JPWO2009096021A1 - Route search device, route search method, route search program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The route search device (100) includes an input unit (101), a search unit (102), and an output unit (103). The input unit (101) receives input of destination information regarding the destination. The search unit (102) searches for a route to the destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input by the input unit (101). The output unit (103) outputs route information related to the route searched by the search unit (102). Furthermore, a search part (102) searches a route | route by using the parking lot in a predetermined range from the transfer place connecting to a public transport from a vehicle.

Description

  The present invention relates to a route search device, a route search method, a route search program, and a recording medium that search for a route to a destination.

  Conventionally, there is a navigation device that guides a route to a destination. Such navigation apparatuses include, for example, an in-vehicle unit mounted on a vehicle and a portable unit that can be attached to and detached from the in-vehicle unit (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). According to this navigation device, when the mobile unit is attached to the in-vehicle unit, the route for using the vehicle is guided, and when the mobile unit is detached from the in-vehicle unit, the vehicle is not used (for example, public transportation) To guide the route.

JP 2003-42779 A

  However, in the above prior art, when the portable unit is attached to the in-vehicle unit, a route for using the vehicle is guided, and when the portable unit is detached from the in-vehicle unit, a route for not using the vehicle is used. As an example, there is a problem that it is not possible to search for a route such as transiting from a vehicle to a public transportation system and heading for a destination (that is, a moving means changes midway).

  Further, in the above-described conventional technology, when heading to a destination by transiting from a vehicle to a public transport, first, the mobile unit is mounted on the in-vehicle unit, and the point to the point of transit to the public transport (for example, a station) Guide the route. After that, the portable unit is removed from the in-vehicle unit, and the route from the point where it was transferred to public transportation to the destination is guided. In such a case, there is a problem that the user needs to search for a parking lot for parking the vehicle when transferring to public transportation, which takes time and effort.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the route search device according to claim 1 is a route search device that searches for a route from a vehicle to a destination by transiting to public transportation. Input means for accepting an input of destination information relating to, search means for searching for a route to the destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input by the input means, and the search Output means for outputting route information related to the route searched by means, and the search means uses the parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from the vehicle to public transportation as the waypoint. It is characterized by searching.

  A route search method according to claim 5 is a route search method for searching a route from a vehicle to a public transport to a destination, and receiving an input of destination information regarding the destination; A search step for searching for a route to the destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input in the input step, and route information regarding the route searched for in the search step. An output step of outputting, wherein in the search step, the route is searched using a parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from the vehicle to public transport as the transit point.

  A route search program according to claim 6 causes a computer to execute the route search method according to claim 5.

  A computer-readable recording medium according to a seventh aspect records the route search program according to the sixth aspect.

  The route search device according to claim 8 is a route search device for searching for a travel route to a destination using both the vehicle and the public transportation, and is a transit place connecting to the public transportation from the vehicle. The travel route to the destination is searched using a parking lot within a predetermined range as a transit point.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a route search apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the route search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the recorded contents of the parking lot database. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the navigation device of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific display example of the navigation device of the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Route search apparatus 101 Input part 102 Search part 102a Determination part 103 Output part 104 Acquisition part

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

(Functional configuration of route search device)
First, the functional configuration of the route search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a route search apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the route search apparatus 100 includes an input unit 101, a search unit 102, and an output unit 103.

  The input unit 101 has a function of receiving input of destination information related to a destination. Here, the destination information is information that can uniquely specify the destination on the map information, such as the name, address, and telephone number of the destination. The destination information may be any information as long as the destination can be uniquely specified on the map information. The destination information may be expressed using any coordinate system recorded in the map information, or may be expressed using latitude and longitude. Also good. The input unit 101 is realized by various input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard, for example.

  The search unit 102 has a function of searching for a route to a destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input by the input unit 101. Here, the predetermined transit point is a parking lot or the like within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from a vehicle to public transportation. The transit point is not limited to this, and may be an arbitrary point set by the user. The search unit 102 searches for a route to the destination using the Dijkstra method or the like, although a detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique.

  For example, the search unit 102 searches for a route that minimizes the cost (required time, etc.) from the current position to the destination via a predetermined waypoint. The search unit 102 is realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a program prepared in advance.

  The output unit 103 has a function of outputting route information related to the route searched by the search unit 102. Here, the route information is information that presents the searched route to the user, for example, information that represents the route as a line. The route information only needs to be information that allows the user to recognize the searched route. The route information may be information that connects the names of current location, waypoint, destination, etc. with line segments and schematically represents the entire route. Good.

  Here, the output by the output unit 103 is performed, for example, by displaying a predetermined image (including characters) on a display unit (not shown). Further, the output is not limited to image display, but may be performed by outputting predetermined sound, or may be performed using display and sound at the same time. The output unit 103 is realized by, for example, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display and a plasma display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

  In addition, the route search device 100 may include an acquisition unit 104 that acquires usage status information regarding the usage status of a parking lot. Here, the usage status information is information indicating the full / empty state of the parking lot, the number of empty parking lots, and the like. The acquisition unit 104 is realized by a receiving device such as a beacon receiver that receives information distributed using, for example, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System). VICS is a registered trademark. When the acquisition unit 104 is provided, the search unit 102 searches for a route using a parking lot within a predetermined range from the transit point as a transit point based on the use state information acquired by the acquisition unit 104.

  In addition, the search unit 102 may include a determination unit 102a. The determination unit 102a has a function of determining whether there is a parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range from the transit point based on the use state information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. In a case where the determination unit 102a is provided, the search unit 102, for example, when the determination unit 102a determines that there is no parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range from the connection place, the parking unit that can be used within the predetermined range. A route that passes through another connecting point different from the connecting point having the parking lot is searched. In addition, the search unit 102 searches for a route by using an available parking lot within a predetermined range from another transit point.

  Here, for example, the other transit area is a transit area that can be transited to public transportation around the initial transit area and is different from the initial transit area. For example, if the initial transfer point is A station, the other transfer point is B station which is the station adjacent to A station. Note that the search unit 102 may search for a route to the transit point without searching for another transit point when there is no parking lot available within a predetermined range from the transit point. However, in this case, when transferring from a vehicle to public transportation, the user needs to search for a separate parking lot.

(Processing procedure of route search device)
Next, a processing procedure of the route search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the route search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is started, for example, when the power of the route search device 100 is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the route search device 100 first waits until receiving destination information input (step S201: No). Specifically, the route search device 100 waits until the input unit 101 accepts input of destination information. For example, the destination information is input to the route search device 100 when the user operates an input device (not shown).

  If it is determined in step S201 that the input of the destination information has been received (step S201: Yes), the route search device 100 is a parking lot within a predetermined range from the connecting point on the route connecting from the vehicle to the public transportation. A route to the destination is searched for using as a waypoint (step S202). Specifically, the route search device 100 uses the search unit 102 to search for a route from the transit point to a destination via a parking lot within a predetermined range. The route searched at this time is a route that takes a parking lot as a transit point and has the minimum required time to the destination.

  In step S202, after searching for a route, the route search device 100 outputs route information of the searched route (step S203), and ends a series of processing. Specifically, the route search device 100 outputs route information of the searched route by the output unit 103. For example, the route search device 100 displays route information of the searched route on a display (not shown) or the like.

  As described above, according to the route search device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when destination information is input, for example, a route from a vehicle to public transportation is searched for to the destination. be able to. As a result, the user can know the route that can reach the destination the earliest, so that the time and effort required to move to the destination can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the route search device 100, when destination information is input, it is possible to search for a route using a parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting to public transportation. As a result, the user does not have to search for a parking lot again around the transit area, so that the user's labor can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Then, according to the route search device 100, it is possible to search for a route from the transit point to a destination by using an available parking lot within a predetermined range based on the use state information. As a result, the user can be surely parked at the parking lot that has been used as a transit point, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of searching for another parking lot due to the parking lot being full and to improve convenience. .

  Next, an example of the route search apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. In this example, the route search device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle (including two wheels and four wheels). The navigation device according to the present embodiment is a so-called portable navigation device that can be mounted on a vehicle and can be removed from the vehicle and carried by a user. For example, the navigation device is driven by an ACC power source of the vehicle when mounted on the vehicle, and is driven by a built-in battery when detached from the vehicle. In addition to the portable navigation device, the navigation device may be realized by an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
First, the hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation apparatus 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disk drive 306, an optical disk 307, and an audio I / F (interface) 308. , A microphone 309, a speaker 310, an input device 311, a video I / F 312, a display 313, a camera 314, a communication I / F 315, a GPS unit 316, and various sensors 317. Each component 301 to 317 is connected by a bus 320.

  First, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a boot program, a current position specifying program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a voice generation program, a map information display program, and a parking lot search program. In addition to the ROM 302, these various programs may be recorded in a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic disk 305 and an optical disk 307 described later. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  That is, the CPU 301 controls the entire navigation apparatus 300 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 302 and the like while using the RAM 303 as a work area. The current position specifying program, for example, specifies the current position of the navigation device 300 based on output information from a GPS unit 316 and various sensors 317 described later.

  The route search program uses the map information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307, which will be described later, or the like to obtain an optimum route from the departure point (for example, the current position) to the destination via a predetermined waypoint. Then, a detour route in the case of deviating from the optimum route is searched. Here, the predetermined waypoint is a parking lot searched by executing a parking lot search program described later.

  Here, the optimum route is a route that has the lowest cost (such as required time) to the destination or a route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. Since the route search program is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted, but an optimal route is searched using the Dijkstra method or the like. The route information of the route searched by executing the route search program is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 312 via the CPU 301.

  The route guidance program includes route information of a route searched by executing the route search program, current position information of the current position of the navigation device 300 specified by executing the current position specifying program, the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. On the basis of the map information read out from, real-time route guidance information is generated. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 312 via the CPU 301.

  The voice generation program generates tone and voice information corresponding to the pattern. That is, based on the route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program, the virtual sound source corresponding to the guidance point is set and the voice guidance information is generated. Voice guidance information includes, for example, a warning that a right / left turn point should turn right and left according to the route, a warning that the vehicle should decelerate before the right / left turn point, information about a detour route when a right / left turn fails, Guidance information to the effect that it should be turned back if it fails to turn right or left is included. The generated voice guidance information is output to the voice I / F 308 via the CPU 301.

  The map information display program causes the display 313 to display map information read from the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 by the video I / F 312. The map information display program causes the display 313 to display map information around the current position of the navigation device 300, for example. Further, the map information display program may display map information around an arbitrary position designated by the user on the display 313, for example.

  The parking lot search program searches for a parking lot within a predetermined range from the transit point when the route is transited from a vehicle to public transportation. The parking lot searched by executing the parking lot search program is set as a transit point of the route to the destination.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to control of CPU301. Data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304 is recorded on the magnetic disk 305. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, HD or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to control of CPU301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disk 307, for example, a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD can be used. As the optical disc 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), a memory card, or the like.

  One example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 is map information used for route search / route guidance. The map information includes background data that represents features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and surface points, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road. The map information is displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 313. Drawn.

  The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, whether or not there are traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, highway entrances or junctions, length (distance) for each link, road width, direction of travel, road type (highway, Information on toll roads and general roads).

  In the traffic condition data, past traffic information obtained by statistically processing past traffic information based on seasons, days of the week, large holidays, and times is recorded. The navigation device 300 obtains information on the currently occurring traffic jam based on road traffic information received by the communication I / F 315 described later, but can predict the traffic jam status at a specified time based on the past traffic jam information. Become.

  Further, the map information includes route information of public transportation. Here, the route information is information representing, for example, the name of a station, the name of a route that has entered each station, the usage fee for each section, the required time for each section, and the like. That is, the route information is information that can specify, for example, the name of the route to be used, the required time from one station to another station, and the usage fee when using public transportation from one station to another station. It is.

  Further, a parking lot database to be described later is recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. Since the parking lot database will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted here.

  In this embodiment, the map information is recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map information is not recorded only on the one provided integrally with the hardware of the navigation device 300, and may be provided outside the navigation device 300. In this case, the navigation apparatus 300 acquires map information from an external computer device connected via the communication I / F 315, for example. The acquired map information is recorded in the RAM 303, the magnetic disk 305, etc., and is read out as necessary.

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a microphone 309 for audio input and a speaker 310 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 309 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 308. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 310. Note that the sound input from the microphone 309 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as sound data.

  Examples of the input device 311 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The input device 311 inputs data corresponding to the key selected by the user into the apparatus.

  The video I / F 312 is connected to the display 313 and the camera 314. Specifically, the video I / F 312 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 313, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 313 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 313 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 313, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used.

  The camera 314 captures images inside or outside the vehicle. The video may be either a still image or a moving image. For example, the camera 314 captures the behavior of a passenger inside the vehicle. The camera 314 captures behavior of an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian outside the vehicle. The camera 314 outputs the captured video to the CPU 301 or a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 via the video I / F 312. The video output to the recording medium is overwritten and stored as a drive recorder image.

  The communication I / F 315 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 315 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 315 receives a television broadcast or a radio broadcast.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 315 is configured by, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS / beacon receiver, a wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices. get.

  The GPS unit 316 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 316 is used when the current position of the vehicle is specified by the CPU 301 together with output values of various sensors 317 described later. The information indicating the current position is information for specifying one point on the map information such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 317 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 317 are used by the CPU 301 for specifying the current position of the vehicle and measuring the amount of change in speed and direction.

  Note that the input unit 101 of the route search apparatus 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the CPU 301 and the input device 311, the search unit 102 is the CPU 301 and the ROM 302, and the output unit 103 is the voice I / F 308 and the speaker 310. Alternatively, each function can be realized by the video I / F 312 and the display 313.

(Recorded contents of parking lot database)
Next, the parking lot database recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 described above will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the recorded contents of the parking lot database. As shown in FIG. 4, in the parking lot database 400, for each transit location, a transit location (A station in FIG. 4) and information on parking lots within a predetermined range from the transit location are recorded in association with each other. The The parking lot information recorded in the parking lot database 400 includes information indicating the name, position, distance from the station, number of vacant spaces, availability of use, and the like of each parking lot.

  Here, information representing the name, position, and distance from the station of each parking lot is recorded in the parking lot database 400 in advance. Information indicating the number of vacant parking spaces and the availability of each parking lot is automatically updated every time the usage status information is acquired via the communication I / F 315, for example.

(Processing procedure of navigation device)
Next, a processing procedure of the navigation device of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the navigation device of this embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is started, for example, when the navigation apparatus 300 is powered on.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the navigation apparatus 300 first acquires current position information (step S501). Specifically, the navigation apparatus 300 uses the output information of the GPS unit 316 and the various sensors 317 to acquire the current position information by the CPU 301 executing the current position specifying program. Further, the current position information is periodically acquired at a predetermined time interval (for example, every several seconds), for example. The acquired current position information is displayed on the display 313 by, for example, an icon indicating the current position, stored in the RAM 303, and read out as necessary.

  In step S501, after acquiring the current position information, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether an input of destination information has been received (step S502). Specifically, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the destination information is input by operating the input device 311 by the user. If it is determined in step S502 that destination information has not been input (step S502: No), the process returns to step S501 and the above processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S502 that input of destination information has been received (step S502: Yes), the navigation device 300 searches for route candidates (step S503). Here, the route candidate is a candidate for a route to the destination. Note that the input destination information and the searched route candidate are stored in, for example, the RAM 303 and read out as necessary.

  In step S503, after searching for a route candidate, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether there is a transit point on the route candidate (step S504). Specifically, the navigation device 300 determines whether or not there is a facility having a predetermined attribute (for example, a facility having a station attribute) on the route candidate, and a section ahead from the transit point is a public transportation. It is determined whether or not the section uses the engine. Here, the attribute is information representing the type or feature of the facility and is embedded in the map information in advance.

  If it is determined in step S504 that there is a transit point on the route candidate (step S504: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 acquires usage status information (step S505). Specifically, the navigation device 300 acquires the usage status information from an external computer device connected via the communication I / F 315. Moreover, you may acquire utilization status information regularly at a predetermined time interval, for example.

  As described above, when the navigation apparatus 300 acquires the usage status information, the navigation apparatus 300 updates the parking lot database 400 based on the acquired usage status information. The information updated at this time is information indicating the number of vacant parking spaces and availability. If it is determined in step S504 that there is no connection place on the route candidate (step S504: No), the navigation device 300 sets the searched route candidate as a route to the destination, and will be described later. Proceed to step S510.

  In step S505, after acquiring the usage status information, the navigation device 300 searches the parking lot database 400 for a usable parking lot from the parking lot associated with the transit point on the route candidate (step S506). In addition, the navigation apparatus 300 is good also as searching the parking lot whose vacant number is more than predetermined number (for example, five). Here, the predetermined number is, for example, an arbitrary number set by the user.

  In step S506, after searching for an available parking lot, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether an available parking lot is searched (step S507). For example, with reference to the parking lot database 400, the navigation device 300 is assumed to have searched for a parking lot if there is any available parking lot among the parking lots associated with the transit point.

  If it is determined in step S507 that an available parking lot has been searched (step S507: Yes), the navigation device 300 sets the searched parking lot as a waypoint (step S508). When a plurality of parking lots are searched, the navigation device 300 sets, for example, a parking lot closest to the transit point as a transit point. The navigation device 300 may set a parking lot with the most vacant vehicles as a waypoint.

  Moreover, the navigation apparatus 300 may set a parking lot according to the required time from the current position to the parking lot. For example, when the required time from the current position to the parking lot is short (for example, less than 10 minutes), the parking lot closest to the transit point is set as the transit point. If the required time from the current position to the parking lot is large (for example, 10 minutes or more), the parking lot with the largest number of vacant spaces is set as a transit point. If it is determined in step S507 that the parking lot has not been searched (step S507: No), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S511 described later.

  In step S508, after setting the parking lot as a waypoint, the navigation apparatus 300 searches for a route from the current position to the destination via the set waypoint (step S509). Specifically, the navigation device 300 uses the current position information, the destination information, the information on the waypoint set in step S508, and the like to set the current position from the current position by the CPU 301 executing the route search program. The route to the destination is searched via the route point.

  In step S509, after searching for a route, the navigation apparatus 300 guides the searched route (step S510), and ends a series of processes. Specifically, the navigation device 300 executes a route guidance program based on the current position information, the route information of the searched route, map information, and the like to guide the route. For example, the navigation device 300 displays a guidance route for guiding the route on the display 313. The route guidance is continued until, for example, the current position of the navigation device 300 is near the destination.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S507 that no available parking lot has been searched (step S507: No), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether to search for another transit point (step S511). ). For example, the navigation device 300 notifies the user of information indicating that an available parking lot has not been searched. Then, the user is allowed to select whether or not to search for another transit point. Moreover, the navigation apparatus 300 is good also as making a user set beforehand whether to search for another transit place, when an available parking lot is not searched.

  If it is determined in step S511 to search for another connecting point (step S511: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 searches for another connecting point having a parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range (step S512). ). For example, the navigation device 300 refers to the parking lot database 400, and if there is no parking lot available in the parking lot associated with the station A, the navigation apparatus 300 is associated with the station B that is the station adjacent to the station A. Find out if there is a parking lot available in the parking lot.

  When a parking lot that can be used in the parking lot associated with the B station is searched, the parking lot associated with the B station is output as a search result of the search. If there is no available parking lot in the parking lot associated with station B, follow the same procedure to find a station that has a parking lot that can be used sequentially from the station closest to station A, which is the original transit point. Search. In step S511, if it is determined not to search for another transit point (step S511: No), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S510 described above.

  In step S512, after searching for another connecting point having an available parking lot, the navigation apparatus 300 sets the other connecting point and the parking lot obtained as a search result as a waypoint (step S513). The process proceeds to step S508, and a route to the destination via another transit point and a parking lot is searched. Thereafter, the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S510, guides the route, and ends the series of processes.

(Specific display example of navigation device)
Next, a specific display example of the navigation device of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific display example of the navigation device of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the display 313 of the navigation device 300 displays map information 600 around the current position of the navigation device 300 and various icons and windows.

  The map information 600 around the current position of the navigation device 300 includes roads around the current position, a parking lot 601, an A station 602, and the like. An icon indicated by reference numeral 610 displayed on the map information 600 is a current position icon 610 that indicates the current position of the navigation device 300. Also, icons indicated by reference numerals 611a and 611b are waypoint icons 611a and 611b that represent waypoints. Furthermore, reference numerals 612a and 612b indicate guide paths 612a and 612b that indicate paths from the current position icon 610 to the destination via the waypoint.

  The route point icons 611a and 611b are numbered to indicate the order of passing through the respective route points. For example, in FIG. 6, a parking place icon 611 a labeled “1” is displayed in the parking lot 601. In the A station 602, a stopover icon 611b labeled “2” is displayed. In this case, the navigation apparatus 300 passes through the parking lot 601 having the stopover icon 611a marked “1”, and then passes through the A station 602 having the stopover icon 611b marked “2”. Guide the route to be.

  The guidance route 612a is a route from the current position icon 610 to the A station 602 via the parking lot 601. In addition, the guide route 612b is a route that travels from the A station 602 to the public transportation and heads to the destination. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the destination icon is displayed on the point made into the destination.

  In FIG. 6, a circle indicated by reference numeral 602 a is a circle having a predetermined radius (for example, a radius of 400 m) centering on the A station 602. For example, in the parking lot database 400, a parking lot in the circle 602a is associated with the A station 602. Here, the predetermined radius is set in advance by the manufacturer of the navigation device 300. The predetermined radius may be arbitrarily set by the user. In this case, when the predetermined radius is set by the user, the navigation device 300 refers to the map information, extracts the parking lot within the set predetermined radius, and updates the parking lot database 400.

  In FIG. 6, a window denoted by reference numeral 620 is a route information window 620 that displays information related to the route to the destination. The contents displayed in the route information window 620 include the distance to the destination (55 km in FIG. 6), the estimated arrival time at the destination (17:45 in FIG. 6), and the like.

  As described above, according to the navigation apparatus 300 of the present embodiment, when destination information is input, for example, a route from a vehicle to a public transportation to the destination can be searched. As a result, the user can know the route that can reach the destination the earliest, so that the time and effort required to move to the destination can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Furthermore, when the destination information is input, the navigation device 300 according to the present embodiment searches for a route candidate to the destination. And when this route candidate is a route from the vehicle to the public transportation to the destination, a parking lot within a predetermined range from the transit point is set as a transit point, and the route via this parking lot Can be searched and guided. As a result, the user does not have to search for a parking lot again around the transit area, so that the user's labor can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  And according to the navigation apparatus 300 of a present Example, the path | route which reaches to the destination can be searched for using the available parking lot in the predetermined range from a transit point based on utilization status information. As a result, the user can be surely parked at the parking lot that has been used as a transit point, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of searching for another parking lot due to the parking lot being full and to improve convenience. .

  Further, according to the navigation device 300 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is no parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range from the initial transfer place, another transfer that has a parking lot that can be used within the predetermined range. You can search the ground. As a result, the user can use public transportation from the transit point according to the usage situation of the surrounding parking lot.

  The navigation device 300 of the present embodiment may further consider traffic jams. For example, the navigation device 300 receives traffic information by VICS. When the destination information is input, the route to the destination is searched in consideration of the traffic jam obtained from the traffic jam information.

  As a result, for example, a route that uses public transportation from station A is searched for as a route that minimizes the required time to the destination. However, when there is no available parking lot around the A station, the navigation device 300 next searches for a route using public transport from the B station adjacent to the A station. After searching for a route using public transportation from station B, for example, the navigation device 300 compares the required time between this route and the route headed by the vehicle to the destination. Then, when the required time for the route using the public transportation from the B station is shorter than the route using the vehicle, the navigation device 300 guides the route using the public transportation from the B station. In this case, a parking lot around station B is set as a transit point.

  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 medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The present invention relates to a route search device, a route search method, a route search program, and a recording medium that search for a route to a destination.

  Conventionally, there is a navigation device that guides a route to a destination. Such navigation apparatuses include, for example, an in-vehicle unit mounted on a vehicle and a portable unit that can be attached to and detached from the in-vehicle unit (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). According to this navigation device, when the mobile unit is attached to the in-vehicle unit, the route for using the vehicle is guided, and when the mobile unit is detached from the in-vehicle unit, the vehicle is not used (for example, public transportation) To guide the route.

JP 2003-42779 A

  However, in the above prior art, when the portable unit is attached to the in-vehicle unit, a route for using the vehicle is guided, and when the portable unit is detached from the in-vehicle unit, a route for not using the vehicle is used. As an example, there is a problem that it is not possible to search for a route such as transiting from a vehicle to a public transportation system and heading for a destination (that is, a moving means changes midway).

  Further, in the above-described conventional technology, when heading to a destination by transiting from a vehicle to a public transport, first, the mobile unit is mounted on the in-vehicle unit, and the point to the point of transit to the public transport (for example, a station) Guide the route. After that, the portable unit is removed from the in-vehicle unit, and the route from the point where it was transferred to public transportation to the destination is guided. In such a case, there is a problem that the user needs to search for a parking lot for parking the vehicle when transferring to public transportation, which takes time and effort.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the route search device according to claim 1 is a route search device that searches for a route from a vehicle to a destination by transiting to public transportation. Input means for accepting an input of destination information relating to, search means for searching for a route to the destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input by the input means, and the search Output means for outputting route information related to the route searched by means, and the search means uses the parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from the vehicle to public transportation as the waypoint. Searching and setting the parking lot under different conditions according to the time required from the current position of the vehicle to the parking lot.

  The route search method according to claim 6 is a route search method of a route search device for searching for a route from a vehicle to a public transportation to a destination, wherein destination information related to the destination is input. An accepting input step, a searching step for searching for a route to the destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input in the input step, and the route searched for in the searching step An output step of outputting route information regarding the vehicle, and in the search step, the route is searched for a parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from the vehicle to public transport, and the current state of the vehicle The parking lot is set under different conditions according to a required time from a position to the parking lot.

  A route search program according to claim 7 causes a computer to execute the route search method according to claim 6.

  A computer-readable recording medium according to an eighth aspect stores the route search program according to the seventh aspect.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the route search apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the route search apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the recording content of a parking lot database. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the navigation apparatus of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a display of the navigation apparatus of a present Example.

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

(Functional configuration of route search device)
First, the functional configuration of the route search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a route search apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the route search apparatus 100 includes an input unit 101, a search unit 102, and an output unit 103.

  The input unit 101 has a function of receiving input of destination information related to a destination. Here, the destination information is information that can uniquely specify the destination on the map information, such as the name, address, and telephone number of the destination. The destination information may be any information as long as the destination can be uniquely specified on the map information. The destination information may be expressed using any coordinate system recorded in the map information, or may be expressed using latitude and longitude. Also good. The input unit 101 is realized by various input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard, for example.

  The search unit 102 has a function of searching for a route to a destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input by the input unit 101. Here, the predetermined transit point is a parking lot or the like within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from a vehicle to public transportation. The transit point is not limited to this, and may be an arbitrary point set by the user. The search unit 102 searches for a route to the destination using the Dijkstra method or the like, although a detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique.

  For example, the search unit 102 searches for a route that minimizes the cost (required time, etc.) from the current position to the destination via a predetermined waypoint. The search unit 102 is realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a program prepared in advance.

  The output unit 103 has a function of outputting route information related to the route searched by the search unit 102. Here, the route information is information that presents the searched route to the user, for example, information that represents the route as a line. The route information only needs to be information that allows the user to recognize the searched route. The route information may be information that connects the names of current location, waypoint, destination, etc. with line segments and schematically represents the entire route. Good.

  Here, the output by the output unit 103 is performed, for example, by displaying a predetermined image (including characters) on a display unit (not shown). Further, the output is not limited to image display, but may be performed by outputting predetermined sound, or may be performed using display and sound at the same time. The output unit 103 is realized by, for example, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display and a plasma display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

  In addition, the route search device 100 may include an acquisition unit 104 that acquires usage status information regarding the usage status of a parking lot. Here, the usage status information is information indicating the full / empty state of the parking lot, the number of empty parking lots, and the like. The acquisition unit 104 is realized by a receiving device such as a beacon receiver that receives information distributed using, for example, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System). VICS is a registered trademark. When the acquisition unit 104 is provided, the search unit 102 searches for a route using a parking lot within a predetermined range from the transit point as a transit point based on the use state information acquired by the acquisition unit 104.

  In addition, the search unit 102 may include a determination unit 102a. The determination unit 102a has a function of determining whether there is a parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range from the transit point based on the use state information acquired by the acquisition unit 104. In a case where the determination unit 102a is provided, the search unit 102, for example, when the determination unit 102a determines that there is no parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range from the connection place, the parking unit that can be used within the predetermined range. A route that passes through another connecting point different from the connecting point having the parking lot is searched. In addition, the search unit 102 searches for a route by using an available parking lot within a predetermined range from another transit point.

  Here, for example, the other transit area is a transit area that can be transited to public transportation around the initial transit area and is different from the initial transit area. For example, if the initial transfer point is A station, the other transfer point is B station which is the station adjacent to A station. Note that the search unit 102 may search for a route to the transit point without searching for another transit point when there is no parking lot available within a predetermined range from the transit point. However, in this case, when transferring from a vehicle to public transportation, the user needs to search for a separate parking lot.

(Processing procedure of route search device)
Next, a processing procedure of the route search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the route search apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is started, for example, when the power of the route search device 100 is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the route search device 100 first waits until receiving destination information input (step S201: No). Specifically, the route search device 100 waits until the input unit 101 accepts input of destination information. For example, the destination information is input to the route search device 100 when the user operates an input device (not shown).

  If it is determined in step S201 that the input of the destination information has been received (step S201: Yes), the route search device 100 is a parking lot within a predetermined range from the connecting point on the route connecting from the vehicle to the public transportation. A route to the destination is searched for using as a waypoint (step S202). Specifically, the route search device 100 uses the search unit 102 to search for a route from the transit point to a destination via a parking lot within a predetermined range. The route searched at this time is a route that takes a parking lot as a transit point and has the minimum required time to the destination.

  In step S202, after searching for a route, the route search device 100 outputs route information of the searched route (step S203), and ends a series of processing. Specifically, the route search device 100 outputs route information of the searched route by the output unit 103. For example, the route search device 100 displays route information of the searched route on a display (not shown) or the like.

  As described above, according to the route search device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when destination information is input, for example, a route from a vehicle to public transportation is searched for to the destination. be able to. As a result, the user can know the route that can reach the destination the earliest, so that the time and effort required to move to the destination can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the route search device 100, when destination information is input, it is possible to search for a route using a parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting to public transportation. As a result, the user does not have to search for a parking lot again around the transit area, so that the user's labor can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Then, according to the route search device 100, it is possible to search for a route from the transit point to a destination by using an available parking lot within a predetermined range based on the use state information. As a result, the user can be surely parked at the parking lot that has been used as a transit point, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of searching for another parking lot due to the parking lot being full and to improve convenience. .

  Next, an example of the route search apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. In this example, the route search device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle (including two wheels and four wheels). The navigation device according to the present embodiment is a so-called portable navigation device that can be mounted on a vehicle and can be removed from the vehicle and carried by a user. For example, the navigation device is driven by an ACC power source of the vehicle when mounted on the vehicle, and is driven by a built-in battery when detached from the vehicle. In addition to the portable navigation device, the navigation device may be realized by an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
First, the hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation apparatus 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disk drive 306, an optical disk 307, and an audio I / F (interface) 308. , A microphone 309, a speaker 310, an input device 311, a video I / F 312, a display 313, a camera 314, a communication I / F 315, a GPS unit 316, and various sensors 317. Each component 301 to 317 is connected by a bus 320.

  First, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a boot program, a current position specifying program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a voice generation program, a map information display program, and a parking lot search program. In addition to the ROM 302, these various programs may be recorded in a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic disk 305 and an optical disk 307 described later. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  That is, the CPU 301 controls the entire navigation apparatus 300 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 302 and the like while using the RAM 303 as a work area. The current position specifying program, for example, specifies the current position of the navigation device 300 based on output information from a GPS unit 316 and various sensors 317 described later.

  The route search program uses the map information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307, which will be described later, or the like to obtain an optimum route from the departure point (for example, the current position) to the destination via a predetermined waypoint. Then, a detour route in the case of deviating from the optimum route is searched. Here, the predetermined waypoint is a parking lot searched by executing a parking lot search program described later.

  Here, the optimum route is a route that has the lowest cost (such as required time) to the destination or a route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. Since the route search program is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted, but an optimal route is searched using the Dijkstra method or the like. The route information of the route searched by executing the route search program is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 312 via the CPU 301.

  The route guidance program includes route information of a route searched by executing the route search program, current position information of the current position of the navigation device 300 specified by executing the current position specifying program, the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. On the basis of the map information read out from, real-time route guidance information is generated. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 312 via the CPU 301.

  The voice generation program generates tone and voice information corresponding to the pattern. That is, based on the route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program, the virtual sound source corresponding to the guidance point is set and the voice guidance information is generated. Voice guidance information includes, for example, a warning that a right / left turn point should turn right and left according to the route, a warning that the vehicle should decelerate before the right / left turn point, information about a detour route when a right / left turn fails, Guidance information to the effect that it should be turned back if it fails to turn right or left is included. The generated voice guidance information is output to the voice I / F 308 via the CPU 301.

  The map information display program causes the display 313 to display map information read from the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 by the video I / F 312. The map information display program causes the display 313 to display map information around the current position of the navigation device 300, for example. Further, the map information display program may display map information around an arbitrary position designated by the user on the display 313, for example.

  The parking lot search program searches for a parking lot within a predetermined range from the transit point when the route is transited from a vehicle to public transportation. The parking lot searched by executing the parking lot search program is set as a transit point of the route to the destination.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to control of CPU301. Data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304 is recorded on the magnetic disk 305. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, HD or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to control of CPU301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disk 307, for example, a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD can be used. As the optical disc 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), a memory card, or the like.

  One example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 is map information used for route search / route guidance. The map information includes background data that represents features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and surface points, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road. The map information is displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 313. Drawn.

  The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, whether or not there are traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, highway entrances or junctions, length (distance) for each link, road width, direction of travel, road type (highway, Information on toll roads and general roads).

  In the traffic condition data, past traffic information obtained by statistically processing past traffic information based on seasons, days of the week, large holidays, and times is recorded. The navigation device 300 obtains information on the currently occurring traffic jam based on road traffic information received by the communication I / F 315 described later, but can predict the traffic jam status at a specified time based on the past traffic jam information. Become.

  Further, the map information includes route information of public transportation. Here, the route information is information representing, for example, the name of a station, the name of a route that has entered each station, the usage fee for each section, the required time for each section, and the like. That is, the route information is information that can specify, for example, the name of the route to be used, the required time from one station to another station, and the usage fee when using public transportation from one station to another station. It is.

  Further, a parking lot database to be described later is recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. Since the parking lot database will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted here.

  In this embodiment, the map information is recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map information is not recorded only on the one provided integrally with the hardware of the navigation device 300, and may be provided outside the navigation device 300. In this case, the navigation apparatus 300 acquires map information from an external computer device connected via the communication I / F 315, for example. The acquired map information is recorded in the RAM 303, the magnetic disk 305, etc., and is read out as necessary.

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a microphone 309 for audio input and a speaker 310 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 309 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 308. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 310. Note that the sound input from the microphone 309 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as sound data.

  Examples of the input device 311 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The input device 311 inputs data corresponding to the key selected by the user into the apparatus.

  The video I / F 312 is connected to the display 313 and the camera 314. Specifically, the video I / F 312 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 313, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 313 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 313 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 313, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used.

  The camera 314 captures images inside or outside the vehicle. The video may be either a still image or a moving image. For example, the camera 314 captures the behavior of a passenger inside the vehicle. The camera 314 captures behavior of an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian outside the vehicle. The camera 314 outputs the captured video to the CPU 301 or a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 via the video I / F 312. The video output to the recording medium is overwritten and stored as a drive recorder image.

  The communication I / F 315 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 315 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 315 receives a television broadcast or a radio broadcast.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 315 is configured by, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS / beacon receiver, a wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices. get.

  The GPS unit 316 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 316 is used when the current position of the vehicle is specified by the CPU 301 together with output values of various sensors 317 described later. The information indicating the current position is information for specifying one point on the map information such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 317 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 317 are used by the CPU 301 for specifying the current position of the vehicle and measuring the amount of change in speed and direction.

  Note that the input unit 101 of the route search apparatus 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the CPU 301 and the input device 311, the search unit 102 is the CPU 301 and the ROM 302, and the output unit 103 is the voice I / F 308 and the speaker 310. Alternatively, each function can be realized by the video I / F 312 and the display 313.

(Recorded contents of parking lot database)
Next, the parking lot database recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 described above will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the recorded contents of the parking lot database. As shown in FIG. 4, in the parking lot database 400, for each transit location, a transit location (A station in FIG. 4) and information on parking lots within a predetermined range from the transit location are recorded in association with each other. The The parking lot information recorded in the parking lot database 400 includes information indicating the name, position, distance from the station, number of vacant spaces, availability of use, and the like of each parking lot.

  Here, information representing the name, position, and distance from the station of each parking lot is recorded in the parking lot database 400 in advance. Information indicating the number of vacant parking spaces and the availability of each parking lot is automatically updated every time the usage status information is acquired via the communication I / F 315, for example.

(Processing procedure of navigation device)
Next, a processing procedure of the navigation device of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the navigation device of this embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is started, for example, when the navigation apparatus 300 is powered on.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the navigation apparatus 300 first acquires current position information (step S501). Specifically, the navigation apparatus 300 uses the output information of the GPS unit 316 and the various sensors 317 to acquire the current position information by the CPU 301 executing the current position specifying program. Further, the current position information is periodically acquired at a predetermined time interval (for example, every several seconds), for example. The acquired current position information is displayed on the display 313 by, for example, an icon indicating the current position, stored in the RAM 303, and read out as necessary.

  In step S501, after acquiring the current position information, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether an input of destination information has been received (step S502). Specifically, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether or not the destination information is input by operating the input device 311 by the user. If it is determined in step S502 that destination information has not been input (step S502: No), the process returns to step S501 and the above processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S502 that input of destination information has been received (step S502: Yes), the navigation device 300 searches for route candidates (step S503). Here, the route candidate is a candidate for a route to the destination. Note that the input destination information and the searched route candidate are stored in, for example, the RAM 303 and read out as necessary.

  In step S503, after searching for a route candidate, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether there is a transit point on the route candidate (step S504). Specifically, the navigation device 300 determines whether or not there is a facility having a predetermined attribute (for example, a facility having a station attribute) on the route candidate, and a section ahead from the transit point is a public transportation. It is determined whether or not the section uses the engine. Here, the attribute is information representing the type or feature of the facility and is embedded in the map information in advance.

  If it is determined in step S504 that there is a transit point on the route candidate (step S504: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 acquires usage status information (step S505). Specifically, the navigation device 300 acquires the usage status information from an external computer device connected via the communication I / F 315. Moreover, you may acquire utilization status information regularly at a predetermined time interval, for example.

  As described above, when the navigation apparatus 300 acquires the usage status information, the navigation apparatus 300 updates the parking lot database 400 based on the acquired usage status information. The information updated at this time is information indicating the number of vacant parking spaces and availability. If it is determined in step S504 that there is no connection place on the route candidate (step S504: No), the navigation device 300 sets the searched route candidate as a route to the destination, and will be described later. Proceed to step S510.

  In step S505, after acquiring the usage status information, the navigation device 300 searches the parking lot database 400 for a usable parking lot from the parking lot associated with the transit point on the route candidate (step S506). In addition, the navigation apparatus 300 is good also as searching the parking lot whose vacant number is more than predetermined number (for example, five). Here, the predetermined number is, for example, an arbitrary number set by the user.

  In step S506, after searching for an available parking lot, the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether an available parking lot is searched (step S507). For example, with reference to the parking lot database 400, the navigation device 300 is assumed to have searched for a parking lot if there is any available parking lot among the parking lots associated with the transit point.

  If it is determined in step S507 that an available parking lot has been searched (step S507: Yes), the navigation device 300 sets the searched parking lot as a waypoint (step S508). When a plurality of parking lots are searched, the navigation device 300 sets, for example, a parking lot closest to the transit point as a transit point. The navigation device 300 may set a parking lot with the most vacant vehicles as a waypoint.

  Moreover, the navigation apparatus 300 may set a parking lot according to the required time from the current position to the parking lot. For example, when the required time from the current position to the parking lot is short (for example, less than 10 minutes), the parking lot closest to the transit point is set as the transit point. If the required time from the current position to the parking lot is large (for example, 10 minutes or more), the parking lot with the largest number of vacant spaces is set as a transit point. If it is determined in step S507 that the parking lot has not been searched (step S507: No), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S511 described later.

  In step S508, after setting the parking lot as a waypoint, the navigation apparatus 300 searches for a route from the current position to the destination via the set waypoint (step S509). Specifically, the navigation device 300 uses the current position information, the destination information, the information on the waypoint set in step S508, and the like to set the current position from the current position by the CPU 301 executing the route search program. The route to the destination is searched via the route point.

  In step S509, after searching for a route, the navigation apparatus 300 guides the searched route (step S510), and ends a series of processes. Specifically, the navigation device 300 executes a route guidance program based on the current position information, the route information of the searched route, map information, and the like to guide the route. For example, the navigation device 300 displays a guidance route for guiding the route on the display 313. The route guidance is continued until, for example, the current position of the navigation device 300 is near the destination.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S507 that no available parking lot has been searched (step S507: No), the navigation apparatus 300 determines whether to search for another transit point (step S511). ). For example, the navigation device 300 notifies the user of information indicating that an available parking lot has not been searched. Then, the user is allowed to select whether or not to search for another transit point. Moreover, the navigation apparatus 300 is good also as making a user set beforehand whether to search for another transit place, when an available parking lot is not searched.

  If it is determined in step S511 to search for another connecting point (step S511: Yes), the navigation apparatus 300 searches for another connecting point having a parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range (step S512). ). For example, the navigation device 300 refers to the parking lot database 400, and if there is no parking lot available in the parking lot associated with the station A, the navigation apparatus 300 is associated with the station B that is the station adjacent to the station A. Find out if there is a parking lot available in the parking lot.

  When a parking lot that can be used in the parking lot associated with the B station is searched, the parking lot associated with the B station is output as a search result of the search. If there is no available parking lot in the parking lot associated with station B, follow the same procedure to find a station that has a parking lot that can be used sequentially from the station closest to station A, which is the original transit point. Search. In step S511, if it is determined not to search for another transit point (step S511: No), the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S510 described above.

  In step S512, after searching for another connecting point having an available parking lot, the navigation apparatus 300 sets the other connecting point and the parking lot obtained as a search result as a waypoint (step S513). The process proceeds to step S508, and a route to the destination via another transit point and a parking lot is searched. Thereafter, the navigation apparatus 300 proceeds to step S510, guides the route, and ends the series of processes.

(Specific display example of navigation device)
Next, a specific display example of the navigation device of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific display example of the navigation device of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the display 313 of the navigation device 300 displays map information 600 around the current position of the navigation device 300 and various icons and windows.

  The map information 600 around the current position of the navigation device 300 includes roads around the current position, a parking lot 601, an A station 602, and the like. An icon indicated by reference numeral 610 displayed on the map information 600 is a current position icon 610 that indicates the current position of the navigation device 300. Also, icons indicated by reference numerals 611a and 611b are waypoint icons 611a and 611b that represent waypoints. Furthermore, reference numerals 612a and 612b indicate guide paths 612a and 612b that indicate paths from the current position icon 610 to the destination via the waypoint.

  The route point icons 611a and 611b are numbered to indicate the order of passing through the respective route points. For example, in FIG. 6, a parking place icon 611 a labeled “1” is displayed in the parking lot 601. In the A station 602, a stopover icon 611b labeled “2” is displayed. In this case, the navigation apparatus 300 passes through the parking lot 601 having the stopover icon 611a marked “1”, and then passes through the A station 602 having the stopover icon 611b marked “2”. Guide the route to be.

  The guidance route 612a is a route from the current position icon 610 to the A station 602 via the parking lot 601. In addition, the guide route 612b is a route that travels from the A station 602 to the public transportation and heads to the destination. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the destination icon is displayed on the point made into the destination.

  In FIG. 6, a circle indicated by reference numeral 602 a is a circle having a predetermined radius (for example, a radius of 400 m) centering on the A station 602. For example, in the parking lot database 400, a parking lot in the circle 602a is associated with the A station 602. Here, the predetermined radius is set in advance by the manufacturer of the navigation device 300. The predetermined radius may be arbitrarily set by the user. In this case, when the predetermined radius is set by the user, the navigation device 300 refers to the map information, extracts the parking lot within the set predetermined radius, and updates the parking lot database 400.

  In FIG. 6, a window denoted by reference numeral 620 is a route information window 620 that displays information related to the route to the destination. The contents displayed in the route information window 620 include the distance to the destination (55 km in FIG. 6), the estimated arrival time at the destination (17:45 in FIG. 6), and the like.

  As described above, according to the navigation apparatus 300 of the present embodiment, when destination information is input, for example, a route from a vehicle to a public transportation to the destination can be searched. As a result, the user can know the route that can reach the destination the earliest, so that the time and effort required to move to the destination can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Furthermore, when the destination information is input, the navigation device 300 according to the present embodiment searches for a route candidate to the destination. And when this route candidate is a route from the vehicle to the public transportation to the destination, a parking lot within a predetermined range from the transit point is set as a transit point, and the route via this parking lot Can be searched and guided. As a result, the user does not have to search for a parking lot again around the transit area, so that the user's labor can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  And according to the navigation apparatus 300 of a present Example, the path | route which reaches to the destination can be searched for using the available parking lot in the predetermined range from a transit point based on utilization status information. As a result, the user can be surely parked at the parking lot that has been used as a transit point, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of searching for another parking lot due to the parking lot being full and to improve convenience. .

  Further, according to the navigation device 300 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is no parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range from the initial transfer place, another transfer that has a parking lot that can be used within the predetermined range. You can search the ground. As a result, the user can use public transportation from the transit point according to the usage situation of the surrounding parking lot.

  The navigation device 300 of the present embodiment may further consider traffic jams. For example, the navigation device 300 receives traffic information by VICS. When the destination information is input, the route to the destination is searched in consideration of the traffic jam obtained from the traffic jam information.

  As a result, for example, a route that uses public transportation from station A is searched for as a route that minimizes the required time to the destination. However, when there is no available parking lot around the A station, the navigation device 300 next searches for a route using public transport from the B station adjacent to the A station. After searching for a route using public transportation from station B, for example, the navigation device 300 compares the required time between this route and the route headed by the vehicle to the destination. Then, when the required time for the route using the public transportation from the B station is shorter than the route using the vehicle, the navigation device 300 guides the route using the public transportation from the B station. In this case, a parking lot around station B is set as a transit point.

  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 medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Route search apparatus 101 Input part 102 Search part 102a Determination part 103 Output part 104 Acquisition part

Claims (8)

A route search device for searching for a route from a vehicle to a public transport to a destination,
Input means for receiving input of destination information relating to the destination;
Search means for searching for a route to the destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input by the input means;
Output means for outputting route information related to the route searched by the search means;
With
The search means includes
A route search device for searching the route using a parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from the vehicle to public transportation as the transit point. It further comprises an acquisition means for acquiring usage status information regarding the usage status of the parking lot,
The said search means searches for the available parking lot within the predetermined range from the said connection place as the said transit place based on the said usage condition information acquired by the said acquisition means, The said stop location is characterized by the above-mentioned. Route search device. The search means further comprises a determination means for determining whether there is an available parking lot within a predetermined range from the connection place based on the use status information acquired by the acquisition means,
When it is determined by the determination means that there is no parking lot that can be used within a predetermined range from the connection place, the vehicle passes through another transfer place that is different from the transfer place that has a parking lot that can be used within the predetermined range. The route search device according to claim 2, wherein the route is searched.   4. The route search device according to claim 3, wherein the search means searches for the route using an available parking lot within a predetermined range from the other transit point as the waypoint. A route search method for searching for a route from a vehicle to public transport to a destination,
An input step for receiving input of destination information regarding the destination;
A search step for searching for a route to the destination via a predetermined waypoint based on the destination information input by the input step;
An output step of outputting route information related to the route searched by the search step;
Including
In the search step,
A route search method, wherein the route is searched using a parking lot within a predetermined range from a transit point connecting from the vehicle to public transport as the transit point.   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. A route search device that searches for a travel route to a destination using both vehicles and public transportation,
A route search apparatus for searching a travel route from a transit point connecting from a vehicle to public transport to a destination via a parking lot within a predetermined range.

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