JP2007093377A - Navigation apparatus, fuel supply supporting device, navigation method, navigation program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To guide a user to a place suitable for stopping his/her car on a freeway. <P>SOLUTION: A navigation apparatus 100 includes a location acquisition section 101, a fuel residual quantity information acquisition section 102, a distance calculating section 103, a determination section 104, a searching section 105, a questing section 106, a guiding section 107, a communicating section 108 and a presenting section 109. The location acquisition section 101 acquires information of the current location of the car. The fuel residual quantity information acquiring section 102 acquires information of the fuel residual quantity of the car. The distance calculating section 103 calculates a possible travel distance of the car. The determination section 104 determines as to whether the car can arrive at a gas station. The searching section 105 searches a road shoulder when the car travels on the freeway. The questing section 106 quests a route reaching the road shoulder. The guiding section 107 guides the user to the road shoulder. The communicating section 108 requests a fuel supply supporting equipment 150 to feed oil. The presenting section 109 presents a contact address of the fuel supply supporting equipment 150 and information to be notified thereto. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device, a fuel supply support device, a navigation method, a navigation program, and a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described navigation device, fuel supply support device, navigation method, navigation program, and recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a navigation device that searches and guides a route from an exit to the next general road to the nearest gas station when the next gas station cannot be reached while traveling on an automobile-only road is known. For example, if the distance to the next gas station on the car road is greater than the driving distance corresponding to the remaining energy, the nearest gas station at the exit from the car road is searched. Search means for searching, a route search means for searching for a route to the gas station searched by the search means, a display means for displaying the route searched by the route search means, and the necessity of refueling at the gas station. An energy replenishment guide means for informing has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-46572 A

  However, the above-described conventional technology only provides guidance to the nearest gas station on a general road. Therefore, if the user (driver) keeps driving on the automobile road without following the guidance, it will run out of the fuel road due to running out of fuel before reaching the next gas station on the automobile road. There is a risk of stopping at an inappropriate place. The problem to be solved by the present invention includes such a problem as an example.

  The navigation device according to claim 1 includes position acquisition means for acquiring vehicle position information, fuel remaining amount information acquisition means for acquiring fuel remaining amount information for the vehicle, and fuel remaining amount information. A distance calculating means for calculating a travelable distance of the vehicle based on the determination, and determining whether the vehicle can reach a replenishment facility capable of refueling based on the position of the vehicle and the travelable distance And a vehicle that is present in the traveling direction of the vehicle when the determination unit determines that the vehicle cannot reach the replenishment facility when the vehicle is traveling on an automobile-only road. A search means for searching for a recommended stop position on a dedicated road, a search means for searching for a route to the recommended stop position searched by the search means, and a path searched by the search means. Characterized in that it and a guide means for performing induction based on.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel supply assisting device comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive information on the recommended stop position transmitted from the communication unit of the navigation device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects; And an instruction means for instructing the road service vehicle to go to the recommended stop position for fuel supply.

  Further, the navigation method according to the invention of claim 8 calculates the travelable distance of the vehicle based on information on the fuel remaining amount of the vehicle, and the vehicle based on the current position of the vehicle and the travelable distance. Determining whether or not the vehicle can reach a supply facility that can be refueled, and when the vehicle is traveling on an automobile-only road, it is determined that the vehicle cannot reach the supply facility. A step of searching for a recommended stop position on an automobile exclusive road existing ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle, a step of searching for a route to the searched recommended stop position, and performing a guidance based on the route It is characterized by including these.

  A navigation program according to a ninth aspect of the invention causes a computer to execute the navigation method according to the eighth aspect.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records the navigation program according to the ninth aspect.

  Exemplary embodiments of a navigation device, a fuel supply support device, a navigation method, a navigation program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Functional configuration of navigation device)
First, the contents of the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 100 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle), and includes a position acquisition unit 101, a remaining fuel amount information acquisition unit 102, a distance calculation unit 103, a determination unit 104, and a search. Unit 105, search unit 106, and guidance unit 107. In addition, the navigation device 100 includes one or both of the communication unit 108 and the presentation unit 109.

  The position acquisition unit 101 acquires information on the current position of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as current point information). The current location information refers to information indicating the current position of the vehicle based on information such as latitude, longitude, altitude acquired from GPS or the like. GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System, and is a system for accurately obtaining a position on the ground by receiving radio waves from four or more satellites.

  The remaining fuel amount information acquisition unit 102 acquires information on the remaining fuel amount of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as remaining fuel amount information). The remaining fuel information is information indicating the amount of fuel such as gasoline or light oil remaining in the gasoline tank of the vehicle. This information is given to the remaining fuel amount information acquisition unit 102 from the remaining fuel amount sensor attached to the gasoline tank.

  The distance calculation unit 103 calculates the travelable distance of the vehicle based on the fuel remaining amount information acquired by the fuel remaining amount information acquiring unit 102. In calculating the travelable distance, first, the fuel consumption of the vehicle is calculated, and the current fuel remaining amount is multiplied by the fuel consumption. To calculate the fuel efficiency, find the difference (decrease amount) between the remaining fuel amount at the time of calculating the current (current) fuel consumption and the remaining fuel amount at the previous fuel consumption calculation, and divide the decrease by the distance traveled between them. Good. Here, as the travel distance, the distance obtained from the rotation number of the tire of the vehicle may be acquired from the vehicle and used, or the distance obtained by integrating the current point information of the vehicle that is running in the navigation device 100 is used. It may be used.

  Based on the current position of the vehicle acquired from the position acquisition unit 101 and the travelable distance calculated by the distance calculation unit 103, the determination unit 104 determines whether or not the vehicle can reach a supply facility where fuel can be supplied. to decide. Information including the position of the replenishment facility is given to the determination unit 104 from the outside via the communication unit 108 in advance or whenever necessary. In general, a refueling facility capable of refueling a vehicle is called a gas station. Therefore, hereinafter, in this specification, this supply facility is called a gas station or the like.

  The determination unit 104 calculates the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the nearest gas station or the like when the vehicle is traveling on an automobile-only road, and if the calculated distance is larger than the travelable distance, the determination unit 104 arrives. Judge that it is impossible. On the other hand, if the travelable distance is greater, it is determined that the vehicle can be reached.

  The search unit 105 searches for a recommended stop position on an automobile-only road that exists ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle when the determination unit 104 determines that the vehicle cannot be reached when the vehicle is traveling on the automobile-only road. To do. The search unit 105 is given information including the recommended stop position from the outside via the communication unit 108 in advance or whenever necessary.

  Recommended stop positions include main roads, uphill lanes, acceleration lanes, and deceleration lanes of automobile lanes, such as the shoulders, roadside belts, and parking areas (usually without a gas station). It is an area where the vehicle can be stopped without hindering other vehicles traveling. The navigation device 100 recommends stopping at this recommended stop position and refueling. Hereinafter, in the present specification, the recommended stop position is called a road shoulder or the like, and the lane in which the vehicle travels is usually called a main line or the like.

  The search unit 106 searches for a route from the current position of the vehicle to the road shoulder acquired from the search unit 105. The guidance unit 107 performs guidance based on the route searched by the search unit 106. The functions of the search unit 106 and the guide unit 107 are the same as the functions of a general car navigation apparatus that searches and guides a route to a destination.

  The communication unit 108 makes a request for refueling by wireless communication to an engine that provides a fuel supply support service such as a road service (hereinafter referred to as a road service or the like). Communication conditions such as a frequency modulation method for communication with a road service or the like are given to the communication unit 108 from the outside via the communication unit 108 in advance or whenever necessary. Then, the communication unit 108 transmits information such as a road shoulder searched by the search unit 105. The information such as the road shoulder is information including information such as latitude and longitude that specifies the position of the road shoulder.

  The communication unit 108 transmits information related to the vehicle. The vehicle-related information is information including information on the fuel consumption and fuel type of the vehicle. As the fuel consumption information, the fuel consumption information obtained when the distance calculation unit 103 calculates the travelable distance can be used. The fuel type information is information indicating the type of fuel used by the vehicle, such as gasoline having a high octane number, gasoline having a low octane number, or light oil. The fuel type information is previously input and stored in the navigation device 100 by the user.

  Furthermore, the communication part 108 transmits the information regarding the motor vehicle exclusive road where the vehicle is drive | working. This information includes information on whether the main line on which the vehicle is traveling is up or down, information on traffic conditions such as traffic jams and regulations, and the like. Information on traffic conditions such as traffic jams / regulations can be obtained by receiving traffic information provided from, for example, a VICS (registered trademark, Vehicle Information and Communication System) center.

  The information transmitted from the communication unit 108 to the road service or the like includes at least information for specifying the position of the road shoulder searched by the search unit 105, the vehicle fuel consumption, and the fuel type among the various types of information described above. As long as the information is included. If the communication unit 108 is configured to request refueling, the presentation unit 109 may or may not be present. If the user directly calls the road service or the like to request refueling without using the communication unit 108, the presentation unit 109 is required.

  The presentation unit 109 informs information such as a road service by voice or displays the information on a display unit. Information such as road service is information including a contact number such as a telephone number for road service. Information such as a road service is given to the presenting unit 109 from the outside via the communication unit 108 in advance or whenever necessary. Based on the information presented by the presenting unit 109, the user can call the road service using a mobile phone, for example, and request refueling.

  When requesting refueling by telephone, it is necessary to tell the road service etc. the location of the road shoulder etc. that is scheduled to stop. Therefore, the presentation unit 109 presents information for specifying the position of a road shoulder or the like searched by the search unit 105, for example, longitude / latitude information. The user may transmit the information presented by the presentation unit 109 to a road service or the like. The fuel consumption and fuel type of the vehicle are usually information that the user knows, so there is no need to present them by the presentation unit 109. However, if the configuration is presented by the presentation unit 109, the fuel consumption and fuel type of the vehicle This is preferable because it can prevent miscommunication.

(Functional configuration of fuel supply support device)
Next, the contents of the fuel supply support apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, a configuration will be described in which a request for refueling is received via a wireless communication line from a navigation device 100 of a vehicle that is a fuel supply support target, that is, a vehicle that has requested refueling. FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional configuration of a fuel supply support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel supply support apparatus 150 is provided for a road service or the like, and includes a reception unit 151, a facility storage unit 152, a facility search unit 153, a fuel calculation unit 154, and an instruction unit 155.

  The receiving unit 151 receives a refueling request sent from the navigation device 100. At that time, the reception unit 151 receives information such as a road shoulder and information on the fuel consumption and fuel type of the vehicle. The facility storage unit 152 stores information such as a gas station that exists on the automobile road. The information such as the gas station is information including longitude / latitude information for specifying the position of the gas station or the like, and may include information other than the position such as business hours.

  The facility search unit 153 searches for a gas station or the like that is closest to the road shoulder or the like and is forward of the traveling direction of the vehicle from the road shoulder or the like based on the information of the road shoulder or the like sent from the navigation device 100. . If the navigation device 100 is configured to request a refueling by designating a road service or the like located behind the traveling direction of the host vehicle in advance, the position of the road shoulder to be stopped and the designated position The traveling direction of the vehicle can be known based on the relationship with the position of the road service or the like.

  On the other hand, if the navigation device 100 is configured to make a request for refueling to the nearest road service without specifying a road service located behind the traveling direction of the host vehicle, refueling is requested. The road service or the like that has been performed is not necessarily located behind the current position of the vehicle in the traveling direction. Therefore, in order to know the traveling direction of the vehicle that has requested refueling, the navigation device 100 transmits information about whether the main line on which the vehicle is traveling is up or down via the communication unit 108. It is necessary to come.

  In this case, the navigation apparatus 100 can obtain information on whether the main line on which the vehicle is traveling is up or down from road shape data used when searching or guiding a route. If the navigation device 100 is configured to notify the road service or the like of the up / down information, the facility search unit 153 uses the up / down information to identify the vehicle that has requested refueling. You can know the direction of travel. That is, as described above, it is not necessary to determine the traveling direction of the vehicle from the relationship between the position of the road shoulder or the like scheduled to stop and the position of the road service or the like.

  The fuel calculation unit 154 obtains the distance from the shoulder of the vehicle that has been requested to refuel to the gas station or the like searched by the facility search unit 153, and divides the distance by the fuel consumption of the vehicle. Calculates the amount of fuel necessary to reach the gas station or the like searched by the facility search unit 153. The amount of the fuel may be a minimum amount that can be reached just to the gas station or the like searched by the facility search unit 153, or may be an amount larger than that.

  The instruction unit 155 instructs the road service vehicle about the amount of fuel calculated by the fuel calculation unit 154 and the type of fuel. Then, in order to supply the fuel, the vehicle is instructed to go to the roadside where the vehicle that has requested the refueling is scheduled to stop.

(Navigation procedure by navigation device)
Next, a navigation procedure by the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a navigation procedure by the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the remaining fuel amount acquisition unit 102 acquires the remaining fuel amount from the vehicle. Then, the distance calculation unit 103 calculates the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and calculates the travelable distance by multiplying the fuel efficiency by the current remaining amount of fuel (step S201).

  Next, the determination unit 104 determines whether the vehicle can reach the nearest replenishment facility based on the current position of the vehicle acquired from the position acquisition unit 101 and the travelable distance calculated in step S201 ( Step S202). If the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the nearest gas station or the like is greater than the travelable distance, it is determined that the vehicle cannot be reached. When the travelable distance is larger, it is determined that the vehicle can be reached.

  When the vehicle is traveling on an automobile-only road and cannot be reached (step S202: No), the search unit 105 searches for a shoulder or the like on the automobile-only road existing in the forward direction of the vehicle. To do. Then, the search unit 106 searches for a route from the current position of the vehicle to the road shoulder and the like, and the guidance unit 107 guides to the road shoulder and the like based on the route (step S203).

  Further, the communication unit 108 makes a request for refueling by wireless communication so that the road service or the like is refueled on the road shoulder or the like retrieved by the retrieval unit 105 (step S204). Alternatively, the user may request refueling to a road service or the like using communication means such as a mobile phone while referring to information presented by the presentation unit 109 without using wireless communication by the communication unit 108. . When the vehicle reaches the road shoulder or the like according to the guidance by the guidance unit 107, the above-described series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S202 is that the nearest gas station or the like can be reached (step S202: Yes), a route from the current position of the vehicle to the gas station or the like is searched, and based on the route. Guidance is performed (step S205). When the vehicle reaches the nearest gas station or the like according to the guidance, the above-described series of processing ends.

(Fuel supply support procedure by the fuel supply support device)
Next, a fuel supply support procedure by the fuel supply support apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a fuel supply support procedure by the fuel supply support device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving unit 151 always stands by in a state where it can receive a refueling request notification (step S <b> 301: No). If there is a refueling request notification by the receiving unit 151 (step S301: Yes), a gas station or the like that exists ahead of the planned stop position of the vehicle that has notified the refueling request by the facility search unit 153 is displayed. A search is made from the facility storage unit 152 (step S302).

  Next, the fuel calculation unit 154 determines the amount of fuel required for the vehicle to travel from the planned stop position to the gas station or the like searched for by the facility search unit 153, that is, the required refueling amount (step S303). Next, the instructing unit 155 instructs the road service vehicle to perform replenishment work (step S304). Specifically, for example, the road service vehicle is instructed to load a necessary amount of fuel of a type suitable for the vehicle that has requested refueling and to go to the planned stop position of the vehicle. Thereby, the series of processes described above is completed.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment, the position acquisition unit 101 and the fuel remaining amount information acquisition unit 102 acquire the current position of the vehicle and the remaining amount of fuel, and based on the information. The distance calculation unit 103 calculates the travelable distance of the vehicle, and based on the travelable distance and the current position of the vehicle, the determination unit 104 determines whether the vehicle can reach the nearest gas station or the like. When it is determined that the vehicle cannot be reached while traveling on the automobile road, the search unit 105 searches the road shoulder on the automobile road existing in the forward direction of the vehicle, and the search unit 106 and the guidance unit 107. Since the vehicle is guided to the road shoulder, the vehicle can be stopped on the road shoulder before the fuel runs out. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from stopping on the main line due to running out of fuel, and to wait for the road service vehicle to arrive after stopping on the road shoulder.

  Further, according to the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment, the communication unit 108 or the like is used by the communication unit 108 or based on the information presented by the presentation unit 109 while traveling according to the guidance to the road shoulder. Then, since refueling is requested to the road service or the like, it is possible to shorten the time for waiting for the arrival of the road service vehicle on the road shoulder or the like. Conventionally, since the vehicle is stopped due to running out of fuel, the stop position is confirmed and refueling is requested to the road service. However, according to the embodiment, it is possible to quickly return to a state where the vehicle can run.

  Further, according to the fuel supply support device 150 according to the embodiment, the receiving unit 151 receives information such as a shoulder to be stopped and information on fuel consumption and fuel type from the navigation device 100, and the facility search unit 153 supplies fuel. The facility storage unit 152 searches the facility storage unit 152 for a gas station or the like for the vehicle that requested the refueling, calculates the amount of fuel necessary to reach the gas station or the like by the fuel calculation unit 154, and uses the instruction unit 155 to determine the fuel amount. Since the road service vehicle is instructed on the road service vehicle with information on the type, amount, and position of the shoulder to be stopped, etc., the appropriate amount of fuel suitable for the vehicle that requested the refueling is loaded and directed to the road shoulder to be stopped Can quickly start a road service vehicle. Accordingly, quick and accurate refueling can be realized.

  Next, examples according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, at the stage when the possibility of running out of fuel is detected, we try to guide to a gas station etc. on a motorway, and when it is not possible to reach there, we will guide to a gas station etc. on a general road A case will be described as an example where the user continues to travel on a car-only road without following the guidance.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
First, a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the navigation apparatus 400 includes a navigation control unit 401, a user operation unit 402, a display unit 403, a position acquisition unit 404, a recording medium 405, a recording medium decoding unit 406, and an audio output unit. 407, a communication unit 408, a route search unit 409, a route guidance unit 410, a voice generation unit 411, and a speaker 412.

  The navigation control unit 401 controls the entire navigation device 400. The navigation control unit 401 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various control programs, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a work area of the CPU. It can be realized by a configured microcomputer or the like.

  In addition, the navigation control unit 401 inputs / outputs information related to route guidance between the route search unit 409, the route guidance unit 410, and the voice generation unit 411, and displays information obtained as a result of the display unit 403 and Output to the audio output unit 407.

  The user operation unit 402 outputs information input by the user, such as characters, numerical values, and various instructions, to the navigation control unit 401. The user operation unit 402 is, for example, a push button switch, a touch panel, a remote controller, or the like. In addition, the user operation unit 402 may be configured to perform an input operation by sound using a microphone that inputs sound from the outside.

  The display unit 403 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, a plasma display, and the like. Specifically, the display unit 403 can be configured by, for example, a video I / F or a video display display device connected to the video I / F.

  Specifically, the video I / F includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display device, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image information, the display device is configured by a control IC or the like that controls display. The display unit 403 displays map data, information on route guidance, and other various information.

  The position acquisition unit 404 includes a GPS receiver and various sensors, and acquires information on the position of the vehicle (the position of the navigation device 400). Then, the acquired position information is output to the navigation control unit 401. The GPS receiver receives radio waves from a GPS satellite and obtains a geometric position with respect to the GPS satellite. The GPS receiver includes an antenna for receiving radio waves from a GPS satellite, a tuner that demodulates the received radio waves, an arithmetic circuit that calculates a current position based on the demodulated information, and the like.

  The various sensors are sensors mounted on the vehicle or the navigation device 400, such as a speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and an acceleration sensor. From information output from these sensors, the movement displacement, movement speed, movement direction, inclination angle, etc. of the vehicle. Is calculated. Thus, by using the output information of the various sensors together with the information obtained from the radio waves received by the GPS receiver, the position of the vehicle can be recognized with higher accuracy.

  Various control programs and various information are recorded on the recording medium 405 in a state readable by a computer. The recording medium 405 can be realized by, for example, an HD (Hard Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a CD (Compact Disk), a memory card, or the like. Note that the recording medium 405 may accept writing of information by the recording medium decoding unit 406 and record the written information in a nonvolatile manner.

  The recording medium 405 stores map data used for route search and route guidance. The map data recorded in the recording medium 405 includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing road shapes. It is drawn in two or three dimensions on the display screen.

  When the navigation device 400 is guiding a route, the navigation control unit 401 displays the map data read from the recording medium 405 by the recording medium decoding unit 406 and the mark indicating the vehicle position acquired by the position acquisition unit 404. It will be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 403 in an overlapping manner.

  The background data includes background shape data representing the shape of the background and background type data representing the type of the background. The background shape data includes, for example, feature representative points, polylines, polygons, feature coordinates, and the like. The background type data includes, for example, text data representing the name, address, and telephone number of a feature, and type data of a feature such as a building, river, or ground surface. The background data includes information such as gas stations and road services.

  The road shape data is data relating to a road network having a plurality of nodes and links. The node indicates an intersection where a plurality of roads such as a three-way intersection, a crossroad, and a five-way intersection intersect. The link indicates a road connecting the nodes. Some links have shape interpolation points, and curved roads can be expressed by these shape interpolation points.

  The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, the presence or absence of traffic lights or pedestrian crossings for each node, the presence or absence of highway entrances or junctions, the length (distance) of each link, vehicle width, traveling direction, traffic prohibition, road type (high speed Information on roads, toll roads, automobile roads, general roads, etc.). The traffic condition data stores past traffic information obtained by statistically processing past traffic information based on seasons, days of the week, large holidays, and times. The road shape data also includes information such as road shoulders.

  In this embodiment, the map data is recorded on the recording medium 405. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map data is not limited to being recorded integrally with the hardware of the navigation device 400, and may be provided outside the navigation device 400. In that case, the navigation apparatus 400 acquires map data via a network through the communication part 408, for example. The acquired map data is stored in a RAM or the like.

  The recording medium decoding unit 406 controls reading / writing of information with respect to the recording medium 405. For example, when HD is used as the recording medium 405, the recording medium decoding unit 406 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The audio output unit 407 reproduces sound such as guidance sound by controlling output to the connected speaker 412. There may be one speaker 412 or a plurality of speakers. Specifically, the audio output unit 407 can be configured by, for example, a D / A converter that performs D / A conversion of audio digital information and an amplifier that amplifies an audio analog signal output from the D / A converter. .

  The communication unit 408 includes, for example, an FM multiplex tuner, a VICS / beacon receiver, a wireless communication device, and other communication devices, and performs communication with other communication devices. The communication unit 408 may be configured to perform communication via a communication medium such as a mobile phone, a PHS, a communication card, and a wireless LAN.

  In this embodiment, examples of information acquired by the communication unit 408 include road traffic information such as traffic jams and traffic regulations distributed from the VICS center. Moreover, the traffic information of a desired area may be requested | required via the network with respect to the server which accumulate | stored the road traffic information of the whole country, and you may make it acquire the requested road traffic information. Furthermore, as information transmitted from the communication unit 408, a request for refueling for a road service or the like and various information necessary for the request are given.

  The route search unit 409 uses the map data acquired from the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406, the VICS information acquired via the communication unit 408, and the like to optimize the route from the departure point to the destination. Search for a route. Here, the optimum route is a route that best matches the condition specified by the user. In general, there are an infinite number of routes from the departure point to the destination. For this reason, items considered in the route search are set to search for a route that matches the condition.

  For example, the starting point of the route searched by the route searching unit 409 includes the current position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquiring unit 404 (the current position of the navigation device 400) or the starting point designated by the user from the user operation unit 402. Etc. are set. In addition to the destination input by the user, the facility searched from the map data may be set as the destination based on the genre search or the like. Further, as a destination, a facility such as a gas station when prompting the user to refuel, a road shoulder when waiting for a road service vehicle, and the like are retrieved from the map data and set.

  The route guidance unit 410 converts the optimum route information searched by the route search unit 409, the vehicle position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 404, and the map data obtained from the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406. Based on this, route guidance information for guiding the user to the destination is generated.

  At this time, the route guidance information generated by the route guidance unit 410 may be information that considers the traffic jam information received by the communication unit 408. The route guidance information generated by the route guidance unit 410 is output to the display unit 403 via the navigation control unit 401.

  The voice generation unit 411 generates various types of voice information such as guidance sounds. That is, based on the route guidance information generated by the route guidance unit 410, the virtual sound source corresponding to the guidance point is set and the voice guidance information is generated, and this is output to the voice output unit 407 via the navigation control unit 401. To do.

  The speaker 412 reproduces (outputs) navigation guidance sound output from the sound output unit 407 and sound output from the navigation control unit 401 via the sound output unit 407. Further, for example, headphones or the like may be provided in the speaker 412, and the output form of the guide sound or voice may be changed as appropriate so that the sound field of the guide sound or voice output from the entire interior of the vehicle is not generated.

  Each function part of the navigation apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 implement | achieves the function with each part of the navigation apparatus 400 shown in FIG. Specifically, the position acquisition unit 101 realizes its function by, for example, the position acquisition unit 404 or the like. The functions of the remaining fuel amount information acquisition unit 102 and the distance calculation unit 103 are realized by the navigation control unit 401, for example. The determination unit 104 and the search unit 105 are, for example, a navigation control unit 401 and a recording medium 405 and a recording medium decoding unit 406 in the case where information including positions such as a gas station or a road shoulder is given in advance. When given from the outside via the communication unit 108, the function is realized by the communication unit 408 or the like. The search unit 106 realizes its function by, for example, the route search unit 409 or the like.

  The function of the guiding unit 107 is realized by the route guiding unit 410 or the like, for example. The communication unit 108 realizes its function by, for example, the communication unit 408, the user operation unit 402, and the recording medium 405, the recording medium decoding unit 406, and the like in the case where the communication condition is given in advance. In the case where the presentation unit 109 has a configuration in which information such as a navigation control unit 401, a display unit 403, an audio output unit 407, an audio generation unit 411, a speaker 412, and a road service is provided in advance, the recording medium 405 and the recording medium decoding When the information is given from the outside through the communication unit 108, the function is realized by the communication unit 408 or the like.

(Hardware configuration of fuel supply support device)
Next, the hardware configuration of the fuel supply support apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the fuel supply support apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel supply support apparatus 500 includes a fuel supply support control unit 501, a user operation unit 502, a display unit 503, a recording medium 504, a recording medium decoding unit 505, and an audio output unit 506. , A communication unit 507, an audio generation unit 508, and a speaker 509.

  The fuel supply support control unit 501 controls the entire fuel supply support apparatus 500. The fuel supply support control unit 501 can be realized by, for example, a microcomputer that includes a CPU that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a ROM that stores various control programs, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and the like.

  In addition, when the fuel supply support control unit 501 instructs the road service vehicle to perform a supply operation, the fuel supply support control unit 501 relates to the supply operation between the user operation unit 502, the recording medium decoding unit 505, the communication unit 507, and the sound generation unit 508. Information is input and output, and information obtained as a result is output to the display unit 503 and the audio output unit 506.

  The user operation unit 502 is, for example, a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse used in a general computer. The user operation unit 502 may be, for example, a push button switch or a touch panel. Further, the user operation unit 502 may be configured to perform an input operation by voice using a microphone that inputs voice from the outside.

  The display unit 503 includes, for example, a CRT, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, and the like. Specifically, the display unit 503 can be configured by, for example, a video display device connected to the video I / F or the video I / F. Specifically, the video I / F includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display device, a buffer memory such as a VRAM that temporarily stores image information that can be displayed immediately, and an image output from the graphic controller. Based on the information, the display device is configured by a control IC or the like that controls display.

  The display unit 503 displays information necessary for replenishment work such as the planned stop position of the vehicle that has requested refueling, the type of fuel, and the required refueling amount. The planned stop position of the vehicle may be displayed on the display unit 503 so as to be superimposed on the map data of the road service charge area.

  Various control programs and various types of information are recorded on the recording medium 504 so as to be readable by a computer. This recording medium 504 can be realized by, for example, HD, DVD, CD, memory card or the like. Note that the recording medium 504 may accept writing of information by the recording medium decoding unit 505 and record the written information in a nonvolatile manner.

  In the recording medium 504, information such as a gas station existing on an automobile road is recorded. Further, as described above, when the map data is displayed on the display unit 503, the map data is recorded on the recording medium 504. A recording medium decoding unit 505 controls reading / writing of information with respect to the recording medium 504. For example, when HD is used as the recording medium 504, the recording medium decoding unit 505 is an HDD.

  The audio output unit 506 reproduces audio instructing the content of the replenishment work by controlling the output to the connected speaker 509. There may be one speaker 509 or a plurality of speakers. Specifically, the audio output unit 506 can be configured from, for example, a D / A converter that performs D / A conversion of audio digital information and an amplifier that amplifies an audio analog signal output from the D / A converter. .

  The communication unit 507 is configured by, for example, a general wireless communication device, and performs communication with other communication devices. In this embodiment, communication is performed with a navigation device 400 mounted on a vehicle that requests refueling. Note that the communication unit 507 may be configured to perform communication via a communication medium such as a mobile phone, a PHS, a communication card, and a wireless LAN.

  The sound generation unit 508 generates sound information for instructing the replenishment work content. That is, based on the replenishment work contents set by the fuel supply support control unit 501, user operation unit 502, recording medium decoding unit 505, and communication unit 507, the virtual sound source is set and the voice guidance information is generated. The sound is output to the voice output unit 506 via the supply support control unit 501. The speaker 509 reproduces (outputs) sound output from the fuel supply support control unit 501 via the sound output unit 506.

  Each function part of the fuel supply support apparatus 150 shown in FIG. 1 implement | achieves the function by each part of the fuel supply support apparatus 500 shown in FIG. Specifically, the reception unit 151 realizes its function by the communication unit 507, for example. The facility storage unit 152 realizes its function by, for example, the recording medium 504 and the recording medium decoding unit 505. The facility search unit 153 and the fuel calculation unit 154 realize their functions by, for example, the fuel supply support control unit 501 and the like. The instruction unit 155 realizes its function by, for example, a fuel supply support control unit 501, a display unit 503, an audio output unit 506, an audio generation unit 508, a speaker 509, and the like.

(Navigation procedure by navigation device)
Next, a navigation procedure by the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a navigation procedure by the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that information including the position of the gas station, the information including the position of the road shoulder, the communication conditions with the road service, and the information such as the road service are recorded in the recording medium 405 in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the navigation control unit 401 acquires fuel consumption information [A] from the vehicle (step S601), and acquires fuel remaining amount information [B] (step S602). Further, the position acquisition unit 404 acquires the current position of the vehicle. The navigation control unit 401 reads the traveling direction information from the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406 and recognizes the traveling direction of the vehicle.

  Then, the navigation control unit 401 searches the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406 for a gas station or the like on an automobile road existing in front of the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the searched gas station from the current position. Etc., and reach distance [C] is obtained (step S603). The processing order of steps S601 to S603 may be interchanged.

  Next, the navigation control unit 401 calculates the travelable distance ([A] × [B]) by multiplying the fuel efficiency acquired in steps S601 and S602 by the remaining amount of fuel, and the reachable distance acquired in step S603 and Compare (step S604). When the travelable distance ([A] × [B]) is larger than the reach distance [C] (step S604: No), the navigation control unit 401 can reach the gas station or the like searched in step S603. It is determined that there is, and the process returns to step S601.

  On the other hand, if the travelable distance is smaller than the reachable distance in step S604 (step S604: Yes), the navigation control unit 401 determines that the gas station or the like searched in step S603 cannot be reached. Then, the navigation control unit 401, from the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406, exits from the nearest automobile exclusive road existing ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and gasoline on a general road near the exit. A station or the like is searched, the route searching unit 409 sets a route to the searched gas station or the like, and the route guiding unit 410 starts guiding the route (step S605). At this time, for example, a message “Refueling is necessary. Get off the highway and will guide you to the nearest gas station” is displayed on the display unit 403 or by voice output from the speaker 412 to the user. Inform.

  While guiding to a gas station or the like on a general road, the current position of the vehicle is acquired by the position acquisition unit 404, and the navigation control unit 401 travels according to the guidance to the exit searched in step S603. Whether it is present is monitored (step S606). When the navigation control unit 401 detects that the vehicle continues to travel on the exclusive road without following the guidance to the exit (step S606: Yes), the vehicle travels from the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406. Search for the closest road shoulder in front of the direction.

  The route search unit 409 sets a route to the road shoulder and the like, and the route guidance unit 410 starts guiding the route (step S607). At this time, for example, a message “There is a risk of stopping while driving. Please promptly stop at the shoulder.” Is displayed on the display unit 403 or by voice output from the speaker 412, To inform.

  Simultaneously with the guidance to the road shoulder or the like, the fuel consumption information [A] of the vehicle is acquired by the navigation control unit 401 (step S608), and is previously input from the user operation unit 402 by the user and stored in the nonvolatile memory of the navigation device 400. The fuel type information [D] stored in is acquired (step S609). Further, the navigation control unit 401 acquires longitude / latitude information [E] such as a road shoulder searched in step S607 from the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406 (step S610).

  Further, the navigation control unit 401 acquires information (up / down line information [F]) indicating whether the traveling lane of the host vehicle is an up line or a down line from the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406. (Step S611). Then, based on the up / down line information [F] acquired in step S611 by the navigation control unit 401, the recording medium 405 via the recording medium decoding unit 406 is behind in the traveling direction from the road shoulder or the like searched in step S607. Is searched for the closest road service base [G] existing in (step S612).

  Then, the communication unit 408 notifies the road service base [G] searched in step S612 with a request for refueling, as well as the fuel efficiency information [A] of the vehicle, the fuel type information [D], and the longitude of the road shoulder scheduled to stop, etc. Latitude information [E] is transmitted (step S613). In that case, you may transmit including the up-and-down line information acquired by step S611. When the transmission to the base such as the road service is completed, for example, a message “A request for refueling to the road service. Please wait for a while.” Tell the user. And if it stops at the road shoulder etc. which were searched by step S607, a series of processes mentioned above will be complete | finished.

  When the vehicle is guided to the shoulder in step S607 without stopping at the shoulder, the next shoulder is searched again and the newly set shoulder is searched. It may be guided to stop at such as. In addition, the navigation device 400 notifies the road service center of the request for refueling, and the center performs replenishment work to the nearest road service base existing behind the shoulder of the road that is scheduled to stop. You may make it indicate.

(Fuel supply support procedure by the fuel supply support device)
Next, a fuel supply support procedure by the fuel supply support apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a fuel supply support procedure by the fuel supply support device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the communication unit 507 always stands by in a state where a refueling request notification can be received (step S <b> 701: No). When the communication unit 507 receives a refueling request notification (step S701: Yes), the longitude / latitude information [E] of the scheduled stop position of the vehicle that has received the notification is acquired (step S702).

  Next, the fuel supply support control unit 501 searches the recording medium 504 via the recording medium decoding unit 505 for the nearest gas station etc. on the road for exclusive use of an automobile existing ahead of the planned stop position of the vehicle. To do. Then, the fuel supply support control unit 501 acquires the reach distance [H] from the planned stop position to the searched gas station or the like (step S703).

  Further, the fuel consumption information [A] of the vehicle is acquired by the communication unit 507 (step S704), and the arrival distance acquired in step S703 is divided by the fuel consumption by the fuel supply support control unit 501 ([H] / [ A]), a required oil supply amount [I] is determined (step S705). Next, the fuel type information [D] of the vehicle is acquired by the communication unit 507 (step S706). Next, the fuel type information [D], the longitude / latitude information [E] of the planned stop position, and the required refueling amount [I] are displayed on the display unit 503, or the sound output from the speaker 509 is notified to the road service vehicle, A replenishment operation is instructed (step S707), and the above-described series of processing ends.

  Next, an outline of a fuel supply operation realized in a configuration in which the navigation device 400 described above is mounted on a vehicle and the fuel supply support device 500 is provided in a road service or the like will be described. 8 to 13 are schematic diagrams for explaining an example of the outline of the fuel supply operation.

  As shown in FIG. 8, normally, when traveling on a main line 802, etc. of an automobile exclusive road 801, a route to a destination is set, and the vehicle 803 travels according to the route guidance 804. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the remaining amount of fuel is reduced and it is unlikely that the vehicle can travel to the next gas station (GS) or the like on the car road 801, the next exit 805 on the car road 801. Then, a gas station etc. 806 near the exit 805 is searched, a route to the gas station etc. 806 is newly set, and the route guidance 807 is performed. At this time, for example, a message such as “Needs refueling. Get off at high speed and will guide you to the nearest gas station” is displayed and voice output.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the vehicle continues to travel on the main road 802 of the automobile exclusive road 801 without following the guidance to the gas station 806 on the general road, as shown in FIG. A shoulder 808 of the road 801 is searched, a route to the shoulder 808 is newly set, and the route guidance 809 is performed. At this time, for example, a message such as “There is a risk that the vehicle will stop while driving. Further, during the guidance to the road shoulder 808, etc., a request for refueling is made to the road service.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the own vehicle 803 stops at the road shoulder 808, for example, a message such as “A request for refueling to the road service. At this stage, the road service vehicle 810 has already left the road service base and headed toward the road shoulder 808. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, after the own vehicle 803 stops at the road shoulder 808, the road service vehicle 810 arrives at the road shoulder 808 without waiting much. Then, replenishment work is performed.

  As described above, according to the navigation apparatus 400 according to the embodiment, the position acquisition unit 404 and the navigation control unit 401 acquire the current position of the vehicle and the remaining amount of fuel, and based on the information, the navigation control unit 401, the travelable distance of the vehicle is calculated, and based on the travelable distance and the current position of the vehicle, the navigation control unit 401 determines whether the vehicle can reach the nearest gas station 806, etc. When it is determined that the vehicle cannot be reached while traveling on the exclusive road 801, the navigation control unit 401 searches for a road shoulder or the like on the automobile exclusive road 801 existing in front of the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the route search unit 409 and the route Since the guide 410 guides the road shoulder 808, the vehicle stops on the road shoulder before the fuel runs out. It is possible. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from stopping on the main line 802 due to running out of fuel, and to wait for the road service vehicle 810 to arrive at the road shoulder 808.

  In addition, according to the navigation device 400 according to the embodiment, since the communication unit 408 requests refueling to the road service etc. 810 while traveling according to the guidance to the road shoulder etc. 808, the road service vehicle 810 at the road shoulder etc. 808 is requested. The time to wait for arrival can be shortened. Accordingly, it is possible to return to a state where the vehicle can run quickly.

  In addition, according to the fuel supply support apparatus 500 according to the embodiment, the communication unit 507 receives a refueling request notification from the navigation device 400, and the fuel supply support control unit 501 allows the vehicle that has requested refueling to refuel. The fuel station 806 is searched from the recording medium 504 via the recording medium decoding unit 505, and the fuel supply support control unit 501 obtains the amount of fuel necessary to reach the gas station etc. 806, and the fuel supply support control unit Since the road service vehicle 810 is instructed to the road service vehicle 810 with information on the type and amount of fuel and the position of the shoulder 808 scheduled to stop, the vehicle 501 is loaded with an appropriate amount of fuel suitable for the vehicle that requested the refueling, and stops. The road service vehicle 810 can be quickly departed toward the scheduled shoulder 808 or the like. Accordingly, quick and accurate refueling can be realized.

  The navigation method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the navigation apparatus concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the navigation procedure by the navigation apparatus concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the fuel supply assistance procedure by the fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus concerning an Example. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the navigation procedure by the navigation apparatus concerning an Example. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the fuel supply assistance procedure by the fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the outline | summary of the fuel supply operation | work by the navigation apparatus and fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the outline | summary of the fuel supply operation | work by the navigation apparatus and fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the outline | summary of the fuel supply operation | work by the navigation apparatus and fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the outline | summary of the fuel supply operation | work by the navigation apparatus and fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the outline | summary of the fuel supply operation | work by the navigation apparatus and fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the outline | summary of the fuel supply operation | work by the navigation apparatus and fuel supply assistance apparatus concerning an Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,400 Navigation apparatus 101,404 Position acquisition part 102 Fuel remaining amount information acquisition part 103 Distance calculation part 104 Judgment part 105 Search part 106 Search part 107 Guidance part 108,408,507 Communication part 109 Presentation part 150,500 Fuel supply support Device 151 Reception unit 152 Facility storage unit 153 Facility search unit 154 Fuel calculation unit 155 Instruction unit 401 Navigation control unit 402 User operation unit 403, 503 Display unit 405, 504 Recording medium 406, 505 Recording medium decoding unit 407, 506 Audio output unit 409 Route search unit 410 Route guidance unit 411, 508 Audio generation unit 412, 509 Speaker 501 Fuel supply support control unit 801 Automobile road 808 Road shoulder 810 Road service vehicle

Claims (10)

Position acquisition means for acquiring vehicle position information;
Fuel remaining amount information acquisition means for acquiring information on the remaining amount of fuel of the vehicle;
Distance calculating means for calculating a travelable distance of the vehicle based on the information of the remaining fuel amount;
Determining means for determining whether the vehicle can reach a replenishment facility capable of refueling based on the position of the vehicle and the travelable distance;
In the case where the vehicle is traveling on an automobile-only road, when the determination means determines that the vehicle cannot reach the replenishment facility, the vehicle-only road existing ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle A search means for searching for a recommended stop position,
Search means for searching for a route to the recommended stop position searched by the search means;
Guidance means for performing guidance based on the route searched by the search means;
A navigation device comprising:   The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a presentation unit that presents road service information when the recommended stop position is detected.   The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that transmits information on the recommended stop position to a road service.   The navigation device according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit transmits information on the vehicle together with information on the recommended stop position to a road service.   5. The navigation device according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit transmits information related to the automobile-only road on which the vehicle is traveling together with information on the recommended stop position. Receiving means for receiving information on the recommended stop position transmitted from the communication means of the navigation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
Instruction means for instructing a road service vehicle to go to the recommended stop position for fuel supply;
A fuel supply support apparatus comprising: Facility storage means for storing a refueling facility on a road dedicated to automobiles capable of refueling;
Facility search means for searching for a replenishment facility that is closest to the recommended stop position and that is present in the forward direction of the vehicle from the recommended stop position;
Fuel calculation means for calculating the amount of fuel required for the vehicle to reach the supply facility searched by the facility search means;
Further comprising
The fuel supply support apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the instruction unit instructs the road service vehicle of the amount of fuel calculated by the fuel calculation unit. Calculating a travelable distance of the vehicle based on information on a fuel remaining amount of the vehicle;
Determining whether the vehicle can reach a refueling facility capable of refueling based on the current position of the vehicle and the travelable distance;
When the vehicle is traveling on an automobile-only road, when it is determined that the vehicle cannot reach the replenishment facility, a recommended stop position on the automobile-only road that is in front of the traveling direction of the vehicle Searching for
Searching for a route to the searched recommended stop position, and performing guidance based on the route;
A navigation method comprising:   A navigation program for causing a computer to execute the navigation method according to claim 8. 10. A computer-readable recording medium on which the navigation program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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