Mobile record medium playing and displaying system

Abstract

 A mobile record medium playing and displaying system which, while an automobile is traveling, operates to perform a desired piece of music in a predetermined area and display data on service facilities available in the area automatically. The current position of the automobile is detected by a global positioning system using a plurality of satellites. With such a mobile record medium playing and displaying system, additional informations as to service facilities which are available at the predetermined ares can be obtained visually and audibly

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile record medium playing and displaying system. More particularly, the invention relates to a record medium playing and displaying system for use in an automobile, which is capable of automatically not only reproducing a desired piece of music which is suitable to an area where the automobile runs but also displaying data as to service or entertainment facilities available in the area such as restaurants, sport grounds and broadcasting stations (hereinafter referred to as "broadcast data", when applicable).

[0002] Recently, a variety of car navigation systems have been proposed and an example of a conventional car navigation system is shown in Fig. 1. The navigation system comprises: a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 6 which is mounted on an automobile, for receiving distance measurement signals from a plurality of communications satellites; a CD-ROM 1 in which map data have been stored; an input unit 3 for inputting a variety of operating instructions; a system controller 5 which, in response to an operating instruction, arithmetically obtains the present position of the vehicle from the distance measurement signal provided by the GPS receiver 6, and, according to the result of calculation, makes access to the CD-ROM 1 to read the corresponding map data; and a display unit 4 for indicating the present position of the automobile on the map according to the map data thus outputted.

[0003] There has been proposed another car navigation system which, instead of the GPS receiver 6, employs a variety of sensors 20 such as a bearing sensor, a vehicle wheel speed difference sensor and a distance sensor. In the navigation system, the system controller 11 obtains the present position of the vehicle based on the data detected by those sensors 20 arithmetically.

[0004] In the above-described conventional car navigation systems, the system controller 5 calculates the present position of the vehicle by using the distance measurement signal received by the GPS receiver 6 or the data detected by the sensors 20, and displays the vehicle's present position on the display unit 4 visually.

[0005] Sometimes, a driver, while driving his automobile in an area, wants to listen to a piece of music matching with the area where he is driving the automobile. In the case of a conventional mobile record medium playing and displaying system such as a mobile CD player, the driver operates the player as follows: That is, confirming the arrival of his automobile to a certain area, he operates the player to enjoy the performance of a piece of music which matches with the area. If, when the automobile reaches a certain area, not only suitable music were automatically performed but also data on service or entertainment facilities such as restaurants and sport grounds were displayed, then it would be convenient.

[0006] Further, with a conventional navigation system, it is possible to indicate the vehicle's present position on the map displayed on the display unit 4 visually, but it is impossible to display the other data such as data on broadcasting stations from which a radio receiver on the automobile can receive radio waves. Furthermore, the system can indicate the present position of the automobile as a bright mark on the map displayed on the display unit, but cannot display additional data such as those on local facilities etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile record medium playing and displaying system which, when an automobile equipped with the system reaches a predetermined area, automatically operates not only to perform a desired piece of music or receive a radio wave from broadcast stations, but also to display data on service facilities in the area together with the present position data.

[0008] The above, and other objects of the present invention is met by the provision of a mobile record medium playing and displaying system capable of reproducing audio data stored in a record medium comprising, position detecting means for detecting the coordinate data of the current running position of an automobile, memory means for storing the coordinate data of at least one point predetermined on a travelling route of the automobile, comparison means for producing a performance start instruction when the coordinate data of the current position of the automobile coincides substantially with the coordinate data of the predetermined point, and reproducing means for reproducing, in response to the performance start instruction, the audio data stored in the record medium.

[0009] Futher, they are met by the provision of a navigation system in which the present position of a moving object which carries a receiver for receiving a radio wave from broadcast stations is estimated from data provided externally, comprising memory means for storing data as to broadcast stations which are available at predetermined positions on a moving route of the moving object, when the moving object reaches one of the predetermined positions, the receiver receiving one of the broadcast stations available at the predetermined position according to the data stored in the memory means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional car navigation system;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an example of a mobile record medium playing system which constitutes a first embodiment of this invention;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the operating panel of the system shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 4 and 5 are two parts of a flow chart for a description of a program routine in the system;

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing program areas;

Fig. 7 is a flow chart for a description of a position play routine;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of another example of the mobile record medium playing system which constitutes a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a flow chart for a description of a service data display routine in the system shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a navigation system according to a first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format in a CD-ROM in the navigation system shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format in a RAM in the navigation system shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a flow chart for a description of the operation of the navigation system shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an external appearance of a display unit in the navigation system shown in Fig. 10, and one example of a display on the display unit;

Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a memory reproducing section in the navigation system shown in Fig. 10 in detail;

Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage of data in a RAM in a navigation system according to a second aspect of the invention; and

Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram for a description of the operation of the navigation system according to the second aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Preferred embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a mobile record medium playing and displaying system according to the present invention. The system, as shown in Fig. 2, comprises a CD player 2 for reading data from memory media such as a CD and CD-ROM, an input unit 3 for providing a variety of instruction signals in response to key operations, a display unit 4 for displaying a variety of data and a system controller 5. The CD player 2, the input unit 3, the display unit 4 and the system controller 5 are connected to each other through a bus line BL. The CD player is a so-called "multi-disk player" which accommodates a plurality of disks (CDs and CD-ROMs) 1₍₁₎ through 1_(n), and which is capable of selecting any one of the disks to be reproduced. The multi-disk player may be the one which has been disclosed, for instance, in Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 261851/1986. The CD player 2 is provided separately from the input section 3, the display section 4, and the system controller 5.

[0013] The CD player 2 selects one of the disks 1₍₁₎ through 1_(n) to read musical data therefrom. In the CD player, the musical data thus read is converted into audio signals, which is outputted. On the other hand, data read out from the CD-ROM is applied to the bus line BL after being decoded by a CD-ROM decoder 51. The system controller 5 comprises the CD-ROM decoder 51, a CPU (central processing unit) 52 for performing a variety of arithmetic operations and controls, a ROM (read-only memory) 53 in which processing programs and other necessary data for the CPU 51 have been stored, a RAM (random access memory) 54 to which access is made for writing or reading data for execution of programs and an A/D (analog-to-digital) converter 55 for converting the detection output of a GPS unit 6 (described later) into a digital signal. The CD-ROM decoder 51, the CPU 52, the ROM 53, the RAM 54, and the A/D converter 55 are connected to one another through the aforementioned bus line BL.

[0014] The input section 3 is provided on an operating panel as shown in Fig. 3. The input section 3 comprises a power key 31 for turning on and off the system, a play key 32 for providing an instruction to start a performance of music piece, a stop key 33 for providing an instruction to stop the performance, a pause key 34 for providing an instruction to temporarily suspend the performance, track keys 35 for providing instructions to change a performance track, a program key 36 for inputting a performance program, a position key 37 for inputting the coordinate data of a predetermined point, a program select key 38 for specifying a program number, digit keys 39 for selecting a disk and specifying longitude and latitude and sound volume keys 40. When the user operates a key, key code data indicating the operation of the key is applied to the system controller 5, so that the CPU 52 reads the contents and data of the instruction from the key code data.

[0015] The display unit 4 comprises a liquid crystal display 41 and a display drive circuit 42 for driving the liquid crystal display 41 in response to a display instruction from CPU 52. The liquid crystal display 41, as shown in Fig. 3, displays a CD disk number DISC, track number TRACK, performance time TIME, program number PROGRAM (described later), step number STEP, latitude LAT and longitude LON.

[0016] A GPS (global positioning system) device 6 is a signal receiver which receives radio waves from communication satellites to detect the absolute position of an automobile as latitude and longitude and latitude data. The detection output of the GPS device 6 is supplied to the A/D converter 55 in the system controller 5.

[0017] The execution of a program routine by the CPU 51 in the system controller 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 which show a flow chart therefor. The program routine is executed in response to a key operation by the user during play of a CD.

[0018] The CPU 52 determines whether or not a key command for the CD player 2 has been issued (Step S1). When it is determined that the key command has been issued, then the CPU determines whether or not the key command is a program number selection command (Step S2). In the case where the key command is a program number selection command in response to the operation of the program select key 3, it is determined whether or not a variable, namely, a program number PRNO is equal to one (1) (Step S3). When it is determined that PRNO is equal to one (PRNO = 1), the program number PRNO is made equal to two (2) (Step S4). When PRNO ≠ 1, it is determined whether or not the program number PRNO is equal to two (2) (Step S5). When it is determined that the program number is equal to two (PRNO = 2), then the program number PRNO is made equal to three (3) (Step S6). When it is determined that the program number is not equal to two (PRNO ≠ 2), the program number PRNO is made equal to one (1) (Step S7). The initial value of the program number is other than one and two, for instance zero (0). Hence, when, in the case where the program number PRNO has the initial value, the program select key 38 is operated, the program number is set to one (PRNO = 1). After Steps S4, S6 or S7, a display instruction is issued to display the program number PRNO (Step S8). The display instruction contains the program number PRNO as data. The display instruction is applied to the display section 4. As a result, the program number is displayed in place on the display unit 41 as shown in Fig. 3.

[0019] When it is determined in Step S2 that the key command is not a program number selection command, Step S10 is effected. In Step S10, it is determined whether or not the key command is a program input command. In the case where the key command is a program input command in response to the operation of the program key 36, the step data S(N) of the program area (N) specified by the program number PRNO is read out (Step S11), where N is a variable which is made equal to the program number PRNO. As shown in Fig. 6, the RAM 54 has three program areas (1), (2) and (3). Stored in each of the program areas are disk number data and track number data arranged in the order of step numbers, step data indicating the maximum step number where the disk number data and track number data are stored {S(1) in the case of the program area (1)}, and the coordinate data of a predetermined point, namely, latitude data PLAT(N) and longitude data PLON(N). After Step S11, one is added to the step data S(N) (Step S12). Thereafter, the disk number and track number data of a piece of music being performed at present are obtained, and written in the memory position having the step number indicated by the step data S(N) of the program area (N) (Step S13). The step data S(N) of the program area (N) is renewed (Step S14).

[0020] More concretely, when PRNO = 1, step data S(1) is read from the program area (1). When the step data S(1) thus read is for instance five (5), one (1) is added to step 5, and the disk number data D(1)-5 and track number data T(1)-5 of the piece of music which is being performed at present are written in the memory position of step 5, and the step data S(1) is written as "6". Hence, whenever the program key is operated, one set of disk number data and track number data is newly written.

[0021] When it is determined in Step S10 that the key command provided is not a program input command, it is determined whether or not it is a position command (Step S15). When it is determined that it is a position command in response to the operation of the position key 37, it is requested to input the latitude and longitude data which represent a predetermined point for starting a program having a program number PRNO (Step S16). For this purpose, for instance the latitude and longitude display portion of the display unit 41 is flashed on and off. It is determined whether or not latitude data has been inputted (Step S17). When it is determined that latitude data has been inputted, it is written as PLAT(N) in the program area (N) (Step S18), and it is determined whether or not longitude data has been inputted (Step S19). When it is determined that longitude data has been inputted, it is written as PLON(N) in the program area (N).

[0022] The CPU 52 executes a position play routine when the CD player 2 is put in a position play mode. The position play mode can be obtained as follows: For instance, with the power switch of the CD player 2 turned off, the play key 32 is operated together with the position key 37. In the position play routine, first the latitude data CLAT and longitude data CLON of the present position of the automobile are obtained from the GPS device 6 as shown in Fig. 7 (Step S21), and then the variable N is set to one (1) (Step S22). Thereafter, the latitude data PLAT(N) and longitude data PLON(N) are read out of the program area (N) (Step S23). Under this condition, it is determined whether or not the latitude data CLAT is within a range of PLAT(N) ± α, where α is a tolerance (Step S24). When PLAT(N) - α ≦ CLAT ≦ PLAT(N) + α, then it is determined whether or not the longitude data CLON is within a range of PLON(N) ± α (Step S25). When the latitude data CLAT is not within a range of PLAT(N) ± α, or when the longitude data CLON is not within a range of PLON(N) ± α, one is added to the variable N (Step S26), and it is determined whether the variable N is 3 or smaller (Step S27). When N ≦ 3, Step S23 is effected. When N ≧ 3, the routine is ended.

[0023] When, in Step S25, PLON(N) - α ≦ CLON ≦ PLON(N) + α, it is determined that the automobile has reached the point where the performance program with the number indicated by the variable N is to be executed, and the power switch of the CD player 2 is turned on (Step S28). And the program number PRNO is made equal to the variable N (Step S29), and a display instruction is issued to display the program number PRNO (Step S30). Thereafter, the step data S(N) of the program area (N) is read out (Step S31), and it is determined whether or not the step data S(N) is zero (0). When S(N) = 0, none of the disk number and track number data are stored in the program area (N). Therefore, in this case, an ordinary performance is carried out, that is, the performances are carried out in the order of recording beginning with track number 1 of disk number 1 (Step S33). When, on the other hand, S(N) ≠ 0, disk number data and track number data have been stored in the program area (N) and programmed. Therefore, in this case, a program play is carried out in accordance with the program stored in the program area (Step S34). That is, the disk number data D(N)-1 and track number data T(N)-1 of step 1 stored in the program area (N) are read out, and the disk specified by the disk number data D(N)-1 is selected. The track specified by the track number data T(N)-1 is played. Upon completion of the performance according to the disk number data D(N)-1 and track number data T(N)-1 of step 1, the disk number data D(N)-2 and track number data T(N)-2 of step 2 stored in the program area (N) are read out, and the disk specified by the disk number data D(N)-2 is selected, and the track specified by the track number data T(N)-2 is played. The above-described operation is carried out repeatedly carried out in the order of step numbers. That is, performances are carried out in accordance with the disk number data and track numbers data of step numbers indicated by the step data S(N). The display unit 41 displays a disk number, track number, program number, step number and performance time for each of the performances. Thus, upon arrival of the automobile to an area predetermined in the program area, a desired program performance is started.

[0024] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the mobile record medium playing and displaying system. The system shown in Fig. 8 is different from the one shown in Fig. 2 only in the arrangement of the display unit 4. The display unit 4 comprises a display 46 such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), a graphical memory 47 including a V(video)-RAM or the like, a graphic controller 48 for storing as image data the map data which is transmitted thereto from the system controller 5, and outputting the image data and a display controller 49 which operates to display a map on the display 46 according to the image data provided by the graphic controller 48.

[0025] Let us consider the case where the whole area of Japan is divided into four parts, for four large areas. In this case, the following map data are stored in the CD-ROM in the CD player 2: a group of map data corresponding to the maps of the large areas, and a group of map data corresponding to a plurality of maps provided for a plurality of small areas which are obtained by dividing each large area. These groups of map data are read from the CD-ROM to be supplied to the display unit 4, so that a map of a large area or an enlarged map; i.e., a map of a small area is displayed on the display. The map data corresponding to the small areas may be provided with service data which are used to display, as character information, service facilities such as restaurants and hotels in the small area. The map data includes an indication as to whether or not it is provided with service data.

[0026] A service data display routine executed by the CPU 52 in the system controller 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 showing a flow chart. In this connection, it is assumed that only the CD-ROMs are provided in the CD player 2 in which the above-described map data an service data have been recorded.

[0027] In the service data display routine, the CPU 52 applies a command for requesting a TOC (Table of Content) data to the CD player 2 (Step S41). In response to the command, the CD player 2 selects the disk 1₍₁₎ out of the group of disks 1₍₁₎ through 1_(n) accommodated therein so as to be set on the turn table (not shown), and thereafter TOC data is read out from the disk 1₍₁₎. The TOC data thus read is applied to the CPU 52, that is, the latter 52 receives the TOC data (Step S42). The CPU 52 determines whether or not the disk set on the turn table is a CD-ROM (Step S43). When it is determined that the disk is not a CD-ROM, Step 41 is effected again to issue a command for requesting the TOC data of another disk. In response to the command, the CD player 2 selects another disk out of the group of disks 1₍₁₎ and 1_(n) to be set on the turn table (not shown). Then the TOC data is read out from the disk to be applied to the CPU 51. When, on the other hand, it is determined that the disk on the turn table is a CD-ROM, it is detected whether or not an automatic calling function is enabled that, when the automobile reaches a desired area, service data are automatically displayed for the area. The automatic calling function is enabled in response to an instruction issued by the operation of a key (not shown). In case of the automatic calling function being enabled, the latitude and longitude data CLAT and CLON of the present position of the vehicle are obtained from the GPS device 6 (Step S45). Under this condition, an instruction is applied to cause the CD player to read the map data for the area corresponding to the latitude and longitude data CLAT and CLON (Step S46). If the map data for the area corresponding to the latitude and longitude data CLAT and CLON is available, the CD player 2 reads the data to be applied to the CPU 52. If not available, the CD player provides a signal to indicate the fact that no map data is available. The CPU 52 determines whether or not the map data has been transmitted (Step S47). When it is determined that the map data has been transmitted, the CPU 52 reads the map data thus transmitted (Step S48). In the case where the map data has not been transmitted, and the signal indicating the fact that no map data is available is outputted, Step S41 is effected again to issue a command for requesting the TOC data of another disk. After the map data is read in Step S48, it is determined whether or not the map data thus read is provided with service data (Step S49). When it is determined that the map data is provided with service data, a buzzer (not shown) is operated to inform the persons in the vehicle such as the driver of the fact that the map data is provided with service data for the area in which the automobile is at present (Step S50), and it is determined whether or not the service data display key (not shown) in the input section 3 has been operated (Step S51). When it is determined that the service data display key has not been operated, then it is determined whether or not ten seconds has elapsed since the buzzer started (Step S52). When it is determined that ten seconds has not passed yet, Step S50 is effected again. When it is determined that ten second has elapsed, the routine is ended. When it is determined in Step S51 that the service data display key has been operated, an instruction is provided to cause the CD player 2 to read the service data with reference to the map data which has been read (Step S53). The CD player 2 reads the service data with reference to the map data provided for the area corresponding to the latitude and longitude data CLAT and CLON, and applies it to the CPU 52. The CPU 52 determines whether or not the service data has been transmitted from the CD player 2 (Step S54). When it is determined that the service data has been transmitted from the CD player 2, the CPU reads it (Step S55) and applies it to the display unit 4 so that it is displayed (Step S56). In the display unit 4, the service data is applied to the display controller 49, so that data on service facilities such as restaurants are displayed on the display unit 46.

[0028] When the automobile reaches each of the areas for which the map data are stored in the CD-ROM, the map data for the area is read out. In the case where the map data is added with service data, the service data is read out so as to be displayed.

[0029] In the above-described embodiments, the record media are CDs or CD-ROMs. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. That is, other record media such as magnetic tapes and hard disks may be employed.

[0030] In summary, according to the present invention, the coordinate data of the present position of the moving automobile is detected, and when the coordinate data thus detected coincides substantially with the coordinate data of a predetermined point, the audio data are read from the record medium to be reproduced as audio signals. Hence, while the automobile is traveling, a music performance is automatically started at the predetermined point. More specifically, when the automobile approaches the predetermined point, the persons in the automobile can enjoy the performance of a piece of music with no particular operation, which matches with the area around the predetermined point. In addition, the persons in the automobile can detect it from the start of the performance of music that the vehicle has reached the predetermined point.

[0031] Further, the coordinate data of the present position of the automobile is detected, and in the case where map data for the area indicated by the running automobile's present position has been recorded in the record medium, the service data provided for the map data are read from the record medium, and displayed. Thus, information on service or entertainment facilities such as restaurants in the area where the automobile is traveling is automatically displayed. The information thus displayed can be effectively utilized for the persons to continue the travel in the vehicle.

[0032] The other embodiments of the present invention will be described, in which the information on service facilities is that as to broadcasting stations the radio waves of which can be received in an area defined by the map data.

[0033] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the other embodiment of a mobile record medium playing and displaying system for use in a global positioning system. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format in a CD-ROM. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format in a RAM. Fig. 13 is a flow chart for a description of the operation of the mobile record medium playing and displaying system according to the present invention. Figs. 14(A) and 14(B) show an external appearance of a display unit and an example of a display on the display unit, respectively.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 10, the system comprises a control unit 5 for controlling the operation of the system and inputting operating instructions, a GPS communication unit 6 for receiving distance measurement signals from communication satellites (not shown) to be applied to the control section 5, a memory reproducing unit 2 for making access to a CD-ROM in which display data, such as map data including "map" data as graphic data and broadcasting station list data, have been stored, a display unit 4 for displaying the display data read from the memory reproducing section 2 in response to an instruction signal from the control section 1 and a signal receiving unit 7 for receiving radio waves from a broadcasting station which an operating unit 115 in the control 5 selects referring to the broadcasting station list.

[0035] The control unit 5 comprises a system controller 111 for controlling the data reading operation of the memory reproducing unit 2, the data displaying operation of the display unit 4 and the signal receiving operation of the signal receiving unit 7, an I/O port 112 for inputting the distance measurement signal which the GPS communication unit 6 applies through a bus 61 thereto, a ROM 113 in which the control operation data of the system controller 111 are stored, a RAM 114 in which, of the display data read from the memory reproducing unit 2, disk label and figure control data are stored; and the aforementioned operating unit 115 for inputting a variety of instruction signals for the navigation system.

[0036] The GPS communication unit 6 comprises a GPS antenna 121 for receiving distance measurement signals from the communication satellites and a GPS receiver 122 which amplifies the distance measurement signal and demodulates it. The output of the GPS receiver 122 is applied to the control unit 5.

[0037] The memory reproducing unit 2 comprises a CD-ROM player 131 for reading display data from the CD-ROM, a digital signal receiver 132 for receiving the display data thus read, or an optical digital signal and a CD-ROM decoder 133 for converting the display data thus received into an electrical digital signal. The CD-ROM, as shown in Fig. 11, stores a disk label, figure control data, and map data on several maps. Data can be written in the CD-ROM by using, for instance, address "00'02'00". Therefore, in the embodiment, instead of an address ADR(A), a disk label ADR(A) is employed, and data on the disk are written in the disk label. Thus, the disk label is made up of a number of pieces of data such as a disk identifying code, figure control data pointer, top map address pointer, and system identifying code. In the case where access is made to the CD-ROM to display map data and broadcast data, it is necessary to read the disk label and store it in the RAM 114. The pointer of the disk label of ADR(A) is held in the form of an mm'ss'EE sector, as fixed data, by the system controller 111.

[0038] The figure control data is used as follows: As shown in Fig. 11, the address data on the CD-ROM of the maps corresponding to map codes are written, and a map code is calculated from the present position of the automobile, so that the map corresponding to the map code thus calculated is automatically selected out. That is, the map codes are the numbers for identifying all the maps which are to be displayed separately on the display unit.

[0039] The map data, as shown in Fig. 11, includes a header, "map", broadcasting station list, frequency data and broadcasting station detailed data. The header includes a number of pieces of data on a pointer to a master picture displaying a large area map which includes a map for the present position of the automobile (hereinafter referred to as "a present position map", when applicable), a pointer to a slave picture displaying a detailed map which shows the present position map in more detail, a pointer to an adjacent map which is adjacent to the present position map, a pointer to list data, and a pointer to detailed data. The term "pointer" as used herein is intended to mean the top address of data in the CD-ROM, being in the form of "mm',ss'EE sector. Thus, the header is the data inherent in the maps, which are stored in the RAM 14 after the map data are read with ADR(C1 through n) retrieved with the aid of the disk label or the figure control.

[0040] The "map" in the aforementioned map data includes the graphic data of the maps, which are displayed on the display unit 44. The broadcasting station list data are for the broadcasting stations from which the automobile can receive radio waves at a predetermined area in the map specified by the "map". When a select key 442 (Fig. 14(A)) is depressed, with the pointer of the header as a reference, data is read from the address, and displayed on the display unit 44 which has graphically displayed the map. The frequency data F(1) through F(n) indicate the frequencies f₁ (contents of F(1) through f_n (contents of F(n)) of the broadcasting stations specified by the broadcasting station list data. Upon depression of one of the list select keys 445, the frequency (f₁, f₂ .... or f_n) of the corresponding broadcasting station is applied to the system controller. The broadcasting station detailed data ST₁, ST₂,... ST_n concern, for instance, the programs of a broadcasting station displayed on the display unit 44. A desired one of the broadcasting station detailed data is selected with the cursor during the display of the "map" or broadcasting station list data. The broadcasting station detailed data (ST₁, ST₂,... or ST_n) thus selected is read with reference made to the address on the CD-ROM from the header and the position of the cursor, so as to be displayed on the display unit 44.

[0041] The operation of the system thus organized will be described.

[0042] When the power switch of the system is turned on, it is confirmed whether a map key 444 of the operating unit 115, which is provided on the display unit 44 as shown in Fig. 14(A), is operated to display the map or not (Step S51). When it is determined that the map display is in "on" state, the CD-ROM player 131 of the memory reproducing unit 2 is driven, so that the disk label and figure control data (cf. Fig. 11) of the corresponding CD-ROM are stored, in the data format as shown in Fig. 12, in the RAM 114 (Step S52).

[0043] Under this condition (Step S52), the system controller 111 determines whether or not the GPS communication unit 6 is in "on" state (Step S53). When it is determined that the GPS communication unit 6 is not in "on" state, it is determined whether or not the map key 444 for map display is in "on" state (Step S54). When it is determined the map key 44 is in "on" state, then Step S56 is effected. When, in the above-described Step 3, it is determined that the GPS communication unit 6 is in "on" state, the system controller 111 determines whether or not a distance measurement signal has been transferred from the GPS communication unit 6 (Step S55). When it is determined that the distance measurement signal has been transferred therefrom, Step 6 is effected.

[0044] The system controller 111 utilizes the distance measurement signal thus transferred, to estimate the present position of the automobile arithmetically. In the memory reproducing unit 2, the map data corresponding to the present position is read from the CD-ROM by the CD-ROM player 131, so that the header of the map data thus read is stored in the V-RAM 141 (Step S57). Upon storing the map data in the V-RAM 141, the display processor 142 reads the map data thus stored to apply through a video amplifier circuit 143 to the display unit 144. As a result, the map for the present position is graphically displayed on the display unit 144 as shown in Fig. 14(B).

[0045] Under the condition that the present position map is being displayed on the display unit 144, it is determined whether or not the broadcast select key 442 of the display unit 144 has been turned on (Step S58). When it is determined that the broadcast select key 442 has been turned on, the broadcasting station list data and frequency data F(1) through F(n) corresponding to the map which is being displayed are stored in the RAM 114 (Step S59). The broadcasting station list data and frequency data F(1) through F(n) thus stored are stored, as list picture data, in the V-RAM 141 (Step S60). The list picture data (the broadcasting station list), being combined with the map on the display unit 4 by the display processor 142 and the video amplifier circuit 143, are displayed as shown Fig. 14(B).

[0046] Referring to the broadcasting station list displayed on the display unit 144, the operator operates one of the list select keys 445 to select the frequency data (F(n)) of the desired broadcasting station (Step S61). The frequency data (F(n)) thus selected is stored in the RAM 114 (Step S62). Under this condition, it is determined whether or not a broadcasting station signal receiving button (not shown) in the operating unit is turned on (Step S63). When it is determined that the broadcasting station signal receiving button has been turned on, the frequency data (F(n)) stored in the RAM 114 is applied to the data bus 62 (Step S64). That is, the frequency data is applied through the data bus 62 to a signal reception control unit 154 in the signal receiving unit 7 (Step S65). According to the frequency data (F(n)), the signal receiving unit 7 receives broadcast signals from the corresponding broadcasting station (Step S66).

[0047] The operation of the signal receiving unit 7 will be described in brief. The signal receiving unit 7 comprises a signal reception control unit 154 which forms frequency division data D according to frequency data F(n) applied thereto. The frequency division data D thus formed is applied to a PLL control unit 153 which supplies a tuning voltage V to a front end 152. When the front end 152 receives the tuning voltage V, the front end 152 applies a signal reception frequency f to the PLL control unit 153 in accordance with the tuning voltage V. In response to the frequency f, the PLL control unit 153 outputs a lock completion signal L. The front end 152 applies an IF signal to a detection-demodulation unit 155 in accordance with the aforementioned tuning voltage V. The detection-demodulation unit 155 detects and demodulates the IF signal into an audio signal, and applies a broadcasting station detection signal SD, a signal reception strength (or electric field strength) signal SL to the signal reception control unit 154. The signal reception strength signal SL is applied to an A/D (analog-to-digital) conversion unit 156, where it is converted into a digital signal which is applied to the signal reception control unit 154.

[0048] The operation of the memory reproducing unit will be described with reference to Fig. 15 in brief. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the memory reproducing unit 2 in detail. In the memory reproducing unit 2, a disk 312 in which the above-described display data such as the disk label, figure control data and map data have been stored, is loaded by a loading mechanism 313, and placed on a turn table 311 which is rotated by a spindle motor 311b so as to set the disk at the reading position. An optical pickup 314a is used to read the data from the disk 312. The optical pickup 314a is mounted on a slider (not shown) which is moved radially of the disk 312 by a slider motor 314b.

[0049] In the case where a CD format signal is employed, the output signal of the pickup 314a is an EFM (eight-to-fourteen modulation) signal. The EFM signal is applied through an RF amplifier 315 to an EFM demodulation circuit 316, where it is subjected to EFM demodulation. The output of the EFM demodulation circuit 316 is applied to a sub-code decoder 317 and to an error correction circuit 319a, where it is subjected to error correction. The output of the error correction circuit 319a is applied to a D/A (digital-to-analog) converter 319b, where it is converted into an analog signal which is outputted as an audio signal. The sub-code decoder 317 operates to decode sub-code data inserted for every frame; that is, code data such as data numbers, indexes, the time and frame numbers in data, and the absolute time and frame numbers in a disk. The data thus decoded are supplied to a player controller 310. In the lead-in region of the disk 312, TOC (table of contents) is recorded which includes disk identifying data which is used to identify the disk; that is, to determine whether the disk is an audio disk (CD) or whether it is a memory disk (CD-ROM). The TOC data is decoded by the sub-code decoder 317.

[0050] The player controller 310 is made up of a microcomputer, which controls the operation of the loading mechanism 313, the operation of the slider motor 314b through a slider drive circuit 314c to position the pickup 314 radially of the disk, and the rotation of the spindle motor 311b through a spindle drive circuit 311. Furthermore, the player controller 310 utilizes the disk identifying data included in the TOC data which, when the disk is played, is read from the lead-in area of the disk and decoded by the sub-code decoder 317, to determine whether the disk being played is an audio disk or whether it is a memory disk.

[0051] The demodulation output of the EFM demodulation circuit 316 is applied to an electro-optic converter 318, where it is converted into an optical signal. The optical signal is supplied through an optical fiber cable 134 to the a digital signal receiver 132, the output of which is applied to the CD-ROM decoder 133. The CD-ROM decoder 133 operates to decode the map data which is read from the memory disk (CD-ROM) and demodulated by the EFM demodulation circuit 316. The output of the CD-ROM decoder 133 is applied to the data bus 61 made of optical fibers.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the header, "map", broadcasting station list data and frequency data of the map data stored in the CD-ROM are read and stored in the RAM 114. According to the map data thus stored, the corresponding map is graphically displayed on the display 144 together with the broadcasting station list. The embodiment may be so modified as to display the broadcasting station detailed data ST₁ through ST_n.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present position map is graphically displayed, and simultaneously the data on the broadcasting stations concerning the map thus displayed are also displayed. The embodiment may be so modified that, instead of or together with the broadcasting station data, various data such as those on intersections, restaurants, hotels, and traffic are displayed as described hereinbefore.

[0054] The other modification of the system according to this invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10.

[0055] In the other modification, the operating unit 115 is operated by a driver of an automobile with a navigation system having a mobile record medium playing and displaying system to select the broadcasting stations in advance, from which the driver wants to receive radio waves in areas where the driver intends to travel (hereinafter referred to as "a automobile traveling area", when applicable). The broadcast data for the broadcasting stations thus selected are stored in the RAM 114. The system controller 111 estimates the present position of the automobile by using the distance measurement signal which the GPS communication unit 6 has received. When the presented position thus estimated is in the above-described automobile traveling area, the corresponding broadcast data is read from the RAM 114 so that the signal receiving unit 7 can receive the broadcast signals from the broadcasting stations according to the broadcast data thus read.

[0056] The operation of the system thus organized will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. First, before the automobile starts, the operating unit 115 is operated by the driver to specify with east longitudes and north latitudes automobile traveling area data for automobile traveling areas A, B, C,... which are located along a predetermined automobile traveling route. In addition, the operating unit 115 is operated to specify broadcast data for the broadcasting stations with frequencies F(a), F(2), F(3), F(4).... and broadcasting station names Q₁, Q₂, Q₃, Q₄,... from which the driver wants to receive radio waves. The automobile traveling area data and broadcast data thus specified are stored in the RAM 114 in correspondence to one another as shown in Fig. 16.

[0057] After the data have been stored in the RAM 114, the automobile runs from the point a. While the automobile is traveling in the area A, the frequency F(1) of the broadcasting station Q₁ is read from the RAM 114, and the signal receiving unit 7 receives the radio wave having the frequency F(1) according to the broadcasting data thus read out, to output audio signals (or video signals).

[0058] When the current running position of the automobile moves to the point b, the system controller 111 estimates this current position from the distance measurement signal which the GPS communication unit 6 has received, thus determining that the automobile comes in the automobile traveling area B. When the system controller 111 determines that the automobile is in the area B, the frequency F(2) of the broadcasting station Q₂ is read out of the RAM 114, and the signal receiving unit 7 automatically switches the radio wave of the frequency F(1) over to that of the frequency F(2) to receive the latter. The reception of the radio wave of the frequency F(2) is continued while the automobile is traveling in the area B.

[0059] When the automobile reaches the point c, similarly as in the case of the area B, the radio wave of the frequency is automatically switched over to that of the frequency F(3). Thus, the automobile can receive radio waves from the broadcasting station Q3.

[0060] The above-described operations are carried out successively for the area D, E and so forth.

[0061] In the above-described system, the broadcasting stations from which the driver wants to receive radio waves while traveling in predetermined automobile traveling areas, are specified with the operating unit 115 in advance, and the broadcast data thus specified are stored in the RAM 114. The system may be so modified as to have a function that, of the broadcasting stations from which the automobile can receive radio waves in an automobile traveling area, the one the radio wave of which is highest in field strength is automatically detected and selected with the operating unit 115. This function is performed when the automobile's current position which the system controller 111 has estimated from the distance measurement signal received by the GPS communication unit 6 coincides with the area data stored in the RAM 114.

[0062] As was described above, the map data, and the broadcast data for the broadcasting stations the radio waves of which can be received in a predetermined area or areas defined by the map data are stored in the memory means. The map data are displayed by the display means together with one or a plurality of broadcasting stations according to the broadcast data, and of the plurality of broadcasting stations, a desired one is selected with the operating means, so that the radio waves from the broadcasting station thus selected are received by the signal receiving means. That is, a desired one of the broadcasting stations in the area defined by the map data can be selected. Thus, the radio waves from the broadcasting station thus selected can be readily and positively received in the area thus defined.

[0063] Further, the data on the broadcasting stations which are available at the predetermined positions to which the automobile is to travel are stored in the memory means in advance. When the automobile reaches any one of the predetermined positions, the data on the broadcasting stations are read from the memory means, to receive radio waves from the desired one of the broadcasting stations. Thus, with the system, the automobile, while passing through the predetermined positions, can automatically receive radio waves from the selected broadcasting stations one after another.

Claims

1. A mobile record medium playing and displaying system capable of reproducing audio data stored in a record medium comprising:
   position detecting means for detecting the coordinate data of the current running position of an automobile;
   memory means for storing the coordinate data of at least one point predetermined on a travelling route of said automobile;
   comparison means for producing a performance start instruction when the coordinate data of the current position of said automobile coincides substantially with the coordinate data of said predetermined point; and
   reproducing means for reproducing, in response to said performance start instruction, said audio data stored in said record medium.

2. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein said reproducing means reproduces said audio data so as to perform pieces of music in an order programmed in advance.

3. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein said memory means stores a plurality of performance programs and the coordinate data of said predetermined points corresponding to said performance programs, and wherein
   when said comparison means detects that the coordinate data of said current position coincides substantially with the coordinate data of one of said predetermined points, said reproducing means reproduces the audio data stored in said record medium in accordance with the performance program corresponding to the coordinate data of said current position.

4. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein said record medium is a compact disk.

5. The system as defined in claim 1 further comprising: means for determining whether or not there is a record medium storing a map data covering the current position of said automobile, and wherein said reproducing means reproduces the map data to display a map on a display means.

6. The system as defined in claim 5 wherein said display means display the map together with additional information according to additional data attached to said map data.

7. The system as defined in claim 6 wherein said additional data comprises data as to service facilities available around the current position thereof.

8. The system as defined in claim 6 wherein said additional data comprises data as to broadcast stations available around the current position thereof.

9. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein said position detecting means detects the current position of said automobile according to either an output of a GPS receiver or an output of a sensor.

10. The system as defined in claim 8 further comprising a receiver for receiving a radio wave from one of said broadcast stations.

11. The system as defined in claim 10 wherein said receiver receives the radio wave from said broadcast station which is selected manually.

12. The system as defined in claim 10 wherein said receiver receives the radio wave from said broadcast station which is selected automatically among the broadcast stations according to signal receiving condition thereof.

13. A navigation system in which the present position of a moving object which carries a receiver for receiving a radio wave from broadcast stations is estimated from data provided externally, comprising:
   memory means for storing data as to broadcast stations which are available at predetermined positions on a moving route of said moving object,
   when said moving object reaches one of said predetermined positions, said receiver receiving one of the broadcast stations available at the predetermined position according to the data stored in said memory means.

14. The system as defined in claim 13 wherein one of the broadcast stations is selected manually.

15. The system as defined in claim 13 wherein one of the broadcast stations is selected automatically according to radio wave receiving condition.

Drawing