JP2011027610A - Navigation device and guide route searching method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device and a guide route searching method for searching for a route for avoiding congestion without making a detour, if possible, when congestion occurs on the guide route. <P>SOLUTION: When determined that a congestion section exists on the guide route on the front in the traveling direction of a vehicle based on congestion information, some crossing existing in the congestion section is set as a temporary passing spot, and a second guide route from a present position to a destination via the temporary passing spot is searched for, to thereby enable use of detailed-level map data for route search aiming at a peripheral road of a spot set as the temporary passing spot. Hereby, a possibility of searching for a detour route not so far from the congestion section becomes stronger, and a route for avoiding congestion without making a detour, if possible, can be searched for. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device and a guidance route search method, and in particular, has a function of automatically re-searching a detour route that avoids traffic jams according to received road traffic information during traveling of a guide route that is initially set. It is suitable for use in a navigation device.

  In general, in-vehicle navigation devices detect the current position of a vehicle using an autonomous navigation sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, or the like, and read map data in the vicinity from the recording medium and display it on a screen. A vehicle position mark indicating the vehicle position is superimposed and displayed at a predetermined location on the screen so that the current position of the vehicle can be recognized at a glance.

  A recent navigation apparatus can receive VICS road traffic information (VICS information: VICS is a registered trademark) sent from the road traffic information center, and can display a constantly changing road condition on a navigation screen. There are many things. A navigation device equipped with a VICS function can provide road traffic information such as traffic jam information and regulation information to a user.

  Most of the navigation devices are equipped with a route guidance function that allows the driver to easily travel on the road toward a desired destination without making a mistake. This route guidance function automatically searches for the route with the lowest cost from the current location to the destination using map data, and uses the searched route as a guidance route to change the color of other roads on the map screen. draw. Further, when the vehicle approaches a guidance intersection on the guidance route within a certain distance, an enlarged view of the intersection is displayed and the intersection is guided to guide the driver to the destination.

  Note that the cost is a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined constant according to the road width, road type, right / left turn, traffic regulation, etc. Is. Even if there are two routes having the same distance, the cost becomes different by designating search conditions such as time priority, distance priority, general road priority, highway priority, and road width priority. In the route search process, the link costs on various routes from the current location to the destination are sequentially added, using the points connecting multiple roads such as intersections and branches as nodes and the vectors connecting adjacent nodes as links. The route with the smallest total is set as the guide route.

  The navigation device equipped with the VICS function described above is configured to automatically re-search for a detour route that avoids traffic jam according to the received VICS information when setting the guidance route. In this type of detour route search function, a detour route is searched after a sufficiently large weight is added to the link cost of the traffic jam section specified by the VICS information. In this way, by searching for a detour route that avoids the currently occurring traffic jam and providing it to the user, it is possible to prevent the user from being involved in the traffic jam.

  In connection with a technique for searching for a detour route that avoids traffic jams, a technology is disclosed in which a user can select a detour route for avoiding the traffic jam (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, an avoidance section for avoiding traveling due to traffic congestion or the like is set on the guidance route on which the vehicle is to travel, and a plurality of bypass routes that bypass the set avoidance section are searched. . Then, a route including a detour route selected by the user from among a plurality of detour routes is changed to a new guide route.

  Also disclosed is a technique for estimating traffic conditions near a congested road based on traffic information acquired from VICS and creating route information from the current location to the destination based on the estimated traffic status. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  In addition, when there is a road segment that is predicted to be congested or congested on the route, to determine the road type of the road segment and to avoid the road segment within a distance range set in advance according to the road type Has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2002-243480 A JP 2006-162398 A JP 2008-20414 A

  By the way, there is a point where roads have to pass there, such as bridges, railroad crossings and tunnels. In important points, there are often no roads parallel to the road including the important points in the vicinity, or even a narrow road like a narrow street and not a main road in many cases. For this reason, traffic congestion is likely to occur on the road due to the concentration of the vehicles at important points.

  In a conventional navigation device, when a traffic jam occurs near a critical point on the guidance route, a route for simply avoiding the road where the traffic jam occurs is not searched for in consideration of the presence or absence of the critical point. Looking for. For this reason, there has been a problem that a circuitous route that travels on a road far away from the main point where the traffic jam occurs is searched.

  FIG. 10 (a) shows a situation in which a traffic jam occurs near the bridge, which is a critical point on the guidance route, when the vehicle is traveling on the guidance route (original route) toward the destination (G). Yes. As shown in FIG. 10 (a), in order to avoid a traffic jam that has occurred near the bridge, a roundabout route (a traffic jam avoidance route) that crosses another bridge far from the bridge has been searched.

  FIG. 10 (b) shows a situation in which a traffic jam has occurred near the railroad crossing, which is an important point on the guidance route, when the host vehicle is traveling on the guidance route (initial route) toward the destination (G). Yes. As shown in FIG. 10B, in order to avoid a traffic jam that has occurred near a railroad crossing, a circuitous route (traffic jam avoidance route) that crosses another railroad far from the railroad crossing has been searched.

  FIG. 10 (c) shows a situation in which a traffic jam has occurred near the tunnel, which is an important point on the guidance route, when the vehicle is traveling on the guidance route (original route) toward the destination (G). Yes. As shown in FIG. 10 (c), in order to avoid the traffic jam that has occurred near the tunnel, a roundabout route (a traffic jam avoidance route) that bypasses the mountain where the tunnel exists has been searched.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c), even if there is a road parallel to the road including the important point in the vicinity, The reason why the route is searched is that the route search method in the conventional navigation device has all the problems such as the limited memory capacity that can be used for the route search and the increase in the amount of map data used for the route search process. The road cannot be used as a route search target.

  That is, in FIGS. 10A to 10C, roads that are not main roads as indicated by broken lines are not targeted when searching for a route for avoiding traffic congestion. Therefore, if all roads including roads that are not main roads are targeted for route search, it may be possible to search for routes that do not make a detour, but conventional navigation devices cannot.

  This problem will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows a state in which a guidance route from the vehicle position 10 in FIG. 11 (a) to the destination 20 in FIG. 11 (e) is searched. The map database used for route search stores a road mesh called level 0 that stores all roads from narrow streets to expressways, mainly roads above city roads, and has a wide target area. A road mesh called level 1 and a road mesh called level 2 that stores roads such as highways and toll roads over a wide range are distinguished and stored.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11A, the search for the guidance route is performed using the level 0 road mesh 30 including all roads in the vicinity of the vehicle position 10. When the search branch reaches the uplink 50 to the level 1 road mesh 40 (the connection point from the level 0 road mesh 30 to the level 1 road mesh 40), as shown in FIG. The route search is performed by switching to the level 1 road mesh 40 including the link corresponding to the link 50. Similarly, when the search branch arrives at the uplink 60 to the level 2 (the connection point from the level 1 road mesh 40 to the level 2 road mesh 70) by the route search at the level 1, it is shown in FIG. 11 (c). The route search is performed by switching to the level 2 road mesh 70.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 (e), the guidance route search is performed around the destination 20 using a level 0 road mesh 80 including all roads. Then, when the search branch reaches the uplink 100 to the road mesh 90 at the level 1 while tracing back from the destination 20, the level including the link corresponding to the uplink 100 as shown in FIG. A route search is performed by switching to one road mesh 90. Similarly, when the search branch arrives at the uplink 110 to the level 2 (the connection point from the level 1 road mesh 90 to the level 2 road mesh 70) by the route search at the level 1, it is shown in FIG. 11 (c). The route search is performed by switching to the level 2 road mesh 70.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the level 2 road mesh 70 obtained by the route search from the uplink 60 and the destination 20 on the level 2 road mesh 70 obtained from the own vehicle position 10 by the route search. A route connecting the upper uplink 110 is obtained by performing a route search using the level 2 road mesh 70. As a result, all routes from the vehicle position 10 to the destination 20 are determined, and the guidance route search process ends.

  By performing the route search as described above, a level 0 road mesh in which all roads from narrow streets to expressways are stored is used over the entire section in order to obtain the route from the vehicle position to the destination. There is no need. Therefore, the amount of resources necessary for route search can be suppressed. On the other hand, the level 0 road mesh is not used for searching near the intermediate point between the vehicle position and the destination. Therefore, if a traffic jam occurs at a strategic point that exists near the intermediate point between the vehicle position and the destination, if all roads are subject to a route search in the vicinity of the critical point, a route that does not make a detour is searched. Even if this is possible, there is a problem in that it is not possible to search for a route that does not make a detour because the detailed road in the vicinity of the important point is excluded from the route search target.

  Note that the above-described problems may occur even when a traffic jam occurs at a critical point that exists near the intermediate point between the vehicle position and the destination.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and in the case where a traffic jam occurs on the guidance route, it is possible to search for a route that can avoid the traffic jam without making a roundabout as much as possible. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, when it is determined that there is a traffic jam section on the guidance route ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the traffic jam information, the destination is from the head of the traffic jam section on the guidance route. The second guidance from the location of the vehicle to the destination via the temporary transit point is set as a temporary transit point within the predetermined number of intersections or any intersection existing in the traffic congestion section The route is searched.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, detailed level map data in which all roads from narrow streets to expressways are stored for route search for roads near a point set as a temporary stop. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a detour route that is not far from the traffic jam section is searched. Therefore, when a traffic jam occurs on the guidance route, it is possible to search for a route that can avoid the traffic jam without making a detour as much as possible.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the navigation apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the various information used with the navigation apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the temporary waypoint setting process by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the 2nd guide route searched when traffic congestion generate | occur | produced in the vicinity of the important point on a guide route. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the navigation apparatus by 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the navigation apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the various information used with the navigation apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance route search process by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the navigation apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the prior art example of the route searched when traffic congestion generate | occur | produces in the vicinity of the important point on a guidance path | route. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance route search process in the conventional navigation apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a navigation device 200 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 211 denotes a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, which stores various types of map data necessary for map display, route search, and the like. The map data recorded on the DVD-ROM 211 is from a high-level map (a small scale map) overlooking a wide area to a low-level map (a large scale map) describing a narrow area in detail. Are managed in a hierarchy called units. The map data at each level is necessary for various processes such as map matching and route search, in addition to drawing unit data (various data on roads, buildings, and facilities existing on the map) necessary for map display. Contains road unit data. The road unit data includes road link information related to each road link and node information related to each node. Here, the DVD-ROM 211 is used as a recording medium for storing map data and facility information, but other recording media such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk, and a semiconductor memory may be used.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram showing details of road link information included in the map data of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the road link information includes a “road link ID” for identifying the road link, a “start node ID” for identifying the start node of the road link, and the end of the road link. “End node ID” for identifying the node, “link cost” indicating the cost of the road link, and the type of the important point when there is a critical point on the road corresponding to the road link (for example, bridge, crossing or “Required type” indicating a tunnel or the like) is included as item information. If there is no important point on the road corresponding to the road link, “None” is set as the value of the item information “necessary type”. The road link information actually includes other information, but only the information particularly relevant to the present invention is shown here.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram showing details of the node information included in the map data of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2B, the node information is connected to the “node ID” for identifying the node, “latitude” indicating the latitude of the node, “longitude” indicating the longitude of the node, and the node. The item information includes “connected road information” indicating a road link that is present and “attribute flag” indicating whether or not the node is an intersection. Specifically, in the item information “connection road information”, the road link ID and the approach direction of the road link entering the node, and the road link ID and the escape direction of the road link exiting from the node are set. The node information actually includes other information, but only the information particularly related to the present invention is shown here.

  A vehicle position detection unit 212 detects the current position of the vehicle at predetermined intervals, and includes a self-contained navigation sensor, a GPS receiver, a position calculation CPU, and the like. The self-contained navigation sensor includes a vehicle speed sensor (distance sensor) that outputs a single pulse for each predetermined travel distance to detect the travel distance of the vehicle, and an angular velocity sensor such as a vibration gyro that detects the rotation angle (movement direction) of the vehicle. (Relative orientation sensor). The self-contained navigation sensor detects the relative position and direction of the vehicle using these vehicle speed sensor and angular velocity sensor.

  The position calculation CPU calculates the absolute own vehicle position (estimated vehicle position) and vehicle direction based on the relative position and direction data of the own vehicle output from the self-contained navigation sensor. The GPS receiver receives radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites by a GPS antenna and performs a three-dimensional positioning process or a two-dimensional positioning process to calculate the absolute position and direction of the vehicle (the vehicle direction is The calculation is based on the current vehicle position and the current vehicle position one sampling time ΔT before).

  A map data storage unit 213 temporarily stores map data read from the DVD-ROM 211 under the control of the DVD-ROM control unit 214. The DVD-ROM control unit 214 controls reading of map data from the DVD-ROM 211. That is, the DVD-ROM control unit 214 receives information on the current vehicle position from the vehicle position detection unit 212 and outputs a read instruction for map data in a predetermined range including the current vehicle position, thereby displaying a map display or a guidance route. The map data necessary for the search is read from the DVD-ROM 211 and stored in the map data storage unit 213.

  Reference numeral 215 denotes an operation unit such as a remote control, a touch panel, or an operation switch. The user sets various information (for example, a route guidance destination or waypoint) on the navigation device 200, or performs various operations (for example, a menu). Selection operation, map enlargement / reduction operation, manual map scrolling, numeric input, etc.).

  Reference numeral 216 denotes a destination setting unit, which sets a point designated through a user operation on the operation unit 215 on the destination setting operation screen displayed on the display 217 as a destination. Then, the destination setting unit 216 outputs destination information indicating the set destination to the guidance route searching unit 218.

  The guide route search unit 218 outputs the destination information output from the destination setting unit 216 based on the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212 and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213. The guidance route to the destination indicated by is searched. Further, the guidance route searching unit 218 stores the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212 and the map data storage unit 213 when the temporary route information is output from the temporary route setting unit 219. Based on the map data, a second guidance route to the destination via the temporary waypoint indicated by the temporary waypoint information is searched. Specific search processing for the second guidance route will be described later. The guidance route search unit 218 corresponds to the first guidance route search unit and the second guidance route search unit of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 220 denotes a guidance route memory. When a guidance route is searched by the guidance route search unit 218, data of the searched guidance route (a set of road links from the current position to the destination) is used as guidance route information. Store temporarily. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing details of the guide route information of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2C, the guide route information includes a “road link ID” for identifying a road link that constitutes the guide route, and the relevant route information when there is an important route on the road corresponding to the road link. The “negotiation type” indicating the type is included as item information.

  In addition, when the second route is searched by the guide route searching unit 218, the guide route memory 220 is a data of the searched second guide route (a set of road links from the current position to the destination). ) Is temporarily stored as second guide route information. FIG. 2D is a diagram showing details of the second guidance route information of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2D, the second guidance route information includes a “road link ID” for identifying a road link that constitutes the second guidance route, and an important point on the road corresponding to the road link. The “necessary type” indicating the type of the relevant point in a certain case is included as item information.

  A map display control unit 221 generates map image data around the vehicle position based on the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212 and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213. To do. Then, the map display control unit 221 outputs the generated map image data to the display 217.

  Reference numeral 222 denotes a guidance route guide unit. When the guidance route search unit 218 searches for a guidance route, the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212 and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213 are displayed. And guidance route information based on guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220. Specifically, the guidance route guide unit 222 displays the guidance route on the display 217 in a color different from that of other roads on the map image generated by the map display control unit 221, thereby guiding the guidance route. Travel guidance to the destination of the route.

  Further, the guidance route guide unit 222 stores the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212 and the map data storage unit 213 when the second guidance route is searched by the guidance route search unit 218. Guidance route guidance is performed based on the map data and the second guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220. Specifically, the guidance route guide unit 222 displays the second guidance route thickly in a color different from other roads on the display 217 so as to overlap the map image generated by the map display control unit 221. Thus, travel guidance to the destination of the second guidance route is performed.

  223 is a traffic jam information acquisition unit, which performs two-way communication with radio wave beacon transmitters / receivers mainly installed on highways, and optical beacon transmitters / receivers mainly installed on general roads VICS information (road traffic information such as traffic jam information and regulation information) is acquired from a road traffic information center (not shown) by performing two-way communication with each other. Then, the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 outputs the traffic jam information included in the acquired VICS information to the guidance route search unit 218, the temporary transit point setting unit 219, the traffic jam determination unit 224, and the collision determination unit 225.

  FIG. 2E is a diagram illustrating details of the traffic jam information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2E, the traffic jam information includes “road link ID” for identifying the road link where the traffic jam occurs and “traffic congestion type” indicating the type of the traffic jam (traffic jam or congestion). Include as information.

  Based on the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 and the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223, the traffic jam determination unit 224 is located on a traffic jam section (congestion, congestion) on the guidance route ahead of the vehicle in the traveling direction. (Including both of the above) is determined. When it is determined that there is a traffic congestion section, the traffic congestion determination unit 224 notifies the necessity determination unit 225 to that effect.

  When the notice determination unit 225 receives a notification that there is a traffic jam section from the traffic jam judgment unit 224, it is based on the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 and the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a critical point in the traffic jam section on the guidance route. When it is determined that there is a critical point in the traffic jam section on the guidance route, the critical point determination unit 225 notifies the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 to that effect. When it is determined that there is no critical point in the traffic jam section on the guidance route, the critical point determination unit 225 notifies the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 of nothing.

  When the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 receives a notification that there is a critical point in the traffic congestion section on the guidance route from the critical point determination unit 225, the temporary route setting unit 219 and the map data storage unit 213 output the traffic congestion information output from the traffic congestion information acquisition unit 223. Based on the map data stored in the guide route information and the guide route information stored in the guide route memory 220, the vehicle proceeds to the destination side as it is after entering the guide route with a left turn among the intersections existing in the traffic jam section. A possible intersection (hereinafter also referred to as a mergeable intersection) is set as a temporary stop. Then, the temporary route point setting unit 219 outputs temporary route point information indicating the set temporary route point to the guidance route search unit 218.

  Next, the temporary waypoint setting process by the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 will be described as an example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporary waypoint setting process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A shows an important point on the guidance route (R1) when the vehicle is traveling on the guidance route (R1) toward the destination (not shown) (it is on the road link (L2)). A state in which traffic congestion has occurred in the vicinity is indicated by road links (L1 to L8) and nodes (N1 to N5).

  In addition, it is assumed that traffic congestion has occurred in the road links (L1, L2, L5) among the road links shown in FIG. FIG. 3B shows each of the road link information of the road links (L1 to L8). As shown in FIG. 3B, a bridge which is a critical point exists on the road link (L2). FIG. 3C shows node information of the nodes (N1 to N5). In the connection road information shown in FIG. 3C, the illustration of the direction of the road link entering the node and the direction of the road link exiting from the node are omitted. FIG. 3D shows the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220.

  First, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 refers to the road link information of each road link shown in FIG. 3B, the node information of each node shown in FIG. Among the intersections existing in the section, the intersection (N2) existing closest to the destination is specified. Next, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 refers to the node information shown in FIG. 3C, and refers to the connection road information (L1, L2, L4) of the intersection (N2) identified earlier. After entering the intersection (N2) with a left turn, an attempt is made to identify a road link that can proceed to the destination side as it is. In the example of FIG. 3, as shown by the route (R2), it is assumed that the road link (L4) that can proceed to the destination side as it is after entering the intersection (N2) by left turn can be identified. In this case, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 sets the intersection (N2) as a temporary waypoint. As a result, a route search can be performed using the level 0 road mesh on the road in the vicinity of the mergeable intersection (N2).

  The temporary transit point setting unit 219 is present in the traffic congestion section when the intersection existing in the traffic congestion section closest to the destination is not a merge intersection, that is, when it is not possible to enter the intersection with a left turn. Among the intersections to be detected, an intersection that is closest to the destination side except for the intersection is identified, and after entering the intersection with a left turn, an attempt is made to identify a road link that can proceed to the destination side as it is.

  Next, the search process of the 2nd guidance route by the guidance route search part 218 is demonstrated concretely. Based on the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 and the temporary transit location information output from the temporary transit location setting unit 219, the guidance route search unit 218 determines the temporary transit location indicated by the temporary transit location information. For example, the link cost of the road section to the congestion end point in the traffic congestion section is changed to, for example, infinity (impossible to pass). On the other hand, the guidance route search unit 218 multiplies the link cost of the road section from the temporary waypoint to the head of the traffic jam in the traffic jam section. Then, the guidance route search unit 218 includes the own vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the temporary route point information output from the temporary route point setting unit 219. Based on the above, a second guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination via the temporary waypoint is searched. In addition, you may make it the guidance route search part 218 multiply the link cost in the whole congestion area several times.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second guidance route searched when a traffic jam occurs near a critical point on the guidance route. FIG. 4A shows a situation in which a traffic jam 280a has occurred near the bridge, which is a critical point on the guidance route 270a, when the host vehicle 250a is traveling on the guidance route 270a toward the destination 260a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the second guide route 290a is the original guide route by turning left from an intersection 295a (temporary transit point) immediately before the bridge in order to avoid the traffic jam 280a generated near the bridge. This is a route to return to 270a. That is, as a result of being able to use a level 0 road mesh in the vicinity of the intersection 295a, the second guidance route 290a is used as a route for avoiding the traffic jam 280a instead of the roundabout guidance route 310a. Was able to find a route.

  FIG. 4B shows a situation in which a traffic jam 280b is generated near the railroad crossing, which is a critical point on the guidance route 270b, when the host vehicle 250b is traveling on the guidance route 270b toward the destination 260b. As shown in FIG. 4B, the second guidance route 290b is the original guidance route by turning left from an intersection 295b (temporary transit point) immediately before the crossing in order to avoid the traffic jam 280b generated near the crossing. This is a route to return to 270b. That is, as a result of being able to use a level 0 road mesh in the vicinity of the intersection 295b, the second guidance route 290b is used as a route for avoiding the traffic jam 280b instead of the detour guidance route 310b. Was able to find a route.

  FIG. 4C shows a situation in which a traffic jam 280c occurs near the tunnel, which is a critical point on the guidance route 270c, when the host vehicle 250c is traveling on the guidance route 270c toward the destination 260c. As shown in FIG. 4 (c), the second guidance route 290c is the original guidance route by turning left from the intersection 295c (temporary transit point) immediately before the tunnel in order to avoid the traffic jam 280c generated near the tunnel. This is a route to return to 270c. That is, as a result of being able to use a level 0 road mesh in the vicinity of the intersection 295c, the second guidance route 290c is used instead of the detour guidance route 310c as a route for avoiding the traffic jam 280c. Was able to find a route.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the level 0 detailed map data can be used in the vicinity of the temporary transit point when searching for a route that bypasses the traffic jam. In other words, the second guidance routes 280a, 280b, and 280c that avoid at least a part of the traffic jam can be searched using the roads in the vicinity of the critical points, so that it is not necessary to travel on the detour routes 310a, 310b, and 310c. It is possible to obtain a route that avoids the traffic jams 280a, 280b, and 280c with a shorter detour distance.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device 200 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the navigation device 200 when the host vehicle is traveling on the guidance route toward the destination.

  First, the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 acquires VICS information (road traffic information such as traffic jam information and regulation information) from a road traffic information center (not shown) (step S100). Next, based on the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 and the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223, the traffic jam determination unit 224 has a traffic jam section on the guidance route ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is determined whether or not it exists (step S120). If the congestion determination unit 224 determines that there is no congestion section on the guidance route (NO in step S120), the navigation device 200 ends the process in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the traffic congestion determination unit 224 determines that there is a traffic congestion section on the guidance route (YES in step S120), the traffic congestion determination unit 224 notifies the necessity determination unit 225 to that effect. Next, based on the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 and the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220, the critical point determination unit 225 determines whether there is a critical point in the traffic congestion section on the guidance route. It is determined whether or not (step S140).

  If it is determined by the necessity determination unit 225 that there is no important point in the traffic jam section on the guidance route (NO in step S140), the navigation device 200 ends the process in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined by the necessity determination unit 225 that there is a critical point in the traffic jam section on the guidance route (YES in step S140), the critical point determination unit 225 notifies the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 to that effect.

  Next, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 includes the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220. Based on the above, among intersections existing in a traffic jam section, a mergeable intersection that can proceed to the destination side after entering the guidance route with a left turn is set as a temporary waypoint (step S160). Then, the temporary route point setting unit 219 outputs temporary route point information indicating the set temporary route point to the guidance route search unit 218.

  Next, the guidance route search unit 218 changes the link cost in the traffic jam section as described above based on the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213. (Step S180). Then, the guidance route search unit 218 includes the own vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the temporary route point information output from the temporary route point setting unit 219. Based on the above, a second guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination via the temporary waypoint is searched (step S200).

  Finally, the guidance route guide unit 222 includes the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the second data stored in the guidance route memory 220. Based on the guidance route information, the guidance route guidance of the second guidance route information is started (step S220). When the process of step S220 is completed, the navigation device 200 ends the process in FIG.

  As described above in detail, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that there is a traffic jam section on the guidance route ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the traffic jam information, and there is a critical point in the traffic jam section, An intersection existing in the traffic congestion section is set as a temporary waypoint, and a second guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination via the temporary route point is searched.

  According to the first embodiment configured as described above, detailed level map data is used for the route search for the road near the point set as the temporary waypoint, so it is far from the traffic jam section. There is a high possibility that a detour route that cannot be found is searched. Therefore, when a traffic jam occurs on the guidance route, it is possible to search for a route that can avoid the traffic jam without making a detour as much as possible.

  Further, in the first embodiment, among the intersections existing in the traffic jam section, an intersection that can proceed to the destination side after entering the guidance route by making a left turn is set as a temporary waypoint. According to the first embodiment configured as described above, a route that can smoothly return to a previously set guidance route can be searched when avoiding a traffic jam that has occurred near a critical point.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a navigation device 200 ′ according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the navigation device 200 ′ includes a cost determination unit 226 as a functional configuration instead of the necessity determination unit 225 of FIG. 1 shown in the first embodiment. Further, the navigation device 200 ′ has, as its functional configuration, a guidance route search unit 218, a temporary waypoint setting unit 219, a guidance route memory 220, a guidance route guidance unit 222, a traffic jam information acquisition unit 223, and a traffic jam determination unit 224 in FIG. Instead, a guidance route searching unit 218 ′, a temporary route setting unit 219 ′, a guidance route memory 220 ′, a guidance route guide unit 222 ′, a traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′, and a traffic jam determination unit 224 ′ are provided. In FIG. 6, components having the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1 have the same functions, and thus redundant description is omitted here.

  The traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′ performs two-way communication with radio wave beacon transceivers mainly installed on highways, and also uses optical beacon transceivers mainly installed on general roads. VICS information (road traffic information such as traffic jam information and regulation information) is acquired from a road traffic information center (not shown) by performing two-way communication between the two. Then, the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′ outputs the traffic jam information included in the acquired VICS information to the guidance route search unit 218 ′, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′, the traffic jam determination unit 224 ′, and the cost determination unit 226. .

  Based on the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 'and the traffic information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223', the traffic jam determination unit 224 ' Whether there is traffic jam or congestion). When it is determined that there is a traffic congestion section, the traffic congestion determination unit 224 ′ notifies the guidance route search unit 218 ′ and the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ to that effect.

  The guidance route search unit 218 ′ is configured to output the destination output from the destination setting unit 216 based on the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212 and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213. A guidance route to the destination indicated by the information is searched. Further, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ is stored in the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212 and the map data storage unit 213 when the temporary route information is output from the temporary route setting unit 219 ′. Based on the map data, the second guidance route to the destination via the temporary waypoint indicated by the temporary waypoint information is searched. In the search for the guidance route or the second guidance route, the method for setting the link cost of the traffic jam section is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In addition, when the guidance route search unit 218 ′ receives a notification that there is a traffic jam section on the guidance route from the traffic jam judgment unit 224 ′, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ does not pass through the traffic jam zone and reaches the destination from the vehicle position to the destination. Search for the guidance route. For example, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ searches for the third guidance route by changing the link cost of the entire congestion section to infinity (impossible to pass). The guidance route search unit 218 ′ corresponds to the first guidance route search unit, the second guidance route search unit, and the third guidance route search unit of the present invention.

  When a guidance route is searched by the guidance route search unit 218 ′, the guidance route memory 220 ′ uses the searched guidance route data (a set of road links from the current position to the destination) as guidance route information. Store temporarily. In addition, when the second route is searched by the guide route search unit 218 ′, the guide route memory 220 ′ stores the data of the searched second guide route (the road link from the current position to the destination). Is temporarily stored as second guidance route information.

  Further, the guidance route memory 220 ′, when the guidance route searching unit 218 ′ searches for the third guidance route, the data of the searched third guidance route (the road link from the current position to the destination). Is temporarily stored as the third guide route information. FIG. 7F is a diagram showing details of the third guidance route information of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7F, the third guidance route information includes, as item information, “road link ID” for identifying a road link constituting the third guidance route. The road link information, guidance route information, and second guidance route information shown in FIGS. 7A, 7C, and 7D are road links shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2D. The information is the same as the information obtained by removing the item information “necessary type” from the guide route information and the second guide route information. Node information and traffic jam information shown in FIGS. 7B and 7E are the same as the node information and traffic jam information shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E.

  The cost determination unit 226 outputs the guidance route information and the third guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′. Based on the traffic jam information, the cost (for example, distance and time) to reach the destination by the guidance route and the cost (for example, distance and time) to reach the destination by the third guidance route are compared. Then, it is determined whether or not the cost on the third guide route is larger than the cost on the guide route by a predetermined value or more. When the cost determination unit 226 determines that the cost on the third guidance route is greater than the cost on the guidance route by a predetermined value or more, the cost determination unit 226 notifies the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ to that effect.

  When the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ receives a notification from the cost determination unit 226 that the cost on the third guidance route is greater than the cost on the guidance route by a predetermined value or more, the temporary route setting unit 219 ′ outputs the congestion information acquisition unit 223 ′. Based on the traffic jam information, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′, the intersection that can be joined in the traffic congestion section is set as a temporary transit point. To do. Then, the temporary route setting unit 219 ′ outputs temporary route point information indicating the set temporary route point to the guidance route search unit 218 ′.

  On the other hand, if the cost determination unit 226 determines that the cost on the third guidance route is not greater than the cost on the guidance route by a predetermined value or more, it notifies the guidance route guidance unit 222 ′ to that effect. In this case, the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ includes the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the first route stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′. Based on the guide route information of 3, the guide route guidance of the third guide route is started.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the cost on the third guidance route is larger than the cost on the currently set guidance route by a predetermined value or more, the temporary route is set and the second guidance route is set. I'm trying to explore. This is because the user feels that the route for avoiding the traffic jam is the detour route by searching the second guide route only when the third guide route is a substantially detour route. This is to prevent the second guidance route from being unnecessarily searched until the possibility is low.

  In addition, the cost determination unit 226 includes second guidance route information and third guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′, map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and a traffic jam information acquisition unit. Based on the traffic jam information output from 223 ′, the cost (for example, distance and time) to reach the destination through the second guidance route and the cost (eg, to reach the destination through the third guidance route) Distance and time) and determine whether the cost on the second guidance route is smaller than the cost on the third guidance route. If the cost determination unit 226 determines that the cost on the second guidance route is smaller than the cost on the third guidance route, the cost determination unit 226 notifies the guidance route guidance unit 222 'to that effect. In this case, the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ includes the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the first route stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′. Based on the second guide route information, guide route guidance for the second guide route is started.

  On the other hand, if the cost determination unit 226 determines that the cost on the second guidance route is not smaller than the cost on the third guidance route, the cost determination unit 226 notifies the provisional waypoint setting unit 219 ′ to that effect. In this case, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ selects the intersection that has already been set as the temporary waypoint among the intersections that exist between the intersection that has already been set as the temporary waypoint and the end point of the traffic jam in the congestion section. The first intersection from the vehicle toward the vehicle position is reset as a new temporary stop. Then, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ searches again for a second guidance route that reaches the destination via the temporary transit point reset by the temporary transit point setting unit 219 ′.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, when the cost on the second guidance route is not smaller than the cost on the third guidance route, a new temporary waypoint is reset, and the reset temporary waypoint is set. The second guidance route to the destination via the route is re-searched. In order to solve the problem that the third guidance route, which is a roundabout route, has been searched, the second guidance route that avoids part of the traffic jam is searched. This is to prevent the second guidance route from being used for route guidance as it is when a second guidance route having a high cost is searched.

  Further, when the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ determines that there is no intersection capable of joining in the traffic jam section, the temporary route setting unit 219 ′ notifies the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ to that effect. In this case, the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ includes the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the first route stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′. Based on the guide route information of 3, the guide route guidance of the third guide route is started. This is because, in a situation where a temporary waypoint cannot be set in a traffic jam section, a search for a second guidance route having a cost lower than the cost of the third guidance route is made as a route for avoiding the traffic jam. This is because it becomes difficult.

  Next, an example of guidance route search processing according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance route search processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a situation in which a traffic jam (identified by the traffic jam section 430) occurs in a part of the guidance route 420 when the host vehicle 400 is traveling on the guidance route 420 toward the destination 410. . In this case, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ receives a notification that there is a traffic jam section from the traffic jam judgment unit 224 ′, and does not pass through the traffic jam section 430 and does not pass through the third position from the vehicle position 400 to the destination 410. The guidance route 500 is searched.

  Next, the cost determination unit 226 compares the cost to reach the destination 410 with the guidance route 420 and the cost to reach the destination 410 with the third guidance route 500, and then compares the cost with the third guidance route 500. It is determined whether or not the cost is greater than a predetermined value by the guide route 420. Here, it is assumed that the cost of the third guide route 500 is determined to be greater than the cost of the guide route 420 by a predetermined value or more because the third guide route 500 is a route that travels farther than the guide route 420.

  In this case, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ is closest to the destination 410 among the intersections existing in the traffic jam section 430, and can proceed to the destination 410 as it is after entering the guide route 420 by making a left turn. The mergeable intersection 450 is set as a temporary stop. The guidance route search unit 218 ′ searches for the second guidance route 510 that reaches the destination 410 via the temporary waypoint (intersection 450).

  Next, the cost determination unit 226 compares the cost to reach the destination 410 with the second guide route 510 and the cost to reach the destination 410 with the third guide route 500, and the second guide route It is determined whether the cost at 510 is smaller than the cost at the third guidance route 500. In the example of FIG. 8, the second guide route 510 has made a circuitous rotation as much as the third guide route 500, and the second guide route 510 finally passes through a part of the traffic jam section 430, so Assume that it is determined that the cost of the second guide route 510 is not smaller than the cost of the third guide route 500.

  In this case, the waypoint setting unit 219 ′ can join the intersection that has already been set as a temporary waypoint in an intersection existing between the joinable intersection 450 that has already been set as a temporary waypoint and the congestion end point 470 in the traffic jam section. It is determined whether or not there is another merging possible intersection on the vehicle position 400 side from the intersection 450. When there is another intersection where merging is possible, an intersection closest to the destination 410 is set as a new temporary waypoint. In the example of FIG. 8, the waypoint setting unit 219 ′ re-uses the first joinable intersection 460 from the joinable intersection 450 that has already been set as the temporary stoppoint toward the vehicle position 400 side as a new temporary stoppoint. Set. Then, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ re-searches the second guidance route 490 that reaches the destination 410 from the own vehicle position 410 via the new temporary waypoint (intersection 460).

  Next, the cost determination unit 226 compares the cost to reach the destination 410 with the second guidance route 490 and the cost to reach the destination 410 with the third guidance route 500, and the second guidance route It is determined whether the cost at 490 is smaller than the cost at the third guidance route 500. In the example of FIG. 8, the second guidance route 490 passes through a part of the traffic congestion section 430, but the second guidance route 490 is much smaller than the third guidance route 500. Assume that the cost of the second guidance route 490 is smaller than the cost of the third guidance route 500. In this case, the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ starts guidance route guidance based on the second guidance route 490 instead of guidance route guidance based on the guidance route 420.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device 200 ′ in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the navigation device 200 ′ when the host vehicle is traveling on the guidance route toward the destination.

  First, the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′ acquires VICS information from a road traffic information center (not shown) (step S300). Then, the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′ outputs the traffic jam information included in the acquired VICS information to the guidance route search unit 218 ′, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′, the traffic jam determination unit 224 ′, and the cost determination unit 226. .

  Next, the traffic jam determination unit 224 ′ is placed on the guidance route ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′ and the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′. It is determined whether or not there is a traffic jam section (step S320). If the congestion determination unit 224 ′ determines that there is no congestion section on the guidance route (NO in step S320), the navigation device 200 ′ ends the process in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the traffic jam determination unit 224 ′ determines that there is a traffic jam section on the guidance route (YES in step S320), the traffic jam judgment unit 224 ′ notifies the guidance route search unit 218 ′ and the temporary waypoint setting. Notification to the unit 219 ′. Next, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ receives a notification that there is a traffic jam section on the guidance route from the traffic jam judgment unit 224 ′, and does not pass through the traffic jam zone and reaches the destination from the vehicle position to the destination. The guidance route is searched (step S340).

  The cost determination unit 226 uses the guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′, the third guidance route information, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the traffic jam output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′. Based on the information, the cost to reach the destination on the guidance route is compared with the cost to reach the destination on the third guidance route, and the cost on the third guidance route is more than the cost on the guidance route. It is determined whether or not it is greater than a predetermined value (step S360). If cost determining unit 226 determines that the cost on the third guide route is not greater than the cost on the guide route by a predetermined value or more (NO in step S360), the process transitions to step S500.

  On the other hand, when the cost determination unit 226 determines that the cost on the third guidance route is greater than or equal to the cost on the guidance route by a predetermined value (YES in step S360), the cost determination unit 226 provides a provisional notification. This is notified to the ground setting unit 219 ′. Next, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′, the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the guidance stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′. Based on the route information, an intersection that is closest to the destination among the intersections existing in the traffic jam section is set as a temporary waypoint (step S380). Then, the temporary route setting unit 219 ′ outputs temporary route point information indicating the set temporary route point to the guidance route search unit 218 ′.

  Next, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ changes the link cost in the traffic jam section based on the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′ and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213 ( Step S400). Then, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ uses the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the temporary route output unit 219 ′. Based on the location information, a second guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination via the temporary waypoint is searched (step S420).

  Next, the cost determination unit 226 acquires the second guidance route information and the third guidance route information stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the congestion information acquisition. Based on the traffic jam information output from the unit 223 ′, the cost to reach the destination by the second guidance route is compared with the cost to the destination by the third guidance route, and the second guidance It is determined whether or not the cost on the route is smaller than the cost on the third guidance route (step S440). If the cost determination unit 226 determines that the cost on the second guidance route is smaller than the cost on the third guidance route (YES in step S440), the cost determination unit 226 indicates that fact on the guidance route. Notify the guide 222 '. In this case, the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ includes the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the first route stored in the guidance route memory 220 ′. Based on the second guide route information, the guide route guidance for the second guide route is started (step S460). When the process of step S460 is completed, the navigation device 200 ′ ends the process in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the cost determining unit 226 determines that the cost on the second guide route is not smaller than the cost on the third guide route (NO in step S440), the cost determining unit 226 temporarily notifies that. Notify the waypoint setting unit 219 ′. Next, the waypoint setting unit 219 ′ determines whether there is another intersection that can be merged, except for the intersection that has already been set as a temporary waypoint (step S480). If it is determined by the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ that there is no other junction (NO in step S480), the temporary route point setting unit 219 ′ notifies the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ accordingly. . In this case, the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ includes the vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detection unit 212, the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213, and the third information stored in the guidance route memory 220. The guidance route guidance of the third guidance route information is started based on the guidance route information (step S500). When the process of step S500 is completed, the navigation device 200 ′ ends the process in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ that there is another merging intersection (YES in step S480), the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 ′ determines the other merging possible intersection closest to the destination side. It resets as a new temporary waypoint (step S520). Then, the temporary transit point setting unit 219 ′ outputs second temporary transit point information indicating the reset temporary transit point to the guidance route search unit 218 ′.

  Next, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ changes the link cost in the traffic jam section based on the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′ and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213 ( Step S540). Then, the guidance route search unit 218 ′ determines the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 from the vehicle position based on the traffic jam information output from the traffic jam information acquisition unit 223 ′ and the map data stored in the map data storage unit 213. The second guidance route to the destination via the temporary transit point reset by 'is re-searched (step S560). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S440.

  As described above in detail, in the second embodiment, the cost on the third guide route from the vehicle position to the destination without passing through the traffic jam section is predetermined from the cost on the currently set guide route. Temporary waypoints are set when the value is larger than the value. According to the second embodiment configured as described above, the second guidance route is searched only when a considerably detour route is searched. Therefore, a route for avoiding a traffic jam is a detour route. It is possible to prevent the second guidance route from being unnecessarily searched until it is unlikely that the user feels that the route is a route.

  In the second embodiment, if the cost on the second guidance route is not smaller than the cost on the third guidance route, a new temporary waypoint is reset, and the route passes through the reset temporary route point. Thus, the second guidance route to the destination is re-searched. According to the second embodiment configured as described above, in order to solve the problem that the third guidance route which is a detour route is searched, the second guidance route is searched. It is possible to prevent the second guidance route from being used for route guidance as it is when a second guidance route having a higher cost than the guidance route is searched.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example in which any intersection existing in a traffic jam section is set as a temporary waypoint has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined number of intersections that are on the guidance route and are counted from the beginning of the traffic jam section to the destination side may be set as temporary transit points. In this way, when a traffic jam occurs on the guidance route, it is possible to search for a route that does not travel as much as possible and can completely avoid the traffic jam. However, if the predetermined number is increased too much, there is a possibility that the set temporary waypoint will be a point away from the traffic jam section, and detailed map data of level 0 cannot be used in the vicinity of the traffic jam section. Do not overdo it. Preferably, the predetermined number is 1.

  Moreover, although the said 1st and 2nd embodiment demonstrated the example which sets the intersection which can advance to the destination side as it is after entering the guidance route by the left turn as a temporary stop, this invention is not limited to this. . For example, it is not a condition to enter the guidance route by making a left turn, and an intersection in a traffic jam section may be set as a temporary waypoint. However, setting an intersection that can proceed to the destination side as it is after entering the guidance route with a left turn as a temporary waypoint can return smoothly to the preset guidance route when avoiding traffic jams. This is preferable.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 9, when the cost determination unit 226 determines that the cost on the third guidance route is not greater than the cost on the guidance route by a predetermined value or more (NO in step S360), the cost determination unit 226 May determine whether the cost on the third guidance route is smaller than the cost on the guidance route. If it is determined that the cost on the third guidance route is smaller than the cost on the guidance route, the guidance route guide unit 222 ′ starts guidance route guidance on the third guidance route. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cost on the third guidance route is not smaller than the cost on the guidance route, the navigation device 200 ′ ends the process in FIG. 9 (that is, continues the guidance route guidance for the current guidance route). To do). By adding such a determination process, when a third guide route having a cost higher than that of the guide route being route-guided is searched, the cost of the third guide route is the cost of the guide route. It is possible to prevent the third guidance route from being used for route guidance as it is simply because it is not greater than the predetermined value.

  Moreover, although the said 1st and 2nd embodiment demonstrated the example in which the approach direction of the road link which approachs a node, and the escape direction of the road link escaped from the said node are set to the connection road information of node information, However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, traffic regulation information may be added to the node information, and traffic regulations such as one-way traffic, right turn prohibition, and U-turn prohibition existing on road links connected to the node may be set. In this case, the temporary waypoint setting unit 219 (219 ′) uses the traffic regulation information of the node information instead of the connection road information of the node information to obtain a joinable intersection, and uses the obtained joinable intersection as the temporary waypoint. Set as.

  In addition, each of the first and second embodiments described above is merely an example of a specific example for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited manner. It will not be. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

200, 200 'Navigation device 212 Vehicle position detection unit 213 Map data storage unit 218, 218' Guidance route search unit 219, 219 'Temporary waypoint setting unit 223, 223' Congestion information acquisition unit 224, 224 'Congestion determination unit 225 Determination unit 226 Cost determination unit

Claims (6)

A vehicle position detector for detecting the current position of the vehicle;
A first guidance route search unit for searching for a guidance route to a preset destination based on the current position detected by the vehicle position detection unit and the map data stored in the map data storage unit;
A traffic information acquisition unit for acquiring traffic information;
Based on the traffic jam information acquired by the traffic jam information acquisition unit, a traffic jam determination unit that determines whether there is a traffic jam section on the guide route ahead of the vehicle in the traveling direction;
When it is determined by the traffic jam determination unit that the traffic jam section exists, an intersection that is on the guide route and within a predetermined number from the head of the traffic jam section to the destination side, or that exists in the traffic jam section A temporary waypoint setting unit for setting the intersection as a temporary waypoint,
A navigation apparatus comprising: a second guidance route search unit that searches for a second guidance route from the current position to the destination via the temporary waypoint based on the map data. . The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein
When it is determined by the traffic jam determination unit that the traffic jam section exists on the guidance route, the traffic jam determination unit further includes an important crash determination unit that determines whether there is a traffic jam in the traffic jam section,
The said temporary waypoint setting part sets the said temporary waypoint, when it determines with the important point determination part having a required point in the said traffic congestion area. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein
A third guidance for searching for a third guidance route from the current position to the destination without passing through the traffic jam section when the traffic jam judgment unit determines that the traffic jam section exists on the guidance route; A route search unit;
Based on the map data and the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit, the cost to reach the destination by the guidance route and the cost to reach the destination by the third guidance route A cost determination unit that determines whether or not the cost in the third guidance route is greater than or equal to a predetermined value more than the cost in the guidance route;
The temporary route setting unit sets the temporary route when the cost determination unit determines that the cost on the third guidance route is greater than the cost on the guidance route by a predetermined value or more. A navigation device. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein
A third guidance for searching for a third guidance route from the current position to the destination without passing through the traffic jam section when the traffic jam judgment unit determines that the traffic jam section exists on the guidance route; A route search unit;
Based on the map data and the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit, the cost to reach the destination by the second guidance route and the destination to the destination by the third guidance route A cost determination unit that compares the cost and determines whether the cost in the second guidance route is smaller than the cost in the third guidance route;
When the cost determination unit determines that the cost on the second guidance route is not smaller than the cost on the third guidance route, the temporary route setting unit determines that the temporary route setting unit Among the intersections existing between the intersection set as the location and the congestion end point in the congestion section, the first intersection from the set intersection toward the current position side is re-established as a new temporary transit point. Set,
The second guidance route search unit, based on the map data, finds a second guidance route from the current position to the destination via the temporary transit point reset by the temporary transit point setting unit. A navigation device characterized by re-searching. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein
The temporary waypoint setting unit is located on the guidance route and enters the guidance route by turning left among the predetermined number of intersections counted from the head of the congestion section to the destination side and intersections existing in the congestion section. The navigation apparatus is characterized in that an intersection that can proceed to the destination side as it is is set as the temporary waypoint. Based on the current position detection unit for detecting the current position of the vehicle, the current position detected by the current position detection unit, and the map data stored in the map data storage unit, a guidance route to the destination is searched. A guidance route search method in a navigation device comprising a guidance route search unit,
A first step of obtaining traffic information;
A second step of determining whether or not there is a traffic jam section on the guidance route ahead of the vehicle in the traveling direction based on the traffic jam information acquired in the first step;
If it is determined in the second step that the traffic jam section exists on the guidance route, an intersection that is on the guidance route and within a predetermined number from the head of the traffic jam section to the destination side, or A third step of setting any intersection existing in the traffic jam section as a temporary stop;
And a fourth step of searching for a second guide route from the current position to the destination via the temporary waypoint based on the map data.

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