Navigation device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a navigation device and a storage medium. A navigation device is provided with an information processing device, a display, and an input device. The information processing device is configured to execute the following steps: acquiring information of current positions of a plurality of vehicles including a host vehicle; displaying, on a display, a navigation image in which an icon indicating the current position of the vehicle is superimposed on a map image of the object range; generating, as navigation images, a normal image in which a range including the current position of the host vehicle is set as a target range, an overall image in which a range including the current positions of all the vehicles is set as the target range, and a confirmation image in which a range including the current position of a designated target vehicle among the plurality of vehicles is set as the target range; and switching the display modes of the three navigation images according to the input from the input device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a navigation device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-030993 is equipped with a navigation device. The navigation device is equipped with a control unit and a display device. The control unit stores map data. The control unit obtains information about the current position of the vehicle carrying the vehicle. The control unit causes the display device to display a map image of the surrounding area of ​​the current position of the vehicle. In addition, the control unit displays an icon indicating the current position of the vehicle on the map image. Summary of the invention

[0003] The first aspect of the present disclosure provides a navigation device. The navigation device is mounted on a vehicle, wherein the navigation device includes: an information processing device that stores map data in advance; a display configured to display an image corresponding to the information output by the information processing device; and an input device configured to input information to the information processing device from the outside. The information processing device is configured to execute: obtaining information on the current positions of a plurality of vehicles that are pre-registered including the vehicle; causing the display to display a navigation image in which an icon indicating the current position of the vehicle is superimposed on a map image of a target range; generating a normal image in which a range including the current position of the vehicle is set as the target range, an overall image in which a range including the current positions of all the vehicles is set as the target range, and a confirmation image in which a range including the current position of a target vehicle specified by input from the input device among the plurality of vehicles is set as the target range as the navigation image; and switching three modes of displaying the navigation image according to the input from the input device.

[0004] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a navigation program including instructions for causing a computer to execute. The instructions of the navigation program cause the computer to execute: obtaining information on the current positions of a plurality of pre-registered vehicles including a host vehicle; outputting to the outside a navigation image formed by superimposing an icon representing the current position of the vehicle on a map image of a target range; generating as the navigation image a normal image in which a range including the current position of the host vehicle is set as the target range, an overall image in which a range including the current positions of all the vehicles is set as the target range, and a confirmation image in which a range including the current position of a target vehicle specified by an external input among the plurality of vehicles is set as the target range; and switching between three modes of displaying the navigation image according to an input from the outside.

[0005] The first and second aspects described above can each improve the convenience of making a driving plan while taking the movements of other vehicles into consideration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the navigation device.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a flowchart showing a series of flows of a processing routine.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of a normal image.

[0009] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of an entire image.

[0010] Figure 5 It is a figure which shows an example of a confirmation image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] <Overall Structure>

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a navigation device and a storage medium will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a navigation device 50. Hereinafter, the vehicle 10 equipped with the navigation device 50 is referred to as the vehicle 10. The navigation device 50 includes an information processing device 20, a display 30, and a position receiver 40. The information processing device 20 is a computer located in the vehicle 10. The information processing device 20 may also be a portable terminal owned by the driver. The information processing device 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, and a communication circuit 23. The memory 22 pre-stores a navigation program W that describes the processing to be performed by the CPU 21. That is, the memory 22, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, stores the navigation program W including instructions for the computer to execute. The communication circuit 23 is a circuit for external wireless communication with the vehicle 10 via an external communication line network. Hereinafter, when indicating the entire vehicle without being limited to the vehicle 10, it is recorded as a vehicle without adding a symbol.

[0013] The display 30 is located in the cabin of the vehicle 10. The display 30 includes a drive circuit and a display screen 32 (not shown). The display 30 can communicate with the information processing device 20. The display 30 displays an image corresponding to the information output by the information processing device 20 on the display screen 32. The display 30 is a touch panel type. When the user performs an input operation on the display screen 32, the display 30 outputs information corresponding to the input operation to the information processing device 20. In this way, the display 30 has both the function of a display device and the function of an input device for inputting information to the information processing device 20 from the outside.

[0014] The position receiver 40 receives information on the current position of the host vehicle 10 from a global positioning satellite. The position receiver 40 outputs the received information to the information processing device 20. Specifically, the information on the current position is a position coordinate expressed in latitude and longitude.

[0015] The memory 22 of the information processing device 20 stores map data M in advance. The map data M includes information of a plurality of nodes and a plurality of links. A node represents the position coordinates of a specific place on a road. A link is determined as a line segment connecting adjacent nodes. Therefore, a link represents a road.

[0016] The memory 22 of the information processing device 20 stores basic information of the vehicle 10 and multiple other vehicles 80 in advance. These multiple vehicles are pre-registered as vehicles that can share driving information with each other. The basic information includes the vehicle ID and the vehicle registration name. In addition, the other vehicles 80 are equipped with the same navigation device as the vehicle 10. Figure 1 , an example is shown in which there are two other vehicles 80. The number of other vehicles 80 is not limited to two.

[0017] <Driving route guidance>

[0018] The CPU 21 of the information processing device 20 performs a series of processing routines described below by executing the navigation program W stored in the memory 22. The CPU 21 starts executing the processing routine when the driver inputs a destination via the display 30. In addition, when the destination is input, the CPU 21 stores the input destination in the memory 22. The CPU 21 actually stores the location coordinates of the destination in the memory 22. Once the CPU 21 starts executing the processing routine, it repeatedly executes the processing routine until the end condition is met. The end condition is that the end button BE described later, which is set on the navigation image, is operated. When the end condition is met, the CPU 21 ends the execution of the processing routine at that time. The content of the processing routine is described below.

[0019] like Figure 2As shown, when the CPU 21 starts the processing routine, it first performs the processing of step S10. In step S10, the CPU 21 obtains or updates the driving information of the vehicle 10. The driving information includes the current position of the vehicle, the destination of the vehicle, the planned driving route from the current position to the destination, the required time to the destination, and the scheduled arrival time at the destination. The required time and the scheduled arrival time in the driving information are collectively referred to as time information. As a specific processing of step S10, the CPU 21 obtains the latest information about the current position of the vehicle 10 from the position receiver 40. Next, the CPU 21 obtains the destination from the memory 22. Then, the CPU 21 calculates the planned driving route from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the destination based on the destination and the map data M. Next, the CPU 21 calculates the required time from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the destination and the scheduled arrival time at the destination based on the planned driving route. The calculation of the planned driving route, the required time, and the scheduled arrival time by the CPU 21 is equivalent to the acquisition of this information by the CPU 21. After obtaining the current position, destination, planned travel route, required time, and planned arrival time of the host vehicle 10, the CPU 21 stores this information as summary travel information in the memory 22. At this time, if there is previously stored travel information, the CPU 21 overwrites the travel information with the new travel information. Thus, the CPU 21 updates the travel information. After that, the CPU 21 causes the process to proceed to step S20.

[0020] In step S20, CPU21 obtains or updates the driving information of each other vehicle 80. As a prerequisite for the processing of this step S20, each other vehicle 80 repeatedly sends the driving information to the host vehicle 10. CPU21 obtains the latest driving information sent from each other vehicle 80 in step S20. In addition, when the destination is not set in the other vehicle 80, CPU21 only obtains the current position of the other vehicle 80 as the driving information. CPU21 stores the obtained driving information of each other vehicle 80 in the memory 22 for each vehicle. Similar to the processing of step S10, when there is driving information of each other vehicle 80 stored previously, CPU21 overwrites the driving information with the new driving information. Thereby, CPU21 updates the driving information of each other vehicle 80. After that, CPU21 causes the processing to enter step S30.

[0021] In step S30, CPU 21 generates a navigation image of the type specified by the designated information. The navigation image is an image in which icons representing the current positions of one or more vehicles are superimposed on a map image with a certain specific range as the object. There are three types of navigation images: a normal image G1, an overall image G2, and a confirmation image G3. Details of each type of navigation image will be described later. The designated information is information that specifies the type of navigation image requested to be displayed on the display 30 from the above three types. In addition, the designated information when CPU 21 initially executes this processing routine is set to an initial value. The initial value specifies the normal image G1. The designated information is stored in the memory 22. After generating the navigation image, CPU 21 causes the processing to enter step S40.

[0022] In step S40, the CPU 21 displays the navigation image generated in step S30 on the entire display screen 32 of the display 30. That is, the CPU 21 outputs the navigation image generated in step S30 and the instruction signal for displaying the navigation image on the entire display screen 32 to the display 30. Thereafter, the CPU 21 causes the process to proceed to step S50. In addition, after the CPU 21 displays the navigation image on the display screen 32 through the process of step S40, the CPU 21 continues to display the navigation image until the next step S40 is executed.

[0023] In step S50, CPU 21 waits for a set time. The set time is predetermined, for example, to be a predetermined time of less than 1 second. CPU 21 determines whether there is a switching request during the set time. When there is no operation from the driver on the display 30, CPU 21 determines that there is no switching request (step S50: "No"). In this case, CPU 21 temporarily ends the processing routine. Then, CPU 21 returns to the processing of step S10.

[0024] On the other hand, in step S50 , when there is an operation from the driver on the display 30 , the CPU 21 determines that there is a switching request (step S50 : Yes). In this case, the CPU 21 advances the process to step S60 .

[0025] In step S60, the CPU 21 updates the designated information. In step S60, the CPU 21 may also update the target vehicle information described later that is attached to the designated information. The updating method of the designated information, etc. will be described later. After updating the designated information, the CPU 21 temporarily terminates the processing routine. Then, the CPU 21 returns to the processing of step S10.

[0026] <Generation of normal images>

[0027] The processing of step S30 will be described in detail. In step S30, when the normal image G1 is designated by the current status designation information, the CPU 21 generates the normal image G1. Figure 3 As shown, the normal image G1 is an image in which the target range of the map image serving as a basis for the normal image G1 is set to a range including the current position of the host vehicle 10 .

[0028] When generating the normal image G1, the CPU 21 first determines the object range. Specifically, the CPU 21 determines the current position of the vehicle 10 on the map data M based on the driving information of the vehicle 10 stored in the memory 22 in step S10. Then, the CPU 21 sets a virtual rectangular frame centered on the current position of the vehicle 10 on the map data M on the premise that the map data M is processed according to a predetermined scale. The predetermined scale is, for example, a scale set by the driver via the display 30 as described later. When the scale is not set by the driver, the CPU 21 uses the basic scale as the predetermined scale. The basic scale is predetermined to be a scale at which the road around the vehicle can be known in detail. The basic scale is, for example, a scale at which a range of 200 to 400 meters around the vehicle is displayed on the display 30. The virtual rectangular frame is a rectangular frame of a predetermined size. The aspect ratio of the virtual rectangular frame is the same as the aspect ratio of the display screen 32 of the display 30. In addition, the CPU 21 processes the intersection of the two diagonals of the virtual rectangular frame as the center of the virtual rectangular frame. When a virtual rectangular frame is set on the map data M, the CPU 21 sets the entire area within the virtual rectangular frame as the target range. After determining the target range, the CPU 21 generates a map image of the target range.

[0029] Afterwards, CPU21 overlaps a plurality of display items reflecting the driving information of the host vehicle 10 on the generated map image. Specifically, CPU21 overlaps the icon Q1 representing the host vehicle 10 on the current position of the host vehicle 10 in the generated map image. In addition, CPU21 overlaps the character string NAME representing the registered name of the host vehicle 10 near the icon Q1 of the host vehicle 10. In addition, CPU21 overlaps a line Q2 of the same color as the icon Q1 of the host vehicle 10 on the planned driving path of the host vehicle 10 in the generated map image. In addition, CPU21 overlaps the character string TR representing the time required to reach the destination near the line Q2 representing the planned driving path. In addition, Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, if the destination of the vehicle 10 is within the range of the generated map image, the CPU 21 superimposes an icon representing the destination on the map image. At the same time, the CPU 21 superimposes a character string representing the expected arrival time around the icon representing the destination. Figure 1Although not shown in the figure, when another vehicle 80 exists within the range of the generated map image, the CPU 21 superimposes an icon indicating the current position of the other vehicle 80 .

[0030] After that, CPU21 overlaps various operation buttons on the map image. Among the operation buttons, there are an overall button BY, a confirmation button BZ, an enlargement button BK1, a reduction button BK2, and an end button BE. The overall button BY is a button for inputting the first command signal to CPU21. The first command signal indicates that the navigation image displayed on the display 30 will be switched to the overall image G2. The overall button BY is equivalent to the first button in the normal image G1. The confirmation button BZ is a button for inputting the second command signal to CPU21. The second command signal indicates that the navigation image displayed on the display 30 will be switched to the confirmation image G3. The confirmation button BZ is equivalent to the second button in the normal image G1. CPU21 configures the overall button BY and the confirmation button BZ, for example, in the right corner of the map image. The enlargement button BK1 is a button for inputting a command signal for enlarging the scale of the navigation image relative to the current situation to CPU21. The reduction button BK2 is a button for inputting a command signal for reducing the scale of the navigation image relative to the current situation to CPU21. The scale set by the zoom-in button BK1 or the zoom-out button BK2 is the scale of the map data predetermined in the normal image G1. The end button BE is a button for inputting a command signal for ending the display of the navigation image to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 arranges the zoom-in button BK1, the zoom-out button BK2, and the end button BE, for example, at the left corner of the map image.

[0031] <Generation of overall image>

[0032] When the entire image G2 is designated by the designation information of the current state in step S30, the CPU 21 generates the entire image G2. Figure 4 As shown, the overall image G2 is an image in which the object range of the map image to be the basis of the overall image G2 is set to a range including the current positions of all vehicles. Specifically, the overall image G2 is an image in which the range including the destinations of all vehicles in addition to the current positions of all vehicles is set to the object range of the map image. All vehicles means a plurality of vehicles including the host vehicle 10 and all other vehicles 80.

[0033] When generating the overall image G2, CPU21 first determines the object range. When determining the object range, CPU21 uses the virtual rectangular frame that has been described. Specifically, first, CPU21 determines the current positions of all vehicles and the destinations of all vehicles on the map data M based on the driving information of all vehicles. Then, CPU21 sets a virtual rectangular frame on the map data M in such a way that the current positions of all vehicles and the destinations of all vehicles are contained in the virtual rectangular frame. Then, CPU21 sets the entire area within the virtual rectangular frame as the object range. The object range of the overall image G2 becomes a very narrow map area that includes the current positions of all vehicles and the destinations of all vehicles. After determining the object range, CPU21 generates a map image of the object range.

[0034] After that, CPU21 overlaps various display items reflecting the driving information of each vehicle on the generated map image. The display items include an icon Q1 indicating the current position of the vehicle, a character string NAME indicating the registered name of the vehicle, a line Q2 indicating the scheduled driving path of the vehicle, a character string TR indicating the required time to the destination, an icon Q3 indicating the destination, and a character string TD indicating the scheduled arrival time at the destination, similarly to the normal image G1. The date and time when the latest driving information was sent from each vehicle may also be added to the display items. CPU21 overlaps each display item on the map image for each vehicle. In addition, the shape of the icon Q1 indicating the current position of the vehicle 10 is different from the shape of the icon Q1 indicating the current position of the other vehicle 80. The icon Q1 of the vehicle 10 is the same as the normal image G1. For example, the color of the icon Q1 of the other vehicle 80 is different for each vehicle. Thus, each other vehicle 80 is distinguished from each other. For example, the color of the line Q2 indicating the scheduled driving path and the icon Q3 indicating the destination are also different for each vehicle.

[0035] Afterwards, CPU21 superimposes various operation buttons on the map image. Among the operation buttons, there are a normal button BX, a confirmation button BZ, and an end button BE. The normal button BX is a button for inputting the third instruction signal to CPU21. The third instruction signal indicates that the navigation image displayed on the display 30 will be switched to the normal image G1. The normal button BX is equivalent to the first button in the overall image G2. The function of the confirmation button BZ is the same as that described in the normal image G1. The confirmation button BZ is equivalent to the second button in the overall image G2. The function of the end button BE is the same as that described in the normal image G1. Similar to the normal image G1, the operation buttons are arranged, for example, at the left and right corners of the map image.

[0036] <Confirmation Image Generation>

[0037] When the confirmation image G3 is designated by the current status designation information in step S30, the CPU 21 generates the confirmation image G3. Figure 5 As shown, the confirmation image G3 is an image in which the object range of the map image to be the basis of the confirmation image G3 is set to a range including the current position of the object vehicle. The object vehicle is one of the plurality of other vehicles 80. In addition, as described later, when the navigation image designated by the designation information is the confirmation image G3, the object vehicle information is attached to the designation information. The object vehicle information is information indicating the other vehicle 80 designated as the object vehicle. The CPU 21 treats the other vehicle 80 that matches the object vehicle information as the object vehicle.

[0038] When generating the confirmation image G3, the CPU 21 first determines the object range. Specifically, the CPU 21 determines the current position of the object vehicle on the map data M based on the driving information of the object vehicle. Then, the CPU 21 sets a virtual rectangular frame centered on the current position of the object vehicle on the map data M, on the premise of processing the map data M according to a predetermined scale. The predetermined scale is as described in the column for generating the normal image G1. Similarly, the virtual rectangular frame is as described in the column for generating the normal image G1. When the CPU 21 sets the virtual rectangular frame on the map data M, the entire domain within the virtual rectangular frame is set as the object range. After determining the object range, the CPU 21 generates a map image of the object range.

[0039] After that, CPU21 overlaps various display items reflecting the driving information of the target vehicle on the generated map image. The types of display items are the same as those described in the normal image G1. That is, the display items include an icon Q1 indicating the current position of the target vehicle, a character string NAME indicating the registered name of the target vehicle, a line Q2 indicating the scheduled driving path of the target vehicle, and a character string TR indicating the required time to the destination. The shape and color of the icon Q1 indicating the current position of the target vehicle are the same as the shape and color applied to the target vehicle when the overall image G2 is generated. The color of the line Q2 indicating the scheduled driving path is also the same. In addition, as in the case of the normal image G1, when the destination of the target vehicle exists within the range of the generated map image, CPU21 overlaps an icon indicating the destination on the map image. At the same time, CPU21 overlaps a character string indicating the scheduled arrival time around the icon indicating the destination. In addition, when a vehicle other than the target vehicle exists within the range of the generated map image, CPU21 overlaps an icon indicating the current position of the vehicle.

[0040] After that, CPU21 overlaps various operation buttons on the map image. Among the operation buttons, there are a normal button BX, an overall button BY, an enlargement button BK1, a reduction button BK2, and an end button BE. The functions of each operation button are as described above. The normal button BX is equivalent to the first button in the confirmation image G3. The overall button BY is equivalent to the second button in the confirmation image G3. Each operation button is arranged, for example, at the left and right corners of the map image. In the case where the navigation image is the confirmation image G3, the operation buttons include an ascending button BL1 and a descending button BL2. The ascending button BL1 and the descending button BL2 are buttons for inputting a command signal for changing the designated object vehicle to the information processing device 20. The object vehicle designated by the current status is called the reference vehicle. The ascending button BL1 designates the other vehicle 80 that is farther away from the vehicle 10 than the reference vehicle as the object vehicle. In addition, in the case where the reference vehicle is the other vehicle 80 that is farthest from the vehicle 10, the ascending button BL1 designates the other vehicle 80 that is closest to the vehicle 10 as the object vehicle. The descending button BL2 designates another vehicle 80 approaching the host vehicle 10 following the reference vehicle as a target vehicle. In addition, when the reference vehicle is another vehicle 80 closest to the host vehicle 10, the descending button BL2 designates another vehicle 80 farthest from the host vehicle 10 as a target vehicle. The ascending button BL1 and the descending button BL2 are arranged, for example, near the upper edge of the map image.

[0041] <Update of designated information>

[0042] The processing of step S60 is described in detail. Here, as a mode for requesting switching of the display on the display 30 by operating the operating button, there are the following two modes. The first mode is a request to change the type of navigation image displayed on the display 30. The second mode is a request to change the target vehicle when the navigation image is the confirmation image G3. In step S60, CPU21 performs processing corresponding to the requests corresponding to these modes. That is, in step S60, CPU21 updates the designated information according to the operation of the operating button, or updates the target vehicle information attached to the designated information. The following describes the updating method of the designated information, etc. in each mode.

[0043] Description of the first mode. When the normal button BX is operated when the overall image G2 or the confirmation image G3 is displayed, the CPU 21 deletes the designation information previously stored in the memory 22. Then, the CPU 21 generates new designation information for designating the normal image G1. When the overall button BY is operated when the normal image G1 or the confirmation image G3 is displayed, the CPU 21 deletes the designation information previously stored in the memory 22. Then, the CPU 21 generates new designation information for designating the overall image G2. When the confirmation button BZ is operated when the normal image G1 or the overall image G2 is displayed, the CPU 21 deletes the designation information previously stored in the memory 22. Then, the CPU 21 generates new designation information for designating the confirmation image G3. In addition, when the confirmation button BZ is operated, the CPU 21 generates target vehicle information for designating the other vehicle 80 closest to the vehicle 10 as the target vehicle. Then, the CPU 21 attaches the target vehicle information to the designation information. As can be seen from the setting of the target vehicle information by the operation of the confirmation button BZ, the target vehicle is the other vehicle 80 designated by the driver through the input operation from the display 30 .

[0044] The second mode is described. When the ascending button BL1 or the descending button BL2 is operated while the confirmation image G3 is displayed, the CPU 21 deletes the target vehicle information previously stored in the memory 22. Then, the CPU 21 generates new target vehicle information. At this time, the CPU 21 sets the target vehicle specified by the target vehicle information to another vehicle 80 specified by the operation of the ascending button BL1 or the descending button BL2. Then, the CPU 21 attaches the new target vehicle information after the target vehicle is changed to the specified information. Then, the CPU 21 stores the target vehicle information together with the specified information in the memory 22. In the case of this second mode, the navigation image specified by the specified information remains the confirmation image G3 as it is.

[0045] <Effects of Implementation Methods>

[0046] At present, it is assumed that the normal image G1 is designated by the designation information. In this case, Figure 3 As shown, CPU21 generates a normal image G1 according to the specified information (step S30). Then, CPU21 displays the generated normal image G1 on the entire display screen 32 of the display 30 (step S40). After that, it is assumed that the overall button BY in the normal image G1 is operated (step S50: "Yes"). In this case, CPU21 changes the navigation image specified by the specified information to the overall image G2 (step S60). Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, the CPU 21 generates the whole image G2 according to the specified information (step S30). Then, the CPU 21 displays the generated whole image G2 on the entire display screen 32 (step S40). After that, it is assumed that the confirmation button BZ in the whole image G2 is operated (step S50: "Yes"). In this case, the CPU 21 changes the navigation image specified by the specified information to the confirmation image G3 (step S60). Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, CPU21 generates confirmation image G3 according to the specified information (step S30). Then, CPU21 displays the generated confirmation image G3 on the entire display screen 32 (step S40). As described above, CPU21 always displays only one of the three types of navigation images on the display 30. As a feature of this embodiment, CPU21 performs the following steps according to the operation of the occupant on the display 30. That is, CPU21 switches the display mode of the three types of navigation images displayed on the display 30 as described below. CPU21 switches the display content of the display 30 from the navigation image displayed previously to the navigation image not displayed previously. In addition, CPU21 sometimes switches the display content of the same type of navigation image according to the operation performed by the driver on the operation button. That is, when CPU21 operates the ascending button BL1 or the descending button BL2 when displaying the confirmation image G3 on the display 30, the object vehicle information is changed. Accompanied by this, CPU21 switches the confirmation image G3 displayed on the display 30 to a confirmation image G3 centered on a different object vehicle than before.

[0047] <Effects of Implementation Methods>

[0048] (1) In a vehicle equipped with a navigation device as mentioned in the background art, there is a case where the driver makes a future travel plan while keeping track of the movements of other vehicles. In this case, a navigation device structure is considered that obtains the position information of other vehicles and displays the current position of other vehicles on a map image of a display device. However, in a case where the current position of the vehicle is far away from the current position of other vehicles, the other vehicles cannot be displayed on the map image due to the scale of the map image displayed by the navigation device. In this case, the driver of the vehicle must adjust the scale and display range of the map image in order to display other vehicles on the map image. For the driver of the vehicle, it takes time to display other vehicles on the map image.

[0049] In the navigation device 50 of the present embodiment, the CPU 21 can generate three types of navigation images. Accordingly, the driver of the vehicle 10 can use the three types of navigation images when making a travel plan while the vehicle 10 is traveling. When the three types of navigation images can be used, there are the following advantages for the driver. That is, the driver can grasp the current position of the vehicle 10 by using the normal image G1. In addition, the driver can grasp the current position relationship between the other vehicle 80 and the vehicle 10 at a glance by using the overall image G2. In addition, the driver can grasp the current position of the other vehicle 80 in detail by using the confirmation image G3. In this way, the driver can grasp not only the movement of the vehicle 10 but also the movement of the other vehicle 80. As a result, it is easy for the driver to make a driving plan based on the movement of the other vehicle 80. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the driver can switch the display mode of the display 30 in a way that the driver can easily obtain the information he wants from the various information obtained from the navigation image. Therefore, the driver can quickly obtain the necessary information without the effort of changing the scale of the navigation image or changing the display range of the navigation image, for example. In short, the navigation device 50 is highly convenient in making a driving plan while taking the behavior of other vehicles 80 into consideration.

[0050] (2) CPU 21 displays only one navigation image on the display screen 32 of the display 30. Thus, CPU 21 can display one navigation image in an enlarged manner on the display screen 32. Therefore, the driver of the vehicle 10 can easily grasp the content of the navigation image displayed on the display screen 32. On the other hand, CPU 21 includes two switching buttons, namely, a first button and a second button, in each navigation image. When these switching buttons are provided, there are the following advantages for the driver. That is, the driver can switch the navigation image displayed on the display screen 32 to the image he or she wants to see by simply pressing these switching buttons.

[0051] (3) The CPU 21 includes the planned driving path of the vehicle in each navigation image. Since the information of the planned driving path exists in each navigation image, the driver of the host vehicle 10 can adjust the driving path by, for example, changing the driving path of the host vehicle 10 according to the planned driving path of other vehicles 80. In particular, the planned driving path from the current position to the destination is shown for all vehicles in the overall image G2. Thus, the driver can determine the driving path based on the overall image of the future status of each vehicle.

[0052] (4) The CPU 21 includes information related to the time required to reach the destination and the estimated arrival time at the destination in each navigation image. Thus, the driver of the vehicle 10 can take a break during the journey to check the time or change the driving route so as to arrive at the destination earlier to adjust the driving time.

[0053] <Change example>

[0054] The above-mentioned embodiment can be modified as described below. The above-mentioned embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0055] ■It is also possible to remove the time information character string from the navigation image.

[0056] ■It is also possible to remove the destination icon and the line of the planned driving route from the navigation image.

[0057] ■The target range of the overall image G2 may not include the destinations of all vehicles.

[0058] ■You may also provide an enlargement button BK1 and a reduction button BK2 on the overall image G2.

[0059] ■ Various operation buttons may be eliminated from the navigation image. At the same time, the display 30 may be a non-touch panel type. In this case, other devices in the vehicle interior such as switches provided on the steering wheel may be used as input devices.

[0060] ■The method of switching the display mode of the three types of navigation images is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, all three types of navigation images may be displayed on the display screen 32 of the display 30. In this case, one of the three types is displayed larger than the other two. Furthermore, the navigation image to be displayed larger is changed according to the operation of the input device.

Claims

1. A navigation device configured to be mounted on a vehicle, wherein: The navigation device comprises: An information processing device pre-stores map data; a display configured to display an image corresponding to the information output by the information processing device; and an input device configured to input information from the outside to the information processing device, The information processing device is configured to execute: Acquiring information on current locations of a plurality of pre-registered vehicles including the own vehicle; causing the display to display a navigation image in which an icon indicating the current position of the vehicle is superimposed on a map image of a target range; generating, as the navigation image, a normal image in which a range including the current position of the own vehicle is set as the target range, an overall image in which a range including the current positions of all the vehicles is set as the target range, and a confirmation image in which a range including the current position of a target vehicle designated by input from the input device among the plurality of vehicles is set as the target range; as well as The three display modes of the navigation image are switched according to the input from the input device.

2. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein: The display is a touch panel type that also functions as the input device. The information processing device is configured to further execute: causing only one of the three navigation images, a first button, and a second button to be displayed on the display; When the first button is operated, the navigation image displayed on the display is switched to one of the two navigation images not displayed on the display; as well as When the second button is operated, the navigation image displayed on the display is switched to the other of the two navigation images not displayed on the display.

3. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing device is configured to further execute: obtaining, from each of the vehicles, information on a destination and a planned travel route from a current position to the destination; generating an image in which the planned driving route is superimposed on the map image within the object range of the map image as the navigation image; and When the entire image is generated, the target range of the entire image is set to a range including the destinations of all the vehicles in addition to the current positions of all the vehicles.

4. The navigation device according to claim 3, wherein: The information processing device is configured to further execute: acquiring, from each of the vehicles, at least one of information of a scheduled arrival time at the destination and a required time to the destination as time information; as well as An image in which the time information on the vehicle located within the target range of the map image is superimposed on the map image is generated as the navigation image.

5. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a navigation program including instructions for a computer to execute, wherein: The instructions of the navigation program cause the computer to execute: Acquiring information on current locations of a plurality of pre-registered vehicles including the own vehicle; outputting to the outside a navigation image formed by superimposing an icon indicating the current position of the vehicle on a map image of a target range; generating, as the navigation image, a normal image in which a range including the current position of the own vehicle is set as the target range, an overall image in which a range including the current positions of all the vehicles is set as the target range, and a confirmation image in which a range including the current position of a target vehicle designated by an external input among the plurality of vehicles is set as the target range; as well as The three display modes of the navigation image are switched according to an input from the outside.

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