Navigation apparatus, navigation system and navigation method providing guidance for lane changes
First Claim
1. A navigation apparatus for mounting in a vehicle equipped with a camera for imaging to obtain an image of an area to the rear of the vehicle, said navigation apparatus comprising:
- input means for inputting a destination;
current location detection means for detecting current location of the vehicle;
route search means for searching to determine a route to the destination input by the input means;
control means for providing guidance to assist a driver to follow the determined route, for controlling the imaging by the camera according to route guidance information for the determined route, for determining whether or not a traffic lane change is required in accordance with information obtained from the image, and when it is determined that a lane change is required, for recognizing traffic in a vicinity surrounding the vehicle and providing guidance for a lane change.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A navigation system includes an input device for inputting a destination, a current location detector for detecting current location of the vehicle, a camera for imaging an area to the rear of the vehicle, a route search program for searching for a route to the destination and a controller for providing guidance along the route determined by the route search. The controller controls the imaging by the camera according to route guidance information and determines whether a lane change is required in accordance with information obtained from the image. When it is determined that a lane change is required, the traffic situation in the vicinity surrounding the vehicle is recognized and guidance for the lane change is provided.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A navigation apparatus for mounting in a vehicle equipped with a camera for imaging to obtain an image of an area to the rear of the vehicle, said navigation apparatus comprising:
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input means for inputting a destination; current location detection means for detecting current location of the vehicle; route search means for searching to determine a route to the destination input by the input means; control means for providing guidance to assist a driver to follow the determined route, for controlling the imaging by the camera according to route guidance information for the determined route, for determining whether or not a traffic lane change is required in accordance with information obtained from the image, and when it is determined that a lane change is required, for recognizing traffic in a vicinity surrounding the vehicle and providing guidance for a lane change. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A navigation system for providing guidance to assist a driver of a vehicle, said navigation system comprising:
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a camera for imaging to obtain an image of an area to the rear of the vehicle; input means for inputting a destination; current location detection means for detecting current location of the vehicle; route search means for searching to determine a route to the destination input by the input means; control means for providing guidance to assist a driver to follow the determined route, for controlling the imaging by the camera according to route guidance information for the determined route, for determining whether or not a traffic lane change is required in accordance with information obtained from the image, and when it is determined that a lane change is required, for recognizing traffic in a vicinity surrounding the vehicle and providing guidance for a lane change. - View Dependent Claims (4)
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5. A navigation method including provision of guidance for lane changes, said method comprising:
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imaging an area to the rear of the vehicle to obtain an image; inputting a destination; detecting current location of the vehicle; searching a database including route guidance information to determine a route to the destination; controlling the imaging by the camera in accordance with route guidance information for the determined route; determining whether or not a traffic lane change is required in accordance with information obtained from the image; when it is determined that a lane change is required, recognizing a traffic situation in a vicinity surrounding the vehicle and providing guidance for a lane change. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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Specification