System and program

Abstract

To stimulate a user's interest in an information guide related to a map including a region by a display control device, by displaying on a guide screen, a character for which correspondence with the region is specified.SOLUTION: A display control unit 1 for performing information guidance related to a map including a plurality of regions has control means 18 for controlling an image C of any one of a plurality of characters which each correspond to the plurality of regions is specified is to be displayed on display means 5. A user can increase a displayable character by moving together with the display control unit 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device and the like, and more particularly to a display control device and the like that provides guidance on information related to a map. [Background technology]

[0002] Navigation systems are known as display control devices that provide information related to maps. Navigation systems generally have a function of displaying a map on a display means such as a liquid crystal display, and further displaying the current position and a route to a destination on the map. In addition, navigation systems that have a function of providing various information incidental to map information, such as information about nearby areas, are also provided. Navigation systems come in various types, such as in-vehicle and portable types, and navigation systems equipped with a navigation function on smartphones are also in use.

[0003] Recently, navigation systems have been proposed that do not simply guide users on routes to their destinations, but instead guide them in an entertaining manner that makes travel more enjoyable and stimulates the user's sense of fun. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation system that displays a character on the screen and uses this character to provide information guidance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-242187 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation system that displays map information and, when a position specified by the position information of the warning target and the current position of the vehicle have a predetermined proximity relationship, displays an animated character that is unrelated to the warning target, thereby preventing the warning target from being overlooked. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the display of a character that has a defined correspondence with an area, and the effect of increasing interest is not sufficient.

[0006] As described above, no effort has been made to add a high level of interest to information guidance controlled by a display control device by displaying characters that correspond to specific regions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This application discloses, for example, the inventions described in the following aspects. <Point 1> A display control device that provides information related to a map including a plurality of regions, A display control device comprising control means for controlling display means to display an image of any one of a plurality of characters having a defined correspondence with a plurality of said regions. <Point 2> the control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from an allowed character group which is a collection of all or a part of the plurality of characters; The control means is characterized in that, on condition that the display control device moves to an area in which a correspondence relationship with the character is specified, the control means adds the character corresponding to the area to which the display control device has moved to the group of allowed characters. <Point 3> the control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from an allowed character group which is a collection of all or a part of the plurality of characters; The control means is characterized in that, when the display control device has moved a predetermined distance, it adds any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters to the group of allowed characters. <Point 4> the plurality of characters includes at least one default character; A display control device characterized in that, when the character is not included in the group of allowed characters, the control means displays an image of the default character on the display means. <Point 5> Further comprising a mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in different manners based on a user's operation, The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays, on the display means, the character selected in accordance with the mode selected by the mode selection means. <Point 6> the plurality of modes includes a first mode, A display control device characterized in that, when the first mode is selected, the control means displays an image of the character designated by a user on the display means. <Point 7> the plurality of modes includes a second mode, A display control device characterized in that, when the second mode is selected, the control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character associated with the area in which the display control device is currently located. <Point 8> the plurality of modes includes a third mode, A display control device characterized in that, when the third mode is selected, the control means displays a different image of the character on the display means each time the display control device moves a predetermined distance. <Point 9> The display mode selection means further comprises a display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user's operation, The control means controls the display of an image of the character on the display means when the display mode is selected, and does not control the display of the image of the character on the display means when the non-display mode is selected.

[0008] In the invention of aspect 1, when a user sees a character displayed on a display means, the user becomes interested in the character and also in the area associated with the character, which motivates the user to receive guidance about information related to the area.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the display control device has a display means for displaying images, etc. In a further preferred embodiment, the display control device further has a correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between regions and characters in the form of a table, etc., a position detection means for detecting the position and travel distance of the display control device, a travel distance detection means, etc. In another preferred embodiment, the display control device does not have all or part of the display means, the correspondence storage means, the position detection means, and the travel distance detection means. For example, these means may be general-purpose products that are usually commercially available.

[0010] The regions are preferably geographical regions, preferably non-overlapping regions, more preferably administrative divisions, and particularly preferably prefectures or cities, towns, or villages.

[0011] The character is preferably a symbol, image, etc., modeled after a real or fictional person or animal. The character is preferably, for example, a character (e.g., a local character) managed by a region (e.g., a local government). The character is preferably a so-called yuru-kyara (a local mascot). A yuru-kyara may be a mascot character used for promoting the region, such as for revitalizing the region or introducing local specialties. It is particularly preferable for the character to be a cute illustration, etc.

[0012] The correspondence between the regions and the characters is preferably one-to-one or one-to-many. In a preferred embodiment, the correspondence between the characters and all the regions included in the map is defined. In another preferred embodiment, the correspondence between the characters and only some of the regions in the map (for example, the four prefectures of Shikoku out of the 47 prefectures in the map of Japan) is defined.

[0013] The information guidance preferably includes guidance of information on events such as police crackdowns. The information guidance is particularly preferably route guidance to a destination. The information guidance is preferably provided by displaying an image on a display means.

[0014] In the invention of Viewpoint 2, any character selected from the group of permitted characters is displayed on the display means. By moving the display control device to a new area, a new character corresponding to the destination area is added to the group of permitted characters (the number of characters that can be displayed increases), which can motivate the user to move from area to area.

[0015] The allowed character group may include all or some of the multiple characters in its initial state (e.g., factory-shipped state), but it is preferable that in its initial state, the allowed character group does not include any of the multiple characters (the allowed character group is an empty set). It is preferable that a character once added to the allowed character group is not deleted from the allowed character group. It is particularly preferable that the display control device is configured to store and retain the characters in the allowed character group even when the power to the display control device is cut off.

[0016] Preferably, movement to each area is determined based on information from the position detection means. Preferably, the display control device performs processing to add a character corresponding to the destination area only when the character corresponding to the destination area is not included in the allowed character group.

[0017] In the invention of the third aspect, when the display control device moves a predetermined distance, a new character is added to the permitted character group (the number of characters that can be displayed increases), so that the user can be motivated to move a longer distance. Preferably, the movement distance is calculated based on information from the position detection means.

[0018] It is particularly preferable that the display control device has the configurations of both viewpoints 2 and 3. This solves the problem in the invention of viewpoint 2 that a user who moves only in the same area cannot increase the number of characters that can be displayed. In this way, in the invention of viewpoint 2, it is preferable that when a second condition different from the condition (first condition) that the display control device moves to the area where the correspondence with the character is defined is met, any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters is newly added to the allowed character group. Examples of preferable second conditions different from viewpoint 3 include a condition that the usage time (e.g., accumulated usage time) of the display control device has reached a predetermined time, a condition that the number of days that have passed since the manufacture, shipment, etc. of the display control device has reached a predetermined number of days, etc.

[0019] In the invention of Viewpoint 4, it is possible to display a character even if the allowed character group does not include a character (for example, in an embodiment in which the allowed character group at the time of factory shipment is an empty set, such as when the power is turned on for the first time after shipment from the factory). In a preferred embodiment, the default character is a character that does not have a defined correspondence with a region. In another preferred embodiment, the default character is a character that has a defined correspondence with a region.

[0020] In the invention of the fifth aspect, the user can select a method for selecting the characters to be displayed.

[0021] In the invention of the sixth aspect, the user can display a character selected arbitrarily from the group of permitted characters, which allows for greater flexibility.

[0022] In the invention of Viewpoint 7, since a character associated with the area in which the display control device is currently located is displayed, it is possible to motivate the user to move between areas. Preferably, the current location of the control device is determined based on information from a position detection means.

[0023] In the invention of aspect 8, a different character is displayed each time the display control device moves a predetermined distance, so that the user can be motivated to move a longer distance. Preferably, the movement distance is calculated based on information from the position detection means.

[0024] It is preferable that the second mode in the invention of aspect 7 and the third mode in the invention of aspect 8 can be selected simultaneously. This makes it possible to change the displayed character when either the condition of moving to a different area or moving a predetermined distance is met. The multiple modes may include modes different from aspects 6 to 8. Other preferable modes include a mode in which a different character is displayed every time a predetermined time has passed or for each time period, and a mode in which a different character is displayed depending on the moving speed.

[0025] The inventions of aspects 5 to 8, which refer to aspect 2 or 3, are particularly preferred. This makes it possible to add characters to the allowed character group independently of the characters being displayed. For example, in the display control device of the invention of aspect 6, even if the user has only specific characters displayed in the first mode, characters from the allowed character group are added based on the area, distance traveled, etc., so that it is possible to display other characters if the user so desires.

[0026] In the invention of the ninth aspect, it is also possible to hide the characters according to the user's preference.

[0027] It is recommended to configure it as follows: <Point A> When the state where the image of the character is changed from not being displayed on the display means to being displayed, it is preferable to perform a process of displaying the name of the character together with the image of the character for a predetermined period of time and then hiding the name. In particular, it is preferable to display information on the area corresponding to the character together with the name of the character for the predetermined period of time and then hide the name.

[0028] In this way, the appearance of the character can attract the user's attention to the character on the display means, and the user can learn the name of the character and the region to which the character corresponds, allowing the user to learn more about the character and also rouse interest in the region to which the character corresponds. Moreover, after a predetermined time has passed, the name of the character and the information on the region to which the character corresponds are erased and the character is displayed, so that the character is less likely to interfere with the display of background information (e.g., map information), and if the user forgets the name of the character or the region to which the character corresponds, the disappearance of the information means that the answer is not immediately known, which has the effect of making the user look forward to the next appearance. In particular, the change from a state where the character is not displayed to a state where it is displayed should be accompanied by the movement of the character. In particular, it is preferable to display the character while gradually moving from the edge of the screen toward the center of the screen. In this way, the appearance of the character can be made more impressive and the user's gaze can be more easily drawn to the display means.

[0029] <Point of View B> It is preferable that the display control be such that the character greets the user at least either when the image of the character changes from a state in which it is not displayed on the display means to a state in which it is displayed, or when the image of the character changes from a state in which it is displayed on the display means to a state in which it is not displayed. This will increase the likelihood of creating attachment to the character and also to the corresponding region. <Point of View C> The device is provided with a function for outputting information by voice and a selection function for selecting whether or not to display the character, and when the selection function selects not to display the character, the voice output is output in a voice unrelated to the character, and when the selection function selects to display the character, the voice output is output in the voice of the character being displayed.

[0030] <Point of View D> When the character being displayed on the display means is a character that is set not to speak, it is preferable to output information in a voice for a common character.

[0031] <Point of View E> The output of information by the voice of the character may be performed when information that matches the image of the character is output, and when information that does not match the image of the character is output, the information may be output by a voice other than that of the character. For example, when outputting a warning of a crackdown, the voice of the character may not be output, and in this case, the warning of the crackdown may be given by a voice other than that of the character. In this way, the image of the character can be maintained while still providing the necessary warning.

[0032] <Point of View E> The correspondence between the character and the region may be a region larger than the region in which the character is active. In this way, attention can be drawn to a specific region within a larger region. In particular, the configuration of viewpoint 7 may be provided. For example, if the character is a character for promoting a city, the region may be a prefecture larger than the city. In this way, when entering a prefecture, a character corresponding to a specific city within the prefecture is displayed, which creates interest in the specific city within the prefecture, and motivates the user to want to go to that city when entering the prefecture.

[0033] <Point of View F> It is preferable to have a function of displaying a character corresponding to an area related to the acquired current location, and when the current location changes from a state where it can be acquired to a state where it cannot be acquired, to have a function of maintaining the display of the character that was displayed before the current location became unable to be acquired. This prevents the character from suddenly disappearing from display when the current location cannot be obtained, and is particularly effective when the current location is obtained by GPS.

[0034] <Point of View G> The display device may include a character mode in which the information is output by a character, a standard mode in which the information is not output by a character, and a switching function for switching between the character mode and the standard mode, and in the display mode, it is preferable not to judge the conditions of viewpoints 2 and 3. In this way, the group of permitted characters is updated only when the character mode is selected. For example, if a vehicle or the like in which the display control device is installed is lent to another person, the standard mode can be selected so that the group of permitted characters will not be updated by other people and the person can update the group of permitted characters at their own pace without being disturbed by others.

[0035] <Point of View H> It is preferable that the display means has a function for detecting a user's touch on the display location of the character while the character is being displayed, and that when a touch on the character is detected, the character is erased and other information is displayed in the location where the character was previously displayed. In this way, by touching a character, the character can be erased and other information can be displayed.

[0036] <Point I> It is preferable that a button for displaying a display screen of information about the character, or a button for displaying settings related to display control of the character, is made to display the character currently being displayed on the map screen. In this way, the user can see the characters displayed on the buttons on the menu screen or the like and know which characters are currently to be displayed on the map, without having to actually perform an operation such as returning to the map screen.

[0037] <Point of View J> It is preferable to have a function of displaying a screen that displays the attributes of the characters as text information, and to have explanatory information for the same attribute between the multiple characters, and to make the display information indicating the same attribute different. For example, for attribute a of a character's "name", character A displays "name" and displays the name after the attribute, and character B displays "nickname" and displays the name nearby. For example, for attribute b of a character's "age", character A displays "age" and displays the age nearby, and character B displays "birth" and displays the age nearby. In this way, it is possible to deepen mutual understanding of attributes common to multiple characters without destroying the worldview of each of the multiple characters.

[0038] <Point of View K> It is preferable that the device has a function of displaying a screen that can view the multiple regions, and that the display mode of the regions corresponding to characters present in the group of permitted characters is different from the display mode of the regions corresponding to characters not present in the group of permitted characters. In this way, it is easy to know which region's characters are in the permitted character group. For example, it is also easy to know the acquisition status of the permitted character group for all characters. For example, in the case of displaying a map of Japan with 47 prefectures as regions and a one-to-one correspondence between characters and regions, the map of Japan can be divided into prefectures and displayed, and prefectures with characters in the permitted character group corresponding thereto are not displayed with a solid shaded area, and prefectures with characters in the permitted character group corresponding thereto are displayed with a solid shaded area.

[0039] <Point of View L> It is preferable that the display device has a function for outputting a time signal by voice, and when the time signal is announced, a predetermined message is output in the voice of the character being displayed along with the time.

[0040] <Point of View M> When all the characters are in the permitted character group, a predetermined performance may be performed. This performance may be a completion performance. For example, it may be a performance to celebrate the fact that all the characters have been acquired. In this case, characters that are set to be able to speak and characters that are set to be unable to speak may exist in the permitted character group, and the predetermined performance may be performed with the voice of the character that can speak. The content may include information indicating that the character representing the region to which all the characters correspond has entered the permitted character group. For example, if all the characters are characters of the 47 prefectures, it may be output that the region representing the region to which all the characters correspond is the whole country, such as "Let's conquer the whole country". After the predetermined performance is performed, it may be configured to return to the output screen of the information by the original character.

[0041] <Point of View N> The information guidance may include a route guidance function to a destination and a demonstration driving function that provides route guidance by performing a virtual drive to the destination when the vehicle is not actually driven there, and the demonstration driving function may not be regarded as movement in the aspects 2 and 3. In this way, it is possible to prevent characters from being added to the permitted character group one after another by the demonstration driving.

[0042] Viewpoints 1 to 9 and Viewpoints A to N can be combined in any way to configure a display control device, as long as no contradiction occurs between the components. In this case, a person skilled in the art may use his or her ordinary creative ability to derive a specific configuration based on a combination that produces a unique and significant effect. In addition, the above-mentioned display control device may be configured as a program that causes a computer to realize the functions of the display control device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] Figure 3(a) shows an example of mascot information, and Figure 3(b) shows an example of an allowed character list. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary first speech correspondence table defined for route guidance events. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary second speech correspondence table defined for route guidance events. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary third audio correspondence table defined for a POI event. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary action correspondence table. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) shows an exemplary main menu screen, and Fig. 8(b) shows an exemplary navigation menu screen. [Figure 9] Fig. 9(a) shows an exemplary mode switching screen, Fig. 9(b) shows an exemplary guidance screen, Fig. 9(c) shows an exemplary mode switching screen, and Fig. 9(d) shows an exemplary guidance screen. [Figure 10] Fig. 10(a) shows an exemplary search screen, Fig. 10(b) shows an exemplary registration / edit screen, and Fig. 10(c) shows an exemplary registration / edit screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an exemplary mascot character acquisition process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of an exemplary display mode selection process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary mascot selection process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of an exemplary audio output process. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of an exemplary voice output / character display process. [Figure 16]Fig. 16(a) shows an exemplary mascot screen, and Fig. 16(b) shows an exemplary mascot information screen. [Figure 17] Fig. 17(a) shows an exemplary mascot character list screen, and Fig. 17(b) shows an exemplary national mascot character picture book screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of an exemplary complete effect process. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary assisted guidance screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a display control device of the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation device will be described.

[0045] [Basic configuration] FIG. 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a navigation device suitable as an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a portable device main body 2 and a cradle 3 as an attachment member for holding the device main body 2. The device main body 2 functions as a vehicle-mounted device by mounting the device main body 2 on the cradle 3, and functions as a portable navigation device (PND) by removing the device main body 2 from the cradle 3. In this embodiment, the device main body 2 is detachable from the cradle 3, and can be installed together with the cradle 3 on the dashboard of a vehicle for use, or can be removed from the cradle 3 for use as a portable device (PND). However, the device may be a fixed vehicle-mounted type that cannot be easily attached to or detached from the cradle 3, or may be a dedicated portable device. Furthermore, the device may be realized by installing (including pre-installation) a predetermined application program on a portable terminal such as a mobile phone. The application program may be the system itself for performing navigation, or may be a program for accessing a server in which the system for performing navigation is implemented and using the system. The present invention can be applied to such various types of navigation systems.

[0046] The device body 2 is detachably attached to the cradle 3. The device body 2 includes a flat rectangular case body 4. A display unit 5 is disposed on the front of the case body 4, and a touch panel 8 is provided on the display unit 5 to detect which part of the display unit 5 is touched, and warning lamps 9 are provided on both sides of the front. The cradle 3 includes a cradle body 6 that holds the device body 2, and a base 7 that supports the cradle body 6 in an arbitrary position at a predetermined position (dashboard, etc.) in the vehicle cabin. The base 7 is fixed to the dashboard or the like by a suction cup provided on the bottom surface. The base 7 and the cradle body 6 are connected to each other rotatably within a predetermined angle range via a connecting mechanism such as a ball joint. Because of the ball joint, the base 7 and the cradle body 6 can rotate and move relatively within an arbitrary angle range in three-dimensional directions, and the position is maintained at an arbitrary angular position due to frictional resistance at the joint portion. Therefore, the device body 2 attached to the cradle body 6 can also be placed in an arbitrary position on the dashboard.

[0047] Furthermore, one side of the case body 4 is provided with an SD memory card slot 21, into which an SD memory card 22 on which map data and the like are recorded can be inserted. This SD memory card slot 21 includes a memory card reader / writer that reads and writes information from and to the inserted SD memory card 22. Also, a DC jack 10 is provided on the side of the case body 4 on which the SD memory card slot 21 is provided. The DC jack 10 is for connecting a cigarette lighter plug cord (not shown), and is connected to a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle via the cigarette lighter plug cord to receive power supply.

[0048] On the other hand, a power switch and a USB terminal 23 are provided on the side opposite to the SD memory card slot 21. The USB terminal 23 can be used to connect to a personal computer and perform software application updates, etc.

[0049] The following devices and components are disposed inside the case body 4. That is, a microwave receiver 11 is disposed inside the rear side of the case body 4. The microwave receiver 11 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency band, and when it receives microwaves of the set frequency band, it detects the signal level of the received microwaves. Specifically, it utilizes the RSSI voltage, which is the signal level and corresponds to the field strength. The above-mentioned predetermined frequency band is, for example, a frequency band that includes the frequency of microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measuring device.

[0050] Furthermore, a GPS receiver 12 that receives GPS signals and determines the current position is disposed inside the top surface of the case body 4. An infrared communication device 14 is disposed inside the front surface of the case body 4. The infrared communication device 14 transmits and receives data to and from a communication device having a built-in infrared communication device, such as a mobile phone 15. Furthermore, a speaker 20 is also disposed inside the case body 4.

[0051] Furthermore, the navigation device 1 is equipped with a wireless receiver 13 and a remote control receiver 16. The remote control receiver 16 performs data communication with a remote control (portable device: child device) 17 and performs various settings for the navigation device 1. The wireless receiver 13 receives incoming wireless signals of a predetermined frequency band. This predetermined frequency can be, for example, a wireless frequency band used when an emergency vehicle notifies a base station of its own position.

[0052] The navigation device 1 also has a navigation function that outputs guidance voices whenever various events occur, for the purpose of route guidance, notification of surrounding landmarks such as vehicle speed measuring devices and other traffic monitoring points, etc. In this embodiment, the guidance voice output modes include a normal mode in which guidance voices are output without displaying characters on the guidance screen such as map information, and a lazy navigation mode in which guidance voices are output with a so-called mascot character (local mascot character) displayed on the guidance screen. The normal mode and lazy navigation mode are stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as programs executed by the control unit 18, and are realized by the control unit 18 executing these programs.

[0053] The database 19 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or attached externally to the microcomputer. In the database 19, certain landmarks, maps, and other information required for implementing each function are registered at the time of shipment, and data on landmarks added afterwards can be updated through a predetermined process.

[0054] The database 19 stores mascot image data for displaying various characters on the display unit. The mascot image data is data for displaying 47 types of mascots that correspond one-to-one to a plurality of regions (47 prefectures) and one type of default character on a guide screen GV (guide screens GV1 and GV2 shown in Figs. 9(b) and (d)) described below. The mascot image data can be data of a 3D model that can be animated according to the motion data described below.

[0055] The database 19 further stores mascot information on 47 types of mascot characters. Fig. 3(a) shows exemplary mascot information. As shown in the figure, the mascot information specifies the correspondence between the 47 types of mascot characters and the 47 prefectures. The management organization is, for example, a local government organization that manages each mascot character.

[0056] The mascot information further includes field data DA to DE that define setting information related to the characteristics of each mascot, etc. Each of the field data DA to DE has a unique character limit of, for example, about 15 to 300 characters.

[0057] For many mascot characters (for example, more than half of the mascot characters), standard attribute data is defined, such as name in field data DA, birthplace in field data DB, gender in field data DC, birthday in field data DD, and profile in field data DE.

[0058] However, depending on the type of mascot, there are some that have attributes that differ from the standard, such as a nickname being specified in the field data DA and a place where they appear being specified in the field data DB. Furthermore, there are also some that have part of their profile specified in the field data DD and the rest of their profile specified in the field data DE. In this way, by allowing the attributes of the field data DA to DF to be freely set, it becomes easy to appropriately explain mascot characters with diverse characteristics.

[0059] The 47 types of mascot characters are permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV under certain conditions. In this application, the act of newly permitting display on the guidance screen GV may be referred to as "obtaining" a mascot character. In this application, a collection of mascot characters permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV may be referred to as an "authorized character group." Mascot characters permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV are added to an authorized character list, exemplified in FIG. 3(b). The control unit 18 determines that a mascot character included in the authorized character list is permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV, and otherwise determines that it is not permitted. Furthermore, when all mascot characters have been obtained (completed), that is, when the 47th mascot character has been added to the authorized character list, the control unit 18 executes a completion performance.

[0060] The database 19 also stores voice data of the guidance voice output from the speaker 20 whenever various events occur, and motion data that defines the motion of the mascot. The motion data includes normal motion data that defines normal motions performed by the mascot while the guidance voice is not being output, and specific motion data that defines multiple specific motions performed by the mascot while the guidance voice is being output. The normal motions can be motions that do not strongly attract the user's attention, such as the mascot slowly turning right and left repeatedly. The motion data for specific motions defines a total of 15 types of characteristic motions performed by the mascot, such as a motion to turn widely to the right, a motion to jump, a motion of joy, a motion of dislike, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, the database 19 stores voice correspondence tables (first to third voice correspondence tables) and an action correspondence table that define the relationship between various events guided by the navigation operation described below, guidance voices, and specific actions.

[0062] Events are divided into categories such as route guidance events that are necessary when guiding the route to the destination, and POI (Point of Interest) events that are less related to route guidance, such as notifications about service areas and famous places, and warnings about accident-prone areas and checkpoints, and a voice correspondence table is stored for each category.

[0063] There are three types of voices output as guidance voices: a normal voice used in normal mode, a specific mascot character (hereinafter referred to as a "specific mascot character." In this embodiment, the mascot character named "Successful Daimyo Ieyasu-kun (registered trademark)" associated with Shizuoka prefecture is set as the specific mascot character), and a mascot voice used when other mascot characters are displayed. These voices are output by playing recorded data of a voice actor or announcer (hereinafter referred to as a "voice actor, etc.") speaking phrases defined in each voice correspondence table.

[0064] 4 and 5 show exemplary first and second voice correspondence tables defined for route guidance events. As shown in FIG. 4, the first voice correspondence table defines an event number, a phrase number, guidance time, a normal voice phrase, and a mascot voice phrase. As shown in FIG. 5, the second voice correspondence table defines an event number, a phrase number, guidance time, and a user's voice phrase. In the first and second voice correspondence tables, the event number is a number (or symbol) assigned to each type of event. There are, for example, about 500 types of events. The phrase number is a number assigned to each phrase. The guidance time indicates the time required to output the guidance voice. The normal voice phrase, the mascot voice phrase, and the user's voice phrase are text representations of the voices output as normal voice, mascot voice, and user's voice, respectively.

[0065] As can be seen from the figure, the normal voice phrases are relatively formal expressions using the polite form, while the mascot voice phrases and the person's own voice phrases are friendly, casual, or have unique expressions. In addition, when creating the recording data, the normal voice is recorded as a normal voice phrase spoken by an announcer in a standard or formal tone, while the mascot voice and the person's own voice are recorded as a mascot voice phrase and the person's own voice phrase spoken by a voice actor or the like in a friendly, familiar, relaxed, informal, or unique tone.

[0066] In addition, the mascot voice phrase and the user's voice phrase may contain additional information related to the information in addition to the information to be announced. For example, the mascot voice phrase and the user's voice phrase for a time announcement event (e.g., event 413) contain additional information ("I'm hungry," "Shall I have some eel rice bowl?") in addition to the information on the time to be announced ("It's noon," "It's noon").

[0067] The actual voice phrase may also include information, advertisements, solicitations, etc. related to the area corresponding to the specific mascot character. For example, in response to event 392, which is an event approaching the destination, an actual voice phrase such as "This is the destination...Next time, I want you to come to *** too." can be specified. In this case, "***" is the name of the area corresponding to the specific mascot character (for example, Shizuoka Prefecture). This makes it possible to solicit people to a place other than the current destination. It is also possible to use "***" as a wildcard and change the phrase corresponding to "***" depending on the number of times the event occurs, the time of occurrence, the display mode at that time, etc.

[0068] Also, the number of phrases for each event is one for normal voice, but multiple for mascot voice and the user's own voice. This is a diversification of the guidance voice when a mascot is displayed. One reason for this is that voices with unique expressions and tones are easily remembered by the ears of users, so there is a strong need to reduce user boredom.

[0069] When multiple phrases are defined for a single event, different phrases are selected in sequence and output as voice guidance each time the event occurs. The phrases may be selected randomly instead of sequentially.

[0070] Furthermore, the number of phrases for the mascot voice and the user's voice differs for each event. For example, the number of phrases for event 391 (an event where guidance starts) is four, whereas the number of phrases for event 393 (an event where a reroute is performed) is ten. This is because the more frequently an event occurs, the greater the need to reduce user boredom caused by the same phrase being output frequently.

[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary third audio correspondence table defined for a POI event.

[0072] The meanings of the event number, phrase number, guidance time, and normal voice phrase in the third voice correspondence table are the same as those in the first voice correspondence table. As can be seen from the figure, only normal voice phrases are specified for each POI event, and mascot voice phrases and actual user voice phrases are not specified. Therefore, when a POI event occurs, guidance voice in normal voice is always output, and guidance voice in mascot voice and actual user voice is not output. This is because, due to the nature of POI events (especially warning events), casual guidance in mascot voice etc. is often not suitable.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary action correspondence table. As shown in the figure, an action number is defined for each phrase number defined in the first to third voice correspondence tables of FIGS. 4 to 6. The action number is composed of a mode part (e.g., right) indicated by Roman letters and a time part (e.g., 03) indicated by numbers. The mode part defines the type of specific action data. The time part indicates the time for which the specific action continues. When the phrase number of the voice (phrase number in the first to third voice correspondence tables) to be output as the guidance voice is determined by this action correspondence table, the specific action performed by the mascot character is uniquely determined. As mentioned above, there are a total of 15 types of specific actions, and among these, for a specific action that is frequently displayed, such as a right-facing action, a right-facing action in multiple different modes (right and right1) is provided.

[0074] Next, the operation of the navigation device 1 having the above configuration will be described. <Menu operations> As described above, the navigation device 1 has a normal mode and an easy navigation mode, and the control unit 18 switches between these modes in response to a touch operation on the display unit 5 or the like.

[0075] When the navigation device 1 is powered on and the "NAVI" button is touched on the main menu screen of FIG. 8(a) that is displayed on the display unit 5, the navigation menu screen of FIG. 8(b) is displayed.

[0076] When the operation mode is the normal mode, if the user selects the "mode switch" button from the navigation menu screen, a mode switch screen as exemplified in FIG. 9(a) is displayed, and if the user selects the "YES" button, the operation mode is switched to the easy navigation mode. In the easy navigation mode, navigation is performed using a guide screen GV1 that displays a mascot character image C together with map information, etc., as exemplified in FIG. 9(b). When the operation mode is the easy navigation mode, if the user selects the "mode switch" button from the navigation menu screen, a mode switch screen as exemplified in FIG. 9(c) is displayed, and if the user selects the "YES" button, the operation mode is switched to the normal mode. In the normal mode, navigation is performed using a guide screen GV2 that displays only map information, etc., without displaying the mascot character image C, as exemplified in FIG. 9(d).

[0077] 9(a) and (c), it is preferable to use backgrounds, character fonts, icons, etc. that are suitable for the operation mode to which the user will transition when switching (selecting "YES") For example, the switching screen in Fig. 9(a) uses a cartoon-like design or a fairy-tale design, while the switching screen in Fig. 9(b) uses an urban design, etc.

[0078] Touching the "Search" button on the navigation menu screen displays the search screen in Fig. 10(a), allowing users to search for destinations, etc. Touching the "Register / Edit" button on the navigation menu screen displays the registration / edit screen in Fig. 10(b), allowing users to edit routes, set registered locations, display history, etc. Touching the "Settings" button on the navigation menu screen displays the registration / edit screen in Fig. 10(c), allowing users to set priorities for auxiliary screens such as enlarged intersection views, radar screens, and meter screens based on OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) information.

[0079] <Acquisition of a mascot character> 11 shows a mascot character acquisition process that is always executed by the navigation device 1 when the mascot character mode is selected as the operation mode. Note that the mascot character acquisition process is executed only when the operation mode is the mascot character mode, and is not executed when the operation mode is the normal mode.

[0080] The control unit 18 acquires the current position of the navigation device 1 by performing a positioning process using the GPS receiver 15 at a predetermined cycle, usually every second (step S11).

[0081] Next, the control unit 18 specifies the region (prefecture) to which the current position determined by the positioning process belongs (step S12). Next, the permitted character list (FIG. 3(b)) on the database 19 is referenced to determine whether or not a mascot character associated with the prefecture identified in step S12 has already been acquired (step S13). If the prefecture has not yet been acquired (step S13; No), the mascot character corresponding to the identified prefecture is added to the permitted character list (step S14).

[0082] It should be noted that, in step S13, if it is determined that the mascot character for the identified prefecture has already been acquired (step S13; Yes), step S14 is skipped.

[0083] Next, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the power was turned off between the previous positioning process and the current positioning process (step S15). If the power was not turned off (step S15; No), the control unit 18 calculates the distance between the previous and current positioning positions (step S16) and adds the calculated distance to the accumulated value of the past traveling distance (step S17).

[0084] Next, it is determined whether the accumulated value of the travel distance has newly exceeded a multiple of a predetermined value (200 km in this embodiment) (step S18). If it has exceeded the multiple (step S18; Yes), one of the unacquired characters is randomly selected and acquired (step S19), and the current process ends.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined that the power was turned off between the previous positioning and the current positioning (step S15; Yes), and if the accumulated mileage does not exceed a multiple of 200 km (step S18; No), the current process is terminated.

[0086] By this process, for example, when the user crosses a prefectural border and drives into another prefecture for the first time, the mascot character for that prefecture is acquired. Also, even if the user is only driving within the same prefecture, a new mascot character can be acquired every time the user drives 200 km. However, for example, if the user turns off the power, travels by ferry from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and then turns the power on, the distance traveled by the navigation device 1 exceeds 200 km, but as a result of skipping steps S16-S19, this travel distance is not counted in the accumulated distance, and therefore a new mascot character cannot be acquired due to travel while the power is off (note that if the power is turned on for the first time in Okinawa, the user will have entered a new area, and so a mascot character corresponding to Okinawa can be acquired in step S14).

[0087] The mascot character acquisition process is executed regardless of which display mode, described later, is selected. Therefore, even if the same mascot characters are always displayed in the fixed mode, the user can continue acquiring mascot characters by moving between regions or traveling long distances with the navigation device 1 powered on.

[0088] In addition, since mascot characters are added (steps S14, S19) under two conditions: when the user moves to a new area and when the user moves a specified distance, even users who do not move to remote areas can proceed with acquiring mascot characters.

[0089] <Selecting and switching display modes>

[0090] Next, a process for selecting a mascot character to be displayed on the guide screen GV1 during navigation operation when the mascot navigation mode is selected as described above will be described.

[0091] The navigation device 1 has three display modes: a fixed mode, a prefectural border mode, and a mileage mode. The fixed mode is a mode in which a specific mascot character is continuously selected. The prefectural border mode is a mode in which the mascot character of the prefecture where the current location is located is displayed. The mileage mode is a mode in which the mascot character displayed is changed every time the navigation device 1 travels a predetermined distance, for example, 200 km.

[0092] The display mode is selected, for example, by touching the "Local Character" button on the navigation menu screen (FIG. 8(b)) and operating a selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 5. FIG. 12 shows a display mode selection process executed by the control unit 18 in response to the operation.

[0093] In the display mode selection process, when the user selects the fixed mode (step S31; Yes), the control unit 18 subsequently displays the mascot characters included in the permitted character list in a list format, and the user selects a preferred mascot character from among them (step S32). The control unit 18 stores the fixed mode and the selected mascot character.

[0094] When the user selects the prefectural border mode (step S33; Yes), the control unit 18 selects a mascot corresponding to the prefecture identified in the latest step S12 of the mascot acquisition process executed in parallel (step S34). The control unit 18 stores the "prefectural border mode" and the selected mascot.

[0095] When the user selects the mileage mode (step S35; Yes), the control unit 18 selects one of the mascots included in the permitted character list (step S36). The mascot may be selected at random from the permitted character list, or the mascot displayed in the mileage mode immediately before the current display mode selection process may be selected. The control unit 18 stores the "mileage mode" and the selected mascot.

[0096] When the "Prefectural Border Mode" and "Distance Travel Mode" are selected, the mascot character is appropriately selected and changed during navigation operation.

[0097] This mascot character selection is performed by the mascot character selection process shown in FIG. When the mascot selection process starts, the control unit 18 first determines whether the "normal mode" or the "mascot navigation mode" is set (step S41). If the "normal mode" is set, there is no need to select a mascot character, so this processing ends.

[0098] On the other hand, if the "Yuru Navi mode" is set, it is then determined which selection mode is set (steps S42 to S44). If it is the fixed mode (step S42; Yes), there is no need to select a new yuru character, so the process ends.

[0099] In the prefectural border mode (step S42; No, step S43; Yes), a determination is made as to whether a regional boundary (such as a prefectural border) has been crossed and a new region has been entered, based on the prefecture identified in the most recent step S12 of the mascot character acquisition process being executed in parallel. If it is determined that a new region has been entered, a mascot character corresponding to the new region is selected (step S45), and the process ends.

[0100] In the case of the mileage mode (step S42; No, step S43; No, step S44; Yes), it is determined whether or not the accumulated value of the mileage in the latest step S17 of the mascot acquisition process executed in parallel exceeds a multiple of 200 km (step S46), and if it does, a mascot other than the one being selected is selected from the mascots in the permitted character list (step S47), and the process ends. This selection may be, for example, sequential. In this case, it is possible to select in a specific order, such as selecting the mascots most recently added to the permitted character list first.

[0101] <Navigation behavior> When the "Current Location" button is touched on the navigation menu screen in Fig. 8(b), the control unit 18 executes a navigation operation. In the navigation operation, various traffic cautions and warning information are provided, and in addition, when a destination is set in the search menu, registration / edit menu, etc. in Fig. 10(a) and (b), route guidance is provided based on route information generated based on the destination and the current location, etc.

[0102] Fig. 14 shows the audio output process during navigation operation when the operation mode is set to normal mode. During navigation operation in normal mode, the display unit 5 displays the guide screen GV2 exemplified in Fig. 9(d). The guide screen GV2 displays a map including the current position acquired in step S11, as well as information such as place names, directions, scales, and times. The mascot image C is not displayed on the guide screen GV2.

[0103] 14, the control unit 18 determines whether an event corresponding to any of the event numbers defined in the first or third voice correspondence table has occurred based on the current location acquired in step S11, the set route information, etc. If no event has occurred, step S61 is repeatedly executed (step S61; No).

[0104] If an event has occurred (step S61: Yes), the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event number are identified from the first or third voice correspondence table (step S62), and the recorded data corresponding to the identified phrase number is played back to output a guidance voice (step S63). Step S63 ends when the guidance time identified in step S62 has elapsed, and then the process returns to step S61.

[0105] As a result, the guidance screen GV2 without the mascot image C is displayed, and navigation is performed by outputting guidance voice in a normal voice.

[0106] Fig. 15 shows the voice output / character display process in navigation operation when the operation mode is set to the easy-going navigation mode. In navigation operation in the easy-going navigation mode, the display unit 5 displays a mascot image C superimposed on a guide screen GV1 similar to the guide screen GV2 in Fig. 9(d), as exemplified in Fig. 9(b). The mascot image C displayed here is the image of the mascot selected at that time (the mascot selected in the display mode selection process in Fig. 12 or the mascot selection process in Fig. 13).

[0107] In step S71, the control unit 18 determines whether an event corresponding to any of the event numbers defined in the first to third voice correspondence tables has occurred, based on the current location acquired in step S11, the set route information, and the like.

[0108] If no event has occurred, in step S72, the mascot image C is made to move in accordance with its normal movements, and then the process returns to step S71. In this manner, unless an event has occurred, steps S71 and S72 are repeatedly executed, and the mascot image C performing its normal movements continues to be displayed. During this time, no guidance voice is output.

[0109] If an event has occurred in step S71 (step S71: Yes), the process proceeds to step S73, where it is determined whether the event that has occurred is a POI event defined in the third voice correspondence table; if not (No), then in step S74 it is determined whether the mascot currently selected is a specific mascot.

[0110] If the determination in step S73 is positive (Yes), in step S75, the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event that has occurred are identified from the third voice correspondence table.

[0111] If the determination in step S74 is negative (No) (if a mascot other than the specific mascot is selected), in step S76, the phrase number and announcement time corresponding to the event that has occurred are identified from the first voice correspondence table.

[0112] If the determination in step S74 is positive (Yes) (if a specific mascot character is selected), in step S77, the phrase number and announcement time corresponding to the event that has occurred are identified from the second voice correspondence table.

[0113] In steps S75 to S77, if a plurality of phrase numbers and presentation times corresponding to an event that has occurred are specified in the first to third voice correspondence tables, one of the phrase numbers and presentation times is selected from among them. The selection here is preferably performed in a sequential manner. For example, when an event (e.g., event 391) occurs in which a specific mascot character is selected, if the phrase number specified in the most recent step S77 executed in the past for the same event (event 391) was the third phrase number "IE_AN_470", the fourth phrase number "IE_AN_471" and presentation time ("11.844") are specified in this step S77. This makes it possible to prevent the same phrase from being output repeatedly even if the same event occurs frequently.

[0114] After steps S75 to S77, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S78, the action number corresponding to the phrase number identified in steps S75 to S77 is identified from the action correspondence table in FIG.

[0115] In the following step S79, a guidance voice is output by playing the voice data corresponding to the phrase number identified in steps S75 to S77, and the mascot image C is made to move in accordance with the specific movement data of the specific number identified in step S78.

[0116] As a result, navigation is performed by displaying a guide screen GV1 showing a mascot image C and outputting a guide voice in a normal voice (in the case of step S75), a mascot voice (in the case of step S76) or the user's own voice (in the case of step S77).The voice corresponding to each event can be made to appear as if the mascot image C is speaking or listening to the voice with the content corresponding to each event while making gestures in a specific action corresponding to each event that is different from a normal action.

[0117] Step S79 ends when the guidance time specified in steps S75 to S77 has elapsed, and then the process returns to step S71.

[0118] <Initial navigation behavior> In the initial state (for example, when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory), it is advisable to display a default character on the screen and provide guidance such as an operation explanation.

[0119] Thereafter, when the operation mode is set to the normal mode and the navigation operation is started, the guide screen GV2 without the characters is displayed and the voice output process similar to that described with reference to FIG. 14 is executed.

[0120] On the other hand, when the navigation operation is started in the yuru-navi mode without having performed the display mode selection process of FIG. 12, the voice output / character display process similar to that of FIG. 15 is executed with the image of the default character displayed on the guide screen GV in the same manner as in FIG. 9(b). This allows the product concept of displaying a yuru-chara according to the display mode selected in the display mode selection process to be maintained even in the operation immediately after the initial state. In the voice output / character display process at this time, it is advisable to treat the default character as a normal yuru-chara (not a specific yuru-chara).

[0121] <Navigation behavior immediately after power-on or resuming> The process when the navigation operation is started immediately after the power is turned on or resumed after the display mode selection process of FIG. 12 is executed will be described.

[0122] In the normal mode, the navigation operation is the same as that in the normal mode described with reference to FIG.

[0123] When the navigation operation is started immediately after power-on or resumption in the easy navigation mode, the navigation operation is performed in the same manner as in the normal mode until the acquisition of the positioning information in step S11. That is, with the guide screen GV2 displayed, the voice output process described with reference to FIG. 14 is performed.

[0124] Thereafter, if the acquisition of the positioning information in step S11 is successful, the currently selected mascot character is made to appear on the guidance screen GV2, and then navigation operation in normal mascot navigation mode is performed. That is, with the guidance screen GV1 displayed, the voice output / character display process described with reference to Fig. 15 is performed. By performing the above-mentioned process, the user can be notified that positioning has been successful.

[0125] <Display of mascot information> When the "Yuru-chara" button is touched on the navigation menu screen shown in Fig. 8(b), the control unit 18 displays the Yuru-chara screen in Fig. 16(a). When the "Yuru-chara information" button is operated, the control unit 18 reads out the setting information of the currently selected Yuru-chara from the Yuru-chara information, and displays the Yuru-chara information screen in Fig. 16(b).

[0126] The dashed lines in FIG. 16(b) are explanatory lines indicating fields A to E set on the screen. Each of the fields A to E displays information on the field data DA to DF. This mascot information screen allows the user to learn more about the selected mascot. Since the layout of fields A to E is fixed and the field data DA to DF displayed in each of fields A to E are standard attributes for many mascots, an explanation that is easy for the user to understand can be provided. On the other hand, depending on the type of mascot, data with non-standard attributes can be displayed in fields A to E, making it easier to explain mascots with special characteristics that are difficult to explain in a standard way.

[0127] When "National Mascot Picture Book" is touched on the mascot screen of FIG. 16(a), the control unit 18 displays the mascot list screen of FIG. 17(a) based on the permitted character list stored in the database 19. On the mascot list screen, the names of each region (47 prefectures) are displayed in a list. For mascots that have already been acquired, an image of the mascot is displayed in the corresponding region in the list. Furthermore, for specific mascots that have their own voice, a mark M consisting of the characters "with voice" or the like to indicate this is displayed. The mark M may be displayed even if the specific mascot is not included in the permitted character list. This clearly indicates to the user that the specific mascot has not yet been acquired, and motivates the user to acquire it.

[0128] On the mascot list screen, you can scroll through the list by touching the scroll button on the right.

[0129] When "Map display" is touched on the mascot list screen of FIG. 17(a), the control unit 18 displays the national mascot encyclopedia screen shown in FIG. 17(b). On the national mascot screen, regions corresponding to acquired mascots and regions corresponding to unacquired mascots are displayed on a simplified map in a distinguishable manner. As a distinguishing manner, it is preferable to hide the names of regions corresponding to acquired mascots, as shown in the figure. By clearly indicating unacquired regions, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the mascots of those regions as targets for acquisition. Alternatively, the regions corresponding to acquired and unacquired mascots may be shaded, etc.

[0130] When the user touches a desired region on the national mascot encyclopedia screen in Fig. 17(b), the mascot information screen in Fig. 16(b) may be displayed for the mascot corresponding to that region. In this case, the display of the mascot information screen may be permitted only for mascots that have already been acquired.

[0131] The number of mascots that have been acquired and the number of mascots that have not yet been acquired are also displayed on the mascot character list screen and the national mascot character encyclopedia screen. When the "Current Location" button is touched on the mascot character list screen or the national mascot character encyclopedia screen, the screen returns to the guide screen GV1 or GV2 in Figure 9(b) or (d) depending on the operation mode at that time.

[0132] <Complete performance> As described above, the user can increase the number of acquired mascot characters by traveling with the navigation device 1 mounted on a vehicle or the like. When the user has acquired mascot characters for all prefectures, the control unit 18 performs a completion effect to inform the user that acquisition of mascot characters is complete.

[0133] That is, when the 47th mascot character is added to the permitted character list, it is determined that event 428 has occurred. If the mascot character selected at that time is not a specific mascot character, the complete effect process shown in FIG. 18 is executed.

[0134] In the complete performance process, in step S81, if the guide screen GV1 is being displayed in the relaxed navigation mode, the mascot image C is removed from the guide screen GV1. In other cases, the guide screen GV2 without the mascot image C is displayed.

[0135] In the following step S82, an image C of the specific mascot character appears on the guidance screen GV of step S81.

[0136] Then, in step S83, the phrase number ("IE_AN_600") and guidance time ("8.434") corresponding to the event 428 are identified, and in step S84, the action data ("comp_08") corresponding to the phrase number ("IE_AN_600") is identified.

[0137] In the following step S85, a guidance voice is output by playing voice data corresponding to the voice phrase identified in step S83, and a process is performed to move the mascot image C in accordance with the movement data of the specific movement identified in step S84.

[0138] As a result, with the image C of the specific mascot character being displayed on the guidance screen GV, a special guidance voice such as "All mascot characters complete! Conquering the whole country!" is output.

[0139] Step S85 ends when the guidance time specified in step S83 has elapsed, after which image C of the specified mascot character is made to disappear from the screen (step S86), and then the display on display unit 5 is returned to the state before the complete performance processing, and the complete performance processing ends.

[0140] This kind of completion effect using the guidance voice and the display of the specific action by the image C of the specific mascot character can impress the user that they have completed acquiring the mascot character. Also, by performing the completion effect even when the navigation operation is not in progress, the user can be reliably informed that they have completed it. It is also possible to set the completion effect to be performed only during navigation operation or navigation operation in mascot character mode.

[0141] If the mascot selected at the time when it is determined that event 428 has occurred is a specific mascot, steps S77 to S79 ​​of the voice output / character display processing are executed as is, and a complete performance is performed in the same manner as described above.

[0142] <Hide mascot images> If a specific situation (e.g. approaching an intersection where a lane change is required) occurs during navigation operation in the easy navigation mode, the screen display will be switched from the guidance screen GV in Fig. 9(b) to the guidance screen GV3 with assistance in Fig. 19, according to the priority order of the auxiliary screens set on the registration / editing screen in Fig. 10(c). On the guidance screen GV3 with assistance, map information similar to that of the guidance screen in Fig. 9(b) is displayed on the left side of the screen, and an auxiliary screen such as an enlarged view of the intersection is displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0143] In such an auxiliary guidance screen, the mascot image C is not displayed in order to avoid impairing the visibility of the information displayed on the auxiliary screen.

[0144] 9(b) may also be configured so that the image of the mascot character C can be hidden by touching the image of the mascot character C. This can improve the visibility of information at the display position of the image of the mascot character C.

[0145] During demo driving, neither the acquisition nor display of a mascot character is performed. In this case, for example, the user instructs the control unit 18 that demo driving is being performed. In this case, the control unit 18 is allowed to set only the normal mode.

[0146] The invention disclosed in this application is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, 47 mascot characters are provided, one for each prefecture, but the number is arbitrary. In addition, the size and number of areas to which mascot characters are assigned are arbitrary, such as collecting mascot characters by town or village.

[0147] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which recorded data of speech by announcers, voice actors, etc. is used as the audio data for all guidance voices. However, for example, all or part of the guidance voices (e.g., the guidance voices for normal mode) may be output by converting text data into TTS (Text to Talk).

[0148] Below are copies of each claim as filed. <Claim 1> A display control device that provides information related to a map including a plurality of regions, A display control device comprising control means for controlling display means to display an image of any one of a plurality of characters having a defined correspondence with a plurality of said regions. <Claim 2> the control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from an allowed character group which is a collection of all or a part of the plurality of characters; The display control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, on condition that the display control device moves to the area in which a correspondence relationship with the character is defined, the control means adds the character corresponding to the area to which the display control device has moved to the group of allowed characters. <Claim 3> the control means displays, on the display means, an image of the character selected from an allowed character group which is a collection of all or a part of the plurality of characters; The display control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means adds a new character selected from the plurality of characters to the group of allowed characters on the condition that the display control device has moved a predetermined distance. <Claim 4> the plurality of characters includes at least one default character; 4. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein, when the character is not included in the group of allowed characters, the control means displays an image of the default character on the display means. <Claim 5> Further comprising a mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in different manners based on a user's operation, 5. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays, on the display means, the character selected in accordance with the mode selected by the mode selection means. <Claim 6> the plurality of modes includes a first mode, 6. The display control device according to claim 5, wherein, when the first mode is selected, the control means displays an image of the character designated by a user on the display means. <Claim 7> the plurality of modes includes a second mode, The display control device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that when the second mode is selected, the control means displays on the display means an image of the character associated with the area in which the display control device is currently located. <Claim 8> the plurality of modes includes a third mode, The display control device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that when the third mode is selected, the control means displays a different image of the character on the display means each time the display control device moves a predetermined distance. <Claim 9> The display mode selection means further comprises a display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user's operation, The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means controls the display of an image of the character on the display means when the display mode is selected, and does not control the display of an image of the character on the display means when the non-display mode is selected. <Claim 10> 10. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Claims

1. The ability to detect a given event; A function for outputting predetermined information when a predetermined event is detected; Equipped with The function of outputting the information is When a first event is detected as the predetermined event, if a predetermined character is displayed, output information in a manner related to the predetermined character; When a second event is detected as the predetermined event, even if the predetermined character is displayed, information is output in a manner not related to the predetermined character. Has a function A system characterized by:

2. The function of outputting information includes a function of selecting one or more phrases associated with the predetermined event and outputting information including the selected phrase, When information is output in a manner related to the predetermined character, the number of phrases associated with the predetermined event is greater than when information is output in a manner not related to the predetermined character.

2. The system of claim 1 .

3. The information output in a manner not related to the predetermined character is warning information.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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