Navigation Device On-Road Object Highlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation devices face challenges in accurately guiding drivers through guidance points, especially when landmarks disappear or change, leading to confusion and the need for frequent map updates, and require time to compare three-dimensional images with real views, increasing driver workload.
Innovation Solution
A navigation device equipped with a position detector, controller, display, imaging portion, and image processor that captures a forward view and extracts visual information from on-road objects, comparing it with map data to accurately highlight guidance points on the road map, reducing reliance on static landmarks and simplifying route recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice guidance uses landmarks (convenience stores, public buildings) to help drivers recognize guidance points, then drivers can find landmarks more easily, but landmarks may disappear or change names requiring frequent map data updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computer graphic (CG) images to create virtual copies of landmarks and guidance points. These CG images are rendered based on map data and displayed to drivers, providing a consistent visual reference that doesn't depend on the actual physical landmark's existence or name changes. The CG images serve as reliable copies that maintain accuracy without requiring frequent map updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reliance on physical landmarks with an optical/electronic system using CG images and display devices. Instead of depending on drivers to locate and identify real-world objects, the system projects virtual images that guide drivers directly, substituting the physical recognition process with electronic visualization.
2Ease of operation
If three-dimension real images are displayed to help drivers recognize guidance points, then drivers can see the actual view, but drivers need time to compare the image with the true view increasing driver workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary rendering of CG images based on the vehicle's current position and intended route. The guidance images are prepared in advance with accurate positioning information, so when displayed, they immediately show the correct view without requiring the driver to perform comparison work. The system has already done the spatial alignment and positioning calculations beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates accurate CG copies of the guidance point views and displays them with precise positional information. These copies are designed to match the actual scenery exactly in terms of perspective and location, allowing drivers to recognize the guidance point immediately without needing to compare multiple views or spend time verifying accuracy.
3Loss of information
If three-dimension real images with large amount of information are displayed, then drivers can see detailed view of guidance point, but drivers need certain time to process the information unnecessarily increasing driver workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential visual information needed for guidance from the complete three-dimensional scene. Instead of displaying all available data, the CG images are rendered to show specifically the guidance point and its immediate surroundings, filtering out unnecessary details. This extraction provides complete guidance information in a condensed, easily processable format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by rendering CG images with high detail specifically at the guidance point location while using lower detail for surrounding areas. The visual information is distributed with varying levels of detail according to their importance for guidance, allowing drivers to focus on the critical guidance point without being overwhelmed by excessive detail throughout the entire scene.
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation device includes a position detector, a controller, a display portion, an imaging portion and an image processor. The imaging portion images a forward view in front of the vehicle as a forward image from a predetermined distance before a guidance point. The image processor extracts and analyzes visual information of an on-road object from the forward image. The controller specifies a position of the on-road object based on the visual information and map information. The display portion displays and highlights an image of the on-road object at a true position in a road map image, when the position of the on-road object corresponds to the guidance point.