JPH09292250A - Route searching device and recommended route service system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively receive the recommended route offer service of a road side beacon. SOLUTION: When a road side beacon is passed, it is judged whether its own designation is within the road side beacon service area or not (S11). When it is within the service area, the designation is left as it is (S12), and when it is out of the area, a virtual designation is set within the area (S13) The designation to be transmitted to the road side beacon is necessarily within its service area, and the offer of a recommended route can be surely accepted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a route search device for obtaining recommended route information from a roadside device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, various route search devices have been known, which are used to search for an optimum route from a current location to a destination. In particular, many vehicle navigation devices have this route search function, and the optimum route to the destination is automatically set by setting the destination. Then, while traveling, route guidance is provided based on the set route.

Here, for the route search, a search for the shortest distance route using map information is generally used. But,
The shortest distance route is not always the optimum route. That is, if there is congestion even for a short distance, it takes a long time to pass there, and a detour road that is not congested is generally the optimum route.

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for route search that incorporates dynamic information such as traffic jam information, information during construction, road regulation information such as traffic closures, etc., and studies on this are being advanced. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-129800 proposes a vehicle route search device that performs route search calculation so as to bypass a traffic congestion point when traffic congestion information is received.

Here, regarding the provision of traffic information, for example, an FM in which traffic information is multiplexed and provided to FM radio broadcasting
There is a multiplex method, a system that provides a roadside beacon on the side of the road, and provides traffic information to vehicles passing through it.

On the other hand, the traffic information centers that collect traffic information are on a prefectural unit basis, and these traffic information centers have conventionally provided services such as traffic congestion information. Therefore, it has been proposed to use the information of these traffic information centers to provide a route guidance service that also takes into account traffic congestion information and the like.

In this route guidance service, a roadside beacon connected to the center by a communication line on the side of the road and a vehicle passing therethrough communicate with each other to provide optimum route information. For example, the vehicle side transmits destination information to a roadside beacon, the center or the roadside beacon performs a route search in consideration of traffic congestion information, and provides the vehicle with the information. In the vehicle, by taking the provided optimum route information into the navigation device, the route can be set in consideration of traffic congestion information and the like, and the route guidance according to this can be performed.

On the other hand, at the traffic information center, by obtaining the destination information of the vehicles passing by, the traveling plan of each vehicle can be known, and there is also an advantage that the optimum traffic control for the entire area can be performed. In addition to the above-described route search information, the roadside beacon provides traffic information as it is to the vehicle side.

By taking in such traffic information that changes from moment to moment and performing route search and route guidance, the driver can obtain truly optimum route guidance.

A system for introducing route information by taking in dynamic information such as traffic information is DRGS (Dynamic).
It is called Route Guidance System, in particular, a system that performs calculation for route guidance in an in-vehicle device is L-DRGS (Local-DRGS), and a system that performs calculation in the center side is C-DRGS (C
enter-DRGS). In addition, a static system that does not use dynamic information is used as SRGS (Static-RG).
S).

[0011]

Thus, by incorporating the dynamic information, more appropriate route search and route guidance can be performed. However, as described above, there are a plurality of information providing sources, and it is necessary to select information in order to provide optimum route guidance in the vehicle. To this end, information must be acquired according to the characteristics of the information provided by each information source.

For example, the service area of C-DRGS that obtains route search information from the center side is limited, and it is considered that appropriate services cannot be obtained outside the area. On the other hand, in the service area, very accurate and correct information can be obtained. Further, in L-DRGS using FM multiplex broadcasting or the like, a relatively wide range of traffic information can be obtained, but its accuracy is not as good as C-DRGS. It should be noted that SRGS does not incorporate dynamic information, but has the advantage that route guidance can always be obtained only by the vehicle-mounted device.

Therefore, it is desirable to combine these in a vehicle for proper use. Especially, C-D
It is considered that the RGS must be used in consideration of whether the departure place or the destination is within the service area or outside the service area.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a route search device and a recommended route providing system which can effectively use C-DRGS.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a route search device for searching a route from a start point to an end point, and a recommended route information receiving means for receiving recommended route information from a recommended route information providing means, and And a service area recognition means for recognizing the position on the map of the service area covered by the recommended route information received by the recommended route information receiving means, the recommended route information receiving means, the start point and the end point, In the case where the service area is divided into an area and an area outside the area, a virtual destination is set in the area, and one of a start point or an end point located in the area and the virtual destination are set. It is characterized by acquiring recommended route information between.

[0016] For example, at a traffic information center in a prefecture, etc., traffic information in a predetermined area is collected all at once.
Therefore, the traffic congestion information and the like here are the most accurate. Therefore, if a route search is performed using such traffic information, an appropriate route search can be performed according to the current traffic conditions, road information such as construction information, and the like. Then, the searched route can be used to provide appropriate route guidance in consideration of traffic congestion and the like.

Further, according to the present invention, since the recommended route only within the service area is obtained, it is possible to reliably obtain the recommended route without the external traffic information providing means being unable to provide the recommended route.

Further, another invention is characterized by further comprising route search means for searching a route from the virtual destination to either a start point or an end point located outside the area.

In this way, for the route outside the service area, if the normal route searching means is used, the recommended route from the traffic information providing means is used within the service area, and then the own route searching means is used. With that, the route to the destination can be made more appropriate.

Still another aspect of the present invention further comprises wide area traffic information receiving means for receiving wide area traffic information, wherein the wide area traffic information is used in a route search outside the area by the route searching means. Characterize.

In FM multiplex broadcasting and the like, wide area traffic information is sent. Therefore, if you use this wide area traffic information,
Although it is not accurate until the route search at the traffic information center, it is possible to perform route search using traffic congestion information.
Therefore, by combining these, it is possible to search for routes in the service area that take into account detailed traffic congestion information by means of traffic information provision, and the subsequent routes are also relatively rough, but dynamic routes that consider traffic congestion information, etc. You can search.

Further, in still another aspect of the invention, the recommended route information receiving means, after the start point, the end point and the virtual destination are determined, toward the recommended route information providing means, the virtual destination and the starting point or One of the end points is located in the area, and a sending means for sending the virtual destination is provided.

By transmitting the virtual destination in this manner, the recommended route information providing means can receive the virtual destination. Optical communication, for example, is used for this transmission and reception.

Still another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the recommended route information receiving means sets the virtual destination as an interchange of a highway when the recommended route information to be acquired includes a highway.

The expressway is considered to have a different administrator from the general road, and it is considered that the recommended route information providing means cannot handle it like the general road. Then, when using the expressway, the recommended route information providing means can be effectively used by limiting the route search to the interchange.

Still another aspect of the invention is characterized in that the service area recognizing means has a service area information receiving means for acquiring service area information provided together with the recommended route information.

In this way, if the service area information is obtained from the received information, the destination setting for the next recommended route reception can be surely performed.

According to still another invention, further,
The service area recognizing means has a traffic congestion information receiving means for receiving the traffic congestion information supplied from the traffic information providing means for providing the recommended route information, and the service area recognizing means provides the recommended route information service based on the target area of the received traffic congestion information. The feature is that the area is estimated and recognized.

The traffic jam information is usually provided for each link (for example, a road unit divided at an intersection as a node). And the range that includes links that can provide traffic congestion information is
It is considered to correspond to the service area where route search is possible. That is, this route search is characterized in that the traffic congestion information can be considered, and it can be estimated that the range in which the traffic congestion information can be provided corresponds to the service area. Therefore, a suitable destination can be set by estimating the service area from this traffic congestion information.

Still another aspect of the present invention is such that the route searching device as described above is mounted on a moving body, and the traffic information providing means is connected to a center for centrally managing information and a recommended route. A recommended route service system including a plurality of roadside beacons for providing information to a mobile body.

As a result, centralized control can be performed in the center and accurate route search can be performed. Further, the center can also predict the traffic of the entire region from the obtained vehicle destinations, and can also perform suitable traffic control control.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a route search device which is mounted on a vehicle and searches for a route from a start point to an end point, which includes recommended route information receiving means for receiving recommended route information from a roadside beacon. A roadside beacon position detecting means for detecting the position of the roadside beacon based on the vehicle position, and a service area for recognizing the service area covered by the recommended route information received by the recommended route information receiving means based on the position of the roadside beacon. And a recognizing means, wherein the recommended route information receiving means sets a virtual destination in the area when the start point and the end point are located separately in the area of the service area and outside the area. The recommended route information between the virtual destination and either the start point or the end point located in the area is acquired.

The service area of the roadside beacon is recognized based on the position of the roadside beacon. For example, the position of the roadside beacon is detected by detecting the current position of the vehicle when the vehicle passes in front of the roadside beacon, and the front nkm from this position is recognized as the service area. According to this method, it is possible to detect the position of the roadside beacon and recognize its service area by using the current position recognition function of the navigation device.

By setting a virtual destination in the recognized service area, the recommended route can be preferably provided.

Still another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the service area recognizing means has a service area estimating means for estimating a service area of a roadside beacon to be passed next from a service area of a roadside beacon recognized in the past. And

The roadside beacons arranged adjacent to each other are
The service areas should be close to each other, and there is little error even if the service area of the roadside beacon that has just passed is estimated as the service area of the next roadside beacon. Further, the service area of the next roadside beacon can be estimated by referring to the traveling locus after the passage of the immediately preceding roadside beacon. In this way, the service area of the next roadside beacon can be estimated.

[0037]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the outline of the overall configuration of the system. A large number of roadside beacons 12 are connected to the traffic information center 10, and the roadside beacons 12 perform optical communication with the vehicle 14. As a result, the vehicle 1
4 can obtain information from the roadside beacon 12 such as traffic jam, construction work, and road closure.

Here, the information center 10 and the roadside beacon 12 are connected by a wired communication line and exchange various kinds of information. On the other hand, the roadside beacon 12 and the vehicle 1
4 exchanges information by optical communication.

For this purpose, the roadside beacon 12 has a storage unit 20, a processing unit 22, a communication control unit 24, and an optical beacon 26. Then, the traffic information provided from the information center 10 is stored in the storage unit 20, and the stored traffic information is provided to the vehicle 14 via the optical beacon 26.
Here, the processing unit 22 performs various necessary data processing in the roadside beacon 12, and the communication control unit 24
It controls communication with the information center 10 and communication with the optical beacon 26.

On the other hand, the vehicle 14 is equipped with a device as shown in FIG. The optical transmitter / receiver 30 uses the optical beacon 2
Optical communication is performed with the device 6. An optical transceiver 32 is connected to the optical transceiver 30, and the optical transceiver 32 is connected to the optical transceiver 32.
Performs modulation / demodulation for transmission / reception in the optical transmission / reception unit 30.

A navigation device 34 is connected to the optical transceiver 32, and takes in traffic information sent from the optical transceiver 32 and performs processing for route guidance. A display operation unit 36 and a speaker 38 are connected to the navigation device 34, and a route is displayed and an instruction to turn right or left by voice is given. In addition, the display operation unit 36
Data such as destination is input from.

The navigation device 34 has a GP
The S device 40, the FM multiplex receiver 42, the radio wave transmitter / receiver 44, etc. are also connected. The GPS device 40 receives the radio waves from the satellites to detect the current position of the vehicle, the FM multiplex receiver 42 receives the wide area traffic information superimposed on the FM broadcast waves, and the radio wave transmitter / receiver 44 is the highway. Receives radio waves from radio beacons provided on the roadside such as. further,
A map database 46 is connected to the navigation device 34, and the data of the map database 46 is used for route search, current position display, and the like.

First, SRGS will be described.
The SRGS is performed by the navigation device 34 based on the data stored in the map database 46. That is, the map database 46 stores the map data of the whole country, and when the destination and the departure place (usually the present location) are set in the display operation unit 36, the navigation device 34 determines that the destination is the destination. To find the best route to. This search is normally performed by using a link obtained by dividing a road for each predetermined intersection (node) as a unit, and searching the lowest cost route using the distance of this link as a cost. The speed limit, traffic volume, etc. can be reflected in the cost.

In the L-DRGS, the wide area traffic information supplied from the FM multiplex receiver 42 is considered.
That is, traffic information is multiplexed as digital data in a predetermined FM broadcast, and real-time traffic information such as traffic closures can be obtained as digital data by demodulating this. This FM multiplex broadcasting is multiplexed with a broadcast wave from an ordinary FM broadcasting station, and information on a relatively wide range of main roads and toll roads is provided.

The navigation device 34 takes in real-time traffic information such as traffic closures in the FM multiplex broadcasting and searches for a route in consideration of this. For example,
If the road is closed, the cost of the closed link (that is, the link with long travel time) becomes infinite,
For a link that is congested, the cost of that link is increased. This makes it possible to easily search for a route in consideration of traffic information. Since wide area traffic information obtained from FM multiplex broadcasting is supplied with information on relatively large roads such as highways and toll roads, it is better to limit the alternative route to similar highways and perform a search. This is because roads for which no information has been obtained may cause congestion. Moreover, when a route using such a road is searched, a warning to that effect may be issued.

Next, the C-DRGS is performed by obtaining the recommended route from the roadside beacon 12 in the optical transceiver 30. That is, the roadside beacon 12 emits an optical signal in a predetermined range from the optical beacon 26, and the vehicle 14
Receives an optical signal when it enters this range, and transmits a predetermined signal. As a result, the presence of the roadside beacon 12 and the vehicle 14 is confirmed, and the vehicle 14 is provided with predetermined traffic information.

Here, when the information on the destination of the vehicle 14 is received, the roadside beacon 12 also provides the information on the recommended route to the destination. That is, the processing unit 22
However, when the information on the destination of the vehicle 14 is obtained, the optimum route to the destination is searched for using the information stored in the storage unit 20. The storage unit 20 stores, for example, road information in a range (service area) about 10 km ahead of the installation location of the roadside beacon 12 and traffic information such as traffic jam information on roads in this range. The traffic jam information is constantly updated with the information from the information center 10. Therefore, in the roadside beacon 12, it is possible to search for an optimum route in the service area of the roadside 12 in consideration of traffic congestion and the like. The destination information may be supplied to the information center 10 and the information center 10 may perform route search.

The vehicle 14 receives the supply of the recommended route obtained in the roadside beacon 12 as a reply to the transmission of the destination, and reflects this on the set route. For example, if a route other than the route originally set is obtained as the recommended route, the route is automatically changed to the newly obtained route. In this case, the driver may be notified of the change by voice or display. Further, in the navigation device 34, the reason for the change can be known by comparing with the route calculation of its own L-DRGS or by the traffic congestion data from the roadside beacon 12, so it is also preferable to notify this reason together.

[Processing when service area is exceeded] Here, the service area of C-DRGS is limited. That is, the C-DRGS service using the optical beacon is (i) limited to a range of nkm ahead of the roadside beacon 12 as shown in FIG. 3, and (ii) the service target road is limited to a general road. Yes (highways, etc. are not covered).

Therefore, if the route extends outside the service area, the service cannot be received as it is,
It is considered undesirable to receive it. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following processing is performed.

[Example 1] First, the case where the roadside beacon 12 does not provide the recommended route when the destination provided by the vehicle 14 is not within the service area of the roadside beacon 12 will be described.

In this case, a point within the service area must be transmitted as the destination. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether the destination is within the C-DRGS service area (S11). If it is within the area, the destination is set as it is as the destination of the C-DRGS (S1).
2). On the other hand, if it is not within the C-DRGS service area in S11, the L-DRGS in the in-vehicle device is determined.
Alternatively, the node closest to the destination in the service area on the route to the destination obtained in SRGS is set as the virtual destination (S13).

Then, the destination or virtual destination thus set is transmitted to the roadside beacon 12. Therefore, the destination received on the side of the roadside beacon 12 is within its own service area. Therefore, an accurate recommended route from the present location to the destination is provided to the vehicle 14 by using detailed traffic congestion information and the like.

When a virtual destination is set, L-DRGS is set between the virtual destination and the real destination.
(SRGS when L-DRGS is unavailable) sets a route.

As described above, in this example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the destination is outside the service area, the route closest to the destination within the service area (route by either L-DRGS or SRGS) is used. ) Set the above node as a virtual destination, and obtain a recommended route to C-DRGS to reach it. Then, the route from the virtual destination to the real destination is set by using the route of L-DRGS or SRGS. In this figure, L-DRGS and SRGS are described as different routes, but both are used, but if available, L-DRGS is used, and when this is not available, SRGS is used. Therefore, only one virtual destination is sent to the roadside beacon 12.

Further, it is preferable to carry out such a destination or virtual destination setting process in advance when the roadside beacon 12 is approached. For example, roadside beacon 1
When the arrangement position of No. 2 is stored in the map database 46 or the like on the vehicle side, this data may be used to perform the processing. It is recommended to repeat the process. Further, usually, the maximum arrangement interval of the roadside beacons 12 and the like are set, and the place where the roadside beacons 12 are arranged such as near an intersection can be estimated to some extent. Therefore, the destination may be set again based on this. In addition, it is also preferable to set the destination again when the roadside beacon 12 that has not been scheduled is passed.

[Example 2] Next, the case where the roadside beacon 12 provides only the route in the service area when the destination provided by the vehicle 14 is not in the service area of the roadside beacon 12 is illustrated. 6 will be described.

In this case, the vehicle 14 directly transmits the destination to the roadside beacon 12. On the other hand, the roadside beacon 12 sends the recommended route. The navigation device 34 on the side of the vehicle 14 determines whether the final guidance point of the C-DRGS sent is the same as the destination (S21). If they are the same, the recommended route obtained from C-DRGS is used for route guidance as it is (S22). On the other hand, if they are not the same, the route from the final guidance point obtained by C-DRGS to the destination is searched by L-DRGS (SRGS when L-DRGS is not available) and the route is set (S23). ).

Here, originally L-DRGS or SRGS
If the route has been set by, the C-DRGS determines whether or not the final guidance point of the recommended route sent is on the set route, and when there is no final guidance point on the original route. Only the route search should be performed. In addition, the vehicle 14
When L-DRGS is not available in C-
The route to the destination obtained by DRGS may be used as it is.

[Example 3] Next, the case where the roadside beacon 12 provides a route by SRGS outside the service area when the destination provided by the vehicle 14 is not within the service area of the roadside beacon 12 will be described. To do.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the C-DRG
The vehicle 14 that has received the recommended route by S starts with CD
The final effective point of RGS is determined (S31). here,
The determination of the final effective point is performed by comparison with the service area of the roadside beacon 12 which is known in advance. Then, it is determined whether the obtained final effective point is equal to the destination (S32). And, if they are equal, C-DRGS
Is used for route guidance as it is (S33).

On the other hand, when the final effective point is not equal to the destination, the area between the final effective point and the destination is L-DR.
Guidance is provided by GS or SRGS (S34).

Here, when L-DRGS cannot be used for route search from the final effective point to the destination, SRG is used.
Although S is used, in this case, the route supplied from the roadside beacon 12 may be used as it is.

[Example 4] Further, since services using optical beacons are not provided on highways, C-DRGS cannot be used as it is.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the GS and SRGS routes pass through the expressway (S41). If the destination is not within the service area, it is determined whether the destination is within the service area (S42). And
If it is within the area, the destination is set as it is to the destination of C-DRGS (S43). If it is not within the service area, a node in the service area on the way of the L-DRGS or SRGS route is set as the virtual destination (S44).

In S41, when the vehicle has passed through the expressway, it is determined whether the interchange (IC) at the entrance of the expressway is in the service area (S4).
5). If it is within the service area, the IC is set as the virtual destination (S46). In this case, the route of L-DRGS or SRGS is used as it is from the IC to the destination. On the other hand, when the entrance is not in the service area, it is not necessary to consider the expressway for the route in the service area. Therefore, the process moves to S44 and a virtual destination is set.

In this way, as shown in FIG.
Is set as a virtual destination, and the route to it is set to C-DRGS
Can be obtained by

[Determination Method of Service Area] Here, the service area of each roadside beacon 12 can be determined as follows.

[Example 1] When the information center 10 discloses the service area for each roadside beacon,
This data can be stored in the vehicle 14. This data is preferably stored in the map database 46. That is, the service area for each roadside beacon as shown in FIG.
6 is stored.

In this way, when the service area of each roadside beacon 12 is stored, the service area is recognized as shown in FIG. First, when the destination is set, normal L-DRGS or SRGS
Using, the route to the destination is obtained (S51). Next, it is determined whether or not there is the roadside beacon 12 within lm on the route (S52). When there is the roadside beacon 12, the service area of the roadside beacon 12 is read from the map database 46 (S53). Then, using the read service area of the roadside beacon 12, the destination to be transmitted is determined as in the above-described example 1.

That is, as shown in FIG. 12, when it is detected that the roadside beacon 12 is installed lm ahead of the current position (the installation location of each roadside beacon 12 is also stored in the map database 46). The above processing is performed to recognize the service area of the roadside beacon 12. Then, the destination to be transmitted when passing under the roadside beacon 12 is determined based on the recognition result. As a result, the recommended route within the service area can be obtained as in the case described above.

[Example 2] Next, a case will be described in which the information center 10 indicates guidelines for the service area of each roadside beacon. For example, when the guideline is such that the service area of each roadside beacon 12 is limited to the traveling direction nkm (for example, 10 km), but within the prefecture, the service area of each roadside beacon 12 is based on this guideline. Should be decided. Here, when the service area determined by nkm crosses the prefectural border, the node in front of it is set as the virtual destination.

[Example 3] Further, it is expected that the service area of C-DRGS substantially coincides with the area where the traffic congestion information obtained from the roadside beacon can be obtained in detail. That is,
The roadside beacon 12 provides traffic congestion information for each link in its own service area. Therefore, in FIG.
As shown in 3, C-DRGS from the congestion information provision link
It is preferable to estimate the service area of

As described above, after once receiving the traffic jam information from the roadside beacon 12, the service area of the roadside beacon 12 can be estimated. Therefore, when the information is once received from the roadside beacon 12, the installation position of the roadside beacon 12 and the estimated service area (congestion information is provided) are stored. by this,
When passing the roadside beacon 12 from the next time, the stored service area can be read and the destination can be set.

While driving, one roadside beacon 12
If the traffic congestion information is obtained from, it is considered that the next roadside beacon 12 also has substantially the same service area (at least the service area wider in the traveling direction than the previous roadside beacon 12). Therefore, as shown in FIG.
By setting the service area (congestion information providing area) of the previous roadside beacon 12 as it is to the service area of the next roadside beacon 12, a suitable destination can be set.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the distance L to the next roadside beacon 12 or kL obtained by multiplying the distance L to the next roadside beacon 12 by a coefficient k of 1 or less is added to the service area, It is also preferable to estimate the service area.

However, this estimation is based on the previous roadside beacon 12
It is premised that the traveling direction of the vehicle has not changed significantly after passing. When the traveling direction has changed significantly, it is preferable to shift the area as a whole by an angle corresponding to the changed traveling direction, as shown in FIG.

When the information transmitted by the roadside beacon 12 to the vehicle includes the service area, the information can be received and the service area of the roadside beacon 12 can be accurately recognized.

[Others] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the destination of the C-DRGS is set within the service area in consideration of the service area of the roadside beacon 12. Therefore, the recommended route in C-DRGS can be effectively received.

In the above example, the starting point of the route search is
Although the current location is set, it is also possible that both the start point and the end point (destination) are other than the current location, and in this case, the route that can be used between the start point and the end point and the information that can be received can be used. Should be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a target area of C-DRGS and a current location.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting a virtual destination according to a destination location.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing setting of a virtual destination.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting a virtual destination at a final guidance point.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting a virtual destination according to a final effective point.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of setting a virtual destination when an expressway is included.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing setting of a virtual destination when a highway is included.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a service area of a roadside beacon.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a read operation of a service area.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing reading of a service area.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between traffic jam information and a service area.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a service area of a previous roadside beacon.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing estimation of a service area.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing estimation of a service area.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 information center, 12 roadside beacon, 14 vehicle, 20 storage unit, 22 processing unit, 24 communication control unit, 2
6 optical beacons, 30 optical transceivers, 32 optical transceivers, 34 navigation devices, 36 display operation units, 3
8 speakers, 40 GPS devices, 42 FM multiplex receivers, 44 radio transceivers, 46 map database.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A route search device for searching a route from a start point to an end point, the recommended route information receiving means for receiving the recommended route information from the recommended route information providing means, and the recommended route information receiving means for receiving the recommended route information. The service area recognition means for recognizing the position on the map of the service area covered by the recommended route information, and the recommended route information receiving means, wherein the start point and the end point are within the area of the service area and the area. When located separately from the outside, set a virtual destination in the area, and obtain recommended route information between either the start point or the end point located in the area and the virtual destination. A route search device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising route search means for searching a route from the virtual destination to either a start point or an end point located outside the area. Route search device. 3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising wide area traffic information receiving means for receiving wide area traffic information, wherein the wide area traffic information is used in a route search outside the area by the route searching means. A route search device characterized by: 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recommended route information receiving means further determines a virtual destination toward the recommended route information providing means after the start point, the end point and the virtual destination are determined. A route search device comprising: a transmission destination that transmits one of the start point or the end point within the area and the virtual destination. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recommended route information receiving means sets the virtual destination to a highway when the recommended route information to be acquired includes a highway. A route search device characterized by an interchange. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the service area recognizing unit has a service area information receiving unit that acquires service area information provided together with recommended route information. apparatus. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a traffic jam information receiving unit that receives traffic jam information supplied from a recommended route information providing unit that provides the recommended route information, and the service area recognizing unit. Is a route search device characterized by recognizing a service area of recommended route information based on a target area of received traffic congestion information. 8. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the route search device is mounted on a mobile body, and the traffic information providing means is connected to an information center for centralized management of information and the center. A recommended route service system including a plurality of roadside beacons that provide recommended route information to a mobile body. 9. A route search device which is mounted on a vehicle and searches for a route to an end point, comprising: recommended route information receiving means for receiving recommended route information from a roadside beacon; and a roadside beacon based on a vehicle position. A roadside beacon position detecting means for detecting the position of the roadside beacon, and a service area recognizing means for recognizing a service area covered by the recommended route information received by the recommended route information receiving means based on the position of the roadside beacon, The recommended route information receiving means, when the end point is located outside the area of the service area, sets a virtual destination in the area and displays recommended route information between the roadside beacon position and the virtual destination. A route search device characterized by acquiring. 10. The route searching device according to claim 9, wherein the service area recognizing unit estimates a service area of a roadside beacon to be passed next from a service area of a roadside beacon recognized in the past. A route search device comprising: