Map display device, control method therefor, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a map display device capable of appropriately displaying both a neighborhood of a current location and an area away from the current location.SOLUTION: A map display device 1 is provided, comprising a controller 14 for displaying a map on a display unit 16, the controller 14 being configured to display a map on the display unit 16 in such a way that a look-down angle for a first point on the map is smaller than a look-down angle for a second point further from a mobile body than the first point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a map display technology. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for displaying a map in a three-dimensional display or a bird's-eye view. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a map drawing device capable of adjusting the drawing load of a map displayed in a three-dimensional display or a bird's-eye view by generating simplified drawing objects from drawing object data according to the display position on a display screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-219748 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a map is displayed as a bird's-eye view, the map around the route is easy to see near the current position, but the further away it is, the harder it becomes to see. On the other hand, when a map is displayed as a plan view, the display range is limited by the scale, so the scale must be reduced to display points far from the current position, resulting in a problem that the amount of information around the current position displayed on the map is reduced. This problem becomes more pronounced when trying to display a route to a destination, etc.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main object is to provide a map display device that can preferably display both the area around the current location and the area distant from the current location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in the claims is a map display device comprising a display control unit that displays a map on a display unit, and the display control unit displays the map on the display unit so that the angle overlooking a first point on the map is smaller than the angle overlooking a second point that is farther from a moving body than the first point.

[0007] The invention described in the claims is a control method executed by a map display device, comprising a display control process for displaying a map on a display unit, the display control process displaying the map on the display unit so that an angle overlooking a first point on the map is smaller than an angle overlooking a second point that is farther from the moving body than the first point.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in the claims is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to function as a display control unit that displays a map on a display unit, and the display control unit displays the map on the display unit so that an angle looking down on a first point on the map is smaller than an angle looking down on a second point that is farther from the moving body than the first point. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration of a map display device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic map display according to a first display mode. [Diagram 3] This is an example of a display in which roads, facilities, etc. are added to the map display shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating schematic changes in viewpoint when displaying a map in each of the lower, middle, and upper regions. [Diagram 5] 13 shows a schematic map display according to a second display mode. [Figure 6] 13 shows a schematic map display according to a third display mode. [Figure 7] 13 shows a schematic map display according to a fourth display mode. [Figure 8] 13 shows a schematic map display according to a fifth display mode. [Figure 9]13 shows a schematic map display according to a sixth display manner. [Figure 10] 13 shows a schematic map display according to a seventh display manner. [Figure 11] 13 is a display example of a map in which the amount of information displayed is different between the lower area and other areas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a map display device includes a display control unit that displays a map on a display unit, and the display control unit displays the map on the display unit such that an angle overlooking a first point on the map is smaller than an angle overlooking a second point that is farther from the mobile body than the first point. According to this aspect, since the angle overlooking the first point on the map is smaller than the angle overlooking a second point that is farther from the mobile body than the first point, a map display can be performed that preferably solves the problem of a bird's-eye view that becomes harder to see as it gets further away.

[0011] In one aspect of the map display device, the display control unit continuously changes the angle at which the user looks down on each point between the first point and the second point so that the angle becomes larger from the first point to the second point. With this aspect, the map display device can display a smooth map in which the viewpoint position is closer to a plan view the farther the point is from the moving body.

[0012] In another aspect of the map display device, the display control unit displays a first area including an area where the angle is changed continuously and a second area where the angle is fixed, the first area including the first location and the second area including the second location. With this aspect, the map display device can more suitably display the second area that displays a distant location as a plan view or the like.

[0013] In another aspect of the map display device, the display control unit displays a first area including an area where the angle is changed continuously, and a second area where the angle becomes smaller the further away from the first point, the first area including the first point, and the second area including the second point. With this aspect, the map display device can more suitably display the second area displaying a distant location as a bird's-eye view or the like.

[0014] In another aspect of the map display device, the display control unit displays the map on the display unit, the map connecting the first area and the second area. With this aspect, the map display device can suitably display the map so as not to cause discomfort to the observer.

[0015] In another aspect of the map display device, the display control unit provides a third area within the first area, the angle of which decreases with distance from the current position of the moving object, the third area including the current position of the moving object, and the angle of the third area is smaller than the angle of the second area. With this aspect, the area around the current position of the moving object can be suitably displayed from an oblique viewpoint such as a bird's-eye view, while the area far from the moving object can be displayed in a more planar manner, improving visibility.

[0016] In another aspect of the map display device, the display control unit changes the scale, area ratio, or curvature of the area other than the third area so as to display the entire route to the destination, stop-off point, or guide point of the mobile object. With this aspect, the map display device can preferably clearly show the route to be traveled on the map.

[0017] In another aspect of the map display device, the display control unit displays, in the third area, information about an object detected by a detection unit provided in the moving object. With this aspect, the map display device can preferably clearly indicate the presence of an object around the current position on the map.

[0018] In another aspect of the map display device, the display control unit displays the map on the display unit so as to display the destination, the stop-off point, or the vicinity of the guide point of the mobile object on the second area. With this aspect, the map display device can constantly display the target point on the second area, and can appropriately assist driving.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a control method executed by a map display device includes a display control step of displaying a map on a display unit, the display control step displaying the map on the display unit such that an angle overlooking a first point on the map is smaller than an angle overlooking a second point that is farther from the moving body than the first point. By executing this control method, the map display device can display a map that preferably solves the problem of a bird's-eye view becoming harder to see the further away it is.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a program executed by a computer causes the computer to function as a display control unit that displays a map on a display unit, and the display control unit displays the map on the display unit so that an angle overlooking a first point on the map is smaller than an angle overlooking a second point that is farther from the moving body than the first point. By executing this program, the computer can display a map that preferably solves the problem of bird's-eye views becoming harder to see as they get further away. Preferably, the program is stored in a storage medium. EXAMPLES

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the term "map" refers to data used in an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) or automated driving, in addition to data referenced by conventional on-board devices for route guidance.

[0022] [Map display device configuration] 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a map display device 1 in this embodiment. The map display device 1 is a stationary or portable display device used in a vehicle, and mainly includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a control unit 14, an interface 15 electrically connected to a sensor unit 7 provided in the vehicle, a display unit 16, and a sound output unit 17. The elements in the map display device 1 are connected to each other via a bus line 19.

[0023] The communication unit 11 performs data communication based on the control of the control unit 14. For example, the communication unit 11 transmits information about objects detected based on the output of the sensor unit 7 to a server device that collects and distributes data, and receives map data corresponding to the area around the current position from the server device. The communication unit 11 may also perform processing such as transmitting a control signal for controlling the vehicle to the vehicle, receiving a signal related to the vehicle's state from the vehicle, and transmitting and receiving data to and from other vehicles through vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0024] The memory unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 14 and information required for the control unit 14 to execute predetermined processing. In this embodiment, the memory unit 12 stores a map DB 4 and a sensor data cache 6. The map DB 4 is a database including, for example, road data, facility data, and feature information. The road data includes lane network data for route search, road shape data, traffic law data, and the like. The feature information includes information on signs such as road signs, road markings such as stop lines, road dividing lines such as center lines, and structures along the road. The feature information also includes highly accurate point cloud information of features to be used for vehicle position estimation. The map DB 4 may be updated as appropriate based on update data received from a server device (not shown) via the communication unit 11. The sensor data cache 6 is a cache memory that temporarily holds output data (so-called raw data) from the sensor unit 7.

[0025] The input unit 13 is a button, touch panel, remote controller, voice input device, etc. for the user to operate, and accepts, for example, input specifying route search conditions such as a destination, and input specifying whether autonomous driving is on or off, and supplies the generated input signal to the control unit 14.

[0026] The interface 15 performs an interface operation for supplying output data of the sensor unit 7 to the control unit 14 and a sensor data cache. The sensor unit 7 includes a plurality of external sensors for recognizing the surrounding environment of the vehicle, such as a lidar 71 and a camera 72, and internal sensors, such as a GPS receiver 73, a gyro sensor 74, an acceleration sensor 75, and a speed sensor 76. The lidar 71 discretely measures the distance to an object existing in the external world, recognizes the surface of the object as a three-dimensional point cloud, and generates point cloud data. The camera 72 generates image data photographed from the vehicle. The sensor unit 7 may have any external sensor and internal sensor other than the external sensor and internal sensor shown in FIG. 1. For example, the sensor unit 7 may include an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a microphone, or the like as an external sensor. The external sensors, such as the lidar 71 and the camera 72, are examples of the "detection unit" in the present invention.

[0027] The display unit 16 displays a map showing a route to a destination, information to assist driving, etc., based on the control of the control unit 14. The sound output unit 17 outputs voice guidance to assist driving, etc., based on the control of the control unit 14.

[0028] The control unit 14 includes a CPU that executes a predetermined program and controls the entire map display device 1. For example, the control unit 14 displays a map showing a route to the destination input by the input unit 13 on the display unit 16. In this case, the control unit 14 uses a projection method (also called a "surface projection") that bends the map inward to display it in a curved surface, as described below, to display a map that clearly shows distant areas such as the area around the destination and the area near the next guide point while displaying the area around the current position. The control unit 14 functions as a display control unit, a computer that executes a program, etc.

[0029] [Map view] Next, a display example of a map that the control unit 14 causes the display unit 16 to display in this embodiment will be described. The control unit 14 displays at least a part of the area using a curved surface diagram, thereby favorably displaying both the area around the current position and the distant area on the map. Below, this display example will be classified into a first display mode to a seventh display mode and each will be described. Note that the control unit 14 may determine which of the display modes described below to adopt to display the map based on a user input via the input unit 13, or may predetermine a condition for executing each display mode and automatically execute a display mode for which the condition is satisfied.

[0030] (First display mode) In the first display mode, the control unit 14 displays a map so that the current position and the destination are displayed on the screen.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a schematic map display according to the first display mode displayed by the display unit 16. In Fig. 2, the control unit 14 displays on the map a current position mark 30 indicating the current position, a destination mark 31 indicating the destination, and a route line Rt indicating the route from the current position to the destination. The dashed lines are imaginary lines that are not actually displayed, and are lines (e.g., latitude and longitude lines) that indicate equal positions at equal intervals on each coordinate axis when the ground is considered as a two-dimensional coordinate system. Figure 3 is a specific display example that adds the display of roads, facilities, etc. to the display of Figure 2.

[0032] Here, the control unit 14 displays the map in different ways for the area located on the lower side of the screen (also called the "lower area"), the area located on the upper side of the screen (also called the "upper area"), and the area between them (also called the "middle area"). Specifically, the control unit 14 displays the lower area, which displays the area around the current position, as a bird's-eye view, the middle area as a curved view, and the upper area, which displays the area around the destination, as a plan view or a view with a perspective close to a plan view. In this way, the perspective for displaying the map is different in each of the lower area, middle area, and upper area. The perspective of the map in each area will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0033] The scale of the lower area showing the vicinity of the current position is substantially the largest, and the map of the upper area is displayed as a plan view or a view close to the plan view, so that the map can be viewed from above. On the other hand, the scale of the middle area shown as a curved view is substantially the smallest, and the map is displayed simply. Thus, in the display examples of Figs. 2 and 3, the map display allows the area around the current position displayed in the lower area and the area far from the current position displayed in the upper area to be favorably viewed. In addition, at the boundary between the lower area and the middle area, and at the boundary between the middle area and the upper area, the areas are smoothly connected and no seams are generated, so that no strangeness is generated in appearance. The lower area and the middle area are examples of the "first area" in the present invention, the upper area is an example of the "second area" in the present invention, and the lower area is an example of the "third area" in the present invention.

[0034] In the first display mode, the control unit 14 fixes the position of the current position mark 30 indicating the current position, and displays the destination mark 31 indicating the destination on the map. At this time, the control unit 14 preferably arranges the current position and the destination vertically so that they are located at the center of the horizontal direction of the screen, and continues to display them while maintaining their positional relationship as much as possible. In this way, by fixing the position of the current position mark 30, the driver is saved from the trouble of searching for the vehicle position. Similarly, by arranging the current position and the destination vertically so that they are located at the center of the horizontal direction of the screen, the driver can easily grasp the position of the destination on the screen. In addition, preferably, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the orientation of the current position mark 30 is within a predetermined angle (for example, 45°) difference from the upper direction of the screen. In this way, the current position mark 30 is maintained so as to face forward to some extent, and therefore a map display that is less likely to cause discomfort to the driver can be performed. At this time, for example, the control unit 14 displays the map with the first priority (highest priority) being to fix the position of the current position mark 30, the second priority being to orient the current position mark 30 within a specified angle difference from the upward direction of the screen, and the third priority being to display the destination mark 31 on the map and to align the current position and destination vertically on the screen.

[0035] More preferably, in the first display mode, the control unit 14 displays the map on the display unit 16 so as to display the entire route line Rt indicating the route from the current position to the destination. In the examples of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the destination is present in the upper region and the entire route line Rt is displayed within the screen. For example, the control unit 14 displays the map so that displaying the entire route from the current position to the destination is the fourth priority following the above-mentioned first to third priorities.

[0036] Then, the control unit 14 updates the map display according to the movement of the current position identified based on the output of the sensor unit 7. In a first example of updating the map display, the control unit 14 scrolls the entire map from top to bottom of the screen as the vehicle approaches the destination, while keeping the current position mark 30 displayed in the lower area. In this case, as the vehicle approaches the destination, the destination mark 31 gradually moves from the center position in the upper area to the bottom of the screen, approaching the current position mark 30 displayed in the lower area.

[0037] In a second example of map display update, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the entire route line Rt is displayed within the screen while fixing the current position mark 30 in the lower region and keeping the destination mark 31 fixed in the upper region. In this case, for example, the control unit 14 changes the scale of the map in the region other than the lower region stepwise or continuously so that the scale of the map becomes larger as the vehicle approaches the destination. In this case, the control unit 14 does not change the scale of the lower region, thereby suppressing the occurrence of discomfort caused by frequent changes in the display around the current position. In another example, the control unit 14 changes the curvature of the curved view in the intermediate region stepwise or continuously as the vehicle approaches the destination. In yet another example, the control unit 14 changes the area ratio of the intermediate region stepwise or continuously as the vehicle approaches the destination. For example, the control unit 14 reduces the area of ​​the intermediate region (i.e., the width in the vertical direction of the screen) as the current position approaches the destination. Then, when the distance to the destination is within a predetermined distance, the control unit 14 scrolls the entire map from top to bottom of the screen while keeping the current position mark 30 displayed in the lower area as the vehicle approaches the destination, as in the first example.

[0038] In this way, in the first display mode, the control unit 14 can allow a viewer of the display unit 16 to properly view the entire route from the current position to the destination while displaying the surrounding area of ​​the current position on a large scale.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a change in viewpoint "Pe" for displaying a map in each of the lower, middle, and upper regions. Fig. 4 shows a display target area "Dtag" which is an area to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 16, and look-down angles "θ1" to "θ7" from the viewpoint Pe for each point "P1" to "P7" in the display target area Dtag. Note that the "look-down angle" refers to the angle that a line connecting the viewpoint Pe and the point looked down from the viewpoint makes with respect to the horizontal line, and the look-down angle for each point shown in a plan view (viewpoint Pe is directly above) is 90°, and the look-down angle for each point shown in a bird's-eye view (viewpoint Pe is diagonally above) is an angle less than 90°.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, in the lower area shown by a bird's-eye view, the look-down angle becomes larger as one approaches the middle area. For example, the look-down angle θ2 at point P2, which is the boundary point between the lower area and the middle area, is larger than the look-down angle θ1 at point P1, which is closer to the current position. Also, the look-down angle θ7 at point P7 in the upper area is larger than the look-down angles θ1 to θ6 at each point in the lower area and the middle area. Note that when the upper area is shown by a plan view, the look-down angles at each point in the upper area are all 90°.

[0041] On the other hand, in the intermediate region represented by the curved diagram, if the point closest to the lower region of any two points is defined as the first point and the point closest to the upper region is defined as the second point, the look-down angle of each point from the first point to the second point increases as one moves from the first point to the second point. For example, if the first point is point P4 and the second point is point P5, the look-down angle of each point from point P4 to point P5 gradually increases from angle θ4 to angle θ5 as one moves from the first point to the second point.

[0042] In addition, the look-down angle changes continuously near the boundary between the lower area and the middle area, and near the boundary between the middle area and the upper area. This allows each area to be smoothly connected without any seams. This allows the area around the current position and distant areas to be displayed on the map in an optimal manner without causing discomfort to the viewer.

[0043] When a stop-off point is set, the control unit 14 may display a map so that the stop-off point is displayed on the screen, instead of displaying the destination on the screen.

[0044] (Second display mode) In the second display mode, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the entire route to the next point on the route to the destination where guidance is required (also called the "next guide point") is always displayed on the screen. In this way, the control unit 14 allows the viewer to preferably visually recognize the route to the next guide point, which is the next point where guidance is required.

[0045] Fig. 5(A) shows a schematic map display according to the second display mode displayed by the display unit 16. In Fig. 5(A), the control unit 14 displays a current position mark 30 indicating the current position, a guide point mark 32 indicating the next guide point, and a route line Rt on the map.

[0046] In Fig. 5(A), the control unit 14 displays the lower area showing the periphery of the current location as a bird's-eye view, the upper area showing the periphery of the next guide point as a plan view or bird's-eye view, and the middle area as a curved view, in the same way as in the display example of the first display mode shown in Fig. 2. Then, the control unit 14 displays each area by smoothly connecting them by continuously increasing the look-down angle as the position of the screen changes from bottom to top, in the same way as in the first display mode.

[0047] In the second display mode, the control unit 14 displays a map on which a route line Rt is superimposed so as to display the entire route from the current position to the next guide point, among the route to the destination, on the display unit 16. Then, the control unit 14 updates the display of the map according to the movement of the current position identified based on the output of the sensor unit 7.

[0048] Fig. 5(B) shows a schematic map display when the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance from the state of Fig. 5(A). In this case, the control unit 14 scrolls the entire map from top to bottom as the vehicle approaches the next guide point, gradually bringing the next guide point on the map closer to the current position. In this case, as the vehicle approaches the next guide point, the guide point mark 32 gradually moves downward on the screen from the center position of the upper area, and is displayed in the middle area in Fig. 5(B). Then, when the next guide point is passed, the control unit 14 determines the guide point to be passed after the next guide point as the next guide point, and displays the new next guide point in the center of the upper area as in the display example of Fig. 5(A), and displays a map on the display unit 16 with the route line Rt superimposed so that the entire route to the new next guide point is displayed.

[0049] If the distance to the next guide point is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the control unit 14 may display the map so that the entire route to the next guide point is displayed within the screen, with the current position mark 30 fixed in the lower region and the guide point mark 32 fixed in the upper region. In this case, as described in the first display form, for example, the control unit 14 changes at least one of the scale of the map other than the lower region, the area ratio of the intermediate region, and the curvature of the intermediate region as the current position approaches the next guide point. Then, if the distance to the next guide point is less than the predetermined distance, the control unit 14 scrolls the entire map from top to bottom of the screen as the current position approaches the next guide point, as in the display example of FIG. 5(B), so that the next guide point on the map gradually approaches the current position.

[0050] In this way, according to the second display mode, the control unit 14 can allow the observer to visually confirm the traveling direction at the next guide point and the route to the next guide point in an appropriate manner. As in the first display mode, the control unit 14 may display the map with the first priority being to fix the position of the current position mark 30, the second priority being to keep the orientation of the current position mark 30 within a predetermined angle difference from the upper direction of the screen, the third priority being to display the next guide point on the map and to align the current position and the next guide point vertically on the screen, and the fourth priority being to display the entire route to the next guide point.

[0051] (Third display mode) In the third display mode, the control unit 14 displays the map so that POIs (Points of Interest) that satisfy a predetermined condition are always displayed on the screen. In this way, the control unit 14 suitably indicates the positional relationship between the current position and points of interest (i.e., points that the observer may stop at) in an appropriate manner. Here, the POIs that satisfy the above-mentioned predetermined condition (also called "always-displayed POIs") include, for example, facilities that are within a predetermined distance from the route among facilities that correspond to a genre designated by the user, facilities that are within a predetermined distance from the route among facilities designated as favorite facilities, and recommended facilities determined by the control unit 14 based on the vehicle state (e.g., fuel state and charging state) and the vehicle's driving history (e.g., past stops), etc.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows a schematic map display according to the third display mode displayed by the display unit 16. In FIG. 6, the control unit 14 regards two facilities that are within a predetermined distance from the route among facilities that belong to the genre "restaurant" specified by the user as always-display POI. Then, the control unit 14 sets the display target area to include the positions of these facilities, and displays marks 33 and 34 indicating the positions of the always-display POIs on the map. In this case, the control unit 14 determines the display target area regardless of the settings of north-up, which sets the north direction up, and heading-up, which sets the vehicle's traveling direction up, since the always-display POIs may not be displayed when these settings are used. For example, the control unit 14 sets the map scale, etc., so that the average latitude and average longitude of the always-display POIs are aligned to the center of the screen, and all the always-display POIs are within the display mode area.

[0053] The control unit 14 may sequentially remove from the always-display POIs those POIs that are less likely to be visited due to a vehicle passing by them. For example, when a vehicle passes a point on the route that is closest to a POI that has been determined as a always-display POI, the control unit 14 may remove that POI from the always-display POIs.

[0054] In Fig. 6, the control unit 14 displays the lower area showing the periphery of the current location as a bird's-eye view, the upper area showing the periphery of the next guide point as a plan view or bird's-eye view, and the middle area as a curved view, as in the display example of the first display mode shown in Fig. 2 and the display example of the second display mode shown in Fig. 5. As in the first display mode, the downward angle is continuously increased as the screen position changes from bottom to top, so that each area is smoothly connected and displayed. This allows the area around the current location to be displayed large, while points away from the current location can also be displayed appropriately on the screen.

[0055] The third display mode may be combined with the first display mode. In this case, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the destination and the constantly displayed POI are always displayed on the screen.

[0056] (4th display mode) In the fourth display mode, when a route is set that passes through a point where a ramp (sloping road) such as a junction or interchange is provided, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the next ramp to be passed is always displayed on the screen.

[0057] FIG. 7 shows a schematic map display according to the fourth display mode displayed by the display unit 16. In FIG. 7, the control unit 14 recognizes that a lamp 39 exists on the set route, and displays a map on the display unit 16 with a route line Rt superimposed thereon so as to display the lamp 39 and the route to the lamp 39. Here, the road 38 on which the vehicle is traveling and the road 40 connected to the road 38 by the lamp 39 are displayed on the map in a state superimposed on the route line Rt. Also, in FIG. 7, the control unit 14 displays the lower area showing the periphery of the current position as a bird's-eye view, the upper area showing the area including the lamp 39 as a plan view or a view from a viewpoint close to the plan view, and the middle area as a curved view. As a result, the periphery of the current position is displayed enlarged, while the surrounding situation of the lamp 39 is also displayed suitably on the screen. Then, the control unit 14 updates the display of the map according to the movement of the current position of the vehicle identified based on the output of the sensor unit 7.

[0058] In this case, the control unit 14 first displays the lamp 39 in the upper region, as in the destination in the first display mode, and then scrolls the entire map from top to bottom of the screen as the vehicle approaches the lamp 39, gradually bringing the lamp 39 on the map closer to the current position mark 30 displayed in the lower region. Then, when the vehicle passes the lamp 39 and there is a lamp to be passed after the lamp 39, the control unit 14 performs a similar map display with the next lamp as a reference. On the other hand, when there is no lamp to be passed after the lamp 39, the control unit 14 switches to map display in another display mode. Note that, when the distance to the lamp 39 is a predetermined distance or more, the control unit 14 may fix the current position mark 30 in the lower region and display the map so that the lamp 39 and the entire route to the lamp 39 are displayed on the screen while keeping the lamp 39 fixed in the upper region.

[0059] (Fifth display mode) In the fifth display mode, when a specific parking position in a parking lot is set as the destination, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the route to the target parking position and the entire parking lot are always displayed on the screen.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows a schematic map display according to the fifth display mode displayed by the display unit 16. In the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 14 recognizes that a specific parking position in the parking lot 41 is set as the destination, and displays a map on the display unit 16 with a route line Rt superimposed thereon so as to display the entire route to the set parking position and the entire parking lot 41. Also, in FIG. 8, the control unit 14 displays the lower area representing the periphery of the current position as a bird's-eye view, the upper area representing the area including the parking lot 41 as a plan view or a view from a viewpoint close to a plan view, and the middle area as a curved view. As a result, while displaying the periphery of the current position in a large scale, detailed routes to parking positions near the parking lot 41 away from the current position are also suitably displayed on the screen.

[0061] The control unit 14 may execute the display in the fifth display mode when the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance to the parking lot 41, which is the destination. In this case, the control unit 14 displays the map so that the entire parking lot 41 is displayed in the center of the upper area as shown in FIG. 8 when the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance to the parking lot 41. The control unit 14 then updates the display of the map in accordance with the movement of the current position of the vehicle identified based on the output of the sensor unit 7. For example, the control unit 14 first displays the parking lot 41 in the upper area, as in the case of the destination in the first display mode, and then scrolls the entire map from top to bottom of the screen as the vehicle approaches the parking lot 41, gradually bringing the parking lot 41 on the map closer to the current position mark 30 displayed in the lower area.

[0062] According to the fifth display mode, it is possible to allow the driver to conveniently grasp in advance the route in the vicinity of the parking lot.

[0063] (6th display mode) In the sixth display mode, the control unit 14 applies an appropriate map projection to each of the left, middle, and right areas that divide the screen horizontally into three, thereby displaying the map so that the entire route to the destination or the next guide point is always shown on the screen.

[0064] Fig. 9 shows a schematic map display according to the sixth display mode displayed by the display unit 16. In the example of Fig. 9, when the entire route to the destination is displayed on the map by heading up, the control unit 14 sets a left region, a middle region, and a right region in the horizontal direction of the screen, and displays the map in the left region as a bird's-eye view, the middle region as a curved view, and the right region as a plan view or a view with a similar viewpoint. Then, in the sixth display mode, the control unit 14 increases the look-down angle as the screen position changes from left to right.

[0065] According to this example, even when a route that is long in the horizontal direction of the screen is displayed, the control unit 14 can improve visibility by displaying a route line Rt with an appropriate ratio of vertical and horizontal lengths on the map without displaying an extremely horizontally long route line Rt on a small-scale map. In this case, for example, the control unit 14 performs display in the sixth display mode when the distance to the destination in the left-right direction of the vehicle is a predetermined multiple or more of the distance to the destination in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0066] The control unit 14 may display the map in the sixth display mode not only when the entire route to the destination is displayed on the map, but also when a map showing the entire route to the next guide point or stop-off point is displayed on the screen. The left side area and the middle area are examples of the "first area" in the present invention, the right side area is an example of the "second area" in the present invention, and the left side area is an example of the "third area" in the present invention.

[0067] (7th display mode) In the seventh display mode, the control unit 14 displays a map having a plurality of pairs of a middle region and an upper region.

[0068] Fig. 10 shows a schematic map display according to the seventh display mode displayed by the display unit 16. In the example of Fig. 10, the control unit 14 provides a lower region, a first middle region, a first upper region, a second middle region, and a second upper region, in that order from the bottom of the screen. The control unit 14 displays a guide point mark 32 indicating the next guide point in the first upper region near the center of the screen, and displays a destination mark 31 indicating the destination in the first upper region near the top of the screen, and displays a route line Rt indicating the entire route to the destination on the map.

[0069] Then, the control unit 14 updates the display of the map according to the movement of the current position identified based on the output of the sensor unit 7. For example, the control unit 14 scrolls the entire map from top to bottom of the screen as the vehicle advances, so that the destination mark 31 and the guide point mark 32 on the map gradually approach the current position mark 30 in the lower area.

[0070] In another example, the control unit 14 may fix the destination indicated by the destination mark 31 in the second upper area and fix the point indicated by the guide point mark 32 in the first upper area by adjusting the scale, area ratio, curvature, etc. in an area other than the lower area until the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance to the point indicated by the guide point mark 32. When the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance to the point indicated by the guide point mark 32, the control unit 14 scrolls the map from top to bottom of the screen as the vehicle advances, thereby gradually bringing the guide point mark 32 closer to the current position mark 30. After passing the point indicated by the guide point mark 32, the control unit 14 displays the new next guide point in the first upper area near the center.

[0071] 10, the control unit 14 may display a stop-off point in the first upper area instead of the next guide point. Similarly, the control unit 14 may display a stop-off point in the second upper area instead of the destination.

[0072] Next, a supplementary explanation will be given of the display common to the first to seventh display modes described above. The control unit 14 may perform detailed display with a large amount of information in the lower area (left area in the sixth display mode) displaying a map of the area around the current position, and perform simplified display with a small amount of information in other areas.

[0073] Fig. 11 is a display example of a map in which the amount of information displayed in the lower area is different from that in the other areas. In Fig. 11, as an example, the control unit 14 displays on the map a route line Rt indicating the route to the destination, and also displays facilities corresponding to the genre (here, restaurants) specified by the user.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 14 displays a detailed map based on the map DB 4 and the sensor data cache 6 in the lower area displaying the surroundings of the current position. Specifically, the control unit 14 displays roads 41 and 42 with clearly indicated lanes, as well as traffic light indications 44, signs 45, and obstacles (pedestrians in this case) 46. The control unit 14 may display the traffic light indications 44, signs 45, and obstacles 46 based on the detection results of the sensor unit 7, or may display them by referring to the map DB 4 reflecting the detection results of other vehicles. The control unit 14 also displays a mark 43 indicating the location and name of a restaurant "○× restaurant" present in the lower area, superimposed on the location of the restaurant.

[0075] On the other hand, the control unit 14 displays a simplified map in the middle and upper regions. In Fig. 11, the control unit 14 displays a simplified road without clearly indicating lanes, and also displays marks 47 and 48 indicating the locations of facilities corresponding to the genre specified by the user. In the middle and upper regions, the control unit 14 omits the display of traffic signals, signs, obstacles, and the like that were displayed in the lower region.

[0076] In this way, according to the display example of FIG. 11, the control unit 14 can preferably present information about the surrounding area of ​​the current position to the user, while preferably preventing the display on the entire screen from becoming cluttered.

[0077] As described above, the map display device 1 according to this embodiment includes the control unit 14 that displays a map on the display unit 16. The control unit 14 displays the map on the display unit 16 so that the look-down angle of a first point on the map is smaller than the look-down angle of a second point that is farther from the mobile body than the first point. This allows the map display device 1 to suitably display the area around the current position and distant areas on the map.

[0078] [Variations] Instead of providing all of the lower region, the middle region, and the upper region, the control unit 14 may not provide at least one of the lower region or the upper region. For example, the control unit 14 may provide only the lower region and the middle region, display the periphery of the current location in the lower region, and display other areas in the middle region. In another example, the control unit 14 may provide only the middle region and the upper region, display a distant area such as the destination in the upper region, and display other areas including the periphery of the current location in the middle region. In yet another example, the control unit 14 may display the entire map as a curved surface diagram.

[0079] [Variation 2] In the embodiment, the area is fixed and the entire map is scrolled, but the area may be appropriately controlled depending on the distance to the destination, the stopover point, or the guide point. For example, the downward angle may be increased so that the map is displayed in a flat view as the destination is approached.

[0080] As for the display viewpoint, it may be a viewpoint from the side of the bird's-eye view portion as in FIG. 3, or the curved surface portion may be displayed with a twist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Map display device 4. Map DB 6 Sensor Data Cache 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Input section 14 Control section 15. Interface 16 Display section 17 Sound output section

Claims

[Claim 1] A display control unit is provided for displaying a map on a display unit, The display control unit is a map display device that displays the map on the display unit so that the angle overlooking a first point on the map is smaller than the angle overlooking a second point that is farther from the moving body than the first point.

Images