JP4675207B2 - Route search device, route search method, route search program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a route search device, a route search method, a route search program, and a computer-readable recording medium for searching for a route in movement of a moving object. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described route search device, route search method, route search program, and computer-readable recording medium.

  Conventionally, in a car navigation device or the like that guides a vehicle to a destination point, an optimum route from the current point to the destination point is searched, and the driver is guided to the driver by means such as a map display or voice guidance, Guide the vehicle to the destination.

  Until now, in route search performed by car navigation devices, etc., the current location information and information on each location stored in advance (for example, road distance, road width, traffic jam information, etc.) Evaluate various routes from to the destination. And the proposal which selects the path | route most excellent in evaluation among these paths | routes as an optimal path | route, and displays the selected optimal path | route as a progress path | route is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-309595

  However, according to the above-described prior art, the optimal route is selected by the receiving device receiving the radio wave with respect to the broadcasting tower that transmits the radio wave to the receiving device that receives the radio wave including content information such as television broadcast or radio broadcast. The reception area to be received is not taken into consideration, and the optimal route may include an area where the reception condition of the radio wave is poor. Therefore, in a navigation device that can view content or the like using received radio waves, a problem is that the user cannot satisfactorily view content when traveling in an area where radio wave reception is poor.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the route search device according to the invention of claim 1 has a function of receiving radio waves including information related to broadcast content (hereinafter referred to as “content information”) from the broadcast tower. A route search device, which is searched for by an acquisition unit that acquires a reception area of radio waves from the broadcast tower, a search unit that searches for one or more route candidates on which a moving body moves to a destination point, and the search unit. A selection unit that selects a route having a maximum distance passing through the reception area acquired by the acquisition unit from among the route candidates, and the selection unit includes a plurality of the reception areas overlapping. With respect to the overlapping area, the route having the maximum distance passing through the overlapping area is selected from the route candidates.

  Further, the route search method according to the invention of claim 5 is a route search method including a step of receiving radio waves including broadcast content information from a broadcast tower, an acquisition step of acquiring a reception area of the radio waves from the broadcast tower, A search step for searching for one or more route candidates that the moving body moves to a destination point, and a distance that passes through the reception area acquired by the acquisition step from the route candidates searched by the search step is A selection step for selecting the maximum route, and the selection step has a maximum distance through the overlap area from among the route candidates for an overlap area where a plurality of the reception areas overlap. The route is selected.

  A route search program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the route search method according to the fifth aspect.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records the route search program according to the sixth aspect.

  Exemplary embodiments of a route search device, a route search method, a route search program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Functional configuration of route search device)
A functional configuration of the route search apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the route search apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a route search apparatus 100 receives radio waves including information related to content (hereinafter referred to as “content information”) from a broadcast tower. A route candidate search unit 101, a reception area acquisition unit 102, and a route selection Unit 103 and viewing request input unit 104. The route candidate search unit 101 searches for one or more route candidates to the destination point. The route candidates can be, for example, a route from the starting point (or the current point) to the destination point, and there are countless numbers.

  The reception area acquisition unit 102 acquires a reception area of radio waves from the broadcast tower. The reception area may be, for example, a reception area based on a reception state of radio waves transmitted by the broadcast tower with respect to one or more broadcast towers within a predetermined range to the destination point. In addition, the reception area is an area having a radius corresponding to the reception state of the radio wave with the broadcast tower as the center, and may be calculated based on a theoretical value or set by an actual traveling survey. The reception state of the radio wave is, for example, the intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the broadcast tower, the presence or absence of a shield, and the like.

  The reception area acquisition unit 102 may acquire the reception area from, for example, an external server that records information about the broadcast tower such as the position information of the broadcast tower and the reception area. In addition, the reception area may be acquired by previously recording position information of the broadcast tower and information regarding the broadcast tower such as the reception area on a recording medium (not shown). The reception area may be acquired with respect to the content requested to be viewed based on the viewing request input by the viewing request input unit 104 described later.

  The route selection unit 103 selects, from the route candidates searched by the route candidate search unit 101, a route candidate having the maximum distance passing through the reception area acquired by the reception area acquisition unit 102 as a route. For example, regarding the overlapping area where a plurality of reception areas overlap, the route selection may be configured such that a route candidate having a maximum distance passing through the overlapping area is selected as a route from among the route candidates. The route selection may be configured such that a route candidate having a minimum distance passing outside the reception area is selected as a route for a route candidate having a route passing outside the reception area.

  The viewing request input unit 104 receives a request regarding viewing of content information received from the broadcast tower (hereinafter referred to as “viewing request”). The viewing request includes, for example, a request for continuously viewing the content being viewed by the user, and may be configured such that the user operates and operates an operation unit (not shown).

(Processing contents of route search device)
Next, the contents of the process of the route search device 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the route search apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the route search device 100 first determines whether or not a destination point setting has been accepted (step S <b> 201). For example, the user may set the destination point from an operation unit (not shown). Here, after receiving the setting of the destination point and receiving it (step S201: Yes), the reception area acquisition unit 102 acquires the reception area of the radio wave from the broadcast tower (step S202).

  The reception area is acquired in step S202 by, for example, setting a reception area based on the reception state of radio waves transmitted by the broadcast tower for one or more broadcast towers in a certain range from the starting point (or current point) to the destination point. It is good also as a structure to acquire. The reception area is an area having a radius corresponding to the reception state of radio waves with the broadcast tower as the center, for example, which may be calculated based on a theoretical value or set by an actual traveling survey, such as an external server May be obtained from a recording medium or a recording medium (not shown). The reception state of the radio wave is, for example, the intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the broadcast tower, the presence or absence of a shield, and the like.

  Subsequently, the route candidate search unit 101 searches for one or more route candidates to the destination point (step S203). The route candidates can be, for example, a route from the starting point (or the current point) to the destination point, and there are countless numbers.

  Next, the route selection unit 103 selects a route candidate having a maximum distance passing through the reception area acquired in step S202 from the route candidates searched in step S203 as a route (step S204). Terminate the process. For example, regarding the overlapping area where a plurality of reception areas overlap, the route selection may be configured such that a route candidate having a maximum distance passing through the overlapping area is selected as a route from among the route candidates. The route selection may be configured such that a route candidate having a minimum distance passing outside the reception area is selected as a route for a route candidate having a route passing outside the reception area.

  The acquisition of the reception area in step S202 is performed when a route search is requested under the condition of reception of radio waves from the broadcast tower, or when a viewing request for content information received from the broadcast tower by the viewing request input unit 104 is input. It is good also as a structure performed when receiving. When an input of a viewing request is received, a receiving area may be acquired for a broadcast tower that transmits radio waves including specific content information based on the viewing request.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the reception area based on the reception state of the radio wave including the content information from the broadcast tower is acquired, and the reception area is included from a plurality of route candidates to the destination point. The route candidate with the largest portion is selected as the route. Therefore, it is possible to suppress disturbance in the image quality of the content along the route to the destination point.

(Embodiment 2)
(Functional configuration of route search device)
Subsequently, the functional configuration of the route search apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a functional configuration of the route search apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, a route search device 300 receives radio waves including content information related to content from a broadcast tower, and includes a reception area acquisition unit 301, a waypoint setting unit 302, a route search unit 303, and a control unit 304. And a viewing request input unit 305.

  The reception area acquisition unit 301 acquires the reception area of radio waves from the broadcast tower in a predetermined range from the departure point to the destination point. The reception area may be, for example, a reception area based on a reception state of radio waves transmitted from the broadcast tower. In addition, the reception area is an area having a radius corresponding to the reception state of the radio wave with the broadcast tower as the center, and may be calculated based on a theoretical value or set by an actual traveling survey. The reception state of the radio wave is, for example, the intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the broadcast tower, the presence or absence of a shield, and the like.

  The reception area acquisition unit 301 may acquire the reception area from, for example, an external server that records information about the broadcast tower such as the position information of the broadcast tower and the reception area. In addition, the reception area may be acquired by previously recording position information of the broadcast tower and information regarding the broadcast tower such as the reception area on a recording medium (not shown). Further, the reception area may be acquired with respect to content requested for viewing based on a viewing request input by a viewing request input unit 305 described later.

  In the reception area acquired by the reception area acquisition unit 301, the waypoint setting unit 302, when the reception area including the departure point does not include the destination point, the arbitrary route in the overlapping area overlapping with other reception areas. Set the point. For example, when there are a plurality of overlapping areas, the waypoints may be set in an overlapping area where the area of the overlapping area is large or in an overlapping area closer to the destination point. In addition, when there is no overlapping area, an arbitrary waypoint may be set in the nearest other reception area. If the departure point is not included in the reception area, the route may be searched from the nearest reception area.

  The route search unit 303 searches for a route that does not depart from the reception area up to the waypoint set by the waypoint setting unit 302. In addition, when a destination point is included in a reception area including a waypoint or a departure point, a route that does not depart from the reception area is searched for to the destination point.

  The control unit 304 acquires the reception area by the reception area acquisition unit 301 and the route by the route point setting unit 302 until the reception area including the route point or the departure point set by the route point setting unit 302 includes the destination point. Control is performed so that the setting of the point and the route search to the route point by the route search unit 303 are repeatedly performed.

  The viewing request input unit 305 accepts a request regarding viewing of content information received from the broadcast tower (hereinafter referred to as “viewing request”). The viewing request includes, for example, a request for continuously viewing the content being viewed by the user, and may be configured such that the user operates and operates an operation unit (not shown).

(Processing contents of route search device)
Next, the contents of processing of the route search apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the process of the route search apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the route search device 300 first determines whether or not a destination point setting has been accepted (step S <b> 401). For example, the user may set the destination point from an operation unit (not shown). Here, when receiving the setting of the destination point and receiving it (step S401: Yes), the reception area acquisition unit 301 is one in a certain range from the departure point (or the current point) to the destination point. About the above broadcast tower, the reception area of the electromagnetic wave from a broadcast tower is acquired (step S402).

  Subsequently, for the reception area acquired in step S402, when the reception area including the departure point does not include the destination point, the waypoint setting unit 302 performs any route in the overlapping area overlapping with other reception areas. A point is set (step S403). For example, when there are a plurality of overlapping areas, the waypoints may be set in an overlapping area where the area of the overlapping area is large or in an overlapping area closer to the destination point. In addition, when there is no overlapping area, an arbitrary waypoint may be set in the nearest other reception area. If the departure point is not included in the reception area, the route may be searched from the nearest reception area.

  Next, the route search unit 303 searches for a route that does not deviate from the reception area acquired in step S402 up to the waypoint set in step S403 (step S404). Moreover, the route search unit 303 searches for a route that does not deviate from the reception area to the destination when the destination is included in the reception area including the waypoint or the departure point.

  Then, the control unit 304 determines whether or not a route to the destination point has been searched (step S405). In step S405, when the route to the destination point is searched (step S405: Yes), the series of processes is finished as it is. If the route to the destination point is not searched (step S405: No), the process returns to step S402 and the process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the reception area based on the reception state of the radio wave including the content information from the broadcast tower is acquired, and the route reaching the destination point via the overlapping area is obtained. Can be explored. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a good reception state of the radio wave of the broadcast content on the route to the destination point.

  Example 1 of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, an example in which the route search device of the present invention is implemented by a navigation device mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle) will be described.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
The hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 5, a navigation device 500 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and includes a navigation control unit 501, a user operation unit 502, a display unit 503, a position acquisition unit 504, a recording medium 505, and a recording medium. The decoding unit 506, the audio output unit 507, the communication unit 508, the route search unit 509, the route guidance unit 510, the audio generation unit 511, and the speaker 512 are configured.

  The navigation control unit 501 controls the entire navigation device 500. The navigation control unit 501 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. ) Or the like.

  The navigation control unit 501 determines which map on the map based on the information on the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 504 and the map information obtained from the recording medium 505 via the recording medium decoding unit 506 when the route is guided. Whether the vehicle is traveling in the position is calculated, and the calculation result is output to the display unit 503.

  The navigation control unit 501 inputs / outputs information related to route guidance between the route search unit 509, the route guidance unit 510, and the voice generation unit 511, and displays information obtained as a result of the display unit 503 and Output to the audio output unit 507. In addition, the navigation control unit 501 inputs and outputs content information received by communication of the communication unit 508 described later, and outputs information obtained as a result to the display unit 503 and the audio output unit 507.

  In addition, the navigation control unit 501 acquires a viewable area of the broadcast tower from the outside via the communication unit 508 described later. The viewable area is, for example, an area where radio waves transmitted from the broadcast tower can be received, and has a radius corresponding to the reception state of the radio waves with the broadcast tower as the center. Further, it may be calculated based on a theoretical value, set by an actual traveling survey, or an area that is difficult to receive may be taken into account depending on the presence or absence of a shield. Then, the navigation control unit 501 outputs the acquired viewable area information to the route search unit 509. Note that the broadcast tower position information and viewable area may be recorded in advance on a recording medium 505 described later. The viewable area may be acquired based on an instruction input from the user operation unit 502. The input instruction is, for example, a viewing request for continuing viewing when the user wants to continue viewing the content being viewed.

  The user operation unit 502 acquires information input by the user by operating operation means such as a remote controller, a switch, or a touch panel, and outputs the acquired information to the navigation control unit 501.

  The display unit 503 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a TFT 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 interface connected to the video I / F (interface) 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 (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. The display unit 503 displays traffic information, map information, information related to route guidance, content related to video output from the navigation control unit 501, and various other information.

  The position acquisition unit 504 includes a GPS receiver and various sensors, and acquires information on the current position of the moving body (current position of the navigation device 500). The GPS receiver receives radio waves from a GPS satellite and obtains a geometric position with respect to the GPS satellite. 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 GPS receiver includes an antenna for receiving radio waves from GPS satellites, a tuner for demodulating the received radio waves, an arithmetic circuit for calculating the current position based on the demodulated information, and the like.

  The various sensors are various sensors mounted on the mobile body or the navigation device 500 such as a vehicle speed sensor, an angular speed sensor, and an acceleration sensor. From the information output from these sensors, the movement displacement, movement speed, and movement direction of the mobile body are determined. Ask. Thus, the position of the moving body can be recognized with higher accuracy by using the output information of the various sensors together with the information obtained from the received radio wave of the GPS receiver.

  Various control programs and various information are recorded on the recording medium 505 in a state readable by a computer. The recording medium 505 can be realized by, for example, an HD (Hard Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a CD (Compact Disk), or a memory card. Note that the recording medium 505 may accept writing of information by the recording medium decoding unit 506 and record the written information in a nonvolatile manner.

  The recording medium 505 records map information used for route search and route guidance. The map information recorded in the recording medium 505 includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. It is drawn in two or three dimensions on the display screen. When the navigation device 500 is guiding a route, the map information read from the recording medium 505 by the recording medium decoding unit 506 and the mark indicating the position of the moving body acquired by the position acquisition unit 504 are displayed on the display unit 503. The Rukoto.

  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 road shape data is a road network having a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes. The node indicates an intersection where a plurality of roads such as a three-way road such as a T-shaped road, a cross road, and a five-way road intersect. The link indicates a road. 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 signals and pedestrian crossings, the presence or absence of highway doorways and junctions, the length (distance) of each link, vehicle width, direction of travel, road type (highway) , Toll 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 time. The navigation device 500 obtains information on a traffic jam that is currently occurring from the road traffic information received by the communication unit 508. The past traffic jam information can predict a traffic jam situation at a specified time.

  In the first embodiment, the map information is recorded on the recording medium 505. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map information may be recorded on a server outside the navigation device 500. In that case, the navigation apparatus 500 acquires map information from a server via a network through the communication unit 508, for example. The acquired information is stored in a RAM or the like.

  The recording medium decoding unit 506 controls reading / writing of information with respect to the recording medium 505.

  The audio output unit 507 reproduces audio such as a guidance sound by controlling output to the connected speaker 512. There may be one or more speakers 512. The audio output unit 507 includes, for example, a D / A converter that performs D / A conversion of audio digital information, an amplifier that amplifies an audio analog signal output from the D / A converter, and A / D conversion of audio analog information. And an A / D converter that performs the above.

  The communication unit 508 acquires various information from the outside. For example, the communication unit 508 communicates with other communication devices such as FM multiplex tuners, VICS (registered trademark) / beacon receivers, wireless communication devices and other communication devices, and communication media such as mobile phones, PHS, communication cards, and wireless LANs. Communicate with the device. Alternatively, a device capable of performing communication by radio waves or television broadcasts or satellite broadcasts may be used.

  Information acquired by the communication unit 508 includes traffic information such as traffic jams and traffic regulations distributed from the road traffic information communication system center, traffic information acquired by businesses in their own way, other publicly available data on the Internet, and Content. For example, the communication unit 508 may request traffic information from a server that accumulates traffic information nationwide and the like via a network and acquire the requested information. Moreover, the structure which receives the information regarding content, such as an image | video or an audio | voice, from the radio wave by radio broadcasting, or radio waves, such as television broadcasting and satellite broadcasting, may be sufficient.

  The route search unit 509 uses the map information acquired from the recording medium 505 via the recording medium decoding unit 506, the traffic information acquired via the communication unit 508, and the like to optimize the route from the departure point to the destination point. Search for a route. Here, the optimum route is a route that best matches the user's request.

  As the departure point of the route searched by the route search unit 509, the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 504 or the departure point designated by the user from the user operation unit 502 is set. Further, the destination point designated by the user or the facility searched from the map data by genre search or the like is set as the destination point.

  In addition, the route search in the route search unit 509 can be set by the user with search conditions such as road type, distance, and fee. The route search unit 509 may be configured to perform a route search according to the search conditions set by the user. In the first embodiment, a route search is performed so as to pass through the viewable area of the broadcast tower from a plurality of route candidates within a predetermined range of the destination point. Further, when a viewing request is input by the user operation unit 502, a route search may be performed so as to pass through the viewable area of the broadcast tower that transmits the content information that the user is viewing. In addition, the route search unit 509 may set an arbitrary waypoint in the overlapping area of the viewable area and perform a route search so as to reach the destination point via the waypoint.

  The route guidance unit 510 includes the optimum route information searched by the route search unit 509, the position information of the moving body acquired by the position acquisition unit 504, and the map information obtained from the recording medium 505 via the recording medium decoding unit 506. Based on the above, route guidance information for guiding the user to the destination point is generated. The route guidance information generated at this time may be information that considers the traffic jam information received by the communication unit 508. The route guidance information generated by the route guidance unit 510 is output to the display unit 503 via the navigation control unit 501.

  The voice generation unit 511 generates various types of voice information such as guidance sounds. That is, based on the route guidance information generated by the route guidance unit 510, 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 507 via the navigation control unit 501. To do.

  Note that the route candidate search unit 101 and the route selection unit 103, which are functional configurations of the route search apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, are provided by the route search unit 509, and the reception area acquisition unit 102 is provided by the navigation control unit 501, the recording medium 505, and the like. With the communication unit 508, the viewing request input unit 104 realizes its function with the user operation unit 502, respectively.

  In addition, the reception area acquisition unit 301 which is a functional configuration of the route search apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment is configured by the navigation control unit 501, the recording medium 505, and the communication unit 508, and the waypoint setting unit 302 and the route search unit 303 are configured by the route. The search unit 509 implements the functions of the control unit 304, the navigation control unit 501, and the viewing request input unit 305 of the user operation unit 502, respectively.

  Next, the interior of the vehicle in which the navigation device 500 according to the first embodiment is mounted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the interior of the vehicle on which the navigation device according to the first embodiment is mounted.

  In FIG. 6, the interior of the vehicle has a driver seat 611, a passenger seat 612, and a rear seat 613. A display device () is provided around the driver seat 611 and the passenger seat 612. A display unit 503) 621a, an audio device (speaker 512) 622, and an information reproducing device 623a are provided.

  The passenger seat 612 is provided with a display device 621b and an information reproducing device 623b toward the passenger of the rear seat 613, and an acoustic device (not shown) is provided behind the rear seat 613. Yes. In addition, each information reproduction | regeneration apparatus 623 (623a, 623b) may be provided with the structure which can be attached or detached with respect to a vehicle.

  Next, a viewable area in the broadcast tower according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a viewable area in the broadcast tower according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the broadcast tower 701 has a circular viewable area 702 with a radius r703 centering on the broadcast tower 701. The radius r703 is, for example, a length based on a reception state when the navigation device 500 receives radio waves from the broadcast tower. For example, the length based on the reception state may be calculated as a theoretical value with respect to the strength of the radio wave, or the radio wave from the broadcast tower is received in advance through an actual traveling survey, and the content information contained in the radio wave is obtained. It may be determined by determining whether or not viewing is possible.

  The viewable area 702 includes a shield 704 and an unviewable area 705. The shield 704 is, for example, a mountain or a building that blocks radio waves from the broadcast tower. The unviewable area 705 is a range in which the radio wave from the broadcast tower 701 is blocked by the shield 704 in the viewable area 702.

(Contents of processing of navigation device 500)
Next, the contents of the process of the navigation device 500 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, first, the navigation control unit 501 determines whether or not setting of a destination point has been accepted (step S801). Here, after receiving the setting of the destination point and receiving it (step S801: Yes), the communication unit 508 subsequently determines whether or not radio waves can be received at the departure point (step S802). . The departure point may be, for example, the current position of the vehicle.

  If radio waves can be received at the departure point in step S802 (step S802: Yes), the communication unit 508 acquires the viewable area 702 of the broadcast tower 701 that has received the radio waves at the departure point (step S803), and navigation. The data is output to the route search unit 509 via the control unit 501. Then, the route search unit 509 determines whether or not the viewable area 702 acquired in step S803 includes the destination (step S804).

  In step S802, when radio waves cannot be received at the departure point (step S802: No), the communication unit 508 acquires the viewable area 702 nearest to the departure point (step S810), and the navigation control unit 501 is used. To the route search unit 509. Then, the route search unit 509 searches for the shortest route from the departure point to the nearest viewable area 702 acquired in step S810 (step S811), and sets the destination point in the viewable area 702 acquired in step S810. It is determined whether or not it is included (step S804).

  In step S804, when the viewable area 702 includes the destination point (step S804: Yes), the route search unit 509 searches for the shortest route to the destination point (step S805) and ends the series of processing. To do.

  If the destination area is not included in the viewable area 702 in step S804 (step S804: No), the communication unit 508 continues the broadcast tower 701 in the direction of the destination according to the control of the navigation control unit 501. The peripheral viewable area is acquired (step S806), and is output to the route search unit 509 via the navigation control unit 501. The peripheral viewable area may be, for example, the broadcast tower viewable area 702 in a predetermined range in the direction of the destination point. Then, the route search unit 509 determines whether or not there is an overlapping area with the viewable area 702 in the peripheral viewable area acquired in step S806 (step S807). The determination of the overlapping area may be performed based on the acquired information, for example, by acquiring the peripheral viewable area and the presence / absence of the overlapping area with respect to the viewable area 702 and information regarding the area by the communication unit 508. .

  If there is an overlap area with the viewable area 702 in step S807 (step S807: Yes), the route search unit 509 selects a peripheral viewable area with the largest overlap area area (step S808). Subsequently, the route search unit 509 searches for a route that does not depart from the viewable area 702 up to the overlapping area selected in step S808 (step S809). Further, the peripheral viewable area selected in step S808 is replaced with the viewable area 702, and the process returns to step S804 to repeat the process.

  In step S807, when there is no overlapping area with the viewable area 702 (step S807: No), the route search unit 509 selects a peripheral viewable area closest to the viewable area 702 (step S812). Subsequently, the route search unit 509 searches for the shortest route from the viewable area to the peripheral viewable area selected in step S812 (step S813) and searches for the route from the departure point to the shortest route (step S813). Step S814). Furthermore, the peripheral viewable area selected in step S812 is read as the viewable area 702, and the process returns to step S804 to repeat the process.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the viewable area 702 and the peripheral viewable area are configured to be acquired by the communication unit 508. However, based on the position information of the broadcast tower registered in the recording medium 505 in advance, It is good also as a structure which calculates. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the results of the travel investigation are recorded in advance on the recording medium 505 and read out as necessary. In step S807, the presence or area of the overlapping area with the viewable area 702 is acquired by the communication unit 508. However, the route search unit 509 may perform determination and calculation.

  Next, an outline of a route search result in the navigation device 500 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a route search that does not depart from the viewable area according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, the navigation device 500 performs a route search from the departure point 901 to the destination point 902 so as to pass through the viewable areas 909 to 913 of the broadcast towers A904 to E908. In the range of the predetermined range angle 903 from the departure point 901, there are a broadcast tower A904, a broadcast tower B905, a broadcast tower C906, a broadcast tower D907, and a broadcast tower E908, and there are viewing areas 909 to 913, respectively. Is set. The range angle 903 may be about 120 °, for example, and broadcast towers A904 to E908 existing up to the destination point 902 are selected according to the range of the range angle 903. Further, a route can be selected from a plurality of route candidates 921, 922, 923 from the departure point 901 to the destination point 902.

  The viewable area 909 of the broadcast tower A904 includes a departure point 901 and overlaps with the viewable area 910 of the broadcast tower B905. Also, the viewable area 911 of the broadcast tower C906 includes a destination point 902 and overlaps with the viewable area 910 of the broadcast tower B905. Also, the viewable area 912 of the broadcast tower D907 is independent of the viewable areas 909 to 911, 913 of the other broadcast towers A904 to C906 and E908, and there is no overlapping portion. Similarly, the viewable area 913 of the broadcast tower E908 is independent of the viewable areas 909 to 912 of the other broadcast towers A904 to D907 and there is no overlapping portion.

  Among the route candidates 921, 922, and 923, the route candidates 922 and 923 include portions that pass outside the range of the viewable areas 909 to 913. Further, the route candidate 921 has no part that passes outside the range of the viewable areas 909 to 913, and passes through the viewable areas 909 to 911 in all routes, and the route candidate 921 is a route to the destination point 902. Become.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of route search when there are a plurality of overlapping areas in the viewable area according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, the navigation device 500 performs a route search from the departure point 1001 to the destination point 1002 through the viewable areas 1007 to 1010 of the broadcast towers F1003 to I1006.

  In this figure, the viewable area 1007 of the broadcast tower F1003 includes a departure point 1001, and the viewable area 1009 of the broadcast tower H1005 includes a destination point 1002. The viewable areas 1007 to 1010 of the broadcast towers F1003 to I1006 have overlapping areas 1011 to 1013, respectively. The overlapped area 1011 is the viewable area 1007 of the broadcast tower F1003 and the viewable area of the broadcast tower G1004. 1008 is an overlapping area. Similarly, the overlap area 1012 is an area where the viewable area 1008 of the broadcast tower G1004 and the viewable area 1009 of the broadcast tower H1005 overlap. The overlap area 1013 is an area where the viewable area 1007 of the broadcast tower F1003 and the viewable area 1010 of the broadcast tower I1006 overlap. In the drawing, the viewable area 1009 of the broadcast tower H1005 and the viewable area 1010 of the broadcast tower I1006 are in contact with each other, and overlapping portions are set to zero.

  Among the route candidates 1021, 1022, and 1023, the route candidate 1022 is the shortest route from the departure point 1001 to the destination point 1002, but has a portion that passes outside the range of the viewable areas 1007 to 1010. In addition, the route candidates 1021 and 1023 do not pass through the viewable areas 1007 to 1010 and pass through the viewable areas 1007 to 1010 in all routes. Here, the route candidate 1021 passes through the overlapping areas 1011 and 1012, the route candidate 1023 passes through the overlapping area 1013, and the route candidate 1021 having a wide range of passing overlapping areas 1011 to 1013 reaches the destination point 1002. It becomes the route.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a route search when the viewable area up to the destination according to the first embodiment is not continuous. In FIG. 11, the navigation device 500 performs a route search from the departure point 1101 to the destination point 1102 so as to pass through the viewable areas 1107 to 1110 of the broadcast towers J1103 to M1106.

  In this figure, the viewable area 1107 of the broadcast tower J1103 includes a departure point 1101, and the viewable area 1109 of the broadcast tower L1105 includes a destination point 1102. The viewable areas 1107 to 1110 of the broadcast towers J1103 to M1106 are independent of each other, and do not have overlapping areas overlapping with others. More specifically, the viewable area 1107 of the broadcast tower J1103 is independent of the viewable areas 1108 to 1110 of the other broadcast towers K1104 to M1106, and there is no overlapping portion. Also, the viewable area 1108 of the broadcast tower K1104 is independent of the viewable areas 1107, 1109, and 1110 of the other broadcast towers J1103, L1105, and M1106, and there is no overlapping portion. Similarly, the viewable area 1109 of the broadcast tower L1105 is independent of the viewable areas 1107, 1108, and 1110 of the other broadcast towers J1103, K1104, and M1106, and there is no overlapping portion. The viewable area 1110 of the broadcast tower M1106 is independent of the viewable areas 1107 to 1109 of the other broadcast towers J1103 to L1105, and there is no overlapping portion.

  In addition, regarding the positional relationship in the viewable areas 1107 to 1110 of the broadcast tower J1103 to M1106, the viewable area 1107 of the broadcast tower J1103 and the viewable area 1108 of the broadcast tower K1104 exist at a distance of 1111. . Also, the viewable area 1108 of the broadcast tower K1104 and the viewable area 1109 of the broadcast tower L1105 exist at a distance of 1112. Similarly, the viewable area 1107 of the broadcast tower J1103 and the viewable area 1110 of the broadcast tower M1106 exist at a distance of 1113. Similarly, the viewable area 1109 of the broadcast tower L1105 and the viewable area 1110 of the broadcast tower M1106 exist at a distance of 1114. The viewable area 1107 of the broadcast tower J1103 and the viewable area 1109 of the broadcast tower L1105 exist at a distance of 1115.

  In the route candidates 1121, 1122, 1123, there are portions that pass outside the viewable areas 1107 to 1110 from the departure point 1101 to the destination point 1102, respectively. Here, when the sum of the distance 1111 and the distance 1112, the sum of the distance 1113 and the distance 1114, and the distance 1115, which are portions that pass outside the viewable area 1107 to 1110, are compared, the sum of the distance 1111 and the distance 1112. Is the shortest configuration, and the route candidate 1121 having the shortest passage distance outside the viewable areas 1107 to 1110 is the route to the destination point 1102.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a broadcast tower viewable area is acquired within a predetermined range to a destination point, and a route candidate that does not deviate from the viewable area is selected from a plurality of route candidates. It can be a route to a point. Therefore, it is possible to reach the destination without degrading the image quality related to viewing the content information by the radio wave of the broadcast tower.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the route candidate having the largest overlapping area where the viewable areas overlap is the route. Therefore, it is possible to pass through an area with a good radio wave condition, maintain a good image quality with respect to viewing of content information, and reach the destination. In addition, since the range that passes outside the viewable area is minimized, it is possible to suppress disturbance in image quality related to viewing content information.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the navigation apparatus 500 described in the first embodiment receives a radio wave from a television broadcast and continues to watch a TV program without degrading the image quality. The hardware configuration of the navigation device 500 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Also, the interior of the vehicle in which the navigation device 500 according to the second embodiment is mounted is substantially the same as that in FIG. The viewable area in the broadcast tower according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that in FIG.

(Contents of processing of navigation device 500)
Here, the content of the process of the navigation apparatus 500 concerning the present Example 2 is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 12, first, the navigation control unit 501 determines whether or not a program viewing request has been received (step S1201). Here, after waiting for the reception of the program viewing request (step 1201: Yes), the navigation control unit 501 determines whether the route is being guided (step S1202). The program viewing request may be, for example, a configuration in which the user inputs a request to continue viewing without degrading the image quality of the content being viewed by radio waves of a television broadcast from the user operation unit 502 or the like.

  In step S1202, when the route is being guided (step S1202: Yes), the communication unit 508 acquires program information related to the TV program being viewed (step S1204). The program information may be information including, for example, a broadcast station that transmits radio waves related to the program, a broadcast tower of the broadcast station, a broadcast time zone, and the like. In addition, the program information may be acquired from a broadcasting station via the communication unit 508 or may be configured to be performed simultaneously with reception of a television broadcast radio wave. In addition, the program information may be acquired by using an electronic program guide published externally.

  In step S1202, when the route is not being guided (step S1202: No), the navigation device 500 accepts the setting of the destination point and searches for the route (step S1203). For example, the destination point may be set by displaying a screen for prompting the user to set on the display unit 503. Then, the process proceeds to step S1204 to acquire program information.

  Subsequently, the communication unit 508 acquires the program viewable area for which the viewing request has been received based on the program information acquired in step S1204 (step S1205). The program viewable area may be, for example, the broadcast tower viewable area 702 that transmits radio waves related to the television program requested to be viewed in step S1201. Then, the navigation control unit 501 determines whether or not it is after the end of the program that has left the program viewable area acquired in step S1205 in the currently guided route (step S1206). For example, the route search unit 509 may determine the time for leaving the program viewable area based on the route being guided and the range of the program viewable area. Moreover, you may consider traffic information etc.

  In step S1206, if it is after the end of the program that the program viewable area is exited (step S1206: Yes), the series of processing is ended as it is, and the vehicle travels on the route being guided. In step S1206, if it is not after the end of the program that the program viewing area is not reached (step S1206: No), the communication unit 508 then selects a peripheral program viewing area where the program in the direction of the destination can be viewed. It is acquired (step S1207) and output to the route search unit 509 via the navigation control unit 501.

  Then, the route search unit 509 determines whether or not the program viewable area acquired in step S1205 has an overlapping area with the peripheral program viewable area acquired in step S1207 (step S1208). The determination of the overlapping area may be performed based on the acquired information by acquiring information on the presence / absence of the overlapping area and the area together with the acquisition of the peripheral program viewable area by the communication unit 508, for example.

  In step S1208, when there is an overlapping area in the peripheral program viewable area (step S1208: Yes), the route search unit 509 selects the peripheral program viewable area having the maximum overlap area area (step S1209). Subsequently, the route search unit 509 searches for the shortest route to the overlapping area selected in step S1209 (step S1210), and the destination point from the end of the searched route (the point where the shortest route reaches the overlapping area). The route to is searched (step S1211). Then, the peripheral program viewable area selected in step S1207 is replaced with the program viewable area, and the process returns to step S1206 to repeat the process.

  If there is no overlapping area in the peripheral program viewable area in step S1208 (step S1208: No), the peripheral program viewable area closest to the program viewable area is selected (step S1212). Subsequently, the route search unit 509 searches for the shortest route from the program viewable area to the peripheral program viewable area selected in step S1212 (step S1213) and searches for a route from the departure point to the shortest route. (Step S1214). Then, the route from the end of the searched route (the point where the shortest route reaches the overlapping area) to the destination point is searched (step S1211). Then, the peripheral program viewable area selected in step S1207 is replaced with the program viewable area, and the process returns to step S1206 to repeat the process.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the program viewable area and the peripheral program viewable area are acquired by the communication unit 508, but based on the position information of the broadcast tower registered in the recording medium 505 in advance, It is good also as a structure which calculates a value. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the results of the travel investigation are recorded in advance on the recording medium 505 and read out as necessary. In step S1208, the presence or area of the overlapping area with the program viewable area is acquired by the communication unit 508. However, the route search unit 509 may perform determination and calculation. In the second embodiment, information related to a broadcasting station that transmits radio waves related to a program is acquired. However, information related to a broadcasting station of a group that transmits the same program may be acquired.

  Next, an outline of a route search result in the navigation device 500 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a route search result in the navigation device according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 13, the navigation device 500 performs a route search from a departure point 1301 to a destination point 1302 so as to pass through program viewing areas 1307 to 1310 of broadcast towers N1303 to Q1306 that transmit radio waves related to television broadcasting. The viewable area 1307 of the broadcast tower N1303 includes a departure point 1301, and overlaps with the viewable area 1308 of the broadcast tower O1304 in the range of the overlapping area 1311. Similarly, the viewable area 1308 of the broadcast tower O1304 overlaps with the viewable area 1309 of the broadcast tower P1305 in the range of the overlapping area 1312. The viewable area 1309 of the broadcast tower P1305 overlaps the range of the viewable area 1310 and the overlap area 1313 of the broadcast tower Q1306. Also, the viewable area 1310 of the broadcast tower Q1306 includes a destination point 1302.

  The route candidate 1320 from the departure point 1301 to the destination point 1302 exits the viewable area 1307 of the broadcast tower N1303 at the point 1314 and reaches the destination point 1302. If the program end time has been reached at the point 1314, the route candidate 1320 becomes the route to the destination point 1302. Further, when the program end time has not been reached at the aforementioned point 1314, the route candidate 1321 searches for a route from the departure point 1301 to the overlapping area 1311 and reaches the destination point 1302 from the end portion 1315 of the searched route. To do. The route candidate 1321 exits the viewable area 1308 of the broadcast tower O 1304 at a point 1316 and reaches the destination point 1302. If the program end time has been reached at the point 1316, the route candidate 1321 becomes a route to the destination point 1302.

  Similarly, the route candidate 1322 searches for the route from the end portion 1315 to the overlapping area 1312 when the program end time has not been reached at the aforementioned point 1316, and from the end portion 1317 of the searched route to the destination point 1302. To reach. The route candidate 1322 leaves the viewable area 1309 of the broadcast tower P1305 at the point 1318 and reaches the destination point 1302. If the program end time has been reached at the point 1318, the route candidate 1322 becomes the route to the destination point 1302.

  Then, when the program end time has not been reached at the point 1318 described above, the route candidate 1323 searches for a route from the end 1317 to the overlap area 1313 and reaches the destination point 1302 from the end 1319 of the searched route. To do. A route candidate 1323 that does not deviate from the program viewable area up to the destination point 1302 is a route.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user acquires the program viewable area for the broadcast tower that transmits the program being viewed, and deviates from the program viewable area from among a plurality of route candidates. The route candidate that is not to be used can be the route to the destination point. Therefore, it is possible to reach the destination without degrading the image quality of the program being viewed.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to search for a route by determining whether or not the program end time has been reached in the program viewable area. Therefore, when the program is finished, it can be promptly guided to the destination point by the shortest route, so that the destination point can be efficiently reached.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the navigation device 500 described in the first embodiment performs a route search via a waypoint in the overlapping area of the viewable area. The hardware configuration of the navigation device 500 according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Further, the interior of the vehicle in which the navigation device 500 according to the third embodiment is mounted is substantially the same as that in FIG. Also, the viewable area in the broadcast tower according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as in FIG.

(Contents of processing of navigation device 500)
Here, the contents of the process of the navigation device 500 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the third embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 14, first, the navigation control unit 501 determines whether or not setting of a destination point has been accepted (step S1401). Here, after receiving the setting of the destination point and receiving it (step S1401: Yes), the communication unit 508 subsequently determines whether or not radio waves can be received at the departure point (step S1402). . The departure point may be, for example, the current position of the vehicle.

  If radio waves can be received at the departure point in step S1402 (step S1402: Yes), the communication unit 508 acquires the viewable area 702 of the broadcast tower 701 that has received the radio waves at the departure point (step S1403), and navigation. The data is output to the route search unit 509 via the control unit 501. Then, the route search unit 509 determines whether or not the viewable area 702 acquired in step S1403 includes the destination point (step S1404).

  In step S1402, when radio waves cannot be received at the departure point (step S1402: No), the communication unit 508 acquires the viewable area 702 nearest to the departure point (step S1412), and the navigation control unit 501 is used. To the route search unit 509. Then, the route search unit 509 searches for the shortest route from the departure point to the nearest viewable area 702 acquired in step S1412 (step S1413), and the viewable area 702 acquired in step S1412 includes the destination point. It is determined whether or not (step S1404).

  When the destination point is included in the viewable area 702 in step S1404 (step S1404: Yes), the route search unit 509 searches for the shortest route to the destination point (step S1405) and ends the series of processes. To do.

  If the destination area is not included in the viewable area 702 in step S1404 (step S1404: No), the communication unit 508 continues the broadcasting tower 701 in the direction of the destination according to the control of the navigation control unit 501. The peripheral viewable area is acquired (step S1406), and is output to the route search unit 509 via the navigation control unit 501. The peripheral viewable area may be, for example, the broadcast tower viewable area 702 in a predetermined range in the direction of the destination point. Then, the route search unit 509 determines whether or not there is an overlapping area with the viewable area 702 in the peripheral viewable area acquired in step S1406 (step S1407). The determination of the overlapping area may be performed based on the acquired information, for example, by acquiring the peripheral viewable area and the presence / absence of the overlapping area with respect to the viewable area 702 and information regarding the area by the communication unit 508. .

  In step S1407, if there is an overlapping area with the viewable area 702 (step S1407: Yes), it is determined whether there are a plurality of overlapping areas (step S1408). In step S1408, when there are a plurality of overlapping areas (step S1408: Yes), the overlapping area with the largest overlapping area is selected (step S1409). Then, the route search unit 509 sets an arbitrary waypoint in the overlapping area selected in step S1409 (step S1410).

  In step S1408, when there is one overlapping area (step S1408: No), the route search unit 509 sets an arbitrary waypoint in the overlapping area (step S1410). Then, the route search unit 509 searches for a route that does not depart from the viewable area up to the waypoint set in step S1410 (step S1411), returns to step S1404, and repeats the processing.

  If there is no overlapping area with the viewable area 702 in step S1407 (step S1407: No), the route search unit 509 selects a peripheral viewable area that is closest to the viewable area 702 (step S1414). Subsequently, the route searching unit 509 sets a waypoint from the viewable area 702 to the peripheral viewable area selected in step S1414 (step S1415), and searches for a route to the waypoint (step S1416). The route search in step S1416 may be configured such that, for example, the search is performed so that the distance passing outside the viewable area is the shortest. Further, the peripheral viewable area selected in step S1414 is read as the viewable area 702, and the process returns to step S1404 to repeat the process.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the viewable area 702 and the peripheral viewable area are acquired by the communication unit 508. However, based on the position information of the broadcast tower registered in the recording medium 505 in advance, the theoretical value is obtained. It is good also as a structure which calculates. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the results of the travel investigation are recorded in advance on the recording medium 505 and read out as necessary. In step S1407, the presence or area of the overlapping area with the viewable area 702 is acquired by the communication unit 508, but the route search unit 509 may perform determination and calculation.

  Next, an outline of a route search result in the navigation device 500 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of setting the first waypoint from the departure point to the destination point according to the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 15, the navigation apparatus 500 first acquires the viewable areas 1510 to 1515 of the broadcast towers A 1504 to F 1509 in a predetermined range 1503 from the departure point 1501 to the destination point 1502. The predetermined range 1503 may be configured to be arbitrarily set, for example, within a range in which a straight line between the starting point 1501 and the destination point 1502 is a radius of the sector center.

  The viewable area 1510 of the broadcast tower A 1504 includes a departure point 1501, overlaps with the viewable area 1511 of the broadcast tower B 1505, and has an overlap area 1516. The viewable area 1510 including the departure point 1501 has no overlapping area in addition to the overlapping area 1516 (one overlapping area), and the navigation device 500 sets the first waypoint 1520 in the overlapping area 1516. A route 1521 is a route that does not depart from the viewable area 1510 from the departure point 1501 to the waypoint 1520.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of setting the second waypoint from the first waypoint according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 16, the navigation apparatus 500 acquires the viewable areas 1511 to 1513 and 1515 of the broadcast towers B1505 to D1507 and F1509 in a predetermined range 1601 from the first waypoint 1520 to the destination point 1502. The predetermined range 1601 may be configured to be arbitrarily set, for example, within a range where the straight line between the first waypoint 1520 and the destination point 1502 is a radius of the sector center.

  The viewable area 1511 of the broadcast tower B1505 overlaps with the viewable area 1512 of the broadcast tower C1506, and has an overlap area 1602. The viewable area 1511 including the first waypoint 1520 has no overlapping area other than the overlapping area 1602 (one overlapping area) other than the overlapping area including the first waypoint 1520. A second waypoint 1603 is set in 1602. A route 1604 is a route that does not depart from the viewable area 1511 from the first waypoint 1520 to the second waypoint 1603.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an example of setting the third waypoint from the second waypoint according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 17, the navigation device 500 acquires the viewable areas 1512, 1513, and 1515 of the broadcast towers C 1506, D 1507, and F 1509 in a predetermined range 1701 from the second waypoint 1603 to the destination point 1502. The predetermined range 1701 may be configured to be arbitrarily set, for example, within a range in which a straight line between the second waypoint 1603 and the destination point 1502 is a radius of the sector center.

  The viewable area 1512 of the broadcast tower C1506 overlaps with the viewable area 1513 of the broadcast tower D1507 and the viewable area 1515 of the broadcast tower F1509, and has an overlap area 1702 and an overlap area 1705, respectively. In addition to the viewable area 1512 including the second waypoint 1603 and the overlapping area including the second waypoint 1603, the navigation apparatus 500 includes the overlapping area 1702 and the overlapping area 1705 (a plurality of overlapping areas). A third waypoint 1703 is set in the overlapping area 1702 having a large overlapping area. A route 1704 is a route that does not depart from the viewable area 1512 from the second waypoint 1603 to the third waypoint 1703.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a route from the third waypoint to the destination point according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 18, the navigation apparatus 500 acquires the viewable area 1513 of the broadcast tower D 1507 in a predetermined range 1801 from the third waypoint 1703 to the destination point 1502. The predetermined range 1801 may be configured to be arbitrarily set, for example, within a range in which a straight line between the third waypoint 1703 and the destination point 1502 is a radius of the sector center.

  Since the viewable area 1513 including the third waypoint 1703 includes the destination point 1502, the navigation apparatus 500 searches for a route 1802 that does not deviate from the viewable area 1513. And it can be set as the path | route from the departure point 1501 to the destination point 1502 by the path | routes 1521, 1604, 1704, 1802 demonstrated in FIGS.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, a route point is set in the overlapping area of the viewable area, and the route to reach the destination point via the route point is searched. Can travel on a good route. Therefore, since the destination point is reached through a route with good image quality of the broadcast content, the user can comfortably view the content. In addition, the user can prevent sight loss from observing a distorted video or losing physical condition.

  Further, according to the present invention, a reception area based on a reception state of a radio wave including content information from a broadcast tower is acquired, and a route candidate in which a portion including the reception area is maximized from a plurality of route candidates to a destination point Is selected as the route. Therefore, it is possible to suppress disturbance in the image quality of the content along the route to the destination point.

  According to the present invention, the broadcast tower viewable area is acquired within a predetermined range up to the destination point, and a route candidate that does not deviate from the viewable area is selected as a route to the destination point from among a plurality of route candidates. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to reach the destination without degrading the image quality related to viewing the content information by the radio wave of the broadcast tower. Then, a route candidate having the largest overlapping area where the viewable areas overlap is defined as a route. Therefore, it is possible to pass through an area with a good radio wave condition, maintain a good image quality with respect to viewing of content information, and reach the destination. In addition, since the range that passes outside the viewable area is minimized, it is possible to suppress disturbance in image quality related to viewing content information.

  According to the present invention, the user obtains a program viewable area for a broadcast tower that transmits a program being viewed, and selects a route candidate that does not deviate from the program viewable area from a plurality of route candidates. It can be a route to. Therefore, it is possible to reach the destination without degrading the image quality of the program being viewed. In the program viewable area, it is possible to search for a route by determining whether or not the program end time has been reached. Therefore, when the program is finished, it can be promptly guided to the destination point by the shortest route, so that the destination point can be efficiently reached.

  According to the present invention, the user obtains a program viewable area for a broadcast tower that transmits a program being viewed, and selects a route candidate that does not deviate from the program viewable area from a plurality of route candidates. It can be a route to. Therefore, it is possible to reach the destination without degrading the image quality of the program being viewed.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to search for a route by determining whether or not the program end time has been reached in the program viewable area. Therefore, when the program is finished, it can be promptly guided to the destination point by the shortest route, so that the destination point can be efficiently reached.

  Moreover, this invention should just be the structure which has at least any one or more functions by Example 1-Example 3, for example, if it has the function of Example 1 and Example 2, By specifying a TV program, the user can travel on a route that does not deteriorate the image quality as much as possible, and can reach the destination by a route that has better radio waves and better image quality.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the contents and television programs described above, but can also be applied to a radio wave reception area of a radio tower that transmits traffic information and the like. If the route passes through the reception area of the radio tower as much as possible, traffic information can be acquired accurately and quickly, and safe driving and comfortable driving can be achieved.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to an in-vehicle route search device, and can be applied to a reception area of a base station such as a mobile phone, so that it can always travel on a route through which the radio waves of the mobile phone reach and can be highly versatile. .

  The route search method described in the present 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 route search apparatus concerning this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the route search apparatus concerning this Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the route search apparatus concerning this Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the route search apparatus concerning this Embodiment 2. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus concerning the present Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example inside the vehicle by which the navigation apparatus concerning the present Example 1 is mounted. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the viewable area in the broadcast tower concerning Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the navigation apparatus concerning the present Example 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the route search which does not deviate from the viewing-and-listening area concerning the present Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a route search in case there exist multiple overlapping areas in the viewable area concerning the present Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the route search when the viewable area to the destination point concerning the Example 1 is not continuous. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the navigation apparatus concerning the present Example 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the route search result in the navigation apparatus concerning the present Example 2. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the navigation device according to the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting of the first waypoint from the departure point concerning the present Example 3 to the destination point. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting of the 2nd waypoint from the first waypoint concerning the present Example 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting of the 3rd waypoint from the 2nd waypoint concerning the present Example 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the path | route from the 3rd way point concerning the present Example 3 to the destination point.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,300 Route search apparatus 101 Route candidate search part 102,301 Reception area acquisition part 103 Route selection part 104,305 Viewing request input part 302 Route setting part 303 Route search part 304 Control part

Claims (7)

A route search device having a function of receiving radio waves including information on broadcast content (hereinafter referred to as “content information”) from a broadcast tower,
Acquisition means for acquiring a reception area of radio waves from the broadcast tower;
Search means for searching for one or more route candidates that the moving body moves to the destination point;
A selection unit that selects a route having a maximum distance through the reception area acquired by the acquisition unit from the route candidates searched by the search unit;
Equipped with a,
It said selecting means, for overlapping areas where a plurality of the reception area overlap, from among the path candidates, the path search unit distance passing through the overlapping area is characterized that you select a path with the maximum.   The said acquisition means acquires the receiving area based on the reception state of the electromagnetic wave which the said broadcast tower transmits about one or more broadcast towers in the predetermined range to the said destination point, The said acquisition means is characterized by the above-mentioned. Route search device. The selection means, for the route candidate having a route passing outside the reception area, selects a route having a minimum distance passing outside the reception area from the route candidates. Item 3. The route search device according to Item 1 or 2 . An input unit that receives an input of a request for viewing content information received from the broadcast tower (hereinafter referred to as “viewing request”);
The said acquisition means acquires the receiving area of the said broadcast tower which transmits the electromagnetic wave containing the said content information with the said viewing request inputted by the said input means, The one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The route search apparatus as described in one. In a route search method including a step of receiving radio waves including broadcast content information from a broadcast tower,
An acquisition step of acquiring a reception area of radio waves from the broadcast tower;
A search step for searching for one or more route candidates that the moving body moves to the destination point;
A selection step of selecting a route that has the maximum distance through the reception area acquired by the acquisition step from the route candidates searched by the search step;
Only including,
In the selection step, for an overlapping area where a plurality of the reception areas overlap , a route search method that selects a route having the maximum distance passing through the overlapping area from the route candidates . A route search program causing a computer to execute the route search method according to claim 5 . A computer-readable recording medium on which the route search program according to claim 6 is recorded.

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