JP2004239918A - Navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To coordinate processing in a moving terminal with that in an information terminal. <P>SOLUTION: A course search place determination part 12d of the moving object 10 determines whether a route search is to be performed by the moving object 10 or a request is to be made to an information center 30 from various situations such as express ways are to be prioritized, or the version of the map data of the moving object 10 is outdated. Then, a present position calculation part 12a performs map matching with the course data obtained from the information center 30 added to map matching candidates. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device mounted on a moving body and providing route guidance, and more particularly to a navigation device capable of acquiring route data from an external information center.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a navigation device that performs route guidance in a vehicle has been known. This navigation device has a current position detection unit such as a GPS device and a map database, recognizes the current position of the vehicle on a map, and displays this on a display. Also, by inputting a destination, an optimum route from the current position to the destination is searched. Further, when the vehicle is traveling with the route set, the route is displayed on the display, and guidance such as turning right or left at an intersection or the like is provided.

  Further, traffic congestion information and the like are acquired from an external information center or the like by communication and used for route guidance. Further, a system has been proposed in which a route search is requested to an information center by communication with an external information center, and a search result is obtained.

  As described above, by using an external information center, a route search based on more accurate road information can be performed.

  On the other hand, vehicles usually travel on roads. Therefore, a method called map matching for correcting the vehicle position on the map by comparing the locus of the current position with the map data is adopted. As a result, the current position can be drawn on the road, and the correct current position can be displayed.

  Here, the map matching is based on the assumption that the map data is correct. However, road construction is being performed all the time, and when the map data becomes old, the vehicle may run on a road that is not in the map data. In such a case, map matching cannot be performed correctly, and the current position detection cannot be performed. May not work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a navigation device that can improve the accuracy of map matching.

  Further, the present invention is a navigation device mounted on a moving body and performing route guidance, comprising: a position detecting means for detecting a position of the moving body; and a center for obtaining route data from an information center using wireless communication. It is characterized by having route data acquisition means and map matching means for comparing the detected moving object position with the path data acquired from the information center to correct the moving object position. The map data in the information center is usually updated to the latest one. On the other hand, the map data of the moving object is not always updated to the latest one. Therefore, the route data provided by the information center may include a new road. On the other hand, in the detection of the current position of the moving object, map matching for drawing the current position on the road is performed. Therefore, if a route using a new road is acquired from the information center and the vehicle is traveling along the route, the vehicle may travel on a road that is not included in the map data of the moving object. In such a case, the navigation device is off the road and cannot correct the correct current position. By using the route data from the information center for map matching, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from going off the road and to perform appropriate map matching processing.

  Further, the map matching means performs map matching by adding route data from an information center to a map matching candidate in map data held by the moving object. By adding the route data from the information center to the candidates, even when the route deviates from the route, map matching without any problem can be performed.

  Further, the map matching means compares the route data acquired from the information center with the map data held by the mobile terminal. If the route data overlaps on a road, the map data held by the mobile terminal is compared. Map matching is performed using only The processing load can be reduced by eliminating the addition of candidates for the overlap section.

  Further, the map matching means performs map matching using map data held by the moving object in a normal state, and when the detected position of the moving object deviates from the road of the map data, the guidance acquired from the information center. Map matching is performed by adding the route data to the matching candidates. By adding the route data to the candidates only when the vehicle is off the road, the route data is considered only when necessary, and appropriate map matching can be performed.

  The map matching means considers the version of the map data held by the mobile terminal when determining whether to add the route data obtained from the information center to the map matching candidates. When the version is old, there is often no new road data, and an appropriate map matching candidate can be added in consideration of this.

  In addition, it is preferable that the map matching means considers the creation date and time of the map data held by the mobile terminal when determining whether to add the route data obtained from the information center to the map matching candidates. When the date and time of creation is old, there is often no new road data, and in consideration of this, an appropriate map matching candidate can be added.

  Further, the map matching means adds the route data to the candidate based on the route data obtained from the information center and the past history of traveling in a section where the map data held by the mobile terminal does not overlap. It is preferable to determine whether to do so.

  Further, it is preferable that the map matching means determines whether or not to add the route data to the map matching candidates in consideration of a history obtained when the vehicle travels after acquiring the route data. Based on the history of whether or not the user travels along the route, it can be determined whether or not it is better to add the route data from the information center to the map matching candidates. For example, for a user who does not travel along a route, adding route data is meaningless.

  Further, it is preferable that the map matching means changes the weight of the road and the route data of the map data when performing the map matching by adding the route data to the map matching candidates. By changing the weight, appropriate map matching can always be performed. For example, if the weight is set to 0, the route once added can be substantially excluded from the map matching candidates.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by considering the route data from the information center in the map matching, it is possible to prevent the road from being lost when entering a new road, thereby preventing map matching from being performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. On the side of the moving body (vehicle) 10, a processing unit 12 including a computer is provided. A map data storage unit 14 composed of a storage medium such as a DVD is connected to the processing unit 12, and the map data is read out from the map data storage unit 14 and used when necessary. Further, a display 16 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) and a speaker 18 are connected to the processing unit 12. A route is displayed on the display 16, and guidance sound is output from the speaker 18.

  Further, a current position detection unit 20 such as a GPS device is connected to the processing unit 12, and a current position calculation unit 12a in the processing unit 12 receives a signal from the current position detection unit 20 and converts the signal into a map data storage unit. The current position of the vehicle is grasped as a position on the map by comparing with the map data from 14. At this time, the current position calculation unit 12a performs a map matching process. That is, based on a comparison between the trajectory of the current position and the road shape, the detected current position is corrected on the road by pulling the detected current position to a more reliable position. Further, the detected current position is stored in the information storage unit 12c. Further, the detected current position is displayed on a map on the display 16.

  An input unit 22 for performing various inputs is connected to the processing unit 12. The input unit 22 is preferably configured by a touch panel or the like provided on the front of the display 16. Thus, by touching a point on the displayed map, a destination can be input, or various buttons can be displayed, and the user can input various data by touching the buttons. These input information are stored in the information storage unit 12c. Note that the vehicle speed and the like are also input to the processing unit 12 and stored in the information storage unit 12c.

  Further, a wireless communication unit 24 is connected to the processing unit 12 to communicate with an external information center 30. This communication is, for example, communication using a telephone line, and the processing unit 12 uses a telephone mounted on the mobile unit 10 to wirelessly communicate with a base station connected to the information center 30 via a telephone line network. Perform communication. The mobile unit 10 and the information center 30 may perform direct wireless communication, use a satellite line, or use an optical beacon or a radio wave beacon, not limited to the telephone line.

  The processing unit 12 has a route search unit 12b. When a destination is set by the input unit 22, the route search unit 12b searches for a route from the current position to the destination.

  Further, various input information is stored in the information storage unit 12c of the processing unit 12. The information storage unit 12c includes a user route departure frequency history, a user position information, a user movement history, a route type such as whether or not a highway, a user movement speed, a user point memory information, a radio communication radio wave condition information, a traffic jam information, User communication cost history information, wireless communicable area information, user destination information, user moving road type information, map data version, map data creation date and time, center operation schedule information, search type such as whether or not to search all routes, center map Information obtained on the vehicle side, such as data creation date and time, center map data version, and information obtained from the center are stored. These pieces of information are used in the route search in the route search unit 12b, and are used when the route search place determination unit 12d determines the route search place.

  That is, a route search location determination unit 12d is provided in the processing unit 12, and the route search location determination unit 12d performs a route search in the processing unit 12 based on the information stored in the information storage unit 12c. Or to request an external information center 30.

  The information center 30 has a communication unit 32, and communicates with the wireless communication unit 24 of the mobile unit 10 by using the communication unit 32. When the above-described telephone line is used, the communication unit 32 is connected to a telephone line network.

  The communication unit 32 is connected to a processing unit 34 composed of a high-performance computer. The processing unit 34 performs processing such as a route search at the center. The map data storage unit 36 is connected to the processing unit 34. The map data storage unit 36 has new map data that is constantly updated. The map data storage unit 36 also stores traffic congestion information that changes every moment.

  An information storage unit 34a is provided in the processing unit 34. The information storage unit 34a includes user information such as user position information and user destination information provided by a user, and a map data storage unit 36. Information on the center side, such as the date and time of creation of the stored map, version, and center operation schedule information, is stored. Further, the processing unit 34 is provided with a route search unit 34b, which uses the map data of the map data storage unit 36, the user position and the user destination stored in the information storage unit 34a. Then, a route search is performed. Note that traffic information such as traffic congestion information may be stored in the information storage unit 34a. Further, the processing unit 34 is provided with a route providing unit 34c, and provides the route information obtained by the search by the route providing unit 34c to the mobile unit 10 via the communication unit 32.

  In such a system, when a user (for example, a driver of a vehicle) wants to search for a route, the user operates the input unit 22 to input a destination and instructs the processing unit 12 to search for a route.

  Thus, the route search location determination unit 12d in the processing unit 12 determines whether to perform a route search in the mobile unit 10 or to request the information center 30 using wireless communication. A route search is performed in one or both of the mobile unit 10 and the information center 30 based on the determination result of the route search location determination unit 12d. Then, when the route of the search result is set as the route to the destination, the route is displayed on the display 16 and route guidance is performed. For example, the route is displayed in a different color on the road map display. In addition, at an intersection where the vehicle turns right or left, the traveling direction at the intersection is shown in an enlarged view from just before the intersection. Further, a guidance voice for turning right and left is output from the speaker 18.

  In the present embodiment, route data obtained from the information center 30 is used in map matching in the current position calculation unit 12a.

  In the map matching, the current position is corrected to a position on the road by superimposing the history of the current position obtained by the current position detection unit 20 with the road data from the map data storage unit 14.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, guidance route data is added to road data to be subjected to map matching. The upper left diagram in FIG. 2 shows an example of map data of a moving object. Then, when performing map matching, as shown in the upper right of FIG. 2, road candidates to be subjected to map matching are extracted based on the current position. Then, as shown at the lower right of FIG.

  In this example, there are sections that overlap and sections that do not overlap. It is considered that there are actually roads that are not included in the map data of the moving object. When the moving body travels along the guide route and enters a portion where there is no road, map matching is not successful in the current position calculation unit 12a. In the present embodiment, such a problem can be solved by adding guidance route data to map matching candidates.

  Hereinafter, specific processing will be described.

"Configuration Example 1-1"
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the current position calculation unit 12a of the configuration example 1-1. In this example, the guide route data acquired from the information center is matched with the matching data selected from the map data held by the mobile terminal. Map matching is performed in addition to the candidate road data.

  First, the current position is acquired from the current position detection unit 20 (S201), and the map data around the current position is acquired from the map data storage unit 14 (S202). A map matching candidate road is selected from the acquired map data (S203). Next, the guidance route from the information center is added to the map matching candidates (S204).

  Then, an overlap section is calculated (S205). That is, the map data of the moving object should be correct in many parts, and should overlap when superimposed.

  It is determined whether or not the current position is in an overlap section (S206). If the current position is in an overlap section, the information center guidance route is deleted from the map matching candidates (S207). Then, map matching is performed (S208).

  As a result, map matching can be performed on the road portion that is not included in the map data of the moving object using the guide route data, and more appropriate map matching processing can be performed. That is, even when the mobile terminal enters a guidance route that is not included in the map data, the current position can be accurately specified.

  In particular, in a section where the guide route data acquired from the information center and the map data held by the mobile terminal overlap, map matching is performed by using only the map data held by the mobile terminal. The load of map matching in the lap section can be reduced.

  In the overlap section, a predetermined portion close to the non-overlap section is regarded as a non-overlap section, and a smooth transition can be achieved by adding guidance route data to this section. For example, it is preferable that Xm be a non-overlapping section, or a portion closer to the non-overlapping section than the last branch point in the overlap section on the map be a non-overlapping section.

"Configuration Example 1-2"
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the current position calculation unit 12a of the configuration example 1-2. In this example, map matching is usually performed using the map data held by the mobile terminal, and the map data is read from the road. When the current position deviates, the map matching is performed by adding the guide route data acquired from the information center to the matching candidates.

  First, the current position is acquired from the current position detection unit 20 (S211), and the map data around the current position is acquired from the map data storage unit 14 (S212). A map matching candidate road is selected from the acquired map data (S213). Then, map matching is performed as usual in this state (S214).

  Then, in the map matching, it is determined whether or not the current position is off the road (S215). If it is off, the guidance route from the information center is added as a candidate for map matching (S216), and map matching is performed (S217). On the other hand, if the vehicle is not off the road, the information center guidance route is deleted from the map matching candidates (S218). Further, if the information center guidance route is off the road in the map matching with the information center guidance route added to the candidates in S217 (S219), the information center guidance route is deleted from the matching candidates (S220).

  As described above, usually, map matching is performed using the map data held by the mobile terminal, and when the current position deviates from the road in the map data, the guide route data obtained from the information center is added to the matching candidates. By performing the map matching, the current position can be accurately specified. In addition, when it is not necessary, the processing load on the CPU due to the map matching process can be reduced.

"Configuration Example 1-3"
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the current position calculation unit 12a of the configuration example 1-3. In this example, matching data is determined from the map data version held by the mobile terminal (obtained from the information center. Guidance route data).

  First, information center map version information is obtained from the information in the information storage unit 12c (S231). This information is periodically acquired when connected to the information center 30, and stored in the information storage unit 12c. Next, mobile terminal map version information is acquired (S232).

  Then, based on the version difference between the information center 30 and the mobile unit 10, it is determined whether or not the information center guidance route is to be used as a candidate for map matching (S233), and map matching is performed according to the determination result (S234). .

  In this example, the version of the information center is a. b. c and the version of the mobile is d. e. f, and the version difference v is calculated as v = m * (da) + n * (eb) + o * (fc). Then, when the version difference v is larger than a preset threshold value X, the guide route data of the information center 30 is added as a candidate for map matching, and when it is smaller, it is not added. The reason why the version information is divided into three parts is that the first number is changed in a major revision, the second number is changed in a medium revision, and the third number is changed in a small revision. , M, n, and c are weights according to the degree of revision.

  As described above, by determining matching data (guide route data acquired from the information center) from the version of the map data held by the mobile terminal, the processing load on the CPU due to the map matching process can be reduced. .

"Configuration Example 1-4"
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the current position calculation unit 12a of the configuration example 1-4. In this example, matching data is determined from the date and time of creation of map data held by the mobile terminal (obtained from the information center). Guidance route data).

  First, information center map creation date and time information is obtained from the information in the information storage unit 12c (S241). This information is periodically acquired when connected to the information center 30, and stored in the information storage unit 12c. Next, creation date and time information of the mobile terminal map is acquired (S242).

  Then, based on the difference between the creation date and time of the information center 30 and the moving object 10, it is determined whether or not the information center guidance route is to be used as a candidate for map matching (S243), and map matching is performed according to the determination result (S243). S244).

  In this example, the guide route of the information center 30 is added to the candidates when the difference t between the creation dates and times is larger than the preset threshold value X, and is not added when the difference is smaller.

  As described above, by determining matching data (guide route data acquired from the information center) based on the creation date and time of map data held by the mobile terminal, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the CPU due to the map matching processing. it can.

"Configuration Example 1-5"
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the current position calculation unit 12a of the configuration example 1-5. In this example, the guide route data acquired from the information center and the map data held by the mobile terminal overlap. The guide route data acquired from the information center and the map data held by the mobile terminal overlap using the travel history (guide route departure frequency) of the guide route data acquired from the information center of the user in the section where there is no overlap. When entering a non-existent section, the matching candidates are switched from the map data held by the mobile terminal to the guide route data acquired from the information center.

  First, the traveling is monitored, and whether the vehicle deviates from the guide route is monitored (S251). Then, when the vehicle deviates from the guide route (S252), it is determined whether or not it is a non-overlap section (S253). That is, it is determined whether or not the map data of the moving object and the guide route data do not overlap each other. If the determination in S253 is YES, the route deviation history in the non-overlap section is updated (S254). As a result, information as to whether or not the user tends to not travel along the guidance route in the non-overlap section is stored.

  Then, during traveling, first, the current position is obtained from the current position detection unit 20 (S261), and the map data around the current position is obtained from the map data storage unit 14 (S262). A map matching candidate road is selected from the acquired map data (S263).

  Then, it is determined whether the vehicle has entered a non-overlap section in the guide route (S264). If this determination is NO, map matching is performed using the matching candidate road selected above (S263) (S268). On the other hand, in the case of YES in this determination, the history information of the off-route in the non-overlap section in the guide route is acquired (S265). From this information, the deviation frequency from the guide route in the past non-overlap section is calculated (S266). Then, according to the deviation frequency, when the deviation frequency is high, it is determined that it is not necessary to add the guidance route to the candidate, and this is not added. On the other hand, when the deviation frequency is low, the guidance route is added to the candidates.

  Then, after determining whether to use the guide route data for such map matching, map matching is performed using the data (S268).

  As described above, in the section where the map data held by the mobile terminal does not overlap with the guide route data acquired from the information center, the travel history of the guide route data acquired from the user's information center (guide route departure frequency) ), The guide route data acquired from the information center and the matching candidate at the time of entering a section where the map data held by the mobile terminal does not overlap are determined from the map data held by the mobile terminal. By switching to the guide route data acquired from the information center, it is possible to accurately specify the current position even when entering a guide route that is not in the mobile terminal map data.

"Configuration Example 1-6"
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the current position calculating unit 12a of the configuration example 1-6. In this example, in addition to addition or switching to a matching candidate, information center guidance route data or Change the weighting of the mobile terminal map data.

  First, the current position is acquired from the current position detection unit 20 (S271), and the map data around the current position is acquired from the map data storage unit 14 (S272). A map matching candidate road is selected from the acquired map data (S273).

  Then, a weight of a specified value is set for the center guide route and the moving object map matching candidate (S274). The specified value is based on a system stored in advance, and is a value uniquely determined, for example, in relation to the current position. Next, an overlap section is calculated (S275). The calculation of the overlap section is the same as that described in the configuration example 1 described above, and a portion close to the non-overlap section is preferably regarded as a non-overlap section.

  When the calculation of the overlap section is completed, it is determined whether or not the portion to be subjected to the map matching processing is the overlap section (S276). Then, if it is an overlap section, map matching is performed as it is (S277), and if it is a non-overlap section, the weight is changed (S278). That is, in the overlap section, for example, the weight of the center guidance route is set to 0 (or a small value close to 0). In particular, this weight can be changed to any value depending on the situation at that time. Therefore, it is also preferable to change the weights linearly based on how much to consider.

  By changing the weights in this manner, the current position can be accurately specified when the vehicle deviates from the guide route or enters a non-overlap section.

  Note that map matching candidates can also be determined by user input or setting. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load on the CPU due to the position accuracy and the map matching processing according to the user's preference.

  Next, determination of a route search location by the route search location determination unit 12d according to the present embodiment will be described.

"Configuration Example 2-1"
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-1. In this example, the search location is determined according to the route type.

  First, it is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S11), and if so, route type information is obtained (S12). This route type information indicates whether to give priority to expressways, general roads, travel time (shortest time), distance (shortest distance), or cost (shortest travel cost). ), Etc., information on conditions for performing a route search. The route type is determined by, for example, a user input.

  Then, a search location is determined based on the acquired route type (S13). For example, information on a highway is often correct even with information on a moving body, and a route using the highway is searched for in the moving body. On the other hand, the route such as time priority is performed at the information center 30 because it is considered better to perform the route at the information center having the latest road information.

  Then, based on the result of the search location determination, a route search is requested to the information center 30 or the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit 10 (S14). Then, when the search is completed (S15), the search result is obtained and displayed on the display 16, and guidance using the search result is performed (S16).

  In this way, the route search location (mobile terminal, information center, etc.) is determined from the type of route to be searched (highway priority, cost priority, etc.). This makes it possible to reduce the wireless communication time and cost while searching for a route using the latest road data when necessary.

"Configuration Example 2-2"
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-2. In this example, when searching for a plurality of routes at the same time, each search location is determined according to the route type. .

  First, it is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S21), and if so, a route type is acquired as route search information (S22). This route type is information as to whether to give priority to the expressway, as in the case described above. Here, in this example, a plurality of route types are searched in parallel according to, for example, a user setting. Therefore, the load of the route search for the search according to the plurality of route types is estimated (S23). For example, the load of this route search is stored in advance as 10 for expressway priority, 20 for general road priority, 30 for time priority, or the like, or is calculated by taking into account the situation at that time, such as the amount of traffic information. .

  Next, a route search location is determined from the search load for each route type and the capability of the search location so that all types of route searches are completed in the shortest time (S24). In this example, it is assumed that a plurality of information centers 30 can be used, and the information centers 30 can be sorted. However, the number of information centers 30 to be connected may be limited to one. For example, the search capability of the mobile unit 10 is set to 10, the search capability of the information center 30 is set to 50, only the expressway is prioritized by the mobile unit, and the information center is requested to give priority to general roads and time. In this example, even if two types of route searches are performed in the information center, the time required for the search is one second, and the time required for the highway priority search in the moving body is also one second. Three paths should be obtained.

  Then, based on the search location determination result, a request for a route search is made to the information center 30 or the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit 10 (S25). Then, when the search is completed (S26), the search result is obtained and displayed on the display 16, and guidance using the search result is performed (S27).

  FIG. 11 shows an example in which search results are displayed on a display. As described above, a plurality of search results obtained at a plurality of search locations can be simultaneously confirmed on one screen, so that the user can use the search without being aware of the plurality of search locations. Each search result can be identified by changing the thickness of the route or changing the color, and the user can select an arbitrary route and execute route guidance.

  In this way, when a plurality of routes are searched at the same time, the route search response time can be reduced by determining the route search location from the type of the route.

"Configuration Example 2-3"
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-3. In this example, the route search location is determined from the type of search (all route search, peripheral route search, etc.).

  First, it is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S31), and if so, search type information is obtained (S32). The search type information is information indicating whether the search to be performed is a full route search for searching for a route to a destination, or a peripheral route search to be performed to return to a route when the route deviates. Then, a search place is determined according to the search type (S33). In this example, the entire route search is requested to the information center 30, and the peripheral route search is performed in the mobile unit 10. This is because the full route search requires a more accurate route search using the latest road data, while the peripheral search needs to be performed with a relatively short distance and good responsiveness when the route deviates. It is. In addition, there is a possibility that the peripheral route search is performed many times, and it is often appropriate to perform the search on the moving body 10 in terms of cost.

  Then, based on the search location determination result, a request for a route search is made to the information center 30 or the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit 10 (S34). Then, when the search is completed (S35), the search result is obtained and displayed on the display 16, and guidance using this is provided (S36).

  Thus, by determining the route search location from the type of search (all route search, peripheral route search, etc.), the route search is performed using the latest road data, the route search response time is reduced, and the wireless communication time is reduced.・ Costs can be reduced.

"Configuration Example 2-4"
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-4. In this example, the route search location is determined from the version of the map data held by the mobile terminal.

  First, information center map version information is obtained from information in the information storage unit 12c (S41). This information is periodically acquired when connected to the information center 30, and stored in the information storage unit 12c. It is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S42), and if so, mobile terminal map version information is obtained (S43).

  Then, a search location is determined based on the version difference between the information center 30 and the mobile unit 10 (S44). In this example, the version of the information center 30 is a. b. c, and the version of the mobile unit 10 is d. e. f, and the version difference v is calculated as v = m * (da) + n * (eb) + o * (fc). When the version difference v is larger than a preset threshold value X, the information center 30 is requested to perform a search. The reason that the version information is divided into three parts is that the first number is changed in a major revision, the second number is changed in a medium revision, and the third number is changed in a small revision. , N, and c are weights according to the degree of revision.

  Then, based on the search location determination result, a request for a route search is made to the information center 30 or the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit 10 (S45). Then, when the search is completed (S46), the search result is obtained, displayed on the display 16, and guided using the search result (S47).

  Thus, by determining the route search location from the version of the map data held by the mobile terminal, it is possible to reduce the wireless communication time and cost while searching for a route using the latest road data.

"Configuration Example 2-5"
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-5. In this example, the route search location is determined from the date and time of creation of the map data held by the mobile terminal.

  First, information center map creation date and time information is obtained from the information in the information storage unit 12c (S51). This information is periodically acquired when connected to the information center 30, and stored in the information storage unit 12c. It is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S52), and if so, mobile terminal map creation date and time information is acquired (S53).

  Then, a search location is determined based on the difference between the map creation date and time of the information center 30 and the moving body 10 (S54). For example, the search is requested to the information center 30 when the difference t between the creation date and time is larger than a preset threshold value X, and the search is performed in the mobile object 10 when the difference t is smaller.

  Then, a route search is requested to the information center 30 or the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit 10 based on the search location determination result (S55). Then, when the search is completed (S56), the search result is obtained, displayed on the display 16, and guided using the search result (S57).

  In this way, by determining the route search location from the creation date and time of the map data held by the mobile terminal, it is possible to reduce the wireless communication time and cost while searching for a route using the latest road data. .

"Configuration Example 2-6"
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the route search place determining unit 12d of the configuration example 2-6. In this example, the section of the route is divided, and a portion close to the current position of the moving object is determined by the mobile terminal. A distant part is searched for a route at an information center.

  First, it is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S61), and if so, the search section is divided (S62). This search section division is performed based on the distance from the current position. For example, the mobile unit searches for a range within Xkm from the current position, and requests the information center to search further. This is based on the fact that a search result of a portion close to the current position is often desired immediately, and that information on traffic congestion in the near future is considered to be correct.

  Then, it requests the route search unit 12b to search for a route on the moving object current position side (S63), and requests the information center 30 to search for a destination side route (S64).

  Then, it is determined whether the route search has been completed for both (S65 to 67). If completed, the search result is obtained and displayed on the display 16, and guidance using this is performed (S68). ).

  In this way, by dividing the section of the route and searching for a route near the current position of the moving body with the mobile terminal and a far portion with the information center, the route search response time around the moving body is reduced, The route guidance start time can be reduced from the user's route search request input.

  It is also preferable to partially divide the route, for example, by performing only a portion of a main road such as an expressway or a first-class national road with a moving body and requesting an information center to search for other portions.

"Configuration Example 2-7"
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-7. In this example, the route search location is determined using the operation schedule information of the information center.

  First, information center operation schedule information is acquired from the information in the information storage unit 12c (S71). This information is acquired periodically when connected to the information center 30, and stored in the information storage unit 12c. Note that this example is preferably performed when the user has requested the search of the information center 30 or when it is determined that the search of the information center 30 is requested by another condition.

  It is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S72), and if so, the current time is acquired (S73). This current time uses a clock in its own system.

  Then, it is determined whether the information center 30 is currently operating (S74). If it is in operation, it requests the information center 30 to search (S75). If it is not in operation, it requests the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit to search (S76).

  Then, when the search is completed (S77), the search result is obtained and displayed on the display 16, and guidance using the search result is performed (S78).

  As described above, the route search location is determined by using the operation schedule information of the information center 30, so that the useless route search to the information center 30 in a state where the information center 30 stops the route search service. By not making a request, the route search response time can be shortened, and the communication time and cost can be reduced.

  In this example, it is assumed that the operation of the information center 30 is stopped due to maintenance or the like. However, it is known that the information center 30 is extremely congested depending on the time of day, or there is a fault in the line. Even when it is known that there is a search, the search should be performed in the moving body 10 from the beginning.

"Configuration Example 2-8"
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-8. In this example, the route search location is determined from the radio wave reception status of the wireless communication unit 24.

  It is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S81), and if so, radio wave reception status information in the wireless communication unit 24 is obtained (S82). This radio wave reception status is periodically written in the information storage unit 12c by the wireless communication unit 24.

  Then, a search place is determined according to the radio wave condition (S83). In this example, it is assumed that the radio wave condition is n, and when this n is larger than a predetermined threshold value X, it is determined that communication can be performed well, and the search location is set as the information center. And

  Then, when the search is completed (S85), the search result is obtained, displayed on the display 16, and guided using the search result (S86).

  In this way, by determining the route search location from the radio wave reception status of the wireless communication unit, it is possible to prevent unnecessary route search requests to the information center 30 and shorten the route search response time.

  Note that this example is also preferably used for determination when it is determined that the search is performed in the information center 30.

"Configuration Example 2-9"
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search place determining unit 12d of the configuration example 2-9. In this example, the wireless communication area information, the position, the direction, the speed of the moving object, and the traffic jam information of the guide route ( From the link travel time, etc.), a future communicable time is predicted, and a route search location is determined from the predicted time.

  First, it is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S91). If there is a request, the wireless communication area information is acquired from the information storage unit 12c (S92). It is preferable that the wireless communicable area information supplied from the information center 30 be written in the information storage unit 12c.

  Next, information on the position, traveling direction, and speed of the moving object is acquired from the information storage unit 12c (S93). Further, traffic jam information of the guide route is acquired (S94). This traffic congestion information is also obtained from the information center 30 or the like at any time, and uses information stored in the information storage unit 12c. Next, a time until the wireless communication area leaves the area is predicted from these pieces of information (S95).

  Then, a search place is determined according to the predicted time (S96). For example, when the predicted time t is equal to or longer than a predetermined threshold value X corresponding to a time required until acquisition of the search result, the search location is set to the information center 30 and the predicted time t is smaller than the threshold value X. Sometimes, the search location is the moving object 10.

  Then, a search is requested from the determined search location (S97), and when the search is completed (S98), the search result is obtained, displayed on the display 16, and guided using the search result. (S99).

  In this manner, the future communicable time is predicted from the wireless communicable area information, the position / direction / speed of the moving object, and the traffic jam information (link travel time, etc.) of the guide route, and the route search is performed from the predicted time. By determining the location, it is possible to prevent a useless request for a route search to the information center and to shorten the route search response time.

  Note that this example is also preferably used for determination when it is determined that the search is performed in the information center 30.

"Configuration Example 2-10"
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the route search location determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-10. In this example, the route search location is determined and used by using the usage status (outgoing / incoming) of the wireless communication unit. change.

  First, it is determined whether there is a route search request from the user (S101), and if so, the wireless communication unit usage status information is acquired from the information storage unit 12c (S102). This information is written in the information storage unit 12c by the wireless communication unit 24.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the wireless communication unit 24 is in use based on the acquired information (S103). For example, a case is considered where the wireless communication unit 24 is used for sending and receiving e-mail, talking by voice, and the like.

  In this determination, if the wireless communication unit 24 is being used, a search is requested to the information center 30 (S104). If not, the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit 10 is searched. Request (S105).

  Then, when the search is completed (S106), the search result is obtained, displayed on the display 16, and guided using the search result (S107).

  In this way, by determining and changing the route search location using the usage status (outgoing / incoming) of the wireless communication unit 24, the route search response time can be extended even if data communication using wireless communication is interrupted. Can not be changed.

  Note that this example is preferably used for determination when it is determined that the search is performed in the information center 30.

"Configuration Example 2-11"
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search place determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-10. In this example, the position of the moving object and the past movement history (the number of travels of the road section or point in the guide route) Or the time since the last movement) and the route search section to predict the user's knowledge of the road and determine the route search location.

  First, in this example, when the position of the moving body is changed (vehicle travel) (S111), the travel history is updated (S112), and the travel history of when, where, and how many times the vehicle has traveled is kept. This passage history is stored in the information storage unit 12c.

  It is determined whether or not guidance data (for example, data on destinations, waypoints, etc.) in route guidance has been acquired (S121). When the guidance data is acquired, first, the current position information of the moving object is acquired (S122), and the travel history information is acquired (S123).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the number of times of travel n from the current position to the destination in the past is larger than a predetermined threshold X (S124). If the result of this determination is YES, the user considers that the user has traveled this route many times and is not dissatisfied with the route setting of the mobile object, and sets the search location as the mobile object (S125). On the other hand, if the number of passages is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the current time is acquired (S126), the time since the previous passage is calculated, and the search location is determined from the time (S127). If the time exceeds the predetermined value, the search location is set as the information center 30, and if the time is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the mobile unit 10 is set as the search location.

  When the search location is determined, the search is requested to the determined search location (S128). When the search is completed (S129), the search result is obtained and displayed on the display 16. At the same time, guidance using this is performed (S130).

  As described above, the knowledge of the user's road is obtained from the position of the moving object, the past movement history (the number of travels of the road section or point in the guide route or the time since the last movement), and the route search section. By estimating the presence or absence and determining the route search location, communication time and cost can be reduced.

"Configuration Example 2-12"
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search place determining unit 12d of the configuration example 2-12. In this example, the position of the moving object, the point memory information (home, etc.) set by the user, and the route search section , The presence or absence of the user's knowledge of the road is predicted, and the route search location is determined.

  It is determined whether guidance data (for example, data on destinations, waypoints, etc.) in route guidance has been acquired (S141). When the guidance data is acquired, first, the current position information of the moving body is acquired (S142), and the information of the destination is acquired (S143).

  Further, point memory information is acquired (S144). The point memory is provided for inputting a destination with one touch in the navigation device, and can store point data in a plurality of point memories. For example, points that frequently become destinations, such as homes, friend's houses, and workplaces, are stored in the point memory.

  Then, for all the points stored in the point memory, it is determined whether the current position or the destination within the radius xm is included (S145). This is because it is considered that the user is familiar with the surroundings of the point stored in the point memory.

  If the current position / destination is not within the radius xm, the information center 30 is requested to search (S147). If the current position / destination is included, the search is requested to the route search unit 12b of the moving object. (S148). Then, when the search is completed (S149), the search result is obtained and displayed on the display 16, and guidance using the search result is performed (S150).

  In this way, by predicting the user's knowledge of the road from the position of the moving object, the point memory information (home, etc.) set by the user, and the route search section and determining the route search location, the communication time is determined.・ Costs can be reduced.

"Configuration Example 2-13"
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the route search place determination unit 12d of the configuration example 2-13. In this example, the communication cost set by the user, the communication cost spent within a unit time at the present time, Unit time when the route search is performed at the current information center by estimating the communication cost due to the map data of the body terminal and the current route search request at the information center (including the communication cost provided by providing route guidance data) The expected communication cost is determined, and the route search location is determined from the estimated communication cost.

  First, in this example, the use of the wireless communication unit 24 is constantly monitored (S161). Then, it is determined whether there has been communication by information center route search and guidance data acquisition (S162). Then, when there is a use, the guide data is acquired, and the history such as the destination and the time is updated (S163). As a result, the history of the use of the information center up to now is left in the information storage unit 12c.

  It is determined whether guidance data (for example, data on a destination, a waypoint, etc.) in route guidance has been acquired (S171). When the guidance data is acquired, first, the current position information of the moving object is acquired, and the accumulated communication cost in a predetermined unit time (for example, one month) is calculated (S172). If the communication cost is calculated by a program for managing the communication cost and the like, it may be used.

  Next, the past guidance data is acquired (S173), and the communication cost related to the current route search / guidance is predicted from the history of the guidance data (the number of guidance points and time) and the current position / destination distance. (S174). In addition, user communication cost information is acquired (S175). This is set by the user in advance for one month, and is stored in the information storage unit 12c.

  Then, it is determined whether the value obtained by adding the current estimated cost to the accumulated communication cost exceeds the user-set cost (S176). If the determination is NO, the search is requested to the information center 30 (S177), and if the determination is YES, the search is requested to the route search unit 12b of the mobile unit 10 (S178). Then, when the search is completed (S179), the search result is obtained, displayed on the display 16, and guided using the search result (S180).

  As described above, the communication cost set by the user, the communication cost spent within a unit time at the present time, the map data of the mobile terminal, and the route search request at the current information center (communication by providing route guidance data) (Including the cost), the expected communication cost per unit time when the route search at the information center is performed this time, and the route search location is determined from the estimated communication cost. The communication cost per unit time can be kept within the user set value.

  Note that the above configuration examples are preferably combined as appropriate. Further, it is also preferable to determine the route search location based on user input or setting. Thereby, the guide route, the communication time, and the cost can be adjusted to the user's preference.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating map matching according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a configuration example 1-1. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the example of a structure 1-2. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a configuration example 1-3. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 1-4. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 1-5. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 1-6. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a configuration example 2-1. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the example of a structure 2-2. It is a figure showing an example of a display of a search course. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a configuration example 2-3. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 2-4. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 2-5. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 2-6. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the example 2-7 of a structure. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the example of a structure 2-8. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the example 2-9 of a structure. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the example of a structure 2-10. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 2-11. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 2-12. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of Configuration Example 2-13.

Explanation of reference numerals

  Reference Signs List 10 moving body, 12 processing unit, 12a current position calculation unit, 12b route search unit, 12c information storage unit, 12d route search place determination unit, 14 map data storage unit, 16 display, 18 speaker, 20 current position detection unit, 22 Input unit, 24 wireless communication unit, 30 information center, 32 communication unit, 34 processing unit, 34a information storage unit, 34b route search unit, 34c route providing unit, 36 map data storage unit.

Claims (9)

A navigation device mounted on a moving body and providing route guidance,
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the moving body,
Center route data acquisition means for acquiring route data from an information center using wireless communication;
Map matching means for comparing the detected moving body position with the route data acquired from the information center, and correcting the moving body position;
A navigation device comprising: The apparatus according to claim 1,
A navigation apparatus, wherein the map matching means performs map matching by adding route data from an information center to a map matching candidate in map data held by a moving object. The apparatus according to claim 1,
The map matching means compares the route data acquired from the information center with the map data held by the mobile terminal. If the route data overlaps on the road, only the map data held by the mobile terminal is compared. A navigation device for performing map matching using the navigation device. The apparatus according to claim 1,
The map matching means normally performs map matching using map data held by the moving object, and when the detected position of the moving object deviates from the road in the map data, the guide route data acquired from the information center. A navigation apparatus characterized in that map matching is performed by adding a map to a matching candidate. The apparatus according to claim 1,
The navigation apparatus, wherein the map matching means considers a version of map data held by the mobile terminal when determining whether to add route data acquired from an information center to a map matching candidate. The apparatus according to claim 1,
The navigation device, wherein the map matching means considers the creation date and time of the map data held by the mobile terminal when determining whether to add the route data acquired from the information center to the map matching candidates. The apparatus according to claim 1,
The map matching means adds the route data to the candidate based on the route data acquired from the information center and the past history of traveling in a section where the map data held by the mobile terminal does not overlap. A navigation device, which determines whether or not the navigation device is a navigation device. The apparatus according to claim 1,
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the map matching means determines whether to add the route data to a map matching candidate in consideration of a history of traveling after acquiring the route data. The apparatus according to claim 1,
The navigation apparatus, wherein the map matching means can change the weight of the road and the route data of the map data when performing the map matching by adding the route data to the map matching candidates.

Images