JP2013029380A - Traveling guide system, traveling guide device, traveling guide method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traveling guide system, a traveling guide device, a traveling guide method, and a computer program capable of outputting a guide at an appropriate timing according to the content of the guide by omitting a part of phrases to be output.SOLUTION: The traveling guide system is configured to: set guide marks that serve as marks for guiding to a guide branch point out of mark object candidates such as a branch point, a signal and a landmark; when the vehicle reaches a first guide start point that is present in a departure place side of a guide route with respect to the guide branch part, perform the guide of the guide branch point by a guide including a first phrase for specifying a guide mark and a second phrase for specifying the moving direction of a mobile object at the guide branch point; and after that, when the vehicle reaches a second guide start point that is present in the guide branch point side with respect to the first guide start point, omit one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase and guide the guide branch point.

Description

  The present invention relates to a movement guidance system, a movement guidance device, a movement guidance method, and a computer program that guide the movement of a moving body based on a guidance route.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a navigation device is often mounted on a vehicle that provides vehicle travel guidance so that a driver can easily arrive at a desired destination. Here, the navigation device detects the current position of the vehicle by a GPS receiver or the like, acquires map data corresponding to the current position through a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM or HDD or a network, and displays it on a liquid crystal monitor. It is a device that can do. Further, such a navigation device has a route search function for searching for an optimum route from the departure place to the destination when a desired destination is input. The guidance route set based on the search result is displayed on the display screen, and when approaching a branch point (hereinafter referred to as a guidance branch point) for guidance such as turning left or right, a voice or display screen is displayed. By performing the guidance used, the user is surely guided to a desired destination. In recent years, some cellular phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), personal computers, and the like have functions similar to those of the navigation device. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform the above guidance for pedestrians and two-wheeled vehicles as well as vehicles.

  Here, when performing guidance such as turning left or right at the guidance branch point, it is necessary for the user to accurately identify the guidance branch point. And as one of the guidance methods which make a user specify such a guidance branch point correctly, there exists guidance using the mark from a vehicle to a guidance branch point. Examples of landmarks include traffic lights, intersections, landmarks (stores, store signs, structures), and the like. Here, when guiding a guidance branch point using a mark, it is important to output guidance at an appropriate timing according to the content of guidance. However, when a vehicle travels in an urban center where the interval between the branch points is short, there are cases where the output of guidance cannot be performed at an appropriate timing. For example, when a plurality of landmarks are passed during the output of guidance, there is a possibility that the user may misidentify the landmark shown in the guidance sentence as another landmark.

  Therefore, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-155352, in the case of guiding a guidance branch point using a branch point as a mark, when a plurality of branch points are passed during the output of guidance, the guidance output is output. It describes a technique that is configured not to do so.

JP 2007-155352 A (pages 9 to 12)

  Here, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, voice guidance is hardly performed in an urban area where the interval between branch points is short. However, it is more important to identify guidance branch points accurately by providing guidance in suburban areas where the distance between branch points is shorter than in the suburbs where the distance between branch points is large. Become. Therefore, in the technique described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the user cannot accurately specify the guidance branch point, causing a situation where the timing of the right / left turn operation is delayed or the vehicle travels off the guidance route.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems in the prior art, and according to the contents of guidance by omitting a part of the phrase to be output even in an urban center where the interval between branch points is short. To provide a movement guidance system, a movement guidance device, a movement guidance method, and a computer program that enable guidance to be output at an appropriate timing and make it possible for a user to accurately identify a guidance branch point. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, a travel guidance system (1) according to claim 1 of the present application provides a guide route for guiding the movement of a moving body (61) and a guide route for setting a guide branch point (62) on the guide route. A setting means (13), a guide mark setting means (13) for setting a guide mark as a mark for guiding the guide branch point, and a first existing on the departure side of the guide route from the guide branch point. When the mobile body reaches the guidance start point, the guidance includes the first phrase that specifies the guide landmark and the second phrase that specifies the movement direction of the mobile body at the guidance branch point. First guidance means (13) for guiding a branch point, and the first phrase when the mobile body reaches a second guidance start point that is present on the guide branch point side of the first guidance start point. And the second frame Mobile guidance system, characterized in that it comprises a second guide means to omit one or both of the over's the guidance of the guide branch point (13), the.
The “moving body” includes a pedestrian and a two-wheeled vehicle in addition to the vehicle.
In addition, the “guidance branch point” corresponds to a branch point that is a target for performing guidance such as a right / left turn instruction when performing guidance of movement of the moving object according to the guidance route.
The “mark” is an object that can be a mark of the user, and includes, for example, a traffic signal, an intersection, a landmark (a store, a signboard of a store, a structure), and the like.
A “phrase” corresponds to a phrase.

  Moreover, the movement guidance system (1) according to claim 2 is the movement guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the guidance branch point is guided by the first guidance means (13). It has a moving distance acquisition means (13) for acquiring a moving distance of the moving body, and the second guiding means (13) is the moving body after the guidance branch point is guided by the first guiding means. When the movement distance is within a predetermined distance, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted to guide the guidance branch point.

  Further, the movement guidance system (1) according to claim 3 is the movement guidance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guidance of the guidance branch point is performed by the first guidance means (13). An elapsed time acquisition means (13) for acquiring an elapsed time since the first guidance means, and the second guidance means (13) is an elapsed time since the guidance of the guidance branch point by the first guidance means. When it is within a predetermined time, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted, and the guidance branch point is guided.

  Further, the movement guidance system (1) according to claim 4 is the movement guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, from the moving body (61) to the guidance branch point (62). In the meantime, it has a mark determination means (13) for determining whether or not there is another mark of the same type as the guide mark, and the second guide means has the mark determination means without the other mark. When it is determined, the guidance phrase is guided by omitting the first phrase.

  The movement guidance system (1) according to claim 5 is the movement guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second guidance means (13) When the phrase is a predetermined length or less, the guidance phrase is guided by omitting the second phrase.

  A travel guidance system (1) according to claim 6 is the travel guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a branch point shape for acquiring the shape of the guide branch point (62) is provided. An acquisition means (13), wherein the second guide means (13) is such that only one exit road is connected to the moving direction of the moving body (61) at the guide branch point. If there is, the guidance phrase is guided by omitting the second phrase.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a travel guide device (1) comprising a guide route setting means (13) for setting a guide route for guiding the movement of the mobile body (61) and a guide branch point (62) on the guide route. The guide mark setting means (13) for setting a guide mark as a guide for guiding the guide branch point, and the movement to the first guide start point existing on the departure side of the guide route from the guide branch point When the body arrives, the guidance branch point is guided by guidance including a first phrase that specifies the guide landmark and a second phrase that specifies the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point. When the moving body reaches the first guidance means (13) and the second guidance start point that is present on the guidance branch point side with respect to the first guidance start point, the first phrase and the second phrase Omit one or both It said second guide means provides guidance on the guidance junction (13), and having a Te.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a movement guidance method comprising: a guidance route for guiding the movement of the mobile body (61); a guidance route setting step for setting a guidance branch point (62) on the guidance route; A guide mark setting step for setting a guide mark as a guide mark for guidance, and when the mobile body reaches a first guide start point existing on the departure side of the guide route from the guide branch point, the guide A first guidance step for guiding the guidance branch point by guidance including a first phrase for identifying a landmark and a second phrase for identifying a moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point; When the mobile body reaches the second guidance start point existing on the guidance branch point side with respect to the guidance start point, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted and the guidance branch point is omitted. A second guide step of guiding, and having a.

  Furthermore, the computer program according to claim 9 is a computer program for setting a guidance route for guiding the movement of the moving body (61) and a guidance branch point (62) on the guidance route, and the guidance branch. A guide mark setting function for setting a guide mark as a mark for guiding a point, and when the mobile body reaches a first guide start point existing on the departure side of the guide route from the guide branch point, A first guidance function for guiding the guidance branch point by guidance including a first phrase that identifies the guidance landmark and a second phrase that identifies a moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point; When the mobile body reaches the second guidance start point existing on the guidance branch point side with respect to the first guidance start point, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted. A second guide function for guiding the serial guidance branch point, characterized in that to the execution.

  According to the movement guidance system according to claim 1 having the above-mentioned configuration, even in an urban center where the interval between the branch points is short, by omitting a part of the phrase to be output, the time required for the guidance output can be reduced. It is possible to shorten the time and output the guidance at an appropriate timing according to the content of the guidance. In addition, since guidance that does not omit the output phrase is performed before guidance that is omitted, phrases that specify guide landmarks and phrases that specify the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point are omitted in subsequent guidance. Even if it is a case, it becomes possible to make a user grasp them.

  According to the movement guidance system of the second aspect, when the moving distance of the moving body after the guidance of the guidance branch point by the first guidance means is within a predetermined distance, the first phrase and the first phrase Since one or both of the two phrases are omitted to guide the guidance branch point, even if the phrase specifying the guide landmark or the phrase specifying the moving direction of the moving body at the guide branch point is omitted, By making the user refer to the guidance provided by the first guiding means, it is possible to make the user surely understand the direction of movement of the moving body at the guide mark or the guidance branch point.

  Moreover, according to the movement guidance system of Claim 3, when the elapsed time after guidance of the guidance branch point by a 1st guidance means is less than predetermined time, a 1st phrase and a 2nd phrase Since one or both of them are omitted to guide the guidance branch point, even if the phrase specifying the guide landmark or the phrase specifying the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point is omitted, it is performed immediately before. It is possible to make the user surely grasp the moving direction of the moving body at the guide mark or the guidance branch point by referring the guide by the first guide means.

  According to the movement guidance system of claim 4, when there is no other landmark of the same type as the guidance landmark between the moving body and the guidance junction, the first phrase is omitted and the guidance junction is omitted. Even if the phrase that specifies the guide mark is omitted, there is no other mark that the user may misidentify as the guide mark. Is possible.

  Moreover, according to the movement guidance system of Claim 5, when a 2nd phrase is a phrase below predetermined length, since a 2nd phrase is abbreviate | omitted and guidance of a guidance branch point is carried out, in a guidance branch point Even if the phrase specifying the moving direction of the moving object is omitted, the user is unlikely to mistake the moving direction of the moving object at the guidance branch point, and the moving object can be moved along the guide route. It becomes.

  According to the movement guidance system of claim 6, the second phrase is omitted when only one exit road is connected to the moving direction of the moving object at the guidance branch point. Therefore, even if the phrase for specifying the moving direction of the moving object at the guiding branch point is omitted, the user may mistake the moving direction of the moving object at the guiding branch point. It is low, and it becomes possible to move the moving body along the guide route.

  Further, according to the movement guide device of the seventh aspect, even in an urban center where the interval between the branch points is short, a part of the phrase to be output is omitted, thereby shortening the time required for outputting the guidance. It is possible to output the guidance at an appropriate timing according to the content of the guidance. In addition, since guidance that does not omit the output phrase is performed before guidance that is omitted, phrases that specify guide landmarks and phrases that specify the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point are omitted in subsequent guidance. Even if it is a case, it becomes possible to make a user grasp them.

  Further, according to the movement guidance method according to the eighth aspect, even in an urban center where the interval between the branch points is short, a part of the phrase to be output is omitted, thereby reducing the time required for outputting the guidance. It is possible to output the guidance at an appropriate timing according to the content of the guidance. In addition, since guidance that does not omit the output phrase is performed before guidance that is omitted, phrases that specify guide landmarks and phrases that specify the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point are omitted in subsequent guidance. Even if it is a case, it becomes possible to make a user grasp them.

  Furthermore, according to the computer program according to claim 9, the time required for outputting the guidance can be shortened by omitting a part of the phrase to be output even in an urban center where the interval between the branch points is short. It is possible to output the guidance at an appropriate timing according to the content of the guidance. In addition, since the guidance that does not omit the output phrase is given before the guidance that is omitted, the phrase that specifies the guide mark and the phrase that specifies the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point are omitted in the subsequent guidance. Even if it is a case, it becomes possible to make a user grasp them.

It is the block diagram which showed the navigation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the traffic signal arrange | positioned at a branch point. It is the figure which showed an example of the guidance phrase condition table. It is a flowchart of a branch point guidance processing program according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the sub process program of the guidance setting process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the sub process program of the abbreviation phrase setting process which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the abbreviation phrase which abbreviate | omitted a part of phrase. It is the figure which showed an example of the abbreviation phrase which abbreviate | omitted a part of phrase. It is the figure which showed the example of guidance in the case of performing guidance by an abbreviated phrase.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a movement guide system and a movement guide apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment in which the navigation apparatus is embodied. First, a schematic configuration of the navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a navigation device 1 according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a current position detection unit 11 that detects a current position of a vehicle on which the navigation device 1 is mounted, a data recording unit 12 that records various data, A navigation ECU 13 that performs various arithmetic processes based on the input information, an operation unit 14 that receives operations from the user, and a liquid crystal display 15 that displays a map around the vehicle and facility information related to the facility to the user. Communicating between a speaker 16 that outputs voice guidance regarding route guidance, a DVD drive 17 that reads a DVD as a storage medium, and an information center such as a probe center or a VICS (registered trademark: Vehicle Information and Communication System) center And a communication module 18 for performing.

Below, each component which comprises the navigation apparatus 1 is demonstrated in order.
The current position detection unit 11 includes a GPS 21, a vehicle speed sensor 22, a steering sensor 23, a gyro sensor 24, and the like, and can detect the current vehicle position, direction, vehicle traveling speed, current time, and the like. . Here, in particular, the vehicle speed sensor 22 is a sensor for detecting a moving distance and a vehicle speed of the vehicle, generates a pulse according to the rotation of the driving wheel of the vehicle, and outputs a pulse signal to the navigation ECU 13. And navigation ECU13 calculates the rotational speed and moving distance of a driving wheel by counting the generated pulse. Note that the navigation device 1 does not have to include all of the above five types of sensors, and the navigation device 1 may include only one or more of these types of sensors.

  Further, the data recording unit 12 reads out a hard disk (not shown) as an external storage device and a recording medium, a map information DB 31 recorded on the hard disk, a guidance phrase condition table 32, a predetermined program, and the like, and stores a predetermined program on the hard disk. And a recording head (not shown) which is a driver for writing data. The data recording unit 12 may be configured by a memory card, an optical disk such as a CD or a DVD, instead of the hard disk.

  Here, the map information DB 31 is, for example, link data 33 regarding roads (links), node data 34 regarding node points, branch point data 35 regarding each branch point, point data regarding points such as facilities, and a map for displaying a map. The storage means stores display data, search data for searching for a route, search data for searching for a point, and the like.

  Here, the link data 33 includes, for example, a link ID for identifying the link, end node information for identifying a node located at the end of the link, the road type of the road constituting the link, the number of lanes, and the like. Remembered. The node data 34 stores a node ID for identifying the node, position coordinates of the node, connection destination node information for specifying a connection destination node to which the node is connected via a link, and the like. Further, as the branch point data 35, relevant node information for specifying a node forming the branch point (intersection), connection link information for specifying a link connected to the branch point (hereinafter referred to as a connection link), a branch point The information for identifying the shape of the traffic signal, the traffic signal information 36 relating to the traffic signal installed around the branch point, and the like are stored.

  In addition, the traffic signal information 36 is the direction in which the traffic light is installed (that is, the direction in which the traffic light is facing) of the traffic signal installed around each branch point (intersection) in the whole country, and hereinafter referred to as the installation direction. ), The number of lamps (three-lamp type, one-lamp type, etc.), the position coordinates where the traffic light is installed (hereinafter referred to as installation coordinates), and the like are stored. Furthermore, when a plurality of traffic lights are installed at one branch point, the installation direction, installation coordinates, etc. are stored for each of the traffic lights. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, eight traffic lights 52 to 59 are installed at a branching point 51 where two one-lane roads intersect. Accordingly, as the traffic signal information 36 of the branch point 51, the installation direction, installation coordinates, and the like of the traffic signals 52 to 59 are stored.

The traffic signal information 36 is the traffic signal that is on the most exit side for each exit direction from the branch point (that is, the traffic signal that can be visually recognized at the end of the branch when the vehicle passes through the branch point. It is good also as a structure which memorize | stores only the information regarding a side signal apparatus. For example, at the branch point 51 shown in FIG. 2, information on the traffic signal 53 that is the exit side traffic signal is stored for the exit direction from the bottom to the top of the diagram, and the exit side is displayed for the exit direction from the top to the bottom of the diagram. Stores information on the traffic light 55 that is a traffic light, stores information on the traffic light 57 that is a traffic light on the exit side with respect to the exit direction from the left to the right in the figure, and exits on the exit direction from the right to the left in the figure. Information on the traffic signal 59 that is a traffic signal is stored. That is, it is good also as a structure which memorize | stores only the installation direction and installation coordinate of the traffic lights 53, 55, 57, 59 among the 8 traffic lights 52-59. In addition, for each approach direction from a branch point, as a configuration for storing only information related to a traffic light that is closest to the entry side (that is, the departure side) (that is, a traffic light that can be visually recognized by the vehicle first, hereinafter referred to as an entry side traffic signal). Also good. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which memorize | stores the information regarding a stop line instead of a traffic light.
And navigation ECU13 is based on each data memorize | stored in map information DB31 so that the guidance branch point ahead of the advancing direction of a vehicle and the guidance side which exists in the departure place side of this guidance branch point may be based on this guidance branch point as mentioned later. A landmark (for example, a branch point with a traffic light) is specified. And based on the specified guidance branch point and guidance mark, the guidance of the guidance branch point ahead of the advancing direction of a vehicle is set from several candidates. The guidance branch point is a branch point to which guidance such as a right / left turn instruction is given when the navigation device 1 performs traveling guidance according to the guidance route set in the navigation device 1.

  The guidance phrase condition table 32 is necessary for outputting guidance utterances along with the contents of phrases (phrases) to be spoken for a plurality of types of guidance candidates that are guidance candidates for guiding guidance branch points. Time (output required time), guidance start section that is a section where guidance utterance needs to be started (that is, section where guidance needs to be started while the vehicle is located in that section), and guidance utterance It is a table in which guidance end sections and the like, which are sections that need to end (that is, sections that need to end guidance while a vehicle is positioned in the section), are associated with each other and stored.

  Hereinafter, the guidance phrase condition table 32 will be described in more detail with specific examples. FIG. 3 shows an example of the guidance phrase condition table 32. Note that the guidance candidates shown in FIG. 3 are guidance guidances that are output when guidance for turning right and left at a guidance branch point using a branch point with a traffic light as a guide mark among the guidance performed at the guidance branch point. The candidate is shown. In the following description of the embodiment, a branch point with a signal on the one side of the guidance branch point (the departure side along the guide route) is referred to as a first branch point, and is further one of the first branch points. The branch point with a traffic light on the front side (the departure side along the guide route) is called the second front branch point, and one point before the second front branch point (the departure side along the guide route). A branch point with a traffic light will be described as a third front branch point.

  Here, in the navigation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the guidance candidates that are candidates for guidance at the guidance branch point are basically classified into three types according to the content of the phrase that identifies the front branch point. Specifically, after the mobile body passes through the "normal phrase" including a phrase indicating the positional relationship between the vehicle and the guidance branch point, the phrase specifying the positional relationship between the vehicle and the previous branch point, and the previous branch point Are classified into “special phrase A” and “special phrase B” each including a phrase that specifies the positional relationship between the moving body and the guidance branch point. Different guidance start sections and guidance end sections are set for each guidance candidate in accordance with the content of the phrase. Further, as will be described later, an “abbreviated phrase” may be set by omitting some of the “normal phrases” under certain conditions. The “omitted phrase” is associated with the same section as the “standard phrase” in the guidance start section and the guidance end section, but the required output time differs depending on the phrase contents to be omitted. Details of the “abbreviated phrase” will be described later.

  The “normal phrase”, “special phrase A”, and “special phrase B” are respectively a first phrase (for example, “signal”) that specifies a guide mark and a second phrase that specifies the moving direction of the vehicle at the guide branch point. The phrase includes a phrase (for example, “left (right) direction”). On the other hand, the “abbreviated phrase” is configured by a phrase in which one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted.

Similarly, other guidance candidates are stored in the guidance phrase condition table 32. In addition to the left (right) direction, there are a right (left) diagonal direction, a right (left) front direction, and the like as the guidance direction of the guidance branch point. Further, the time required for outputting the guidance varies depending on the guidance direction. Each numerical value (5 m, 50 m, 100 m, etc.) specifying the start end or the end of the guidance start section and the guidance end section can be changed as appropriate. Further, guidance of the guidance branch point may be performed by combining different types of phrases with respect to one guidance branch point. For example, when the vehicle arrives 5 meters before the exit traffic signal at the third branch point, it will guide you to "Left (right) the third signal" and then enter the first branch point. When the vehicle arrives 100 meters before the side traffic light, guidance may be given that “the next signal from now on is the left (right) direction”. Moreover, you may prescribe | regulate a guidance start area and a guidance end area using a stop line instead of an approach side traffic signal.
Then, as will be described later, the navigation ECU 13 determines the “normal phrase” and “special phrase A” based on the shape of the guide route, the traffic signal installed on the guide route, the position information of the branch point, the guide phrase condition table 32, and the like. From the “special phrase B”, an appropriate guidance candidate to be used for guidance at a guidance branch point ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle is selected and set as guidance for the guidance branch point. Furthermore, as described later, when it is determined that any guidance of “normal phrase”, “special phrase A”, and “special phrase B” is not suitable as guidance for the guidance branch point, a certain condition is satisfied. In this case, an “omitted phrase” obtained by omitting one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase included in the “normal phrase” is set as the guidance for the guidance branch point.

  On the other hand, the navigation ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 13 is an electronic control unit that controls the entire navigation device 1. The CPU 41 as an arithmetic device and a control device, and a working memory when the CPU 41 performs various arithmetic processes. In addition to the RAM 42 for storing route data when a route is searched, a control program, a ROM 43 in which a branch point guidance processing program (see FIGS. 4 to 6), which will be described later, and the like are recorded. An internal storage device such as a flash memory 44 for storing a program read from the ROM 43 is provided. The navigation ECU 13 constitutes various means as processing algorithms. For example, the guidance route setting means sets a guidance route and a guidance branch point from a departure point (for example, the current position of the vehicle) that guides the movement of the vehicle (moving body) to the destination. The guide mark setting means sets a guide mark as a mark for guiding the guide branch point. The first guidance means includes a first phrase that specifies a guide mark when the vehicle reaches a first guidance start point that is present on the departure side of the guidance route from the guidance branch point, and movement of the vehicle at the guidance branch point. Guidance of the guidance branch point is performed by guidance including each of the second phrases specifying the directions. The second guidance means omits one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase when the vehicle reaches a second guidance start point that is located on the guidance branch point side of the first guidance start point. Do point guidance. The movement distance acquisition means acquires the travel distance of the vehicle after guidance of the guidance branch point by the first guidance means. The elapsed time acquisition means acquires the elapsed time since the guidance of the guidance branch point by the first guidance means. The mark determination means determines whether there is another mark of the same type as the guide mark between the vehicle and the guide branch point. The branch point shape acquisition means acquires the shape of the guide branch point.

  The operation unit 14 is operated when inputting a departure point as a travel start point and a destination as a travel end point, and includes a plurality of operation switches (not shown) such as various keys and buttons. Then, the navigation ECU 13 performs control to execute various corresponding operations based on switch signals output by pressing the switches. The operation unit 14 can also be configured by a touch panel provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 15. Moreover, it can also be comprised with a microphone and a speech recognition apparatus.

  The liquid crystal display 15 includes a map image including a road, traffic information, operation guidance, operation menu, key guidance, guidance route from the departure point to the destination, guidance information along the guidance route, news, weather forecast, Time, mail, TV program, etc. are displayed. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the guidance branch point approaches within a predetermined distance (for example, 300 m) ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle, an enlarged view near the guidance branch point and the traveling direction at the guidance branch point of the vehicle are displayed.

  The speaker 16 outputs voice guidance for guiding traveling along the guidance route based on an instruction from the navigation ECU 13 and traffic information guidance. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the guidance branch point is ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle, a voice guidance indicating that the predetermined guidance start timing based on the guidance content (for example, “the second signal is to the left”) When outputting, the voice guidance of the guidance branch point is output at the timing when the vehicle reaches 5 m before (see FIG. 3) from the exit side traffic light of the second front branch point.

  The DVD drive 17 is a drive that can read data recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD or a CD. Based on the read data, music and video are reproduced, the map information DB 31 is updated, and the like.

  The communication module 18 is a communication device for receiving traffic information composed of information such as traffic jam information, regulation information, and traffic accident information transmitted from a traffic information center, for example, a VICS center or a probe center. For example, a mobile phone or DCM is applicable.

  Next, a branch point guidance processing program executed by the navigation ECU 13 in the navigation device 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the branch point guidance processing program according to this embodiment. Here, the branch point guidance processing program is a program that is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval (for example, every detection cycle of the current position of the vehicle) after the vehicle ACC is turned on, and guides the guidance branch point on the guidance route. . The programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6 below are stored in the RAM 42 and the ROM 43 provided in the navigation device 1 and are executed by the CPU 41.

  First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1 in the branch point guidance processing program, the CPU 41 determines whether route guidance based on the guidance route set in the navigation device 1 is being performed. Here, the guidance route is a recommended route from the departure point (for example, the current position of the host vehicle) to the destination selected by the user, and is set based on the result of the route search process. Further, the route search process is performed by a known Dijkstra method or the like using link data 33, node data 34, traffic information acquired from the VICS center, etc. stored in the map information DB 31.

  And when it determines with the route guidance based on the guidance route set in the navigation apparatus 1 being performed (S1: YES), it transfers to S2. On the other hand, when it is determined that route guidance based on the guidance route set in the navigation device 1 is not performed (S1: NO), the branch point guidance processing program is terminated.

  In S <b> 2, the CPU 41 acquires the current position of the vehicle based on the detection result of the current position detection unit 11. A map matching process for specifying the current position of the vehicle on the map data is also performed. Furthermore, it is desirable to specify the current position of the vehicle in detail using high-precision location technology. Here, the high-accuracy location technology detects the white line and road surface paint information captured from the camera behind the vehicle by image recognition, and further compares the white line and road surface paint information with a previously stored map information DB, thereby driving the vehicle. This is a technology that makes it possible to detect lanes and highly accurate vehicle positions. The details of the high-accuracy location technology are already known and will be omitted.

  Next, in S <b> 3, the CPU 41 obtains a guidance route (including a guidance branch point in the guidance route) set in the navigation device 1.

  Subsequently, in S4, the CPU 41 determines a guidance branch point within a predetermined distance (for example, within 1.47 km) ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the current position of the vehicle acquired in S2 and the guidance route acquired in S3. It is determined whether or not there is. Note that the guidance branch point is a branch point to which guidance such as a right / left turn instruction is given when the navigation device 1 guides traveling according to the guidance route set in the navigation device 1 as described above.

  If it is determined that there is a guidance branch point within a predetermined distance ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle (S4: YES), the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no guidance branch point within a predetermined distance ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle (S4: NO), the branch point guidance processing program is terminated.

  In S5, the CPU 41 determines whether or not guidance for a guidance branch point in front of the vehicle traveling direction has already been performed. In S5, it is determined whether or not voice guidance for instructing a right or left turn or the like at the guidance branch point among the guidance for the guidance branch point has been performed.

  And when it determines with guidance with respect to the guidance branch point ahead of the advancing direction of a vehicle having already been performed (S5: YES), the said branch point guidance process program is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance for the guidance branch point ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle is not performed (S5: NO), the process proceeds to S6.

  In S6, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the guidance for the guidance branch point ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle has already been set in the guidance setting process (S7) described later. In S6, it is determined whether or not voice guidance for setting a left / right turn at the guidance branch point is set in the guidance for the guidance branch point.

  And when it determines with the guidance with respect to the guidance branch point ahead of the advancing direction of a vehicle having been already set (S6: YES), it transfers to S8. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance for the guidance branch point ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle has not been set (S6: NO), the process proceeds to S7.

  In S7, the CPU 41 executes a guidance setting process (FIG. 6) described later. The guidance setting process includes a plurality of guidance candidates (in this embodiment, “normal phrase”, “special phrase A”, and “special phrase C” defined in the guidance phrase condition table 32 as described later). Of the phrases included in the “ordinary phrases”), based on the relative positional relationship between the guide landmarks (branch points with traffic lights in this embodiment). This is a process of selecting an optimum guidance candidate for guiding a guidance branch point located forward in the direction and setting it as guidance for the guidance branch point.

  Next, in S8, the CPU 41 determines whether or not it is time to start outputting guidance based on the guidance candidates set in S7. Specifically, when it is determined whether or not the vehicle is located in the guidance start section (see FIG. 3) associated with the guidance candidate set for guidance in S7, and the vehicle is located in the guidance start section. It is determined that it is time to start outputting guidance. Normally, the time when the vehicle arrives at the start point of the guidance start zone, particularly the guidance start zone, is set as the timing for starting the guidance output. For example, in the case where the guidance based on the “normal phrase” is set as guidance for the guidance branch point in S7, the vehicle is “5m before the exit signal at the third branch point” or “the second branch point”. It is determined that the timing for starting the output of the guidance has arrived at the point in time when it has reached “5 m before the exit signal” or “5 m before the exit signal at the first branch point”. However, if the guidance output ends while the vehicle is located in the guidance end section, the guidance output is based on the time when the vehicle reaches a point other than the start point (for example, the end point or the intermediate point) in the guidance start section. It is also possible to start the process. For example, taking into account the detection error of the current position of the vehicle, the time when the vehicle reaches the point moved from the start point of the guidance start section to the end point by the distance of the maximum possible detection error (for example, 30 m) is output as guidance. It is also possible to start the process. Also, if the previous guidance is not finished when the vehicle arrives at the start point of the guidance start section, such as when the distance between the front branch points is short or when the guidance branch points are continuous, the previous guidance ends. The time after this is set as the timing for starting the output of guidance.

  If it is determined that it is time to start outputting guidance based on the guidance candidate set for guidance in S7 (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not time to start outputting guidance based on the guidance candidate set for guidance in S7 (S8: NO), the branch point guidance processing program is terminated.

In S9, the CPU 41 performs guidance regarding the guidance branch point based on the guidance candidates set for guidance in S7. Specifically, guidance for identifying the guidance branch point and guidance for identifying the exit direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point (that is, guidance for identifying the exit road from which the vehicle exits the guidance branch point) are performed. For example, when the guidance candidate “second signal is in the left (right) direction” is set in the guidance content in S7, “second signal is in the left (right) direction” The phrase is output from the speaker 16. Further, when the guidance branch point approaches within a predetermined distance (for example, 300 m) of the vehicle, an enlarged view near the guidance branch point and the traveling direction at the guidance branch point of the vehicle are displayed on the liquid crystal display 15.
As a result, it becomes possible for the user to accurately specify the guidance branch point and the road from which the vehicle exits from the guidance branch point.

  Next, sub-processing of the guidance setting process executed in S7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a sub-processing program for guidance setting processing.

  First, in S11, the CPU 41 executes standard phrase determination processing. In the standard phrase determination process, among the plurality of guidance candidates defined in the guidance phrase condition table 32 (FIG. 3), guidance based on the “normal phrase” is guided to a guidance branch point located ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is determined whether or not it is suitable as a guide for performing. Specifically, first, the distance X from the start point of the guidance start section set to the guidance by the “ordinary phrase” to the end point of the guidance end section and the distance Y required to output the guidance are calculated. ,Compare. If Y is larger than X, that is, if guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “normal phrase”, the guidance output can be terminated in the same guidance end section. Determine whether.

  Then, when it is determined that the output of guidance can be ended within the same guidance end section when guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “normal phrase” (S12: YES) Therefore, it is determined that the guidance based on the “normal phrase” is suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, when the output of guidance is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “normal phrase”, it is determined that the output of guidance cannot be finished within the same guidance end section (S12: NO) Therefore, it is determined that the guidance based on the “normal phrase” is not suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located in the forward direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S14.

  In S <b> 13, the CPU 41 sets the guidance based on the “normal phrase” as guidance for guiding a guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle. In addition, the timing at which the vehicle is located in the guidance start section associated with the guidance based on the “normal phrase” is set as the guidance start timing for the guidance branch point located in the forward direction of the vehicle. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S8.

  On the other hand, in S14, the CPU 41 executes a special phrase A determination process. In the special phrase A determination process, among the plurality of guidance candidates stipulated in the guidance phrase condition table 32 (FIG. 3), the guidance branch point where the guidance based on “special phrase A” is located ahead in the vehicle traveling direction. It is determined whether it is suitable as guidance for guiding. Specifically, first, the distance X from the start point of the guidance start section set to the guidance by the “special phrase A” to the end point of the guidance end section, and the distance Y necessary to output the guidance are calculated. And compare. And if Y is larger than X, that is, if guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “special phrase A”, can the guidance output be terminated in the same guidance end section? Determine whether or not.

  When it is determined that the output of guidance can be ended within the same guidance end section when guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “special phrase A” (S15: YES) ), It is determined that the guidance by “special phrase A” is suitable as guidance for guiding a guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, when the output of guidance is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “special phrase A”, it is determined that the output of guidance cannot be completed within the same guidance end section (S15: NO) ), It is determined that the guidance by “special phrase A” is not suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located in the forward direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S16.

  In S <b> 13, the CPU 41 sets the guidance based on “special phrase A” as guidance for guiding a guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle. In addition, the timing at which the vehicle is located in the guidance start section associated with the guidance by “special phrase A” is set as the guidance start timing for the guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S8.

  On the other hand, in S16, the CPU 41 executes a special phrase B determination process. The special phrase B determination process is a guidance branch point in which the guidance based on the “special phrase B” among the plurality of guidance candidates defined in the guidance phrase condition table 32 (FIG. 3) is located in the forward direction of the vehicle. It is determined whether it is suitable as guidance for guiding. Specifically, first, the distance X from the start point of the guidance start section set to the guidance by the “special phrase B” to the end point of the guidance end section, and the distance Y required to output the guidance are calculated. And compare. And if Y is larger than X, that is, if guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “special phrase B”, can the guidance output be terminated in the same guidance end section? Determine whether or not.

  When it is determined that the guidance output can be completed within the guidance end section set in the same manner when the guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for the guidance using the “special phrase B” (S17: YES) ), It is determined that the guidance by the “special phrase B” is suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, when the guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for the guidance by “special phrase B”, it is determined that the guidance output cannot be finished in the same guidance end section (S17: NO) ), It is determined that the guidance by the “special phrase B” is not suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S18.

  In S <b> 13, the CPU 41 sets the guidance by “special phrase B” as guidance for guiding a guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Further, the timing at which the vehicle is located in the guidance start section associated with the guidance by “special phrase B” is set as the guidance start timing of the guidance branch point located in the forward direction of the vehicle. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S8.

  In S18, the CPU 41 executes an omitted phrase setting process (FIG. 6) described later. In the omitted phrase setting process, as described later, by considering the output status of the guidance up to now and the shape of the guidance branch point, etc., the “omitted phrase” in which a part of the phrase included in the “normal phrase” is omitted This is a process for setting the contents of.

  Thereafter, in S19, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the guidance based on the “omitted phrase” set in S18 is suitable as guidance for guiding a guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Specifically, first, the distance X from the start point of the guidance start section set to the guidance by the “abbreviated phrase” to the end point of the guidance end section, and the distance Y necessary to output the guidance are calculated. ,Compare. If Y is larger than X, that is, if guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “omitted phrase”, the guidance output can be terminated in the same guidance end section. Determine whether. The “omitted phrase” is associated with the same section as the “standard phrase” in the guidance start section and the guidance end section. However, the required output time varies depending on the phrase contents to be omitted. For example, when both the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted, the output required time is shorter than when only the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted. It becomes even shorter.

  Then, when it is determined that the output of the guidance can be ended within the same guidance end section when the guidance output is started in the guidance start section set for the guidance by “omitted phrase” (S19: YES). Therefore, it is determined that the guidance based on the “abbreviated phrase” is suitable as guidance for guiding a guidance branch point located ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, when the output of guidance is started in the guidance start section set for guidance by “abbreviated phrase”, it is determined that the output of guidance cannot be finished within the same guidance end section (S19: NO) Therefore, it is determined that the guidance based on the “abbreviated phrase” is not suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the process proceeds to S20.

  In S20, the CPU 41 sets other guidance as guidance for guiding a guidance branch point located in front of the vehicle in the traveling direction. Other guidance includes, for example, guidance for uttering the phrase “coming right (left)”, and guidance for uttering the phrase “300 m ahead (700 m ahead) is right (left)”. . In addition, the timing at which the vehicle is located in the guidance start section associated with the set guidance (for example, “when 300 m ahead is in the right (left) direction” timing when the vehicle reaches 350 m before the guidance branch point) Is set as the guidance start timing of the guidance branch point located in front of the travel direction. In S20, the guidance branch point may not be guided. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S8.

  Further, the guidance setting process in S11 to S20 is configured to set guidance for each guidance timing. In that case, different types of guidance may be set in combination for one guidance branch point. For example, “Standard Phrase” “third signal is left (right)” and “Omitted Phrase” “second is left (right)” When set for branch point guidance, when the vehicle arrives 5 meters before the exit signal at the third branch point, it will guide the third signal to the left (right) direction. After that, when the vehicle reaches 5 m before the exit side traffic light at the second branch point, the guidance is “the second is in the left (right) direction”.

  Next, the sub-process of the omitted phrase setting process executed in S18 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the sub-processing program for the omitted phrase setting process.

  First, in S31, the CPU 41 determines whether or not guidance including both the first phrase and the second phrase has been output at least once at the guidance branch point ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Here, the first phrase is a phrase (for example, “signal”) that specifies a guide landmark, and the second phrase is a phrase (for example, “left (right) direction”) that specifies the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point. . As long as both the first phrase and the second phrase are included, the type of guidance to be output (“normal phrase”, “special phrase A”, “special phrase B”) is not limited.

  And when it determines with the guidance containing both the 1st phrase and the 2nd phrase being output at least once or more with respect to the guidance branch point ahead of the advancing direction of a vehicle (S31: YES) To S33. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance including both the first phrase and the second phrase is not output (S31: NO), the process proceeds to S32.

  In S32, the CPU 41 does not set the content of the omitted phrase, and proceeds to S19. In that case, it is determined that the guidance by the “omitted phrase” is not suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle in S19 executed thereafter, and other guidance is set. (S20).

  On the other hand, in S33, the CPU 41 obtains an elapsed time since the last guidance including both the first phrase and the second phrase.

  Next, in S34, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the elapsed time acquired in S33 is within a predetermined time (for example, 10 sec).

  And when it determines with the elapsed time acquired by said S33 being less than predetermined time (S34: YES), since the 1st phrase and the 2nd phrase are each guided by the guidance performed immediately before, respectively. Even if the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted in the next guidance, it is recognized that the user can grasp the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance mark or guidance branch point, and the process proceeds to S35. On the other hand, when it is determined that the elapsed time acquired in S33 is not within the predetermined time (S34: NO), the process proceeds to S36.

  In S <b> 35, the CPU 41 sets the content of “abbreviated phrase” in a phrase in which both the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S19.

Here, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams showing an example of “omitted phrases” set in the omitted phrase setting processing program.
First, FIG. 7 is a list of abbreviated phrases in the case of omitting the guidance of “the second signal is in the left (right) direction” which is one of the “standard phrases”. As shown in FIG. 7, if only the first phrase is omitted in the guidance of “the second signal is in the left (right) direction”, the guidance content “the second signal is in the left (right) direction” and Become. If only the second phrase is omitted, the guidance content is “second signal”. Further, if only the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted, the guidance content is “second”.
On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a list of abbreviated phrases in the case where the guidance that “the next signal is in the left (right) direction” which is one of the “standard phrases” is omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, if only the first phrase is omitted in the guidance “next signal is left (right)”, the guidance content is “next is left (right)”. If only the second phrase is omitted, the guidance content is “next signal”. Furthermore, if only the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted, the guidance content is “next”.

  In S36, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the second phrase that specifies the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point is a simple phrase. Here, as a simple phrase, for example, there is a phrase having a predetermined length (for example, 8 characters) or less, and “right direction”, “left direction”, and the like are applicable. On the other hand, as an unsimple phrase, for example, “oblique right direction”, “left front direction”, and the like are applicable. Further, the content of the second phrase to be determined in S36 includes the shape of the guidance branch point acquired from the map information DB 31 and the guidance route set in the navigation device 1 (more specifically, the vehicle at the guidance branch point). CPU 41 determines based on (movement direction).

  And when it determines with the 2nd phrase which specifies the moving direction of the vehicle in a guidance branch point being a simple phrase (S36: YES), even if a 2nd phrase is abbreviate | omitted by the next guidance, a user is It recognizes that there is little possibility that the moving direction at a guidance branch point will be mistaken, and transfers to S37. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second phrase that specifies the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point is not a simple phrase (S36: NO), the process proceeds to S38.

  In S <b> 37, the CPU 41 sets the content of “omitted phrase” in a phrase in which only the second phrase is omitted (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S19.

  In S38, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the shape of the guidance branch point is a simple shape. Here, the simple shape corresponds to, for example, a case where only one exit road is connected to the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point. On the other hand, as a non-simple shape, for example, a case where a plurality of exit roads are connected with respect to the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point. Further, the shape of the guidance branch point to be determined in S38 is acquired from the map information DB 31.

  And when it determines with the shape of a guidance branch point being a simple shape (S38: YES), even if a 2nd phrase is abbreviate | omitted by the next guidance, a user mistakes the moving direction in a guidance branch point. It recognizes that there is little possibility, and transfers to S37. On the other hand, when it is determined that the shape of the guidance branch point is not a simple shape (S38: NO), the process proceeds to S39.

  Next, in S39, the CPU 41 determines whether there is another mark of the same type as the guide mark between the vehicle and the guide branch point. In addition, as a mark set as a guide mark, there are a traffic signal, an intersection, a landmark (a store, a signboard of a store, a structure), etc., for example, but in this embodiment, a branch point with a signal is set as a guide mark. .

  If it is determined that there is another mark of the same type as the guide mark between the vehicle and the guide branch point (S39: YES), the process proceeds to S40. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no other landmark of the same type as the guidance landmark between the vehicle and the guidance branch point (S39: NO), even if the first phrase is omitted in the next guidance, the user It is recognized that there is little possibility of misidentifying other landmarks as guide landmarks, and the process proceeds to S41.

  In S40, the CPU 41 does not set the content of the omitted phrase, and proceeds to S19. In that case, it is determined that the guidance by the “omitted phrase” is not suitable as guidance for guiding the guidance branch point located forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle in S19 executed thereafter, and other guidance is set. (S20).

  On the other hand, in S41, the CPU 41 sets the content of “omitted phrase” in the phrase in which only the first phrase is omitted (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S19.

  As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, there is a guide branch point 62 in the traveling direction of the vehicle 61, and the distance between the guide branch point 62 and the first front branch point 63 or the first front branch point 63 and the second front branch. Even when the distance from the point 64 is narrow, the guidance for the first guidance branch point is performed by the “normal phrase”, and the guidance for the second and subsequent guidance branch points (that is, the guidance branch point side from the first time). The time required for the output of the guidance can be shortened by performing “guidance performed in step 1” with the “abbreviated phrase” in which one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted. In guidance, it is possible to output guidance at an appropriate timing according to the content of guidance.

As described in detail above, according to the navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the movement guide method using the navigation device 1 and the computer program executed by the navigation device 1, landmarks such as branch points, traffic lights, landmarks, etc. A guide mark is set as a guide to guide the guidance branch point from among the object candidates, and when the vehicle arrives at the first guidance start point existing on the departure side of the guide route from the guidance branch point, guidance is provided. Guidance of the guidance branch point is performed by guidance including the first phrase for identifying the landmark and the second phrase for identifying the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point, and then the guidance branch from the first guidance start point. When the vehicle reaches the second guidance start point existing on the point side, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted to guide the guidance branch point. Therefore, even in the city center where the interval between the branch points is short, by omitting part of the phrase that is output, the time required to output the guidance can be shortened, and the appropriate timing according to the content of the guidance It becomes possible to output guidance. In addition, since guidance that does not omit the output phrase is performed before guidance that is omitted, a phrase that specifies a guide mark or a phrase that specifies a moving direction of a moving object at a guidance branch point is omitted. Also, it becomes possible to make the user grasp them.
In addition, when the elapsed time from the guidance of the guidance branch point including the first phrase and the second phrase is within a predetermined time, guidance is performed by omitting one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase. Since guidance for a branch point is performed, even when a phrase for specifying a guide mark or a phrase for specifying a moving direction of a vehicle at the guidance branch point is omitted, the user is guided immediately before by the first guidance means. This makes it possible for the user to reliably grasp the direction of movement of the vehicle at the guide mark or the guidance branch point.
In addition, when there is no other mark of the same type as the guide mark between the vehicle and the guide branch point, the first phrase is omitted to guide the guide branch point, so the phrase for specifying the guide mark is omitted Even in such a case, since there is no other mark that the user may misidentify as the guide mark, the user can be surely grasped the guide mark.
In addition, when the second phrase is a phrase of a predetermined length or less, the second phrase is omitted and guidance of the guidance branch point is performed, so that the phrase specifying the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point is omitted. Even so, it is unlikely that the user will make a mistake in the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point, and the moving body can be moved along the guidance route.
In addition, when only one exit road is connected with respect to the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point, the guidance branch point is guided by omitting the second phrase. Even if the phrase for specifying the moving direction of the vehicle is omitted, it is unlikely that the user will mistake the moving direction of the vehicle at the guidance branch point, and the moving body can be moved along the guide route. Become.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the guidance branch point guidance by the navigation device 1 is output by voice guidance from the speaker 16, but the guidance may be performed by displaying text on the liquid crystal display 15.

  In the present embodiment, the case where a branch point with a traffic light is used as a guide mark is described. However, other marks (for example, traffic lights, intersections, landmarks (stores, store signs, structures)) are used. It may be used as a guide mark.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the elapsed time from the previous utterance is within a predetermined time, an abbreviated phrase in which both the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted is set (S35). It is good also as setting the abbreviation phrase which abbreviate | omitted only either the 1st phrase or the 2nd phrase. Moreover, it is good also as setting the abbreviation phrase which abbreviate | omitted both the 1st phrase and the 2nd phrase, when the driving | running | working distance of the vehicle after the last utterance is within a predetermined distance (for example, 100 m). Furthermore, an abbreviated phrase in which both the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted may be set when the elapsed time from the previous utterance is within a predetermined time (10 seconds). In addition, when the elapsed time since the last utterance was within a predetermined time, the first phrase and the second phrase are compared with the case where the travel distance since the last utterance was within a predetermined distance. Even if omitted, the driver can be accurately guided. In addition, when the elapsed time from the previous utterance is within a predetermined time and the mileage of the vehicle from the previous utterance is within the predetermined distance, the first phrase and the second phrase are An abbreviated phrase in which both are omitted may be set. In that case, even if the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted, the driver can provide more accurate guidance.

  Further, in this embodiment, guidance is provided by “abbreviated phrases” in which the first phrase or the second phrase is omitted with respect to “standard phrases”, but for “special phrases A” and “special phrases B”. Guidance may be provided by an “abbreviated phrase” in which the first phrase or the second phrase is omitted.

  In addition to the navigation device, the present invention can be applied to a device having a function of performing route guidance based on a guidance route. For example, the present invention can be applied to a portable terminal such as a cellular phone or a PDA, a personal computer, a portable music player, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a portable terminal or the like). Further, the present invention can be applied to a system including a server and a mobile terminal. In that case, each step of the above-described branch point guidance processing program (FIGS. 4 to 6) may be configured to be implemented by either a server or a portable terminal. In addition, when the present invention is applied to a mobile terminal or the like, travel guidance may be given to a moving body other than a vehicle, for example, a user such as a mobile terminal or a two-wheeled vehicle.

1 Navigation device 13 Navigation ECU
31 Map information DB
36 landmark data 41 CPU
42 RAM
43 ROM
51 Vehicle 52 Guidance junction 53, 54 Traffic junction

Claims (9)

A guide route for guiding the movement of the moving body, a guide route setting means for setting a guide branch point on the guide route,
Guidance landmark setting means for setting a guidance landmark as a landmark for guiding the guidance branch point;
When the mobile body reaches a first guidance start point existing on the departure side of the guide route with respect to the guide branch point, a first phrase that identifies the guide landmark and the mobile body at the guide branch point First guidance means for guiding the guidance branch point by guidance including a second phrase that specifies the moving direction of
When the mobile body reaches a second guidance start point that is present on the guidance branch point side with respect to the first guidance start point, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted and the guidance is omitted. And a second guiding means for guiding a branch point. A moving distance acquisition means for acquiring a moving distance of the moving body after the guidance branch point is guided by the first guiding means;
The second guide means includes the first phrase and the second phrase when the moving distance of the moving body after the guidance of the guidance branch point by the first guide means is within a predetermined distance. The movement guidance system according to claim 1, wherein one or both of them are omitted to guide the guidance branch point. Having an elapsed time acquisition means for acquiring an elapsed time since the guidance of the guidance branch point by the first guidance means;
When the elapsed time since the guidance of the guidance branch point by the first guidance unit is within a predetermined time, the second guidance unit is configured to receive one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase. 3. The movement guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the guidance branch point is omitted and guidance is provided. Mark determining means for determining whether or not there is another mark of the same type as the guide mark between the moving body and the guide branch point,
The said 2nd guidance means abbreviate | omits said 1st phrase and guides the said guidance branch point, when it is determined by the said mark determination means that there is no said other mark. The movement guidance system according to claim 3.   The said 2nd guidance means abbreviate | omits said 2nd phrase and guides the said guidance branch point when the said 2nd phrase is a phrase below predetermined length, The said guidance branch point is characterized by the above-mentioned. 5. The movement guidance system according to any one of 4. A branch point shape acquisition means for acquiring the shape of the guide branch point;
The second guidance means omits the second phrase when the guidance branch point is connected to only one exit road with respect to the moving direction of the moving body at the guidance branch point. The movement guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein guidance of points is performed. A guide route for guiding the movement of the moving body, a guide route setting means for setting a guide branch point on the guide route,
Guidance landmark setting means for setting a guidance landmark as a landmark for guiding the guidance branch point;
When the mobile body reaches a first guidance start point existing on the departure side of the guide route with respect to the guide branch point, a first phrase that identifies the guide landmark and the mobile body at the guide branch point First guidance means for guiding the guidance branch point by guidance including a second phrase that specifies the moving direction of
When the mobile body reaches a second guidance start point that is present on the guidance branch point side with respect to the first guidance start point, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted and the guidance is omitted. And a second guiding means for guiding a branch point. A guidance route for guiding the movement of the moving body, and a guidance route setting step for setting a guidance branch point on the guidance route;
A guide mark setting step for setting a guide mark as a mark for guiding the guide branch point;
When the mobile body reaches a first guidance start point existing on the departure side of the guide route with respect to the guide branch point, a first phrase that identifies the guide landmark and the mobile body at the guide branch point A first guidance step of guiding the guidance branch point by guidance including a second phrase that specifies a moving direction of
When the mobile body reaches a second guidance start point that is present on the guidance branch point side with respect to the first guidance start point, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted and the guidance is omitted. And a second guidance step for guiding a branch point. On the computer,
A guidance route for guiding the movement of the moving body, a guidance route setting function for setting a guidance branch point on the guidance route,
A guide mark setting function for setting a guide mark as a mark for guiding the guide branch point;
When the mobile body reaches a first guidance start point existing on the departure side of the guide route with respect to the guide branch point, a first phrase that identifies the guide landmark and the mobile body at the guide branch point A first guidance function for guiding the guidance branch point by guidance including a second phrase that specifies a moving direction of
When the mobile body reaches a second guidance start point that is present on the guidance branch point side with respect to the first guidance start point, one or both of the first phrase and the second phrase are omitted and the guidance is omitted. A second guidance function for guiding branch points;
A computer program for executing

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