JP2007333436A - Route search apparatus and mobile terminal apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To implement effective route navigation without having to use GPS. <P>SOLUTION: A storage part 34 of a server device 30 stores information on branch points which are passed in the case of proceeding in a prescribed direction from some branch point as branch point data 34a. A mobile terminal apparatus 10 acquires information on branch points by photographing guide signs installed in roads, and a route search part 35e acquires the information from the mobile terminal apparatus 10. On the basis of the information stored in the storage part 34 and the information acquired from the mobile terminal apparatus 10, route search to a destination is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a route search device that searches for a route to a destination and a mobile terminal device that displays route information to the destination, and in particular, a route that can realize effective route navigation without using GPS. The present invention relates to a search device and a mobile terminal device.

  Conventionally, a mobile terminal device such as a cellular phone is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System), and the route information to the destination is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal device along with the location information of the user holding the mobile terminal device Navigation technology has been developed. Specifically, in this technique, a map showing the position of the user and the route to the destination is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal device.

  The display of a mobile terminal device is generally not so large. Therefore, in road navigation, the display range of the map becomes narrow, and the positional relationship between the current position of the user and the destination becomes unclear.

  Conversely, if the user's current location and destination are displayed on the map at the same time, the map display area will be wide and the details of the map will not be displayed. It is difficult.

  In order to solve such problems, a route to the destination is searched from the user's position and destination information measured by GPS, and the searched route information is displayed on the map and route guidance is made by voice. A navigation system technique that can sufficiently transmit information to a user by performing the above has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-138568 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, route navigation is realized using GPS, so it is difficult to reduce the size, weight, and power consumption of the mobile terminal device, and reception of radio waves transmitted by GPS satellites is difficult. There was a problem that navigation was not possible in difficult situations.

  Specifically, in order for the mobile terminal device to receive the radio wave transmitted by the GPS satellite, it is necessary to mount the radio wave receiving device on the mobile terminal device. It becomes difficult.

  Even when the user of the mobile terminal device does not use route navigation, the mobile terminal device periodically receives radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites in order to improve the response speed when measuring the current position of the user. Thus, it is necessary to calculate the positional relationship with the GPS satellite, which consumes power.

  Furthermore, when using route navigation in a vehicle, depending on the position where the mobile terminal device is placed, it becomes difficult to receive radio waves transmitted by GPS satellites, making navigation difficult. Similarly, navigation is difficult when reception of radio waves is hindered by buildings in a building district or when bad weather affects reception of radio waves.

  Therefore, how to overcome such drawbacks in route navigation using GPS and realize effective route navigation is an important issue.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides a route search device and a mobile terminal device capable of realizing effective route navigation without using GPS. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a route search device that searches for a route to a destination, and relates to a branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point. Information storage means for storing information, information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road, information stored by the information storage means, and the information acquisition means Route search means for searching for a route to the destination based on the acquired information.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the route search means searches the information stored in the information storage means for a branch point corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition means, and the searched branch point and purpose It is characterized by searching for a route connecting the ground.

  Further, the present invention is a mobile terminal device that displays route information to a destination, and includes a sign photographing unit that photographs a guide sign displaying information about a branch point where a road branches, and the sign photographing unit. Route search that performs route search based on information about a taken guide sign based on information on a branch point included in the information and information on a branch point that passes when a certain branch point travels in a predetermined direction. Information output means for outputting to the apparatus, information receiving means for receiving the route information output by the route search apparatus in accordance with the information output by the information output means, and route information received by the information receiving means. And an information display means for displaying.

  Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when a plurality of branch points corresponding to the information output by the information output means are searched as a result of the search by the route search device, the branch point related to the route to be searched is designated. It is further characterized by further comprising a branch point designation accepting means for accepting.

  Further, the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, further comprises a route deviation detecting means for detecting a deviation from the route searched by the route searching means based on information relating to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means. It is characterized by.

  In the present invention, the information output means relates to a guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means on the route search device when a deviation from the route is detected by the route deviation detecting means. The information is output again, and the information receiving means receives the route information output by the route search device according to the information output again by the information output means.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein, in the above invention, the purpose of determining whether or not the destination has approached is based on information relating to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means and the route information received by the information receiving means. A ground approach determining means is further provided.

  Further, the present invention provides the route obtained as a result of the search by the route search device based on the information related to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means and the route information received by the information receiving means. A branch point detection means for detecting a branch point included in the information, and a branch point information display means for displaying information relating to a branch point that passes next to the branch point when the branch point is detected by the branch point detection means. Is further provided.

  Further, the present invention is a route search program for searching for a route to a destination, an information acquisition procedure for acquiring information related to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road, and a certain branch point A route search procedure for searching for a route to a destination based on information stored in advance relating to a branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction and information acquired by the information acquisition procedure. It is made to perform.

  Further, the present invention is a route information display program for displaying route information to a destination, and relates to a sign photographing procedure for photographing a guide sign installed on a road, and a guide sign photographed by the sign photographing procedure. An information output procedure for outputting information to a route search device that performs route search based on information related to a branch point included in the information and information related to a branch point that passes when the information travels in a predetermined direction from the certain branch point; An information reception procedure for receiving the route information output by the route search device according to the information output by the information output procedure, and an information display procedure for displaying the route information received by the information reception procedure. The computer is executed.

  The present invention also provides a mobile terminal device control circuit for controlling a mobile terminal device that displays route information to a destination, a sign photographing control means for controlling photographing of a guide sign installed on a road, and the sign A route search is performed on the basis of information related to the branch point included in the information related to the guide sign imaged by the control by the imaging control means and information related to the branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point. Information output control means for controlling the output of information related to the guide signs for the route search device, and control of reception of the route information output by the route search device in accordance with the information output by the control by the information output control means It is characterized by comprising information reception control means and information display control means for controlling the display of route information received by the information reception control means.

  The present invention is also a route search method for searching for a route to a destination, an information acquisition step for acquiring information related to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road, and a certain branch point A route search step for searching for a route to the destination based on information stored in advance relating to a branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from the information and information acquired by the information acquisition step. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, information related to a branch point that passes when traveling in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point is stored, and information related to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road is acquired. Since the route to the destination is searched based on the stored information and the acquired information, an effective route navigation can be realized without using GPS.

  Further, according to the present invention, a branch point corresponding to the information related to the branch point obtained by photographing the guide sign is searched from the stored information, and a route connecting the searched branch point and the destination is obtained. Since the search is performed, it is possible to easily specify the current position of the user by photographing the guide sign, and it is possible to realize effective route navigation without using the GPS.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a guide sign installed on a road is photographed, and information relating to the photographed guide sign travels in a predetermined direction from information related to a branch point included in the information and a certain branch point Output to a route search device that performs a route search based on information related to a branch point that passes through, receives the route information output by the route search device according to the output information, and displays the received route information Therefore, there is an effect that effective route navigation can be realized without using GPS.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of branch points corresponding to the output information are searched as a result of the route search, the specification of the branch point related to the route to be searched is accepted. There is an effect that the current position can be reliably specified when the current position of the user is not specified by shooting.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the deviation from the searched route is detected based on the information related to the photographed guide sign, it is possible to effectively detect the deviation from the route. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a deviation from the route is detected, the information related to the taken guide sign is output again, and the route information output by the route search device according to the output information is output again. Since reception is performed, even when the user deviates from the route, it is possible to effectively acquire new route information.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the destination has approached based on the information on the photographed guide sign and the route information received from the route search device. There exists an effect that it can detect effectively.

  According to the present invention, the branch point included in the route obtained as a result of the search by the route search device is detected based on the information on the taken guide sign and the route information received from the route search device. When a point is detected, the information related to the branch point that passes next to the branch point is displayed. Therefore, information such as the name of the branch point that the user passes next and the direction to proceed effectively can be effectively displayed. There is an effect that it can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the shooting of a guide sign installed on a road is controlled, and information related to a branch point included in the information related to the guide sign photographed by the control and travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point. The information on the guidance sign for the route search device that performs the route search is controlled based on the information on the branch point that passes through, and is output by the route search device according to the information output by the control Since the reception of the route information is controlled and the display of the received route information is controlled by the control, there is an effect that an effective route navigation can be realized without using the GPS.

  Exemplary embodiments of a route search device and a mobile terminal device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the concept of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the route search system according to the present invention includes a mobile terminal device 10, a base station 20, and a server device 30. Here, the mobile terminal apparatus 10 and the base station 20 communicate with each other by wireless communication, and the base station 20 and the server apparatus 30 communicate with each other via the network 40.

  The mobile terminal device 10 is a mobile phone equipped with a camera for photographing various things. In addition, although the case where the mobile terminal device 10 is a mobile phone will be described here, the present invention is not limited to this and may be a mobile device such as a notebook personal computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) that can be moved.

  The mobile terminal device 10 captures images of guide signs installed on the road, such as road guide signs 50 and intersection name guide signs 60, and base station 20 uses data (road guide information / intersection name information) related to the images. And transmitted to the server device 30 via the network 40. In addition, the mobile terminal device 10 receives route information from the server device 30 to the destination searched based on the data related to the transmitted image, and displays the route information on a display or the like.

  The base station 20 communicates with the mobile terminal device 10, transfers data received from the mobile terminal device 10 to the server device 30, and transfers data received from the server device 30 to the mobile terminal device 10. It is a base station for mobile phones.

  When the server device 30 receives data (road guidance information / intersection name information) related to an image from the mobile terminal device 10, the server device 30 identifies the current position of the mobile terminal device 10 from the received data, and the optimum route to the destination Is a device for searching.

  Specifically, the server device 30 stores in the database information related to a branch point that passes through when traveling in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point. For example, the server device 30 stores information that if the turn point A at which the road guide sign 50 is installed is turned to the left, the server apparatus 30 reaches the branch point B at which the intersection name guide sign 60 is provided. The server device 30 searches for a route from the current position of the mobile terminal device 10 to the destination by sequentially tracing such information.

  Here, the current position of the mobile terminal apparatus 10 is specified by examining which of the guide signs whose information is stored in the database the guide sign photographed by the mobile terminal apparatus 10 corresponds. In addition, the server device 30 receives destination information from the mobile terminal device 10 in advance, and sets the position of the guide sign closest to the destination as the destination of the route to be searched.

  In this way, in this route search processing, the server device 30 stores in advance in the database information related to a branch point that passes when the server device 30 travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point, and guide signs installed on the road To acquire information related to a branch point obtained by photographing the mobile terminal device 10 and search for a route to the destination based on the information stored in the database and the information acquired from the mobile terminal device 10 Therefore, effective route navigation can be realized without using GPS.

  Next, the functional configuration of the mobile terminal apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal apparatus 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal device 10 includes an antenna 11, a radio communication unit 12, a voice input unit 13, a voice output unit 14, an input unit 15, an image photographing unit 16, a display unit 17, a storage unit 18, and a control. Part 19.

  The antenna 11 is an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves. The wireless communication unit 12 is a communication unit that connects to another mobile terminal device or the server device 30 via the base station 20 and performs voice call processing and data communication processing.

  The voice input unit 13 is a microphone that acquires voice information and converts it into an electrical signal. The audio output unit 14 is a speaker that outputs a call voice and a reproduction sound. The input unit 15 is an input device such as a keypad that receives an information input operation from a user. The image capturing unit 16 is a camera that captures images such as guide signs. The display unit 17 is a display device such as a display.

  The storage unit 18 is a storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 18 stores user data 18a, image data 18b, extracted data 18c, and route data 18d.

  The user data 18a is communication data when data communication is performed with another mobile terminal device or data such as a telephone book created by the user. The image data 18b is image data captured by the image capturing unit 16.

  The extracted data 18c is data of guidance information (road guidance information or intersection name information) extracted by image analysis of a guidance sign photographed by the image photographing unit 16. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the extracted data 18c illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the extracted data 18c has a different data structure depending on the type of guide sign taken. For example, when the road guide sign 50 as shown in FIG. 1 is photographed, the extracted data 18c is the number of road branches extracted from the photographed image of the road guide sign 50 (“4 in the example of FIG. 3). )), The angles (“0 °”, “90 °”, “270 °” in the example of FIG. 3) of the roads that branch (“Branch No. 1” to “Branch No. 4” in the example of FIG. 3), “180 degrees”) and the name of the place (in the example of FIG. 3, character strings “AAA”, “BBB”, “CCC”) in the direction to which each branched road heads.

  When the intersection name guidance sign 60 as shown in FIG. 1 is photographed, the extracted data 18c is the intersection name (character string in the example of FIG. 3) extracted from the photographed image of the intersection name guidance sign 60. "DDD") information.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the route data 18 d is data relating to the route to the destination searched by the server device 30. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the route data 18d illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the route data 18d includes the number of elements, identifiers, coordinates, type, character string, number of branches, branch number. 1 to branch No. 4. Information on branch selection and distance to the next branch point is included.

  The number of elements is the number of elements included in the route data 18d (“2” in the example of FIG. 4). Here, the element is a branch point that passes through to the destination in the searched route.

  The identifier is an identification number for identifying each element (“1” and “2” in the example of FIG. 4). The coordinates are information on the coordinates of the branch points corresponding to each element (in the example of FIG. 4, “11 degrees 22 minutes 33 seconds, 33 degrees 44 minutes 55 seconds” and “11 degrees 22 minutes 34 seconds, 33 degrees 44 minutes”). 55 seconds ").

  The type is information on the type of a guide sign (guide sign installed at each branch point) corresponding to each element (in the example of FIG. 4, “road guide sign” and “intersection name guide sign”). The character string is information of an intersection name when the type is “intersection name guide sign”. The number of branches is information on the number of road branches at the branch point corresponding to each element (“4” in the example of FIG. 4).

  Branch No. 1 to branch No. Reference numeral 4 denotes information about each branching road. When the element is an element of a “road guide sign”, information on an angle and a character string is included. The angle is information of an angle (“0 degree”, “90 degree”, “270 degree”, “180 degree” in the example of FIG. 4) indicating the direction of each branching road. The character string is information of a place name (character strings “AAA”, “BBB”, “CCC” in the example of FIG. 4) in the direction to which each branched road heads.

  If the element is an “intersection name guide sign” element, a branch number is set. 1 to branch No. 4 includes information on the angle of each road that branches (“0 degree”, “90 degrees”, “270 degrees”, “180 degrees” in the example of FIG. 4).

  The branch selection is information on the road selected to proceed at the branch point corresponding to each element (in the example of FIG. 4, “3”, that is, the road corresponding to the branch No. 3). When the branch point corresponding to the element corresponds to the destination, the branch selection information is not registered (the element of the identifier “2” in the example of FIG. 4).

  The distance to the next branch point is information on the distance to reach the next branch point when traveling on the road designated by the branch selection (“400 m” in the example of FIG. 4). When the branch point corresponding to the element corresponds to the destination, the information on the distance to the next branch point is not registered (the element with the identifier “2” in the example of FIG. 4).

  In the route data 18d, the identifier, coordinates, type, character string, number of branches, branch number. 1 to branch No. 4. Information on branch selection and distance to the next branch point is registered for the number of elements. In addition, branch No. 1 to branch No. The information of 4 is registered for the number of branches of each element.

  The control unit 19 is a control unit that controls the mobile terminal device 10 as a whole. The control unit 19 includes a communication / call processing unit 19a, a data management unit 19b, a display control unit 19c, a destination setting processing unit 19d, an image capturing control unit 19e, an image analysis unit 19f, an image information generation unit 19g, and a branch point selection. It has a processing unit 19h.

  The communication / call processing unit 19a is a processing unit that performs execution processing such as voice call and data communication by encoding and decoding voice information and communication data. The data management unit 19 b is a management unit that manages the exchange of data between the functional units, the writing of data to the storage unit 18, and the reading of data from the storage unit 18.

  The display control unit 19c is a control unit that controls the display unit 17 to display various information. In addition, the display control unit 19c acquires information on the route search result received from the server device 30, and then extracts the information from the photographed guide sign image when the image photographing unit 16 photographs the guide sign. The data 18c is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the branch point corresponding to the extracted data 18c is a branch point immediately before the branch point that is the final point in the route received from the server device 30.

  When the branch point corresponding to the extracted data 18c is a branch point immediately before the branch point that is the final point, the display control unit 19c displays a message indicating the approach to the destination on the display unit 17. Let In addition, when the branch point corresponding to the extracted data 18c is not a branch point immediately before the branch point that is the final point, the display control unit 19c approaches the next branch point that passes next and the direction and distance to proceed. A message including the information is displayed on the display unit 17.

  The destination setting processing unit 19d receives the map data including the coordinate information of each point from the server device 30, displays the map data on the display unit 17, and accepts the input of the destination from the user via the input unit 15. Further, the processing unit transmits the received coordinate information of the destination to the server device 30. The image capturing control unit 19e is a control unit that controls the image capturing unit 16 to perform image capturing such as a guide sign.

  The image analysis unit 19f is a processing unit that performs image analysis of the guide signs photographed by the image photographing unit 16 and extracts information on branch points included in the guide signs. Specifically, the image analysis unit 19f performs image recognition and character recognition from the road guide sign 50 as shown in FIG. 1 to extract information on the number of branches, directions, and place names, Information on intersection names is extracted from the name information sign 60.

  The image information generation unit 19g is a processing unit that receives the information of the image analysis result by the image analysis unit 19f and generates the extracted data 18c to be transmitted to the server device 30 as described in FIG.

  In addition, the image information generation unit 19g acquires information on a route search result received from the server device 30, and then, when the image shooting unit 16 performs shooting of the guide sign, the image information generation unit 19g uses the captured guide sign image. The extracted data 18c is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the branch point corresponding to the extracted data 18c is included in the route information received from the server device 30.

  Then, when the branch point corresponding to the extracted data 18c is not included in the route information, the image information generation unit 19g determines that the position of the mobile terminal device 10 has deviated from the searched route, and the server device 30 The extracted data 18c is transmitted to the route to execute a route re-search.

  The branch point selection processing unit 19h transmits the extracted data 18c generated by the image information generating unit 19g to the server device 30, and the server device 30 can specify the current position of the mobile terminal device 10 based on the extracted data 18c. If not, the processing unit performs processing for accepting selection of a branch point closest to the current position from the user.

  Specifically, the branch point selection processing unit 19h transmits all the detected data when the extracted data 18c is transmitted to the server device 30 and a plurality of branch points corresponding to the extracted data 18c are detected by the server device 30. Information on the branch point is received from the server device 30. Then, the branch point selection processing unit 19h displays those branch points on the display unit 17 and causes the user to select a branch point corresponding to the current position.

  Further, the branch point selection processing unit 19h performs processing for notifying the server device 30 of the information of the branch point corresponding to the current position by transmitting the information of the branch point received from the user to the server device 30.

  Next, the functional configuration of the server device 30 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server device 30 illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the server device 30 includes a communication processing unit 31, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

  The communication processing unit 31 is a processing unit that transmits and receives data to and from the mobile terminal device 10 by performing data encoding and decoding. The input unit 32 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The display unit 33 is a display device such as a display.

  The storage unit 34 is a storage device such as a hard disk device. The storage unit 34 stores branch point data 34a, destination data 34b, extracted data 34c, and map data 34d. The branch point data 34a is data that stores information related to a branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the branch point data 34a illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the branch point data 34a includes the number of elements, identifiers, coordinates, type, character string, branch number, branch number, and the like. 1 to branch No. 4 information is included.

  The number of elements is the number of elements included in the branch point data 34a (“18132” in the example of FIG. 6). Here, an element is a branch point used to configure route information. The identifier is an identification number for identifying each element (“1” and “2” in the example of FIG. 6). The coordinates are information of the coordinates of the branch point corresponding to each element (in the example of FIG. 6, “11 degrees 22 minutes 33 seconds, 33 degrees 44 minutes 55 seconds” and “11 degrees 22 minutes 34 seconds, 33 degrees 44 minutes”). 55 seconds ").

  The type is information on the type of a guide sign (guide sign installed at each branch point) corresponding to each element (“road guide sign” and “intersection name guide sign” in the example of FIG. 6). The character string is information of an intersection name when the type is “intersection name guide sign”. The number of branches is information on the number of road branches at the branch point corresponding to each element (“4” in the example of FIG. 6).

  Branch No. 1 to branch No. 4 is information on each road that branches. When the element is an element corresponding to the “road guide sign”, information on an angle, a character string, an adjacent element identifier, and a distance from an adjacent branch point is included. .

  The angle is information of an angle (“0 degree”, “90 degree”, “270 degree”, “180 degree” in the example of FIG. 6) indicating the direction of each branching road. The character string is a place name (in the example of FIG. 6, the character strings “AAA”, “BBB”, “CCC”) to which each branched road heads.

  The adjacent element identifier is an identifier ("2" and "1" in the example of FIG. 6) that identifies the branch point that first passes when the travel proceeds in the direction specified by the angle from the branch point corresponding to the element. Information. The distance to the adjacent branch point is information on the distance (“400 m” in the example of FIG. 6) between the branch point corresponding to the element and the branch point specified by the adjacent element identifier.

  In the branch point data 34a, an identifier, coordinates, type, character string, number of branches, branch number. 1 to branch No. The information of 4 is registered for the number of elements. In addition, branch No. 1 to branch No. The information of 4 is registered for the number of branches of each element.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 5, the destination data 34 b is information on the coordinates of the destination received from the mobile terminal device 10. The extracted data 34 c is extracted data 18 c received from the mobile terminal device 10, and the extracted data 18 c is information extracted from a guide sign photographed by the mobile terminal device 10. The map data 34d is map image data including coordinate information of each point.

  The control unit 19 is a control unit that controls the server device 30 as a whole. The control unit 35 includes a data management unit 35a, a display control unit 35b, a branch point search unit 35c, a branch point selection request execution unit 35d, and a route search unit 35e.

  The data management unit 35 a is a management unit that manages the exchange of data between the functional units, the writing of data to the storage unit 34, and the reading of data from the storage unit 34. The display control unit 35b is a control unit that controls the display unit 33 to display various information.

  The branch point search unit 35c is based on the destination information or the extracted data 34c received from the mobile terminal device 10, and the branch point corresponding to the destination or the extracted data 34c from the branch point data 34a stored in the storage unit 34. Is a processing unit for searching.

  Specifically, the branch point search unit 35c is located closest to the destination based on the coordinate information of the destination received from the mobile terminal device 10 and the coordinate information included in the branch point data 34a. A branch point is searched from the branch point data 34a.

  Further, the branch point search unit 35c receives the extracted data 34c received from the mobile terminal device 10, the number of branches of the road guide sign included in the branch point data 34a, the angle at each branch point, the character string, or the branch point data 34a. Are compared with the information of the character string of the intersection name guidance sign included in the information, and a branch point that matches the extracted data 34c is searched from the branch point data 34a as a branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10.

  The branch point selection request execution unit 35d searches for a branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10 based on the extracted data 34c. As a result, the branch point matching the extracted data 34c is a branch point. This is a processing unit that transmits a selection request for a branch point corresponding to the current position to the mobile terminal device 10 when a plurality of data 34a are searched.

  Specifically, when a plurality of branch points are searched from the branch point data 34a, the branch point selection request execution unit 35d transmits information on the searched plurality of branch points to the mobile terminal device 10, and the mobile terminal device 10 causes the user to execute branch point selection acceptance processing.

  Then, the branch point selection request execution unit 35d receives the information of the branch point selected by the user from the mobile terminal device 10, and searches the branch point as the branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10. Set in the part 35c.

  The route search unit 35e is a processing unit that searches for a route from the branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10 searched by the branch point search unit 35c to the branch point closest to the destination. Specifically, the route search unit 35e refers to the information of the adjacent element identifier of the branch point data 34a, and sequentially follows the branch point, so that the destination from the branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10 is determined. The route to the nearest branch point is searched. Here, when a route in which the same branch point appears twice or more is searched, the route search unit 35e discards the route and searches for another route.

  Further, when a plurality of routes are searched, the route search unit 35e refers to the information on the distance to the adjacent branch point of the branch point data 34a, and determines the destination from the branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10. The route with the shortest distance to the branch point closest to is selected as the optimum route. Here, the route with the shortest distance is selected, but the route with the smallest number of branch points may be selected.

  Next, the processing procedure of the route information display process performed by the mobile terminal apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts (1) and (2) illustrating the processing procedure of the route information display process performed by the mobile terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7A, first, the destination setting processing unit 19 d of the mobile terminal device 10 receives map data including the coordinate information of each point from the server device 30 and displays the map data on the display unit 17. The destination is input from the user via the input unit 15 (step S101).

  Then, the image photographing unit 16 performs a photographing process for the road guide sign 50 or the intersection name guide sign 60 (step S102). Subsequently, the image analysis unit 19f includes a road guide including the number of roads branched at the branch point from the image of the road guide sign 50 photographed by the image photographing unit 16, the direction of the road, the name of the place where the branched road is directed, and the like. Image analysis for extracting information on the name of the intersection from the information or the image of the intersection name guidance sign 60 is executed (step S103).

  Then, the image information generating unit 19g generates extracted data including road guidance information or intersection name information as shown in FIG. 3 (step S104), and destination data including destination information received from the user. And the extracted data are transmitted to the server device 30 (step S105).

  Thereafter, the communication / call processing unit 19a waits for reception of a branch point selection request or route data transmitted by the server device 30 as a response to the extracted data (step S106). Here, the branch point selection request prompts the user to select which branch point is closest to the current position when a plurality of branch points corresponding to the extracted data transmitted to the server device 30 are searched. Information. This branch point selection request includes information of a list of a plurality of branch points searched.

  The route data is information on the route from the branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10 to the branch point closest to the destination as shown in FIG. It is the information of the obtained route.

  Then, the communication / call processing unit 19a checks whether a branch point selection request has been received from the server device 30 (step S107). When the branch point selection request is received (step S107, Yes), the branch point selection processing unit 19h causes the display unit 17 to display a list of a plurality of searched branch points included in the branch point selection request. A branch point selection process for receiving an input of a branch point corresponding to the current position is executed (step S108).

  Then, the branch point selection processing unit 19h transmits the data of the branch point that has received the input to the server device 30 (step S109), and proceeds to step S106. The server device 30 receives this data and performs a process of specifying the branch point closest to the current position.

  When the branch point selection request has not been received from the server device 30 (No at Step S107), the communication / call processing unit 19a checks whether route data has been received from the server device 30 (Step S110).

  If route data has not been received (step S110, No), the process proceeds to step S106, and the communication / call processing unit 19a waits for a branch point selection request or route data received from the server device 30. .

  When the route data is received (step S110, Yes), as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the image capturing unit 16 has received a request for executing a shooting process of a road guide sign or an intersection name guide sign from the user. (Step S111).

  When the imaging process execution request is not received (step S111, No), the display unit 17 controls the route (route) from the branch point closest to the current position to the branch point closest to the destination by the control by the display control unit 19c. Is displayed (Step S112), and the process proceeds to Step S111.

  When the imaging process execution request is received (step S111, Yes), the image capturing unit 16 executes the imaging process of the road guide sign 50 or the intersection name guide sign 60 (step S113).

  Subsequently, the image analysis unit 19f includes a road guide including the number of roads branched at the branch point from the image of the road guide sign 50 photographed by the image photographing unit 16, the direction of the road, the name of the place where the branched road is directed, and the like. Image analysis is performed to extract the information of the intersection name from the information or the image of the intersection name guide sign 60 (step S114).

  Then, the image information generating unit 19g generates extracted data including road guidance information or intersection name information as shown in FIG. 3 (step S115), and the extracted data matches the information on the number of branches, the angle, and the character string. It is checked whether or not there is an element of a road guide sign or an element of an intersection name guide sign whose extracted data and character string information match (step S116).

  When there is no element whose information matches the extracted data (step S116, No), the image information generation unit 19g determines that the position of the mobile terminal device 10 has deviated from the route searched by the server device 30. Then, the generated extracted data is transmitted to the server device 30 (step S117), and the process proceeds to step S106 in FIG. The server device 30 receives this extracted data, searches for a branch point closest to the current position of the mobile terminal device 10, and searches for a route to the destination again based on the information of the branch point that has been searched again.

  When there is an element whose information matches the extracted data (step S116, Yes), the display control unit 19c passes the branch point corresponding to the element next to the element whose information matches, that is, the element whose information matches. After that, it is checked whether or not the element corresponding to the branch point that passes next is present in the route data (step S118).

  If there is an element next to the element whose information matches (step S118, Yes), the display control unit 19c determines that the element is the last element of the route data, that is, the branch corresponding to the final destination of the route data. It is checked whether or not the element is a point element (step S119).

  When the next element is the last element of the route data (step S119, Yes), the display unit 17 displays a message indicating the approach to the destination under the control of the display control unit 19c (step S121). ), The route information display process is terminated.

  In step S118, when there is no element next to the element whose information matches the extracted data (step S118, No), the process proceeds to step S121 as it is, and the display unit 17 is controlled by the display control unit 19c. Display a message indicating approach to the ground.

  In step S119, when the element next to the element whose information matches the extracted data is not the last element of the route data (No in step S119), the display unit 17 controls the branch point by the control by the display control unit 19c. A message indicating the approach and the direction / distance to travel at the branch point is displayed (step S120), and the process proceeds to step S111.

  Next, a processing procedure of route search processing performed by the server device 30 illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of route search processing performed by the server device 30 illustrated in FIG. 5.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the communication processing unit 31 of the server device 30 receives the destination information transmitted by the mobile terminal device 10 (step S201), and further, the road as shown in FIG. Extracted data including guidance information or intersection name guidance information is received (step S202).

  Then, the branch point search unit 35c searches the branch point data 34a for the first branch point corresponding to the extracted data (step S203). This first branch point is a branch point corresponding to the current position of the mobile terminal apparatus 10.

  Thereafter, the branch point selection request execution unit 35d checks whether or not a plurality of first branch points have been searched (step S204). When a plurality of first branch points are searched (step S204, Yes), the branch point selection request execution unit 35d sends a branch point selection request including information of the first branch points searched for to the mobile terminal. It transmits to the apparatus 10 (step S205).

  Then, the branch point selection request execution unit 35d waits for reception of data of the selected branch point transmitted by the mobile terminal device 10 in response to the branch point selection request (step S206), and has received the data of the branch point. Whether or not (step S207).

  If branch point data has not been received (step S207, No), the branch point selection request execution unit 35d proceeds to step S206 and waits for reception of branch point data again. If branch point data is received (step S207, Yes), the branch point search unit 35c sets the selected branch point as the first branch point (step S208).

  After step S208 or when only one first branch point is searched in step S204 (No in step S204), the branch point selection request execution unit 35d receives the destination received from the mobile terminal device 10. A second branch point closest to the destination specified by the data is searched from the branch point data 34a (step S209).

  Then, the route search unit 35e detects the shortest distance route from the first branch point to the second branch point (step S210), and transmits the detected route data to the mobile terminal device 10 (step S210). S211), the route search process is terminated. In addition, when extraction data is transmitted from the mobile terminal apparatus 10 by the process of step S117 shown in FIG. 7-2, the process after step S202 is performed.

  By the way, the various processes described in the above embodiments can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer. Therefore, an example of a computer that executes a program that implements the various processes will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer serving as the mobile terminal apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. This computer includes an antenna 100, a wireless communication circuit 101, a microphone 102, a speaker 103, an input key 104, a camera 105, an LCD 106, a flash memory 107, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 108, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 109, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110 is connected by a bus 111.

  Here, the antenna 100, the wireless communication circuit 101, the microphone 102, the speaker 103, the input key 104, the camera 105, the LCD 106, and the flash memory 107 are the antenna 11, the wireless communication unit 12, the audio input unit 13, and the audio shown in FIG. It corresponds to the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the image photographing unit 16, the display unit 17, and the storage unit 18, respectively.

  The ROM 109 stores a program that exhibits a function equivalent to that of the mobile terminal device 10, that is, a route information display program 109a. The route information display program 109a may be stored in a distributed manner as appropriate.

  Then, the CPU 110 reads out and executes the route information display program 109a from the ROM 109, so that the route information display process 110a functions. The route information display process 110a includes a communication / call processing unit 19a, a data management unit 19b, a display control unit 19c, a destination setting processing unit 19d, an image analysis unit 19f, and image information included in the control unit 19 shown in FIG. This corresponds to the functional units of the generation unit 19g and the branch point selection processing unit 19h.

  The flash memory 107 stores user data 107a, image data 107b, extracted data 107c, and route data 107d. The user data 107a, image data 107b, extracted data 107c, and route data 107d correspond to the user data 18a, image data 18b, extracted data 18c, and route data 18d stored in the storage unit 18 shown in FIG.

  Then, the CPU 110 stores these data in the flash memory 107, reads out these data from the flash memory 107 and stores them in the RAM 108, and stores the user data 108a, the image data 108b, the extracted data 108c, the path stored in the RAM 108. Various data processing is executed based on the data 108d.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer serving as the server device 30 illustrated in FIG. This computer includes an input device 200 for receiving data input from a user, a display device 201, a medium reading device 202 for reading a program from a recording medium on which various programs are recorded, and data exchange with other computers via a network. The network interface 203, RAM 204, ROM 205, CPU 206, and HD (Hard Disk) 207 are connected by a bus 208.

  The HD 207 stores a program that exhibits the same function as the function of the server device 30, that is, the route search program 207e shown in FIG. Note that the route search program 207e may be distributed and stored as appropriate.

  Then, the CPU 206 reads the route search program 207e from the HD 207 and executes it, so that the route search process 206a functions. The route search process 206a includes data management unit 35a, display control unit 35b, branch point search unit 35c, branch point selection request execution unit 35d, and route search unit 35e that are included in the control unit 35 shown in FIG. Corresponding to

  The HD 207 stores branch point data 207a, destination data 207b, extracted data 207c, and map data 207d. The branch point data 207a, the destination data 207b, the extracted data 207c, and the map data 207d correspond to the branch point data 34a, the destination data 34b, the extracted data 34c, and the map data 34d shown in FIG.

  The CPU 206 stores the branch point data 207a, the destination data 207b, the extracted data 207c, and the map data 207d in the HD 207, and reads the branch point data 207a, the destination data 207b, the extracted data 207c, and the map data 207d from the HD 207. Are stored in the RAM 204, and various data processing is executed based on the branch point data 204a, the destination data 204b, the extracted data 204c, and the map data 204d stored in the RAM 204.

  Incidentally, the route information display program 109 a shown in FIG. 9 and the route search program 207 e shown in FIG. 10 are not necessarily stored in the ROM 109 or the HD 207. For example, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a hard disk drive (HDD), and further connected to a computer via a public line, the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, etc. The program may be stored in a “computer (or server)” or the like, and the computer may read and execute the program from these.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 34 of the server device 30 stores, as the branch point data 34a, information related to the branch point that passes when the server unit 30 travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point, and searches for a route. The unit 35e acquires information related to the branch point obtained by photographing the guide sign installed on the road, and searches for a route to the destination based on the information stored in the storage unit 34 and the acquired information. Therefore, effective route navigation can be realized without using GPS.

  In the present embodiment, the branch point search unit 35c searches the branch point data 34a stored in the storage unit 34 for a branch point corresponding to the information related to the branch point obtained by photographing the guide sign, and the route. Since the search unit 35e searches for a route connecting the branch point searched by the branch point search unit 35c and the destination, the current position of the user can be easily identified by shooting the guide sign, It is possible to realize effective route navigation without using.

  In the present embodiment, the image capturing unit 16 of the mobile terminal device 10 captures a guide sign installed on the road, and the image information generating unit 19g includes information on the captured guide sign in the information. Based on the information related to the branch point and the branch point data 34a storing the information related to the branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point, the information is output to the server device 30 that performs a route search, and communication / call Since the processing unit 19a receives the route information output by the server device 30 according to the output information, and the display unit 17 displays the received route information, it is effective without using GPS. Route navigation can be realized.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a plurality of branch points corresponding to information output to the server device 30 by the mobile terminal device 10 are searched as a result of the route search by the server device 30, the branch point selection of the mobile terminal device 10 is performed. Since the processing unit 19h accepts the designation of the branch point related to the route to be searched, the current position can be reliably specified when the current position of the user is not specified by photographing the guide sign.

  In the present embodiment, the image information generation unit 19g of the mobile terminal device 10 detects a deviation from the route searched for by the server device 30 based on the information related to the guide sign photographed by the image photographing unit 16. Therefore, the deviation from the route can be detected effectively.

  In the present embodiment, the image information generation unit 19g of the mobile terminal device 10 outputs again the information related to the guide sign photographed by the image photographing unit 16 when the deviation from the route is detected, and the communication / Since the call processing unit 19a receives the route information output by the server device 30 according to the information output again by the image information generation unit 19g, the call processing unit 19a provides new route information even when the user deviates from the route. Can be acquired effectively.

  In the present embodiment, the display control unit 19c of the mobile terminal device 10 determines whether the destination has approached based on the information related to the guide sign photographed by the image photographing unit 16 and the route information received from the server device 30. Since it is determined whether or not, the approach of the destination can be detected effectively.

  In the present embodiment, the image information generation unit 19g of the mobile terminal device 10 performs a search by the server device 30 based on the information related to the guide sign photographed by the image photographing unit 16 and the route information received from the server device 30. When the image information generating unit 19g detects a branch point, the display unit 17 displays information on the branch point that passes next to the branch point. As a result, it is possible to effectively obtain information such as the name of the branch point that the user passes next and the direction in which the user should proceed.

  In the present embodiment, the image capturing control unit 19e of the mobile terminal device 10 controls the image capturing unit 16 that captures a guide sign installed on the road, and the image information generating unit 19g captures the image. Information related to the guide sign for the server device 30 that performs a route search based on the information related to the branch point included in the information related to the guide sign and the information related to the branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point. The communication / call processing unit 19a controls the reception of the route information output by the server device 30 according to the information output by the control, and the display control unit 19c receives the control by the control. Since the display of the route information is controlled, effective route navigation can be realized without using GPS.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It ’s good.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the server device 30 receives the information on the guide sign from the mobile terminal device 10 and performs the route search. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the server device 30 stores the information. The branch point data 34a being stored may be stored in the mobile terminal device 10, and the mobile terminal device 10 may be caused to execute the route search process performed by the server device 30.

  In addition, among the processes described in this embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method.

  In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  Each component of each illustrated device is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

  Further, all or any part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

(Supplementary note 1) A route search device for searching for a route to a destination,
Information storage means for storing information relating to a branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road;
Route search means for searching for a route to a destination based on information stored by the information storage means and information acquired by the information acquisition means;
A route search device comprising:

(Additional remark 2) The said route search means searches the branch point corresponding to the information acquired by the said information acquisition means from the information memorize | stored in the information storage means, The route which connects the searched branch point and the destination The route search device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the route search device is searched.

(Appendix 3) A mobile terminal device that displays route information to a destination,
Sign photographing means for photographing a guide sign on which information related to a branch point where a road branches is displayed;
A route of information related to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means based on information related to the branch point included in the information and information related to the branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from the certain branch point. Information output means for outputting to the route search device for performing the search;
Information receiving means for receiving the route information output by the route search device according to the information output by the information output means;
Information display means for displaying the route information received by the information receiving means;
A mobile terminal device comprising:

(Supplementary Note 4) When a plurality of branch points corresponding to the information output by the information output unit are searched as a result of the search by the route search device, a branch point specification reception for receiving a specification of a branch point related to the route to be searched The mobile terminal device according to appendix 3, further comprising means.

(Supplementary note 5) The supplementary note 3 further includes route deviation detection means for detecting a deviation from the route searched by the route search means based on information relating to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means. Or the mobile terminal device of 4.

(Supplementary Note 6) When the deviation from the route is detected by the route departure detection unit, the information output unit outputs again the information related to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing unit to the route search device, 6. The mobile terminal apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein the information receiving means receives the route information output by the route search apparatus in accordance with the information output again by the information output means.

(Supplementary note 7) Destination approach determining means for determining whether or not the destination has approached based on the information related to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means and the route information received by the information receiving means. The mobile terminal device according to any one of supplementary notes 3 to 6, wherein the mobile terminal device is provided.

(Supplementary Note 8) A branch point included in a route obtained as a result of the search by the route search device based on information on the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing unit and the route information received by the information receiving unit. A branch point detection means for detecting; and a branch point information display means for displaying information relating to a branch point that passes next to the branch point when the branch point is detected by the branch point detection means. The mobile terminal device according to any one of Supplementary notes 3 to 7, which is characterized.

(Supplementary note 9) A route search program for searching for a route to a destination,
An information acquisition procedure for acquiring information relating to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road;
A route search procedure for searching for a route to a destination based on information stored in advance related to a branch point that passes when a certain branch point travels in a predetermined direction and information acquired by the information acquisition procedure;
A route search program that causes a computer to execute.

(Supplementary Note 10) A route information display program for displaying route information to a destination,
Sign shooting procedure for shooting guide signs installed on the road,
Route search based on information related to the guidance sign photographed by the sign photographing procedure based on the information related to the branch point included in the information and the information related to the branch point that passes when traveling from a certain branch point in a predetermined direction. Information output procedure to be output to the route search device that performs
An information reception procedure for receiving the route information output by the route search device according to the information output by the information output procedure;
An information display procedure for displaying the route information received by the information reception procedure;
A route information display program for causing a computer to execute

(Supplementary note 11) A mobile terminal apparatus control circuit for controlling a mobile terminal apparatus that displays route information to a destination,
Sign shooting control means for controlling shooting of a guide sign installed on the road,
Route search based on information related to a branch point included in information related to a guide sign photographed by control by the sign photographing control means and information related to a branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point Information output control means for controlling the output of information related to the guide signs for the route search device for performing
Information reception control means for controlling reception of route information output by the route search device in accordance with information output by control by the information output control means;
Information display control means for controlling display of route information received by the information reception control means;
A mobile terminal apparatus control circuit comprising:

(Supplementary note 12) A route search method for searching for a route to a destination,
An information acquisition step of acquiring information relating to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road;
A route search step for searching for a route to a destination based on information stored in advance related to a branch point that passes when a certain branch point travels in a predetermined direction and information acquired by the information acquisition step;
The route search method characterized by including.

  As described above, the route search device and the mobile terminal device according to the present invention are useful for a route search system capable of realizing effective route navigation without using GPS.

It is a figure explaining the concept of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the mobile terminal device 10 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the extraction data 18c shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the path | route data 18d shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the server apparatus 30 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the branch point data 34a shown in FIG. It is a flowchart (1) which shows the process sequence of the route information display process which the mobile terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 2 performs. It is a flowchart (2) which shows the process sequence of the route information display process which the mobile terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the route search process which the server apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 5 performs. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the computer used as the mobile terminal device 10 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the computer used as the server apparatus 30 shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mobile terminal device 11 Antenna 12 Wireless communication part 13 Voice input part 14 Voice output part 15 Input part 16 Image photographing part 17 Display part 18 Storage part 18a User data 18b Image data 18c Extraction data 18d Route data 19 Control part 19a Communication / call Processing unit 19b Data management unit 19c Display control unit 19d Destination setting processing unit 19e Image capturing control unit 19f Image analysis unit 19g Image information generation unit 19h Branch point selection processing unit 20 Base station 30 Server device 31 Communication processing unit 32 Input unit 33 Display unit 34 Storage unit 34a Branch point data 34b Destination data 34c Extracted data 34d Map data 35 Control unit 35a Data management unit 35b Display control unit 35c Branch point search unit 35d Branch point selection request execution unit 35e Route search unit 40 Network 50 Road guide Sign 60 Intersection name information sign

Claims (5)

A route search device for searching for a route to a destination,
Information storage means for storing information relating to a branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from a certain branch point;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a branch point obtained by photographing a guide sign installed on a road;
Route search means for searching for a route to a destination based on information stored by the information storage means and information acquired by the information acquisition means;
A route search device comprising:   The route search means searches the information stored in the information storage means for a branch point corresponding to the information acquired by the information acquisition means, and searches for a route connecting the searched branch point and the destination. The route search device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mobile terminal device that displays route information to a destination,
Sign photographing means for photographing a guide sign on which information related to a branch point where a road branches is displayed;
A route of information related to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means based on information related to the branch point included in the information and information related to the branch point that passes when the vehicle travels in a predetermined direction from the certain branch point. Information output means for outputting to the route search device for performing the search;
Information receiving means for receiving the route information output by the route search device according to the information output by the information output means;
Information display means for displaying the route information received by the information receiving means;
A mobile terminal device comprising:   The route deviation detecting means for detecting a deviation from the route searched by the route searching means based on information relating to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means. Mobile terminal device.   The information output means outputs again the information related to the guide sign photographed by the sign photographing means to the route search device when the deviation from the route is detected by the route deviation detecting means, and the information receiving means The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mobile terminal apparatus receives the route information output by the route search apparatus according to the information output again by the information output means.

Images