JP2000304555A - Navigation system, method and recording medium for recording navigation software - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To guide on ETC(non-stop automatic toll collection system) with a navigation system. SOLUTION: When ETC-related information is processed by an ETC processor 13, an additional ETC placement information memory 14 stores ETC placement information indicating placement of an ETC in accordance with the position information indicating the present position. An ETC approach decision part 45 decides the passing of a toll road corresponding to the position information stored in the additional ETC placement information memory 44, based on the present position. A second guide part 45 guides on ETC, based on the ETC placement information stored in the additional ETC placement information memory 44 also in the case of passing the toll road placing this kind of ETC.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in navigation technology for providing guidance on a moving object, and more particularly, to guidance related to ETC.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of electronic technology, various technologies for processing information relating to the traveling of an automobile by a computer have appeared. For example, a navigation system is known as a device that is mounted on a mobile body such as an automobile and provides route guidance.

This navigation system searches for an optimum route to a given destination based on road data recorded on a CD-ROM or the like, and finds the current position of the vehicle (referred to as the vehicle position). It is calculated sequentially by GPS or the like. Then, while displaying the routes and roads around the own vehicle position on a liquid crystal screen or the like in real time, the display device notifies the user of the right / left turn point or the like by a synthesized voice or the like. Such information processing is called navigation, and with such a navigation system,
It is easy to run the right road smoothly even in the first place or area.

[0004] Toll roads such as highways are
As a technology to receive without stopping the vehicle,
Nonstop automatic toll collection system (Electronic Toll
Collection systems, referred to in the present application as "ETC") are known. This ETC wirelessly communicates necessary information in place of the conventional pass of passing a ticket between an electronic device installed at an entrance or an exit of a toll road and an electronic device mounted on each vehicle by wireless communication. The toll is charged to the vehicle.

[0005] Specifically, for example, on the toll road side, roadside machines equipped with radio communication antennas are installed at entrance gates, exit gates, check barriers on the way, etc. Build a toll collection system by connecting to a network. In addition, each vehicle is equipped with an in-vehicle device for transmitting and receiving information such as an identification code to and from a road device.

[0006] When the approaching vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection sensor, the on-road unit at the entrance of the toll road identifies the vehicle type by the vehicle type discriminating device, and exchanges necessary information by wireless communication with the on-vehicle device. At this time, for example, the entrance,
Information such as the type of vehicle is sent from the on-board unit to the on-board unit and stored therein, and the fee is charged by being passed from the on-board unit to the on-board unit at the exit. The fee charged in this way is a predetermined credit card, direct debit, prepayment,
It is settled by bill payment at a later date.

[0007] Since such an ETC collects tolls without stopping the vehicle, it is expected to increase the processing capacity per unit time of the toll booth, for example, by four times, to alleviate congestion, and to reduce the traffic congestion. It is in trial operation for

Conventional toll booths have a plurality of lanes corresponding to individual clerks and automatic ticketing machines. For the operation of the ETC, for the time being, some of the lanes are to be used exclusively for ETCs. It is considered that the vehicle does not have an on-board device,
Measures are also being taken to respond to intrusion into the dedicated lane.

[0009]

However, since the conventional navigation system as described above does not assume ETC, there is a problem that it is impossible to provide guidance on ETC. For this reason, the driver has to make his own judgment as to whether or not the toll booth to be passed is equipped with ETC facilities and where the ETC exclusive lane is, and there is a problem that the driver is troublesome.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation technology for providing guidance related to ETC, that is, a navigation system and method, and a recording medium on which navigation software is recorded. To provide.

A CD-RO for recording road information and the like
In the case where ETC installation information such as which toll booth is equipped with ETC equipment and whether the ETC dedicated lane is to the right or left is previously recorded in a database such as M, and guidance on ETC is provided based on this information However, there may be a case where it is not possible to guide the vehicle through the ETC exclusive lane even though the ETC exclusive lane is installed at the tollgate.

[0012] Such a situation may occur even if ETC installation information is not recorded in the database in the first place.
Occurs when ETCs are installed in new toll booths one after another with the spread, and the database cannot keep up. In this case, in the toll booth where there should be no ETC equipment in the ETC installation information, it was found that an ETC dedicated lane was created when actually going through the toll booth, and it was necessary to solve this problem.

There are two types of toll collection systems on toll roads. A system that collects tolls at an exit based on a toll ticket issued at an entrance is called an entrance ticketing exit collection system. What is completed after receipt is called a simple receipt method. In the former, it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane even at the exit, but in the latter, it is not necessary, so guidance on this point was necessary.

When the navigation system obtains toll information on road usage such as the amount charged by ETC from outside, not only the toll information is simply recorded, but also the position of the vehicle calculated using GPS, for example. If you record or display it in association with information such as
Use of information such as operation management becomes easy.

That is, another object of the present invention is to provide a CD-R
An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system technology for guiding an ETC dedicated lane even if there is no ETC installation information on ETC in a database such as OM in advance. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a navigation technology for giving a guidance instruction by voice or display as to whether or not it is necessary to pass through an ETC dedicated lane even at an exit, depending on a toll collection method of a toll road to be passed. It is. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a navigation technique for storing and displaying fee information relating to a fee obtained from the outside in association with information such as a driving record obtained from the navigation.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first aspect of the present invention is a navigation system mounted on a vehicle for performing a route guidance, wherein the current position of the vehicle is calculated. Means for storing road information indicating where and what roads exist; means for guiding a route to a given destination based on the current position and the road information; and a vehicle. And toll processing means for processing toll-related information on toll road tolls by ETC by communicating with the outside of the toll road.
C includes ETC installation information indicating whether the equipment is installed, based on the current position and the ETC installation information,
When trying to go through the toll booth where ETC is installed, ETC
Means for providing guidance regarding The invention according to claim 8 is a method in which the invention according to claim 1 is viewed from the viewpoint of a method. In a navigation method for mounting on a vehicle to provide road guidance, road information indicating where and what road is located is provided. Stored in advance, a step for calculating the current position of the vehicle, a step for guiding a route to a given destination based on the current position and the road information, and Communicating toll-related information on toll road ETC tolls by communicating, said road information comprising:
C includes ETC installation information indicating whether the equipment is installed, based on the current position and the ETC installation information,
When trying to go through the toll booth where ETC is installed, ETC
The method includes a step of providing guidance regarding According to the first and eighth aspects of the present invention, guidance is provided as to whether ETC facilities are located at the toll booth to be passed, and whether the ETC lane is shifted to the right or left. For this reason, the driver does not need to judge by himself whether the toll gate to be passed is equipped with ETC facilities or the location of the ETC lane, which facilitates the use of ETC and makes driving easier. Safety is further improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and ETC on a toll road by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Charge processing means for processing the charge-related information related to the charge by the ET, and when the charge-related information is processed, the ET related to the ETC
C storage means for storing the installation information in association with the calculated position information indicating the current position, and the E information based on the stored position information and the calculated current position.
Means for determining that the TC is going to go through the toll road where the ETC is installed, and, if the ETC is going to go through the toll road where the ETC is installed, the ETC based on the ETC installation information stored for the toll road. And guidance means for providing guidance relating to According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, comprising the steps of calculating a current position of the vehicle; Processing the toll-related information relating to the toll road toll by ETC by communicating with the ETC installation information representing the installation of the ETC when the toll-related information has been processed. And a step of storing the ETC based on the stored position information and the calculated current position, based on the stored position information and the calculated current position. Steps and
And a step of providing guidance on ETC based on the ETC installation information stored for the toll road when the ETC is going to be installed on the toll road. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the inventions of the second and ninth aspects are viewed from the viewpoint of a recording medium on which computer software is recorded, and the navigation software for providing road guidance in a vehicle using a computer is recorded. In the recorded recording medium, the software causes the computer to calculate the current position of the vehicle, process the toll-related information related to the toll road ETC toll by communicating with the outside of the vehicle, and process the toll-related information. E
ETC installation information indicating the installation of the TC is stored in association with the calculated position information indicating the current position, and the ETC is installed based on the stored position information and the calculated current position. When it is determined that the vehicle is going to pass through a toll road, and when the vehicle tries to go through a toll road where the ETC is installed, the ETC stored for the toll road is stored.
It is characterized in that guidance on ETC is performed based on the installation information. According to the second, ninth and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, even if there is no ETC installation information in the database of the navigation system for toll roads such as expressways in advance, and it is not known in advance that ETC equipment is available, the on-vehicle device is installed at the toll gate entrance. When it operates and receives ETC entrance information and toll information, it stores the position in association with coordinates and road information. And about the memorized toll road,
When the route is included in the calculated route to the destination or when the driver tries to pass through the same tollgate, the vehicle is guided by voice or display so as to pass through the ETC lane. For this reason, the driver
It is possible to recognize in advance that the vehicle will pass through the lane, and ETC can be used effectively, and driving safety can be further improved. In addition,
Initially, even if there is no ETC installation information at all, guidance similar to the above is performed, and guidance similar to the above is also performed when it is known in advance from the ETC installation information that there is ETC equipment on the toll road. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the navigation system according to the second aspect, further comprising means for determining a toll collection method on the toll road in accordance with whether or not the toll has been charged at the entrance of the toll road. The storage unit is configured to also store the determined toll collection system, and the guidance unit is configured to perform the guidance also for the stored toll collection system. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the invention of the third aspect is viewed from the viewpoint of a method. In the navigation method according to the ninth aspect, the toll road is charged depending on whether or not the toll is charged at an entrance of the toll road. And the step of storing also stores the determined toll collection method, and the step of performing the guidance also includes the step of determining the stored toll collection method. The guidance is provided. According to the third and tenth aspects of the present invention, the toll collection method is determined and stored based on whether or not the fee is charged at the entrance, and the user is also informed of the toll collection method, so that the use of the ETC is smoother. In other words, if it is not charged at the entrance, it is a toll road of the entrance ticketing exit collection method, if it is charged at the entrance, it is a simple collection method, if it is the former, it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane at the exit, if it is the latter, it is Since there is no need to do so, we will provide guidance on this point.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and ETC on a toll road by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Charge processing means for processing the charge-related information relating to the toll, storage means for storing whether the charge was charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road, and charging the charge at the entrance. Means for providing guidance as to whether or not it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane at the exit of the toll road, depending on whether or not the vehicle has passed the toll road. According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, comprising the steps of calculating a current position of the vehicle; Processing toll-related information relating to ETC tolls on toll roads by communicating with said toll road; storing whether said tolls have been charged when passing through said toll road entrance; And providing guidance as to whether it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane at the exit of the toll road depending on whether or not the fee has been charged. The invention of claim 16 is a modification of the invention of claims 4 and 11,
It is a recording medium in which the software of a computer is recorded, and the computer uses a computer to record navigation software for performing navigation in a vehicle. Let me calculate the position,
By communicating with the outside of the vehicle, toll-related information relating to the toll road toll by ETC is processed, and whether or not the toll has been charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road is stored, and the toll is charged at the entrance. According to whether or not the vehicle has been passed, guidance is provided on whether or not it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane at the exit of the toll road. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: a means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and an ETC toll on a toll road by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Toll processing means for processing toll-related information, storage means for storing the passage of the entrance when the toll has not been charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road; Means for detecting an attempt to exit a toll road based on a location, and exiting the ETC lane if the entrance is memorized when attempting to exit the exit Means for guiding what to do. According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the invention of the fifth aspect is viewed from the viewpoint of a method. In a navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, a step of calculating a current position of the vehicle, and Processing toll-related information relating to toll road tolls by communicating with the toll road, and storing the passage of the toll road if the toll was not charged when passing the entrance. And a step for detecting an attempt to pass through an exit of a toll road based on the calculated current position. And a step of guiding the driver to leave the ETC lane. According to the invention of claims 4,11,16,5,12, the driver is informed whether it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane at the exit depending on whether the fee is charged at the entrance. Whether or not to pass through the ETC lane can be recognized in advance, so that the use of ETC is smooth and the driving safety is further improved. In other words, there are two types of toll collection methods on toll roads, and those that collect tolls at the exit based on toll tickets issued at the entrance are called entrance ticketing and exit collection methods. The thing is called a simple collection method. In the former, it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane even at the exit, but in the latter, it is not necessary. For this reason, for example, when no charge is made when passing through the entrance, the passage of the entrance is stored. In this case, based on the route you ’re currently navigating on or a route that ’s been newly calculated,
When a toll road exit that is scheduled to exit is approached or when the vehicle branches off in the direction of the exit, an instruction is given by voice or display indicating that the vehicle should pass through the ETC lane. On the other hand, even in this case, it is not necessary to memorize the fact that the vehicle passes through an entrance of a simple collection system in which a flat fee for each type of vehicle is charged at the entrance like the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway. If you are charged at the entrance, remember that, and at the exit ET
Informs you that you do not have to go through the lane for C and memorizes whether you are not charged or not.
An example of providing guidance as to whether or not to pass through the TC lane is also included in the present invention. The lane for ETC is E
This includes not only the lane dedicated to TC but also the lane shared with other collection systems.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and ETC on a toll road by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Charge processing means for processing the charge-related information related to the charge by, and the charge-related information processed by the charge processing means,
It is characterized by comprising a storage unit for storing in association with a travel record, which is information on the travel of the vehicle, and a unit for outputting the stored fare-related information and the travel record. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the invention of the sixth aspect is viewed from the viewpoint of a method. In a navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, a step of calculating a current position of the vehicle, and A toll processing step for processing toll related information relating to toll road tolls by ETC by communicating with the toll road; And a step of outputting the stored fare-related information and the travel record. According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the invention according to the sixth and thirteenth aspects is viewed from the viewpoint of a recording medium on which computer software is recorded, and the navigation software for providing road guidance in a vehicle using a computer is recorded. In the recorded recording medium, the software causes the computer to calculate the current position of the vehicle, and to process toll-related information related to ETC tolls on toll roads by communicating with the outside of the vehicle, wherein the processed toll-related information is processed. Is stored in association with a travel record that is information relating to the travel of the vehicle, and the stored fare-related information and the travel record are output. Claim 6,1
According to the inventions of Patent Nos. 3,17, since the navigation system can store and output the toll-related information on road use obtained from the outside in association with the travel record such as the current position at that time, the toll information can be confirmed at a later date. .
The travel record is information obtained from navigation by the navigation system, and includes, for example, a current position, a current time, a travel distance from a point where a destination is set,
For example, the travel time and the distance to the destination.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the navigation system according to the sixth aspect, the travel record includes at least a current position of the vehicle calculated at a time when the toll-related information is processed. . According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the invention of the seventh aspect is viewed from the viewpoint of a method. In the navigation method according to the thirteenth aspect, the travel record is calculated at least when the fare-related information is processed. The current position of the vehicle may be included. According to the seventh and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, the current position at the time of charging is stored together with the fee-related information, so that it is easy to specify which tollgate has been charged later. Become.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a navigation system according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment" or the present system) will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is realized using various hardware devices and a computer controlled by software. In this case, the software
It is created by combining instructions according to the description of this specification, and the technique described in the related art is used for the common parts with the above-described related art. Further, the software includes not only program codes but also data prepared in advance for use in executing the program codes.
The software realizes the operation and effect of the present invention by utilizing a physical processing device such as a CPU and various chipsets incorporated in the system.

However, specific hardware and software configurations for realizing the present invention can be variously modified. For example, depending on the circuit configuration and the processing capability of the CPU, a certain function may be realized by a physical electronic circuit such as an LSI, or may be realized by software. Also, regarding the part using software, various forms of software, such as a compiler and an assembler, can be considered. A recording medium on which software for realizing the present invention is recorded is also an aspect of the present invention by itself.

As described above, there are various possible modes for realizing the present invention using a computer. In the following, this embodiment uses virtual circuit blocks for realizing individual functions included in the present invention and the embodiments. The invention and embodiments will be described.

[1. Configuration] First, FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment. [1-1. Overall Configuration] That is, the present embodiment is a navigation system mounted on an automobile as a moving body for guiding a route, and includes an absolute position / azimuth detecting unit 1,
Relative bearing detection unit 2, vehicle speed detection unit 3, main CPU and peripheral circuits 4, memory group M, user interface unit 9, display unit 10, input unit 11, CD-RO
An M control unit 12 and an ETC processing unit 13 are provided.

Of these, the absolute position / azimuth detecting unit 1
This is a means for calculating the absolute position coordinates and azimuth on the ground surface of the current position of the vehicle (own vehicle) equipped with this system by receiving the GPS radio wave transmitted from the PS satellite. The relative azimuth detecting unit 2 is a part for detecting the relative azimuth of the own vehicle using a gyro or the like. The vehicle speed detector 3 is a part for calculating the speed of the own vehicle by processing a vehicle speed pulse obtained from the vehicle.

The main CPU and its peripheral circuits 4
Is a part that plays a role of a control circuit that controls the entire system. The memory group M is various memories necessary for the operation of the present system. For example, the memory group M includes a ROM 5 storing a BIOS, a boot-up program, and the like.
It includes a DRAM 6 used for a work area, an SRAM 7 serving as a nonvolatile memory for recording information such as a registration file, and a VRAM 8 used for video display.

The display section 10 is a section for outputting various information such as a map and an operation menu by using a liquid crystal display panel, a voice synthesizer or the like (not shown). This is a part for inputting various information such as commands and destinations into the system by using such as. In addition, the user interface unit 9 includes an I / O
This is a user interface that connects the display unit 10 and the input unit 11 to the main CPU and its peripheral circuits 4 using a control circuit and a driver.

The CD-ROM control unit 12 is a means for storing road information for search indicating where and what road is located, map information for map display, and the like. This is a part for reading various information such as software for a navigation system and the above road information from a CD-ROM. The information recorded on the CD-ROM is collectively called a database.

The ETC processing unit 13 is a toll processing means for processing toll-related information related to ETC tolls on toll roads by communicating with the outside of the vehicle, and is called an on-vehicle device. Specifically, the ETC processing unit 13 includes an ETC processing unit installed at an entrance or an exit of a toll road.
This is a part for performing processing related to toll billing by transmitting and receiving necessary information in place of the conventional pass of passing tolls by wireless communication with a roadside machine.

That is, the information exchanged by the ETC processing unit 13 with the on-road unit in this way is called toll-related information, and is typically received from the on-road unit installed in the ETC-only lane at the tollgate at the entrance of the toll road. Includes entrance information and toll information received from on-board units installed in ETC-only lanes at toll road exit tollgates.

More specifically, the entrance information includes identification information of a tollgate or a road machine when the vehicle enters a toll road, time,
When the vehicle leaves the toll road, the ETC processing unit 13 sends the ET information of the toll road exit tollgate.
It is transmitted to the on-road unit installed in the C-only lane. Also,
The fee information is, for example, information indicating identification information of a toll booth or a roadside machine when the vehicle exits a toll road, time, a charge amount of a usage fee, and the like. The present system is configured to obtain such charge-related information from the ETC processing unit 13.

[1-2. Role of Main CPU and its Peripheral Circuit] Furthermore, the main CPU and its peripheral circuit 4
By the operation of the software as described above, the current position calculation unit 41, the guide unit 42, the second guide unit 43, the additional ETC installation information storage unit 44, and the ETC approach determination unit 45
A toll collection method determination unit 46, a charge waiting storage unit 47, a charge related information storage unit 48, a charge related information output unit 49,
It is configured to play the role of.

The current position calculator 41 is a means for calculating the current position of the own vehicle (also referred to as own vehicle position). In addition, the guide unit 42 determines the route to the given destination by using the current position calculated by the current position calculation unit 41 (hereinafter simply referred to as the current position) and the CD-ROM control unit 1.
And means for providing guidance on a display screen, voice, or the like based on the road information read by the second information processing apparatus.

The guide section 42 includes a current position, a CD-R
Using the road information and map information read by the OM control unit 12, the route to the destination, the roads around the destination,
The position of the vehicle is displayed on the display unit 10, and the right and left turn points are displayed or displayed by a synthesized voice.

[1-2-1. Configuration Regarding Guidance Based on ETC Installation Information] In the present embodiment, a CD-ROM
The road information read by the control unit 12 includes ETC installation information indicating which tollgate on which toll road has ETC equipment installed. And E
The TC approach determination unit 45 is a means for determining, based on the ETC installation information and the current position, whether the equipment of the ETC processing unit 13 is going to travel on a toll road.

Further, when the second guide section 43 tries to pass through the toll booth where the ETC is installed, the second guide section 43 performs the ET based on the ETC installation information read from the CD-ROM control section 12.
This is a means for providing guidance related to ETC such as the position of the C-only lane.

[1-2-2. Configuration Regarding Storage and Guidance of New ETC Installation Information] In addition, when the ETC fee-related information is processed by the ETC processing unit 13, the additional ETC installation information storage unit 44 stores ETC installation information indicating the installation of ETC at the current location. This is storage means for storing in association with position information representing. In addition, the ETC approach determination unit 45
The toll road corresponding to the position information stored in the additional ETC installation information storage unit 44 is also configured to play a role as a means for determining whether to try to go based on the current position.

The second guide 43 is provided with such an E
When the vehicle is going to pass through the toll road where the TC is installed, the additional ETC installation information storage unit 4 for the toll road is used.
4 is configured to play a role as guidance means for providing guidance on ETC based on the ETC installation information stored in the storage device 4.

The toll collection method judging section 46 is means for judging the toll collection method on the toll road according to whether the toll is charged at the entrance of the toll road where the ETC is installed. Further, additional ETC installation information storage unit 4
No. 4 is also configured to store the fee collection method determined in this way. The second guidance unit 43 is also configured to provide the guidance for the fee collection method stored as described above.

[1-2-3. Configuration Regarding Guidance of Exit According to Toll Collection Method]
This is storage means for storing whether a toll was charged when the vehicle passed through the entrance of the toll road where the TC was installed. Further, the second guide unit 43 provides a means for providing a guide as to whether or not it is necessary to pass through the ETC exclusive lane at the exit of the toll road according to whether or not the fee has been charged at the entrance. It is also configured to play a role.

More specifically, the charging waiting storage unit 47
When the toll is not charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road, the passage of this entrance is stored. Further, the ETC approach determination unit 45 is configured to also serve as a unit for detecting an attempt to pass through an exit of a toll road based on the current position. In addition, the second guide unit 43 guides that the vehicle should exit the ETC-only lane when passing through the entrance is stored in the charging waiting storage unit 47 when trying to pass through the exit of the toll road as described above. It is configured to also serve as a means for the purpose.

[1-2-4. Configuration of Storage and Output of Charge-Related Information] The charge-related information storage unit 48
This is storage means for storing the fee-related information processed by the C processing unit 13 in association with a travel record, which is information on travel of the own vehicle. In addition, charge related information output unit 4
Reference numeral 9 denotes a unit for outputting the fare-related information and the travel record stored in the fare-related information storage unit 48 as described above. Here, the travel record is information obtained from navigation by the navigation system, and includes, for example, a current position, a current time, a travel distance from a point where the destination is set, a travel time, a distance to the destination, and the like. Here, it is assumed that at least the current position of the own vehicle calculated at the time when the fee related information is processed is included.

The main CPU and its peripheral circuits 4
Although not shown, is configured to perform, in addition to the above, calculation of a route to a given destination and other necessary processing.

[2. Operation] The present embodiment configured as described above operates as follows. [2-1. Guidance Based on ETC Installation Information] First, in the present embodiment, if it is known in advance from the ETC installation information read from the database by the CD-ROM control unit 12 that the toll booth to be visited has, the ETC The approach determination unit 45 uses the ETC setting information,
Based on the current position, it is determined that the ETC equipment is going to go through a toll road, particularly a tollgate. In this case, the second guide unit 43 sends the ETC
And guidance on ETC, such as the presence of such facilities and the position of lanes such as whether the ETC-only lane is to the right or left.

[2-2. Storage and guidance of new ETC installation information] However, if ETCs are being installed at new toll booths one after another due to its widespread use and the database cannot be updated, an ETC dedicated lane is actually installed at the toll booth. Despite the situation, a situation occurs in which it is impossible to guide the vehicle to pass through the ETC exclusive lane. In such a case, ET
According to the C installation information, there is no ETC equipment at the toll booth, and when you actually go, it means that an ETC dedicated lane has been created. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a new ETC
The installation information is stored, and guidance is performed based on the information from the next time.

Here, FIG. 2 shows an antenna (referred to as tollgate antenna) A of a roadside machine installed at a toll road entrance tollgate.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which an ETC processing unit 13 of a vehicle C passing through an ETC exclusive lane exchanges fee-related information such as entrance information by wireless communication. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the ETC processing unit 13 receives entrance information in a toll road entrance toll booth where there should be no ETC equipment yet in the ETC installation information.

That is, in the ETC setting information, the ETC
When the ETC processing unit 13 receives the entrance information at the tollgate at the toll road where there should be no facilities (step 3)
1) First, the toll collection method determination unit 46 determines a toll collection method (also referred to as a billing method) on the toll road according to whether or not a fee has been charged at the entrance.

In other words, if there is no charge at the entrance, it is a toll road of the entrance ticketing and exit collection method (step 32), and if it is charged at the entrance, it is a toll road of the simple collection method. Determines whether the ETC equipment is installed at the tollgate at the toll road entrance at the current position, in addition to the entrance ticketing exit collection method (step 33) or the simple collection method (step 34) determined in this way. It is stored as additional ETC installation information associated with the corresponding position information, that is, road information (steps 33 and 3).
4). However, such determination and storage of the toll collection method is not essential, and only the position of the entrance tollgate where the ETC is installed may be stored as ETC installation information.

Then, thereafter, the ETC approach determination section 45
Determines that the vehicle is going to pass through the toll road corresponding to the position information stored in the additional ETC installation information storage unit 44 as described above. Here, FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when providing guidance regarding ETC based on the ETC installation information stored in the installation information storage unit 44.

That is, during the route to the destination calculated in advance, the ETC stored in the additional ETC
If the toll road entrance corresponding to the TC information is included,
While guiding the vehicle along this route, the ETC approach determination unit 45
Determines that the vehicle has arrived at the stored entrance (step 41).

At this time, the second guide section 43 is
If the charging method is not stored in association with the road information included in the ETC setting information in the C setting information storage unit 44 (step 42), the ETC dedicated lane (ETC
The user is guided to pass through a special entrance (step 43). Further, at this time, if there is no ETC installation information pertaining to the entrance of the toll road, it may be possible to provide guidance on only the entry to the toll road as in the related art.

If it is determined in step 42 that the charging system is also stored, the vehicle passes through the ETC dedicated entrance according to the determination whether the charging system is the entrance ticketing exit collection system or the simple collection system (step 44). (Steps 45 and 46), and informs the user of the entrance ticketing / exit collection method (Step 45) or the simple collection method (Step 46).

[2-3. Exit Guidance According to Charge Collection Method] In the present embodiment, the guidance of the exit according to the charge collection method is performed using the flag of the charging waiting storage unit 47.
First, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining a toll collection method and operating a flag when entrance information is received. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when passing the entrance of the tollgate, the entrance information is received (step 5).
1), the toll collection method determination unit 46 determines the toll collection method according to whether or not the fee is charged at the entrance (step 52).

Further, the charging waiting storage unit 47 stores whether or not a fee is charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road where the ETC is installed. Is stored.
That is, if the entrance information is not charged when the entrance information is received, the entrance issuance / exit collection system is a toll road, so the charging waiting storage unit 47 sets an entrance passing charging waiting flag (step 53). On the other hand, if the fee is charged at the entrance, since the toll road is of the simple toll collection type, the entrance passage charge waiting flag is cleared (step 54).

Here, the entrance passage charge waiting flag indicates that the vehicle has passed the ETC exclusive entrance of the toll road, but has not yet been charged, so that when exiting, it passes through the ETC exclusive lane of the exit tollgate (referred to as ETC exclusive exit). This is a flag indicating what should be done, and its role is to place the toll ticket received by the driver's car in an easily visible place in the related art.

Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case of providing guidance relating to the exit according to the state of the entrance passage charge waiting flag. In other words, when the pre-calculated route includes a part that guides the driver to exit from a toll road such as an expressway to a general road, a point for guiding the exit from the toll road to a general road during guidance along such a route. , The ETC approach determination unit 45 detects that the vehicle is about to exit the toll road based on the current position (step 61).

In this case, the second guide section 43 provides a guide as to whether or not it is necessary to pass through the ETC exclusive lane at the exit of the toll road, depending on whether or not the fee has been charged at the entrance. Guide the driver to the exit. Here, it is assumed that the second guide unit 43 guides that the vehicle should exit the ETC exclusive lane when the passage of the entrance is stored in the charging waiting storage unit 47.

That is, the second guide unit 43 determines whether or not the entrance passage charging waiting flag of the charging waiting storage unit 47 is set (step 62). After clearing (step 63), instruction guidance is performed to pass through the ETC exclusive exit (step 64). On the other hand, if the entrance passage charging wait flag in the charging waiting storage unit 47 is not set, the ET
Normal guidance is performed not limited to the C-only exit (step 65).

[2-4. Storage and Output of Charge-Related Information] In this embodiment, the charge-related information of the ETC can be stored together with the travel record and output later. Where E
The fee-related information processed by the TC processing unit 13 includes:
Although there is entrance information and fee information, here, it is assumed that the ETC processing unit 13 records the fee information received from the on-road device together with the travel record (also referred to as travel data), and a flowchart showing this processing procedure is shown in FIG. .

That is, the fee-related information storage unit 48 appropriately checks the reception of the fee information (step 71), and performs ET.
When the C processing unit 13 receives the fee information, the fee information is stored in association with the travel data which is information relating to the travel of the own vehicle (step 72).

Here, the traveling data is information obtained from the navigation by the navigation system.
For example, the current position, the current time, the travel distance from the point where the destination is set, the travel time, the distance to the destination, and the like can be freely determined, but here, at least, at the time when the fee-related information is processed It is assumed that the calculated current position of the vehicle is included.

The charge-related information storage unit 4
The toll-related information and the travel record stored in 8 can be output from the toll-related information output unit 49 at any time later.

[3. [Effect] As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of the second guide section 43 and the like provides guidance as to whether ETC facilities are located at the toll booth to be passed and whether the ETC exclusive lane is rightward or leftward. For this reason,
Drivers do not need to make their own judgments as to whether toll gates that will pass are equipped with ETC facilities or where ETC-only lanes are located, making it easier to use ETC and further improving driving safety. improves.

Further, in the present embodiment, even if there is no ETC installation information in the database of the navigation system for toll roads such as expressways in advance, and it is not known in advance that there is ETC equipment, the additional ETC installation information storage unit 44, When the vehicle-mounted device operates at the entrance of the tollgate and receives the ETC entrance information and the toll information by the operation of the ETC approach determination unit 45 and the second guide unit 43, the position is stored in association with the coordinates and the road information. I do.

Then, the stored toll road is thereafter included in the calculated route to the destination,
When trying to pass through the same tollgate, guidance is provided by voice or display so as to pass through an ETC exclusive lane. For this reason, the driver can recognize in advance that the vehicle will pass through the ETC dedicated lane,
Can be used effectively, and driving safety is further improved.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the receiving system determination unit 4
6 and the like, the toll collection system is determined and stored depending on whether or not the fee is charged at the entrance, and the user is also notified of the toll collection system, so that the use of the ETC becomes smoother.

Also, in the present embodiment, the receiving / receiving system determination unit 4
6. According to the operation of the charging waiting storage unit 47, etc., the driver is notified whether or not it is necessary to pass through the ETC exclusive lane at the exit depending on whether or not the fee is charged at the entrance. Whether or not to pass can be recognized in advance, so that the use of ETC becomes smoother and driving safety is further improved.

In this embodiment, the operation of the toll-related information storage unit 48 and the toll-related information output unit 49 causes the navigation system to store the toll-related information on road use obtained from outside, such as the current position at that time. Since the information can be stored and output in association with the record, the charge information can be surely confirmed at a later date.

In particular, in the present embodiment, by storing the current position at the time of billing together with the fee-related information, it is easy to specify at which tollgate the billing was performed later. become.

[4. Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but includes other embodiments as exemplified below. For example, ET
The guidance based on the C installation information does not exist at first because there is no ETC installation information at all, and the guidance based on the ETC installation information relating to the new ETC is not only provided, but also because the ETC facilities are present on the toll road, The present invention can be applied to a case where the information is known in advance.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the charge is not made at the entrance, that fact is stored, and the ETC is made at the exit.
Although the example of guiding the user to pass through the dedicated lane has been described, on the contrary, for example, when charging is performed at the entrance, the fact is stored, and the user is notified that the vehicle does not need to pass through the ETC dedicated lane at the exit. The present invention also includes an example in which the information is stored whether or not the user is charged, and in either case, the exit guides whether or not to pass through the ETC dedicated lane at the exit. Also, ETC
The lane for use includes not only a lane dedicated to ETC but also a lane shared with another collection system.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the present invention can provide a navigation technology for providing guidance related to ETC, that is, a navigation system and method, and a recording medium on which navigation software is recorded, navigation becomes smooth and ETC is performed.
Is easier to use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the own vehicle communicates wirelessly with a tollgate antenna while passing through a tollgate at a tollgate in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for storing ETC installation information together with a determined toll collection method when entrance information is received in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for guiding an ETC exclusive entrance and a toll collection method based on ETC installation information in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for operating a flag according to a determined fee collection method when entrance information is received in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for providing guidance regarding an exit according to the state of a flag in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for receiving toll information and storing it together with travel data in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Absolute position / azimuth detecting part 2 ... Relative azimuth detecting part 3 ... Vehicle speed detecting part 4 ... Main CPU and its peripheral circuit M ... Memory group 5 ... ROM 6 ... DRAM 7 ... SRAM 8 ... VRAM 9 ... User interface part 10 ... Display unit 11 Input unit 12 CD-ROM control unit 13 ETC processing unit 41 Current position calculation unit 42 Guide unit 43 Second guide unit 44 Additional ETC installation information storage unit 45 ETC approach determination unit 46 ··· Receiving method determination unit 47 · Charge waiting storage unit 48 · Charge related information storage unit 49 · Charge related information output unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB09 AB13 AC02 AC04 AC08 AC13 AC14 AC18 AC20 3E027 EA01 EB02 EC03 EC10 5H180 AA01 BB04 BB13 EE10 FF04 FF05 FF10 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF33

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and road information for indicating where and what roads are located. Means for guiding a route to a given destination based on the current position and the road information; and processing of toll-related information relating to ETC tolls on toll roads by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. The road information includes ETC installation information indicating which tollgate on which toll road the ETC equipment is installed, and the current position and the ETC installation information Based on ET
Means for providing guidance on ETC when C tries to pass through the installed tollgate, and a navigation system comprising: 2. A navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and toll related to toll road ETC toll by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Charge processing means for processing information; and storage means for storing, when the charge related information is processed, ETC installation information on ETC in association with the calculated position information indicating the current position. Means for determining, based on the stored location information and the calculated current position, that the vehicle is going to travel on the toll road where the ETC is installed; And guidance means for providing guidance on ETC based on the ETC installation information stored for the toll road. A navigation system characterized by the following. 3. A means for determining a toll collection method on a toll road in accordance with whether or not the toll is charged at an entrance of the toll road, wherein the storage means also stores the determined toll collection method. The navigation system according to claim 2, wherein the navigation unit is configured to store the information, and the guidance unit is configured to perform the guidance also with respect to the stored toll collection method. 4. A navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and toll related to toll road ETC toll by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Toll processing means for processing information; storage means for storing whether the toll has been charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road; and depending on whether or not the toll has been charged at the entrance. Means for providing guidance on whether it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane at the exit of the toll road. 5. A navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and toll related to tolls by ETC on a toll road by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Toll processing means for processing information; storage means for storing the passage of the entrance when the toll has not been charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road; Means for detecting an attempt to go through an exit of a toll road, based on: when exiting the exit, exiting the ETC lane if the passage of the entrance is stored A navigation system, comprising: means for guiding a navigation system. 6. A navigation system mounted on a vehicle for providing road guidance, comprising: means for calculating a current position of the vehicle; and toll related to tolls by ETC on a toll road by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. Charge processing means for processing information; storage means for storing the charge-related information processed by the charge processing means in association with a travel record that is information relating to the travel of the vehicle; Means for outputting toll-related information and the travel record. A navigation system, comprising: 7. The navigation system according to claim 6, wherein the travel record includes at least a current position of the vehicle calculated at a time when the toll-related information is processed. 8. A navigation method for providing road guidance by mounting on a vehicle, wherein road information indicating where and what roads are stored in advance, and a step of calculating a current position of the vehicle. And a step of providing a route to a given destination based on the current position and the road information; and processing toll-related information relating to an ETC toll on a toll road by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. The road information includes ETC installation information indicating which tollgate of which toll road is equipped with ETC equipment, and based on the current position and the ETC installation information, ET
A navigation method, comprising a step of providing guidance regarding ETC when C tries to pass through an installed tollgate. 9. A navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, comprising: a step of calculating a current position of the vehicle; and processing of toll-related information on toll road ETC tolls by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. And storing the ETC installation information indicating the installation of the ETC in association with the calculated position information indicating the current position when the fee-related information is processed. A step for judging that the vehicle is going to pass through the toll road where the ETC is installed, based on the location information and the calculated current position, Providing guidance on ETC based on the ETC installation information stored for the toll road. A navigation method characterized by the following. 10. A method for determining a toll collection method for a toll road according to whether or not the fee has been charged at an entrance of the toll road, wherein the step of storing the determined toll is 10. The navigation method according to claim 9, further comprising: storing a toll collection method; and the step of performing the guidance includes performing the guidance with respect to the stored toll collection method. 11. A navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: calculating a current position of the vehicle; and processing toll-related information relating to ETC tolls on toll roads by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. And a step for storing whether the toll has been charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road, and exiting the toll road according to whether or not the toll has been charged at the entrance. Providing guidance on whether it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane in the navigation method. 12. A navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: calculating a current position of the vehicle; and processing toll-related information relating to a toll road ETC toll by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. And a step of storing the passage of the entrance when the toll has not been charged when the vehicle passes through the entrance of the toll road, based on the calculated current position. Detecting an attempt to exit the exit, and guiding the user to exit the ETC lane when the entry is memorized when attempting to exit the exit. And a navigation method comprising: 13. A navigation method for providing road guidance in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: calculating a current position of the vehicle; and processing toll-related information relating to ETC tolls on toll roads by communicating with the outside of the vehicle. And a step of storing the toll-related information processed by the toll-processing step in association with a travel record that is information related to the travel of the vehicle. Outputting the travel record. A navigation method, comprising: 14. The navigation method according to claim 13, wherein the driving record includes at least a current position of the vehicle calculated at the time when the fare-related information is processed. 15. A recording medium recording navigation software for performing a route guidance in a vehicle using a computer, wherein the software causes the computer to calculate a current position of the vehicle, and communicates with the outside of the vehicle. By processing the toll-related information related to the toll road by the ETC, when the toll-related information is processed, the ETC installation information representing the installation of the ETC is made to correspond to the calculated position information representing the current position. Based on the stored position information and the calculated current position, it is determined that the vehicle is going to go through the toll road where the ETC is installed, and the vehicle is going to go through the toll road where the ETC is installed. In such a case, a guidance regarding ETC is performed based on the ETC setting information stored for the toll road. A recording medium on which navigation software is recorded. 16. A recording medium recording navigation software for performing a route guidance in a vehicle by using a computer, wherein the software causes the computer to calculate a current position of the vehicle, and communicates with the outside of the vehicle. Processing the toll related information relating to the toll road toll by ETC, and storing whether or not the toll was charged when passing through the entrance of the toll road, according to whether or not the toll was charged at the entrance. A recording medium on which navigation software is recorded, which provides guidance as to whether it is necessary to pass through the ETC lane at the exit of the toll road. 17. A recording medium recording navigation software for performing a route guidance in a vehicle using a computer, wherein the software causes the computer to calculate a current position of the vehicle, and communicates with the outside of the vehicle. The toll-related information related to the toll road by ETC is thereby processed, and the processed toll-related information is stored in association with a travel record that is information related to the travel of the vehicle. A recording medium on which navigation software is output, which outputs a running record.