JP4587601B2 - Map display apparatus, map display method, computer program used in map display apparatus, and program recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a map display device, a map display method, a computer program used in the map display device, and a program recording medium, and more particularly, to a road map display technique used in a car navigation device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
One application example of a map display device is a car navigation device. In the map display device used in the car navigation device, in particular, it is necessary for the user, that is, the driver, to understand the displayed map at a glance, and the map display method allows the driver to grasp the information in a very short time. Various devices have been made. As an example of the device, there is a method of highlighting and displaying information considered to be desired by the driver.
[0003]
When driving a car, there are points where the driver is expected to pay particular attention, such as intersections and destinations. Here, this point is called a point of interest. A certain type of conventional map display device displays an enlarged view near a point of interest. For example, when a car approaches a major intersection, the map display device using this display method supports the driver's course determination by displaying an enlarged view near the intersection. There is also a map display device that does not display an enlarged view on the entire screen but displays it on a map in a part of the screen.
[0004]
There is also a map display device that displays a wide-area map that represents the periphery of the display range of the map at a larger scale so as to overlap the map on a part of the screen. According to this display method, the driver can confirm the map and also the roads around the map by using the wide area map.
[0005]
As described above, the conventional map display device displays an enlarged view around the point of interest and displays a wide area map around the map, thereby highlighting and displaying information that the driver thinks is desired. Thus, the driver can grasp the information displayed on the screen in a short time.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the display method in the above-described prior art device, when an enlarged map near the point of interest is displayed on the full screen, the driver checks the road around the enlarged map while simultaneously viewing the enlarged map. There is a problem that it can not be done at all.
[0007]
In addition, when an enlarged map near the point of interest or a wide area map around the map is displayed superimposed on the map in a part of the screen, the driver cannot check the map portion hidden by the display. In addition, since the enlarged map or the wide area map and the map with different scales are not drawn continuously, the driver can quickly understand the relationship between the two maps, especially the road connection between the two maps. There is a problem that is difficult.
[0008]
Conventionally, there is a technique for displaying a map using a perspective method. This display method makes it easier for the driver to grasp the perspective of the displayed map by displaying a small object close and a large object close to the person's visual characteristics. Or, when displaying the map periphery in a wide area, it has the same problem as described above.
[0009]
In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a map display device that allows a driver to accurately grasp map information displayed on a screen within a short time.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, a map display device of the present invention includes a map storage unit storing map information representing a map, and a map in a range corresponding to a current location of the map where the map display device is placed. Map acquisition means for acquiring map information representing a certain target map from the map storage means, and a curved surface having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the acquired map information A mapped image by mapping a curved surface storage means for storing curved surface definition information and a target map represented by the acquired map information onto a curved surface defined according to the curved surface definition information. Mapping means for generating, and projection display means for displaying a projection image obtained by projecting the generated mapped image onto a planar virtual screen Characterized in that it comprises a.
[0011]
Further, the map display device of the present invention represents a map storage means storing map information representing a map, and a target map that is a map in a range corresponding to a current location where the map display device is placed in the map. Map acquisition means for acquiring map information from the map storage means, and curved surface definition information for defining a virtual screen having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the acquired map information And a projection display means for displaying a projection image obtained by projecting a target map represented by the acquired map information onto a virtual screen defined by the curved surface definition information It is characterized by providing.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<First Embodiment>
The map display apparatus 10 in 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. The map display device 10 maps the map information to the curved surface of the desired shape, and displays an image obtained by perspective projection of the mapped map information, so that a desired portion can be obtained while maintaining the road connection relationship. It is a device that displays an enlarged or reduced map.
<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the map display device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a map storage unit 110, a position information reception unit 155, a curved surface storage unit 140, a mapping unit 160, a projection unit 170, and a display unit 180. The
[0013]
Specifically, the map display device 10 is realized by software and hardware such as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program, and a working RAM (Random Access Memory). The function of each unit is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the ROM. Data is exchanged between the units via hardware such as RAM.
<Map storage unit 110>
The map storage unit 110 stores map information including image information represented by bitmap data and character information including designation of characters and character positions. Here, the character position and the pixel position of the image information are represented by coordinates in a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system over the entire map information, and the coordinate system is referred to as a st coordinate system.
[0014]
FIG. 2 is an example of the image information stored in the map storage unit 110, and shows portions where 0 ≦ s ≦ 1000 and 0 ≦ t ≦ 1000.
[0015]
FIG. 3 is an example of character information stored in the map storage unit 110, and 111 is a character information table. The character information table 111 stores characters and character positions for character information.
<Curved surface storage unit 140>
The curved surface storage unit 140 stores information defining a curved surface that exists in a virtual space where perspective projection is performed and to which map information is mapped. Here, the space is represented using a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and the coordinate system is referred to as an xyz coordinate system.
[0016]
In the curved surface, the angle formed by the curved surface portion to which the map portion to be enlarged is mapped and the line of sight in perspective projection is larger than the angle formed by another portion of the curved surface and the visual line, and the curved surface corresponding to the map portion to be reduced The angle formed by the portion and the line of sight in perspective projection is configured in advance so as to be smaller than the angle formed by another portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and is stored in the curved surface storage unit 140. The effect of this shape will be described in detail in the description of the projection unit 170.
[0017]
The curved surface storage unit 140 stores information defining the curved surface in any of the following forms.
(1) A curved surface represented by a relational expression of x, y, and z
(2) Curved surface obtained by interpolating multiple sample points on the surface
(3) A curved surface representing x, y and z coordinates of points on the surface using parameters u and v
FIG. 4 shows an example of a curved surface defined by information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140. Figure (a) shows the relational expression.
x ² + (Y-0.5) ² + (Z + 1) ² = 1.25
(B) is a relational expression of the curved surface 141 represented by
x ² + (Y-0.5) ² + (Z-1) ² = 1.25
Each of the curved surfaces 142 represented by
−0.5 ≦ x ≦ 0.5, 0 ≦ y ≦ 1
The range is shown. In order to help understanding the shape, geodesic lines are displayed in increments of 0.1 for the x and y coordinates in the figure. In addition, even if the expression methods (2) and (3) are used, it is possible to define a curved surface in a virtual space for performing perspective projection in the same manner (not shown).
<Location information receiving unit 155>
The position information receiving unit 155 receives information on the current position and the traveling direction of the automobile on which the map display device is mounted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) device or an inertial navigation device outside the map display device, and The vehicle position information indicating the direction is output to the mapping unit 160.
[0018]
FIG. 5 shows an example of the vehicle position information. The own vehicle position information 156 includes the own vehicle position and the traveling direction. The own vehicle position is represented by coordinates in the st coordinate system, and the traveling direction is represented by an angle measured counterclockwise from the s axis.
<Mapping unit 160>
The mapping unit 160 calculates an area to be displayed on the map according to the vehicle position information 156 received from the position information receiving unit 155, and the curved surface storage unit 140 stores image information included in the area. To the curved surface defined by the information. Details will be described below.
[0019]
The mapping unit 160 calculates a rectangular area including the vehicle position as a display target area. Here, as an example, it is assumed that areas in the range of 9 km forward, 1 km backward, and 5 km left and right from the position of the vehicle toward the traveling direction are calculated.
[0020]
FIG. 6 shows the calculated area. In the figure, 157 is a display target area, 158 is a vehicle position, and 159 is a traveling direction.
[0021]
Next, the mapping unit 160 obtains coordinate transformation that associates the st coordinate of the display target region with the xy coordinate of the virtual space for performing perspective projection. The conversion is configured by parallel movement, rotational movement, and reduction according to the vehicle position and traveling direction. The mapping unit 160 calculates the conversion f according to the parallel movement amount, the rotational movement amount, and the reduction ratio according to the vehicle position and the traveling direction.
[0022]
Next, for each pixel of the image information included in the area, the mapping unit 160 maps the pixel to the pixel position (s0, t0) (f (s0, t0), z0 on the curved surface). ) Is calculated as follows.
(1) When a curved surface is defined by a relational expression of x, y, and z, f (s0, t0) is substituted into x, y of the relational expression to solve for z.
(2) When a curved surface is defined by a plurality of sample points on the surface, z0 is obtained by bilinear interpolation of the coordinate values of sample points in the vicinity of f (s0, t0) with respect to the x and y coordinates.
(3) When x, y, and z coordinates of a point on a curved surface are defined using parameters u and v, u (0) and v0 are obtained by substituting f (s0, t0) into x and y, and u0 , V0 is obtained from z0.
[0023]
The mapping unit 160 maps each pixel of the image information to the determined position (f (s0, t0), z0) on the curved surface. This mapping is performed using texture mapping that has been conventionally performed.
[0024]
In order to remove aliasing, a mapping method according to the area contribution ratio and a method of mapping by interpolating pixels using bilinear interpolation or the like have been conventionally performed, and this method is applied in this mapping. Also good.
[0025]
FIG. 7 shows the result of mapping the image information included in the region 157 of FIG. 6 onto the curved surface 141 of FIG. FIG. 8 shows the result of mapping the image information included in the area 157 of FIG. 6 onto the curved surface 142 of FIG. In addition, geodesic lines are displayed in both FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 to help understand the shape.
<Projector 170>
The projection unit 170 perspectively projects the image information mapped by the mapping unit 160 onto a planar virtual screen. Details will be described below.
[0026]
FIG. 9A is a conceptual diagram showing perspective projection performed by the projection unit 170 with respect to the mapping result of FIG. 7, and shows the positional relationship between the curved surface 171, the virtual screen 172, the viewpoint 173, and the line of sight 174. As in the case of using the conventional perspective method, the projection unit 170 virtually arranges the viewpoint 173 at an appropriate height in front of the curved surface 171 in the traveling direction, and the virtual screen 172 is a position where an appropriate field of view can be obtained. To place. In this arrangement, the image projected on the virtual screen 172 corresponds to a view of the real area viewed from the sky, so that a realistic map can be presented to the driver and the driver can easily grasp the perspective. .
[0027]
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A at x = 0, Ls is the height of the virtual screen 172, L1 is the length by which the front half of the curved surface 171 is projected onto the virtual screen 172 in the traveling direction. It shows. For comparison with the case of using the conventional perspective method, L0 indicates the length of the front half of the plane having the same range as the curved surface 171 with respect to the x and y coordinates, projected onto the virtual screen 172.
[0028]
As shown in the figure, the curved surface 171 intersects with the line of sight at a large angle θ1 in the front portion and toward the traveling direction at a small angle θ2 at the back portion. Since the area projected onto the virtual screen becomes smaller as the angle formed by the line of sight with respect to the same area portion on the curved surface is smaller, the front portion of the image projected through the map mapped on the curved surface 171 is enlarged and the back portion Is reduced. This can be confirmed from L0 <L1.
[0029]
FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram showing perspective projection for the mapping result of FIG. 8, where 176 is a curved surface, 177 is a virtual screen, 178 is a viewpoint, and 179 is a line of sight. These arrangements and the effects thereof are the same as described above.
[0030]
FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10A at x = 0, Ls is the height of the virtual screen 177, and L1 is the length by which the back half of the curved surface 176 is projected onto the virtual screen 177 in the traveling direction. Now, L0 is the length by which the back half of the plane having the same range as the curved surface 176 with respect to the x and y coordinates is projected onto the virtual screen 177.
[0031]
The curved surface 176 intersects with the line of sight at a small angle θ1 in the front portion toward the traveling direction and intersects at a large angle θ2 at the back portion. Is enlarged. This can be confirmed from L0 <L1.
[0032]
In this way, the angle formed by the curved surface portion to which the map portion to be enlarged is mapped and the line of sight in perspective projection is larger than the angle formed by the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and the curved surface corresponding to the map portion to be reduced. The angle formed between the portion and the line of sight in perspective projection is a curved surface that is smaller than the angle formed between the other partial line of sight of the curved surface, and the map information mapped onto the curved surface is projected in perspective, so that the road connection relationship is established. An image obtained by enlarging or reducing a desired portion of the map while maintaining it can be obtained.
<Display unit 180>
The display unit 180 includes a screen realized by a liquid crystal panel, a cathode ray tube, a plasma panel, an EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or the like, and displays the image and the character information projected through the projection unit 170 on the screen. Details will be described below.
[0033]
The display unit 180 enlarges or reduces the image projected on the virtual screen and displays the image on the entire screen.
[0034]
Next, the display unit 180 sets the point (f (s0, t0), z0) on the curved surface with respect to the position (s0, t0) of each character information included in the display target area in the same manner as the mapping unit 160. A point on the virtual screen on which the point (f (s0, t0), z0) is projected is calculated, and a character font is displayed around the point on the screen corresponding to the point on the virtual screen. .
[0035]
As described above, the map display device 10 does not set the character font for mapping and perspective projection when displaying the character information, and the display unit 180 displays the character font at the obtained position on the screen, thereby mapping and Avoid character font deformation caused by perspective projection.
[0036]
FIG. 11 shows an example in which the display unit 180 displays the result of the perspective projection in FIG. 9, and FIG. 12 shows an example in which the display unit 180 displays the result in the perspective projection in FIG.
<Map display processing>
Hereinafter, map display processing performed by the map display device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0037]
The position information receiving unit 155 outputs the vehicle position and the traveling direction to the mapping unit 160 (step S101). The mapping unit 160 calculates a display target area according to the own vehicle position and the traveling direction input from the position information receiving unit 155 (step S102). The mapping unit 160 calculates a conversion f from the st coordinate to the xy coordinate (step S103).
[0038]
The mapping unit 160 calculates the mapping position on the curved surface defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140 using the conversion f for each pixel of the image information included in the display target region (step S104). (Step S105), each pixel of the image information is mapped to the calculated position (Step S106). The projecting unit 170 perspectively projects the image information mapped by the mapping unit 160 on the virtual screen (step S108).
[0039]
The display unit 180 enlarges or reduces the image projected on the virtual screen and displays the image on the entire screen of the display unit 180 (step S109). The display unit 180 calculates the display position on the screen (step S111) for each character information whose character position is included in the display target area (step S111), and displays the character font at the calculated position (step S112). .
<First Summary>
As described above, the map display device 10 maps map information to a curved surface and displays an image obtained by perspective projection of the mapped map information, thereby partially expanding or maintaining a road connection relationship. Display a reduced map.
[0040]
The angle formed between the curved surface portion on which the map portion to be enlarged is mapped and the line of sight in perspective projection is larger than the angle formed between the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and the curved surface portion corresponding to the map portion to be reduced and the perspective projection. By constructing a curved surface in advance so that the angle formed between the line of sight and the line of sight is smaller than the angle formed between the other part of the curved surface and the line of sight, the map information mapped onto the curved surface is perspectively projected, so that the desired portion of the map is displayed. Can be enlarged or reduced.
[0041]
The map display device 10 does not treat character information as a target for mapping and perspective projection, and directly displays the font at a position on the screen corresponding to the character information, so that the font deformation caused by mapping and perspective projection is avoided.
<Second Embodiment>
A map display device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described. The map display device 20 undulates the curved surface of the desired shape according to the altitude, and displays an image obtained by perspective projection of the map information mapped to the curved surface, so that the connection relationship of the roads is displayed. It is an apparatus that displays a map with a three-dimensional feeling while enlarging or reducing a desired portion while keeping it. Hereinafter, the same points as in the first embodiment will not be described, and different points will be mainly described.
<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIG. 14, the map display device 20 in the second embodiment further includes an altitude storage unit 120 with respect to the map display device 10 in the first embodiment, and the mapping unit 160 has a curved surface deformation. Part 161.
<Altitude storage unit 120>
The altitude storage unit 120 stores in advance altitude information including a set of altitude point positions and altitude values.
[0042]
FIG. 15 shows an example of the altitude information stored in the altitude storage unit 120. The elevation table 121 stores a position and an elevation value for each elevation point. The position is represented by the st coordinate system.
<Mapping unit 160>
In the second embodiment, the mapping unit 160 calculates an area to be displayed on the map according to the vehicle position information 156 received from the position information receiving unit 155, and the image information included in the area is calculated. The curved surface deformation unit 161 maps the deformed curved surface. Details will be described below.
[0043]
The mapping unit 160 calculates the display target region and the conversion f in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0044]
The mapping unit 160 notifies the curved surface deformation unit 161 of the display target region and the conversion f, instructs the curved surface deformation unit 161 to deform the curved surface defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140, and Get the definition information of the deformed curved surface.
[0045]
The mapping unit 160, for each pixel of the image information included in the display target region, a point (f (s0, t0), z0) on the curved surface acquired from the curved surface deformation unit 161 with respect to the pixel position (s0, t0). Is calculated. The calculation is performed by bilinearly interpolating the coordinate values of sample points in the vicinity of f (s0, t0) with respect to the x and y coordinates of the curved surface definition information acquired from the curved surface deformation unit 161. The mapping unit 160 maps each pixel of the image information to the obtained point (f (s0, t0), z0) as in the first embodiment.
<Curved surface deformation unit 161>
The curved surface deforming unit 161 is notified of the display target region and the conversion f from the mapping unit 160, deforms the curved surface defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140 according to the altitude information, and outputs the deformed surface to the mapping unit 160. To do. Details will be described below.
[0046]
The curved surface deformation unit 161 calculates a point (f (s0, t0), z0) on the curved surface with respect to the position of the elevation point (s0, t0) for each elevation point included in the display target area. A point (f (s0, t0), z0 + ah) obtained by adding a value obtained by multiplying the calculated z0 by the altitude value h and a constant a is calculated, and each point is mapped as a sample point that defines a deformed curved surface. To the unit 160. Here, the constant a is the scale of the altitude in the xyz coordinate system and also represents the degree of emphasis on the relief. That is, undulations are emphasized by increasing the value of a.
[0047]
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing a deformation process performed by the curved surface deforming unit 161, where 165 is a curved surface defined by information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140, and 166 is on the curved surface corresponding to the position of the elevation point. An example of the point, 167, a point obtained by moving the point 166 in the z-axis direction according to the altitude value h, and 168, a deformed curved surface.
[0048]
The difference from the average value or the minimum value of the elevation values included in the display target area may be h. In addition, when a sample point that defines a curved surface deformed at a predetermined xy coordinate position is to be provided and there is no elevation point at the position, the elevation value of a neighboring elevation point is obtained by bilinear interpolation or the like. What is necessary is just to calculate the said sample point by interpolating.
[0049]
FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a mapping result performed by the mapping unit 160 on the curved surface deformed by the curved surface deformation unit 161. FIG. 18 shows an example of screen display performed by the display unit 180 for an image obtained by perspective projection of the mapping result of FIG.
<Map display processing>
Hereinafter, the map display process performed by the map display device 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0050]
The position information receiving unit 155 outputs the own vehicle position and the traveling direction to the mapping unit 160 (step S201). The mapping unit 160 calculates a display target area according to the host vehicle position and the traveling direction input from the position information receiving unit 155 (step S202), and further calculates a conversion f (step S203).
[0051]
The curved surface deforming unit 161 deforms the curved surface defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140 in accordance with the altitude information included in the display target area (step S204).
[0052]
The mapping unit 160 calculates a mapping position on the curved surface deformed by the curved surface deformation unit 161 for each pixel of the image information included in the display target region (step S205), and the image is calculated at the calculated position. Each pixel of information is mapped (step S207). The projection unit 170 perspectively projects the image information mapped by the mapping unit 160 on the virtual screen (step S209).
[0053]
The display unit 180 enlarges or reduces the image projected on the virtual screen and displays the image on the entire screen of the display unit 180 (step S210). The display unit 180 calculates the display position on the screen (step S212) for each character information whose character position is included in the display target area (step S212), and displays the character font at the calculated position (step S213). .
<Second summary>
As described above, the map display device 20 undulates a curved surface having the same shape as the curved surface in the map display device 10 according to the altitude, and perspectively projects the map information mapped to the curved surface with the undulation. Thus, a desired portion of the map is enlarged or reduced, and a map with a three-dimensional effect is displayed.
[0054]
The map display device 20 avoids deformation caused by mapping and perspective projection in the same manner as the map display device 10 for character fonts.
<Third Embodiment>
A map display device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described. The map display device 30 undulates the curved surface of the desired shape according to the altitude except the surroundings of the vehicle position, and displays an image obtained by perspective projection of the map information mapped to the curved surface. By this, it is an apparatus that displays a map with a three-dimensional feeling while enlarging or reducing a desired portion while maintaining a road connection relationship. The map display device 30 further avoids concealing the map display due to undulations around the vehicle position. Hereinafter, description of the same points as those of the second embodiment will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.
<Overall configuration>
As illustrated in FIG. 20, the curved surface deforming unit 161 in the map display device 30 according to the third embodiment further includes an altitude changing unit 162 compared to the curved surface deforming unit 161 according to the second embodiment.
<Curved surface deformation unit 161>
The curved surface deforming unit 161 deforms the curved surface defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140 according to the altitude information changed by the altitude changing unit 162, and outputs the deformed surface to the mapping unit 160.
<Altitude change unit 162>
The altitude changing unit 162 provides a flat area around the vehicle position, changes the altitude information to an equal value in the area, and changes the altitude information in the vicinity according to the distance from the area. Details will be described below.
[0055]
The elevation changing unit 162 calculates a rectangular area that is a part of the display target area and includes the vehicle position as a flat area. Here, as an example, it is assumed that an area in the range of 5 km forward and 1 km left and right from the vehicle position toward the traveling direction is calculated.
[0056]
The altitude changing unit 162 changes all the altitude values included in the area to the lowest altitude value hlow in the area.
[0057]
Further, the altitude changing unit 162 is a function of the distance d from the area.
q (d) = d (0 <d ≦ 1), 1 (1 <d)
Is used to calculate the altitude h around the area and at a distance d0 from the area.
hlow + q (d0) × (h−hlow)
Change to
[0058]
FIG. 21 shows a curved surface deformed by the curved surface deforming unit 161 using the changed elevation information. In the figure, the hatched area is a flat area. Since the elevation value is changed to an equal value in the area, the undulation is not performed, and the suppression of the undulation is smoothly released in the vicinity according to the distance from the area.
[0059]
FIG. 22 shows an example of the mapping result performed by the mapping unit 160 on the curved surface deformed by the curved surface deformation unit 161. FIG. 23 shows an example of a screen display performed by the display unit 180 for an image obtained by perspective projection of the mapping result of FIG. 22 by the projection unit 170.
[0060]
In this way, the map display device 30 displays the road without being blocked by the mountains in the area by suppressing the display of undulations in the flat area. This effect is remarkable as compared with the screen display example in the second embodiment shown in FIG.
<Map display processing>
Hereinafter, map display processing performed by the map display device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0061]
The position information receiving unit 155 outputs the vehicle position and the traveling direction to the mapping unit 160 (step S301). The mapping unit 160 calculates a display target area according to the host vehicle position and the traveling direction input from the position information receiving unit 155 (step S302), and further calculates a conversion f (step S303).
[0062]
The altitude changing unit 162 changes the altitude value to a uniform value in the flat area, and changes the altitude value in accordance with the distance from the area around the area (step S304).
[0063]
The curved surface deforming unit 161 deforms the curved surface defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140 according to the altitude information changed by the altitude changing unit 162 (step S305).
[0064]
The mapping unit 160 calculates the mapping position on the curved surface deformed by the curved surface deformation unit 161 for each pixel of the image information included in the display target region (step S306) (step S307), and the image is displayed at the calculated position. Each pixel of information is mapped (step S308). The projection unit 170 perspectively projects the image information mapped by the mapping unit 160 on the virtual screen (step S310).
[0065]
The display unit 180 enlarges or reduces the image projected on the virtual screen and displays the image on the entire screen of the display unit 180 (step S311). The display unit 180 calculates the display position on the screen for each character information whose character position is included in the display target area (step S312) (step S313), and displays the character font at the calculated position (step S314). .
<Third Summary>
As described above, the map display device 30 undulates a curved surface having the same shape as the curved surface in the map display device 20 according to the altitude except for the periphery of the vehicle position, and the curved surface on which the undulation is applied. By projecting the mapped map information, a desired portion of the map is enlarged and reduced, and a three-dimensional map is displayed. Furthermore, the map display device 30 avoids hiding the map due to undulations by suppressing the display of undulations around the vehicle position.
[0066]
The map display device 30 avoids deformation caused by mapping and perspective projection in the same manner as the map display device 10 for character fonts.
<Fourth embodiment>
A map display device 40 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The map display device 40 perspectively projects the map information on a virtual screen having an intended curved surface shape, and further projects and displays an image obtained by the perspective projection on the display screen, thereby maintaining the road connection relationship. It is a device that displays a map in which a desired portion is enlarged or reduced. Hereinafter, while comparing with the first embodiment, description of the same points is omitted, and different points are mainly described.
<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIG. 25, the map display device 40 according to the fourth embodiment includes a map storage unit 210, a position information reception unit 255, a curved surface storage unit 240, a projection unit 270, and a display unit 280.
<Map storage unit 210>
The map storage unit 210 is the same as the map storage unit 110 in the first embodiment, and stores map information including image information and character information.
<Position information receiving unit 255>
The position information receiving unit 255 receives information on the current position and the traveling direction of the vehicle on which the map display device is mounted from a GPS device or an inertial navigation device outside the map display device, and the vehicle position indicating the position and direction Information is output to the projection unit 270. The configuration of the vehicle position information is the same as that in the first embodiment.
<Curved surface storage unit 240>
The curved surface storage unit 240 stores information defining a curved surface that exists in a virtual space for performing perspective projection, and that serves as a virtual screen in perspective projection. Here, as in the first embodiment, a virtual space in which the perspective projection is performed is represented using a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and the coordinate system is referred to as an xyz coordinate system.
[0067]
In the curved surface, the angle formed between the curved surface portion on which the map portion to be enlarged is projected and the line of sight in the perspective projection is smaller than the angle formed between the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and the map portion to be reduced is transparent. The angle formed by the curved surface portion to be projected and the line of sight in the perspective projection is configured in advance to be larger than the angle formed by another portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and is stored in the curved surface storage unit 240. The effect of this shape will be described in detail in the description of the projection unit 270.
[0068]
Similar to the first embodiment, the curved surface storage unit 240 stores information defining the curved surface in any of the following forms.
(1) A curved surface represented by a relational expression of x, y, and z
(2) Curved surface obtained by interpolating multiple sample points on the surface
(3) A curved surface representing x, y and z coordinates of points on the surface using parameters u and v
FIG. 26 shows an example of a curved surface defined by information stored in the curved surface storage unit 240. Figure (a) shows the relational expression.
x ² + (Y-1) ² + (Z-0.5) ² = 1.25
(B) is a relational expression of the curved surface 241 represented by
x ² + (Y + 1) ² + (Z-0.5) ² = 1.25
Each of the curved surfaces 242 represented by
−0.5 ≦ x ≦ 0.5, 0 ≦ z ≦ 1
The range is shown. In order to facilitate understanding of the shape, geodesic lines are displayed in increments of 0.1 with respect to the x and z coordinates in the figure. In addition, even if the expression methods (2) and (3) are used, it is possible to define a curved surface in a virtual space for performing perspective projection in the same manner (not shown).
<Projection unit 270>
The projection unit 270 calculates a region to be displayed on the map according to the own vehicle position information received from the position information receiving unit 255, and defines image information included in the region by information stored in the curved surface storage unit 240. Perspective projection onto a curved virtual screen. In the present embodiment, this perspective projection corresponds to an operation of mapping a map onto a curved surface. Details will be described below.
[0069]
The projection unit 270 calculates a rectangular area including the vehicle position as a display target area in the same manner as in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of the calculated area.
[0070]
Next, the projection unit 270 obtains a coordinate transformation that associates the st coordinate of the display target area with the xy coordinate of the virtual space for performing perspective projection. The conversion is configured by parallel movement, rotational movement, and reduction according to the vehicle position and traveling direction. The projection unit 270 calculates the conversion f according to the parallel movement amount, the rotational movement amount, and the reduction ratio according to the vehicle position and the traveling direction.
[0071]
FIG. 27 shows an example of image information that is coordinate-transformed by the transformation f with respect to the image information included in the display target area of FIG.
[0072]
FIG. 28A is a conceptual diagram showing the perspective projection onto the virtual screen of FIG. 26A performed by the projection unit 270, and shows the positional relationship between the plane 271, the virtual screen 272, the viewpoint 273, and the line of sight 274. Yes. As in the case of using the conventional perspective method, the projection unit 270 virtually arranges the viewpoint 273 at an appropriate height in front of the plane 271 in the traveling direction, and the virtual screen 272 is a position where an appropriate field of view can be obtained. To place. In this arrangement, the image projected on the virtual screen 272 corresponds to the field of view of the real area viewed from above, so that a realistic map can be presented to the driver, and the driver can easily grasp the perspective. To do.
[0073]
FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 28A at x = 0, Ls is the height of the virtual screen 272, L1 is the length by which the front half of the plane 271 is projected onto the virtual screen 272 in the traveling direction. It shows. For comparison with the case of using the conventional perspective method, L0 indicates the length of the same portion projected on a planar virtual screen having the same range as the virtual screen 272 with respect to the x and z coordinates.
[0074]
As shown in the figure, the virtual screen 272 intersects with a line of sight looking through the front part in the traveling direction at a small angle θ1 and intersects with a line of sight looking through the back part at a large angle θ2. Since the area projected onto the virtual screen increases as the angle formed with the line of sight decreases with respect to a portion having the same area on the plane, the front portion of the image projected through the map mapped on the plane 271 is enlarged and the back portion Is reduced. This can be confirmed from L0 <L1.
[0075]
FIG. 29A is a conceptual diagram showing perspective projection onto the virtual screen of FIG. 26B, in which 276 is a plane, 277 is a virtual screen, 278 is a viewpoint, and 279 is a line of sight. These arrangements and the effects thereof are the same as described above.
[0076]
FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 29A at x = 0, Ls is the height of the virtual screen 277, and L1 is a length by which the inner half of the plane 276 is projected onto the virtual screen 277 in the traveling direction. Now, L0 is the length by which the same part is projected onto a planar virtual screen having the same range as the virtual screen 277 with respect to the x and z coordinates.
[0077]
Since the virtual screen 277 intersects with a line of sight looking through the front part toward the traveling direction at a large angle θ1 and intersects with a line of sight looking through the back part at a small angle θ2, the image projected through the map mapped on the plane 276 is the front part Is reduced and the back part is enlarged. This can be confirmed from L0 <L1.
[0078]
In this way, the angle formed between the curved surface portion on which the map portion to be enlarged is projected and the line of sight in the perspective projection is smaller than the angle formed between the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and the map portion to be reduced is transparent. The angle formed between the curved surface portion to be projected and the line of sight in the perspective projection is preliminarily configured as a curved surface larger than the angle between the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and the map information mapped to the curved screen having the shape is seen through. By projecting, it is possible to obtain an image in which a desired portion of the map is enlarged and reduced while maintaining the road connection relationship.
<Display unit 280>
The display unit 280 includes a screen realized by a liquid crystal panel, a cathode ray tube, a plasma panel, an EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and the like, and displays the image and the character information that are perspectively projected by the projection unit 270 on the screen. Details will be described below.
[0079]
The display unit 280 projects and displays an image projected on the virtual screen on the screen.
[0080]
Next, the display unit 280 perspectively projects a point (f (s0, t0), 0) representing the character position (s0, t0) in the xyz coordinate system for each character information whose character position is included in the display target area. A point on the virtual screen is calculated, a point on the screen on which the point on the virtual screen is projected is calculated, and a character font is displayed around the point on the screen.
[0081]
Thus, the map display device 40 avoids deformation of the character font caused by mapping and perspective projection by using a display method similar to that of the map display device 10 when displaying character information.
<Map display processing>
Hereinafter, the map display process performed by the map display device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0082]
The position information receiving unit 255 outputs the vehicle position and the traveling direction to the projection unit 270 (step S401). The projection unit 270 calculates a display target area according to the own vehicle position and the traveling direction input from the position information reception unit 255 (step S402). The projection unit 270 calculates the transformation f from the st coordinate system to the xy coordinates of the virtual space where the perspective projection is performed (step S403).
[0083]
The projection unit 270 positions the image information included in the display target region in a virtual space where the perspective projection is performed by the conversion f, and perspectively projects the image information on a virtual screen defined by information stored in the curved surface storage unit 240 ( Step S408).
[0084]
The display unit 280 projects and displays the image projected on the virtual screen on the screen included in the display unit 280 (step S409). The display unit 280 calculates the display position on the screen for each character information included in the display target area (step S410) (step S411), and displays the character font at the calculated position (step S412).
<Fourth Summary>
As described above, the map display device 40 perspectively projects map information on a virtual screen having a curved surface shape, and further projects and displays an image obtained by the perspective projection on a display screen, so that the connection relationship of roads can be obtained. Display a partially enlarged or reduced map while maintaining.
[0085]
The angle formed between the curved surface portion on which the map portion to be enlarged is projected and the line of sight in the perspective projection is smaller than the angle formed between the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and the curved surface on which the map portion to be reduced is perspectively projected. The curved surface is configured such that the angle formed between the portion and the line of sight in the perspective projection is larger than the angle formed between the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight, and the mapped map information is perspective projected onto the virtual screen having the curved surface shape. By doing so, a desired portion of the map can be enlarged or reduced.
[0086]
The map display device 40 avoids deformation caused by mapping and perspective projection in the same manner as the map display device 10 for character fonts.
<Fifth embodiment>
A map display device 50 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The map display device 50 perspectively projects map information with relief according to altitude onto a virtual screen having an intended curved surface shape, and further projects and displays an image obtained by the perspective projection on a display screen. This is an apparatus for enlarging or reducing a desired portion and maintaining a three-dimensional map while maintaining a road connection relationship. Hereinafter, while comparing with the first, second, and fourth embodiments, the description of the same points is omitted, and different points are mainly described.
<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIG. 31, the map display device 50 in the fifth embodiment is further provided with an altitude storage unit 220 with respect to the map display device 40 in the fourth embodiment, and the projection unit 270 has a map deformation. Part 261.
<Altitude storage unit 220>
The elevation storage unit 220 is the same as the elevation storage unit 120 in the first embodiment, has the elevation table 121 shown in FIG. 15, and stores the position and elevation value for each elevation point.
<Map transformation unit 261>
The map transformation unit 261 is notified of the display target region and the transformation f from the projection unit 270, and performs projections and projections according to the elevation information on the image information included in the display target region in the virtual space where the perspective projection is performed. Output to the unit 270. Details will be described below.
[0087]
For each elevation point included in the display target area, the map transformation unit 261 calculates a point (f (s0, t0), 0) in the virtual space for performing perspective projection with respect to the elevation point position (s0, t0). A sample that calculates a point (f (s0, t0), ah) obtained by adding a value obtained by multiplying the altitude value h by a constant a with respect to the z coordinate and defines the transformed image information for each point. The projection unit 270 is notified as a point. Here, the constant a is the scale of the altitude in the xyz coordinate system and also represents the degree of emphasis on the relief. That is, undulations are emphasized by increasing the value of a.
[0088]
As in the second embodiment, h may be the difference from the average value or minimum value of the elevation values included in the display target area. In addition, when a sample point that defines a curved surface deformed at a predetermined xy coordinate position is to be provided and there is no elevation point at the position, the elevation value of a neighboring elevation point is obtained by bilinear interpolation or the like. What is necessary is just to calculate the said sample point by interpolating.
<Projection unit 270>
In the fifth embodiment, the projection unit 270 calculates an area to be displayed on the map according to the vehicle position information received from the position information reception unit 255, and performs image information included in the area. The image information deformed by the map deforming unit 261 is perspectively projected onto a virtual screen having a shape defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 240. Details will be described below.
[0089]
The projection unit 270 calculates the display target area and the conversion f in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.
[0090]
The projection unit 270 notifies the map transformation unit 261 of the display target area and the transformation f, and in the virtual space where the perspective projection is performed, the projection according to the elevation information is performed on the image information included in the display target area. The map information is obtained from the map deforming unit 261.
[0091]
The projection unit 270 performs perspective projection of the deformed image information in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.
<Map display processing>
Hereinafter, map display processing performed by the map display device 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0092]
The position information receiving unit 255 outputs the vehicle position and the traveling direction to the projection unit 270 (step S501). The projection unit 270 calculates a display target area according to the own vehicle position and the traveling direction input from the position information reception unit 255 (step S502). The projection unit 270 calculates the transformation f from the st coordinate system to the xy coordinates of the virtual space for performing perspective projection (step S503).
[0093]
The map deformation unit 261 performs undulations according to the altitude information on the image information included in the display target area in the virtual space where the perspective projection is performed (step S505).
[0094]
The projection unit 270 perspective-projects the image information subjected to the undulation on a virtual screen defined by information stored in the curved surface storage unit 240 (step S509).
[0095]
The display unit 280 projects and displays the image projected on the virtual screen on the screen included in the display unit 280 (step S510). The display unit 280 calculates a display position on the screen (step S512) for each character information included in the display target area (step S511), and displays a character font at the calculated position (step S513).
<Fifth Summary>
As described above, the map display device 50 perspective-projects the map information subjected to the relief according to the altitude on the virtual screen having the same curved surface shape as the map display device 40, and further displays an image obtained by the perspective projection on the screen. By projecting and displaying, a desired portion of the map is enlarged or reduced, and a map with a three-dimensional effect is displayed.
[0096]
The map display device 50 avoids deformation caused by mapping and perspective projection in the same manner as the map display device 10 for character fonts.
<Sixth Embodiment>
A map display device 60 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The map display device 60 displays an image obtained by perspectively projecting map information that has been undulated according to the altitude, excluding the surroundings of the vehicle position, on a virtual screen having an intended curved surface shape. This is an apparatus that enlarges or reduces a desired portion while maintaining a connection relationship, and displays a map with a three-dimensional effect. Further, the map display device 60 avoids concealing the map display due to undulations around the vehicle position. Hereinafter, while comparing with the first, third, and fifth embodiments, the description of the same points will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.
<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIG. 33, the map deforming unit 261 in the map display device 60 in the sixth embodiment further includes an altitude changing unit 262 with respect to the map deforming unit 261 in the fifth embodiment.
<Map transformation unit 261>
The map deformation unit 261 is notified of the display target region and the conversion f from the projection unit 270, and the elevation changed by the elevation change unit 262 with respect to the image information included in the display target region in the virtual space where the perspective projection is performed. Depending on the information, undulation is performed in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment, and the result is output to the projection unit 270.
<Elevation change unit 262>
The altitude changing unit 262 is the same as the altitude changing unit 162 in the third embodiment, provides a flat area around the vehicle position, changes the altitude information to an equal value in the area, and the area around the area. Change the altitude information according to the distance from.
<Map display processing>
Hereinafter, map display processing performed by the map display device 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0097]
The position information receiving unit 255 outputs the vehicle position and the traveling direction to the projection unit 270 (step S601). The projection unit 270 calculates a display target area according to the own vehicle position and the traveling direction input from the position information reception unit 255 (step S602). The projection unit 270 calculates the transformation f from the st coordinate system to the xy coordinates of the virtual space for performing perspective projection (step S603).
[0098]
The elevation changing unit 262 changes the elevation value to a uniform value in the flat region, and changes the elevation value according to the distance from the region around the region (step S604).
[0099]
The map deforming unit 261 performs undulations according to the changed elevation information on the image information included in the display target area in the virtual space where the perspective projection is performed (step S605).
[0100]
The projection unit 270 perspective-projects the deformed image information on a virtual screen defined by the information stored in the curved surface storage unit 240 (step S610).
[0101]
The display unit 280 projects and displays the image projected on the virtual screen on the screen included in the display unit 280 (step S611). The display unit 280 calculates the display position on the screen (step S613) for each character information included in the display target area (step S612), and displays the character font at the calculated position (step S614).
<Sixth summary>
As described above, the map display device 60 perspectively projects the map information that has been undulated according to the altitude except the surroundings of the vehicle position onto a virtual screen having the same shape as the map display device 50, and further perspective projection. By projecting and displaying the image obtained by the above, a desired portion of the map is enlarged and reduced, and a map with a three-dimensional effect is displayed. Further, the map display device 60 avoids hiding the map due to undulations by suppressing the display of undulations around the vehicle position.
[0102]
The map display device 60 avoids deformation caused by mapping and perspective projection in the same manner as the map display device 10 for character fonts.
<Modification>
Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The following cases are also included in the present invention.
(1) The present invention may be a method including each step described in the embodiment. Further, these methods may be a computer program for realizing the method using a computer system, or may be a digital signal representing the program.
[0103]
Further, the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program or the digital signal is recorded, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a semiconductor memory, and the like. It is good.
[0104]
The present invention may be the computer program or the digital signal transmitted via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, or the like.
[0105]
The present invention is also a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the program, and the microprocessor operates according to the program stored in the memory, so that the method is performed. May be realized.
[0106]
Further, the program or the digital signal may be recorded on the recording medium and transferred, or transferred via the network or the like, and executed in another independent computer system.
(2) The curved surfaces stored in the curved surface storage unit 140 and the curved surface storage unit 240 are not limited to the curved surfaces exemplified for the above description. That is, as described above, a curved surface having a more complicated shape can be defined by defining a curved surface using a plurality of sample points on the surface or parameters u and v.
[0107]
If a curved surface having an intended shape is defined by using these definition methods, a desired portion of the map can be enlarged or reduced, not limited to the portion enlarged or reduced by the curved surface exemplified for the above description. .
(3) In the first to third embodiments, the mapping unit 160 in the map display devices 10 to 30 maps the map information on the curved surface according to the curved surface definition information stored in the curved surface storage unit 140. However, the map display devices 10 to 30 may include a curved surface receiving unit, receive curved surface definition information from outside the map display device, and map the map information on the curved surface according to the information.
[0108]
In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the projection unit 270 in the map display devices 40 to 60 performs perspective projection of the map information on the virtual screen defined by the curved surface definition information stored in the curved surface storage unit 240. However, the map display devices 40 to 60 may include a curved surface receiving unit, receive curved surface definition information from outside the map display device, and perform perspective projection on a virtual screen defined by the information.
[0109]
According to these configurations, the map display device can acquire curved surface information calculated by the curved surface calculation device provided outside the map display device and use it for display. When the position of a point moves in a complicated manner, if the external curved surface calculation device calculates and supplies the curved surface definition information for enlarging or reducing the desired portion of the map to the map display device, the calculation is performed in both devices. The load is distributed and the map can be displayed smoothly.
(4) In the first embodiment, the projection unit 170 includes a projection position storage unit that stores a set of coordinates, and in the virtual space for performing perspective projection, the shape of the curved surface, the curved surface, the virtual screen, and the viewpoint Based on the positional relationship, the point on the virtual screen on which the point is projected is calculated for each point on the curved surface, the coordinates of both points are recorded as a set in the projection position storage unit, and the recorded coordinates Perspective projection may be performed according to
[0110]
In the fourth embodiment, the projection unit 270 includes a projection position storage unit that stores a set of coordinates. In the virtual space in which perspective projection is performed, the shape of the virtual screen, the image information, the virtual screen, and the viewpoint The point on the virtual screen on which each point of the image information is projected is calculated based on the positional relationship, and the coordinates of both points are recorded as a set in the projection position storage unit, and perspective projection is performed according to the recorded coordinates. May be.
[0111]
In the first and fourth embodiments, in the virtual space where the perspective projection is performed, the shape of the curved surface or the image information is constant without undulations according to the altitude. That is, the correspondence between the points on the curved surface or the points on the image information and the points projected on the virtual screen is constant regardless of the change in altitude due to the movement of the vehicle position. Therefore, if the projection position is calculated and stored in advance with the above-described configuration, it is not necessary to perform the calculation process of the projection position with a large calculation amount every time the vehicle position is moved, and the map display speed is improved. Can do.
(5) In the first to sixth embodiments, the map display devices 10 to 60 directly display a font representing character information at a predetermined position on the display unit, thereby deforming the font by mapping and perspective projection. However, the target to which this display method is applied is not limited to character information. That is, for example, when a landmark figure or the like indicating a target is included in a map, deformation of the figure is avoided by directly displaying the figure at a predetermined position on the display unit without mapping and perspective projection, Visibility is improved.
(6) The map display device of the present invention includes a map information reception unit, receives map information transmitted from outside the map display device, stores the received map information in the map storage unit 110 or 210, and displays it. Good. In this case, the map display device can accept and display the latest map information at any time by cooperating with a service that wirelessly distributes map information that takes into account the latest road conditions such as traffic closure and new opening. it can.
(7) In the map information display device of the present invention, the mapping unit 160 and the projection unit 270 calculate the area to be displayed on the map according to the vehicle position information. The area to be displayed on the map may be calculated according to the received instruction.
[0112]
According to this configuration, it is possible to display a map in a range according to the current position of the vehicle at normal times, and temporarily display, for example, a map near the destination according to an instruction from the driver The convenience of the device is improved.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
(1) The map display device of the present invention is characterized in that a map of a current location where the map display device is placed or a region according to an instruction from a user is mapped to a curved surface and displayed.
[0114]
According to this configuration, the map display device can display a map in which a part is enlarged and the other part is reduced while maintaining a road connection relationship. For example, it is possible to display a wide area by reducing the marginal part of the same map while enlarging a part where the driver is expected to desire detailed information. By this display, the road connection relationship is maintained, and the driver can accurately grasp the map information displayed on the screen within a short time.
(2) The map display device of (1) displays the map by partially enlarging and / or reducing the map, and the curved surface is an arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion on the map. It has the shape according to.
[0115]
According to this structure, the said map display apparatus has an effect similar to said (1).
(3) The map display device according to (2) is a map storage unit storing map information representing a map, and a target that is a map in a range corresponding to a current location where the map display device is placed in the map. A curved surface defining a curved surface having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the acquired map information, map acquisition means for acquiring map information representing a map from the map storage means A mapped image is generated by mapping a curved surface storage unit storing definition information and a target map represented by the acquired map information onto a curved surface defined according to the curved surface definition information. Mapping means; and projection display means for displaying a projection image obtained by projecting the generated mapped image onto a planar virtual screen.
[0116]
According to this structure, the said map display apparatus has an effect similar to said (2).
(4) In the map display device of (3), the curved surface defined by the curved surface definition information stored in the curved surface storage means is mapped onto the curved surface by the mapping means, When projected by the projection display means, (A) the angle formed between the curved surface portion to which the enlarged portion of the target map is mapped and the line of sight in the projection is the difference between the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight in the projection. And (B) the angle formed between the curved surface portion onto which the reduced portion of the target map is mapped and the line of sight in the projection forms the other portion of the curved surface and the line of sight in the projection. Smaller than the angle.
[0117]
According to this configuration, the curved surface brings about the effect (1).
(5) The map display device according to (4) further includes an altitude storage that stores altitude information indicating the position on the ground surface represented by the map and the altitude of the ground surface at the position in association with each other. The mapping means has a size corresponding to the elevation information with respect to the curved surface at a position on the curved surface where a point on the target map corresponding to the position where the elevation is indicated by the elevation information is mapped. By providing this undulation, the mapping means has a curved surface deforming unit for generating a deformed curved surface, and the mapping means maps the target map onto the deformed curved surface.
[0118]
According to this configuration, since the map display device displays a three-dimensional map corresponding to the altitude, it is possible to present the driver with a realistic map corresponding to a view of the actual landform viewed from above. In addition to the effect (1), the driver can easily grasp the terrain.
(6) In the map display device according to (5), the curved surface deforming unit includes an altitude changing unit that changes the altitude information corresponding to a peripheral area including a current location where the map display device is placed to an equivalent value. The curved surface deforming unit generates the deformed curved surface using the changed elevation information.
[0119]
According to this configuration, since the map display device displays the map in a plane around the vehicle position and displays the map in a three-dimensional manner in other portions, the undulation is performed while maintaining the effect of (5). This avoids the problem that the map may be hidden around the vehicle position.
(7) In the map display device according to (6), the altitude changing unit further changes the altitude information corresponding to a peripheral area of the area according to a distance from the area.
[0120]
According to this configuration, since the map display device smoothly and continuously displays the vicinity of the boundary between the two-dimensionally displayed portion and the three-dimensionally displayed portion, the effect of (6) is maintained. While reducing visual unnaturalness.
(8) The map display device of (3) further includes curved surface receiving means for receiving curved surface definition information, and the curved surface storage means stores the curved surface definition information received by the curved surface receiving means.
[0121]
According to this configuration, the curved surface calculation device provided outside the map display device enlarges or reduces a desired portion of the map when, for example, the position of the attention point moves in a complicated manner with the progress of the automobile. If the curved surface definition information is calculated and supplied to the map display device, the load is distributed in both devices, and the map display can be performed more smoothly.
(9) In the map display device of (3), the projection display unit associates a position on the curved surface with a position on the virtual screen on which the point on the curved surface at the position is projected. A projection position storage unit is stored.
[0122]
According to this configuration, since the map display device can calculate and store the projection position on the virtual screen in advance, it is not necessary to sequentially perform a projection position calculation process with a large calculation amount during the projection process. , Map display speed is improved.
(10) In the map display device of (3), the map information stored in the map storage means is (A) a figure representing an object is drawn corresponding to a position on the ground surface of the object. Image information indicating the generated image, and (B) character information indicating the character representing the target object and the position of the target object on the ground surface, and the map acquisition unit is configured by the map display device. The image information and the character information corresponding to the range according to the current location is acquired from the map storage means, and the map display device further corresponds to the position indicated by the acquired character information A point on the virtual screen is calculated when a point on the target map is mapped onto the curved surface by the mapping unit and further projected onto the virtual screen by the projection display unit. Character display position calculating means, wherein the mapping means generates the mapped image by mapping an image indicated by the acquired image information, and the projection display means further includes the acquired character information. Are displayed on the basis of the calculated position.
[0123]
According to this configuration, the map display device does not target the character font for mapping and perspective projection, and directly displays the character font at a position on the screen corresponding to the character position. Deformation is avoided and the visibility of characters is improved.
(11) The map display device of (3) is mounted on a moving body, and further includes position information receiving means for receiving position information including a current position and a traveling direction of the moving body. Map information representing a map in a range corresponding to the position information received by the position information receiving means is acquired from the map storage means.
[0124]
According to this configuration, when the map display device is mounted on a moving body and used, an appropriate portion of the map information is displayed according to the current position and the traveling direction of the moving body.
(12) The map display device of (11) further includes map receiving means for receiving map information transmitted wirelessly, and the map storage means stores the map information received by the map receiving means.
[0125]
According to this structure, since the said map display apparatus displays the newest map information sent by the said radio | wireless, it can display the map which considered the newest road conditions, such as a traffic stop and new opening, for example.
(13) The map display device according to (2) is a map storage unit storing map information representing a map, and a target that is a map in a range corresponding to a current location where the map display device is placed in the map. A map acquisition unit that acquires map information representing a map from the map storage unit, and a virtual screen having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the acquired map information are defined. Curved surface storage means for storing curved surface definition information and a projection image obtained by projecting the target map represented by the acquired map information onto a virtual screen defined by the curved surface definition information is displayed. Projection display means.
[0126]
According to this structure, the said map display apparatus has an effect similar to said (1).
(14) In the map display device of (13), the virtual screen defined by the curved surface definition information stored in the curved surface storage means is obtained by projecting the target map onto the virtual screen by the projection display means. (A) The angle formed by the portion of the virtual screen on which the enlarged portion of the target map is projected and the line of sight in the projection is smaller than the angle formed by the other portion of the virtual screen and the line of sight in the projection. And (B) the angle formed by the portion of the virtual screen to which the reduced portion of the target map is mapped and the line of sight in the projection is greater than the angle formed by the other portion of the virtual screen and the line of sight in the projection. large.
[0127]
According to this configuration, the curved surface brings about the effect (1).
(15) The map display device according to (14) further includes altitude storage that stores altitude information indicating the position on the ground surface represented by the map and the altitude of the ground surface at the position in association with each other. The projection display means is provided with a deformed map by providing the map with undulations of a size corresponding to the altitude information at a position on the map corresponding to the position indicated by the altitude information. The projection display means displays a projection image obtained by projecting the modified map.
[0128]
According to this configuration, since the map display device displays a three-dimensional map corresponding to the altitude, it is possible to present the driver with a realistic map corresponding to a view of the actual landform viewed from above. In addition to the effect (1), the driver can easily grasp the terrain.
(16) In the map display device according to (15), the map deformation unit includes an elevation change unit that changes the elevation information corresponding to a peripheral region including a current location where the map display device is placed to an equivalent value. The map deformation unit generates the deformed map using the changed elevation information.
[0129]
According to this configuration, since the map display device displays the map in a plane around the vehicle position and displays the map in a three-dimensional manner in other parts, the undulation is maintained while maintaining the effect of (15). This avoids the problem that the map may be hidden around the vehicle position.
(17) In the map display device according to (16), the altitude changing unit further changes the altitude information corresponding to a peripheral area of the area according to a distance from the area.
[0130]
According to this configuration, since the map display device smoothly and continuously displays the vicinity of the boundary between the two-dimensionally displayed portion and the three-dimensionally displayed portion, the effect (16) is maintained. While reducing visual unnaturalness.
(18) The map display device of (13) further includes curved surface receiving means for receiving curved surface definition information, and the curved surface storage means stores the curved surface definition information received by the curved surface receiving means.
[0131]
According to this configuration, the curved surface calculation device provided outside the map display device enlarges or reduces a desired portion of the map when, for example, the position of the attention point moves in a complicated manner with the progress of the automobile. If the curved surface definition information is calculated and supplied to the map display device, the load is distributed in both devices, and the map display can be performed more smoothly.
(19) In the map display device according to (13), the projection display unit associates a position on the target map with a position on the virtual screen where a point on the target map at the position is projected. A projection position storage unit for storing them.
[0132]
According to this configuration, since the map display device can calculate and store the projection position on the virtual screen in advance, it is not necessary to sequentially perform a projection position calculation process with a large calculation amount during the projection process. , Map display speed is improved.
(20) In the map display device of (13), the map information stored in the map storage means is (A) a figure representing an object is drawn corresponding to the position of the object on the ground surface. (B) character information indicating the target object and the position of the target object on the ground surface in association with each other, and the map acquisition means is installed on the map display device. The image information and the character information corresponding to the range according to the current location are acquired from the map storage means, and the map display device further corresponds to the position corresponding to the position indicated by the acquired character information When a point on the map is projected onto the virtual screen by the projection display unit, the display unit includes a character display position calculation unit that calculates a position on the virtual screen, and the projection display unit is Displays a projection image obtained by projecting an image of the image information shown further, a letter indicating the obtained character information, displays the calculated position as a reference.
[0133]
According to this configuration, the map display device does not target the character font for mapping and perspective projection, and directly displays the character font at a position on the screen corresponding to the character position. Deformation is avoided and the visibility of characters is improved.
(21) The map display device according to (13) is mounted on a moving body, and further includes position information receiving means for receiving position information including a current position and a traveling direction of the moving body; And a display target extracting unit that acquires map information representing a map in a range corresponding to the position information received by the information receiving unit from the map storage unit.
[0134]
According to this configuration, when the map display device is mounted on a moving body and used, an appropriate portion of the map information is displayed according to the current position and the traveling direction of the moving body.
(22) The map display device of (21) further includes map receiving means for receiving map information transmitted wirelessly, and the map storage means stores the map information received by the map receiving means.
[0135]
According to this structure, since the said map display apparatus displays the newest map information sent by the said radio | wireless, it can display the map which considered the newest road conditions, such as a traffic stop and new opening, for example.
(23) The map display method of the present invention is a map display method for displaying a map by partially enlarging or reducing the map, or both, and according to the current location where the map display device is placed. A map receiving step for receiving map information representing a target map which is a map of the map, and curved surface definition information for defining a curved surface having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the received map information A curved surface acquisition step for acquiring a mapped image, a mapping step for generating a mapped image by mapping the target map on a curved surface defined according to the curved surface definition information, and the generated mapped image as a plane. A projection display step of displaying a projection image obtained by projecting onto a virtual screen.
[0136]
According to this structure, the map display process which has the same effect as said (1) can be performed.
(24) The map display method of the present invention is a map display method for displaying a map by partially enlarging or reducing the map, or both, and according to the current location where the map display device is placed. A map receiving step for receiving map information representing a target map which is a map of the map, and a curved surface defining a virtual screen having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion on the target map represented by the received map information A curved surface acquisition step of acquiring definition information; and a projection display step of displaying a projection image obtained by projecting the target map onto a virtual screen defined by the curved surface definition information.
[0137]
According to this structure, the map display process which has the same effect as said (1) can be performed.
(25) The program of the present invention is a computer-executable program used in a map display device that partially enlarges and / or reduces a map and displays the map, and is provided with the map display device. A map receiving step for receiving map information representing a target map which is a map of a region corresponding to the current location, and a curved surface having a shape according to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the received map information A curved surface acquisition step for acquiring curved surface definition information for defining the mapping, a mapping step for generating a mapped image by mapping the target map on a curved surface defined according to the curved surface definition information, and the generated A projected image obtained by projecting the mapped image onto a flat virtual screen To execute a projection display step that the computer.
[0138]
According to this configuration, the program can cause the computer to execute map display processing having the same effect as in (1).
(26) The program of the present invention is a computer-executable program used in a map display device that partially enlarges and / or reduces a map and displays the map, and is provided with the map display device. A map receiving step for receiving map information representing a target map which is a map of a region corresponding to the current location, and a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion on the target map represented by the received map information A curved surface acquisition step for acquiring curved surface definition information for defining a virtual screen, and a projection display step for displaying a projection image obtained by projecting the target map onto a virtual screen defined by the curved surface definition information. To run.
[0139]
According to this configuration, the program can cause the computer to execute map display processing having the same effect as in (1).
(27) The program recording medium of the present invention records the program of (25).
[0140]
According to this configuration, the program recording medium can record and distribute a program that causes a computer to execute a map display process having the same effect as the above (1).
(28) The program recording medium of the present invention records the program (26).
[0141]
According to this configuration, the program recording medium can record and distribute a program that causes a computer to execute a map display process having the same effect as the above (1).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a map display device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an example of image information stored in a map storage unit.
FIG. 3 is an example of character information stored in a map storage unit.
FIG. 4 is an example of a curved surface stored in a curved surface storage unit.
FIG. 5 is an example of own vehicle position information output from a position information receiving unit to a mapping unit.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a mapping range of a map according to own vehicle position information.
FIG. 7 is an example of map information mapped by a mapping unit.
FIG. 8 is an example of map information mapped by a mapping unit.
FIG. 9A is a conceptual diagram for explaining a projection process performed by a projection unit.
(B) It is sectional drawing in x = 0 of Fig.1 (a).
FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram for explaining a projection process performed by a projection unit.
(B) It is sectional drawing in x = 0 of Fig.1 (a).
FIG. 11 is an example of a map displayed by the display unit.
FIG. 12 is an example of a map displayed by the display unit.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing map display processing in the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a map display device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an example of elevation information stored in an elevation storage unit.
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a deformation process performed by a curved surface deformation unit.
FIG. 17 is an example of map information mapped by a mapping unit.
FIG. 18 is an example of a map displayed by the display unit.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing map display processing in the second embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a map display device in a third embodiment.
FIG. 21 is an example of a curved surface deformed by a curved surface deforming unit.
FIG. 22 is an example of map information mapped by a mapping unit.
FIG. 23 is an example of a map displayed by the display unit.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing map display processing in the third embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a map display device in a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 26 is an example of a curved surface stored by a curved surface storage unit.
FIG. 27 is an example of image information positioned in a virtual space for performing perspective projection.
FIG. 28A is a conceptual diagram for explaining a projection process performed by a projection unit.
(B) It is sectional drawing in x = 0 of Fig.1 (a).
FIG. 29A is a conceptual diagram for explaining a projection process performed by a projection unit.
(B) It is sectional drawing in x = 0 of figure (a).
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing map display processing in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a map display device in a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing map display processing in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a block diagram of a map display device in a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing map display processing in the sixth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10-60 Map display device
110 Map storage
111 Character information table
120 Altitude storage unit
121 Altitude table
140 Curved surface storage
141, 142 curved surface
155 Location information receiving part
156 Vehicle location information
157 area
160 Mapping part
161 Curved surface deformation part
162 Altitude change part
166 points
170 Projection unit
171 Curved surface
172 virtual screen
173 perspective
174 eyes
176 curved surface
177 Virtual screen
178 viewpoints
179 eyes
180 display unit
210 Map storage
220 Altitude storage unit
240 Curved surface storage
241,242 Curved surface
255 Location information receiving part
261 Map transformation part
262 Altitude change part
270 Projector
271 plane
272 virtual screen
273 perspective
274 line of sight
276 plane
277 Virtual screen
278 viewpoints
279 eyes
280 display

Claims (2)

The map of the current location where the map display device is placed or the area according to the instruction from the user is mapped and displayed on the curved surface ,
The map display device, the aforementioned map partially enlarged or reduced, or to display by performing both, the curved surface may have a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portions on the map,
The map display device includes map storage means storing map information representing a map, and map information representing a target map which is a map in a range corresponding to the current location where the map display device is placed in the map. Map acquisition means for acquiring from the map storage means, and curved surface definition information for defining a curved surface having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the acquired map information. Curved storage means, mapping means for generating a mapped image by mapping a target map represented by the acquired map information onto a curved surface defined according to the curved surface definition information, and the generated A projected display means for displaying a projected image obtained by projecting the mapped image onto a planar virtual screen ,
Further comprising a curved surface receiving means for receiving a curved surface definition information, the curved surface storage unit, maps display you and to store the curved surface definition information the curved reception unit receives. The map of the current location where the map display device is placed or the area according to the instruction from the user is mapped and displayed on the curved surface ,
The map display device, the aforementioned map partially enlarged or reduced, or to display by performing both, the curved surface may have a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portions on the map,
The map display device has map storage means storing map information representing a map, and map information representing a target map which is a map in a range corresponding to a current location where the map display device is placed in the map. Map acquisition means for acquiring from the map storage means, and curved surface definition information for defining a virtual screen having a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the enlarged portion and the reduced portion in the target map represented by the acquired map information; Curved surface storage means, and a projection display means for displaying a projection image obtained by projecting the target map represented by the acquired map information onto a virtual screen defined by the curved surface definition information ,
Further comprising a curved surface receiving means for receiving a curved surface definition information, the curved surface storage unit, maps display you and to store the curved surface definition information the curved reception unit receives.

Images