Map display device, map display method, and program

Abstract

The present invention improves convenience of a user facilitating the confirmation and registration of the position of a spot of interest.　An information processing device 2 that functions as a map display device comprises: an operation input part 12 that receives an input of an operation made by a user U while a vehicle 100 is moving; a recording control part 16 that acquires position information of a registered position when an input of an operation is received, and performs a position registration process for recording the acquired position information; and a display control part 14 that controls displaying of an image including a map image Gm. The display control part 14 displays, on the map image Gm, a prescribed image Gp indicating the position of the recorded position information.

Description

Map Display Device, Map Display Method, and Program

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

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been actively made to provide access to a sustainable transport system that takes into account people in vulnerable positions among traffic participants. In order to achieve this, research and development related to navigation technology has been focused on further improving traffic safety and convenience. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle information collection system that detects a speed reduction area where the speeds of a plurality of vehicles decrease in consideration of traffic jams occurring at tourist spots, and determines whether this speed reduction area corresponds to a tourist spot by associating it with the state around the vehicle when the speed reduction occurs.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-201852

[0004] By the way, in navigation technology, there is no disclosure of a technology for collecting spots that a person is interested in during movement, even if they are not famous places, and obtaining a personalized map. Therefore, when the spot that a person is interested in is not famous, there is a problem that it is difficult to confirm the position of the spot or revisit it, which impairs the convenience of the user. The present application aims to solve the above problems by making it easy to register and confirm the position of a spot that a person is interested in, and improving the convenience of the user. And by extension, it contributes to the development of a sustainable transport system and supports a good connection between urban areas and local areas including the outskirts of cities.

[0005] As one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a map display device including an operation input unit that receives an operation input of a user during movement by a moving body, a recording control unit that acquires position information of a registration position when the operation input is received and performs a position registration process of recording the acquired position information, and a display control unit that controls display of an image including a map image, wherein the display control unit displays a predetermined image indicating the position of the recorded position information on the map image.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a map display method performed by a map display device, which includes an operation input step for receiving user operation input while a moving object is in motion, a recording control step for acquiring location information of a registered location when the operation input is received and performing a location registration process for recording the acquired location information, and a display control step for controlling the display of a map image, wherein the display control step displays a predetermined image on the map image that indicates the location of the recorded location information.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes a computer-controlled map display device to function as an operation input unit that receives user operation input while the device is moving, a record control unit that performs a location registration process to acquire location information of a registered location when the operation input is received and to record the acquired location information, and a display control unit that controls the display of an image including a map image and displays a predetermined image indicating the location of the recorded location information on the map image.

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes easier to register and check the location of places of interest, thereby improving user convenience.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system including a map display device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the information processing device and peripheral configuration. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the handle switch and display of the vehicle 100. Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the general operation of the information processing device. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the location registration process. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the location correction process. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of table data used in the location correction process. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of table data used in the location correction process. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of table data used in the location correction process. Figure 10 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the vehicle's travel path and the user's operation timing. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the information processing device and peripheral configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the location registration process. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the information processing device and peripheral configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment.

[0010] [1. First Embodiment] [1.1 Configuration of Display System] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the information processing system 1 including the map display device according to the first embodiment will be described. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 2 mounted on the vehicle 100, a portable device 3 held by a user U using the vehicle 100, and a handle switch 4 provided on the vehicle 100. The information processing device 2 has the function of displaying maps and navigation information on the portable device 3 and the display 5 provided on the vehicle 100, and the function of communicating with an external communication system such as a traffic information server 210 via a communication network 200.

[0011] Vehicle 100 is a motorcycle and is an example of a mobile device in this disclosure. User U is the driver of vehicle 100. A mobile device in this disclosure may be a four-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle (including not only motorcycles but also bicycles), a train, an electric kick scooter, an electric skateboard, a cart-type vehicle, or any other mobile device referred to as mobility. Furthermore, a mobile device in this disclosure is one from which the user can see the scenery and facilities, and User U does not necessarily have to be riding in the mobile device; for example, it could be a drone equipped with a camera.

[0012] The portable device 3 is a portable device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet terminal, and is fixed to a mount provided on the vehicle 100, so that the user U can view the screen of the portable device 3 while on the move. The traffic information server 210 transmits road traffic information to each terminal device in response to requests from multiple terminal devices, including the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 obtains road traffic information from the traffic information server 210, thereby obtaining information such as congestion information and accident information around the vehicle 100.

[0013] [1.2 Configuration of Information Processing Device] Referring to Figure 2, the information processing device 2 and its peripheral configuration will be described. The information processing device 2 has a processor 10 and a memory 20. The information processing device 2 is an example of a map display device of this disclosure. The information processing device 2 is connected to a communication unit 30, a vehicle sensor 31, a position sensor 32, a handle switch 4, and a display 5 provided in the vehicle 100. The communication unit 30 includes a wireless or wired communication device for the information processing device 2 to communicate with the portable device 3. The communication unit 30 includes a wireless communication device for the information processing device 2 to communicate with a traffic information server 210, etc., via an external communication network 200. The communication unit 30 may be provided in the information processing device 2. The communication unit 30 is an example of a vehicle communication unit of this disclosure.

[0014] The vehicle sensor 31 detects the vehicle's speed (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle speed"), acceleration, gear position, etc., and outputs the detection results to the information processing device 2. The position sensor 32 acquires the current position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle 100 using known positioning technology such as GNSS, and outputs the position information to the information processing device 2. The position sensor 32 may also be provided by the information processing device 2.

[0015] Now, referring to Figure 3, the handle switch 4 and display 5 of the vehicle 100 will be described. The steering wheel 101 of the vehicle 100 is provided with a switch box 102 on which a group of switches operated by the user U are arranged, and the handle switch 4 is provided on the back of the switch box 102. Since the switch box 102 is provided near the left-side grip 103 which the user U holds with their left hand, the user U can easily operate the handle switch 4 with their left hand even while driving.

[0016] The handle switch 4 employs a cross-shaped switch that allows input in four directions: up, down, left, and right. The configuration of the handle switch 4 is not limited to a physical switch; for example, it can be changed to a configuration that includes an electrostatic switch. Furthermore, the position of the handle switch 4 may be appropriately changed within a range that is easy for the user U to operate while driving.

[0017] The display 5 is located at the front of the vehicle. The display 5 has a display device such as a liquid crystal display and is used as the meter unit of the vehicle 100. Figure 3 shows an example of when the display 5 displays engine speed 5a, vehicle speed 5b, current time 5c, and navigation information 5d (direction of travel on the route to the destination).

[0018] Returning to Figure 2, the processor 10 of the information processing device 2 functions as a computer that controls the information processing device 2. By reading and executing the program 21 recorded in the memory 20, the processor 10 functions as an information acquisition unit 11, an operation input unit 12, an operation identification unit 13, a display control unit 14, a navigation unit 15, and a recording control unit 16, etc.

[0019] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires external information via the communication unit 30 and also acquires information about the vehicle 100 via the vehicle sensor 31 and the position sensor 32. The information acquisition unit 11 includes a position acquisition unit 11a. The position acquisition unit 11a continuously acquires the position information of the vehicle 100 detected by the position sensor 32. The acquired position information is recorded chronologically in the memory 20 by the recording control unit 16. Figure 1 shows the case where the acquired group of position information is recorded as a position information database (hereinafter, "position information DB") 23.

[0020] The operation input unit 12 receives operation input from user U via the handle switch 4. The operation identification unit 13 detects whether the input operation is one of the four directions of operation of the handle switch 4, and the number of times the handle switch 4 has been operated, and identifies the user instruction input via the handle switch 4 based on the detection result. User instructions include "location registration (which can also be called point registration) instructions" in which user U registers the location of a spot of interest.

[0021] The display control unit 14 controls the display on the display 5 and the display unit 42 of the portable device 3. The navigation unit 15 performs navigation processing based on the current location information of the vehicle 100 detected by the position sensor 32. The navigation processing includes processing to display a map image Gm (Figure 4) on the display unit 42 based on map information 22 recorded in the memory 20, and guidance processing to guide the user on a route from the current location to the destination.

[0022] Map information 22 is, for example, map information for navigation, and includes facility data consisting of nodes and links that show road shapes, and POI (Point of Interest) data that describes the names and locations of facilities that can be potential destinations (including tourist spots such as scenic spots and shops such as restaurants). Map information 22 may also be information acquired via a communication network 200.

[0023] The recording control unit 16 controls the recording of vehicle 100 location information, etc., when it receives an operation input for location registration via the handle switch 4. Figure 1 shows the case where the group of location information of registered locations recorded by the recording control unit 16 is recorded in the memory 20 as a location registration database (hereinafter, "location registration DB") 24. The recording control unit 16 has a location correction unit 16a that corrects the location information of registered locations and a date and time acquisition unit 16b that acquires the recording date and time of the registered locations. The processing of the location correction unit 16a and the date and time acquisition unit 16b will be explained later.

[0024] The portable device 3 includes a communication unit 41, a display unit 42, a control unit 43, a memory 44, an operation unit 45, and a speaker 46, etc. The communication unit 41 includes a wireless or wired portable communication unit for the portable device 3 to communicate with the information processing device 2. The communication unit 41 also includes a wireless communication device for the portable device 3 to communicate with an external communication system via an external communication network 200. The display unit 42 has a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and displays images, etc., corresponding to image information transmitted from the information processing device 2.

[0025] The control unit 43 has a processor that functions as a computer for controlling the portable device 3, and centrally controls each part of the portable device 3 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 44. The memory 44 stores various data used by the control unit 43. The operation unit 45 has operation buttons and a touch panel for the user U to operate the portable device 3. The speaker 46 outputs various sounds under the control of the control unit 43.

[0026] [1.3 Overview of Information Processing Device Operation] The overview of the operation of the information processing device 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. When the vehicle 100 is started, the information processing device 2 establishes a communication connection with the portable device 3 by communicating with the communication unit 41 of the portable device 3, which has been registered in advance by the communication unit 30. After the communication connection is established, the recording control unit 16 of the information processing device 2 can control the display on the display unit 42 of the portable device 3. In the following explanation, we will describe the case in which various information is displayed on the display unit 3 of the portable device 3 when the handle switch 4 is operated, but the same information may be displayed on the display 5 provided in the vehicle 100.

[0027] When the handle switch 4 is operated, the information processing device 2, via the recording control unit 16, displays the menu screen (also called the function selection screen) G1 shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 42 of the portable device 3. The menu screen G1 displays multiple (six in Figure 4) icons B1 to B6. The user U can select a desired icon by performing a predetermined operation of the handle switch 4 (for example, an up or down operation).

[0028] The menu screen G1 includes an icon B1 (labeled "Navigation" in Figure 4) that instructs the user to start navigation, and an icon B6 (labeled "Location" in Figure 4) that initiates the location registration process. In Figure 4, the symbol W indicates a selection frame, and the diagram shows the selection frame W in the position of icon B6 (hereinafter referred to as "location registration icon B6"). The selection frame W moves in response to the up and down operation of the handle switch 4, and an indication is displayed that the selected icon has changed. For example, when icon B1 ("Navigation") is selected, a confirmation operation (for example, a rightward operation) is performed using the handle switch 4, the navigation process is executed, and the map image Gm (Figure 4) is displayed on the display unit 42 of the portable device 3.

[0029] When the location registration icon B6 is selected and a confirmation operation (for example, a rightward movement) is performed using the handle switch 4, a list of candidate related information (icon B6a, icon B6b) to be associated with the registered location will be displayed, as shown in Figure 4. Icons B6a and B6b are GUIs that indicate the type of registration location to be registered, with icon B6a indicating a nice view and icon B6b indicating a shop of interest.

[0030] If icon B6a is selected by the confirmation operation of the handle switch 4, the recording control unit 16 obtains location information corresponding to the registered location from the location information DB 23 and records related information indicating that it is a good view (hereinafter referred to as "type information") in the memory 20 in association with the obtained location information of the registered location.

[0031] Furthermore, if icon B6b is selected instead of icon B6a, the recording control unit 16 obtains location information corresponding to the registered location from the location information DB 23 and records type information indicating that it is a shop of interest in the location registration DB 24 of the memory 20, associating it with the obtained location information of the registered location. In this way, location information of scenery that user U is interested in, or location information of shops that user U is interested in, is recorded in the location registration DB 24 of the memory 20. After the vehicle 100 has traveled, etc., the display control unit 14 can display a map image Gm showing the registered location consisting of scenery or shops that user U is interested in, based on the information in the location registration DB 2.

[0032] In the example in Figure 4, the past driving route is superimposed on the map image Gm based on the location information DB23. Furthermore, the predetermined image Gp indicating the registered location is an image that indicates whether the registered location is a nice view or an interesting shop, based on the type information in the location registration DB24.

[0033] [1.4 Operation of the Information Processing Device] The location registration process performed by the information processing device 2 will be described according to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The information processing device 2 repeatedly executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 when the vehicle 100 is in operation (power on, including while driving). When the vehicle 100 is in operation, it is assumed that location information indicating the current location acquired by the location acquisition unit 11a is stored in the memory 20.

[0034] In this disclosure, "driving (moving)" refers to the entire period until the vehicle reaches its destination, including stopping at traffic lights and making temporary stops on the shoulder of the road. Furthermore, while the explanation of operation input (location registration operation input) will focus on input using the handle switch 4, it is not limited to this. Gesture input in response to images displayed using AR or VR, as well as input via gaze and face orientation detection, are also applicable.

[0035] First, the information processing device 2 determines whether or not there has been an operation input (location registration operation input) via the handle switch 4 to the operation input unit 12 (step S1). If there is no operation input, the flow shown in Figure 5 is terminated. On the other hand, if there is an operation input, the device performs a process to acquire type information indicating the type of registration location selected by the user U (step S2), a process to acquire location information corresponding to the registration location (step S3), and a process to acquire date and time information indicating the recording date and time of the registration location (step S4).

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, when an operation input is received, the display control unit 14 sequentially displays the menu screen G1, and then displays B6a and icon B6b indicating the type of registration location, so that the user U can select the type of registration location. The process in step S2 is to obtain the type of registration location selected by the user U and acquire it as identification information indicating this type.

[0037] Step S3 is the process of acquiring location information of the registered location, which consists of the moving position or a surrounding position at the time the operation input for location registration is received. Referring to Figure 6, the case in which user U wishes to register a location (first timing Ta shown in Figure 6), starts operating the handle switch 4 (second timing Tb shown in Figure 6), and ends operating the handle switch 4 (third timing Tc shown in Figure 6) will be explained.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, a time difference occurs between the first timing Ta, the second timing Tb, and the third timing Tc. If the position at the first timing Ta is considered a desirable registration location for a point of interest for user U, then the larger the time difference from the first timing Ta, the further away the registered location becomes. For example, a time difference of several seconds tab between the first timing Ta and the second timing Tb generates a travel distance Da that depends on the vehicle speed. The travel distance Da is several meters at a vehicle speed of 10 km / h and tens of meters or more at a vehicle speed of 60 km / h.

[0039] Furthermore, a time difference of several seconds tbc occurs between the second timing Tb and the third timing Tc, which also generates a travel distance Db that depends on the vehicle speed. This distance is several meters at a vehicle speed of 10 km / h and tens of meters or more at a vehicle speed of 60 km / h. Therefore, this configuration includes a position correction unit 16a that performs position correction processing to acquire position information at the time (first timing Ta) when the user U requests location registration.

[0040] If the total distance traveled Dc (distance traveled Da + Db) shown in Figure 4 can be determined, then the position information obtained from the position information at the end of the operation input (third timing Tc) can be retrieved by moving back by the distance traveled Dc, that is, the position at the time when user U requested to register the position (registered position). The distance traveled Dc can be roughly estimated from the vehicle speed, etc.

[0041] In this configuration, as shown in Figure 7, a table data TD1 is prepared that associates vehicle speed (hereinafter, "vehicle speed V") with travel distance Dc. The position correction unit 16a uses the table data TD1 to determine the travel distance Dc from the vehicle speed V at the first timing Ta, and performs correction from the position information at the third timing Tc, thereby accurately obtaining the position information at the first timing Ta. In Figure 7 and the figures described later, k is a number from 1 to n, and n is the total number of data points.

[0042] In other words, the position correction unit 16a performs a position correction process that, based on the vehicle 100's movement speed at the start of the operation input (first timing Ta), obtains a travel distance Dc (corresponding to an example of predetermined information) to identify the position at the time when the user U wishes to register the position (first timing Ta), and calculates the position obtained by moving back by a distance Dc from the current position at the end of the operation input (third timing Tc) as the registered position.

[0043] Note that the processing performed by the position correction unit 16a is not limited to the above processing. For example, the moving distance Dc can be roughly estimated from the time required from the start timing of the operation input (second timing Tb) to the recording of the position information (since it almost coincides with the time tbc from the second timing Tb to the third timing Tc, it is denoted as the time tbc). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to create table data TD2 associating the time tbc with the moving distance Dc. Then, by using the table data TD2, the position correction unit 16a specifies the moving distance Dc from the actually required time tbc and performs correction from the current position at the end point of the operation input (third timing Tc), so that the position information at the first timing Ta can be accurately obtained.

[0044] In order to estimate the moving distance Dc based on the time tbc, it becomes easier to accurately estimate the moving distance Dc and easier to accurately obtain the position information at the first timing Ta, regardless of whether the user U operates quickly or slowly.

[0045] Also, the moving distance Dc can be roughly estimated from the number of operations N required for the operation input from the start timing of the operation input, that is, the number of operations N required for the operation input for position registration. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, table data TD3 associating the number of operations N with the moving distance Dc is prepared, and the position correction unit 16a uses the table data TD3 to specify the moving distance Dc from the number of operations N and performs correction from the position information at the third timing Tc, so that the position information at the first timing Ta can be accurately obtained.

[0046] It is not limited to the mode of using the table data TD1 to TD3 in FIGS. 7 to 9, and the moving distance Dc may be specified from at least two or more pieces of information including the vehicle speed V, the time required from the start timing of the operation input (second timing Tb) to the recording of the position information (for example, the time tbc), and the number of operations N. Also, other known methods may be applied to the method of specifying (estimating) the moving distance Dc. For example, a process of correcting the moving distance Dc may be added based on the personal information (any of age, characteristics, thoughts, etc.) of the user U.

[0047] Note that in step S3, when a predetermined fixed time (for example, about 5 minutes) has elapsed since the second timing Tb at which the operation of the handle switch 4 was started, the starting point of the second timing Tb at which the operation of the handle switch 4 was started is reset.

[0048] The date and time information obtained in step S4 is the date and time information indicating the recording date and time of the position registration. This date and time information may adopt any of the date and time information of the first timing Ta when the user U desired the position registration, the date and time information of the second timing Tb when the operation of the handle switch 4 was started, and the date and time information of the third timing Tc when the operation of the handle switch 4 was ended. Note that the date and time information of the first timing Ta can be specified by subtracting a predetermined difference time (a time corresponding to the time difference tab shown in FIG. 6, or a time corresponding to the total movement time tc (time difference tab + tbc)) from the second timing Tb or the third timing Tc, for example.

[0049] Next, the recording control unit 16 records the type information, position information, and date and time information obtained in steps S2, S3, and S4 in association with each other in the memory 20 (step S5). The type information, position information, and date and time information are recorded as information in the position registration DB 24.

[0050] Subsequently, based on the information in the position registration DB 24, the display control unit 14 displays the registered position (image Gp) registered by the user U on the map image Gm displayed on the display unit 42 of the mobile device 3 as shown in FIG. 4. The map image Gm is an image displayed based on the map information 22.

[0051] In this way, every time the user U performs an operation input for position registration, the type information and the date and time information are associated with the position information at the time when the user U desired the position registration and recorded in the memory 20, and an image indicating the positions of the plurality of recorded position information is displayed. As a result, the user U can check and revisit spots of concern.

[0052] Figure 10 schematically shows the relationship between the vehicle 100's travel path RT and the timing of user U's operations. As shown in Figure 10, user U starts operating the steering wheel switch 4 at a position P2 that is far from the position P1 where they wish to register the location of a spot of interest ("XX Tower" in Figure 10), and ends the operation of the steering wheel switch 4 at a position P3 that is even further away. In this embodiment, it is possible to acquire and record the position information of the position P1 that is before the position P2 where the operation of the steering wheel switch 4 was started, that is, the position where the user wished to register the location of XX Tower. As a result, user U does not need to rush to complete the location registration operation while driving, and can smoothly register the location by operating the steering wheel switch 4 while concentrating on driving. Note that the position information acquired in step S3 is not limited to a position on the vehicle 100's travel path RT (driving position), but may be a position in the vicinity of the travel path RT (driving position), or it may be a wide area including the position on the travel path RT and its surroundings.

[0053] As described above, the information processing device 2 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 12 that receives operation input from user U while the vehicle 100 is moving, a recording control unit 16 that performs location registration processing to acquire location information of a registered location when operation input is received and to record the acquired location information, and a display control unit 14 that controls the display of an image including a map image Gm. The display control unit 14 displays a predetermined image (image Gp) indicating the location of the recorded location information on the map image Gm. With this configuration, user U can record and display the location of spots of interest while moving, making it easy to register and confirm the location of spots of interest and improving user U's convenience. In addition, since a map with the locations of spots of interest is obtained, it is possible to create a personalized map. Ultimately, this can contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system and support good connections between urban areas and rural areas, including the suburbs of cities.

[0054] In this embodiment, the processing of the operation input unit 12 is an example of the operation input step of the present disclosure, the processing of the recording control unit 16 is an example of the recording control step of the present disclosure, and the processing of the display control unit 14 is an example of the display control step of the present disclosure.

[0055] [2. Second Embodiment] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the information processing device 2 and peripheral configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the recording control unit 16 of the information processing device 2 includes a surrounding information acquisition unit 16c and a user information acquisition unit 16d, and a driver monitor camera 35 is connected to the information processing device 2. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0056] The surrounding information acquisition unit 16c acquires surrounding information for the registered location. Here, the surrounding information is information about the registered location and specific spots in its vicinity that could be candidates for spots of interest to the user U. For example, the surrounding information acquisition unit 16c refers to the map information 22 and searches whether there are any facilities, etc., close to the registered location from the facility data, etc., included in the map information 22. Alternatively, the surrounding information acquisition unit 16c may access a predetermined external system via the communication network 200 to search whether there are any facilities, etc., close to the registered location.

[0057] The user information acquisition unit 16d detects user information indicating the direction in which user U is facing (for example, the direction of their face or gaze). The driver monitor camera 35 photographs user U riding in the vehicle 100 and outputs user U's face image to the user information acquisition unit 16d. The user information acquisition unit 16d detects the direction of the face or gaze as user information by performing image recognition on user U's face image. Note that the process and configuration for detecting the direction in which user U is facing are not limited to using image recognition technology and may be changed to use any known appropriate technology. In addition, the user information may include information other than the direction in which user U is facing.

[0058] The location registration process performed by the information processing device 2 will be described according to the flowchart shown in Figure 12. The information processing device 2 repeatedly executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 12 when the vehicle 100 is in an operating state (power on, including at least while driving). Steps S1 to S4 are the same as the process shown in Figure 5. After step S4, the information processing device 2 detects the surrounding information of the registered location using the surrounding information acquisition unit 16c (step S5a), and determines whether or not there is specific spot information based on the detected surrounding information (step S6a). Here, the specific spot information may be searched considering the type information (information indicating scenery or a shop) acquired in step S2.

[0059] If specific spot information exists (step S6a: YES), the recording control unit 16 associates the location information acquired in step S3 with the type information and date / time information acquired in steps S2 and S4, and the specific spot information, and records it in the memory 20 (step S7a). On the other hand, if there is no specific spot information (step S6a: NO), the recording control unit 16 acquires user information indicating the direction the user U is facing from the user information acquisition unit 16d (step S8a), and associates the user information with the location information acquired in step S3, in addition to the type information and date / time information acquired in steps S2 and S3, and records it in the memory 20 (step S9a).

[0060] After the processing in step S7a or step S9a, the display control unit 14 displays the registered location registered by user U on the map image Gm displayed on the display unit 42 of the portable device 3, based on the location information etc. (location registration DB2) recorded in the memory 20 (step S10a). If the content of specific spot information or the direction that user U is facing is recorded in association with the registered location, it is preferable to display the specific spot information or the direction that user U is facing so that user U can confirm it. For example, the content of specific spot information or the direction that user U is facing may be displayed superimposed on the map image Gm.

[0061] In the second embodiment, if there is specific spot information around the registered location, that spot information is recorded in association with the location information of the registered location. By displaying this spot information, it becomes easier for user U to identify points of interest, improving user U's convenience. Furthermore, if there is no specific spot information around the registered location, user information including the direction user U is facing is recorded in association with the location information of the registered location. By displaying the direction user U is facing, it becomes easier for user U to identify points of interest and to confirm the best direction to view those points, improving user U's convenience.

[0062] Although the example given shows that the recording control unit 16 includes an ambient information acquisition unit 16c and a user information acquisition unit 16d, the ambient information acquisition unit 16c and the user information acquisition unit 16d may be located outside the recording control unit 16.

[0063] [3. Third Embodiment] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the information processing device 2 and peripheral configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the recording control unit 16 of the information processing device 2 is equipped with a voice recognition unit 16e. The voice recognition unit 16e recognizes the voice of user U during a conversation. For example, when user U is driving with friends, etc. (touring in multiple vehicles), the voice recognition unit 16e uses an intercom used for voice communication or a microphone positioned to collect user U's voice to collect the voices of user U and the person they are talking to. The voice recognition unit 16e then performs voice recognition on the collected voices (for example, voice recognition of voices around the start timing of operation input) to determine whether there is a predetermined conversation content that identifies the time when user U wanted to record the registered location. The predetermined conversation content is a voice that recommends a good place (scenery or facility), for example, "There's an interesting view (or shop)," or "There's a beautiful place if you stop by."

[0064] In the third embodiment, during the process of acquiring location information as shown in Figure 5, when the voice recognition unit 16e detects that there has been a predetermined call, the location correction unit 16a identifies the location that user U wishes to register based on the timing at which the predetermined call content was acquired. The identified location is then determined to be the location at the time user U wished to register the location (first timing Ta), and the location information of this location is acquired as the location information of the registered location. In other words, the location correction unit 16a identifies the location that user U wishes to register by referring to the call content. This makes it easier for user U to register an appropriate location when registering a spot noticed by the person they are talking to while driving together. If the voice recognition unit 16e detects that there has been no predetermined call content, the same process as in step S3 of the first embodiment is executed.

[0065] In the third embodiment, the system includes a voice recognition unit 16e that recognizes the voice of user U during a call, and a position correction unit 16a that, based on the voice recognition result around the start timing of the operation input, acquires predetermined information (for example, a voice message recommending that it is a good location) to identify the time when user U wants to record the registered location, and acquires the location information of the time when user U wants to record the registered location as the location information to be recorded based on this information. This makes it easier to accurately acquire the location information of the time when user U wants to record the registered location based on the content of user U's call, thereby improving convenience.

[0066] [3. Other Embodiments] The embodiments described above are merely one way of implementing the present invention and can be modified and applied at will without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0067] For example, in each of the above embodiments, if the operation input unit 12 receives an operation that exceeds the minimum number of operations required for location registration and is different from the correct operation input, the recording control unit 16 may perform a location registration process to acquire and record the location information of the registered location. For example, if a minimum of six operation inputs are required for location registration, even if more than six operations are performed, it is conceivable that the system may consider it highly likely that a location registration instruction was given and execute the location registration process.

[0068] In this case, the recorded location information is associated with flag information that the user U should confirm, and at the appropriate time, the user U can be asked whether the location information should be registered or not. Based on the selection result, the system can then process whether to accurately register or delete the location information. This ensures that even if the user U forgets to input the correct operation or if the number of operations is excessive due to rushing, the registered location will still be recorded, making it easier to avoid recording omissions and improving user convenience.

[0069] Furthermore, the configuration of each part shown in Figure 2, etc., can be broadly applied to configurations implemented by software, configurations implemented by hardware, and configurations implemented by a combination of software and hardware. In addition, some or all of the configuration of the information processing device 2 that functions as a map display device of the present invention may be provided by an external system such as a server on a communication network 200. In this case, the information obtained by the vehicle 100 is transmitted to the external system, at least a part of the processing performed by the map display device is executed by the external system, and output data based on the processing results is transmitted to the vehicle 100 to realize various displays on the vehicle 100.

[0070] Furthermore, the method of dividing the processing units in the flowchart and the processing order are not limited to the illustrated example and may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the portable device 3 may be equipped with some or all of the components (functions) of the information processing device 2. In this case, for example, the program that implements the map display device and map display method of the present invention may be installed in the portable device 3 as an application program for the portable device 3, and the control unit 43 of the portable device 3 may read and execute it.

[0071] Furthermore, although the description has described the case in which a program for realizing the map display device and map display method of the present invention (a program 21 executed by the information processing device 2, or a program executed by the portable device 3) is recorded on the map display device, the program may also be obtained from an external device via communication. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a recording medium that is readable by a computer. Magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory devices can be used as the recording medium.

[0072] [4. Configurations Supported by the Above Embodiments] The above embodiments are specific examples of the following configurations.

[0073] (Configuration 1) A map display device comprising: an operation input unit that receives user operation input while the mobile device is moving; a recording control unit that acquires location information of a registered location when the operation input is received and performs a location registration process that records the acquired location information; and a display control unit that controls the display of an image including a map image, wherein the display control unit displays a predetermined image on the map image that indicates the location of the recorded location information. With this configuration, the user can record and display the location of a spot of interest while moving, making it easy to register and confirm the location of a spot of interest, and improving user convenience.

[0074] (Configuration 2) The map display device according to Configuration 1, wherein the operation input unit accepts operations performed by switches provided on the vehicle as operation inputs while the user is moving in the vehicle. With this configuration, the user can record the location of spots of interest using switches provided on the vehicle, thus improving operability.

[0075] (Configuration 3) The portable device owned by the user has a portable communication unit that communicates with a vehicle communication unit provided in the vehicle, and a display unit that displays the map image, and after communication between the vehicle and the portable device is established by the vehicle communication unit and the portable communication unit, when the operation input is made to the operation input unit, the display control unit displays the predetermined image indicating the registered location on the map image based on the location information recorded by the operation input, as described in Configuration 2. With this configuration, the user can confirm the registered location using a portable device owned by the user. In addition, a display device for displaying the map image is not required on the vehicle side, making it suitable for small vehicles such as motorcycles.

[0076] (Configuration 4) A map display device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit displays candidates of related information to be associated with the registered location when the operation input is made to the operation input unit, and the recording control unit records the related information selected by the user from among the candidates in association with the location information of the registered location. With this configuration, the related information selected by the user is recorded in association with the location of a spot of interest to the user, so the location of that spot can be linked to the related information, improving convenience.

[0077] (Configuration 5) A map display device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, comprising an ambient information acquisition unit that acquires ambient information of the registered location, wherein the recording control unit records the spot information in association with the location information of the registered location if the ambient information includes specific spot information. With this configuration, if the spot of interest to the user is a well-known spot, information about the well-known spot can be recorded in association with it, making it easier for the user to identify the spot of interest by displaying the spot information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0078] (Configuration 6) A map display device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, comprising a date and time acquisition unit that acquires the recording date and time of the registered location, and the recording control unit that records the acquired date and time information indicating the recording date and time in association with the location information of the registered location. With this configuration, since date and time information is recorded in association with the location of a spot of interest to the user, it becomes easier to identify the recording date and time of that spot, improving user convenience. For example, it becomes easier to check the order of movement of multiple spots, and it is useful in determining the optimal date and time for a spot in the case of a spot where the date and time have an effect.

[0079] (Configuration 7) A map display device according to Configuration 5, comprising: an ambient information acquisition unit that acquires ambient information of the registered location; and a user information acquisition unit that detects the direction the user is facing, wherein the recording control unit records user information including the direction the user is facing, in association with the location information of the registered location, if the ambient information does not include the specific spot information. With this configuration, if the spot of interest to the user is not a well-known spot, user information including the direction the user is facing is recorded, making it easier for the user to identify the spot of interest and to confirm the direction best suited to viewing the spot by displaying the direction the user is facing, thereby improving user convenience.

[0080] (Configuration 8) A map display device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, having a position correction unit that acquires predetermined information for identifying the time when the user wishes to record a registered location, based on the time required from the start timing of the operation input to the recording of the location information, or the number of operations required for the operation input from the start timing of the operation input, and acquires the location information at that time as the location information of the registered location based on the predetermined information. With this configuration, by taking into account the time required from the operation input to recording, or the number of operations, it becomes easier to accurately acquire the location information at the time when the user wishes to record a registered location, thereby improving user convenience.

[0081] (Configuration 9) A map display device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, having a position correction unit that acquires predetermined information for identifying the time when the user wishes to record a registered position based on the start timing of the operation input and the movement speed of the moving body at the time of the operation input, and acquires the position information of the previous time as the registered position based on the predetermined information. With this configuration, it becomes easier to accurately acquire the position information of the time when the user wishes to record a registered position, and user convenience is improved.

[0082] (Configuration 10) A map display device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, comprising a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice of the user during a call, and a position correction unit that acquires predetermined information (to identify the time when the user wishes to record a registered location) based on the voice recognition result around the start timing of the operation input, and acquires the location information at that time as the location information to be recorded based on the predetermined information. With this configuration, it becomes easier to accurately acquire the location information at the time when the user wishes to record a registered location based on the content of the user's call, thereby improving user convenience.

[0083] (Configuration 11) A map display device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, wherein when an operation exceeding the minimum number of operations required for the operation input and an operation different from the correct operation input for location registration is input to the operation input unit, the record control unit performs the location registration process, which involves acquiring and recording the location information of the registered location. With this configuration, even if the user forgets to input the correct operation or if the number of operations becomes excessive as a result of hastily inputting the operation, the recording of the registered location is performed, making it easier to avoid recording omissions and improving user convenience.

[0084] (Configuration 12) A map display method performed by a map display device, comprising: an operation input step for receiving user operation input while a moving object is in motion; a recording control step for acquiring location information of a registered location when the operation input is received and performing a location registration process for recording the acquired location information; and a display control step for controlling the display of a map image, wherein the display control step displays a predetermined image on the map image indicating the location of the recorded location information. This method allows users to record and display the location of spots of interest while in motion, making it easier to register and confirm the location of spots of interest and improving user convenience.

[0085] (Configuration 13) A program that causes a computer-controlled map display device to function as an operation input unit that receives user operation input while the device is moving, a record control unit that performs a location registration process to acquire location information of a registered location when the operation input is received and to record the acquired location information, and a display control unit that controls the display of an image including a map image and displays a predetermined image on the map image that indicates the location of the recorded location information. With this program, the user can record and display the location of a spot of interest while moving, making it easy to register and check the location of a spot of interest and improving user convenience.

[0086] 1... Information processing system, 2... Information processing device (map display device), 3... Portable device, 4... Handle switch, 5... Display, 10... Processor, 11... Information acquisition unit, 11a... Location acquisition unit, 12... Operation input unit, 13... Operation identification unit, 14... Display control unit, 15... Navigation unit, 16... Recording control unit, 16a... Location correction unit, 16b... Date and time acquisition unit, 16c... Surrounding information acquisition unit, 16d... User information acquisition unit, 16e... Voice recognition unit, 20... Memory, 21... Program, 22... Map information, 23... Location information database, 24... Location registration database, 30, 41... Communication unit, 31... Vehicle sensor, 32... Location sensor, 35... Driver monitor camera, 43... Control unit.

Claims

1. A map display device comprising: an operation input unit that receives user operation input while the mobile device is moving; a record control unit that, when the operation input is received, acquires location information of a registered location and performs a location registration process that records the acquired location information; and a display control unit that controls the display of an image including a map image, wherein the display control unit displays a predetermined image on the map image that indicates the location of the recorded location information.

2. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the operation input unit receives operations performed by switches provided on the vehicle as operation inputs while the user is moving in the vehicle.

3. The map display device according to claim 2, wherein the portable device owned by the user comprises a portable communication unit that communicates with a vehicle communication unit provided in the vehicle, and a display unit that displays the map image, and after communication between the vehicle and the portable device is established by the vehicle communication unit and the portable communication unit, when the operation input is made to the operation input unit, the display control unit displays the predetermined image indicating the registered location on the map image based on the location information recorded by the operation input.

4. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays candidates of related information to be associated with the registered location when the operation input is made to the operation input unit, and the recording control unit records the related information selected by the user from among the candidates in association with the location information of the registered location.

5. The map display device according to claim 1, further comprising an ambient information acquisition unit for acquiring ambient information of the registered location, wherein the recording control unit records the spot information in association with the location information of the registered location if the ambient information includes specific spot information.

6. The map display device according to claim 1, comprising a date and time acquisition unit for acquiring the recording date and time of the registered location, wherein the recording control unit records the acquired date and time information indicating the recording date and time in association with the location information of the registered location.

7. The map display device according to claim 5, comprising: an ambient information acquisition unit that acquires ambient information of the registered location; and a user information acquisition unit that detects the direction the user is facing, wherein the recording control unit records user information including the direction the user is facing, in association with the location information of the registered location, if the ambient information does not include the specific spot information.

8. A map display device according to claim 1, further comprising a position correction unit that acquires predetermined information for identifying the time at which the user requested to record the registered location, based on the time required from the start timing of the operation input to the recording of the location information, or the number of operations required for the operation input from the start timing of the operation input, and acquires the location information at that time as the location information of the registered location, based on the predetermined information.

9. The map display device according to claim 1, further comprising a position correction unit that acquires predetermined information for identifying the time when the user wishes to record a registered position, based on the start timing of the operation input and the movement speed of the moving object at the time of the operation input, and acquires the position information of the previous time as the registered position based on the predetermined information.

10. A map display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice of the user during a call; a position correction unit that, based on the voice recognition result around the start timing of the operation input, acquires predetermined information for identifying the time when the user wishes to record a registered location; and, based on the predetermined information, acquires the position information at that time as the location information to be recorded.

11. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein if an operation exceeding the minimum number of operations required for the operation input and which is different from an accurate operation input for location registration is input to the operation input unit, the record control unit performs the location registration process, which involves acquiring and recording the location information of the registered location.

12. A map display method performed by a map display device, comprising: an operation input step for receiving user operation input while a moving object is in motion; a recording control step for performing a location registration process to acquire location information of a registered location when the operation input is received and record the acquired location information; and a display control step for controlling the display of a map image, wherein the display control step displays a predetermined image on the map image indicating the location of the recorded location information.

13. A program that causes a computer-controlled map display device to function as an operation input unit that receives user operation input while the device is moving, a record control unit that performs a location registration process to acquire location information of a registered location when the operation input is received and to record the acquired location information, and a display control unit that controls the display of an image including a map image and displays a predetermined image on the map image that indicates the location of the recorded location information.

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