JP2003214877A - Route-traffic-information service and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a route-traffic-information service by which traffic information on a route is estimated and provided according to a running route or a running schedule route by each user and to provide a terminal device for the route-traffic-information service regarding the route-traffic-information service and the terminal device. <P>SOLUTION: The route is searched on the basis of a vehicle present position 201 and by inputting a destination, and a screen display is shifted to a route- decision screen display 22 after the route has been searched. On the screen display 22, candidate routes 221, 222, an estimated passage point in a prescribed time (a predetermined time on the side of the service) on the route, a distance from a starting place and an estimated traffic jam 229 on the route are displayed. When a voice output is used, an on-vehicle terminal speaks about a general situation of an estimated traffic state up to the route via a loudspeaker. Consequently, the route-traffic-information service by which the traffic information on the route is estimated according to the running route or the running schedule route by each user is provided, and the terminal device for the information service can be realized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a route traffic information service and a terminal device, and more particularly to a route traffic information service which provides predicted traffic information on a route and a terminal device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a terminal device for realizing a route traffic information service, an on-vehicle terminal (car navigation device) is a typical terminal device. The conventional vehicle-mounted terminal is equipped with means for searching for a route to a destination and route guidance, and further, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 00-230837, it has a function of receiving traffic information sent from outside the vehicle and displaying it on a screen display device.

A service for predicting and providing future traffic information is also known, and in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-69673, a highly accurate route planning and request is made by using the traveling record of an actually passed vehicle. A time prediction device and system is presented.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above-mentioned prior arts are limited to displaying received traffic information and presenting estimated arrival time and recommended route, and displaying them on a traveling route or a planned traveling route of each user of the traffic information service. No consideration is given to changing the service content accordingly. In order for the user to know the time required to reach the destination and the traffic jam condition, it was necessary for the user to make a prediction based on the provided traffic information.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a route traffic information service for predicting and providing traffic information on a route according to a traveling route or a planned traveling route of each user, and a terminal device thereof. To provide.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the route traffic information service of the present invention provides one or a plurality of candidate routes and a predicted time required to reach a destination point via the route, A means for outputting the estimated arrival time and at least one of the predicted traffic congestion sections on the route is provided, and the destination and the route output request to the destination are voice-input corresponding to the voice input / output. As a voice recognition means, one or a plurality of candidate routes, and at least one of a predicted required time to the destination point when the route is passed, a predicted arrival time, and a predicted congestion section on the route. And a voice synthesizing means for outputting.

Further, the terminal device of the present invention displays one or a plurality of candidate routes from the starting point to the destination, the estimated required time to the destination point via the route, the estimated arrival time, and Display of the predicted congestion section on the route, a predicted passage point at a predetermined time, or a predicted passage time display at a predetermined point, and display the congestion on the route as a curve on the road map screen, A microphone that includes a screen display device that is displayed thicker than the display width of a road and that detects a destination and a route output request to the destination as voice input in response to voice input / output. And one or more candidate routes from the starting point to the destination, the estimated required time to reach the destination point via the route, the estimated arrival time, the estimated congestion section on the route, and the predetermined time Forecast in Point or the prediction passage time at a given point, comprising a speaker for audio output.

Further, the route traffic information service of the present invention is
Means for outputting a predicted passage point or a predicted passage area at the time point with respect to an input of a departure point and an arbitrary time point for obtaining a predicted passage point, and a prediction at the point point with respect to an input of the departure point and an arbitrary point At least one of a predicted rush time, a predicted passage time, a predicted passage time, or a traffic congestion speed of the traffic congestion section with respect to the means for outputting the traffic time or the predicted traffic time zone or the input of the departure point and the traffic congestion section Equipped with a means for outputting
It is characterized by comprising voice recognition means according to the respective inputs, and voice output means according to the respective outputs.

Further, the terminal device of the present invention comprises means for inputting an arbitrary time point for obtaining a predicted passage point, displaying the predicted passage point or predicted passage area at the time point, and means for inputting an arbitrary point. , Displaying the predicted transit time or predicted transit time at the point,
Alternatively, it is provided with means for displaying a traffic jam section and designating the traffic jam section, and displaying at least one of a predicted rush time, a predicted passage time, a predicted passage time, or a traffic congestion speed of the traffic congestion section. Screen display device. Further, a microphone corresponding to each of the inputs and a speaker corresponding to each of the outputs are provided corresponding to the voice input / output.

Further, the route traffic information service of the present invention is
It is equipped with a means for receiving the planned travel route registration and a means for monitoring the traffic jam condition on the planned travel route and notifying the traffic jam condition when the traffic jam occurs and providing the traffic jam condition. As a means for the above, a voice synthesizing means for outputting a voice is provided.

Further, the terminal device of the present invention comprises means for registering a planned travel route, communication means for receiving traffic congestion information on the route, and a screen display device for notifying the traffic congestion and displaying the traffic congestion section. A microphone for detecting the planned traveling route and the planned traveling route registration request as voice input, and a speaker for notifying the occurrence of traffic congestion and outputting the traffic during the traffic congestion section in response to voice input / output. It is characterized by being provided.

Further, the route traffic information service of the present invention is
It is equipped with a means to output the recommended departure time of the departure point, which takes into account the traffic conditions of the route that changes depending on the time zone, in response to the arrival time of the destination, and the time zone to leave the departure point or to arrive at the destination. It is characterized in that it is provided with a means for outputting a plurality of recommended departure times at the departure place or predicted arrival times at the destination in consideration of the traffic condition of the route which changes depending on the time zone.

Further, the terminal device of the present invention is characterized by displaying a candidate route from the starting point to the destination and a recommended departure time of the starting point when traveling on the candidate route. At least one of a candidate route from the starting point to the destination and a traffic jam section on the route is displayed by displaying a list of estimated time of arrival at the place and selecting the combination of the recommended time of departure and the estimated time of arrival. Is displayed.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The route traffic information service of the present invention,
The terminal device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The route traffic information service is realized by cooperation between a service request from a terminal device on the user side and a center system that performs processing based on the service request. First, the configuration of the terminal device and the center system will be described as a system configuration. Next, the route traffic information service will be specifically listed, and a method for realizing the service will be described using the terminal device screen configuration and the processing flow in the center system.

[System Configuration] An embodiment of the terminal device will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 shows a mobile terminal that is used on the premise of movement among the terminal devices that realize the route traffic information service, and particularly shows the configuration of a vehicle-mounted terminal. In-vehicle terminal 8
Is a main body 84, a screen display device 81, a microphone 82, a speaker 83, a current position detecting means 85, a bidirectional communication means 86.
Composed of. The main body 84 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device, and performs processing required by the vehicle-mounted terminal. Specific processing will be described later in relation to specific service items. The screen display device 81 displays a map, traffic information, route guidance, an input menu, and the like. It is assumed that the in-vehicle terminal 8 is equipped with a remote controller or an operation controller for inputting on the screen with respect to user's operations such as input on the menu and point designation on the map. Further, the screen display device 81 itself is a touch panel type display device, and an interface for inputting by touching a designated portion can be used as one example. The microphone 82 is a means for detecting a voice input of the user and the speaker 83 is a means for outputting a voice to the user, and is required when realizing a voice input / output interface. Current position detection means 85
Is a means for identifying the current position of the vehicle-mounted terminal 8 by GPS (G
lobal PositioningSystem) etc. are used. The bidirectional communication means 86 is means for performing bidirectional data communication with the center system via the network 87.

When the vehicle-mounted terminal 8 realizes voice input / output, a voice recognition / synthesis means is required on the main body 84 or the center system side. In the present system configuration, the voice recognition / synthesis means is provided on the center system side. I shall. At this time, when the main body 84 converts voice into data, the bidirectional communication means 86 may have a data communication function.
When the voice is sent to the network 87 as it is, the bidirectional communication means 86 is a means for simultaneously realizing the voice and the data communication. As a specific example of the bidirectional communication means 86,
Although mobile phones (especially third-generation mobile phones can simultaneously transmit and receive voice and data communication) are considered, communication terminals of satellite communication systems, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), DSR
It can also be realized by C (Dedicated Short Range Communication). Examples of the vehicle-mounted terminal 8 of this embodiment include a communication type car navigation device, a PDA (Personal Digital As
sistants), mobile phone with position detection function (screen display,
A type that can be connected to a network) is possible.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a fixed type terminal device which does not assume movement among the terminal devices which realize the route traffic information service. The fixed type terminal device 9 includes a main body 94 and a screen display device 9.
1, a starting point input means 95 and a bidirectional communication means 96. The main body 94 and the screen display device 91 perform the same processing as the in-vehicle terminal 8 of FIG. It is assumed that the fixed terminal device 9 has an input means such as a mouse or a keyboard as an input interface for selecting an item shown on the screen display device 91, specifying a position, and entering characters. The starting point input means 95 is a means for inputting a starting point from the screen of the screen display device 91, and a method of displaying a map on the screen and pointing to the starting point or a method of specifying the starting point by inputting a place name. And so on. Bidirectional communication means 96
Is a means for performing two-way data communication with the center system via the network 87, which varies depending on the connection method to the network, and specifically, a modem, dial-up router, LAN connection, etc. can be used. . Examples of realization of the fixed type terminal device 9 include a personal computer, a dedicated terminal, or a mobile phone without a position detecting function (screen display, network connectable type).
Is mentioned.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a center system for realizing a route traffic information service. The center system 10 includes a router connected to the network 87, a route search server 1001, a traffic information server 1002, and voice recognition /
It is composed of a synthesis server 1003, a router, and a LAN 1004 that connects the servers to each other via a network. The route search server 1001 includes a map database and mainly implements a route search process of searching for a route from a departure point and a destination. The traffic information server 1002 is provided with a traffic information database, and realizes traffic information extraction processing that mainly outputs a required time on a given route, a congestion section, or a predicted required time, an estimated arrival time, and a predicted congestion section. The voice recognition / synthesis server 1003 mainly receives voices or voices converted into data, and converts the contents into data,
A voice synthesis process for synthesizing data into voice or voice converted into data is realized. Route search server 1001, traffic information server 1002, voice recognition / synthesis server 1003
The detailed processing contents of will be described later in relation to specific service items. The system configuration shown in the center system 10 is one embodiment, and if the functions provided in each server as a whole center system can be realized, it is also possible to realize it on, for example, one server or an external network beyond a router. Is. That is, the center system may be physically distributed or integrated as long as the above-mentioned processes can be realized.

A characteristic of the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 is that the center system 10 is provided with the processes of route search, traffic information extraction, and voice recognition / synthesis, and the users are different terminals. Even the device can enjoy the same service. For example, it is possible to determine a planned traveling route with a home personal computer (fixed type terminal device 9) and receive traffic information on the route with the vehicle-mounted terminal 8.

[Entrance to Route Traffic Information Service] An example of using the service will be described below. As the terminal device in the following embodiments, the in-vehicle terminal shown in FIG. 8 will be described as an example. A case where display and input modes are different between the on-vehicle terminal and the fixed terminal device of FIG. 9 will be supplementarily described.

FIG. 1 is a service use initial screen of the route traffic information service. The screen display device of the vehicle-mounted terminal takes the state of the map display screen 1 before using the route traffic information service. The map display screen 1 is a screen that displays the current position of a vehicle (strictly speaking, a vehicle-mounted terminal) on a map. 100 is a menu bar, 101 is a highway, 102 is a general road, and 103 is a current position of the vehicle. It is assumed that the apex in the longitudinal direction of the triangle of the vehicle current position 103 represents the traveling of the vehicle. In the menu bar 100, there is a traffic information menu 11 representing route traffic information service, and the menu 11 is selected and executed (methods of selection and execution include pressing the menu 11 with a finger, or using a remote control on an in-vehicle terminal or If there is an operation controller, a method of moving the selection cursor to make a decision can be mentioned), and then the selection buttons 12, 13, 1
4, 15, 16 appear. When a button is selected and executed, processing according to the item is started. Button 12 is a route prediction traffic information general condition service, button 13 is an arbitrary time passage point prediction service, button 14 is an arbitrary point passage time prediction service, and button 15 is traffic jam. Transit time prediction service, button 1
6 corresponds to the route monitoring setting. Further, the button 17 corresponds to the recommended departure time providing service, and the button 18 corresponds to the recommended departure time / estimated arrival time providing service for a plurality of time zones.
When voice input is used, processing of each service is started by uttering a voice corresponding to each service item in the state of the map display screen 1. An example of voice utterance will be described later in the description of each service. When the fixed type terminal device 9 is used, it is assumed that the current position 103 in FIG. 1 is not displayed and instead a cursor display is provided so that the departure point input can be pointed on the map.

An example of each service item of the route traffic information service will be described below.

[Route prediction traffic information overview service] Fig. 2
[Fig. 6] is an example of a screen display of a route prediction traffic information overview on an in-vehicle terminal. The screen display is mainly screen display 20 → screen display 2
1 → Screen display 22 → Screen display 23. The screen display 20 is a destination input screen, 201 is the current position of the vehicle, and 202 is a destination selection cursor. The vehicle current position 201 is displayed based on the latitude, longitude, and direction information acquired by the current position detection means of the vehicle-mounted terminal.
The destination selection cursor 202 moves on the map screen by the user's operation (remote control or operation controller) to determine the destination. As a method of determining the destination, it is also possible to select a place name or a facility name from the menu in addition to the method of selecting from the map screen. When the destination is determined and the destination input is completed, the screen transitions to the screen display 21 to display that the route is being searched.

When voice input is used, the voice recognition means makes a route output request to the destination by uttering "route to Hitachi (place name)" through a microphone. To interpret. The voice recognition means notifies the vehicle-mounted terminal that the destination input has been accepted,
The screen of the vehicle-mounted terminal transits to the screen display 21. When inputting the destination with the fixed terminal device, the starting point is input by the starting point inputting means at the same time.

After the route search is completed, the screen display changes to the route determination screen display 22. On the screen display 22, 221,
222 indicates the candidate route 1 and the candidate route 2 respectively, and 22
3, 224 is the distance from the predicted passage point and the departure point at a predetermined time (a time that is set in advance based on the current time on the service side, and the time at the passage point is mainly every 30 minutes) 225 is the starting point,
226 is a destination, and 229 is a predicted traffic jam on the route. The predicted traffic jam 229 represents traffic jam that is predicted to occur in the direction from the departure place to the destination, assuming that the vehicle travels on the route 1. Since the direction of the traffic jam is limited, unlike the conventional display method of displaying up and down on the left and right of the road, the display width is wider on the road and can be displayed easily by the user.

When using voice output, the vehicle-mounted terminal utters an overview of the predicted traffic situation up to the route via the speaker. For example, "When traveling on Route 1, 1
At 1:30, we will pass Owada (place name), which is 12km from our current location, and we will arrive at our destination Hitachi at about 12:43.
On the way, congestion is predicted from "Ishina slope" (place name) to "Mikanohara" (place name). When traveling on Route 2, ... "
In such a form, the predicted passage point, the predicted arrival time, and the predicted congestion section at a predetermined time are output as voice.

Besides the map display, it is also possible to display the predicted traffic condition general condition of the route in a simple graphic form in the format shown in FIG. An arrow 304 represents a route from a starting point to a destination, a passing point is expressed as a point 307, and the distance is proportionally distributed by an actual distance and displayed. Place name 3
06, predicted passage time 305, and predicted traffic congestion section 303. Tab display for each route 30
1, 302 are provided, and information on another route is selected and displayed by selecting a tab.

When the selection is made after selecting the route, the screen display transits to the screen display 23 of FIG. 2, the selected route 232 is displayed, and the route guidance is started. When selecting to display the route prediction traffic information general condition again from the button 12 in FIG. 1 during route guidance, it is possible to select a new route search or display the traffic information general condition of the current route. When the display of the traffic information general condition is selected, the in-vehicle terminal displays the predicted arrival time and the predicted congestion condition of the determined route on the screen display 22 of FIG.
Alternatively, it is displayed again like the screen display 30 in FIG.

Next, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show the processing flow for realizing the route traffic information service of the route forecast traffic information general condition.
Will be explained. FIG. 13 is a processing flow for displaying the predicted traffic information general condition, and FIG. 14 is a processing flow when voice input / output is supported. First, the processing flow of FIG. 13 will be described, and then the processing flow of FIG. 14 will be described with the addition of a portion corresponding to voice input / output.

-Route prediction traffic information overview processing flow (Fig. 1
3) Step 1 (abbreviated as S1 in FIG. 13; omitted below, Sn)
User) (described as user in FIG. 13)
Enter the destination from the screen (Fig. 2). S2: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the current position acquired from the current position detection means and the destination input by the user to the center system. S3: The route search server executes a route search process from the current location to the destination. If there are multiple candidates, multiple outputs are made. As the route search cost, a link travel time based on the link distance, the regulation speed, a link travel time based on the traffic information (dynamic route search), or the like is used. S4: The traffic information server executes the traffic information extraction / creation processing on the route with the route candidate as an input, and outputs the predicted arrival time to the destination, the predicted congestion section, and the predicted passage point at a predetermined time. A specific processing method will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a table showing the predicted traveling speed for each distance from the starting point regarding a certain route. As a method of creating the table itself, speed information for each point obtained from another traffic information agency or the like is accumulated, and the statistical information and the speed information currently obtained are compared to each other, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
The traveling speed for each point in the future is predicted by using the method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 0-235692, and the speed 1100 for each point is calculated. Next, according to the calculated speed, the predicted travel locus 11
01 is obtained, and the estimated arrival time of the destination is obtained. In addition, the intersection with the predicted travel locus 1101 at a predetermined time is indicated by an arrow 1
If you trace like 102, the distance at the intersection will be arrow 11
It can be calculated by tracing 03, and the passing point at a predetermined time can be obtained. Further, if the speed is a predetermined threshold value (here, set to 10 km / h), it is defined as congestion, and the area 110
4 becomes a traffic jam, and the predicted travel locus 1101 is displayed in the area 1104.
The section including is obtained as the predicted congestion section. S5: The vehicle-mounted terminal receives the route candidate and the predicted traffic condition overview from the center system and displays them on the screen (FIGS. 2 and 3). S6: The user selects a travel route and determines the route (FIG. 2). S7: The vehicle-mounted terminal starts route guidance based on the determined route (FIG. 2). The determined route (if the route search server holds the route used for route search, only the route ID is acceptable) is sent to the route search server. S8: The route search server registers the confirmed route and uses it for other route traffic information services.

With the above processing flow, a service for providing an overview of route traffic information can be realized.

Voice input / output compatible route prediction traffic information general condition processing flow (FIG. 14) S11: The user utters a place name of the destination and a route output request to the destination. Example: “Route to XX (place name)”. S12: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the data of the current location acquired from the current position detection means, the place name of the destination, and the voice or voice data of the route output request to the destination to the center system. S13: The voice recognition / synthesis server interprets the utterance content by the voice recognition process, and converts the utterance content into a destination and a route output request as data. S14: The voice recognition / synthesis server activates the route search request process in accordance with the route output request output by the voice recognition process. Send your current location and destination to the route search server. S15: The route search server performs a route search as in S3 of FIG. S16: The traffic information server extracts and creates traffic information as in S4 of FIG. S17: The voice recognition / synthesis server receives the route candidate and the predicted traffic condition overview from the route search server and the traffic information server, converts them into voice or voice data by voice synthesis processing, and transmits them to the vehicle-mounted terminal. S18: The vehicle-mounted terminal outputs a predicted passage point, predicted arrival time, and predicted congestion section of each route candidate at a predetermined time from the speaker by voice (the route may be displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 2 or 3 at the same time). . Example: “If you drive on Route 1, you will pass Owada (place name) 12km from your current location at 11:30 and arrive at your destination Hitachi at about 12:43. On the way from Ishinazaka (place name) Mikanohara (Place name) is predicted to be congested.
…. S19: The user selects a route ID and speaks. Example: "Select route 1." S20: The in-vehicle terminal sends voice or voice data to the center system. S21: The voice recognition / synthesis server recognizes the route ID by voice recognition. S22: The voice recognition / synthesis server sends the determined route ID to the vehicle-mounted terminal and the route search server. S23: The route search server registers the route as in S8 of FIG.

With the above processing flow, it is possible to realize a service that provides an overview of route traffic information corresponding to voice input / output.

As described above, the feature of the present invention is that the screen display 2
As shown in 2, by displaying or voice-outputting a route candidate to a destination with a predicted passage point and time in the route and predicted traffic congestion, and by providing a service, the service user The point is that it becomes possible to support route selection behavior, help avoid traffic congestion, and know future driving patterns to the destination.

[Arbitrary Time Passing Point Prediction Service] FIG. 4
[Fig. 6] is an example of a screen display for predicting an arbitrary time passage point on an in-vehicle terminal. The screen display is screen display 40 → screen display 41 →
A transition is made to the screen display 42. The screen display 40 is a time input screen displayed when the arbitrary time passage point prediction service is selected from the menu shown in FIG. In the time input dialog 401 on this screen, the hour and minute dials displayed on the screen are rotated by the user's operation to change the time and determine the time. As a method for determining the time, it is also possible to place a ten key on the remote control or a screen display and select it. When the time input is determined and the time input is completed, the screen transitions to the screen display 41 to display that the transit point is being predicted.

When voice input is used, the voice recognition means requests the time and the passage point prediction at the time by uttering "where is the position at 12:15?" Through the microphone. I interpret that there was.
The voice recognition means notifies the in-vehicle terminal that the time input has been accepted, and the screen of the in-vehicle terminal transitions to the screen display 41. In the fixed terminal device, the departure place is input at the same time by the departure place input means.

After the passage point prediction is completed, the screen display changes to the passage point screen display 42. On screen display 42, 40
2 is the current position of the vehicle, 403 is the planned travel route to the destination already determined by the route search, 421 is predicted traffic congestion,
Reference numeral 423 represents a predicted passage point, and 424 represents the time input on the time input screen 40 and the distance from the current position of the vehicle. At the predicted passage point on the map corresponding to this input time, an arrival position mark is displayed in addition to the own vehicle position mark displayed at the current position 402 of the vehicle, and the time specified in the area extended from this arrival position mark. And the mileage to that point is displayed.
The predicted traffic jam 421 represents a traffic jam on the route 403, which is predicted to occur in the direction from the current location to the destination.

In FIG. 4, the predicted passage point is shown as a dot like 423, but the road section where passage is expected at the designated time may be displayed as a predicted passage area with some range. . When using voice output, the vehicle-mounted terminal utters the predicted passage point on the route via the speaker. For example, at 12:15, we are planning to pass near XX (place name), which is 26km from the current location. "
Alternatively, the predicted passage area is output by voice.

Next, a processing flow for realizing the route traffic information service for inquiring the predicted passage point at an arbitrary time will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a processing flow for handling display output, and FIG. 16 is a processing flow for handling voice input / output. First, the processing flow of FIG. 15 will be described, and then the processing flow of FIG. 16 will be described with the addition of a portion corresponding to voice input / output.

-Processing flow for inquiring of predicted passage points (Fig. 1
5) S31: The user inputs the time from the screen (FIG. 4). S32: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the current position acquired from the current position detection means and the time input by the user to the center system. S33: The route search server previously performed the route search process,
When the route is registered (for example, when the route search process is already performed and registered at the time of the route prediction traffic general condition service of FIG. 13 or 14), the route is called. As the route call key, the user ID used when the vehicle-mounted device accesses the system is used. Then, the section from the current position to the destination in the called route is cut out, and the cut out section is transmitted to the traffic information server as a new route. S34, S35: The traffic information server executes the traffic information extraction / creation processing on the route with the cut-out route as an input, and the route search server outputs the predicted passage point at the input time of the user. A specific processing method will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the route prediction traffic general condition service, a predicted traveling locus 1101 is calculated from the input of a route, an intersection with the predicted traveling locus 1101 at the input time is traced as an arrow 1102, and a distance at the intersection is traced by an arrow 1103. Then, the predicted passing point at the input time is obtained. Alternatively, a certain distance error (for example, about 1 km before and after the predicted passage point) is allowed, and [prediction passage point-distance error, predicted passage point + distance error] from the route.
The predicted passage area is calculated by cutting out the section. S36: The vehicle-mounted terminal receives the predicted passage point or the predicted passage area from the center system and displays the screen (FIG. 4).

With the above processing flow, it is possible to realize a service that provides a predicted passage point for an arbitrary time input.

Processing flow of passage prediction point inquiry corresponding to voice input / output (FIG. 16) S41: The user utters a request for a passage point prediction including the time for obtaining the predicted passage point. Example: "Where is your position at 12:15?" Or "Where is your lunch?" S42: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the time at which the predicted passing point is obtained and the sound or voice data of the request for the predicted passing point at the time to the center system. S43: The voice recognition / synthesis server interprets the utterance content by the voice recognition processing, and converts the utterance content into the time and the predicted passage point output request as data. S44: The voice recognition / synthesis server activates the passage point request process in accordance with the passage predicted point output request output by the voice recognition process. Send current location and time to route search server. S45: The route search server calls the route as in S33 of FIG. S46, S47: The traffic information server and the route search server are
Traffic information is extracted and created in the same way as in S34 and S35 in FIG. 15, and transit points are predicted. S48: The voice recognition / synthesis server receives the passage prediction point or the passage prediction area from the route search server, converts it into voice or voice data by voice synthesis processing, and transmits the voice or voice data. S49: The vehicle-mounted terminal voice-outputs the predicted passage point or the predicted passage area at the time specified at the time of input from the speaker (at the same time, the predicted passage point may be displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 4). Example: "26:12 from the current location at 12:15
It is planned to pass near ○○ (place name) at the km point. "Or, it is predicted that you will pass from ○ △ (place name) to around ○ × (place name) around noon."

By the above processing flow, a predicted passage point inquiry service corresponding to voice input / output can be realized.

As described above, the feature of the present invention is that the predicted passing point or predicted passing area at an arbitrary time designated by the user is displayed or output by voice, and the service is provided so that the user of the service It becomes possible to support the action plan schedule.

[Arbitrary Point Passing Time Prediction Service] FIG. 5
[Fig. 4] is an example of a screen display for predicting an arbitrary point passage time on an in-vehicle terminal. The screen display is screen display 50 → screen display 51 →
A transition is made to the screen display 52. The screen display 50 is a point input screen displayed when the arbitrary point passage time prediction service is selected from the menu shown in FIG. The point input cursor 501 moves on the map screen by the operation of the user,
Decide where to find the transit time. In addition, it is possible to determine a point by displaying a representative point (intersection etc.) on the route and selecting the point. When the point input is completed, the screen transitions to screen display 51, which indicates that the transit time is being predicted.

When voice input is used, the voice recognition means requests the place name and the passage time prediction at the place name by uttering "What time is the place name?" Passing through the microphone. I interpret that there was. The voice recognition means notifies the in-vehicle terminal that the place name input has been accepted, and the screen of the in-vehicle terminal transitions to the screen display 51. In the fixed terminal device, the departure place is input at the same time by the departure place input means. After the passage time is predicted,
The screen display transits to the passage time screen display 52. In the screen display 52, 502 is the current position of the vehicle, 503 is the planned travel route to the destination already determined by the route search,
Reference numeral 523 indicates predicted traffic congestion, 522 indicates a passing point input on the screen 50, and 521 indicates a predicted passing time and a distance from the current position.

In FIG. 5, the predicted passing point is shown as a dot like 423, but it is also possible to display it with a certain range with the time when the passing is expected at the designated point as a time zone. When using voice output, the in-vehicle terminal utters the predicted passing time at the designated point through the speaker. For example, the estimated passage time or the estimated passage time zone at a predetermined point is output as voice in a form such as "passing around ○○ (place name) at a point 27 km from the present location will be around 12:18".

Next, a processing flow for realizing the route traffic information service for inquiring the predicted passage time at an arbitrary point will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a processing flow for handling display output, and FIG. 18 is a processing flow for handling voice input / output. First, the processing flow of FIG. 17 will be described, and then the processing flow of FIG. 18 will be described with the addition of a portion corresponding to voice input / output.

Processing flow for inquiring the predicted passage time (Fig. 1
7) S61: The user inputs a spot on the screen (FIG. 5). S62: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the current location acquired from the current location detecting means and the point input by the user to the center system. S63: The route search server performs the route search process in the route search server and, if the route is registered, calls the route. Then, the section from the current position to the input point in the called route is cut out, and the cut out section is transmitted to the traffic information server as a new route. S64, S65: The traffic information server executes the traffic information extraction / creation processing on the route with the cut-out route as an input, and the route search server outputs the predicted passage time at the input point of the user. A specific processing method will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the route prediction traffic general condition service, the predicted travel locus 1201 is calculated from the route input (route input cut out in S63). Next, the arrow 12 indicates the intersection with the predicted travel locus 1201 at the distance from the route start end of the input point.
02 and follow the time at the intersection with arrow 1203
The predicted passing time at the input point is calculated by tracing the above. Alternatively, a certain time error (for example, about 10 minutes before and after the calculated predicted passage time) is allowed, and the time zone of [predicted passage time-time error, predicted passage time + time error] is calculated as the predicted passage time zone. . S66: The vehicle-mounted terminal receives the predicted passing time or the predicted passing time zone from the center system and displays the screen (FIG. 5).

With the above processing flow, a service for providing a predicted passage time for an arbitrary point input can be realized.

Process flow for inquiring passage predicted time corresponding to voice input / output (FIG. 18) S71: The user utters a request for passage time prediction including a point for obtaining the predicted passage time. Example: "When is the passing of ○ △ (place name)?" S72: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits to the center system the voice or voice data of the point for which the predicted passage time is obtained and the request for the passage time prediction at the point. S73: The voice recognition / synthesis server interprets the utterance content by the voice recognition processing, and converts the utterance content into a point and a predicted passage time output request as data. S74: The voice recognition / synthesis server activates the passage time request process in accordance with the estimated passage time output request output by the voice recognition process. Send the current location and input point to the route search server. S75: The route search server calls the route as in S63 of FIG. S76, S77: The traffic information server and the route search server are
Similar to S64 and S65 in FIG. 17, traffic information is extracted and created, and transit time is predicted. S78: The voice recognition / synthesis server receives the estimated passage time or the estimated passage time from the route search server, converts it into voice or voice data by voice synthesis processing, and transmits the voice or voice data to the vehicle-mounted terminal. S79: The vehicle-mounted terminal voice-outputs the predicted passage time or the estimated passage time zone at the point designated at the time of input from the speaker (at the same time, the estimated passage time may be displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 5). Example: “○ △ at 27km from the current location
It is planned to pass around (place name) around 12:18 "or" It is predicted that the area near ○ △ (place name) will pass in the afternoon. "

With the above processing flow, a predicted passage time inquiry service compatible with voice input / output can be realized.

As described above, the feature of the present invention is that the user of the service is provided by displaying or voice-outputting the predicted passing time or the predicted passing time zone at an arbitrary point designated by the user, and providing the service. You can clearly know the passing time by supporting the action plan schedule of. For example, if there is a shop on the way to the destination that is open only for a limited time, it is possible to judge whether or not the shop is in time.

[Traffic Congestion Passage Time Prediction Service] FIG. 6 is an example of a screen display of the traffic congestion passage time prediction in the vehicle-mounted terminal.
The screen display is screen display 60 → screen display 61 → screen display 6
Transition to 2. The screen display 60 is a traffic jam designation screen.
The traffic jam designation cursor 601 moves on the map screen by the operation of the user and selects and determines the traffic jam location for which the traffic jam time is requested. In the example of FIG. 6, the congestion point 603 on the route previously selected by another route traffic information service or the like is selected. Screen display 6 when input of traffic jam location is completed
The display transits to 1 and indicates that the traffic congestion time is being predicted.

When the voice input is used, the voice recognition means uses the microphone to say, "When can I get rid of this traffic jam?" Interpreted as a request for traffic jam time prediction. When a traffic jam is selected with the traffic jam specification cursor 601, and when the user similarly utters "When can this traffic jam be cleared?" Through the microphone, the voice recognition means uses the traffic jam from the designated position and the voice utterance. Interpret the point. Further, when an utterance such as "how long does it take to pass a traffic jam near XX (place name)?", The place name is recognized and the traffic jam location is identified. The voice recognition means notifies the vehicle-mounted terminal that the traffic jam location input has been received, and the screen of the vehicle-mounted terminal transitions to the screen display 61. In the fixed terminal device, the departure place is input at the same time by the departure place input means.

After the prediction of the traffic jam passage time, the screen display transits to the passage time screen display 62. In the screen display 62,
602 is the current position of the vehicle, 604 is the planned travel route to the destination that has already been determined by the route search, 621 is the predicted traffic time, 622 is the traffic speed, and 623 is the predicted traffic time. Although not shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the display of the traffic congestion speed of 622, the traffic congestion required time is 20
It may be displayed as minutes. When using the voice output, the vehicle-mounted terminal utters the predicted passage time of the congestion via the speaker. For example, "○ × 30km from the current location
Congestion around the (place name) is 1 if you continue to drive
It will enter the traffic jam around 2:20, and it will take 19 minutes to pass through the traffic jam, and it is planned to pass around 12:39. In addition, the speed in traffic is around 10km / h on average, and the operation is slow. In a form such as ", the predicted rush time, the required transit time, the predicted passage time, or the traffic congestion speed at the traffic jam location is output as voice.

Next, a processing flow for realizing the route traffic information service for inquiring the predicted passage time at a congestion point will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is a processing flow for handling display output, and FIG. 20 is a processing flow for handling voice input / output. First, the processing flow of FIG. 19 will be described, and then the processing flow of FIG. 20 will be described with the addition of points corresponding to voice input / output.

Processing flow for inquiring traffic congestion estimated time (FIG. 19) S81: The user inputs a traffic congestion point from the screen (FIG. 6). S82: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the current location acquired from the current location detecting means and the traffic jam location input by the user to the center system. S83: If the route search server has previously performed the route search process and the route has been registered, the route search server calls the registered route. Send the route to the traffic information server. S84, S85: The traffic information server executes the traffic information extraction / creation processing on the route with the route as an input, and the route search server outputs the traffic jam passage predicted time at the traffic jam location input by the user. A specific processing method will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the route prediction traffic general condition service, a table showing the predicted traveling speed for each distance from the departure point is created, and the predicted traveling locus 2301 is calculated from the input of the route.
Next, the intersection with the predicted travel path 2301 is traced from the input point 2307 as indicated by an arrow 2308, and the predicted congestion point 2306 around the intersection is detected. Next, the point where the outer periphery of the predicted congestion point 2306 and the predicted travel path 2301 intersect is detected, and the distance of the congestion entry position is obtained from arrow 2302 and the congestion entry time is obtained from arrow 2303. Similarly, the distance from the traffic jam escape position is obtained from the arrow 2304, and the traffic jam escape time is obtained from the arrow 2305. Further, the predicted speed on the predicted travel path 2301 between the traffic jam entry position and the traffic jam exit position is averaged to calculate the traffic jam passage speed, and the distance between the traffic jam entry position and the traffic jam escape position is divided by the traffic jam passage speed to calculate the traffic jam. The required transit time can be calculated. S86: The vehicle-mounted terminal receives the predicted rush time, the estimated required transit time, and the congested passage speed from the center system as the estimated transit time at the congested point or other congested conditions, and displays them on the screen (FIG. 6).

With the above processing flow, it is possible to realize a service that provides a predicted passage time for an arbitrary traffic congestion point input.

Processing flow for traffic congestion predicted time inquiry corresponding to voice input / output (FIG. 20) S91: User utters traffic jam predicted time request.
Example: "When can I get through this traffic jam?" Or "How long does it take to pass the traffic near XX (place name)?" S92: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits to the center system the voice or voice data of the traffic jam time prediction request including the traffic jam location, and the data of the current location or the traffic jam designated location. S93: The voice recognition / synthesis server interprets the utterance content by the voice recognition process, and converts the utterance content into a traffic jam passage prediction time output request. If the voice data includes a congestion point, the congestion point is converted into data. S94: The voice recognition / synthesis server activates the traffic jam passage time request processing in accordance with the traffic jam passage predicted time output request output by the voice recognition processing. It also sends the current location, the input point obtained from the user's point input, or the congestion point obtained by voice recognition processing to the route search server. S95: The route search server calls the route as in S83 of FIG. S96, S97: The traffic information server and the route search server are
Traffic information is extracted and created in the same manner as S84 and S85 in FIG. S98: The voice recognition / synthesis server receives the predicted rush time, the estimated required transit time, and the congested passage speed from the route search server as the predicted congestion time or other congestion conditions, and converts them into voice or voice data by a voice synthesis process. And send it to the in-vehicle terminal. S99: The vehicle-mounted terminal outputs the traffic congestion estimated passage time or the traffic congestion situation at the congestion point designated at the time of input from the speaker by voice (at the same time, the estimated passage time may be displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 6). Example: "○ × 30km from the current location
Congestion around the (place name) is 1 if you continue to drive
It will enter the traffic jam around 2:20, and it will take 19 minutes to pass through the traffic jam, and it is planned to pass around 12:39. In addition, the speed in traffic is around 10km / h on average, and the operation is slow. ".

With the above processing flow, it is possible to realize a traffic congestion predicted time inquiry service that supports voice input / output.

As described above, the feature of the present invention is that the user of the service is provided by displaying or voice-outputting the predicted traffic time or detailed traffic conditions at the traffic point designated by the user, and by providing the service. Is able to know in advance the state of traffic jam that is in the process of entering or is expected to enter. Therefore, it is possible to change the route or avoid the congestion route in advance depending on the situation of the rushed traffic.

[Route Monitoring Service] The route monitoring service is a route traffic information service that notifies the service user of the traffic congestion that occurs on the route registered in advance. The service user is the vehicle-mounted terminal 8 shown in FIG.
1 is displayed by using the fixed terminal device 9 shown in FIG.
It is assumed that it is possible to specify the start and stop of the route monitoring service from the route monitoring setting button 16 shown in FIG. It is also assumed that the monitoring cycle can be set. The service is started on the side of the center system due to the instruction from the user to start the service and the existence of the route specified in the route search process. See Figure 1 for the route registration method.
This is possible by using the method described in the section of the predictive traffic information general condition service, as shown in S7 and S8 of 3.

The processing flow for realizing the route traffic information service of route monitoring will be described below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 shows a processing flow for handling display output,
FIG. 22 is a processing flow when audio output is supported.
First, the processing flow of FIG. 21 will be described, and then the differences from FIG. 19 corresponding to audio output will be described using the processing flow of FIG.

Process flow of route monitoring (FIG. 21) S111: The route search server is configured to allow the user to check in advance at a monitoring cycle designated by the user or at regular time intervals of a predetermined time interval (for example, about 5 minutes). Send the registered planned route to the traffic information server. S112: The traffic information server receives the route as input, executes traffic information extraction / creation processing on the route, and extracts congestion points on the route. A specific processing method will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the route prediction traffic general condition service, a table showing the predicted traveling speed for each distance from the departure point is created, and the predicted traveling locus 2301 is calculated from the input of the route. Next, the predicted travel path 2301 is traced from the departure side of the route toward the destination, and the traffic jam entry point is detected. The judgment of the traffic jam entry point is made when the speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (here, set to 10 km / h). Further, when the vehicle travels toward the destination and the speed becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (here, set to 10 km / h), it is determined as a traffic jam escape point. Next, similarly to the traffic jam time monitoring service, the distance at the traffic jam entry position is obtained from the arrow 2302 and the traffic jam entry time is obtained from the arrow 2303. Similarly, the distance from the traffic jam escape position is obtained from the arrow 2304, and the traffic jam escape time is obtained from the arrow 2305. Further, the predicted speed on the predicted travel path 2301 between the traffic jam entry position and the traffic jam exit position is averaged to calculate the traffic jam passage speed, and the distance between the traffic jam entry position and the traffic jam escape position is divided by the traffic jam passage speed to calculate the traffic jam. The required transit time can be calculated. Even after detecting the traffic jam exit position, if the traffic jam entry position is detected by tracing the predicted travel path 2301 to the destination, the traffic jam entry position, time, traffic jam exit position, time, traffic jam speed, The time required for traffic congestion is calculated and output as the traffic congestion status. S113: If there is a traffic jam condition in the traffic information extraction processing of S112, the route search server determines that there is a new traffic jam and proceeds to S114. If there is no traffic jam condition, the process returns to S111, and the route is monitored again at regular time intervals. S114: The route search server pushes and delivers the traffic jam condition to the vehicle-mounted terminal. Examples of push delivery methods include pseudo push delivery in which the two-way communication means of the vehicle-mounted terminal regularly accesses the center system, and a method of issuing a communication connection request to the two-way communication means and starting the connection. To use. S115: The vehicle-mounted terminal notifies the user of the occurrence of traffic congestion by displaying a screen as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the screen display transitions from 70 to 71, and in the screen display 70, a pop-up display 70 for notifying that congestion has occurred on the route.
1 is displayed. It is also possible to generate a notification sound from the speaker at the same time as the pop-up display and notify the user of the traffic jam. After the popup display 701 is displayed for a certain period of time, the screen transitions to the screen display 71. On the screen display 71, the traffic jam location 717 is displayed on the map display screen, and the predicted rush time 716, the predicted rush time 714, the predicted transit time, and the traffic jam speed 715 are received from the center system as the traffic jam status. indicate. A pop-up dialog 713 may be displayed to prompt the user to search for a new route.

A route monitoring service can be realized by the above processing flow.

Process flow of route monitoring corresponding to voice output (FIG. 21) S111 to S114 are the same as FIG. S125: The voice recognition / synthesis server voice-synthesizes the congestion occurrence notification and the congestion state by the voice synthesizing means, and push-delivers to the vehicle-mounted terminal. S126: The vehicle-mounted terminal outputs the traffic jam notification and the traffic jam status by voice from the speaker (at the same time, the predicted passing time may be displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 7). Example: “There was a traffic jam on the planned route. The traffic jam heading around XX (place name), 30km from the current location, started running at around 12:20, and it took 19 minutes to pass the traffic. It will take about 12:39, and the average speed is about 10km / hour during traffic jam, and the operation is slow. ”

With the above processing flow, a route monitoring service compatible with voice input / output can be realized.

As described above, the feature of the present invention is that the user of the service automatically detects the traffic congestion on the route, displays the traffic congestion condition or outputs the voice, and provides the service. It is possible to know in advance the state of traffic jams that are expected to occur. Therefore, the frequency with which the user voluntarily acquires the traffic jam condition is reduced, and it is possible to reduce communication costs and communication traffic.

[Recommended departure time providing service] FIG.
It is an example of a screen display of the recommended departure time providing service in the terminal device. As the terminal device, the vehicle-mounted terminal shown in FIG.
It can be implemented in either case of the fixed type terminal device shown in FIG. The screen display on the terminal device is the screen display 25.
The screen transitions from 01 to the screen display 2514. Screen display 250
Reference numeral 1 is an input screen for a departure point, a destination, and a desired arrival time. By selecting and pressing the buttons 2502, 2503, and 2504, information can be input and changed for each item. For the departure point input corresponding to the button 2502, in the case of an in-vehicle terminal, it is possible to use the current position detecting means 85 shown in FIG. Also,
In the case of a fixed type terminal device, it is possible to display a map on the screen by the departure place input means 95 shown in FIG. 9 and point the departure place, or to specify the departure place by inputting the place name. The destination input corresponding to the button 2503 is a method of displaying a map on the screen and inputting the destination by pointing on the map on the screen by using a pointer or a touch panel as in the case of inputting the departure place. , The method of specifying the destination by entering the search information such as the telephone number of the facility near the destination shall be used. The arrival time input corresponding to button 2504 is
Pop-up screen 2 by pressing button 2504
513 is displayed, and the arrival date and arrival time are input respectively. As a method of inputting the arrival date, there is a method of pressing a button 2505 to display a calendar screen and selecting a date from this calendar screen. As a method of inputting the arrival time, there is a method of selecting the time with a dial for instructing the increase or decrease of the numerical value to be input as shown in 2506. Search button 250 after the user inputs the departure point, destination, and arrival time
By pressing 7 down, the screen transitions from screen display 2501 to screen display 2514. The screen display 2514 displays recommended departure times and arrival routes to destinations. 2508 is a recommended departure time display, 2509 is a departure place,
2510 represents a destination, 2511 represents a recommended route, and 2512 represents a congestion point on the route which is expected to be encountered when traveling on the recommended route 2511. “13:20” in the recommended departure time display 2508 represents the recommended departure time when the arrival time is “18:00”.

Next, a processing flow for realizing the route traffic information service providing the recommended departure time will be described with reference to FIG.

Recommended departure time provision processing flow (FIG. 27) S2701: The user inputs the departure point, the destination, and the desired arrival time to the vehicle-mounted terminal on the display screen 2501 (FIG. 25). S2702: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the departure place, the destination, and the desired arrival time to the center system having the route search server. S2703: The route search server performs a route search process based on the transmitted starting point, destination, and desired arrival time. The route of the search result and the desired arrival time are transmitted to the traffic information server. S2704: The traffic information server executes the traffic information extraction / creation processing on the route by inputting the route of the search result and the desired arrival time, and sends the predicted traffic situation regarding this route to the route search server. S2705: The route search server obtains the recommended departure time based on the predicted traffic situation sent from the traffic information server,
The recommended route obtained earlier and the predicted traffic situation on the recommended route are transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal.

In FIG. 26, from S2703 surrounded by a dotted line
The processing up to S2705 is performed by the traveling simulation 271.
I will call it 0. S2706: The vehicle-mounted terminal receives the recommended route, the predicted congestion situation, and the recommended departure time from the center system, and displays the screen 251.
It is displayed as 4 (FIG. 25).

As a concrete processing method, similarly to the service of the route prediction traffic information general condition described in FIG. 11, a table showing the predicted traveling speed at each time in each distance section from the departure point for the recommended route is used.

The traffic information server stores speed information for each point obtained from another traffic information agency.
Further, instead of the speed information, the travel time of the corresponding section may be accumulated, and the speed may be calculated from the distance of the section and this travel time. Then, from the accumulated speed information, speed information of day types (classifications such as weekdays, holidays, weekends and holidays) similar to the date of arrival time given from the route search server is extracted, and the route given as input The speed information is averaged for each time zone (for example, every 5 minutes) for each of the above sections, and each point speed is calculated as statistical information. In this way, the traffic information on the route is extracted, and a table of the average speed calculated for each time zone in each section on the route as shown in FIG. 11 is created. The traffic information server returns this table to the route search server as the predicted traffic situation regarding the route.

Next, the route search server obtains the predicted traveling locus 1101 according to the table of the average speed by time zone for each section created by the traffic information server. At this time, since the desired arrival time is given, the average speed table is referenced in the direction backward from the destination starting from this arrival time, and predicted for each time zone (corresponding to one horizontal row in the table). Calculate the travel time of each section (one square in the table) at the estimated passage time from the average speed for each section (corresponding to one vertical column in the table) of the route, and subtract it sequentially from the desired arrival time. Find the departure time of the corresponding section. By repeating this operation to the departure place, the predicted travel locus 1101 and the recommended departure time can be obtained. If the travel time of one section spans multiple time zones with different average speeds, the travel distance according to the average speed of the corresponding time zone is back-calculated from the arrival time of the section to obtain the same average speed time zone. The departure time of the section can be obtained by obtaining the approaching point and obtaining the time when passing the section start point. When the average speed is a predetermined threshold value (for example, set to 10 km / h or less) is defined as traffic jam, the section in which the predicted travel path 1101 passes through the grid of traffic congestion in the table of the average speed by time zone for each section is the recommended route. Congestion points that are expected to be encountered when traveling on the road (predicted congestion section)
Is obtained as.

Next, an example of a service that provides recommended departure times and estimated arrival times corresponding to a plurality of time zones will be shown. Figure 2
6 is a screen on the terminal device displayed when the button 18 of FIG. 1 is pressed, and is an example of a screen display of a service that provides recommended departure times and estimated arrival times corresponding to a plurality of time zones. The terminal device may be either the vehicle-mounted terminal shown in FIG. 8 or the fixed terminal device shown in FIG. The screen display on the terminal device is the screen display 260.
The screen transitions from 1 to screen display 2515. Screen display 2515
Is similar to the screen display 2514 shown in FIG. 25, but a list display button 2611 is added.

The screen display 2601 is displayed when the button 18 in FIG. 1 is pressed. In order to perform a travel simulation to obtain a recommended departure time for the desired arrival time or an estimated arrival time for the designated departure time, information on the departure place and destination for calculating the travel route to be subjected to the travel simulation, and the departure or arrival time It is a band input screen. Information on the departure point and the destination is displayed in the same manner as the screen display 2501 shown in FIG.
It can be set by selecting 03 and pressing it down. The method of designating the starting point and the destination is the same as the method described in the explanation of FIG. 25, and the method of displaying the map and pointing to the starting point or the method of specifying the starting point or the destination by inputting the place name is used. I shall.

Input of a departure or arrival time zone corresponding to the button 2604 is performed via a pop-up screen 2614 displayed by pressing the button 2604.
On the pop-up screen 2614, the start date and end date of the date and time for which the departure or arrival time is obtained, the start time and end time of the desired time zone, and the type of whether the designated time zone is the departure time or the arrival time. In addition, it is possible to input the type of day in order to improve the accuracy of the driving simulation. Start date and end date are buttons 2605 and 260 respectively
Setting is possible by selecting 6 and pressing down. As a method of inputting the start date and the end date, there is a method of displaying a calendar by pressing a button and selecting a date from the calendar. This is the same as the arrival date input using the button 2505 described with reference to FIG. As the input method of the start time and the end time of the time zone, dials 2608 and 26 are used, respectively.
There is also a method of selecting the time according to 09, which is also shown in FIG.
This is the same as the input of the arrival time by the button 2506 described in 5. In the day type input 2607, selection is made from options such as weekdays, Saturdays, and holidays. The departure or arrival type designation 2610 designates whether departure or arrival is desired in the time zone in which the start time and the end time are set by the dials 2608 and 2609. When the departure is designated here, the estimated arrival time is calculated, and when the arrival is designated, the recommended departure time is calculated. When the user depresses the search button 2615, the screen is changed to the screen 2515 and displayed.

On the screen display 2515, the set of departure time and arrival time, the arrival route to the destination, and the congested section where an encounter is expected are displayed as in FIG. Also list display button
By pressing 2611, the screen switches to the screen of list 2612, and a list of pairs of departure time and arrival time in the time zone that matches the conditions specified on screen 2614 is displayed. When one set 2613 is selected from the list displayed at this time, the screen is switched to the map screen display 2514 again. When a pair of departure time and arrival time is selected from the list displayed in the list 2612, the map screen display 251 is linked with the departure time and arrival time of the selected pair of departure time and arrival time.
5 changes. As another display method, the screen is displayed in a frame as shown in FIG. 28, the map screen display and the list are displayed side by side on the same screen, and the map screen is displayed in conjunction with the set of departure time and arrival time selected in the list. A method of changing the display may be used.

The processing for realizing the route traffic information service that provides the recommended departure times and the estimated arrival times corresponding to a plurality of time zones as described above will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. In the following example, a process flow for outputting a plurality of recommended departure times will be described, but a process for calculating a plurality of predicted arrival times will also be described. S2801: The user inputs a departure place and a destination from the screen 2601 and a start date, an end date, a start time, an end time, a day type, and an arrival flag through the pop-up window 2614 (FIG. 26). Here, the arrival flag is a flag indicating that the input condition is a condition related to arrival, and is a departure flag when expressing the departure condition. S2802: The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the information of the departure place, the destination, the start date, the end date, the start time, the end time, the date type, and the arrival flag (departure flag) input on the input screen to the center system. S2803: The route search server creates an arrival (departure) time group from the conditions of start date, end date, start time, and end time. In the process of S2803, the arrival times matching the conditions are generated at certain fixed time intervals. When the departure flag is sent from the vehicle-mounted terminal, the departure times suitable for the conditions are of course generated at certain fixed time intervals.

For example, when the time interval is one hour, start date: 2002/06/06 (Thursday) end date: 2002/06/10 (Monday) day type: weekday start time: 16:30 end time: 19:15 6 to 10 June 2002, given the conditions
Since the day is from Monday to Friday, it will be three days of June 2002 (Thursday), 7th (Friday), and 10th (Monday). Further, since the time zone is from 16:30 to 19:15, the time group is 17:00, 18:00, and 19:00. Therefore, the arrival (departure) time group to be output has the following result by taking the product set from the above conditions (the numbers are candidate numbers).

1: 2002/06/06 (Thurs) 17:00 2: 2002/06/06 (Thurs) 18:00 3: 2002/06/06 (Thurs) 19:00 4: 2002/06/07 ( Fri) 17:00 5: 2002/06/06 (Fri) 18:00 6: 2002/06/06 (Fri) 19:00 7: 2002/06/10 (Mon) 17:00 8: 2002/06 / 10 (Mon) 18:00 9: 2002/06/10 (Mon) 19:00 S2804: The route search server and the traffic information server are the departure point corresponding to each arrival time, the route between the destinations, and the recommended departure time. The estimation process is performed and the route and recommended departure time are output. The specific processing method is the same as the processing of S2704 and 2705. The method of obtaining the estimated arrival time with respect to the departure time is the same as the method described in S3 and S4. That is, the traveling simulation process is performed for each candidate of the estimated arrival time group obtained in S2703, the route search server obtains the recommended route corresponding to each arrival time, and the traffic information server obtains the predicted traffic information corresponding to each recommended route. The route search server calculates the estimated departure time and the estimated traffic congestion based on the calculation result. S2805: The route search server transmits the combination of the route, the departure time, the arrival time, and the predicted traffic jam condition created corresponding to the arrival time group to the in-vehicle terminal. S2806: The in-vehicle terminal displays a list of routes / recommended departure times (estimated arrival times) on the screen, and according to the user's selection, the recommended routes, recommended departure times, expected congestion points (predicted congestion section) ) Is displayed (FIG. 26).

With the above processing flow, it is possible to realize a service that provides a plurality of recommended departure times or predicted arrival times corresponding to a designated time zone.

The conventional route traffic information service related to the recommended departure time providing service includes a service for outputting a moving route and a departure time or an arrival time in response to an input of a departure place and a destination, and a departure interchange of an expressway. And there is a service that outputs the travel route in response to the input of the target interchange and provides the required time and the congested section in the middle for the input of the departure date and time. However, since the former service is intended for pedestrian movement, the time required to walk from the place of departure to the station and the time required from the station to the station are linked to the timetable. The effect of changes in traffic conditions was not reflected in the travel time. Also, the latter service uses prediction of changes in road traffic conditions, but does not support providing recommended departure times for desired arrival dates and times.
In addition, it was not possible to predict the arrival time for each departure time for a plurality of departure time requests with different time.

On the other hand, the present invention realizes the recommended departure time providing service corresponding to the change in the traffic condition of the road, which has not been realized by the conventional service, and also recommends each desired departure or arrival time zone. We have realized a service that provides recommended departure times or estimated arrival times that take into account congestion prediction along with routes. According to the present invention, the traveler can determine the departure time before the trip in advance. In addition, since the departure time can be selected from a plurality of departure / arrival time candidates, it becomes possible for the traveler to make a travel plan that avoids congestion.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a main data format used for communication between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the center system and between the servers of the center system. In FIG. 24, numerical data is text, but binary data may be used.

[0090]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a route traffic information service for predicting and providing traffic information on a route in accordance with a traveling route or a planned traveling route of each user, and a terminal device thereof. It will be possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

[FIG. 1] Initial screen display of route traffic information service.

[Fig. 2] Map screen display of route prediction traffic information overview.

[Fig. 3] Simple graphic display of route prediction traffic information overview.

FIG. 4 is a map screen display for predicting an arbitrary time passage point.

FIG. 5: Display of map screen for prediction of passing time at an arbitrary point.

FIG. 6 is a map screen display of traffic jam time prediction.

FIG. 7: Map screen display of traffic congestion notification by route monitoring.

FIG. 8 is a configuration example of an in-vehicle terminal that realizes a route traffic information service.

FIG. 9 is a configuration example of a fixed terminal device that realizes a route traffic information service.

FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a center system for realizing a route traffic information service.

FIG. 11 is a table showing predicted traveling speed for each distance from the starting point of the route. An explanatory view of a method of predicting a passage point on the table.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a method of predicting a passing time on a table showing predicted traveling speed for each distance from a departure point of a route.

FIG. 13 is an example of a route prediction traffic information overview processing flow.

FIG. 14 is an example of a route prediction traffic information general condition processing flow corresponding to voice input / output.

FIG. 15 is an example of a processing flow of a predicted passage point inquiry at an arbitrary time.

FIG. 16 is an example of a processing flow of a predicted passage point inquiry at an arbitrary time corresponding to voice input / output.

FIG. 17 is an example of a processing flow of a predicted passage time inquiry at an arbitrary point.

FIG. 18 is an example of a processing flow of a predicted passage time inquiry at an arbitrary point corresponding to voice input / output.

FIG. 19 is an example of a processing flow of a predicted passage time inquiry at a traffic jam location.

FIG. 20 is an example of a processing flow of a predicted passage time inquiry at a traffic jam location corresponding to voice input / output.

FIG. 21 is an example of a processing flow of route monitoring.

FIG. 22 is an example of a route monitoring flow that supports voice output.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a method of detecting a traffic jam section by route monitoring.

FIG. 24 is an example of a communication data format.

FIG. 25 is a screen display example of a recommended departure time providing service on a terminal device.

FIG. 26 is a screen display example of a recommended departure time / estimated arrival time providing service corresponding to a plurality of time zones in a terminal device.

FIG. 27 is a processing flow example of a recommended departure time providing service.

FIG. 28 is another output screen example of the recommended departure time / estimated arrival time providing service corresponding to the time zone designation in the terminal device.

FIG. 29 is a processing flow example of a recommended departure time / estimated arrival time providing service corresponding to a plurality of time zones.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Map display screen, 8 ... In-vehicle terminal, 9 ... Fixed terminal device, 10 ... Center system, 81, 91 ... Screen display device, 87 ... Network, 103, 201, 402, 50
2, 602 ... Current vehicle position, 221, 222 ... Candidate route, 226 ... Destination, 232, 403, 503, 604
… Scheduled route, 401… Time input dialog, 423
... Predicted passing point, 501 ... Point input cursor, 521 ...
Predicted transit time, 601 ... Congestion designation cursor, 621 ... Congested predicted transit time, 701 ... Congestion notification pop-up display,
1101, 1201, 2301 ... Predicted travel locus.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme code (reference) G09B 29/10 G09B 29/10 A (72) Inventor Shinya Otsuji 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Research Laboratory, Ltd. (72) Takayoshi Yokota, Inventor Takayoshi Yokota, No. 1-1 Omika-machi, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Hitachi Ltd. Hitachi Research Laboratory (72), Inventor Tadashi Uewaki, Seven Omikamachi, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture 1-1-1, Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Research Laboratory (72), Inventor, Michio Morioka, 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi, Hitachi, Ibaraki (72) Hitachi Ltd. Hitachi Research Institute, (72) Inventor, Soshiro Kuzunuki, Ibaraki Prefecture 7-1-1 Omika-cho, Hitachi City F-Term in Hitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (reference) 2C032 HB02 HB05 HB22 HB23 HB25 HC08 HC11 HC13 HC2 7 HC31 HD03 HD21 HD23 2F029 AA02 AB07 AC02 AC09 AC14 AC19 5H180 AA01 BB02 EE03 FF05 FF12 FF13 FF22 FF27 FF35

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. In a service that outputs a route in response to an input of a departure point and a destination, one or more candidate routes, a predicted required time to a destination point via the route, and a predicted arrival time. , And a route traffic information service comprising means for outputting at least one of the predicted congestion sections on the route. 2. A terminal device comprising a screen display device, a current position detection means or a departure place input means, a destination input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the screen display device is a departure place. To one or more candidate routes from the destination to the destination, and at least one of the estimated required time to reach the destination point via the route, the estimated arrival time, and the predicted congestion section on the route. Terminal device characterized by. 3. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the screen display device displays a predicted passing point at a predetermined time or a predicted passing time at the predetermined point. 4. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the screen display device displays the congestion on the route as a curve on the road map screen, and the display width of the congestion curve is displayed thicker than the display width of the road. A terminal device characterized by being performed. 5. The route traffic information service according to claim 1, wherein a voice recognition means for receiving a destination and a route output request to the destination as voice input, one or a plurality of candidate routes, and via the route. A route traffic information service comprising: a voice synthesizing means for voice-outputting at least one of the estimated required time to reach the destination point, the estimated arrival time, and the estimated congestion section on the route. 6. A terminal device comprising a microphone for detecting a voice input, a speaker for outputting a voice, a current position detection means or a departure point input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the microphone has a purpose. The destination and a route output request to the destination are detected as voice inputs, and the speaker predicts one or more candidate routes from the starting point to the destination and a destination point when the route is passed. A terminal device, which outputs a required time, an estimated arrival time, and a predicted congestion section on the route by voice. 7. The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the speaker outputs the predicted passing point at a predetermined time point or the predicted passing time point at the predetermined point by voice. 8. A route traffic information service comprising means for outputting a predicted passing point or a predicted passing area at the time when an origin and an arbitrary time for obtaining the predicted passing point are input. 9. A terminal device comprising a screen display device, a current position detection means or a departure place input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the screen display device is an arbitrary time point for obtaining a predicted passage point. And a predicted passage point or a predicted passage area at the time point. 10. The route traffic information service according to claim 8, wherein a voice recognition unit that receives an arbitrary time for obtaining a predicted passing point and a passing point output request at the time as voice input, and a predicted passing point at the time. Alternatively, a route traffic information service including a voice synthesizing unit that outputs the predicted passage area by voice. 11. A terminal device comprising a microphone for detecting a voice input, a speaker for outputting a voice, a current position detecting means or a starting point input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the microphone is a predictor. A terminal device characterized in that an arbitrary time for obtaining a passing point and a passing point output request at the time are detected as voice inputs, and the speaker outputs the predicted passing point or predicted passing area at the time by voice. . 12. When inputting a departure point and an arbitrary point,
A route traffic information service including means for outputting a predicted passage time or a predicted passage time zone at the point. 13. A terminal device comprising a screen display device, a current position detection means or a departure place input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the screen display device is means for inputting an arbitrary point. A terminal device, which displays a predicted passage time or a predicted passage time zone at the point. 14. The route traffic information service according to claim 12, wherein a voice recognition means for receiving an arbitrary point and a passage time output request at the point as a voice input, and an estimated passage time or an estimated passage time zone at the point. A route traffic information service comprising a voice synthesizing means for outputting a voice. 15. A terminal device comprising a microphone for detecting a voice input, a speaker for outputting a voice, a current position detecting means or a starting point input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the microphone is optional. The point and the passage time output request at the point are detected as voice inputs, and the speaker outputs the predicted passage time or the estimated passage time zone at the point by voice. 16. A route provided with a means for outputting at least one of a predicted rush time, a predicted passage time, a predicted passage time, or a congestion passage speed of the congestion section in response to an input of a departure place and a congestion section. Traffic information service. 17. A terminal device comprising a screen display device, a current position detection means or a departure place input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the screen display device displays a traffic jam section, A terminal device for displaying at least one of a means for designating the congestion section, and a predicted rush time, a predicted passage time, a predicted required passage time, or a congestion passage speed of the congestion section. 18. The route traffic information service according to claim 16, wherein voice recognition means for accepting a traffic jam section designation and a passage time output request of the traffic jam section as voice inputs, a predicted rush time and a predicted passage time in the traffic jam section. A route traffic information service including a voice synthesizing unit that outputs at least one of a predicted transit time and a traffic congestion speed. 19. A terminal device comprising a microphone for detecting a voice input, a speaker for outputting a voice, a current position detecting means or a starting point input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the microphone is a traffic jam. The section designation and the passage time output request of the congestion section are detected as voice inputs, and the speaker is at least one of a predicted rush time, a predicted passage required time, a predicted passage time, or a congestion passage speed in the congestion section. A terminal device characterized by outputting as voice. 20. A route traffic information service comprising: means for accepting registration of a planned traveling route; and means for monitoring a congestion situation on the planned traveling route, notifying the congestion situation when a congestion occurs and providing a congestion section. 21. A terminal device comprising a screen display device and a bidirectional communication device with an external system; a device for registering a planned travel route; and a communication device for receiving congestion information on the route, The screen display device is a terminal device characterized by notifying that a traffic jam has occurred and displaying the traffic jam section. 22. A route traffic information service provided with a voice synthesizing means for outputting a voice as a means for notifying and providing a traffic jam section according to claim 20. 23. A terminal device comprising a microphone for detecting a voice input, a speaker for outputting a voice, and a bidirectional communication means for communicating with an external system, wherein the microphone comprises a planned travel route and a planned travel route registration request. Is detected as a voice input, the communication unit receives traffic jam occurrence information on the route, the speaker notifies the traffic jam occurrence, and outputs the traffic jam section by voice. 24. In a service that outputs a route in response to an input of a departure place and a destination, a departure departure recommendation of the departure place that takes into consideration the traffic conditions of the route that changes depending on the time zone with respect to the arrival time input of the destination. A route traffic information service equipped with means for outputting the time. 25. A terminal device comprising a screen display device, a present position detection means or a departure place input means, a destination input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the screen display device is a departure place. A terminal device, which displays a candidate route from a destination to a destination and a recommended departure time of a departure place when the route is passed. 26. In a service that outputs a route to an input of a departure place and a destination, a route that changes depending on a time zone with respect to an input of a time period of departing the departure place or a time zone of arriving at the destination. A route traffic information service equipped with means for outputting a plurality of recommended departure times for departure points or predicted arrival times for destinations that take into account traffic conditions. 27. A terminal device comprising a screen display device, a current position detection means or a departure place input means, a destination input means, and a bidirectional communication means with an external system, wherein the screen display device comprises a plurality of screen display devices. A list of recommended departure times for departure points and estimated arrival times for destinations is displayed, and when a combination of the recommended departure times and estimated arrival times is selected, the candidate routes from the starting point to the destination and traffic congestion on the routes are linked. A terminal device, which displays at least one of the sections.