Display control device, display control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a display control device that easily displays map information containing POI symbols desired by the user. [Solution] The display control device 10A includes a reception unit 11 that receives input from the user, a display control unit 13A that displays a selection image on the display unit 200 which includes a map on which POI symbols 220 and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines, and an extraction unit 15 that, when the reception unit 11 receives input to select one piece of identification information, extracts POI symbols 220 within a target area which is composed of a selection area which is a map area corresponding to the one piece of identification information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. The display control unit 13A displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 which includes a map corresponding to an enlarged display area determined based on the position information of the POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a display control device that displays POI (Point of Interest) information, which is information about a specific location that a user is interested in, on a display unit has become widespread. The display control device causes the display unit to display, for example, a map in which POI symbols indicating the positions of facilities, stores, etc. existing around the current position of the user are superimposed. Generally, when there are a large number of POI symbols on a map, in order to reduce the number of POI symbols displayed on the screen, for example, the user designates a map area to be displayed and enlarges the map for display.

[0003] For example, as this type of technology, when displaying a POI symbol on a map, a dividing line that divides map information into a plurality of parts and identification information that identifies each divided map area are displayed, and a map area corresponding to the identification information input by voice from the user is enlarged and displayed. A technique has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, only the map area corresponding to the identification information input by the user via voice is enlarged and displayed. For example, if the user wants to display map information that includes POI symbols located across dividing lines, they may be confused about which map area to specify.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the problems mentioned above as examples, and its main objective is to provide a display control device, a display control method, and a program that easily display map information including POI symbols desired by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a display control device comprising: a reception unit for receiving input from a user; a display control unit for displaying a selection image on a display unit, which includes a map on which POI symbols and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information for identifying each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines; and an extraction unit for extracting the POI symbols within a target area, which is composed of a selection area that is the map area corresponding to the identification information and a predetermined range from a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area, when the reception unit receives input for selecting one of the identification information, wherein the display control unit displays a new selection image on the display unit, which includes a map corresponding to an enlarged display area determined based on the position information of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 7 is a display control method for a display control device comprising a reception unit, a display control unit, and an extraction unit, comprising: a first step in which the reception unit receives input from a user; a second step in which the display control unit causes the display unit to display a selection image on the display unit that includes a map on which POI symbols and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines; a third step in which, when the input is received in the first step to select one of the identification information, the extraction unit extracts the POI symbols within a target area composed of a selection area which is the map area corresponding to the one identification information and a predetermined range from a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area; and a fourth step in which the display control unit causes the display unit to display a new selection image on the display unit that includes a map corresponding to an enlarged display area determined based on the position information of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 8 is a program for causing a computer to execute a display control method for a display control device, the program causing the computer to execute: a first step of receiving input from a user; a second step of causing a display unit to display a selection image including a map on which POI symbols and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines; a third step of, when the input of selecting one of the identification information is received in the first step, extracting the POI symbols within a target area consisting of a selection area which is the map area corresponding to the one identification information and a predetermined range from a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area; and a fourth step of causing the display unit to display a new selection image including a map corresponding to an enlarged display area determined based on the position information of the POI symbols extracted in the third step. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This figure shows the configuration of a display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an image displayed by the display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an image displayed by the display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a target area to be enlarged by the display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a target area to be enlarged by the display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a selection image displayed by a display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a selection image displayed by a display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the processing flow of a display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the processing flow of a display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the configuration of a display control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an enlarged display area determined by a display control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an image displayed in an enlarged display area by a display control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows the processing flow of a display control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows the processing flow of a display control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The display control device according to this embodiment includes a reception unit that receives an input from a user, a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a selection image including a map on which a POI symbol and a division line are superimposed, and identification information for identifying each of the map areas divided by the division line, and an extraction unit that extracts POI symbols within a target area composed of a selection area that is a map area corresponding to the one identification information and a predetermined range among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area when an input for selecting the one identification information is received by the reception unit. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a new selection image including a map corresponding to the enlarged display area determined based on the position information of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit. That is, when the display control device causes the display unit to display a new selection image corresponding to the selection area selected by the user, the display control device causes the display unit to display a map of the target area including the selection area selected by the user and a part of the map area adjacent to the selection area. Thereby, even when the POI symbol desired by the user is located at a position straddling the division line, the display control device can easily display map information including the POI symbol desired by the user. When the user wants to display a map including a POI symbol located at a position straddling the division line, the user can display map information including the POI symbol by designating any of the map areas straddled by the POI symbol. Thereby, the user can specify the selection area without confusion. In addition, since the display control device determines the enlarged display area based on the position information of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit, the display control device can display a more enlarged map including the POI symbols existing in the target area on the display unit.

[0012] The display control unit of the display control device according to this embodiment determines the enlarged display area so as to include all of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit. As a result, the display control device can determine an enlarged display area based on the position information of all the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit, and thus can display a more enlarged map including all the POI symbols existing in the target area on the display unit.

[0013] When the number of POI symbols superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit by the display control unit of the display control device according to the present embodiment is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a selection image including the POI symbols to which identification numbers are assigned. For example, when the number of POI symbols existing in the selection image to be displayed is 5 or less, the display control unit displays the POI symbols to which identification numbers such as serial numbers are assigned. As a result, even while driving, the user can easily specify the POI symbol for which POI information is to be acquired, for example, by uttering the identification number.

[0014] When the number of POI symbols superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit by the display control unit of the display control device according to the present embodiment is one, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a selection image including the POI information corresponding to the POI symbol. As a result, the user can acquire POI information without performing an input operation of an identification number or the like.

[0015] The display unit displayed by the display control device according to the present embodiment is installed on a two-wheeled vehicle. The reception unit of the display control device according to the present embodiment receives voice input from the user. Generally, while driving a two-wheeled vehicle, the user cannot perform fine operations such as touching the screen to select a POI symbol or select a map area to be displayed. Therefore, for example, it is necessary to perform a selection operation of the display area or a selection operation of a POI symbol by the user's uttered voice. That is, the user can specify the POI symbol for which POI information is to be acquired by uttering the identification number. This allows users to easily obtain information about desired Points of Interest (POIs), even while riding a motorcycle.

[0016] <Examples> The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

[0017] <First Example> The display control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 10. In this embodiment, the display control device 10 controls the image to be displayed on a display unit installed in a vehicle such as a bicycle, motorcycle, or four-wheeled vehicle. The following explanation will illustrate a case where the display control device 10 controls the image to be displayed on a display unit installed on a motorcycle.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the display control device 10 is connected, for example, to the microphone 100 and the display unit 200.

[0019] In this embodiment, the microphone 100 is, for example, a microphone built into a helmet worn by a user driving a motorcycle, which acquires the user's spoken voice and outputs the spoken voice to the display control device 10, for example, via short-range wireless communication.

[0020] In this embodiment, the display unit 200 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, which displays an image input from the display control device 10. In this embodiment, the display unit 200 displays, for example, a map on which POI symbols indicating the locations of POIs are superimposed. Details of the images that the display control device 10 displays on the display unit 200 will be described later.

[0021] <Configuration of the display control device 10> As shown in Figure 2, the display control device 10 is configured to include a reception unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display control unit 13, and a detection unit 14.

[0022] The reception unit 11 receives input from the user. In this embodiment, the reception unit 11 analyzes the user's speech picked up by the microphone 100, for example, and recognizes the content of the speech. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 detects an operation instruction for an image to be displayed on the display unit 200 from the recognized speech content, it outputs the detection result to the display control unit 13, which will be described later. Specifically, in this embodiment, if the reception unit 11 detects an operation instruction such as "display the ATM (Automated Teller Machine) symbol on the map" from the user's speech, it outputs the detection result to the display control unit 13, which will be described later. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 detects identification information from the user's speech content, it outputs the detected identification information to the display control unit 13, which will be described later. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 detects an identification number from the user's speech content, it outputs the detected identification number to the display control unit 13, which will be described later. The identification information and identification number mentioned above will be explained later.

[0023] In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 pre-stores, for example, the control program for the display control device 10. In this embodiment, the memory unit 12 pre-stores, for example, map information. In this embodiment, the memory unit 12 pre-stores, for example, POI information. Examples of the POI information mentioned above include genre information, location information (e.g., address, latitude and longitude information, etc.), and detailed information (e.g., phone number, business hours, recommendations, etc.). Examples of the genre information mentioned above include restaurants, department stores, ATMs, convenience stores, gas stations, tourist attractions, theme parks, and so on. Furthermore, the map information and POI information stored in the memory unit 12 are updated as needed.

[0024] In this embodiment, the display control unit 13 controls the overall processing of the display control device 10, for example, according to a control program stored in the storage unit 12. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13 generates an image to be displayed on the display unit 200 based on the detection result input from the reception unit 11, and displays it on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, when the reception unit 11 inputs information about POIs that the user wants to display (for example, an operation to display the locations of ATMs within 5 km of the current location on a map), the display control unit 13 acquires the user's current location information from a mobile terminal carried by the user (not shown) or a current location positioning unit (not shown) provided in the display control device 10, and acquires POI information (for example, ATMs) and map information from the storage unit 12, for example.

[0025] The display control unit 13 causes the display unit 200 to display a selection image that includes a map with POI symbols and dividing lines superimposed on it, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, for example, when the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that it wants to display information about the ATM, the display control unit 13 displays a map (for example, roads 210, etc.) on the display unit 200, with POI symbols 220 indicating the location of the ATM and dividing lines superimposed, based on POI information about the ATM obtained from the storage unit 12, map information, and the user's current location information. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13, for example, displays the user's current location marker 230 on the map described above on the display unit 200, based on the user's current location information obtained from a current location positioning unit (not shown). In this embodiment, the display control unit 13 displays identification information for each of the map areas divided by dividing lines on the display unit 200, for example, so as not to overlap with the map display described above.

[0026] Figure 4 will be used to explain the division lines and identification information mentioned above. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the display control unit 13 superimposes five dividing lines in the vertical and horizontal directions onto the map to be displayed on the display unit 200, thereby dividing the map into 16 map areas. Note that the number of dividing lines is not limited to five, as long as the map can be divided into multiple map areas. Furthermore, the number of dividing lines in the vertical and horizontal directions may differ. In this embodiment, when the display control unit 13 displays the map described above on the display unit 200, it also displays identification information that identifies each of the 16 map areas. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13 displays, for example, identification information A to D indicating map areas divided by vertical dividing lines, and identification information 1 to 4 indicating map areas divided by horizontal dividing lines, in a position that does not overlap with the map display. In this embodiment, for example, if the user wants to display the map corresponding to the map area hatched with diagonal lines in Figure 4, they would say "B2".

[0027] When the reception unit 11 receives input to select a single piece of identification information, the display control unit 13 displays a new selection image on the display unit 200, which includes a map corresponding to a target area consisting of a selection area, which is a map area corresponding to the single piece of identification information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 inputs a detection result indicating that "B-2" has been detected, the display control unit 13 determines the map area indicated by "B-2" as the selected area. In this embodiment, for example, when the selected area is determined to be "B2", the display control unit 13 determines a target area consisting of the selected area "B2" and a predetermined range of map areas adjacent to the selected area "B2". As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, for example, if the selected area is "B2", the display control unit 13 determines the target area (area enclosed by a dotted line) to include the selected area "B2" and a predetermined range from the map areas "A1", "A2", "A3", "B1", "B3", "C1", "C2", and "C3" that are adjacent to the selected area "B2".

[0028] An example of how the display control unit 13 determines the target area will be explained using Figure 6. In this embodiment, for example, if the selected area is "B2", the display control unit 13 determines the target area by enlarging the rectangle representing the selected area "B2" at the intersection of its diagonals Z, with the same aspect ratio in both width and height. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13 determines the target area such that, for example, the ratio of the length a of the diagonal of the rectangle indicating the selected area "B2" to the length b of the diagonal of the rectangle indicating the target area is a predetermined value (for example, b / a = 1.2).

[0029] In this embodiment, the display control unit 13, for example, if it detects an overlap between a dividing line separating the selected area and a POI symbol 220, displays a new selection image on the display unit 200, including a map corresponding to the target area. If it does not detect an overlap between the dividing line separating the selected area and a POI symbol 220, it displays a new selection image on the display unit 200, including a map corresponding to the selected area. In this embodiment, for example, when the reception unit 11 receives input indicating the selection of a single piece of identification information and a selection area is determined, the display control unit 13, if it obtains a detection result from the detection unit 14 (described later) indicating that there is an overlap between the dividing line separating the user-selected selection area (for example, "B-2" in Figure 5) and the POI symbol 220, obtains the map information corresponding to the target area from the storage unit 12 and displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 that includes the map corresponding to the target area, the POI symbol 220, the dividing line, and the identification information. In this embodiment, for example, when the reception unit 11 receives input indicating the selection of a single piece of identification information and a selection area is determined, the display control unit 13, if it obtains a detection result from the detection unit 14 (described later) indicating that there is no overlap between the dividing line separating the user-selected selection area (for example, "C-3" in Figure 5) and the POI symbol 220, obtains map information corresponding to the user-selected selection area ("C-3") from the storage unit 12, and displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 that includes the map corresponding to the selected area, the POI symbol 220, the dividing line, and the identification information. Thus, if the number of POI symbols 220 present on the map shown in the selection image is large and it is difficult for the user to select the desired POI symbol 220, the user can repeatedly input voice information identifying the map area where the desired POI symbol exists in the selection image. This will enlarge the map and reduce the number of POI symbols 220 present on the map.

[0030] If the number of POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200 is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the display control unit 13 causes the display unit 200 to display a selection image on the display unit 200 that includes the POI symbols 220 to which an identification number has been assigned. In this embodiment, for example, if the number of POI symbols 220 present in the selection image to be displayed on the display unit 200 is less than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 5 or fewer), the display control unit 13 displays on the display unit 200 a map on which POI symbols 220 with identification numbers, as shown in Figure 7, are superimposed. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that the utterance "number 2" has been detected, the display control unit 13 retrieves the POI information corresponding to the POI symbol 220 assigned the identification number 2 from the storage unit 12 and displays it on the display unit 200.

[0031] If there is only one POI symbol 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200, the display control unit 13 displays a selection image containing POI information corresponding to that POI symbol 220 on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, if there is only one POI symbol 220 in the selection image to be displayed on the display unit 200, the display control unit 13 displays POI information (e.g., name, location information, business hours, etc.) as shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that the utterance "Go here" has been detected, the display control unit 13 calculates the route from the user's current location to the location of the POI symbol displaying POI information, and displays the guidance route, etc., on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that the utterance "return to map" has been detected, the display control unit 13 will display the selection image that was previously displayed on the display unit 200 on the display unit 200 again. Furthermore, even if there are multiple POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200, if there is only one POI symbol 220 in the selection area selected by the user via voice input, and the overlap between the dividing line separating the selection area and the other POI symbols 220 is not detected by the detection unit 14 described later (for example, if the user selects "A3" in the selection image shown in Figure 5), the display control unit 13 may display the POI information as shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 200 without enlarging the selection area.

[0032] When the receiving unit 11 receives input indicating that it has selected one piece of identification information, the detection unit 14 detects the overlap between the dividing line that separates the selected area and the POI symbol 220, once the selected area has been determined. In this embodiment, the detection unit 14 can determine, for example, whether there is a POI symbol 220 in the selection image that overlaps with the dividing line that divides the selection area selected by the user, based on the map location information of the dividing line that divides the selection area, the location information of POIs that exist around the dividing line, and the scale information of the map displayed in the selection image. Alternatively, the detection unit 14 may obtain the currently displayed selection image and information on the selection area from the display control unit 13, and perform a geometric analysis on the dividing lines that separate the selection area to determine whether or not there are any POI symbols 220 that overlap with the dividing lines that separate the selection area selected by the user. In this embodiment, the detection unit 14 outputs the detection result to the display control unit 13, for example.

[0033] <Processing flow of the display control unit 13> The processing flow of the display control unit 13 of the display control device 10 will be explained using Figures 9 and 10. This processing flow is initiated, for example, when the reception unit 11 receives an operation from the user to specify a POI to be targeted for detailed information display from the POI symbols on the map, and is repeatedly executed until a predetermined termination condition is met, such as when the detailed information of the designated POI is displayed or when the operation is canceled midway.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, the display control unit 13 causes the display unit 200 to display a selection image that includes a map, dividing lines, identification information, and POI symbols 220 (step S110).

[0035] The display control unit 13 determines whether or not the reception unit 11 has received the input of identification information (step S120). If the display control unit 13 determines that the reception unit 11 has not received any identification information input ("NO" in step S120), it returns to the standby state. If the display control unit 13 determines that the reception unit 11 has received the input of identification information (YES in step S120), it proceeds to step S130.

[0036] If the display control unit 13 determines that the reception unit 11 has received the input of identification information ("YES" in step S120), it obtains the detection result from the detection unit 14 regarding whether or not there is an overlap between the dividing line that separates the selection area selected by the user and the POI symbol 220 (step S130), and proceeds to step S140.

[0037] The display control unit 13 determines whether or not it has received a detection result from the detection unit 14 indicating that there is an overlap between the dividing line that separates the selection area selected by the user and the POI symbol 220 (step S140). If the display control unit 13 determines from the detection unit 14 that there is an overlap between the dividing line that separates the selection area selected by the user and the POI symbol 220 (YES in step S140), it proceeds to step S150. If the display control unit 13 determines from the detection unit 14 that there is no overlap between the dividing line that separates the selection area selected by the user and the POI symbol 220 (NO in step S140), it proceeds to step S160.

[0038] If the display control unit 13 determines from the detection unit 14 that there is an overlap between the dividing line separating the selection area selected by the user and the POI symbol 220 (YES in step S140), it obtains map information corresponding to the target area, which includes the selection area selected by the user and a part of the map area adjacent to that selection area, from the storage unit 12 (step S150), and proceeds to step S170 in Figure 10.

[0039] If the display control unit 13 determines from the detection unit 14 that there is no overlap between the dividing line that separates the selection area selected by the user and the POI symbol 220 ("NO" in step S140), it obtains map information corresponding to the selected area from the storage unit 12 (step S160) and proceeds to step S170 in Figure 10.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, the display control unit 13 determines whether the number of POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map to be displayed is less than or equal to a predetermined number (step S170). If the display control unit 13 determines that the number of POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map to be displayed is not less than a predetermined number ("NO" in step S170), it displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 (step S180) and terminates the process. If the display control unit 13 determines that the number of POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map to be displayed is less than or equal to a predetermined number (YES in step S170), it proceeds to step S190.

[0041] The display control unit 13 determines whether or not there is one POI symbol 220 superimposed on the map to be displayed (step S190). If the display control unit 13 determines that there is more than one POI symbol 220 superimposed on the map to be displayed ("NO" in step S190), it displays an image containing the POI symbols 220 to which identification numbers have been assigned on the display unit 200 (step S200) and terminates the process. If the display control unit 13 determines that there is only one POI symbol 220 superimposed on the map to be displayed (YES in step S190), it displays the image containing the POI information on the display unit 200 (step S210) and terminates the process.

[0042] As described above, the display control device 10 according to this embodiment includes a reception unit 11 that receives input from the user, and a display control unit 13 that displays a selection image on the display unit 200, which includes a map on which POI symbols 220 and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines. When the reception unit 11 receives input to select a single piece of identification information, the display control unit 13 displays a new selection image on the display unit 200, which includes a map corresponding to a target area consisting of a selection area, which is a map area corresponding to the single piece of identification information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. In other words, when the display control device 10 displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 corresponding to the selection area selected by the user, it displays a map of the target area on the display unit 200 that includes the selection area selected by the user and a part of the map area adjacent to the selection area. As a result, the display control device 10 can easily display map information including the POI symbol 220 desired by the user, even if the POI symbol 220 is located across a dividing line. When a user wants to display a map that includes a POI symbol 220 located across a dividing line, they can specify one of the map areas that the POI symbol spans to display the map information containing the POI symbol 220. This allows users to specify the selection area without hesitation. For example, without having to scrutinize the map image to determine which area of ​​the divided map area the desired POI is located in, the user can specify any of the map areas that the POI symbol 220 of the desired POI spans, thereby obtaining a new selection image in which the map area containing the POI symbol 220 is enlarged.

[0043] The display control device 10 according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 14 that detects the overlap between a dividing line that divides a selected area and a POI symbol 220. If the display control unit 13 detects an overlap between the dividing line separating the selected area and the POI symbol 220, it displays a new selection image on the display unit 200, including a map corresponding to the target area. If no overlap is detected between the dividing line separating the selected area and the POI symbol 220, it displays a new selection image on the display unit 200, including a map corresponding to the selected area. When the display control device 10 displays a map corresponding to the selected area chosen by the user, it determines whether or not there is an overlap between the dividing line that separates the selected area and the POI symbol 220. In other words, if the display control device 10 determines that there is no overlap between the dividing line that separates the selection area selected by the user and the POI symbol 220, it does not need to display the map area adjacent to the selected area, and therefore displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 that includes the map corresponding to the selected area. This allows the display control device 10 to enlarge the map information, including the POI symbols 220 desired by the user, and display it on the display unit 200.

[0044] In this embodiment, the display control unit 13 of the display control device 10 displays a selection image on the display unit 200 that includes the POI symbols 220 to which an identification number has been assigned, if the number of POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200 is less than or equal to a predetermined number. The display control unit 13, for example, displays POI symbols 220 that have been assigned identification numbers such as serial numbers if the number of POI symbols 220 present in the selected image to be displayed is 5 or less. This allows the user to easily specify the POI symbol 220 from which they want to obtain POI information, for example, by uttering an identification number, even while driving.

[0045] In this embodiment, the display control unit 13 of the display control device 10 displays a selection image containing POI information corresponding to the POI symbol 220 on the display unit 200 if there is only one POI symbol 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200. This allows users to obtain POI information without having to enter identification numbers or perform other similar operations.

[0046] The display unit 200 displayed by the display control device 10 according to this embodiment is installed on a motorcycle. The reception unit 11 of the display control device 10 in this embodiment receives voice input from the user. Generally, while riding a motorcycle, users cannot perform detailed operations such as selecting POI symbols 220 or selecting the map area to display by touching the screen. Therefore, it is necessary to perform operations such as selecting POI symbols 220 using the user's voice. In other words, a user can specify the POI symbol 220 from which they want to obtain POI information by uttering an identification number. This allows users to easily obtain information about desired Points of Interest (POIs), even while riding a motorcycle.

[0047] <Second Example> The display control device 10A according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 11 to 15. Since the components that are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have similar functions, a detailed explanation of them will be omitted. In this embodiment, the display control device 10A controls the image to be displayed on the display unit 200 installed in a vehicle such as a bicycle, motorcycle, or four-wheeled vehicle. The following explanation will illustrate a case in which the display control device 10A controls the image to be displayed on the display unit 200 installed on the motorcycle.

[0048] <Configuration of display control device 10A> As shown in Figure 11, the display control device 10A is configured to include a reception unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display control unit 13A, and an extraction unit 15.

[0049] In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A controls the processing of the entire display control device 10A according to a control program stored in the storage unit 12, for example. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A generates an image to be displayed on the display unit 200 based on the detection result input from the reception unit 11, and displays the image on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, when the reception unit 11 inputs information about POIs that the user wants to display (for example, an operation to display the locations of ATMs within 5 km of the current location on a map), the display control unit 13 acquires the user's current location information from a mobile terminal carried by the user (not shown) or a current location positioning unit (not shown) provided in the display control device 10, and acquires POI information (for example, ATMs) and map information from the storage unit 12, for example.

[0050] The display control unit 13A causes the display unit 200 to display a selection image that includes a map with POI symbols 220 and dividing lines superimposed on it, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines. The dividing lines and identification information of the selection images displayed by the display control unit 13A are the same as those of the selection lines and identification information of the selection images displayed by the display control unit 13 described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0051] In this embodiment, for example, when the reception unit 11 receives input to select a single piece of identification information, the display control unit 13A determines a target area consisting of a selection area, which is a map area corresponding to the single piece of identification information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. In this embodiment, if the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that, for example, "B2" has been detected from the user's utterance, the display control unit 13A determines the map area indicated by "B2" to be the selected area. In this embodiment, for example, when the selected area is determined to be "B2", the display control unit 13A determines a target area consisting of the selected area "B2" and a predetermined range of map areas adjacent to the selected area "B2". The method for determining the target area is the same as the method for determining the target area in the display control unit 13 described above, so an explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A outputs, for example, information regarding the determined target area and POI information desired by the user (for example, information regarding ATMs, etc.) to the extraction unit 15.

[0052] Now, let's explain the extraction unit 15. When the receiving unit 11 receives input to select a single piece of identification information, the extraction unit 15 extracts POI symbols 220 within a target area that consists of a selection area, which is a map area corresponding to the single piece of identification information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. In this embodiment, for example, when the display control unit 13A inputs information about the target area and POI information desired by the user (for example, information about ATMs), the extraction unit 15 refers to the map information and POI information stored in the storage unit 12 and determines whether or not the POI desired by the user exists within the target area. In this embodiment, for example, if a POI desired by the user exists within the target area, the extraction unit 15 acquires the location information of the POI from the storage unit 12 and outputs the location information to the display control unit 13A. Here, latitude and longitude information can be used as an example of POI location information. In this embodiment, for example, if the extraction unit 15 does not find a POI desired by the user within the target area, it outputs an extraction result indicating that no POIs exist to the display control unit 13A.

[0053] Let's explain the display control unit 13A again. The display control unit 13A causes the display unit 200 to display a new selection image, including a map corresponding to the enlarged display area determined based on the positional information of the POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15. The display control unit 13A determines the enlarged display area so that it includes all of the POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A determines, for example, the enlarged display area, which is the area of ​​the map to be displayed on the display unit 200, based on the location information (e.g., latitude and longitude information) of the POI input from the extraction unit 15. The following describes one example of how to determine the enlarged display area.

[0054] In this embodiment, for example, if there are multiple POI location information input from the extraction unit 15, the display control unit 13A calculates the average value of the maximum and minimum latitude values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the latitude average) and the average value of the maximum and minimum longitude values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the longitude average). As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the display control unit 13A determines the enlarged display area so that, for example, the position X indicated by the average latitude and average longitude is the center of the enlarged display area, and all of the POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15 are included. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A limits the scale of the map to be displayed, for example, so that an extremely enlarged map is not displayed on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, if there is only one POI location information input from the extraction unit 15, the display control unit 13A determines the enlarged display area so that the location (latitude and longitude) of the POI is the center of the enlarged display area and a map with a predetermined scale ratio is displayed on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A causes the display unit 200 to display a new selection image, including a map corresponding to the determined enlarged display area, as shown in Figure 13.

[0055] If the number of POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200 is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the display control unit 13A causes the display unit 200 to display a selection image on the display unit 200 that includes the POI symbols 220 to which an identification number has been assigned. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A, for example, displays the POI symbols 220 with assigned identification numbers on the display unit 200 if the number of POI symbols 220 present in the selection image to be displayed on the display unit 200 is less than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 5 or fewer). In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that the utterance "number 2" has been detected, the display control unit 13A retrieves the POI information corresponding to the POI symbol 220 assigned the identification number 2 from the storage unit 12 and displays it on the display unit 200.

[0056] If there is only one POI symbol 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200, the display control unit 13A causes the display unit 200 to display a selection image containing POI information corresponding to that POI symbol 220. In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A, for example, displays POI information on the display unit 200 if there is one POI symbol 220 in the selection image to be displayed on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, if there is only one POI symbol 220 in the selection image to be displayed on the display unit 200, the display control unit 13A displays POI information (e.g., name, location information, business hours, etc.) as shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, when the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that the utterance "Go here" has been detected, the display control unit 13A calculates the route from the user's current location to the location of the POI symbol displaying POI information, and displays the guidance route, etc., on the display unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, if the reception unit 11 receives a detection result indicating that the utterance "return to map" has been detected, the display control unit 13A will display the selection image that was previously displayed on the display unit 200 on the display unit 200 again. The system may also be configured to include the detection unit 14 of the first embodiment. In this case, similar to the first embodiment, even if there are multiple POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200, if there is only one POI symbol 220 in the selection area selected by the user via voice input, and the detection unit 14 does not detect any overlap between the dividing line separating the selection area and the other POI symbols 220 (for example, if the user selects "A3" in the selection image shown in Figure 5), the display control unit 13A may display POI information as shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 200 without enlarging the selection area.

[0057] <Processing flow of the display control unit 13A> The processing flow of the display control unit 13A of the display control device 10A will be explained using Figures 14 and 15. This processing flow is initiated, for example, when the reception unit 11 receives an operation from the user to specify a POI to be targeted for detailed information display from the POI symbols on the map, and is repeatedly executed until a predetermined termination condition is met, such as when the detailed information of the designated POI is displayed or when the operation is canceled midway.

[0058] As shown in Figure 14, the display control unit 13A causes the display unit 200 to display a selection image that includes a map, dividing lines, identification information, and POI symbols 220 (step S310).

[0059] The display control unit 13A determines whether or not the reception unit 11 has received the input of identification information (step S320). If the display control unit 13A determines that the reception unit 11 has not received any identification information input ("NO" in step S320), it returns to the standby state. If the display control unit 13A determines that the reception unit 11 has received the input of identification information (YES in step S320), it proceeds to step S330.

[0060] The display control unit 13A sets the target area based on the identification information received by the reception unit 11 (step S330) and proceeds to step S340.

[0061] The display control unit 13A causes the extraction unit 15 to extract the position information of the POI symbols 220 that exist within the target area (step S340), and then proceeds to step S350.

[0062] The display control unit 13A determines the enlarged display area based on the position information of the POI symbols present within the target area extracted by the extraction unit 15 (step S350), and proceeds to step S360 shown in Figure 15.

[0063] As shown in Figure 15, the display control unit 13A determines whether the number of POI symbols 220 present in the enlarged display area is less than or equal to a predetermined number (step S360). If the display control unit 13A determines that the number of POI symbols 220 present in the enlarged display area is not less than a predetermined number ("NO" in step S360), it displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 (step S370) and terminates the process. If the display control unit 13A determines that the number of POI symbols 220 present in the enlarged display area is less than or equal to a predetermined number (YES in step S360), it proceeds to step S380.

[0064] The display control unit 13A determines whether or not there is one POI symbol 220 present in the enlarged display area (step S380). If the display control unit 13A determines that there is more than one POI symbol 220 in the enlarged display area ("NO" in step S380), it displays an image containing the POI symbol 220 with an assigned identification number on the display unit 200 (step S390) and terminates the process. If the display control unit 13A determines that there is only one POI symbol 220 in the enlarged display area ("YES" in step S380), it displays the image containing the POI information on the display unit 200 (step S400) and terminates the process.

[0065] As described above, the display control device 10A according to this embodiment includes a reception unit 11 that receives input from a user, a display control unit 13A that displays a selection image on the display unit 200 which includes a map on which POI symbols 220 and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines, and an extraction unit 15 that, when the reception unit 11 receives input to select one piece of identification information, extracts POI symbols 220 within a target area which is composed of a selection area which is a map area corresponding to the one piece of identification information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. The display control unit 13A causes the display unit 200 to display a new selection image, including a map corresponding to the enlarged display area determined based on the positional information of the POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15. In other words, when the display control device 10A displays a new selection image on the display unit 200 corresponding to the selection area selected by the user, it displays a map on the display unit 200 that includes all POI symbols present within the target area determined based on the selection area selected by the user. As a result, the display control device 10A can easily display map information including the POI symbol 220 desired by the user, even if the POI symbol 220 is located across a dividing line. If a user wants to display a map that includes a POI symbol 220 located across a dividing line, they can specify any of the map areas that the POI symbol crosses, and the map information including the POI symbol 220 will be displayed. This allows users to specify the selection area without hesitation. For example, without having to scrutinize the map image to determine which area of ​​the divided map area the desired POI is located in, the user can specify any of the map areas that the POI symbol 220 of the desired POI spans, thereby obtaining a new selection image in which the map area containing the POI symbol 220 is enlarged. Furthermore, since the display control device 10A determines the enlarged display area based on the positional information of the POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15, it can display a map containing the POI symbols 220 within the target area in a more enlarged view on the display unit 200.

[0066] The display control unit 13A of the display control device 10A in this embodiment determines the enlarged display area so that it includes all of the POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15. As a result, the display control device 10A determines the enlarged display area based on the positional information of all POI symbols 220 extracted by the extraction unit 15, allowing the map containing all POI symbols 220 within the target area to be displayed on the display unit 200 at a larger size.

[0067] In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A of the display control device 10A displays a selection image on the display unit 200 that includes the POI symbols 220 with an identification number assigned to them, if the number of POI symbols 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200 is less than or equal to a predetermined number. The display control unit 13A, for example, displays POI symbols 220 that have been assigned identification numbers such as serial numbers if the number of POI symbols 220 present in the selected image to be displayed is 5 or less. This allows the user to easily specify the POI symbol 220 from which they want to obtain POI information, for example, by uttering an identification number, even while driving.

[0068] In this embodiment, the display control unit 13A of the display control device 10A displays a selection image containing POI information corresponding to the POI symbol 220 on the display unit 200 if there is only one POI symbol 220 superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit 200. This allows users to obtain POI information without having to enter an identification number.

[0069] The display unit 200, which is displayed by the display control device 10A according to this embodiment, is installed on a motorcycle. The reception unit 11 of the display control device 10A in this embodiment receives voice input from the user. Generally, while riding a motorcycle, users cannot perform detailed operations such as selecting POI symbols 220 or selecting the map area to display by touching the screen. Therefore, it is necessary for users to perform operations such as selecting the display area and selecting POI symbols 220 using their voice. In other words, users can specify the POI symbol from which they want to obtain POI information by uttering an identification number. This allows users to easily obtain information about desired Points of Interest (POIs), even while riding a motorcycle.

[0070] <Example 1> The program for the display control method of the display control devices 10 and 10A described above may be executed in the processor and memory of the navigation device installed in the vehicle, thereby controlling the image to be displayed on the display unit of the navigation device. Alternatively, the program for the display control method of the display control devices 10 and 10A described above may be executed on a mobile terminal carried by the user (for example, a tablet or smartphone) to control the image displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal.

[0071] <Modification 2> The reception unit 11 of the display control devices 10 and 10A described above may, for example, detect operation information such as switches that can be operated while holding the handle, and accept input from the user. This allows users to easily obtain information about desired Points of Interest (POIs), even while riding a motorcycle.

[0072] <Variation 3> When the above-described display control devices 10 and 10A display POI information corresponding to a POI symbol 220 desired by the user on the display unit 200, they may, for example, output audio information such as reading out the POI information to a speaker attached to the user's helmet. This allows users to easily obtain the desired POI (Point of Interest) information, even while driving.

[0073] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, all display control devices that a person skilled in the art can implement by appropriately modifying the design based on the above-described embodiment of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the present invention. Within the scope of the concept of this invention, a person skilled in the art would be able to conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of this invention. For example, any modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, such as adding, deleting, or changing components, or adding, omitting, or changing processes, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the essence of the present invention.

[0074] Furthermore, any other effects and advantages brought about by the embodiments described in this embodiment that are evident from this specification or that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally considered to be brought about by the present invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10; Display control device 10A; Display control device 11; Reception Department 12;Memory part 13; Display Control Unit 13A; Display Control Unit 14; Detection unit 15;Extraction part 100; Microphone 200;Display section

Claims

1. A reception area that receives input from users, A display control unit that displays a selection image on a display unit, which includes a map on which POI symbols and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines. When the receiving unit receives the input to select one of the identification pieces of information, the extraction unit extracts the POI symbols within a target area consisting of a selection area which is the map area corresponding to the identification piece of information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. Equipped with, The display control device is characterized in that the display control unit causes the display unit to display a new selection image, which includes a map corresponding to an enlarged display area determined based on the positional information of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit.

2. The display control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit determines the enlarged display area so that all of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit are included.

3. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the selection image, which includes the POI symbols to which identification numbers have been assigned, when the number of POI symbols superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit is less than or equal to a predetermined number.

4. The display control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the number of POI symbols superimposed on the map displayed on the display unit is one, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the selection image containing POI information corresponding to the POI symbol.

5. The display control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display unit is installed on a motorcycle.

6. The display control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the reception unit receives voice input from the user.

7. A display control method for a display control device comprising a reception unit, a display control unit, and an extraction unit, The aforementioned reception unit performs a first step of receiving input from the user, The second step is to cause the display control unit to display a selection image on the display unit, which includes a map on which POI symbols and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines. When the extraction unit receives an input in which it selects one of the identification pieces of information in the first step, it performs a third step of extracting the POI symbols within a target area which is a selection area which is the map area corresponding to the identification piece of information and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. A fourth step involves the display control unit causing the display unit to display a new selection image, which includes a map corresponding to an enlarged display area determined based on the position information of the POI symbols extracted by the extraction unit. A display control method including the following.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute a display control method for a display control device, To the aforementioned computer, The first step is to receive input from the user, A second step involves displaying a selection image on a display unit, which includes a map on which POI symbols and dividing lines are superimposed, and identification information that identifies each of the map areas divided by the dividing lines. When an input is received to select one of the identification pieces of information in the first step, a third step is to extract the POI symbols within a target area consisting of a selection area which is the map area corresponding to the identification piece of information, and a predetermined range from among a plurality of map areas adjacent to the selection area. A fourth step involves displaying a new selection image on the display unit, which includes a map corresponding to the enlarged display area determined based on the positional information of the POI symbols extracted in the third step, A program that executes the command.

Images