JP2003106855A - Server for navigation, navigation apparatus, information input unit, method for navigation, software for navigation and navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server for a navigation which can immediately utilize a route guide after a user steps into a vehicle. SOLUTION: The server for the navigation comprises a route calculator 13 for calculating a route for arriving at a destination from a departure place by a traveling member, based on moving information regarding the movement from the departure place input from an information input unit 60 to the destination via a network N, an I/O controller 19 for outputting route information calculated by the calculator to the navigation apparatus 50, a time calculator 17 for calculating at least one of the arriving scheduling time and a recommended departure time based on at least one of the departure scheduling time and the arrival desired time input from the unit 60, and a departure time informing unit 44 for outputting the information displaying the effect when the present time approaches to the predetermined time to the recommended departure time calculated by the calculator 17.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation technique, and more particularly to a navigation server device, a navigation device, an information input device, a navigation method, which can exchange route information and the like via a network. The present invention relates to navigation software and a navigation system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the progress of digital technology, a navigation technique for guiding a moving body such as an automobile has become widespread. For example, an in-vehicle navigation system searches for an optimal route to a given destination based on data such as roads recorded in advance on a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or the like, and calculates in real time by GPS navigation or the like. While displaying a map near the position of the vehicle to be calculated on the screen, route guidance such as turning left or right is performed on the display screen or synthesized voice.

Further, a network compatible navigation system has also been proposed. This is, for example, via a network such as the Internet, a mobile phone, or an in-house LAN, route calculation is performed based on a map and route information accumulated in a server group connected to the network, and the in-vehicle device that receives the calculation result is received. This is a system for providing directions to a navigation device for a vehicle. Such a network-compatible navigation system has an advantage that it is not necessary to update the map and route information for each on-vehicle navigation device, and the vehicle can always be traveled using the latest map and route information.

[0004]

In the prior art as described above, the user sets the destination in the vehicle-mounted navigation device after getting in the vehicle, and then calculates the result on the server side. Follow the procedure of downloading via the network. Therefore,
There is a problem that the route guidance by the navigation device cannot be used immediately because a waiting time is required until the route calculation is completed after receiving the result after getting on the vehicle.

[0005] Further, the user will predict the required time to the destination to some extent based on the experience so far and determine the departure time, but the required time from the departure place to the destination at that time The traffic jam information is unknown until you get into the vehicle and operate the navigation device. Therefore, if an unexpected accident, traffic closure, or the like occurs on the route, there may be a problem that the destination cannot be reached at the desired time.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a navigation system in which a user can use route guidance immediately after getting in a vehicle. The technology is to provide a navigation server device, a navigation device, an information input device, a navigation method, navigation software, and a navigation system.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the navigation server device according to the invention of claim 1 changes from a departure point input from an information input device to a destination via a network. Route calculation means for calculating a route for a moving body to reach a destination from a departure point based on movement information regarding movement, and route information calculated by the route calculation means to a navigation device via a network. It has a route information output means for outputting.

[0008] A navigation method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is obtained by considering the first aspect of the present invention from the viewpoint of the method, and from a departure point input from an information input device via a network to a destination. The step of calculating the route for the mobile body to reach the destination from the departure point based on the movement information regarding the movement, and the step of outputting the calculated route information to the navigation device via the network. It is characterized by

The navigation software according to the invention of claim 10 captures the inventions of claims 1 and 7 from the viewpoint of software that can be executed by a computer. Then, based on the movement information regarding the movement from the starting point to the destination, which is input from the information input device, the moving body is caused to calculate a route for reaching the destination from the starting point, and the calculated route information is stored in the network. It is characterized in that it is output to the navigation device via.

The invention described in claim 13 is regarded as a navigation system constituted by the invention described in claims 1, 7 and 10, and comprises a map information storage means for storing map information and a departure point to a destination. Based on the map information and the movement information, an information input device for inputting movement information relating to movement to the movement information, a movement information storage means for storing movement information inputted from the information input device via a network, Route calculation means for calculating a route for the body to reach the destination from the starting point, route information output means for outputting the route information calculated by the route calculation means, and the route information output means via the network. And a navigation device that guides the route based on the route information input.

Claims 1, 7, 10 and 13 as described above
In the invention described above, when the user inputs movement information regarding the departure point and the destination from the information input device in advance, the route is automatically calculated. Therefore, when the user gets in the vehicle, the route by the navigation device is used. The guidance is available immediately.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the navigation server device according to the first aspect, arrival is made based on at least one of the scheduled departure time and the desired arrival time input from the information input device via the network. The present invention is characterized by having time calculation means for calculating at least one of the scheduled time and the recommended departure time, and time information output means for outputting the calculation result by the time calculation means via a network.

The invention according to claim 8 is a view of the invention according to claim 2 from the viewpoint of a method. In the navigation method according to claim 7, the invention is carried out via a network.
Calculating at least one of the estimated arrival time and the recommended departure time based on at least one of the scheduled departure time and the desired arrival time input from the information input device; and outputting the calculation result via a network. It is characterized by including and.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claims 2 and 8.
The invention described above is captured from the viewpoint of software executable by a computer, and in the navigation software according to claim 10, a departure from the information input device input via the network by controlling the computer. At least one of the estimated arrival time and the recommended departure time is calculated based on at least one of the scheduled time and the desired arrival time, and the calculation result is output via the network.

In the inventions according to claims 2, 8 and 11 as described above, when the user inputs the scheduled departure time or the desired arrival time with the information input device in advance, the estimated arrival time or the recommended departure time is determined. It's automatically calculated and you can get that information, so it's easy to schedule.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the navigation server device according to the second aspect, when the current time approaches a predetermined time by the recommended departure time calculated by the time calculating means, the fact is shown. It is characterized by having a departure time notification means for outputting information via a network.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 3 which is grasped from the viewpoint of a method, and in the navigation method according to claim 8, the current time approaches a predetermined time by the recommended departure time. In that case, the method includes the step of outputting information indicating that fact via the network.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claims 3 and 9.
The present invention is described from the viewpoint of software executable by a computer, and in the navigation software according to claim 11, the computer is controlled so that the present time approaches a predetermined time by the recommended departure time. In this case, the information indicating that is output through the network.

In the inventions according to claims 3, 9 and 12 as described above, the user can know that the recommended departure time is approaching, so it is possible to prevent the departure time from being forgotten and the schedule going wrong.

A navigation device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides route guidance based on route information input from the navigation server device according to any one of the first to third aspects via a network. It is characterized by having a guide means for performing.

An information input device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention has input means for inputting the movement information to the navigation server device according to any one of the first to third aspects via a network. It is characterized by

In the inventions according to claims 4 and 6 as described above, since the navigation device can be installed in the vehicle and a mobile phone or the like can be used as the information input device, input of movement information and the like can be easily performed anytime and anywhere. It can be carried out.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the navigation device according to the fourth aspect, there is provided a download means for automatically acquiring the route information from the navigation server device at the time of starting.

In the invention described in claim 5 as described above, since the route information is automatically downloaded at the time of starting, it is possible to immediately perform navigation based on the latest information.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the part related to information processing in this embodiment is typically realized by controlling a computer with software. The software in this case realizes the action and effect of the present invention by physically utilizing the hardware of the computer, and has the features of the present invention based on the existing technology. However,
In this case, the specific types and configurations of hardware and software, the range processed by software, and the like can be changed in various ways. Therefore, in the following description, virtual circuit blocks that realize the respective functions of the present invention and the embodiments will be described. To use.

[1. Configuration of Embodiment] First, in the present embodiment, various servers for performing route calculation, personal information management, and the like, a navigation device for receiving information from these servers to guide a route, a departure place, a destination The information input devices for inputting time, etc. are related to the navigation system connected to the network, respectively, and can be understood as navigation software for realizing each of these functions. In addition,
The network included in the present embodiment means not only the Internet but also a wide area network to which a large number of people can connect, including currently available ones such as mobile phones and company LANs, and those coming in the future. .

[1-1. Overall System Configuration] FIG.
It is a functional block diagram of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the navigation server 10, the map / route information management server 20, the dynamic information management server 3 are provided.
0, a server group S having a personal information management server 40 (corresponding to the navigation server device described in the claims), a navigation device 50 mounted in a user's vehicle (hereinafter, referred to as own vehicle), a mobile phone PH or a personal computer. An information input device 60 such as a computer PC and a network N to which these are connected are configured. The entire server group S can be realized by a single computer, but the entire server or individual servers can also be configured as a system in which a plurality of computers cooperate to perform processing. Information can be exchanged between individual servers via a LAN or via the network N.

[1-2. Configuration of Server Group] [1-2-1. Configuration of Navigation Server] The navigation server 10, based on the input information,
This is a server for performing route calculation, recommended departure time calculation, estimated arrival time calculation, etc., and outputting the result to the navigation device 50. This navigation server 10
Is provided with a destination designation unit 11, a departure place designation unit 12, a route calculation unit 13, a departure time designation unit 15, an arrival time designation unit 16, a time calculation unit 17, a navigation data storage unit 18, and an input / output control unit 19. There is. The destination specifying unit 11 is means for specifying the destination of the route calculated by the route calculating unit 13. The departure point designating unit 12 is means for designating the departure place of the route calculated by the route calculation unit 13. The route calculation unit 13 determines the destination designated by the destination designation unit 11 from the departure place designated by the departure place designation unit 12 based on the information from the map / route information management server 20 and the dynamic information management server 30. It is a means to calculate the optimal route to the ground.

The departure time designation unit 15 is means for designating a scheduled departure time for calculating the estimated arrival time. The arrival time designation unit 16 is means for designating a desired arrival time for calculating the recommended departure time. The time calculation unit 17 includes a map / route information management server 20 and a dynamic information management server 3
Based on the information from 0, the estimated arrival time is calculated when the scheduled departure time is designated by the departure time designation unit 15, and the recommended departure time is calculated when the desired arrival time is designated by the arrival time designation unit 16. Is a means of calculating. The navigation data storage unit 18 is means for storing the calculation result of the route calculation unit 13 and navigation data which is map data corresponding to the calculation result. The input / output control unit 19 is means for controlling input / output of information via the network N.

[1-2-2. Configuration of Map / Route Information Management Server and Dynamic Information Management Server] The map / route information management server 20 is a network structure of map data required for map display in the navigation device 50, and route required for route calculation in the navigation server 10. This is a database server that stores and manages route search data and the like that express in the map / route information database (hereinafter referred to as DB) 21. The dynamic information management server 30 is a database server that stores and manages dynamic information regarding traffic congestion, accidents, etc. on a route that changes from moment to moment in the dynamic information DB 31.

As shown in FIG. 2, the map / route information management server 20 and the dynamic information management server 30 have their respective DBs.
21 and 31, search units 22 and 32, download data memories 23 and 33, update processing units 24 and 34, and input / output control units 25 and 35. The search units 22 and 32 are means for searching the map / route information necessary for route calculation. The download data memories 23 and 33 are means for temporarily storing the latest map / route information and dynamic information that are periodically downloaded via the network. The update processing units 24 and 34 use the download data memories 23 and 3
It is a means for updating the contents of the DBs 21 and 31 by the latest information stored in 3 or a manual operation input by the administrator.

[1-2-3. Configuration of Personal Information Management Server] The personal information management server 40 is a server that manages schedules and the like of individual users. The personal information management server 40 includes a personal information storage unit 41 and a movement information determination unit 4
2, request processing unit 43, departure time notification unit 44, timer 4
5, it has an input / output control unit 46. Personal information DB41
Is a database that stores personal information about individual user schedules. The personal information is, for example, FIG.
As shown in, the date, departure time, arrival time, place: destination, departure place, transportation means, and file name. The movement information determination unit 42 determines whether or not the input personal information includes movement information regarding movement such as departure time, arrival time, place: destination, departure place, scheduled departure time, and desired arrival time. It is a means of determining whether or not it is specified.

The request processing section 43 is means for making a calculation request to the navigation server 10 according to the judgment result of the movement information judging section 42. When the current time indicated by the timer 45 approaches the scheduled departure time designated by the user or the recommended departure time calculated by the navigation server 10 by a preset time, the departure time notification unit 44 sets the current time indicated by the information input device 60. Is a means to send to. The personal information management server 40 is the information input device 6
It also has a function of transmitting an input form of personal information in response to a request from 0.

[1-2-4. Navigation Device] As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1, the navigation device 50 includes an absolute position / azimuth detector 51 and a relative azimuth detector 5.
2, vehicle speed detection unit 53, main CPU and its peripheral circuit 5
4, memory M, display unit 55, voice output unit 56, input unit 5
7. The communication control unit 58 is provided.

Of these, the absolute position / direction detector 51
In order to calculate the absolute position coordinates and direction on the ground surface of the current position of the automobile (called own vehicle) equipped with this device, that is, the own vehicle position, for example, GPS radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites are used. It is a part for receiving with an antenna or a receiver. The relative azimuth detecting unit 52 is a unit for detecting the relative azimuth of the own vehicle using a gyro or the like. The vehicle speed detection unit 53 is a unit that calculates the speed of the own vehicle by processing the vehicle speed pulse obtained from the vehicle.

Further, the main CPU and its peripheral circuit 54
Is a part that plays the role of a control circuit that controls the entire apparatus. The memory M is various kinds of memory necessary for the operation of this device, and for example, a DRAM that stores a program, is accessed by the main CPU at the time of startup, is loaded with the main program, and provides a work area,
(Dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM) that backs up information such as settings even when the main power is turned off, and VRAM (VideoRAM) for display.

Further, the display unit 55 and the voice output unit 56 are
Information map (including 3D display and landmark display),
This is a part for outputting various information such as an operation menu on a display screen (not shown) or voice synthesis. The input unit 57 is a portion for the user to input information such as commands and numerical values from switches and joysticks on the front panel and remote control, and for example, selects a desired point on the map, a landmark, a menu button, or the like. , Scroll operation input, display switching instruction input, and the like can be performed.

The display section 55 is a touch panel which can act as an input means similar to the input section 57 by directly touching an arbitrary point on the map displayed on the screen, a menu button or the like with a finger. Also has a function as. The input unit 57 may include a microphone for voice input. The communication control unit 58 is means for controlling connection to the network N and exchange of information, and for example, a built-in mobile phone module having an Internet connection function can be used.

Further, the main CPU and its peripheral circuit 5
4 functions as the request processing unit 54a, the download data memory 54b, the current position calculation unit 54c, the guide unit 54d, the drawing unit 54e, the time determination unit 54f, and the departure place determination unit 54g by the action of the software as described above. It is configured to fulfill. The request processing unit 54a includes the input unit 5
It is a means for processing a request to the server group S in response to an instruction input from 7. The download data memory 54b is means for storing navigation data including route information calculated by the navigation server 10 and map data corresponding thereto, personal information from the personal information management server 40, and the like.

The current position calculation unit 54c is a means for calculating the current position of the own vehicle, that is, the own vehicle position. Specifically, by combining the GPS navigation positioning and the autonomous navigation positioning, the current vehicle position is calculated. It is configured to calculate. Here, the GPS navigation positioning calculates the current position using the information obtained from the absolute position / azimuth detecting unit 51 based on the radio wave from the artificial satellite. In addition, the autonomous navigation positioning calculates the current position using information obtained from the relative azimuth detecting unit 52 and the vehicle speed detecting unit 53 based on the acceleration of the vehicle.

The guide section 54d is means for providing route guidance by synthetic voice or screen display based on the navigation data stored in the download data memory 54b, the current position sequentially calculated by the current position calculation section 54c, and the like. The drawing unit 54e is a unit that draws the display content displayed on the display unit 55 based on the information passed from each of the other units. The time determination unit 54f is a unit that determines a scheduled departure time close to a predetermined time from the current time. The departure place determining unit 54g is a unit that determines a departure place that is close to the present location by a predetermined distance.

[1-3. Information input device] Information input device 6
As shown in FIG. 1, a well-known mobile phone PH or personal computer PC that has a browser and the like and can be connected to the server group S and the navigation device 50 via the network N when necessary is used as 0. be able to. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and P
HSs, PDAs, mobile communication devices and other computers can be used. Reference numeral 61 in the figure is a base station for transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the communication control unit 58 and the mobile phone PH to realize connection to the Internet.

[2. Operation of Embodiment] The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 7. 4 and 5 show the flow of processing in the personal information management server 40, FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing in the navigation server 10, and FIG. 7 shows the flow of processing in the navigation device 50.

[2-1. Personal Information Registration Processing] First, the personal information registration processing in the personal information management server 40 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, in the personal information management server 40, when an input request for personal information from the information input device 60 is received (step 401), the input form is output to the information input device 60 (step 402). When the user inputs and sends personal information from the input form displayed by the browser of the information input device 60, the personal information management server 40 that receives the personal information receives it (step 4).
03). The movement information determination unit 42 determines whether or not the movement information is included in the received personal information (step 404), and when it is determined that the movement information is not included (for example, the scheduled schedule of the meeting). Stores the personal information in the personal information storage unit 41 as it is (step 405).

If it is determined that the personal information includes the movement information and the desired arrival time (step 406), the request processing unit 43 moves to the navigation server 10. A request for route calculation and recommended departure time calculation is output together with the data (step 407).
Here, when it is determined that the movement information is included, for example, when "automobile" is specified as the means of transportation, when the destination or the departure place is specified, the scheduled departure time or the arrival This is when the desired time is specified. When the personal information management server 40 receives the recommended departure time calculated by the navigation server 10 as described later (step 408), the recommended departure time (for example, time) is received together with the personal information.
(A, timeB) is stored in the personal information storage unit 41 in association with the file name (step 409). Further, this recommended departure time is transmitted to the information input device 60 and notified to the user together with the notification of registration completion (step 410).

If it is determined that the personal information includes the movement information, but does not include the desired arrival time and the scheduled departure time (step 406),
The request processing unit 43 outputs a request for route calculation and estimated arrival time calculation to the navigation server 10 together with the movement information (step 411). When the personal information management server 40 receives the estimated arrival time calculated by the navigation server 10 as described later.
(Step 412), together with the personal information of the person, the estimated arrival time (for example, timeC, timeD, etc.) is stored in the personal information storage unit 41 in association with the file name (step 413). Furthermore, this estimated time of arrival is
Along with the notification of registration completion, it is sent to the information input device 60 and notified to the user (step 414).

[2-2. Departure Time Notification Processing] Next, the departure time notification processing by the personal information management server 40 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the departure time notifying unit 44 periodically checks the timer 45 to check the personal information storage unit 41.
It is determined whether or not the current time has approached the scheduled departure time stored in (step 5).
01), if it is determined that the user is approaching, that effect (for example, "it is about to depart.") Is transmitted to the information input device 60 (step 502). The information to be transmitted may be voice data such as electronic mail and recorded / synthesized voice.

[2-3. Route Calculation Process] The route calculation process performed by the navigation server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, as described above, when the movement information and the calculation request are input from the personal information management server 40 (step 601), the route calculation unit 13 determines the purpose from the departure place designated by the departure place designation unit 12. Place designation part 11
Map the optimal route to the destination specified by
Calculation is performed based on the route search data input from the route information management server 20 (step 602). When the request for calculating the recommended departure time is input (step 6)
03), the time calculation unit 17 calculates the recommended departure time based on the desired arrival time designated by the arrival time designation unit 16 (step 604). If a request for calculating the estimated arrival time is input (step 60)
4) Based on the scheduled departure time designated by the departure time designation unit 15, the estimated time of arrival is calculated by the time calculation unit 17 (step 605). In addition, based on the dynamic information from the dynamic information management server 30, for example, traffic jam information, accident information, construction information, and traffic closure information (for these, including the information predicted near the scheduled date and time of movement) The time required from the ground may be calculated backward to calculate a more accurate recommended departure time or estimated arrival time.

The route calculated as described above corresponds to this route, and together with the map information input from the map / route information management server 20, as navigation data, a file name in personal information (for example, a navigation file name:
01072901 and the like) and is stored in the navigation data storage unit 18 (step 606).
When there is a navigation data download request from the navigation device 50 (step 607), the navigation data corresponding to the requested file name is transmitted (step 608). The calculated recommended departure time or estimated arrival time is output to the personal information management server 40 as described above.

[2-4. Navigation processing] Furthermore,
Navigation processing by the navigation device 50,
It will be described with reference to FIG. That is, when the ignition key of the vehicle is turned on, the navigation device 50 returns (step 701), and the request processing unit 54a requests the personal information management server 40 for personal information of the user of the navigation device 50 (step). 702). In response to this, the personal information transmitted from the personal information management server 40 is stored in the download data memory 54b (step 703).

Then, the value of the variable N is initialized to 1 (step 704), and the time determination unit 54f includes the scheduled departure time closest to the present time in the downloaded personal information (step 705). Then, it is judged whether or not it is the scheduled departure time close to the predetermined time from the current time (step 706). When the scheduled departure time is included, it is determined whether or not the departure place is within a predetermined distance from the present place (step 707). If the departure place is within a predetermined distance from the current place, the personal information is displayed on the display unit 5.
Inquiry is made to the user by displaying in 5 (step 708). At this time, as menu buttons that the user can select, for example, "OK" and "NEX"
"T" and "manual setting" are displayed.

When the user selects "OK" with the input unit 57 (steps 709, 710), the request processing unit 54a requests the navigation server 10 for the corresponding navigation data (step 71).
1). The navigation data transmitted in response to this request is stored in the download data memory 54b (step 712), and based on this navigation data, the guide unit 54d guides the user by synthetic voice or screen display (step 713).

The user inputs "NEX
If "T" is selected (steps 709, 710),
The variable N is incremented (step 714), and the processing after step 705 is performed. Therefore, each time the user selects "NEXT", data of departure times close to the current time are sequentially searched. Also, when the departure place is not within the predetermined distance from the present place (step 707),
The processes of steps 714 and 705 and subsequent steps are performed.

When the user selects "manual setting" with the input unit 57 (steps 709 and 710), the user inputs a desired destination (step 715).
The request processing unit 54a requests the navigation server 10 to calculate a route from the current position to the destination (step 711). The navigation server 10 performs the route calculation as described above based on the received data of the destination and the current position and transmits the navigation data. Therefore, the navigation data is stored in the download data memory 54b (step 712), and the navigation data is stored. Is performed (step 713).

[3. Effects of Embodiment] According to the present embodiment as described above, the user can automatically input his / her schedule as personal information by using the information input device 60 such as the mobile phone PH or the personal computer PC. Since the route calculation is performed, the user can get into the vehicle and immediately start the navigation without waiting time.

When the scheduled departure time and the desired arrival time are entered, "What time can I arrive at the destination if I depart at XX" or "To arrive at the destination at Δ △? It's easy to set up a schedule because you know in advance what time you have to leave.

Further, when the route is calculated by inputting the desired arrival time at the destination, the recommended departure time is calculated. In this case, it is determined that the calculated recommended departure time is near. Since the information input device is notified, it is possible to prevent the plan from being lost due to forgetting the schedule.

[4. Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the personal information and the contents and mode of the display screen are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment. Further, the setting of the predetermined time and the predetermined distance in the above-described embodiment may be manually set by the user or may be set in advance by default.
Further, the present invention can be applied to navigation devices other than those mounted on vehicles.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention, a navigation technique that enables a user to use route guidance immediately after getting in a vehicle, that is, a navigation server device, a navigation device, an information input device, and a navigation method. It is possible to provide navigation software and a navigation system.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a map / route information management server and a dynamic information management server according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of personal information according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a registration process of personal information according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a departure time notification process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a route calculation process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing navigation processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Navigation server 11 ... Destination designation section 12 ... Departure point designation section 13 ... Route calculation unit 15… Departure time designation section 16 ... Arrival time designation section 17 ... Time calculation unit 18 ... Navigation data storage unit 19, 25, 35, 46 ... Input / output control unit 20 ... Map / route information management server 21 ... Map / route information DB 22, 32 ... Search section 23, 33, 54b ... Download data memory 24, 34 ... Update processing unit 30 ... Dynamic information management server 31 ... Dynamic information DB 40 ... Personal information management server 41 ... Personal information storage 42 ... Movement information determination unit 43, 54a ... Request processing unit 44 ... Departure time notification section 45 ... Timer 50 ... Navigation device 51 ... Absolute position / direction detector 52 ... Relative azimuth detector 53 ... Vehicle speed detector 54 ... Main CPU and its peripheral circuits 54c ... current position calculator 54d ... Guide section 54e ... drawing section 54f: time determination unit 54g ... Departure point determination section 55 ... Display 56 ... Voice output section 57 ... Input section 58 ... Communication control unit 60 ... Information input device 61 ... Base station

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C032 HB08 HB22 HC08 HD03 HD16                       HD21 HD23                 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB13 AC02                       AC06 AC08 AC14 AC18                 5H180 AA01 BB04 BB05 BB15 CC12                       FF01 FF04 FF05 FF12 FF13                       FF22 FF25 FF27 FF32

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A route for calculating a route for a moving body to reach a destination from a place of departure based on movement information relating to the movement from the place of departure to the destination inputted from an information input device via a network. A navigation server device comprising: a calculating unit; and a route information output unit that outputs the route information calculated by the route calculating unit to a navigation device via a network. 2. A time calculation means for calculating at least one of an estimated arrival time and a recommended departure time based on at least one of the estimated departure time and the desired arrival time input from the information input device via a network, 2. The navigation server device according to claim 1, further comprising: time information output means for outputting the calculation result by the time calculation means via a network. 3. When the present time approaches a recommended departure time calculated by the time calculation means for a predetermined time,
3. The navigation server device according to claim 2, further comprising departure time notifying means for outputting information indicating that fact via a network. 4. A guide means for guiding a route based on route information input from the navigation server device according to claim 1 through a network. Navigation device. 5. The navigation device according to claim 4, further comprising download means for automatically acquiring route information from the navigation server device at the time of startup. 6. An information input device comprising an input means for inputting the movement information to the navigation server device according to claim 1 through a network. 7. A step of calculating a route for a moving body to reach a destination from a starting point based on movement information regarding movement from a starting point to a destination, which is input from an information input device via a network. And a step of outputting the calculated route information to a navigation device via a network, the navigation method. 8. A step of calculating at least one of an estimated arrival time and a recommended departure time based on at least one of the estimated departure time and the desired arrival time input from the information input device via a network, and the calculation. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: outputting the result via a network. 9. The navigation method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of outputting information indicating that the current time has come close to the recommended departure time for a predetermined period of time via a network, when the current time approaches the recommended time of departure. . 10. By controlling a computer, based on movement information relating to movement from a starting point to a destination, which is input from an information input device via a network,
Navigation software characterized by causing a moving body to calculate a route for reaching a destination from a departure point and outputting the calculated route information to a navigation device via a network. 11. A computer is controlled so that at least one of an estimated arrival time and a recommended departure time is based on at least one of the estimated departure time and the desired arrival time input from the information input device via a network. 11. The navigation software according to claim 10, wherein the software is calculated and the calculation result is output via a network. 12. The computer is controlled so that, when the current time approaches a predetermined time at the recommended departure time, information indicating that fact is output via a network. Navigation software as described. 13. A map information storage means for storing map information, an information input device for inputting movement information relating to movement from a departure place to a destination, and movement information inputted from the information input device via a network. A movement information storage unit that stores a route, a route calculation unit that calculates a route for a moving body to reach a destination from a departure point based on the map information and the movement information, and a route calculation unit that calculates the route. A navigation system comprising: route information output means for outputting route information; and a navigation device for guiding a route based on route information input from the route information output means via a network.