JP2009103524A - Navigation device, navigation method, navigation program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To guide a route to an optimum meeting spot, according to the conditions of the traffic and of the present location. <P>SOLUTION: This navigation device 100 includes an input part 110, an acquisition part 120, a search part 130 and a guide part 140. The search part 130 includes a time difference calculation part 131, and a new target spot detection part 132. The input part 110 inputs the target spot, where a plurality of moving bodies join. The acquisition part 120 acquires information on each position information and a traffic state. The search part 130 searches for a route to the target spot, based on the inputted target spot and the acquired information on each position information and the traffic state. The guide part 140 performs route guide, based on the route searched for. The time difference calculating part 131 calculates the time difference of a scheduled time for reaching the target spot, based on each searched-for route to the target spot. The new target spot detecting part 132 detects a new target spot, corresponding to the time difference calculated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device, a navigation method, a navigation program, and a computer-readable recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, there is a navigation device that is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle and guides a route from the current point of the moving body to the destination point by a user setting a desired point as the destination point. Conventionally, for example, there is a mobile object waiting support system in which a waiting point is set according to the current point of each moving object in a plurality of moving objects, and guidance to the waiting point is performed (for example, Patent Document 1 below) reference.).

JP 2005-227168 A

  However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the meeting point is set only according to the current position of each mobile object, factors other than the distance to the meeting point are not considered, and the optimum meeting point is considered. As an example, there is a problem that there is a case where the setting is not made.

  For example, it is assumed that the moving body A and the moving body B are heading to the meeting point C. At this time, although the moving body A is closer to the meeting point C than the moving body B, it may be involved in a traffic jam and arrive later than the moving body B. In such a case, the mobile body B that arrives at the meeting point C first waits until the mobile body A arrives.

  In such a case, when the mobile unit B arrives at the meeting point C first, there is a method of resetting a new waiting point again according to the current point of the mobile unit A. In the case of a considerable delay, the meeting point is changed several times, and the mobile unit B has to go to a new meeting point each time, which is troublesome.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the navigation device according to claim 1 is a navigation device that guides a route from each current point of a plurality of moving bodies to a predetermined same point, An input means for inputting a destination point where a plurality of mobile bodies meet, an acquisition means for acquiring information on each of the positional information and traffic conditions of the plurality of mobile bodies, a destination point input by the input means; Search means for searching for each route to the destination point based on position information and traffic status information of each of the plurality of moving objects acquired by the acquisition means, and searched by the search means Guidance means for performing route guidance based on the route, and the search means includes each route to the searched destination point. Based on the time difference calculating means for calculating the time difference between the scheduled times of arrival of the plurality of mobile objects at the destination point, and a new destination point (hereinafter referred to as “new destination point”) according to the time difference calculated by the time difference calculating means. And a new destination point detecting means for detecting a destination point).

  The navigation method according to claim 9 is a navigation method for guiding a route from a current point of each of a plurality of moving bodies to a predetermined same point, and inputting a destination point where the plurality of moving bodies meet. Input step, an acquisition step for acquiring position information of each of the plurality of moving bodies, and information on traffic conditions, a destination point input by the input step, and the plurality of movements acquired by the acquisition step A search step for searching for each route to the destination point based on each position information of the body and information on traffic conditions, and a guidance step for performing route guidance based on the route searched by the search step And the search step includes, based on each route to the searched destination point, the plurality of moving bodies. A time difference calculating step for calculating a time difference between the scheduled times of arrival at the target point, and a new destination point for detecting a new destination point (hereinafter referred to as “new destination point”) according to the time difference calculated by the time difference calculating step. And a detection step.

  A navigation program according to a tenth aspect causes a computer to execute the navigation method according to the ninth aspect.

  A computer-readable recording medium according to an eleventh aspect records the navigation program according to the tenth aspect.

  Exemplary embodiments of a navigation device, a navigation method, a navigation program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Functional configuration of navigation device)
First, the functional configuration of the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an input unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a search unit 130, and a guidance unit 140.

  The input unit 110 has a function of inputting a destination point where a plurality of moving bodies meet. The input unit 110 includes, for example, a reception unit (not shown), and inputs a destination point by receiving a user operation by the reception unit. The destination point is input by specifying one point on the map information by, for example, the name, address, or telephone number of the point. The input unit 110 is realized, for example, by inputting data corresponding to a key selected by a user of an input device such as a keyboard into the apparatus.

  The acquisition unit 120 has a function of acquiring position information of each of the plurality of moving objects and information related to traffic conditions. Here, the position information is information representing the current location of the mobile object. Here, the information on the traffic situation is, for example, information on the traffic situation or the driving situation of public transportation. Specifically, for example, information on the driving status of public transportation includes the delay status of public transportation such as trains and local buses such as “△△ line, XX station to XX station 10 minutes delay”, etc. It contains information. Further, the acquisition unit 120 may include an extraction unit 121, and the extraction unit 121 may be configured to extract only a traffic jam situation or a driving situation of public transportation on each route to the destination point.

  The acquisition unit 120 is realized by, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit and a receiving unit (not shown), although a detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique. Here, the receiving unit is connected to a network such as the Internet, for example, and has a function of inputting data received via the network into the apparatus.

  The search unit 130 has a function of searching each route from the current point to the destination point of a plurality of mobile objects from the destination point input by the input unit 110 and the information on the traffic situation acquired by the acquisition unit 120. . The search unit 130 searches for a route to the destination using, for example, the Dijkstra method, although detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique. In the Dijkstra method, not only the shortest route from the current point to the destination point but also the shortest route to all other points can be obtained.

  In addition, the search unit 130 includes a time difference calculation unit 131 and a new destination point detection unit 132. The time difference calculation unit 131 has a function of calculating the time difference between the scheduled times of arrival at the destination points of a plurality of moving bodies based on the respective routes to the searched destination points. In addition, the new destination point detection unit 132 has a function of detecting a new destination point according to the time difference calculated by the time difference calculation unit 131.

  That is, the search unit 130 of the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention uses the time difference calculation unit 131 based on the searched route in addition to the search for the route to the destination point input by the input unit 110. The time difference between the scheduled arrival times of the two is calculated, and the new destination detection unit 132 detects the new destination according to the time difference.

  Here, the new destination point is a point that becomes a new destination point. The new destination point is, for example, a point where the time difference between the scheduled times at which a plurality of mobile objects arrive is less than a predetermined value. Further, the new destination point may be a point around the destination point (for example, within a radius of 5 km) and having the same attribute as the destination point. Further, it may be a point around the destination point and having an attribute of a stopable facility. The attribute is information representing the type of point. That is, the point having the same attribute as the destination point is, for example, a station when a station is input as the destination point. Moreover, the point which has the attribute of the facility which can be stopped includes a parking lot, a supermarket, etc., for example.

  Further, the new destination point is not limited to the vicinity of the destination point, but may be a point around the moving body that is difficult to move among a plurality of moving bodies. For example, when a delay occurs in the train while one mobile unit is moving on a train, a point around the one mobile unit may be detected. Similarly, for example, when one moving body is involved in a traffic jam while moving in a vehicle, a point around the one moving body may be detected. The search unit 130 is realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a program prepared in advance.

  The guide unit 140 has a function of performing route guidance based on the route searched by the search unit 130. For example, although not shown, the guiding unit 140 performs route guidance by outputting an image or sound based on the route searched by the searching unit 130 via a display unit, a notification unit, or the like. In addition, the guidance unit 140 may include a transmission unit 141 and perform route guidance of a plurality of mobile objects via the transmission unit 141. The guiding unit 140 is realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a program prepared in advance and outputting the generated route guidance information through a display or a speaker.

(Navigation device processing procedure)
Next, a processing procedure in the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is started, for example, when the user receives an instruction to perform guidance from the current point of each of the own mobile body and the other mobile body to the destination point. Here, the self-moving body is, for example, a moving body on which the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted. The other moving body is a moving body other than the own moving body among the plurality of moving bodies. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, first, the navigation device 100 waits until a destination point is set (step S201: No loop).

  In step S201, when the destination point is set (step S201: Yes), the navigation apparatus 100 performs route guidance to the set destination point (step S202). Specifically, for example, the navigation device 100 searches for each route to the destination based on the set destination, the position information of the own mobile body and other mobile bodies, and information on the traffic situation, The route guidance is performed based on the route obtained.

  In step S202, the navigation apparatus 100 performs route guidance and determines whether or not the mobile body and other mobile bodies have arrived at the destination point (step S203). When it is determined that the own mobile body and the other mobile body have arrived at the destination point (step S203: Yes), the series of processes is terminated as it is. When it is determined that there is a moving body that has not arrived at the destination point (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

  If it is determined in step S203 that there is a moving body that has not arrived at the destination point, the navigation apparatus 100 acquires information on the traffic situation (step S204). For example, the information on the traffic situation is periodically distributed at predetermined time intervals via a network such as the Internet, and the navigation apparatus 100 acquires the information on the distributed traffic situation by receiving the information.

  In step S204, after acquiring information on the traffic situation, based on the respective routes to the destination point, the scheduled time of arrival at the destination point of the own mobile body and the other mobile body and the time difference between them are calculated (step S205). .

  In step S205, after calculating the scheduled time of arrival at the destination point of the own mobile body and the other mobile body and their time difference, it is determined whether or not the time difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S206). If it is determined that the time difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (step S206: Yes), the process proceeds to step S207. If it is determined that the time difference is less than the predetermined value (step S206: No), the process returns to step S202. Continue route guidance to the designated destination. The predetermined value may be set arbitrarily by the user, or may be set by the manufacturing side of the navigation device 100, for example.

  If it is determined in step S206 that the time difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the new destination point described above is detected (step S207). In step S207, after the new destination point is detected, the new destination point is set as a new destination point (step S208). After setting the new destination point as a new destination point, the process returns to step S202 to guide the route to the new destination point set as the destination point.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the route to the destination point is searched based on the position information and the information on the traffic situation, and the time difference between the scheduled times of arrival at the destination point is calculated. Accordingly, a new destination point suitable for merging can be detected. In other words, calculate the estimated time to arrive at the destination point and the time difference from the traffic situation and the driving conditions of the public transportation, as well as the current location of each of the multiple mobile units, and are suitable for merging if necessary Since a new destination point is detected, efficient waiting can be realized.

  Further, according to the navigation device 100 described above, when the time difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a new destination point where the time difference is less than the predetermined value can be detected. Thereby, since the waiting time becomes less than a predetermined value, it is possible to realize efficient waiting without waiting for a long time.

  Further, according to the navigation device 100 described above, it is possible to detect a new destination point around the destination point and having the same attribute as the destination point. Thereby, the user can wait at the new destination point having the same attribute as the attribute of the point initially set as the destination point, and can realize efficient waiting.

  Further, according to the navigation device 100 described above, it is possible to detect a new destination point around the destination point and having an attribute of a stopable facility. Thereby, even when the moving body is a vehicle, it is possible to stop and wait until another moving body arrives.

  Moreover, according to the navigation apparatus 100 mentioned above, the information regarding a new destination point can be transmitted to another mobile body. Thereby, it is possible to meet at the new destination points of a plurality of moving bodies.

  In the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment, the case where all the components are provided as an example has been described. However, for example, each component can communicate via a communication network such as the Internet. It may be provided as a separate body.

  Further, in the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment, each of the plurality of moving bodies may be provided individually, or at least one moving body may be provided. When one mobile body is provided, the navigation apparatus 100 performs route guidance of the other mobile body by transmitting the route to the other mobile body via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the function of the navigation device 100 may be realized by a server. In this case, for example, the mobile body side transmits its position information to the server. The server searches the route from the received location information of each moving body and information related to the traffic situation, and sends the searched route to the moving body to guide the route to each moving body. .

  Next, Example 1 of the navigation device 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Example 1 is an example in which the navigation device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is applied to a network system including a server connected to the Internet and a navigation device mounted on a vehicle. That is, the own moving body of the embodiment corresponds to the own vehicle of Example 1, and the other moving body of the embodiment corresponds to the other vehicle of Example 1.

(Schematic configuration of network system)
First, the schematic configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the network system 300 according to the first embodiment includes an information distribution server 311 installed in an information distribution company 310, a navigation device 321 mounted on a vehicle 320, and a navigation device mounted on a vehicle 330. 331 can communicate with each other via a communication network 340 such as the Internet.

  The information distribution server 311 is managed by the information distribution company 310 and distributes information related to traffic conditions to the navigation devices 321 and 331. The information on the traffic situation may be delivered at a fixed timing such as every 5 minutes, or may be delivered at the timing when the information on the traffic situation is updated. Further, the navigation devices 321 and 331 may generate distribution request information for requesting distribution of information related to traffic conditions, and may be distributed at the timing when the distribution request information is received.

  For example, the navigation devices 321 and 331 search for a route to the destination point set by the user, and perform route guidance based on the searched route. In addition, the navigation devices 321 and 331 receive information on the traffic situation distributed from the information delivery server 311 and search for a route based on the information on the traffic situation. In addition, the navigation devices 321 and 331 communicate with each other and perform route guidance to the same point.

(Hardware configuration of information distribution server)
Next, the hardware configuration of the information distribution server according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information distribution server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the information delivery server 311 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a magnetic disk drive 404, a magnetic disk 405, an optical disk drive 406, an optical disk 407, an input device 408, and an image I. / F409, a display 410, and a communication I / F411. Each component 401 to 411 is connected by a bus 420.

  First, the CPU 401 governs overall control of the information distribution server 311. The ROM 402 stores programs such as a boot program and a data analysis program. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401. That is, the CPU 401 controls the entire information distribution server 311 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 402 while using the RAM 403 as a work area.

  The magnetic disk drive 404 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 405 according to control of CPU401. Data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 404 is recorded on the magnetic disk 405. As the magnetic disk 405, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 406 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 407 according to control of CPU401. The optical disc 407 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 406. As the optical disc 407, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 407, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  As an example of the information recorded on the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407, the information regarding the traffic situation mentioned above can be cited. That is, information on the traffic situation managed by the information distribution company 310 is recorded on the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 of the information distribution server 311.

  Examples of the input device 408 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 408 inputs data corresponding to the key selected by the user into the apparatus.

  The video I / F 409 is connected to the display 410. Specifically, the video I / F 409 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 410, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 410 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 410 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 410, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used.

  The communication I / F 411 is connected to the network via wireless and functions as an interface between the information distribution server 311 and the CPU 401. The communication I / F 411 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 401.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 411 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) / beacon receiver, a radio navigation device, and other navigation devices. Get road traffic information such as regulations. VICS is a registered trademark.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the navigation devices 321 and 331 include a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, and an audio I / F (interface). 508, a microphone 509, a speaker 510, an input device 511, a video I / F 512, a display 513, a camera 514, a communication I / F 515, a GPS unit 516, and various sensors 517. . In addition, the components 501 to 517 are connected by a bus 520, respectively.

  First, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the navigation devices 321 and 331. The ROM 502 stores programs such as a boot program, a current location specifying program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a voice generation program, a map information display program, a communication program, a database creation program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501.

  That is, the CPU 501 controls the entire navigation devices 321 and 331 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 502 while using the RAM 503 as a work area. The current location specifying program, for example, specifies the current location of the vehicle (the current location of the navigation devices 321 and 331) based on output information from a GPS unit 516 and various sensors 517 described later.

  The route search program uses map information recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507, which will be described later, to determine an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point, and a detour route when the optimum route is deviated. Let them search. Here, the optimum route is a route with the lowest cost to the destination point or a route that best meets the conditions specified by the user.

  The route guidance program includes guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, vehicle current location information specified by executing the current location specifying program, and a map read from the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disc 507. Based on the information, real-time route guidance information is generated. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 508 and the video I / F 512 via the CPU 501.

  The voice generation program generates tone and voice information corresponding to the pattern. That is, based on the route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program, the virtual sound source corresponding to the guidance point is set and the voice guidance information is generated. Voice guidance information includes, for example, a warning that a right / left turn point should turn right and left according to the route, a warning that the vehicle should decelerate before the right / left turn point, information about a detour route when a right / left turn fails, Guidance information to the effect that it should be turned back if it fails to turn right or left is included. The generated voice guidance information is output to the voice I / F 508 via the CPU 501.

  The map information display program causes the display 513 to display map information read from the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 by the video I / F 512.

  The magnetic disk drive 504 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 505 according to control of CPU501. Data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504 is recorded on the magnetic disk 505. As the magnetic disk 505, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 506 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 507 according to control of CPU501. The optical disk 507 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 506. As the optical disc 507, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 507, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  One example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 is map information used for route search / route guidance. The map information includes background data representing point features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the surface of the point, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. The map information is displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 513. Drawn.

  The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, whether or not there are traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, highway entrances or junctions, length (distance) for each link, road width, direction of travel, road type (highway, Information on toll roads and general roads).

  In the traffic condition data, past traffic information obtained by statistically processing past traffic information based on seasons, days of the week, large holidays, and times is recorded. The navigation devices 321 and 331 obtain information on traffic jams currently occurring based on road traffic information received by a communication I / F 515 described later, but may predict traffic jam status at a specified time based on past traffic jam information. It becomes possible.

  In the first embodiment, the map information is recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map information is not recorded only on the one provided integrally with the hardware of the navigation devices 321 and 331, and may be provided outside the navigation devices 321 and 331. In this case, the navigation devices 321 and 331 acquire map information via the network through the communication I / F 515, for example. The acquired map information is temporarily recorded in the RAM 503 or the like and is read out as necessary.

  The audio I / F 508 is connected to a microphone 509 for audio input and a speaker 510 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 509 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 508. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 510. Note that the sound input from the microphone 509 can be recorded as sound data on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507.

  Examples of the input device 511 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The input device 511 inputs data corresponding to the key selected by the user into the apparatus.

Video I / F 512 is connected to display 513 and camera 514. Specifically, the video I / F 512 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 513 and a VRAM (Video) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately.
RAM) and a control IC that controls display 513 based on image data output from the graphic controller.

  The display 513 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 513, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used. A plurality of displays 513 may be provided in the vehicle, for example, for the driver and for a passenger seated in the rear seat.

  The camera 514 captures images inside or outside the vehicle. The image may be either a still image or a moving image. For example, a camera 514 captures the behavior of a passenger inside the vehicle, and the captured image is recorded on a recording medium such as the CPU 501 or the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 via the image I / F 512. Output to.

  The camera 514 captures a situation outside the vehicle, and outputs the captured video to a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 via the video I / F 512. The video output to the CPU 501 is used for determining the specific behavior of the passenger, for example. The video output to the recording medium is overwritten and stored as a drive recorder image.

  The communication I / F 515 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation devices 321 and 331 and the CPU 501. The communication I / F 515 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 501. The communication I / F 515 receives a television broadcast or a radio broadcast.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 515 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) / beacon receiver, a radio navigation device, and other navigation devices, and traffic and traffic distributed from the VICS center. Get road traffic information such as regulations. VICS is a registered trademark. In addition, the communication I / F 515 also receives information regarding the traffic situation distributed from the information distribution server 311 described above.

  The GPS unit 516 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates information indicating the current location of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 516 is used when the current position of the vehicle is specified by the CPU 501 together with output values of various sensors 517 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map information such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 517 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 517 are used by the CPU 501 for specifying the current location of the vehicle and measuring the amount of change in speed and direction.

  Note that the input unit 110 of the navigation device 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the CPU 501 and the input device 511, the acquisition unit 120 is the CPU 501, the communication I / F 515, and the GPS unit 516, and the search unit 130 is the CPU 501 and the RAM 503. Thus, the guiding unit 140 can realize each function by the CPU 501, the audio I / F 508, and the video I / F 512.

(Route guidance by navigation device)
Next, route guidance by the navigation device of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating route guidance by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. An example shown in FIG. 6 is an example of route guidance displayed on the display 513 of the navigation device 321 mounted on the vehicle 320. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in order for the user of the own vehicle 320 to wait for the user of the other vehicle 330, “XX station” is set as the destination point in the navigation device 321, and the navigation device 321 sets the “○ This is an example in which the vehicle 320 and the vehicle 330 are guided along each route to the “station”.

  In FIG. 6, map information MP in the vicinity of the current location of the host vehicle (that is, the vehicle 320) is displayed on the display 513 of the navigation device 321. In addition, the display 513 includes a host vehicle icon 601 that represents the current location of the host vehicle, a destination location icon 602 that represents the destination location, and an other vehicle icon 603 that represents the current location of the other vehicle (that is, the vehicle 330). Is displayed. The own vehicle icon 601 and the destination point icon 602 are connected by a guidance route 604. Similarly, the other vehicle icon 603 and the destination point icon 602 are also connected by a guidance route 605. As described above, in FIG. 6, the destination point icon 602 is displayed in the vicinity of the station 610 set as the destination point.

  The display 513 displays a route information window 620 that displays information such as the name of the destination point, the distance to the destination point, and the scheduled time of arrival at the destination point. In FIG. 6, in the route information window 620, the name of the destination point is “XX station”, the distance to the destination point of each vehicle is “own vehicle 2.5km, other vehicle 2.5km”, and arrival of each vehicle. "Self-vehicle 11:34 Other vehicle 11:35" is displayed as the scheduled time.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) for explaining route guidance by the navigation device of the first embodiment. The diagram shown in FIG. 7 is based on the diagram shown in FIG. 6, and the navigation device 321 distributes information while the vehicle 320 and the vehicle 330 are moving along the guidance routes 604 and 605 toward the destination station XX. It is a figure at the time of receiving the information regarding a traffic condition from the server 311 for work. Note that the example shown in FIG. 7 is an example in the case where a sudden traffic jam occurs around the station XX set as the destination point.

  For example, when the information distribution company 310 knows that there is a traffic jam, it creates information about a new traffic situation and distributes it to the navigation device 321 via the information distribution server 311. When the navigation apparatus 321 receives the information on the traffic situation from the information delivery server 311, the information is reflected on the display 513, and the traffic jam 701 is displayed on the display 513.

  Further, the navigation device 321 refers to the traffic jam information of the traffic jam 701 and calculates the scheduled times of the vehicle 320 and the vehicle 330, respectively. After calculating the scheduled times of the vehicle 320 and the vehicle 330, respectively, the time difference between the scheduled times of the vehicle 320 and the vehicle 330 is calculated. At this time, when the time difference between the scheduled times of the vehicle 320 and the vehicle 330 is a predetermined value or more (for example, 15 minutes or more), the navigation device 321 detects a new destination point. Before detecting the new destination point, if another route to the destination point is searched and the destination point is not changed, it may be determined that a time difference of a predetermined value or more occurs in any route. .

  In FIG. 7, xx station 710 is detected as a new destination point. When the XX station 710 is detected, the destination point icon 702 is displayed in the vicinity of the XX station 710, and the own vehicle icon 601 and the destination point icon are connected by the guidance route 703. Similarly, the other vehicle icon 602 and the destination are displayed. A point icon 702 is also connected by a guide route 704.

  Here, the new destination point detected is, for example, the current point of each moving body as the starting point node, the link is extended from the starting point node to the adjacent node sequentially, and extended from the current point of each moving body. This is where the links overlap. Here, the node is, for example, a traffic signal or an intersection, and the link is a road connecting the nodes. Next, the estimated time of arrival of each mobile unit at the overlapping node is calculated, and a point corresponding to a node whose time difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value is detected as a new destination point. In addition, conditions may be further provided, and the new destination point may detect a new destination point having the same attribute as the destination point around the input destination point, as described above. Moreover, the point which has the attribute of the facility which can be stopped around the input destination point may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, the information displayed in the route information window 620 has also been updated, “XX station” as the name of the destination point, “Own vehicle 3.1 km and other vehicles 2.0 km” as the distance to the destination point of each vehicle, respectively. "Own vehicle 11:40 Other vehicle 11:36" is displayed as the scheduled time of arrival of the vehicle. In addition, a selection window 720 for accepting whether or not to change the destination point is displayed on the display 513 to accept a user operation. The user selects “Yes / No” from the selection window 720 with reference to the information displayed in the route information window 620.

  Moreover, when changing a destination point, it is good also as obtaining the permission of the user of another vehicle. For example, when the navigation device 321 detects a new destination point and the user of the vehicle 320 desires to change the destination point to the new destination point, first, the user selects “Yes” from the selection window 720. When “Yes” is selected from the selection window 720, the navigation device 321 transmits information representing the address and name of the new destination point to the navigation device 331.

  From the received information, the navigation device 331 displays the address and name of the new destination point on the display 513 of the navigation unit 331 and “I want to change the destination point. Do you want to change the destination point? ”Is received, the selection of the user of the vehicle 330 is accepted, and the result is transmitted to the navigation device 321. Thereby, it is good also as a destination point being changed into a new destination point, when both sides have agreed.

(Navigation device processing procedure)
Next, a processing procedure of the navigation device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the navigation device according to the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is started, for example, when the user accepts an operation to wait for a plurality of vehicles.

  First, another vehicle is selected (step S801). Specifically, for example, the other vehicle is selected from a unique ID of a navigation device mounted on the other vehicle by a user operation. The navigation device mounted on the selected other vehicle is notified of the unique ID of the selected navigation device of the host vehicle.

  In step S801, after selecting another vehicle, position information of the other vehicle is received (step S802). The position information of the other vehicle is acquired by, for example, the GPS unit 516 of the navigation device mounted on the other vehicle, and receives the position information.

  In step S802, after receiving the position information of the other vehicle, it waits until the destination point is input (step S803: No loop). As for the destination point, for example, the user operates the input device 511 or the like to input the name, address, telephone number, or the like of the destination point, and the point specified thereby is input as the destination point.

  In step S803, when the destination point is input (step S803: Yes), the destination point is set (step S804). That is, the input destination point is set as the destination point at which the host vehicle and other vehicles meet.

  In step S804, the set destination point is transmitted to another vehicle (step S805). Specifically, for example, information representing the name of the destination point may be transmitted, or information representing the coordinates of the destination point may be transmitted.

  In step S805, after the set destination point is transmitted to another vehicle, route guidance to the set destination point is performed (step S806). Specifically, for example, the CPU 501 executes various programs recorded in the ROM 502, thereby searching for a route to the destination point and guiding the searched route. Note that when searching for a route, the estimated time of arrival at the destination point is also calculated.

  In step S806, route guidance is performed, and it is determined whether or not the host vehicle and other vehicles have arrived at the destination point (step S807). If it is determined that the host vehicle and the other vehicle have arrived at the destination point (step S807: Yes), the series of processing is terminated as it is, and neither or both of the host vehicle and the other vehicle have arrived at the destination point. (Step S807: No), it progresses to step S808.

  In step S807, when it is determined that neither one of the host vehicle and the other vehicle has arrived at the destination point, information about the traffic situation is received (step S808). For example, the navigation device 321 receives information on traffic conditions at regular timing.

  In step S808, it is determined whether or not the received information regarding the traffic situation is related to the route (step S809). That is, it is determined whether there is a factor on the route that changes the scheduled time of arrival at the destination point. Specifically, for example, it is determined whether there is a traffic jam on the route from the traffic jam status included in the information on the traffic status. If it is determined that the received information on the traffic situation is related to the route (step S809: Yes), the process proceeds to step S809. If it is determined that the information is not related (step S809: No), the process returns to step S806. Continue with route guidance.

  If it is determined in step S809 that the route is related, a scheduled time of arrival at the destination point of the vehicle passing through the related route is calculated (step S810). For example, if there is a traffic jam on the route of the host vehicle, the estimated time of arrival of the host vehicle is calculated based on the information on the traffic status. If there is a traffic jam on the route of another vehicle, the information on the traffic status is calculated. Based on the above, the estimated time of arrival of the other vehicle is calculated. Further, when there is a traffic jam on both routes, the scheduled times of arrival of the host vehicle and other vehicles are calculated based on information on the traffic situation.

  In step S810, after calculating the scheduled time when the vehicle passing through the relevant route arrives at the destination, the time difference between the scheduled times is calculated (step S811). In step S811, after calculating the time difference, it is determined whether or not the calculated time difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S812). Here, the predetermined value is, for example, a value set by the user arbitrarily.

  If it is determined in step S812 that the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S812: Yes), the process proceeds to step S813. If it is determined that the value is less than the predetermined value (step S812: No), the process returns to step S806. Continue route guidance.

  If it is determined in step S812 that the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, a new destination point is detected (step S813). When a new destination point is detected in step S813, the detected new destination point is set as a new destination point (step S814), the process returns to step S805, and the new destination point is transmitted to the other vehicle. Route guidance to the destination point.

  As described above, according to the navigation devices 321 and 331 of the first embodiment, the route to the destination point is searched based on the position information and the information on the traffic situation, and the time difference between the scheduled times of arrival at the destination point is calculated. Accordingly, a new destination point suitable for merging can be detected. In other words, not only from the current location of the host vehicle and other vehicles, but also from the situation of traffic jams and the situation of public transportation, the estimated time of arrival at the destination point and the time difference between them are calculated and merged as necessary. Since an appropriate new destination point is detected, an efficient meeting can be realized.

  Further, according to the navigation devices 321 and 331 described above, when the time difference between the scheduled times of arrival at the destination is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is possible to detect a new destination where the time difference is less than the predetermined value. Thereby, since the waiting time becomes less than a predetermined value, it is possible to realize efficient waiting without waiting for a long time.

  Further, according to the navigation devices 321 and 331 described above, it is possible to detect a new destination point around the input destination point and having the same attribute as the destination point. Thereby, the user can wait at the new destination point having the same attribute as the attribute of the point initially set as the destination point, and can realize efficient waiting.

  Further, according to the navigation devices 321 and 331 described above, it is possible to detect a new destination point around the input destination point and having an attribute of a stopable facility. Thereby, even when the moving body is a vehicle, it is possible to stop and wait until the other moving body arrives.

  Next, Example 2 will be described. The second embodiment is an example applied to a network system including a server connected to the Internet, a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, and a communication terminal such as a mobile phone. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the second embodiment, since the mobile phone is a known technology, detailed description thereof is omitted, but various output devices such as a display and a speaker, communication devices (including GPS) for transmitting and receiving various data, and An input device for receiving various user operations is provided.

  In the second embodiment, for example, a user who travels in a vehicle and another user who travels on a train with the above-described mobile phone (hereinafter, referred to as “other users”) are waiting. . The user of the host vehicle 320 sets “XX station” as a destination point in the navigation device 321 in order to meet other users, and the navigation device 321 follows each route to the set “XX station”. Then, the vehicle 320 and other users (not shown) are guided.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the map information MP near the current location of the host vehicle is displayed on the display 513 of the navigation device 321, and the host vehicle icon 601 and the destination location icon 602 are displayed. Further, in the second embodiment, although not shown in the figure, the display 513 has a different view of “XX station” from the direction opposite to “XX station” and is directed to “XX station”. An icon representing the current location of the user is displayed.

  Also in the second embodiment, the route information window 620 is displayed, and as in the first embodiment, information such as the name of the destination, the distance to the destination, and the scheduled time of arrival at the destination is displayed.

  The navigation device 321 receives information relating to traffic conditions from the information distribution server 311. Then, as a result of receiving information related to the traffic situation, a traffic jam around the station is detected and a traffic jam 701 is displayed on the display 513. The navigation device 321 refers to the traffic jam information of the traffic jam 701 and calculates the scheduled times of the vehicle 320 and other users, respectively.

  When the time difference is calculated from each calculated scheduled time and the time difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the navigation device 321 detects XX station 710 as a new destination point, and detects the vehicle 320 and other users as XX station. Guide to 710. That is, the navigation device 321 guides the route 703 to the vehicle 320 to the XX station 710 and guides the route to the other user XX station through the XX station 610. .

  Also, for example, the area around the east exit of XX station that is set as the destination point is congested, and it takes time to reach the east exit of XX station, but it takes less time to arrive at the west exit that is not crowded. If possible, the new destination point may be the west exit of the station. That is, when an exit of a station (for example, east exit, west exit, etc.) is set as a destination point, another exit of the station is detected as a new destination point according to traffic conditions.

  Although illustration and detailed explanation are omitted, when a delay occurs in a train on which another user gets, a station in front of OO station (for example, △ one station before OO station not shown) (Δ station) may be detected as a new destination point, and the vehicle 320 and other users may be guided to the ΔΔ station. In this way, more efficient waiting can be realized by detecting a point around the moving body that has become difficult to move (or takes a long time to move) as a new destination point.

  As described above, it may be realized by using a navigation device and a mobile phone mounted on the vehicle. That is, it is not necessary for all the navigation devices to have the function of the navigation device 321, and at least one of the navigation devices has the function of the navigation device 321, and other users via a mobile phone connected to the navigation device 321 via the Internet or the like. It is good also as guiding.

  The navigation method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a mobile terminal device (mobile phone). This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the navigation apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of the navigation apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the network system of the present Example 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the server for information delivery of the present Example 1. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus of the present Example 1. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) explaining the route guidance by the navigation apparatus of the present Example 1. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) explaining the route guidance by the navigation apparatus of the present Example 1. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of the navigation apparatus of the present Example 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Navigation apparatus 110 Input part 120 Acquisition part 121 Extraction part 130 Search part 131 Time difference calculation part 132 New destination point detection part 140 Guidance part 141 Transmission part

Claims (11)

A navigation device for guiding a route from each current point of a plurality of mobile objects to a predetermined same point,
Input means for inputting a destination point where the plurality of moving bodies meet;
Acquisition means for acquiring information on the position information and traffic conditions of each of the plurality of moving bodies;
Each route to the destination point is searched based on the destination point input by the input unit and the position information and traffic status information of each of the plurality of moving objects acquired by the acquisition unit. Search means;
Guidance means for performing route guidance based on the route searched by the search means;
With
The search means includes
A time difference calculating means for calculating a time difference between scheduled times of arrival of the plurality of mobile objects at the destination points based on the respective routes to the searched destination points;
New destination point detecting means for detecting a new destination point (hereinafter referred to as “new destination point”) according to the time difference calculated by the time difference calculating means;
A navigation device comprising: The new destination point detection means includes:
2. The new destination point where the time difference calculated by the time difference calculation means is less than a predetermined value is detected when the time difference calculated by the time difference calculation means is a predetermined value or more. The navigation device described in 1. The new destination point detection means includes:
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the new destination point is detected around the destination point and having the same attribute as the destination point. The new destination point detection means includes:
The navigation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the new destination point that is around the destination point and has an attribute of a stopable facility is detected. The new destination point detection means includes:
The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a point around the moving body that has become difficult to move is detected as the new destination point among the plurality of moving bodies. The acquisition means includes
The navigation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein information on the traffic situation including at least one of a traffic jam situation or a public transportation driving situation is acquired. The acquisition means includes
Extraction that extracts information related to the traffic situation including at least one of a traffic jam situation or a driving situation of public transportation on each route to the destination point searched by the search means from the acquired information relating to the traffic situation With means,
The time difference calculation means calculates the time difference based on each route to the destination point searched by the search means and information on the traffic situation extracted by the extraction means. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Transmission means for transmitting information on the new destination point to at least one of the plurality of moving bodies;
The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission unit transmits information on the new destination point detected by the new destination point detection unit. A navigation method for guiding a route from a current point of each of a plurality of mobile objects to a predetermined same point,
An input step of inputting a destination point where the plurality of moving bodies meet;
An acquisition step of acquiring information on the position information and traffic conditions of each of the plurality of moving bodies;
Each route to the destination point is searched based on the destination point input in the input step and the position information and information on the traffic situation of each of the plurality of moving bodies acquired in the acquisition step. Search process;
A guidance step for performing route guidance based on the route searched by the search step;
Including
The searching step includes
A time difference calculating step of calculating a time difference between scheduled times of arrival at the destination points of the plurality of mobile objects based on the searched routes to the destination points;
A new destination point detecting step of detecting a new destination point (hereinafter referred to as “new destination point”) according to the time difference calculated by the time difference calculating step;
A navigation method comprising:   A navigation program for causing a computer to execute the navigation method according to claim 9.   11. A computer-readable recording medium on which the navigation program according to claim 10 is recorded.

Images