JP2008058001A - Navigation device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To report the number of setting times of a destination wherein the destination is set by narrowing a spot where the destination is set or the data and time when the destination is set. <P>SOLUTION: Destination position information showing the position of the set destination, destination setting spot information showing the spot where the destination is set, and destination setting date-and-time information showing the data and time when the destination is set are transmitted to an information center 4 (S130). The number of setting times of the destination wherein a facility pertinent to a narrowing condition designated by a user operation is set as the destination is acquired from the information center 4 having a database 42 wherein the destination position information, the destination setting spot information and the destination setting date-and-time information are accumulated (S130, S132), and reported from a reporting device (S134). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle navigation apparatus that transmits and receives data to and from an information center.

  Conventionally, various apparatuses that acquire and notify information on various facilities from an information center have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).

In addition, as such a device, information on a facility whose destination is set from an in-vehicle navigation device mounted on each vehicle is transmitted to the information center, and the destination frequency of the facility whose destination is set in the information center is stored in a facility database. A communication type navigation system has been proposed that searches for facilities belonging to a specified genre with reference to the facility database in order of decreasing destination frequency and transmits the search result to the in-vehicle navigation device (for example, a patent) Reference 6).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-165749 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-150080 JP 2005-257342 A Japanese Patent No. 3678682 JP 2002-269129 A JP 2003-50135 A

  However, the system described in Patent Document 6 is configured to perform a genre search regardless of the point where the destination is set or the date and time when the destination is set. There is a problem that it is impossible to narrow down the date and time when the destination is set and to notify the number of times the destination is set as the destination.

  Similarly, the devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 5 cannot report the destination setting frequency set as the destination by narrowing down the point where the destination is set and the date and time when the destination is set. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to narrow down the points where a destination is set and the date and time when the destination is set, so that the number of times the destination is set can be notified. To do.

  The first feature of the present invention is that destination position information indicating the position of the set destination, destination setting point information indicating the point where the destination is set, and destination setting indicating the date and time when the destination is set Transmission means for transmitting date and time information to the information center, and narrowing conditions designated by user operations are transmitted to the information center, and destination location information, destination setting point information and destination transmitted via the transmission means A notification control means for acquiring a destination set number of times set as a destination of a facility corresponding to the narrowing-down condition from an information center having a database in which set date and time information is accumulated, and notifying a notification device; It is.

  In such a configuration, destination position information indicating the position of the set destination, destination setting point information indicating the point where the destination is set, and destination setting date information indicating the date and time when the destination is set are included. Since the information center having the accumulated database acquires and notifies the destination setting times set as the destination of the facility corresponding to the narrowing condition specified by the user's operation, the point where the destination is set The date and time when the destination is set can be narrowed down to notify the number of times the destination is set as the destination.

  In addition, a second feature of the present invention includes first destination candidate specifying means for specifying a facility designated by a user operation as a destination candidate, and the notification control means includes first destination candidate specifying means. The target area specified by is sent to the information center as a narrowing condition and / or the time range where the destination candidate is set as the destination. The destination setting frequency set as the destination of the destination candidate to be acquired is acquired.

  In this way, the facility designated by the user's operation is specified as the destination candidate, and the geographic range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination and / or the time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination are narrowed down. By including it in the inclusion condition, it is possible to acquire and notify the destination setting number set as the destination of the destination candidate designated by the user operation from the information center.

  A third feature of the present invention is that the geographic range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination is a certain range centered on the position of the destination candidate and / or a certain range centered on the own vehicle position. That is.

  As described above, the geographical range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination can be a certain range centered on the position of the destination candidate and / or a certain range centered on the own vehicle position.

  The fourth feature of the present invention includes a second destination candidate specifying means for specifying a facility included in a search result of a facility search performed according to a user's operation as a destination candidate. A geographic range in which the destination candidate specified by the location candidate specifying means is set as the destination and / or a time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination is transmitted to the information center as a narrowing condition, and the information center narrows it down. The destination setting number of times set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the inclusion condition is acquired.

  As described above, the facility included in the search result of the facility search performed according to the user's operation is specified as the destination candidate, and the geographical range and / or the destination candidate in which the destination candidate is set as the destination is the destination. The number of destinations set as the destination of the destination candidate included in the search result of the facility search conducted according to the user's operation from the information center by including the time range set as the place in the narrowing condition Can be obtained and notified.

  The fifth feature of the present invention is that, when a plurality of destination candidates are specified by the second destination candidate specifying means, the notification control means is configured to determine the number of times each destination is set for the specified destination candidates. Is obtained from the information center and notified to the notification device.

  In such a configuration, when a plurality of destination candidates are specified, the number of times each destination is set for the plurality of destination candidates specified as the destination candidates is notified. By comparing the number of times of land setting, it is possible to infer whether the facility is a popular facility or an unpopular facility.

  Further, a sixth feature of the present invention is that the notification control means displays a list of destination setting times of a plurality of destination candidates arranged in order of the number of destination setting times.

  In such a configuration, since the destination setting times of a plurality of destination candidates are displayed in a list in order of the number of destination setting times, the destination setting times of the plurality of destination candidates can be easily compared.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, information for specifying a genre is stored in the information center database, and a genre specifying unit for specifying a genre of destination candidates according to a user operation is provided. The notification control means narrows down the genre of the destination candidate specified by the genre specifying means, the time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination and / or the geographical range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination. Is transmitted to the information center, and the destination setting number set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the narrowing-down condition is acquired from the information center.

  In this way, the genre of the destination candidate is specified according to the user's operation, and the genre of the destination candidate, the time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination and / or the destination candidate is set as the destination. By including the geographic range in the narrowing-down condition, the destination number of times set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the genre specified according to the user's operation from the information center is acquired and notified. Can do.

  Further, an eighth feature of the present invention is that the transmission means transmits user identification information for identifying the user in addition to the destination position information, the destination setting point information, and the destination setting date and time information. Third destination candidate specifying means for specifying a destination candidate according to an operation is provided, and the notification control means includes destination candidates, user identification information, and destination candidates specified by the third destination candidate specifying means. The time range set as the destination and / or the geographical range set as the destination candidate is sent to the information center as a narrowing condition, and the destination location information and destination setting sent via the transmission means A user who sets a destination candidate specified by the destination candidate specifying means as a destination from an information center having a database storing point information, destination setting date and time information and user identification information. There is to inform the notification apparatus acquires the destination setting number of the destination point set as the destination to another destination candidates.

  In such a configuration, from an information center having a database in which destination candidates are identified according to user operations and the destination position information, destination setting point information, destination setting date and time information, and user identification information are stored. Since the user who has set the destination candidate specified according to the user's operation as the destination is notified of the number of destinations set for the destination point set as the destination in addition to the destination candidate, In addition to the destination candidates, the user can know the destination point set as the destination and the number of times the destination is set for the destination point.

  In addition, according to a ninth feature of the present invention, user information including at least one of a user's address, birthplace, age, and gender is transmitted together with destination position information, destination setting point information, and destination setting date / time information. The notification control means transmits a narrowing condition including user information to the information center, and from an information center having a database in which destination position information, destination setting point information, destination setting date information and user information are stored, It is to acquire and notify the number of destination setting times set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the narrowing-down condition including the user information.

  As described above, the user information is transmitted from the information center having a database in which the narrowing-down conditions including the user information are transmitted to the information center and the destination position information, the destination setting point information, the destination setting date information, and the user information are stored. It is possible to acquire and notify the destination setting count set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the narrowing-down condition including

  A tenth feature of the present invention is that a geographic range in which a destination candidate is set as a destination is a certain range centered on the vehicle position.

  As described above, the geographical range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination can be a certain range centered on the vehicle position.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a vehicle navigation apparatus and an information center according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle navigation apparatus 1 has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from the information center 4 via the radio base station 2 and the telephone station 3.

  The vehicle navigation device 1 includes a position detector 10, a display unit 11, an input unit 12, a map data storage unit 13, an audio output unit 14, a memory 15, a data communication device 16, and a control device 17.

  The position detector 10 has a well-known geomagnetic sensor, gyroscope, distance sensor, and GPS receiver (all not shown), and outputs a signal for identifying the vehicle position detected by these sensors. Input to the control device 17.

  The display unit 11 includes a display such as a liquid crystal, and displays an image corresponding to the image data input from the control device 17 on the display.

  The input unit 12 includes a touch switch provided to overlap the display of the display unit 11, a mechanical switch provided around the display of the display unit 11, and the like, and sends a signal according to the switch operation by the user to the control device 17. input.

  The map data storage unit 13 is a device for storing map data. Map data includes map display data for map display, so-called map matching data for improving position detection accuracy, cost data for route calculation used for route calculation, road data including link information and node information, various facilities The facility data that represents

  The audio output unit 14 includes a speaker, and outputs sound corresponding to the audio signal input from the control device 17 from the speaker.

  The memory 15 is for storing various programs and data, and is constituted by a memory card or the like.

  The data communication device 16 is a device for communicating with an external device via the wireless base station 2 and the telephone station 3, and wirelessly transmits data input from the control device 17, and from the external device, the telephone station 3, the wireless base station The data transmitted via the station 2 is received and input to the control device 17. The vehicle navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication with the information center 4 via the data communication device 16.

  The control device 17 is configured as a computer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like, and the CPU performs various processes according to programs stored in the ROM and the memory 15.

  In addition, the control device 17 calculates a host vehicle position based on a signal input from the position detector 10, and acquires map data that acquires map data around the host vehicle position from the map data storage unit 13. A map matching unit that identifies on which road the current position exists using the vehicle position calculated by the vehicle position calculation unit and the road shape data of the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit, It is calculated by a route calculation unit that specifies a destination by a user operation and calculates an optimum guide route to the destination, a history processing unit that stores travel history information of the host vehicle in the memory 15, and a route calculation unit. A route guide unit that provides travel guidance according to the guide route, a drawing unit (not shown) for drawing image data to be displayed on the display of the display unit 11 in an image memory It is provided.

  The information center 4 is provided with a line terminal device 40 connected to the telephone station 3. The information center 4 includes a server 41 having a database 42, and the server 41 is connected to the line terminal device 40. Note that map data is stored in the database 42 of the server 41.

  When the destination is set in accordance with a user operation, the vehicle navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment has destination position information indicating the set destination position, and a destination indicating the point where the destination is set. Destination setting date and time information indicating the date and time when the destination was set, user identification information for identifying the user who set the destination, the set address that is the address of the user who set the destination, and the destination facility A process of transmitting information such as a facility name representing a genre (large genre, medium genre, small genre) to the information center 4 is performed.

  When the server 41 of the information center 4 receives these pieces of information from the plurality of vehicle navigation apparatuses 1, it refers to the map data stored in the database 42 and specifies the facility name and the facility genre from the destination position information. The processing is performed and stored in the database 42.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the database 42, the destination setting date and time when the destination is set, user identification information (connection ID) for identifying the user who sets the destination, and the destination where the destination is set Information such as the setting point, the position of the set destination, the set address which is the address of the user who set the destination, the facility name indicating the destination facility, and the genre (large genre, medium genre, small genre) is accumulated. . Here, the IP address (connection ID) set in the vehicle navigation apparatus 1 is stored as the user identification information. However, for example, a telephone number or the like may be stored as the user identification information.

  In addition, the vehicle navigation device 1 transmits the narrowing-down conditions designated by the user's operation to the server 41 of the information center 4, and accumulates destination position information, destination setting point information, destination setting date and time information, and the like. From the information center 4 having the database 42, the destination setting number set as the destination of the facility corresponding to the narrowing-down condition is acquired and the notification device is notified. The vehicle navigation apparatus 1 registers various settings shown in the following (1) to (7) in advance according to the setting screen so that the user does not have to input various settings each time this process is performed. It can be done.

(1) Setting whether or not to acquire destination candidate information using a database, “Acquire / Do not acquire”
(2) User address (prefecture), “Register / Do not register”
(3) Setting of search distance range α, “α = set every time / α = set value (eg, radius α = 5 km centering on destination candidate point)
(4) Search time range β setting, “β = set every time / β = set value (eg, β = 2 hours before the current time)”
(5) Setting whether to narrow down by the address (prefecture) X of the user who set the destination, “Set / Not set / Register every time”
(6) Setting whether or not to narrow down the point where the destination candidate is set as the destination to the surroundings of the own vehicle (radius γ kilometers centered on the own vehicle position), “Set / Do not set / Register every time”
(7) Setting whether to store destination setting history in database “Register / Do not register”
The contents of various settings shown in (1) to (7) are stored in the memory 15.

  Next, processing of the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. When the ignition switch is turned on according to the user's operation, the vehicle navigation device 1 is in an operating state, and the control device 17 performs processing for calculating the vehicle position and image data to be displayed on the display of the display unit 11 in the image memory. A process of drawing and displaying an image on the display is started. In addition, when the user performs an operation for setting a destination from the map, the control device 17 starts the process illustrated in FIG. Here, the setting of (1) is “acquired”, the setting of the user address of (2) is “registered”, the settings of (3) to (6) are “setting every time”, (7 ) Is assumed to be “register”.

  First, a destination candidate is specified on the map (S100). Specifically, a map display screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, and the facility designated by the user's operation is specified as a destination candidate according to this map display screen.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the destination determination frequency (frequency at which the destination candidate is set as the destination) is searched using the server 41 of the information center 4 (S102). Specifically, “YES” and “NO” are displayed to be selectable together with a message “Do you want to obtain information from the server?”, And “YES” or “NO” is selected by the user's operation? It is determined whether or not the destination determination frequency is searched based on the above.

  If “NO” is selected by the user, the determination in S102 is NO, and the destination is determined locally (S104). Specifically, the destination candidate set in S100 is determined as the destination by using the map data stored in the map data storage unit 13 without being connected to the server 41 of the information center 4, and the route search is performed. Then, processing such as route guidance is performed, and this processing is terminated.

  If “YES” is selected by the user, the determination in S102 is YES, and then it is determined whether or not the search distance range α is input (S106). Specifically, a screen for confirming whether or not to input the search distance range α is displayed on the display of the display unit 11, and based on whether or not the input of the search distance range α is confirmed by a user operation. It is determined whether or not the search distance range α is input.

  If it is not confirmed by the user's operation that the search distance range α is input, the determination in S106 is NO and the process proceeds to S112.

  If it is confirmed that the search distance range α is input by the user's operation, the determination in S106 is YES, and then a display for input setting of the search distance range α is performed (S108). Specifically, the input part of the radius α is displayed together with a message such as “Obtain information on the radius α around the destination.

  Next, the input of the search distance range α is accepted (S110). The input of the search distance range α by the user's operation is accepted, the input search distance range α is added to the narrowing-down condition, and the process proceeds to S112.

  In S112, it is determined whether or not the search time range β is input. Specifically, a screen for confirming whether or not to input the search time range β is displayed on the display of the display unit 11, and based on whether or not the input of the search time range β is confirmed by a user operation. It is determined whether or not the search time range β is input.

  If it is not confirmed that the search time range β is input according to the user's operation, the determination in S112 is NO and the process proceeds to S118.

  If it is confirmed that the search time range β is input according to the user's operation, the determination in S112 is YES, and then a display for input setting of the search time range β is performed (S114). Specifically, "within 1 hour" with a message such as "Search for history determined as the destination between before β and now. Search time range β = When will you search for history?" , “Within 6 hours”, “within 1 day”, “within 1 week”, “within 1 month”, “within 1 year”, and “cumulative” are displayed in a selectable manner.

  Next, the input of the search time range β is accepted (S116). The input of the search time range β by the user's operation is accepted, the input search time range β is added to the narrowing condition, and the process proceeds to S118.

  In S118, it is determined whether or not to narrow down by address X. Specifically, a screen for confirming whether or not to narrow down by the address X of the user whose destination is set is displayed on the display of the display unit 11 and it is confirmed that the narrowing by the address X is performed by the user's operation. Whether or not to narrow down by address X is determined based on whether or not it has been done.

  When it is not confirmed that the address X is narrowed according to the user's operation, the determination in S118 is NO and the process proceeds to S124.

  If it is confirmed by the user's operation that the address X is to be narrowed down, the determination in S118 is YES, and then display for input setting of the address X is performed (S120). Specifically, “Only the history of people who live in the address“ X prefecture ”is referred from the history. Address X prefecture = Please select. "And the name of the prefecture are displayed in a selectable manner.

  Next, the input of the address X is received (S122). The input of the address X by the user's operation is accepted, the input address X is added to the narrowing condition, and the process proceeds to S124.

  In S124, it is determined whether or not to narrow down the search range γ centered on the own vehicle. Specifically, a screen for confirming whether or not to narrow down the search range of the radius γ centered on the vehicle position is displayed on the display of the display unit 11, and the radius γ centered on the vehicle position is operated by the user's operation. It is determined whether or not to narrow down the search range γ centered on the own vehicle based on whether or not narrowing down to the search range is confirmed.

  If it is not confirmed by the user's operation that the search range is the radius γ centered on the vehicle position, the determination in S124 is NO and the process proceeds to S130.

  If it is confirmed by the user's operation that the search range is narrowed to the radius γ centered on the own vehicle position, the determination in S124 is YES, and then the input of the search range γ centered on the own vehicle is set. Is displayed (S126). Specifically, a message such as “refer to the history determined as the destination from the radius γkm centered on the vehicle in the history. Enter the search range γkm = input” is displayed.

  Next, an input of a search range γ centered on the own vehicle is accepted (S128). Specifically, the input of the radius γ of the search range centered on the own vehicle position is accepted, the input radius γ of the search range centered on the own vehicle position is added to the narrowing-down condition, and the process proceeds to S130.

  Thus, according to the operation by the user, each setting of the search distance range α, the search time range β, the address X, and the search range γ centered on the own vehicle is added to the narrowing-down conditions.

  In S130, the narrow-down condition is transmitted to the information center 4. The narrowing-down conditions include current vehicle position information (latitude, longitude), destination candidate position information (latitude, longitude), search distance range α, search time range β, address X, and the own vehicle. The search range γ to be included is included.

  When the server 41 of the information center 4 receives this narrowing condition, the server 41 narrows down facilities corresponding to the narrowing condition from the database 42. Specifically, narrowing down is performed in the order of destination position information (latitude, longitude), search distance range α, search time range β, address X, search range γ, and set as a destination of a facility corresponding to the narrowing conditions Information indicating the set number of destinations is transmitted to the vehicle navigation apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when receiving the information from the information center 4 (S132), the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 announces the narrowing result to the user by display and voice (S134). For example, “This point is set as a destination 30 times by a person living in Aichi Prefecture within one week from a point within 10 kilometers around this point, depending on the setting conditions of the narrowing-down conditions by the user. Narrowing results such as “This point was set as a destination 10 times from a point within 20 kilometers around the vehicle today” are announced.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a destination candidate is set as a destination (S136). Specifically, a screen for confirming whether or not to set the destination candidate as the destination is displayed to the user, and based on whether or not it is confirmed by the user's operation that the destination candidate is set as the destination. It is determined whether or not a destination candidate is set as a destination.

  When it is not confirmed by the user that the destination candidate is set as the destination by the operation, the determination in S136 is NO and the process is terminated. Therefore, the destination candidate is not set as the destination.

If it is confirmed by the user that the destination candidate is set as the destination, the determination in S136 is YES, and then the destination candidate is set as the destination, and further, the destination set as the destination It is determined whether or not the location candidate is stored in the database 42 of the server 41 (S138). Specifically, a screen for confirming whether or not the destination candidate set as the destination is stored in the database 42 is displayed to the user, and the destination candidate set as the destination by the user operation is stored in the database 42. It is determined whether or not the destination candidate set as the destination is stored in the database 42 based on whether or not it is confirmed. The destination candidate set as the destination by the user's operation can be stored in the database 42. If not confirmed, the determination in S138 is NO, and processing such as route search and route guidance to the destination candidate is performed (not shown), and this processing is terminated. Note that the destination candidate set as the destination is not stored in the database 42.

  If it is confirmed that the destination candidate set as the destination by the user's operation is stored in the database 42, the determination in S138 is YES, and then the destination candidate set as the destination is stored in the database 42. Information to be transmitted to the information center 4 (S140), and this process is terminated. Information transmitted to the information center 4 includes destination setting date and time when the destination is set, user identification information (connection ID) for identifying the user who sets the destination, destination setting point where the destination is set, Information such as the set destination position and user information (user address, user identification information) is included.

  When the server 41 of the information center 4 receives the information from the vehicle navigation apparatus 1, the destination setting date and time, user identification information (connection ID) included in the received information, and the destination setting point where the destination is set The information such as the position of the set destination and user information (user address, user identification information) is stored in the database 42, and the destination is set with reference to the map data stored in the database 42. The facility name and genre (large genre, medium genre) and small genre) of the destination candidates are acquired, and the acquired information is stored in the database 42.

  In this way, various kinds of information as shown in FIG.

  According to the above configuration, destination position information indicating the position of the set destination, destination setting point information indicating the point where the destination is set, and destination setting date information indicating the date and time when the destination is set Since the information center having the database in which the information is stored is obtained and notified of the number of destinations set as the destination of the facility corresponding to the filtering condition specified by the user's operation, the destination is set. By narrowing down the date and time when the point and the destination are set, the number of times of setting the destination set as the destination can be notified.

  Also, the facility specified by the user's operation is identified as a destination candidate, and the narrowing condition includes the geographical range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination and the time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination By doing so, it is possible to acquire and notify the destination setting count set as the destination of the destination candidate designated by the user operation from the information center.

  In the above embodiment, the facility designated by the user's operation is specified as the destination candidate, and the search distance range α, the search time range β, the address X, and the search range γ centered on the own vehicle are used as the narrowing conditions. In the above example, the destination setting frequency set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the narrowing condition is acquired from the information center and notified. For example, the radius ζ centered on the point specified by the user is shown. May be included in the narrowing-down condition, and the destination setting frequency of the facility set as the destination within the range of the radius ζ centered on the point specified by the user may be notified.

(Second Embodiment)
The configuration of the vehicle navigation device 1 and the information center 4 according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described. In the first embodiment, the facility specified by the user's operation is specified as the destination candidate, and the example in which the destination set number of times that the destination candidate is set as the destination is notified is shown. Then, the facility search is performed according to the user's operation, the facility included in the search result of the facility search is specified as the destination candidate, and the number of destination setting times in which the destination candidate is set as the destination is notified. . When a plurality of facilities are included in the search result, the destination setting times of a plurality of destination candidates are displayed in a list in order of the destination setting times.

  Processing of the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, a facility search is performed in accordance with a user operation (S200). For example, when a facility search for “Udonya” is performed according to the user's operation, a search result of “Udonya” existing in a predetermined section around the vehicle position is displayed as a list. In this embodiment, the facility included in the search result of the peripheral facility search in this way is specified as a destination candidate, and the process proceeds to S102.

  When the operation indicating the search for the destination determination frequency is performed in S102, the determination in S102 is YES, and in S112 to S128, the search time range β, the address X, and the search range γ centered on the own vehicle. The search time range β, the address X, and the search range γ centered on the subject vehicle are added to the narrowing condition.

  Next, the narrow-down condition is transmitted to the information center 4 (S230). This narrowing-down condition includes location information (latitude, longitude) of the destination candidate specified in S200, search time range β, address X, and search range γ centered on the own vehicle. When a plurality of facilities are specified as destination candidates in S200, the position information (latitude and longitude) of all the specified destination candidates is transmitted.

  When the server 41 of the information center 4 receives the narrowing condition, the server 41 narrows down the facilities corresponding to the narrowing condition from the database 42 and sets the number of destinations set as the destination of the facility corresponding to the narrowing condition. Is transmitted to the vehicle navigation apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when receiving the narrowed down information from the information center 4 (S232), the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 next determines whether or not the destination setting frequency is arranged in descending order. (S234). Specifically, “YES” is displayed on the display of the display unit 11 together with a message such as “Sort list in descending order of destination setting frequency. Are you sure you want to sort in descending order from the destination setting frequency?” “NO” is displayed in a selectable manner, and it is determined whether or not the destinations are arranged in descending order based on whether “YES” or “NO” is selected by the user's operation.

  If “YES” is selected by the user, the determination in S234 is YES, and the list is displayed in descending order (S236). Specifically, the destination setting times of the destination candidates are displayed in a list in ascending order of the number of destination setting times, and the process proceeds to S240.

  If “NO” is selected by the user, the determination in S234 is NO, and then the list is displayed in ascending order (S238). Specifically, the destination setting times of the destination candidates are displayed in a list in ascending order of the number of destination setting times, and the process proceeds to S240.

  In S240, the narrowing-down result is announced to the user by display and voice. Specifically, according to the setting condition of the narrowing condition by the user, the destination setting times set as the destination of the facility corresponding to the narrowing condition are displayed in order of the number of times of destination setting, and the narrowing result is announced. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, udon shops E, B, D, E, and C corresponding to the narrowing conditions are displayed in a list in the order of the number of destinations set together with the number of destinations set. In the area, a list of stores that have been determined as destinations by people in Fukuoka Prefecture from β hours ago to the present is displayed in the order of the number determined as the destination. ”The process proceeds to S136.

  Note that the processing from S136 onward is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, when the processing from S136 onward is completed, this processing is terminated.

  As described above, the facility included in the search result of the facility search performed according to the user's operation is specified as the destination candidate, and the geographical range and the destination candidate in which the destination candidate is set as the destination are the destination. By including the time range set as, in the narrow-down conditions, the number of destination setting times set as the destination of the destination candidate included in the search result of the facility search performed according to the user operation from the information center It can be acquired and notified.

  In addition, when a plurality of destination candidates are specified, the number of times of destination setting of the plurality of destination candidates specified as the destination candidates is notified. In comparison, it is possible to infer whether the facility is a popular facility or an unpopular facility.

  In addition, since the destination setting times of a plurality of destination candidates are displayed in a list in order of the number of destination setting times, the destination setting times of the plurality of destination candidates can be easily compared.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, a destination candidate is specified on the vehicle navigation device 1 side, and the destination setting number set as the destination of the specified destination candidate is acquired from the information center and sent to the notification device. In the present embodiment, the genre of the destination candidate is specified on the vehicle navigation device 1 side according to the user's operation, and the facility corresponding to the genre of the destination candidate is shown on the information center side. The vehicle navigation device 1 acquires information indicating the number of times of destination setting set as the destination of the facility included in the search result from the information center, and causes the notification device to notify the information.

  In the database 42 of the server 41 according to the present embodiment, information for specifying genres (large genre, medium genre, small genre) is accumulated as shown in FIG.

  Processing of the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a genre is selected (S300). Specifically, a screen for selecting genres of destination candidates (large genre, medium genre, small genre) is displayed, the genre designated by the user's operation is selected, and the process proceeds to S102.

  Note that the processing of S102 to S124 is the same as the processing of the second embodiment shown in FIG. By the processes of S102 to S124, the search time range β, the address X, and the search range γ centered on the own vehicle are added to the narrowing-down conditions.

  Next, the narrow-down condition is transmitted to the information center 4 (S330). This narrow-down condition includes the genre (large genre, medium genre, small genre) of the destination candidates specified in S300, the search time range β, the address X, and the search range γ centered on the own vehicle.

  Upon receiving this narrowing condition, the server 41 of the information center 4 searches the database 42 for a facility corresponding to the narrowing condition including the genre of the destination candidate, and is set as the destination of the facility corresponding to the narrowing condition. The destination set number of times is transmitted to the vehicle navigation device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 performs the processing of S232 to S238, and announces the narrowing result to the user by display and voice in S240. For example, when “eating / drinking” is specified as a large genre by the user's operation, and neither a medium genre nor a small genre is specified, as shown in FIG. The list is displayed in order of the number of destinations set together with the number of times set, and the announcement is made in the order of the number of times that people in X prefecture were set as destinations within β hours within a radius of γ kilometers from the current location. Then, the process proceeds to S136.

  Note that the processing from S136 onward is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, when the processing from S136 onward is completed, this processing is terminated.

  As described above, the genre of the destination candidate is specified according to the user's operation, and the genre of the destination candidate, the time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination, and the destination candidate are set as the destination. By including the geographical range in the narrowing-down conditions, it is possible to acquire and notify the destination setting number set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the genre specified according to the user operation from the information center. it can.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, a destination candidate is specified in accordance with a user operation, and the destination setting number set as the destination of the specified destination candidate is acquired from the information center and notified to the notification device. In this embodiment, the destination candidate is specified in accordance with the user's operation, and the other user who has set the destination candidate specified in accordance with the user's operation from the information center as the destination is shown. However, in addition to this destination candidate, information indicating the number of times of destination setting of the destination point set as the destination is acquired and notified to the notification device.

  Processing of the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a list of destination candidates is displayed (S400). Specifically, as in S200 of FIG. 6, a nearby facility search is performed in accordance with the user's operation, the facilities included in the search result of the nearby facility search are displayed as a destination candidate, and the process proceeds to S102.

  When an operation indicating a search for a destination determination frequency is performed in S102, it is next determined whether or not to refer to other histories of a user whose destination is a store or facility on the list (S402). ). Specifically, a screen for confirming whether or not to refer to the other history is displayed, and based on whether or not an operation for instructing reference to the other history is performed by the user, the store or facility on the list is displayed. It is determined whether to refer to another history of the user as the destination.

  If the user does not perform an operation for instructing reference to the history, the determination in S402 is NO and the process is terminated.

  If the user performs an operation to instruct reference to the history, the determination in S402 is YES, and the process proceeds to S102.

  Note that the processing of S102 to S124 is the same as the processing of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 or the processing of the third embodiment shown in FIG. By the processes of S102 to S124, the search time range β, the address X, and the search range γ centered on the own vehicle are added to the narrowing-down conditions.

  Next, the narrow-down condition is transmitted to the information center 4 (S430). The narrowing-down conditions include the position information (latitude and longitude) of the destination candidate specified in S400, the current position information (latitude and longitude) of the own vehicle, the search time range β, the address X, and the own vehicle. The search range γ to be included is included.

  The server 41 of the information center 4 refers to the database 42 and specifies the destination candidate from the position information of the destination candidate included in the narrow-down conditions received from the vehicle navigation device 1 and selects the destination candidate. The user set as the destination is specified, and in addition to this destination candidate, the destination point set as the destination and information indicating the number of times the destination is set are transmitted to the vehicle navigation apparatus 1.

  For example, it is assumed that destination candidates included in the search result of the peripheral facility search performed in S400 are set as destinations by the users Y1, Y2, and Y3. As shown in FIG. 12, the database 42 stores destination points p11 and p12 set as destinations by the user Y1, and destination points p21 and p22 set as destinations by the user Y2. Are stored, and destination points p31, p32, and p33 set as destinations by the user Y3 are stored. In such a situation, when the search range γ (γ = 50 km) centered on the own vehicle is set as the narrowing-down condition, the destination point p11 included within a radius of 50 km centered on the own vehicle position. , P21, p22, p32, p33 and information indicating the number of times of destination setting for these destination points are transmitted to the vehicle navigation apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 17 of the vehicle navigation device 1 performs the processing of S232 to S238, and announces the narrowing result to the user by display and voice in S240. Specifically, the number of destination setting times set as the destination of the facility corresponding to the narrowing condition based on the information transmitted from the information center 4 is displayed, the narrowing condition and the like are announced, and the process proceeds to S136.

  FIG. 13 shows a display example of the display result. As shown in the figure, a list of facilities set as destinations by other users as “other search” is displayed. Although not shown, the number of destinations set for each facility displayed in the list is also displayed.

  Note that the processing from S136 onward is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, when the processing from S136 onward is completed, this processing is terminated.

  As described above, a destination candidate is identified in accordance with a user operation, and from an information center having a database in which the destination position information, destination setting point information, destination setting date information and user identification information are stored, Since the user who set the destination candidate specified according to the user's operation as the destination is notified of the destination setting frequency of the destination point set as the destination in addition to the destination candidate, other users Can know the destination point set as the destination in addition to the destination candidates and the number of times the destination is set for the destination point.

  In the present embodiment, in S400, the peripheral facility search is performed according to the user's operation, and the destination candidate is specified using the facility included in the search result of the peripheral facility search as the destination candidate. For example, as in S100, a facility designated by a user operation may be specified as a destination candidate.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, when destination candidates are set as destinations, user information (user address, user identification information) is transmitted to the information center together with destination position information, destination setting point information, and destination setting date information. For example, user information including at least one of the user's address, hometown, age, and gender is transmitted to the information center together with destination position information, destination setting point information, and destination setting date / time information. From the information center having a database in which destination location information, destination setting point information, destination setting date and time information, and user information are stored, the destination is set as a destination of destination candidates that meet the filtering conditions including user information. You may make it alert | report by acquiring the made destination setting frequency | count.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the input of radius α is displayed together with a message such as “Obtain information about radius α centered on the destination. Although an example of setting the geographical range based on the candidate location as a narrowing condition has been shown, it is not necessary to be a fixed distance range centered on the destination, for example, within the same block as the destination candidate, A geographical range based on the destination candidate may be set as a narrowing condition, such as in the same area or in the same district as the destination candidate.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the input of the search range of radius (gamma) centering on the own vehicle position was prompted and the geographical range on the basis of the own vehicle position was set as a narrowing condition, the example was shown. It does not have to be a fixed distance range centered on the position, for example, within the same block as the vehicle position, within the same block as the vehicle position, within the same district as the vehicle position, etc. The geographic range may be set as a narrowing condition.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the narrowing condition is transmitted from the vehicle navigation device 1 to the server 41 and narrowing is performed on the server 41 side of the information center 4. Necessary information may be acquired from the database 42 and narrowing may be performed on the vehicle navigation device 1 side.

  In the above embodiment, at the time of destination setting, destination position information, destination setting point information, destination setting date / time information and the like are transmitted from the vehicle navigation apparatus 1 to the information center and stored in the information center database. For example, at the time of destination setting, destination position information and destination setting point information are transmitted from the vehicle navigation device 1 to the information center. The date and time when the setting point information is received may be stored in the database as destination setting date and time information.

  The correspondence relationship between the configuration in the above embodiment and the configuration in the claims will be described. S140 corresponds to a transmission unit, S130, S132, S134 in the first embodiment, S230, S232, in the second embodiment. S240, S330, S232, S240 in the third embodiment, S430, S232, S240 in the fourth embodiment correspond to the notification control means, S100 corresponds to the first destination candidate specifying means, and S200 is the second. S300 corresponds to the genre specifying means, and S400 corresponds to the third destination candidate specifying means.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a vehicle navigation device and an information center according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the database of an information center. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control apparatus of the vehicle navigation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control apparatus of the vehicle navigation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display for specifying the destination candidate in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control apparatus of the navigation device for vehicles which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control apparatus of the navigation device for vehicles which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the navigation apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control apparatus of the navigation device for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the navigation apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control apparatus of the vehicle navigation apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the navigation apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the navigation apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle navigation apparatus, 2 ... Wireless base station, 3 ... Telephone station, 4 ... Information center,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Position detector, 11 ... Display part, 12 ... Input part, 13 ... Map data storage part,
14 ... voice output unit, 15 ... memory, 16 ... data communication device, 17 ... control device,
40: line terminal device, 41: server, 42: database.

Claims (10)

Destination position information indicating the position of the set destination, destination setting point information indicating the point where the destination is set, and destination setting date information indicating the date and time when the destination is set are transmitted to the information center. Sending means to
The narrowing-down conditions designated by the user's operation are transmitted to the information center, and the destination position information, the destination setting point information, and the destination setting date / time information transmitted via the transmission unit are accumulated. A vehicle comprising: a notification control means for acquiring a destination set number of times set as a destination of a facility corresponding to the narrowing-down condition from the information center having a database and causing a notification device to notify the destination Navigation device. Comprising a first destination candidate specifying means for specifying a facility designated by a user operation as a destination candidate;
In the narrowing-down conditions transmitted to the information center by the notification control unit, the geographical range in which the destination candidate specified by the first destination candidate specifying unit is set as a destination and / or the destination The vehicle navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a time range in which a location candidate is set as the destination is included. The geographic range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination is a fixed range centered on the position of the destination candidate and / or a fixed range centered on the vehicle position. The vehicle navigation device described in 1. A second destination candidate specifying means for specifying a facility included in a search result of a facility search performed according to a user operation as a destination candidate;
In the narrowing-down conditions transmitted to the information center by the notification control means, the geographical range in which the destination candidate specified by the second destination candidate specifying means is set as the destination and / or the destination The vehicle navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a time range in which a location candidate is set as the destination is included. When the plurality of destination candidates are specified by the second destination candidate specifying means, the notification control means acquires the number of times each destination is set for the specified destination candidates from the information center. The vehicle navigation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification apparatus is notified. 6. The vehicular navigation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification control means displays a list of destination setting times of the plurality of destination candidates arranged in order of the destination setting times. In the information center database, information for specifying a genre is accumulated,
A genre specifying means for specifying a genre of destination candidates according to a user operation,
The notification control means includes a genre of the destination candidate specified by the genre specifying means, a time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination, and / or a geography in which the destination candidate is set as the destination. The range is transmitted to the information center as the narrowing condition, and the number of destination setting times set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the narrowing condition is acquired from the information center. The vehicle navigation device according to claim 1. The transmission means transmits user identification information for identifying a user in addition to the destination position information, the destination setting point information and the destination setting date and time information,
A third destination candidate specifying means for specifying a destination candidate according to a user operation;
The notification control means includes the destination candidate specified by the third destination candidate specifying means, the user identification information, a time range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination, and / or the destination candidate. Is transmitted to the information center as the narrowing condition, and the destination position information, the destination setting point information, and the destination setting date / time information transmitted via the transmitting means. And a user who has set the destination candidate specified by the destination candidate specifying means as the destination from the information center having a database in which user identification information is stored, as the destination in addition to the destination candidate. The vehicular navigation according to claim 1, wherein the number of destination setting times of the set destination point is acquired and the notification device is notified. Location. The transmission means transmits user information including at least one of a user's address, hometown, age, and gender along with the destination position information, the destination setting point information, and the destination setting date and time information,
The notification control means transmits the narrowing condition including the user information to the information center, and the destination position information, the destination setting point information, the destination setting date information and the user information are stored. The information center having the database acquires and reports the number of times of destination setting set as the destination of the destination candidate corresponding to the narrowing condition including the user information. The vehicle navigation device according to any one of 8. The vehicle navigation according to any one of claims 4, 7, and 8, wherein a geographic range in which the destination candidate is set as the destination is a fixed range centered on a vehicle position. apparatus.

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