JP2011069827A - Navigation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation apparatus capable of performing a route search with a high degree of precision in consideration of the passage of time during movement. <P>SOLUTION: The navigation apparatus includes: traffic information table data 24d and 51d; a CPU; a VICS(R) receiving device; a search processing unit 35b; a route search processing 35a; and a display. The traffic information table data have a plurality of traffic information tables stored therein for each area and each point of time, and each of the traffic information tables has set therein the amount of time required to move from each area as an area of departure to a given area. The CPU searches for a desired facility and determines, as a target area, an area in which the facility is included. The search processing unit selects, as an applied table from among the plurality of traffic information tables, a traffic information table corresponding to an area of departure in which the current location is included and a time of departure. The display outputs the amount of time required and a time of arrival corresponding to the target area based on the applied table. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device capable of searching for an optimum route in the movement of a vehicle.

In order to facilitate movement by a vehicle, a navigation device has been developed that displays a route from a departure place and provides destination guidance.
Such a navigation device detects the current position of the vehicle by GPS or the like, displays the current position on the display together with the road map, or searches for the route from the input departure point, and based on the search result Travel guidance is performed according to the set guide route. This route search is performed by, for example, the Dijkstra method or a method based thereon. In other words, the navigation device uses the map data stored in the navigation device or an external data device, based on the current state (at the time of search) road traffic information and the distance from the current position to an arbitrary point. The route calculation cost to the point (evaluation value for the route) is calculated. Then, at the stage where all the cost calculations up to the destination have been completed, the route having the minimum total cost is connected to obtain the optimum route from the current position to the destination.

The navigation device described above can obtain road traffic information such as current traffic jam information and traffic regulation information, and can search for the shortest route and calculate an estimated required time.
In addition, a navigation device has been proposed that can retrieve road traffic information corresponding to a predetermined departure date from statistical / predicted traffic information calculated from road traffic information such as past traffic conditions (Patent Literature). 1). Thereby, it is possible to accurately check the shortest route and the estimated required time at a predetermined departure date and time.

JP 2002-148067 A

  However, the road traffic information in this case is the road traffic information corresponding to the departure date and time, and traffic information at the same time is used near the departure point and near the destination. There has been a problem that it is not possible to perform a route search considering the passage of time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can perform a highly accurate route search considering the passage of time in movement.

  In order to achieve the above object, the navigation device according to claim 1 is configured such that, for each area and each time, a required time to an arbitrary area or an arrival time to an arbitrary area is set with each area as a departure area. A table storage means for storing a plurality of traffic information tables, a receiving means for receiving restriction information for which a restriction time is specified, and a departure area and a departure time including the current location from the plurality of traffic information tables Usage table selection means for selecting a traffic information table as a usage table, time required to reach the area where the restriction information exists, or arrival time at the area where the restriction information exists and the restriction information set in the use table From the comparison with the restriction time of the vehicle, it is determined whether to use the restriction information for the route search from the current position to the destination. Characterized in that it comprises a search means.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the navigation device according to claim 1, further comprising predicted traffic information storage means for storing predicted traffic information included in each area at each time, wherein the route search means includes the use table. The predicted traffic information existing in an arbitrary area is acquired from the predicted traffic information storage means based on the required time to the arbitrary area set in or the arrival time in the arbitrary area, and the predicted traffic information is used. The route search from the present location to the destination is performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the highly accurate route search which considered progress of time in a movement can be performed.

The schematic structure figure of the navigation system in an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of a navigation apparatus. The block diagram which shows the structure of a navigation system. The block diagram which shows the structure of a table data preparation apparatus. Explanatory drawing of a traffic information table. Explanatory drawing of a traffic information table. (A) is explanatory drawing of a traffic information table, (b) is explanatory drawing of a total traffic information table. The graph explaining the change of the required time by departure time. The flowchart explaining the table creation process of embodiment. The flowchart explaining the route search process of embodiment. The flowchart explaining the route search process of embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the route search of another example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a navigation system 1 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.
As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system 1 of the present embodiment includes a navigation device 10 mounted on an automobile CA and a navigation management center SC (hereinafter referred to as a “navi center”) as a server device. . The navigation device 10 includes a mobile communication device 4.

  The navigation device 10 is connected to the navigation center SC via a base station antenna BC and a network N as communication means, and exchanges various information including route information and current position information with the navigation center SC. More specifically, transmission data such as current position information and destination determination information from the mobile communication device 4 of the navigation apparatus 10 is transmitted as a radio signal from the antenna of the mobile communication device 4. This radio signal is received by the base station antenna BC and transmitted to the navigation center SC via a network N such as a general telephone network. In contrast, the navigation center SC transmits traffic information table data, statistical / predicted traffic information data, and the like as radio signals from the base station antenna BC of the network N to the navigation device 10.

  In addition, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) 2 in the user's home H is connected to the navigation center SC via the network N. A keyboard, mouse and monitor are connected to the personal computer 2. For this reason, the user uses the keyboard, mouse and monitor from the personal computer 2 at home H to input a destination and select a route before the departure of the trip, and to obtain information such as route information and departure time about the destination. Can be obtained. In addition, the personal computer 2 can transmit and receive information to and from the navigation device 10 via an antenna via a wireless line. For this reason, the navigation center SC can transmit / receive the route information about the destination determined by the user in advance to the personal computer 2 of the home H and transmit the route information to the navigation device 10 via the personal computer 2.

First, the navigation apparatus 10 mounted on the automobile CA will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device 10 includes an input / output device 11, a current position detection device 12, an information storage device 13, and a main control device 14. A mobile communication device 4 is also provided.

  The input / output device 11 is a device for instructing the main control device 14 to perform a navigation process by inputting a destination or allowing the user to output guidance information by voice or image when necessary. is there. The input / output device 11 includes a touch panel 15, a display 16, and a speaker 17 that constitute a display unit.

  The touch panel 15 is a transparent contact detection panel overlaid on almost the entire surface of the display 16. For example, when the user touches the fingertip according to the display screen of the display 16, a signal corresponding to the contact position is displayed. Is output to the main controller 14. Accordingly, a touch switch, a key switch (jog key), and the like are configured by the touch panel 15 in accordance with the display screen of the display 16. Then, the user performs destination setting, route search, and the like by the selection operation of the touch panel 15 or the like. Note that contact detection includes a pressure-sensitive type that detects a change in pressure, an electrostatic type that detects an electric signal due to static electricity, and a photoelectric type that detects an electric signal according to light irradiation / blocking.

  The display 16 is mounted, for example, adjacent to the dashboard of the automobile CA, and uses a color liquid crystal display. For example, the display 16 displays a map including the current position as shown in FIG. 5 as route guidance. The speaker 17 outputs route guidance by voice.

  The current position detection device 12 is a device that detects or receives information related to the current position of the vehicle. The current position detection device 12 includes a GPS receiver 18, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) receiver 19, an absolute azimuth sensor 20, a relative azimuth sensor 21, and a distance sensor 22. The VICS is a system that transmits traffic jam information, road regulation information, and the like to the automobile CA.

  The GPS receiver 18 detects the current position of the automobile CA, the vehicle orientation, the vehicle speed, and the like using a satellite navigation system (GPS receiver; Global Positioning System). The VICS receiver 19 receives road information transmitted by a data distribution station, FM multiplex broadcasting station, and beacon (a transmitter that is installed on a road and transmits traffic jam information, road regulation information, etc. to a car CA). Receiving device. The absolute azimuth sensor 20 is a geomagnetic sensor. The relative orientation sensor 21 includes a steering sensor and a gyro. The distance sensor 22 calculates a travel distance from the number of rotations of the wheel.

For example, the information storage device 13 formed of a hard disk or the like includes a program unit 23 that stores a navigation program and a data unit 24 that stores data.
The program unit 23 includes a map drawing unit, a route search unit, a route guide unit, a current position calculation unit, a target position setting operation control unit, and the like. That is, the program unit 23 includes a program for performing a route search and a search for an arbitrary point on the route, a program for performing display control necessary for route guidance, and voice output control necessary for voice guidance. ing.

  On the other hand, the data unit 24 includes data necessary for executing the navigation program stored in the program unit 23, and display information necessary for route guidance and map display. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, map data 24a, area data 24b, statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c, and traffic information table data 24d as table storage means are included.

  The map data 24a includes a road map, a house map, a building shape map, and the like. In the area data 24b, position information composed of latitude and longitude is associated with information related to the position indicated by the position information. Specifically, road data, parking lot data, intersection data, node data, link data, photograph data, registration point data, and the like are included. In addition, it includes image data of various marks displayed on the map in route guidance or the like. Furthermore, destination data, destination reading data, etc. are included as guidance data. Statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c as predicted traffic information storage means includes predicted traffic information predicted by past traffic information statistics, and stores predicted traffic information of links included in each area for each time. Yes. The traffic information table data 24d includes a total traffic information table Ta described later.

  The main control device 14 includes a CPU (central control device) 25, a flash memory 26, a ROM 27, a RAM 28, an image memory 29, an image processor 30, an audio processor 31, a communication interface 32, a sensor input interface 33, a clock 34, and the like. .

  The CPU 25 executes various calculation calculation processes. The CPU 25 includes a processing unit 35, and the processing unit 35 includes a route search processing unit 35a and a search processing unit 35b as shown in FIG.

  The route search processing unit 35 a as route search means performs processing such as route search according to the navigation program read from the data unit 24 of the information storage device 13. That is, the route search processing unit 35a calculates the current position of the vehicle from the detection data relating to the current position of the automobile CA, and performs processing such as route search based on the current position and the position information of the destination. Alternatively, the route search processing unit 35 a performs route guidance by displaying a map including the current position of the automobile CA and a required mark in the display area of the display 16.

  The search processing unit 35b serving as a use table selection unit selects a traffic information table corresponding to the departure time from an area including the current location, from among a plurality of traffic information tables stored in the traffic information table data 24d. Select as use table. The search processing unit 35b performs a search from the data stored in the map data 24a, area data 24b, and statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c stored in the data unit 24 of the information storage device 13.

  The flash memory 26 stores the navigation program read from the program unit 23 of the information storage device 13. The ROM 27 stores a program for performing program check and update processing of the navigation program stored in the flash memory 26. The RAM 28 temporarily stores the set point coordinates of the destination, searched route guidance information, data being processed, and the like.

  The image memory 29 stores image data such as a map to be displayed on the display 16. The image processor 30 extracts image data from the image memory 29 based on a display control signal from the CPU 25, performs image processing, and displays a map or the like on the display 16.

  Based on the audio output control signal from the CPU 25, the audio processor 31 converts audio output information included in the route guidance information into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the speaker 17. For example, the voice processor 31 synthesizes voices for driving guidance read from the information storage device 13, phrases, single sentences, sounds, etc., and converts them into analog signals.

  The communication interface 32 is provided between the main controller 14 and the touch panel 15 of the input / output device 11, the GPS receiver 18 of the current position detector 12, the VICS receiver 19, the information storage device 13, the mobile communication device 4, and the like. Send and receive data. The sensor input interface 33 captures sensor signals from the absolute direction sensor 20, the relative direction sensor 21, and the distance sensor 22 of the current position detection device 12. The clock 34 enters the date and time in the internal dialog information.

  The CPU 25 performs an operation for displaying various screens for route guidance on the display 16 or outputting sound for route guidance from the speaker 17 based on the searched route guidance information. At this time, the CPU 25 causes the display 16 to display a screen according to the setting of the display mode by the user, that is, the operation (contact) of the touch panel 15 in accordance with the display screen of the display 16.

The mobile communication device 4 can perform wireless communication with external devices such as the navigation center SC and the personal computer 2. As the mobile communication device 4, a mobile phone, a wireless LAN, or the like is used.
Next, the navigation center SC will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation center SC includes a navigation server 50 and a communication unit 53. The navigation server 50 includes a data unit 51 and a processing unit 52.
The data unit 51 stores and manages navigation programs and data.

  The navigation program includes a map drawing unit, a route search unit, a route guide unit, a current position detection unit, a target position setting operation control unit, and the like. In other words, the navigation program is a program for performing processing such as general route search and search for an arbitrary point on the route, display control necessary for route guidance, and voice output control necessary for voice guidance. Consists of programs. Specifically, a program for setting a current position, a destination, and a passing point and executing a route search using searched road data is provided. Moreover, a program for determining voice output timing and voice phrases along map drawing, map matching, and route is provided.

  On the other hand, the data includes data necessary for executing the navigation program, display information necessary for route guidance and map display, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, map data 51a, area data 51b, statistical / predicted traffic information data 51c, traffic information table data 51d, and the like are included.

  The map data 51a includes a road map, a house map, a building shape map, and the like. In the area data 51b, position information composed of latitude and longitude is associated with information related to the position indicated by the position information. Specifically, road data, parking lot data, intersection data, node data, link data, photograph data, registration point data, and the like are included. Furthermore, the area data 51b includes destination data, destination reading data, and the like as guidance data. Note that data such as map data 51a and area data 51b is recorded in advance prior to the processing of the present embodiment. These data are newly recorded or updated based on information input by the administrator of the navigation center SC. The statistical / predicted traffic information data 51c includes predicted traffic information predicted by statistics of past traffic information. The traffic information table data 51d stores a total traffic information table Ta described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the processing unit 52 has a search processing unit 52a. The search processing unit 52a stores a program for performing search processing from the statistical / predicted traffic information data 51c and the traffic information table data 51d stored in the data unit 51.

  The navigation server 50 can perform processing such as route search according to the navigation program. That is, the navigation server 50 calculates the current position of the car CA from the detection data related to the current position of the car CA transmitted from the navigation device 10, and performs a route search or the like based on the current position or the position information of the destination. Process.

  The total traffic information table Ta stored in the traffic information table data 24d and 51d is created by, for example, the table data creation device 60 shown in FIG. The table data creation device 60 corresponds to table creation means. The table data creation device 60 includes a data unit 61 and a processing unit 62.

  The data unit 61 includes map data 61a, area data 61b, statistical / predicted traffic information data 61c, and the like. The map data 61a is the same data as the map data 24a and 51a, the area data 61b is the same data as the area data 24b and 51b, and the statistical / predicted traffic information data 61c is the statistical / predicted traffic. The data is the same as the information data 24c and 51c.

  The processing unit 62 includes a route search processing unit 62a, a search processing unit 62b, a statistical processing unit 62c, and the like. The route search processing unit 62a performs route search processing according to the navigation program. The search processing unit 62b performs a search process based on the map data 61a, area data 61b, statistical / predicted traffic information data 61c, etc. stored in the data unit 61. The statistical processing unit 62c performs statistical processing of traffic information.

  In the present embodiment, the navigation server 50 of the navigation center SC is the table data creation device 60. That is, the data part 51 of the navigation server 50 is the data part 61 of the table data creation device 60, and the processing part 52 is the processing part 62. As a result, the navigation system 1 includes the navigation device 10 and the navigation center SC.

Here, the traffic information table T constituting the total traffic information table Ta will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the predetermined area is divided into 1 to n at regular intervals in the horizontal direction in the figure, and from A to C at regular intervals in the vertical direction in the figure, and is divided into a plurality of areas in a mesh shape. Yes. Each area divided in this way is assigned an identification number such as area A-1 or area C-n. Each of the divided areas is a route searchable area, and is a traffic information installation area (hereinafter simply referred to as an area). FIG. 6 shows a traffic information table TB-3 in the B-3 area at a certain time.

  In the traffic information table TB-3 shown in FIG. 6, traffic information ((t1, n1), (t2, n2)) is shown for each area obtained by dividing a predetermined area. The traffic information (t1, n1) is traffic information when a general road other than a toll road is used, and the traffic information (t2, n2) is traffic information when a toll road (highway) is used. That is, the traffic information ((t1, n1), (t2, n2)) corresponding to each area includes traffic information (t1, n1) when using a general road and traffic information (t2 when using a toll road). , N2), and each traffic information includes required times t1 and t2 until reaching the area and usage priority levels n1 and n2 of the corresponding traffic information. In addition, the time shown in each area shown in FIG. 5 is based on the data of the traffic information table TB-3 shown in FIG.

  Specifically, the traffic information ((t1, n1), (t2, n2)) means the following. That is, when using a general road, it passes through the area after the required time t1. Based on the required time t1, the use priority n1 of each area is calculated with reference to the distance from the departure area to each area. At this time, the route having the shortest required time from the departure area B-3 to the destination area in the state where the required time t1 of all the areas is calculated is set to the use priority “1”. Similarly, for the toll road traffic information (t2, n2), the required time t2 and the use priority n2 are calculated.

  When there is no destination area for the departure area B-3, the required times t1 and t2 are the average of the required time between any point in the departure area B-3 and any point in each area. Yes. The use priorities n1 and n2 of each area are calculated based on the distance from the departure area B-3 and the required times t1 and t2 from the departure area B-3. The usage priorities n1 and n2 are set so that traffic information having a small value is used preferentially over traffic information having a large value.

  When there is a destination area for the departure area B-3, the required times t1 and t2 draw various routes between an arbitrary point in the departure area B-3 and an arbitrary point in the destination area. The average time required to pass through each area in each route is shown. For areas that did not pass through the route from the departure area B-3 to the destination area, the traffic information when there is no destination area is applied. Note that the usage priorities n1 and n2 of each area take into consideration the possibility of passing when various routes are drawn to the target area and the distance of the route in addition to the determination when there is no target area.

  The required times t1 and t2 are obtained from the statistical / predicted traffic information data 61c (51c) of the table data creation device 60 (navigation server 50), with the statistical / predicted traffic information of each area starting from the departure area B-3. It is calculated by using time slide. Here, the time slide means that the required times t1 and t2 are sequentially added by the statistical / predicted traffic information data 61c (51c) as the area becomes farther from the departure area B-3.

  Specifically, in the departure area B-3, the required times t1 and t2 are “present”, and areas adjacent to the departure area B-3 (eg, area A-2, area B-2, etc.) The required time from the departure area B-3 is calculated as t1 and t2. And for further adjacent areas (for example, area A-1, area B-1, etc.), the required time from the area to the corresponding area is added to the required time of the area adjacent to the departure area B-3. Yes. Thus, the required time is sequentially added for each area starting from the departure area B-3. Note that there is no traffic information (t2, n2) for areas without toll roads.

  In the present embodiment, the required times t1 and t2 to each area are calculated and stored in the traffic information table T for each area for the departure area. The arrival time of the area may be calculated and stored. That is, the time set in the traffic information table T and the time required for each area added may be stored.

  Then, usage priorities n1 and n2 are calculated based on the required times t1 and t2 from the departure area B-3 of each area. The use priorities n1 and n2 are calculated in consideration of both data of the route from the departure place to the destination and the calculated required times t1 and t2.

  In addition, a traffic information table T similar to the traffic information table TB-3 is created for all other areas obtained by dividing a predetermined area. In this embodiment, the predetermined area is all over Japan. Further, a traffic information table T for each day of the week is created. For this reason, in this embodiment, the traffic information table T is created by (the number of divided areas in Japan) × (the set number of times) × (the number of days of the week).

  Specifically, for example, a traffic information table TA-1 is created for the area A-1 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, seven types of traffic information tables Tm to Ts from Monday to Sunday are created in the area A-1. Furthermore, each traffic information table Tm to Ts has a traffic information table for each time. The traffic information table Tm on Monday has traffic information tables Tm0 to Tm23 created every hour from 0:00 to 23:00. Similarly, the traffic information tables Tt to Ts from Tuesday to Sunday also have traffic information tables for each time. With all these traffic information tables, as shown in FIG. 7B, a total traffic information table Ta is created.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the created total traffic information table Ta is stored as traffic information table data 24d in the data unit 24 of the navigation device 10. Moreover, it is memorize | stored in the data part 51 of the navigation center SC as the traffic information table data 51d. Thus, the route search is performed in the navigation device 10 in a state where the traffic information table data 24d and 51d are stored in advance in the navigation device 10 and the navigation center SC.

  By the way, in the statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c of the navigation device 10 and the statistical / predicted traffic information data 51c of the navigation center SC, the predicted traffic of an arbitrary link created at a time interval corresponding to the variation amount of the required travel time. Information is stored every predetermined time. The transit time for any link varies within 24 hours. In the graph shown in FIG. 8, the required travel time for an arbitrary link on a certain day is shown for each departure time. The transit time on this day is relatively unchanged between 0 o'clock and 7 o'clock and from 17 o'clock to 24 o'clock, slightly changes between 9 o'clock and 17 o'clock, and from 7 o'clock to 9 o'clock The interval is on the day of the condition that the fluctuation is more severe than in other time zones. That is, the traffic information from 0:00 to 7:00 and from 17:00 to 24:00 has almost the same content. Therefore, the required travel time in this time zone is calculated as substantially the same time using any of the predicted traffic information in that time zone, that is, the calculation accuracy of the required travel time is hardly lowered. On the other hand, if the predicted traffic information corresponding to the accurate departure time is not used in a time zone in which the variation in the required travel time per unit time is large, the calculated required time includes a large error, that is, the calculation accuracy deteriorates. As described above, in the time zone where the required travel time varies depending on the time zone of the departure time, the predicted traffic information of the time unit corresponding to the variation is stored, and in the time zone where the variation in the required travel time is small, the above-mentioned Predicted traffic information sampled in time units longer than time units is stored.

  In this embodiment, from 0:00 to 7:00 and from 17:00 to 24:00 every 3 hours, from 7:00 to 9:00 every 15 minutes, from 9:00 to 17:00 The predicted traffic information sampled every hour is stored in the statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c and the statistical / predicted traffic information data 51c. Note that the sampling time zone may be changed as appropriate. Thereby, the number of data of the predicted traffic information is reduced, and the data amount of the statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c and 51c is small.

Next, the operation of the navigation system 1 will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 9, a table creation process is performed in advance by the navigation server 50 of the navigation center SC.

  The whole of Japan is divided into a mesh shape or a parcel shape, and identification numbers such as A-1 and B-1 are assigned to each area (see FIG. 5). Each area divided in this way is a traffic information installation area. That is, the traffic information installation area is an area included in the route searchable range. An area is selected from these areas and determined as a departure area (step S1). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a destination area designation for the departure area determined in step S1 (step S2).

  If it is determined that there is no destination area designation (step S2, NO), the traffic information used when there is no destination area is determined (step S3). In this embodiment, the required times t1 and t2 from the departure area of each traffic information installation area are calculated as used traffic information. The required times t1 and t2 are calculated as an average time of the required times by drawing various routes from an arbitrary point in the determined area to an arbitrary point in each traffic information installation area. When calculating the required times t1 and t2, the data of the statistical / predicted traffic information data 51c (61c) is used while being time-slided. The required times t1 and t2 are calculated for each of the toll road and other roads (general roads). Then, the use priority when there is no target area is determined (step S4). This usage priority is determined based on the distance from the departure area and the required times t1 and t2 from the departure area. For areas where there are no toll roads, the required time t2 and usage priority n2 are not calculated.

  If it is determined that the destination area is specified (step S2, YES), the traffic information used when the destination area is present, that is, the required times t1 and t2 are determined (step S5). In this case, various routes are drawn from an arbitrary point in the departure area to an arbitrary point in the destination area, and the average passing time of each area in the drawn route is defined as required times t1 and t2. For the areas that have not passed, the required times t1 and t2 calculated in step S3 when there is no destination area are used traffic information.

  Thereafter, the priority order of use when there is a target area is determined (step S6). This usage priority is determined in the same manner as when there is no target area, and is determined in consideration of the possibility of passage when a route is drawn to the target area and the distance from the route.

  In the present embodiment, the above table creation processing is performed for all areas obtained by dividing the whole of Japan. Further, it is performed for each area and for each day of the week. That is, the processing from step S1 to step S6 is performed for each area, and the processing from step S2 to step S6 is performed for each time set for each area and for each day of the week. The traffic information table is created for each time and day of the week for areas throughout Japan. Therefore, the traffic information table T is created by (number of areas in Japan) × (number of set times) × (number of days of the week). The created total traffic information table Ta (see FIG. 7) is stored as traffic information table data 24d in the data unit 24 of the navigation device 10. Or it is memorize | stored in the data part 51 of the navigation center SC as traffic information table data 51d.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a route search process is performed using the total traffic information table Ta created by the table creation process.
As shown in FIG. 10, first, in the navigation device 10, a departure area and a destination area are set (step S11). At this time, an area including the current position detected by the current position detection device 12 or the current position input by the user is set as a departure area. If there is a destination, the destination is input by the user, and the area including the destination is set as the destination area. At this time, the departure time (current time when the destination is set) is determined.

  Then, it is determined whether or not to use the navigation center SC (step S12). At this time, in the navigation device 10, it is determined whether or not the traffic information table T for the area to be searched exists in the traffic information table data 24 d of the data unit 24. Alternatively, when it is desired to obtain the latest traffic information because there is a change in traffic conditions such as a new interchange, the user inputs that the navigation center SC is used, and it is determined that the navigation center SC is used ( Step S12, YES).

  Then, the traffic information table T to be used is determined from the traffic information table data 51d of the navigation center SC based on the departure place and the departure time, taking into account the day of the week conditions (step S13). The traffic information table T determined at this time corresponds to a usage table. After that, based on the required time (arrival time) to the arbitrary area set in the traffic information table T determined in step S13, the predicted traffic information of the link existing in the arbitrary area is calculated as statistical / predicted traffic. Obtained from the information data 51c (step S14).

  If it is determined that the navigation center SC is not used (step S12, NO), the traffic information table data 24d of the data unit 24 of the navigation device 10 is used in consideration of the day of the week and the departure day. The traffic information table T to be determined is determined (step S15). The traffic information table T determined at this time corresponds to a usage table. Then, based on the required time (arrival time) to the arbitrary area set in the traffic information table T determined in step S15, the predicted traffic information of the link existing in the arbitrary area is calculated as statistical / predicted traffic. Obtained from the information data 24c (step S16).

  After the predicted traffic information used in steps S14 and S16 is acquired, a route search is performed and the route is determined (step S17). At this time, a route search is performed using the obtained predicted traffic information of each area and referring to the use priority (see FIG. 3) of each area shown in the traffic information table T. In this route search, it is possible to use only data having a predetermined use priority among the data of each area stored in the traffic information table T. For example, when it is desired to know a route that can pass over a wide range, it may be set to use even a route with a low use priority.

  Thus, since the navigation apparatus 10 can acquire the predicted traffic information of the link existing in each area based on the traffic information table T stored in advance, information on the time actually passing through the area can be obtained. Can be obtained accurately. Then, each area is connected, the route evaluation value between the areas is calculated, and the route search is performed by calculating the total evaluation value from the departure area to the destination area or an arbitrary area. At this time, the total evaluation value from the departure area to the destination area or an arbitrary area may not depend only on the required time. For example, the search may be performed with an emphasis on the required amount. Then, the required time from the departure area on the route determined in step S17 is calculated (step S18). At this time, the required time is calculated from data stored in the traffic information table T used for route search.

  In addition, when inputting data such as a departure place and a destination from the personal computer 2 or the mobile phone at home H, the route search process shown in FIG. 11 is preferably performed. In this case, the personal computer 2 and the mobile phone perform route search by selecting and acquiring the traffic information table T from the navigation center SC.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, the user sets a departure point and a destination (step S21). The user connects to the navigation center SC via the network N from the personal computer 2 at home H or a mobile phone. At this time, an area including the departure place input by the user is set as the departure area. At this time, the departure time (current time when the destination is set) is determined.

  Then, in the navigation center SC, the traffic information table T to be used is selected from the traffic information table data 51d stored in the data section 51 and used in consideration of the day of the week based on the departure place and departure time (step). S22). The traffic information table T determined at this time corresponds to a usage table. Then, based on the traffic information table T determined in step S22, predicted traffic information is acquired from the statistical / predicted traffic information data 51c of the data unit 51 (step S23).

  After the predicted traffic information is acquired in step S23, a route search is performed to determine the route (step S25). At this time, a route search is performed in the same manner as the processing shown in FIG. Then, the required time in the route determined in step S24 is calculated (step S25).

  As described above, in the navigation device 10 of the present embodiment, first, the traffic information table T to be used is determined based on the departure area and the departure time, taking into account traffic conditions such as days of the week. Then, with reference to information such as the required time (arrival time) from the departure area stored in the traffic information table T, the predicted traffic information of the link existing in each area is obtained, and the predicted traffic information is Route search is performed.

  If traffic information is acquired sequentially as the vehicle moves and the route is dynamically searched while using the actual traffic information that changes, it is possible to reliably perform the route search that reflects the current traffic information. it can. However, if you do so, you can only get the data of the point where the route search is performed and you can not get the data of points other than the departure point, so there is no difference between the departure point (point where the route search is performed) and any point or destination When performing a route search between them, the route search can be performed only from the departure side.

  In this regard, in this embodiment, because it is possible to obtain the traffic information of the departure area (current traffic information) and the predicted traffic information of each area, and to perform a route search from both sides of the departure area and any area, As described above, the time required for the route search can be reduced as compared with the case where the route search can be performed only from the departure point (departure area) side. At this time, the predicted traffic information used in each area is of high accuracy in consideration of the time required for arrival at the departure time from the departure area, and taking into account the day of the week at the time of route search. Therefore, according to the navigation device 10 of the present embodiment, a route search can be performed with high accuracy and without requiring time.

Therefore, according to the navigation device 10 and the navigation system 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In this embodiment, the data unit 24 of the navigation device 10 stores a total traffic information table Ta. That is, the total traffic information table Ta includes a plurality of traffic information tables T in which required times (required times) to arbitrary areas are set for each area obtained by dividing the whole country of Japan. I remember it. Then, the search processing unit 35b of the CPU 25 selects the area including the current location as the departure area and the traffic information table T corresponding to the departure time as the usage table. Furthermore, the predicted traffic information corresponding to the required time in each area of the usage table is acquired, and the route search is performed using the predicted traffic information.

  In this way, for each area obtained by dividing the entire country of Japan, the required time to any area is calculated from each area using the predicted traffic information, and the predicted traffic information corresponding to this required time is calculated. Route search can be performed. For this reason, the predicted traffic information of each area and the predicted traffic information of the actual passing time of an arbitrary area can be acquired, and a route search between both areas can be performed based on the predicted traffic information. Therefore, it is possible to perform a highly accurate route search considering the passage of time in movement.

  (2) In this embodiment, the traffic information table T stored in the navigation device 10 stores the use priority of an arbitrary area for each area. For this reason, a route search can be performed with reference to the use priority of each area.

  (3) In the present embodiment, the CPU 25 of the navigation device 10 can perform a route search using only an area having a predetermined usage priority among the data stored in the traffic information table T. For this reason, data that is not so necessary when performing a route search is not used, the amount of data to be used can be reduced, and the route search can be simplified efficiently.

  (4) In the present embodiment, the traffic information table T is stored in the navigation device 10 for each day of the week. For this reason, the data which considered the conditions of the day of the week can be obtained, and the route search can be performed with higher accuracy.

  (5) In this embodiment, the data of each traffic information table T of the navigation device 10 is created for each type of road (general road and toll road). For this reason, a route search can be performed for each type of road.

  (6) In this embodiment, the search processing unit 35b of the CPU 25 selects the traffic information table T to be used from the traffic information table T stored in the data unit 51 of the navigation center SC that can communicate via the network N. can do. For this reason, the traffic information table T which is not memorize | stored in the navigation apparatus 10 is acquirable. Thereby, for example, when there is no data in a desired area in the data stored in the traffic information table data 24d of the navigation device 10, when the latest data is desired, or when more detailed data is desired. Can obtain the traffic information table T from the navigation center SC. For this reason, the possible route search range can be widened with high accuracy.

  (7) In the present embodiment, the predicted traffic information stored in the navigation device 10 stores predicted traffic information that is sampled at a shorter interval in a time zone in which the change in the required travel time for an arbitrary link is larger. Predicted traffic information sampled at long time intervals is stored in a time zone where the change is small. In this way, the predicted traffic information has a smaller number of predicted traffic information that is stored in the time zone in which the change in the required travel time is smaller, and by sampling according to the change in the required travel time, without reducing the accuracy, The data size of the predicted traffic information stored in the navigation device 10 can be reduced.

  (8) In the present embodiment, the navigation system 1 includes the navigation device 10 and the navigation center SC. The navigation device 10 can be connected to the navigation center SC via the network N, and the navigation center SC creates a traffic information table for setting predicted traffic information to be referred for each area obtained by dividing the whole of Japan. can do. The navigation device 10 and the navigation center SC can store a traffic information table created in the navigation center SC. For this reason, in the navigation system 1, the traffic information table which sets the prediction traffic information which should be referred can be created for every area obtained by dividing | segmenting the whole country of Japan.

The above embodiment may be embodied by changing to another example as follows.
-In this embodiment, the traffic information table T is memorize | stored for every area obtained by dividing | segmenting a predetermined area, and said predetermined area was made into the whole country of Japan. However, this predetermined area is not limited to Japan, and may be, for example, each prefecture or municipality.

  In the present embodiment, the whole country of Japan as the predetermined area is divided as shown in FIG. 5, for example, but the predetermined area may be divided in any way. Further, when used, the degree of division may be selected. For example, the accuracy of the map required for the Japanese national map differs between when traveling long distances, such as when traveling, and when traveling only in town. In the former case, a traffic information table created by being largely divided may be used, and in the latter case, a traffic information table created by being finely divided may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the traffic information table T is created every hour and every day of the week, but the conditions for creating the traffic information table T are not limited to this. For example, only one time may be created per day, or each finer time may be created. Also, it may be created every weekday, every weekday, every weekend, and every holiday, or every season.

  In the present embodiment, the statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c and 51c are configured so that traffic information can be acquired at shorter intervals in a time zone with a large change in traffic conditions, as shown in FIG. 8, for example. -The predicted traffic information data may be created in any way. What is necessary is just to make it according to the traffic condition which arises by various conditions. For example, if the traffic information changes on weekends or if the traffic information changes during long holidays such as Bon Festival and New Year, the information is stored in the statistical / predicted traffic information data 24c and 51c according to the situation. Just keep it.

  -In this embodiment, it connects to the navigation center SC via the network N, and the traffic information corresponding to the traffic information table T and the traffic information table T can be acquired from the navigation center SC. However, the server device that can be connected to the navigation device 10 is not limited to the navigation center SC. For example, when sufficient data cannot be obtained using the data stored in the navigation device 10 and the data stored in the navigation center SC, the navigation device 10 can be connected to another server device via communication means, Data may be acquired from the server device.

-In this embodiment, in the traffic information table T, the use priority of the road of each area was calculated, However, This use priority may not exist.
In the present embodiment, each traffic information table T is created for each general road and toll road, but only one of the data may be created. Data about other types of roads may also be calculated.

  -In this embodiment, although each traffic information table T has the target area set, it is not necessary to set the target area. If only the traffic information table T has no target area, the data size of the traffic information table data 24d and 51d can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the traffic information table T is set to the day of the week, but other conditions such as road surface conditions, number of lanes, road width, season, weather, etc. may be set as conditions. . If it does so, while being able to memorize | store data efficiently according to desired conditions, the route search which has desired precision can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the route search is performed using the predicted traffic information. However, the route search may be performed using the current traffic information received by the VICS receiver 19 in addition to the predicted traffic information. Good. For example, when the traffic information received by the VICS receiver 19 includes restriction information with a time designation such as traffic closure and speed limit up to a predetermined time, the required information from the departure area to the area where the restriction information exists is required. Whether to use the restriction information may be determined from a comparison between the time and the restriction time of the restriction information.

  In the present embodiment, the navigation apparatus 10 can use the traffic information table T for route search from the current location to the destination. However, the navigation device 10 can be used for searching for desired facilities (hotels, rest areas, etc.). Also good. For example, a case will be described in which a desired facility existing within a radius of 10 km is searched using the navigation device 10 as shown in FIG. First, when a desired facility is input by the user, the facility is searched by the CPU 25, and an area where the searched facility exists is determined and set as a target area. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, facilities G1, G2, and G3 are searched, and areas including the respective facilities are set as target areas B-2, D-2, and C-5. At this time, the CPU 25 corresponds to search means and target area determination means.

  Then, the area including the current location is set as the departure area by the search processing unit 35b (use table selection means), and the traffic information table corresponding to the departure time is used as the use table from the traffic information table data 24d (table storage means). Selected. Thereafter, according to the usage table, the required time (or arrival time) to the target areas B-2, D-2, and C-5 where the facilities G1, G2, and G3 exist are displayed on the display 16 (output means). Display output. In FIG. 12, the required time to the target areas B-2, D-2, and C-5 is 15 minutes, 10 minutes, and 20 minutes, respectively. Thereby, it is possible to provide the user with the time required to move from the current position to the desired facility. That is, since the required time to the target area is displayed on the display 16, the user can clearly visually recognize the information up to the desired facility as compared with the case where the required time is displayed in all areas.

  Furthermore, the user refers to the required time or arrival time from the departure area to each target area, selects a specific facility from the target area, and uses this as a target area to perform a route search similar to this embodiment. It is also possible to do this.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Navigation system, 10 ... Navigation apparatus, 24 ... Data part (table storage means), 24c ... Statistical / predicted traffic information data (predicted traffic information storage means), 35a ... Route search processing part (route search means), 35b ... Search processing unit (use table selection unit), 51... Data unit (table storage unit), 51c... Statistical / predicted traffic information data (predicted traffic information storage unit), 52, 62... Processing unit (table creation unit), A- 1, B-2, C-5, ... area, T, TB-3, TA-1, Tm, Ts, Tm0, Tm23 ... traffic information table, t1, t2 ... required time, n1, n2 ... use priority, SC ... navigation management center (server device), N ... network (communication means), G1, G2, G3 ... facilities.

Claims (2)

Table storage means for storing a plurality of traffic information tables in which the time required to reach any area or the arrival time to any area is set for each area and each time as a departure area,
A receiving means for receiving restriction information with a restriction time specified;
Use table selecting means for selecting a traffic information table corresponding to a departure area and departure time including a current location from the plurality of traffic information tables as a use table;
From the comparison between the required time to the area where the restriction information exists set in the use table or the arrival time to the area where the restriction information exists and the restriction time of the restriction information, Route search means for determining whether or not to use the restriction information for route search;
A navigation device comprising: Predicted traffic information storage means for storing predicted traffic information included in each area for each time,
The route search means acquires predicted traffic information existing in an arbitrary area from the predicted traffic information storage means based on a required time to an arbitrary area set in the use table or an arrival time in the arbitrary area. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein a route search from the current location to the destination is performed using the predicted traffic information.

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