U.S. patent application number 10/434348 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for navigation apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJITSU TEN LIMITED. Invention is credited to Nakano, Masahiko.
Application Number | 20050049782 10/434348 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29699189 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050049782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakano, Masahiko |
March 3, 2005 |
NAVIGATION APPARATUS
Abstract
A map screen is displayed in a left half area of a display panel
and an real image such as a satellite photograph depicting a
surface of an earth and an aerial photograph is displayed in the
remaining right half area thereof based on real image data. The
real images on different scales (the image as the wide area display
and the image as the detailed display) can be displayed in the
right half area on the display panel. A default condition of
two-screen display is set to display the real image as the wide
area display in the right half-area.
Inventors: |
Nakano, Masahiko; (Hyogo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
Hyogo
JP
|
Family ID: |
29699189 |
Appl. No.: |
10/434348 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/455 ;
340/995.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 21/3647
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/208 ;
701/211; 340/995.1 |
International
Class: |
G01C 021/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 13, 2002 |
JP |
2002-137430 |
Claims
1. A navigation apparatus, comprising: a display unit on which
first and second areas are defined; and a display control unit
which includes a first display control section and controls the
display unit to display at least one of a map screen and a real
image, based on map data, real image data, and a present location,
wherein: when a first instruction signal is input to the display
control unit, the first display control section controls the
display unit to display the map screen in the first area and the
real image on one of first to n-th scales in the second area, where
n is an integer not smaller than two.
2. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
area and the second area do not overlap each other.
3. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one
of the first to n-th scales is smaller than the other scales.
4. The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a
second instruction signal is input to the display control unit, the
first display control section changes the scale of the real image
displayed in the second area.
5. The navigation apparatus according claim 1, wherein: a third
area is defined on the display unit; the display control unit
further includes a second display control section; when a third
instruction signal is input to the display control unit, the second
display control section controls the display unit to display one of
the map screen and the real image in the third area; when the
display unit displays the one in the third area and a fourth
instruction signal is input to the display control unit, the second
display control section changes the one of the map screen and the
real image to the other.
6. The navigation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third
area contains the first and second areas.
7. The navigation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the
third instruction signal is input to the display control unit, the
second display control section controls the display unit to display
the real image on another of the first to n-th scales, which is
different from the one of the first to n-th scales, in the third
area.
8. The navigation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the
display unit displays the real image in the third area and a fifth
instruction signal is input to the display control unit, the second
display control section changes the scale of the displayed real
image.
Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the subject matter
contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-137430 filed on
May 13, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a navigation apparatus and, more
particularly, a navigation apparatus employing real image data that
correspond to images such as a satellite photograph depicting the
surface of the earth and an aerial photograph.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In the related art, a navigation apparatus displays a map on
a screen of a display device based on roadmap data recorded in the
DVD-ROM, etc., displays own location on the map based on own
location data, and guides a user onto routes to a destination.
[0006] However, in the navigation apparatus in the related art, the
map screen to be displayed is formed by using map data. Therefore,
there is such a problem that it is difficult to understand own
current location and grasp the actual situation around own current
location through the map screen.
[0007] This is because it is difficult to display the vertical
positional relationship such as roads in a solid crossing, on the
map screen and because actually a large number of roads, buildings,
and the like that are not displayed on the map screen are
present.
[0008] As one of solutions for overcoming such problem, JP-A-Hei.
5-113343 discloses that own current location is displayed on an
aerial photograph screen that is prepared from aerial photograph
data. If such aerial photograph screen is employed, the building or
the like serving as a mark can be very easily understood. Thus,
there are such advantages that own current location can be easily
understood and also the actual situation around own current
location can be easily grasped.
[0009] However, the aerial photograph screen (prepared by using the
aerial photograph data) does not in all cases make it possible to
understand own current location more easily and grasp the situation
around own current location more easily in contrast to the map
screen (prepared by using the map data). Rather, in some cases own
current location can be easily understood using the map screen
rather than the aerial photograph screen.
[0010] Also, the aerial photograph data employed to prepare the
real image such as the aerial photograph screen need a large
quantity of data. Thus, if the aerial photograph data are stored in
the memory device, the compression process must be applied.
Therefore, if the aerial photograph data are employed, the original
aerial photograph data must be obtained by applying the restoration
(depression, expansion) process to the aerial photograph data,
which have been subjected to the compression process, to display
the real image.
[0011] The restoration process is not carried out in an instant.
For example, it takes almost several seconds to display a sheet of
the aerial photograph screen on the screen of the display device.
Therefore, there is such a problem that, unlike the map screen in
the related art, the screen cannot be continuously updated so as to
respond to the moving of own location.
[0012] In this manner, the aerial photograph screen is not superior
in all respects to the map screen. As a result, it is supposed that
not a navigation apparatus utilizing the aerial photograph screen
only (of course, a navigation apparatus utilizing the conventional
map screen only) but a navigation apparatus system utilizing both
the aerial photograph screen and the map screen becomes the
mainstream in the next generation.
[0013] Accordingly, in the future, it becomes important to use
properly the real image such as the aerial photograph screen and
the map screen, which have above two different features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention has been made in view of the above problems,
and it is an object of the invention to provide a navigation
apparatus, which can enhance a degree of user's satisfaction using
properly both a display of a real image such as an aerial
photograph screen and a map screen prepared by using the map
data.
[0015] In order to achieve the above object, according to a first
aspect of the invention, a navigation apparatus includes a display
unit and a display control unit. On the display unit, first and
second areas are defined. The display control unit includes a first
control section and controls the display unit to display at least
one of a map screen and a real image, based on map data, real image
data, and a present location. When a first instruction signal is
input to the display control unit, the first display control
section controls the display unit to display the map screen in the
first area and the real image on one of first to n-th scales in the
second area, where n is an integer not smaller than two.
[0016] In the navigation apparatus, the map screen is displayed on
the first area on the display unit, while the real image is
displayed on the second area. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the
map screen can be displayed in the left half on the display screen,
while the real image can be displayed in the remaining right half
thereof. Therefore, not only the map screen but also the real image
such as a satellite photograph can be displayed on the display
screen. As a result, sufficient information can be offered to the
user.
[0017] Also, the real image can be displayed on a plurality of
scales different from each other (e.g., the image as the wide area
display, and the image as the detailed display) in the second area.
In addition, when a first instruction signal is input to the
display control unit (for example, a user inputs "two screen
display" instruction to the navigation apparatus), the first
display control section controls the display unit to display the
map screen in the first area and the real image on one of first to
n-th scales (for example, the real image as the wide area display)
in the second area.
[0018] Therefore, for example, when the display is switched from a
state in which the map screen is displayed on the overall screen of
the display screen (FIG. 6) to a state in which the map screen is
displayed in the left half of the display screen and the real image
is displayed in the remaining right half thereof, the real image
having the one of the scales is displayed in the remaining right
half thereof (FIG. 8).
[0019] Also, as described above, since the real images having
different scales can be displayed in the second area, essentially
the display control unit must receive from the user an instruction
that instructs which scale should be selected to display the real
image. However, in the navigation apparatus, since a default
condition of display is set in the first display control section,
the user is not requested to issue the instruction every time.
Therefore, the navigation apparatus becomes very convenient in use
for the user.
[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first
aspect, the first area and the second area do not overlap each
other.
[0021] According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first
aspect, the one of the first to n-th scales is smaller than the
other scales.
[0022] By the way, as explained in the above, the real image data
such as the satellite photograph and the aerial photograph need a
large quantity of data. Thus, if the real image data are stored in
the memory device, the compression process must be applied.
Therefore, if the real image data are employed, the original real
image data must be obtained by applying the restoration
(depression, expansion) process to the real image data, which have
been subjected to the compression process, to display the real
image.
[0023] Also, the restoration process is not carried out in an
instant. For example, it takes almost several seconds to display a
sheet of the aerial photograph screen on the screen of the display
device. Therefore, unlike the map screen in the prior art, the
screen cannot be continuously updated so as to correlate with the
moving of own location.
[0024] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case that the map
screen is displayed in the left half on the display screen and the
real image is displayed in the remaining right half, the map screen
can be continuously updated so as to correlate with the moving of
own location, nevertheless the screen of the real image cannot be
continuously updated. That is, the real image is fixed.
[0025] Accordingly, if the real image having the large scale (i.e.,
the image as the detailed display) is displayed in the narrowed
area such as the second area (e.g., the right half) on the display
screen, an amount of the information that can be provided to the
user becomes extremely small.
[0026] In contrast, according to the navigation apparatus, the real
image on the one of the scales has the small scale relatively, and
the real image as the wide area (not the real image as the detailed
display) is displayed in the second area on the display screen.
Therefore, even if the real image is displayed in the narrowed area
such as the second area on the display screen, a large quantity of
information can be provided to the user.
[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in any one of
the first to third aspects, when a second instruction signal is
input to the display control unit, the first display control
section changes the scale of the real image displayed in the second
area.
[0028] In the fourth aspect, when the instruction for switching the
scale of the real image that is displayed in the second area is
issued from the user, the real image having the scale that is
different from the scale applied before switching is displayed in
the second area. Therefore, the user can switch the scale of the
real image as desired.
[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in any one of
the first to fourth aspects, a third area is defined on the display
unit. The display control unit further includes a second display
control section. When a third instruction signal is input to the
display control unit, the second display control section controls
the display unit to display one of the map screen and the real
image in the third area. When the display unit displays the one in
the third area and a fourth instruction signal is input to the
display control unit, the second display control section changes
the one of the map screen and the real image to the other.
[0030] In the fifth aspect, the image displayed in the third area
on the display screen can be switched from one of the map screen
and the real image to the other. For example, when the map screen
is displayed on the overall screen of the display screen (FIG. 6),
the overall screen on the display screen can be switched from the
map screen to the real image (FIG. 7).
[0031] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the fifth
aspect, the third area contains the first and second areas.
[0032] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the fifth
or sixth aspect, when the third instruction signal is input to the
display control unit, the second display control section controls
the display unit to display the real image on another of the first
to n-th scales, which is different from the one of the first to
n-th scales, in the third area.
[0033] Two types or more of real images having different scales
(e.g., the image as the wide area display and the image as the
detailed display) can be displayed in the third area. Also, a
default condition of the display in the second display control
section are set to display the real image having the second scale
that is different from the one of the scales (e.g., the image as
the detailed display) in the third area.
[0034] Therefore, if the display is switched from the state that
the map screen is displayed in the overall screen of the display
screen (FIG. 6) to the state that the real image is displayed on
the overall screen of the display screen, the real image having the
second scale is displayed in the overall screen on the display
screen (FIG. 7).
[0035] Also, as described above, since two types or more of real
images having different scales can be displayed in the third area,
essentially the display control unit must receive from the user the
instruction that instructs which scale should be selected to
display the real image. However, in the navigation apparatus, since
the default conditions of display in the second display controlling
means are set, the user is not requested to issue the instruction
every time. Therefore, the system becomes very convenient in use
for the user. Further, the scale of the real image is different
from the case where the real image is displayed in the second area
on the display screen. Therefore, more significant information can
be provided to the user.
[0036] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in any one
of the fifth to seventh aspects, when the display unit displays the
real image in the third area and a fifth instruction signal is
input to the display control unit, the second display control
section changes the scale of the displayed real image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing schematically a pertinent
portion of a navigation apparatus according to an embodiment (1) of
the invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed
by a microcomputer in the navigation apparatus according to the
embodiment (1) of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed
by the microcomputer in the navigation apparatus according to the
embodiment (1) of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed
by the microcomputer in the navigation apparatus according to the
embodiment (1) of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a screen state
displayed on a display panel of the navigation apparatus according
to the embodiment (1) of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a screen state
displayed on the display panel of the navigation apparatus
according to the embodiment (1) of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a screen state
displayed on the display panel of the navigation apparatus
according to the embodiment (1) of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a screen state
displayed on the display panel of the navigation apparatus
according to the embodiment (1) of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a screen state
displayed on the display panel of the navigation apparatus
according to the embodiment (1) of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] An embodiment of a navigation apparatus according to
embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to
the drawings hereinafter. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing
schematically a pertinent portion of a navigation apparatus
according to an embodiment (1).
[0047] A speed sensor 2 for acquiring information of the covered
distance by executing a calculation based on a vehicle speed, and a
gyro sensor 3 for acquiring information of the running direction
are connected to a microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 can
determine own vehicle location based on covered distance
information and running direction information, both are calculated
(self-contained navigation).
[0048] A GPS receiver 4 receives a GPS signal transmitted from a
satellite via an antenna 5, and is connected to the microcomputer
1. The microcomputer 1 can determine own vehicle location based on
the GPS signal (GPS navigation).
[0049] Also, a DVD drive 6 that can acquire map data and real image
data from a DVD-ROM 7 (other storage devices are also available),
in which the map data containing substantially the whole country
are stored and also the real image data of the aerial photograph
that depicts the surface of the earth are recorded with recorded
areas are limited (e.g., major cities), is connected to the
microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 reads necessary map data and
real image data from the DVD-ROM 7 based on the own vehicle
location, which has been determined, and then stores these data in
a RAM la of the microcomputer 1.
[0050] Also, real image data on a scale of 1.4 m per pixel dot and
real image data on a scale of 2.8 m per pixel dot are stored in the
DVD-ROM 7 as the real image data of the satellite photograph that
depicts the surface of the earth in the same area. When the real
image is displayed as a wide-area display, the microcomputer 1
employs the real image data on the scale of 2.8 m per pixel dot,
which is a small scale. Also, when the real image is displayed as a
detailed display, the microcomputer 1 employs the real image data
on the scale of 1.4 m per pixel dot, which is a large scale.
[0051] Also, the microcomputer 1 can display the map screen, on
which the current location of own vehicle is displayed precisely,
on a display panel 9b by combining the determined current location
of the own vehicle and the map data (executing the map matching
process) . Also, a switch signal output from a joy stick 8a or a
button switch 8b (e.g., a "two screen" button switch 8b.sub.1)
provided on a remote controller 8 and a switch signal output from a
button switch 9a provided on a display device 9 are input into the
microcomputer 1. Then, processes are executed in the microcomputer
1 in response to these switch signals.
[0052] Also, a plurality of infrared LEDs and a plurality of.
phototransistors are arranged on the upper/lower and left/right
sides of the display panel 9b to oppose to each other such that a
position of the display panel 9b, on which the user's finger
touches, can be detected. The microcomputer 1 can acquire the
detected result.
[0053] Next, processing operations (1) executed by the
microcomputer 1 in the navigation apparatus according to the
embodiment (1) will be explained with reference to flowcharts shown
in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 hereinafter. First, it is decided whether or
not a flag f.sub.1 indicating the state of a screen that is
displayed on the display panel 9b is 0 (step S1).
[0054] If it is decided that the flag f.sub.1 is 0, then the
current location of own vehicle is calculated from the GPS signal
and the like. (step S2). Then, the map screen showing the
neighborhood of the current location of own vehicle is displayed on
the display map 9b based on the calculated current location of own
vehicle and the map data stored in the RAM 1a (step S3). FIG. 5 is
a view showing a state in which the map screen is displayed on the
display panel 9b.
[0055] Then, based on the current location information of own
vehicle and the real image data stored in the RAM 1a, it is decided
whether or not the real image data of the neighborhood of the
current location of own vehicle are present (step S4). If it is
decided that the real image data are present, a "satellite
photograph" button (touch switch) for allowing the user to instruct
switching the display from the map screen to the satellite
photograph (real image) is formed (step S5). Then, a flag f.sub.2
indicating that the "satellite photograph" button is formed is set
to 1 (step S6). FIG. 6 is a view showing the state that the
"satellite photograph" button switch is formed on the display panel
9b.
[0056] Then, it is decided whether or not the user touches on the
"satellite photograph" button switch (step S7). If it is decided
that the user touches on the "satellite photograph" button switch,
the "satellite photograph" button switch is removed (step S8).
Then, the flag f.sub.2 is set to 0 (step S9). Then, the real image
indicating the neighborhood of the current location of own vehicle
(as the detailed display) is displayed on the display panel 9b
based on the calculated current location information of own vehicle
and the real image data (on the scale of 1.4 m per pixel dot)
stored in the RAM 1a (step S10). Then, a "map" button switch (touch
switch) for allowing the user to instruct switching the display
from the real image to the map screen is formed (step S11). Then,
the flag f.sub.1 is set to 1 (step S12). FIG. 7 is a view showing a
state in which the real image is displayed on the display panel
9b.
[0057] In contrast, in step S7, if it is decided that the user does
not touch on the "satellite photograph" button switch, it is
decided whether or not the user pushes down a "two screen" button
switch 8b.sub.1 provided on the remote controller 8 (step S13). If
it is decided that the user pushes down the "two screen" button
switch 8b.sub.1, it is decided whether or not the flag f.sub.2
indicating that the "satellite photograph" button switch is formed
is 1 (step S14).
[0058] If it is decided that the flag f.sub.2 is 1 (i.e., the
"satellite photograph" button switch is formed), the "satellite
photograph" button switch is removed (step S15). Then, the flag
f.sub.2 is set to 0 (step S16). Then, the process goes to step S17.
In contrast, if it is decided that the flag f.sub.2 is not 1 (i.e.,
the "satellite photograph" button switch is not formed), there is
no necessity that the "satellite photograph" button switch should
be removed. Thus, the process goes to step S17 as it is.
[0059] In step S17, based on the current location information of
own vehicle and the real image data stored in the RAM 1a, it is
decided whether or not the real image data of the neighborhood of
the current location of own vehicle are present. Then, if it is
decided that the real image data are present, a map screen showing
the neighborhood of the current location of own vehicle is
displayed in a left half area of the display panel 9b based on the
current location information of own vehicle and the map data stored
in the RAM 1a (step S18) . In addition, the real image showing the
neighborhood of the current location of own vehicle (as the wide
area display) is displayed in a right half area of the display
panel 9b based on the current location information of own vehicle
and the real image data (in the scale of 2.8 m per pixel dot)
stored in the RAM 1a (step S19). The flag f.sub.1 is set to 2 (step
S20).
[0060] Then, a "detail" button switch (touch switch) for allowing
the user to instruct switching the display from the real image as
the wide area display to the real image as the detailed display is
formed (step S21). Then, a flag f.sub.3 indicating that the
"detail" button switch is formed is set to 1 (step S22) . FIG. 8 is
a view showing a state in which the map screen is displayed in the
left half of the display panel 9b and the real image is displayed
in the remaining right half.
[0061] In contrast, in step S17, if it is decided that the real
image data are not present, the map screen showing the neighborhood
of the current location of own vehicle is displayed in the left
half area of the display panel 9b based on the current location
information of own vehicle and the map data stored in the RAM 1a
(step S23). In addition, the map screen (as the wide area display)
is displayed in the right half area of the display panel 9b (step
S24). Then, the flag f.sub.1 is set to 3 (step S25).
[0062] Then, the "detail" button switch (touch switch) for allowing
the user to instruct switching the display from the map screen as
the wide area display to the map screen as the detailed display is
formed (step S26). Then, the flag f.sub.3 indicating that the
"detail" button switch is formed is set to 1 (step S27) . FIG. 9 is
a view showing a state in which the map screen is displayed in the
left half area of the display panel 9b and the map screen as the
wide area display is displayed in the remaining right half.
[0063] By the way, in step S4, if it is decided that the real image
data are not present, it is decided whether or not the flag f.sub.2
indicating the "satellite photograph" button switch is formed is 1
(step S28). Then, if it is decided that the flag f.sub.2 is 1
(i.e., the "satellite photograph" button switch is formed), the
"satellite photograph" button switch is removed (step S29) . The
flag f.sub.2is set to 0 (step S30) . Then, the process goes to step
S13. In contrast, if it is decided that the flag f.sub.2 is not 1
(i.e., the "satellite photograph" button switch is not formed),
there is no need that the "satellite photograph" button switch
should be removed. Thus, the process goes to step S13 as it is.
[0064] Also, in step S1, if it is decided that the flag f.sub.1
showing the state of the screen displayed on the display panel 9b
is not 0, then it is decided whether or not the flag f.sub.1 is 1
(step S31). Then, if it is decided that the flag f.sub.1 is 1
(i.e., as shown in FIG. 7, the real image is displayed in the
overall area of the display panel 9b), it is decided whether or not
the user touches on the "map" button switch (step S32).
[0065] If it is decided that the user touches on the "map" button
switch, the flag f.sub.1 is set to 0 (step S33). Then, the process
goes to step S2. In contrast, if it is decided that the user does
not touch on the "map" button switch, the processing operations (1)
are ended as they are. Also, in step S31, if it is decided that the
flag f.sub.1 is not 1, the process goes to step S41 (FIG. 3).
[0066] In step S41, it is decided whether or not the flag f.sub.1
indicating the state of the screen that is displayed on the display
panel 9b is 2. Then, if it is concluded that the flag f.sub.1 is 2
(i.e., as shown in FIG. 8, the map screen is displayed in the left
half area of the display panel 9b and the real image is displayed
in the remaining right half area), the current location information
of own vehicle are calculated based on the GPS signal and the like
(step S42). Then, the map screen showing the neighborhood of the
current location of own vehicle is displayed in the left half area
of the display panel 9b based on the calculated current location
information of own vehicle and the map data stored in the RAM 1a
(step S43). That is, the map screen is updated to meet to the
moving of the vehicle.
[0067] Then, it is decided whether or not the flag f.sub.3
indicating that the "detail" button switch is formed is 1 (step
44). Then, if it is concluded that the flag f.sub.3 is 1 (i.e., the
"detail" button switch is formed), it is decided whether or not the
user touches on the "detail" button switch (step S45). Then, if it
is concluded that the user touches the "detail" button switch, it
is regarded that the user requests the real image as the detailed
display. Thus, the real image showing the neighborhood of the
current location of own vehicle (as the detailed display) is
displayed in the right half area of the display panel 9b based on
the current location information of own vehicle and the real image
data (on the scale of 1.4 m per pixel dot) stored in the RAM 1a
(step S46).
[0068] Then, the "detail" button switch is removed (step S47) The
"wide area" button switch is formed instead of this (step S48). The
flag f.sub.3 is set to 0 (step S49) . Then, the process goes to
step S55. In contrast, in step S45, it is concluded that the user
does not touch on the "detail" button switch, steps S46 to S49 are
skipped and then the process goes to step S55 as it is.
[0069] Also, in step S44, it is concluded that the flag f.sub.3 is
not 1 (i.e., the "wide area" button switch is formed), it is
decided whether or not the user touches the "wide area" button
switch (step S50). If it is concluded that the user touches on the
"wide area" button switch, it is regarded that the user requests
the real image as the wide area display. Thus, the real image
showing the neighborhood of the current location of own vehicle (as
the wide area display) is displayed in the right half area of the
display panel 9b based on the current location information of own
vehicle and the real image data (on the scale of 2.8 m per pixel
dot) stored in the RAM 1a (step S51).
[0070] Then, the "wide area" button switch is removed (step S52)
The "detail" button switch is formed in place of the "wide area"
button switch (step S53). The flag f.sub.3 is set to 1 (step S54).
The process goes to step S55. In contrast, in step S50, if it is
concluded that the user does not touch on the "wide area" button
switch, steps S51 to S54 are skipped and the process goes to step
S55 as it is.
[0071] In step S55, it is decided whether or not the user pushes
down the "two screen" button switch 8b.sub.1 provided on the remote
controller 8. If it is concluded that the user pushes down the "two
screen" button switch 8b, it is regarded that the user requests the
cancel of the two-screen display. Then, it is decided whether or
not the flag f.sub.3 is 1 (step S56).
[0072] If it is concluded that the flag f.sub.3 is 1 (i.e., the
"detail" button switch is formed) , the "detail" button is removed
(step S57). The flag f.sub.3 is set to 0 ; (step S58). The process
goes to step S2 (FIG. 2). In contrast, if it is concluded that the
flag f.sub.3 is not 1 (i.e., the "wide area" button switch is
formed), the "wide area" button is removed (step S59). Then, the
process goes to step S2.
[0073] Also, in step S41, it is concluded that the flag f.sub.1
indicating the state of the screen that is displayed on the display
panel 9b is not 2 (i.e., the flag f.sub.3 is not any one of 0 to 2
but is 3, and as shown in FIG. 9, the map screen is displayed in
the left half area of the display panel 9b and the map screen is
displayed in the remaining right half area on another scale), the
process goes to step S61 (FIG. 4).
[0074] In step S61, the current location of own vehicle is
calculated based on the GPS signal and the like. Then, the map
screens indicating the neighborhood of the current location of own
vehicle are displayed in a predetermined scale in the left and
right half areas of the display panel 9b, respectively based on the
calculated current location information of own vehicle and the map
data stored in the RAM 1a (step S62). That is, the map screens
displayed in the left and right half areas thereof respectively are
updated in response to the moving of own vehicle.
[0075] Then, it is decided whether or not the flag f.sub.3
indicating that the "detail" button switch is formed is 1 (step
S63). Then, if it is concluded that the flag f.sub.3 is 1 (i.e.,
the "detail" button switch is formed), it is decided whether or not
the user touches on the "detail" button switch (step S64). When it
is concluded that the user touches on the "detail" button switch,
it is regarded that the user requests the map screen as the
detailed display. Thus, the map screen showing the neighborhood of
the current location of own vehicle (as the detailed display) is
displayed in the right half area of the display panel 9b based on
the current location information of own vehicle and the map data
stored in the RAM 1a (step S65) Then, the "detail" button switch is
removed (step S66) The "wide area" button switch is formed in place
of the "detail" button switch (step S67). The flag f.sub.3 is set
to 0 (step S68). The process goes to step S74. In contrast, in step
S64, it is concluded that the user does not touch the "detail"
button. switch, steps S65 to S68 are skipped and the process goes
to step S74 as it is.
[0076] Also, in step S63, if it is concluded that the flag f.sub.3
is not 1 (i.e., the "wide area" button switch is formed), it is
decided whether or not the user touches on the "wide area" button
switch (step S69). If it is concluded that the user touches on the
"wide area" button switch, it is regarded that the user requests
the map screen as the wide area display. Thus, the map screen
showing the neighborhood of the current location of own vehicle (as
the wide area display) is displayed in the right half area of the
display panel 9b based on the current location information of own
vehicle and the map data stored in the RAM 1a (step S70).
[0077] Next, the "wide area" button switch is removed (step S71)
The "detail" button is formed instead of this (step S72) The flag
f.sub.3 is set to 1 (step S73) . The process goes to step S74. In
contrast, in step S69, it is concluded that the user does not touch
on the "wide area" button, steps S70 to S73 are skipped and the
process goes to step S74 as it is.
[0078] In step S74, it is decided whether or not the user pushes
down the "two screen" button switch 8b.sub.1 provided on the remote
controller 8. When it is concluded that the user pushes down the
"two screen" button switch 8b.sub.1, it is regarded that the user
requests the cancel of the two-screen display. Then, it is decided
whether or not the flag f.sub.3 is 1 (step S75).
[0079] If it is concluded that the flag f.sub.3 is 1 (i.e., the
"detail" button switch is formed) , the "detail" button switch is
removed (step S76). The flag f.sub.3 is set to 0 (step S77) . The
process goes to step S2 (FIG. 2) . In contrast, if it is concluded
that the flag f.sub.3 is not 1 (i.e., the "wide area" button switch
is formed), the "wide area" button is removed (step S78). The
process goes to step S2.
[0080] According to the navigation apparatus of the embodiment (1),
the map screen can be displayed in the left half area on the
display panel 9b, while the real image can be displayed in the
right half area. Therefore, not only the map screen but also the
real image such as the satellite photograph can be displayed on the
display panel 9b. As a result, sufficient information can be
offered to the user.
[0081] Also, when the display is switched from the state that the
map screen is displayed on the overall screen of the display panel
9b (FIG. 6) to the state that the map screen is displayed in the
left half area on the display panel 9b and the real image is
displayed in the remaining right half area, the real image as the
wide area display is displayed on the remaining right half area
(FIG. 8). Therefore, even if the real image is displayed in the
narrowed area such as the right half area on the display panel 9b,
a lot of information can be offered to the user.
[0082] Also, if the display is switched from the state that the map
screen is displayed on the overall screen of the display panel 9b
(FIG. 6) to the state that the real image is displayed on the
overall screen of the display panel 9b, the real image as the
detailed display is displayed on the overall area (FIG. 7). That
is, the scale of the real image is different from that in a case
where the real image is displayed in the right half area on the
display panel 9b. Therefore, more significant information can be
offered to the user.
[0083] In the above described embodiment, the real image having a
large scale and the real image having a small scale are switched
and used for display in response to the selected button ("two
screen", "satellite photograph", "detail", and "wide area")
However, in another embodiment, the microcomputer 1 may read only
the real image data on one scale from the DVD-ROM 7 and store it in
the RAM 1a. When it is required to change the scale of the
displayed real image data, the microcomputer 1 may conduct
enlargement/reduction processes on the stored real image data in
response to the selected button and display the processed real
image. In the another embodiment, an amount of the real image data
stored in the RAM 1a is reduced to half in comparison with the
embodiment (1). Therefore, the RAM 1a is used more effectively.
[0084] FIG. 1:
[0085] 1 microcomputer
[0086] 2 speed sensor
[0087] 3 gyro sensor
[0088] 4 GPS receiver
[0089] 5 DVD drive
[0090] FIG. 2:
[0091] S2 calculate current location information of own vehicle
[0092] S3 display map screen (update)
[0093] S4 Is real image data present?
[0094] S5 form "satellite photograph" button
[0095] S7 "Satellite photograph" ON?
[0096] S8 remove "satellite photograph" button
[0097] S10 display real image
[0098] S11 form "map" button
[0099] S13 "Two screen" ON?
[0100] S15 remove "satellite photograph" button
[0101] S17 Is real image data present?
[0102] S18 display map screen in left half
[0103] S19 display real image (wide area) in right half
[0104] S21 form "detail" button
[0105] S23 display map screen in left half
[0106] S24 display map screen (wide area) in right half
[0107] S26 form "detail" button
[0108] S29 remove "satellite photograph" button
[0109] S32 "Map" ON?
[0110] FIG. 3:
[0111] S42 calculate current location information of own
vehicle
[0112] S43 update map screen in left half
[0113] S45 "Detail" ON?
[0114] S46 display real image (detail) in right half
[0115] S47 remove "detail" button
[0116] S48 form "wide area" button
[0117] S50 "Wide area" ON?
[0118] S51 display real image (wide area) in right half
[0119] S52 remove "wide area" button
[0120] S53 form "detail" button
[0121] S55 "Two screen" ON?
[0122] S57 remove "detail" button
[0123] S59 remove "wide area" button
[0124] FIG. 4:
[0125] S61 calculate current location information of own
vehicle
[0126] S62 update map screen in right and left halves,
respectively
[0127] S64 "detail" ON?
[0128] S65 display map screen (detail) in right half
[0129] S66 remove "detail" button
[0130] S67 form "wide area" button
[0131] S69 "wide area" ON?
[0132] S70 display map screen (wide area) in right half
[0133] S71 remove "wide area" button
[0134] S72 form "detail" button
[0135] S74 "two screen" ON?
[0136] S76 remove "detail" button
[0137] S78 remove "wide area" button
* * * * *