JPH11183183A - Navigation system, navigation apparatus and oscillator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a navigation system in which required information is transmitted surely to an operator. SOLUTION: The map information generating means 1a of a navigation system 1 generates map information corresponding to the position of its own vehicle and displays it on an LCD 3. A guide voice generating means 1b generates a guide voice required for a driver. A control signal generating means 1d generates a control signal corresponding to the guide voice which is transmitted through a transmission means 1e. An oscillator 2 having a housing disposed to partially touch the body of the driver comprises means 2a for receiving a control signal, and means 2b for controlling an oscillation generating means 2c to generate an oscillation in response to the control signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation system, a navigation device, and a vibration device. More particularly, the invention relates to a navigation device that displays map information and guides a route by voice, and generates vibration in response to a control signal from the navigation device. The present invention relates to a navigation system, a navigation device, and a vibration device including a vibration device that generates the vibration signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The practicality of car navigation systems has been improved with the increase in the speed of CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the increase in the capacity of recording media. In recent years, car navigation systems of various manufacturers have rapidly entered the market. Is infiltrating.

In these car navigation systems, the position of the vehicle is detected by referring to radio waves transmitted from a plurality of artificial satellites, and a CD-ROM is detected in accordance with the detected position.
(Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) and DVD (Digita
l It reads out map information recorded on a Versatile Disk or the like and displays it on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like.

In recent years, when a destination is set, a system for presenting information indicating a traveling direction of a car (for example, "right turn", "left turn", etc.) along a route to the destination by voice has appeared. ing.

[0005]

However, in the conventional system, there is a problem that the sound of the car engine or the car stereo cancels the sound, making it difficult to hear the information by voice.

[0006] Therefore, a system has been proposed to alleviate such a problem by temporarily lowering the volume of a car stereo when a sound is emitted from a car navigation system.

However, in such a system,
Since it is necessary to unify the car navigation system and the car stereo into products of the same maker, there is a problem that the range of selection is limited. Further, even with such a system, it is not possible to cope with a vehicle engine or noise outside the vehicle. Therefore, when these sounds are loud, there is a problem that voice information may be missed. Was.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system capable of accurately transmitting necessary information to a driver.

[0009]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a navigation device which displays map information and guides a course by voice, and generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the navigation device. A navigation system, comprising: a map information generating unit that generates map information; and a guidance voice generating unit that generates a voice for guiding a course according to the map information. A voice signal output means for outputting a voice signal generated by the guidance voice generation means to an external speaker; and generating a corresponding control signal when detecting that voice is generated from the guidance voice generation means. Control signal generating means for transmitting the control signal generated by the control signal generating means to an external vibration device. A transmitting unit that receives the control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit, a vibration generating unit that generates vibration, and a control unit that receives the control signal received by the receiving unit. And a control means for controlling the vibration generating means.

Here, in the navigation device, the map information generating means generates map information. The guidance voice generating means generates a voice for guiding the course according to the map information. The audio signal output means outputs an audio signal generated by the guidance audio generation means to an external speaker. The control signal generating means generates a corresponding control signal when detecting that a voice is generated from the guidance voice generating means. The transmitting means transmits the control signal generated by the control signal generating means to an external vibration device. In the vibration device, the receiving unit receives the control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit. The vibration generating means generates vibration. The control means controls the vibration generating means according to the control signal received by the receiving means.

In a navigation apparatus for displaying map information and guiding a route by voice, a map information generating means for generating map information, and generating voice for guiding a route in accordance with the map information. Guiding voice generating means, voice signal outputting means for outputting a voice signal generated by the guiding voice generating means to an external speaker, and responding when detecting that voice is generated from the guiding voice generating means. A control signal generating means for generating a control signal to be transmitted, and a transmitting means for transmitting the control signal generated by the control signal generating means to an external vibration device. Is done.

Here, the map information generating means generates map information. The guidance voice generating means generates a voice for guiding the course according to the map information. The audio signal output means outputs an audio signal generated by the guidance audio generation means to an external speaker. The control signal generating means generates a corresponding control signal when detecting that a voice is generated from the guidance voice generating means. The transmitting means transmits the control signal generated by the control signal generating means to an external vibration device.

Further, the present invention is a vibration device which displays map information and vibrates in response to a control signal transmitted from a navigation device for guiding a route by voice, and receives the control signal transmitted from the navigation device. A vibration device is provided, comprising: a receiving unit; a vibration generating unit that generates vibration; and a control unit that controls the vibration generating unit in accordance with a control signal received by the receiving unit.

Here, the receiving means receives the control signal transmitted from the navigation device. The vibration generating means is
Generates vibration. The control means controls the vibration generating means according to the control signal received by the receiving means.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this figure, a navigation device 1
Are map information generating means 1a, guidance voice generating means 1b, voice signal output means 1c, control signal generating means 1d,
The transmission means 1e is configured to generate map information corresponding to the position of the vehicle and display the map information on the LCD 3,
Information that prompts a change in the traveling direction of the car, traffic information, and the like are output from the speaker 4. When the information is presented by voice, a predetermined control signal is transmitted to the vibration device 2.

The vibration device 2 comprises a receiving means 2a, a control means 2
b, and the vibration generating means 2c. When a control signal is transmitted from the navigation device 1, the vibration is generated in accordance with the control signal to call the driver's attention. The vibration device 2 is arranged (or held) such that a part of its housing is in contact with the driver's body.

Next, the configuration of each device will be described in detail. Map information generating means 1a of navigation device 1
Measures the position of the vehicle with reference to radio waves transmitted from a plurality of artificial satellites, generates map information corresponding to the obtained position, and causes the LCD 3 to display the map information.

The guidance voice generating means 1b is used, for example, when the course of a car is changed or when it is necessary to present traffic information (for example, "I'm about to take off.").
Generates and outputs a corresponding voice signal (guidance voice).

The voice signal output means 1c outputs the voice signal output from the guidance voice generation means 1b to the speaker 4. When a voice signal is output from the guidance voice generating means 1b, the control signal generating means 1d generates and outputs a control signal corresponding to the voice information.

The transmitting means 1e transmits the control signal supplied from the control signal generating means 1d as a radio wave, for example, superimposed on a carrier wave. Note that, instead of using radio waves, for example, an infrared signal or the like can be used.

The receiving means 2a of the vibrating device 2 includes the transmitting means 1
e, receives the radio wave transmitted from e, extracts information (control signal) superimposed on the carrier wave, and outputs it as a corresponding electric signal.

The control means 2b controls the vibration generating means 2c according to the control signal extracted by the receiving means 2a. The vibration generating means 2c is constituted by, for example, a motor having an eccentric weight attached thereto, and generates vibration according to the control of the control means 2b. The vibration thus generated is transmitted to the driver via the housing of the vibration device 2.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in the navigation device 1 illustrated in FIG. This flowchart is started, for example, when the engine of the car is started. When this flowchart is started, the following processing is executed. [S1] The map information generating means 1a generates a map corresponding to the position of the vehicle and causes the LCD 3 to display the map. [S2] The map information generating means 1a refers to radio waves from a plurality of artificial satellites received by a satellite antenna (not shown) to determine whether or not the vehicle has moved. The process proceeds to S3, and if the vehicle has not moved, returns to step S2. [S3] The direction and position of an icon (not shown) indicating the own vehicle displayed on the LCD 3 are moved according to the position of the own vehicle detected in step S2. [S4] If it is necessary to scroll the screen with reference to the position of the vehicle detected in step S2,
Update map information. [S5] The guidance voice generating means 1b determines whether or not to generate a guidance voice. That is, the guidance voice generating means 1b refers to a preset route to the destination, and generates a corresponding guidance voice when it is necessary to change the course of the car or when traffic conditions change. Voice signal output means 1c
After that, the process proceeds to step S6. If no guidance voice is generated, the process returns to step S2. [S6] The control signal generator 1d generates a control signal corresponding to the guidance voice and supplies the control signal to the transmitter 1e. [S7] The transmitting unit 1e superimposes the control signal generated by the control signal generating unit 1d on the carrier wave and transmits the carrier signal to the vibration device 2. [S8] The voice signal output means 1c is the guidance voice generation means 1
The guidance voice generated by b is output from the speaker 4. [S9] It is determined whether or not the power of the navigation apparatus 1 has been turned off (the engine of the car has been stopped). If the power has been turned off, the process is terminated. If not, step S2 is performed. Return to

Next, processing executed in the vibration device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed in the vibration device 2. When this flowchart is started, the following processing is executed. [S21] The receiving means 2a determines whether or not a control signal transmitted from the navigation device 1 has been received. If a control signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S22, and if no control signal has been received. Returns to step S21. [S22] The control unit 2b analyzes the control signal received by the receiving unit 2a. [S23] The control unit 2b controls the vibration generation unit 2c to generate vibration according to the result of the analysis in step S22. [S24] The control means 2b determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed.
The process proceeds to step S25, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S24. [S25] The control unit 2b controls the vibration generation unit 2c to stop the generation of the vibration.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described with a specific example. Now, assuming that the engine of the car is started, the processing shown in FIG.
Displayed on D3. When the driver sets the destination using a remote controller (not shown) or the like and starts the car, YES is determined in step S2,
Proceed to step S3.

In step S3, the icon indicating the position of the vehicle is moved on the map, and the map information on the screen is updated in step S4 depending on the amount of movement of the vehicle.

For example, when it is necessary to make a right turn in order to reach the destination, the guidance voice generating means 1b generates information such as "turn right soon."

The control signal generating means 1d generates a control signal indicating "turn right" in step S6, and generates a control signal in step S7.
Is transmitted to the vibration device 2 via the transmitting means 1e.
As a result, in the vibration device 2, in step S21, Y
ES is determined, and the process proceeds to step S22. Step S2
In step 2, the control means 2b analyzes the control signal, and
At 23, the vibration is generated by controlling the vibration generating means 2c in a pattern corresponding to the control signal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the guidance voice presented by the navigation device 1 and the vibration pattern of the vibration device 2 in that case. Since “turn right” is now generated as the guidance voice, the vibration generating unit 2c vibrates in the pattern shown in the top row of FIG.

It should be noted that even when guidance voices such as "turn left", "approaching railroad crossing", "approaching tollgate", and "around the destination" are made, vibrations are generated in accordance with the pattern shown in FIG. The means 2c vibrates.

Then, the control means 2b determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, stops the vibration in step S25. If it has not elapsed, the vibration is continuously generated in the same pattern.

Since the vibration device 2 is installed (or held) with a part of the housing in contact with the driver's body,
The vibration of the housing is transmitted to the driver's body. As a result, the driver is alerted by the vibration from the vibration device 2, so that the driver can know that necessary information will be presented.

When a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses after the vibration of the vibration generating means 2c starts, in step S8, a voice signal is output from the voice signal output means 1c, and the corresponding guidance voice " Turn right soon. "Is output from the speaker 4.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver from missing necessary information even when the driver is deprived of attention due to road conditions and the like. Further, even when the guidance voice is missed due to a car stereo or external noise, it is possible to know what information is presented from the vibration pattern of the vibration device 2.

In the above embodiment, the information is transmitted between the navigation device 1 and the vibration device 2 by radio waves. However, the information is transmitted by connecting these devices with electric wires or the like. Is also good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the guide information is expressed by the interval of the vibration, but the frequency and the intensity of the vibration may be changed, for example.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the navigation system, when a guidance voice is presented, a control signal is sent to the vibration device to generate vibration in a pattern corresponding to the guidance information. Therefore, necessary information can be transmitted to the driver accurately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a navigation system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in the navigation device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the vibration device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a guidance voice presented by the navigation device shown in FIG. 1 and a vibration pattern of a vibration device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a ... map information generating means, 1b ... guide voice generating means, 1c ... voice signal output means, 1d ... control signal generating means, 1e ... transmitting means, 2a ... receiving means,
2b Control means 2c Vibration generating means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A navigation system comprising: a navigation device that displays map information and guides a course by voice; and a vibration device that generates vibration in response to a control signal from the navigation device. A map information generating means for generating map information, a guide voice generating means for generating a voice for guiding a route according to the map information, and an external voice signal generated by the guide voice generating means. Voice signal output means for outputting to a speaker; control signal generating means for generating a corresponding control signal when detecting that voice is generated from the guidance voice generating means; Transmission means for transmitting the control signal to an external vibration device, wherein the vibration device transmits the control signal to the external vibration device. Receiving means for receiving the control signal transmitted from the means, vibration generating means for generating vibration, and control means for controlling the vibration generating means in accordance with the control signal received by the receiving means. A navigation system characterized by the following. 2. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein said vibration generating means generates vibration according to information presented by said guidance voice. 3. A navigation device which displays map information and guides a route by voice, a map information generating means for generating map information, and generates a voice for guiding a route according to the map information. Guidance voice generation means, voice signal output means for outputting a voice signal generated by the guidance voice generation means to an external speaker, and a response when a voice is detected from the guidance voice generation means. A navigation device comprising: control signal generating means for generating a control signal to be transmitted; and transmitting means for transmitting the control signal generated by the control signal generating means to an external vibration device. 4. A vibration device that displays map information and vibrates in response to a control signal transmitted from a navigation device that guides a course by voice, and receives the control signal transmitted from the navigation device. A vibration device, comprising: a receiving unit; a vibration generating unit that generates vibration; and a control unit that controls the vibration generating unit in accordance with a control signal received by the receiving unit.