JP2012149995A - Route search device, route search method and route search program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To search for an appropriate route by calculating more exact energy consumption.SOLUTION: A route search device 202 includes: an inclination angle calculation part 16 for calculating inclination angles between the respective points on candidate routes for every candidate route; a consumption calculation part 17 for calculating energy consumption corresponding to the respective candidate routes based on the inclination angles on the respective candidate routes, calculated by the inclination angle calculation part 16; and a recommended route search part 15 for performing at least one of an operation for giving priority to the respective candidate routes, and an operation for selecting one or more candidate routes with less energy consumption from among the respective candidate routes based on the respective pieces of energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculation part 17, in which the inclination angle calculation part 16 calculates the inclination angles based on surface height of parts on the candidate routes among pieces of surface height of the respective points stored by a surface height information storage part 12.

Description

  The present invention relates to a route search device, a route search method, and a route search program, and more particularly to a route search device, a route search method, and a route search program capable of searching for a route that consumes less energy.

  Conventionally, as a route search function of a car navigation system, there is a search technology that weights the priority of route guidance on the condition of a route with a short time to a destination, a route with a short distance, a route with a wide road, and the like. In addition, there is a technique for searching for a route that bypasses a traffic jam based on the above-mentioned priority in consideration of current road traffic information.

  In general, when an automobile is driven at the same speed, the amount of fuel consumed increases when the vehicle is going up, and the amount of fuel consumed decreases when the vehicle is going down. As a technique for performing a route search considering such a road gradient and searching for a route with less fuel consumption, for example, JP 2010-32541 A (Patent Document 1) discloses the following technique. ing. That is, the route search device includes means for storing map information and fuel consumption information, information obtaining means for obtaining traffic information from a center that distributes current traffic information, and current traffic information obtained by the information obtaining means. Link cost calculating means for obtaining a link cost using the map information and the fuel efficiency information, and route searching means for searching for a route using the link cost calculated by the link cost calculating means.

  The map information includes information indicating a road gradient, the fuel efficiency information is information indicating a fuel efficiency with respect to a road gradient and a traveling speed, and the link cost calculation means calculates the road gradient of each link from the map information. Obtaining the estimated travel speed of each link from the current traffic information obtained by the information obtaining means, obtaining the fuel consumption corresponding to the road gradient and the estimated travel speed of each link using the fuel consumption information, The link cost is calculated so that a route with a small amount of fuel consumption is searched.

  Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-193425 (Patent Document 2) discloses the following technique. That is, the navigation device acquires intersection information about each intersection of the target road as target road information regarding the target road, and based on the target road information, the estimated value of fuel consumption at the time of stop and fuel consumption at the time of passage The fuel consumption amount when the vehicle passes through each intersection of the target road is estimated by weighting the estimated value of the amount. Further, traffic information on the target road, vehicle weight, gradient information, and the like are acquired, and the travel fuel consumption or fuel consumption when traveling on the target road is estimated.

JP 2010-32541 A JP 2009-193425 A

  In the conventional search technique, if the searched route is greatly up and down, the fuel consumption may be reduced if the route on the flat ground is selected even if the distance is somewhat long.

  Here, when the amount of fuel consumption is calculated using the road gradient, a method of obtaining the inclination angle of the road using a commercially available altitude value is conceivable. However, in the method using the altitude value, since the height of the surface of the earth, that is, the height from the reference surface such as the sea surface is used, it may be different from the actually measured value.

  For example, considering a three-dimensional intersection between a road running east-west and a road running north-south, the elevation value of the intersection is the same for both roads, but if the road running north-south is elevated, the slope of the north-south route Cannot be obtained correctly.

  However, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not disclose a configuration for solving such a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a route search device and a route search method capable of searching for an appropriate route by calculating a more accurate energy consumption amount. And providing a route search program.

  In order to solve the above problems, a route search apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is searched by a candidate route search unit for searching a plurality of candidate routes from a current location to a destination, and the candidate route search unit. For each of the candidate routes, an inclination angle calculation unit for calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route, and each of the candidate routes calculated based on the inclination angle in each of the candidate routes calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit. A consumption calculating unit for calculating energy consumption corresponding to the candidate route, an operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculating unit, and To perform at least one of the operations of selecting one or more candidate routes with low energy consumption from the candidate routes. A recommended route search unit and a surface height information storage unit for storing information indicating the surface height of each point, and the inclination angle calculation unit is configured to store each of the surface heights stored by the surface height information storage unit. Among them, the inclination angle is calculated based on the ground surface height of the point on the candidate route.

  Further, the route search device according to another aspect of the present invention is a candidate route search unit for searching a plurality of candidate routes from the current location to the destination, and for each candidate route searched by the candidate route search unit, Acceleration information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of a vehicle is acquired in each of the candidate routes searched by the inclination angle calculation unit for calculating the inclination angle between the points in the candidate route and the candidate route search unit. Each of the candidate routes calculated by the accelerator information acquisition unit, the inclination angle calculation unit, and the accelerator information of each candidate route acquired by the accelerator information acquisition unit, Calculated by the consumption calculation unit for calculating the energy consumption corresponding to the candidate route and the consumption calculation unit. And at least one of an operation for giving priority to each of the candidate routes based on each energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or more of the candidate routes with a low energy consumption from the candidate routes. And a recommended route search unit for performing one.

  In order to solve the above problem, a route search method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a step of searching a plurality of candidate routes from a current location to a destination, and each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes. A step of calculating an inclination angle between each of the candidate routes, a step of calculating an energy consumption amount corresponding to each of the candidate routes based on the calculated inclination angle of each of the candidate routes, and a step of calculating each of the calculated energy consumption amounts Performing at least one of an operation of giving priority to each of the candidate routes, and an operation of selecting one or a plurality of the candidate routes with low energy consumption from each of the candidate routes, In the step of calculating the tilt angle, the tilt angle is calculated based on the ground surface height of each point.

  A route search method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step of searching for a plurality of candidate routes from a current location to a destination, and calculates an inclination angle between points in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes. A step of acquiring accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle in each of the searched candidate routes, the calculated inclination angle of each candidate route, and the accelerator of each acquired candidate route A step of calculating an energy consumption amount corresponding to each candidate route based on the information; an operation of assigning a priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption amount; and At least one of the operations for selecting one or a plurality of the candidate routes with low energy consumption from among them. A and a step of performing.

  In order to solve the above problems, a route search program according to an aspect of the present invention includes a step of searching a computer for a plurality of candidate routes from a current location to a destination, and the candidate routes for each of the searched candidate routes. Calculating an inclination angle between each point in step, calculating an energy consumption amount corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route, and calculating each energy consumption amount Performing at least one of an operation of giving priority to each of the candidate routes and an operation of selecting one or a plurality of the candidate routes having a low energy consumption from the candidate routes. In the step of calculating and calculating the inclination angle, the inclination is calculated based on the ground height at each point. It is calculated.

  A route search program according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step of searching a computer for a plurality of candidate routes from a current location to a destination, and an inclination between points in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes. A step of calculating an angle; a step of acquiring accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle in each of the searched candidate routes; the inclination angle of the calculated candidate routes; and the acquired candidate routes Calculating an energy consumption amount corresponding to each of the candidate routes based on the accelerator information, an operation of assigning a priority to each candidate route based on the calculated energy consumption amounts, From the candidate routes, select one or more candidate routes that consume less energy And a step of performing at least one operation that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to search for an appropriate route by calculating a more accurate energy consumption.

It is a schematic block diagram of the route search apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure which the route search apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention provides. It is the flowchart which defined the operation | movement procedure at the time of the route search apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performing route search processing. It is the flowchart which defined the operation | movement procedure at the time of the route search apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention searching for a candidate route on condition of fuel consumption. It is a figure which shows the structure of the route search apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the route search using the route search apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the priority assignment | providing of the route in the route search apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the route search apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
[Device configuration]
The route search apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention typically has a computer having a general-purpose architecture as a basic structure, and executes various programs as will be described later by executing a preinstalled program. Provide functionality. In general, such a program is stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or distributed via a network or the like.

  The program according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not include a module included in another program as described above, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Is done. In other words, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a form incorporated in such another program.

  Alternatively, some or all of the functions provided by executing the program may be implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a route search apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a route search apparatus 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that is an arithmetic processing unit, a main memory 102, a hard disk 103, an input interface 104, a display controller 105, and a data reader / writer. 106, a communication interface 107, and a sound controller 112. These units are connected to each other via a bus 121 so that data communication is possible. The bus 121 corresponds to a host bus and / or a PCI bus described later.

  The CPU 101 performs various operations by developing programs (codes) stored in the hard disk 103 in the main memory 102 and executing them in a predetermined order. The main memory 102 is typically a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and stores data indicating various arithmetic processing results in addition to programs read from the hard disk 103. To do. The hard disk 103 is a non-volatile magnetic storage device, and stores various setting values in addition to programs executed by the CPU 101. The program installed in the hard disk 103 is distributed in a state of being stored in the recording medium 111 as will be described later. In addition to the hard disk 103 or instead of the hard disk 103, a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory may be employed.

  The input interface 104 mediates data transmission between the CPU 101 and an input unit such as a keyboard 108, a mouse 109, and a touch panel (not shown). That is, the input interface 104 receives an external input such as an operation command given by the user operating the input unit.

  The display controller 105 is connected to a display 110 that is a typical example of a display unit, and controls display on the display 110. That is, the display controller 105 displays the result of image processing by the CPU 101 to the user. The display 110 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).

  The sound controller 112 is connected to a speaker 113 that is a typical example of a sound output unit, and controls sound output from the speaker 113. That is, the sound controller 112 outputs the result of the voice processing by the CPU 101 to the user.

  The data reader / writer 106 mediates data transmission between the CPU 101 and the recording medium 111. That is, the recording medium 111 is distributed in a state where a program executed by the route search device 201 is stored, and the data reader / writer 106 reads the program from the recording medium 111. Further, the data reader / writer 106 writes the processing result in the route search device 201 into the recording medium 111 in response to the internal command of the CPU 101. The recording medium 111 is, for example, a general-purpose semiconductor storage device such as CF (Compact Flash) and SD (Secure Digital), a magnetic storage medium such as a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only). Memory).

  The communication interface 107 mediates data transmission between the CPU 101 and other personal computers and server devices. The communication interface 107 typically has an Ethernet (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication function. Instead of installing the program stored in the recording medium 111 in the route search device 201, a program downloaded from a distribution server or the like via the communication interface 107 may be installed in the route search device 201.

  Further, the route search device 201 may be connected to another output device such as a printer as necessary.

[Control structure]
Next, a control structure for providing a route search function in the route search device 201 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control structure provided by the route search apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Each block other than the geographic information storage unit 12 in the route search apparatus 201 shown in FIG. 2 is provided by developing a program (code) stored in the hard disk 103 in the main memory 102 and causing the CPU 101 to execute it. Note that part or all of the control structure of the route search apparatus 201 shown in FIG. 2 may be realized by dedicated hardware and / or a wiring circuit. The geographic information storage unit 12 corresponds to, for example, the main memory 102 or the hard disk 103 shown in FIG. The display output control unit 18 corresponds to, for example, the display controller 105 shown in FIG. The audio output control unit 19 corresponds to, for example, the sound controller 112 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 2, route search device 201 includes position acquisition unit 11, geographic information storage unit 12, information input unit 13, traffic information acquisition unit 14, and search unit (candidate route search unit and recommended route search). Part) 15, an inclination angle calculation part 16, a consumption calculation part (stop point information acquisition part) 17, a display output control part 18, and an audio output control part 19. The geographic information storage unit 12 includes an address management DB (database) 21, a building management DB 22, a road information DB 23, and an altitude data DB 24. The information input unit 13 corresponds to, for example, the input interface 104 illustrated in FIG.

  The search unit 15 searches for a plurality of candidate routes from the current location to the destination.

  The inclination angle calculation unit 16 calculates an inclination angle between points in the candidate route for each candidate route searched by the search unit 15.

  The consumption calculation unit 17 calculates the energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit 16.

  The search unit 15 performs an operation of assigning priority to each candidate route based on each energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculation unit 17.

  More specifically, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 divides the candidate route into a plurality of sections, and calculates an inclination angle between the start point and the end point of each section. For example, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 divides the candidate route into a plurality of sections at regular intervals.

  The consumption calculation unit 17 calculates an evaluation value of each section based on the inclination angle of each section calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit 16, and energy consumption corresponding to the candidate route based on the calculated evaluation value of each section. Calculate the amount.

  In addition, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 acquires information on a stop point where the progress to the destination may be temporarily stopped in each candidate route searched by the search unit 15.

  For example, the consumption calculation unit 17 acquires intersection information as a stop point. Moreover, the consumption calculating part 17 acquires the traffic information which shows the present traffic condition, and acquires the information of a stop point based on traffic information.

  The consumption calculating unit 17 corresponds to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculating unit 16 and the stop point in each candidate route acquired by the consumption calculating unit 17. Calculate energy consumption.

  The display output control unit 18 displays a list of candidate routes to which priority has been given or selected by the search unit 15, and displays the detailed contents of the candidate routes selected by the user among the candidate routes.

  Hereinafter, an example of detailed operation of the route search apparatus 201 will be described. For example, the position acquisition unit 11 receives information from a GPS (global positioning system) satellite to identify a current location necessary for obtaining a desired recommended route.

  In the geographic information storage unit 12, an address management DB 21, a building management DB 22, a road information DB 23, and an altitude data DB 24 are registered.

  The address management DB 21 has information for specifying a position necessary for obtaining a desired recommended route from an address or a telephone number.

  The building management DB 22 has information for specifying a position necessary for obtaining a desired recommended route from the building name and the company name.

  The road information DB 23 is used to search for road management information such as national roads, prefectural roads, and city roads, information for searching road types such as toll roads or general roads, and the number of lanes, road width, and presence / absence of intersections. Have information.

  Altitude values at regular intervals are registered in the altitude data DB 24, and by referring to the altitude data DB 24, it is possible to search for altitude values at each point.

  The information input unit 13 accepts user operations such as buttons and a remote controller, and notifies each unit of the operation content. The user refers to the information in the geographic information storage unit 12 and inputs, for example, priority conditions such as toll road, distance and time, and destination information to the route search device 201 by the information input unit 13. .

  The traffic information acquisition unit 14 receives current road conditions from FM (frequency modulation) broadcast, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), traffic information center, and the like, for example, closed roads and traffic jams.

  The search unit 15 is based on the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 11, the condition and destination input via the information input unit 13, and the information of the geographic information storage unit 12 and the traffic information acquisition unit 14. Find the best route.

  The tilt angle calculation unit 16 obtains the elevation value of each point obtained by dividing the candidate route searched by the search unit 15 at regular intervals from the geographic information storage unit 12 and obtains the tilt angle between the points.

  The consumption calculation unit 17 obtains an estimated fuel consumption based on the inclination angle acquired by the inclination angle calculation unit 16 and the information of the geographic information storage unit 12 and the traffic information acquisition unit 14.

  The search unit 15 gives a high priority to a route with a small amount of fuel consumption among the candidate routes.

  The display output control unit 18 displays a list of candidate routes on, for example, the display 110 based on the priority assignment result by the search unit 15.

  When the user determines a route from the candidate routes displayed by the display output control unit 18, the audio output control unit 19 guides the determined route in cooperation with the display output control unit 18 by voice.

[Operation]
Next, the operation when the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs route search processing will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the route search method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is implemented by operating the route search apparatus 201. Therefore, the description of the route search method according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is replaced with the following description of the operation of the route search device 201. In the following description, FIG. 1 is referred to as appropriate.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs route search processing.

  Referring to FIG. 3, first, the position acquisition unit 11 acquires the current position (coordinates) (step S201).

  Next, the user presses a destination setting button to determine the destination. The information input unit 13 accepts such user operations in the same manner thereafter (step S202).

  Next, the display output control unit 18 refers to the address management DB 21 and the building management DB 22 registered in the geographic information storage unit 12 to search by address, search by telephone number, search by building name, hotel In addition, a list of searches by genre such as a gas station and a narrow search from a region is displayed (step S203).

  Next, the user selects items from the list displayed by the display output control unit 18 via the information input unit 13 to display a more detailed list on the display output control unit 18 (step S204).

  And a user repeats selection of an item until it narrows down the destination (step S205).

  Next, the display output control unit 18 displays the route search condition by referring to the road information DB 23 registered in the geographic information storage unit 12 (step S206).

  As this route search condition, the user can specify conditions such as distance priority, time priority, and fuel efficiency priority.

  In distance priority, priority is given to a route having a short distance to the destination. In time priority, priority is given to a route with an estimated arrival time to the destination. In fuel efficiency priority, priority is given to a route that consumes less fuel when traveling normally to the destination. In addition, combinations of a plurality of conditions such as selection of toll roads and general roads, or selection of whether or not to give priority to wide roads may be considered.

  Next, the user determines a route search condition by selecting an item from the items displayed by the display output control unit 18 via the information input unit 13 (step S207).

  Next, the search unit 15 selects recommended route candidates based on the destination and route search conditions specified by the user, the road conditions acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit 14, and the information in the geographic information storage unit 12. Obtained (step S208).

  Next, the display output control unit 18 displays the recommended route candidates obtained by the search unit 15 (step S209).

  Next, the user determines a route via the information input unit 13 from the recommended route candidates displayed by the display output control unit 18 (step S210).

  Next, the information display output control unit 18 and the audio output control unit 19 start guiding the route determined by the user (step S211).

  When the user deviates from the route during guidance, the search unit 15 searches again for the route from the deviated point to the destination (step S212).

  Next, when the user arrives at the destination, the information display output control unit 18 and the audio output control unit 19 end the route guidance (step S213).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention searches for a candidate route on the condition of fuel consumption. FIG. 4 shows in detail the operation of step S208 shown in FIG. 3 when the user selects fuel economy priority as the route search condition.

  With reference to FIG. 4, first, the search unit 15 searches for a candidate route when the road gradient is not considered (step S <b> 301).

  Next, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 divides the route searched by the search unit 15 at regular intervals, for example, 100 m intervals (step S302). Here, when the distance to the destination is short, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 shortens the division interval. In addition, when the distance is long, the tilt angle calculation unit 16 shortens the calculation time by increasing the division interval.

  Next, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 refers to the elevation data DB 24 registered in the geographic information storage unit 12 to acquire the height of the divided points (step S303).

  Next, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 obtains an inclination angle (gradient) based on the acquired height of each point, that is, based on the heights of the start point and end point in each section (step S304).

  Next, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 assumes an assumed fuel based on the inclination angle obtained by the inclination angle calculation unit 16 and information indicating the presence or absence of an intersection obtained by referring to the road information DB 23. A fuel consumption point indicating the amount of consumption is calculated (step S305).

  As a method for obtaining the fuel consumption point, specifically, for example, when obtaining the fuel consumption point from the travelable speed indicated by the road information DB 23, when the downward gradient, for example, the gradient is smaller than -1%, the reverse is 0.8 point. If the slope is greater than + 1%, for example, 1.2 points, the change in fuel consumption due to the road slope is taken into account.

  In addition, when there is an intersection, plus 0.05 points is added, and information that may cause the vehicle to stop is also taken into consideration. In addition, you may use the road condition acquired by the traffic information acquisition part 14. FIG.

  Further, the ratio of fuel consumption points may be changed depending on the length of the route division interval. For example, when the division interval is short, many route ups and downs are obtained, so the unit of addition / subtraction of fuel consumption points is reduced, and when the division interval is long, the addition / subtraction unit of fuel consumption points is increased.

  The consumption amount calculation unit 17 performs the processing from step S302 to step S305 up to the end point of the route, and obtains the fuel consumption point of the route (step S306).

  For example, the consumption calculation unit 17 keeps track of how many ascending slopes the route has, and the fuel consumption points of the route that is flat to the destination and the fuel consumption points of the route that has the same number of ascending and descending routes are the same. In such a case, since the fuel consumption increases in the route with many upslopes, the fuel consumption points of these routes are differentiated.

  And the consumption calculating part 17 performs the process from step S302 to step S306 about the maximum 10 routes searched by the search part 15 (step S307).

  Next, based on the consumption amount of each route obtained by the consumption amount calculation unit 17, the search unit 15 sets the route of each candidate route so that the priority of the route with less fuel consumption among the candidate routes becomes higher. A priority is determined (step S308).

  As described above, in the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the search unit 15 searches for a plurality of candidate routes from the current location to the destination.

  The inclination angle calculation unit 16 calculates an inclination angle between points in the candidate route for each candidate route searched by the search unit 15.

  The consumption calculation unit 17 calculates the energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit 16.

  The search unit 15 performs an operation of assigning priority to each candidate route based on each energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculation unit 17.

  That is, for example, in a car navigation system, the inclination angle is obtained from height information at regular intervals on the route, and a high priority is given to a route with a small inclination angle (level difference) in consideration of fuel consumption based on the inclination angle. Give. That is, a route with a small amount of fuel consumption is set as a recommended route, and each route is displayed in ascending order of the amount of fuel consumption in the route search result list display. This makes it possible to select a route that can travel longer at a constant speed.

  Further, in the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 divides the candidate route into a plurality of sections, and calculates an inclination angle between the start point and the end point of each section. Then, the consumption calculation unit 17 calculates an evaluation value of each section based on the inclination angle of each section calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit 16, and corresponds to the candidate route based on the calculated evaluation value of each section. Calculate energy consumption.

  Thus, the energy consumption amount of the candidate route can be appropriately calculated by the configuration in which the evaluation value is calculated for each section in the candidate route.

  Moreover, in the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 divides the candidate route into a plurality of sections at regular intervals.

  With such a configuration, the evaluation value of each section in the candidate route can be appropriately calculated by simple processing.

  Further, in the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the consumption calculation unit 17 may pause the progress to the destination in each candidate route searched by the search unit 15. Get information about a certain stop point. The consumption calculating unit 17 corresponds to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculating unit 16 and the stop point in each candidate route acquired by the consumption calculating unit 17. Calculate energy consumption.

  As described above, when performing a route search, the priority of a route with a small amount of fuel consumption determined from the road gradient is increased, and further, road information such as the current traffic situation and an intersection is taken into consideration. That is, taking into consideration the influence of an increase in fuel consumption due to stopping and departure, a route that consumes less fuel is taken as a recommended route. As a result, it is possible to more accurately select a route that can travel longer at a constant speed.

  In the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the consumption calculation unit 17 acquires intersection information as a stop point.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the influence of an increase in fuel consumption due to stopping and departure.

  In the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the consumption calculation unit 17 acquires traffic information indicating the current traffic situation, and acquires stop point information based on the traffic information.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the influence of an increase in fuel consumption due to stopping and departure.

  In the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the display output control unit 18 displays a list of candidate routes to which priority has been given or selected by the search unit 15, and displays each candidate. The detailed contents of the candidate route selected by the user among the routes are displayed.

  With such a configuration, a route with less energy consumption can be displayed to the user, and an appropriate route search function can be provided.

  Note that, in the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the search unit 15 is configured to assign a priority to each candidate route based on each energy consumption amount calculated by the consumption amount calculation unit 17. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The search unit 15 may be configured to perform an operation of selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with low energy consumption as recommended routes from among the candidate routes.

  In the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the inclination angle of all the divided sections of the candidate route is obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may be used in which a part of each candidate route, that is, an inclination angle between at least two points is obtained.

  Moreover, the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be used as navigation for bicycles and pedestrians by being mounted on a portable terminal having a GPS function, for example.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Second Embodiment>
The present embodiment relates to a route search device that is improved in the method of calculating an inclination angle as compared with the route search device according to the first embodiment. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the route search apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the route search apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in route search device 202, as compared with the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, geographic information storage unit (surface height information storage unit) 12 further includes surface height data. Includes DB25.

  The ground surface height data DB 25 is used as route height information instead of the altitude data DB 24.

  The route search device 202 calculates an inclination angle not from the altitude value but from the ground height at a point having the ground height information.

  That is, the geographic information storage unit 12 stores information indicating the ground height at each point. The inclination angle calculation unit 16 calculates an inclination angle based on the ground surface height of the point on the candidate route among the local surface heights stored by the geographic information storage unit 12.

  In addition, when the geographical information storage unit 12 does not store the ground height of the point in the candidate route, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 determines the point of the candidate route in the altitude stored by the geographical information storage unit 12. The inclination angle is calculated based on the altitude.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of route search using the route search device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 6, here, the case where the destination is Osaka Station when using the car navigation system will be described.

  The position acquisition unit 11 acquires the current location from the satellite by the GPS function (step S501).

  Next, the user presses a “destination” button to obtain the destination (step S502). In addition to the “destination” button, when a touch panel is used, the user may be able to perform an operation on the display screen. Further, an operation on the display screen may be possible with a remote controller.

  Next, in order to determine the destination, the display output control unit 18 performs initial menu display such as “search by address”, “search by phone number”, “narrow by region”, and “name input” on the display (step S503). ). It should be noted that a menu of “points searched in the past” may be added by registering information on destinations obtained in the past in the geographic information storage unit 12.

  Here, the geographic information storage unit 12 registers data in which addresses, telephone numbers, and positions (coordinates) are associated with each other, and data in which building names such as public facilities and tourist spots, and place names are associated with positions are registered. It is assumed that the database is stored in the hard disk 103.

  Next, the user selects an item from the displayed initial menu. This time, “narrow down from area” is selected (step S504).

  Next, when the user selects an item, the display output control unit 18 displays a “narrow down from area” menu. The user narrows down from Kinki to Osaka (step S505).

  Next, the display output control unit 18 searches for building facilities in Osaka Prefecture by referring to the building management DB 22 registered in the geographic information storage unit 12, and displays a menu based on a genre such as traffic, sightseeing, and accommodation. (Step S506).

  Next, the user narrows down traffic → station from the genre menu (step S507).

  Next, the display output control unit 18 displays a list of station names in Osaka Prefecture (step S508). Then, the user selects “Osaka Station” from the station name list (step S509). If the number of list items is large, it may be further narrowed down as “A line” → “O”.

  Next, the display output control unit 18 displays a search condition menu (step S510).

  Next, the user selects “consumed fuel” that gives priority to fuel consumption as a search condition (step S511).

  Next, when the search condition setting is completed, the display output control unit 18 displays a map centering on Osaka Station (step S512). Here, a marker is displayed at the center of the map.

  Next, the user presses the “OK” button to determine the destination (step S513). Note that when the destination is not Osaka Station but around Osaka Station, the user can change the destination by scrolling the map.

  Next, when the destination is determined, the search unit 15 searches for recommended route candidates based on the information registered in the geographic information storage unit 12 and the information acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit 14. (Step S514).

  Next, the display output control unit 18 displays the recommended route candidates to which the priority is given by the consumption calculation unit 17 in accordance with the fuel consumption priority as the search condition based on each priority (step S515).

  Next, the user selects a route from the recommended route candidate list via the information input unit 13. Then, the display output control unit 18 displays a simple route from the current location to Osaka Station, and also displays the distance and time on the route (step S516).

  Next, when the user decides which route to use via the information input unit 13, the display output control unit 18 performs guidance start display and performs route guidance together with the voice output control unit 19 (step S517).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of route priority assignment in the route search device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a case where recommended route candidates are searched using the ground surface height data.

  Referring to FIG. 7, first, search unit 15 performs a route search without using the height information, that is, without considering the road gradient (step S601).

  Next, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 divides the first route into constant intervals, for example, 100 m intervals, from, for example, three candidate routes searched by the search unit 15 (step S602). Here, it is assumed that there are 100 divisions from the current location to the destination, that is, the distance from the current location to the destination is 10 km.

  Next, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 acquires the height of the current point and the height of the first division point 1 by referring to the ground surface height data DB 25 of the geographic information storage unit 12 (step S603). Here, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 refers to the altitude data DB 24 in the same manner as the route search device 201 when the surface height of the current point or the division point 1 cannot be obtained, and calculates the height of each point. get.

  Next, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 calculates a gradient based on the acquired height of each point (step S604). For example, if the height of the current point is 34.0 m and the height of the dividing point 1 is 35.0 m, the interval is 100 m and the height is +1.0 m, so the gradient is 1.0%. It becomes.

  Next, the consumption calculation part 17 sets the fuel consumption point of the said area to 1.2 points by the point system from the obtained gradient (1.0%). In addition, the consumption calculation unit 17 refers to the road information DB 23 of the geographic information storage unit 12 to acquire the number of intersections in the section. For example, when the number of intersections is one, +0.05 points are added. Thereby, the section becomes 1.25 points (step S605).

  In this way, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 repeats the processing from step S603 to step S605 for all 100 divided sections to the destination. For example, it is assumed that the total points of the route = 210 points are obtained as fuel consumption points (step S606). Further, it is assumed that the number of ascending slopes in the route is 51 times.

  Next, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 similarly performs the processing of Steps S602 to S606 for the remaining candidate routes obtained by the search unit 15, and obtains fuel consumption points and the number of ascending slopes. For example, the fuel consumption point of route 1 is 210 points, the ascending slope is 51 times, the fuel consumption point of route 2 is 243 points, the ascending slope is 49 times, and the fuel consumption point of route 3 is 224. Suppose that the result is that it is a point and the ascending slope is 60 times. In this case, the consumption calculation unit 17 assigns priorities in order of increasing fuel consumption points, that is, in the order of route 1, route 3, and route 2 (step S607).

  As described above, in the route search device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the geographic information storage unit 12 stores information indicating the ground height at each point. Then, the tilt angle calculation unit 16 calculates the tilt angle based on the surface height of the point on the candidate route among the surface heights stored in the geographic information storage unit 12.

  Thus, when calculating | requiring an inclination angle from the height difference of a road, surface height is utilized instead of a commercially available altitude value as height information to be used. The surface height is obtained from, for example, surveyed actual measurement values and aerial photographs. Thereby, correct height information can be acquired also about elevated parts, such as a solid intersection and a highway, and a precise inclination angle can be calculated | required based on this.

  Moreover, in the route search device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the geographic information storage unit 12 stores information indicating the altitude of each point. Then, when the ground height of the point on the candidate route is not stored by the geographic information storage unit 12, the inclination angle calculation unit 16 determines the point of the candidate route on the altitude stored by the geographic information storage unit 12. The inclination angle is calculated based on the altitude.

  With such a configuration, the energy consumption amount can be calculated using the altitude information even for the route for which the surface height information is not obtained.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the route search device according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Third Embodiment>
The present embodiment relates to a route search device to which information used for consumption calculation is added as compared with the route search device according to the first embodiment. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the route search apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a route search apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 8, route search device 203 further includes accelerator information DB 26 as compared with the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the route search device 203, information indicating the inclination angle and the strength of stepping on the accelerator during travel is acquired from the ECU (Engine Control Unit), and stored as an actual value in the accelerator information DB 26 in the geographic information storage unit 12.

  The consumption calculation unit (accelerator information acquisition unit) 17 acquires accelerator information indicating the strength of depressing the accelerator of the vehicle in each candidate route searched by the search unit 15. Then, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 corresponds to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit 16 and the accelerator information of each candidate route acquired by the consumption amount calculation unit 17. Calculate energy consumption.

  Specifically, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 acquires accelerator information from the accelerator information DB 26 when the search route is a route traveled in the past.

  That is, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 refers to the accelerator information DB 26 to add the accelerator point indicating the strength to step on the accelerator to the fuel consumption point based on the road gradient and traffic information obtained in the same manner as the route search device 201. Then, a high priority is given to a route having a small total fuel consumption point.

  In addition, when the search route is a new route, the consumption calculation unit 17 acquires road information such as an inclination angle and a traveling speed similar to the new route from the geographic information storage unit 12, and based on this, the accelerator Calculate points.

  More specifically, with respect to existing accelerator information, the accelerator point is increased if the inclination angle is an upward gradient under the condition of the same travelable speed, and the accelerator point is decreased if the inclination angle is downward. In addition, if the vehicle can travel at a higher speed under almost the same inclination angle, the accelerator point is increased.

  It should be noted that the route search device 203 obtains and stores information on the inclination angle and the strength to depress the accelerator during travel from the ECU not only during travel where the route is searched but also during normal travel where the route is not searched. Keep it. Thereby, the calculation accuracy of the accelerator point at the time of route search can be improved.

  As described above, in the route search device according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 indicates the accelerator that indicates the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle in each candidate route searched by the search unit 15. Get information. Then, the consumption amount calculation unit 17 corresponds to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit 16 and the accelerator information of each candidate route acquired by the consumption amount calculation unit 17. Calculate energy consumption.

  With such a configuration, the energy consumption amount of each candidate route can be calculated more appropriately as compared with the route search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the route search device according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  Although a part or all of the above embodiments can be described as the following supplementary notes, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following supplementary notes.

[Appendix 1]
A candidate route search unit for searching a plurality of candidate routes from the current location to the destination;
For each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, an inclination angle calculation unit for calculating an inclination angle between points in the candidate route;
A consumption calculation unit for calculating an energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit;
Based on each energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculator, the priority is given to each candidate route, and one or a plurality of the energy consumptions with a low energy consumption is selected from the candidate routes. A recommended route search unit for performing at least one of operations for selecting a candidate route;
A surface height information storage unit for storing information indicating the surface height of each point;
The said inclination angle calculating part is a route search apparatus which calculates the said inclination angle based on the surface height of the point in the said candidate route among each said surface height memorize | stored by the said surface height information storage part.

[Appendix 2]
The route search device further includes:
Elevation information storage unit for storing information indicating the elevation of each point,
When the surface height of the point in the candidate route is not stored by the surface height information storage unit, the inclination angle calculation unit includes the height of the candidate route among the heights stored by the height information storage unit. The route search device according to appendix 1, wherein the inclination angle is calculated based on an altitude of a point.

[Appendix 3]
The tilt angle calculation unit divides the candidate route into a plurality of sections, calculates a tilt angle between a start point and an end point of each section,
The consumption calculation unit calculates an evaluation value of each section based on the tilt angle of each section calculated by the tilt angle calculation unit, and the candidate route based on the calculated evaluation value of each section The route search device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the energy consumption corresponding to is calculated.

[Appendix 4]
The route search device according to appendix 2 or 3, wherein the inclination angle calculation unit divides the candidate route into a plurality of sections at regular intervals.

[Appendix 5]
The route search device further includes:
In each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, comprising a stop point information acquisition unit for acquiring information of a stop point where the progress to the destination may be temporarily stopped,
The consumption calculation unit is configured based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit and the stop point in each candidate route acquired by the stop point information acquisition unit. The route search device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, which calculates an energy consumption amount corresponding to the candidate route.

[Appendix 6]
The route search device according to appendix 5, wherein the stop point information acquisition unit acquires intersection information as the stop point.

[Appendix 7]
The route search device according to appendix 5, wherein the stop point information acquisition unit acquires traffic information indicating a current traffic situation, and acquires information on the stop point based on the traffic information.

[Appendix 8]
The route search device further includes:
Display control for displaying a list of each candidate route that has been given priority or selected by the recommended route search unit, and displaying the detailed contents of the candidate route selected by the user among the candidate routes The route search device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, further comprising a unit.

[Appendix 9]
The route search device further includes:
In each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, comprising an accelerator information acquisition unit for acquiring accelerator information indicating the strength to step on the accelerator of the vehicle,
The consumption calculation unit is configured to determine each candidate based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit and the accelerator information of each candidate route acquired by the accelerator information acquisition unit. The route search device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, which calculates an energy consumption amount corresponding to the route.

[Appendix 10]
A candidate route search unit for searching a plurality of candidate routes from the current location to the destination;
For each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, an inclination angle calculation unit for calculating an inclination angle between points in the candidate route;
In each candidate route searched by the candidate route search unit, an accelerator information acquisition unit for acquiring accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle;
Based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit and the accelerator information of each candidate route acquired by the accelerator information acquisition unit, energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route A consumption calculation unit for calculating
Based on each energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculator, the priority is given to each candidate route, and one or a plurality of the energy consumptions with a low energy consumption is selected from the candidate routes. A route search device comprising: a recommended route search unit for performing at least one of operations for selecting a candidate route.

[Appendix 11]
Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated tilt angle in each candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. Performing at least one of the steps,
In the step of calculating the tilt angle, a route search method for calculating the tilt angle based on a ground surface height of each point.

[Appendix 12]
The route search method further includes:
The route search method according to appendix 11, wherein, in the step of calculating the inclination angle, when the surface height of each point is not obtained, the inclination angle is calculated based on the altitude of each point.

[Appendix 13]
In the step of calculating the inclination angle, the candidate route is divided into a plurality of sections, and an inclination angle between the start point and the end point of each of the sections is calculated.
In the step of calculating the energy consumption amount, an evaluation value of each section is calculated based on the calculated inclination angle of each section, and the candidate route is handled based on the calculated evaluation value of each section. The route search method according to appendix 11 or 12, wherein the energy consumption is calculated.

[Appendix 14]
14. The route search method according to appendix 12 or 13, wherein in the step of calculating the inclination angle, the candidate route is divided into a plurality of sections at regular intervals.

[Appendix 15]
The route search method further includes:
In each searched candidate route, including the step of obtaining information on a stop point where the progress to the destination may be temporarily stopped,
In the step of calculating the energy consumption amount, an energy consumption amount corresponding to each candidate route is calculated based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the acquired stop point in each candidate route. 15. The route search method according to any one of appendices 11 to 14.

[Appendix 16]
The route search method according to supplementary note 15, wherein in the step of acquiring information on the stop point, information on an intersection is acquired as the stop point.

[Appendix 17]
The route search method according to supplementary note 15, wherein in the step of acquiring information on the stop point, traffic information indicating a current traffic situation is acquired, and information on the stop point is acquired based on the traffic information.

[Appendix 18]
The route search method further includes:
Any one of appendices 11 to 17, including a step of displaying a list of each candidate route to which priority has been given or selected, and displaying the detailed contents of the candidate route selected by the user among the candidate routes. Route search method described in.

[Appendix 19]
The route search method further includes:
In each searched candidate route, including the step of acquiring accelerator information indicating the strength of stepping on the accelerator of the vehicle,
In the step of calculating the energy consumption amount, an energy consumption amount corresponding to each candidate route is calculated based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the acquired accelerator information of each candidate route. The route search method according to any one of appendices 11 to 18.

[Appendix 20]
Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Obtaining accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle in each searched candidate route;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the accelerator information of each acquired candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. And a route search method including a step of performing at least one.

[Appendix 21]
On the computer,
Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated tilt angle in each candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. Performing at least one of the steps,
In the step of calculating the tilt angle, a route search program for calculating the tilt angle based on a ground surface height of each point.

[Appendix 22]
The route search program is further stored in a computer.
The route search program according to appendix 21, wherein, in the step of calculating the tilt angle, when the ground height of each point is not obtained, the tilt angle is calculated based on the altitude of each point.

[Appendix 23]
In the step of calculating the inclination angle, the candidate route is divided into a plurality of sections, and an inclination angle between the start point and the end point of each of the sections is calculated.
In the step of calculating the energy consumption amount, an evaluation value of each section is calculated based on the calculated inclination angle of each section, and the candidate route is handled based on the calculated evaluation value of each section. The route search program according to appendix 21 or 22, which calculates energy consumption.

[Appendix 24]
The route search program according to appendix 22 or 23, wherein in the step of calculating the inclination angle, the candidate route is divided into a plurality of sections at regular intervals.

[Appendix 25]
The route search program is further stored in a computer.
In each of the searched candidate routes, a step of acquiring information on a stop point at which the progress to the destination may be temporarily stopped is executed.
In the step of calculating the energy consumption amount, an energy consumption amount corresponding to each candidate route is calculated based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the acquired stop point in each candidate route. The route search program according to any one of appendices 21 to 24.

[Appendix 26]
The route search program according to appendix 25, wherein in the step of acquiring information on the stop point, information on an intersection is acquired as the stop point.

[Appendix 27]
The route search program according to appendix 25, wherein in the step of acquiring information on the stop point, traffic information indicating a current traffic situation is acquired, and information on the stop point is acquired based on the traffic information.

[Appendix 28]
The route search program is further stored in a computer.
Any one of appendices 21 to 27, wherein a list of each candidate route to which priority is given or selected is displayed, and a step of displaying the detailed contents of the candidate route selected by the user among the candidate routes is executed. The route search program described in Crab.

[Appendix 29]
The route search program is further stored in a computer.
In each of the searched candidate routes, the step of obtaining accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle is executed,
In the step of calculating the energy consumption amount, an energy consumption amount corresponding to each candidate route is calculated based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the acquired accelerator information of each candidate route. The route search program according to any one of appendices 21 to 28.

[Appendix 30]
On the computer,
Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Obtaining accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle in each searched candidate route;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the accelerator information of each acquired candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. A route search program for executing at least one of the steps.

  According to the present invention, for example, in a car navigation system, it is possible to search for an appropriate route by calculating a more accurate energy consumption amount. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

11 Position acquisition unit 12 Geographic information storage unit (surface height information storage unit)
13 Information Input Unit 14 Traffic Information Acquisition Unit 15 Search Unit (Candidate Route Search Unit and Recommended Route Search Unit)
16 Inclination Angle Calculation Unit 17 Consumption Calculation Unit (Stop Point Information Acquisition Unit)
18 Display Output Control Unit 19 Voice Output Control Unit 21 Address Management DB
22 Building management DB
23 Road information DB
24 Elevation data DB
25 Surface height data DB
26 Accelerator information DB
101 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 Main memory 103 Hard disk 104 Input interface 105 Display controller 106 Data reader / writer 107 Communication interface 108 Keyboard 109 Mouse 110 Display 111 Recording medium 112 Sound controller 113 Speaker 121 Bus 201, 202, 203 Route search device

Claims (10)

A candidate route search unit for searching a plurality of candidate routes from the current location to the destination;
For each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, an inclination angle calculation unit for calculating an inclination angle between points in the candidate route;
A consumption calculation unit for calculating an energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit;
Based on each energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculator, the priority is given to each candidate route, and one or a plurality of the energy consumptions with a low energy consumption is selected from the candidate routes. A recommended route search unit for performing at least one of operations for selecting a candidate route;
A surface height information storage unit for storing information indicating the surface height of each point;
The said inclination angle calculating part is a route search apparatus which calculates the said inclination angle based on the surface height of the point in the said candidate route among each said surface height memorize | stored by the said surface height information storage part. The route search device further includes:
Elevation information storage unit for storing information indicating the elevation of each point,
When the surface height of the point in the candidate route is not stored by the surface height information storage unit, the inclination angle calculation unit includes the height of the candidate route among the heights stored by the height information storage unit. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the inclination angle is calculated based on an altitude of a point. The tilt angle calculation unit divides the candidate route into a plurality of sections, calculates a tilt angle between a start point and an end point of each section,
The consumption calculation unit calculates an evaluation value of each section based on the tilt angle of each section calculated by the tilt angle calculation unit, and the candidate route based on the calculated evaluation value of each section The route search device according to claim 1, wherein an energy consumption amount corresponding to is calculated. The route search device further includes:
In each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, comprising a stop point information acquisition unit for acquiring information of a stop point where the progress to the destination may be temporarily stopped,
The consumption calculation unit is configured based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit and the stop point in each candidate route acquired by the stop point information acquisition unit. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein an energy consumption amount corresponding to the candidate route is calculated. The route search device further includes:
In each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, comprising an accelerator information acquisition unit for acquiring accelerator information indicating the strength to step on the accelerator of the vehicle,
The consumption calculation unit is configured to determine each candidate based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit and the accelerator information of each candidate route acquired by the accelerator information acquisition unit. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein an energy consumption amount corresponding to the route is calculated. A candidate route search unit for searching a plurality of candidate routes from the current location to the destination;
For each of the candidate routes searched by the candidate route search unit, an inclination angle calculation unit for calculating an inclination angle between points in the candidate route;
In each candidate route searched by the candidate route search unit, an accelerator information acquisition unit for acquiring accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle;
Based on the inclination angle in each candidate route calculated by the inclination angle calculation unit and the accelerator information of each candidate route acquired by the accelerator information acquisition unit, energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route A consumption calculation unit for calculating
Based on each energy consumption calculated by the consumption calculator, the priority is given to each candidate route, and one or a plurality of the energy consumptions with a low energy consumption is selected from the candidate routes. A route search device comprising: a recommended route search unit for performing at least one of operations for selecting a candidate route. Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated tilt angle in each candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. Performing at least one of the steps,
In the step of calculating the tilt angle, a route search method for calculating the tilt angle based on a ground surface height of each point. Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Obtaining accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle in each searched candidate route;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the accelerator information of each acquired candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. And a route search method including a step of performing at least one. On the computer,
Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated tilt angle in each candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. Performing at least one of the steps,
In the step of calculating the tilt angle, a route search program for calculating the tilt angle based on a ground surface height of each point. On the computer,
Searching for multiple candidate routes from your current location to your destination,
Calculating an inclination angle between each point in the candidate route for each of the searched candidate routes;
Obtaining accelerator information indicating the strength to depress the accelerator of the vehicle in each searched candidate route;
Calculating energy consumption corresponding to each candidate route based on the calculated inclination angle in each candidate route and the accelerator information of each acquired candidate route;
An operation for giving priority to each candidate route based on each calculated energy consumption, and an operation for selecting one or a plurality of candidate routes with a lower energy consumption from among the candidate routes. A route search program for executing at least one of the steps.

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