JP2008058083A - Navigation apparatus, its control method, and its control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation apparatus which automatically presents an efficient congestion bypass as a guided route without causing a user to feel expensive when paying a toll in a route search with the consideration of traffic congestion while driving on a toll road, its control method, and its control program. <P>SOLUTION: A time-difference threshold storage section 31a sets the necessary time difference between a current route and a boomerang route to be a first time-difference threshold, sets the necessary time difference between another route and the boomerang route to be a second time-difference threshold, and stores an upper limit of a time difference set within an allowable range. A comparison judgement section 39a compares the necessary time difference between the current route and the boomerang route and the necessary time difference between the other route and the boomerang route calculated by a route-time-difference calculation section 35 to the first and second time-difference thresholds set by the time-difference threshold storage section 31a, and judges whether or not the actually calculated time differences are larger than the first and second time-difference thresholds. When the actually calculated time differences are larger than the first and second time difference thresholds, the boomerang route is selected as a guided route. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a traffic congestion detouring method of navigation technology, and relates to a navigation device for guiding a guide route in consideration of a required time to a destination and a toll road charge, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof.

  In recent years, with the spread of automobiles and the development of information processing technology, in-vehicle navigation devices that perform road guidance by being mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle are rapidly spreading. The navigation device uses map data prepared in advance and displays not only the current position information of its own vehicle, which is measured by GPS, on the surrounding map, but also calculates the route to the specified destination and displays it on the screen. And synthetic voices to guide the route.

  In such a navigation apparatus, traffic information indicating a traffic jam location, time zone, etc. is referred to for calculating a guide route to a destination. VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) information is well known as this traffic information. As information levels of VICS information, there are traffic congestion information in characters (level 1), simple figure information on main national roads (level 2), and information for displaying traffic congestion sections and emergency evacuation points on the screen (level 3). Moreover, it is divided roughly into information by FM multiplexing, and information by an electric wave beacon or an optical beacon according to a transmission form.

  By receiving this VICS information, a guide route to the destination is searched, and even when guiding according to the searched route, the travel time is greatly delayed due to a fallen object, a sudden accident or the occurrence of a faulty person, etc. It can detect traffic information. Under such circumstances, a navigation device having a normal congestion detour function immediately recalculates the route and provides new route information that avoids the traffic jam.

  However, in the search route in which toll roads are prioritized during route search, if traffic congestion information is detected from the VICS information while traveling on toll roads, local detours may occur depending on the priority setting conditions. There is a case where the user gets off the road, avoids a traffic jam, and is guided to enter the toll road again. When such a case occurred in the flat rate section, there was a problem that the toll on the toll road had to be paid in duplicate.

  Also, once you get off the toll road, avoid the traffic congestion point, and again, the route that is guided to enter the toll road is really the best detour route, or the route that is worth detouring even if you pay twice the toll There was a problem that it could not be judged at all.

Accordingly, in order to solve this problem, a means has been proposed in which a plurality of optimum detour routes are presented under different search conditions, thereby allowing the user to determine route selection as compared to the user (see Patent Document 1). For example, a plurality of detour routes are searched for and presented under search conditions such as the shortest time, the shortest distance, and the minimum charge, and the user is made to make a judgment by comparing them. As a result, a desired route can be selected from a plurality of searched bypass routes, or the original initial route can be selected as it is without selecting any bypass route.
JP 2003-214879 A

  By the way, in the means for judging the route selection by comparing the user with a plurality of optimum detour routes under different search conditions, the user selects a guide route from a plurality of routes each time the user compares. It must be done. As a result, the duty of caution during travel has been distracted, and the user has to compare and calculate the required time difference, the difference in guidance distance, the charge difference, etc. of each detour route.

  As a specific example, a case where a toll road A is used to travel to a destination on a general road will be described (FIG. 7). It is assumed that the toll on this toll road A is a fixed amount and the current position of the vehicle is on the toll road A in the guide route.

  Since the user is traveling on the toll road A, the user pays a flat fee of 700 yen when entering the toll road A. Immediately after that, a traffic jam due to an accident was detected from the VICS information at a point ahead of the vehicle position. Here, in the search route under the condition where the required time is set to the minimum, the next toll road A exits from the toll road A1 in order to avoid the traffic jam, and the toll road A again from the toll road A entrance A2 after passing the accident site. A route to enter the route, that is, a guide route for which the flat fee 700 yen must be paid twice (route 1) is presented.

  In addition, in the search route under the condition that the charge is set to the minimum, the next toll road A exits A1 in order to avoid traffic congestion, and a guide route that does not include the toll road A is presented to the destination (route 2). ). Alternatively, a guide route that travels the original initial route as it is and avoids traffic congestion is presented (route 3).

  That is, every time the user receives the traffic jam information, the user calculates the time difference of the required time of the above routes 1 to 3, the difference of the guide distance, the charge difference, etc., and which route is applied as the guide route each time. Because we had to judge, we could not make an appropriate selection quickly.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention automatically and efficiently causes traffic congestion without causing the user to feel expensive when paying for toll road charges when searching for a route in consideration of traffic congestion while traveling on a toll road. The purpose is to present a detour route as a guide route.

The present invention solves the above problems by the following means.
The invention of claim 1 is an input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, and a vehicle position detection. A detection unit that performs the calculation of the optimum route and the guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the detection unit and the destination information set through the input unit, and a display unit for displaying road map data , The guidance processing unit is based on the traffic jam information extracting means for extracting traffic jam information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road, based on the traffic jam information, The current route of traveling to the destination as it is on the toll road and the current toll road to get off the road to avoid traffic jams, return to the current toll road and return to the destination. A route calculation unit that calculates a required time of the return route to travel, a route time difference calculation unit that calculates a time difference between each route, a time difference threshold storage unit that stores a time difference threshold value in advance, the time difference threshold value, and between each route If the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, a guidance result output that outputs the return route as a guide route is compared. And means.

  The invention of claim 8 grasps the navigation device of claim 1 from the viewpoint of the method, and includes an input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, route search and map display Storage unit for preliminarily storing road map data, a detection unit for detecting the vehicle position, calculation of an optimum route from the vehicle position detected by the detection unit and destination information set through the input unit, and guidance guidance processing In the method for controlling a navigation device comprising a guidance processing unit for performing a display and a display unit for displaying road map data, the guidance processing unit is received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road A traffic information extraction step for extracting traffic information based on traffic information, a current route for traveling to a destination as it is on a traveling toll road based on the traffic information, and a current toll road A route calculation step that calculates the required time of the return route to get back to the current toll road and drive to the destination again, and a route to calculate the time difference between each route, avoiding traffic congestion by getting off and driving on other roads When the time difference calculating step, the time difference threshold value storing step for storing the time difference threshold value in advance, the time difference threshold value and the time difference between each route are compared, and the return route arrives at the destination earlier than the current route. In addition, when the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, a guidance result output step of outputting the return route as the guidance route is executed.

The invention of claim 15 is the one in which the invention of claim 1 or claim 8 is grasped from the viewpoint of a computer program, an input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, and a route search And a storage unit for preliminarily storing road map data for map display, a detection unit for detecting the vehicle position, and calculating the optimum route from the vehicle position detected by the detection unit and destination information set through the input unit In a control program for a navigation device comprising a guidance processing unit for performing guidance guidance processing and a display unit for displaying road map data,
The program includes a traffic information extracting process for extracting traffic information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road, and a toll road that is running based on the traffic information. The current route that travels to the destination as it is, and the time required for the return route to get back to the current toll road and travel to the destination again by getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road A route calculation process for calculating a time difference, a route time difference calculation process for calculating a time difference between each route, a time difference threshold storage process for storing a time difference threshold value in advance, the time difference threshold value, and a time difference between each route When the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, if the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold value, a guidance result output process for outputting the return route as a guide route , Characterized in that for the execution.

  In the above-described aspect, the user can set a time difference threshold value in advance. Therefore, when the time difference between the return route and the current route is larger than the time difference threshold value, that is, the return route is set as a threshold value than the current route. If the required time is shorter than the time difference, the return route can be automatically presented as the guide route. In other words, when the actual time difference is smaller than the set time difference threshold, the current route is presented as the guidance route, so return routes that do not have the required time desired by the user are automatically excluded from the guidance route. The Rukoto. Therefore, even when a sudden traffic jam occurs, it is not necessary for the user to select a guide route from a plurality of detour routes each time, so that the optimum guide route can be safely presented.

  In addition, it is a condition that the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route. This is because the time required for the return route to get off the toll road that is running and detour around the traffic jam and go back to the same toll road and continue traveling without avoiding the traffic jam on the toll road that is running If it is longer than the required time of the route, there is no point in searching for the return route, and the current route is naturally applied as the guide route. Therefore, when making a determination based on the time difference threshold, the condition is necessary. Means that. Therefore, under this condition, it is determined based on the time difference threshold whether or not the return route that detours the traffic and returns to the same toll road and travels again has the value as the optimum route.

  The invention of claim 2 is an input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, and a vehicle position detection. A detection unit that performs the calculation of the optimum route and the guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the detection unit and the destination information set through the input unit, and a display unit for displaying road map data , The guidance processing unit is based on the traffic jam information extracting means for extracting traffic jam information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road, based on the traffic jam information, The current route of traveling to the destination as it is on the toll road and the current toll road to get off the road to avoid traffic jams, return to the current toll road and return to the destination. A route calculation unit that calculates the required time for the return route to travel, a toll difference calculation means for calculating the toll for each route calculated, and a toll difference threshold value stored in advance. Comparing the toll difference threshold storage unit, the toll difference threshold and the toll difference between the routes, and when the toll on the return route is higher than the toll on the current route, the toll difference is the toll And a guidance result output means for outputting the return route as a guide route when the difference is lower than the difference threshold value.

  The invention of claim 9 grasps the navigation device of claim 2 from the viewpoint of the method, and includes an input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, route search and map display Storage unit for preliminarily storing road map data, a detection unit for detecting the vehicle position, calculation of an optimum route from the vehicle position detected by the detection unit and destination information set through the input unit, and guidance guidance processing In the method for controlling a navigation device comprising a guidance processing unit for performing a display and a display unit for displaying road map data, the guidance processing unit is received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road A traffic information extraction step for extracting traffic information based on traffic information, a current route for traveling to a destination as it is on a traveling toll road based on the traffic information, and a current toll road The route calculation step to calculate the required time of the return route to get back to the current toll road and drive to the destination again by getting off and driving on other roads, and the calculated toll for each route A charge difference calculating step for calculating and calculating a toll difference between routes, a charge difference threshold storing step for storing a threshold for a charge difference in advance, and comparing the charge difference threshold with a charge difference between the routes. When the toll on the return route is higher than the toll on the current route, if the toll difference is lower than the toll threshold, a guidance result output step for outputting the return route as a guide route, It is characterized by performing.

  In the above aspect, the user can set the charge difference threshold in advance, so that the charge difference between the return route and the current route is lower than the charge difference threshold, that is, the current route is more than the return route. When the charge is cheaper than the charge difference set as the threshold, an outgoing / return route with a high toll can be automatically presented as a guide route. In other words, when the return route is higher than the current route with a charge difference threshold or higher, the current route with a lower toll is presented as the guide route, and the return route that does not satisfy the user's fee requirements Will be excluded from the guide route.

  Therefore, since it is possible to make a comparison between the return route and the current route from the charge side, even if a return route with a higher charge than the current route is presented as a guide route, if it is determined based on the charge difference threshold Therefore, the optimum guide route that does not make the user feel expensive is presented. Further, even when a sudden traffic jam occurs, it is not necessary for the user to select an optimum guide route from a plurality of detour routes each time, so that the guide route can be presented safely.

  The return route is subject to a higher toll than the current route. For example, in a fixed-priced toll road, it is assumed that the toll is charged twice compared to the current route because the toll road once gets off the road to avoid traffic congestion and then returns to the toll road again. On the other hand, on toll roads that use a pay-as-you-go system instead of a fixed amount, when you get off the toll road and return to the same toll road again, you have to pay the initial cost again, so it is necessary that the toll is higher than the current route It is said.

  The invention of claim 3 is an input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, and a vehicle position detection. A detection unit that performs the calculation of the optimum route and the guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the detection unit and the destination information set through the input unit, and a display unit for displaying road map data , The guidance processing unit is based on the traffic jam information extracting means for extracting traffic jam information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road, based on the traffic jam information, The current route of traveling to the destination as it is on the toll road and the current toll road to get off the road to avoid traffic jams, return to the current toll road and return to the destination. A route calculation unit that calculates the required time of the return route that travels, a route time difference calculation unit that calculates a time difference between each route, a time difference threshold storage unit that previously stores a time difference threshold, and a calculated toll for each route And a toll difference calculating means for calculating a toll difference between routes, a toll difference threshold storage section for storing a toll difference threshold in advance, the time difference threshold and a time difference between each route , When the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, if the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, and comparing the charge difference threshold and the charge difference between each route, Guidance result output means for outputting the return route as a guide route when the toll of the return route is higher than the toll of the current route when the toll difference is lower than the toll difference threshold. And

  The invention of claim 10 grasps the invention of claim 3 from the viewpoint of the method, and receives an input from a user, a communication unit for acquiring traffic information, and for route search and map display A storage unit for preliminarily storing the road map data, a detection unit for detecting the vehicle position, a vehicle position detected by the detection unit and destination information set through the input unit, and calculation of an optimum route and guidance guidance processing In a method for controlling a navigation device comprising a guidance processing unit for performing and a display unit for displaying road map data, the guidance processing unit is a traffic received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road. A traffic information extraction step for extracting traffic information based on the information; a current route for traveling to the destination on the traveling toll road as it is based on the traffic congestion information; A route calculation step for calculating the required time of the return route to avoid the traffic congestion by traveling on the road and return to the current toll road to the destination again, and a route time difference calculation step for calculating the time difference between each route; A time difference threshold storage step for storing a time difference threshold value in advance; a toll difference calculating step for calculating a toll difference for each route calculated; and a toll difference calculating step for calculating a toll difference between each route; Comparing the charge difference threshold storage step, the time difference threshold, and the time difference between each route, when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold And when the toll of the return route is higher than the toll of the current route by comparing the toll difference threshold and the toll difference between the routes, the toll difference is greater than the toll difference threshold. And executes the guidance result output step of outputting a divorced woman route as the guidance route, the in case cheaper.

  In the above aspect, from the viewpoint of the required time difference between the return route and the current route and the difference in toll, the presence / absence of the application of the return route to the guide route is automatically determined based on the time difference threshold and the charge difference threshold preset by the user. Can be judged. Specifically, if the required time is shorter than the time difference threshold set for the return route than the current route, and if the charge is less than the set charge difference threshold for the current route than the return route, The return route can be presented as a guide route.

  In other words, it is possible to determine whether or not the return route is applied under conditions based on both time difference and toll difference thresholds, so if the return route is presented as a guide route, even if the toll is high, the route to the destination Since the arrival time is fast, efficient guidance is possible without feeling expensive. Further, since the route selection process is automatically performed, the guidance route can be safely guided without the distraction of the duty of caution during driving.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the navigation device according to the first or third aspect, wherein the route calculation unit is on a current toll road and reaches the destination without returning to the current toll road again. A time required for the route is calculated, and the route time difference calculation unit calculates a time difference between the current route, another route, and the return route, and the guidance result output means includes the return route and the current state. When the time difference between the route and the different route is compared with the time difference threshold, and when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route and the different route, the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold. Is characterized in that the return route is output as a guide route.

  The invention of claim 11 grasps the invention of claim 4 from the viewpoint of the method, and in the control method of the navigation device according to claim 8 or claim 10, the route calculation step includes a current charge. The time required for another route that reaches the destination without returning to the current toll road again is calculated, and the route time difference calculating step includes a time difference between the current route, another route, and the return route. The guidance result output step compares the time difference between the return route and the current route and the different route with the time difference threshold, and the return route is more than the current route and the different route. When reaching the destination early, if the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the fourth aspect, the time difference threshold storage unit includes a first threshold for the time difference between the current route and the return route, and a second for the time difference between the different route and the return route. And when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route and another route, the time difference between the return route and the current route is a first time difference. When the time difference threshold is larger and the time difference between the return route and the different route is larger than the second time difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route.

  The invention of claim 13 grasps the invention of claim 6 from the viewpoint of the method, and in the control method of the navigation device according to claim 11, the time difference threshold storage step includes the current route and the return. Storing a first threshold value for a time difference between routes and a second threshold value for a time difference between another route and the return route, wherein the guidance result output step is configured such that the return route is more than the current route and another route. When arriving at the destination as soon as possible, when the time difference between the return route and the current route is greater than a first time difference threshold value, and the time difference between the return route and the different route is greater than a second time difference threshold value. The output / return route is output as a guide route.

  In the above aspect, the route calculation unit calculates the time required for another route that reaches the destination without returning to the current toll road again on the current toll road. In the comparison and determination, in addition to the current route, another route can also be determined. Specifically, as the time difference threshold, the user can preset in advance a first threshold that is a time difference between the current route and the return route, and a second threshold that is a time difference between another route and the return route. When the actual time difference corresponding to the route is larger than the first and second thresholds, the return route with the shortest required time is automatically presented as the guide route.

  In other words, the required time for the return route needs to be shorter than the current route by the first threshold or more, and needs to be shorter than the second threshold than the other route. Therefore, when this condition is not satisfied, that is, when the current route is shorter than the first threshold and shorter than the second route by less than the second threshold, the return route is automatically excluded from the guide route, Of the different routes from the current route, a route with a short required time is applied as the guide route.

  On the other hand, if the required time for the return route is shorter than the current route by less than the first threshold and shorter than the second route by more than the second threshold, the current route is not satisfied because the first threshold condition is not satisfied. Is applied as a guide route. In addition, when the current route is shorter than the first threshold and shorter than the second threshold by less than the second threshold, the second threshold is not satisfied, and the different route is applied as the guide route. . That is, if the required time of the return route is shorter than the current route by a first threshold or more and shorter than the other route by a second threshold or more, the required time satisfying the user's request is obtained. The return route will be guided.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the navigation device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the route calculation unit is located on a current toll road and reaches the destination without returning to the current toll road again. A time required for a route is calculated, and the charge difference calculating means calculates a charge difference between the current route, another route, and a return route, and the guidance result output means includes the return route and the return route. When the toll difference between the current route and another route is compared with the toll difference threshold and the toll of the return route is higher than the toll of the current route and another route, the toll difference is the toll difference threshold. If it is cheaper, the return route is output as a guide route.

  The invention of claim 12 grasps the invention of claim 5 from the viewpoint of the method, and in the navigation device control method according to claim 9 or claim 10, the route calculation step includes a current paying method. The time required for another route that reaches the destination without returning to the current toll road again is calculated, and the charge difference calculating step includes a charge between the current route, the separate route, and the return route. The guidance result output step compares the charge difference between the return route, the current route and another route, and the charge difference threshold, and the toll of the return route is the current value. When the toll charge of the route and another route is higher than the toll difference threshold value, the return route is output as a guide route.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the navigation device according to the fourth aspect, the charge difference threshold storage unit includes a first threshold for a charge difference between the current route and the return route, and a charge difference between another route and the return route. And the guidance result output means when the toll for the return route is higher than the toll for the current route and another route, the charge for the return route and the current route. When the difference is lower than the first charge difference threshold and the charge difference between the return route and the different route is lower than the second charge difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route.

  The invention of claim 14 grasps the invention of claim 7 from the viewpoint of the method, and in the control method of the navigation device according to claim 11, the charge difference threshold value storing step includes a current route and a return route. A first threshold value for a charge difference between the second route and a second threshold value for a charge difference between another route and the return route, and the guide result output step determines that the toll fee of the return route is the current route. And when the toll of another route is higher, the toll difference between the return route and the current route is lower than the first toll difference threshold, and the toll difference between the return route and the different route is the second toll difference. When the price is lower than the threshold value, the return route is output as a guide route.

  In the above aspect, the route calculation unit calculates the time required for another route that reaches the destination without returning to the current toll road again, so the difference in toll difference from the return route is calculated. In comparison determination, in addition to the current route, another route can also be determined. Specifically, the user sets in advance a first threshold that is a charge difference between the current route and the return route and a second threshold that is a charge difference between another route and the return route as the charge difference threshold. Therefore, when the actual fee difference corresponding to the route is lower than the first and second threshold values, the return route is automatically presented as the guide route.

  That is, the toll for the current route needs to be lower than the first threshold value than the return route, and the toll for the other route needs to be lower than the second threshold value than the return route. Therefore, when this condition is not satisfied, that is, the toll for the current route is cheaper than the first threshold value than the return route, and the toll for another route is cheaper than the second threshold value than the return route. In this case, the return route is automatically excluded from the guide route, and gets off the toll road and goes directly to the destination. Therefore, another route with a lower charge than the current route is applied as the guide route.

  On the other hand, if the toll for the current route is cheaper than the first threshold value than the return route and the toll for another route is less than the second threshold value than the return route, the first threshold value Since the condition is not satisfied, the current route is applied as the guide route. In addition, when the toll on the current route is cheaper than the first threshold than the return route, and the toll on another route is cheaper than the second threshold than the return route, the second threshold value is set. Since the condition is not satisfied, another route is applied as the guide route. In other words, if the toll on the current route is cheaper than the first threshold than the return route and the toll on another route is cheaper than the second threshold than the return route, The return route will be guided at a toll fee with hope.

  As described above, according to the present invention, traffic jams and traffic stop information are extracted from traffic information received while traveling on toll roads, and set from the viewpoint of required time and toll when detouring or passing as it is. Based on the predetermined threshold value, the optimum route having the user's request can be automatically guided. As a result, it is possible to avoid extra expenses for tolls on toll roads, and it is not felt that the selection of the guide route is expensive. In addition, since a route that bypasses traffic or a current route is automatically calculated and guided, it is possible to provide a safe and comfortable guide route without being distracted.

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

[1. Constitution]
In this embodiment, a navigation device that guides a route to a destination (hereinafter referred to as “this device”) will be described. It can also be grasped as a control method and a control program. The configuration of this device is shown in FIG. Shown in

  Reference numeral 1 denotes an FM multiplex reception and processing unit for acquiring VICS information, and reference numeral 2 denotes a beacon reception and processing unit for acquiring VICS information. Reference numeral 3 denotes a main CPU (central processing unit) that controls the entire system and its peripheral circuits, and a guidance processing unit that performs information processing including control of each part of the apparatus. 4 is a dynamic RAM (DRAM) for loading the main program, 5 is a static RAM (SRAM) with battery backup for holding memory contents such as settings even when the main power is turned off, and 6 is for starting up etc. The ROM is accessed from the guidance processing unit 3. Here, the main memory M includes a DRAM 4, an SRAM 5, and a ROM 6.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a display unit for drawing and displaying information such as a map, and has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display panel. Reference numeral 8 denotes a video RAM (VRAM) provided for the display unit 7. 9 is an input unit that receives input of information and operation, and is a control device that detects input from a touch key or the like. However, the configuration and type of the input unit are free, in addition to operation switches around the display unit 7, A remote control unit, a touch sensor integrated with a display panel, or the like may be used alone or in combination. A user interface unit 10 connects the display unit 7 or the user input unit 9 and the guidance processing unit 3 using an I / O control circuit, a driver, or the like.

  11 is a TV reception and processing unit for receiving TV (various television broadcasts), and 12 is a vehicle information acquisition unit that detects operations and states such as illumination (lighting of instrument panels, etc.), vehicle speed pulses, and parking. It is.

  A storage device 13 is a road map data (typically, route search data or map display data), other search data or maps, using a drive such as an HDD, DVD-ROM, or CD-ROM. A storage unit for recording related data and the like.

  This road map data consists of two for route search and map display, and the route search data is composed of data (node, link information) necessary for route search. The link of the route search data has a common ID as a link ID and a road link for map display, and is associated with each other. On the other hand, the map display data includes detailed road shape information (shape point sequence), area shape information, and the like for display.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a positioning unit that obtains navigation information related to the behavior of the host vehicle such as the current position, direction, and speed by a positioning technique (for example, GPS, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, vehicle speed pulse). The positioning unit 14 corresponds to a detection unit that detects the vehicle position.

  Further, the guidance processing unit 3 includes the following processing means (31, 32,... Shown in FIG. 1) corresponding to functions and operations described later. It should be noted that navigation processing common to the past (for example, calculation of the current position, destination designation reception, guidance guidance output, etc.) is not an element unique to the present invention except for route search and guidance point output. The details are omitted.

  31 is a threshold value storage means for the user to set and store the time difference of the required time of the guide route and the toll difference as threshold values through the input unit 9 in advance. The threshold storage means includes a time difference threshold storage unit 31a and a charge difference threshold storage unit 31b.

  The time difference threshold storage unit 31a uses the required time difference between the current route and the return route as the first time difference threshold, sets the required time difference between the different route and the return route as the second time difference threshold, and sets the upper limit of the time difference set in an allowable range. Store it. The charge difference threshold storage unit 31b sets the charge difference between the current route and the return route as the first charge difference threshold, and sets the charge difference between the different route and the return route as the second fee difference threshold within an allowable range. Stores the upper limit of the charge difference.

  Reference numeral 32 denotes a VICS information receiving unit that receives VICS information that is traffic information through the FM multiplex reception and processing unit 1 or the beacon reception and processing unit 2. Reference numeral 33 denotes a traffic jam information detector that detects the presence or absence of traffic jam information from the VICS information received by the VICS information receiver 32. The VICS information receiving unit 32 and the traffic jam information detecting unit 33 correspond to traffic jam information extracting means.

  34, when the traffic jam information detection unit 33 detects traffic jam information due to the occurrence of a broken car, etc., in order to avoid traffic jams, a return route that once gets off the toll road and returns to the toll road to the destination, and running This is a route calculation unit that calculates the required time for another route heading to the destination and the current route traveling on the current toll road without getting off the toll road and returning to the toll road again. Reference numeral 35 denotes a route time difference calculation unit that calculates a required time difference between the current route and the return route and a required time difference between another route and the return route based on the required time of each route calculated by the route calculation unit. is there.

  Reference numeral 36 denotes a route fee calculation unit that calculates the toll of the current route, the return route, and the toll road of another route calculated by the route calculation unit 34. When traveling on a toll road with a flat fee, the current route and the route different from the current route are a fixed amount, and the return route has to pay twice the toll. Further, in the case of a toll road of the pay-per-use method, the current route is running on the toll road as it is, so the pay-as-you-go is charged, and the return route once gets off the toll road, so it is necessary to pay the initial cost again. In another route, in order to avoid traffic jams, the toll that is being traveled gets off the road and travels to the destination without returning to the toll road, so no charge is added from the point where it got off.

  37 is a charge difference calculation unit that calculates the charge difference between the current route and the return route and the charge difference between the separate route and the return route based on the toll of each route calculated by the route charge calculation unit 36. is there. The route charge calculation unit 36 and the charge difference calculation unit 37 correspond to a charge difference calculation unit.

  Reference numeral 38 denotes an application determination unit that determines which route among the routes calculated by the route calculation 34 reaches the destination earliest, that is, which route has the shortest required time. In addition to the time required for each route calculated by the route calculation unit 34, the application determination unit determines which route has the highest toll among the tolls for each route calculated by the route fee calculation unit 36. Also determine whether or not.

  39 compares the required time difference between the routes calculated by the route time difference calculating unit 35 and / or the fee difference between the routes calculated by the fee difference calculating unit and the threshold set by the threshold storage unit 31, This is a guidance result output means for outputting an appropriate guidance route. The guidance result output means 39 includes a comparison determination unit 39a, a guidance control unit 39b, and a display control unit 39c.

  The comparison determination unit 39a includes a required time difference between the current route and the return route calculated by the route time difference calculation unit 35, a required time difference between the different route and the return route, and the first and second time differences set by the time difference threshold storage unit 31a. The threshold value is compared, and it is determined whether or not the actually calculated time difference is larger than the first and second time difference threshold values. When each actually calculated time difference is larger than the first and second time difference thresholds, the return route is selected as the guide route.

  In addition, the comparison / determination unit 39a includes the charge difference between the current route and the return route calculated by the charge difference calculation unit 37, the charge difference between the different route and the return route, and the first and first values set by the charge difference threshold storage unit 31b. The second charge difference threshold is compared to determine whether the actual charge difference is lower than the first and second charge difference thresholds. When each actually calculated fee difference is cheaper than the first and second fee difference thresholds, the return route is selected as the guide route.

  The guidance control unit 39b guides the guidance route user selected by the comparison determination unit 39a by screen display or voice output, and the display control unit 39c outputs the guidance route to the display unit 7.

[2. First Embodiment]
[2.1. Processing procedure (1)]
Next, a processing procedure of the embodiment based on the required time difference between the return route and the current route and the first time difference threshold value set by the time difference threshold value storage unit 31a according to the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. . In the present embodiment, a case is considered in which a traffic jam due to an accident or the like occurs on the toll road ahead of the host vehicle.

  First, the user uses the time difference threshold value storage unit 31a of the threshold value storage means 31 through the input unit 9 in advance to travel the current toll road as it is to the destination, and to get off the toll road and once again toll the toll road. The upper limit of the time difference of the required time of the return route to return to the destination is set as a time difference threshold value (first time difference threshold value) (STEP 1).

  When the VICS information reception unit 32 receives the VICS information through the FM multiplex reception and processing unit 1 or the beacon reception and processing unit 2 while traveling on the toll road (STEP 2), the traffic jam information detection unit 33 receives the received VICS. Information on traffic jams due to falling objects or accidents is detected from the information (STEP 3).

  When the traffic jam information detection unit 33 detects traffic jam information (YES), the route calculation unit 34 takes the required time of the return route to avoid the traffic jam, and the required time of the current route that travels on the toll road without avoiding the traffic jam. Is calculated (STEP 4). If the traffic information is not detected by the traffic information detector 33 (NO), the traffic information is extracted when the VICS information is received again.

  Then, the application determination unit 38 determines whether or not the return route calculated by the route calculation unit 34 reaches the destination earlier than the current route (STEP 5). When the current route is earlier than the return route (NO), the current route with a short required time is applied as a guide route without detouring.

  On the other hand, when the return route arrives earlier than the current route (YES), the time difference between the required times of the return route and the current route is calculated by the route time difference calculation unit 35 (STEP 6). Then, the comparison determination unit 39a determines whether or not the calculated required time difference is larger than the time difference threshold value between the current route and the return route set in the time difference threshold value storage unit 31a (STEP 7).

  If the comparison / determination unit 39a determines that the actual time difference is greater than the time difference threshold (YES), a return route with a short required time is applied as a guidance route (STEP 8). On the other hand, when it is determined that the actual time difference is smaller than the time difference threshold (NO), the return route that does not have the required time difference desired by the user is excluded from the guide route, and the current route is applied as the guide route. (STEP 9).

  The guidance control unit 39b guides the guide route applied by the comparison determination unit 39a to the user by screen display or voice output, and the display control unit 39c outputs the guidance route to the display unit 7.

[2.2. Processing procedure (2)]
Next, the processing procedure of the embodiment based on the charge difference between the return route and the current route and the first charge difference threshold set by the charge difference threshold storage unit 31b will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, similarly to the above, a case is considered in which a traffic jam due to an accident or the like occurs on the toll road in front of the own vehicle.

  First, the user uses the toll difference threshold storage unit 31b of the threshold storage unit 31 in advance through the input unit 9 to pay the toll for the current route for traveling to the destination as it is on the traveling toll road, and once to get off the toll road and pay the fee again. The upper limit of the toll difference of the toll for the return route to the destination after returning to the road is set as the toll difference threshold (first toll difference threshold) (STEP 1).

  When the VICS information reception unit 32 receives the VICS information through the FM multiplex reception and processing unit 1 or the beacon reception and processing unit 2 while traveling on the toll road (STEP 2), the traffic jam information detection unit 33 receives the received VICS. Information on traffic jams due to falling objects or accidents is detected from the information (STEP 3).

  When the traffic jam information detection unit 33 detects traffic jam information (YES), the route calculation unit 34 takes the required time for the return route that avoids the traffic jam site and the required time for the current route that travels on the toll road without avoiding the traffic jam. Are calculated (STEP 4). If the traffic information is not detected by the traffic information detector 33 (NO), the traffic information is extracted when the VICS information is received again.

  Next, the route fee calculation unit 36 calculates the toll for the return route and the current route calculated by the route calculation unit 34 (STEP 5). Here, the application determining unit 38 determines whether or not the toll for the return route calculated by the route fee calculating unit 36 is higher than the toll for the current route (STEP 6). If the current route charge is higher than the return route (NO), a return route with a low toll is applied as a guide route, although detouring is performed.

  On the other hand, if the return route has a higher toll than the current route (YES), the charge difference calculation unit 37 calculates the charge difference between the return route and the current route (STEP 7). Then, the comparison / determination unit 39a determines whether or not the calculated fee difference is lower than the fee difference threshold value of the current route and the return route set by the fee difference threshold value storage unit 31b (STEP 8).

  When the comparison / determination unit 39a determines that the actual toll difference is lower than the toll difference threshold value (YES), the return route that is higher in the toll than the current route but is not expensive is applied as the guide route (STEP 9). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that the actual charge difference is higher than the charge difference threshold (NO), the return route that does not have the charge difference desired by the user is excluded from the guide route, and the current route with a low toll Is applied as a guide route (STEP 10).

  The guidance control unit 39b guides the guide route applied by the comparison determination unit 39a to the user by screen display or voice output, and the display control unit 39c outputs the guidance route to the display unit 7.

[2.3. Processing procedure (3)]
Next, based on the required time difference between the return route and the current route, the first time difference threshold set by the charge difference and time difference threshold storage unit 31a, and the first fee difference threshold set by the fee difference threshold storage unit 31b The processing procedure of the embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. As in the above case, consider a case in which a traffic jam occurs on the toll road in front of the host vehicle due to an accident.

  First, the user uses the time difference threshold value storage unit 31a of the threshold value storage means 31 through the input unit 9 in advance to travel the current toll road as it is to the destination, and to get off the toll road and once again toll the toll road. The upper limit of the time difference of the required time of the return route to return to the destination is set as a time difference threshold (first time difference threshold). In addition, the toll difference threshold storage unit 31b sets the upper limit of the toll difference between the toll on the current route and the toll on the return route as a toll difference threshold (first toll difference threshold) (STEP 1).

  When the VICS information reception unit 32 receives the VICS information through the FM multiplex reception and processing unit 1 or the beacon reception and processing unit 2 while traveling on the toll road (STEP 2), the traffic jam information detection unit 33 receives the received VICS. Information on traffic jams due to falling objects or accidents is detected from the information (STEP 3).

  When the traffic jam information detection unit 33 detects traffic jam information (YES), the route calculation unit 34 takes the required time for the return route that avoids the traffic jam site and the required time for the current route that travels on the toll road without avoiding the traffic jam. Are calculated (STEP 4). If the traffic information is not detected by the traffic information detector 33 (NO), the traffic information is extracted when the VICS information is received again.

  Then, the application determination unit 38 determines whether or not the outgoing / return route calculated by the route calculation unit 34 reaches the destination earlier than the current route (STEP 5). When the current route is earlier than the return route (NO), the current route with a short required time is applied as a guide route without detouring. On the other hand, when the return route arrives earlier than the current route (YES), the time difference between the required times of the return route and the current route is calculated by the route time difference calculation unit 35 (STEP 6).

  In addition, the toll for the return route and the current route calculated by the route calculator 34 is calculated by the route fee calculator 36 (STEP 7). Here, the application determining unit 38 determines whether the toll for the return route calculated by the route fee calculating unit 36 is higher than the toll for the current route (STEP 8).

  If the current route charge is higher than the return route (NO), a return route with a low toll is applied as a guide route, although detouring is performed. On the other hand, when the toll is higher in the return route than in the current route (YES), the charge difference calculation unit 37 calculates the charge difference between the return route and the current route (STEP 9).

  Then, the comparison determination unit 39a determines whether or not the required time difference between the return route and the current route calculated in STEP 6 is larger than the time difference threshold value between the current route and the return route set in the time difference threshold storage unit 31a (STEP 10). .

When the comparison determination unit 39a determines that the actual time difference is smaller than the time difference threshold (NO), the return route that does not have the required time difference desired by the user is excluded from the guide route, and the current route becomes the guide route. As applied.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the actual time difference is larger than the time difference threshold (YES), the charge difference between the return route calculated in STEP 9 and the current route is the current route set in the charge difference threshold storage unit 31b. It is judged by the comparison judgment part 39a whether it is cheaper than the charge difference threshold value of the return route (STEP 11).

  If this comparison / determination unit 39a determines that the actual toll difference is lower than the toll difference threshold (YES), the return route with the toll is higher than the current route but the required time is short and not expensive is applied as the guide route. (STEP 12). On the other hand, when it is determined that the actual charge difference is higher than the charge difference threshold (NO), the return route that does not have the charge difference desired by the user is excluded from the guide route, and the current route with a low toll Is applied as a guide route (STEP 13).

  The guidance control unit 39b guides the guide route applied by the comparison determination unit 39a to the user by screen display or voice output, and the display control unit 39c outputs the guidance route to the display unit 7.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, traffic jams and road closures are detected from VICS information received while traveling on toll roads, and are set from the viewpoint of required time and toll when detouring or passing as it is. Based on the predetermined threshold value, the optimum route having the user's request can be automatically guided. As a result, it is possible to avoid extra costs for tolls on toll roads, and it is not felt that the selection of the guide route is expensive. In addition, since a route that bypasses traffic or a current route is automatically calculated and guided, it is possible to provide a safe and comfortable guide route without being distracted.

[3. Other Embodiments]
[3.1. Second Embodiment]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and not only the required time difference between the return route and the current route, but also the required time difference between the return route and another route calculated by the route calculation unit 34, and a time difference threshold storage unit. The following other embodiments based on the first and second time difference threshold values set in 31a are also included (FIG. 5).

  First, the user uses the time difference threshold storage unit 31a of the threshold storage means 31 in advance through the input unit 9 to set the required time difference between the current route and the return route as the first time difference threshold, and the required time difference between the different route and the return route as the second time difference. As the threshold value, an upper limit of the time difference is set within an allowable range (STEP 1).

  When the VICS information reception unit 32 receives the VICS information through the FM multiplex reception and processing unit 1 or the beacon reception and processing unit 2 while traveling on the toll road (STEP 2), the traffic jam information detection unit 33 receives the received VICS. Information on traffic jams due to falling objects or accidents is detected from the information (STEP 3).

  When the traffic jam information detection unit 33 detects traffic jam information (YES), the route calculation unit 34 travels on a toll road as it is without avoiding traffic jams, as well as the required time for a return route and another route that avoids the traffic jam site. The required time is calculated (STEP 4). If the traffic information is not detected by the traffic information detector 33 (NO), the traffic information is extracted when the VICS information is received again.

  Then, the application determination unit 38 determines whether or not the return route calculated by the route calculation unit 34 reaches the destination earlier than the current route or another route (STEP 5). If the current route is earlier than another route or return route, this current route with the shortest required time to the destination is applied as the guide route (STEP 6). If the other route is earlier than the current route or the return route, this other route having the shortest required time is applied as the guide route (STEP 7).

  On the other hand, when the return route arrives earlier than the current route and another route, the required time difference between the return route and the current route and the required time difference between the return route and the different route are calculated by the route time difference calculation unit 35. (STEP 8). Then, the comparison determination unit 39a has a required time difference between the calculated return route and the current route larger than the first time difference threshold set in the time difference threshold storage unit 31a, and the required difference between the calculated return route and another route. It is determined whether or not the time difference is larger than a second time difference threshold value (STEP 9).

  When the comparison determination unit 39a determines that the required time difference between the return route and the current route is larger than the first time difference threshold value, and the required time difference between the return route and the different route is larger than the second time difference threshold value. In this case, an exit / return route that takes a detour but takes a short time is applied as a guide route (STEP 10).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the required time difference between the return route and the current route is smaller than the first time difference threshold, and the required time difference between the return route and another route is smaller than the second time difference threshold, The departure / return route that does not have the desired time difference is excluded from the guide route, and it is determined which of the current route and another route will reach the destination earlier (STEP 11). If the current route is earlier than the other route, the current route having a shorter required time is applied as the guide route (STEP 12). If the other route is earlier than the current route, the other route is used as the guide route. Applied (STEP 13).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in STEP 9 that the required time difference between the return route and the current route is smaller than the first time difference threshold value, or the required time difference between the return route and another route is smaller than the second time difference threshold value, Of the time difference thresholds 1 and 2, it is determined which time difference threshold value is smaller (STEP 14).

  When the required time difference between the return route and the current route is smaller than the first time difference threshold, the return route that does not have the required time difference desired by the user is excluded from the guide route, and the current route is applied as the guide route (STEP 15). ). On the other hand, when the required time difference between the return route and the different route is smaller than the second time difference threshold, the return route is excluded from the guide route, and the different route is applied as the guide route (STEP 16). The guidance control unit 39b guides the guide route applied by the comparison determination unit 39a to the user by screen display or voice output, and the display control unit 39c outputs the guidance route to the display unit 7.

[3.2. Third Embodiment]
In the present invention, not only the charge difference between the return route and the current route, but also the charge difference between the return route and another route calculated by the route calculation unit 34, and the first and second values set in the charge difference threshold storage unit 31b. The following embodiment based on the charge difference threshold is also included (FIG. 6).

  First, the user uses the charge difference threshold storage unit 31b of the threshold storage unit 31 through the input unit 9 in advance as the charge difference between the current route and the return route as the first charge difference threshold, and sets the charge difference between the different route and the return route as the second difference. As the charge difference threshold, an upper limit of charge difference is set within an allowable range (STEP 1).

  When the VICS information reception unit 32 receives the VICS information through the FM multiplex reception and processing unit 1 or the beacon reception and processing unit 2 while traveling on the toll road (STEP 2), the traffic jam information detection unit 33 receives the received VICS. Information on traffic jams due to falling objects or accidents is detected from the information (STEP 3).

  When the traffic jam information detection unit 33 detects traffic jam information (YES), the route calculation unit 34 travels on a toll road as it is without avoiding traffic jams, as well as the required time for a return route and another route that avoids the traffic jam site. The required time is calculated (STEP 4). If the traffic information is not detected by the traffic information detector 33 (NO), the traffic information is extracted when the VICS information is received again.

  Then, the route fee calculation unit 36 calculates the toll for different routes from the return route calculated by the route calculation unit 34 and the current route (STEP 5). Based on the calculated toll for each route, the toll difference between the return route and the current route, and the toll difference between the return route and another route are calculated by the toll difference calculation unit 37 (STEP 6).

  Here, the application determination unit 38 determines whether the toll for the return route calculated by the route fee calculation unit 36 is higher than the toll for the current route or another route (STEP 7). When the toll charge is higher for the current route than for the different route or the return route, the calculated difference between the different route and the return route is compared with the second threshold value (STEP 8), and the charge difference is lower than the threshold value The return route is applied as a guide route (STEP 9). If the return route is higher than the threshold, the return route is excluded from the guide route and another route is applied as the guide route (STEP 10).

  When the toll charge is higher for the other route than for the current route and the return route, the calculated difference between the current route and the return route is compared with the first charge difference threshold (STEP 11), and the charge difference is lower than the threshold The return route is applied as a guide route (STEP 12), and if it is higher than the threshold, the return route is excluded from the guide route and the current route is applied as the guide route (STEP 13).

  On the other hand, when the return route has a higher toll than the current route or another route, the comparison / determination unit 39a determines that the charge difference between the return route calculated by the charge difference calculation unit 37 and the current route is the charge difference threshold storage unit 31b. It is determined whether or not the calculated charge difference between the return route and the different route is greater than the second charge difference threshold value (STEP 14). When the comparison determination unit 39a determines that the required time difference between the return route and the current route is larger than the first charge difference threshold, and the required time difference between the return route and the different route is larger than the second charge difference threshold. If it is determined, a return route with a short time required for detouring is applied as the guide route (STEP 15).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the charge difference between the return route and the current route is higher than the first charge difference threshold, and the charge difference between the return route and another route is higher than the second charge difference threshold. In order to get off the toll road that is running and go to the destination without including the toll road, another route that is cheaper than the current route is applied as the guide route (STEP 16). On the other hand, when it is determined in STEP 14 that the charge difference between the return route and the current route is higher than the first charge difference threshold, or the charge difference between the return route and another route is higher than the second charge difference threshold. Then, it is determined which one of the first and second charge difference thresholds has the higher charge difference calculated (STEP 17).

  When the charge difference between the return route and the current route is higher than the first charge difference threshold, the return route that does not have the charge difference desired by the user is excluded from the guide route, and the current route is applied as the guide route ( (STEP 18). On the other hand, when the charge difference between the return route and the different route is higher than the second charge difference threshold, the return route is excluded from the guide route, and the different route is applied as the guide route (STEP 19). The guidance control unit 39b guides the guide route applied by the comparison determination unit 39a to the user by screen display or voice output, and the display control unit 39c outputs the guidance route to the display unit 7.

[3.3. Exclusion form of return route]
Here, in the toll road when the toll is a flat fee, the toll is doubled based on the toll difference between the return route and the current route and the first toll difference threshold set by the toll difference threshold storage unit 31b. A specific embodiment in the case of excluding the charged return route from the guide route will be described. It is assumed that the fixed toll is 700 yen and the user sets 500 yen as the first toll difference threshold. This processing procedure is based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 described above.

  First, the user uses the toll difference threshold storage unit 31b of the threshold storage unit 31 through the input unit 9 in advance to pay the toll for the current route traveling on the traveling toll road as it is to the destination, and once to get off the toll road and pay the fee again. The upper limit of the toll difference of the toll on the return route to the destination after returning to the road is set to 500 yen and set as a toll difference threshold (first toll difference threshold). (STEP 1).

  When the VICS information reception unit 32 receives the VICS information through the FM multiplex reception and processing unit 1 or the beacon reception and processing unit 2 while traveling on the toll road (STEP 2), the traffic jam information detection unit 33 receives the received VICS. Information on traffic jams due to falling objects or accidents is detected from the information (STEP 3).

  When the traffic jam information detection unit 33 detects traffic jam information (YES), the route calculation unit 34 takes the required time for the return route that avoids the traffic jam site and the required time for the current route that travels on the toll road without avoiding the traffic jam. Are calculated (STEP 4). If the traffic information is not detected by the traffic information detector 33 (NO), the traffic information is extracted when the VICS information is received again.

  Next, the route fee calculation unit 36 calculates the toll for the return route and the current route calculated by the route calculation unit 34 (STEP 5). The calculated toll is 1400 yen (700 yen x 2) for the return route and 700 yen for the current route. Then, the application determination unit 38 determines whether the toll for the return route calculated by the route fee calculation unit 36 is higher than the toll for the current route (STEP 6).

  As a result, since the toll route has a higher toll than the current route (YES), the toll difference between the return route and the current route is calculated as 700 yen (1400 yen-700 yen) by the toll difference calculation unit 37. (STEP7). Then, the comparison / determination unit 39a determines whether or not the calculated fee difference is lower than the fee difference threshold value of the current route and the return route set by the fee difference threshold value storage unit 31b (STEP 8).

  Actually, the comparison / determination unit 39a determines that the calculated charge difference of 700 yen is higher than the charge difference threshold of 500 yen (NO), so the return route that does not have the charge difference desired by the user is excluded from the guide route. Thus, the current route with a low toll is applied as the guide route (STEP 10).

  As described above, on the toll roads with fixed tolls, it is possible to exclude the return routes that are charged twice for the tolls from the guide route by setting a toll threshold that is lower than the fixed tolls in advance. It becomes.

Functional block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention Flow chart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention (required time) Flowchart (fee) showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention Flow chart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention (required time + charge) Flow chart (time required) showing the operation of another embodiment of the present invention Flow chart (fee) showing the operation of another embodiment of the present invention Image showing conventional technology

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... FM multiplex reception and processing part 2 ... Beacon reception and processing part 3 ... Processing part (Main CPU and its peripheral circuit)
30 ... Navigation unit 31 ... Threshold storage means 31a ... Time difference threshold storage unit 31b ... Charge difference threshold storage unit 32 ... VICS information reception unit 33 ... Traffic jam information detection unit 34 ... Route calculation unit 35 ... Route time difference calculation unit 36 ... Route fee calculation Unit 37 ... charge difference calculation unit 38 ... application determination unit 39 ... guidance result output means 39a ... comparison judgment unit 39b ... guidance control unit 39c ... display control unit 4 ... dynamic RAM (DRAM)
5. Static RAM (SRAM)
6 ... ROM
7 ... Display 8 ... Video RAM (VRAM)
9. Input unit (touch key control device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... User interface part 11 ... TV reception and processing part 12 ... Vehicle information acquisition part 13 ... Storage device 14 of road map data / search data and map related data ... Positioning part M ... Main memory

Claims (15)

An input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, a detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle, and the detection A navigation apparatus comprising: a guidance processing unit for calculating an optimum route and a guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the unit and destination information set through the input unit; and a display unit for displaying road map data In
The guidance processing unit
Traffic information extracting means for extracting traffic information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road;
Based on the traffic jam information, avoid the traffic jam by driving the current toll road as it is to the destination and getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road, and return to the current toll road again. A route calculation unit that calculates the required time of the return route that travels to the destination,
A route time difference calculator for calculating a time difference between each route;
A time difference threshold storage unit for storing a time difference threshold in advance;
The time difference threshold is compared with the time difference between each route, and when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, if the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, the return route is A navigation result output means for outputting as a guide route. An input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, a detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle, and the detection A navigation apparatus comprising: a guidance processing unit for calculating an optimum route and a guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the unit and destination information set through the input unit; and a display unit for displaying road map data In
The guidance processing unit
Traffic information extracting means for extracting traffic information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road;
Based on the traffic jam information, avoid the traffic jam by driving the current toll road as it is to the destination and getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road, and return to the current toll road again. A route calculation unit that calculates the required time of the return route that travels to the destination,
Toll difference calculation means for calculating the toll for each route calculated and calculating the toll difference between each route;
A charge difference threshold storage unit for storing a charge difference threshold in advance;
If the toll difference between each route is compared with the toll difference between the routes and the toll for the return route is higher than the toll for the current route, and if the toll difference is lower than the toll difference threshold A navigation result output means for outputting the return route as a guide route. An input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, a detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle, and the detection A navigation apparatus comprising: a guidance processing unit for calculating an optimum route and a guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the unit and destination information set through the input unit; and a display unit for displaying road map data In
The guidance processing unit
Traffic information extracting means for extracting traffic information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road;
Based on the traffic jam information, avoid the traffic jam by driving the current toll road as it is to the destination and getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road, and return to the current toll road again. A route calculation unit that calculates the required time of the return route that travels to the destination,
A route time difference calculation unit for calculating a time difference between each route;
A time difference threshold storage unit for storing a time difference threshold in advance;
Toll difference calculation means for calculating the toll for each route calculated and calculating the toll difference between each route;
A charge difference threshold storage unit for storing a charge difference threshold in advance;
The time difference threshold is compared with the time difference between each route, and when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, and the charge difference Comparing the threshold value and the toll difference between each route, and when the toll for the return route is higher than the toll for the current route, guide the return route if the toll difference is lower than the toll difference threshold A navigation result output means for outputting the route as a route. The route calculation unit calculates the time required for another route that reaches the destination without going back to the current toll road again on the current toll road,
The route time difference calculation unit calculates a time difference between the current route, another route, and a return route;
When the guidance result output means compares the time difference between the return route and the current route and the different route with the time difference threshold, and the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route and the different route. The navigation device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein when the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route. The route calculation unit calculates the time required for another route that reaches the destination without going back to the current toll road again on the current toll road,
The charge difference calculating means calculates a charge difference between the current route, another route and a return route;
The guidance result output means compares the charge difference between the return route and the current route and another route and the charge difference threshold, and the toll for the return route is more than the toll for the current route and the other route. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the price is high, if the charge difference is lower than the charge difference threshold value, the return route is output as a guide route. The time difference threshold storage unit stores a first threshold for a time difference between the current route and the return route, and a second threshold for a time difference between another route and the return route,
When the guidance result output means reaches the destination earlier than the current route and another route, the time difference between the current route and the current route is larger than a first time difference threshold, and the guidance result output means The navigation device according to claim 4, wherein when the time difference between the route and the different route is larger than a second time difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route. The charge difference threshold storage unit stores a first threshold for a charge difference between the current route and the return route, and a second threshold for a charge difference between another route and the return route;
The guidance result output means, when the toll of the return route is higher than the toll of the current route and another route, the toll difference between the return route and the current route is lower than the first toll threshold, and 6. The navigation device according to claim 5, wherein when the charge difference between the return route and the different route is lower than the second charge difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route. An input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, a detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle, and the detection Of a navigation device comprising: a guidance processing unit for calculating an optimum route and a guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the unit and destination information set through the input unit; and a display unit for displaying road map data In the control method,
The guidance processing unit
A traffic jam information extracting step for extracting traffic jam information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road;
Based on the traffic jam information, avoid the traffic jam by driving the current toll road as it is to the destination and getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road, and return to the current toll road again. A route calculation step for calculating the required time of the return route that travels to the destination,
A route time difference calculating step for calculating a time difference between each route;
A time difference threshold storing step for storing a time difference threshold in advance;
The time difference threshold is compared with the time difference between each route, and when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, if the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, the return route is A navigation apparatus control method, comprising: executing a guidance result output step of outputting as a guidance route. An input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, a detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle, and the detection Of a navigation device comprising: a guidance processing unit for calculating an optimum route and a guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the unit and destination information set through the input unit; and a display unit for displaying road map data In the control method,
The guidance processing unit
A traffic jam information extracting step for extracting traffic jam information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road;
Based on the traffic jam information, avoid the traffic jam by driving the current toll road as it is to the destination and getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road, and return to the current toll road again. A route calculation step for calculating the required time of the return route that travels to the destination,
A toll difference calculating step for calculating a toll for each route calculated and calculating a toll difference between each route;
A charge difference threshold storage step for storing a charge difference threshold in advance;
If the toll difference between each route is compared with the toll difference between the routes and the toll for the return route is higher than the toll for the current route, and if the toll difference is lower than the toll difference threshold And a guidance result output step of outputting the return route as a guide route. An input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, a detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle, and the detection Of a navigation device comprising: a guidance processing unit for calculating an optimum route and a guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the unit and destination information set through the input unit; and a display unit for displaying road map data In the control method,
The guidance processing unit
A traffic jam information extracting step for extracting traffic jam information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road;
Based on the traffic jam information, avoid the traffic jam by driving the current toll road as it is to the destination and getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road, and return to the current toll road again. A route calculation step for calculating the required time of the return route that travels to the destination,
A route time difference calculating step for calculating a time difference between each route;
A time difference threshold storing step for storing a time difference threshold in advance;
A toll difference calculating step for calculating a toll for each route calculated and calculating a toll difference between each route;
A charge difference threshold storage step for storing a charge difference threshold in advance;
The time difference threshold is compared with the time difference between each route, and when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, and the charge difference Comparing the threshold value and the toll difference between each route, and when the toll for the return route is higher than the toll for the current route, guide the return route if the toll difference is lower than the toll difference threshold And a guidance result output step for outputting the route as a route. The route calculation step calculates the time required for another route that reaches the destination without going back to the current toll road again on the current toll road,
The route time difference calculating step calculates a time difference between the current route, another route, and a return route,
When the guidance result output step compares the time difference between the return route, the current route and the different route, and the time difference threshold, and the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route and the different route. 11. The navigation device control method according to claim 8, wherein when the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route. The route calculation step calculates the time required for another route that reaches the destination without going back to the current toll road again on the current toll road,
The charge difference calculating step calculates a charge difference between the current route, another route, and a return route;
The guidance result output step compares the charge difference between the return route, the current route and another route, and the charge difference threshold, and the toll for the return route is more than the toll for the current route and another route. The method for controlling a navigation device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the price is high, if the charge difference is lower than the charge difference threshold value, the return route is output as a guide route. The time difference threshold storage step stores a first threshold for a time difference between the current route and the return route, and a second threshold for a time difference between another route and the return route,
In the guidance result output step, when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route and another route, the time difference between the return route and the current route is greater than a first time difference threshold, and the return route The method of controlling a navigation device according to claim 11, wherein when the time difference between the route and the different route is larger than a second time difference threshold, the return route is output as the guide route. The charge difference threshold storage step stores a first threshold for a charge difference between the current route and the return route, and a second threshold for a charge difference between another route and the return route,
In the guidance result output step, when the toll of the return route is higher than the toll of the current route and another route, the toll difference between the return route and the current route is lower than the first toll difference threshold, and The method of controlling a navigation device according to claim 12, wherein when the charge difference between the return route and the different route is lower than the second charge difference threshold, the return route is output as a guide route. An input unit that receives input from a user, a communication unit that acquires traffic information, a storage unit that prestores road map data for route search and map display, a detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle, and the detection Of a navigation device comprising: a guidance processing unit for calculating an optimum route and a guidance guidance process from the vehicle position detected by the unit and destination information set through the input unit; and a display unit for displaying road map data In the control program,
This program is stored in the guidance processor.
Traffic information extraction processing for extracting traffic information based on traffic information received by the communication unit while the vehicle is traveling on a toll road;
Based on the traffic jam information, avoid the traffic jam by driving the current toll road as it is to the destination and getting off the current toll road and traveling on another road, and return to the current toll road again. Route calculation processing to calculate the required time of the return route traveling to the destination,
A route time difference calculation process for calculating a time difference between each route;
A time difference threshold storing process for storing a time difference threshold in advance;
The time difference threshold is compared with the time difference between each route, and when the return route reaches the destination earlier than the current route, if the time difference is larger than the time difference threshold, the return route is A navigation apparatus control program for executing a guidance result output process for outputting a guidance route.

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