Navigation system, method for generating navigation information, and method for utilizing navigation information

Abstract

To provide a navigation system that can receive signals from Japanese GPS satellites without requiring any special equipment, ensuring high accuracy, safety, and reliability. [Solution] The system is characterized by comprising: a receiving function unit 320 that receives signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites 200; a map information storage function unit 330 that stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; a location information generation function unit 340 that generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit 330 and the signal information received by the receiving function unit 320; a reflection function unit 350 that reflects the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation function unit 340 onto arbitrary map information; and an output function unit 360 that displays or outputs the map information onto which the location information has been reflected by the reflection function unit 350.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a navigation system, a navigation information generation method, and a navigation information utilization method using a Japanese satellite positioning system (quasi-zenith satellite system) mainly composed of satellites in a quasi-zenith orbit, and particularly to a navigation system, a navigation information generation method, and a navigation information utilization method using signals transmitted from Japanese GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, which are also referred to as Japanese version GPS.

Background Art

[0002] Navigation using signals transmitted from GPS satellites, such as in-car navigation devices (hereinafter referred to as "car navigation") installed in automobiles or application software (hereinafter referred to as "app") installed in smartphones, has become widespread. Car navigation and smartphone apps usually receive signals from multiple GPS satellites, and determine the current location by referring to and correcting the arrival time, position information, etc. of each signal.

[0003] Signals from GPS satellites used in Japan were mainly signals from U.S.-made GPS satellites. Since U.S.-made GPS satellites are operated by the United States, it is undeniable that the accuracy and availability of signals from GPS satellites may be affected by U.S. policies and military situations. In addition, in fact, the accuracy of signals from GPS satellites varies due to various factors. Therefore, for example, the accuracy of signals from GPS satellites used in car navigation is generally said to be about several meters to a dozen or so meters.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation device and computer program that calculate the current position by map matching, and which accurately calculates the current position regardless of differences in GPS receivers or sensors. In this device, the current position measured by a GPS receiver is used as the reference position, and each point closest to the reference position on each road within a predetermined distance from the reference position is set as a candidate point. The distance between the reference position and the current candidate point is calculated, and the trajectory on the road leading to the current candidate point is drawn. If the distance is greater than a threshold that statistically estimates the approximate upper limit of the distribution range of the distance between the reference position and the candidate point based on the history of distances between the reference position and the candidate point that have been set in the past, it is determined that the true current position is not on the road where the candidate point is located. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-138816 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Various measures are being taken to improve the accuracy of navigation. Theoretically, it is possible to obtain stable and highly accurate positioning by using signals from GPS satellites in other countries, such as Europe, Russia, or China, in addition to signals from US-made GPS satellites.

[0007] However, regarding the use of signals from other countries, since those countries operate their own systems, it cannot be denied that, as with the United States, the accuracy and availability of signals from GPS satellites may be affected by policies, military situations, etc. Furthermore, it cannot be denied that there may be unforeseen risk factors.

[0008] In addition, there is a technology called Differential GPS (DGPS) that improves accuracy by receiving correction signals from a base station. Furthermore, there is a technology called Real Time Kinematic (RTK) that achieves centimeter-level accuracy by analyzing the carrier phase.

[0009] However, realizing and implementing these technologies requires specialized equipment, programs, and corresponding devices.

[0010] Furthermore, foreign-made GPS satellites do not orbit only over Japan; in urban and mountainous areas, signal waves are blocked by buildings, trees, and other obstacles, making it difficult to reliably obtain location information.

[0011] In the case disclosed in Patent Document 1, the signals from GPS satellites used are conventional. Furthermore, a special navigation computer program is required to improve accuracy.

[0012] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a navigation system, a method for generating navigation information, and a method for utilizing navigation information that can receive signals from Japanese GPS satellites and be used with high accuracy, safety, and peace of mind. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a navigation system, a navigation information generation method, and a navigation information utilization method that enable anyone to easily use signals transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites without having to prepare any special equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0014] (1) The system is characterized by comprising: receiving means for receiving signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites; map information storage means for storing map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; location information generation means for generating predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage means and the signal information received by the receiving means; reflecting means for reflecting the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation means onto arbitrary map information; and output means for displaying or outputting audio the map information onto which the location information has been reflected by the reflecting means.

[0015] (2) The configuration of (1) above is characterized in that the signal information received by the receiving means and the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage means can be updated in real time, and the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation means can be updated in real time.

[0016] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the map information storage means stores map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and the location information generation means generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage means, other map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and signal information received by the receiving means.

[0017] (4) A method for generating navigation information, The system is characterized by the following: a receiving unit receives signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites; a map information storage unit stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; a location information generation unit generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage unit and the signal information received by the receiving unit; a reflection unit reflects the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation unit onto arbitrary map information; and an output unit displays or outputs audio the map information with the reflected location information.

[0018] (5) The configuration of (4) above is characterized in that the signal information received by the receiving unit and the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage unit are updateable in real time, and the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation unit is updateable in real time.

[0019] (6) The configuration of (4) or (5) above, wherein the map information storage unit stores map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and the location information generation unit generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage unit, the other map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and the signal information received by the receiving unit.

[0020] (7) A navigation information utilization method in a navigation information device comprising: a receiving function unit that receives signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites; a map information storage function unit that stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; a location information generation function unit that generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit and the signal information received by the receiving function unit; a reflection function unit that reflects the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation function unit onto arbitrary map information; and an output function unit that outputs map information onto which the location information has been reflected by the reflection function unit; The signal information received by the receiving function unit and the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit are characterized by the ability to select whether or not to update them in real time.

[0021] (8) A navigation information utilization method in a navigation information device comprising a receiving function unit that receives signal information transmitted from Japanese version GPS satellites, a map information storage function unit that stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, a position information generation function unit that generates predetermined position information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit and the signal information received by the receiving function unit, a reflection function unit that reflects the predetermined position information generated by the position information generation function unit on arbitrary map information, and an output function unit that outputs the map information on which the position information is reflected by the reflection function unit, wherein the map information storage function unit stores other map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and the position information generation function unit can select and set desired ones from the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit and other map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan as the map information to be referred to when generating predetermined position information, and the position information generation function unit generates predetermined position information by referring to the selected map information and the signal information received by the receiving function unit.

[0022] (9) In the configuration of (7) or (8) above, the receiving function unit can receive signal information transmitted from GPS satellites of other countries other than the Japanese version GPS satellites by selection setting, and the position information generation function unit generates predetermined position information by referring to the map information stored in the map information storage function unit and the signal information received by selection setting by the receiving function unit.

[0023] According to the above configuration, by receiving signals from Japanese version GPS satellites, it has an excellent effect of being able to be used safely, reassuringly, and with high accuracy.

[0024] Also, according to the above configuration, it can be realized without the user side newly preparing special facilities and equipment, so it is also advantageous in terms of economy.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the navigation information can be updated in real time, so it is practical and useful.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, by receiving signals from Japanese version GPS satellites, it is possible to enjoy excellent effects such as being able to use safe, reliable, and highly accurate navigation information. In addition, according to the present invention, it can be realized without the user having to newly prepare special equipment or facilities for the transmitted signals from Japanese version GPS satellites, and it is excellent both in practicality and economy.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the concept of the entire navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing the schematic functional configuration of a car navigation device mounted on an automobile according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing the schematic functional configuration of a smartphone according to the same embodiment. [[ID=Z3]] [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the overall flow of the navigation information generation process according to the same embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] The navigation system 10 according to this embodiment is configured such that a car navigation device (hereinafter referred to as "car navigation") 300 that receives signal information transmitted from a Japanese version GPS satellite (hereinafter referred to as "Japanese version GPS") 200 and mounted on an automobile 100, a smartphone 400 that receives signal information transmitted from the Japanese version GPS 200, and a server computer (hereinafter referred to as "server") 500 that stores various map information, etc. can be connected via a communication network 600.

[0030] The car navigation system 300 includes a receiving function unit 320 that receives signal information transmitted from the Japanese version of GPS 200 under the management of an internally installed control unit 310, a map information storage function unit 330 which is a read / write memory that stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (for example, GSI Maps® information), a location information generation function unit 340 that performs predetermined correction processing (including no correction) by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit 330 and the signal information received by the receiving function unit 320 to generate predetermined location information such as the current location, a reflection function unit 350 that reflects the location information generated by the location information generation function unit 340 onto predetermined or desired map information, and an output function unit 360 that displays or outputs the map information reflecting the location information from the reflection function unit 350.

[0031] Furthermore, the car navigation system 300 is configured to receive updated map information sent from the server 500 via the communication network 600 in real time using the receiving function unit 320, and to update the map information stored in the map information storage function unit 330. The system is configured to allow users to pre-select whether or not to perform real-time updates. If no selection is made, real-time updates are enabled by default.

[0032] Furthermore, the car navigation system 300 is configured to store map information other than that provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan in the map information storage function unit 330, and to generate predetermined or desired location information by arbitrarily setting the location information generation function unit 340, which refers to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit 330, other map information other than that provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and signal information received by the receiving function unit 320.

[0033] Next, the smartphone 400 includes a receiving function unit 420 that receives signal information transmitted from the Japanese version of GPS200 under the management of an internally installed control unit 410, a map information storage function unit 430 which is a read / write memory that stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, a location information generation function unit 440 that generates predetermined location information such as the current location by performing predetermined correction processing (including no correction) by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit 430 and the signal information received by the receiving function unit 420, a reflection function unit 450 that reflects the location information generated by the location information generation function unit 440 in predetermined or desired map information, and an output function unit 460 that displays or outputs the map information reflecting the location information from the reflection function unit 450 as sound.

[0034] Furthermore, the smartphone 400 is configured to receive updated map information sent from the server 500 via the communication network 600 in real time using the receiving function unit 420, and to update the map information stored in the map information storage function unit 430. The system is configured to allow users to pre-select whether or not to perform real-time updates. If no selection is made, real-time updates are enabled by default.

[0035] Furthermore, the smartphone 400 is configured to store map information other than that provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan in the map information storage function unit 430, and to generate predetermined or desired location information by arbitrarily setting the location information generation function unit 440, which refers to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit 430, other map information other than that provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and signal information received by the receiving function unit 420.

[0036] The operation of the above-described functional configuration is explained below.

[0037] When the navigation program of the car navigation system 300 or the navigation app of the smartphone 400 is launched (see step S402 in Figure 4), the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, which has been stored in the map information storage function units 330 and 430 and pre-configured under the management of the control units 310 and 410, is read out (step S404). Also, under the management of the control units 310 and 410, the receiving function units 320 and 420 receive signal information from the Japanese version of GPS in real time (step S406). If other map information has been selected and configured in advance, that other map information will be read out. Furthermore, the signal information from the Japanese version of GPS may be configured to allow selection of whether or not to update in real time.

[0038] Then, under the control of the control units 310 and 410, the location information generation units 340 and 440 refer to the read map information and received signal information to generate predetermined location information, such as the current location (step S408).

[0039] The generated location information is then reflected by the reflection function units 350 and 450 to the arbitrarily set map information under the management of the control units 310 and 410 (step S410). If no setting is made, the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan is set as the default, and the information will be reflected in that. Of course, a predetermined correction process may be performed when reflecting the information to the map information.

[0040] The map information, which reflects the location information, is then displayed or output as sound to the output function units 360 and 460 under the management of the control units 310 and 410 (step S412).

[0041] Furthermore, by enabling the receiving function units 320 and 420 to receive signal information transmitted from GPS satellites of other countries in addition to Japanese GPS satellites through a selection setting, the position information generation function units 340 and 440 may generate predetermined position information by referring to the map information stored in the map information storage function units 330 and 430, as well as the signal information transmitted from both Japanese GPS satellites and GPS satellites of other countries, which are received in parallel by the receiving function units 320 and 420. This is expected to further improve accuracy.

[0042] According to the above embodiment, by receiving signal information from the Japanese version of GPS200, it is possible to utilize safe, reliable, and highly accurate navigation information that matches the geographical conditions and environment of Japan, which is an excellent effect.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, it can be implemented without the user having to prepare any new special equipment or devices, making it economically advantageous.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to update map information in real time and select and configure the map information to be used, making it user-friendly, practical, and useful.

[0045] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 10…Navigation system 200…Japanese version of GPS (Japanese version of GPS satellite) 300... Car navigation system (car navigation device) 320, 420 ... Receiving function unit 330, 430 ... Map information storage function unit 340, 440...location information generation function section 350, 450...Reflection function section 360, 460 ... Output function section 400... Smartphone 500 ... Server (server computer) 600 ...communication network [Industrial applicability]

[0047] The navigation information generated by this invention takes into account the geographical conditions and environment of Japan, and can be applied to autonomous driving of automobiles, automated delivery technology, agricultural machinery, disaster relief equipment, etc., thereby contributing to social usefulness.

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites, A map information storage means for storing map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, A location information generation means that generates predetermined location information by referring to map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in this map information storage means and signal information received by the above receiving means, This location information generation means reflects predetermined location information generated by this location information generation means onto arbitrary map information, A navigation system characterized by comprising an output means for displaying or outputting audio map information into which location information has been reflected by this reflection means.

2. The signal information received by the above receiving means and the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the above map information storage means can be updated in real time. The navigation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation means can be updated in real time.

3. The above-mentioned map information storage means stores other map information besides the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the location information generation means generates predetermined location information by referring to map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and other map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage means, as well as signal information received by the receiving means.

4. The receiving unit receives signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites. The map information storage unit stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. The location information generation unit generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in this map information storage unit and the signal information received by the above receiving unit. The location information generated by this location information generation unit is reflected in arbitrary map information by the reflection unit. A navigation information generation method characterized in that the map information, in which location information is reflected in the reflection unit, is displayed or output as sound by the output unit.

5. The signal information received by the above-mentioned receiving unit and the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the above-mentioned map information storage unit can be updated in real time. The navigation information generation method according to claim 4, characterized in that the predetermined location information generated by the above-mentioned location information generation unit can be updated in real time.

6. The above-mentioned map information storage unit stores other map information besides the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. The navigation information generation method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the above-mentioned location information generation unit generates predetermined location information by referring to map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and other map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage unit, as well as signal information received by the above-mentioned receiving unit.

7. A navigation information device comprising: a receiving function unit that receives signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites; a map information storage function unit that stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; a location information generation function unit that generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit and the signal information received by the receiving function unit; a reflection function unit that reflects the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation function unit onto arbitrary map information; and an output function unit that outputs map information onto which the location information has been reflected by the reflection function unit, A navigation information utilization method characterized in that the signal information received by the receiving function unit and the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit can be selected and set to enable or disable real-time updates.

8. A navigation information device comprising: a receiving function unit that receives signal information transmitted from Japanese GPS satellites; a map information storage function unit that stores map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; a location information generation function unit that generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan stored in the map information storage function unit and the signal information received by the receiving function unit; a reflection function unit that reflects the predetermined location information generated by the location information generation function unit onto arbitrary map information; and an output function unit that outputs map information onto which the location information has been reflected by the reflection function unit, The above-mentioned map information storage function unit stores other map information besides the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. The above-mentioned location information generation function unit, when generating predetermined location information, allows the user to select and set the desired map information to be referenced from among the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and other map information other than the map information provided by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, which are stored in the map information storage function unit. A navigation information utilization method characterized in that the location information generation function unit generates predetermined location information by referring to the selected map information and the signal information received by the receiving function unit.

9. The above receiving function unit can receive signal information transmitted from GPS satellites of other countries other than the Japanese GPS satellites, depending on the selected settings. The navigation information utilization method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the above-mentioned location information generation function unit generates predetermined location information by referring to the map information stored in the above-mentioned map information storage function unit and the signal information received by the above-mentioned receiving function unit through selection settings.

Images