JP4516557B2 - Display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device that displays map information, character information, or the like on a display screen, such as an in-vehicle navigation system, and more particularly, by a simple numeric input operation such as a telephone number or a postal code, or an input of a place name. The present invention relates to a display device that displays a desired map, characters, and characters including figures only by operation.

  When it is desired to guide the route to the destination for the vehicle driver by the car navigation system mounted on the vehicle, the destination must first be set. There are various forms of setting the destination.

  In general, the name or address of the destination is directly entered in characters, or the destination is selected and entered from a list of names or addresses. The destination can also be set by scrolling the map screen to find the destination from the map and pointing the destination with the pointing device.

  Further, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose prior arts for displaying a map near a destination by inputting a telephone number or a postal code. According to these prior arts, a desired map can be displayed only by inputting numbers.

JP-A-6-236145 JP-A-6-309378

  In Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a map related to this number cannot be displayed unless a telephone number or a postal code is entered in all digits. This prevents any map from being displayed if the operator does not remember all digits of the phone number or postal code. Furthermore, it is impossible to set the destination in the car navigation system.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of displaying information such as a map even when an operator forgets a part of a destination telephone number or postal code or a part of a place name.

The present invention comprises an input means for inputting a place name assigned to each area on a map;
The place name input to the input means and the identification number corresponding to each area to which the place name is attached are stored in a hierarchical structure with the upper place name corresponding to the upper digit and the lower place name corresponding to the lower digit. A place name memory, and the greater the distance between two different areas, the greater the difference between two identification numbers corresponding to the two areas;
In response to an output from the input means, a first search means for searching a plurality of place names having the same name as the place name input from the place names stored in the place name memory;
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position;
In response to an output from the current position detection means, a second search means for searching for a place name assigned to an area including the current position from the place names stored in the place name memory;
In response to outputs from the first search means and the second search means, a number difference for calculating a difference between an identification number corresponding to the area having the same name as the input place name and an identification number corresponding to the area including the current position A calculation means;
In response to the output from the number difference calculation means, a comparison means for comparing the calculated number differences,
A map memory corresponding to each identification number, and a map memory storing in advance a map of a wider area including the area corresponding to the identification number;
In response to the output from the comparison means, a reading means for reading out a map of the area corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference from the map memory;
A display device comprising: display means for displaying a read map in response to an output from the reading means.

Further, the present invention provides an input means for inputting a lower place name assigned to each of a plurality of areas each assigned a higher place name on a map, and a lower area formed by further subdividing the area,
The lower place name input to the input means, the upper place name assigned to the upper area including the area with the lower place name, and the identification number corresponding to each area with the lower place name, the upper place name is higher. A place name memory corresponding to a digit and stored in a hierarchical structure in which a lower place name corresponds to a lower place, and the larger the distance between two different regions, the more the corresponding two identification numbers. A place name memory with a big difference,
In response to an output from the input means, a first search means for searching a plurality of lower place names having the same name as the inputted lower place names from among the lower place names stored in the place name memory;
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position;
In response to an output from the current position detection means, a second search means for searching a lower place name assigned to the area including the current position from among the lower place names stored in the place name memory;
In response to the output from the first search means and the second search means, a number for calculating the difference between the identification number corresponding to the area having the same name as the input lower place name and the identification number corresponding to the area including the current position. A difference calculating means;
In response to the output from the number difference calculation means, a comparison means for comparing the calculated number differences,
In response to the output from the comparison means, the lower place name given to the area corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference, and the upper place name given to the upper area including the area to which the lower place name is attached Reading means for reading from the place name memory;
A display device comprising display means for displaying the read upper place name and lower place name in response to an output from the reading means.

  According to the present invention, a map can be displayed when an operator inputs a place name.

  The place names here are, for example, “Hyogo Prefecture”, “Kobe City”, “Chuo Ward”, and “Motomachi Street” such as prefecture names and city names. Among them, “Hyogo Prefecture” and the like are place names that exist only once in the whole country, but “Chuo Ward” and the like are not limited to “Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture”, but are place names that exist several times throughout the country. The display device of the present invention is effective when inputting place names that exist several times throughout the country, such as the latter "Chuo-ku".

  In addition, the larger the distance between two different areas, the greater the difference between the two identification numbers corresponding to the two areas. For example, “Kashiwa Ward” in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture has an identification number “1”, “Chuo Ward” has an identification number “2”, and “Tarumizu Ward” has an identification number “9”. The actual distance between “Kashiwa-ku” and “Chuo-ku” is larger than the distance between “Tarumizu-ku” and “Chuo-ku”, and the difference between the corresponding identification numbers is “1” and “7”. It is. When both are compared, “7” is larger, so it matches the perspective of each actual area.

In the display device of the present invention, the operator inputs a place name using the input means. When the place name is input, in response to the output of the input means, the first search means searches the place name memory for the place name having the same name as the input place name. On the other hand, the current position detection means detects the current position, and in response to the output from the current position detection means, the second search means searches the place name memory for the place name assigned to the area including the current position. Incidentally, the place name that is output from the second search means, but always one place name that is output from the first search means, as is apparent in the example of "Chuo-ku" of the, one and Is not limited.

An identification number corresponding to the current position and Np, the identification number corresponding to the place name that is outputted from the first search unit N1, N2, if ... to, the number difference calculating unit identification number Np and the identification number N1, N2, ... Calculate the difference between each. Subsequently, in response to the output from the number difference calculating means, the number difference comparing means compares the sizes of the number differences (Np−N1), (Np−N2),. Next, in response to the output from the comparison means, the reading means reads the map corresponding to the identification number N3 from the map memory, assuming that the identification number giving the minimum value among the number differences from Np, for example N3. put out. Next, in response to the output from the reading means, the display means displays the read map.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to search for a place name having the same name as the inputted place name by simply inputting the place name, and to display a map of an area closest to the current position among the searched place names. Therefore, if you want to display a map of a relatively subdivided area, or if the operator remembers only the lower place name without remembering the upper place name, just enter the lower place name among the place names. There is no need to enter a place name higher than that. For example, even when it is desired to display a map of “Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture”, the operator only has to input “Chuo-ku”. Thus, the operator's input work is supported or the input work is reduced, and the operability is improved.

  According to the present invention, when an operator inputs a lower place name, the lower place name and its upper place name can be displayed.

  The lower place name here is a place name given to a relatively subdivided area on the map, and the upper place name is given to a relatively broad upper area including each area with a plurality of lower place names. Is the place name. For example, in “Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture”, if “Chuo Ward” included in “Kobe City” is the lower place name, “Kobe City” is the upper place name of “Chuo Ward”. If “Kobe City” included in “Hyogo Prefecture” is a lower place name, “Hyogo Prefecture” is an upper place name of “Kobe City”. Furthermore, “Hyogo Prefecture” is also the upper place name of “Chuo-ku”. As described above, each name has a tree-like hierarchical structure.

  In the display device of the present invention, the operator inputs the lower place name with the input means. When the lower place name is inputted, the first search means searches the place name memory for the lower place name having the same name as the inputted lower place name in accordance with the output of the input means. On the other hand, the current position detection means detects the current position, and in response to the output from the current position detection means, the second search means searches the place name memory for the lower place name assigned to the area including the current position. .

An identification number corresponding to the current position and Np, the identification number corresponding to the lower place name output from the first search unit N1, N2, if ... to, the number difference calculating unit identification number Np and the identification number N1, N2 , ..., the difference between each is calculated. Subsequently, in response to the output from the number difference calculating means, the number difference comparing means compares the sizes of the number differences (Np−N1), (Np−N2),. Next, in response to the output from the comparison means, the reading means, when the identification number giving the minimum value among the number differences from Np, for example, N3, is the lower place name corresponding to the identification number N3 and its upper place name. Is read from the place name memory. Next, in response to the output of the reading means, the display means displays the read lower place name and upper place name.

  According to the present invention, just by inputting a lower place name, a lower place name having the same name as the inputted lower place name is searched, and among the searched lower place names, the lower place name and upper place name of the area closest to the current position are displayed. Can be made. Therefore, even if you want to display place names of relatively subdivided areas, or even if the operator remembers only the lower place names without remembering the upper place names, the lower place names of the place names are displayed. You only need to enter it, and you do not need to enter a place name higher than that. Thus, the operator's input work is supported or the input work is reduced, and the operability is improved.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a display device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The display device 10 is a display device mounted on a vehicle and used as a car navigation system, and includes an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a number conversion memory 13, a map memory 14, a place name memory 15, and a control unit 16.

  First, a typical input operation to the input unit 11 by an operator and an image or a character displayed on the display unit 12 by the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the input unit 11 of FIG. The input unit 11 is an input device that includes an operation lever 44, a numeric keypad 91, and an enter button 92, and an operator performs input to the display device 10 by operating the operation lever 44, numeric keypad 91, or enter button 92. The operation lever 44 can be urged and tilted in two-dimensional directions with the pedestal 45 as a fulcrum, and mainly serves to input the direction. Numbers from 0 to 9 can be input from the numeric keypad 91, and a multi-digit number can be input by the operator continuously operating the numeric keypad 91. The input unit 11 is a so-called remote controller that wirelessly transmits a signal generated by an input operation to the control unit 16.

  The display unit 12 includes a liquid crystal display (abbreviation: LCD), and realizes a thin display panel that can be easily mounted on a vehicle. The display unit 12 displays an image or a character such as a map, and particularly displays a map near the current position while traveling, or displays a map near the destination when setting the destination.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the map screen 41 displayed by the display unit 12 of FIG. On the road 43 in the map screen 41, a cursor 42 representing the current position of the vehicle on which the display device 10 is mounted is displayed. As the vehicle travels, the cursor 42 moves along the road 43. Further, when setting the destination, by operating the operation lever 44 of FIG. 2, the cursor 42 can be moved in each two-dimensional direction within the fixedly displayed map screen 41. Alternatively, the map screen 41 can be scrolled in two-dimensional directions while the position of the cursor 42 in the map screen 41 is fixed.

  For example, when the cursor 42 is moved to a desired position, a position indicated by the cursor 42 can be set as a destination by pressing an enter button 92 provided on the input unit 11.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a destination setting screen 46 by selection of display characters. The setting screen 46 is a screen for setting a destination, and may be displayed with the map screen 41 of FIG. 3 as a background. On the setting screen 46, the selection of the place name 47 representing the prefecture name has been completed, and a list 48 of place names representing the names of municipalities is displayed. In the list 48, “Kobe City” is displayed in the first row 51, “Nishimiya City” is displayed in the second row 52, and “Ashiya City” is displayed in the third row 53. Using the operation lever 44, a desired place name is selected from the list 48. “Nishinomiya City” in the selected second row 52 clearly indicates that the display color has been selected. When the enter button 92 of the input unit 11 is pressed in this state, “Nishinomiya City” in the second row 52 is determined as the municipality name.

  After the municipality name is determined, similarly, a list of lower place names is displayed, and the process proceeds to selection of the next place name. Thereafter, the place name is further set by a similar selection operation. The operation for selecting the prefecture name is also performed by the same operation.

Next, a configuration or operation unique to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing step-by-step telephone number input operations. By continuously operating the numeric keypad 91 of the input unit 11, a multi-digit number can be input, so that a telephone number can also be input. The telephone number is assumed to be composed of a 10-digit number here as the first plurality of digits. Of the 10-digit telephone number, a number constituted by the fourth plurality of digits from the most significant digit can also be input. The fourth plurality of digits is the number of digits less than the first plurality of digits, and here is less than 10 digits. When a fourth multi-digit number composed of a telephone number or a part thereof is input, the number input from the input unit 11 is displayed on the display unit 12. At this time, only the input numbers may be displayed on the display screen, or the numbers input using the map screen as a background may be displayed.

  The telephone number of the destination that the operator wants to set is “078-67X-XXXX”. X is a number from 0 to 9. Among these, first, when “0” is input to the most significant digit P1 and “7” is input to the second digit P2 located second from the most significant digit P1, as shown in FIG. “07” is displayed as the input number 63. Here, the map corresponding to the number 63 “07” may be displayed as the background of the number 63 “07”, or the map corresponding to the number “07” is displayed by pressing the enter button 92 of the input unit 11. May be.

  Next, when “8” is input in the third digit P3 after the number 63 “07”, the number 63 “078” is displayed on the display screen 54 as shown in FIG. As in the case of FIG. 5A, the map corresponding to the number 63 “078” may be displayed immediately, or the map may be displayed by pressing the enter button 92. Similarly, when “− (hyphen)” and “6” are added to the fourth digit P4 and input, the number 63 “078-6” is displayed on the display screen 54 as shown in FIG. The Further, when “7” is added to the fifth digit P5 and input, the number 63 “078-67” is displayed on the display screen 54 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the number conversion tables 55 to 58 stored in the number conversion memory 13. The number conversion memory 13 stores a plurality of number conversion tables represented by number conversion tables 55 to 58. In the number conversion table, telephone numbers and identification numbers corresponding to the respective telephone numbers are stored. The number conversion memory 13 also stores a number composed of less than 10 digits from the most significant digit among the 10-digit telephone numbers, and an identification number corresponding to each number.

  In the number conversion table 55 in FIG. 6A, a two-digit number 63 consisting of a part of a telephone number and an identification number 64 for each number 63 correspond to each other. Similarly, in the number conversion table 56 in FIG. 6 (2), a three-digit number 63 and an identification number 64 correspond, and in the number conversion table 57 in FIG. 6 (3), a four-digit number 63 and an identification number 64 Correspondingly, in the number conversion table 58 of FIG. 6 (4), the 5-digit number 63 and the identification number 64 correspond.

  The identification number 64 includes a most significant digit R1, a second second digit R2 from the most significant digit R1, a third third digit R3 from the most significant digit R1, and a fourth fourth digit R4. For the most significant digit R1, the number 63 of the second digit P2 is substituted, and when the second digit P2 does not exist, “0” is substituted for the most significant digit P1. Similarly, the third digit P3 of the number 63 is substituted for the second digit R2, the fourth digit P4 of the number 63 is substituted for the third digit R3, and the fifth digit P5 of the number 63 is substituted for the fourth digit R4. “0” is substituted for each digit of the identification number 64 for which there is no corresponding digit 63 digit.

  As described above, the number conversion tables 55 to 58 are provided for each number of digits 63 to be input. The numbers 63 input to the input unit 11 are converted into identification numbers 64 by the number conversion tables 55 to 58, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when "07", "078", "078-6", and "078-67" are input as the number 63 consisting of a part of the telephone number from the input unit 11, The numbers are converted into “7000”, “7800”, “7860”, and “7867” as identification numbers 64 by the number conversion tables 55 to 58, respectively. Although not shown, the number 63 “0” is converted into an identification number 64 “0000”.

  7 to 10 are diagrams respectively showing maps 34 to 37 that are read from the map memory 14 and displayed on the display unit 12. The map memory 14 stores a map corresponding to each number 63 via the identification number 64 in advance. The map 34 in FIG. 7 is a map corresponding to the number 63 “0” via the identification number 64 “0000”, and “0000” is assigned as the map number 64a in the upper left corner. The same number as the corresponding identification number 64 is attached to the map number 64a. The map 34 is a map of a wider area including the area corresponding to the numeral 63 “0”. Note that the area corresponding to the number 63 “0” is composed of all areas having the telephone number having the highest digit “0”. That is, the map 34 includes all regions corresponding to all the numbers 63 in which “0” is substituted for the most significant digit P1 and arbitrary digits are substituted for the digits after the second digit P2.

  For example, the map 34 of FIG. 7 includes an area corresponding to the numeral 63 “07” via the identification number 64 “7000”. The map corresponding to the numeral 63 “07” is the map 35 of FIG. The map 35 is larger than the scale of the map 34 and is an enlarged display of the area corresponding to the number 63 “07” via the identification number 64 “7000” in the map 34.

  Similarly, the map 35 of FIG. 8 is a map including all areas in which the most significant two digits of the telephone number are “07”, and the number 63 “is entered via the identification numbers 64“ 7500 ”and“ 7800 ”. Regions corresponding to “075” and “078” are included. Of these, the map corresponding to the number 63 “078” is the map 36 shown in FIG. 9, and is an enlarged display of a part of the map 35. The map 36 in FIG. 9 is a map including all areas where the most significant three digits of the telephone number are “078”, and the areas corresponding to the identification numbers 64 “7850”, “7860”, “7870”, and the like. Includes everything. The map corresponding to the identification number 64 “7860” is the map 37 shown in FIG. 10, and is an enlarged display of a part of the map 36. A map 37 in FIG. 10 is a map including all areas in which the highest four digits of the telephone number are “078-6”, and corresponds to the number 63 “078-67” via the identification number 64 “7867”. It includes all the areas that do.

  FIGS. 11 to 13 are virtual maps 31 to 33 stored in the map memory 14. The map 31 in FIG. 11 is a virtual map with a scale of 1 / 25,000, and the entire map 31 is not actually displayed on the display unit 11. Only the rectangular area 31 a in the map 31 is displayed on the display unit 12. The area corresponding to the number 63 input by the input unit 12 is included in the rectangular area 31a. Conversely, the position of the rectangular area 31a in the map 31 corresponds to the number 63 to which the rectangular area 31a is input. It is decided to include the area to be. Similarly, the map 32 in FIG. 12 is a map with a scale of 1 / 30,000, and a rectangular area 32 a in the map 32 is displayed on the display unit 12. A map 33 in FIG. 13 is a map with a scale of 1 / 35,000, and a rectangular area 33 a in the map 33 is displayed on the display unit 12. The shapes and sizes of the rectangular areas 31 a to 33 a all match the shape and size of the display screen of the display unit 12.

  In the map stored in the map memory 14, the scale of the corresponding map is larger as the number of digits of the input number 63 is larger. For example, a four-digit number 63 “078-6” corresponds to the rectangular area 31 a of the map 31 having a relatively large scale, and a three-digit number 63 “078” has a map 32 having a smaller scale than the map 31. The rectangular area 32a of the map 33 having a smaller scale than the map 32 corresponds to the two-digit number 63 “07”.

  Hereinafter, the place name memory 15 and the control unit 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 again. The place name stored in the place name memory 15 is a name assigned to each area corresponding to each number 63 via the identification number 64. The place name memory 15 may store place names as shown in FIG. In response to the output from the input unit 11, the control unit 16 reads the identification number 64 corresponding to the input number 63 from the number conversion memory 13, and further reads the map corresponding to the read identification number 64 from the map memory 14. Read. Alternatively, the place name corresponding to the read identification number 64 is read from the place name memory 15. The display unit 12 displays the read map or place name.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing by the display device 10 step by step. First, in step a1, the operator inputs the number 63 consisting of a part of the telephone number from the input unit 11 in order from the most significant digit P1. Next, in step a <b> 2, the control unit 16 reads the identification number 64 corresponding to the input number 63 from the number conversion memory 13 in response to the output from the input unit 11. Next, in step a <b> 3, the controller 16 reads a map corresponding to the identification number 64 read from the number conversion memory 13 from the map memory 14. Alternatively, the place name corresponding to the identification number 64 is read from the place name memory 15. Next, in step a4, the read map or place name is displayed on the display unit 12. Note that step a3 in FIG. 14 constitutes a reading unit of the display device 10.

  Thus, in the display device 10, since the map and the place name are stored in advance in the map memory 14 and the place name memory 15, respectively, the map and the place name of the scale corresponding to the number 63 consisting of a part of the telephone number via the identification number 64 are stored. A map or place name corresponding to the input number 63 can be displayed only by the operator inputting the number 63.

  In the display device 10, a postal code or other area code may be used instead of the telephone number.

  Further, the display device 10 can be configured without the place name memory 15, and in that case, only the map can be displayed. Similarly, a configuration without the map memory 14 is also possible, and in that case, only the place name can be displayed.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The display device 20 includes an input unit 21, a display unit 22, a place name memory 25, a map memory 24, a GPS (satellite navigation system) receiver 27, and a control unit 26. The display unit 22 displays map information such as the display screen 41 of FIG. 3 or character information such as the setting screen 46 of FIG. The input unit 21 has the same configuration as that in FIG. 2 and includes an operation lever 44 and character keys 92. By using the character key 92, a character can be input from the input unit 21. In particular, a place name assigned to each area on the map can be input.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing data stored in the place name memory 25. As shown in FIG. 16, place names 71 from upper to lower places are stored in the place name memory 25 so as to form a tree-like hierarchical structure in order, thereby facilitating the search. The numbers shown in parentheses below the local names 71 are identification numbers 72 corresponding to the respective place names 71, and the identification numbers 72 are also stored in the place name memory 25. As the place name 71a of the highest hierarchy, there are “A1 prefecture”, “A2 prefecture”, “A3 prefecture”, and the like. Among them, there are “B1 city”, “B2 city”, “B5 city”, etc. as the place name 71b of the second hierarchy below “A2 prefecture”. Similarly, “C1 ward” and “C2 ward” are in the place name 71c in the third hierarchy lower than “B1 city”, and “Gosho-dori” is in the place name 71d in the fourth hierarchy lower than “C1 ward”. . Incidentally, the place name 71d “Gosho-dori” exists throughout the country in addition to “B2 city C1 ward Gosho-dori in A2 prefecture”.

  The identification number 72 includes a most significant digit Q1, a second digit Q2 positioned second from the most significant digit Q1, a third third digit Q3 and a fourth fourth digit Q4 from the most significant digit Q1. The highest digit Q1, the second digit Q2, the third digit Q3, and the fourth digit Q4 are each assigned any one of 0-9. The highest digit Q1 is assigned a number corresponding to the place name 71a of the highest hierarchy. For example, if the place name 71a of the highest hierarchy is “A2 prefecture”, “2” is substituted, and if the place name 71a of the highest hierarchy is “A3 prefecture”, “3” is substituted. Subsequently, the second digit Q2 is assigned a number corresponding to the place name 71b subordinate to the place name 71a at the top, that is, the place name 71b in the second hierarchy. For example, if the place name 71b of the second hierarchy is “B1 city”, “1” is substituted, and if it is “B2 city”, “2” is substituted. Similarly, the third digit Q3 is assigned a number corresponding to the third hierarchy place name 71c, and the fourth digit Q4 is assigned a number corresponding to the fourth hierarchy place name 71d.

  Thus, in the identification number 72a corresponding to the place name 71a of the first hierarchy, a number other than zero is substituted only for the first digit Q1, and all zeros are substituted for the remaining second digit Q2 and thereafter. In the identification number 72b corresponding to the place name 71b of the second hierarchy, a non-zero number corresponding to the place name of the higher rank is assigned to the first digit Q1, and a non-zero number is assigned to the second digit Q2, Zero is assigned to each digit after the digit Q3. Similarly, in the identification number 72c corresponding to the place name 71c in the third hierarchy, zero is substituted only in the fourth digit Q4, and in the identification number 72d corresponding to the place name 71d in the fourth hierarchy, any digit is not zero. A number is substituted.

  The identification number 72 is a number such that the difference between the two regions with two different place names is smaller as the distance between the two regions is shorter. For example, the difference between the identification number 72 “1000” and the identification number 72 “2000” is smaller than the difference between the identification number 72 “1000” and the identification number 72 “6000”. Is smaller than the distance between “A1 prefecture” and “A6 prefecture”.

  Returning to FIG. 15, the map memory 24 stores a map corresponding to each identification number 72 in advance. The stored map is a map of a wider area including the area corresponding to the identification number 72. For example, the maps stored in the map memory 24 are the maps 34 to 37 in FIGS. The GPS receiver 27 receives a signal from a positioning satellite orbiting the earth orbit, performs triangulation based on the received signal, calculates the latitude and longitude of the current position, and outputs them to the control unit 26.

  The control unit 26 performs various processes shown below. First, in response to an output from the input unit 21, a place name having the same name as the inputted place name is searched from among the place names stored in the place name memory 25. Secondly, in response to the output from the GPS receiver 27, the place name assigned to the area including the current position is searched from the place names stored in the place name memory 25. Third, in response to the search result, each identification number N1, N2,... Corresponding to a region with a place name of the same name as the input place name, and an identification number corresponding to a region including the current position Np differences (Np−N1), (Np−N2),... Are calculated. Fourth, in response to the calculation result, the magnitudes of the calculated number differences are compared with each other. Fifth, in response to the comparison result, a map corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference is read from the map memory 24. Alternatively, the place name corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference and the place name described above are read from the place name memory 25. The display unit 22 displays the read map or place name.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a search result of place names including the same place name. Since data as shown in FIG. 16 is stored in the place name memory 25, “Gosho-dori” is input to the input unit 11, and the control unit 26 selects the place name having the same name as “Gosho-dori” from among the place names in the whole country Is retrieved, a list 81 is output as a search result. Identification numbers 72 “2111”, “2121”, “2511”, and “6511” are arranged in each row 84 of the first column 82 of the list 81. In each row 85 of the second column 83, place names 71d “Gosho-dori” corresponding to the respective identification numbers 72 are arranged. In the list 81, place names 71a to 71c higher than the place name 71d “Gosho-dori” are also output. The list 81 may be displayed on the display unit 12 as an intermediate process.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing flow by the display device 20 step by step. First, in step b1, the operator inputs a place name from the input unit 21. Next, in step b2, the GPS receiver 27 detects the current position. Next, in step b3, in response to the output from the input unit 21, a place name having the inputted place name is searched from among the place names stored in the place name memory 25. Next, in step b4, in response to the output from the GPS receiver 27, a place name representing an area including the current position is searched from among the place names stored in the place name memory 25.

  Next, in step b5, in response to the search results of steps b3 and b4, each identification number N1, N2,... Corresponding to the name of each place having the input place name and the place name representing the area including the current position are corresponded. Differences (Np−N1), (Np−N2),... Of the identification numbers Np are calculated. Next, in step b6, in response to the calculation result of step b5, the magnitudes of the calculated number differences (Np−N1), (Np−N2),... Are compared. Next, in step b7, in response to the comparison result in step b6, the map corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference is read from the map memory 24. Alternatively, the place name corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference and the place name above it are read from the place name memory 25. Next, in step b8, the read map or place name is displayed on the display unit 22.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 18, step b3 constitutes first retrieval means, step b4 constitutes second retrieval means, step b5 constitutes number difference calculation means, step b6 constitutes comparison means, and step b7 constitutes readout means. Yes.

  In this way, the display device 20 searches the place name having the same name as the inputted place name from all over the country just by inputting the place name, and sets the current position from among the plurality of areas to which the plurality of searched place names are attached. A place name of the nearest area can be selected, and a map corresponding to the selected place name can be displayed. Alternatively, the selected place name and the place name above it can be displayed.

  The display device 20 may be configured without the map memory 24. In that case, only the place name can be displayed. On the other hand, even when only the map is desired to be displayed, the place name memory 25 is used, so the place name memory 25 is an indispensable component.

The following embodiments are possible for the present invention.
(1) Input means for inputting a number composed of a second plurality of digits that are less than or equal to the first plurality of digits from the most significant digit of the first plurality of region numbers, wherein the region number is on a map A region corresponding to a third plurality of types, a third plurality of types consisting of a first plurality of digits, and corresponding to a number consisting of a fourth plurality of digits less than the first plurality of digits from the most significant digit Are input to the input means including the areas corresponding to all the area numbers in which the number of the fourth plurality of digits from the most significant digit is common and the digits of the lower digits are different from the numbers. A map memory storing a map corresponding to each of the second plurality of digits, wherein the map corresponding to the second plurality of digits includes an area corresponding to the second plurality of digits, 2 The larger the number, the larger the map corresponding to the second number. A map memory having a large scale, a reading means for reading out the map corresponding to the inputted second plural-digit number from the map memory, and reading in response to the output from the reading means in response to the output from the input means. And a display means for displaying the map.

The map can be displayed when the operator inputs a part of the area number.
The area code here is a number consisting of a first plurality of digits such as a telephone number or a postal code. The first plurality is a natural number of 2 or more that represents the number of digits of the area number, and the value varies depending on the area number to be processed. If the area number is a telephone number, the telephone number is a number mainly consisting of 9 digits or 10 digits, so the first number is 9 or 10. For example, the first number is 10 for the telephone number “078-123-4567”. The zip code is generally a three-digit or five-digit number, and since 1998 a seven-digit zip code is implemented, the first plurality is 3, 5 or 7.

  The area number is also a third plurality of types of numbers determined for each of the regions divided into the third plurality of types on the map. For example, since a telephone number is set for each telephone set installed in a house or outdoors, most telephone numbers may be defined in a minute area on the map. The third plurality is the number of types of telephone numbers, that is, the number of existing telephones or telephone numbers. Moreover, most postal codes are determined for each municipality, and 7-digit postal codes are determined for each subdivided area. Therefore, if the area code is a zip code, the third plurality is the number of types of zip codes as in the case of a telephone number.

  The number composed of the fourth plurality of digits from the most significant digit in such a region number corresponds to a region different from the region corresponding to the region number. The fourth plurality is a number less than the first plurality, which is the number of digits of the area number. The region corresponding to the fourth multi-digit number corresponds to a region number in which the fourth multi-digit number from the most significant digit is common and the lower-order digit of the fourth multi-digit number is different. Includes all regions. For example, for the phone number “078-123-4567” in which the first plurality of digits is 10 digits, the number “078” in which the fourth plurality of digits is three digits from the highest digit is different from the area corresponding to the phone number. Corresponds to the region. The area corresponding to the number “078” corresponds to telephone numbers “078-1223-4567”, “078-223-4567”, etc., which have the same number and different numbers on the lower side of the number. Includes all regions.

  Further, from the above, the region corresponding to “078” is a number “078-1” composed of all numbers in which “078” is common and the lower digit of “078” is different in one digit number. ”,“ 078-2 ”,“ 078-3 ”and the like are included. Furthermore, the areas corresponding to “078-1” include all areas corresponding to “078-1”, “078-12”, “078-13”, and the like. As described above, the regions corresponding to the region numbers and the numbers composed of a part thereof have a hierarchical structure.

  In the telephone number, the first area code and the next city code are hierarchically configured as described above. In addition, even in postal codes, there are exceptions in some areas, but all digits are structured hierarchically.

  The map memory stores a map corresponding to each of the second plurality of digits that can be input from the input means. The second multiple-digit number is a number in which the maximum number of digits including the area number and the fourth multiple-digit number is the first multiple-digit number. As described above, the second plurality of digits that are input correspond to the respective regions of various levels on the map, and the map corresponding to the second plurality of digits is the second number. Includes regions corresponding to multi-digit numbers. For example, the map corresponding to the number “078-1” made up of a part of the telephone number “078-1223-4567” includes this region instead of displaying only the region corresponding to “078-1”. Display the region.

  In addition, for a map stored in the map memory, the larger the number of digits of the input number, that is, the larger the second number, the larger the scale of the map corresponding to the number, and the smaller the number of digits, the smaller the scale. small. For example, the map corresponding to the telephone number “078-1523-4567” is the map of the maximum scale, and the scale of the map corresponding to the number “078-1” composed of a part thereof is smaller than the maximum scale. . The scale of the map corresponding to “078” composed of a part of “078-1” is even smaller, and the scale of the map corresponding to the number “07” is still smaller.

  The operator inputs a number composed of the second plurality of digits from the most significant digit of the area number in the input means. When the second plurality of digits are input, the reading unit reads out the map corresponding to the input second plurality of digits from the map memory in response to the output of the input unit. When the map is read, the display means displays the read map in response to the output of the reading means.

  Therefore, if the operator does not remember all digits of the area number corresponding to the desired area, or if he / she wants to display even the periphery of the area corresponding to the area number even if all digits are remembered, By inputting numbers from the upper digits to the middle digits, it is possible to display a map with a scale corresponding to the number of digits entered. In particular, when setting a destination in a car navigation system, it is possible to display a relatively wide area map by entering a part of a telephone number and select a destination from the displayed map. .

  If the operator does not remember all digits of the area number corresponding to the desired area, or if he / she wants to display the entire area surrounding the area corresponding to the area number even though all digits are remembered, the most significant digit By inputting the numbers from the middle to the middle digits, it is possible to display a scale map corresponding to the number of digits of the entered numbers. In particular, when setting a destination in a car navigation system, it is possible to display a relatively wide area map by entering a part of a telephone number and select a destination from the displayed map. .

  (2) Input means for inputting a number composed of a second plurality of digits that are equal to or less than the first plurality of digits from the most significant digit of the first plurality of digits of the region number, wherein the region number is on a map A region corresponding to a third plurality of types, a third plurality of types consisting of a first plurality of digits, and corresponding to a number consisting of a fourth plurality of digits less than the first plurality of digits from the most significant digit Are input to the input means including the areas corresponding to all the area numbers in which the number of the fourth plurality of digits from the most significant digit is common and the digits of the lower digits are different from the numbers. A place name memory storing a place name corresponding to each of the second plurality of digits, wherein the place name corresponding to the second plurality of digits is a place name including an area corresponding to the second plurality of digits. In response to an output from a place name memory and input means, A display device comprising: a reading means for reading a place name corresponding to the second plurality of digits, from the place name memory; and a display means for displaying the read place name in response to an output from the reading means. .

  When the operator inputs a part of the area number as described above, the place name can be displayed.

  In the place name memory, place names respectively corresponding to the input second multi-digit numbers are stored. Each of the inputted second multi-digit numbers corresponds to the predetermined area as described above, and the stored place name is a name given to the area. The greater the number of digits of the number that is input, that is, the greater the second number, the more the place name corresponding to the number is assigned to a more subdivided area. For example, when the telephone number corresponding to a predetermined area on the map is “078-123-4567”, the number composed of the most significant digit to the fourth plurality of digits, for example, two digits “07” is compared. The area name “Hyogo Prefecture” of the wide area corresponds. Similarly, the 3-digit number “078” corresponds to the place name “Kobe City” which is subdivided from “Hyogo Prefecture”, and the 4-digit number “078-6” is further subdivided into the place name “Chuo-ku”. ", And the 5-digit number" 078-67 "corresponds to the further subdivided place name" Motomachi-dori ".

  The operator inputs a number composed of the second plurality of digits from the most significant digit of the area number. When the second multi-digit number is input, the reading unit reads the place name corresponding to the input number from the place name memory in accordance with the output of the input unit. In response to the output from the reading means, the display means displays the read place name.

  The operator inputs a number composed of the second plurality of digits from the most significant digit of the area number in the input means. When the second plurality of digits are inputted, the reading means reads out the place name corresponding to the inputted second plurality of digits from the place name memory in response to the output of the input means. When the place name is read, the display means displays the read place name in response to the output of the reading means.

  Therefore, if the operator does not remember all the digits of the area number corresponding to the desired area, or the place name to be displayed is a place name assigned to an area near the area corresponding to the area number remembered by the operator. In some cases, a place name corresponding to the number of digits entered can be displayed by inputting a number from the most significant digit to an intermediate digit. In particular, when setting a destination in a car navigation system, by inputting a part of a telephone number, the name of the place assigned to a relatively wide area is displayed, and further subdivided in the area of the displayed place name. The destination can be selected from a list of place names assigned to the selected area.

  If the operator does not remember all digits of the area number corresponding to the desired area, or if the area to be displayed is near the area corresponding to the area number remembered by the operator, the highest digit is used. By inputting numbers up to halfway digits, place names corresponding to the number of digits entered can be displayed. In particular, in the car navigation system, when setting a destination, by inputting a part of the phone number, the name of the place given to a relatively wide area is displayed, and the area name of the displayed place name is further detailed. You can select a destination from a list of place names attached to the area.

  (3) A place name memory for storing a place name assigned to each area on the map, a place name inputted to the input means, and an identification number corresponding to each place to which the place name is attached. In addition, the larger the distance between two different regions, the larger the difference between the two identification numbers corresponding to the two regions, and the location name memory in response to the output from the input means. In response to the output from the first search means for searching for a place name having the same name as the inputted place name, the current position detecting means for detecting the current position, and the output from the current position detecting means, it is stored in the place name memory. A second search means for searching for the place name assigned to the area including the current position, and the same name as the input place name in response to the output from the first search means and the second search means. Corresponding to each region Number difference calculation means for calculating the difference between the identification number corresponding to the area including the other number and the current position, and comparison means for comparing the calculated number differences in response to the output from the number difference calculation means, A map corresponding to each identification number, a map memory for storing a map of a region wider than this including the region corresponding to the identification number, and a minimum in response to the output from the comparison means A reading means for reading a map of an area corresponding to the identification number giving the number difference from the map memory, and a display means for displaying the read map in response to an output from the reading means. Display device.

The map can be displayed when the operator inputs the place name.
The place names here are, for example, “Hyogo Prefecture”, “Kobe City”, “Chuo Ward”, and “Motomachi Street” such as prefecture names and city names. Among them, “Hyogo Prefecture” and the like are place names that exist only once in the whole country, but “Chuo Ward” and the like are not limited to “Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture”, but are place names that exist several times throughout the country. The display device of the present invention is effective when inputting place names that exist several times throughout the country, such as the latter "Chuo-ku".

  In addition, the larger the distance between two different areas, the greater the difference between the two identification numbers corresponding to the two areas. For example, “Kashiwa Ward” in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture has an identification number “1”, “Chuo Ward” has an identification number “2”, and “Tarumizu Ward” has an identification number “9”. The actual distance between “Kashiwa-ku” and “Chuo-ku” is larger than the distance between “Tarumizu-ku” and “Chuo-ku”, and the difference between the corresponding identification numbers is “1” and “7”. It is. When both are compared, “7” is larger, so it matches the perspective of each actual area.

  The operator inputs a place name using the input means. When the place name is input, in response to the output of the input means, the first search means searches the place name memory for the place name having the same name as the input place name. On the other hand, the current position detection means detects the current position, and in response to the output from the current position detection means, the second search means searches the place name memory for the place name assigned to the area including the current position. Note that the number of place names output from the second detection means is always one, but the place name output from the first detection means is not limited to one, as is clear in the example of “Chuo-ku”. Absent.

  If the identification number corresponding to the current position is Np, and the identification numbers corresponding to the place names output from the first detection means are N1, N2,..., The number difference calculation means is the identification number Np and the identification numbers N1, N2,. The difference between each is calculated. Subsequently, in response to the output from the number difference calculating means, the number difference comparing means compares the sizes of the number differences (Np−N1), (Np−N2),. Next, in response to the output from the comparison means, the reading means reads the map corresponding to the identification number N3 from the map memory, assuming that the identification number giving the minimum value among the number differences from Np, for example N3. put out. Next, in response to the output from the reading means, the display means displays the read map.

  Therefore, by simply inputting a place name, a place name having the same name as the inputted place name can be searched, and a map of the area closest to the current position can be displayed among the searched place names. Therefore, if you want to display a map of a relatively subdivided area, or if the operator remembers only the lower place name without remembering the upper place name, just enter the lower place name among the place names. There is no need to enter a place name higher than that. For example, even when it is desired to display a map of “Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture”, the operator only has to input “Chuo-ku”. Thus, the operator's input work is supported or the input work is reduced, and the operability is improved.

  By simply inputting a place name, a place name having the same name as the inputted place name can be searched, and a map of an area closest to the current position can be displayed among the searched place names. Therefore, even when it is desired to display a map of a relatively subdivided area, it is not necessary to input a place name higher than that by simply inputting a lower place name. For example, even when it is desired to display a map of “Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture”, the operator only has to input “Chuo-ku”. Thus, the operator's input work can be reduced and the operability is improved.

  (4) For each of a plurality of regions assigned a high-level place name on the map, input means for inputting the low-order place name assigned to each subordinate area configured by further subdividing the area, and input to the input means Is a place name memory for storing a lower place name, an upper place name assigned to a higher area including the area assigned with the lower place name, and an identification number corresponding to each area assigned with the lower place name. In response to the output from the input name means and the output from the input means, the larger the distance between the two different areas, the larger the difference between the two corresponding identification numbers, and the lower place names stored in the place name memory, A first search means for searching for a lower place name having the same name as the input lower place name, a current position detecting means for detecting the current position, and a lower place name stored in the place name memory in response to an output from the current position detecting means Or inside A second search means for searching for a lower place name attached to the area including the current position, and corresponding to the area having the same name as the input lower place name in response to outputs from the first search means and the second search means A number difference calculating means for calculating a difference between the identification number and the identification number corresponding to the area including the current position, and a comparing means for comparing the calculated number differences in response to an output from the number difference calculating means. In response to the output from the comparison means, the lower place name given to the area corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference, and the upper place given to the upper area including the area to which the lower place name is attached A display device comprising: a reading means for reading a place name from a place name memory; and a display means for displaying the read upper place name and lower place name in response to an output from the reading means.

  When the operator inputs the lower place name, the lower place name and the upper place name can be displayed.

  The lower place name here is a place name given to a relatively subdivided area on the map, and the upper place name is given to a relatively broad upper area including each area with a plurality of lower place names. Is the place name. For example, in “Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture”, if “Chuo Ward” included in “Kobe City” is the lower place name, “Kobe City” is the upper place name of “Chuo Ward”. If “Kobe City” included in “Hyogo Prefecture” is a lower place name, “Hyogo Prefecture” is an upper place name of “Kobe City”. Furthermore, “Hyogo Prefecture” is also the upper place name of “Chuo-ku”. As described above, each name has a tree-like hierarchical structure.

  The operator inputs a lower place name using the input means. When the lower place name is inputted, the first search means searches the place name memory for the lower place name having the same name as the inputted lower place name in accordance with the output of the input means. On the other hand, the current position detection means detects the current position, and in response to the output from the current position detection means, the second search means searches the place name memory for the lower place name assigned to the area including the current position. .

  Assuming that the identification number corresponding to the current position is Np and the identification numbers corresponding to the lower place names output from the first detection means are N1, N2,..., The number difference calculation means has the identification number Np and the identification numbers N1, N2,. ... Calculate the difference between each. Subsequently, in response to the output from the number difference calculating means, the number difference comparing means compares the sizes of the number differences (Np−N1), (Np−N2),. Next, in response to the output from the comparison means, the reading means, when the identification number giving the minimum value among the number differences from Np, for example, N3, is the lower place name corresponding to the identification number N3 and its upper place name. Is read from the place name memory. Next, in response to the output of the reading means, the display means displays the read lower place name and upper place name.

  By simply inputting a lower place name, a lower place name having the same name as the inputted lower place name can be searched, and among the searched lower place names, the lower place name and upper place name of the area closest to the current position can be displayed. Therefore, even if you want to display place names of relatively subdivided areas, or even if the operator remembers only the lower place names without remembering the upper place names, the lower place names of the place names are displayed. You only need to enter it, and you do not need to enter a place name higher than that. Thus, the operator's input work is supported or the input work is reduced, and the operability is improved.

  By simply inputting a lower place name, a lower place name having the same name as the inputted lower place name can be searched, and among the searched lower place names, the lower place name and upper place name of the area closest to the current position can be displayed. Therefore, even when it is desired to display place names in a relatively subdivided area, it is not necessary to input a place name higher than that just by inputting a lower place name. Thus, the operator's input work can be reduced and the operability is improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the display apparatus 10 which is 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows a part of input part 11 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the map screen 41 of the display part 12 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the setting screen 46 which sets the destination of the display part 12 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the input screen of a telephone number in steps. It is a figure which shows the table stored in the number conversion memory. The map 34 is read from the map memory 14 and displayed on the display unit 12. It is a map 35 that is read from the map memory 14 and displayed on the display unit 12. The map 36 is read from the map memory 14 and displayed on the display unit 12. The map 37 is read from the map memory 14 and displayed on the display unit 12. This is a virtual map 31 stored in the map memory 14. This is a virtual map 32 stored in the map memory 14. This is a virtual map 33 stored in the map memory 14. 4 is a flowchart showing steps of processing by the display device 10; It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the display apparatus 20 which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data stored in the place name memory. It is a figure which shows the search result of the place name containing the place name of the same name. 4 is a flowchart showing the process flow by the display device 20 in stages.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,20 Display device 11,21 Input part 12,22 Display part 13,23 Number conversion memory 14,24 Map memory 15,25 Place name memory 16,26 Control part 27 GPS receiver

Claims (2)

An input means for inputting a place name assigned to each area on the map;
The place name input to the input means and the identification number corresponding to each area to which the place name is attached are stored in a hierarchical structure with the upper place name corresponding to the upper digit and the lower place name corresponding to the lower digit. A place name memory, and the greater the distance between two different areas, the greater the difference between two identification numbers corresponding to the two areas;
In response to an output from the input means, a first search means for searching a plurality of place names having the same name as the place name input from the place names stored in the place name memory;
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position;
In response to an output from the current position detection means, a second search means for searching for a place name assigned to an area including the current position from the place names stored in the place name memory;
In response to outputs from the first search means and the second search means, a number difference for calculating a difference between an identification number corresponding to the area having the same name as the input place name and an identification number corresponding to the area including the current position A calculation means;
In response to the output from the number difference calculation means, a comparison means for comparing the calculated number differences,
A map memory corresponding to each identification number, and a map memory storing in advance a map of a wider area including the area corresponding to the identification number;
In response to the output from the comparison means, a reading means for reading out a map of the area corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference from the map memory;
A display device comprising: display means for displaying the read map in response to an output from the reading means. For each of a plurality of regions assigned a higher place name on the map, an input means for inputting a lower place name assigned to each lower region constituted by further subdividing the region;
The lower place name input to the input means, the upper place name assigned to the upper area including the area with the lower place name, and the identification number corresponding to each area with the lower place name, the upper place name is higher. A place name memory corresponding to a digit and stored in a hierarchical structure in which a lower place name corresponds to a lower place, and the larger the distance between two different regions, the more the corresponding two identification numbers. A place name memory with a big difference,
In response to an output from the input means, a first search means for searching a plurality of lower place names having the same name as the inputted lower place names from among the lower place names stored in the place name memory;
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position;
In response to an output from the current position detection means, a second search means for searching a lower place name assigned to the area including the current position from among the lower place names stored in the place name memory;
In response to the output from the first search means and the second search means, a number for calculating the difference between the identification number corresponding to the area having the same name as the input lower place name and the identification number corresponding to the area including the current position. A difference calculating means;
In response to the output from the number difference calculation means, a comparison means for comparing the calculated number differences,
In response to the output from the comparison means, the lower place name given to the area corresponding to the identification number giving the smallest number difference, and the upper place name given to the upper area including the area to which the lower place name is attached Reading means for reading from the place name memory;
A display device comprising: display means for displaying the read upper place name and lower place name in response to an output from the reading means.

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