JP2004163179A - Navigation system and path guidance information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten adjustment time and simplify adjustment when setting a return route and a junction in travel by a plurality of members. <P>SOLUTION: A navigation system comprises a first collection means for collecting request information on a goal and a route from the plurality of members; a first decision means for deciding the goal and route based on each collected request information according to a mediation rule; a second collection means for collecting request information regarding a return goal and the junction; a second decision means for deciding the junction and the return route, based on each collected request information according to the mediation rule; and a providing means for providing the goal, route, junction and return route that are decided by both the decision means to each mobile terminal, thus setting the return route and junction according to a preset mediation rule and hence shortening the adjustment time and simplifying the adjustment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a navigation system and a route guidance information providing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called navigation system for guiding a vehicle to a destination by a guidance device mounted on the vehicle has been known.
Also, when a plurality of members such as friends move to the same destination, the current position information of the other vehicle is obtained, and the current position of the own vehicle is displayed simultaneously with the current position of the own vehicle on the display of the guidance device of the own vehicle. 2. Description of the Related Art A navigation system having a so-called inter-vehicle communication function is known, and is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 below.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-103980
[0004]
According to the above-described prior art, since the current position of the other vehicle can be confirmed on the guidance device display of the own vehicle, it is possible to move to the same destination while keeping pace with the other vehicle without stopping the vehicle. .
In addition, according to the above-described prior art, it is possible to communicate between vehicles via a predetermined arbitrary message (for example, wait a moment !, let's get together!) Or a microphone. The waypoints to be set up and the setting of branching points for setting branching return routes to different return destinations (usually home) for each member are performed while coordinating between the members. It is possible.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the above-described prior art, although communication between vehicles is possible, since setting of a return route and a branch point requires the coordination of members' opinions at all times, there are the following problems. .
For example, even if a return route via point is set on the return route, if there are many members, it may take time to adjust and the setting of an appropriate return route via point may be missed.
In addition, on a return route, when setting a branch point that is a branching position from a common return route that is commonly used by a plurality of members to a branch return route that is used only by a specific member as a return route to a return destination, the user wants to return home early. Opinions may be divided between members and those who want to return home with each member as much as possible, and even if the coordination of each member is adjusted, if there are many members, it will take time to adjust, There is a possibility that the setting of an appropriate branch position and return route may be missed.
Further, if adjustment items frequently occur on the return route, it is necessary to adjust the opinions of each member each time, and there is a concern that the adjustment of the opinions may become cumbersome.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to move a plurality of members separately from a common current position to a different return destination for each member. When setting a branch location that is a branching point to be used for return trips only by specific members, it is not always adjusted and adjusted according to the opinions of members, but set according to the arbitration rules registered in advance on the information providing server Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system and a route guidance information providing method capable of shortening the adjustment time and simplifying the adjustment.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following as a solution. That is, in the first configuration of the present invention, the mobile terminal includes a plurality of movable mobile terminals, and an information providing server connected to the mobile terminals so as to be capable of two-way communication and providing route guidance information to a set destination. Navigation system,
In the above information providing server,
First collecting means for collecting request information on a destination and a route from a plurality of members registered in advance in the information providing server;
First determining means for determining a destination and a route in accordance with a preset arbitration rule based on each request information collected by the first collecting means;
A return destination different for each member from the plurality of members described above, and a branch point where a specific member only branches from a common return route used as a common return route by a plurality of members to a branch return route used as a return route to the return destination. Collection means for collecting request information regarding
Second determining means for determining a branch point and a return path consisting of a common return path and a branch return path based on each request information collected by the second collecting means according to a preset arbitration rule;
Providing means for providing the destination, route, branch point, and return route determined by the first and second determining means to each of the mobile terminals of the plurality of members is provided.
According to the first configuration of the present invention, in addition to the destination and the route, the fork and the return route are set according to the preset arbitration rule, so that the adjustment time can be reduced and the adjustment can be simplified. .
Here, the adjustment rules are determined and agreed in advance among the members, and if registered in the information providing server, the setting of the destination, the route, the branching point, and the return route can be smoothly performed without any objection at each member. You can do it.
[0008]
In the second configuration of the present invention, the second collection unit is configured to collect information on a return route via point on the return route, and the second determination unit is configured to collect information on the return route collected by the second collection unit. It is configured to set a return route via point on a common return route based on the request information on the location.
According to the second configuration of the present invention, since the return route stopover is set according to the arbitration rule, the adjustment time can be shortened, the adjustment can be simplified, and the return route stopover can be set smoothly.
[0009]
In the third configuration of the present invention, the second determination means may include a branching point that is a branching position to a branching return path that is used only by a specific member as a return path to a return destination from a return waypoint set on a common return path. Are set on the basis of the request information from the members regarding the respective branch locations.
After each member joins at a return route via a meal, etc., the return route from the return route to a different return destination (usually at home) for each member may be basically a movement of each member alone. Because there are many opinions, it is desirable to set a branching point for each member by reflecting the individual opinion of each member such as an opinion of arriving at the return destination as soon as possible and an opinion of traveling with other members as much as possible.
According to the third configuration of the present invention, according to the arbitration rule, the branching point that is the branching position to the branching return path that is used only by the specific member from the return route viaway to the return destination is used as the branching point from each member. Are set on the basis of the request information regarding the members, therefore, it is possible to set a return route according to the opinion of each member.
[0010]
In the fourth configuration of the present invention, the arbitration rule regarding the branch point setting in the second determination means is as follows:
A distance priority rule that sets a fork in priority to shorten the distance to a different return destination for each member;
A common-return parallel-running priority rule for setting a branch point by giving priority to using the common return together by the plurality of members as much as possible is provided.
According to the fourth configuration of the present invention, the branch point can be set smoothly according to one of the distance priority rule and the common return path parallel priority rule.
[0011]
In the fifth configuration of the present invention, the arbitration rule for the return route via point in the second determining means is as follows:
A majority rule that determines whether or not the information on the return route via points collected from the plurality of members is the same as each other, and sets the return route via location based on the request information having the same request information more;
When the return route request information is received from a pre-registered leader among the plurality of members, the return route stop is set such that the received return route from the leader is easily set as the return route stop. A leader draft priority rule that sets the
Amount priority rule for setting a return route if the transportation costs collected from multiple members and traveling expenses to the return route are within the pre-set value for the return route. And at least two of them.
According to the fifth configuration of the present invention, the return route via point can be set smoothly according to one of the majority rule, the leader plan priority rule, and the money amount priority rule.
[0012]
In the sixth configuration of the present invention, the information providing server includes:
Member position display means for displaying the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route among the plurality of members on each mobile terminal map screen of the other members is provided.
When a specific member moves to a branch return route, another member may want to check the current position of that member.
According to the sixth configuration of the present invention, since the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is configured to be displayed on each mobile terminal map screen of the other members, the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is displayed. Can be confirmed by other members.
[0013]
In the seventh configuration of the present invention, the member position display means includes:
The current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route of the plurality of members is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of each of the other members when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is within a predetermined distance range from the branch location. On the other hand, when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is out of the predetermined distance range from the branch location, information regarding the current location is displayed as text on the mobile terminal map screen of the other members, or at a predetermined timing after the branch. Change the map display of each member's mobile terminal screen display of other members and display the position, or when the member who moves to the branch return route arrives at the return destination, do one of the following: text display on each other member's mobile terminal It is composed.
When a specific member moves to a branch return route, another member may want to check the current position of that member.However, when a member moves to a branch return route and moves away from the branch location, the position on the same map screen is changed. Display becomes difficult.
According to the seventh configuration of the present invention, when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is within a predetermined distance range from other members, the member is displayed on the map screen while the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is displayed. If the position is out of the predetermined distance range, text is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of other members (for example, Mr. A is near the XX intersection 2 km before his home) or predetermined after branching At the timing, for example, every predetermined time after the branch, the current position is displayed by reducing the scale on each mobile terminal map screen (so that a wide area is displayed on the map screen), or when the branch member returns to the destination ( When the user arrives at the home (usually at home), the arrival is displayed in text on each mobile terminal map screen (for example, Mr. A arrives at home). It can be other members of the current position of the member by any information after a particular member has moved to return the branch to confirm.
[0014]
In an eighth configuration of the present invention, the information providing server includes:
Message obtaining means for obtaining a message from a member moving to a branch return route of the plurality of members before moving to the branch return route,
Message providing means for providing the message obtained by the obtaining means to each mobile terminal of another member.
When a particular member moves to a branch return, that member usually wants to greet other members, but is visible to other members if each member is far away Greetings (eg, waving hands) can be difficult.
According to the eighth configuration of the present invention, the information providing server is configured to be able to obtain a message from the member moving to the branch return path before moving to the branch return path, and to transmit the obtained message to another member. Therefore, the member moving to the branch return route can provide a message equivalent to a greeting to another member, and communication between the members can be improved.
[0015]
In a ninth configuration of the present invention, the information providing server includes:
Response message obtaining means for obtaining a response message from another member to the message provided by the message providing means;
Response message providing means for providing the response message obtained by the response message obtaining means to the member moving to the branch return path. When a member moving to a branch return route provides a message to another member, it is desired to improve communication between the members in response to the message.
According to the ninth configuration of the present invention, when the information providing server obtains a message from a member moving to the branch return route, the information providing server provides a response message from another member to the member to the member moving to the branch return route. Therefore, greetings can be exchanged between members at the time of member branching, and communication between members can be improved.
[0016]
In a tenth configuration of the present invention, the message obtaining means and the response message obtaining means are
A message registered in advance by each of the above members can be obtained.
Creating messages on the move is undesirable for security.
According to the tenth configuration of the present invention, since the information providing server is configured to be able to obtain a message registered in advance before moving, it is possible to create a message in advance before moving. Communication can be improved while suppressing the influence on the communication.
[0017]
In the eleventh configuration of the present invention, a route guidance information providing method for providing route guidance information for a set destination to a plurality of movable mobile terminals,
A first collection step of collecting request information relating to a destination and a route from a plurality of members registered in advance;
A first determining step of determining a destination and a route based on each collected request information according to a preset arbitration rule;
A return destination different for each member from a plurality of members registered in advance, and a branch position from a common return used by a plurality of members as a common return to a branch return used only by a specific member as a return to the return destination. A second collection step of collecting required information about the branch site;
A second determining step of determining a branch point and a return path based on each collected request information according to a preset arbitration rule;
Providing the determined destination, route, branch location, and return route to each of the mobile terminals of the plurality of members.
According to the eleventh configuration of the present invention, in addition to the destination and the route, the fork and the return route are set according to the preset arbitration rule, so that the adjustment time can be shortened and the adjustment can be simplified. .
Here, the adjustment rules are determined and agreed in advance among the members, and if registered in the information providing server, the setting of the destination, the route, the branching point, and the return route can be smoothly performed without any objection at each member. You can do it.
[0018]
In a twelfth configuration of the present invention, the second collecting step includes:
It is intended to collect information on return routes on return routes,
The second determining step includes:
The return route stop is set on the common return route based on the collected request information on the return route stop.
According to the twelfth configuration of the present invention, the return route via point on the return route is set according to the arbitration rule, so that the adjustment time can be shortened, the adjustment can be simplified, and the return route via point can be set smoothly.
[0019]
In a thirteenth configuration of the present invention, the second determining step includes:
Based on the request information about each branch from each member, the branch point to be the branching position to the branch return route used only by the specific member as the return route to the return destination from the return route via point set on the common return route is determined. Each has been like to set.
According to the thirteenth configuration of the present invention, according to the arbitration rule, a branch point that is a branch point to a branch return path that is used only by a specific member as a return route to a return destination from a return route via point is determined by each branch point from each member. Are set on the basis of the request information regarding the members, therefore, it is possible to set a return route according to the opinion of each member.
[0020]
In the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the arbitration rule for setting a branch point in the second decision step is as follows:
A distance priority rule that sets a fork in priority to shorten the distance to a different return destination for each member;
The branching point is set in accordance with one of the common return path side-by-side priority rules for setting a branching point by giving priority to using the common return path together as much as possible by the plurality of members.
According to the fourteenth configuration of the present invention, the branch point can be set smoothly according to any one of the distance priority rule and the common return path parallel priority rule.
[0021]
In the fifteenth configuration of the present invention, the arbitration rule for the return route via point in the second determination step is:
A majority rule that determines whether or not the information on the return route via points collected from each of the members is the same as each other, and sets the return route via location based on the request information having the same request information more;
When the return route request information is received from a leader registered in advance among the above members, a leader draft priority rule for setting a return route stop so that the return route stop from the accepted leader is easily set as the return route stop. ,
Amount priority rule for setting a return route if the transportation costs collected from multiple members and traveling expenses to the return route are within the pre-set value for the return route. The return route is set according to at least two rules.
According to the fifteenth configuration of the present invention, the return route via point can be set smoothly according to any one of the majority rule, the leader proposal priority rule, and the money amount priority rule.
[0022]
The sixteenth configuration of the present invention is provided with a position displaying step of displaying the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route among the plurality of members on each mobile terminal map screen of the other members.
According to the sixteenth configuration of the present invention, the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is displayed on each mobile terminal map screen of the other members. Can be confirmed by members.
[0023]
In a seventeenth configuration of the present invention, the position displaying step includes:
The current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route of the plurality of members is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of each of the other members when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is within a predetermined distance range from the branch location. On the other hand, when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is out of the predetermined distance range from the branch location, information regarding the current location is displayed as text on the mobile terminal map screen of the other members, or at a predetermined timing after the branch. Change the map display of each member's mobile terminal screen display of other members and display the position, or when the member who moves to the branch return route arrives at the return destination, do one of the following: text display on each other member's mobile terminal Has been done.
According to the seventeenth configuration of the present invention, when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is within a predetermined distance range from another member, the member is displayed on the map screen while the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is displayed. If the position is out of the predetermined distance range, text is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of other members (for example, Mr. A is near the XX intersection 2 km before his home) or predetermined after branching At the timing, for example, every predetermined time after the branch, the current position is displayed by reducing the scale on each mobile terminal map screen (so that a wide area is displayed on the map screen), or the member who has moved to the branch return route is displayed. When arriving at the return destination (usually home), one of the following is displayed on the map screen of each mobile terminal (for example, Mr. A arrives at home). Since cormorants is configured, it is that certain members of other members of the current position of the member by any information after moving to confirm the return branch.
[0024]
In the eighteenth configuration of the present invention, a message obtaining step of obtaining a message from a member moving to the branch return route among the plurality of members before moving to the branch return route,
Providing a message obtained to each mobile terminal of another member.
According to the eighteenth configuration of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a message from a member moving to a branch return route before moving to a branch return route, and provide the obtained message to each mobile terminal of another member. Since it is possible, a member corresponding to a greeting can be provided from a member moving to a branch return route to another member, and communication between members can be improved.
[0025]
In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a response message obtaining step of obtaining a response message to the message provided by the message providing step from another member;
Providing a response message to the member moving to the branch return path.
According to the nineteenth configuration of the present invention, when a message is obtained from a member moving to the branch return path, a response message from another member to the message can be provided to the member moving to the branch return path. Greetings can be exchanged between members at the time of branching, and communication between members can be improved.
[0026]
In the twentieth configuration of the present invention, the message obtaining step and the response message obtaining step include:
A message registered in advance by each of the above members can be obtained.
According to the twentieth configuration of the present invention, a message registered in advance before moving can be obtained, so that a message can be created in advance before moving, and the influence on security can be suppressed. It is possible to improve communication while improving communication.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when a plurality of members separately move from a common current position to a return destination different for each member, a return route, and a branch position to a branch return route used only by a specific member for the return route. In the case of setting a forked place, the setting time can be shortened and the adjustment can be simplified by setting according to the arbitration rules registered in advance in the information providing server.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the navigation system according to the present invention is applied to an automobile.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a navigation system according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1a, 1b, and 1c denote automobiles to which the navigation system according to the present invention is applied.
Although the navigation system according to the present embodiment is applied to three vehicles, the number of vehicles to which the navigation system is applied can be arbitrarily set according to the situation at the place.
Guidance devices (so-called car navigation devices) 3a, 3b, and 3c that provide the occupants with route guidance information to the destination and guide the occupants to the destination are provided to the vehicles 1a, 1b, and 1c (see FIG. 2). Is installed.
The guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c receive the GPS signals transmitted from the artificial satellite 5, and calculate the current locations of the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c. In addition, a radio wave is transmitted to the antenna 6 using a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone 7 (see FIG. 2), and connected to the Internet 9 to obtain information on facilities, sightseeing spots, events, and the like.
[0029]
The Internet 9 has an information providing server 11a owned by a traffic information center 11 that provides road traffic information, and an information center that is operated by a private company such as an automobile manufacturer and provides information called contents such as gourmet, weather forecast, and leisure. 13 is connected to a personal computer 15 installed in a home or office.
Furthermore, it is possible to log in to the Internet 9 from a mobile terminal 17 such as a mobile phone having an Internet connection function.
The information providing server 11a of the traffic information center 11 stores a database 11b for tolls and construction information on toll roads, and the information providing server 13a of the information center 13 stores personal setting conditions, roads, and facilities of information service users. And a database 13b including information on facility usage fees, restaurants, gas stations, and the like.
The information providing servers 11a and 13a are connected to each other via the Internet 9 and can exchange information that is open to the public. For example, the information providing server 13a can obtain toll road toll information from the information providing server 11a and add the toll information to the database 13b.
The guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c can download various types of information by logging in to the information providing server 11a or the information providing server 13b via the Internet 9.
[0030]
The information providing server 13a of the information center 13 receives a login from the guidance devices 3a, 3b, 3c, the personal computer 15, and the portable terminal 17, and provides guidance related information to the guidance devices 3a, 3b, 3c.
Further, the information providing server 13a collects request information for creating guidance related information from each member of a group composed of a plurality of members via the guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c, and collects the request information. Has a function of setting a destination instead of a member based on an arbitration rule set in advance based on. This function will be described later in detail.
[0031]
Next, the hardware configuration of the guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c will be described.
FIG. 2 is an automobile system configuration diagram in which a guidance device as an embodiment according to the present invention is mounted on an automobile. Hereinafter, since the guide devices 3a, 3b, and 3c have the same configuration, only the guide device 3a will be described, and the description of the guide devices 3b and 3c will be omitted.
[0032]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a centralized control unit, which calculates various data (current remaining fuel, average fuel efficiency, average vehicle speed, etc.) relating to the running state, and comprehensively controls the following components. Various data relating to the running state can be transmitted to the information providing server 13a of the information center 13 via the Internet 9.
An in-vehicle LAN unit 23 controls a so-called local area network communication between the central control unit 21 and a sensor and a drive unit (not shown) necessary for controlling, for example, an antilock brake system (ABS) and four-wheel drive control.
Reference numeral 25 denotes a RAM card drive, which is a RAM card data reading / writing device that stores information on the driver such as a seat position and a mirror position.
Reference numeral 26 denotes a data drive, which is a device for reading / writing various information stored in a movable data storage medium.
Reference numeral 27 denotes an audio guide speaker, and audio information from the navigation controller 41 is output via an audio output interface (not shown) in the central control unit 21.
Reference numeral 29 denotes a microphone, and an instruction by an occupant's voice is input to the navigation controller 41 via a voice recognition interface (not shown) in the central control unit 21.
Reference numeral 31 denotes a display such as a liquid crystal display, which displays a navigation screen, a screen for various input operations, a state of the moving body (vehicle speed, air-conditioning setting, etc.), and further touches the front of the display 31 according to the display. An input device of an electrostatic capacitance type, an infrared type, or the like capable of performing an input operation by an operation.
An operation switch 35 allows input operations to the central control unit 21 and the navigation controller 41.
A navigation controller 41 searches for an appropriate route to a set destination based on position information from the GPS antenna 37 and map information of a DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM changer 43, and displays a display 31. Guidance is performed by the above display or voice output from the voice guide speaker. The map information of the DVD-ROM read by the DVD-ROM changer 43 is the basic information of the information displayed on the display 31 in the following description.
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the guidance device 3a is connected to the Internet 9 using the mobile phone 7. However, the guidance device 3a may be directly connected to the Internet 9 from the guidance device 3a.
[0033]
Further, the navigation controller 41 is connected to an FM tuner for receiving VICS-compliant FM multiplex broadcasting and a beacon signal receiver for receiving a radio wave beacon signal and a beacon signal. It is preferable that the information is interpreted as information) and displayed on the display 31 and used as a route search condition (restriction condition) at the time of route guidance. Further, area information around the travel route may be input from the data drive 26 or the like and used as display information. Since the method of detecting the position of the own vehicle by the GPS is known, the description is omitted.
[0034]
Next, features of software related to the navigation system of the embodiment according to the present invention will be described. 3 to 9 show display examples of the display 31 in the navigation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0035]
In FIG. 3, a navigation screen 52 showing a current location 49 and a map 50 around the current location 49 is displayed on the information display unit 51 on the display 31, and the navigation device according to the present invention is displayed on the right edge of the display 31. Icons 53 for operating various functions of the system are displayed side by side in the vertical direction.
The display 31 is a so-called touch panel display. When the occupant touches a position corresponding to the icon 53 on the display 31, a function corresponding to the touched icon 53 is activated.
When the user touches the information center call icon 53a, the guidance device 3a is connected to the information providing server 13a of the information center 13 via the Internet 9, and the information display unit 51 switches to the information selection screen 54 shown in FIG. The operation on the information selection screen 54 will be described later in detail.
[0036]
When the user touches the air conditioning icon 53b, the information display unit 51 switches to an air conditioning setting screen (not shown). On the air-conditioning setting screen, icons for setting the temperature, the air volume, the air-conditioning mode, and the like are displayed, and the air-conditioning can be set by touching these icons by the operator.
When the user touches the AV icon 53c, the information display unit 51 switches to an AV setting screen (not shown). On the AV setting screen, icons for setting a volume, a sound source, a radio frequency, and the like are displayed, and various functions of the AV device can be set by touching these icons.
When the user touches the fuel consumption status icon 53d, the information display unit 51 switches to a fuel consumption status screen (not shown). On the fuel consumption status screen, the present remaining fuel, average fuel efficiency, average vehicle speed, and the possible travel distance calculated from the average fuel efficiency and the remaining fuel amount calculated by the central control unit 21 are displayed. It is to be noted that a method for calculating these numerical values is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
When the traffic regulation status icon 53e is touched, the guidance device 3a is connected to the information providing server 11a of the traffic information center 11 via the Internet 9, and downloads traffic regulation information such as construction, traffic congestion, and accidents near the current location, and The display unit 51 switches to a traffic regulation status screen (not shown), and the downloaded traffic regulation information is displayed.
When the navigation icon 53f is touched, the information display unit 51 switches to the above-described navigation screen 52.
[0037]
Hereinafter, a case where the information center call icon 53a is touched will be described.
As described above, when the user touches the information center call icon 53a, the guidance device 3a is connected to the information providing server 13a of the information center 13 via the Internet 9, and the information display unit 51 displays the information selection screen 54 shown in FIG. Switch.
On the information selection screen 54, a weather forecast icon 55a for downloading a weather forecast, a restaurant icon, a restaurant such as a cafe, and a map icon 55b for downloading a map describing an event venue, a parking lot, and a museum Search icon 55c for searching for facilities such as public halls and public halls, an Internet icon 55d for browsing home pages published on the Internet 9 and sending and receiving e-mails, and registering in the information providing server 13a of the information center 13. Data icon 55e for downloading data such as images, music, and the like, and a result of setting of an inter-vehicle communication, which will be described later, and an inter-vehicle communication icon 55f for taking a communication among the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c. You. Note that the functions of the weather forecast icon 55a, the map icon 55b, the facility search icon 55c, the Internet icon 55d, and the data icon 55e are functions provided in a general guidance device having an Internet connection function. Description is omitted.
[0038]
Hereinafter, the function of the vehicle-to-vehicle communication icon 55f will be described.
Here, an explanation will be given assuming that the occupant of the automobile 1a among the automobiles 1a, 1b, and 1c is a leader of inter-vehicle communication described later.
[0039]
When the occupant of the vehicle 1a touches the vehicle-to-vehicle communication icon 55f, the display 31 of the guidance device 3a displays an ID number input screen for inputting an ID number assigned to the information service user by the information center 13 (see FIG. (Not shown), and when the ID number is input, the display switches to the inter-vehicle communication screen 56 shown in FIG.
The vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56 is a homepage for the occupants of the vehicle 1a constructed in the information providing server 13a of the information center 13, and registers and cancels members who perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication, destinations, transit points, routes, and merging. It is possible to set a ground, a return route, a return route route point, a branch point, and an arbitration rule described later. In addition, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56 can also be logged in from the personal computer 15. For example, various settings may be made at home in advance of the day before the drive, and the result of the setting may be called in the vehicle 1a on the day of the drive. In this case, it is desirable to save the setting result in addition to the database 13a.
[0040]
First, registration of a member who performs inter-vehicle communication will be described.
To register a member, first, a registration / cancellation icon 58 displayed on the vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56 is touched to call a registration / cancellation screen (not shown). On the registration / cancellation screen, the ID number 59 of the member performing the vehicle-to-vehicle communication is input and registered. Here, the ID numbers 59b and 59c of the occupants B and C of the cars 1b and 1c are registered in addition to the occupant A of the car 1a, which is the set member of the registered member. Here, the ID number 59a of the occupant A is registered first. The occupant A, who is the owner of the ID number 59a registered first, is registered as a leader of the vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
When the registration is completed and the start icon 57a is touched, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication starts, and the registered member can log in to the vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56 via the Internet 9, and the vehicle-to-vehicle communication can be performed between a plurality of vehicles. Can be performed. Further, by registering a member who performs inter-vehicle communication as described above, it is possible to prohibit unnecessary login from a user who is not registered.
[0041]
Next, destinations, transit points (planned from the beginning), routes, junctions, unplanned transit points (hereinafter referred to as temporary transit points to distinguish them from transit points planned from the beginning), The setting of the return route, the return route route point, and the branch point will be described.
The setting of the destination, stopover, route, junction, return route, return route stopover, and branching point is performed only by the occupant of one car, and the destination, stopover, route, junction, return route, return route stopover, and One of the personal setting mode to set the branch point and the communication setting mode to arbitrate and set the destination, stopover, route, junction, return route, return route and branching point based on the request information of each member Can be selected. Further, the navigation system can automatically propose and set the route, the route, the junction, the return route, the return route route, and the branch location based on the request information.
[0042]
First, the case of setting in the personal setting mode will be described.
In the personal setting mode, the user touches the personal setting icon 60a, calls a destination input screen (not shown), and inputs a destination address, or finally selects one of a plurality of options in order to finally set the destination address. Set the destination. The method of setting the destination in the personal setting mode is substantially the same as the method of setting the destination of a known guidance device, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
After setting the destination, the display 31 returns to the inter-vehicle communication screen 56. Next, the user touches the personal setting icon 60b to call an input screen (not shown) such as a transit point, and sets a transit point, a route, and a merging point in the same manner as when setting a destination.
After setting the destination, the waypoint, the route, and the junction, the display 31 returns to the inter-vehicle communication screen 56. Next, the user touches the personal setting icon 60c to call a return route input screen (not shown), and sets a return route, a return route viaway, and a branch point in the same manner as when setting a destination or the like.
[0043]
Next, the case of setting in the communication setting mode will be described.
In the communication setting mode, arbitration rules for arbitrating and setting destinations, stopovers, routes, junctions, temporary stopovers, return trips, return stopovers, and branch locations are set in advance based on the collected request information. There is a need to. First, to set an arbitration rule, touch the arbitration rule setting icon 62 to call an arbitration rule setting screen 64a shown in FIG. 6, an arbitration rule setting screen 64b shown in FIG. 10, and an arbitration rule setting screen 64c shown in FIG. On the respective arbitration rule setting screens 64a, 64b, 64c, the arbitration rules to be applied to each of the destination, stopover, route, junction, temporary stopover, return route, return route stopover, and branch point setting are displayed. Can be set.
Here, on the outbound route to the destination, the destination, the waypoint, the route, and the junction must be set. During the movement, the temporary waypoint must be set, and the return from the destination is required. In, it is necessary to set a return route, a return route via point, and a branch point.
In the following, each arbitration rule and each setting example based on the arbitration rule will be described for the outbound route, the moving route, and the return route.
[0044]
First, the setting of a destination, a waypoint, a route, and a junction for an outbound route will be described.
The arbitration rules applied when setting destinations and stopovers determine whether or not the request information collected from the members is the same as each other, and determine the destination based on the request information with more identical request information. The leader who narrows down the destination by giving priority to the request information (in this embodiment, the occupant of the vehicle 1a) collected from a member registered in advance as a specific leader among the request information collected from the members. Priority rule, out of the request information collected from members, the priority rule that narrows down the destination by giving priority to the request information that best suits the ideal amount condition for transportation expenses due to movement or facility usage cost at the destination , A distance priority rule set by request information with a short distance to a destination or a stopover, a market set by request information with high market popularity It can be selected from among the gas-rule. Here, it is assumed that the leader priority rule is selected.
Note that an example will be described in which a transportation cost due to movement or a facility use cost at a destination is estimated and a destination is set in the above-described money amount priority rule.
First, the destinations are temporarily set in consideration of only the respective request information collected from the respective guidance devices 3a, 3b, 3c, and the transportation cost or the purpose associated with the movement to each of the temporarily set destinations is set. The facility utilization cost in the ground is obtained from the database 13b in the information providing server 13a of the information center 13 and is estimated. Next, the transportation cost or the facility usage fee at the destination calculated for each of the trips is compared, and the lowest destination is set as the final destination.
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the transportation cost to the destination or the destination where the facility usage fee at the destination is the lowest is set as the final destination. It is also possible to set a final amount and set a destination which is equal to or less than the set amount as a final destination.
[0045]
Next, the arbitration rules that are applied when setting a member's merging place are rules that prioritize that members join together as soon as possible or that priority is given to reducing the required time or mileage to the destination. You can choose from. In addition, as a sub-rule, a rule for setting a restaurant in the route if a meal request is issued from the occupant or a rule for adjusting the departure time so that the arrival time at the destination is substantially the same Rules can be selected. Here, it is assumed that a rule that prioritizes merging early is selected, and a rule that sets a restaurant in the route is selected as a sub-rule if a passenger requests a meal.
The required distance to the destination is downloaded from the database 13b of the information providing server 13a. For the required time and arrival time, the current location information and the average speed information are obtained from the automobiles 1a, 1b, 1c, and the database 13b is obtained. Calculated based on the required distance to the destination downloaded from and the average speed information.
[0046]
Next, the arbitration rule applied when setting a route is to calculate the mileage from the current location of the car by calculating the mileage from the current fuel and the average fuel efficiency of the car, and to calculate the mileage from the current location of the car. If the vehicle is located at a distance, a rule for setting a refueling point such as a gas station as a stopover for refueling along the route within the mileage, a convenience It is possible to select any of the rules for setting facilities that can use toilets such as stores in the route. Here, it is assumed that a rule for setting a refueling point as a stopover point in the route is selected.
[0047]
Hereinafter, a method of setting a destination, a transit point (planned from the beginning), a route, and a junction according to the arbitration rules set as described above will be described.
[0048]
In order to set the destination, first, the occupants of the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c each set a candidate destination. In order to set the candidate destination, the user touches the communication setting icon 66a on the vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56 shown in FIG. 5 to call the candidate destination setting screen 68 shown in FIG.
In the candidate destination setting screen 68, first, whether or not the genre of the destination is determined in advance among the members is input by the determination icon 70. The destination genre here is, in other words, the purpose of the drive. If undecided, separate coordination between members. If it has been determined, the user touches the determined icon 70a and selects a genre from the genre icons 72. Here, it is assumed that play is selected.
When a genre is selected, a small genre icon 74 corresponding to the selected genre is displayed on the candidate destination setting screen 68. The occupant selects a desired small genre from the small genre icons. Here, it is assumed that sports are selected.
When the small genre is selected, facilities corresponding to the selected small genre are displayed on the candidate destination setting screen 68. Here, the sports center is displayed because the sports are selected in the small genre. When this sports center is selected, the sports available at the sports center are displayed next. Here, it is assumed that tennis is selected.
With the above operation, the setting of the candidate destination ends.
[0049]
When the setting of the candidate destination is completed, the display returns to the inter-vehicle communication screen 56.
Here, when the transit point, the route, and the junction are not set, the end icon 57b is touched, and the inter-vehicle communication screen is ended. When setting a transit point, a route, or a junction, the user touches the communication setting icon 66b.
[0050]
Hereinafter, a case of setting a waypoint, a route, and a junction will be described.
After setting the candidate destination, if the user touches the communication setting icon 66b on the vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56, the screen returns to the candidate destination setting screen 68.
On the candidate destination setting screen 68, a condition setting icon 76 is displayed to set other conditions other than the candidate destination, and the occupant selects a desired condition from the condition setting icon 76. Here, it is assumed that lunch is selected.
When another condition is selected, an icon corresponding to the condition is displayed. However, in this embodiment, since lunch is selected, restaurant A is displayed.
Then, when the restaurant A is selected, the setting of other conditions is completed. After the destination is set, the conditions selected here are used for automatically suggesting and setting a transit point, a route, or a junction where the conditions are satisfied on the route to the destination. As described above, when the setting of other conditions is completed, the screen returns to the inter-vehicle communication screen 56 again, and the setting is completed by touching the end icon 57b.
[0051]
When the occupants of the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c set the candidate destination and other conditions, the display 31 switches to the destination setting screen 78 shown in FIG. On this screen, the candidate destinations set for each are displayed.
Here, since the candidate destinations set for each do not match, the destinations are narrowed down according to the previously set arbitration rules.
As the arbitration rule, since the leader priority rule is selected, the candidate destination selected by the occupant of the automobile 1a, which is the leader, is emphasized here.
Here, when all the occupants of the cars 1a, 1b and 1c accept the set candidate destination and touch the approval icon 80a, the setting of the destination is completed, and the determined destination 83 is determined. If there is any occupant who does not accept and even one person touches the reset icon 80b, the above-mentioned setting of the candidate destination is redone.
When the destination is determined by voice directly between the occupants regardless of the arbitration rule, the voice conversation icon 80c is touched and a voice conversation is performed via the Internet 9.
[0052]
On the destination setting screen 78, when the candidate destination is accepted and the setting of the destination is completed, each of the automobiles 1a, 1b, and 1c sends the current location, the remaining fuel, the average fuel consumption, and the average to the information providing server 13a. Information relating to the traveling state such as the traveling distance calculated from the speed, the remaining fuel amount, and the average fuel efficiency is transmitted.
Here, the information providing server 13a automatically proposes and sets a stopover, a route, and a junction based on the data in the database 13b according to the arbitration rule set on the arbitration rule setting screen 64.
As for the stopover, the leader priority rule is selected, so that the request for lunch selected as another condition on the candidate destination setting screen 68 is received, and the restaurant is set as the stopover 84 on the route 85 to the determined destination 83. A is set.
Regarding the merging conditions, a rule that gives priority to merging earlier is selected, so the merging places 86a and 86b are set so that the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c can merge as soon as possible. At this time, as a sub-rule of the merging condition, the rule of joining together if there is a meal is selected, so the merging places 86a and 86b are set so that all the members can have a meal at the restaurant A.
Further, since a rule for setting a refueling point as a stopover point in the route is selected as a consideration condition of the route 85, first, the determined destination 83 is determined as the travelable distance from the current location of each of the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c. It is determined whether it is within the range. Here, it is assumed that the determined destination 83 is outside the mileage range of the car 1c, and a refueling point 88 is set on the route 85 within the mileage range from the current location of the car 1c.
Further, the information providing server 13a calculates the estimated arrival times at the determined destination 83, the waypoint 84, and the junctions 86a, 86b set as described above from the average speed. The distance from the current location to the destination is calculated from the position of the determined destination 83 stored in the database 13b of the information providing server 13a and the current location of each of the automobiles 1a, 1b, and 1c.
[0053]
The determined destination 83, the waypoint 84, and the junctions 86a, 86b set as described above are displayed on the setting result screen 82 shown in FIG. 9 as the guidance devices 3a, 3b, 3c of the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c. Sent to each.
The setting result screen 82 includes the current location of the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c, the determined destination 83, the scheduled arrival time of the destination, the route 85, the junctions 86a and 86b, the estimated arrival time of the junction, and the stopover 84. Restaurant A for lunch, estimated restaurant arrival time, and refueling point 88 are displayed.
The guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c receive the transmitted data, and set the determined destination 83, the waypoint 84, the route 85, and the junctions 86a, 86b in the guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c in order to modify them. , The automobiles 1a, 1b, and 1c are guided based on the data.
[0054]
Next, an additional setting of a temporary stopover while moving will be described.
The setting of the arbitration rule for setting the temporary stopover is performed by touching the arbitration rule setting icon 62 on the vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56 shown in FIG. 5 and calling the arbitration rule setting screen 64b shown in FIG. .
The arbitration rule for setting a temporary stopover is composed of three arbitration rules as shown in FIG.
The arbitration rule 1 is an arbitration rule for determining whether to set a temporary stopover, the arbitration rule 2 is an arbitration rule for determining a specific temporary stopover location, and the arbitration rule 3 is a temporary stopover. Is a rule for determining a reference member when determining a specific place, and these arbitration rules are selectively set according to the purpose of additionally setting a temporary stopover.
[0055]
First, a case where the purpose of setting a temporary stopover is sudden illness will be described.
In the case of sudden illness, the urgency is high and it is necessary to move to the nearest hospital or the like promptly without confirming the opinions of other members.
Therefore, for the mediation rule 1, the rule that gives priority to the opinion of the applicant who wants to add a temporary temporary stopover is uniformly selected, and for the mediation rule 2, a facility that can cope with sudden illness such as the nearest hospital is searched, and that facility is set as a temporary stopover. The rule to be forced is selected. As for the arbitration rule 3, a rule based on a person who wishes to add a temporary stopover is selected based on urgency.
[0056]
Next, a case where the purpose of setting a temporary stopover is a restroom break will be described. In the case of a toilet break, the urgency is relatively high, and it is desired to move to a rest area relatively quickly without confirming the opinions of other members.
Therefore, as for the arbitration rule 1, a rule that gives priority to the opinion of the applicant for a temporary temporary stopover addition is selected. As for the arbitration rule 2, the nearest facility such as a resting place is searched, and the rules to be set are selected after confirming opinions from the members as to whether the searched facility is acceptable.
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a rest room rest request and a rest room rest place are provided on the navigation screen 52 of each member's guidance device 3a, 3b, 3c, and the approval / disapproval information from each member for the request is indicated by an acceptance icon 92, By operating any of the change icons 94, a reply is sent to the information providing server 13a of the information center 13.
As a result, if the consent is obtained from all the members, the provided rest room is additionally set as a temporary stopover. In addition, if there is a change request from any member, the user operates the voice conversation icon 96 to adjust a specific change place by dialogue.
As for the arbitration rule 3, a rule based on a person who wishes to add a temporary stopover is selected based on urgency.
[0057]
Next, a case where the purpose of setting a temporary stopover is eating and drinking, a break, and sightseeing will be described.
For these purposes, since the urgency is low, it is possible to select and set each of the arbitration rules 1 to 3 from the arbitration rules set respectively.
First, the arbitration rule 1 can be selectively set from the following six arbitration rules.
The temporary stopover applicant priority rule that prioritizes the opinions of temporary stopover applicants and information on the pros and cons of each member for the temporary stopover addition request information are collected. If additional information for temporary stopovers is received from the pre-registered leaders of each member, a rule for prioritizing leader proposals to add temporary stopovers and a rule to move to temporary stopovers will be added. If the accompanying transportation expenses or various expenses at the temporary stopover are within the preset stopover correspondence amount, the amount priority rule that additionally sets the temporary stopover, and the distance from the current position to the temporary stopover is set in advance When the distance is shorter than the distance corresponding to the location, the distance priority rule that additionally sets the temporary stopover, and when the temporary stopover is a preset place with high market popularity It is that it is possible to selectively set from among the market popular rule to which you want to add set a temporary stopover. Here, the leader proposal priority rule is selected.
As for the mediation rule 2, the nearest facility is searched based on the purpose of adding a temporary stopover, and after confirming the opinion of each member as to whether the searched facility is acceptable, a rule for setting a temporary stopover is added. It is possible for a person who wants to add a waypoint to search for a specific facility and select and set from among sample presentation rules for presenting some samples. Here, it is assumed that the former is selected.
The arbitration rule 3 can be selected and set as a criterion for setting a temporary stopover place from a rule based on a temporary stopover addition applicant and a rule based on the leading vehicle at the front. You. Here, it is assumed that the latter is selected and the waypoint is additionally set in the destination traveling direction relative to the leading car.
[0058]
Hereinafter, a method of setting a temporary stopover according to the arbitration rules set as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, an example is shown in which a member B (automobile 1b) requests a toilet break and a convenience store 98 two kilometers away is additionally set as a temporary stopover.
[0059]
When it is desired to additionally set a temporary stopover, first, the user touches the temporary stopover setting icon 90 on the navigation screen 52 shown in FIG. 11 to call up the temporary stopover setting screen 100 shown in FIG.
Next, the user touches the target icon 102 on the temporary stopover setting screen 100. Here, as described above, it is assumed that the rest room is selected for the purpose of the temporary stopover setting.
When the rest room is selected for the purpose of the temporary stopover setting, according to the arbitration rule 1 set as described above, the temporary stopover addition setting is uniformly accepted without confirming the opinion of each member.
When the purpose of the temporary stopover addition setting is selected as restroom break, a restroom rest place is specifically set according to the set arbitration rule 2. Here, the arbitration rule 2 is to search for a facility as the nearest temporary stopover as described above, provide the searched facility to each member, and select a rule to be additionally set based on the approval / disapproval information from each member. Therefore, the convenience store 2 km away is displayed as the searched facility.
When the sample of the facility icon 104 is touched, facilities within a predetermined radius of the car of the applicant for the temporary addition of the via-point are searched and displayed (not shown in FIG. 12), and the applicant for the temporary addition of the via-point is added. Can be arbitrarily selected from among those presented.
Finally, when the user touches the transmission icon 106 on the temporary stopover search screen 100, the temporary stopover additional information is transmitted to the information providing server 13a of the information center 13.
As shown in FIG. 13, the information providing server 13 a provides a specific toilet break message below each of the navigation screens 52 of the other members A's car 1 a and C's car 1 c, and displays the information on the navigation screen 52. , A convenience store 98 as a temporary stopover is additionally displayed.
On the other hand, when members A and C give consent to the information providing server 13a, the convenience store 98 is set as a temporary stopover.
When a change request is issued from any of the members, the user touches the voice conversation icon 96, and the toilet resting place is appropriately adjusted by the voice conversation.
[0060]
As described above, when a temporary stopover is additionally set, as shown in FIG. 14, the setting result screen 82 displays the current location of the automobiles 1a, 1b, and 1c, the determined destination 83, and the scheduled arrival of the destination. Time, route 85, junctions 86a, 86b, estimated arrival time at junction, restaurant A for lunch at stopover 84, estimated arrival time at restaurant, refueling point 88, convenience store as temporary stopover added this time 98 and the convenience store 98 scheduled arrival time are displayed.
Each of the guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c of each of the cars 1a, 1b, and 1c receives the transmitted data and sets the determined destination 83, the waypoint 84, the route 85, the merging places 86a, 86b, and the temporary waypoint. Is set in the guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c in order to guide the automobiles 1a, 1b, and 1c based on the data.
[0061]
Next, setting of a return route, a return route stopover, and a branch will be described.
The return route is set based on the return route transit point and the branching point. For example, a return destination different for each member from the destination (departure point on the return route) (usually the home of each member) The return route up to is set by a common return route that multiple members drive together and is used as a return route from the destination to the branch point or return route via point, and a branch return route that is used only by a specific member from the branch point as a return route. You.
The arbitration rules applied when setting the return route, the return route viaway, and the branching point are the same as the above-described arbitration rules, by touching the arbitration rule setting icon 62 on the inter-vehicle communication screen 56 shown in FIG. The arbitration rule screen 64c shown is called. Hereinafter, arbitration rules that are required to set a return route and that are applied when setting a return route stopover and a branch point will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the arbitration rule applied when setting a return route stop determines whether or not the information on the return route stop collected from each member is the same as each other, and based on the request information in which the same request information is larger. When the return route request information is received from a pre-registered leader among the above members, the return route request information from the leader is presented to each member together with the leader proposal priority message. At the same time, gather information from other members on the return route request information provided by the leader from other members, and if there are many opinions in favor of the return route request information from the leader, give priority to the leader proposal that sets the return route request Of the rules and request information collected from members, the transportation expenses or travel return Priority rule that narrows down the return route by giving priority to the request information that best matches the preset ideal amount condition, the distance priority rule that is set by the request information that is close to the return route, market popularity Can be selected from among market popularity rules set by high demand information. Here, it is assumed that the majority rule is selected.
When the leader proposal priority is selected, a message in which the leader priority rule is selected is presented to each member as described above with reference to FIG. Therefore, the other members cannot deny the leader's proposal without good reason, and the leader's proposal will usually be accepted.
In addition, another priority rule for the leader's plan is that if a leader requests a return route, a rule that gives the leader a large number of majority points and gives the leader a majority vote, or a route that the leader wishes to return to The land may be set uniformly without confirming the approval or disapproval of other members.
[0062]
Next, the arbitration rule applied when setting a branch point is a distance priority rule that prioritizes shortening the return distance so that each member can quickly arrive at a different return destination (usually at home). And a common return path parallel priority rule that prioritizes that a plurality of members can travel on the common return path together as much as possible. Here, it is assumed that the distance priority rule is selected.
In accordance with such arbitration rules, a return route stopover and a branch point are set, and finally a return route is set.
Here, the setting of the common return route and the branch return route differs depending on whether the return route stop point is set or not. When the return route stop point is set, the return route stop point is used as a reference, the destination to the return route stop point is always set as a common return route, and the return route after the return route stop point is set to the branch point and the branch return route. If the return route stop point is not set, the branch point is set as a reference, and the route from the destination to the branch point is set as the common return route, and the route from the branch point to the return destination is set as the branch return route. The branch location and the branch return route are set to be different for each member.
[0063]
Hereinafter, a method of setting a return route, a return route stopover, and a branch location according to the arbitration rules set as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 16, and 17.
In order to set the return route, the return route viaway, and the branching point, the user touches the communication setting icon 66c on the vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen 56 shown in FIG. 5 and calls the return route / returning route viaway / branch location setting screen 110 shown in FIG.
On the return route / return route via / branch location setting screen 110, a return destination destination is selected by the return route destination icon 111 first. Here, it is assumed that home is selected.
In the case other than home, a specific return destination is entered in the other fields.
Next, the user selects a return route via the return route icon 112. Here, it is assumed that everyone chooses to eat. When a meal is selected, the facilities on the common return route are searched and displayed, and an appropriate facility can be selected from the displayed facilities. Here, it is assumed that restaurant B is selected.
Next, a branch place is selected by the branch place icon 113. Here, it is assumed that a distance priority rule in which arriving at their own return destination earlier is prioritized is selected. As described above, the return route stopover, return route, and branch location are finally determined based on the return route destination, the return route stopover, and the branch location according to the above-described arbitration rules.
Here, as shown in FIG. 17, the return route via point is set to the restaurant 126 according to the majority rule, and the branch point is set to the branch points 120 and 121 for each member according to the distance priority rule.
Therefore, as the return route, the route from the destination to the restaurant 126 is set as the common return route 122, and the restaurant B, the branch locations 120 and 121, and the branch return routes 123, 124 and 125 passing to the different return destinations for each member are set. Is set.
When the common return path parallel priority rule is selected as the arbitration rule of the branch point, as shown in FIG. 18, the branch points 120 'and 121' and the branch return paths 123 'and 124 are set so that the common return path 122 becomes as long as possible. 'Is changed.
[0064]
Returning to FIG. 16 again, the setting of the position display, message, and response message after branching will be described.
These do not need to be adjusted among the members, and are performed by each member setting individually.
First, the position display after branching will be described.
As a premise, the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is displayed on the map screen of the guidance devices 3b and 3c of the other members within a predetermined distance range from the branch location. When the vehicle is out of the predetermined distance range from the ground, how to display the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route on the guidance device 3a of another member can be selected by the position display icon 114 after branching. .
Specifically, the following three selections are possible.
First, the first item is an item to be displayed as a text, which can be displayed, for example, such as "Mr. B is near an intersection 2 km before home."
The second item is to change the map screen display at a predetermined timing after the branch and display the position. For example, the scale of the map screen is reduced at predetermined timings (every 10 minutes) after the branch, and a wide range of display can be performed. Thus, the current position of the member can be displayed on the map screen.
The third item is an item for displaying an arrival message in text when the member who has moved to the branch return route arrives at the return destination, for example, "B arrived at home." It is possible. Here, it is assumed that when the user arrives at the return destination, an item for displaying an arrival message is selected.
[0065]
Next, setting of a message will be described.
The message is a greeting message to be sent on the screens of the guidance devices 3b and 3c of other members when the user himself / herself moves to the branch return route, and indicates whether or not to provide this message to other members. It can be selected by the message selection icon 115. Here, it is assumed that “provide” is selected. When providing is selected, a message is input and registered in advance. For example, it is possible to register, for example, "It was fun today. Let's go together." As a result, a message is provided to other members before the branch.
Next, the setting of the response message will be described.
The response message is a response message to the above-mentioned message, and whether or not to provide the response message to another member can be selected by the response message selection icon 116. Here, it is assumed that “provide” is selected. When providing is selected, a message is input and registered in advance. For example, it is possible to register as "Be careful. Let's go again." As a result, a response message can be provided for the received message.
[0066]
Hereinafter, steps from the destination setting to the return route setting of the navigation system according to the present invention will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing steps of the navigation system according to the present invention up to the setting of a destination, a stopover, a route, and a junction.
When the system starts, the process proceeds to step S1, where the guidance device 3 is used to log in to the information providing server 13a of the information center 13 via the Internet 9.
Next, the process proceeds to step S2, where the ID number of the member performing the vehicle-to-vehicle communication is registered.
After the registration of the member, the process proceeds to step S3, and the determined destination 83 is set according to the arbitration rule in either the above-described personal setting mode or the inter-vehicle communication mode.
When the determined destination 83 is set, the process proceeds to step S4, and the waypoint 84, the route 85, and the junctions 86a and 86b are set according to the arbitration rule.
Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where the return route stop 126, the branch routes 120 and 121, the common return route 122, and the branch return routes 123, 124 and 125 are set according to the arbitration rule. When the setting of the via way 84, the route 85, the merging places 86a and 86b, the return way via place 126, the branch points 120 and 121, the common return path 122, and the branch return paths 123, 124 and 125 is completed, the process proceeds to step S6, and the setting is performed. The data of the determined destination 83, the waypoint 84, the route 85, the merging places 86a, 86b, the return wayway 126, the branching points 120, 121, the common returnway 122, and the branching returnway 123, 124, 125 indicate that each member gets on. Is transmitted to each guidance device 3a, 3b, 3c of the car.
Finally, the process proceeds to step S7, where the user logs off from the information providing server 13a of the information center 13, and the system ends.
The transmitted data is displayed on the screen of each of the guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c in such a manner that necessary information is distinguished between the forward route and the return route.
[0067]
Next, the process of adding a temporary stopover will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S10 of FIG. 19, information such as the current position of the own vehicle and the other vehicle, and the presence / absence of temporary stopover addition request information is read.
In the following step S11, it is determined whether or not there is temporary stopover addition request information. When YES is determined in the step S11, the process proceeds to a step S12, and a temporary stopover is set according to the arbitration rule described above.
In step S13, in addition to the determined destination 83, the waypoint 84, the route 85, the merging places 86a and 86b, the data of the temporarily added waypoint 98 additionally set this time, the members from the information center 13 board the board. It transmits to each guidance device 3a, 3b, 3c of each car 1a, 1b, 1c which is doing, and returns.
[0068]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.
Since the return route, the return route route point, and the branch location are set in accordance with a preset arbitration rule, the adjustment time can be shortened and the adjustment can be simplified.
Here, the adjustment rules are determined and agreed in advance among the members, and if registered in the information providing server, the setting of the destination, the route, the branching point, and the return route can be smoothly performed without any objection at each member. You can do it.
[0069]
In addition, since the branch point is set based on the request information from each member regarding each branch point, a return route according to the opinion of each member can be set. In addition, the branch point can be set smoothly according to one of the distance priority rule and the common return path parallel priority rule.
The return route can be set smoothly according to any of the majority rule, the leader plan priority rule, the money priority rule, the distance priority rule, and the market popularity rule.
In addition, since the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is configured to be displayed on each mobile terminal map screen of another member, the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route can be confirmed by other members. it can.
When the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is out of the predetermined distance range, a text is displayed on the map screen of each mobile terminal of the other members (for example, Mr. A is XX which is 2 km before his home. The current position is displayed at a predetermined timing after the branch, for example, at a predetermined timing after the branch, for example, at a predetermined time after the branch, on the map screen of each mobile terminal with a reduced scale (so that a wide area is displayed on the map screen). When the branch member arrives at the return destination (usually his home), the arrival is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen as text (for example, Mr. A arrives at his home). Since it is configured to perform either of them, even after a specific member moves to the branch return route, other members can confirm the current position of the member with some information.
In addition, a message from a member moving to a branch return route before moving to a branch return route is configured to be available and the obtained message can be provided to each mobile terminal of another member. A member corresponding to a greeting can be provided from a member moving to the return route to another member, and communication between members can be improved.
Also, when a message is obtained from a member traveling to the branch return route, a response message from another member to the message can be provided to the member traveling to the branch return route, so greetings between members at the time of member branching Can be exchanged, and communication between members can be improved.
In addition, since a message registered in advance can be obtained before moving, it is possible to create a message before moving, thereby improving communication while suppressing the influence on safety. Can be.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, an example in which the mobile terminal is applied to the car guidance devices 3a, 3b, and 3c has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to other types of telephones.
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be applied to a modification of the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the gist.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an automobile system configuration diagram in which the guidance device according to the present invention is mounted on an automobile.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a display example of a navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a display example of a navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display display example of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display display example of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a display display of the navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing steps from destination setting to return route setting according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a temporary stopover addition setting process according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1a, 1b, 1c: automobile
3a, 3b, 3c: guidance device (mobile terminal)
11: Traffic Information Center
13: Information Center
13a: Information providing server (navigation computer)
56: Vehicle-to-vehicle communication screen
64a, 64b, 64c: Arbitration rule setting screen
68: Candidate destination setting screen
82: Setting result screen
110: Return route / return route via / branch location setting screen

Claims (20)

A plurality of movable mobile terminals,
An information providing server connected to the mobile terminal so as to be capable of two-way communication and providing route guidance information to a set destination, comprising:
In the above information providing server,
First collecting means for collecting request information on a destination and a route from a plurality of members registered in advance in the information providing server;
First determining means for determining a destination and a route in accordance with a preset arbitration rule based on each request information collected by the first collecting means;
A return destination different for each member from the plurality of members described above, and a branch point where a specific member only branches from a common return route used as a common return route by a plurality of members to a branch return route used as a return route to the return destination. Collection means for collecting request information regarding
A second determining means for determining, based on each request information collected by the second collecting means, a branch point and a return path comprising a common return path and a branch return path according to a preset arbitration rule; and the first and second determination means Providing means for providing the destination, route, branch point, and return route determined by the means to the mobile terminals of the plurality of members, respectively. The second collecting means,
It is configured to collect information about return routes on return routes,
The second determining means includes:
2. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein a return route stop is set on a common return route based on the request information on the return route stop collected by the second collection means. The second determining means includes:
Based on request information about each branch point from each member, the branch point to be the branch position to the branch return route used only by the specific member from the return route via point set on the common return route to be used as the return route to the return destination. 3. The navigation system according to claim 2, wherein each of the navigation systems is set. The arbitration rule regarding the branch point setting in the second determining means is as follows:
A distance priority rule that sets a fork in priority to shorten the distance to a different return destination for each member;
4. A common return parallel side-by-side priority rule for setting a fork by giving priority to using a common return together by the plurality of members as much as possible. The navigation system according to 1. The mediation rule for the return route via point in the second determining means is as follows:
A majority rule that determines whether the request information on the return route via points collected from the plurality of members is the same as each other, and sets a return route via the same request information based on more request information;
When the return route request information is received from a pre-registered leader among the plurality of members, a leader draft priority that sets a return route stop so that the return route stop from the received leader is easily set as the return route stop. Rules and
Amount priority rule for setting a return route if the transportation costs associated with the travel to the return route via the above-mentioned multiple members or various expenses at the return route are within the preset return route support amount. The navigation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising at least two of the following. The information providing server,
6. A member position display means for displaying a current position of a member who has moved to a branch return route among the plurality of members on a mobile terminal map screen of another member. Navigation system according to one. The member position display means,
The current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route of the plurality of members is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of each of the other members when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is within a predetermined distance from the branch location. On the other hand, when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is out of the predetermined distance range from the branch location, information regarding the current location is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of other members as text, or at a predetermined timing after the branch. Change the map display of each member's mobile terminal screen display of other members and display the position, or when the member who moved to the branch return route arrives at the return destination, do one of the text display on the other member's mobile terminal The navigation system according to claim 6, wherein the navigation system is configured as follows. The information providing server,
Message obtaining means for obtaining a message from a member moving to a branch return route of the plurality of members before moving to the branch return route,
8. The navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising: a message providing unit that provides a message obtained by the obtaining unit to each mobile terminal of another member. The information providing server,
Response message obtaining means for obtaining a response message from another member to the message provided by the message providing means;
10. The navigation system according to claim 9, further comprising: a response message providing unit that provides a response message obtained by the response message obtaining unit to a member moving to the branch return route. The message obtaining means and the response message obtaining means include:
The navigation system according to claim 8, wherein a message registered in advance by each of the members is configured to be available. A route guidance information providing method for providing route guidance information for a set destination to a plurality of movable mobile terminals,
A first collection step of collecting request information relating to a destination and a route from a plurality of members registered in advance;
A first determining step of determining a destination and a route based on each collected request information according to a preset arbitration rule;
A return destination different for each member from a plurality of members registered in advance, and a branch position from a common return used by a plurality of members as a common return to a branch return used only by a specific member as a return to the return destination. A second collection step of collecting required information about the branch site;
A second determining step of determining a branch point and a return path based on the collected request information in accordance with a preset arbitration rule, and moving the determined destination, route, branch position and return path to each of the plurality of members. Providing a route guidance information to each terminal. The second collection step includes:
It is intended to collect information on return routes on return routes,
The second determining step includes:
12. The route guidance information providing method according to claim 11, wherein a return route stop is set on a common return route based on the collected request information on the return route stop. The second determining step includes:
Based on the request information about each branch from each member, the branch point to be the branch position to the branch return route that is used only by the specific member as the return route to the return destination from the return route via point set on the common return route is used. 13. The route guidance information providing method according to claim 12, wherein each is set. The arbitration rule regarding the branch point setting in the second determination step is as follows:
A distance priority rule that sets a fork in priority to shorten the distance to a different return destination for each member;
It is characterized in that the plurality of members set a fork in accordance with any one of the common return co-running priority rules for setting a fork by giving priority to using a common return together as much as possible. The route guidance information providing method according to any one of claims 11 to 13. The mediation rule for the return route via point in the second determination step is as follows:
A majority rule that determines whether the request information about the return route via points collected from each of the members is the same, and sets the return route via the same request information based on more request information;
When the return route request information is received from a leader registered in advance among the above members, a leader draft priority rule for setting a return route stop so that the return route stop from the accepted leader is easily set as the return route stop. ,
If the transportation costs collected from multiple members above for traveling to the return route or the costs at the return route are within the preset return route support amount, the amount priority rule for setting the return route The route guidance information providing method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the return route stopover is set in accordance with at least two rules. 16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of displaying a current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route among the plurality of members on each mobile terminal map screen of the other members. The method for providing route guidance information described in 1. The position display step includes:
The current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route of the plurality of members is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of each of the other members when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is within a predetermined distance from the branch location. On the other hand, when the current position of the member who has moved to the branch return route is out of the predetermined distance range from the branch location, information regarding the current location is displayed on the mobile terminal map screen of other members as text, or at a predetermined timing after the branch. Change the map display of each member's mobile terminal screen display of other members and display the position, or when the member who moved to the branch return route arrives at the return destination, do one of the text display on the other member's mobile terminal 17. The route guidance information providing method according to claim 16, wherein the method is performed. A message obtaining step of obtaining a message from the member moving to the branch return route among the plurality of members before moving to the branch return route;
18. The route guidance information providing method according to claim 11, further comprising a message providing step of providing the obtained message to each mobile terminal of another member. A response message obtaining step of obtaining a response message to the message provided by the message providing step from another member;
19. The route guidance information providing method according to claim 11, further comprising a response message providing step of providing the obtained response message to the member moving to the branch return route. The message obtaining step and the response message obtaining step include:
The route guidance information providing method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein a message registered in advance by each member is made available.

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