JP2000155893A - Information notification device, navigation device, in-vehicle information processing device, and automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately announce information necessary for crew of a moving object. SOLUTION: This information announcing device is provided with position measuring means 11, 12, and 13 for measuring the present position of a vehicle, a display processing means 16 for reading the map of the neighborhood of the present position measured by the position measuring means from a storage medium for storing road map information, and allowing a display device to display this, a route retrieving means 11 for retrieving and selecting a route to a destination set by an operating part, route guiding means 11, 17, and 18 for guiding the vehicle to the destination by allowing the vehicle to travel on the route selected by the route retrieving means 11, vibrators 22a and 22b to be mechanically vibrated, and a control means 11 for vibrating the vibrators at the time of operating route guidance by the route guiding means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information notification device suitable for mounting on a vehicle such as an automobile, a navigation device equipped with the information notification device, and a vehicle-mounted information processing device.
Also, the present invention relates to an automobile equipped with the navigation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when some kind of information is notified to an occupant of a moving body such as an automobile, the information is notified by various means so as not to hinder the driving even while the vehicle is running. Has been.

[0003] Such a device that informs the occupant of a moving body of information is also called, for example, a navigation device mounted on an automobile. The configuration of the navigation device will be described. For example, positioning means for calculating a relative position based on traveling direction information and traveling distance information of a car from a departure point to determine a current position, road map data, voice data, and the like. CD-ROM in which is stored
The road map data stored in the CD-ROM is read out and a road map near the current position is read out from a cathode ray tube (CRT).
Display means for displaying a screen on a CRT display using a loudspeaker, a speaker for outputting a sound based on the sound data stored in the CD-ROM, an operation unit for setting a destination by a user, Route search means for searching for the best route to the destination set by the user by operating the operation unit, and guiding the vehicle by appropriately notifying the occupant of the vehicle of information such as the traveling direction by video and audio. Route guidance means for providing guidance to the destination so that the route selected by the route search means travels, arithmetic processing for current position positioning, route search, etc., route search, route guidance, and images displayed on the CRT display Some of the apparatuses include a control unit that controls the entire apparatus in addition to performing processing such as creation of data.

In this navigation apparatus, road map data near the current position measured by the positioning means under the control of the control means is read out from the CD-ROM and displayed on the CRT display by the display means. A road map near the current position, which changes every moment, is displayed on the screen.

[0005] In addition, when the navigation device guides the user to travel along the route searched by the route search means and guides the user to the destination, when the route guidance is provided by operating the operation unit, When the vehicle approaches the intersection, the traveling direction and the like are displayed on the CRT display on which the vicinity of the current position is displayed, and the sound is output from the speaker so that the route to the ground can be accurately run. Guidance such as a traveling direction (left turn or right turn) is provided, and route guidance information is reported to the occupant by video and audio.

[0006] Since the information is notified in this manner, the occupant can know the course at the intersection by voice guidance, and can look at the screen if necessary. The driver can concentrate on driving and travel to the destination.

[0007]

When the route is guided by the information notifying means as described above, when the occupants are driving while listening to music or radio, or when the occupants are having a conversation with each other. However, there is a problem that the driver cannot hear the voice guidance or cannot hear the voice guidance accurately and misses the voice guidance, so that accurate information cannot be notified to the occupant, and the route is mistaken.

[0008] Even if music or radio is interrupted by interruption and voice guidance is given priority, if this occurs frequently, music and the like cannot be enjoyed at all, and the occupants' satisfaction is greatly reduced.

[0009] Not only when information about route guidance to a destination is informed, but also in the case where the occupant of a mobile object, particularly a driver who must concentrate on driving, is notified of information through visual or auditory sense. There was a similar problem when it was done.

[0010] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to be able to surely inform a passenger of a moving body of necessary information.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve this problem, an information notification device according to the present invention comprises an information providing means for providing information by video or sound, and a predetermined information providing means. And a control unit that vibrates the vibrator when predetermined information is provided by the information providing unit.

Further, the navigation device of the present invention is a positioning means for positioning the current position, and a display processing means for reading a map near the current position measured by the positioning means from a storage medium storing road map information and displaying the map on a display device. Route search means for searching and selecting a route to the destination set by the operation unit, route guidance means for traveling the route selected by the route search means and guiding to the destination, a vibrator mechanically vibrating, Control means for vibrating the vibrator when the route guidance is performed by the route guidance means.

Further, in the vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information providing means for providing information by video or audio is provided separately from the information providing means, and the position in contact with the occupant in the vehicle is mechanically vibrated. The apparatus includes a vibrator and control means for vibrating the vibrator when predetermined information is provided by the information providing means.

Further, the vehicle of the present invention has a positioning means for positioning the current position, and a display processing means for reading a map near the current position measured by the positioning means from a storage medium storing road map information and displaying the map on a display device. Route search means for searching and selecting a route to the destination set by the operation unit, route guidance means for traveling the route selected by the route search means and guiding to the destination, a vibrator mechanically vibrating, Control means for vibrating the vibrator when the route guidance is performed by the route guidance means.

According to the information notification device of the present invention, when there is information to be notified, it is possible to prompt confirmation of the notification information using the tactile sense of the person who receives the information as a medium.

Further, according to the navigation device of the present invention, when the route guidance information to be informed exists, it is possible to prompt the confirmation of the route guidance information via the tactile sense of the person who receives the information.

Further, according to the on-vehicle information processing apparatus of the present invention, when there is information to be informed, confirmation of the informed information can be urged through the tactile sensation of the occupant of the vehicle.

Further, according to the vehicle of the present invention, when the route guidance information to be informed exists, the confirmation of the route guidance information can be prompted through the tactile sense of the person who receives the information. It is possible to travel without worrying about the presence or absence of the notification information, and to avoid losing the notification information.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, an example will be described in which the means for notifying information according to the present invention is applied to a navigation device that measures the current position of a moving object such as an automobile and displays a road map near the current position.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the navigation device 10 of the present embodiment. Here, a case where the navigation device 10 of the present example is mounted on a car will be described. In this example, the navigation device 10 according to the present embodiment calculates the relative position based on the traveling direction and the traveling distance of the vehicle from a reference point (the point at which traveling starts or the last point measured before), and performs autonomous navigation based on current position positioning. It is assumed that positioning is performed. Further, the navigation device 10 of the present example has a route search function for searching for a route from a departure point to a destination, and a route guidance function for guiding to a destination.

The microcomputer 11 included in the navigation device 10 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as CPU) 11a for performing arithmetic processing at the time of current position measurement and route search, and a CPU 1 for, for example, route search.
A ROM 11b for storing a control program of 1a,
For example, a RAM that is a nonvolatile storage medium that can write, for example, past travel routes and road condition information from the outside.
11c and an input / output circuit 11d for exchanging signals between an external device and an internal device of the microcomputer 11.
And performs processes such as route search, route guidance, and image data creation, and also controls the entire apparatus.

The azimuth detecting unit 12 provided in the navigation device 10 has a azimuth sensor and an analog / digital converter, detects the direction of geomagnetic coordinates according to the traveling azimuth of the vehicle by the azimuth sensor, and outputs this detection signal. The signal is converted into a digital signal by an analog / digital converter, and a digital signal of a terrestrial magnetism coordinate component corresponding to the traveling direction of the vehicle is generated and output to the microcomputer 11. The distance sensor 13 included in the navigation device 10 generates a distance pulse for each unit traveling distance and outputs the pulse to the microcomputer 11. The microcomputer 11 receives the coordinate data from the azimuth detecting unit 12 and the distance pulse from the distance sensor 13 to calculate the position of the current position by tracking the running locus from the reference point. The positioning of the current position of the own vehicle may be a method of calculating the absolute position (latitude and longitude) of the own vehicle by a positioning system using an artificial satellite called GPS (Global Positioning System). Alternatively, the positioning may be performed using both the relative position information based on the traveling direction and the traveling distance in this example and the absolute position information based on GPS.

The data reading unit 14 connected to the microcomputer 11 for reading road map data and the like is mounted on a CD-ROM drive provided in the data reading unit 14 under the control of the CPU 11a. For example, road map data stored in the CD-ROM 20 which is a large-capacity storage medium is searched, necessary road map data is read, and output to the microcomputer 11. The CD-ROM 20 stores, for example, a position such as an intersection on a road as a coordinate position, and stores each point of the coordinate position as data connected by vector data conforming to the shape of the road. Data for a predetermined attached display used for display, voice data used for route guidance, and the like are stored.

In this embodiment, the operation unit 15 is connected to the microcomputer 11, and the operation unit 15 is operated by the user to set a readout of a desired road map, a destination, and the like. A signal is output to the microcomputer 11 via the microcomputer. In this example, the user is arbitrarily set whether or not to provide voice guidance during route guidance, and this setting is also performed by operating the operation unit 15.

The CRT controller 16 connected to the microcomputer 11
Receives a display signal for creating and outputting image data by drawing, and individually storing map data and character data of a specific area, and displaying a predetermined image for displaying any of the stored data. It outputs video signals (for example, RGB signals). In this example, the navigation device 10 has a cathode ray tube (CR) as a display device.
A CRT display 21 using T) is connected, and according to a video signal received from the CRT controller 16, for example, a road map near the current position, a mark of the own vehicle position, an operation menu, and the like are displayed on the screen. In addition, CRT
Instead of the display 21, a navigation device 1 using a display or the like using a liquid crystal display panel as a display device
It may be connected to 0.

The amplifier 17 connected to the microcomputer 11 receives the audio data signal stored in the CD-ROM 20 that has been subjected to predetermined processing by the microcomputer 11, amplifies the signal, and outputs the amplified signal. .
Upon receiving the signal output from the amplifier unit 17, the speaker 18 connected to the amplifier unit 17 outputs a sound. The speaker 18 may be built in the navigation device 10 or may use an external speaker device.

The navigation device 10 of the present embodiment includes two vibrators 2 for instructing a right turn and for instructing a left turn via a communication control circuit 19 to a microcomputer 11.
2a and 22b are connected. The communication control circuit 19 receives a signal for causing the desired vibrator 22a or 22b to vibrate from the microcomputer 11 under the control of the CPU 11a.
A drive signal is output to 2a or 22b, and control is performed to vibrate a predetermined vibrator 22a or 22b for a predetermined time. The vibrators 22a and 22b are configured by electric vibration conversion elements such as a solenoid and a vibration motor, and vibrate for a predetermined time according to a drive signal from the communication control circuit 19.

When the navigation apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is mounted on a car, for example, as shown in FIG.
Set to 0. That is, for example, the main body of the navigation device 10 is installed in a place where it does not hinder driving or the like, here, under the floor which cannot be seen from the outside, and the CRT display 21 is installed in a position where the occupant can easily check the display screen. It is. Also, the two vibrators 22a, 2
2b is a place where the body is in contact with the normal driving posture, and the place vibrates to prepare for a place where it is easy to grasp which of the right and left turns is instructed,
Here, the driver 31 is attached to a predetermined portion (hatched portion) of the steering wheel 31 which the driver always touches during driving, and when the steering wheel 31 is in the rotation position in a straight-ahead state, the vibrator 22a for instructing a right turn is operated by the steering wheel driver. A vibrator 22b for instructing a left turn is installed in a left portion 31b of the steering wheel 31 which is touched by the driver's left hand, respectively.

In this example, two vibrators 22a, 22a
2b are attached so that they are not visible from the outside. Further, in this example, the navigation device 10 main body, the CRT display and the vibrators 22a, 22
2b means cables 32a and 32 having signal lines here.
b and 32c respectively. The vibrators 22a and 22b may be driven by wireless signals without using the cables 32a and 32b.

Here, the display operation of the current position of the navigation device 10 of the present embodiment will be described. The traveling is performed by the arithmetic processing of the microcomputer 11 based on the reference point information and the information from the azimuth detecting unit 12 and the distance sensor 13. The trajectory is tracked to obtain positioning data of the current position. Then, the microcomputer 11 controls the data reading unit 14 to read road map data near the current position from the CD-ROM 20 mounted on the CD-ROM drive of the data reading unit 14. When the road map data near the current position is obtained, the microcomputer 11 draws an image near the current position to create image data. And C
The RT controller 16 creates a predetermined video signal for display based on the image data, outputs it to the CRT display 21, and displays it on the CRT display 21.
In this case, a mark indicating the current position is superimposed and displayed on the current position on the road map near the current position displayed on the CRT display 21, and the mark indicates the current vehicle position. It is displayed continuously with the movement.

The route search processing by the route search function of the navigation device 10 will now be described. Here, when destination information is input from the operation unit 15 provided in the navigation device 10, a route search for searching and selecting a route from the current position to the destination is performed. In this route search, here, road map data necessary for the route search stored in the CD-ROM 20 is read, and the CPU 11a searches for a route to the destination based on the control program stored in the ROM 11b. Make a selection. In this case, in this example, the route information selected and determined by the route search function is stored in the RAM 1.
1c, and the selected route is displayed on the CRT display 21 so as to be distinguished from other roads.

Next, the operation related to the route guidance of the navigation device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this example, after the route to the destination is selected and determined by the route search function, the route guidance process is started when the car 30 equipped with the navigation device 10 starts running, and the route determined by the route search function ( The following processing is performed at a constant cycle so that the vehicle travels according to the recommended route.

When the route guidance is started, first, in step S3
At 01, the current position of the own vehicle is detected. As described above, this detection processing is performed in this example with the reference point information and the azimuth detecting unit 12.
The running locus is tracked by arithmetic processing of the microcomputer 11 based on the information from the distance sensor 13 and the current position is measured and detected. Note that, in this example, as described above, even during execution of the route guidance process, C
On the RT display 21, a mark of the own vehicle position is superimposed and displayed on a road map near the current position.

After the current position is detected in step S301, in this example, it is determined in step S302 whether or not to perform intersection guidance. This determination is made by the microcomputer 11 in this example, and it is determined whether or not the current position is a position approaching an intersection where a right turn or a left turn should be made on the recommended route.
In this example, if it is just before an intersection where a right or left turn is to be made and the distance to the intersection is within a predetermined distance, it is determined that intersection guidance is to be performed.

If it is determined in step S302 that guidance for an intersection is to be performed, in this example, guidance for an intersection on a display screen is performed in step S303. This intersection guidance is CRT
This is performed by displaying guidance on the display 21. In the present example, for example, an instruction such as a turning direction at an intersection is displayed on the CRT display 21 so as to inform the occupant of the traveling direction. In this example, it is assumed that the voice guidance is turned off by the operation of the operation unit 15 and the voice guidance is not performed. However, when the voice guidance process is turned on, the display screen is displayed and the voice guidance is given to the occupant. Instructions.

When guidance on the screen in step S303 is performed, in this example, guidance by vibration is performed in steps S304 to S306 described below. First, in step S304, it is determined whether or not a left turn instruction is given in this example. This determination is made by the microcomputer 11 based on the current position information and the recommended route information.

The microcomputer 11 determines in step S3
If it is determined in 04 that the guidance is not for a left turn, it is determined that the guidance is for a right turn, and in step S305, the vibrator 22a for instructing a right turn is vibrated. In this process, the microcomputer 11 outputs a signal indicating a right turn instruction to the communication control circuit 19, and the communication control circuit 19 receiving the control signal outputs a drive signal to the right turn instruction vibrator 22a, and the vibrator 22a To vibrate. In this case, in this example, the right turn instruction vibrator 22a that has received the drive signal vibrates at a predetermined intensity, for example, according to the received drive signal.
When the vibrator 22a for instructing the right turn vibrates for a predetermined time, the process is temporarily terminated.

The microcomputer 11 determines in step S3
If it is determined in 04 that the guidance is for a left turn, the vibrator 22b for instructing a left turn is vibrated in step S306. For this processing, the microcomputer 1
1 outputs a signal indicating a left turn instruction to the communication control circuit 19,
The communication control circuit 19 receiving the control signal outputs a drive signal to the vibrator 22b for instructing a left turn so that the vibrator 22b vibrates. Also in this case, in this example, the left turn instruction vibrator 22b receiving the drive signal
Vibrates at a predetermined intensity for a predetermined time in accordance with the received drive signal. When the left turn instruction vibrator 22b vibrates for a predetermined time, the process is temporarily terminated.

If it is determined in step S302 that guidance for an intersection is not to be performed, a normal map screen is displayed in step S307 in this example. That is, in this example, a road map near the current position is displayed on the CRT display 21 with the own vehicle position mark superimposed thereon, and the recommended route is displayed separately from other roads. When this display is performed, the process is temporarily terminated.

In this example, the above-described processing is performed at a constant cycle until the vehicle arrives at the destination, and when the vehicle arrives at the destination, all the route guidance processing is terminated.

With this configuration, the handle 31
By vibrating either the left or right vibrator 22a or 22b attached to the vehicle, etc., it is possible to notify the information about the route guidance of the intersection, and by transmitting the information to the occupant's tactile sense, the occupant is listening to music etc. Can easily be informed of the information without obstructing it.
Therefore, the driver can concentrate on driving without worrying about the display screen or voice guidance.

In the above-described embodiment, the two vibrators are mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle. However, for example, as shown in FIG.
3 may be installed at a predetermined portion (hatched portion). In this case, for example, the right turn instruction vibrator 22a 'is
a, so that vibration can be sensed by the right half of the occupant, and a vibrator 22b 'for instructing a left turn can be installed on the left side 33b of the seat 33 of the driver's seat 33 so that the left half of the occupant can sense the vibration. . With this configuration, even when the driver is driving with one hand away from the steering wheel, the information can be reliably received. The vibrators 22a 'and 22b' may be installed not only in the driver's seat 33 but also in the passenger's seat 34. Also,
The location may be any location as long as the information can be reliably notified to the occupant, and may be arranged in any manner.

In the above-described embodiment, two vibrators are provided. However, only one vibrator may be provided and installed in a place where it comes into contact with a part of the occupant's body in a normal riding posture. good. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the occupant that the notification information is displayed on the display screen by the vibration of the vibrator, and to recognize that the information is currently being notified by the vibration of the vibrator. be able to. Therefore, for example, the driver only needs to look and confirm the display screen when he or she feels the vibration caused by the vibrator, so that the driver can concentrate on driving without worrying about the display screen and voice guidance. Also,
By sensing the vibration of the vibrator, it is possible to recognize that the user turns the road even when the display screen is not checked.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the vibrator is installed in the automobile. However, the present invention is not limited to the installation. For example, the vibrator may be configured to be small and inserted into the occupant's clothes pocket to fit the occupant's body. May be brought into contact with.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, 2
Although the two vibrators correspond to the right turn instruction and the left turn instruction, respectively, and are configured to notify the information of only the right turn or the left turn, the vibration state may be changed according to the turning angle. In this case, a vibrator is constituted by a plurality of vibrating elements, and each vibrating element is controlled independently, for example, when it bends shallowly, it is vibrated weakly,
In the case of making a deep bend, it is sufficient to vibrate strongly and provide a plurality of vibration states according to the bend angle. With this configuration, each vibrator can report a plurality of pieces of information, so that not only the turning direction but also the information of the turning angle can be notified, for example, there are a plurality of roads in the turning direction. Even in such a case, it is possible to accurately select a road to proceed. The change in the vibration state is not limited to the strength of the vibration, and the vibration frequency may be changed, or the vibration interval may be changed by intermittent vibration.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the means for notifying information of the present invention is applied to a navigation device. However, any means for notifying passengers of any information may be used. The present invention may be applied to an information processing device such as a stereo device, a personal computer, and a mobile phone terminal mounted on a personal computer.

In this case, for example, when the present invention is applied to a stereo device mounted on a car, for example, when a music disc such as a compact disc is set in the stereo device and played, for example, the time interval between songs or the end of playback is determined. At this time, the end of the music or the end of the reproduction may be notified to the occupant by mechanical vibration of the steering wheel or the seat. With such a configuration, even when the driver cannot hear the playback sound from the stereo device, for example, when the driver's seat window is opened in a place with a lot of noise, the end of the music or the playback of the music can be stopped. Information such as the end can be immediately grasped, and the user can enjoy the movement to the destination without boring other occupants enjoying the music, for example, by changing the music disk quickly.

When the present invention is applied to a personal computer mounted on an automobile, for example, the steering wheel or seat is vibrated in response to the beep sound of the personal computer, and the occupant immediately recognizes that the beep sound is being emitted. In addition to, for example, when this personal computer fetches some information through a wireless communication line, for example, through a communication network called the Internet,
The steering wheel, the seat, and the like may be vibrated to immediately notify the occupant of information that the personal computer has acquired new data. With this configuration, even when the occupant of the car cannot hear the beep sound or the reception sound of the new data, the fact can be immediately known and the warning by the beep sound can be promptly responded. Or the ill effects due to delays in confirming new data can be avoided.

Further, when the present invention is applied to, for example, a portable telephone terminal mounted on an automobile, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the vibrator 22c is installed at a predetermined portion (hatched portion) of the passenger seat 34 here. This vibrator 2
The mobile phone 2c is connected to a mobile phone terminal 40 fixed to a fixed base in a vehicle called a car holder 41 by a cable 32d including a signal line. In this case, for example, when there is an incoming call to the mobile phone terminal 40, a signal indicating that there is an incoming call via the cable 32d (hereinafter referred to as an incoming signal) is output to the vibrator 22c. As a drive signal for the vibrator 22c, the vibrator 22c vibrates mechanically in a set manner and vibrates the seat 34a of the passenger seat 34, thereby notifying that there is an incoming call. With this configuration, when the ring tone cannot be heard and the mobile phone itself is not installed in the vehicle (for example, in a hands-free unit), the incoming call cannot be recognized by the vibration of the mobile phone itself. Even
It is possible to reliably receive notification that there is an incoming call.
It is also conceivable to notify the driver of the incoming call information by vibrating the steering wheel or driver's seat.However, use by the driver while driving with a mobile phone terminal involves danger, so other passengers In this case, the passenger seat is vibrated so as to notify the driver. Further, the present invention can be applied to a car phone in the same manner as a mobile phone terminal.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the navigation apparatus to which the means for reporting information of the present invention is applied is mounted on an automobile. However, the navigation apparatus may be mounted on another moving body such as an aircraft or a ship. Of course you can. In this case, the positioning means may perform satellite positioning by GPS, for example.

Further, the present invention is not limited to being applied only to a moving object, but can be applied to, for example, a case where information is notified to a person in a fixed facility.

[0052]

According to the information notification device of the present invention, when the information to be notified exists, the confirmation of the notification information can be prompted through the tactile sense of the person who receives the information.

According to the information notification device of the second aspect, by changing the vibration state of the vibrator, various information can be notified through the tactile sensation.

According to the navigation device of the third aspect, when the route guidance information to be notified exists,
The confirmation of the route guidance information can be prompted through the tactile sense of the person receiving the information.

According to the navigation device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to report the traveling direction information in the route guidance via the tactile sense of the person who receives the information.

According to the navigation device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to receive information on the route change place and the traveling direction thereof without depending on the information mediated by vision or hearing.

According to the navigation device of the sixth aspect, it is possible to receive notification of detailed information on the route change location and the traveling direction thereof without depending on the information mediated by vision or hearing.

According to the on-vehicle information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the information to be notified exists, the confirmation of the notification information can be prompted through the tactile sensation of the occupant of the vehicle.

According to the on-vehicle information processing device of the present invention, by changing the vibration state of the vibrator, various information can be notified to the occupant of the automobile through tactile sensation.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the route guidance information to be informed exists, the confirmation of the route guidance information can be prompted through the tactile sense of the person who receives the information. Can travel without worrying about the presence or absence of the notification information, and can avoid losing the notification information.

According to the vehicle described in the tenth aspect, it is possible to notify the traveling direction information in the route guidance via the tactile sense of the occupant of the vehicle.

According to the vehicle described in the eleventh aspect, it is possible to receive information on the route change location and the traveling direction thereof without depending on the information via visual or auditory sense.

According to the vehicle described in the twelfth aspect, it is possible to receive detailed information about the course change location and the traveling direction thereof without depending on the information mediated by vision or hearing.

According to the vehicle described in the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to receive the information on the course change location and the traveling direction thereof in a normal driving posture without depending on the information mediated by vision and hearing.

According to the vehicle described in the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to receive the information on the route change location and the traveling direction in the normal riding posture without depending on the information mediated by vision or hearing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an installation example according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an installation example according to another embodiment of the present invention by cutting out a part of an automobile.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an installation example according to another embodiment of the present invention by cutting out a part of an automobile.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 navigation device, 11 microcomputer, 12 azimuth detecting unit, 13 distance sensor, 14 data reading unit, 15 operating unit, 16 CRT controller,
17 amplifier section, 18 speaker, 19 communication control circuit, 20 CD-ROM, 21 CRT display,
22a, 22a ', 22b, 22b', 22c: vibrator, 30: automobile, 31: steering wheel, 32a, 32
b, 32c, 32d: cable, 40: mobile phone terminal,
41 ... Car holder

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Miyuki Matsumoto 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Hiroshi Amano 6-35-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Stock Company F term (reference) 5H180 AA01 BB04 BB13 CC12 FF04 FF05 FF13 FF22 FF25 FF32 FF33

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An information providing means for providing information by video or audio, a vibrator that is separate from the information providing means and mechanically vibrates a predetermined position, A control unit for vibrating the vibrator when providing information; 2. The information notifying device according to claim 1, wherein said vibrator is made to vibrate in a plurality of vibration states, and said control means vibrates said vibrator according to the contents of information provided by said information providing means. An information notification device configured to change the state. 3. A positioning means for positioning a current position, a display processing means for reading a map near the current position measured by the positioning means from a storage medium storing road map information and displaying the map on a display device; Route search means for searching and selecting a route to a set destination; route guidance means for traveling along the route selected by the route search means to guide to the destination; vibrator mechanically vibrating; Control means for vibrating the vibrator when performing route guidance in a navigation device. 4. The navigation device according to claim 3, wherein said route guidance means guides by instructing a traveling direction, and said control means controls the traveling direction by said route guidance means. A navigation device configured to vibrate the vibrator. 5. The navigation device according to claim 4, wherein the vibrator comprises a first vibrator and a second vibrator, and wherein the control means performs a rightward direction when giving an instruction by the route guidance means. A navigation device that vibrates the first vibrator when giving an instruction to make a turn, and vibrates the second vibrator when giving an instruction to make a left turn. 6. The navigation device according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second vibrators changes a vibration state according to a turning angle. 7. An information providing means for providing information by video or audio, said information providing means being separate, and a vibrator for mechanically vibrating a position in contact with an occupant in the vehicle; and said information providing means. And a control unit for causing the vibrator to vibrate when providing predetermined information according to (1). 8. The on-vehicle information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the vibrator is configured to vibrate in a plurality of vibration states, and the control unit controls the vibrator based on the content of the information provided by the information providing unit. An in-vehicle information processing device configured to change a vibration state. 9. A positioning means for measuring a current position, a display processing means for reading a map near the current position measured by the positioning means from a storage medium storing road map information and displaying the map on a display device; Route search means for searching and selecting a route to a set destination; route guidance means for traveling along the route selected by the route search means to guide to the destination; vibrator mechanically vibrating; Control means for vibrating the vibrator when performing route guidance in a vehicle. 10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the route guidance means guides the vehicle by instructing the traveling direction, and the control means controls the traveling direction by the route guidance means. An automobile configured to vibrate the vibrator. 11. The motor vehicle according to claim 10, wherein said vibrator comprises a first vibrator and a second vibrator, and said control means moves rightward when giving an instruction by said route guidance means. An automobile that vibrates a first vibrator when giving a turn instruction and vibrates a second vibrator when giving a left turn instruction. 12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the first and second vibrators each change a vibration mode according to a turning angle. 13. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein said first and second vibrators are mounted on a steering wheel. 14. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the first and second vibrators are installed in a seat.