information
DB83 for a facility that is classified into the type notified and
is located at around a location indicated by the coordinates of the
current position of the vehicle. If the notified search criterion
is a telephone number, the point information search unit 804
searches the point information DB83 for a facility where the
notified telephone number is registered. Then, the point
information search unit 804 reads out information on the facility
searched (such as the type, name, address, and telephone number),
from the point information DB83, and transmits the readout
information to the navigation terminal 5 through the communication
unit 800 (step S2002).
[0097] If the map data delivery center 80 receives information
necessary for user authentication together with destination search
criteria from the navigation terminal 5, the user authentication
unit 801 performs authentication of the user before the search for
the destination by the point information search unit 804. Then, the
user authentication unit 801 permits access only when the user has
been authenticated. Then, the destination search is performed.
[0098] Upon receipt of the result of the search or data on
destination candidates from the map data delivery center 80, the
CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 causes the data to be
displayed on the display 10, in cooperation with the graphics
processor 211. Then, the CPU 204 causes the user to select one of
the destination candidates through the use of the remote controller
40, and sets the selected one of the destination candidates as the
destination (step S1010).
[0099] Next, when the destination has been set, the CPU 204 in the
navigation terminal 5 checks whether map data containing the
coordinates of the destination is stored on the memory card 30
(step S1012). If the map data is not stored, the CPU 204 transmits
a request to transfer detailed map data around the destination
together with the coordinates of the destination to the map data
delivery center 80 (step S1014).
[0100] Upon receipt of the request and the coordinates of the
destination, the map cutting unit 803 reads out from the map DB82
the detailed map data around the coordinates of the destination
notified by the navigation terminal 5, and transmits the map data
to the navigation terminal 5 through the communication unit 800
(step S2004).
[0101] Upon receipt of the map data from the map data delivery
center 80, the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 stores the map
data on the memory card 30. Next, the CPU 204 transmits to the map
data delivery center 80 a request to search for a route from the
current position of the vehicle to the destination together with
the coordinates of the current position and the destination (step
S1016). When the user requests detailed map data on an area from
the current position of the vehicle to the destination at this
point, the CPU 204 transmits a request to transfer the detailed map
data as well.
[0102] Upon receipt of the request and the coordinates, the route
search unit 802 in the map data delivery center 80 searches for a
recommended route from the current position of the vehicle to the
destination based on the coordinates of the current position and
destination notified by the navigation terminal 5, and transmits
the result of the search to the navigation terminal 5 via the
communication unit 800 (step S2006). If the request to transfer the
detailed map data is also notified by the navigation terminal 5,
the map cutting unit 803 reads out from the map DB82 map data
containing the recommended route searched by the route search unit
802, for transmission to the navigation terminal 5 together with
the recommended route. Upon receipt of the data on the recommended
route (or the data on the recommended route together with the
detailed map data), the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 stores
the received data on the memory card 30.
[0103] Next, upon receipt of the recommended route data from the
map data delivery center 80, the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal
5 starts to give guidance on the route to the destination according
to the recommended route indicated by the recommended route data
(step S1018).
[0104] Specifically, the CPU 204 gives route guidance by displaying
marks indicating the current position of the vehicle and the
destination on maps containing the detailed map data around the
current position and the destination and the recommended route
data, all stored on the memory card 30. At this point, if map data
associated with a map of an area along the recommended route except
the current position and the destination is stored on the memory
card 30, the CPU 204 reads out the map data from the memory card
30, and causes the map data to be displayed on the display 10. If
the map data is not stored on the memory card 30, the CPU separates
the map data from the extensive, rough map data stored in the flash
memory 209, and causes the map data to be displayed on the display
10.
[0105] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the maps displayed on the
display 10 of the navigation terminal 5 of a vehicle being under
route guidance.
[0106] In FIG. 8, reference numeral 3000 denotes a map represented
by detailed map data around the current position of the vehicle,
which has been read out from the memory card 30. Reference numeral
3010 denotes a map represented by detailed map data around the
destination of the vehicle, which has been read out from the memory
card 30. Reference numeral 3020 denotes a recommended route
represented by recommended route data obtained from the map data
delivery center 80 and then stored on the memory card 30. In this
example, the map of an area along the recommended route 3020 except
the current position and the destination is read out from the flash
memory 209 and then displayed. Specifically, this example
illustrates the case where route guidance is being given by
simultaneously displaying the detailed maps around the current
position and the destination, stored on the memory card 30 and the
rough map of the area along the recommended route except the
current position and the destination, stored in the flash memory
209.
[0107] When the GPS 219 unit updates the current position while the
vehicle is under route guidance, the CPU 204 in the navigation
terminal 5 executes processes from step S1000 to step S1004,
thereby updating the detailed map around the current position to be
displayed on the display 10 (step 1020). Then, the CPU 204 checks
whether the current position measured by the GPS unit 219 is on the
recommended route (step S1022).
[0108] If the current position is on the recommended route, the CPU
204 further checks whether the vehicle has come to a point located
a predetermined distance before a route change point such as an
intersection on the recommended route, from which the course of the
vehicle should be changed (step S1024). Then, if the vehicle has
reached the route change point, the CPU 204 transmits to the map
delivery center 80 a request to transmit GPS correction data
together with the coordinates of the current position of the
vehicle (step S1026).
[0109] The predetermined distance before the route change point is
at most 200 m, for example. The distance of 200 m is determined
because the error caused by the GPS is approximately 100 m, as
described above. In order to display the mark of the current
position of the vehicle on the display 10 so that the user can
change the course at the route change point without error, it is
necessary to correct the error in position measurement data caused
by the GPS at a point further before the point that is located 100
m before the route change point.
[0110] Upon receipt of the request to transmit the GPS correction
data from the navigation terminal 5, the GPS correction unit 805 in
the map data delivery center 80 selects one of the GSP correction
base stations 90.sub.1 to 90.sub.n, which is the nearest to the
coordinates of the current position of the vehicle that have been
transmitted together with the request. Then, the GPS correction
unit 805 obtains the GPS correction data from the selected base
station and transfers the GPS correction data to the navigation
terminal 50 (step S2008).
[0111] Upon receipt of the GPS correction data, the CPU 204 in the
navigation terminal 5 uses this data to correct the result of
measurement by the GPS unit 219 (step S1028). For displaying the
current position of the vehicle on a map, the accuracy is in
particular required when the vehicle has come close to the route
change point such as an intersection where the course of the
vehicle should be changed. In this embodiment, therefore, when the
vehicle has come close to the route change point, an error in
position measurement by the GPS unit 219 is corrected.
[0112] If the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 has judged that
the current position of the vehicle measured by the GPS unit 219 is
not on the recommended route (or a negative reply has been obtained
in step S1022), that is, if the current position has been deviated
from the recommended route, the CPU 204 executes processes in steps
S1016 and S1018. The CPU 204 causes the map data delivery center 80
to search for a recommended route from the current position to the
destination again and starts to give route guidance again (step
S1030).
[0113] Incidentally, if the current position has been deviated from
the recommended route, the CPU 204, in cooperation with the
graphics processor 211, may cause a picture as illustrated in FIG.
9 to be displayed on the display 10. Then, the CPU 204 may give
guidance so that the user stops the vehicle. The CPU 204 may
continue display of the picture until the user has entered
confirmation through the use of the remote controller 40 or the
microphone, or the parking brake sensor 25 has sensed the state
where the parking brake is applied. Then, after the confirmation
from the user has been entered, or after the state where the
parking brake is applied has been detected, the CPU 204 may ask
whether a search for a recommended route is to be performed again
or not, through the display 10 or the loudspeaker contained in the
display 10. Only when a replay to the effect that the search for
the recommended route is performed again has been obtained from the
user through the remote-controller 40 or the microphone 60, the CPU
204 may execute processes in step S1030. If the reply to that
effect has not been obtained, the procedure may be returned to step
S1000.
[0114] If the vehicle, the current position of which has been
updated through the use of the GPS unit 219, has reached the
destination (or an affirmative reply has been obtained in step
S1032), the CPU 204 in the navigation terminal 5 terminates route
guidance (step S1032). Then, the procedure is returned to step
S1000, for continuation of the above-mentioned processes.
[0115] The above is a description about the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0116] According to this embodiment, if detailed map data stored on
the memory card 30 does not contain all the map data on a route
from the current position of a vehicle to a destination, rough map
data on the route is read out from the flash memory 209, and a map
represented by the rough map data is displayed on the display 10.
Accordingly, even when the amount of map data obtained from the map
data delivery center 80 is reduced to effect a reduction in the
amount of communication data, maps for route guidance can be
quickly displayed. Even in this case, detailed map data around the
current position of the vehicle and destination is delivered from
the map data delivery center 80 as necessary, for storage on the
memory card 30. Thus, detailed maps around the current position and
the destination can be displayed on the display 10. With this
arrangement, information required by the user especially for route
guidance, can be provided efficiently.
[0117] Further, according to the present invention, when the
current position of the vehicle being under route guidance has been
deviated from a recommended route, the user is checked to see
whether a search for a new route to the destination should be made
again. Thus, the user can take appropriate action according to
whether the current position has been deviated from the recommended
route intentionally or unintentionally.
[0118] Further, according to this embodiment, a receiver for
receiving map data, which is the cellular phone 35 in this
embodiment, also serves as a receiver for obtaining GPS correction
data from the map data delivery center 80. For this reason, special
hardware such as an FM receiver or a gyro sensor for obtaining the
GPS correction data is not required, so that this embodiment can
improve measuring accuracy while effecting a reduction in the cost
of the navigation terminal 5.
[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, the memory card 30 that is
removable from the terminal main unit 20 of the navigation terminal
5 is employed as a storage for storing detailed map data. For this
reason, a plurality of the memory cards 30 respectively storing
detailed map data for different areas can be employed. Further, a
personal computer installed at home, not shown, for example, can
also be employed for downloading from the map data delivery center
80 detailed map data to be stored on the memory card 30.
[0120] In this embodiment, the GPS correction data is requested
when the vehicle being under route guidance to the destination,
becomes close to the route change point on the recommended route
such as an intersection where the course of the vehicle should be
changed. The present invention is not limited to this case. A
request for the GPS correction data may also be made in step S1016
in FIG. 6 or step S1030 in FIG. 7 where the request to search for
the recommended route from the current position to the destination
is made to the map data delivery center 80. Alternatively, even
when the vehicle is not being under route guidance, the request for
the GPS correction data may also be made to the map data delivery
center 80 when the vehicle has become close to an intersection
located in the advance direction of the vehicle.
[0121] In this embodiment, communication between the navigation
terminal 5 and the map data delivery center 80 is made by the
cellular phone. The present invention is not limited to this. To
take an example, transmission of information from the navigation
terminal 5 to the map data delivery center 80 may be performed by
the cellular phone, and transmission of information from the map
data delivery center 80 to the navigation terminal 5 may be
performed by using digital broadcasting.
[0122] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0123] FIG. 10 is an illustrative diagram schematically showing a
configuration of a navigation system according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. Elements that have the same
functions as those in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment are
indicated by like reference numerals and characters.
[0124] The navigation system according to this embodiment is
different from the navigation system according to the first
embodiment in that the map data delivery center 80 has a function
of transmitting to the navigation terminal 5 data on an
advertisement requested by an advertiser to be advertised. Then,
when coupon information for a commodity discount is issued to a
user who has seen the data on the advertisement, issue of the
coupon information is notified to a terminal 93 of the
advertiser.
[0125] As illustrated, the map data delivery center 80 according to
this embodiment comprises a server 81', the map DB 82, the point
information DB 83, and an advertisement database (DB) 84.
[0126] Data on advertisements requested by advertisers to be
advertised or coupon information is stored in the advertisement DB
84, together with the names and coordinates of shops of the
advertisers, for example.
[0127] FIG. 11 shows a configuration of functional blocks of the
server 81'.
[0128] As illustrated, the server 81' according to this embodiment
is obtained by adding an advertisement data search unit 806, a
coupon issuing unit 807, an electronic mail issuing unit 808, and a
coupon history management unit 809 to the server 81 according to
the first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0129] The advertisement data search unit 806 searches the
advertisement DB 84 for advertisement data on a facility contained
in map data cut by the map data cutting unit 803, based on the
coordinates and the name of the facility, for example. Then, the
advertisement data search unit 806 reads out the searched
advertisement data and associates it with the corresponding
facility for transmission to the navigation terminal 5, together
with the map data that has been cut, through the communication unit
800.
[0130] When requested to issue a coupon for advertisement data
transmitted to the navigation terminal 5, the coupon issuing unit
807 generates a coupon number for identifying the coupon that will
be issued to the navigation terminal 5. Then, the coupon issuing
unit 807 transmits the generated coupon number to the navigation
terminal 5 through the communication unit 800.
[0131] The electronic mail issuing unit 808 notifies the terminal
of the advertiser of the advertisement data, of the coupon number
issued by the coupon issuing unit 807, using an electronic mail.
Further, the electronic mail issuing unit 808 notifies the
navigation terminal 5 as well, which has requested to issue the
coupon, of the coupon number, as necessary.
[0132] The coupon history management unit 809 manages a coupon
issue history (such as a combination of a coupon number,
advertisement data, an address of the terminal 93 of the
advertiser, and an address of the navigation terminal 5
accessed).
[0133] FIG. 12 shows an example of display of map data transmitted
to the navigation terminal 5 by the map data delivery center 80
configured as described above. This example shows the case where a
map around the current position of a vehicle being stopped is
displayed on the display of the navigation terminal 5 (or shows the
state where steps S1000 to S1004 in FIG. 6 have been executed). On
the map displayed on the screen of the display 10, the name of a
facility ".largecircle..times.restaurant- " contained in map data
is displayed, being superimposed on the display position of the
facility. At this point, when advertisement data on this facility
has been sent together with the map data, the advertisement data on
the facility is displayed in outline, being reduced in size, as a
banner advertisement 12 in the bottom right-hand corner of the
display screen.
[0134] FIG. 13 shows an example of display where the user of the
navigation terminal 5 has selected the banner advertisement 12 on
the display screen in FIG. 12, using the remote controller 40. As
shown in this drawing, the details of the advertisement data
displayed in outline as the banner advertisement 12, or coupon
information is displayed together with a coupon issuing button
13.
[0135] FIG. 14 shows an example of display where the user of the
navigation terminal 5 has selected the coupon issuing button 13 on
a display screen shown in FIG. 13, using the remote controller 40.
When the coupon issuing button 13 has been selected, the navigation
terminal 5 transmits to the map data delivery center 80 a request
to issue a coupon for the advertisement data being displayed. Upon
receipt of the request, the coupon issuing unit 807 of the map data
delivery center 80 generates a coupon number for identifying the
coupon that will be issued to the navigation terminal 5, for
transmission to the navigation terminal 5. The coupon number is
also notified to the terminal 93 of the advertiser of the
advertisement data by the electronic mail issuing unit 808, by
using an electronic mail. Thus, the user of the navigation terminal
5 memorize the coupon number displayed on the screen as "Today's
Number 1234". Then, when using the facility of the advertiser of
the advertisement data, by telling the coupon number, the user can
obtain discount service.
[0136] FIG. 15 is a variation of display shown in FIG. 13, and
shows an example where the coupon mail transmitting button 14 is
displayed in place of the coupon issuing button 13. When the user
of the navigation terminal 5 has selected the coupon mail
transmitting button 14 using the remote controller 40, the request
to issue the coupon for the advertisement data being displayed is
transmitted to the map data delivery center 80 together with the
mail address of the cellular phone 35, stored in advance. Upon
receipt of the request and the mail address, the coupon issuing
unit 807 of the map data delivery center 80 generates the coupon
number for identifying the coupon that will be issued to the
navigation terminal 5. Then, the electronic mail issuing unit 808
notifies the cellular phone 35 having the mail address added to the
coupon issuing request, of the coupon number, using an electronic
mail.
[0137] FIG. 16 shows an example of display of the mail which
indicates that the coupon number has been received by the cellular
phone 35. Suppose the user of the navigation terminal 5 carries the
cellular phone 35 when getting off the vehicle. Then, when using
the facility of the advertiser of the advertisement data, if the
user presents the cellular phone 35 that displays this mail, he can
obtain discount service.
[0138] The above is a description about the second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0139] According to this embodiment, in response to a request from
the navigation terminal 5 that has received advertisement data, the
map data delivery center 80 notifies the navigation terminal 5 of
coupon information. Further, the map data delivery center 80
notifies the advertiser terminal 93 that the coupon information has
been notified to the navigation terminal 5. Accordingly, this
embodiment can provide an environment where an advertisement coupon
can be utilized even if a printer cannot be installed. Further,
since the advertiser can keep track of the frequency of
notification of the coupon information by the map data delivery
center 80, he can learn about the effect of the advertisement using
the map data delivery center 80 on sales. Still further, the coupon
history management unit 809 of the map data delivery center 80
manages issue of coupons. The map data delivery center 80 can
thereby charge the advertiser an appropriate advertisement fee.
[0140] As described above, according to the present invention, the
operability of a navigation system that downloads map data
delivered through communication or broadcasting to give route
guidance can be improved.
[0141] Specifically, even if map data to be transferred from the
map data delivery center to the navigation apparatus is reduced so
as to effect a reduction in the amount of communication data, maps
for route guidance can be displayed quickly.
[0142] When the position of a vehicle being under route guidance
has been deviated from a route searched by a route search, the
present invention can inform the user of deviation and can help the
user to take appropriate action.
[0143] Further, the present invention can improve position
measuring accuracy while effecting a reduction in the cost of the
navigation apparatus.
[0144] Still further, the present invention can provide an
environment where an advertisement coupon can be utilized even if a
printer cannot be installed.
[0145] It should be further understood by those skilled in the art
that the foregoing description has been made on embodiments of the
invention and that various changes and modifications may be made in
the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention
and the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *