JP2004245609A - System and method for evaluating route by utilizing virtual vehicle, and navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately evaluate another route by accurately calculating a required time when a vehicle runs on the another route. <P>SOLUTION: In this method of evaluating a route by utilizing a virtual vehicle, (1) the present position of the virtual vehicle running on the another route (dotted lines) to be evaluated registered by a user is calculated by using the system and method for evaluating the route utilizing the virtual vehicle and real-time running history data on the vehicle in evaluating the route recorded in a route evaluation system utilizing the virtual vehicle and a drive recorder of the vehicle 4-1, real time running history data on the other vehicles in evaluating the route recorded in the drive recorders of the other vehicles 4-2 to 4-3, running track record data in the past recorded in the drive recorder of the vehicle 4-1, and calculated running data calculated based on virtual speeds, and (2) the actual traffic conditions are reflected to provide the present position of the virtual vehicle by displaying the virtual vehicle so as to run on the another route. Thus, the calculation accuracy of an estimated required time when the vehicle runs on the another route can be increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a route evaluation system and method using a virtual vehicle, and a navigation device, and is particularly suitable for use in a system that simulates and evaluates travel of a route set separately from the main route on which the own vehicle travels. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a navigation device for guiding a vehicle has a function of not only displaying a map around the current position but also automatically setting a guidance route from the current position to the destination by designating the destination. ing. This route guidance function automatically searches for the route with the lowest cost from the current location to the destination using map data by performing a simulation such as the breadth-first search (BFS) method or the Dijkstra method, and guides the searched route. Set as a route.
[0003]
After the guidance route is set, the guidance route is changed in color so as to be distinguished from other roads on the map image while the vehicle is running, and is drawn thick. Also, when the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection on the guidance route, an intersection guide map (an enlarged view of the intersection and an arrow indicating the traveling direction at this intersection) is displayed, and the traveling direction is provided by voice. The driver is guided to the destination by performing an intersection guidance such as a trip.
[0004]
Most of recent navigation devices have a function of searching for a guidance route from a current location to a destination according to various conditions such as shortest time, shortest distance, and minimum fee, and presenting the route to a user. At this time, the estimated required time to the destination is calculated based on the distance from the current location to the destination and a preset speed (for example, the legal speed of each road), and the respective required times searched according to various conditions are calculated. The route is presented with its duration. The user can select a desired route by viewing this information.
[0005]
However, the required time presented here does not take into account the current traffic situation at all, and is merely an estimated time assuming that the vehicle travels at a predetermined speed. Therefore, when actually driving, a large error may occur between the expected time and the actual time depending on the traffic conditions at that time.
[0006]
That is, even if the shortest time route is selected when the first guidance route is set, there is a possibility that the selected route may not be the one that can arrive at the destination earliest depending on the traffic conditions during traveling thereafter. Therefore, there is a demand to know what happens when traveling on another route while traveling on a certain route, that is, which one of the present route and another route can reach the destination earlier.
[0007]
In such a case, it is possible to first switch to another route among the plurality of routes searched according to various conditions, obtain the estimated required time of the switched different route, and compare this with the expected required time of the original route. It is possible. In addition, if the navigation device has a detour route search function that avoids congested sections, it is possible to compare the estimated required time between the detour route searched and the original route by instructing the detour route search. It is.
[0008]
In addition, the actual traveling time from when the vehicle deviates from the recommended route to when the vehicle returns to the recommended route is measured, and the estimated traveling time when it is assumed that the vehicle has traveled on the recommended route from the departure point to the return point is calculated. A technique has also been proposed in which, when a route is faster, the route is registered as an effective escape route so that the route can be used for the next and subsequent route searches (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-88590 A
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, even with the conventional navigation device, it is not possible to determine whether the vehicle can reach the destination faster than the time required for the original route by calculating the required time to the destination by switching the traveling route. It was possible.
[0011]
However, when calculating the required time to the destination for the switched route, the traffic condition is hardly taken into account, and a large error occurs between the predicted required time and the actual required time. Although VICS information (road traffic information) may be considered on major roads and the like, errors still occur because the accuracy of VICS information itself is not so high. Even if such erroneous information is provided, there is a problem that the user cannot accurately determine which route is faster after all.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and it is possible to more accurately calculate a required time when traveling on another route, thereby more accurately evaluating another route. The purpose is to be able to.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, according to the present invention, a real-time running history data of the own vehicle and another vehicle at the time of route evaluation, a past running result data of the own vehicle, and a calculated running calculated based on the virtual speed. Using the data, the current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on another route to be evaluated, which is set separately from the main route on which the own vehicle travels, is calculated, and the virtual vehicle is displayed as traveling on another route. .
[0014]
Since the present invention comprises the above technical means, information of the traveling position according to the current traffic condition is obtained from another vehicle actually traveling on the set different route, and the virtual vehicle is adjusted in accordance with the actual traveling position. Will be displayed as if you are traveling on another route, and it will be possible to accurately simulate how long it will take if you travel on another route, taking into account the current traffic situation sufficiently Become.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a route evaluation system using a virtual vehicle according to the present embodiment to which inter-vehicle communication is applied.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. _-1 ~ 4 _-4 Has a navigation device 1 _-1 ~ 1 _-4 Are installed respectively. Each navigation device 1 _-1 ~ 1 _-4 Is GPS antenna 2 _-1 ~ 2 _-4 And receives a GPS radio wave transmitted from the GPS satellite 5 and detects the current position, the moving speed, the moving direction, and the like of the own vehicle based on the GPS signal and the like. Each vehicle 4 _-1 ~ 4 _-4 Is terrestrial antenna 3 _-1 ~ 3 _-4 It also provides inter-vehicle communication.
[0017]
Each navigation device 1 _-1 ~ 1 _-4 Then, map data corresponding to the position of the vehicle detected by the vehicle itself is read out from a recording medium such as a DVD and displayed on a screen, and a position mark of the vehicle is displayed on the map screen. Further, own vehicle real-time data and own vehicle actual data detected by the own vehicle itself, other vehicle real-time data obtained from other vehicles by the above-described inter-vehicle communication, and calculated travel data calculated based on preset speed information. Is used to determine the running position of the virtual vehicle, and the virtual vehicle mark is displayed on another route set separately from the main route on which the own vehicle runs.
[0018]
Here, a description will be given of the meaning and usage scene of the above-described various data used when calculating the traveling position of the virtual vehicle.
[0019]
1) Real-time data of own vehicle
[Meaning] Real-time running history data of the own vehicle detected at the time of another route evaluation while displaying the virtual vehicle, and includes information such as a running position, a moving speed, and a moving direction of the own vehicle.
[Use scene] This section is used when the following condition is satisfied in a section where the main route where the own vehicle runs and another route where the virtual vehicle runs overlap.
a) When the own vehicle and the virtual vehicle run at the same position at the same time
b) When the vehicle runs in front of the virtual vehicle
[0020]
2) Other vehicle real-time data
[Meaning] Real-time running history data of another vehicle detected at the time of another route evaluation while displaying a virtual vehicle, and includes information such as a running position, a moving speed, and a moving direction of the other vehicle.
[Use scene] This is used in a section where the main route of the own vehicle and another route of the virtual vehicle are different from each other and can be obtained from another vehicle by inter-vehicle communication.
[0021]
3) Own vehicle actual data
[Meaning] Refers to past driving result data of the own vehicle stored in the drive recorder in advance, and includes information such as a running position, a moving speed, and a moving direction of the own vehicle.
[Use scene] This is used when the drive history data of the section is already recorded in the drive recorder of the own vehicle in a section where neither the real-time data of the own vehicle nor the real-time data of another vehicle can be used.
[0022]
4) Calculated driving data
[Meaning] This refers to traveling data calculated based on a virtually set speed (for example, a legal speed set by the system, a speed registered in advance by a user, and the like).
[Use scene] This is used when none of the above three types of data can be used.
[0023]
Next, a method of acquiring real-time data of another vehicle in the own vehicle will be described. The own vehicle communicates with another vehicle traveling in front of the virtual vehicle on another route using the inter-vehicle communication device, and obtains a running record of the other vehicle on another route. If another vehicle that is communicating with the host vehicle deviates from another route, it communicates with yet another vehicle traveling in front of the virtual vehicle on another route, and records the other vehicle's travel on another route. To get.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring real-time data of another vehicle. As shown in FIG. _-1 Is the own vehicle 4 among other vehicles traveling ahead of the virtual vehicle on another route. _-1 Other vehicle 4 closest to _-2 Sends a mobile agent to the other vehicle by using the function of the agent program. _-2 To get the running results on another route from.
[0025]
Own vehicle 4 _-1 Other vehicle 4 communicating with _-2 Is off the other route, the other vehicle 4 _-2 Is another vehicle 4 among other vehicles traveling ahead of the virtual vehicle on another route. _-2 Another other vehicle 4 closest to _-3 Send a mobile agent to. Other vehicle 4 receiving this _-3 The vehicle's own track record is recorded by the vehicle-to-vehicle communication _-1 Send to
[0026]
In addition, other vehicles 4 _-3 Also deviates from another route, the other vehicle 4 _-3 Is another vehicle 4 among other vehicles traveling ahead of the virtual vehicle on another route. _-3 Yet another vehicle 4 closest to _-4 Send a mobile agent to. According to this, other vehicle 4 _-4 The vehicle's own track record is recorded by the vehicle-to-vehicle communication _-1 Send to
[0027]
The above-mentioned mobile agent operates to take out real-time data of another vehicle recorded in the drive recorder of the other vehicle and transmit it to the own vehicle, and when the other vehicle deviates from another route during this operation, another mobile agent is used. An agent program defined to operate to transfer a mobile agent to another vehicle.
[0028]
The mobile agent is resident in an inter-vehicle communication device provided in another vehicle and executes a series of predetermined processes while judging various situations by itself. In order for the mobile agent to be able to determine whether or not the other vehicle has deviated from another route, information on another route set by the own vehicle needs to be transferred to the other vehicle together with the mobile agent. In addition, the address of the inter-vehicle communication device of the own vehicle needs to be transferred together with the mobile agent so that the other vehicle to which the agent is transferred can also determine the own vehicle that is the transmission destination of the running record.
[0029]
The inter-vehicle communication is performed using communication means such as a so-called wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and a specific power-saving wireless device. In these communication means, a communicable distance range is finite. Therefore, when the distance between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is greatly increased due to the transfer of the mobile agent, the traveling results of the other vehicle are transmitted to the own vehicle while relaying between the plurality of vehicles.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the route evaluation system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given according to this operation example. In the example of FIG. 3, the own vehicle travels along a solid route (for example, a recommended route) passing through the intersections A, B, and C from the current position indicated by START to the destination indicated by GOAL. , C, the virtual vehicle travels along another dotted line.
[0031]
From your current location to the first intersection A, your vehicle 4 _-1 In addition, since the virtual vehicle (not shown) travels on the same route at the same time, the position of the virtual vehicle is obtained using the own vehicle real-time data, and the virtual vehicle mark is moved and displayed on the route. In this section, the own vehicle position mark and the virtual vehicle mark are always displayed at the same position.
[0032]
Own vehicle 4 _-1 When the vehicle reaches intersection A (simultaneously with the virtual vehicle), _-1 This route and another route of the virtual vehicle branch off. In this case, own vehicle 4 _-1 Is the closest other vehicle 4 on another route from the position of the virtual vehicle at that time to the intersection D when the traveling route branches. _-2 Select to send a mobile agent. And the other vehicle 4 _-2 The real-time data of the other vehicle is obtained from, and the traveling position of the virtual vehicle is obtained based on this.
[0033]
In this case, the other vehicle 4 _-2 The other vehicle real-time data obtained from _-1 And other vehicles 4 _-2 When the communication with the other vehicle 4 is established (the other vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3). _-2 Is the actual driving data from the position a) to the intersection D. In this section, the other vehicle 4 indicated by the other vehicle real-time data _-2 The virtual vehicle mark is moved and displayed so that the virtual vehicle travels in the same manner as the actual driving result.
[0034]
On the other hand, from the intersection A to the position a, the travel position of the virtual vehicle is obtained using the actual vehicle data. In this case, the own vehicle 4 indicated by the own vehicle performance data _-1 The virtual vehicle mark is moved and displayed so that the virtual vehicle travels in the same manner as the actual driving result. Note that the own vehicle actual data regarding the section from the intersection A to the position a is _-1 If not recorded in the drive recorder, the position of the virtual vehicle is obtained using the calculated travel data.
[0035]
Next, own vehicle 4 _-1 Other vehicle 4 communicating with _-2 Goes straight ahead or turns left at intersection D and deviates from another route of the virtual vehicle. _-2 Is the closest other vehicle 4 on another route from the position of the virtual vehicle at that time to the intersection C when deviating from the another route. _-3 Select and send the mobile agent to own vehicle 4 _-1 Communication right with other vehicle 4 _-3 Pass to.
[0036]
Thereby, the own vehicle 4 _-1 After that, the new other vehicle 4 _-3 The real-time data of the other vehicle is obtained from, and the traveling position of the virtual vehicle is obtained based on this. In this case, the other vehicle 4 _-3 The other vehicle real-time data obtained from _-1 And other vehicles 4 _-3 When the communication with the other vehicle 4 is established (the other vehicle 4 shown in FIG. 3). _-3 Is the actual driving data from the position b) to the intersection C. In this section, the other vehicle 4 indicated by the other vehicle real-time data _-3 The virtual vehicle mark is moved and displayed so that the virtual vehicle travels in the same manner as the actual driving result.
[0037]
On the other hand, from the intersection D to the position b, the traveling position of the virtual vehicle is obtained using the actual vehicle data. In this case, the own vehicle 4 indicated by the own vehicle performance data _-1 The virtual vehicle mark is moved and displayed so that the virtual vehicle travels in the same manner as the actual driving result. Note that the own vehicle actual data regarding the section from the intersection D to the position b is _-1 If not recorded in the drive recorder, the position of the virtual vehicle is obtained using the calculated travel data.
[0038]
Finally, own vehicle 4 _-1 Other vehicle 4 communicating with _-3 When the vehicle reaches intersection C, own vehicle 4 _-1 This route and another route of the virtual vehicle merge. In this case, the own vehicle 4 _-1 If the vehicle has passed through the intersection C before the virtual vehicle, _-1 Calculates the position of the virtual vehicle using the real-time data of the own vehicle, and moves and displays the virtual vehicle mark on the route. Conversely, if the virtual vehicle has passed the intersection C first, the other vehicle (not shown) other vehicle real-time data, the own vehicle 4 _-1 The position of the virtual vehicle is obtained using the own vehicle actual data or the calculated traveling data, and the virtual vehicle mark is moved and displayed on the route.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying the types of data used in each section to run the virtual vehicle in the above operation example. As shown in FIG. 4, real-time data of the own vehicle from the current position to the intersection A, actual vehicle data from the intersection A to the position a, and other vehicles 4 from the position a to the intersection D _-2 Other vehicle real-time data, calculated travel data from intersection D to position b, other vehicle 4 from position b to intersection C _-3 The virtual vehicle mark is moved and displayed using the real-time data of the other vehicle and the real-time data of the own vehicle from the intersection C to the destination.
[0040]
FIG. 5 shows a navigation device 1 constituting a route evaluation system as described above. _-1 ~ 1 _-4 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the device. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a map storage medium such as a DVD-ROM, which stores various map data necessary for map display, route search, and the like. Although the DVD-ROM 11 is used here, another recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a hard disk may be used. A DVD-ROM control unit 12 controls reading of map data from the DVD-ROM 11.
[0041]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a position measuring device for measuring the current position of the vehicle, which is composed of a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS receiver, a position calculation CPU, and the like. The self-contained navigation sensor outputs a pulse every predetermined traveling distance to detect a moving distance of the vehicle (a distance sensor), and an angular velocity sensor such as a vibration gyro for detecting a rotation angle (moving direction) of the vehicle. (Relative direction sensor). The self-contained navigation sensor detects the relative position and direction of the vehicle using the vehicle speed sensor and the angular speed sensor.
[0042]
The position calculation CPU calculates the absolute vehicle position (estimated vehicle position), the direction, and the traveling speed based on the relative position and direction data of the vehicle output from the self-contained navigation sensor. In addition, the GPS receiver receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites with a GPS antenna and performs a three-dimensional positioning process or a two-dimensional positioning process to calculate an absolute position, a direction, and a traveling speed of the vehicle ( The vehicle direction is calculated based on the current vehicle position and the current vehicle position one sampling time ΔT ago).
[0043]
A map information memory 14 temporarily stores map data read from the DVD-ROM 11 under the control of the DVD-ROM control unit 12. That is, the DVD-ROM control unit 12 inputs information on the current vehicle position from the position measurement device 13 and outputs a read instruction of map data in a predetermined range including the current vehicle position, thereby displaying a map or a guidance route. The map data necessary for the search is read from the DVD-ROM 11 and stored in the map information memory 14.
[0044]
Reference numeral 15 denotes a drive recorder for storing a running history (including information such as a running position, a running speed, and a running direction) of the own vehicle. Reference numeral 16 denotes a recorder control unit, which controls reading and writing of travel history data from and to the drive recorder 15. That is, the recorder control unit 16 records the traveling history of the own vehicle in the drive recorder 15 using the measurement result by the position measurement device 13. When calculating the position of the virtual vehicle at the time of evaluating another route, the driving history is read out from the drive recorder 15 as real-time data of the own vehicle or actual data of the own vehicle. As described above, the recorder control unit 16 constitutes a traveling history recording unit of the present invention.
[0045]
An inter-vehicle communication device 17 transmits a mobile agent to another vehicle and receives real-time data of the mobile agent and another vehicle from another vehicle by using a terrestrial antenna. The mobile agent received from another vehicle is resident in a memory built in the inter-vehicle communication device 17 and executes a series of processes as described in FIG.
[0046]
Reference numeral 18 denotes a communication interface, which includes the vehicle-to-vehicle communication device 17 and the navigation device 1. _-1 ~ 1 _-4 Controls the exchange of data with the Reference numeral 19 denotes another vehicle running record memory, which stores other vehicle real-time data received from another vehicle by the inter-vehicle communication device 17. As described above, the inter-vehicle communication device 17 and the communication interface 18 constitute a data acquisition unit of the present invention.
[0047]
Reference numeral 20 denotes an operation unit such as a remote controller (remote controller). _-1 ~ 1 _-4 Set various information (for example, a route guidance destination, another route to be evaluated) and perform various operations (for example, menu selection operation, enlargement / reduction operation, manual map scrolling, numerical value input, etc.). And other various controls (buttons, joysticks, etc.). Reference numeral 21 denotes a remote control interface, which receives an infrared signal from the remote control 20 according to the operation state.
[0048]
The other route that the user wants to evaluate can be set in any manner using the remote controller 20, but an example is as follows.
1) Selection of any route obtained by the guide route search process
2) Selection of a route that has traveled so far (the travel history is recorded in the drive recorder 15)
3) Manual route setting by user using menu selection operation or manual map scrolling
[0049]
Reference numeral 22 denotes another route memory which stores data of another route to be evaluated set by the operation of the remote controller 20 (a position of each node and an intersection identification flag corresponding to each node from the current position to the destination). Things). Reference numeral 23 denotes a processor (CPU), and the navigation device 1 _-1 ~ 1 _-4 To control the whole. A ROM 24 stores various programs (a guidance route search program, a route evaluation program using a virtual vehicle, and the like). A RAM 25 temporarily stores data obtained in the course of various processes and data obtained as a result of various processes.
[0050]
The CPU 23 performs a process of registering data of another route set by operating the remote controller 20 in the other route memory 22. As described above, the remote controller 20, the remote controller interface 21, and the CPU 23 constitute another route setting means of the present invention.
[0051]
The CPU 23 also performs a process of searching for a guidance route with the lowest cost from the current location to the destination using the map data stored in the map information memory 14 in accordance with the guidance route search program stored in the ROM 24. Reference numeral 26 denotes a guidance route memory which stores guidance route data searched by the CPU 23 (the location of each node and the intersection identification flag stored corresponding to each node from the current position to the destination).
[0052]
The CPU 23 also performs a process of guiding the vehicle to the destination based on the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 26. In other words, by controlling the guide route generation unit 30 described later, the guide route is drawn thicker in a different color from other roads on the map screen while the vehicle is running. In addition, when the vehicle approaches a guidance intersection on the guidance route within a certain distance, the vehicle guides the traveling direction by voice, and displays the guidance image of the intersection by enlarging and displaying an arrow indicating the traveling direction. Provide intersection guidance.
[0053]
Reference numeral 27 denotes an intersection enlarged view memory, which temporarily stores enlarged map data (an enlarged view of an intersection for guiding a vehicle to a destination, an image of a destination, and an arrow of a traveling direction) of all the guidance target intersections in a guidance route. To be stored. The data of the intersection enlarged view is also appropriately read from the DVD-ROM 11 under the control of the DVD-ROM control unit 12.
[0054]
The CPU 23 further controls the traveling of the virtual vehicle as described with reference to FIG. 3 according to the route evaluation program stored in the ROM 24. That is, using the own vehicle real time data and own vehicle actual data stored in the drive recorder 15, the other vehicle real time data stored in the other vehicle actual driving memory 19, and the calculated driving data calculated by the CPU 23 itself, the other route memory 22 is used. Calculates the current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on another route registered in. Thus, the CPU 23 constitutes the virtual vehicle position calculating means of the present invention.
[0055]
Reference numeral 28 denotes a display controller, which generates map image data necessary for display on the display device 34 based on the map data stored in the map information memory 14. Reference numeral 29 denotes a video RAM, which temporarily stores map image data generated by the display controller 28. That is, the map image data generated by the display controller 28 is temporarily stored in the video RAM 29, and the map image data for one screen is read and output to the image synthesizing unit 33.
[0056]
The above-described guide route generator 30 generates drawing data of the guide route using the processing result of the guide route search program stored in the guide route memory 26. That is, from the guidance route data stored in the guidance route memory 26, those included in the map area drawn on the video RAM 29 at that time are selectively read, and the guidance which is superimposed on the map image with a predetermined color and emphasized thickly is displayed. Draw a route. Further, when the own vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection located in front of the guidance route, based on the enlarged intersection map data stored in the enlarged intersection map memory 27, an enlarged intersection intersection map is displayed. draw.
[0057]
Reference numeral 31 denotes a menu generating unit which generates and outputs a menu image necessary for performing various operations using the remote controller 20. Reference numeral 32 denotes a mark generation unit, which is a vehicle position mark displayed at the position of the own vehicle traveling on this route (measurement result by the position measuring device 13), and a position of a virtual vehicle traveling on another route (computation result by the CPU 23). , And generates and outputs various landmarks and the like for displaying a gas station, a convenience store, and the like.
[0058]
The above-described image synthesizing unit 33 superimposes each image data output from each of the guidance route generating unit 30, the menu generating unit 31, and the mark generating unit 32 on the map image data read by the display controller 28, and performs image synthesis. And outputs it to the display device 34. As a result, on the screen of the display device 34, map information around the own vehicle is displayed together with the own vehicle position mark, the virtual vehicle mark, various landmarks, and the like. A guidance route is displayed on this map, and an enlarged view of the intersection is displayed when the position of the vehicle approaches the vicinity of the intersection. As described above, the mark generating unit 32, the image synthesizing unit 33, and the display device 34 constitute a display unit of the present invention.
[0059]
As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, the setting is made separately from the present route on which the own vehicle travels by using four types of data of the own vehicle real time data, the other vehicle real time data, the own vehicle actual data, and the calculated travel data. The calculated current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on another route to be evaluated is calculated, and displayed so that the virtual vehicle travels on another route. As a result, the virtual vehicle can be driven based on the actual driving data according to the actual traffic condition, and the required time when the vehicle travels on another route can be calculated more accurately. Further, since the virtual vehicle and the own vehicle run on the map image at the same time, the comparison is easy. Therefore, it is possible to easily evaluate which route is faster, and based on the evaluation result, it can be used as a reference for route determination in the next and subsequent traveling.
[0060]
In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the data of the own vehicle is used as the past traveling data, but the traveling data of another vehicle may be used. For example, in the example of FIG. _-1 And other vehicles 4 _-2 Between own vehicle 4 and position a where communication with _-1 Of the other vehicles 4 _-2 May be used.
[0061]
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the own vehicle sequentially transfers the mobile agent to another vehicle in order to acquire real-time data of another vehicle from another vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the mobile agent is resident in advance in the inter-vehicle communication device 17 of each vehicle, and in the inter-vehicle communication, only information of another route and the address of the own vehicle are transmitted. Then, by transmitting these pieces of information, the mobile agent of another vehicle in the sleep state may be activated.
[0062]
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the own vehicle obtains real-time data of another vehicle through inter-vehicle communication and obtains the position of the virtual vehicle using the own vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, each vehicle performs data communication with a server device such as a data center provided outside the vehicle. As a result, the server device may acquire the real-time data of the own vehicle, the actual data of the own vehicle, and the real-time data of the other vehicle from each vehicle, and thereby obtain the position of the virtual vehicle by the server device.
[0063]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the route evaluation system in this case. As shown in FIG. _-1 ~ 4 _-4 Has a communication device 7 that can communicate with the server device 8 _-1 ~ 7 _-4 Navigation device 6 applying _-1 ~ 6 _-4 Are installed respectively.
[0064]
FIG. 7 shows the navigation device 6. _-1 ~ 6 _-4 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of FIG. Note that in FIG. 7, components denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 have the same functions, and thus redundant description will be omitted here.
[0065]
Navigation device 6 shown in FIG. _-1 ~ 6 _-4 Instead of the communication interface 18 for performing the interface processing with the inter-vehicle communication device 17 shown in FIG. _-1 ~ 7 _-4 There is provided a communication interface 41 for performing interface processing with the interface. In addition, the CPU 23 ′ executes almost the same function as the CPU 23 shown in FIG. 5, but does not execute the position calculation of the virtual vehicle.
[0066]
Also, the navigation device 6 shown in FIG. _-1 ~ 6 _-4 Does not include the other-vehicle running record memory 19 and the separate route memory 22 shown in FIG. Information on another route set by operating the remote controller 20 is transmitted to the communication interface 41 and the communication device 7. _-1 ~ 7 _-4 Is transmitted to the server device 8 via the. In addition to the different route information, the vehicle position information measured by the position measuring device 13 and the traveling record information recorded in the drive recorder 15 are also transmitted to the server device 8.
[0067]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server device 8. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 51 denotes a communication device, _-1 ~ 4 _-4 Communication device 7 provided for _-1 ~ 7 _-4 The above-mentioned other route information, the vehicle position information, the traveling result information, etc. are received from the communication device 7 _-1 ~ 7 _-4 Or send it to Reference numeral 52 denotes a communication interface, which controls data exchange between the communication device 51 and the server device 8.
[0068]
Reference numeral 53 denotes a self-vehicle running record memory, and a certain vehicle 4 _-1 When the vehicle requests another route from _-1 The vehicle position information and the traveling result information sent from the vehicle are stored as own vehicle real time data and own vehicle result data. Reference numeral 54 denotes another vehicle running record memory, and the other vehicle 4 _-2 ~ 4 _-4 Is stored as real-time data of other vehicles. Reference numeral 55 denotes another route memory, and the own vehicle 4 _-1 The information of another route sent from is stored.
[0069]
Reference numeral 56 denotes a processor (CPU), which controls the entire server device 8. A ROM 57 stores various programs (such as a route evaluation program using a virtual vehicle). 58 is a RAM for temporarily storing data obtained in the course of various processes and data obtained as a result of various processes.
[0070]
The above-described CPU 56 controls the running of the virtual vehicle as described with reference to FIG. That is, using the own vehicle real time data and own vehicle actual data stored in the own vehicle actual running memory 53, the other vehicle real time data stored in the other actual vehicle running memory 54, and the calculated running data calculated by the CPU 56 itself, The current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on the route is calculated. The calculation result is transmitted to the host vehicle 4 using the communication device 51. _-1 Navigation device 6 _-1 Send to Thus, the CPU 56 constitutes the virtual vehicle position calculating means and the data providing means of the present invention.
[0071]
Navigation device 6 that has received the calculation result of the current position of the virtual vehicle from server device 8 _-1 Then, the mark generator 32 displays the virtual vehicle mark on another route based on the calculation result.
[0072]
The above-described route evaluation method using a virtual vehicle according to the present embodiment is realized by a program stored in a RAM or a ROM operating under the control of a CPU. Therefore, the present invention can be realized by recording a program that causes a computer to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and reading the program into the computer. As a recording medium for recording the program, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a DVD, a nonvolatile memory card, and the like can be used in addition to the CD-ROM. Further, the program may be downloaded to a computer via a network such as the Internet.
[0073]
Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the supplied program, and the program cooperates with the operating system (OS) or other application software running on the computer. When the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, or when all or a part of the processing of the supplied program is performed by a function expansion board or a function expansion unit of a computer, and the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized. Such a program is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0074]
In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited manner. That is, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in addition to the calculated travel data calculated based on the virtual speed, real-time travel history data of the own vehicle and other vehicles reflecting actual traffic conditions and the past history of the own vehicle Since the current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on another route to be evaluated is calculated using the traveling performance data, the estimated required time when traveling on another route can be calculated with high accuracy. The route can be evaluated more accurately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a route evaluation system using a virtual vehicle according to an embodiment to which an inter-vehicle communication device is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring real-time data of another vehicle in the route evaluation system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation example of the route evaluation system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying types of data used in each section to drive a virtual vehicle in the operation example of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a navigation device constituting the route evaluation system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the overall configuration of the route evaluation system using the virtual vehicle according to the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a navigation device constituting the route evaluation system of FIG. 7;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a server device constituting the route evaluation system of FIG. 7;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 _-1 ~ 1 _-4 Navigation device
2 _-1 ~ 2 _-4 GPS antenna
3 _-1 ~ 3 _-4 Terrestrial antenna
4 _-1 ~ 4 _-4 vehicle
5 GPS satellites
6 _-1 ~ 6 _-4 Navigation device
7 _-1 ~ 7 _-4 Communication device
8 Server device
11 DVD-ROM
12 DVD-ROM control unit
13 Position measuring device
14 Map information memory
15 Drive recorder
16 Recorder control unit
17 Inter-vehicle communication device
18 Communication interface
19 Other vehicle running record memory
20 remote control
21 Remote control interface
22 Separate route memory
23 CPU
24 ROM
25 RAM
26 Guidance route memory
27 Intersection enlarged map memory
28 Display Controller
29 Video RAM
30 Guide route generator
31 Menu generator
32 Mark generation part
33 Image synthesis unit
34 Display device
41 Communication Interface
51 Communication device
52 Communication Interface
53 Own vehicle running record memory
54 Other vehicle running record memory
55 Separate root memory
56 CPU
57 ROM
58 RAM

Claims (7)

Position measuring means for measuring the current position of the vehicle,
Using a measurement result by the position measurement means, a travel history recording means for recording the travel history of the vehicle in the drive recorder,
Another route setting means for setting another route to be evaluated separately from the main route in which the vehicle travels;
Driving history data of the own vehicle at the time of route evaluation recorded in the drive recorder, running history data of another vehicle at the time of route evaluation recorded in the drive recorder, past running of the own vehicle recorded in the drive recorder Virtual vehicle position calculating means for calculating the current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on another route set by the different route setting means, using the actual data and the calculated travel data calculated based on the virtual speed;
A self-vehicle position mark is displayed on the present route in accordance with the current position of the self-vehicle measured by the position measurement means, and the current position of the virtual vehicle is calculated by the virtual vehicle position calculation means. Display means for displaying a virtual vehicle mark on the another route, wherein a route evaluation system using the virtual vehicle is provided. Both the own vehicle and the other vehicle include the position measuring unit and the traveling history recording unit, and include a communication unit for performing data communication between the vehicles.
The virtual vehicle position calculating means is provided at least in the own vehicle,
2. The virtual vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the own vehicle includes a data acquisition unit that acquires travel history data of another vehicle at the time of the route evaluation from a drive recorder of the other vehicle using the communication unit. 3. Route evaluation system using The data acquisition unit uses the communication unit to execute an agent program operating to take out travel history data of another vehicle from the drive recorder of the other vehicle at the time of the route evaluation and transmit the data to the own vehicle. The route evaluation system using a virtual vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising a unit that transmits or activates the agent program provided in the other vehicle using the communication unit. Both the own vehicle and the other vehicle include the position measurement unit and the travel history recording unit, and include a communication unit for performing mutual data communication with a server device.
The server device includes the virtual vehicle position calculating means,
Data acquisition means for acquiring the recording data of the drive recorder provided in the own vehicle and the other vehicle using the communication means,
Data providing means for transmitting the current position of the virtual vehicle calculated by the virtual vehicle position calculating means using the recording data of the drive recorder obtained by the data obtaining means to the own vehicle using the communication means. The route evaluation system using the virtual vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the route evaluation system is provided. The travel history data of the own vehicle at the time of route evaluation recorded on the drive recorder using the measurement result by the position measuring means for measuring the current position of the vehicle, and the travel of other vehicles at the time of route evaluation recorded on the drive recorder Using the history data, the past traveling result data of the own vehicle recorded in the drive recorder, and the calculated traveling data calculated based on the virtual speed, set separately from the main route in which the own vehicle travels Calculating the current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on another route to be evaluated, and displaying a virtual vehicle mark on the another route in accordance with the calculated current position of the virtual vehicle. Route evaluation method using virtual vehicles. Position measuring means for measuring the current position of the vehicle,
Using a measurement result by the position measurement means, a travel history recording means for recording the travel history of the vehicle in the drive recorder,
Another route setting means for setting another route to be evaluated separately from the main route in which the vehicle travels;
Data acquisition means for mutually performing data communication with other vehicles other than the own vehicle, and acquiring travel history data of the other vehicle at the time of route evaluation from a drive recorder of the other vehicle,
The driving history data of the own vehicle at the time of the route evaluation recorded in the drive recorder of the own vehicle, the driving history data of the other vehicle at the time of the route evaluation acquired by the data acquisition unit, and the driving history data of the own vehicle. A virtual vehicle that calculates the current position of a virtual vehicle that travels on another route set by the different route setting means by using past driving performance data of the own vehicle and calculated driving data calculated based on the virtual speed. Vehicle position calculating means;
A self-vehicle position mark is displayed on the present route in accordance with the current position of the self-vehicle measured by the position measurement means, and the current position of the virtual vehicle is calculated by the virtual vehicle position calculation means. Display means for displaying a virtual vehicle mark on the different route. Position measuring means for measuring the current position of the vehicle,
Using a measurement result by the position measurement means, a travel history recording means for recording the travel history of the vehicle in the drive recorder,
Another route setting means for setting another route to be evaluated separately from the main route in which the vehicle travels;
In addition to transmitting the recording data of the drive recorder and the data on the different route set by the different route setting means to the server device, the travel history data of the own vehicle at the time of the route evaluation sent from the drive recorder of the own vehicle, Running history data of the other vehicle at the time of route evaluation sent from the drive recorder of the other vehicle, past running result data of the own vehicle sent from the drive recorder of the own vehicle, and calculated running calculated based on the virtual speed A communication unit that performs communication processing for receiving, from the server device, data regarding a current position of the virtual vehicle traveling on the different route, calculated by the server device using data,
A self-vehicle position mark is displayed on the main route in accordance with the current position of the own vehicle measured by the position measuring means, and the self-vehicle position mark is displayed in accordance with the current position of the virtual vehicle acquired by the communication means. And a display means for displaying a virtual vehicle mark.

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