JP2007033078A - Navigation system, navigation method, program for navigation, and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation system for performing guidance by causing each vehicle to output a route calculated as a rapid and safe route by using a unique algorithm, etc. <P>SOLUTION: Ordinary route guidance is performed through data transfer between a navigation device MT mounted on a taxi and a map database server MDB by using a library stored in the database server MDB. Meanwhile, if a car allocation request is sent to a user terminal YT fitted in a taxi company, the library in the database server MDB is read out from the user terminal YT. By using this, route search is performed on the user terminal YT according to the unique algorithm. Its result is transmitted to and displayed on the navigation device MT. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present application belongs to the technical field of a navigation system, a navigation method, a navigation program, and an information recording medium, and more specifically, for example, a navigation system and a navigation method used as a so-called dispatch system for business use, and for navigation for the dispatch system. It belongs to the technical field of information recording media on which the program and the navigation program are recorded.

  Conventionally, for example, taxi companies and the like have used a business dispatch system that optimally dispatches taxis and hijas according to requests from customers who use them.

  Here, the configuration of the conventional vehicle allocation system includes the vicinity of the boarding position according to the request from the customer (the boarding position of the customer using the vehicle that has been dispatched, the customer's own destination after dispatching, etc.) Vehicles that are moving are searched for by voice communication or the like, and necessary dispatch is performed by a method for notifying the found vehicle of the boarding position.

  On the other hand, in recent years, navigation devices are increasingly being mounted on the above-mentioned vehicles. However, as a dispatch system using the navigation device, it is possible to transmit and display a dispatch destination (customer boarding position) on the navigation device. Has been. And after displaying the said dispatch destination, the navigation apparatus independently searched for the route to the said dispatch destination and guided the vehicle.

  On the other hand, for example, taxi companies with many taxis mentioned above usually have their own route search know-how for each company, and the search know-how is further improved through daily operations, making it faster and safer. The company's taxi is made to reach the intended destination.

  However, in the conventional vehicle allocation system described above, only the position information of the destination (that is, the boarding position) on the route searched by the taxi company as described above can be transmitted to the navigation device mounted on each vehicle. Yes, the route itself searched by the taxi company or the like (the route itself including the name of the road or the intersection to be routed) is not transmitted. The route that the vehicle should actually travel to reach the destination is searched on the vehicle by the navigation device that has received the position information indicating the destination using its own algorithm. It was. Therefore, in this case, there is a problem that the taxi company's unique search know-how is not utilized at all and inefficient dispatch may be executed.

  In addition, since the route is searched by the algorithm unique to the navigation device, the route that matches the preference of the driver belonging to the taxi company or the like is not always searched, but the user's preference or the area where the vehicle actually travels If a route search that matches the above characteristics is not executed, there is a problem that considerable stress may be applied to the driver.

  Therefore, the present application has been made in view of the above problems, and the problem is that each vehicle can output and guide the route calculated as a quick and safe route using a unique algorithm or the like. An object is to provide a possible navigation system and navigation method, a navigation program, and an information recording medium on which the navigation program is recorded.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to an output device such as a navigation device provided in each of a plurality of moving bodies such as taxis, a storage device such as a map database server, a user terminal, etc. In the navigation system comprising the route search device and a network that interconnects each of the output devices, the storage device, and the route search device, the output device should be moved by the mobile body that includes the output device. Output means such as a display unit for outputting a route based on route search result information transmitted from the route search device via the network; and the storage device is used for the route output processing in the output means. Storage means for accumulating and storing route output information, and the route search device further includes an interface for acquiring a current position of each mobile unit. Current position acquisition means such as a bus, route output information acquisition means such as an interface for acquiring the accumulated and stored route output information from the storage device via the network, and each of the mobile objects Using the arrival destination acquisition means such as an input unit for acquiring the arrival destination for each moving body and the acquired route output information, the moving body to the arrival destination to which the moving body should move Search means such as a CPU for searching for a route for each moving body, and the route search result information for each of the moving bodies indicating the searched route for each movement to be moved on the searched route. Transmission means such as an interface for transmitting to each of the output devices respectively provided on the body via the network.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 5 is an output device such as a navigation device provided in each of a plurality of moving bodies such as taxis, a storage device such as a map database server, and each of the outputs. A navigation system including a device and a network connecting the storage devices to each other, wherein the output device transmits a route through which the moving body including the output device should move through the network Executed in a navigation system comprising output means such as a display unit that outputs based on search result information, and wherein the storage device comprises storage means for accumulating and storing route output information used for the route output processing in the output means. In the navigation method to be performed, a current position acquisition step of acquiring a current position of each of the mobile bodies, and each of the mobile bodies Using the arrival destination acquisition step of acquiring the arrival destination to be reached for each moving object and the route output information stored and stored, each moving object is required to move to each arrival destination. A search step for searching for each route of the route, and the route search result information for each of the mobiles indicating the searched route for each of the mobiles to be moved on the searched route. And a transmission step of transmitting each of the output devices provided respectively through the network.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 6 is an output device such as a navigation device provided in each of a plurality of moving bodies such as taxis, a storage device such as a map database server, a user terminal, etc. A route search device and a network that interconnects each of the output devices, the storage device, and the route search device, wherein the output device includes the output device, and the mobile body moves. Output means such as a display unit for outputting a route to be output based on route search result information transmitted from the route search apparatus via the network, and the storage device outputs the route in the output means A route search controller included in the route search device in a navigation system comprising storage means for storing and storing route output information provided to A current position acquisition means for acquiring the current position of each mobile object, a destination acquisition means for acquiring a destination to be reached by each of the mobile objects for each of the mobile objects, Search means for searching each route for the route to each destination to which each mobile unit should move, and each mobile unit indicating the searched route. The route search result information for each route is made to function as a transmission unit that transmits the output devices provided in each of the moving bodies to be moved on the searched route via the network.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention described in claim 7, the navigation program according to claim 6 is recorded so as to be readable by the route search computer.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The embodiment described below is used when a taxi as a plurality of mobile bodies equipped with a network communication type navigation device is dispatched to the boarding position at a taxi company to which the taxi belongs to a customer's request. It is embodiment at the time of applying this application with respect to the vehicle allocation system.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle allocation system according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a user terminal and navigation device included in the vehicle allocation system and arranged in the taxi company. FIG. 3 is a block diagram, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a vehicle allocation process according to the embodiment executed in the vehicle allocation system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle allocation system S according to the embodiment includes a navigation device MT, MT, MT,... Mounted on each taxi to be allocated, a map database server MDB as a storage means and a storage device, A system database server SDB, a user terminal YT as a route searching device arranged in the taxi company, and a system management terminal ST are configured. These components are connected via a wired or wireless network NT. Are connected to each other so that information can be exchanged between them.

  In this configuration, the navigation device MT communicates with the map database server MDB, the user terminal YT, and the like by wireless communication, and guides the taxi in which the navigation device MT is mounted to the destination and the dispatch position at that time. Map information, intersection information, and the like are displayed on the display unit 13.

  The map database server MDB accumulates and stores material information for displaying a map and the like in the navigation device MT and the map information itself, and a route required according to a request from the navigation device MT as will be described later. The search process and the like are performed and the result is transmitted to the navigation device MT, and the information necessary for the route search including the material information and the like in response to a request from the user terminal YT is used as a so-called library, for example, the user terminal YT. Output to. Specific information included in the library includes, for example, map information to be displayed on the navigation device MT, information such as landmark information used for route search processing to be described later, and execution of the vehicle allocation process of the embodiment. There is necessary point information (more specifically, including position information of a point shown on a map displayed on the navigation device MT, content information of the point, and the like).

  On the other hand, the system database server SDB is a server that performs overall control of data exchange between the map database server MDB and the navigation device MT and the user terminal YT, and the system database server SDB itself is managed by system management. It is executed using the terminal ST.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the user terminal YT will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a user terminal YT according to the embodiment includes a CPU 1 as a search unit, a display unit 2 including a liquid crystal display, an input unit 3 as a destination acquisition unit, and a hard disk device. And an interface 5 serving as a current position acquisition unit, a path output information acquisition unit, and a transmission unit.

  In this configuration, the interface 5 executes input interface processing set in advance for various data input from the network NT, and outputs the processed signal Sc to the CPU 1 as well as from the CPU 1 to the navigation device MT. When the processing signal Sc to be transmitted is transmitted, an output interface process set in advance for the processing signal Sc is executed and output to the navigation device MT or the like via the network NT.

  Next, the external storage device 4 accumulates and stores auxiliary information necessary for the vehicle allocation process of the embodiment, and outputs the information to the CPU 1 as a memory signal Sm as necessary.

  On the other hand, CPU1 is comprised by the map acquisition part 1a and the path | route process part 1b on the process.

  Then, the map acquisition unit 1a acquires the library input from the map database server MDB as the processing signal Sc.

  Next, the route processing unit 1b uses the map information and the like included in the library acquired by the map acquisition unit 1a, and the destination to which the taxi mounting the navigation device MT should arrive (that is, the customer's boarding) The route to (position) is calculated and searched, and the result is output as a processed signal Sc to the navigation device MT via the interface 5 and the network NT.

  In parallel with this, the route processing unit 1b generates route guidance information necessary for guiding the taxi so that the taxi including the navigation device MT moves along the searched route, and as a result. As a processing signal Sc to the navigation device MT via the interface 5 and the network NT.

  Also, in response to these processes, when necessary information input processing such as information indicating a dispatch destination, which will be described later, is executed in the input unit 3, the input unit 3 outputs an input signal Sin corresponding to the information input processing. Generate and output to CPU1. Then, the CPU 1 performs a process that matches the content of the input signal Sin.

  In addition, information to be presented to the operator of the user terminal YT when executing these processes is output to the display unit 2 as the display signal Sdp, and the display unit 2 displays information corresponding to the display signal Sdp. .

  Next, the configuration and operation of the navigation device MT will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, a navigation device MT includes a processing unit 10 including a CPU and necessary memory, a memory 11, a sensor unit 12, the display unit 13 as an output unit, and a voice. The output unit 14 includes a transmitter / receiver 15 that can be connected to the network NT by wireless communication, an antenna ANT connected to the transmitter / receiver 15, and an input unit 16.

  In this configuration, the transmitter / receiver 15 executes a preset input interface process on data input from the network NT via the antenna ANT, and outputs the processed terminal signal Stt to the processing unit 10. When a processing terminal signal Stt to be transmitted from the processing unit 10 to the user terminal YT or the map database server MDB is transmitted, an output interface process set in advance for the processing terminal signal Stt is executed. The data is output to the user terminal YT or the map database server MDB through the antenna ANT and the network NT.

  On the other hand, the sensor unit 12 is specifically equipped with a navigation device MT based on position information included in GPS radio waves transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite launched in the satellite orbit. The vehicle travels based on a GPS receiver that outputs absolute position information (absolute position information indicated by latitude and longitude) and a so-called vehicle speed pulse that is transmitted along with the rotation of wheels provided in the vehicle. A vehicle speed sensor that calculates distance and speed and outputs distance information and speed information, and an acceleration sensor that detects information about the vehicle traveling direction by detecting the turning angle and vertical inclination of the vehicle, and Information indicating the current position and posture of the vehicle output from these sensors and the GPS receiver is output to the processing unit 10 as a sensor signal Ssc. To.

  On the other hand, when the input unit 16 executes designation in the input unit 16 for a vehicle allocation process or a normal navigation process according to an embodiment such as designation of a map to be displayed on the display unit 13 or setting of a destination, etc. An input signal Sin corresponding to the executed designation is generated and output to the processing unit 10.

  As a result, the processing unit 10 obtains current position information indicating the current position of the taxi on which the navigation device MT is mounted based on the sensor signal Ssc, destination information described later corresponding to the designation executed in the input unit 16, and the like. These are generated and output to the map database server MDB (if necessary) or the user terminal YT (always) via the transmitter / receiver 15 as the processing terminal signal Stt.

  Then, when a result corresponding to the vehicle allocation process executed at the user terminal YT based on the output destination information and the current position information is transmitted as the processing terminal signal Stt via the network NT and the transceiver 15. The processing unit 10 outputs map information or the like corresponding to the route included in the transmitted dispatch instruction to the display unit 13 as a display signal Sdp, and causes the display unit 13 to display necessary map information. At the same time, it is superimposed on the map information, and the route information according to the map information or route guidance information along the route generated by the route processing unit 1b in the user terminal YT described above is displayed.

  Further, of the route guidance information, the content to be notified to the driver of the vehicle by voice is output to the voice output unit 14 as a voice signal Sad, and the route guidance is performed by necessary voice output. .

  Further, information to be temporarily stored, such as map information transmitted from the user terminal YT, is output to the memory 11 as the memory signal Sm from the processing unit 10 and temporarily stored, and then necessary. Accordingly, it is read again as the memory signal Sm and used for necessary display processing.

  Next, the vehicle allocation process according to the embodiment, which is executed in the vehicle allocation system S according to the embodiment having the above-described configuration, will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the navigation device MT, the map database server MDB, the system database server SDB, and the user terminal YT as the vehicle allocation process.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, when the taxi in which the navigation device MT is mounted is in normal operation (step S1), when the customer gets on, the input unit 16 included in the navigation device MT displays the customer's Whether or not the destination has been input is constantly monitored (step S2).

  When the destination is input at the input unit 16 (step S2; YES), destination information GL indicating the input destination (specifically, latitude information and longitude information indicating the destination, etc.) ) Includes the current position information (specifically, latitude information and longitude information indicating the current position) indicating the current position of the taxi equipped with the navigation device MT, and the like via the network NT. It is transmitted to the server MDB (step S3).

  On the other hand, the map database server MDB that receives the destination information GL always monitors whether or not the destination information GL has been received from any navigation device MT (step S10). When the destination information GL is received from any navigation device MT (step S10; YES), the destination is determined from the current position indicated by the current position information included in the received destination information GL. A route to the destination included in the information GL is searched by a route search unit (not shown) included in the map database MDB (step S11), and the result is obtained as search result information R1 via the network NT. The destination information GL is transmitted (returned) to the navigation device MT that has transmitted the destination information GL (step S12).

  Then, in the navigation device MT that has received the search result information R1 (step S5), the navigation device MT displays the route included in the received search result information R1 on the display unit 13 (step S6). Route guidance of the taxi in which the device MT is mounted is performed.

  Then, after the route guidance, it is confirmed whether or not the navigation processing for the taxi is to be ended (step S7), and if it is to be ended (step S7; YES), the processing as the navigation device MT is ended as it is, while the navigation is performed. If the process is to be continued (step S7; NO), the process returns to step S1 and the above-described process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the customer's destination is not input in the determination in step S2 (step S2; NO), then a route instruction (more specifically, a route described later) as a dispatch instruction from the system database server SDB. It is monitored whether or not there is reception of instruction information (step S4). If there is no route instruction (step S4; NO), the current position in the normal driving (step S1) and the map of the surrounding area are displayed (step S6), and then the process proceeds to step S7. To do.

  In addition, the map database server MDB that has transmitted the route search result to the navigation device MT in step S12 next proceeds to monitoring whether there is a library transmission request from the system database server SDB (step S13). . When the library transmission request is received (step S13; YES), the user terminal YT that has transmitted the library transmission request to the requested library (including search information necessary for route search processing). (Step S14), and further confirms whether or not to end the processing as the map database server MDB (step S15). As a result, when the process as the map database server MDB is terminated (step S15; YES), the process is terminated as it is, and when the process is continued (step S15; NO), the process returns to the above step S10 so far. Repeat the process.

  On the other hand, the user terminal YT installed in the taxi company receives the processing terminal signal Stt to grasp the current position of its own taxi and waits for a vehicle allocation request from another customer. (Steps S20, S20; NO), for example, when a vehicle allocation request via a network such as telephone contact or the Internet is acquired (Step S20; YES), the acquired vehicle allocation request is classified for each vehicle allocation destination (Step S21). Further, the taxi belonging to the company to be allocated to the requested vehicle allocation destination is specifically allocated (step S22), and the transmission of the library used for searching the route to the allocation destination of the allocated taxi is requested. The library transmission request L1 is sent to the map database server via the network NT and the system database server SDB. And it transmits to DB (step S23).

  When the library L2 including the search information corresponding to the library transmission request L1 is transmitted from the map database server MDB that has received the library transmission request L1, each allocation is performed in the user terminal YT using the library. Each taxi is searched for a specific route to a specific destination for each taxi (step S24). Note that the search process itself is executed using the search information in the library acquired from the map database server MDB by the algorithm unique to the taxi company stored in the user terminal YT.

  After the search is completed, the result is transmitted as route instruction information R2 for dispatch to the taxi corresponding to the dispatch destination via the system database server SDB and the network NT (step S25).

  Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the process at the user terminal YT is to be ended (step S26). When the process is to be ended (step S26; YES), the process is ended as it is and when the process is continued (step S26; NO). Then, the process returns to step S20 to repeat the above processing.

  On the other hand, in the navigation device MT that has received the route instruction information R2 (step S4; YES, S5), the route included in the route instruction information R2 is displayed together with the current position of the vehicle (step S6). The taxi is guided along the displayed route to the vehicle allocation destination (that is, the boarding position of the customer who requested the vehicle allocation). And after the said guidance, it transfers to the process of said step S7.

  As described above, according to the operation of the vehicle allocation system S of the embodiment, the library L2 stored and stored in the map database server MDB for each taxi route to each destination acquired from the outside at the user terminal YT. And the result is output to the navigation device MT of each taxi that displays the route searched using the library L2, so that the user connected via the network NT in the navigation device MT The route searched in the terminal YT can be output.

  Therefore, efficient and quick route search can be performed using a search algorithm or the like uniquely used in the user terminal YT.

  In addition, since the route to the destination input by the driver who uses the taxi is displayed on the navigation device MT on the corresponding taxi, the driver can quickly and surely reach the destination desired by the driver. it can.

  Furthermore, since the route that travels on business is searched for in the map database server MDB or the user terminal YT using the common library L2, and this is displayed on the navigation device MT, the optimum search result specialized for the business is obtained. In the navigation device MT.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the route searched for in the map database server MDB or the user terminal YT is displayed as it is in the navigation device MT. It can also be configured such that it can be freely changed and searched again by the operation of the driver of the taxi provided with the device MT.

  In this case, route change information corresponding to the driver's preference is added to the route information indicating the initial route searched for in the map database server MDB or the user terminal YT, and transmitted again to the map database server MDB. It is preferable that the map database server MDB is re-searched using the transmitted route information and route change information and the result is returned to the original navigation device MT.

  According to this configuration, the route once output from the navigation device MT can be corrected in the navigation device MT provided in each taxi, and therefore more appropriate to reflect the preferences of the driver of the taxi. It is possible to move to the destination by a simple route.

  In the above-described embodiment, when searching for a route according to the vehicle allocation request made to the user terminal YT, the route search process is executed in the user terminal YT. The route search corresponding to the destination designation from the normal navigation device MT other than the route search corresponding to the above can be configured to be performed by the user terminal YT and the system database server SDB using the library, and these And the map database server MDB.

  Further, programs corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 3 are recorded in an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or obtained and stored from a network such as the Internet, and these are read out by a general-purpose computer. The general-purpose computer can function as the processing unit 10 in the navigation device MT, the microcomputer (not shown) in the map database server MDB, or the CPU 1 in the user terminal YT.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle allocation system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the vehicle allocation system which concerns on embodiment, (a) is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the user terminal which concerns on embodiment, (b) is the schematic structure of the navigation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the dispatch process which concerns on embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Map acquisition part 1b Path | route processing part 2, 13 Display part 3, 16 Input part 4 External storage device 10 Processing part 11 Memory 12 Sensor part 14 Voice output part 15 Transceiver S Vehicle allocation system YT User terminal MT Navigation apparatus MDB Map database server SDB system database server ST system management terminal

Claims (7)

In a navigation system comprising an output device, a storage device, a route search device, and a network that interconnects each of the output devices, the storage device, and the route search device, each provided in a plurality of mobile bodies,
The output device includes an output unit that outputs a route on which the moving body including the output device should move based on route search result information transmitted from the route search device via the network,
The storage device includes storage means for accumulating and storing route output information used for the route output processing in the output means,
Furthermore, the route search device
Current position acquisition means for acquiring a current position of each of the moving bodies;
Route output information acquisition means for acquiring the route output information stored and stored from the storage device via the network;
Reaching destination acquisition means for acquiring for each moving body a destination to be reached by each of the moving bodies;
Search means for searching for each route of the route to each destination to which each mobile unit should move using the acquired route output information;
The route search result information for each mobile unit indicating the searched route is sent via the network to the output device provided in each mobile unit to be moved on the searched route. A transmission means for transmitting each;
A navigation system comprising: The navigation system according to claim 1,
The destination acquisition means is
An input means used when a user moving using the moving body inputs a destination of the movement;
Acquisition means for acquiring the destination input via the input means as the destination,
A navigation system comprising: The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2,
Each of the output devices
Input means used to input route correction information for correcting the route after outputting the route based on the corresponding route search result information;
Acquisition means for acquiring the accumulated and stored route output information from the storage device via the network;
Correction means for correcting the route using the input route correction information, the acquired search result information, and the acquired route output information;
Respectively,
The navigation system characterized in that the output means outputs the corrected route. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein each of the routes is a route that should be moved for each business of the mobile body. A navigation system comprising an output device provided in each of a plurality of moving bodies, a storage device, and a network that interconnects each of the output devices and the storage device, wherein the output device includes the output device. Output means for outputting a route on which the mobile body should move based on route search result information transmitted via the network, and the storage device is provided for output processing of the route in the output means. In a navigation method executed in a navigation system comprising storage means for storing and storing route output information.
A current position acquisition step of acquiring a current position of each of the moving bodies;
Reaching destination acquisition step of acquiring for each moving body a destination to be reached by each of the moving bodies,
A search step for searching for each route of the route to each destination to which each mobile unit should move, using the route output information stored and stored;
The route search result information for each mobile unit indicating the searched route is sent via the network to the output device provided in each mobile unit to be moved on the searched route. Each transmission process,
A navigation method comprising: A navigation system comprising an output device, a storage device, a route search device, and a network that interconnects each of the output devices, the storage device, and the route search device, each provided in a plurality of mobile objects. The output device includes an output unit that outputs a route on which the mobile body including the output device should move based on route search result information transmitted from the route search device via the network; A route search computer included in the route search device in a navigation system, wherein the device includes storage means for storing and storing route output information used for the route output processing in the output means;
Current position acquisition means for acquiring a current position of each of the moving bodies;
Reaching destination acquisition means for acquiring for each moving body a destination to be reached by each of the moving bodies,
Search means for searching for each route of the route to each destination to which each mobile unit should move, using the route output information stored and stored, and
The route search result information for each mobile unit indicating the searched route is sent via the network to the output device provided in each mobile unit to be moved on the searched route. Transmission means for transmitting each;
A navigation program characterized by functioning as   7. An information recording medium in which the navigation program according to claim 6 is recorded so as to be readable by the route search computer.

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