Display device, display method, and navigation system

Abstract

A display device includes a display section, a contact detection section, and a control section. The display section displays a map on a display surface. The contact detection section detects a contact position of an object on the display surface. When the contact detection section detects the contact of the object, the control section decides an object region of the map displayed on the display section according to the contact position, and causes the display section to display an enlarged map in which a scale of the object region is enlarged.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-189652, filed on November 6, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to display devices, display methods, and navigation systems. Background Technology

[0003] A method for inputting an input operation to designate an area on a map displayed on a screen is proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, an area on the map is designated by the user's touch operation on the screen using a magnified area that expands over time from the point of contact.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-180877 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can specify a region on a map, but it cannot display an enlarged map of the specified region. Furthermore, specifying a region on a map and enlarging the map of that region requires multiple steps, which may complicate matters.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of this situation, is to improve operability when zooming in on areas on a map.

[0007] Solution for solving the problem One embodiment of the display device disclosed herein includes: a display unit that displays a map on a display surface; a contact detection unit that detects the contact position of an object on the display surface; and a control unit that, when the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, determines an object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position, and causes the display unit to display an enlarged map with the scale of the object area magnified.

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a display method executed by a control unit of a display device, the display device comprising: a display unit for displaying a map on a display surface; and a contact detection unit for detecting contact positions of objects on the display surface, wherein the display method comprises: when the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, determining an object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position; and causing the display unit to display an enlarged map of the object area with its scale magnified.

[0009] A navigation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display unit that displays a map on a display surface; a contact detection unit that detects the contact position of an object on the display surface; and a control unit that, when the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, determines an object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position, and causes the display unit to display an enlarged map with the scale of the object area magnified.

[0010] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, the operability of zooming in on a region on a map can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a navigation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is the first example illustrating the display of a magnified map on the display surface.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an example of an enlarged display area for a zoomed-in map.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an example of dragging and zooming in on a map on the display surface.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a second example illustrating the display of a magnified map on the display surface.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of enlarging a portion of a map to be displayed on a display device.

[0018] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 The flowchart shows the first example of how to process the decision object area.

[0019] Figure 9 It means Figure 7 The flowchart for the second example of the processing of the decision object area.

[0020] Figure 10 It means Figure 7 The flowchart for the third example of the processing of the decision object area.

[0021] Figure 11 It means Figure 7 The flowchart for the fourth example of the processing of the decision object area.

[0022] Figure 12 It means Figure 7 The flowchart is the first example of the process for determining the configuration location of the zoomed-in map.

[0023] Figure 13 It means Figure 7 The flowchart for the second example of the process of determining the configuration location of the zoomed-in map. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings used in the following description are schematic. The scales and other dimensions shown in the drawings may not necessarily correspond to the actual scales and other dimensions.

[0025] (Display device) like Figure 1 As shown, a display device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transceiver unit 11, a control unit 12, and a touch panel 13. The display device 10 can process a map image acquired by the transceiver unit 11 through the control unit 12 and display the map image on the touch panel 13.

[0026] The transceiver unit 11 transmits and receives signals to and from external devices of the display device 10. The transceiver unit 11 acquires image signals from external devices of the display device 10, including map images, of images to be displayed on the touch panel 13. Furthermore, the transceiver unit 11 sends signals corresponding to inputs to the touch panel 13. The transceiver unit 11 can also receive information from external devices addressed to the control unit 12 and send information from the control unit 12 to external devices.

[0027] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor specifically designed for particular processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array). The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0028] The control unit 12 controls each part of the display device 10 while performing processing related to the operation of the display device 10. After performing prescribed processing on the image acquired from the transceiver unit 11, the control unit 12 causes the touch panel 13 to display the image. The control unit 12 applies changes to the image acquired from the transceiver unit 11 based on the input signals from the touch panel 13. The control unit 12 can perform prescribed processing on actions such as clicking, double-clicking, long-tap, dragging, and swiping performed by the user when touching the touch panel 13 with their fingers.

[0029] Alternatively, the control unit 12 may determine whether the image acquired from the transceiver unit 11 contains map information. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may only apply processing such as zooming in on a portion of the map in response to a user-defined action if a map is displayed.

[0030] The touch panel 13 has both display functions for displaying information including images and input functions for accepting information input. The touch panel 13 includes: a display unit 14 that displays an image including a map on the display surface; and a contact detection unit 15 that detects the contact position of an object on the display surface.

[0031] The display unit 14 displays images on the display surface based on image signals. The display unit 14 includes various flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic EL (electro-Luminescence) displays, inorganic EL displays, and plasma display panels (PDPs).

[0032] The contact detection unit 15 is a device that senses input by contact with an object. The contact detection unit 15 can be integrated with the display surface of the display unit 14 and receives input in conjunction with the display content of the display unit 14. Various methods can be used to sense contact with an object, including electrostatic capacitance, resistive film, and surface acoustic wave methods.

[0033] (Navigation system) The display device 10 disclosed herein can acquire and display image signals from an in-vehicle navigation system 20. The display device 10 may be included in the navigation system 20. Figure 2 As shown, a navigation system 20 according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes a display device 10, a navigation control unit 21, a map database 22, and a positioning unit 23. The display device 10 functions as an input / output unit for the navigation system 20. In addition to the display device 10, the navigation system 20 may also include an input unit 24 such as a microphone and an output unit 25 such as a speaker.

[0034] Similar to the control unit 12 of the display device 10, the navigation control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The navigation control unit 21 controls the entire navigation system 20 and performs information processing related to the operation of the navigation system 20.

[0035] The navigation control unit 21 includes a route calculation unit 26 and an image generation unit 27. The navigation control unit 21 can replace the control unit 12 in performing some or all of the processes performed by the control unit 12 of the display device 10 described below. Alternatively, the navigation control unit 21 can cooperate with the control unit 12 to perform the functions of the control unit 12. The navigation control unit 21 can function as the control unit for the entire navigation system 20.

[0036] Map database 22 is a database containing map information about roads. Map database 22 can be stored in a storage device inside the vehicle equipped with navigation system 20. Alternatively, map database 22 can be configured to be stored on an external server of the vehicle, and navigation control unit 21 can obtain the information via a communication network.

[0037] As an example, map database 22 is configured to include road network information, background map information, facility information, etc. Road network information expresses the connections and shapes of roads through points called nodes and lines called road segments. The location information of nodes and road segments is determined by latitude and longitude. The road network information also includes attribute information for each node and road segment. Attribute information includes, for example, the names of intersections and roads, the presence or absence of traffic lights, speed limits, road width, number of lanes, and the presence or absence of right / left turn lanes. Background map information includes map information showing the shapes of the land, buildings, rivers, and railway lines in the background of the roads. Facility information includes, for example, the addresses, telephone numbers, facility types, operating hours, and parking lot entrance locations of public facilities, cultural facilities, transportation facilities, and commercial facilities.

[0038] The positioning unit 23 detects the current position of the vehicle equipped with the navigation system 20. The positioning unit 23 may include, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, which can use signals from the GPS receiver to obtain the latitude and longitude information of the vehicle's current position. It should be noted that the positioning unit 23 may use a receiver corresponding to another Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instead of the GPS receiver, or it may use a receiver corresponding to another Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in addition to a GPS receiver. Furthermore, the positioning unit 23 may use signals from various detection devices such as azimuth sensors, rudder angle sensors, and distance sensors, in addition to using signals from the GPS receiver for position determination.

[0039] The route calculation unit 26 calculates the route to the destination input by the user using the display device 10 and / or the input unit 24, and provides route guidance to the user. The route calculation unit 26 can utilize map information stored in the map database 22 and current location information obtained from the positioning unit 23 to provide route guidance. The route calculation unit 26 monitors the current location obtained from the positioning unit 23. Based on the current location, the route calculation unit 26 generates guidance for the user. The guidance includes instructions to turn right or left, the distance to the next right or left turn point, and notification of arrival at the destination. When the current location deviates from the route, the route calculation unit 26 recalculates the route and generates guidance content for the user. The guidance generated by the route calculation unit 26 is displayed on the display device 10 via the image generation unit 27 and / or output to the output unit 25.

[0040] The image generation unit 27 adds road network information and facility information to the map image obtained from the map database 22 according to prescribed rules. For example, the image generation unit 27 can display information such as the names of intersections, roads, and facilities on the map according to a scale. The image generation unit 27 also synthesizes route information calculated by the route calculation unit 26 and image elements indicating the vehicle's position onto the map image. The route information is synthesized onto the map image, for example, as a thick line of a specific color. When the navigation system 20 provides route guidance, the image generation unit 27 generates a map image centered on the current position obtained from the positioning unit 23. Furthermore, the image generation unit 27 can generate map images of locations other than the vehicle's current position based on user operation. The image generated by the image generation unit 27 is sent to the transceiver unit 11 of the display device 10.

[0041] It should be noted that the route calculation unit 26 and the image generation unit 27 constitute part of the navigation control unit 21. The navigation control unit 21 may include more components to realize the various functions provided by the navigation system 20.

[0042] (Magnified display using a display device) Reference Figure 3 A first example of a method for magnifying a portion of a map image 30 using display device 10 will be described. Figure 3 In this system, the map image 30 displayed in the navigation system 20 is displayed on the display surface 16 of the display unit 14 of the display device 10. The location of the vehicle the user is traveling in is represented by the vehicle image 31. The user brings their fingertip 32 into contact with the desired magnified display of the map image 30 on the display surface 16. The fingertip 32 is equivalent to an object. As a result, the contact detection unit 15 detects that the fingertip 32 has made contact with the display surface 16 and the contact position. The contact position can be detected as coordinates on the display surface 16. The contact detection unit 15 outputs this information to the control unit 12. It should be noted that the object that the user brings into contact with the touch panel 13 is not limited to the fingertip 32. The user can also use a stylus or the like.

[0043] When a user makes contact with the display surface 16 by making their fingertip 32 in a prescribed manner, the control unit 12 recognizes that the user is indicating a magnified image of the position where the fingertip 32 is in contact. The prescribed manner is, for example, remaining still at a specific position on the display surface 16 and maintaining contact with that position for a prescribed time or longer. Such a contact method is also referred to as a "long touch" or "long press".

[0044] When the control unit 12 detects that the user is indicating a zoom-in on a portion of the map image 30, it first determines the object region 33 on the map image 30 that is the object to be zoomed in on. The object region 33 can be determined based on the contact position where the fingertip 32 contacts the display surface 16. If the contact detection unit 15 detects the position where the fingertip 32 is in contact as a contact area on the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13, the control unit 12 can set the position representing that contact area as the contact position. The position representing that contact area can be, for example, set as the center of gravity of that area. For example, the control unit 12 can set the area within a circle of a predetermined radius centered on the contact position as the object region 33.

[0045] The control unit 12 then determines the position for the display unit 14 to display the magnified map 34, which is a scaled-up version of the object area 33. The magnified map 34 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the contact position, without overlapping with it. The predetermined distance can be either a distance expressed in units of length or a distance expressed in pixels. This prevents the magnified map 34 from being obscured by the user's finger. The position for positioning the magnified map 34 can be, for example, above the contact position of the fingertip 32, but is not limited to this. For example, when the contact position is near the upper end of the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13, the magnified map 34 can be positioned to the right or left of the contact position. The control unit 12 can display the magnified map 34 at a position where it can be appropriately positioned.

[0046] It should be noted that, in Figure 3 In the image, object area 33 and zoomed-in map 34 are displayed as circles, but they are not limited to circles; they can also be rectangles or other shapes.

[0047] The control unit 12 can cause the display unit 14 to display an enlarged image of the object area 33 of the original map image 30, which is then magnified to appear as an enlarged map 34. The control unit 12 can display more detailed information by using the enlarged map 34 compared to the original image of the object area 33. In this case, the control unit 12 can request a larger-scale map image, attribute information contained in the road network information, or facility information from a device providing the image signal, such as the navigation control unit 21, and use this information to display the enlarged map 34. For example, an image of an intersection that is a road intersection in the original map image 30 can be displayed in the enlarged map 34 as an image including information showing the lanes indicating the direction of travel. Furthermore, facilities that are only shown in shape in the original map image 30 can be displayed in the enlarged map 34 including the facility name. As described above, some or all of these processes can also be performed by the navigation control unit 21 of the navigation system 20. The control unit 12 of the display device 10 can perform these processes in cooperation with the navigation control unit 21. The navigation control unit 21 can appropriately obtain the information required for generating the enlarged map 34 from the map database 22.

[0048] In the above description, the target area 33 is defined as a circle with a predetermined radius. However, the size of the target area 33 can vary depending on the manner in which the fingertip 32 contacts the display surface 16. For example, the contact detection unit 15 detects the contact area between the user's fingertip 32 and the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13. The control unit 12 can change the target area 33 according to the width of this contact area. It should be noted that the width of the contact area can be defined as the area of ​​contact between the fingertip 32 and the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13. For example, if the contact area expands due to the user pressing the fingertip 32 forcefully against the display surface 16, the target area 33 can be increased accordingly. Furthermore, at this time, the scale of the magnified map 34 can be fixed, and the size of the magnified map 34 can vary according to the width of the contact area.

[0049] Figure 4This diagram illustrates the expansion of the display area on the touch panel 13 for displaying the magnified map 34. In this example, as the contact area between the user's fingertip 32 and the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13 expands, the scale of the magnified map 34 remains constant, while the display area for displaying the magnified map 34 increases. This provides a user interface that is easy for the user to understand intuitively. It should be noted that when the width of the display area of ​​the magnified map 34 changes, and the position of the magnified map 34 shifts with the size of the magnified map 34, it becomes difficult for the user to observe. Therefore, it is preferable that the center position of the magnified map 34 does not change. Thus, the center position for displaying the magnified map 34 can be determined at the time the display of the magnified map 34 begins, such that when the magnified map 34 is at its maximum size, the position of the magnified map 34 and the fingertip 32 are at a predetermined distance so as not to overlap.

[0050] In another embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine the magnification of the object area 33 based on the detected width of the contact area. Specifically, the larger the contact area, the greater the magnification by the control unit 12. In this case, when the contact area expands due to the user pressing their fingertip 32 firmly onto the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13, the magnification of the magnified map 34 increases. Therefore, the more firmly the user presses a specific location on the map image 30, the more magnified the image of the pressed location becomes. This provides a user interface that is easy for the user to understand intuitively. At this time, it can be combined with... Figure 4 Similarly, as the magnification of the zoomed-in map 34 increases, the display area of ​​the zoomed-in map 34 also increases.

[0051] Alternatively, when the magnification of the zoomed-in map 34 changes, the control unit 12 can keep the width of the display area of ​​the zoomed-in map 34 fixed. In this case, the control unit 12 can change the target area 33 according to the magnification of the zoomed-in map 34. That is, when the contact area expands due to the user pressing their fingertip 32 firmly on the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13, the target area 33 is correspondingly determined to be a smaller area calculated inversely based on the display area and magnification of the zoomed-in map 34.

[0052] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the contact detection unit 15 can be configured to detect the magnitude of the pressure applied by the fingertip 32 to the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13. In this case, the contact detection unit 15 may include a pressure sensor. The control unit 12 can determine the magnification of the target area 33 based on the magnitude of the pressure detected by the contact detection unit 15. For example, the greater the pressure, the greater the magnification. In this case, the more forcefully the user presses a specific location on the map image 30, the more magnified the image of the pressed location is displayed. This provides a user interface that is easy for the user to intuitively understand. In particular, compared to cases using a wide contact range that does not change linearly with respect to the force applied to the fingertip 32, this method uses pressure, allowing the user to intuitively control the magnification.

[0053] Alternatively, while the contact detection unit 15 is detecting contact between the fingertip 32 and the display surface 16, the control unit 12 causes the display unit 14 to continuously display the magnified map 34. When the contact detection unit 15 no longer detects contact, the control unit 12 stops displaying the magnified map 34 and removes it from the map image 30. Furthermore, it is also possible that when the control unit 12 recognizes a predetermined action of the fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 based on a change in the contact position detected by the contact detection unit 15, the control unit 12 continues to display the magnified map 34 even after the contact detection unit 15 no longer detects a contact position. The predetermined action is, for example, as follows: Figure 5 The image shows a user dragging their fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13. "Drag" refers to the action of moving the image while the display surface 16 is pressed. In this case, the magnified map 34 moves in conjunction with the movement of the fingertip 32 and continues to be displayed at its destination. Thus, the user can move the magnified map 34 to a position on the display surface 16 that will not obstruct the view and maintain the display. Furthermore, the specified action may include pressing the fingertip 32 firmly at its current location and then removing it from the display surface 16. In this case, the magnified map 34 can continue to be displayed in its original location. The control unit 12 can remove the continuously displayed magnified map 34 after a predetermined time from when the contact detection unit 15 no longer detects contact with the fingertip 32. The user can arbitrarily set the predetermined time. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may stop displaying the magnified map 34 when the target area 33 is no longer displayed on the display surface 16 due to the movement of the vehicle equipped with the navigation system 20.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the magnified map 34 is overlaid on the map image 30 for display. However, the display method of this disclosure is not limited to this. In another embodiment, it can be as follows: Figure 6 As shown, when the contact detection unit 15 detects contact with the fingertip 32, the control unit 12 divides the display surface 16 into two regions: a first segmentation region 41 and a second segmentation region 42. The control unit 12 can display the magnified map 34 in the second segmentation region 42, which does not include the contact position with the fingertip 32. As an example, the first segmentation region 41 and the second segmentation region 42 can be regions obtained by dividing the display surface 16 into left and right regions. The first segmentation region 41 and the second segmentation region 42 can be regions obtained by equally dividing the area of ​​the display surface 16, but are not limited to this. For example, the control unit 12 can divide the display surface 16 into left and right regions at a ratio of 1:2 or 2:1, with the contact position of the fingertip 32 included in the larger first segmentation region 41, and display the magnified map 34 in the smaller second segmentation region 42. In this case, the object area 33 of the map image 30, which is the object of magnification, can be set to a rectangle to match the shape of the second segmentation region 42. The above-mentioned ratios of 1:2 and 2:1 are examples, and the control unit 12 can divide the display area of ​​the touch panel 13 at any ratio.

[0055] (How to zoom in on the map) Next, based on Figures 7 to 13 The flowchart describes the processing performed by the control unit 12 of the display device 10. Figures 7 to 13 The flowchart corresponds to the display method of this disclosure executed by the control unit 12. The display method disclosed in this specification can be executed by the processor included in the control unit 12 according to a program. Such a program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, etc.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown in the flowchart, the control unit 12 causes the display unit 14 to display an image containing the map image 30 based on the image signal obtained from the transceiver unit 11 (S101).

[0057] Based on the output from the contact detection unit 15, the control unit 12 monitors whether there is contact with the display surface 16 in a prescribed manner (S102). A contact in a prescribed manner refers to an instruction to magnify a portion of the map image 30 displayed on the display unit 14. When the contact detection unit 15 detects a contact in a prescribed manner, such as a long press (S102: Yes), the control unit 12 enters a process to determine the object area 33 as the object to be magnified (S103). During the period when no contact in a prescribed manner is detected (S102: No), the control unit 12 continues to display the map as is (S101).

[0058] The method for determining the object region 33 in step S103 includes multiple methods. (Using...) Figures 8 to 11 The flowchart illustrates the method for determining object area 33.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the method for determining the object area 33 in the first example is based on the contact position of the fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 detected by the contact detection unit 15. This method is similar to the method using... Figure 3 The display method of the enlarged map 34, which has been explained, corresponds to this.

[0060] First, the control unit 12 obtains the contact position of the user's fingertip 32 as a wide contact range based on the output from the contact detection unit 15 (S201). The contact range is the area on the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13 represented by coordinates.

[0061] The control unit 12 determines the representative position of the contact area (S202). The representative position represents the position of the fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 of the touch panel 13. The representative position is calculated, for example, as the center of gravity of the contact area. The representative position can also be determined by methods other than calculating the center of gravity.

[0062] The control unit 12 determines the area with a predetermined width centered on the representative position as the object area 33 to be magnified and displayed (S203). The area with the predetermined width can be a circle centered on the representative position, or a square or rectangle with the representative position as the intersection of its diagonals. The area with the predetermined width can also be other shapes.

[0063] like Figure 9 As shown, in the method for determining the object area 33 in the second example, the size of the object area 33 is varied based on the area of ​​the contact range of the fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 detected by the contact detection unit 15. This method is similar to using... Figure 4 The display method of the enlarged map 34, which has been explained, corresponds to this.

[0064] exist Figure 9 In the flowchart, S301 and S302 are... Figure 8 The contents of S201 and S202 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0065] The control unit 12 calculates the area of ​​the contact range between the fingertip 32 and the display surface 16, and determines the width of the target area 33 based on the calculated area (S303). For example, the area of ​​the target area 33 can be proportional to the area of ​​the contact range between the fingertip 32 and the display surface 16. Furthermore, if the target area 33 is circular, the diameter of the target area 33 can be determined based on the area of ​​the contact range between the fingertip 32 and the display surface 16.

[0066] The control unit 12 determines the area 33 as the target area, which is centered on the representative position and is determined based on the area of ​​the contact range.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, the method for determining the object area 33 in the third example is based on the following: the magnification is determined according to the contact range of the fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 detected by the contact detection unit 15, and a portion of the map image 30 is magnified and displayed at that magnification. Figure 10 The flowchart includes both cases where the size of the zoomed-in map 34 is fixed and cases where the size of the zoomed-in map 34 changes.

[0068] exist Figure 10 In the flowchart, S401 and S402 are... Figure 8 The contents of S201 and S202 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0069] Next, in S402, the control unit 12 determines the magnification rate of the magnified map 34 based on the area of ​​the contact range of the fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 (S403). This means that the larger the contact area, the higher the magnification rate will be set by the control unit 12.

[0070] The processing of the control unit 12 below varies depending on whether the size of the magnified map 34 is fixed or variable (S404). When the size of the magnified map 34 is fixed (S404: Yes), the control unit 12 determines the object region 33 based on the representative position, the size of the magnified map 34, and the magnification (S405). The control unit 12 performs an inverse operation based on the size of the magnified map 34 and the magnification to determine the size of the object region 33. For example, if the object region 33 is circular, the control unit 12 determines the radius of the object region 33 based on the size of the magnified map 34 and the magnification.

[0071] When the size of the magnified map 34 is variable (S404: No), the control unit 12 can determine the area with a predetermined width centered on the representative location as the object area 33 (S406). In this case, the size of the magnified map 34 varies according to the magnification determined in S403.

[0072] like Figure 11 As shown, the method for determining the object area 33 in the fourth example is based on the following: a portion of the map image 30 is magnified and displayed at a magnification determined by the pressure of the fingertip 32 on the display surface 16 detected by the contact detection unit 15. Figure 11 The flowchart includes both cases where the size of the zoomed-in map 34 is fixed and cases where the size of the zoomed-in map 34 changes.

[0073] exist Figure 11 In the flowchart, S501 and S503 are... Figure 8 The contents of S201 and S202 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0074] The contact detection unit 15 is configured to detect the pressure applied by the user's fingertip 32 to the display surface 16. Between S501 and S503, the control unit 12 obtains the pressure applied to the display surface 16 from the contact detection unit 15 (S502). Furthermore, after S503, the control unit 12 determines the magnification rate of a portion of the map image 30 based on the pressure applied (S504). It is possible that the greater the pressure applied, the greater the magnification rate set by the control unit 12.

[0075] The subsequent processing of S505 to S507 is respectively related to Figure 10 S404 to S406 are the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0076] Return to Figure 7 After determining the object region 33 in S103, the control unit 12 acquires information about the object region 33 displayed on the display unit 14 (S104). The information about the object region 33 can be an image of the map of the object region 33 itself. The control unit 12 can slice an image of the object region 33 from the image displayed on the display unit 14. The information about the object region 33 can also be information specifying the object region 33. Information specifying the object region 33 includes information such as the center position and radius of the object region 33, or information such as the coordinates of the vertices of the object region 33.

[0077] Next, the control unit 12 generates an enlarged map 34 (S105) by magnifying the image of the object area 33. The control unit 12 can simply enlarge the image of the object area 33 to generate the enlarged map 34. The control unit 12 can also obtain an image of the object area 33 magnified at a larger scale from the map database 22. The control unit 12 can add additional information to the enlarged image of the object area 33. This additional information can be information obtained from the map database 22 of the navigation system 20. For example, the additional information may include attribute information of nodes or road segments such as intersection names, road names, and lanes, as well as facility information such as facility names. The control unit 12 can be configured to cooperate with the navigation control unit 21 to obtain additional information related to a portion of the map image 30 when it is magnified for display.

[0078] The control unit 12 determines the placement position of the magnified map 34 generated in S105 (S106). The method for displaying the magnified map 34 includes a method of displaying the magnified map 34 overlaid on the map image 30 displayed on the display unit 14, and a method of dividing the display surface 16 into two partitioned regions 41 and 42 and displaying the magnified map 34 in the partitioned region 42 that does not include the contact position of the user's fingertip 32. Figure 12 and Figure 13 These methods will be explained separately.

[0079] Figure 12 The flowchart illustrates a first example of a method for determining the configuration location of zoomed-in map 34. This method is related to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first example shown in the enlarged map 34 corresponds to this.

[0080] First, the control unit 12 searches the display surface 16 of the display unit 14 for an area where the magnified map 34 can be positioned at a predetermined distance or more from the contact point of the user's fingertip 32 (S601). Preferably, the magnified map 34 is positioned so as not to be obstructed by the user's fingertip 32 and hand and can be visually confirmed. Furthermore, in most cases, the user makes contact with the display surface 16 by pointing the fingertip 32 upwards. Therefore, it is preferable that the magnified map 34 is positioned above or diagonally above the contact point between the user's fingertip 32 and the display surface 16.

[0081] When the result of S601 is that the magnified map 34 can be placed on the display surface 16 of the display unit 14 (S602: Yes), the control unit 12 decides to display the magnified map 34 at the displayable position (S604).

[0082] On the other hand, the size of the magnified map 34 may sometimes increase due to the user pressing their fingertip 32 forcefully onto the display surface 16. However, when the size of the magnified map 34 exceeds a certain value, it cannot be positioned on the display surface 16 (S602: No). In this case, the control unit 12 changes the size of the magnified map 34 to the maximum size within the range that can be displayed on the display surface 16 (S603). The control unit 12 then decides to position the magnified map 34, which has been changed to a displayable size, at a displayable location (S604).

[0083] Therefore, the zoomed-in map 34 can be zoomed in to the upper limit of the size that can be displayed on the display surface 16. Furthermore, when the upper limit of the displayable size is reached, the expansion of the display area of ​​the zoomed-in map 34 stops.

[0084] Figure 12 The flowchart illustrates a second example of the method for determining the configuration location of zoomed-in map 34. This method is similar to... Figure 6 The second example shown corresponds to the enlarged map 34.

[0085] First, the control unit 12 divides the display surface 16 into two partitioned regions 41 and 42 (S701). The control unit 12 can divide the display surface 16 in such a way that the partitioned region 42 that does not include the contact position of the user's fingertip 32 is small when dividing the display surface 16.

[0086] The control unit 12 positions the magnified map 34 in a segmented region 42 that does not include the contact position of the user's fingertip 32 (S702). Thus, the magnified map 34 is displayed in one of the segmented regions 41 or 42 obtained by dividing the display surface. The magnified map 34 is positioned in a location that is easy for the user to observe without interfering with the user's fingertip 32.

[0087] Return to Figure 7 The flowchart shows that the control unit 12 causes the display surface 16 of the display unit 14 to display a magnified map 34 (S107). Here, S103 to S107 are continuously and repeatedly executed, and the display of the magnified map 34 continues while the user contacts the display surface 16 with their fingertip 32 in a predetermined manner. The magnification and / or size of the magnified map 34 can vary depending on the way the user's fingertip 32 contacts the display surface.

[0088] Furthermore, users sometimes want the magnified map 34 to continue displaying even after they stop touching the display surface 16 with their fingertip 32. In this case, the user performs a prescribed action on the display surface 16 using their fingertip 32. The prescribed action may include, for example,... Figure 5The actions shown include dragging the fingertip 32 and stopping contact with the display surface 16 after the fingertip 32 is pressed down momentarily.

[0089] When a predetermined action of a fingertip 32 contacting the display surface 16 is detected (S108: Yes), the control unit 12 continues to display the magnified map 34 even after the fingertip 32 leaves the display surface 16 (S109). If no predetermined action of a fingertip 32 contacting the display surface 16 is detected (S108: No), the control unit 12 cancels the display of the magnified map 34 when the fingertip 32 leaves the display surface 16 and the contact detection unit 15 no longer detects contact between the fingertip 32 and the display surface 16 (S110).

[0090] As explained above, according to this embodiment, a region on the map can be selected using the fingertip 32 and that region can be easily magnified. Furthermore, the size of the region to be magnified and / or the magnification of the map 34 can be easily changed by altering the contact area or pressure of the fingertip 32. Moreover, in conventional navigation systems, map zooming is adjusted by changing the scale centered on the screen center; however, in this embodiment, the map image 30 can be magnified at any specified location. Thus, the operability of magnifying a region on the map is improved in the display device 10 of this disclosure.

[0091] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified or altered in many ways. For example, the functions included in each component and step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided into multiple components or steps.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the display device 10 is assumed to be used in a vehicle navigation system 20, but the display device of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display device of this disclosure can be applied to a display device for a pedestrian road guidance system or a display device for a system that displays other maps to a user.

[0093] The following examples illustrate a portion of the embodiments of this disclosure. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0094] [Appendix 1] A display device includes: a display unit that displays a map on a display surface; a contact detection unit that detects the contact position of an object on the display surface; and a control unit that, when the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, determines an object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position, and causes the display unit to display an enlarged map of the object area with its scale magnified.

[0095] [Appendix 2] In the display device described in Appendix 1, the control unit causes the display unit to display the magnified map at a position on the display surface that does not overlap with the contact position.

[0096] [Appendix 3] In the display device described in Appendix 2, the control unit causes the magnified map to be displayed at a position at or above a predetermined distance from the contact position.

[0097] [Appendix 4] In the display device described in Appendix 2, the control unit divides the display surface into two partitioned areas, and displays the magnified map in the partitioned area that does not include the contact position.

[0098] [Appendix 5] In the display device described in any of Appendices 1 to 4, the contact detection unit detects the contact position as the position of the contact range representing the contact area between the object and the display surface, and the control unit changes the object area according to the width of the contact range.

[0099] [Appendix 6] In the display device described in Appendix 5, the larger the contact area, the larger the target area is made by the control unit.

[0100] [Appendix 7] In the display device described in any of Appendix 1 to 6, the contact detection unit detects the contact position as the position of the contact range representing the contact area between the object and the display surface, and the control unit determines the magnification of the scale of the object area based on the width of the contact range.

[0101] [Appendix 8] In the display device described in Appendix 7, the larger the contact area, the greater the magnification caused by the control unit.

[0102] [Appendix 9] In any of the display devices described in Appendix 1 to 8, the contact detection unit is configured to detect the pressing force of the object pressing the display surface, and the control unit determines the magnification of the scale of the object area based on the pressing force detected by the contact detection unit.

[0103] [Postscript 10] In the display device described in Appendix 9, the greater the pressing pressure, the greater the magnification caused by the control unit.

[0104] [Postscript 11] In any of the display devices described in Appendix 1 to 10, while the contact detection unit is detecting the contact position, the control unit causes the display unit to continuously display the magnified map.

[0105] [Postscript 12] In any of the display devices described in Appendix 1 to 11, when the control unit recognizes the object on the display surface based on the change in the contact position detected by the contact detection unit, the control unit causes the magnified map to continue to be displayed after the contact detection unit no longer detects the contact position.

[0106] [Postscript 13] In the display device described in any of Appendix 1 to 12, the control unit is configured to acquire additional information associated with the object area of ​​the map, and the control unit attaches the additional information to the magnified map and displays it on the display unit.

[0107] [Postscript 14] A display method is executed by a control unit of a display device, the display device comprising: a display unit for displaying a map on a display surface; and a contact detection unit for detecting contact positions of objects on the display surface, wherein the display method comprises: when the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, determining an object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position; and causing the display unit to display an enlarged map of the object area with its scale magnified.

[0108] [Postscript 15] In the display method described in Appendix 14, the control unit causes the display unit to display the magnified map at a position on the display surface that does not overlap with the contact position.

[0109] [Postscript 16] In the display method described in Appendix 15, the control unit causes the magnified map to be displayed at a position at a predetermined distance from the contact position.

[0110] [Postscript 17] In the display method described in Appendix 15, the control unit divides the display surface into two segmented regions, and displays the magnified map in the segmented region that does not include the contact position.

[0111] [Postscript 18] In any of the display methods described in Appendix 14 to 17, the contact detection unit detects the contact position as the contact range where the object contacts the display surface, and the control unit changes the object area based on the contact range.

[0112] [Postscript 19] In the display method described in Appendix 18, the larger the contact area, the larger the object area is made by the control unit.

[0113] [Postscript 20] A navigation system includes: a display unit that displays a map on a display surface; a contact detection unit that detects the contact position of an object on the display surface; and a control unit that, when the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, determines an object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position, and causes the display unit to display an enlarged map of the object area with its scale magnified.

[0114] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10: Display device; 11: Transceiver unit; 12: Control unit; 13: Touch panel; 14: Display unit; 15: Contact detection unit; 20: Navigation system; 21: Navigation control unit (control unit); 22: Map database; 23: Positioning unit; 24: Route calculation unit; 25: Image generation unit; 30: Map image; 31: Vehicle image; 32: Fingertip (object); 33: Object area; 34: Zoomed-in map; 41: First lower-level image; 42: Second lower-level image.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: The display section shows the map on the display surface; The contact detection unit detects the contact position of an object on the display surface; and When the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, the control unit determines the object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position, and causes the display unit to display an enlarged map with the object area scaled up.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit causes the display unit to display the magnified map on a position on the display surface that does not overlap with the contact position.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit causes the magnified map to be displayed at a position above a predetermined distance from the contact position.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit divides the display surface into two segments, so that the magnified map is displayed in the segment that does not include the contact position.

5. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The contact detection unit detects the contact position as the position representing the contact range between the object and the display surface, and the control unit changes the object area according to the width of the contact range.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The larger the contact range, the larger the target area that the control unit can make.

7. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The contact detection unit detects the contact position as a representative position of the contact range between the object and the display surface, and the control unit determines the magnification of the scale of the object area based on the width of the contact range.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The larger the contact range, the greater the amplification rate the control unit can achieve.

9. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The contact detection unit is configured to detect the pressure applied by the object to the display surface, and the control unit determines the magnification of the scale of the object area based on the pressure detected by the contact detection unit.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The greater the pressing force, the greater the amplification rate caused by the control unit.

11. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, While the contact detection unit is detecting the contact position, the control unit causes the display unit to continuously display the magnified map.

12. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the control unit recognizes a predetermined action of the object on the display surface based on the change in the contact position detected by the contact detection unit, the control unit causes the magnified map to continue to be displayed after the contact detection unit no longer detects the contact position.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to acquire additional information associated with the object area of ​​the map, and the control unit attaches the additional information to the zoomed-in map and displays it on the display unit.

14. A display method, executed by a control unit of a display device, the display device comprising: The display section shows the map on the display surface; The display method includes a contact detection unit for detecting the contact position of an object on the display surface, wherein the display method comprises: When the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, it determines the object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact location; and The display unit displays an enlarged map of the object area with the scale magnified.

15. The display method according to claim 14, wherein, The control unit causes the display unit to display the magnified map on a position on the display surface that does not overlap with the contact position.

16. The display method according to claim 15, wherein, The control unit causes the magnified map to be displayed at a predetermined distance from the contact position.

17. The display method according to claim 15, wherein, The control unit divides the display surface into two segments, so that the magnified map is displayed in the segment that does not include the contact position.

18. The display method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The contact detection unit detects the contact position as the contact range between the object and the display surface, and the control unit changes the object area based on the contact range.

19. The display method according to claim 18, wherein, The larger the contact range, the larger the target area that the control unit can make.

20. A navigation system, comprising: The display section shows the map on the display surface; The contact detection unit detects the contact position of an object on the display surface; and When the contact detection unit detects contact with the object, the control unit determines the object area of ​​the map displayed on the display unit based on the contact position, and causes the display unit to display an enlarged map with the object area scaled up.

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