JP2001317951A - Navigation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation apparatus that automatically sets a new destination during inducing and guiding on a first route. SOLUTION: In the navigation apparatus 1, a CPU 11 searches a first route between a set starting place and a destination, and carries out conducting and guiding in accordance with the first route. When a detection part 19 detects that the amount of remaining gasoline in a vehicle has decreased during the conducting and guiding, the CPU 11 automatically conduct a search on a gasoline station, and a second route from the current position of the vehicle to the searched gasoline station. After that, the CPU 11 conducts and guides the vehicle according to the searched second route.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device, and more particularly to a navigation device for searching for a route between two designated points.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, a navigation device includes:
An accurate vehicle position is measured by an operation result based on a radio wave from a positioning system represented by GPS and autonomous navigation. Here, the autonomous navigation is a method of measuring a moving distance and a traveling direction of the own vehicle based on a detection result of a vehicle-mounted sensor. The vehicle position obtained as described above is superimposed on a map around the vehicle by the navigation device and displayed on the display.

[0003] At present, many navigation devices have a route search function. In the route search, generally, a point designated by the user operating the input unit, or
The current position of the vehicle detected by the navigation device (hereinafter, referred to as
The vehicle position is used as the departure point of the route to be searched. In general, a point selected by the user from point information registered in advance in the storage device is used as the destination.

[0004] When a departure point and a destination are set, the navigation device operates according to a predetermined program, and uses a road network data stored therein to determine a route from the departure point to the destination. Explore. The navigation device, according to the searched route,
Guide and guide the vehicle to the destination.

[0005]

However, the vehicle cannot always travel smoothly on the searched route without any problem. For example, while the vehicle is traveling on the searched route, the gasoline may be low, or the user may want to go to a meal or a toilet. In such a case, the vehicle often deviates from the searched route.
As a result, when a user wants to search for a route to another place (a gas station, a restaurant, or a toilet), there is a problem in that it is necessary to operate the input unit to reset a new destination.

[0006] The user can set the first destination before the drive, that is, when the vehicle is stopped. However, in most cases, the new destination is set when the vehicle is traveling on the first searched route. That is, the user may operate the input unit while the vehicle is running. As is clear from the above, it is very important to solve the above problems from the viewpoint of driving a vehicle safely.

[0007] In the above, the problems to be solved by the invention have been specifically described by taking gasoline deficiency, meals and toilets as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these, and the vehicle travels along the searched optimum route. In addition, it often happens that the user's situation changes and he has to detour somewhere. It should be noted that it is important to solve the above-mentioned problem even in a portable navigation device from the viewpoint of ease of use.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can automatically set a new destination during guidance and guidance on a route once searched.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A first invention is a navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure point and a destination, and stores a road network data. A storage unit, a detection unit that detects a remaining amount of energy supplied to the driving device of the vehicle, and a processing unit that performs a route search process, wherein the processing unit determines a first route from the departure place to the destination. , Searching with reference to the road network data in the first storage unit,
While navigating or guiding a vehicle along the route,
Upon receiving the detection result from the detection unit, the remaining amount indicated by the detection result is compared with a predetermined reference value, and when the remaining amount is determined to be equal to or less than the reference value, a search for an energy supply station is performed. A second route to the searched supply point is searched based on the road network data in the first storage unit.

[0010] According to the first invention, when the energy is reduced during the guidance / guidance, the navigation device searches for the supply point and automatically guides / guides to the searched supply point.
I can guide you. Thus, the burden on the user of operating the input device can be reduced.

A second invention is dependent on the first invention,
The processing unit further includes an input unit operated by the user, and upon receiving the detection result from the detection unit, the processing unit inquires of the user whether to search for the second route, and indicates that the processing unit searches for the second route. When input is made to the input section, the supply point is searched.

According to the second invention, before searching for the second route, the navigation device inquires of the user whether or not the search can be made. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from searching for the second route against the intention of the user.

A third invention is dependent on the first invention,
The information processing apparatus further includes a second storage unit configured to store user information related to the user, and the processing unit searches for the supply point by referring to the user information stored in the second storage unit.

[0014] According to the third invention, the navigation device searches for the supply point with reference to the user information. As a result, it is possible to search for a supply point according to the user's preference.

A fourth invention is according to the first invention,
The processing unit searches for the nearest supply point from the own vehicle position. A fifth invention is according to the first invention, wherein the processing unit searches for a supply station with a low price.

A sixth invention is dependent on the first invention,
When a plurality of supply points are found as a result of the search, the processing unit specifies one of the plurality of supply points in accordance with a predetermined priority.

A seventh invention is according to the first invention,
The information processing apparatus further includes a second storage unit that stores the position information including the position of the supply point and position-related information, and the processing unit searches for the supply point using the position information in the second storage unit.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the navigation device uses the position information stored therein, so that it is possible to search for the supply point at high speed.

An eighth invention is according to the first invention,
A server that stores the location information including the location of the supply station and location-related information is installed externally, and the processing unit accesses the server via a digital network, and uses the location information in the server, Search for a supply point.

According to the eighth invention, the navigation device uses the position information stored in the external server when searching. This eliminates the need for the navigation device to have a location information storage area inside. Further, since the server manages the position information, the update is facilitated.

A ninth invention is a navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure place and a destination,
A first storage unit that stores the road network data, a detection unit that detects a parameter indicating a state of the vehicle, and a processing unit that performs a route search process;
A search unit searches for a first route from the departure place to the destination with reference to road network data in the first storage unit, and guides or guides the vehicle according to the searched first route. Receiving the detection result from, based on the received detection result and a predetermined reference value, determine the state of the vehicle, if it is determined that the state of the vehicle is defective,
A store that can repair or replace the defective portion is searched, and a second route from the own vehicle position to the searched store is searched based on the road network data in the first storage unit.

According to the ninth aspect, when the navigation device detects a defective portion during the guidance / guidance, the navigation device searches for a store capable of repairing or replacing the defective portion, and automatically searches for the store. Can be guided and guided to Thus, the burden on the user of operating the input device can be reduced.

A tenth invention is according to the ninth invention, wherein the detecting section detects a battery voltage of the vehicle,
The processing unit detects that the voltage indicated by the detection result from the detection unit is
When it is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, it is determined that the state of the vehicle is defective.

An eleventh invention is according to the ninth invention, wherein the detection unit detects the engine oil temperature of the vehicle, and the processing unit determines that the temperature indicated by the detection result from the detection unit is predetermined. If it is out of the specified reference range, it is determined that the state of the vehicle is defective.

A twelfth invention is according to the ninth invention, further comprising an input section operated by a user, wherein the processing unit receives the detection result from the detection section,
Asks the user whether to search for the route
When a search for the route is input to the input unit, the shop is searched.

A thirteenth invention is according to the ninth invention, wherein the second for storing user information related to the user is provided.
The processing unit searches for a store with reference to the user information stored in the second storage unit.

A fourteenth invention is according to the ninth invention, and the processing unit searches for a nearest store from the position of the own vehicle. A fifteenth invention is according to the ninth invention, and the processing unit searches for a store with a low price.

A sixteenth invention is according to the ninth invention, and when a plurality of stores are found as a result of the search, the processing unit determines one of the plurality of stores according to a predetermined priority. Identify one.

A seventeenth invention is according to the ninth invention, further comprising a second storage unit for storing location information including location information and location-related information of the store, wherein the processing unit comprises:
A store is searched using the position information in the second storage unit.

An eighteenth invention is according to the ninth invention, wherein a server for storing the location information including the location of the shop and location-related information is remotely installed, and the processing unit is connected via a digital network. To access a server to search for a store using the location information in the server.

A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is a navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure point and a set destination, comprising a first storage unit for storing road network data, and a predetermined starting point from a predetermined starting point. The processing unit includes a timer unit that counts elapsed time and a processing unit that performs a route search process. The processing unit refers to a first route from a departure place to a destination by referring to road network data in a first storage unit. Explore,
During guidance and guidance according to the searched first route, the elapsed time counted by the timer is received, the user's action is estimated based on the received elapsed time, and a location related to the estimation result is obtained. And searches for a second route from the vehicle position to the searched location based on the road network data in the first storage unit.

According to the nineteenth aspect, the navigation device receives the elapsed time during the guidance / guidance, and estimates the user's action based on the elapsed time. Then, the navigation device can search for a location related to the estimation result, and can automatically guide and guide to the searched location. Thus, the burden on the user of operating the input device can be reduced.

A twentieth invention is according to the nineteenth invention, further comprising an input unit operated by a user, wherein the processing unit receives the elapsed time from the clock unit,
Asks the user whether to search for the route
If the input section instructs the user to search for a route, a search is made for a supply point.

A twenty-first invention is according to the nineteenth invention, wherein the processing unit estimates that the user takes a break when the elapsed time received from the timer is equal to or more than a predetermined reference value. Search for rest areas as locations related to the estimation results.

A twenty-second invention is according to the twenty-first invention, wherein the rest area is a service area. A twenty-third aspect is according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein the resting place is a restaurant.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, according to the nineteenth aspect, when a plurality of places are found as a result of the search, the processing unit determines one of the plurality of places according to a predetermined priority. Identify one.

A twenty-fifth invention is according to the nineteenth invention, further comprising a second storage unit for storing location information including location-related information and location-related information, wherein the processing unit comprises:
A store is searched using the position information in the second storage unit.

A twenty-sixth invention is according to the nineteenth invention, wherein a server for storing location information including location information and location-related information is provided externally, and the processing unit is connected via a digital network. To access a server to search for a location using the position information in the server.

A twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is a navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure point and a destination, comprising a first storage unit for storing road network data, and a timekeeping device for timing the current time. And a processing unit for performing a route search process. The processing unit searches for a first route from the departure place to the destination with reference to the road network data in the first storage unit, and searches for the first route. During the guidance and guidance according to the route 1, the current time is received from the timekeeping unit, the user's action is estimated based on the received current time, and a location related to the estimation result is searched. A second route from the position to the searched location is searched based on the road network data in the first storage unit.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect, the navigation device receives the current time during the guidance / guidance, and estimates the action of the user based on the current time. Then, the navigation device can search for a location related to the estimation result, and can automatically guide and guide to the searched location. Thus, the burden on the user of operating the input device can be reduced.

A twenty-eighth invention is according to the twenty-seventh invention, further comprising an input unit operated by a user, wherein the processing unit receives the current time from the clock unit and outputs the second time.
Asks the user whether to search for the route
If the input section instructs the user to search for a route, a search is made for a supply point.

A twenty-ninth invention is according to the twenty-seventh invention, further comprising a second storage unit for storing user information relating to the user, wherein the processing unit is configured to store the user information stored in the second storage unit. Browse the information and search for places.

A thirtieth invention is according to the twenty-seventh invention, further comprising a second storage unit for storing location information including location-related information and location-related information, wherein the processing unit comprises:
A store is searched using the position information in the second storage unit.

A thirty-first invention is according to the twenty-seventh invention, wherein a server for storing location information including location information and location-related information is provided outside, and the processing unit is connected via a digital network. To access a server to search for a location using the position information in the server.

A thirty-second invention is according to the twenty-seventh invention, wherein the processing unit, when the current time received from the clock unit is a predetermined time, determines that the user passenger has a meal as a place related to the estimation result. Search for restaurants that you can take.

A thirty-third invention is according to the twenty-seventh invention, wherein a server connected to a digital network is installed in the place, and the server is controlled by wireless communication to access the server via the digital network. And a wireless communication control unit that performs the communication.

According to a thirty-third invention, a navigation device comprises:
By wireless communication, it is possible to access a server installed at the searched location. Thus, a more convenient navigation device can be provided.

[0048]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG.
1 shows a configuration of a navigation device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the navigation device 1 in particular. In the navigation device 1 of FIG. 1A, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RA
M13, storage device 14, input unit 15, output unit 16
, The receiver 17, the sensor unit 18, and the detection unit 19 are communicably connected.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a navigation application program A is stored in the ROM 12.
P ₁ is recorded, further, as various data required for navigation, form data D _FORM1, warning data D _WARN1, and message data D _MESS1 is recorded. Since the form data D _FORM1 , the warning data D _WARN1 , and the message data D _MESS1 will be described later, their description will be omitted here.

The storage device 14 is typically composed of a DVD drive, a CD drive, an IC memory, or a hard disk drive. As shown in FIG. 1C, the storage area of the storage device 14 has a first storage area for storing various data used for navigation, as shown in FIG.
Storage unit 141 to the third storage unit 143.

The first storage section 141 corresponds to the first storage section of the first aspect. The first storage unit 141 stores road network data _DNET . The road network data D _NET includes at least nodes and links, and represents intersections and road connections.

The second storage unit 142 stores several map files F _CART . Map file F _CART
The map is composed of digitized data.

The third storage unit 143 corresponds to the second storage unit described in claim 7, and stores some position information I _POI1 . The position information I _POI1 indicates the position of a target (typically, a store or a facility) on the map and position-related information, and is typically a POIX.
(Point of Interest eXchan
ge language).

For more information about POIX, see http: //
/ Www. w3. org / TR / poix or http
p: // mostec. aplix. co. jp / po
ix. Since it is open to the public at html, the elements of POIX related to this embodiment will be briefly described here.

The body information of the position information I _POI1 is indicated by an element called poi, and includes the position of the object, the name of the object, the description of the object, and the like.

The representative position of the object is indicated by an element "point", and is more specifically expressed by a child element "pos". The element pos indicates a target position and the like, and the position is represented by latitude, longitude, and the like.

The element "lat" indicates the latitude of a point, and its format is <lat> latitude </ lat>. Element lon indicates the latitude of the point, and its format is <lon> longitude </ lon.
>. In the present embodiment, the position of the gas station is specified by the element point.

The name of the object is indicated by an element named “name”. More specifically, the child element nb and the child element rt
Is described. The element nb indicates the name itself, and its format is <nb> name </ nb>. If necessary, the phonetic name of the name body can be indicated by an element rt.

The format of the element rb is <rb> furigana </ rb>. Note that the element rb can indicate not only a phonetic symbol but also an abbreviation of the name body. In the present embodiment, the name of the filling company of the gas station is specified by the element name.

The description of the object is indicated by an element "note" and is described in characters. The format of the element note is <
note> description </ note>. In the present embodiment, the price of gasoline or the name of a usable credit card (or the name of a credit company) is specified by the element note.

For example, one _piece of position information I _POI1 includes <lat> 35.5000 <// lat>, <
lon> 135.75 </ lon>, <nb> Showa Shell </ nb>, <note> 100 yen / liter </ n
note> and <note> AMEX, NICOS <//
note>. Under this assumption,
The refueling station is located at 35.5 degrees north latitude and 135.75 degrees east longitude.
It means that it is sold for ¥ 00 and can be settled with AMEX and NICOS credit cards.

The input unit 15 is typically composed of a remote controller, a touch sensor, a keyboard, a mouse or a microphone operated by a user. Further, the input unit 15 may be configured by two or more of them. The output unit 16 typically includes a liquid crystal display and a speaker.

The receiver 17 is typically constituted by a GPS receiver, and based on radio waves (information) sent from artificial satellites, the current position of the vehicle on which the navigation apparatus 1 is installed ( (Hereinafter, referred to as the vehicle position) and transmits the calculation result to the CPU 11.

It should be noted that the receiver 17 may be constituted by a device other than the GPS receiver as long as the other navigation can be realized. Here, the other law navigation means a method of deriving the own vehicle position based on information obtained from another positioning system, unlike the autonomous navigation.

The sensor section 18 typically includes a direction sensor and a vehicle speed sensor, and is fixed at a predetermined position of the vehicle. The sensor unit 18 detects an azimuth and a vehicle speed, and transmits the detection result to the CPU 11. Note that the sensor unit 18 may be configured with a component other than the direction sensor and the vehicle speed sensor as long as it can detect a parameter for realizing autonomous navigation.

The detecting section 19 corresponds to the detecting section of claim 1, detects the remaining amount of gasoline stored in the vehicle, and transmits a detection result indicating the remaining amount to the CPU 11.

Next, each processing in the navigation device 1 will be described. When the power supply voltage to the navigation device 1 is applied, CPU 11 is programmed AP ₁ and various data necessary for the execution (see FIG. 1 (b)) to ROM
12 to the RAM 13 and read the program AP
Start running _one . When the power is turned on for the first time, the CPU 11 performs a process of registering user information.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for user information registration. In FIG. 2, the CPU 11
The form data D _FORM1 for the user to input the user information I _USER1 is transferred from the RAM 13 to the output unit 16 (step S101).

The output unit 16 receives the form data D
Display _FORM1 on the display. As shown in FIG. 3A, the form data D _FORM1 includes the user information I.
_{As USER1} , at least the name of the user, the credit card (credit company name), the name of the refilling company (gas station), and the priority can be specified. In addition,
The user information I _USER1 may include other items as long as it is related to the user.

Here, the navigation device 1 is the same as that shown in FIG.
In the search (to be described later), a gas station is searched using the position information I _POI1 . The priority in FIG. 3A is used at the time of the search in FIG. The form data D _FORM1 is configured so that priorities can be assigned to closeness, cheapness, frequently used gas stations, and credit card settlement.

It is preferable that a predetermined priority is assigned to the form data D _FORM1 by default. As an example of the default priority, the highest priority “1” is assigned to the proximity from the viewpoint that the user frequently goes to the nearest gas station from the vehicle position. The second highest priority “2” is assigned to cheapness. The third highest priority “3” is assigned to the most frequently used gas stations. The lowest priority “4” is assigned to credit card settlement. Note that the default priority may be other than the above.

The user operates the input unit 15 to input his / her name in the user name field, and then holds the credit card in possession, the name of a frequently used recruiting company (fuel station), and the priority. Specify the degree. However, the user does not change the priority if the default priority is sufficient.

When the above input is completed, the user enters the input section
15 to operate the user information I_{USER 1}Input is completed
Is instructed to the navigation device 1.

When the CPU 11 receives the information indicating that the input of the user information I _USER1 has been completed (step S102), the CPU 11 _proceeds to FIG.
As shown in (b), the input user information I _USER1 is stored in the RAM 13 (step S103). here,
Since the user information I _USER1 must not be erased even if the power of the navigation device 1 is turned off, the RAM 13 is required to be nonvolatile. In addition, user information I
The storage area of _USER1 corresponds to the second storage unit of the third aspect.

The above is the processing procedure of the user information registration.
It should be noted that the user uses the user information I stored in the RAM 13.
To change the _USER , perform the operation to which the function "Change user information" is assigned. In response to this operation, C
The PU 11 starts processing similar to the above-described user information registration.

[0076] The navigation apparatus 1, immediately after or after activation of the user information registration of the above, in accordance with a program AP _1, and estimates and display of the vehicle position which is a well known technique. It is preferable that the navigation device 1 estimates the position of the own vehicle by a method combining the autonomous navigation and the other navigation.

When a user wants to search for a route between two points, the user performs an operation to which a function "search for route" is assigned. In response to this operation, the CPU 11 starts searching for a route / guidance.

The procedure of route search / guidance will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 determines the route 2 to be searched.
First departure point OP ₁ and first destination DP as end points
₁ is set (step S201).

[0079] Specific examples of the step S201, the user operates the input unit 15, to specify the destination DP ₁ of the first departure OP ₁ and the first. The CPU 11 sets what is specified by the user in step S201.

[0080] Further, as another specific example of the step S201, CPU 11 obtains the vehicle position is set as the first departure OP _1. On the other hand, the first with respect to the destination DP _1, CPU 11 sets the one specified by the user by operating the input section 15.

After step S201, the CPU 11
In the next step S203, the road network data D _NET in a necessary range is read from the storage device 14 into the RAM 13 (step S202).

After step S202, the CPU 11
Road network data D _NET read in the same step
, The first departure point OP ₁ to the first destination DP ₁
The first path R ₁ to determine (step S203). More specifically, based on the route selection method typified by Dijkstra method, first path R ₁ is obtained. Further, in step S203, it is preferable that a _first route R1 that allows the vehicle to travel in the shortest time or the shortest way is obtained.

Next, the CPU 11 transfers to the output unit 16 a map file F _CART indicating the position of the vehicle and a map around it. The output unit 16 displays the received position of the vehicle and a map of the surrounding area on a display. Further, the CPU 11
Outputs the first route R ₁ obtained in step S203 to the output unit 1
Or it is displayed on the 6 display, and or by the audio output as necessary from the speaker of the output unit 16, the vehicle induces and guidance along the first path R ₁ of searching (step S204).

After step S204, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the vehicle position matches the _first destination DP1 (step S205). When the vehicle position coincides with the _first destination DP1, the CPU 11 determines that the guidance and guidance of the vehicle have ended, and ends the route search / guidance.

On the other hand, when the own vehicle position does not coincide with the _first destination DP ₁ in step S 205,
It is determined whether the first response signal has been received from the input unit 15 (step S206). The first response signal will be described in steps S209 to S210, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

If the CPU 11 has received the first response signal, it determines that it is not necessary to perform the processing of step S207 and subsequent steps. Then, the CPU 11 determines in step S2
Returning to 04, the guidance and guidance are continued.

On the other hand, if the first response signal has not been received in step S206, the CPU 11 obtains a detection result from the detection section 19 (FIG. 5; step S207), and determines the remaining amount of gasoline indicated by the detection result to a predetermined value. (Step S208).

If the gasoline remaining amount exceeds the reference value, the CPU 11 determines that it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S209. After this determination, the CPU 11 returns to step S204 and continues the guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S208
When it is determined that the gasoline remaining amount is equal to or less than the reference value, the warning data D _WARN1 read into the RAM 13 is used to inquire the user whether to go to the gas station.
Is transferred to the output unit 16 (step S209).

The warning data D _WARN1 is typically data for displaying an icon or an animated character, and is used to warn the user that the gasoline level is low. Further, the warning data D
_WARN1 includes data for displaying or outputting a predetermined message. The icon or the animation character included in the warning data D _WARN1 and the message may be output in synchronization with each other, or may be output asynchronously with each other.

As a result of the execution of step S209, an icon as shown in FIG. 6 (indicated by a white arrow) and the predetermined message (indicated by a black arrow) are displayed on the display. Thus, the navigation device 1 warns the user that the gasoline level in the vehicle is low, and inquires of the user whether or not to head to the gas station.

When the predetermined message is displayed, the user operates the input unit 15 to respond to the inquiry. The input unit 15 transmits a first response signal indicating the content of the user's response to the CPU 11.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a button indicating “OK” and a button indicating “NG” are arranged immediately below the message. When the user operates the input unit 15 to specify “OK”, a first response signal indicating that the route is searched again is transmitted from the input unit 15 to the CPU 11. On the other hand, when “NG” is clicked, a first response signal indicating that the route is not searched again is input to the input unit 15.
To the CPU 11.

Note that the user's response may be made by a method other than the above. For example, when the user answers by voice the contents corresponding to “OK” and “NG” using the voice recognition technology, a first response signal indicating each of them is input to the input unit 15.
May be transmitted to the CPU 11.

The CPU 11 determines the content of the received first response signal and determines whether or not to re-search for a route (step S210). In the present embodiment, the route re-searching means that the second route R for interrupting the guidance and guidance according to the first route R ₁ and guiding and guiding to the gas station is provided.
₂ means to search. When the received first response signal indicates that the route is not to be searched again, the CPU 11 returns to step S204 to continue the guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S210
If the received first response signal indicates that the route is to be re-searched, a route re-search process is performed (step S211).

Hereinafter, the route re-search will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 7, the CPU
11 obtains the current position of the own vehicle and uses it as the second departure point O
Set to P ₂ (step S301).

After step S301, the CPU 11
A predetermined gas station is searched (step S302). Less than,
The search for a gas station will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In FIG. 8, CPU 11 has the position information I _POI1 in third storage unit 143, searches the positional information I _POI1 according to the priority in the RAM 13 (see FIG. 3 (b)) (step S401). As a result, the CPU 11
From the position information I _POI1 in the third storage unit 143, the optimum position information I _POI1 indicating the gas station best suited to the user's request is selected.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the highest priority is “closeness”. Step S30
1 (see FIG. 7) is generally indicated by latitude and longitude. As described above, the position information I _POI1 indicates the representative position of the gas station by the element point. Therefore, the CPU 11 determines in step S
In 401, the optimum position information I _POI1 indicating the nearest gas station can be obtained based on the own vehicle position and the element point of each position information I _POI1 .

In step S401, the CPU 11 finds one optimal position information I _{POI1 in} one search.
May not be obtained. For example, there is a case where the plurality of _pieces of position information I _POI1 include an element point equidistant from the own vehicle position. In such a case, the CPU 11 selects one from a plurality of pieces of optimal position information I _POI1 according to the next priority (in this embodiment, “cheap”).

When the highest priority is “cheap”,
The CPU 11 outputs the position information I_POI See element note in
The best location, including information on gas stations where gasoline is cheaper
Report I _POI1Can be found.

When the highest priority is “frequently used gas station”, the CPU 11 refers to the element nb in the position information I _POI1 to determine the gas station ( _lending company) frequently used by the user. The optimal position information I _POI1 including the information can be found.

When the highest priority is “credit card”, the CPU 11 _sets the element n in the position information I _POI1
The optimal location information I _POI1 including the information of the gas station that can be settled with the credit card _owned by the user with reference to the _Internet
Can be found.

After step S401, the CPU 11
Optimal position information I obtained in the same step _POI1Refueling specified
Asks the user whether or not to guide and guide
(Step S402).

Various inquiries are made in the inquiry in step S402.
There is a method, but in the present embodiment, as an example,
U11 is the optimal position information I_POI1And message data D
_{MESS 1}The display data is configured based on the
Data to the output unit 16.

Output unit 16 displays the received display data on a display. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a message window (indicated by black arrows) for asking the user whether or not to guide and guide to the gas station indicated by the optimal position information I _POI1 is displayed on the display. Instruction) is displayed.

[0107] In the message window of FIG.
A button indicating "K" and a button indicating "NG" are arranged. When the user operates the input unit 15 to specify “OK”, a second response signal indicating this is transmitted from the input unit 15 to the CPU 11. On the other hand, when “NG” is designated, a second response signal indicating this is transmitted from the input unit 15 to the CPU 11.

Note that the user's response may be made by a method other than the above. For example, when the user answers “OK” and “NG” by voice using voice recognition technology, a second response signal indicating each of them is sent from the input unit 15 to the CPU 11.
May be sent to

After step S402, the CPU 11
The content of the received second response signal is determined, and the user
It is determined whether or not K has been performed (step S403). CPU
11 is a case where the received second response signal indicates that guidance and guidance to the gas station are not permitted, step S4
Returning to 01, the optimum position information I _POI1 is searched. However, it is necessary to prevent the position information I _POI1 selected in the past from being selected again.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S403
If the received second response signal indicates that guidance and guidance to the gas station are permitted, the process exits from the process of FIG.

Here, FIG. 7 is referred to again. CPU11
Goes out of the process of FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step S304. CPU11 from the optimal position information I _POI1 selected, remove the oil supply locations latitude and longitude, sets them as the destination DP ₂ of the second (step S30
3).

After step S303, the CPU 11
Second departure point OP_Two To the second destination DP_Two First
Route R of 2_Two Is obtained (step S304). The second sutra
Road R _Two Is the first path R₁ Like the Dijkstra method
It is determined based on a representative route selection method.

Here, in most cases, the second destination DP ₂
Since no so much away from the first path R _1, search in step S304, the step S202
Road network data D read in (see FIG. 4)
It is possible if you reuse _.NET . If necessary,
The CPU 11 stores the road network data D _NET in a range necessary for searching for the second route R ₂ in the first storage unit 14.
1 may be read into the RAM 13.

After the above step S304, the CPU 11 exits the processing of FIG. 7 and proceeds to step S212 of FIG. In step S212, the CPU 11 transfers the map file F _CART indicating the position of the vehicle and the map around the vehicle to the output unit 16. After that, the output unit 16 displays the received vehicle position and the map around it on the display.

Further, the CPU 11 determines in step S211
In the second path R ₂ or is displayed on the display of the output unit 16 to obtain, according to or by voice output required from the speaker of the output unit 16, induces a second vehicle according to the route R ₂ of the search and A guide is provided (step S212).

After step S212, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the vehicle position matches the _second destination DP2 (step S213). When the position of the vehicle coincides with the _second destination DP2, the CPU 11 determines that the guidance and guidance of the vehicle have ended, and ends the route search / guidance.

As described above, the navigation device 1
While the vehicle is being guided or guided according to the first route R ₁ , if the remaining gasoline becomes low, a refueling station according to the user's _desire is determined using the position information I _POI1 of the third storage unit 143. Find out.

Thereafter, the navigation device 1 automatically sets the found gas station to the second destination DP ₂ and
Searches for a route R ₂ of. This eliminates the need for the user to operate the input unit 15 to search for and set the _second destination DP ₂ (gas station), so that the vehicle can be driven safely.

In the first embodiment, the detecting unit 19
Had detected the amount of gasoline remaining. That is, the vehicle in the embodiment is equipped with a gasoline engine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the navigation device 1 can also be mounted on an electric vehicle. In this case, the detection unit 19 detects the remaining amount of power charged in the battery in the vehicle.

The navigation device 1 can be mounted on a so-called hybrid car. In this case, the detection unit 19 detects the remaining amount of gasoline and / or electric power.

In general, the detecting section 19 only needs to be able to detect the remaining amount of energy supplied to a driving device of a vehicle represented by a gasoline engine and a motor. CPU11
Is the midst of induction and guidance of the first vehicle according to the route R _1, and based on the detection result of the detection unit 19, finds that the remaining amount of energy becomes small, the supply stations of the energy To guide and guide the vehicle to the supply station.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a navigation device 2 according to a second embodiment.

In particular, FIG. 10A is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the navigation device 2. FIG. 10 (a)
1A is different from FIG.
The difference is that Otherwise, the configuration is the same. In FIG. 10A, components corresponding to those in FIG. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The detecting section 21 corresponds to the detecting section in claim 9, and in the present embodiment, as an example, detects the voltage of the battery mounted on the vehicle and outputs the detection result indicating the value of the voltage. Send to CPU11.

[0125] The tricky here, the ROM 12, unlike the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the application program AP ₂ for navigation are recorded, further, the navigation Form data D _FORM2 , warning data D _WARN2 , and message data D _MESS2 . Form data D _FORM2 , warning data D
_WARN2 and message data D _MESS2 will be described later, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 10 (c) shows the description of FIG. 10 (a).
2 shows a detailed configuration of the storage device 14. FIG. 10 (c)
Is compared with the position information I in FIG._POI1Is the location
Report I_{PO I2}The difference is that Otherwise the same
Therefore, in FIG. 10C, it corresponds to the configuration of FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and the description thereof will be omitted.
I do.

The position information I _POI2 is also typically
IX (Point of Interest EXch)
angle language). But,
The element point specifies the location of a store that handles batteries, such as a vehicle repair shop or a vehicle accessory store. The element name specifies the name of a battery dealer.

The element "note" specifies the price of a battery or the name of a usable credit card (or the name of a credit company).

For example, one _piece of position information I _POI2 includes <lat> 35.5000 <// lat>, <
lon> 135.75 </ lon>, <nb> Autobacs </ nb>, <note> 10000 yen / piece <//
note> and <note> AMEX, NICOS <
/ Note>. Under this assumption, AUTOBACS as a dealer is 35.5 N latitude
It is located at 135.75 degrees east longitude, indicating that the battery is sold for 10000 yen each and can be settled with AMEX and NICOS credit cards.

Next, the navigation device 2 having the above configuration is described.
Will be described. The navigation device 2
It operates according to a program AP _2, at the same timing as the navigation device 1 performs the same user information registration and FIG.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the main points of the user information registration of the navigation device 2 will be described. CPU11
Transfers the form data D _FORM2 to the output unit 16 (step S101). The output unit 16 displays the received form data D _FORM2 on a display.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the form data D _FORM2 can specify the name of the battery dealer, not the name of the source company, as compared with the form data D _FORM1 of FIG. 3A. It is different in that it is configured as follows.

The user operates the input unit 15 to input his / her own name, and then specifies his / her credit card, the name of a frequently used dealer, and the priority. When the above input and designation are completed, the user proceeds to the input unit 15
To indicate that the input of the user information I _USER2 has been completed.

When the CPU 11 receives the information indicating that the input of the user information I _USER2 has been completed (step S102), the CPU 11 returns to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the input user information I _USER2
Is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 13 (step S10).
3).

[0135] The navigation device 2, or immediately after starting after the end of the above user information registration according to a program AP _2, typically, in a way that combines autonomous navigation and heteronomous navigation, the estimation and the display of the vehicle position Do.

When the user performs a predetermined operation, the CPU 11 starts searching / guidance of a route. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, the main points of the route search / guidance processing procedure will be described.

First, in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 performs steps S201 to S203 to obtain a first departure place OP _1.
First determining a first path R ₁ to the destination DP ₁ from (step S201 to S203). After that, the CPU 11
It is a vehicle for induction and guidance along the first path R ₁ of searching (step S204).

After step S204, the CPU 11
By performing step S205, the own vehicle position becomes the first destination D
If there is a match with the P ₁ ends the route search / guide.

On the other hand, if the own vehicle position does not match the destination DP in step S205,
It is determined whether the first response signal has been received from the input unit 15 (step S206).

When the first response signal has been received, the CPU 11 returns to step S204 to continue the guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, when the first response signal has not been received in step S206, the CPU 11 obtains a detection result from the detection unit 21 (FIG. 5, step S207) and determines the detection result (battery voltage value) in a predetermined manner. (Step S208).

When the detection result (voltage value) exceeds the reference value, the CPU 11 returns to step S204 to continue the guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S208
If it is determined that the detection result (voltage value) is equal to or less than the reference value, the warning data D _{WARN2 is} issued to ask the user whether to go to the dealer to replace the battery.
Is transferred to the output unit 16 (step S209).

The warning data D _WARN2 is typically data for displaying an icon or an animated character, and is used to warn a user that the battery voltage has dropped. Further, the warning data D _WARN2 includes data for displaying or outputting a predetermined message (for example, a message of “Go to a battery dealer?”).

As a result of the _execution of step S209, an icon created based on the warning data D _WARN2 and the predetermined message are displayed on the display.

When the predetermined message is displayed, the user operates the input unit 15 to respond to the inquiry. The input unit 15 transmits a first response signal indicating the content of the user's response to the CPU 11.

The CPU 11 determines the content of the received first response signal and determines whether or not to re-search for a route (step S210). In the present embodiment, the route re-searching refers to interrupting the guidance and guidance according to the first route R ₁ and searching for a _second route R ₂ for guiding and guiding to a battery dealer. means. CPU11
Returns to step S204 if the received first response signal indicates that the route is not to be searched again.
Continue guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S210
If the received first response signal indicates that the route is to be re-searched, a route re-search process is performed (step S211).

FIG. 7 shows the main points of the route re-search.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG.
CPU 11 sets the current vehicle position as the second departure OP ₂ (step S301), CPU 11 retrieves the dealer predetermined battery (step S30
2).

Hereinafter, a search for a battery dealer will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the CPU 11 _searches the position information I _POI2 in the third storage unit 143 _according to the priority in the RAM 13 (see FIG. 11B) (step S401). here,
The specific search method is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

By the above step S401, the CPU
11 is some location information I_POI2From the optimal location
Report I_POI2Select In this embodiment, the optimal position information
I_{PO I2}Is a battery store that best suits users' needs
Location information I indicating_POI2Means

As an example of the searched position information I _POI2 ,
As is clear from the first embodiment, there is position information I _POI2 indicating the nearest dealer or a dealer with a low price.

In step S401, when the highest priority is used and a plurality of _pieces of position information I _POI2 are searched, the CPU 11 sets 1 based on the next priority.
Of two pieces of position information I _POI2 .

After step S401, the CPU 11
The user is inquired whether to guide and guide the dealer found in the same step (step S40).
2). In the present embodiment, for the inquiry in step S402, the CPU 11 forms display data from the optimal position information I _POI2 and the message data D _MESS2, and causes the display of the output unit 16 to display the display data.

When the user looks at the display,
The user operates the input unit 15 to specify whether to go to the displayed dealer. The input unit 15 sends a second response signal indicating the content of the user's response to the CPU 1 in response to the user's operation.
Send to 1.

After step S402, the CPU 11
The content of the received second response signal is determined, and the user
It is determined whether or not K has been performed (step S403). CPU
11 is a case where the received second response signal indicates that guidance and guidance to the dealer are not permitted, step S4
Returning to 01, the optimum position information I _POI2 that has not been selected in the past is searched.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S403
If the received second response signal indicates that guidance and guidance to the dealer are permitted, the process exits from the process of FIG.

Here, FIG. 7 is referred to again. CPU11
When the search for the dealer is completed, the process proceeds to step S304. CPU11 sets the latitude and longitude of the dealer that is described in the optimal position information I _POI2 as a second destination DP ₂ in (step S303).

After step S303, the CPU 11
The second path R ₂ extending from the second departure OP ₂ and the second to the destination DP ₂ of determining (step S304).

After the above step S304, the CPU 11 exits the processing of FIG. 7 and proceeds to step S212 of FIG. In step S212, the CPU 11 causes the display of the output unit 16 to display a map file F _CART indicating the position of the vehicle and a map around the position. Furthermore, CPU
11 displays the second route R ₂ obtained in step S211 on the display of the output unit 16 or outputs sound from the speaker of the output unit 16 as necessary, thereby searching for the second route R _2. Is guided and guided according to (step S212).

After step S212, the CPU 11
By performing step S213, the own vehicle position is changed to the second destination D
Until it matches the P _2, repeat the induction and guidance of the vehicle.

As described above, the navigation device 2
The midst of inducing or guiding the vehicle in accordance with a first path R _1, the voltage value of the battery is reduced, by using the positional information I _POI2 the third storage unit 143, the handling of user Kibounisou battery Find a store.

[0163] After that, the navigation device 1, to explore the automatically set to the second route R ₂ a dealer that was searched as a second destination DP _2. This allows the user to
There is no need to operate the input unit 15 to search for and set the _second destination DP2, so that the vehicle can be driven safely.

In the second embodiment, the detecting unit 21
Detected the voltage value of the battery. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the detection unit 21 may detect the temperature of the engine oil. Since there is an appropriate range for the temperature of the engine oil, the CPU 11 determines whether the temperature exceeds or falls below the appropriate range based on the detection result of the detection unit 21. Then, if the detection result of the detection unit 21 is out of the appropriate range, the route re-search is started.

Generally speaking, the detecting section 21 only needs to be able to detect parameters indicating the state of the vehicle represented by the voltage value of the battery and the temperature or pressure of the engine oil. CPU11 is in midst of induction and guidance of the vehicle according to the first path R _1, on the basis of the detection result of the detection section 21 finds upset portion of the vehicle, in order to replace the upset portion of the vehicle A store is searched, and a vehicle is guided and guided to the store.

Also, in the first or second embodiment, C
In the re-search for the route shown in FIG.
And a route to a gas station or dealer. Only
In re-searching the route, the refueling station or handling
1st destination DP via shop ₁ The route to
You may.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a navigation device 3 according to a third embodiment.

In particular, FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the navigation device 3. FIG. 12 (a)
Is different from FIG. 1A in that the detecting unit 19
The difference is that Since the other parts are the same, in FIG. 12A, the components corresponding to those in FIG. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The timer 31 corresponds to the timer of claim 19, and starts and stops time counting in response to a command from the CPU 11. In addition, the timing unit 31
Generates a notification signal including a current value in response to a request from the CPU 11. The notification signal is transmitted to the CPU 11.

[0170] The tricky here, the ROM 12, unlike the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), the application program AP ₃ for navigation are recorded, further, the navigation _Is that warning data D _WARN3 and message data D _MESS3 are recorded as _necessary data. The warning data D _WARN3 and the message data D _MESS3 will be described later, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 12 (c) shows the description of FIG. 12 (a).
2 shows a detailed configuration of the storage device 14. FIG. 12 (c)
Is compared with the position information I in FIG._POI1Is the location
Report I_{PO I3}The difference is that Otherwise the same
Therefore, FIG. 12C corresponds to the configuration of FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and the description thereof will be omitted.
I do.

The position information I _POI3 is also typically
IX (Point of Interest EXch)
angle language). But,
In the present embodiment, the location of a store or facility where the passenger of the vehicle can take a break, such as a coffee shop, a restaurant, or a service area, is specified by the element point. The name of the store or facility is specified by the element name.

For example, one _piece of position information I _POI3 includes <lat> 35.5000 <// lat>, <
lon> 135.75 </ lon> and <nb> service area </ nb>. Under this assumption, the service area as a store or facility where passengers of the vehicle can take a rest is 35.5 degrees north latitude, 13 longitude east longitude.
Identify that it is located at 5.75 degrees.

Next, the navigation device 3 having the above configuration will be described.
Will be described. The CPU 11 controls the navigation
When the power is supplied to the installation device 3, the program AP _Three To
Therefore, it starts operating. CPU 11 immediately turns on the power,
According to the processing procedure shown in FIG.
You.

Referring to FIG. 13, the CPU 11
An instruction for causing 1 to start time counting is generated (step S501), and transmitted to the timer 31 (step S502).

When receiving the command from the CPU 11, the timer 31 starts counting time. With the above processing, the CPU 11 regards the time when the power is turned on as the time when the drive starts, and starts the counting operation of the timer unit 31. As a result, the timer 31 counts the time from the start of the drive.

In FIG. 13, the CPU 11 automatically issued an instruction to the timer 31 immediately after power-on. However, the CPU 11 may issue a command to the timer 31 in response to the user operating the input unit 15.

The navigation device 3 is provided with
After the start-up or immediately after the power is turned on, typically, the position of the own vehicle is estimated and displayed by a method combining autonomous navigation and other navigation.

The CPU 11 starts searching for a route / guidance in response to a predetermined operation by the user. It should be noted here that the first half of the route search / guidance executed by the navigation device 3 is the same as that in FIG. 4, and therefore, FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the latter half of the route search / guidance executed by the navigation device 3. FIG. 14 is compared with FIG.
Step S207 corresponds to S601, and step S208 corresponds to S
602 is different. The other steps are the same, and therefore, in FIG. 14, the steps corresponding to FIG. 5 are given the same numbers.

First, in FIG. 4, the CPU 11
Of determining a first path R ₁ from the starting point OP ₁ first to the destination DP ₁ (step S201 to S203).

[0182] Next, CPU 11 is a vehicle and induction and guidance along the first path R ₁ of searching (step S20
4) If the vehicle position coincides with the _first destination DP1 (step S205), the route search / guidance ends.

On the other hand, if the own vehicle position does not match the destination DP in step S205,
It is determined whether the first response signal has been received from the input unit 15 (step S206).

If the first response signal has been received, the CPU 11 returns to step S204 and continues to perform guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, if the CPU 11 has not received the first response signal in step S206, it requests the timer 31 to transmit a notification signal. In response to the request, the timer 31 generates a notification signal including the current value and returns the notification signal to the CPU 11. Since the timer 31 starts counting at the start of driving, the current value included in the communication signal indicates the elapsed time from the start of driving.

As described above, the CPU 11 obtains the notification signal of the timer 31 (FIG. 14, step S601),
The elapsed time in the notification signal is compared with a predetermined reference value (step S602).

If the elapsed time is less than the reference value, the CPU 11 estimates that the occupant of the vehicle is not tired, and
Returning to step S204, guidance and guidance are continued.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S208
In the case where the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the reference value, the warning data D _{WARN3 is used in} order to estimate that the occupant of the vehicle is tired due to the long-time drive and to inquire whether or not to head to a store or facility where rest is possible. Is transferred to the output unit 16 (step S209).

The warning data _DWARN3 is typically data for displaying an icon or an animated character, and is used to warn a passenger that he has been driving for a long time. Further, the warning data D
_{The WARN 3} includes data for displaying a predetermined message (for example, a message “Do you want to take a break?”).

As a result of the _execution of step S209, an icon created based on the warning data D _WARN3 and the predetermined message are displayed on the display.

When the predetermined message is displayed, the user operates the input unit 15 to respond to the inquiry. The input unit 15 transmits a first response signal indicating the content of the user's response to the CPU 11.

The CPU 11 determines the content of the received first response signal, and determines whether or not to re-search for a route (step S210). In the present embodiment, the route re-searching means that the guidance and guidance according to the first route R ₁ are interrupted, and the second route R ₂ for guiding and guiding to a restable shop or facility is searched. Means that.

If the received first response signal indicates that the route will not be searched again, the CPU 11 returns to step S204 to continue the guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S210
If the received first response signal indicates that the route is to be re-searched, the same route re-search processing as in FIG. 7 is performed (step S211).

In step S211, the CPU 11 selects the position information I _POI3 including the information of the nearest resting place from the position information I _POI3 in the third storage unit 143 based on the own vehicle position and the element pos. I do. After that, the CPU 11
Determining a second path R ₂ from the vehicle position to the nearest rest area (second destination DP _2).

After step S211, the CPU 11
Map file F _CART showing the position of the vehicle and its surrounding map
Is displayed on the display of the output unit 16. Further, C
PU11 is or to display the second path R ₂ obtained in step S211 on the display of the output unit 16, an output unit 16
And or by voice output depending from speakers as required vehicle induces and guidance along the second path R ₂ of searching (step S212).

After step S212, the CPU 11
By performing step S213, the own vehicle position is changed to the second destination D
Until it coincides with P ₂ (step S213), and repeats the induction and guidance of the vehicle.

As described above, the navigation device 3
If it is estimated that the occupant is tired by driving for a long time while guiding or guiding the vehicle according to the first route R ₁ , the nearest _neighbor is determined using the position information I _POI3 in the third storage unit 143. Find a resting place.

[0199] After that, the navigation device 3, to explore the automatically set to the second route R ₂ a dealer that was searched as a second destination DP _2. This allows the user to
There is no need to operate the input unit 15 to search for and set the _second destination DP2, so that the vehicle can be driven safely.

In the third embodiment, the CPU 11
Takes into account the occupant's tiredness in a long drive and without considering the occupant's preferences, step S2.
At 11, the position information I _POI3 indicating the nearest resting place was selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as described in the first and second embodiments, the optimal position information I _POI3 may be selected according to the priority set by the form data D _FORM .

In the third embodiment, the CPU 11
Has searched for the route from the vehicle position to the nearest resting place in the re-search for the route in FIG. However, the re-search of the route, route to the first destination DP ₁ via the nearest rest area from the vehicle position may be searched.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 15 shows a configuration of a navigation device 4 according to a fourth embodiment.

In particular, FIG. 15A is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the navigation device 4. FIG. 15 (a)
Compared with FIG. 1A, the detecting unit 19
The difference is that Since the other parts are the same, in FIG. 15A, the components corresponding to the configuration in FIG. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The clock section 41 corresponds to the clock section in claim 27, and measures the current time. In addition, the timer 41 generates a notification signal including the current time in response to a request from the CPU 11. The notification signal is transmitted to the CPU 11.

[0205] The tricky here, the ROM 12, unlike the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the application program AP ₄ for navigation are recorded, further, the navigation Form data D _FORM4 , warning data D _WARN4, and message data D _MESS4 . Form data D _FORM4 , warning data D
_{The WARN4} and the message data D _MESS4 will be described later, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 15 (c) shows the description of FIG. 15 (a).
2 shows a detailed configuration of the storage device 14. FIG. 15 (c)
Is compared with the position information I in FIG._POI1Is the location
Report I_{PO I4}The difference is that Otherwise the same
Therefore, FIG. 15C corresponds to the configuration of FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and the description thereof will be omitted.
I do.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the position information I _POI4 describes the position of a restaurant as a target existing on the map represented by the map file F _CART and the position-related information in POIX.

[0208] The representative position of the restaurant is specified by the elements lat and lon. The name of the restaurant is name
Element. Explanation of restaurant is not
It is indicated by an element e and is described in characters. Element n
The format of the note is <note> description </ note>. In the present embodiment, the description and price of the menu, or the name of an available credit card (or the name of a credit company) are specified by the element note.

For example, one _piece of position information I _POI4 includes <lat> 35.5000 <// lat>, <
lon> 135.75 </ lon>, <nb>McDonald's</nb> and <note> 1 hamburger 60
Assume that it contains a circle </ note>. Under this assumption, McDonald's is 35.5 degrees north latitude and 13 east longitude.
It is located at 5.75 degrees, which means that one hamburger is sold for 60 yen.

Next, each of the navigation devices 4
The processing will be described. The power of the navigation device 1 is turned on.
Then, the CPU 11 executes the program AP _Four Start running
I do. CPU 11 can be turned on for the first time or
The user information is registered according to.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the essential points of the processing procedure of the user information registration will be described. In FIG. 2, the CPU 11
Transfers the form data D _FORM4 to the output unit 16 (step S101) and displays it on the display.

As shown in FIG. 16 (a), when the form data D _FORM4 is compared with the form data D _FORM1 of FIG. 3 (a), the name of the favorite restaurant is replaced by the user information instead of the name of the gas station. It _differs in that it can be specified as one item of I _USER4 . Furthermore, form data D
_FORM4 is configured so that the user can specify a meal time according to his / her preference.

[0213] The user operates the input section 15 to input his / her own name in the user name field, and then designates the credit card possessed, the name of the favorite restaurant, the priority, and the meal time. . Thereafter, the user operates the input unit 15 to indicate that the input of the user information I _USER4 has been completed.

When the CPU 11 receives the information _{indicating that} the input of the user information I _USER4 has been completed (step S102), the processing shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the input user information I _USER4
Is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 13 (step S10).
3).

[0215] The navigation device 4, or more user information after registration of termination or after power in accordance with a program AP _4, typically, in the autonomous navigation and heteronomous method combining navigation, estimation and display of the vehicle position I do.

Further, the CPU 11 starts searching / guidance of a route in response to a predetermined operation by the user. It should be noted here that the first half of the route search / guidance executed by the navigation device 4 is the same as that in FIG. 4, and therefore, FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the latter half of the route search / guidance executed by the navigation device 4. FIG. 17 is compared with FIG.
Step S207 corresponds to S701, and step S208 corresponds to S
702. Other steps are the same, and therefore, in FIG. 17, the steps corresponding to FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified.

First, in FIG. 4, the CPU 11
Of determining a first path R ₁ from the starting point OP ₁ first to the destination DP ₁ (step S201 to S203).

[0219] Next, CPU 11 is a vehicle and induction and guidance along the first path R ₁ of searching (step S20
4) If the vehicle position coincides with the _first destination DP1 (step S205), it is determined that the guidance and guidance of the vehicle have ended, and the route search / guidance ends.

[0220] On the other hand, if the own vehicle position does not match the destination DP in step S205,
It is determined whether a first response signal (for details of the first response signal, refer to step S209) has been received from the input unit 15 (step S206). When the first response signal has been received, the CPU 11 returns to step S204.
Continue guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, if the CPU 11 has not received the first response signal in step S206, it requests the timer 41 to transmit a notification signal. In response to this request, the timer 41 generates a notification signal including the current time and returns it to the CPU 11. As described above, the CPU 11
Obtains the notification signal of the timer 41 (FIG. 17; Step S
701).

After step S701, the CPU 11
The storage area of the user information I _USER4 (see FIG. _16B ) in the RAM 13, more specifically, the storage area of the meal time is accessed, and the current time indicated by the notification signal is compared with the meal time (step). S702).

If the current time does not coincide with the meal time, the CPU 11 estimates that the user does not eat, returns to step S204, and continues the guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S208
If the current time and the meal time match, the user is presumed to have a meal and the warning data D _WARN4 is transferred to the output unit 16 in order to inquire whether or not to go to a restaurant (step S209).

The warning data D _WARN4 is typically data for displaying an icon or an animated character, and is used to warn the user that it is a meal time. Further, the warning data D
_{The WARN 4} includes data for displaying a predetermined message (for example, a message “Go to a restaurant?”).

As a result of the _execution of step S209, an icon created based on the warning data D _WARN4 and the predetermined message are displayed on the display.

When the predetermined message is displayed, the user operates the input unit 15 to respond to the inquiry. The input unit 15 transmits a first response signal indicating the content of the user's response to the CPU 11.

The CPU 11 determines the content of the received first response signal, and determines whether or not to re-search for a route (step S210). In the present embodiment, the re-search of the route means that the guidance and guidance according to the first route R ₁ are interrupted, and the second route R for guiding and guiding to the restaurant is interrupted.
₂ means to search.

If the received first response signal indicates that the route will not be searched again, the CPU 11 returns to step S204 to continue the guidance and guidance.

On the other hand, the CPU 11 determines in step S210
If the received first response signal indicates that the route is to be re-searched, the route is searched again in the same manner as in the process of FIG. 7 (step S211).

As a result, the CPU 11 sets the third storage unit 1
User information I _USER4 from the position information I _POI4 in 43
The most suitable position information I _POI4 including the information of the restaurant corresponding to the user's preference is selected according to the priority of the user. After that, CP
U11 obtains the second path R ₂ to restaurant selected from the vehicle position (the second destination DP ₂₎ (step S2
11).

After step S211, the CPU 11 executes
Map file F _CART showing the position of the vehicle and its surrounding map
Is displayed on the display of the output unit 16. Further, C
PU11 is or to display the second path R ₂ obtained in step S211 on the display of the output unit 16, an output unit 16
And or by voice output depending from speakers as required vehicle induces and guidance along the second path R ₂ of searching (step S212).

After step S212, the CPU 11
By performing step S213, the own vehicle position is changed to the second destination D
Until it coincides with P ₂ (step S213), and repeats the induction and guidance of the vehicle.

As described above, the navigation device 4
When it is time to eat while guiding or guiding the vehicle according to the first route R _1, it is estimated that the user wants to eat, and the user uses the position information I _POI4 in the third storage unit 143 to obtain the meal. Find a restaurant that suits your tastes.

[0235] After that, the navigation device 4, to explore the automatically set to the second route R ₂ a restaurant that was searched as a second destination DP _2. This allows the user to
There is no need to operate the input unit 15 to search for and set the _second destination DP2, so that the vehicle can be driven safely.

In the fourth embodiment, a meal is taken as an example from the viewpoint of clarifying the explanation. However, the technical scope of the fourth embodiment is not limited to meals.

For example, the fact that the user goes to the bowling alley at 3:00 pm is registered in the navigation device 4 in advance. In this case, the navigation device 4 operates at 3:00 pm
Then, the route re-search process is started to guide the user to the bowling alley. In addition, the user registers in advance that a time service starts at 5:00 pm in a certain supermarket. In this case, at 5:00 pm, the navigation device 4 starts re-searching for a route to guide the user to a supermarket.

That is to say, in a comprehensive sense, the CPU 11
Is a notification signal from the timer 41 and user information registered in advance.
Report I_USER4 Based on the above, the behavior of the user is estimated. C
The PU 11 stores the position of the place related to the estimation result in the
3 storage information 143 of the storage unit 143 _POI4Find out using.

[0239] After that, the navigation device 4, automatically searches for a set second path R ₂ where the found as a destination DP ₂ of the second. This eliminates the need for the user to operate the input unit 15 to search for and set the _second destination DP2, so that the vehicle can be driven safely.

Also, in the fourth embodiment, the CPU 11
Has searched for a route from the vehicle position to the selected restaurant in the re-search for the route in FIG. However, the re-search of the route, route to the first destination DP ₁ via the restaurant selected from the vehicle position may be searched.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the position information
Report I_POI1~ I_POI4Are the descriptions in the navigation devices 1-4.
Was stored in the storage device 14. However, the location information I_POI1
~ I _POI4Is connected to the Internet etc. as shown in FIG.
Server connected to the representative digital network 5
6 may be stored.

In this case, the navigation devices 1 to 4
Through digital network 5 by wireless communication technology
The server 6 is accessed, and the location information I
_{POI 1}~ I_POI4Download Then navigate
The installation devices 1 to 4 store the downloaded location information I_POI1~
I _POI4Is used to perform the processing of FIG.

(Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment provides a more convenient navigation device 5 by introducing network technology and wireless communication technology into the above-described navigation device 4.

FIG. 19A is a block diagram showing a network environment according to the present embodiment. In FIG.
The navigation device 7 and the server 8 are communicably connected via a digital network 9 represented by the Internet.

First, the configuration of the navigation device 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The navigation device 7 is different from the navigation device 4 in that the navigation device 7 further includes a wireless communication control unit 71. Since the other parts are the same, in FIG.
Components corresponding to the configuration of FIG. 5A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The wireless communication control section 71 corresponds to the wireless communication control section according to claim 31, and includes a portable telephone or a PH.
It is composed of a wireless communication device represented by S. The wireless communication control unit 71 performs wireless communication to control access to the server 8 housed in the network.

Since the data stored in the ROM 12 and the storage device 14 are the same as those shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
However, in the position information I _POI4 , the element ma of the related POIX is
Using te, the identifier (URL in this embodiment) of the server associated with the target (restaurant) is specified.

More specifically, for example, one _piece of position information I _POI4 includes <lat> 35.5000 as an element.
</ Lat>, <lon> 135.75 </ lon>,
<Nb>McDonald's</nb> and <note> one hamburger 60 yen </ note>, <mate hr
ef = "http: //www.order.co ....
jp "> order </ mate>.

Here, the URL (http: // www)
w. order. co. . jp) is assigned to the server 8. The server 8 is installed in the restaurant indicated by the position information I _POI4 and receives order information from the navigation device 7.

A feature of the navigation device 7 is directed to a search process. That is, other processes are the same as those of the navigation device 4, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the search by the navigation device 5. FIG.
Is different from the first embodiment in that steps S801 to S804 are further included. Since there are no other differences, FIG.
In FIG. 8, steps corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 20, when step S403 is completed, the CPU 11 has selected the optimal position information I _POI4 indicating a restaurant that _meets the user's preference.

Next, the CPU 11 sets the optimum position information I
URL described using element “mate” from _POI4
Take out. The CPU 11 instructs the wireless communication control unit 71 to execute the server 8 uniquely specified by the extracted identifier (URL).
The wireless communication control unit 71 accesses the server 8 (step S801).

When the server 8 receives the access from the navigation device 7, the server 8 transmits the order form stored in the internal storage device (not shown) to the navigation device 7.

When the CPU 11 receives the order form via the wireless communication control section 71, it displays this on the display (step S802). This order form, as shown in FIG. 21 (a), shows a menu of the selected restaurant, and is configured so that the name of the user and the order of the user can be specified. If payment can be made with a credit card, a field for inputting the user's credit card number and expiration date is provided.

The user operates the input unit 15 to input his / her name and order, and then operates the input unit 15 to
The navigation device 7 is instructed that the input of the order has been completed.

When the CPU 11 receives the information that the input of the order has been completed (step S803), the order information indicating the input order is transmitted to the server 8 through the wireless communication control unit 71 as shown in FIG. (Step S8)
04).

Upon receiving the order information of the navigation device 7, the server 8 informs a restaurant clerk that the user has placed an order by displaying it on a display or printing out. As a result, the clerk of the restaurant can receive the order of the user of the navigation device 7.

As described above, the user of the navigation device 7 can place an order before arriving at the restaurant instead of actually arriving at the restaurant, so that the waiting time at the restaurant can be reduced. Can be.

Note that in this embodiment, step S801
Steps S804 to S804 were performed immediately after step S403.
However, steps S801 to S804 may be performed any time after the optimal position information I _POI4 has been selected.

Also, in the present embodiment, the order information is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1 (b), at least the user name and
And orders were shown. However, normal navigation equipment
5 is the vehicle position and the second destination DP_Two Understand
And the second destination DP_Two Approximate arrival time to
Can be calculated. The order information is the second destination DP
_Two May also include the time of arrival to. This allows you to drink
The restaurant should prepare the ordered products by when
I know what it is.

Note that the basic concept of this embodiment is that
When the gating apparatus 7 receives the position information I_{PO I4}Identification described in
The point is that the server 8 specified by the child can be accessed. I
Accordingly, in the first to third embodiments, the position information I
_POI1~ I_POI3Describes the same identifier in
Devices 1 to 3 have the same configuration as the wireless communication control unit 71.
Access to the server specified by the identifier.
Can be accessed.

In each of the above embodiments, the storage device 14 stores the road network data D _NET , the map file F _CART and the position information I _POI in the first storage unit 141.
The description has been given as being stored in the second storage unit 142 and the third storage unit 143. However, the road network data D _NET , the map file F _CART and the location information I _POI are:
They may be stored together in the storage device 14.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 1. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of user information registration according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows form data D _FORM1 and user information I
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of _USER2 .

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first half of route search / guidance according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a latter half of route search / guidance according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing icons and messages displayed on a display.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a route re-search according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for searching for a gas station according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a message displayed on a display.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device 2.

[FIG. 11] Form data D _FORM2 and user information I
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of _USER2 .

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 3.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for starting a clock unit 31 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a latter half of route search / guidance according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 4.

FIG. 16: Form data D _FORM4 and user information I
FIG. ₁₄ is a diagram illustrating an example of _USER4 .

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a latter half of route search / guidance according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing navigation devices 1 to 4 accessing an external server 6 storing position information I _{POI1 to} I _POI4 .

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 5 and a surrounding environment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a search processing procedure according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an order form and order information according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 navigation device 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 storage device 141 to 143 first to third storage unit 15 input unit 16 output unit 17 Receiver 18: Sensor section 19, 21 ... Detection section 31, 41 ... Clock section 5, 9 ... Digital network 6, 8 ... Server 71 ... Wireless communication control section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Teruaki Ata 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C032 HB25 HC08 HD24 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AC02 AC04 AC06 AC14 AC18 5H180 AA01 BB13 BB15 EE10 FF04 FF05 FF22 FF25 FF33 9A001 CZ05 HH09 HH34 JJ11 JJ27 JJ77 LL06

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure point and a destination, comprising: a first storage unit for storing road network data; A detection unit that detects a remaining amount; and a processing unit that performs a route search process, wherein the processing unit determines a first route from the departure place to the destination by the first route.
Searching while referring to the road network data in the storage unit of the storage unit, while receiving or guiding the vehicle according to the searched first route, receiving a detection result from the detection unit,
The remaining amount indicated by the detection result is compared with a predetermined reference value, and when it is determined that the remaining amount is equal to or less than the reference value, a search for the energy supply station is performed. The second route,
A navigation device for searching based on road network data in the first storage unit. 2. An input unit operated by a user, wherein the processing unit, upon receiving a detection result from the detection unit, inquires of the user whether to search the second route, The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the search unit searches for the supply point when a search for a second route is input to the input unit. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second storage unit configured to store user information related to the user, wherein the processing unit searches for the supply point by referring to the user information stored in the second storage unit. Claim 1
The navigation device according to claim 1. 4. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit searches for a nearest supply point from a position of the own vehicle. 5. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit searches for a supply point with a low price. 6. The processing unit according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of the supply points are found as a result of the search, the processing unit specifies one of the plurality of supply points according to a predetermined priority. A navigation device as described. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second storage unit configured to store position information including a position of the supply station and position-related information, wherein the processing unit uses the position information in the second storage unit to store the supply information. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the navigation device searches for a place. 8. A server for accumulating position information including a position of a supply station and position-related information, wherein the processing unit accesses the server via a digital network and stores the information in the server. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the supply point is searched using the position information of the navigation device. 9. A navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure point and a destination, comprising: a first storage unit that stores road network data; and a detection unit that detects a parameter indicating a state of a vehicle. And a processing unit for performing a route search process, wherein the processing unit sets a first route from the departure place to the destination by the first route.
Searching while referring to the road network data in the storage section of the storage section, receiving a detection result from the detection section while guiding or guiding the vehicle according to the searched first route; Based on the determined reference value, the state of the vehicle is determined.If the state of the vehicle is determined to be defective, a store capable of repairing or replacing the defective portion is searched. A navigation device that searches for a second route to the store based on road network data in the first storage unit. 10. The detection unit detects a battery voltage of the vehicle, and the processing unit, when a voltage indicated by a detection result from the detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein it is determined that the state of the vehicle is bad. 11. The detection unit detects an engine oil temperature of the vehicle, and the processing unit determines that a temperature indicated by a detection result from the detection unit is out of a predetermined reference range. To
The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein it is determined that the state of the vehicle is bad. 12. An input unit operated by a user, wherein the processing unit, upon receiving a detection result from the detection unit, inquires of the user whether to search the second route, The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein the store is searched when a search for a second route is input to the input unit. 13. A storage unit for storing user information related to a user, wherein the processing unit searches the store with reference to the user information stored in the second storage unit. The navigation device according to claim 9, which performs the navigation. 14. The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein the processing unit searches for a nearest store from the own vehicle position. 15. The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein the processing unit searches for a store with a low price. 16. The processing unit according to claim 9, wherein, when a plurality of the stores are found as a result of the search, the processing unit specifies one of the plurality of stores according to a predetermined priority. Navigation device. 17. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a second storage unit configured to store position information including a position of the store and position-related information, wherein the processing unit uses the position information in the second storage unit to store the position information. The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein the search is performed. 18. A server for storing location information including location information and location-related information of the store, wherein the processing unit accesses the server via a digital network and stores the location information in the server. The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein the store is searched using the position information of the navigation device. 19. A navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure point and a destination, comprising: a first storage unit for storing road network data; and counting an elapsed time from a predetermined starting point. A processing unit for performing a route search process, wherein the processing unit performs a first route from the departure place to the destination by the first route.
Searching while referring to the road network data in the storage unit, receiving the elapsed time counted by the timer unit during guidance and guidance according to the searched first route, and based on the received elapsed time. A user's behavior is estimated, a location related to the estimation result is searched, and a second route from the own vehicle position to the searched location is searched based on road network data in the first storage unit. A navigation device. 20. An input unit operated by a user, wherein the processing unit, upon receiving an elapsed time from the clock unit, inquires of the user whether to search the second route, 20. The navigation device according to claim 19, wherein when the search for the second route is input to the input unit, the supply point is searched. 21. The processing unit, when the elapsed time received from the clock unit is equal to or more than a predetermined reference value, estimates that the user takes a break, and sets a rest area as a place related to the estimation result. 20. The navigation device according to claim 19, wherein the navigation device is searched. 22. The rest area is a service area,
The navigation device according to claim 21. 23. The resting place is a restaurant.
2. The navigation device according to claim 1. 24. The processing unit according to claim 19, wherein, when a plurality of places are found as a result of the search, the processing unit specifies one of the plurality of places according to a predetermined priority. Navigation device. 25. A storage device, further comprising: a second storage unit that stores position information including the position of the place and position-related information, wherein the processing unit uses the position information in the second storage unit to store the location information. 20. The navigation device according to claim 19, wherein the navigation device is searched. 26. A server for storing position information including the position of the place and position-related information, which is externally installed, wherein the processing unit accesses the server via a digital network and 20. The navigation device according to claim 19, wherein the location is searched using the position information of the navigation device. 27. A navigation device for searching for a route between a set departure point and a destination, comprising: a first storage unit for storing road network data; a clock unit for clocking the current time; A processing unit that performs a search process, wherein the processing unit performs a first route from the departure place to the destination by the first route.
Searching while referring to the road network data in the storage unit, receiving the current time from the clock unit during guidance and guidance according to the searched first route, and performing a user action based on the received current time. And searching for a location related to the estimation result, and searching for a second route from the own vehicle position to the searched location based on road network data in the first storage unit. apparatus. 28. An input unit operated by a user, wherein the processing unit, upon receiving a current time from the clock unit, inquires of the user whether to search the second route, 28. The navigation device according to claim 27, wherein when the search for the second route is input to the input unit, the supply point is searched. 29. The apparatus further comprising a second storage unit for storing user information related to a user, wherein the processing unit searches for the location by referring to the user information stored in the second storage unit. , Claim 27
The navigation device according to claim 1. 30. A storage device, further comprising: a second storage unit that stores position information including the position of the place and position-related information, wherein the processing unit uses the position information in the second storage unit to store the shop information. 28. The navigation device according to claim 27, wherein the navigation device is searched. 31. A server for storing position information including the position of the place and position-related information, which is externally installed, wherein the processing unit accesses the server via a digital network and 28. The navigation device according to claim 27, wherein the location is searched using the location information of the navigation device. 32. The processing unit, when the current time received from the clock unit is a predetermined time, searches for a restaurant where the user can eat as a place related to the estimation result. 28. The navigation device according to 27. 33. A server connected to a digital network is installed at the location, further comprising a wireless communication control unit that controls wireless communication and accesses the server via the digital network. Item 28. The navigation device according to item 27.