JP2012160077A - Traffic information distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic information distribution system capable of distributing traffic information necessary for users and reducing information communication amount.SOLUTION: The traffic information distribution system distributes traffic information from a center 10 to a navigation device 100 mounted on a vehicle. The center 10 receives vehicle information on respective roads to generate traffic information that shows traffic conditions of respective roads on the basis of the vehicle information and stores the generated traffic information in a storage part 12 (S30 to S32). Also, the center 10 compares currently generated traffic information with previously generated traffic information to determine whether a change exists between the previously generated traffic information and the currently generated traffic information (S33, S34). When it is determined that the traffic information is not changed, the center 10 stops distribution of the traffic information. When it is determined that the traffic information is changed, the center 10 distributes the traffic information to the navigation device 100 (S35).

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic information distribution system for distributing traffic information from a center to an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle.

  Conventionally, there has been a traffic information display device described in Patent Document 1 as an example of a technique for distributing traffic information from a center to an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle.

  This traffic information display device is a readable / writable memory that stores a display that displays traffic information together with a map, a bidirectional communication means that communicates with the traffic information service center, and traffic information acquired by communication from the traffic information service center. Traffic that compares the storage means with the predicted travel distance information predicted based on the traffic information acquired in the past and stored in the storage means, and the actual vehicle travel history information, and determines whether or not the difference between these information is large Information accuracy judging means. When it is determined that the deviation is large, the traffic information service center is requested to acquire traffic information, and a message indicating that the traffic information is being downloaded is displayed on the display. Thereby, the user of the traffic information display device can improve the accuracy of traffic information while reducing the frequency of traffic information requests.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-280320

  However, in this traffic information display device, the predicted distance information predicted based on the traffic information acquired in the past and stored in the storage means is compared with the actual vehicle travel history information, and the difference between these information is large. When it is determined, the traffic information service center is requested to acquire traffic information. In other words, when the traffic information service center is requested to acquire traffic information, it is determined that the difference between the predicted reachable distance information and the actual vehicle travel history information is large. There is. As described above, the traffic information display device has a problem in that it cannot deliver necessary traffic information to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a traffic information distribution system capable of reducing the amount of information communication while distributing traffic information necessary for a user.

In order to achieve the above object, the traffic information distribution system according to claim 1 distributes traffic information from a center to an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle,
In-vehicle devices
On-vehicle device side receiving means for receiving traffic information;
Own vehicle position detecting means for detecting the current position of the own vehicle;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the center traveling path information relating to the traveling position of the host vehicle including the current position detected by the host vehicle position detecting means;
Providing means for providing the user with traffic information received by the in-vehicle device side receiving means,
The center
Acquisition means for acquiring traffic information indicating the traffic situation of each road;
Storage means for storing the traffic information acquired by the acquisition means;
Center-side receiving means for receiving the travel route information transmitted from the transmitting means of the in-vehicle device,
Based on the traffic information acquired by the acquisition means and the road information received by the center side reception means, the traffic information is distributed to the in-vehicle device having a predetermined correspondence between the road corresponding to the traffic information and the road information. Delivery means to
A determination means for determining whether or not the traffic information acquired this time has changed with respect to the traffic information acquired last time by comparing the traffic information acquired this time with the traffic information acquired last time; ,
The distribution means is characterized in that, when the determination means determines that there is no change in traffic information, the distribution frequency of the traffic information is less than when it is determined that there is a change.

  In this way, the traffic information necessary for the user is distributed by distributing the traffic information to the in-vehicle device in which the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information (travel position) of the vehicle have a predetermined correspondence relationship. be able to. Furthermore, when the center side determines that there is no traffic information fluctuation, the traffic information traffic volume (ie, information traffic volume) is reduced by making the traffic information distribution frequency less frequent than when it is judged that there is a fluctuation. it can.

  In addition, as described in claim 2, the distribution unit stops the distribution of the traffic information when the determination unit determines that there is no change in the traffic information, and distributes the traffic information only when it is determined that there is a change. It may be.

  In this way, the traffic amount of traffic information can be further reduced by distributing traffic information only when it is determined that there is a change in traffic information.

Moreover, as shown in claim 3, the determination means compares the traffic information acquired this time with the traffic information acquired last time, and the difference between the traffic information acquired this time and the traffic information acquired last time exceeds a threshold value. Determines that there is variation, and if it does not exceed the threshold, it is determined that there is no variation,
The center sets a threshold for each road based on the amount of change in traffic information. Set the threshold when the amount of change in traffic information is large to a value greater than the threshold when the amount of change in traffic information is small. Threshold setting means may be provided.

  Thus, while setting the threshold value when the traffic information change amount is large to a value larger than the threshold value when the traffic information change amount is small, the difference between the traffic information acquired this time and the traffic information acquired last time is If the threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that there is a change, and if the threshold value is not exceeded, it is determined that there is no change, so that it is possible to further reduce the traffic amount of traffic information while delivering necessary traffic information to the user. .

  Moreover, as shown in claim 4, the acquisition means acquires vehicle information on each road from at least one of a vehicle traveling on each road and a roadside machine provided on the side of each road, and the acquired vehicle Traffic information is obtained by generating traffic information for each road based on the information, and the threshold setting means that the smaller the number of vehicle information for generating each traffic information, the greater the variation in traffic information. Accordingly, the threshold value when the number of vehicle information is small may be set to a value larger than the threshold value when the number of vehicle information is large.

  The traffic information generated based on the vehicle information is more likely to reflect the characteristics and behavior of each driver when the number of vehicle information is smaller than when the number of vehicle information (that is, the number of samples) is large. Therefore, the traffic information is more likely to fluctuate depending on the characteristics and behavior of each driver when the number of vehicle information is smaller than when the number of vehicle information is large. In other words, the amount of fluctuation in traffic information varies more when the number of vehicle information is smaller than when the number of vehicle information is large.

  Therefore, as shown in claim 4, it is preferable to set the threshold value when the number of vehicle information is small to a value larger than the threshold value when the number of vehicle information is large. As a result, it is possible to suppress the variation in the traffic information variation determination when the number of vehicle information is small (there is a variation in the variation amount), and to perform the traffic information variation determination with high accuracy.

  Further, as shown in claim 5, the threshold value setting means regards that the amount of traffic information fluctuation is large in the time zone in which the occurrence of traffic jam is expected and the time zone in which the traffic jam is expected to start to be resolved. You may make it set the threshold value of the time slot | zone where generation | occurrence | production start is anticipated, and the time slot | zone where the cancellation | release start of congestion is anticipated to a value larger than the threshold value of time slots other than this time slot | zone.

  Traffic information may vary in the amount of fluctuation depending on the time of day. That is, the traffic information varies depending on the time zone.

  For example, the traffic volume gradually increases in a time zone where the occurrence of traffic jams is expected, and the traffic volume gradually decreases in a time zone expected to start the elimination of traffic jams, resulting in a large amount of traffic information fluctuation. However, the time (time) when the traffic starts to increase and the time (time) when the traffic starts decreasing vary from day to day. Therefore, the amount of change in traffic information during a certain period in the time zone in which the occurrence of traffic congestion is expected varies depending on the time (time) when traffic starts to increase. Similarly, the amount of change in traffic information during a certain period in a time zone in which the start of the elimination of traffic jams is different depending on the time (time) when the traffic starts to decrease. The time zone in which the occurrence of traffic jams is expected is the time zone from when there is no traffic jam until traffic starts to increase and traffic jam occurs. The time zone in which the start of the elimination of the traffic jam is expected to be the time zone from the traffic jam until the traffic is reduced and the traffic jam is resolved.

  Therefore, as shown in claim 5, the threshold of the time zone in which the occurrence of traffic jams is expected and the time zone in which the start of traffic jam elimination is expected is set to a value larger than the thresholds of time zones other than this time zone. It is preferable. As a result, the traffic information fluctuation judgment variation in the time zone where the occurrence of traffic jams is expected and the time zone where the traffic jams are expected to be resolved (if there is a variation in the amount of fluctuation) is suppressed, and the traffic information is accurate. Can be determined.

  The traffic information may be acquired from outside the center. As shown in claim 6, vehicle information on each road is acquired, and traffic information on each road is generated based on the acquired vehicle information. You may make it acquire by doing.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means generates traffic information based on vehicle information acquired in a predetermined period in the past, and a time zone where traffic congestion is expected is a time other than the time zone. Traffic information may be generated based on vehicle information in a period shorter than the belt.

  By doing in this way, the determination means is based on traffic information in a time period in which traffic congestion is expected (for example, commuting time) is shorter than a time period in which traffic congestion is difficult to be predicted (for example, midnight). It can be determined whether or not the traffic information is fluctuating. On the contrary, in a time zone in which traffic congestion is difficult to be predicted, it can be determined whether or not the traffic information has changed based on traffic information in a period longer than the time zone in which traffic jam is expected. Therefore, it is possible to make a detailed determination in a time zone in which a traffic jam is expected, and it is possible to cope with fluctuations in traffic information in real time. On the other hand, it is possible to secure the number of vehicle information (number of samples) in a time zone in which traffic congestion is unlikely, and it is possible to accurately calculate fluctuations in traffic information.

Further, as shown in claim 8, the in-vehicle device includes destination setting means for setting the destination based on an instruction from the user,
The transmission means transmits the current position of the host vehicle as the travel route information and the destination set by the destination setting means,
The center includes center side route setting means for setting a guide route from the current position received by the center side receiving means to the destination,
When the road corresponding to the traffic information acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the guide route set by the center side route setting unit, the distribution unit has a predetermined correspondence between the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information. May be considered.

  In this way, necessary traffic information can be easily distributed to the user.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the current position of the vehicle received by the center-side receiving means is included in a predetermined range from the road corresponding to the traffic information, the distribution means includes a road and a traveling path corresponding to the traffic information. Information may be regarded as having a predetermined correspondence relationship.

  By doing in this way, even if the destination is not set, necessary traffic information can be distributed to the user.

Further, as shown in claim 10, the vehicle-mounted device includes vehicle-mounted device side route setting means for setting a guide route from the departure place to the destination based on an instruction from the user,
The transmission means transmits the current position of the host vehicle as the travel route information and the guide route set by the guide route setting means.
When the road corresponding to the traffic information acquired by the acquisition unit is included between the current position on the guide route received by the center side reception unit and the destination, the distribution unit includes road and travel route information corresponding to the traffic information. May be regarded as having a predetermined correspondence relationship.

  This also makes it possible to easily distribute necessary traffic information to the user.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, when the determining unit determines that the fluctuation of the traffic information is greater than the predetermined value, the distributing unit distributes the traffic information more than when determining that the fluctuation is less than the predetermined value. The frequency may be increased. In this way, appropriate traffic information can be distributed to the user.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the traffic information delivery system in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the traffic information delivery processing operation of the center in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation traffic information delivery processing operation | movement of the center in embodiment of this invention. It is drawing explaining the fluctuation | variation threshold value in embodiment of this invention, (a) is a graph which shows the relationship between time and link travel time, (b) shows the relationship between the link travel time difference in each time, and a fluctuation | variation threshold value. It is a graph to show. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the traffic information delivery system in the modification 1 of this invention, (a) is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of a navigation apparatus, (b) is a flowchart which shows the memory | storage processing operation of a center, (C) is a flowchart which shows the variable traffic information delivery processing operation of a center. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation traffic information delivery processing operation | movement of the center in the modification 2 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the traffic information distribution system includes a vehicle information acquisition device 1, a center 10, and a navigation device 100. This traffic information distribution system provides traffic information for each road (congestion degree, congestion section distance, link travel time (for example, for the in-vehicle device of the present invention) mounted on a vehicle from the center 10 (for example, Average link travel time in a plurality of vehicles)) and the like.

  First, the navigation device 100 will be described. The navigation device 100 searches for a guidance route from a departure point (for example, the vehicle position that is the current position of the vehicle) to the destination, and provides route guidance from the departure point to the destination based on the searched guidance route. Execute. Further, when searching for a guide route, when traffic information is acquired from the center 10 described later, the guide route is searched in consideration of this traffic information. As is well known, the route guidance displays a guidance route on which the vehicle position (vehicle mark indicating the current position of the vehicle) is superimposed on the road map on the screen of the display device 150 and the vehicle position. Is performed by outputting a guidance voice by the voice output device 170 when a predetermined point is reached. In the present embodiment, description will be made by adopting the current position of the vehicle as the departure point.

  The vehicle on which the navigation device 100 is mounted functions as a probe car that will be described later. Therefore, the navigation apparatus 100 acquires (generates) vehicle information (link travel time, link travel speed, position information, time, etc. of each vehicle) to be described later, and wirelessly transmits it to the center 10 at predetermined time intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 100 includes a communication device 110, a map database 120, a vehicle position detection unit 130 (a GPS receiver 131, a gyro sensor 132, a vehicle speed sensor 133), a storage unit 140, and a display device 150. , An operation switch 160, a sound output device 170, a control device 180, and the like.

  The control device 180 is configured as a well-known computer, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, a bus line that connects these configurations, and the like. The control device 180 is electrically connected to the communication device 110, the map database 120, the vehicle position detection unit 130, the storage unit 140, the display device 150, the operation switch 160, and the sound output device 170 described above. The control device 180 executes various processes as a navigation function. That is, the control device 180 performs arithmetic processing based on various information (various signals) input from the communication device 110, the map database 120, the vehicle position detection unit 130, the storage unit 140, and the operation switch 160, and the display device 150. By instructing the display of an image or instructing the audio output device 170 to output an audio, various processes as a navigation function are executed. Note that various types of processing as the navigation function include, for example, map scale change processing, menu display selection processing, map matching processing, destination setting processing, route guidance related processing, current position correction processing, display screen change processing, volume adjustment There are processing.

  Based on an instruction from the control device 180, the communication device 110 communicates with the center 10 via a communication network such as a wireless base station and the Internet, for example. Specifically, the communication device 110 may employ an in-vehicle communication module used for telematics communication such as a DCM (data communication module) mounted on a vehicle, a mobile phone connected by Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. it can. For example, when the communication device 110 receives an instruction from the control device 180 based on the operation of the operation switch 160 by the user, the departure point data (that is, current position data), the destination data, the traffic information request, and the own vehicle ( Vehicle body) data (for example, identification information unique to the navigation device 100 such as an in-vehicle device ID) is transmitted to the center 10. In addition, the communication device 110 receives the traffic information transmitted from the center 10. In the present embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device ID is adopted as the own vehicle data.

  The map database 120 is, for example, various data such as road map data all over Japan, accompanying facility data of various facilities and stores, and drawing data for reproducing (drawing) the road map on the screen of the display device 150. Is memorized. The road map data includes an intersection on the map as a node and the road is divided into a plurality of parts. The road map data includes node data related to this node, link data that defines a portion between each node as a link, and the like.

  The node data includes data such as a node ID, a node coordinate, a node name, and the like, each having a unique number assigned to each node where roads on the map intersect, merge, and branch. The link data includes link ID, link length, link start point and end point position data, angle (direction) data, road width, road type, and other data. In addition, as a storage medium of the memory | storage part 12, DVD-ROM, a hard disk drive, etc. can be used and it does not specifically limit.

  The own vehicle position detection unit 130 includes a GPS receiver 131 for detecting (positioning) the position of the own vehicle, a gyro sensor 132 for detecting the rotational angular velocity of the own vehicle, and a vehicle speed sensor 133. Based on the input from each sensor constituting the vehicle position detection unit 130, the control device 180 determines the current position of the vehicle (position information indicating the absolute position), the traveling direction, the link travel time for each link, and for each link. Link travel speed, travel distance, current time, etc. are detected with high accuracy. The own vehicle position detection unit 130 itself detects the current position of the own vehicle (position information indicating the absolute position), the traveling direction, the link travel time for each link, the link travel speed for each link, the travel distance, the current time, and the like. Then, the detection result may be output to the control device 180.

  The storage unit 140 is for storing data and the like handled in the control device 180 as necessary. For example, the storage unit 140 can store traffic information acquired from the center 10 described later. Note that the storage unit 140 can be configured by, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium that can write and read data.

  As the display device 150, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like can be adopted. The display device 150 receives data stored in the map database 120 from the control device 180, so that the vehicle position (vehicle mark indicating the current position of the vehicle) is superimposed on the road map. Displays the route etc. on the screen.

  The operation switch 160 is operated by a user, and includes a touch switch that is integrated with the display device 150 and installed on the display screen, a push-type hard switch that is provided around the display screen of the display device 9, and the like. It can be adopted and used for various inputs. For example, various information such as departure location information including departure location information and destination location information including destination location information, and navigation such as a search instruction for a guidance route (recommended route) from the departure location to the destination An operation signal associated with a function executed by the device 100 is output to the control device 180. When the departure place information is input, the control device 180 searches for the corresponding facility and sets the extracted facility as the departure place. Further, when departure place information indicating that the current position is the departure place is input, the current position is set as the departure place. The data including the location information of the departure place is referred to as departure place data. Further, when the destination information is input, the control device 180 searches for the corresponding facility and sets the extracted facility as the destination. Data including the location information of the destination is referred to as destination data.

  The voice output device 170 includes a speaker or the like provided in the passenger compartment, and outputs a guidance voice at the time of route guidance based on an instruction from the control device 180.

  Of the processing operations performed by the navigation device 100, the characteristic part of the present invention will be described in detail later.

  Next, the vehicle information acquisition device 1 will be described. This vehicle information acquisition device 1 acquires vehicle information on each road for generating traffic information. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle information acquisition apparatus 1 includes a plurality of probe cars 3 (vehicles) traveling on each road and a plurality of roadside sensors 2 (roadside machines) provided on the sides of the roads. It is configured to include at least one. The probe car 3 is equipped with the navigation device 100 described above, and acquires (generates) vehicle information on each road (link travel time, link travel speed, position information, time, and the like of each vehicle) at predetermined time intervals. To the center 10 wirelessly. That is, the probe car 3 is a vehicle in a probe car (floating car) system that uses data (vehicle information) obtained by using a vehicle actually traveling on a road as a sensor for traffic management and vehicle driving support. . Further, the roadside sensor 2 acquires (generates) vehicle information (vehicle passing amount, time, etc.) of the road to be detected, and transmits it to the center 10 wirelessly or by wire at predetermined time intervals.

  Next, the center 10 will be described. This center 10 collects vehicle information from the vehicle information acquisition device 1, processes the collected vehicle information in a form that can be provided as traffic information, and repeats a series of flows for distributing to a running vehicle. Traffic information generation / distribution processing Is to execute. As shown in FIG. 1, the center 10 includes a control device 14, a communication device 11 connected to the control device 14, a storage unit 12, a map database 13, and the like.

  The communication device 11 communicates with the communication device 110 of the navigation device 100 described above and with the vehicle information acquisition device 1. The communication device 11 receives departure point data (here, current position data), destination data, a traffic information request, an in-vehicle device ID, and the like through communication with the communication device 110 of the navigation device 100, and the control device 14. The traffic information generated by is transmitted.

  Further, the storage unit 12 has a function of storing traffic information generated by the control device 14. Further, the map database 13 is equivalent to the map database 120 in the navigation device 100 described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The data stored in the map database 13 is also used for generating traffic information.

  The control device 14 is configured as a well-known computer, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, a bus line for connecting these configurations, and the like. The control device 14 processes vehicle information received by the communication device 11 in a past predetermined period, generates traffic information and stores the traffic information in the storage unit 12 (generation function), and the past stored in the storage unit 12 A function (determination function) for determining the presence or absence of fluctuations in traffic information by analyzing (comparing) the traffic information (previous traffic information) and the traffic information generated this time, and navigating the traffic information generated via the communication device 11 It has a function of distributing to the device 100 (distribution function). Further, the control device 14 has a function (search process) for searching for a route from the departure point to the destination using the map database 13 when the departure point data and the destination data are transmitted from the navigation device 100.

  In other words, the control device 14 processes the vehicle information received by the communication device 11 in the past predetermined period to generate traffic information and store it in the storage unit 12 (generation processing), which is stored in the storage unit 12. Processing (determination processing) for determining the presence or absence of fluctuations in traffic information by analyzing (comparing) past traffic information (previous traffic information) and traffic information generated this time, traffic information generated via the communication device 11 When the departure point data and destination data are transmitted from the navigation device 100, the route from the departure point to the destination is searched using the map database 13 (search processing). ) Etc.

  The control device 14 obtains vehicle information (link travel time, link travel speed, position information, time, vehicle passage amount, etc. of each vehicle) acquired during a predetermined period in the past at predetermined time intervals (for example, every minute). By performing statistical processing, traffic information for each road is generated. In other words, the control device 14 acquires the traffic information by acquiring the vehicle information of each road and generating the traffic information of each road based on the acquired vehicle information (acquisition means). The center 10 can be adopted as long as it has means for acquiring traffic information indicating the traffic situation of each road, and traffic information can be obtained from outside the center 10 (for example, an external station different from the center 10). You may get it. In this case, the center 10 does not need to generate traffic information based on the vehicle information.

  This traffic information includes the degree of traffic jam for each road, the traffic jam distance for each road, the link travel time for each road, etc., and may include at least one of these. For example, the congestion level of traffic information can be classified into two states, “congested” and “no traffic jam”, or “heavy traffic jam”, “light traffic jam”, “heavy traffic jam”, “light traffic jam” in descending order of congestion. , And classified into five states of “no traffic jam”. Further, for example, an average value of link travel times in a plurality of vehicles can be adopted as the link travel time of the traffic information.

  In addition, the control device 14 stores the generated traffic information in the storage unit 12. In other words, the vehicle information received by the communication device 11 in the past predetermined period is processed to generate traffic information (previous traffic information), and the generated traffic information is stored in the storage unit 12 repeatedly. . At this time, at least the traffic information generated this time and the traffic information generated last time are stored in the storage unit 12.

  In addition, when the traffic information request is received or when it is determined that there is a change, the control device 14 distributes the traffic information to the navigation device 100, and when it is determined that there is no change, the control device 14 stops the distribution of the traffic information. For example, if there is a change in traffic information, such as traffic congestion from “traffic jam” to “no traffic jam” or “no traffic jam” to “traffic jam”, traffic information will be sent to vehicles that can pass through the road in the future. To deliver. Of the processing operations performed by the center 10, the characteristic portions of the present invention will be described in detail later.

  Here, the processing operation of the navigation device 100 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 starts when power is supplied to the navigation device 100, for example.

  First, in step S10, the control device 180 of the navigation device 100 determines whether or not a destination has been set. As described above, the navigation device 100 (control device 180) sets a destination based on an instruction from the user (destination setting means). That is, the destination is set based on the destination information output from the operation switch 160 according to the user's operation. Therefore, the control device 180 determines whether or not the destination has been set based on the destination information output from the operation switch 160. If it is determined that the destination is set, the process proceeds to step S11. If it is determined that the destination is not set, the determination in step S10 is repeated.

  In step S <b> 11, the current position data, destination data, traffic information request, and in-vehicle device ID are transmitted from the communication device 110 to the center 10. In other words, traveling path information relating to the traveling position of the host vehicle including the detected current position is transmitted to the center 10 (transmitting means). Therefore, here, the travel route information includes current position data and destination data. The navigation apparatus 100 requests the center 10 to transmit traffic information by transmitting the traffic information request to the center 10.

  At this time, the control device 180 detects the current position of the host vehicle based on the input from each sensor constituting the host vehicle position detection unit 130 (own vehicle position detection means). Note that the control device 180 may detect the current position every predetermined time while the power is supplied. Then, the control device 180 displays the current position data indicating the detected current position, the destination data regarding the set destination, and the vehicle-mounted device ID stored in the storage unit 140 together with the traffic information request indicating the request for traffic information. The data is transmitted from the communication device 110 to the center 10.

  In step S12, the traffic information transmitted from the center 10 is received by the communication device 110 (vehicle equipment side receiving means). That is, the control device 180 acquires the traffic information transmitted from the center 10 via the communication device 110. If the traffic information cannot be received within a predetermined time after the traffic information request is transmitted, the process may proceed to step S13 without receiving the traffic information as a time-out error.

  In step S13, a route from the current position to the destination is searched in consideration of the traffic information received in step S12. That is, the control device 180 uses the set destination (destination data), the detected current position (current position data), the data stored in the map database 120, and the like to obtain the traffic information transmitted from the center 10. In consideration, an optimum guide route (recommended route) satisfying preset search conditions such as distance priority and time priority is searched. Such a method for automatically searching for a guide route is, for example, cost calculation by a well-known Dijkstra method, that is, road type, road width, left / right turn, number of passing intersections, presence / absence of traffic congestion, presence / absence of traffic regulation, link length And an evaluation value calculation using a cost constant (that is, link cost) such as a transit time. Therefore, when searching for a guide route while considering traffic information, the guide route is searched by calculating an evaluation value in consideration of traffic information. If the traffic information is not received in step S12, the optimum guidance from the current position to the destination satisfying preset search conditions such as distance priority and time priority without considering the traffic information. Search for a route.

  In step S14, route guidance from the current position to the destination is performed based on the guidance route searched in step S13. That is, the control device 180 displays a guide route to be traveled by superimposing the vehicle position (a vehicle mark indicating the current position of the vehicle) on the road map on the screen of the display device 150, and the vehicle position is predetermined. When the point is reached, the voice output device 170 outputs the guidance voice. As described above, the traffic information is provided to the user by providing the route from the current position to the destination based on the guidance route in consideration of the received traffic information (providing means).

  In step S15, it is determined whether traffic information has been received. And when it determines with having received traffic information (vehicle equipment side receiving means), it progresses to step S16, and when it determines with not having received traffic information, it progresses to step S18. The traffic information transmitted here is transmitted when it is determined that there is a change in traffic information at the center 10 described later.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not to change the guidance route. And when it determines with changing a guidance route, it progresses to step S17, and when it determines with not changing a guidance route, it progresses to step S18.

  Traffic information is not always constant and may change. Also, the optimal route from the current position to the destination may change due to the change in traffic information. Therefore, when traffic information is received while route guidance has already been performed, a guide route from the current position to the destination is searched again while taking into account newly received traffic information.

  Then, it is determined whether or not to change the guide route in step S16 based on the comparison result between the guide route that has already provided guidance and the guide route that has been searched in consideration of newly received traffic information. It may be. In other words, it is determined that the guidance route searched in consideration of newly received traffic information is superior to the guidance route that has already provided guidance (for example, the estimated arrival time at the destination is earlier). If so, it is determined to change the guidance route.

  In addition, the user is notified that the guidance route searched in consideration of newly received traffic information is superior to the guidance route that has already provided guidance (using the display device 150 and the voice output device 170). Then, depending on whether or not a signal indicating that the user desires to change is output from the operation switch 160, it may be determined whether or not to change the guide route in step S16.

  In step S17, the guide route is changed. That is, the control device 180 changes the guide route that has already been provided to the guide route that has been searched in consideration of the newly received traffic information.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not the destination has been reached. That is, control device 180 determines whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the destination based on the detected current position and destination data. If it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the process is terminated. If it is determined that the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, the process returns to step S14.

  Next, the traffic information distribution processing operation of the center 10 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 starts when power is supplied to each component of the center 10, for example. This traffic information distribution processing operation distributes traffic information to the navigation device 100 that has transmitted the traffic information request.

  First, in step S20, it is determined whether the traffic information request transmitted together with the current position data, the destination data, and the in-vehicle device ID is received from the communication device 110 of the navigation device 100. That is, whether or not the control device 14 of the center 10 has received a request depending on whether or not the current position data, destination data, vehicle-mounted device ID, and traffic information request have been acquired from the navigation device 100 via the communication device 11. judge. And when it determines with having received, it progresses to step S21, and when determining with having not received, the determination in step S20 is repeated. That is, the communication device 11 receives the travel route information transmitted from the communication device 110 of the navigation device 100 (center side receiving means).

  In step S21, a route is searched. That is, the control device 14 searches for a guide route from the current position to the destination using the map database 13 based on the received current position data and destination data (center side route setting means). Since this route searching method is the same as that by the navigation device 100 described above, description thereof is omitted.

  In step S22, the traffic information is distributed to the navigation device 100 that has transmitted the traffic information request (distribution means). The control device 14 distributes traffic information corresponding to the guidance route searched in step S21 among the traffic information stored in the storage unit 12 to the navigation device 100 that has transmitted the traffic information request. (Distribution means) That is, of the traffic information stored in the storage unit 12, the traffic information of the road included in the guide route searched in step S21 is distributed to the navigation device 100 that has transmitted the traffic information request. (Distribution means).

  In step S23, the control device 14 associates the guide route searched in step S21 with the in-vehicle device ID received in step S21, and stores it in the storage unit 12. In other words, the control device 14 associates the guide route searched in step S21 with the on-board device ID received together with the current position data and destination data used when searching for this guide route in the storage unit 12. Remember.

  Next, the variable traffic information distribution processing operation of the center 10 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 starts when power is supplied to each component of the center 10, for example. This variable traffic information distribution processing operation is to distribute the changed traffic information to the navigation device 100 when the traffic information acquired at the center 10 is changed.

  In step S30, the communication device 11 of the center 10 receives vehicle information (link travel time, link travel speed, position information, time, vehicle passage amount, etc. of each vehicle) from the vehicle information acquisition device 1. And the control apparatus 14 of the center 10 acquires this vehicle information from the communication apparatus 11. FIG.

  In step S31, the control apparatus 14 produces | generates the traffic information for every road based on the vehicle information acquired in step S30. In other words, the control device 14 acquires the traffic information by acquiring the vehicle information of each road and generating the traffic information of each road based on the acquired vehicle information (acquisition means). The traffic information is generated every predetermined time (for example, every minute).

  In step S32, the control apparatus 14 memorize | stores the traffic information produced | generated in step S31 in the memory | storage part 12 (memory | storage means). Note that when the traffic information is stored in the storage unit 12, the traffic information generated (acquired) last time and the traffic information generated (acquired) this time are distinguished and stored. That is, the traffic information generated last time stored in the storage unit 12 is not updated to the traffic information generated this time.

  In step S <b> 33, the control device 14 determines whether or not there is a change in the traffic information, the traffic information generated (acquired) this time and the traffic information previously generated (acquired) stored in the storage unit 12. Compare

  In step S34, the control device 14 determines whether or not there is a change in the traffic information based on the comparison result in step S33 (determination means). That is, traffic generated this time (acquired) with respect to traffic information generated (acquired) last time depending on whether or not the difference between the traffic information generated (acquired) last time and the traffic information generated (acquired) this time exceeded the fluctuation threshold. It is determined whether or not the information is fluctuating. If it is determined that there is a change, the process proceeds to step S35, and if it is determined that there is no change, the process returns to step S30. The traffic information variation determination and variation threshold will be described in detail later.

  In step S35, the control device 14 distributes traffic information to a vehicle traveling on the corresponding road (that is, the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle) (distribution means). At this time, based on the changed traffic information and the travel route information acquired via the communication device 11, the control device 14 has a predetermined correspondence between the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information. Traffic information is distributed to (distribution means). In the present embodiment, the control device 14 corresponds to the road corresponding to the changed traffic information on the guide route set in step S21 in FIG. 3 (preferably, the road between the current position and the destination in the guide route). Is included, the road corresponding to the traffic information and the traveling road information are regarded as having a predetermined correspondence (distribution means). In other words, when there is changed traffic information on the road included in the guide route set in step S21 in FIG. 3, the control device 14 has a predetermined correspondence between the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information. (Distribution means)

  And the control apparatus 14 delivers the changed traffic information with respect to the navigation apparatus 100 mounted in the vehicle which drive | works the guidance route set in step S21 of FIG. That is, with respect to the navigation device 100 that has transmitted the current position data, destination data, and the like used when searching for the guidance route in step S21 of FIG. 3, and the navigation device 100 that has transmitted the data for searching for the same guidance route. Distribute changed traffic information. In this way, necessary traffic information can be easily distributed to the user.

  As described above, in the traffic information distribution system according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is no change in the traffic information in the determination process in step S34, the frequency of distributing the traffic information is less than when it is determined that there is a change. (Distribution means)

  Therefore, the traffic information necessary for the user can be distributed by distributing the traffic information to the navigation device 100 in which the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information (travel position) of the vehicle have a predetermined correspondence relationship. Can do. Further, when the center 10 determines that there is no change in traffic information, the traffic information traffic volume (that is, information communication volume) is reduced by reducing the frequency of traffic information distribution compared to the case where there is a change in traffic information. it can. That is, the traffic of traffic information (that is, the amount of information communication) can be reduced as compared with the case where traffic information is distributed every predetermined time.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, distribution of traffic information is stopped when it is determined that there is no change in traffic information, and traffic information is distributed only when it is determined that there is a change (distribution means). In this way, the traffic amount of traffic information can be further reduced by distributing traffic information only when it is determined that there is a change in traffic information.

  When it is determined that the fluctuation of the traffic information is greater than the predetermined value (determination means), the distribution frequency of the traffic information is increased (distribution means) than when the fluctuation is determined to be less than the predetermined value. Also good. In this way, appropriate traffic information can be distributed to the user.

  Here, the traffic information variation determination and variation threshold will be described with reference to FIG. Here, link travel time is adopted as an example of traffic information.

  FIG. 5A is a graph showing the relationship between the time (here, five timings t1 to t5) and the link travel time, and FIG. 5B shows the relationship between the link travel time difference and the fluctuation threshold at each time. It is a graph. In FIG. 5B, the link travel time difference at t1 is the difference between the link travel time generated at t1 (current time) and the link travel time generated at t0 (not shown) which is the previously generated link travel time. Represents. The link travel time difference at t2 represents the difference between the link travel time generated at t2 (current time) and the link travel time generated at t1 which is the link travel time generated last time. The same applies to t3 to t5.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the link travel time differences at t1, t2, t3, and t4 do not exceed the fluctuation threshold. That is, the difference between the link travel time generated at t1, t2, t3, and t4 and the link travel time generated last time (at t0, t1, t2, and t3) does not exceed the fluctuation threshold. However, regarding t5, the difference between the link travel time generated last time (at t4) and the link travel time generated this time (at t5) exceeds the variation threshold. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, it is determined that there is no change at t1, t2, t3, and t4, and it is determined that there is a change at t5.

  The fluctuation threshold is set by the control device 14 of the center 10. The control device 14 sets a threshold value for each road based on the amount of change in traffic information. The threshold value when the amount of change in traffic information is large (variation threshold value), and the threshold value when the amount of change in traffic information is small. A value larger than (variation threshold) is set (threshold setting means).

  Thus, while setting the threshold value when the traffic information change amount is large to a value larger than the threshold value when the traffic information change amount is small, the difference between the traffic information acquired this time and the traffic information acquired last time is If the threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that there is a change, and if the threshold value is not exceeded, it is determined that there is no change, so that it is possible to further reduce the traffic amount of traffic information while delivering necessary traffic information to the user. .

  In addition, when the detection frequency in the roadside sensor 2 is low (that is, when the detection timing is long) or when the number of probe cars 3 is small, the detection frequency in the roadside sensor 2 is high or the number of probe cars 3 is large. The number of vehicle information is smaller than the case. The traffic information generated based on the vehicle information is more likely to reflect the characteristics and behavior of each driver when the number of vehicle information is smaller than when the number of vehicle information (that is, the number of samples) is large. Therefore, the traffic information is more likely to fluctuate depending on the characteristics and behavior of each driver when the number of vehicle information is smaller than when the number of vehicle information is large. In other words, the amount of fluctuation in traffic information varies more when the number of vehicle information is smaller than when the number of vehicle information is large.

  Therefore, for example, the control device 14 considers that the smaller the number of vehicle information for generating each piece of traffic information is, the larger the variation amount of the traffic information is, and sets the threshold when the number of vehicle information is small as the number of vehicle information. It may be set to a value larger than the threshold value when there are many (threshold setting means). As a result, it is possible to suppress the variation in the traffic information variation determination when the number of vehicle information is small (there is a variation in the variation amount), and to perform the traffic information variation determination with high accuracy.

  In addition, the fluctuation width of the traffic information may vary depending on the time zone. That is, the traffic information varies depending on the time zone. For example, the traffic volume gradually increases in a time zone where the occurrence of traffic jams is expected, and the traffic volume gradually decreases in a time zone expected to start the elimination of traffic jams, resulting in a large amount of traffic information fluctuation. However, the time for traffic to increase and the time for traffic to decrease varies from day to day. For example, one day, traffic starts to increase at 6:00 AM and traffic decreases at 8.30 AM. On the other day, traffic starts to increase at 6.30 AM and traffic decreases at 8:00 AM. Therefore, the amount of change in traffic information during a certain period in a time zone where the occurrence of traffic congestion is expected varies depending on the time when the traffic starts to increase. Similarly, the amount of change in traffic information in a certain period in a time zone where the start of the elimination of traffic jams is different depending on the off time when the traffic starts to decrease.

  In addition, the time zone in which the occurrence of traffic jams is expected is the time zone from when no traffic jams until the traffic volume increases until traffic jams occur. The time zone in which the start of the elimination of the traffic jam is expected to be the time zone from when the traffic starts to decrease until the traffic jam is resolved. Further, the traffic jam indicates a state where the traffic flow is deteriorated and the traveling speed is reduced, for example, the traveling speed is 20 km / h or less.

  Therefore, the control device 14 considers that the traffic information fluctuation amount is large in the time zone in which the occurrence start of the traffic jam is expected and the time zone in which the traffic congestion start is expected, and the time zone in which the traffic start is expected to occur. In addition, the threshold value of the time zone in which the start of the elimination of the traffic jam is expected may be set to a value larger than the threshold value of the time zone other than this time zone (threshold setting means). As a result, the traffic information fluctuation judgment variation in the time zone where the occurrence of traffic jams is expected and the time zone where the traffic jams are expected to be resolved (if there is a variation in the amount of fluctuation) is suppressed, and the traffic information is accurate. Can be determined. In this case, the center 10 may acquire traffic information from outside the center 10 (for example, an external station different from the center 10). That is, the center 10 does not need to generate traffic information based on the vehicle information.

  Here, the variation threshold is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by adopting a threshold value indicating a certain value, if the difference between the traffic information generated (acquired) this time and the traffic information generated (acquired) last time exceeds the threshold, it is determined that there is a fluctuation, and the threshold is exceeded. If not, it may be determined that there is no fluctuation. Furthermore, if the traffic information generated (acquired) last time is different from the traffic information generated (acquired) this time, the traffic information generated (acquired) this time is different from the traffic information generated (acquired) last time. You may make it determine.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the changed traffic information is distributed to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle traveling on the guidance route searched (set) by the control device 14 of the center 10 is employed. Is not limited to this. The traffic information distribution system of the present invention is based on traffic information generated (acquired) by the control device 14 of the center 10 and travel path information received by the communication device 11 of the center 10 (that is, acquired by the control device 14). The object can be achieved as long as the traffic information is distributed to the navigation device 100 in which the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information have a predetermined correspondence relationship.

  For example, as shown in the first modification, the control device 14 of the center 10 includes the vehicle current position (current position data) received by the communication device 11 in a predetermined range from the road corresponding to the traffic information. The road corresponding to the traffic information and the traveling road information are regarded as having a predetermined correspondence (distribution means). And the control apparatus 14 may distribute the changed traffic information with respect to the navigation apparatus 100 mounted in the vehicle in the predetermined range from the road corresponding to traffic information. In addition, since the structure of the traffic information delivery system in the modification 1 is the same as that of the above-mentioned traffic information delivery system, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Here, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the processing operation of the traffic information distribution system in the modification 1 is demonstrated.

  First, the processing operation of the navigation device 100 in the first modification will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6A starts when power is supplied to the navigation device 100. In addition, the control apparatus 180 of the navigation apparatus 100 in the modified example 1 transmits the current position (current position data) of the host vehicle and the in-vehicle device ID to the center 10 via the communication apparatus 110 every predetermined time. That is, the control device 180 of the navigation device 100 according to the first modification transmits the current position (current position data) of the host vehicle as the travel route information to the center 10 via the communication device 110. Note that the navigation device 100 according to the first modification may not search for a guidance route. That is, the destination may not be set.

  In step S <b> 40 of FIG. 6A, the control device 180 of the navigation device 100 determines whether traffic information is received by the communication device 110. That is, the control device 180 determines whether traffic information has been acquired from the communication device 110. And when it determines with having received traffic information, it progresses to step S41, and when it determines with not having received traffic information, the determination in step S40 is repeated.

  In step S41 of FIG. 6A, traffic information is displayed on the map. At this time, the control device 180 superimposes and displays the own vehicle position (vehicle mark indicating the current position of the vehicle) and the acquired traffic information on the road map on the screen of the display device 150. In this way, traffic information may be provided to the user (providing means).

  Next, the storage processing operation of the center 10 in Modification 1 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S50 of FIG. 6B, the control device 14 of the center 10 determines whether or not the current position data of the navigation device 100 has been received by the communication device 11. That is, the control device 11 determines whether the current position data of the navigation device 100 has been acquired from the communication device 11. If it is determined that the current position data has been received, the process proceeds to step S51. If it is determined that the current position data has not been received, the determination in step S50 is repeated.

  In step S51 of FIG. 6B, the control device 14 of the center 10 stores the acquired current position data in the storage unit 12. As described above, the current position data is transmitted together with the in-vehicle device ID of the navigation device 100. Therefore, the control device 14 of the center 10 associates the acquired current position data with the in-vehicle device ID received together with the current position data and stores them in the storage unit 12.

  Note that the variable traffic information distribution processing operation of the center 10 in Modification 1 is substantially the same as the variable traffic information distribution processing operation in the above-described embodiment, and therefore only the differences will be described here. The center 10 (control device 14) in Modification 1 performs the same processing as Step S30 to Step S34 in FIG. 4 and then travels around the corresponding road as shown in Step S35a in FIG. 6C. The fluctuating traffic information is distributed to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle. That is, if the current position data of the vehicle received by the communication device 11 and stored in the storage unit 12 is included in a predetermined range from the road corresponding to the changed traffic information, the control device 14 is a road corresponding to the traffic information. Are considered to have a predetermined correspondence relationship (distribution means). And the control apparatus 14 delivers the changed traffic information with respect to the navigation apparatus 100 mounted in the vehicle in the predetermined range from the road corresponding to traffic information.

  By doing in this way, even if the destination is not set, necessary traffic information can be distributed to the user. Further, the navigation device 100 may not search for a guidance route. Therefore, the load on the navigation device 100 can be reduced.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment and the first modification, the traffic information distribution is stopped when it is determined that there is no change in the traffic information, and the traffic information is distributed only when it is determined that there is a change. Is not limited to this. The traffic information distribution system of the present invention is an object if the control device 14 of the center 10 determines that there is no change in the traffic information, as long as the frequency of distributing the traffic information is less than the case where it is determined that there is a change. Can be achieved.

For example, as shown in Modification 2, when the traffic information distribution interval (normal distribution interval) when there is no traffic information variation is t _x1 , traffic information distribution is performed when the traffic information varies. _{Let the} interval be t _x2 (t _x1 > t _x2 ). In other words, when it is determined that there is a change, if it is determined that there is no change in traffic information by shortening the traffic information delivery interval than when it is determined that there is no change, it is determined that there is a change Less frequent distribution of traffic information.

  Here, the traffic information distribution system in Modification 2 will be described. In addition, since the structure of the traffic information delivery system in the modification 2 is the same as that of the above-mentioned traffic information delivery system, description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, the processing operation of the navigation device 100 and the traffic information distribution processing operation of the center 10 in the modified example 2 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In addition, since the variable traffic information distribution processing operation of the center 10 in the modification 2 is substantially the same as the variable traffic information distribution processing operation in the above-described embodiment, only different points will be described here. In addition, the control apparatus 14 of the center 10 in the modification 2 memorize | stores the present delivery interval in each traffic information.

  The center 10 (control device 14) in Modification 2 performs the same processing as Step S30 to Step S35 in FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 7, in the determination in step S34, the control device 14 of the center 10 proceeds to step S38 if it is determined that there is a fluctuation, and proceeds to step S36 if it is determined that there is no fluctuation.

In step S <b> 36, the control device 14 determines whether or not the current traffic information distribution interval is shortened (that is, whether or not it is t _x2 instead of t _x1 ). If it is determined that the delivery interval is short, the process proceeds to step S37. If it is determined that the distribution interval is not short, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S37, the control device 14 returns the distribution interval of the traffic information to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle traveling on the corresponding road to normal (distribution means). That is, the traffic information delivery interval is returned from t _x2 to t _x1 . In step S35, the control device 14 distributes the traffic information at the distribution interval t _x1 to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle traveling on the corresponding road (distribution means). In this way, when it is determined that there is no change in traffic information, the distribution frequency of the traffic information is made lower than when it is determined that there is a change.

On the other hand, in step S38, the control device 14 shortens the distribution interval of the traffic information to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle traveling on the corresponding road (distribution means). That is, the traffic information distribution interval is changed from t _x1 to t _x2 . In step S35, the control device 14 distributes the traffic information at the distribution interval t _x2 to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle traveling on the corresponding road (distribution means). In this way, when it is determined that there is a change in traffic information, the distribution frequency of the traffic information is increased more than when it is determined that there is no change.

  Therefore, the traffic information necessary for the user can be distributed by distributing the traffic information to the navigation device 100 in which the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information (travel position) of the vehicle have a predetermined correspondence relationship. Can do. Further, when the center 10 determines that there is no change in traffic information, the traffic information traffic volume (that is, information communication volume) is reduced by reducing the frequency of traffic information distribution compared to the case where there is a change in traffic information. it can.

In addition, although this modification 2 can also be implemented independently, it can also be implemented in combination with the modification 1. In this case, the navigation device 100 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. The center 10 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, when there is a change in traffic information in step S35a of FIG. 6C, the control device 14 of the center 10 sends a distribution interval to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle traveling in the vicinity of the corresponding road. Traffic information is distributed at t _x2 (distribution means). Further, when there is no change in traffic information in step S35a of FIG. 6C, the control device 14 of the center 10 sends a distribution interval to the navigation device 100 mounted on a vehicle traveling in the vicinity of the corresponding road. Traffic information is distributed at t _x1 (distribution means).

(Modification 3)
When the control device 14 of the center 10 generates traffic information for each road by statistically processing the vehicle information acquired in the past predetermined period, the time zone in which traffic congestion is expected is other than this time zone. Traffic information may be generated based on vehicle information in a period shorter than the time zone (a predetermined period in the past) (acquisition means).

  By doing in this way, the control apparatus 14 can determine whether the traffic information is fluctuate | varied based on the traffic information in the period when the time zone where a traffic jam is expected is shorter than the time zone when the traffic jam is hard to be predicted. (Determination means). On the contrary, in a time zone in which traffic congestion is unlikely to be determined, it can be determined whether or not the traffic information has changed based on traffic information in a period longer than the time zone in which traffic jam is expected (determination means). Therefore, it is possible to make a detailed determination in a time zone in which a traffic jam is expected, and it is possible to cope with fluctuations in traffic information in real time. On the other hand, it is possible to secure the number of vehicle information (number of samples) in a time zone in which traffic congestion is unlikely, and it is possible to accurately calculate fluctuations in traffic information.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described embodiment, the control device 180 of the navigation device 100 transmits the destination data and the current position data to the center 10 via the communication device 110, and the control device 14 of the center 10 transmits the destination data. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

  For example, as shown in Modification 4, the control device 180 of the navigation device 100 uses the current position of the host vehicle (current position data) as the travel route information and the set (searched) guide route (guide route data indicating the guide route). ) To the center 10 via the communication device 110.

  On the other hand, when the road corresponding to the traffic information is included between the current position on the received guide route and the destination, the control device 11 of the center 10 determines that the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information are predetermined. It is considered that there is a correspondence (distribution means). And the control apparatus 14 distributes traffic information with respect to the vehicle which drive | works the applicable road (namely, the navigation apparatus 100 mounted in this vehicle) (distribution means).

  This also makes it possible to easily distribute necessary traffic information to the user. In this case, the center 10 does not need to search for a guidance route. Therefore, the load on the center 10 can be reduced.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restrict | limited to the embodiment mentioned above at all, and various deformation | transformation are possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle information acquisition apparatus, 2 Roadside sensor (roadside machine), 3 Probe car, 10 center, 11 Communication apparatus, 12 Storage part, 13 Map database, 14 Control apparatus, 100 Navigation apparatus, 110 Communication apparatus, 120 Map database, 130 vehicle position detection unit, 131 GPS receiver, 132 gyro sensor, 133 vehicle speed sensor, 140 storage unit, 150 display device, 160 operation switch, 170 voice output device, 180 control device

Claims (11)

A traffic information distribution system that distributes traffic information from a center to an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle,
The in-vehicle device is
On-vehicle device side receiving means for receiving the traffic information;
Own vehicle position detecting means for detecting the current position of the own vehicle;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the center traveling path information relating to the traveling position of the own vehicle including the current position detected by the own vehicle position detecting means;
Providing means for providing a user with traffic information received by the in-vehicle device side receiving means,
The center
Acquisition means for acquiring traffic information indicating the traffic situation of each road;
Storage means for storing the traffic information acquired by the acquisition means;
Center-side receiving means for receiving the road information transmitted from the transmitting means of the in-vehicle device;
Based on the traffic information acquired by the acquisition means and the road information received by the center side receiving means, the road corresponding to the traffic information and the road information have a predetermined correspondence relationship with the vehicle-mounted device. A delivery means for delivering information;
A determination means for determining whether the traffic information acquired this time is fluctuating with respect to the traffic information acquired last time by comparing the traffic information acquired this time with the traffic information acquired last time by the acquisition means. Prepared,
The traffic information distribution system, wherein when the determination unit determines that there is no change in traffic information, the distribution unit reduces the frequency of distribution of the traffic information as compared with a case where it is determined that there is a change.   2. The distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit stops distribution of the traffic information when the determination unit determines that there is no change in the traffic information, and distributes the traffic information only when it is determined that there is a change. The traffic information distribution system described. The determination means compares the traffic information acquired this time with the traffic information acquired last time, and determines that there is a change when the difference between the traffic information acquired this time and the traffic information acquired last time exceeds a threshold value. If it does not exceed, it is determined that there is no fluctuation,
The center sets the threshold value for each road based on the amount of change in traffic information, and the threshold value when the amount of change in traffic information is large is greater than the threshold value when the amount of change in traffic information is small. The traffic information distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a threshold setting unit configured to set a large value. The acquisition means acquires vehicle information on each road from at least one of a vehicle traveling on each road and a roadside machine provided on the side of each road, and obtains traffic information for each road based on the acquired vehicle information. To obtain traffic information by generating
The threshold setting means considers that the amount of traffic information fluctuation is large as the number of vehicle information for generating each traffic information is small, and the threshold when the number of vehicle information is small is the number of vehicle information. The traffic information distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the traffic information distribution system is set to a value larger than the threshold value in the case.   The threshold setting means considers that the traffic information fluctuation amount is large in the time zone in which the occurrence start of traffic jams is expected and the time zone in which the traffic congestion start is expected, and the time zone in which traffic jams are expected to start. The traffic information distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the threshold value of a time zone in which the start of elimination of traffic congestion is predicted is set to a value larger than the threshold value of a time zone other than the time zone.   The acquisition means acquires vehicle information on each road from at least one of a vehicle traveling on each road and a roadside machine provided on the side of each road, and based on the acquired vehicle information, The traffic information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the traffic information is acquired by generating the traffic information.   The acquisition unit generates traffic information based on vehicle information acquired in a predetermined period in the past, and a time zone in which a traffic jam is expected is vehicle information in a period shorter than a time zone other than the time zone. The traffic information distribution system according to claim 4 or 6, wherein traffic information is generated based on the traffic information. The in-vehicle device includes destination setting means for setting a destination based on an instruction from a user,
The transmission means transmits the current position of the host vehicle as travel route information and the destination set by the destination setting means,
The center includes center side route setting means for setting a guide route from the current position received by the center side receiving means to the destination,
In the case where a road corresponding to the traffic information acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the guide route set by the center side route setting unit, the distribution unit has a predetermined correspondence between the road corresponding to the traffic information and the travel route information. The traffic information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the traffic information distribution system is considered to be in a relationship.   When the current position of the vehicle received by the center side receiving means is included in a predetermined range from the road corresponding to the traffic information, the distribution means has a predetermined correspondence relationship between the road corresponding to the traffic information and the traveling road information. The traffic information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the traffic information distribution system is regarded as being present. The in-vehicle device includes on-vehicle device side route setting means for setting a guide route from a departure place to a destination based on an instruction by a user,
The transmission means transmits the current position of the host vehicle as travel route information and the guide route set by the guide route setting means,
If the road corresponding to the traffic information acquired by the acquisition unit is included between the current position and the destination in the guide route received by the center side reception unit, the distribution unit includes a road corresponding to the traffic information. The traffic information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the travel route information is regarded as having a predetermined correspondence relationship.   The distribution means increases the distribution frequency of traffic information when the determination means determines that the fluctuation of traffic information is greater than a predetermined value than when it determines that the fluctuation is less than a predetermined value. The traffic information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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