JP2007155404A - Route searching device and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a route searching device in which route information such as starting locations, via-points, and destinations can be intuitively set. <P>SOLUTION: When a user, for example, specifies a location with an input part 107 and moves it to a position over a schedule bar, a schedule bar management part 105 sets the order of passage through the location on the basis of both the position of the location on a map detected by the input part 107 and the position of the location over the schedule bar. A searching part 103 makes reference to the schedule bar management part 105, a positioning part 102, and a map DB 101 and searches for routes from a starting location to a destination. The searching part 103 searches for the routes on the bases of the order set at the schedule bar management part 105. When a label over the schedule bar has moved, the searching part 103 searches for the routes on the basis of the time and distance of the label before its movement detected by the schedule bar management part 105. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a route search apparatus that searches for a route using electronic map information, and more specifically, a route that realizes a route search by an intuitive operation on a stroke displayed on a schedule bar. The present invention relates to a search device.

  A conventional route search device searches for a route based on route information such as a departure point, a waypoint, and a destination set by a user, such as a navigation device mounted on a car, and displays the searched route on a screen. It was displayed above. Here, as a method for displaying the searched route, there is known a method of displaying the searched route on a reduced scale map in which the set departure point and destination can be displayed on the same screen.

In addition to this, an electronic map display device has been proposed that displays the entire route of the searched route with a scroll bar at any position in the display screen (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this display method, the user can confirm at a glance the positional relationship of the waypoints, the distance between the pieces of route information, and the like regarding the travel to be performed from now on. The scroll bar displayed on the screen is associated with a point on the route. In other words, for example, when the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the scroll bar, the user can easily grasp where the current position of the vehicle is located in the entire stroke by checking the scroll bar. . A slider is provided on the scroll bar displayed on the screen. Then, when the user moves the slider, map information near the point corresponding to the position of the slider is displayed on the screen.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-177028 (FIG. 4)

  However, in the conventional route search device and the electronic map display device, in order for the user to set the destination or waypoint, it is necessary to perform the search by address, telephone number, facility name, and map display.

  In addition, in the conventional electronic map display device, even after the route of the already searched route is displayed with the scroll bar, when the waypoint or destination is changed, the search or the map display is performed again by an address or the like. It was necessary to change the destination and waypoints. For example, it is assumed that the route information is set on the assumption that the user has lunch at the waypoint, and the search result that the arrival time at the waypoint is 14:00 is displayed on the scroll bar. At this time, even if the user wants to go through a point where he can have lunch a little earlier because the arrival time at the waypoint is too late by checking the stroke displayed in the scroll bar, the address is again It was necessary to set destinations and waypoints by performing searches and map displays.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a route search apparatus and method that can more intuitively set route information such as a departure point, a waypoint, and a destination. In addition, the present invention provides a route search device that realizes a flexible route re-search according to a user's desire by setting route information through a more intuitive operation while confirming the route of a route that has already been searched. It aims to provide a method.

  A first invention is a route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points, a map information storage unit storing map information indicating a map, an input unit for receiving user instructions, and a predetermined route A display unit that displays a bar that is displayed along the axis of and displays a point image indicating a point on the map specified by the input unit at a position on the bar specified by the input unit, and a plurality of bars on the bar When a point image is displayed, a search unit that searches for a route that passes through each point indicated by the plurality of point images in order along the axis of the bar is provided.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, designation of a point on the map by the input unit is performed by designating a point image on a bar indicating the point.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect, designation of a point on the map by the input unit is performed by designating a position on the map indicating the point.

  According to a fourth invention, in the first invention, a preliminary display unit for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points and displaying a point image indicating the plurality of points on the bar based on the searched route. The input unit further receives an input for specifying a point on the map and an input for specifying a position on the bar after the point image is displayed on the preliminary display unit, and the display unit displays the preliminary display. In addition to the point image displayed in the part, a point image indicating the point on the map designated by the input part is further displayed at the position on the bar designated by the input part.

  In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, when the input unit receives an input for designating a point on the route from the user, the display unit is configured so that the point on the route designated by the input unit is based on the route. The reachable area is displayed on a bar.

  In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the position on the bar is associated with the time, and based on the position on the bar of the point image, the time zone in which the point indicated by the point image should pass is determined. A time condition calculation unit that calculates as a time condition is further provided, and the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the time condition.

  In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the information processing device further includes a point storage unit that stores a predetermined point on the map, the position on the bar is associated with the time, and the input unit is a point on the bar. An input instructing to move the image is received from the user, the display unit moves and displays the point image in accordance with the instruction received by the input unit, and the search unit is configured to move the point image moved by the display unit. When the time corresponding to the display position is later than the time corresponding to the display position before the movement by a predetermined time or more, the route further passing through the predetermined point is searched again.

  In an eighth aspect based on the first aspect, the search unit calculates a length on the bar between the point images displayed on the bar, and a plurality of point images are displayed on the bar. A route that passes through the points indicated by the plurality of point images in order along the axis of the bar, and the distance between the points is within a predetermined range including a distance corresponding to the length. The route is searched.

  In a ninth aspect based on the first aspect, the information processing device further includes a point storage unit that stores a predetermined point on the map, the position on the bar is associated with the distance, and the input unit is a point on the bar. An input instructing to move the image is received from the user, the display unit moves and displays the point image in accordance with the instruction received by the input unit, and the search unit is configured to move the point image moved by the display unit. When the distance corresponding to the display position is a predetermined distance or more than the distance corresponding to the display position before movement, the route further passing through the predetermined point is re-searched.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is a route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points, a map information storage unit storing map information indicating a map, an input unit for receiving a user instruction, and a predetermined route. A type image that displays a bar displayed along the axis, displays a plurality of point images indicating points on the map on the bar, and indicates the type of facility existing on the map and specified by the input unit A point group consisting of a display unit that displays a position on the bar designated by the input unit, a point indicated by the point image, and a point where a facility belonging to the type indicated by the type image exists, on the axis of the bar And a search unit that searches for a route that passes through in order.

  In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, the facility type is designated by the input unit when the type image on the bar indicating the type is designated by the user.

  In a twelfth aspect based on the tenth aspect, the position on the bar is associated with the time, and the point image and the type image pass through the point indicated by the point image based on the position on the bar. A time condition calculation unit that calculates a power time zone and a time zone that should pass through a point corresponding to the type image as a time condition, and the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the time condition .

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the search unit searches for a route that passes through a point group consisting of the point indicated by the point image and the point corresponding to the type image in order along the axis of the bar. It belongs to the type indicated by the type image when the preliminary search unit, the determination unit that determines whether or not the route searched by the preliminary search unit satisfies the time condition, and the determination unit determines that the time condition is not satisfied A correction unit that corrects the point corresponding to the type image by re-designating a point where the facility exists from the map, and the preliminary search unit corrects the point when the point is corrected by the correction unit Instead of the previous point, the route that passes through the point group including the corrected point in order along the axis of the bar is re-searched.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on the tenth aspect, the position on the bar is associated with the reach distance from the predetermined point, and the point image and the type according to the search performed by the search unit The distance calculated based on the position on the bar of the image as the distance condition from the predetermined point to the point indicated by the point image and the arrival distance from the predetermined point to the point corresponding to the type image A condition calculation unit is further provided, and the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the distance condition.

  In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the search unit searches for a route that passes through the point group including the point indicated by the point image and the point corresponding to the type image in order along the axis of the bar. It belongs to the type indicated by the type image when the preliminary search unit, the determination unit that determines whether or not the route searched by the preliminary search unit satisfies the distance condition, and the determination unit determines that the distance condition is not satisfied A correction unit that corrects the point corresponding to the type image by re-designating a point where the facility exists from the map, and the preliminary search unit corrects the point when the point is corrected by the correction unit Instead of the previous point, the route that passes through the point group including the corrected point in order along the axis of the bar is re-searched.

  In a sixteenth aspect based on the tenth aspect, the search unit searches for facilities existing around the searched route, and the display unit displays on the bar a search image indicating information on the facilities searched by the search unit. It is characterized by displaying.

  According to a seventeenth aspect, in the tenth aspect, after a search for a route is performed in the search unit, when the input unit further receives an input designating a position on the bar, the search is performed on the searched route. And a search unit for searching for a facility existing in the predetermined range with respect to a predetermined range centered on a point corresponding to the position on the bar, and the display unit identifies the facility searched for in the search unit and the type of the facility Is displayed in association with a specified position on the bar.

  In an eighteenth aspect based on the first or tenth aspect, the display unit displays a point image on a bar and at a position other than the end point of the bar.

  In a nineteenth aspect based on the first or tenth aspect, the input unit receives an input designating at least a part of the section on the bar from the user, and the display section sets the end point of the bar to the end point of the section. Is displayed.

  In a twentieth aspect based on the first or tenth aspect, the input unit accepts an input designating at least a part of the section on the bar from the user, and the display section searches with the search section corresponding to the end point of the section. A map including a route between the points on the route is displayed at a reduced scale.

  According to a twenty-first aspect, in the first or tenth aspect, the display unit displays a bar whose end point is the current position of the user.

  A twenty-second invention is a method used in a route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points. The route search device stores map information indicating a map and receives an input from a user. A step of displaying a bar representing a route along a predetermined axis and displaying a point image indicating a point on the map designated in the input step at a position on the bar designated in the input step; In the case where a plurality of point images are displayed on the bar, a search step of searching for a route passing through each point indicated by the plurality of point images in order along the bar axis is included.

  A twenty-third invention is a method used in a route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points, in which map information indicating a map is stored in the route search device, and an input step for receiving a user instruction And a bar representing the route along a predetermined axis, a plurality of point images indicating points on the map are displayed on the bar, and the type of facility existing on the map is specified in the input step. A point group consisting of a display step for displaying a type image indicating the selected type at a position on the bar specified in the input step, and a point indicated by the point image and a point where a facility belonging to the type indicated by the type image exists And a search step for searching for a route that passes in order along the axis of the bar.

  According to the first aspect, by designating a point on the map as a position on the bar, it is possible to search for a route that passes each point in order along the axis of the bar. That is, a route passing through each point can be searched using the map and the bar displayed together, and a route search by a more intuitive operation can be realized.

  According to the second invention, a point can be designated by a point image on the bar.

  According to the third invention, a point can be specified by a position on the map.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each point including the point where the route is searched is specified by specifying the point on the map as the position on the bar while checking the bar where the searched route is represented. It is possible to search for a route passing in order along the axis of the bar. That is, a flexible route search can be performed for each point including the point where the route is being searched by an intuitive operation on the bar.

  According to the fifth aspect, the range that can reach the point on the route is displayed on the bar, so that the user can designate the point on the route as the position on the bar that cannot reach the point. It can be prevented in advance.

  According to the sixth invention, the position on the bar is associated with the time, and the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the time condition, whereby the user can specify a desired time for the bar, A route satisfying the time condition based on the designated time can be searched.

  According to the seventh invention, when the time corresponding to the display position after the movement of the point image is later than the time corresponding to the display position before the movement by a predetermined time or more, the route further passing through the predetermined point is re-searched. By doing so, it is possible to perform a route search via a predetermined point such as a recommended facility in the route search that goes around.

  According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to specify a desired distance with respect to the bar, and to search for a route within a predetermined range including a distance corresponding to the specified length.

  According to the ninth aspect, when the distance corresponding to the display position after the movement of the point image is a predetermined distance or more than the distance corresponding to the display position before the movement, the route further passing through the predetermined point is re-searched. By doing so, it is possible to perform a route search via a predetermined point such as a recommended facility in the route search that goes around.

  According to the tenth invention, the facility type existing on the map is designated by the user as the position on the bar, so that the point where the facility belonging to the type exists is sequentially passed along the axis of the bar. It is possible to search for a route to be performed. That is, a route passing through each point can be searched using the map and the bar displayed together, and a route search by a more intuitive operation can be realized. Furthermore, even if the point you want to stop by is not clear, for example, by specifying a type such as “meal” or “shopping” as a position on the bar, you can select a point where a facility belonging to that type exists. It is possible to search for a route that passes through.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the type can be specified by the type image on the bar.

  According to the twelfth aspect, the position on the bar is associated with the time, and the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the time condition, whereby the user can specify a desired time for the bar, A route satisfying the time condition based on the designated time can be searched.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, even when it is determined that the time condition is not satisfied when the facility type is designated as the position on the bar, the route satisfying the time condition can be easily searched again.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, the position on the bar is associated with the distance, and the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the distance condition, whereby the user can specify a desired distance with respect to the bar. In addition, it is possible to search for a route that satisfies the distance condition based on the designated distance.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, even when it is determined that the distance condition is not satisfied when the facility type is designated as the position on the bar, the route satisfying the distance condition can be easily re-searched.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, the search image indicating the information on the facility is displayed on the bar, so that the user can specify which facility around the searched route when specifying the facility and the type of the facility at the position on the bar. It is possible to grasp in advance what kind of facility and type of the facility exists in the time zone or distance zone. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from designating the desired facility or the type of the facility at a position on the bar where the desired facility or the type of the facility does not exist.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, when the user designates the position on the bar, the facility and the type of the facility existing at the designated position on the bar are displayed by displaying only the existing facility and the type of the facility. It is possible to save the trouble of expectation and improve convenience.

  According to the eighteenth aspect, even if the estimated arrival time at the point indicated by the point image changes by displaying the point image at a position other than the end point of the bar, the point image is displayed on the bar according to the change. Since the display position of the point image also changes, it becomes easier for the user to understand changes such as the estimated arrival time at the point indicated by the point image.

  According to the nineteenth aspect, the user can confirm in more detail the stroke of the desired section of the route represented by the bar.

  According to the twentieth invention, the user can check a detailed map corresponding to a desired section of the route represented by the bar.

  According to the twenty-first aspect, the user can search for a route while confirming a bar representing the route of the route according to the current position.

(First embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 1, a route search apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a route search apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, an example in which the route search device is applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle will be described. In FIG. 1, the route search apparatus includes a map DB 101, a positioning unit 102, a search unit 103, a drawing unit 104, a schedule bar management unit 105, and a touch panel display 106.

  The map DB 101 is composed of, for example, an HDD or a DVD. The map DB 101 stores map information such as road and intersection data and landmark information such as facilities. The map information may be appropriately downloaded from the center facility by a communication unit (not shown) such as a mobile phone and stored in the map DB 101.

  The positioning unit 102 is a positioning sensor typified by GPS (Global Positioning System). The positioning unit 102 is attached to the vehicle and measures the current position of the vehicle.

  The touch panel display 106 includes an input unit 107 and a display unit 108. The display unit 108 is configured by a display, for example, and displays information to the user. Specifically, the display unit 108 displays map information and a schedule bar representing at least a part of the searched route (route process) along a predetermined axis. In the schedule bar, as information about the schedule bar, an image (label) indicating route information, a point image (hereinafter referred to as a point name) indicating a name of a point designated by the user (hereinafter referred to as a point label), A classification image (hereinafter referred to as a classification label) representing the name of the facility type designated by the user (hereinafter referred to as a classification name), distance between each label, required time information, or arrival (or passage) at each label ) The estimated time is displayed.

  Here, the point name refers to a name and a point that are uniquely associated with each other, such as a facility name or an intersection name included in the landmark information. The type name is a name of the type of the facility. Specifically, an action performed in the facility or region (for example, “shopping” or “tourism”), or a genre of the facility (for example, “gas station” or “restaurant”). Etc.). As described above, the type name is a name indicating an abstract concept in which a target point is not specified. Usually, the landmark information stored in the map DB 101 includes genre information (a facility for playing, a facility for eating, or a restaurant). Therefore, the genre information may be used for the type name.

  The input unit 107 is configured by a touch panel, for example, and receives input from the user. Here, as an input from the user, for example, it is assumed that the user presses and designates a point on the map displayed on the display unit 108. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the position of the point on the map. Further, it is assumed that the point pressed by the user is moved and designated at any position on the schedule bar. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the position on the schedule bar designated by the user. Further, for example, it is assumed that the user designates the facility type at any position on the schedule bar. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the type of facility and the position on the schedule bar.

  Here, in the above description, the input unit 107 is configured by a touch panel. Accordingly, the user can perform a more direct operation on the displayed information, but the input unit 107 may be configured separately from the display unit 108. In this case, the input unit 107 is configured by, for example, a remote controller or a microphone that receives voice input.

  The schedule bar management unit 105 manages information related to the schedule bar. Information relating to the schedule bar includes, for example, a label indicating route information, a point label, a type label, distance between each label and required time information, or an expected arrival (or passage) time at each label. Further, for example, if the user designates a point in the input unit 107, the schedule bar management unit 105 determines a route based on the position of the point detected by the input unit 107 on the map and the position of the point on the schedule bar. Set the information. Here, the route information indicates the order of passage, such as a departure point, a waypoint, or a destination. That is, the schedule bar management unit 105 sets the passing order based on the position on the schedule bar. Further, the schedule bar management unit 105 associates the position of the spot detected by the input unit 107 and the type of facility with the position on the schedule bar. This association is performed for each point or facility type designated by the user. The schedule bar management unit 105 manages the schedule bar on the time axis or the distance axis. That is, the schedule bar management unit 105 associates the position on the schedule bar with the time or distance. By associating the position on the schedule bar with the time or distance, the schedule bar management unit 105 can detect the time of each label based on the position of the point label or type label on the schedule bar.

  The search unit 103 searches for a route from the departure point to the destination with reference to the schedule bar management unit 105, the positioning unit 102, and the map DB 101. Specifically, the search unit 103 searches for a route based on the route information set by the schedule bar management unit 105. That is, the route is searched based on the order set by the schedule bar management unit 105. When the label on the schedule bar moves, the search unit 103 searches for a route based on the time and distance of the label after movement detected by the schedule bar management unit 105. For example, if the label designated at the 14:00 position on the schedule bar has moved to the 15:00 position, the search unit 103 searches for a route that can arrive at 15:00 at the point indicated by the label. Note that the departure point is usually the current position of the vehicle measured by the positioning unit 102 unless otherwise specified by the user. In addition, the search unit 103 calculates each required time to the set destination or waypoint, and each estimated arrival time.

  The drawing unit 104 refers to the map DB 101, the positioning unit 102, the search unit 103, and the schedule bar management unit 105, respectively, to map information, the current position of the vehicle, the searched route, the axial schedule bar, and the schedule Information about the bar is drawn and displayed on the display unit 108.

  Next, the operation flow of the route search apparatus will be described. Generally speaking, the route search apparatus performs a first operation of setting route information for a point on the map and searching for a route based on the route information. As the second operation, when the route information is changed on the schedule bar indicating the route of the searched route, the route search device performs an operation of re-searching the route based on the changed route information. Hereinafter, the first and second operations will be described in detail. In the second operation, the present embodiment considers a case where route information of a point is set. The case where the facility type route information is set will be described later as a second embodiment.

  The flow of the first operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first operation flow of the route search apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the touch panel display 106 when setting of route information is started. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing how the user sets route information. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the touch panel display 106 after the route search. In the following description, as an example, the departure point is the current position of the vehicle.

  In FIG. 2, the positioning unit 102 measures the current position of the vehicle (step S1). After step S1, the drawing unit 104 draws map information with reference to the map DB 101 and displays the map information on the display unit 108 (step S2). In the display example of FIG. 3, landmark information such as facilities and roads are displayed on the display unit 108 as map information. In step S <b> 2, the drawing unit 104 draws the current position of the vehicle with reference to the positioning unit 102 and causes the display unit 108 to display the current position. In the display example of FIG. 3, the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display unit 108 as a black triangular icon. In step S <b> 2, the drawing unit 104 refers to the schedule bar management unit 105, draws the schedule bar in an axial shape, and causes the display unit 108 to display the schedule bar. Here, it is assumed that the schedule bar management unit 105 is preset so that the left end of the schedule bar indicates the departure place and the right end indicates the destination. Then, as shown in the display example of FIG. 3, the drawing unit 104 draws the departure place label on the left end of the schedule bar and the destination label on the right end based on this setting, and displays them on the display unit 108. Let Further, in the display example of FIG. 3, the drawing unit 104 draws the time of the departure place as the current time “9:00” below the departure place label. In the display example of FIG. 3, the drawing unit 104 draws the schedule bar so that the time advances from left to right.

  After step S2, when the user presses and designates a point on the map that the user wants to set as route information in the input unit 107, the input unit 107 detects the position of the point on the map (step S3). Then, when the user moves the point designated by the input unit 107 to any position on the schedule bar, the input unit 107 detects the position on the schedule bar (step S4). Here, the schedule bar management unit 105 associates the position of the detected point on the map with the position on the schedule bar. Then, the drawing unit 104 draws a spot label displaying the spot name of the detected spot at a position on the associated schedule bar, and displays it on the display unit 108 (step S5). Moreover, the schedule bar management part 105 sets the route information of the detected point based on the position on the associated schedule bar (step S6). Following step S6, the search unit 103 receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to search for a route (step S7). In searching for a route, route information (including a departure place) of at least two points needs to be set. Accordingly, it is assumed that the process of step S7 is executed after the route information of at least two points is set. If route information of another point is further set (No in step S7), the process returns to step S3. When searching for a route (Yes in step S7), the search unit 103 searches for a route from the departure place to the point designated by the user based on the route information set in step S6 (step S8).

  After step S8, the search unit 103 calculates the required time from the departure place to the point designated by the user, and the estimated arrival times (step S9). Here, the schedule bar management unit 105 associates the position on the schedule bar with the time based on each calculated required time and each estimated arrival time. After step S9, the drawing unit 104 draws the search result and displays it on the display unit 108 (step S10). Specifically, the drawing unit 104 draws the route searched in step S8 and causes the display unit 108 to display the route. Further, the drawing unit 104 draws each label, time scale, and each estimated arrival time on the schedule bar based on the position on the schedule bar associated with the time, and causes the display unit 108 to display the label.

  Here, the processing from the above-described steps S3 to S7 will be described with reference to the display example of FIG. When setting the facility A on the map as the destination, the user first presses the landmark of the facility A using the input unit 107. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the position of the facility A on the map (step S3). Next, the user moves the landmark of the facility A pressed by the input unit 107 to the position of the destination label on the schedule bar or the right end position of the schedule bar. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the position of the facility A on the schedule bar (step S4). Here, the schedule bar management unit 105 associates the detected location of the facility A on the map with the location of the destination label on the schedule bar. Then, the drawing unit 104 draws a spot label displaying the spot name “facility A” of the detected facility A at the position of the destination label on the schedule bar, and displays it on the display unit 108 (step S5). Then, since the position of the facility A on the schedule bar is at the right end, the schedule bar management unit 105 sets the facility A as the destination. (Step S6).

  After step S6, when the facility B is further set as a transit point without performing route search (No in step S7), the user presses the landmark of the facility B on the input unit 107. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the position of the facility B on the map (step S3). Next, the user moves the landmark of the facility B pressed in the input unit 107 to one of the positions between the departure point and the destination label. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the position of the facility B on the schedule bar (step S4). Here, the schedule bar management unit 105 associates the position of the detected facility B on the map with the position on the schedule bar. Then, the drawing unit 104 draws a spot label displaying the spot name “facility B” of the facility B at the position on the associated schedule bar, and displays the spot label on the display unit 108 (step S5). Since the position on the schedule bar of the facility B is one of the positions between the departure place and the destination label, the schedule bar management unit 105 sets the facility B as a transit point (step S6). That is, the schedule bar management unit 105 sets the order from the departure point to the facility A via the facility B based on the positions of the departure point, the facility A, and the facility B on the schedule bar.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example displayed in step S11. As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 108 displays point labels, time scales, estimated arrival times, and searched routes for the facilities A and B. In FIG. 5, the searched route is displayed on the map with an arrow line. Further, the point label of the facility B is displayed at any position between the departure point and the destination on the schedule bar when the user sets the facility B as a transit point. It is displayed at the position of the estimated arrival time calculated in.

  Next, the flow of the second operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second operation when the route information of the point is set. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user moves the point label of the facility B on the schedule bar. In the following description, after the route from the departure point to the facility A via the facility B is searched as shown in FIG. 5, the user displays the point label of the facility B in the schedule bar as shown in FIG. Consider the case of moving above. Further, the estimated arrival time “14:00” at the facility B shown in FIG. 7 is a time based on the shortest route from the departure place to the facility B.

  In FIG. 6, when the movement of the point label of the facility B is input in the input unit 107 and the input unit 107 detects the position after the movement of the point label (Yes in step S <b> 20), the schedule bar management unit 105 The time after movement of the point label (hereinafter referred to as time after label movement) is detected (step S22). Here, the schedule bar is associated with the time. Therefore, the schedule bar management unit 105 can detect the time corresponding to the position after the point label is moved. When the movement of the label is not input in the input unit 107 (No in Step S20), the process ends when the vehicle arrives at the destination (Yes in Step S21).

  After step S22, the search unit 103 determines whether the time after the label movement is earlier than the time of the label before the movement by a predetermined time or more (step S23). Here, the predetermined time is a value indicating a time range that the expected arrival time indicated by the point label before the movement can take. Therefore, when the user moves the point label of the facility B at a time earlier than the predetermined time, the estimated arrival time at the facility B is originally based on the shortest route, and there is no searchable route. In this case, in step S24, a message indicating that the route cannot be searched (for example, “cannot be moved at that time”) is displayed on the display unit 108, and the process returns to step S20. When the user moves the spot label of the facility B within the predetermined time or a time later than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S25. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the label of the facility B is moved so as to be delayed for the predetermined time or more.

  After step S23, the search unit 103 determines whether or not the time after the label movement is within a predetermined time from the label time before the movement (step S25). If the time after the label movement is within a predetermined time from the label time before the movement (Yes in step S25), the time after the label movement can be satisfied with the already searched route. Therefore, in this case, the drawing unit 104 draws the label after the movement and the time, and updates the display content of the display unit 108 (step S26). If the time after label movement is a time later than the time of the label before movement by a predetermined time or more (No in step S25), the time after label movement cannot be satisfied by the already searched route, so the processing is step S27. Proceed to

  After step S25, the schedule bar management unit 105 calculates, based on the time after the label movement detected in step S22, a time zone having a time width with respect to the time as a time condition (step S25). S27). This time zone is a time zone that should pass through the point indicated by the point label after movement. For example, when the time after the label movement is “14:30”, the schedule bar management unit 105 calculates the time zone of “14:20” to “14:40” for the point as the time condition. The length of the time period may be set in advance in the schedule bar management unit 105 or may be arbitrarily set by the user.

  After step S27, the search unit 103 searches whether there is a recommended facility around the route already searched in step S8 of FIG. 2 (step S28). The route periphery is, for example, 20 km around the route. If there is a recommended facility (Yes in step S28), the searching unit 103 searches again for a route that satisfies the time condition after the label movement calculated in step S27 via the recommended facility (step S29). If there is no recommended facility (No in step S28), the search unit 103 searches again for a route that satisfies the time condition after the label movement calculated in step S27 for all routes (step S30). In the re-search in steps S29 and S30, the search unit 103 determines whether there is a path that satisfies the time condition after the label movement (step S31).

  Here, in step S29, a re-search may be performed in consideration of the average staying time at the recommended facility. Further, the user may be allowed to input the time for staying at the recommended facility. Thus, by providing the process of step S29, it becomes easier to find the route in the re-search than in the case of re-searching all the routes in step S30.

  The recommended facility may be a recommended drive course, for example. Further, when there are a plurality of recommended facilities in step S29, they may be displayed on the display unit 108 so that the user can select them. If there are a plurality of routes that satisfy the time condition after the label movement in step S31, the route may be displayed on the display unit 108 and selected by the user. Further, the distance and traffic information may be further displayed on the display unit 108 to allow the user to select. In step S29, if there is no route satisfying the time condition in the route passing through the recommended facility, the process may proceed to the all route search in step S30.

  If there is a route that satisfies the time condition after the label movement (Yes in step S31), the search unit 103 recalculates each required time from the departure point to the point or destination indicated by the label after the movement, and each estimated arrival time. Is calculated (step S32). This is because the time of arrival at another waypoint or destination may change due to route re-search. Further, when calculating the estimated arrival time, it is generally calculated by referring to not only the distance and the average vehicle speed but also the traffic jam information. And this traffic jam information may change with time zones even in the same section. This is because the estimated arrival time itself may change due to the route re-search. In addition, when the estimated arrival time at other transit points or destinations other than the moved label changes, the fact may be displayed to the user to determine whether or not to search again.

  If there is no route that satisfies the time condition after the label movement (No in step S31), a message indicating that the search cannot be performed again (for example, “cannot be moved during that time period”) is displayed on the display unit 108. (Step S33). After step S33, the process returns to step S20. After step S32, the drawing unit 104 draws the contents changed by the re-search, such as the label after the movement, the estimated arrival times, and the re-searched route, and updates the display content of the display unit 108 ( Step S26). After step S26, the process returns to step S20 again. This is the end of the description of the flow of the second operation.

  In step S23 of the second operation described above, it is determined whether or not the time after the label movement is a predetermined time or more earlier than the time of the label before the movement. You may display on the schedule bar the time zone which can be moved at the stage of pressing. The movable time zone is a range later than a predetermined time set before and after the estimated arrival time of the facility B. In this case, when the user presses the point label of the facility B in the input unit 107, the input unit 107 detects the position of the point label on the schedule bar. The schedule bar management unit 105 detects the time (estimated arrival time) indicated by the point label of the facility B pressed from the detected position on the schedule bar. Then, the drawing unit 104 displays, on the schedule bar, a range later than a predetermined time set before and after the estimated arrival time of the facility B from the estimated arrival time detected by the schedule bar management unit 105 and the position on the schedule bar. And is displayed on the display unit 108. With this display, it is possible to prevent the user from moving the spot label of the facility B to a time when the route cannot be searched, and the process of step S23 can be omitted.

  In FIG. 7, as an example, the case where the user moves the spot label of the facility B on the schedule bar is considered. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, after the route search from the departure place to the facility A is performed, the user may set the facility B as a transit point at an arbitrary time. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user sets the facility B at an arbitrary time after the route search from the departure place to the facility A is performed. In FIG. 8, the user specifies the position of the facility B on the schedule bar after the route is searched. That is, newly specifying the position of the point label after the route is searched is synonymous with moving the point label of the facility B described with reference to FIG. 6, and the same processing as the operation described with reference to FIG. 6 is performed. Done. That is, when the point label of the facility B is newly input in the input unit 107 and the input unit 107 detects the position of the new point label (Yes in step S20), the schedule bar management unit 105 displays the new point label of the facility B. Is detected (step S22). In step S23, it is determined whether or not the time of the point label of the new facility B is a time earlier than a predetermined time from the estimated arrival time at the facility B. The estimated arrival time is calculated by the search unit 103 when a route search from the departure place to the facility A is performed. Alternatively, when the user presses the facility B in the input unit 107, the search unit 103 may calculate the route already searched. Further, in step S27, the schedule bar management unit 105 calculates, based on the time of the spot label of the facility B detected in step S22, a time zone having a time width with respect to the time as a time condition. .

  In FIG. 8, the movable time zone may be displayed on the schedule bar when the user presses the landmark at the point of the facility B. The movable time zone is a range later than a predetermined time set before and after the estimated arrival time of the facility B. In this case, when the user presses the point of the facility B on the map in the input unit 107, the input unit 107 detects the position of the facility B on the map. Then, the schedule bar management unit 105 detects the position on the schedule bar from the estimated arrival time at the facility B that has already been calculated. The drawing unit 104 draws on the schedule bar a range that is later than a predetermined time set before and after the estimated arrival time of the facility B from the estimated arrival time detected by the schedule bar management unit 105 and the position on the schedule bar. And displayed on the display unit 108. For example, the color of the position of the estimated arrival time at the facility B may be changed when the user presses the landmark of the facility B.

  Further, in FIG. 8, when the user moves the spot label of the facility B to a time later than a predetermined time from the estimated arrival time at the facility B (for example, the estimated arrival time is “14:00” and the user “14: 30 ”), a message“ Are you sure that a loss (for example, a loss of 30 minutes) will occur? ”May be output to the user. Then, only when the user “OK”, the processing of steps S27 to S33 may be performed.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible to set the facility C as a transit point at an arbitrary time. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user sets the facility C as a transit point at an arbitrary time. When the user sets the facility C at an arbitrary time on the schedule bar, the same processing as when the facility B is set at an arbitrary time in FIG. 8 is performed.

  In FIG. 9, the facility C exists between the facility A and the facility B on the searched route. Here, for example, it is assumed that the user presses the landmark of the facility C and moves it before 14:00 on the schedule bar. At this time, if there is a route in the order of the facility B and the facility A from the departure point via the facility C, the user's vehicle stops at the facility C and then travels in the opposite direction to the facility A that is the destination. There must be. Alternatively, the user's vehicle must make a U-turn (return the already traveled route in the opposite direction). Therefore, if the user presses the landmark of the facility C and moves it before 14:00 on the schedule bar, a message notifying the above contents (traveling in the opposite direction or U-turn) is output. Also good. Further, for example, if traveling in the opposite direction is not permitted, a message indicating that the facility C cannot be set before 14:00 may be output. Further, for example, when the landmark of the facility C is pressed, the movable time zone of the facility C (between 14:00 and 15:30 in the example of FIG. 9) may be displayed on the schedule bar.

  As described above, according to the route search device according to the present embodiment, route information can be set for the schedule bar, and route search based on the route information can be performed. That is, route information such as a departure point, a waypoint, and a destination can be set more intuitively.

  In addition, according to the route search device according to the present embodiment, the route is re-searched by moving the waypoint on the schedule bar while confirming the schedule bar indicating the wide range of the already searched route. can do. As a result, for example, the time at which the user wants to stop at the waypoint can be changed more intuitively while viewing the stroke from a wide viewpoint. Furthermore, according to the route search device according to the present embodiment, it is also possible to realize route search that satisfies the sensory requirements of the user, such as wanting to stop at a stopover point just before the destination.

  In the above description, in the schedule bar management unit 105, the left end of the schedule bar is set as the departure place and the right end is set as the destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the departure point and the destination may be in opposite directions, that is, the right end may be the departure point and the left end may be the destination. The schedule bar only needs to be displayed at any position on the display unit 108. For example, the schedule bar may be displayed on the time axis in the vertical direction and the diagonal direction instead of the horizontal direction. Further, the schedule bar may be expressed not only on the time axis but also on the distance axis. In this case, a scale of distance is displayed on the schedule bar. In this case, the search unit 103 calculates the length on the schedule bar between the labels, and the distance between the points indicated by the labels is within a predetermined distance including the distance corresponding to the length. Explore. Further, when the point label is moved, the search unit is based on the distance corresponding to the label position after the movement, and when the distance is a predetermined distance or more than the distance corresponding to the label position before the movement, Re-search through recommended facilities and re-search for all routes. When the distance after the movement is closer than the distance corresponding to the position of the label before the movement by a predetermined distance or more, a message indicating that the re-search cannot be performed is displayed. If the distance after the movement is within a predetermined distance with respect to the distance corresponding to the label position before the movement, the already searched route can be used without performing a re-search.

  In the first operation described above, all the route information such as the destination and the waypoint is set by input to the schedule bar. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the route information may be set directly by remote control or voice input, and the schedule bar may be displayed after the route search. Thereafter, the second operation described above is performed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, in the second operation in the first embodiment described above, when the user sets the route information by the facility type and when the route information is set by the facility type, the type label is displayed on the schedule bar. Each operation in the case of moving in (3) will be described as a second embodiment.

  First, the second operation when the user sets the route information of the facility type will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second operation when the user sets the route information of the facility type. In the following, as shown in FIG. 12, after the first operation shown in FIG. 2 is completed, the user goes through a facility where the user can eat, for example, while confirming the searched route and the process displayed on the schedule bar. The case of setting to the ground will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where a place where a user can eat is set on a schedule bar. FIG. 12 shows a display example when the vehicle travels from the departure place to some extent, and the current position of the vehicle (black triangular icon) is displayed on the schedule bar.

  In FIG. 10, when the user inputs a time at which he / she wants to eat on the schedule bar at the input unit 107, the input unit 107 detects a position on the schedule bar (step S40). Here, the schedule bar is associated with the time. The schedule bar management unit 105 detects the time corresponding to the position on the schedule bar designated by the user (step S42). Then, the schedule bar management unit 105 calculates a time zone having a time width with respect to the detected time as a time condition. This time zone is a time zone in which a mealable facility should be passed. This time condition is a time condition based on the time specified by the user. When the time is not input in the input unit 107 (No in Step S40), when the vehicle arrives at the destination (Yes in Step S41), the process ends.

  Following step S42, the drawing unit 104 draws a list of facility types at the time detected in step S42, and displays the list on the display unit 108 (step S43). In the input unit 107, the user selects a facility type from the displayed list (step S44). At this time, the input unit 107 detects the type of the selected facility (step S44). In the display example of FIG. 12, “meal”, “break”, and “shopping” are displayed as the types of facilities. It is assumed that the user selects, for example, “meal” from the displayed facility types in the input unit 107. At this time, the input unit 107 detects the selected “meal”. The schedule bar management unit 105 associates the detected facility type with the position and time on the schedule bar.

  The list of facility types to be displayed to the user may display all of the predefined type names, for example. As an example of the type name defined in advance, in addition to “meal”, “rest”, and “shopping” illustrated in FIG. 12, for example, “play”, “accommodation”, “ There are "toilet" and "refueling". Further, for example, in the list of facility types, a facility name such as a spot name or “restaurant” may be displayed together with the type name. In addition, for example, the search unit 103 has a search unit (not shown) that searches for a facility or facility type name existing in an area described later, and only the facility or facility type name searched by the search unit is designated by the user. May be displayed in association with the position on the schedule bar. In other words, if there is no facility where “shopping” is possible, for example, “shopping” may be excluded from the list. Further, when there are a plurality of facilities belonging to the type, only one of the facilities may be automatically displayed.

  In step S46 after step S45, the search unit 103 refers to the map DB 101 and the schedule bar management unit 105, and the time detected in step S42 in the already searched route (in FIG. 12, “12:30” ) Search for the area where the vehicle will pass. Here, the area indicates a predetermined range centered on a point on the route passing at the detected time. The predetermined range is, for example, a range that is a predetermined distance away from a point on the route. Further, for example, the predetermined range may be a range that can travel for a predetermined time from a point on the route. Following step S46, the search unit 103 searches for facilities capable of “mealing” detected in step S45 from facilities existing in the area (step S47).

  If there is a facility where meals are available in the searched area (Yes in step S48), the drawing unit 104 draws the meal type label and the time detected in step S42, and displays the display content on the display unit 108. Update (step S49). Here, even if there is a facility where meals are available in the area, the route may not be on the route already searched. In this case, the route may be re-searched in the area so as to pass through a facility where meals are available. Moreover, it is good also as only displaying the institution which can be eaten, with a route as it is. And when approaching the said facility which can eat, you may make it guide with a display or an audio | voice with respect to a user. If no facility is available in the searched area (No in step S48), the process proceeds to step S50. In step S <b> 50, the search unit 103 re-searches for a route that satisfies a time condition based on the time specified by the user and where a mealable facility exists. The process of step S50 will be described in detail later.

  After step S50, the search unit 103 recalculates each required time from the departure point to the point or destination belonging to the type and each estimated arrival time based on the result of the re-search in step S50 (step S51). ). This is because, as in the first embodiment, the arrival time at another waypoint or destination may change due to route re-search. After step S51, the drawing unit 104 draws the contents changed by the re-search such as the meal label, each estimated arrival time, and the re-searched route, and updates the display content of the display unit 108 (step S49). ). After step S49, the process returns to step S40 again.

  Here, the re-search in step S50 described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the details of the route re-search (step S50 in FIG. 10).

  When there is no facility that can be eaten in the searched area (No in step S48 in FIG. 10), the search unit 103 searches for a facility that can be eaten within a predetermined range from the already searched route (step S501). . The predetermined range is, for example, a range having a predetermined distance on both sides of the route that has already been searched and in a vertical direction. If there is no facility that can be eaten within the predetermined range (No in step S502), the search unit 103 expands the predetermined range (step S508), and searches for a facility that can be eaten again (step 501). In this way, the search unit 103 searches for a facility that can be eaten while expanding the search range from the already searched route.

  If there is a facility that can be eaten within the predetermined range (Yes in step S502), the search unit 103 selects the facility closest to the area based on the original area searched in step S47. (Step S503). The search unit 103 re-searches the route from the departure place to the facility so that the estimated arrival time at the selected facility satisfies the time condition based on the time specified by the user (step S504).

  After step S504, if there is no route that satisfies the time condition based on the time specified by the user (No in step S505), and there is another facility searched in step S501 (Yes in step S506), the search is performed. The unit 103 selects the facility closest to the original area and searches for the route again (steps S503 and S504). If there is no route that satisfies the time condition based on the time specified by the user (No in step S505), and there is no other facility searched in step S501 (No in step S506), the process proceeds to step S509. Search for facilities by expanding a predetermined range.

  If there is a route that satisfies the time condition based on the time specified by the user (Yes in step S505), the search unit 103 re-searches a route from the facility to another waypoint or destination (step S507). In the re-searched route, when there is a route that satisfies the current estimated arrival time at another waypoint and destination (Yes in step S508), the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG. If there is no route that satisfies the current estimated arrival time (No in step S508), the search unit 103 causes the user to determine whether or not to change the current estimated arrival time (step S510). If it is determined in step S510 that the user may change the current estimated arrival time, the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG. If the current estimated arrival time is not changed, the process proceeds to step S509. By such processing in step S50, it is possible to perform a re-search with as few route changes as possible from the searched routes.

  Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a situation when a facility exists in the area in step S48 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, when a facility exists in the area in step S48, the drawing unit 104 draws a meal label at the time designated by the user in step S49 and causes the display unit 108 to display the label. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, you may display on the map the area which passes at the time designated by the user. Thereby, the user can drive | work, confirming the area which eats on a map previously.

  Next, the second operation when moving the type label on the schedule bar will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second operation when moving the type label on the schedule bar. In the following, a case is considered in which the meal type label is moved from the position “12:30” to the position “12:00” from the state shown in FIG.

  When the user moves the meal type label from the state shown in FIG. 13, that is, when movement is input through the input unit 107, the input unit 107 detects the position on the schedule bar (step S 60). Here, the schedule bar is associated with the time. The schedule bar management unit 105 detects the time “12:00” corresponding to the position of the meal type label after the movement (step S62). Then, the schedule bar management unit 105 calculates a time zone having a time width with respect to the detected time as a time condition. This time zone is a time zone that should pass through the point indicated by the type label after movement. This time condition is a time condition based on the time moved by the user. The schedule bar management unit 105 associates the detected label of the meal after movement with the position on the schedule bar, that is, the time. When the time is not input in the input unit 107 (No in step S60), when the vehicle arrives at the destination (Yes in step S61), the process ends.

  In step S64 following step S62, the search unit 103 refers to the map DB 101 and the schedule bar management unit 105, and in the route already searched, the vehicle is located at the time “12:00” after the meal type label is moved. Search for the passing area. And the search part 103 searches the facility which can be eaten from the facilities which exist in an area (step S64).

  When there is a facility where meals are available in the searched area (Yes in step S65), the drawing unit 104 draws the meal type label and the time after the movement, and updates the display content of the display unit 108 ( Step S66). Here, FIG. 15 shows a display example when there is a facility where meals can be found in the area searched in step S64. As shown in FIG. 15, the user can set a facility where meals can be taken at the time after the movement by moving the meal type label on the schedule bar. As shown in FIG. 15, the meal area displayed on the map may move to an area on the corresponding route as the meal type label moves. Further, in FIG. 15, by moving the meal type label, an example in which the estimated arrival time at the facility A, which was “15:30”, has changed to “15:00” due to a change in the situation such as traffic congestion. Show.

  If no facility is available in the searched area (No in step S65), the process proceeds to step S67. In step S <b> 67, the search unit 103 re-searches for a route that satisfies a time condition based on the time moved by the user and that has a mealable facility. Note that the processing in step S67 is similar to the processing in step S50 described in FIG.

  Next to step S67, the search unit 103 recalculates each required time from the departure point to the point or destination belonging to the type label after movement based on the result of the re-search in step S67, and each estimated arrival time. Is calculated (step S68). This is because, as in the first embodiment, the arrival time at another waypoint or destination may change due to route re-search. After step S68, the drawing unit 104 draws the contents changed by the re-search such as the meal type label after the movement, each estimated arrival time, and the re-searched route, and updates the display content of the display unit 108. (Step S66). After step S66, the process returns to step S60 again.

  Here, FIG. 16 shows a display example after re-searching for a route in which there is a facility capable of eating in step S67. As shown in FIG. 16, the user can re-search for a mealable facility by moving the meal type label on the schedule bar. As shown in FIG. 16, the meal area displayed on the map may move to an area on the corresponding route as the meal type label moves. Also, in FIG. 16, an example in which the estimated arrival time at facility A, which was “15:30”, has changed to “15:40” due to a change in the situation such as traffic congestion by moving the meal type label. Is shown.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the user's request for a specific facility is unclear by selecting the facility type and setting or changing the route information, Flexible route search can be realized.

  In step S40 in FIG. 10 described above, the user inputs time on the schedule bar. However, the user traces on the schedule bar and inputs a time zone corresponding to the traced range. Also good. That is, for example, when the user traces the range from the position “12:00” to the position “12:30” on the schedule bar, a time zone having a width of 30 minutes is input. The search unit 103 searches for an area in which traveling is expected in the time period of 30 minutes. By allowing the time zone to be input in this way, in the case where there is no facility that can be eaten at the time “12:00” and the facility exists at the time “12:15”, the user It is possible to search that fulfills as much as possible.

  Further, the schedule bar may be expressed not only on the time axis but also on the distance axis. In this case, it is assumed that the position on the schedule bar is associated with the reach distance from the departure place, for example. In this case, the schedule bar management unit 105 calculates the arrival distance from the departure place to the point indicated by the various labels as a distance condition. Then, the search unit 103 searches for a route that satisfies the distance condition.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 17, an icon and a facility type existing in the time zone of the icon may be displayed in association with each other on the schedule bar. Processing for realizing this will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an icon and a facility type existing in the time zone of the icon are displayed in association with each other on the schedule bar. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing for realizing the display shown in FIG.

  If the route has already been searched in the search unit 103 (Yes in step S80), the search unit 103 scans the searched route in order from the current position of the vehicle (step S81). If there is a facility around the route (Yes in step S82), the search unit 103 acquires the type of the corresponding facility from the map DB 101 (step S83). If there is no facility around the route (No in step S82), the process returns to step S81, and the route scan is continued.

  After step S83, the search unit 103 calculates an expected passage time that passes around the facility where the type is acquired (step S84). The expected passage time calculated by the search unit 103 is sent to the drawing unit 104. The drawing unit 104 displays an icon corresponding to the facility type acquired in step S83 at a position corresponding to the expected passage time on the schedule bar (step S85). As a method of associating the facility type with the icon, it is conceivable to change the color, pattern, and shape of the icon for each facility type. In FIG. 17, icons having different patterns are displayed for each type of facility such as “meal”, “shopping”, “break”, and “tourism”.

  Following step S85, the search unit 103 determines whether the entire path has been scanned (step S86). If the path scan is not completed (No in step S86), the process returns to step S81. If the scanning of the route is completed for the entire route (Yes in step S86), the process ends.

  Here, in step S82, the search unit 103 determines whether there is a facility around the route. As a specific determination method, for example, the search unit 103 first determines whether there is a facility adjacent to the route. If the adjacent facility does not exist in all routes, the search unit 103 expands the search area by a predetermined distance (for example, surrounding 100 m) from the searched route and determines whether or not the facility exists. Conceivable. Thus, the wider the range to be scanned around the route, the more types are displayed on the schedule bar. Therefore, the user may set the size of the search area according to the number of types to be scanned.

  There may be a plurality of facilities for the same type. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, when the user clicks an icon on the schedule bar, a list of names of facilities belonging to the type indicated by the icon (for example, “Store A” to “Store C”) is displayed. It may be. Then, when the user selects the name of a specific facility, the facility can be set as a transit point. In addition, the icon displayed on the schedule bar is not limited to the icon corresponding to the type of facility, and may be an icon corresponding to a point name around the route.

  Here, in FIG. 12, the search is started after the type and time desired by the user are input. For this reason, there may be no facility belonging to the type desired by the user at the input time. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, an icon distinguished in advance for each type of facility is displayed on the schedule bar in advance, so that there is no facility corresponding to the specified time, so that it is troublesome to specify the time again. Can be avoided. In addition, since the icon indicating the facility type is displayed on the schedule bar in advance, the convenience for setting the facility type as a transit point or the like is improved.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the left end of the schedule bar is set as the departure point has been described. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the current position may be displayed at the left end instead of the departure point. . FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the current location is displayed at the left end of the schedule bar. In FIG. 19, the current location is the current position of the vehicle, and the current time (“10:00”) is displayed on the schedule bar. That is, the time of the current location displayed on the schedule bar changes depending on the degree of progress of the vehicle. In addition, the time scale displayed on the schedule bar changes as the time of the current location changes.

  Further, the schedule bar in the first and second embodiments described above is displayed with the left end as the starting point and the right end as the destination, but is not limited to this display. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the time range of the displayed schedule bar is wider than the time range from the departure point to the destination (“9:00” to “15:30”) (eg, “6:00”). To “18:00”). FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a display example in which the time range of the schedule bar is a time range wider than the time range from the departure place to the destination. When the right end of the schedule bar is the destination as in the previous examples, the display position of the destination label is fixed even if the estimated arrival time at the destination changes due to the movement of the label. On the other hand, by displaying the time range of the schedule bar as a time range wider than the time range from the departure place to the destination as shown in FIG. 20, the expected arrival time at the destination as shown in FIG. The display position of the destination label changes according to the change. For this reason, the user can more intuitively understand the change in the estimated arrival time at the destination. FIG. 21 shows that when the meal label is moved from “12:30” to “11:50” on the schedule bar shown in FIG. 20, the estimated arrival time at the destination is “15:30” to “16”. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state of changing to “0:00”.

  For example, assume that the user traces an arbitrary time zone on the schedule bar. At this time, a time zone traced by the user is detected in the input unit 107. The drawing unit 104 may enlarge and draw only the detected time zone and display it on the display unit 108. That is, the end point of the time zone traced by the user is displayed as the end point of the schedule bar. Furthermore, the time scale displayed on the schedule bar may be displayed finely. Thereby, the user can confirm in detail the partial process with respect to all the processes shown on a schedule bar. Furthermore, the scale of the map may be changed in accordance with the enlarged drawing of the schedule bar. In this case, the drawing unit 103 detects two points respectively corresponding to the two end points of the time zone on the searched route. Then, the drawing unit 103 draws a map as detailed as possible including the route between the points, and displays the map on the display unit 108. As a result, the user can check a map as detailed as possible associated with the schedule bar.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, as shown in FIG. 22, a sudden accident or a traffic jam situation may be notified on the schedule bar. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which a sudden accident or a traffic jam situation is notified on the schedule bar. This is because the estimated time of arrival at each point may change due to a sudden accident or a change in traffic conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, it is assumed that the expected arrival time at a mealable facility scheduled for “12:30” after an accident is delayed by 30 minutes. At this time, the route search apparatus does not change the currently set waypoint even after a delay of 30 minutes (corresponding to “passage is as it is” in FIG. 22), or the current route time “12:30” again. The user is asked whether to re-search for a facility that can be eaten around (corresponding to “change route” in FIG. 22).

  If the user selects “Leave via route”, the meal label moves to a position delayed by 30 minutes. If the user selects “change route”, the search unit 103 re-searches for a mealable facility that satisfies the time of the current meal label. In this way, by changing the display of the label to the time after the change or re-searching for facilities that can act at the original time according to changes in the situation related to traveling, Convenience is improved.

  Note that the processing described with reference to FIG. 22 may be automatically performed without notifying the user. Especially when it is not desirable for the user to change the expected arrival time at the waypoint or destination, it is very useful to automatically re-search for facilities that can be reached at the original time. is there.

  The route search device according to the present invention makes it possible to more intuitively set route information such as a departure point, a waypoint, and a destination, and more intuitively while confirming the route of a route that has already been searched. This is useful as a vehicle-mounted navigation device, schedule creation software installed in a personal computer, or the like that sets route information with simple operations and realizes a flexible route re-search according to the user's wishes.

The figure which shows the structural example of the route search apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st operation | movement of this route search apparatus. The figure which shows the example of a display of the touchscreen display 106 at the time of starting the setting of route information A diagram schematically showing how the user sets route information The figure which shows the example of a display of the touchscreen display 106 after a route search. The flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd operation when the route information of a point is set up The figure which shows a mode that a user moves the point label of the facility B on a schedule bar The figure which shows a mode that a user sets the facility B to arbitrary time after the route search from the departure place to the facility A is performed. The figure which shows a mode that the user sets the facility C which is a stopover at arbitrary time The flowchart which shows the flow of 2nd operation | movement when a user sets the route information of the classification of facilities. The flowchart which showed the process of route re-search (step S50 of FIG. 10) in detail. The figure which shows a mode that a stop area is set on the schedule bar for the facility where the user can eat The figure which shows a mode when a facility exists in the area in step S48 shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd operation | movement when moving a classification label on a schedule bar. The figure which shows the example of a display when the facility which can be eaten exists in the area searched by step S64 The figure which shows the example of a display after re-searching the path | route in which the facility which can be eaten exists in step S67. The figure which shows an example which matched and displayed the icon and the classification of the facility which exists in the time slot | zone of the said icon on a schedule bar The flowchart which showed the process for implement | achieving the display shown in FIG. Figure showing an example where the current location is displayed at the left end of the schedule bar Diagram showing a display example where the time range of the schedule bar is wider than the time range from the departure point to the destination The figure which shows a mode that the arrival time to the destination changed from "15:30" to "16:00" when a meal label was moved from "12:30" to "11:50". A figure showing how to notify a sudden accident or traffic jam on the schedule bar

Explanation of symbols

101 Map DB
102 Positioning Unit 103 Searching Unit 104 Drawing Unit 105 Schedule Bar Management Unit 106 Touch Panel Display 107 Input Unit 108 Display Unit

Claims (23)

A route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points,
A map information storage unit storing map information indicating a map;
An input unit for receiving user instructions;
A display unit that displays a bar representing a route along a predetermined axis, and displays a point image indicating a point on the map designated by the input unit at a position on the bar designated by the input unit; ,
A route search device comprising: a search unit that searches for a route that passes through each point indicated by the plurality of point images in order along the axis of the bar when a plurality of point images are displayed on the bar; .   The route search device according to claim 1, wherein designation of a point on the map by the input unit is performed by designating a point image on the bar indicating the point.   The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the designation of the point on the map by the input unit is performed by designating a position on the map indicating the point. A route that passes through a plurality of points is searched, and a preliminary display unit that displays a point image indicating the plurality of points on the bar based on the searched route is further provided.
The input unit further receives from the user an input for specifying a point on the map and an input for specifying a position on the bar after the point image is displayed on the preliminary display unit,
In addition to the point image displayed on the preliminary display unit, the display unit further displays a point image indicating a point on the map specified by the input unit at a position on the bar specified by the input unit. The route search device according to claim 1. When the input unit receives an input specifying a point on the route from the user,
5. The route search device according to claim 4, wherein the display unit displays, on the bar, a range that can be reached at a point on the route designated by the input unit based on the route. . The position on the bar is associated with the time,
Based on the position of the point image on the bar, further includes a time condition calculation unit that calculates a time zone that should pass through the point indicated by the point image as a time condition;
The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the time condition. A point storage unit for storing predetermined points on the map;
The position on the bar is associated with the time,
The input unit receives an input from the user to instruct to move the point image on the bar,
The display unit moves and displays the point image according to the instruction received by the input unit,
The search unit further passes through the predetermined point when the time corresponding to the display position after the movement of the point image moved by the display unit is later than the time corresponding to the display position before the movement by a predetermined time or more. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the route search device searches for a route to be re-searched. The search unit calculates a length on the bar between each point image displayed on the bar,
In the case where a plurality of point images are displayed on the bar, the route passes through the points indicated by the plurality of point images in order along the axis of the bar, and the distance of the route between the points The route search device according to claim 1, wherein a route that falls within a predetermined range including a distance corresponding to the length is searched. A point storage unit for storing predetermined points on the map;
The position on the bar is associated with the distance,
The input unit receives an input from the user to instruct to move the point image on the bar,
The display unit moves and displays the point image according to the instruction received by the input unit,
The search unit further passes through the predetermined point when the distance corresponding to the display position after movement of the point image moved by the display unit is a predetermined distance or more than the distance corresponding to the display position before movement. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the route search device searches for a route to be re-searched. A route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points,
A map information storage unit storing map information indicating a map;
An input unit for receiving user instructions;
A bar representing a route along a predetermined axis is displayed, and a plurality of point images indicating points on the map are displayed on the bar, and the type of facility existing on the map is displayed by the input unit. A display unit for displaying a type image indicating the specified type at a position on the bar specified by the input unit;
A search unit for searching for a route that passes through a point group including a point indicated by the point image and a point where a facility belonging to the type indicated by the type image exists, in order along the axis of the bar; Route search device.   The route search device according to claim 10, wherein the facility type is specified by the input unit when a type image on the bar indicating the type is specified by a user. The position on the bar is associated with the time,
Based on the position of the point image and the type image on the bar, a time period that should pass through the point indicated by the point image and a time zone that should pass through the point corresponding to the type image are set as time conditions. It further includes a time condition calculation unit for calculating,
The route search apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the time condition. The search unit
A preliminary search unit that searches for a route that passes through a group of points indicated by the point image and a point corresponding to the type image in order along the axis of the bar;
A determination unit that determines whether the route searched by the preliminary search unit satisfies the time condition;
When the determination unit determines that the time condition is not satisfied, the point corresponding to the type image is corrected by redesignating the point where the facility belonging to the type indicated by the type image exists on the map. Including correction part,
When the point is corrected by the correction unit, the preliminary search unit replaces the point before correction by the correction unit and passes a point group including the point after correction in order along the axis of the bar. The route search device according to claim 12, wherein the route search device performs re-search. The position on the bar is associated with the reach distance from a predetermined point,
In response to the search performed by the search unit, based on the position of the point image and the type image on the bar, the reach distance from the predetermined point to the point indicated by the point image, A distance condition calculation unit that calculates a distance condition from a predetermined point to a point corresponding to the type image as a distance condition;
The route search device according to claim 10, wherein the search unit searches for a route that satisfies the distance condition. The search unit
A preliminary search unit that searches for a route that passes through a group of points indicated by the point image and a point corresponding to the type image in order along the axis of the bar;
A determination unit that determines whether the route searched by the preliminary search unit satisfies the distance condition;
When the determination unit determines that the distance condition is not satisfied, the point corresponding to the type image is corrected by redesignating the point where the facility belonging to the type indicated by the type image exists on the map. Including correction part,
When the point is corrected by the correction unit, the preliminary search unit replaces the point before correction by the correction unit and passes a point group including the point after correction in order along the axis of the bar. The route search device according to claim 14, wherein the route search device performs re-search. The search unit searches for facilities existing around the searched route,
The route search device according to claim 10, wherein the display unit displays a search image indicating information related to the facility searched in the search unit on the bar. A point on the searched route corresponding to the position on the bar when the input unit further receives an input specifying the position on the bar after the search unit searches for the route. A search unit for searching for facilities existing in the predetermined range for a predetermined range centered on
The route search device according to claim 10, wherein the display unit displays only the facility searched by the search unit and the type of the facility in association with a designated position on the bar.   11. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the point image at a position on the bar and other than an end point of the bar. The input unit accepts an input for designating at least a part of the section on the bar from a user,
The route search device according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the display unit displays the bar with the end point of the bar as an end point of the section. The input unit accepts an input for designating at least a part of the section on the bar from a user,
The display unit displays the map at a different scale between each point on the route searched by the search unit corresponding to the end point of the section and including the route between the points. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the route search device is characterized.   The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the bar having the current position of the user as an end point. A method used in a route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points,
The route search device stores map information indicating a map,
An input step for accepting user instructions;
A display step of displaying a bar representing a route along a predetermined axis, and displaying a point image indicating the point on the map designated in the input step at a position on the bar designated in the input step; ,
A route search method including a step of searching for a route passing through each point indicated by the plurality of point images in order along the axis of the bar when a plurality of point images are displayed on the bar. . A method used in a route search device for searching for a route passing through a plurality of points,
The route search device stores map information indicating a map,
An input step for accepting user instructions;
A bar representing a route along a predetermined axis is displayed, a plurality of point images indicating points on the map are displayed on the bar, and the type of facility existing on the map is the input step. A display step of displaying a type image indicating the specified type at a position on the bar specified in the input step;
A search step for searching for a route that passes through a point group including a point indicated by the point image and a point where a facility belonging to the type indicated by the type image exists, in order along the axis of the bar, Route search method.

Images