JP2000258174A - Navigator, navigation system, weather condition server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a planar weather information on a map for guiding the way to a destination in a navigator mounted on a motor vehicle, etc. SOLUTION: A position information collector 31 acquires information about the current position of a motor vehicle, a weather data collector 33 acquires weather information about an area including the current position, a weather data analyzer 34 analyzes the acquired weather information and generates a weather forecast distribution map of each area sectioned into specified area units, and a display controller 35 generates display picture data of the generated weather forecast distribution map superposed on map data stored in a map data memory 32 and displays the picture data on a display monitor 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technology for displaying map information and weather information together on a navigation device or a terminal for browsing information via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a navigation system mounted on an automobile and providing a route to a destination by a map display or voice has been used. Vehicle navigation systems include VICS (Vehicle Information).
Many systems are operated with a traffic information providing system called “Communications and Communication System”, and are used for route selection in consideration of the congestion of roads, prediction of arrival times at destinations, and the like. In some cases, a weather forecast and leisure information of a destination can be acquired by connecting to the Internet.

[0003]

However, the weather information that can be obtained by using the conventional navigation system is point information of each area, and it is difficult to obtain area weather information. Moreover, since the weather information is displayed in characters in a table format, it is difficult to grasp the relationship between the location on the map and the weather. It is hard to say that such weather information is sufficiently useful information for automobile users. In order for a user to make full use of weather information, it is necessary to be able to obtain not only weather information of a destination but also two-dimensional weather information of an area to be passed when traveling.

Since the weather greatly affects road conditions and the like, it is necessary to consider weather information in order to more accurately search for a route and predict the arrival time at a destination. Therefore, by providing two-dimensional weather information on a map for providing route guidance to the destination, the weather to the destination can be visually displayed, and a route search taking into account the weather information It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of providing traffic and traffic information.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a navigation device according to the present invention comprises: a position information acquisition unit for measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position; and a map data storage unit for storing map data. A weather information acquisition unit for acquiring weather information relating to a predetermined area including the current position; and a weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit at a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage unit. Display means for superimposed display (corresponding to claim 1).

More specifically, a first aspect of the navigation device according to the present invention comprises: a position information acquisition unit for measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position; a map data storage unit for storing map data; Weather information obtaining means for obtaining weather information including a weather forecast value of each area divided into predetermined area units for a certain area including the current position, and a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage means And display means for superimposing and displaying the weather forecast value of each area obtained by the weather information obtaining means (corresponding to claim 2).

That is, the navigation apparatus of the first aspect displays the weather forecast value overlaid on the corresponding position of the map data, so that it is possible to provide the weather forecast area information of the area including the current position. .

Here, the weather information acquisition means may be means for receiving weather information transmitted from an information transmission base such as an FM broadcast station, or may transmit the weather information stored in the information providing server to the Internet or the like. May be obtained through a telephone network. The weather information includes the weather,
Real-time information such as temperature, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation, sunshine, snowfall, tide level, and forecasts such as weather forecast, precipitation probability, and expected temperature,
It also includes warnings, alerts, and maritime information.

[0009] The second aspect of the navigation device of the present invention.
The position information acquisition means for measuring the latitude, longitude, and altitude at the current position, the map data storage means for storing the map data, and the arrival time at each area divided from the current position by a predetermined area unit. Arrival time calculating means for calculating, weather information obtaining means for obtaining weather information on a predetermined area including the current position, weather forecast value at the estimated arrival time to each area obtained by the arrival time calculating means, A weather forecast value calculating means for obtaining based on the weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining means; and a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage means, obtained by the weather forecast value calculating means. Display means for superimposing and displaying weather forecast values at the estimated arrival time of each of the regions (corresponding to claim 3).

In other words, the navigation device of the second aspect provides effective weather information for setting destinations and routes to show on a map the distribution of weather forecast values at the time of arrival from the current position to each area. Can be.

Further, the third aspect of the navigation device according to the present invention.
The position information acquisition means measures the latitude, longitude, and altitude at the current position, the map data storage means stores map data, and the weather information acquisition means acquires weather information on a predetermined area including the current position. Route setting means for setting a route to a destination, arrival time calculating means for calculating an estimated arrival time at each transit point and the destination on the route set by the route setting means, and the arrival time calculation Weather forecast value calculating means for calculating a weather forecast value at the estimated arrival time at each of the transit points and the destination obtained by the means based on the weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining means; and the map data At the corresponding position on the map data stored in the storage means, the route set by the route setting means, the route obtained by the arrival time calculation means, And display means for displaying overlapping the estimated arrival time, and weather forecast values on the route obtained by the weather forecast value calculating means for each waypoint and said destination (corresponding to claim 4).

That is, the navigation apparatus according to the third aspect acquires the weather forecast value of the destination at the arrival time and the weather forecast value on the route and displays them on a map.
Therefore, the user can easily grasp the weather information on the route.

[0013] In the navigation apparatus according to the third aspect, the arrival time calculation means uses the moving speed set based on the current position and the weather condition at each of the transit points to determine the next transit point or the next transit point. The estimated arrival time at the destination may be calculated (corresponding to claim 5). In the navigation device having such a configuration, the arrival time calculating means uses the current position obtained by the weather forecast value calculating means and the moving speed set based on the weather condition of each waypoint to calculate the next waypoint. Alternatively, the arrival time at the destination is calculated. Further, the weather forecast value calculating means obtains the weather forecast value at the current position, each transit point, and the arrival time at the destination obtained by the arrival time calculating means based on the weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining means. I do.

A fourth aspect of the navigation device according to the present invention.
The position information acquisition means measures the latitude, longitude, and altitude at the current position, the map data storage means stores map data, and the weather information acquisition means acquires weather information on a predetermined area including the current position. A route searching means for searching for a plurality of routes to a destination, and an arrival for each of the plurality of routes searched by the route searching means for calculating an estimated arrival time at each stopover and the destination on the route. A weather calculating unit that calculates a weather forecast value at each of the transit points and the estimated arrival times at the destinations obtained by the arrival time calculating unit based on weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining unit; Prediction value calculation means, based on an estimated arrival time at the destination obtained for the plurality of routes and a weather forecast value on each of the routes, Route selecting means for selecting an optimal route from the route, and a route selected by the route selecting means at a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storing means, Display means for displaying the estimated arrival time at the destination and the weather forecast value on the selected route in a superimposed manner (corresponding to claim 6).

That is, the navigation apparatus according to the fourth aspect searches for an optimal route in consideration of the required time to the destination and the weather conditions on the route. Therefore, the safest and most economical route can be provided to the user.

Further, the navigation system of the present invention is a navigation system for providing weather information to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle or the like,
(A) position information obtaining means for measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at the current position, map data storing means for storing map data, and weather information obtaining means for obtaining weather information for a predetermined area including the current position; A navigation device including display means for superimposing and displaying weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition means at a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage means,
(B) a weather information transmitting device that transmits weather information to the navigation device (corresponding to claim 7);

An information providing server according to the present invention is an information providing server for providing information to an information browsing terminal via a network, and stores map data storing means for storing map data and weather information. Weather information storage means, weather information update means for updating the weather information stored in the weather information storage means at predetermined time intervals, and the weather information in a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage means. A display image generating unit for generating a display image for displaying the weather information acquired by the information storage unit in a superimposed manner, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the display image to an information browsing terminal are provided (corresponding to claim 10).

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First to fifth embodiments of the present invention
The sixth embodiment relates to a car navigation device that is mounted on an automobile or the like and guides the user to a destination by displaying a map on a monitor. The sixth embodiment transmits map information and weather information to a personal computer or the like via the Internet. The present invention relates to an information providing server for providing information. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a navigation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the navigation device according to the present embodiment. First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2,
A system configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described. The system configuration of the navigation device is common to the second to fifth embodiments described later.

The navigation system according to the present embodiment comprises:
A navigation unit 10 and GPS antennas 21 connected to the navigation unit 10, respectively.
CD-R storing FM antenna 22, pulse sensor 23, display monitor 25, and map data and the like
OM24. Navigation unit 10
Is a GPS receiver 11, an FM multiplex receiver 12, a CPU 1
3, a ROM 14, a RAM 15, and a gyro 17.

The CPU 13 is a control device for controlling the entire navigation system.
This is a work area of the CPU 13. The ROM 14 stores a program for the CPU 13 to perform control.

GPS antenna 21 and GPS receiver 1
1 is a GPS (Gl) to determine the current position of the car.
obal Positioning System) Receives signals from satellites. The pulse sensor 23 is a sensor that senses a pulse generated in accordance with the rotation of the vehicle wheel, and is used to measure the travel distance of the vehicle. The gyro 17 is a device for measuring the moving direction of the vehicle. With each of these devices, current position information and movement information of the automobile can be obtained.

The FM antenna 22 and the FM multiplex receiver receive radio waves transmitted from an FM broadcast station. Information broadcast from the FM broadcasting station includes various data relating to weather and a traffic information providing system, specifically, VICS.
(Vehicle Information and Communication System).

The display monitor 25 includes a liquid crystal panel and a CRT.
And a navigation device 1
A map and various information are displayed in accordance with the control content of 0.
At the lower part of the screen of the display monitor 25, there is provided an input device 16 for a vehicle user (hereinafter, referred to as a "user") to issue a command or input to the navigation system. The CD-ROM 24 stores map data and programs necessary for using the map data.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the first embodiment. The navigation device of the present embodiment includes a position information acquisition unit 31, a map data storage unit 32, a weather data acquisition unit 33, a weather data analysis unit 34, a display control unit 35, an input unit 36, and a display monitor 25. I have.

The position information acquisition unit 31 as a position information acquisition unit is provided with a radio wave transmitted from a GPS satellite, a gyro 1
7, and information on the position of the vehicle, such as the latitude, longitude and altitude of the current position of the vehicle, and the moving distance and direction of the vehicle, from the information obtained by the pulse sensor 23. A map data storage unit 32 as map data storage means stores map data to be displayed on the display monitor 25 in order to provide a user with a current position and route guidance.

The weather data acquisition unit 33 acquires weather information from various information transmitted from the FM broadcast station. The meteorological data acquired by the meteorological data 33 includes temperature, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation, sunshine, snow cover, and the like in each region.
Information such as tide levels, forecasts such as weather forecasts, temperatures, and precipitation probabilities, and information called guidance, such as weather, precipitation, precipitation probabilities, and temperatures, for each period of each area divided into predetermined area units, warnings , Alerts, maritime information, etc.
These weather information is updated regularly.

The weather data analysis section 34 analyzes each weather data acquired by the weather data acquisition section 33, and analyzes each area (hereinafter referred to as "grid area") divided into a predetermined area unit in a grid pattern. The weather (weather, precipitation, precipitation probability, temperature, etc.) data is converted into grid weather data corresponding to the coordinates of each grid area. The weather information acquisition means is constituted by the weather data acquisition unit 33 and the weather data analysis unit 34.

The display control unit 35 includes a ROM 14 and a CD.
-Control the display on the display monitor 25 according to the program stored in the ROM 24. That is, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 34 displays the current position of the vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition unit 31 on the map data stored in the map data storage unit 32 and displays the current position on the display monitor 25. I do. In addition, the display control unit 34 generates display image data in which each grid region on the map is color-coded according to the value of the weather data in order to display the grid weather data obtained by the weather data analysis unit 34 on the map data. And displays it on the display monitor 25. Further, the display control unit 21
It also controls the processing according to the command input from the input unit 36. From the input device 36, commands and data for operating the navigation system are input by the user.

In this embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 3
1 is a GPS antenna 21, a GPS receiver 11, a gyro 17, a pulse sensor 23, and a ROM 14
Is realized by the CPU 13 executing the program stored in the. The map data storage unit 32 stores
This is realized by the D-ROM 24.

The weather data acquisition unit 33 includes the FM antenna 22 and the FM multiplex receiver 12, and the ROM 14
Is realized by the CPU 13 executing the program stored in the. Further, the weather data analysis unit 34 and the display control unit 35 are connected to the ROM 14 and the CD-ROM 24
The input unit 36 is realized by the input device 16.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of control realized by the CPU 13 of the navigation system of the first embodiment executing a program, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing data used in the present embodiment and data generated and generated. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a displayed image. Here, an example is shown in which weather forecasts of various places are displayed two-dimensionally on a map of a navigation system.

The information providing method of the navigation system according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, in step S101, the current position of the vehicle is recognized by the position information acquisition unit 31. Then, map data 203 of a predetermined range including the current position is acquired from the map data storage unit 32 (step S10).
2).

Next, in step S103, the various weather data described above is obtained by the weather information obtaining unit 33. Then, the meteorological data analysis unit 34 analyzes the acquired meteorological data, and generates a numerical value of the predicted weather in each grid area and a grid weather data table in which the coordinates (latitude, longitude, etc.) of each grid area are associated. It is generated (step S104). As a result, the grid weather data table 20 in which the weather for each grid area is quantified as shown in FIG.
1 is developed on the RAM 15. In this grid weather data table, 1 indicates sunny, 2 indicates cloudy, and 3 indicates rain.

The display control unit 35 includes a weather data analysis unit 34
With reference to the grid weather data table 201 generated as described above, as shown in FIG. 5, mesh image data 202 in which each grid area is color-coded according to weather is generated (step S105). For example, grid weather data table 20
The area where the numerical value of 1 is “1” (clear) is colored red, the area “2” (cloudy) is gray, and the area “3” (rain) is colored blue (in FIG. 5, “1”). Is solid, “2” is hatched, and “3” is meshed). At this time,
The mesh image data 202 is generated such that the size and coordinates of each grid region match the scale and coordinates of the map data 203.

The display control unit 35 further performs step S1.
02 in the map data 203 read in step S10.
Then, image synthesis processing is performed by superimposing the mesh image data 202 generated in step 4 to generate display image data 204 (step S106). Thereby, the display image data 204 is displayed on the display monitor 25 (Step S)
107).

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, weather forecasts of various places are two-dimensionally displayed on a map used in a normal navigation device. For this reason, the user can easily grasp the area distribution of the weather phenomenon including the weather forecast. Further, by obtaining such a two-dimensional weather forecast, the user can fully utilize the weather forecast for determining a route to a destination.

Here, the case where the mesh data of the weather forecast is superimposed and displayed on the map has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other weather information can be displayed. For example, instead of the weather, a distribution such as a precipitation probability or an expected temperature may be displayed. Also, the weather data acquisition unit 3
Using the real-time information acquired by step 3, data such as weather, temperature, precipitation, airflow, snowfall, and the height of sea waves can also be displayed on a map. By superimposing and displaying such weather information on a map, it is possible to effectively use not only weather information for driving but also leisure information such as skiing, golf, and marine sports.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system according to the present embodiment includes a grid area arrival time calculator 41 that calculates an estimated arrival time from the current position to each grid area, and a weather information of each grid area at each time obtained by the grid area arrival time calculator 41. And a weather forecast value calculation unit 42 for calculating the forecast value of Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the navigation system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6, but the description of the same parts as those of the other embodiments described above will be omitted.

The weather data analysis unit 44 analyzes the weather data acquired by the weather data acquisition unit 33, and converts the weather of each grid area for each time into a grid weather data table corresponding to the coordinates of each grid area. I do.

The lattice area arrival time calculation unit 41 as the arrival time calculation means calculates an estimated arrival time at each grid area when moving from the current position to each grid area. Further, the weather forecast value calculation unit 42 as weather forecast value calculation means, based on the calculation result obtained by the grid area arrival time calculation unit 41 and the grid weather data table obtained by the weather data analysis unit 44, The predicted weather of each grid region at the time is calculated. Then, the display control unit 45 that controls the display on the display monitor 25 generates display image data indicating the forecasted weather obtained by the weather forecast value calculation unit 58 on the map data.

In this embodiment, the weather data analyzer 44, the lattice area arrival time calculator 57, and the weather forecast calculator 58 execute the programs stored in the ROM 14 and the CD-ROM 24 by the CPU 13 executing the programs. Is achieved.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of control realized by the CPU 13 of the navigation device according to the second embodiment executing a program. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of various data and display images used in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the information providing method of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as in the first embodiment described above, the current position of the vehicle is obtained by the position information obtaining unit 31 (step S111), and map data in a predetermined range including the current position is stored in the map data storage unit 32. It is read (step S112). Next, the lattice area arrival time calculation unit 41 calculates an estimated arrival time at each lattice area from the distance from the current position of the automobile to the center point of each lattice area and the average speed of the automobile (step S113). Here, the average speed of the vehicle may be set to a constant value in advance, or may be a value arbitrarily set by the user. In addition, the navigation system according to the present embodiment is called VI
When used in conjunction with a traffic information providing system such as CS, the average speed of the vehicle and the estimated arrival time at each grid area may be obtained by referring to the traffic information obtained by VICS. FIG. 8 shows a distribution diagram 211 of estimated arrival times at each grid area obtained by the grid area arrival time calculation unit 41. In this distribution diagram 221, a solid area (a) is an area where the estimated arrival time is from 12:00 to 15:00, an area (b) indicated by oblique lines is an area where the estimated arrival time is from 15:00 to 18:00, and The area (c) shaded is an area where the estimated arrival time is from 18:00 to 21:00.

Next, various weather data are obtained by the weather data obtaining unit 33 (step S114). The meteorological data analysis unit 44 analyzes the obtained meteorological data, and obtains lattice meteorological data indicating a predicted value of weather at predetermined time intervals (every three hours in the present embodiment) of each area divided into predetermined area units. A table is generated (step S115).
FIG. 8 shows a grid weather data table 212a showing forecast values of weather every three hours obtained by the weather data analysis unit 44.
To 212c. Each of the tables 212a to 212c is
12: 00-15: 00, 15: 00-18: 00, and 1 respectively
The actual value or the predicted value of the weather in each grid area at 8:00 to 21:00 is shown. In the table 212, as in the first embodiment, 1 indicates sunny, 2 indicates cloudy, and 3 indicates rain. It is assumed that each grid area of the table 212 corresponds to each grid area of the distribution diagram 211.

Next, the weather forecast value calculation unit 42 obtains a weather forecast value at the estimated arrival time of each grid area based on the obtained grid weather data table 212 (step S116). First, the weather at the estimated arrival time (12:00 to 15:00) of the area (a) in the distribution diagram 211 is obtained by referring to the predicted value of the corresponding area (a ′) in the weather data table 212a. Similarly, the weather at the estimated arrival time (15:00 to 18:00) of the area (b) is obtained by referring to the value of the corresponding area (b ′) in the weather data table 212b. Similarly, the weather at the estimated arrival time (18:00 to 21:00) of the area (c) is obtained from the value of the area (c ′) in the weather data table 212c. In this way, weather forecast value data 213 (see FIG. 8) at each estimated arrival time is obtained for each grid area. That is, the weather forecast value at the arrival time to each grid area is obtained by referring to the forecast value of the corresponding area in the grid weather data table indicating the weather forecast value at the arrival time.

Then, the display control unit 45 generates mesh image data obtained by color-coding each grid region for each value (weather) from the obtained weather forecast value data 213 and the map data storage unit 32.
The display image data obtained by superimposing the read map data on the display data is generated and displayed on the display monitor 25 (step S117). Note that the processing in step S117 is the same as the processing in steps S105 to S107 (see FIG. 4) in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the weather forecast value at the estimated arrival time from the current location to each area is superimposed and displayed on the map, instead of simply showing the weather forecast on the map. ing. That is, the present embodiment estimates the weather at the arrival time of an arbitrary area on the map and displays the area on the map in a two-dimensional manner so that the distribution of “weather to go” can be understood at a glance. . Therefore, the weather forecast in each area in consideration of the travel time can be grasped at a glance. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to use weather conditions as criteria for determining a destination or a route. For example, if you want to go skiing, which is better for Tohoku or Shinshu, you can compare at a glance the time of arrival and the weather while you travel, so it is a very effective weather Information can be provided.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The navigation device according to the present embodiment includes a route setting unit 51 that sets a route to a destination, and an arrival time calculation unit 52 that calculates a route point and an arrival time at the destination when moving along the set route. And a weather forecast value calculation unit 53 that calculates a forecast value of weather at each waypoint and destination. Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9, but the description of the same components as the first embodiment, such as the system configuration, will be omitted.

The route setting section 51 as a route setting means includes:
Set the route to the destination specified by the user. The route set here may be set by a route search function used in a normal navigation system, or may be set arbitrarily by the user.

The arrival time calculation section 52 as the arrival time calculation means calculates the arrival time at each waypoint and destination on the route set by the route setting section 47. And a weather forecast value calculation unit 53 as weather forecast value calculation means.
Calculates the weather at each of the transit points and destinations obtained by the arrival time calculator 52 based on the grid weather data table obtained by the weather data analyzer 44.

In the present embodiment, the display control unit 55 generates an image showing the current position of the car on the map data to be displayed on the display monitor 25, the route setting unit 51 and the arrival time calculating unit 52. Then, display image data for displaying the route to the destination, the arrival time, the weather on the route, and the like obtained in step (1) are generated.

In this embodiment, the route setting unit 51,
The arrival time calculation unit 52 and the weather forecast value calculation unit 53
This is realized by the CPU 13 executing the programs stored in the ROM 14 and the CD-ROM 24.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of control realized by the CPU 13 of the navigation device according to the third embodiment executing a program. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of various data used in the present embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed on No. 5; Hereinafter, the information providing method of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

First, similarly to the first embodiment, the current position of the vehicle is obtained by the position information obtaining unit 31 (step S121), and map data in a predetermined range including the current position is read from the map data storage unit 42. (Step S
122). Next, when the destination is specified by the user (step S123), the route setting unit 51 sets a route from the current location to the destination (step S124). FIG.
1, the route diagram 221 set by the route setting unit 51
(In FIG. 11, the display of the map is omitted). Each grid in the route diagram 221 in FIG. 11 corresponds to a grid area of the acquired weather data.

Next, the arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates the arrival at each route point and destination of the route set by the route setting unit 51 based on the distance from the current position of the vehicle to each point and the average speed of the vehicle. Calculate the time (step S
125). Here, the average speed of the vehicle may be set to a constant value in advance, or may be a value arbitrarily set by the user. When the navigation system of the present embodiment is used together with VICS, VI
With reference to the traffic information obtained by the CS, the average speed of the vehicle and the estimated arrival time at each grid area may be obtained. Here, if the time at the current location is 12:00,
The estimated arrival time data 222 at each waypoint and destination as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained.

Next, various weather data are obtained by the weather data obtaining unit 33 (step S126). Then, the weather data analysis unit 44 analyzes the obtained weather data and converts it into a grid weather data table for each time (step S127). FIG. 11 shows the weather data analysis unit 4
4 grid weather data tables 223a to 223 obtained
23c is shown. Each of the tables 223a to 223c represents a live state value or a predicted value of each grid region at each time of 12:00 to 15:00, 15 to 18:00, and 18:00 to 21:00. Note that each grid area of this table 223 is
It is assumed that it corresponds to each grid area of the path diagram 221.
In each of these tables 223, as in the first embodiment, 1 indicates sunny, 2 indicates cloudy, and 3 indicates rain.

Next, the weather forecast value calculation unit 53 refers to the grid weather data table obtained by the weather data analysis unit 44, and obtains each of the route points and the route points obtained by the route setting unit 51 and the arrival time calculation unit 52. The weather forecast value at the arrival time at the destination is calculated (step S128). For example, since the time at the current location is 12:00, the table 22
3a. Since the corresponding data in the table 223a is "1", it can be understood that the weather at the current position at 12:00 is "sunny" (the corresponding numerical value is marked with a circle in the figure). Similarly, since the vehicle arrives at waypoint 1 at 15:30 and arrives at waypoint 2 at 17:30, referring to table 223b, the weather at waypoint 1 is clear and the weather at waypoint 2 is cloudy. You can see that there is. Furthermore, since the vehicle arrives at the destination at 19:00, it can be seen from the table 223c that the weather at the destination is rain. By such an operation, data 224 of predicted weather at the time of arrival at each waypoint and destination as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained.

Then, the display controller 55 calculates the route to the destination (221) obtained at each step, the arrival time data at each waypoint and the destination (222), and the arrival at each waypoint and the destination. The weather at time (224)
The display image data shown on the map data obtained in step S122 is generated and displayed on the display monitor 25 (step S129). Thus, a display image as shown in FIG. 12A is displayed on the display monitor 25. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the arrival time and the weather at each point may be shown in a table format.

As described above, in the third embodiment, attention is paid to the fact that the weather changes continuously depending on the area and time, and these two conditions are used as parameters to set the waypoints and the route points of the set route. The weather forecast at the destination is displayed on a map. Therefore, the weather forecast at each point to the destination can be known at a glance. Moreover,
In the present embodiment, since the weather forecast based on the arrival time at each point is displayed, the user can obtain more accurate information. Therefore, the user can more effectively utilize the weather information for an operation plan and the like.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a functional block diagram of the navigation device by an embodiment. In the navigation system of the present embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 62 calculates the arrival time according to the expected weather of each area obtained by the weather forecast value calculation unit 63 when automatically calculating the arrival time of the waypoint and the destination. It is characterized in that it is corrected, and the other parts are the same as in the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of control realized by the CPU 13 of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment executing a program.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of various data used in the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating details of processing performed by the arrival time calculation unit 62 and the weather forecast value calculation unit 63. Hereinafter, using FIG. 13 to FIG.
An information providing method by the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, similarly to the above-described embodiments, the current position information of the vehicle is obtained by the position information obtaining unit 31 (step S131), and map data of a predetermined range including the current position is stored in the map data storage unit 32. It is read (step S132). Next, when the destination is specified by the user (step S133), the route setting unit 61
Sets the route from the current location to the destination (step S
134). Route diagram 23 set by route setting unit 61
1 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 15A,
Each grid corresponds to each grid area of the acquired weather data, and the display of the map is omitted. FIG.
In (a), a waypoint is set every 30 km from the current location, and the distance from the waypoint 2 to the destination is also 30 km.
And Steps S131 to S1
The processing up to 34 is the same as in the third embodiment.

Next, various types of weather data are obtained by the weather data obtaining unit 33 (step S135). Then, the weather data analysis unit 44 analyzes the obtained weather data, and generates a grid weather data table every predetermined time, here, every three hours. FIG. 15B shows the grid weather data tables 232a to 232c obtained by this processing. Note that the grid weather data 232a to 232c indicate the weather of each area corresponding to each grid area of the route diagram 231.

In the following, the estimated arrival time at each transit point and destination and the forecast weather at each point at that time are obtained by the processing procedures shown in FIG. 15 (c) and FIG. First, the weather forecast value calculation unit 62 acquires the weather at the departure place with reference to the grid weather data table 232a (step S137). As shown in FIG. 15 (c), when the time at the current location is 14:30, the numerical value corresponding to the current location of the grid weather data 232a (the numerical value enclosed by a circle in 232a) is “1”, so the weather is "Sunny". Therefore, the weather forecast value calculation unit 63 calculates the current location at 14: 3
It recognizes that the weather at 0 is “sunny”.

Next, the arrival time at the waypoint 1 is calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 62 (step S138).
In the present embodiment, the average speed used to calculate the arrival time changes depending on the weather. In the present embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 62 refers to the average speed table 233 held in the ROM 14 to set the average speed in a sunny or cloudy state to 30 km / h and the average speed in a rainy state to 20 km / h.
m / hour. Here, since the weather at the current location obtained by the weather forecast value calculation unit 63 is sunny, the arrival time at the transit point 1 is calculated with the average hourly speed being 30 km / h. Since the distance from the current location to the waypoint 1 is 30 km, the required time between the waypoints 1 is one hour, that is, the arrival time at the waypoint 1 is recognized as 15:30.

Next, the weather at the arrival time 15:30 is obtained by the weather forecast value calculation section 63 (step S13).
9). From the grid weather data table 232b, it is understood that the weather forecast value of the waypoint 1 at this time is 3, that is, it is recognized as rain. The same processing is repeated until the arrival time at the destination is obtained in this manner (step S
140; NO).

That is, the arrival time calculation unit 62
When the distance from the waypoint 1 to the waypoint 2 is 30 km, and the average speed is 20 km / h, the arrival time at the waypoint 2 is calculated. That is, the time required during this period is 90
Minutes, it is determined that the vehicle will arrive at waypoint 2 at 17:00. At this time, the weather forecast value calculation unit 63 refers to the grid weather data 232b and recognizes that the forecast value at the waypoint 2 is “3”, that is, the weather is rain. Therefore,
The arrival time calculation unit 62 calculates the average hourly speed to the destination as 20 k
The arrival time at the destination is calculated as m / hour. Since the distance from the waypoint 2 to the destination is 30 km, it is determined that the required time to the destination is 90 minutes, that is, the arrival time at the destination is 18:30. Then, the weather forecast value calculation unit 63 refers to the grid weather data table 231c and recognizes that the forecast value at the destination at this time is “2”, that is, the weather is cloudy.

When the time of arrival at the destination and the weather at that time are obtained in this manner (step S140;
YES), a display image showing the route to the destination, the estimated arrival time at each point, and the weather at the arrival time at each point on the map data obtained in step S132, as in the second embodiment. The data is generated by the display control unit 65. Then, display image data as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display monitor 25 (step S14).
1).

That is, in the present embodiment, the arrival time calculation unit 62 uses the moving speed set based on the current position obtained by the weather forecast value calculation unit 63 and the weather condition at each transit point to obtain the following: Calculate the arrival time at the waypoint or destination. In addition, the weather forecast value calculation unit 63 calculates the current location, each transit point,
And the weather forecast value at the time of arrival at the destination is acquired with reference to the weather data table 232.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the estimated arrival time is obtained in consideration of the weather conditions on the route to the destination, so that more accurate arrival time information and weather information are obtained than in the third embodiment. Information can be provided to the user.

<Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a functional block diagram of the navigation device by an embodiment. The navigation device according to the present embodiment includes a route search unit 71 that searches for a plurality of routes to a destination, an arrival time calculation unit 72 that calculates arrival times at destinations and waypoints, and predicted weather at the destination and each waypoint. , And an optimum route selection unit 74 for selecting an optimum route from a plurality of routes to the destination. When a route search to the destination is performed, a plurality of The most "comfortable" route including weather conditions is selected from the routes.

Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the navigation system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The route search unit 71 as a route search unit searches for a route to a destination specified by the user. Usually, since there are a plurality of routes to the destination, the route searched by the route search unit 71 is also a plurality. Such a route search function is generally used in a navigation system.

The weather forecast value calculating unit 73 as the weather forecast value demonstrating means, for each route searched by the route search unit 71 from the grid weather data table generated by the weather data analysis unit 44, transmits the destination and each route. Calculate the predicted value of the weather at the point. Arrival time calculation unit 7
Reference numeral 2 refers to the weather forecast value of each point obtained by the weather forecast value calculation unit 73 for each route set by the route search unit 71, and calculates the estimated arrival time to the destination and each waypoint. Then, the optimum route selecting unit 74 as a route selecting means selects an optimal route for the user from the estimated arrival time at the destination and the weather forecast value when each searched route is used. In the present embodiment,
The route search unit 71, the arrival time calculation unit 72, the weather forecast value calculation unit 73, and the optimum route selection unit 74 execute the programs stored in the ROM 14 and the CD-ROM 24 by using the CPU 1
3 is implemented.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of control realized by the CPU 13 of the navigation system according to the fifth embodiment executing a program. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of various data used in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, FIGS. 17 to 1
9, the information providing method according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the current position of the vehicle is obtained by the position information obtaining unit 31 (step S151), and map data of a predetermined range including the current position is obtained (step S152).

Next, when the destination is specified by the user (step S153), the route search section 71 searches for a route from the current location to the destination (step S15).
4). Then, as shown in FIG. 19A, three routes from the current location to the destination are obtained. This FIG.
In (a), each grid corresponds to a grid area of weather data acquired in a later step, and the display of a map is omitted. In FIG. 19 (a), the waypoints are set for each of the obtained routes at intervals of 30km from the current location, and the distances from the waypoints 13, 22, and 34 to the destination are all 30km. Suppose there is.

Next, various types of weather data are obtained by the weather data obtaining unit 33 (step S155). The meteorological data obtained is analyzed by the meteorological data analysis unit 44, and grid weather data tables 241a to 241a are displayed at predetermined time intervals, here, every three hours as shown in FIG.
241c is generated (step S156).

Next, the arrival time calculator 72 and the weather forecast calculator 73 determine the arrival time at the destination and the weather on the route for each route (step S1).
57). At this time, the method of acquiring the arrival time at the destination when each route is used and the weather on the route is determined by the processes of steps S138 to S140 of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 14).
Reference). Thereby, the weather and the estimated arrival time on each route as shown in FIG. 19C are obtained.

Then, the optimum route selecting unit 74 selects an optimum route from the three searched routes based on two conditions of “weather on the route” and “arrival time of the destination”. (Step S158). When choosing a route,
There is a method of giving priority to the weather on the route (method A) and a method of giving priority to the arrival time at the destination (method B). The user can select which method A or method B is adopted.

When the user selects the method A, the optimum route selection unit 74 focuses on “weather on the route”, which is the first condition, and selects a route that passes through a point with as little rain as possible. As shown in FIG. 19 (c), the number of route points where rain is expected on the route from the current location to the destination is 0 for route 1, 2 for route 2, and 0 for route 3. That is,
Routes 1 and 3 have the least rain passage points. Subsequently, the optimum route selecting unit 74 focuses on the “arrival time of the destination” which is the second condition. Comparing the arrival times at the destination when using the route 1 and the route 3, respectively, the route 1 is 18:30 and the route 3 is 19:30. early. As a result, the route 1 is selected as the optimal route.

When the user selects the method B, the optimum route selection unit 74 selects the route that arrives at the destination earliest by focusing on the first condition “arrival time at the destination”. Then, as shown in FIG. 19C, the arrival time when the route 1 is used is 18:30, the route 2 is 18:30, and the route 3 is 19:30. Therefore, the routes with the earliest arrival time at the destination are the route 1 and the route 2. Subsequently, the optimum route selection unit 74 focuses on the second condition, “weather on the route”. Comparing the number of rain stop points on the route 1 and the route 2, the route 1 is 0 and the route 2
Is 2, the number of route points for rain is smaller in route 1. As a result, the route 1 is selected as the optimal route.

In the present embodiment, the route selected as the optimum route is the same regardless of which of the methods A and B is used. However, depending on the weather on each route and other conditions, etc.
The selection results may be different. Also, in both the methods A and B, even when the first condition and the second condition are used, if the optimal route is not limited to one, the optimal route is referred to the route to the destination and other traffic conditions. A route may be selected, or a user may select one of the routes.

When the optimum route to the destination is selected in this way, the optimum route to the destination, the estimated arrival time at each point, and the weather on the route are displayed on the map as in the third embodiment. The display image data shown on the data is displayed on the display control unit 75.
Generated by Then, a display image as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display monitor 25 (step S1).
59).

As described above, in the present embodiment, by adopting the weather conditions when selecting a route, a more comfortable and economical route can be selected as compared with the conventional method. Sixth Embodiment FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an information providing system using a weather information providing server according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of the weather information providing server 80. This embodiment provides map information and weather information to a browsing terminal via the Internet by providing the information providing server with the functions of the navigation devices of the above-described embodiments. Here, a case where the function of the fifth embodiment is applied to a weather information providing server will be described as an example.

The weather information providing server 80 is connected to an information browsing terminal 77 such as a personal computer via the Internet 76, and exchanges data via a communication control unit 81. This weather information providing server 80
Is a map data storage unit 82, a search condition acquisition unit 83, a weather data analysis unit 84, a weather data storage unit 85, a route search unit 86, an arrival time calculation unit 87, a weather forecast value calculation unit, in addition to the communication control unit 81. 88, an optimum route selection unit 89, and a control unit 90.

The map data storage section 82 as map data storage means stores map data for providing map information to the browsing terminal 77. The weather data storage unit 85 as a weather information storage unit and a weather information update unit acquires and stores weather information transmitted from a broadcasting station, a communication base station, or the like as needed. Therefore, when the weather information transmitted from the broadcasting station is updated, the weather information stored in the weather data storage unit 85 is also updated. The weather data analysis unit 84 analyzes the weather information stored in the weather data storage unit 85 and generates a grid weather data table for each predetermined time.

The search condition obtaining unit 83 obtains search conditions (departure point, destination, route selection conditions, etc.) specified by the viewing terminal 77. The route selection conditions are the conditions that are prioritized when searching for a route to the destination (weather on the route,
Arrival time). The route search unit 86 as a route setting unit searches for a plurality of routes from the departure place acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 83 to the destination. The arrival time calculation section 87 as the arrival time calculation means is composed of a route search section 86
Then, the estimated arrival times at the route points and the destinations of the routes obtained by the above are calculated. Further, a weather forecast value calculation unit 88 as weather forecast value calculation means calculates a weather forecast value on each route from the grid weather data table and the estimated arrival time on each route.

Then, the optimum route selecting section 89 selects a route suitable for the condition of the user (user of the information browsing terminal 77) from a plurality of routes according to the route selection condition obtained from the information browsing terminal 77. The control unit 90 generates, on the map data stored in the map data storage unit 82, image data indicating an optimal route, an arrival time at a destination, weather on the route, and the like, and a communication control unit as a transmission unit. The information is transmitted to the information browsing terminal 77 via 81. The control unit 90 includes a display image generation unit.

The weather information providing server 8 of the present embodiment
0, the communication control unit 81 is realized by a communication control device, and the map data storage unit 82 and the weather data storage unit 85 are realized by a recording device such as a hard disk. The search condition acquisition unit 83 and the weather data analysis unit 8
4, route search unit 86, arrival time calculation unit 87, weather forecast value calculation unit 88, optimal route selection unit 89, and control unit 90
Is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM and the hard disk.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the contents displayed on the display of the information browsing terminal 77 when this embodiment is used. Hereinafter, an information providing method by the weather information providing server 80 of the present embodiment will be described. First, when the user makes a request from the information browsing terminal 77 to the weather information providing server 80 via the Internet 76 to perform a route search, a display image as shown in FIG. 22 is obtained. The user inputs a departure date, a departure place, a destination, a route selection condition, and the like from an input device such as a keyboard.
These data are transmitted to the weather information providing server 80.

The weather information providing server 80 transmits a search request and data necessary for performing a route search to the information browsing terminal 7.
7, the optimum route to the destination and the predicted value of the weather on the route are obtained according to the information providing method of the fifth embodiment. Weather information providing server 8
0 generates image data in which the search result is displayed on a map, and returns the image data to the information browsing terminal 77 as a route search result.

Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the image data obtained from the weather information providing server 80 is displayed on the display of the information browsing terminal 77. As described above, by using the weather information providing server of the present embodiment, the user can easily perform a route search to the destination indoors,
Weather information on the route can be obtained. Therefore, the user can effectively utilize the weather information when planning a drive or leisure.

<Modifications> Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the navigation device of each of the above embodiments, the transmission of the weather information to the user is performed only by the display on the display monitor 25, but the present invention is not limited to this, and information about the weather on the route is transmitted to the user by voice. An audio output function may be provided. For example, if the weather at the present location is fine, but there is a rainy area on the way along the route, the content such as "It will rain in the future" can be transmitted to the user by voice.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the weather information is obtained by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the FM broadcasting station by the FM antenna and the FM multiplex receiver. However, a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone may be connected to the navigation unit 10 to acquire weather information stored in a server on the Internet.

In the second to fifth embodiments, the weather forecast value is calculated using the weather forecast data every three hours. However, other weather elements, that is, temperature, precipitation, Forecast data such as the probability of precipitation can be used as well.

Although the first to fifth embodiments have been described assuming an on-vehicle type navigation device, the present invention is applied to a navigation device mounted on a ship or an aircraft to select an optimal route. In addition to being effective, it can be effectively used in various fields such as safe operation in fishing, collecting weather information required for sky sports and marine leisure. In addition, if the navigation device of each of the above embodiments is applied to a portable navigation device, it is very useful for climbers whose activities are influenced by weather conditions and agricultural and forestry workers who need extensive weather information. Will be high.

[0098]

According to the present invention, surface weather information on a route or a destination can be displayed together with a map, so that the weather information necessary for driving an automobile or the like can be accurately obtained. Can be provided to the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a navigation device according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a navigation device according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information providing method by the navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing data used in the first embodiment of the present invention and generated display image data.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an information providing method by the navigation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of data used in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information providing method by the navigation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing contents of data used in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing display image data generated in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an information providing method by the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing contents of data used in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing details of processing performed by an arrival time calculator 62 and a weather forecast value calculator 63 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an information providing method by the navigation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing contents of data used in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an information providing system using a weather information providing server according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of a weather information providing server according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view showing data displayed on the information browsing terminal 77 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing image data displayed on the information browsing terminal 77 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 navigation unit 11 GPS receiver 12 FM multiplex receiver 13 CPU 14 ROM 15 RAM 16 input device 17 gyro 21 GPS antenna 22 FM antenna 23 pulse sensor 24 CD-ROM 25 display monitor 31 position information acquisition unit 32 map data storage unit 33, 44 weather data acquisition unit 34 weather data analysis unit 35, 45, 55, 65, 75 display control unit 41 lattice area arrival time calculation unit 42, 53, 63, 73 weather forecast value calculation unit 51, 61 route setting unit 52 , 62, 72 Arrival time calculation unit 71 Route search unit 74 Optimal route selection unit 76 Internet 77 Information browsing terminal 80 Weather information providing server

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Harumi Yokota 5-41, Hiyoshidai, Tomisato-machi, Inba-gun, Chiba Prefecture F-term (reference) 2C032 HB23 HB25 HC27 HD16 HD21 2F029 AA02 AB05 AB07 AB13 AC02 AC08 AC11 AC14 AC19 5H180 AA01 BB04 BB05 BB13 CC27 EE18 FF05 FF12 FF22 FF27 FF33 FF35 FF40

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A position information acquisition unit for measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position, a map data storage unit for storing map data, and a weather information acquisition unit for acquiring weather information for a predetermined area including the current position. And a display unit for displaying the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit at a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage unit. 2. A position information obtaining means for measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position, a map data storage means storing map data, and a predetermined area including the current position, each of which is divided into predetermined area units. Weather information obtaining means for obtaining weather information including a local weather forecast value; and weather forecast for each area obtained by the weather information obtaining means at a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage means. A navigation device comprising: display means for displaying values in a superimposed manner. 3. Position information acquisition means for measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position; map data storage means for storing map data; and arrival time to each area divided into predetermined area units from the current position. A weather information obtaining means for obtaining weather information on a predetermined area including the current position, and a weather forecast value at the estimated arrival time to each area obtained by the arrival time calculating means. Weather forecast value calculating means for obtaining based on weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining means; and a corresponding position on map data stored in the map data storage means obtained by the weather forecast value calculating means. Display means for superimposing and displaying the predicted weather values at the estimated arrival times of the respective areas. 4. A position information obtaining means for measuring latitude, longitude and altitude at a current position, a map data storage means for storing map data, and a weather information obtaining means for obtaining weather information on a predetermined area including the current position. Route setting means for setting a route to a destination; arrival time calculating means for calculating an estimated arrival time at each transit point and the destination on the route set by the route setting means; Weather forecast value calculating means for calculating a weather forecast value at the estimated arrival time at each of the transit points and the destination obtained by the calculating means based on weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining means; and the map At the corresponding position on the map data stored in the data storage means, the route set by the route setting means and the route obtained by the arrival time calculating means are obtained. A navigation device and a display unit operable to display superimposed estimated arrival time, and weather forecast values on the route obtained by the weather forecast value calculating means for each waypoint and the destination was. 5. The arrival time calculating means calculates an estimated arrival time at the next stopover or the destination using a moving speed set based on the current position and a weather condition at each stopover. The navigation device according to claim 4, wherein 6. A position information obtaining means for measuring latitude, longitude and altitude at a current position, a map data storage means for storing map data, and a weather information obtaining means for obtaining weather information on a predetermined area including the current position. Route search means for searching for a plurality of routes to a destination; and calculating, for each of the plurality of routes searched by the route search means, an estimated arrival time at each transit point on the route and the destination. Arrival time calculating means, and calculating a weather forecast value at each of the transit points and the estimated arrival time at the destination obtained by the arrival time calculating means based on weather information obtained by the weather information obtaining means. Weather forecast value calculation means, based on an estimated arrival time at the destination obtained for the plurality of routes and a weather forecast value on each route, A route selecting unit for selecting an optimal route from a plurality of routes; and using the route selected by the route selecting unit and the selected route at a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage unit. Display means for superimposing and displaying the estimated arrival time at the destination and the weather forecast value on the selected route. 7. A navigation system for providing weather information to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle or the like, comprising: position information acquisition means for measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position, and a map storing map data. A data storage unit, a weather information obtaining unit that obtains weather information about a predetermined area including the current position, and a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage unit that is obtained by the weather information obtaining unit. A navigation system, comprising: a navigation device that includes a display unit that displays the weather information in a superimposed manner; and a weather information transmission device that transmits weather information to the navigation device. 8. A program for providing traffic information and weather information to a user of an automobile or the like, comprising: a step of measuring latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position; A computer recording medium storing a program, comprising: a step of acquiring weather information; and a step of superimposing and displaying the acquired weather information at a corresponding position on map data. 9. An information providing method for storing a program for providing traffic information and weather information to a user of an automobile or the like, the method comprising: measuring a latitude, longitude, and altitude at a current position; An information providing method comprising: a step of acquiring weather information on a predetermined area including a position; and a step of displaying the acquired weather information over a corresponding position on map data. 10. An information providing server for providing information to an information browsing terminal via a network, comprising: map data storage means for storing map data; weather information storage means for storing weather information; Weather information updating means for updating the weather information stored in the information storage means at predetermined time intervals; and weather information obtained by the weather information storage means at a corresponding position on the map data stored in the map data storage means. A weather information providing server, comprising: a display image generating unit that generates a display image on which information is superimposed and displayed; and a transmitting unit that transmits the display image to an information browsing terminal. 11. An information providing server for providing information to an information browsing terminal via a network, comprising: map data storage means for storing map data; weather information storage means for storing weather information; Weather information updating means for updating the weather information stored in the information storage means at predetermined time intervals, route setting means for setting a route to a destination specified by an information viewing terminal, and setting by the route setting means. An arrival time calculating means for calculating an estimated arrival time at each of the transit points and the destination on the route; and a weather forecast at the estimated transit point at each of the transit points and the destination obtained by the arrival time calculating means. Weather forecast value calculation means for obtaining a value based on weather information stored in the weather information storage means; and map data stored in the map data storage means. At the corresponding position on the data, the route set by the route setting means, the estimated arrival time at each of the transit points and the destination obtained by the arrival time calculating means, and the route obtained by the weather forecast value calculating means. A weather information providing server, comprising: a display image generating unit that generates a display image that displays the obtained weather forecast values on the route in an overlapping manner; and a transmitting unit that transmits the display image to the information viewing terminal. 12. An information providing method for providing information to an information browsing terminal via a network, the method comprising: acquiring weather information; updating the weather information at predetermined time intervals; Generating a display image in which the display image is superimposed on a corresponding position on the map data, and transmitting the display image to an information browsing terminal. 13. A program for providing information to an information browsing terminal via a network, comprising: obtaining weather information; updating the weather information at predetermined time intervals; A computer recording medium storing a program comprising: a step of generating a display image to be superimposed on a corresponding position on data; and a step of transmitting the display image to an information browsing terminal.