JP2013064686A - Navigation device, route search method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To guide a charging spot having surrounding facilities which can be utilized by a user while charging a vehicle.SOLUTION: A navigation device mounted on a mobile body which uses battery power as a power source, comprises: map information acquisition means for acquiring map information including information on charging spots and facilities other than the charging spots; and route search means which identifies facilities included in a predetermined range from the charging spot for each of the charging spots by using the map information, and searches for a route from a current location to a destination via any of the charging spots having the facilities within the predetermined range.

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device, a route search method, and a program.

  The navigation device receives a destination setting, searches for a route to the destination, displays the searched route, and guides the user to the destination. In addition, the navigation device can accept a setting of a waypoint from the user and search for a route that reaches the destination via the waypoint.

  On the other hand, in recent years, mobile bodies (for example, electric vehicles) that use battery power as a power source instead of using an internal combustion engine (for example, a gasoline engine) have become widespread. An electric vehicle is connected to a charging facility installed in a charging spot (also referred to as a “charging station” or “charging station”), a parking lot, a home parking lot, etc. via a cable or the like, for example. To charge.

  Patent Document 1 describes a navigation device that searches for facilities equipped with battery charging facilities.

JP 2010-286449 A

  By the way, the time required for charging the battery of the electric vehicle is longer than the time required for refueling a moving body (for example, a gasoline vehicle) using the internal combustion engine as a power source. For example, it takes 30 minutes or more to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. Therefore, the user of the electric vehicle needs to wait until the charging of the battery is completed, and may have time to spare. In such a case, if there is a facility where the user can kill time around the charging spot, it is good news for the user.

  However, it is difficult for the user to easily know the location of the charging spot and the location of the facility around the charging spot in an area where the user does not understand the land, regardless of the area where the user has a land intuition. In addition, it takes time and effort to examine those places. For example, when a user sets a route that passes through an area that does not have a land intuition, it is difficult to determine which charging spot is used to kill time during charging.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to guide charging spots in the vicinity of facilities that a user can use during charging.

  The present application includes a plurality of means for solving the above-described problems, and examples thereof are as follows.

  One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a navigation device mounted on a mobile body that uses battery power as a power source, and includes map information including information on charging spots and facilities other than the charging spots. Any one of the charging spots having a facility included in a predetermined range from the charging spot is specified for each charging spot using the map information acquisition means for acquiring the charging information and the map information. Route search means for searching for a route from the current location via to the destination.

  Here, the route search means searches for a first route from the current location to the destination, specifies a charging spot included in a predetermined range from the first route, and performs charging for each specified charging spot. You may make it identify the plant | facility included in the said predetermined range from a spot.

  Further, the navigation device includes a battery remaining amount acquisition unit that acquires the remaining amount of the battery, and the route search unit sets a candidate point that can be reached with the remaining battery amount on the first route, The charging spot included in the predetermined range from the first route may be specified by specifying the charging spot included in the predetermined range from the candidate point.

  Further, the route search means may set a charging spot closest to the first route among charging spots having facilities within the predetermined range as a transit point.

  Further, the route search means sets any one of the charging spots having the facilities within a predetermined distance narrower than the predetermined range among the charging spots having the facilities within the predetermined range as a waypoint. Also good.

  In addition, the route search means specifies a facility that is included in the predetermined range for each charging spot, and the predicted arrival time at the charging spot is within business hours of the facility, and the facility Any of the charging spots having the above may be specified as the waypoint.

  Further, the route search means specifies a facility of a type that is included in the predetermined range for each charging spot and is associated with a predetermined time zone corresponding to an estimated arrival time at the charging spot. Then, any of the charging spots having the facility may be specified as a transit point.

  In addition, the route search unit is a facility included in the predetermined range for each charging spot, and specifies a facility of a type designated in advance, and uses any one of the charging spots having the facility as a transit point. You may make it specify.

  In addition, the navigation device includes a storage unit that stores a history of facilities set as a destination or a waypoint, and the route search unit is configured based on the history to set the type of the facility having the highest frequency. Identifying a facility that is included in the predetermined range for each charging spot, corresponding to the identified type, and specifying any one of the charging spots having the facility as a transit point, You may do it.

  In addition, for each charging spot, the route search means calculates a charging time required for charging from the estimated battery remaining amount at the time of arrival at the charging spot, and associates the charging time with a predetermined length of time corresponding to the charging time. The specified type of facility may be specified, and any of the charging spots having the facility may be specified as a transit point.

  Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a route search method for a navigation device mounted on a mobile body that uses battery power as a power source, and includes a charging spot and a facility other than the charging spot. Obtaining a map information including information, and using the map information, for each charging spot, a facility included in a predetermined range from the charging spot is specified, and a charging spot having a facility in the predetermined range is identified. Searching for a route from the present location to the destination via any one of the methods.

  Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a program for a navigation device mounted on a mobile body that uses battery power as a power source, and includes information on charging spots and facilities other than the charging spots. A map information acquisition means for acquiring map information including the charge spot, and for each charging spot, a facility included in a predetermined range from the charging spot is specified for each charging spot, and a charging spot having a facility in the predetermined range The navigation device is caused to function as route search means for searching for a route from the current location to the destination via any of the above.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the charging spot which the facility which a user can utilize during charge exists in the periphery can be guided.

  Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the map DB. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an example of processing for adding a charging spot having a peripheral facility to a route. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the charging spot addition determination process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the candidate point list generation process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the charging spot list generation process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the peripheral facility list generation process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the optimum charging spot determination process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for guiding the addition of a charging spot.

  Hereinafter, an example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the navigation apparatus 1 shall be mounted in the electric vehicle (not shown) which drive | works using the electric power stored in the battery 4 as a motive power source.

  The electric vehicle includes an in-vehicle communication network 2, a battery management unit (also called a BMU (Battery Management Unit)) 3, and a battery 4. The navigation device 1 is connected to the in-vehicle communication network 2 and can communicate with the battery management unit 3.

  In an electric vehicle, for example, electric power stored in the battery 4 is supplied to a motor (not shown) via an inverter (not shown). The motor is driven by the electric power, and the vehicle travels by the driving force. Moreover, the electric power stored in the battery 4 is converted into a predetermined voltage by a converter (not shown) and supplied to various electronic components (including the navigation device 1, the battery management unit 3, etc.).

  The battery 4 is connected to, for example, a charging device (not shown) provided in the electric vehicle. And the supply of electric power is received from a charging equipment by connecting the said charging device and the charging equipment of a charging spot with a cable.

  The in-vehicle communication network 2 is a network conforming to a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or FlexRay (registered trademark), and provides communication between each unit and each electronic component in the vehicle.

  The battery management unit 3 is a unit that controls charging / discharging of the battery 4. The battery management unit 3 detects the state of the battery 4 such as voltage, current, and temperature, for example. Also, the remaining battery capacity / free capacity and the like are monitored. The battery management unit 3 is connected to, for example, a charging device, and controls the charging device to charge the battery 4. In addition, for example, connection / disconnection with a charging facility, start / end of charging, and the like are detected via a charging device. Various types of detected information can be received and used by the navigation device 1.

  The navigation device 1 includes a control device 100, a display 110, an input device 120 (touch panel 121, hard switch 122), a voice input / output device 130 (speaker 131, microphone 132), a storage device 140, a vehicle speed sensor 150, a gyro sensor 151, and a GPS. (Global Positioning System) A receiving device 152, an FM broadcast receiving device 160, a beacon receiving device 161, a communication device 162, and an in-vehicle communication device 170 are provided.

  The control device 100 is a unit that executes various programs to control various devices of the navigation device 1 in an integrated manner and realize various functions as the navigation device. The control device 100 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that stores programs and data to be executed, and a ROM (Read Only) that stores programs and data in advance. Memory) 103 and an interface (I / F) 104 for controlling other devices.

  The display 110 is a unit that displays graphics information generated by the control device 100. The display 110 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display (Electro-Luminescence Display), and the like.

  The input device 120 is a unit for receiving a user instruction by a user operation. The input device 120 includes a touch panel 121, a hard switch 122, and the like.

  The touch panel 121 is, for example, a transparent operation panel attached to the display surface of the display 110. For example, the touch panel 121 identifies a touch position corresponding to the XY coordinates of the image displayed on the display 110, converts the touch position into coordinates, and outputs the coordinate to the control device 100. The touch panel 121 is configured by, for example, a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic input detection element. The hard switch 122 is, for example, a dial switch, a scroll key, a keyboard, or a button.

  The voice input / output device 130 includes a speaker 131 as a voice output device and a microphone 132 as a voice input device. The speaker 131 outputs the audio signal generated by the control device 100. The microphone 132 acquires sound outside the navigation device 1 such as sound emitted from a user or another passenger and outputs the sound to the control device 100.

  The speaker 131 and the microphone 132 are separately disposed at predetermined portions of the vehicle. Of course, the speaker 131 and the microphone 132 may be housed in an integral housing. In addition, the navigation device 1 can include a plurality of speakers 131 and microphones 132.

  The storage device 140 stores programs and data necessary for the control device 100 to execute various processes. These pieces of information are read and used on the RAM 102 by the CPU 101, for example. The storage device 140 is configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage device 140 may be configured as a drive that reads a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM.

  The storage device 140 stores a map DB (Database) 1400. The map DB 1400 is stored in the storage device 140 when the navigation device 1 is shipped from the factory, for example. The map DB 1400 can update data, for example, in units of meshes or administrative units. The update data is provided from, for example, a server on a network connected via the communication device 162.

  The map DB 1400 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the map DB.

  The map DB 1400 includes, for each mesh identification code (mesh ID) 1410, which is a partitioned area on the map, link data 1411 of each link constituting a road included in the mesh area. The link data 1411 includes, for each link identification code (link ID) 1412, coordinate information 1413 of two nodes (start node and end node) constituting the link, the type of road including the link (for example, toll road, Type information 1414 indicating a general road), link length information 1415 indicating the length of the link, link travel time 1416 of the link, and link ID (connection link ID) 1417 of a link connected to each of the two nodes. Including.

  Further, the map DB 1400 includes, for each mesh ID 1420, charging spot data 1421 included in the mesh area. Charging spot data 1421 includes charging spot coordinate information 1423 and detailed information 1424 for each charging spot identification information (charging spot ID) 1422. The detailed information 1424 includes, for example, information such as the name of the charging spot, the type of charging spot, and business hours. The type of charging spot is, for example, information indicating whether a facility capable of rapid charging is provided.

  Further, the map DB 1400 includes facility data 1431 included in the mesh area for each mesh ID 1430. In the present embodiment, a facility is a facility other than a charging spot, and includes, for example, all facilities such as a restaurant, a convenience store, a movie theater, and a bookstore. The facility data 1431 includes coordinate information 1433 and detailed information 1434 for each facility identification information (facility ID) 1432. The detailed information 1434 includes, for example, information such as the name of the facility, the type of facility, and business hours. The type of facility is information indicating the type of facility, such as a public facility, a leisure facility, or a shopping facility.

  Of course, the configuration of the map DB 1400 described above is the main configuration in describing the features of the present invention, and is not limited to the above configuration. Moreover, the structure with which general map DB is provided is not excluded. For example, the map DB 1400 may include map drawing data, image data of map components such as facilities, and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued.

  The vehicle speed sensor 150, the gyro sensor 151, and the GPS receiver 152 are used to detect the current location of the moving object. These devices may be connected to the control device 100 via the in-vehicle communication device 170 and the in-vehicle communication network 2.

  The vehicle speed sensor 150 is a sensor that outputs vehicle speed data used for calculating the vehicle speed. The gyro sensor 151 is configured by an optical fiber gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like, and is a sensor that detects an angular velocity due to rotation of a moving body. The GPS receiver 152 receives a signal from a GPS satellite, and measures the distance between the mobile body and the GPS satellite and the rate of change of the distance with respect to three or more satellites. Measure speed. Various data thus detected is sent to the control device 100 for use.

  The FM broadcast receiving device 160 receives radio waves transmitted from an FM broadcast station. The FM broadcast receiving apparatus 160 receives, for example, general current traffic information, regulation information, SA / PA (service area / parking area) information, disaster information, and the like.

  The beacon receiving device 161 is a device that receives radio waves transmitted from a beacon device installed on a road. The beacon receiving device 161 receives, for example, current traffic information, regulation information, SA / PA information, disaster information, and the like.

  The communication device 162 is a device that connects to a network by wireless communication. The communication device 162 receives traffic information, regulation information, SA / PA information, disaster information, and the like from a server on the network.

  It is assumed that traffic information sent from FM broadcast stations, beacons, and information providing servers includes traffic jam information. The traffic jam information includes, for example, information indicating a traffic jam location, information indicating a traffic jam time zone, and the like. The information indicating the location of the traffic jam includes, for example, information (road name, mesh ID, link ID) for identifying a traffic jam coordinate position and a road related to the traffic jam.

  The in-vehicle communication device 170 is a device that communicates with the in-vehicle communication network 2. The in-vehicle communication device 170 is connected to a battery management unit 3 or an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown) via the in-vehicle communication network 2 and receives various information from the battery management unit 3 or the ECU.

  The above is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. However, this configuration is not limited to the above configuration because the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the present invention. Moreover, the structure with which a general navigation apparatus is provided is not excluded.

  For example, the navigation device 1 may include a device that reads and writes a storage medium such as a portable flash ROM. For example, the navigation apparatus 1 may be a PND (Portable Navigation Device) that can be carried by the user. The navigation device 1 is not limited to being mounted on an electric vehicle, and may be mounted on a mobile body that needs to be charged, such as an electric motorcycle or an electric assist bicycle.

  Next, functions realized by the navigation device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the main control unit.

  The control device 100 of the navigation device 1 includes an operation reception unit 10, a display control unit 20, a current location calculation unit 30, a route search unit 40, a route guidance unit 50, a traffic information acquisition unit 60, and a battery information acquisition unit. 70.

  These functional units are realized, for example, by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program loaded from the storage device 140 to the RAM 102. The predetermined program is stored in the storage device 140 in advance (for example, when the navigation device 1 is shipped). Of course, it may be downloaded from the network via the communication device 162 and installed and / or updated. Further, it may be read from a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM and installed and / or updated.

  The operation receiving unit 10 is a functional unit that receives user operations. The operation accepting unit 10 accepts a user's operation input via the input device 120, analyzes the operation content, and performs the process on other functional units so that the process corresponding to the operation content is executed. Notice. Further, the operation accepting unit 10 analyzes the corresponding operation content by voice recognition from the voice input via the microphone 132, and sends the processing corresponding to the operation content to other function units so that the processing is executed. Notify the process.

  For example, the operation reception unit 10 instructs the display control unit 20 to display menu items and function buttons for receiving user instructions. When the operation receiving unit 10 receives an instruction for a predetermined process (for example, route search) by a user operation of a menu item or a function button, the operation receiving unit 10 notifies the function unit that processes the instruction.

  The display control unit 20 is a functional unit that controls display on the display 110. The display control unit 20 receives instructions from other functional units, generates and outputs graphics information for displaying the user interface screen on the display 110.

  For example, the display control unit 20 uses a designated scale and drawing method to draw graphics such as roads, other map components, and images such as current location, waypoints, destinations, routes, charging spot information, and facility information. To generate service information. Also, menu information for accepting user instructions and graphics information for drawing images such as operation buttons are generated.

  The current location calculation unit 30 is a functional unit that calculates the current location.

  For example, the current location calculation unit 30 periodically calculates the current location using information output from the vehicle speed sensor 150, the gyro sensor 151, and the GPS receiver 152. Further, by performing a map matching process using the calculation result, the current location is matched with the road (link) having the highest correlation.

  The route search unit 40 is a functional unit that searches for a route.

  When searching for a route from the current location to the destination using the map DB 1400, the route search unit 40 according to the present embodiment determines whether the destination can be reached with the current remaining battery level. If it cannot arrive, it searches for a route added using the charging spot as a transit point. Here, the route search unit 40 identifies a charging spot where there is a peripheral facility that can be used by the user (that is, a charging spot where a facility where the user can kill time during charging), and adds it as a transit point. .

  With reference to FIG. 4, the process flow of the route search unit 40 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an example of processing for adding a charging spot having a peripheral facility to a route. The following (A) to (E) correspond to (A) to (E) in the figure.

(A) First, the route search unit 40 searches for a temporary guide route R1 from the current location S to the destination D using the map DB 1400. For the route R1, for example, a Dijkstra method or the like may be used to search for a route that minimizes the cost (for example, travel distance, travel time) from the current location S to the destination D. Of course, a plurality of routes having different conditions may be searched and presented to the user, and the user may be allowed to select any one of the routes.

(B) Next, the route search unit 40 sets a candidate point P to which a charging spot is to be added on the temporary guide route R1 searched in (A). The route search unit 40 acquires, for example, the current remaining battery level (for example, a value indicating a ratio with respect to the maximum battery capacity of 100%) via the battery information acquisition unit 70, and the distance that can travel from the current location with the remaining battery level. Is calculated. The cruising distance may be calculated using, for example, a table that associates the relationship between the remaining battery capacity and the distance or a predetermined calculation formula. Then, the route search unit 40 sets a point on the temporary guide route R1 that is not more than the cruising distance from the current location, that is, within the reachable range by the cruising distance, as the candidate point P. As candidate points, for example, points corresponding to predetermined distances (for example, 90%, 70%, etc.) of the cruising range may be specified. In this figure, candidate points P1 and P2 are set.

(C) Next, the route search unit 40 uses the charging spot data in the map DB 1400 for any one or more selected candidate points P among the candidate points P set in (B), and uses the candidate spot P. A charging spot E located within a predetermined distance PD is identified. Thereby, it is determined whether there is a charging spot around the candidate point. That is, it can be determined whether or not there is a charging spot within a predetermined range from the temporary guide route. In the figure, charging spots E1 to E3 are specified for the candidate point P1.

(D) Next, the route search unit 40 uses the facility data of the map DB 1400 to select one or more selected charging spots E from the charging spots E identified in (C). The peripheral facility F located within the predetermined distance ED is specified. Thereby, it is determined whether or not there is a facility around the charging spot. In this figure, peripheral facilities F1 to F2 are specified for the charging spot E1.

(E) Finally, the route search unit 40 determines the destination from the current location S that passes through any one or more of the charging spots E identified in (D) where the surrounding facilities are located as a transit point. A guide route R2 to D is searched.

  In this way, the route search unit 40 can search for a guide route that passes through a charging spot where there are peripheral facilities available to the user.

  Of course, the method of searching for a route that passes through a charging spot where there are peripheral facilities that can be used by the user and reaches the destination is not limited to the above as long as the same result can be obtained, and other methods may be used.

  The route guidance unit 50 is a functional unit that performs navigation processing.

  For example, the route guidance unit 50 acquires the current location from the current location calculation unit 30. Further, based on the acquired current location, a predetermined range of map data necessary for display is read from the map DB 1400. In addition, the display control unit 20 is instructed to superimpose and display the current location mark corresponding to the acquired current location on the read map data. Further, when a route is searched and set, route information is acquired from the route search unit 40. Then, the display control unit 20 is instructed to superimpose and display the acquired route information on the read map data.

  Further, for example, the route guidance unit 50 compares the route information with the current location, generates an audio signal indicating whether to go straight ahead or turn left and right before passing through an intersection, etc., and sends it to the speaker 131 to route to the user. You may guide. In addition, the display control unit 20 may be instructed to display the direction to travel to guide the route to the user.

  In the present embodiment, the route guiding unit 50 can guide the guide route that passes through the charging spot where there is a peripheral facility that can be used by the user, using the route information searched by the route searching unit 40. In addition, with reference to the coordinate information and detailed information of the charging spot data and facility data in the map DB 1400, information on the charging spot set as a waypoint and information on the surrounding facility of the charging spot can be guided.

  The traffic information acquisition unit 60 is a functional unit that acquires various types of information from the outside of the navigation device 1.

  For example, the traffic information acquisition unit 60 receives traffic information, regulation information, SA / PA information, disaster information, and the like via the FM broadcast receiving device 160, the beacon receiving device 161, and the communication device 162.

  The battery information acquisition unit 70 is a functional unit that acquires information about the battery.

  For example, the battery information acquisition unit 70 receives information indicating connection / disconnection with a charging device on the road, information indicating start / end of charging, remaining battery 4 from the battery management unit 3 via the in-vehicle communication device 170. Acquire information indicating the amount / free capacity.

  The above components are classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the navigation device 1. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the navigation device 1 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, more specific processing realized by the navigation device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the charging spot addition determination process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the candidate point list generation process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the charging spot list generation process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the peripheral facility list generation process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the optimum charging spot determination process.

  The flow in FIG. 5 is started, for example, when the operation receiving unit 10 receives a route search instruction by a user operation of a menu item or a function button.

  In S (step) 10, the route search unit 40 receives a destination setting. Specifically, the route search unit 40 instructs the display control unit 20 to display a map, for example. In addition, the destination setting is received from the map via the operation receiving unit 10. Of course, the destination setting method is not limited to the method using a map. And the route search part 40 advances a process to S20.

  In S20, the route search unit 40 generates route information. Specifically, the route search unit 40 acquires the current location from the current location calculation unit 30. Then, the route search unit 40 uses the map DB 1400 to search for a temporary guide route from the current location to the destination set in S10. The temporary guide route may be a route with the lowest cost from the current location to the destination, for example. Then, the process proceeds to S30. Note that a setting of a departure point other than the current location may be received from the user and a route from the departure point to the destination may be searched.

  In S30, the route search unit 40 determines whether or not a charging spot needs to be added. Specifically, the route search unit 40 acquires the current remaining battery level from the battery information acquisition unit 70, and calculates a cruising distance from the current location with the remaining battery level. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition can be, for example, (cruising range / distance from the current location to the destination) <(predetermined value). The predetermined value is 1.2, for example. The route search unit 40 determines that the charging spot needs to be added when the value of the left term is smaller than the predetermined value. Of course, the condition is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined that the charging spot needs to be added when the cruising range <the distance from the current location to the destination.

  The route search part 40 advances a process to S40, when addition of a charging spot is not required (S30: NO). If it is determined that a charging spot needs to be added (S30: YES), the process proceeds to S50 (candidate spot list generation process).

  In S40, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance. Specifically, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance using the temporary guidance route generated in S20. Then, this flow ends.

  Details of S50 (candidate point list generation processing) are shown in FIG.

  In S60, the route search unit 40 generates a candidate spot list. Specifically, the route search unit 40 sets a point on the temporary guidance route generated in S20 that is not more than a cruising distance from the current location as a candidate point. For example, half of the cruising range is specified as the first candidate, and further half is specified as the second candidate. Further, for example, a point corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for example, 90%, 70%, etc.) of the cruising range may be specified as a candidate.

  The route search unit 40 generates information on a candidate point list by arranging information (for example, coordinate information) that specifies one or more specified candidate points in order of increasing distance from the current location. Then, the process proceeds to S70. The reason why they are arranged in order of distance is that a longer cruising distance can be obtained if charging is performed around a candidate point farther from the current location.

  For example, the route search unit 40 may not generate a list when there is no charging spot data on the map or when there is no charging spot between the current location and the destination. Good.

  In S70, the route search unit 40 determines whether the candidate point list has been successfully generated. If the list generation is successful (S70: YES), the process proceeds to S100 (charging spot list generation process). When the list generation fails (S70: NO), the process proceeds to S80.

  In S80, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance. Specifically, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance using the temporary guidance route generated in S20. Then, the process proceeds to S90.

  In S90, the route guiding unit 50 notifies the user that the destination cannot be reached. Specifically, the route guiding unit 50 displays, for example, an image for notifying that the current battery remaining amount cannot reach the destination and that there is no charging spot that can be routed, on the display control unit 20. Instruct. You may make it output an audio | voice via the speaker 131. FIG. Then, this flow ends.

  Details of S100 (charging spot list generation processing) are shown in FIG.

  In S110, the route search unit 40 sets the counter i to 0. Then, the process proceeds to S120. The counter i is a variable indicating each candidate point in the candidate point list generated in S60. i = 0 indicates the beginning of the candidate point list.

  In S120, the route search unit 40 selects the i-th candidate point from the candidate point list. Then, the process proceeds to S130.

  In S130, the route search unit 40 calculates the estimated arrival time at the candidate point i. Specifically, the required time from the current location to the candidate point i is calculated using the map DB 1400 using the temporary guidance route. You may acquire traffic information from the traffic information acquisition part 60, and may calculate the required time reflecting traffic congestion. The route search unit 40 calculates the estimated arrival time by adding the calculated required time to the current time. Then, the process proceeds to S140.

  In S140, the route search unit 40 generates a list of charging spots around the candidate point i. Specifically, the route search unit 40 uses the map DB 1400 and the coordinate information of the candidate point i to identify a charging spot whose straight line distance from the candidate point i is within a predetermined distance (for example, 2 km). . Of course, instead of the straight line distance, a route from the candidate point i to the charging spot may be searched and the distance on the route may be used.

  Then, the route search unit 40 generates information on the charging spot list by arranging information (for example, coordinate information) for specifying the specified charging spot in order of increasing distance from the candidate point i. Then, the process proceeds to S150.

  In S140, when there is no charging spot around the candidate point i, the list generation fails.

  In S150, the route search unit 40 determines whether or not the charging spot list has been successfully generated. If the list is successfully generated (S150: YES), the process proceeds to S180 (neighboring facility list generation process). If the list generation has failed (S150: NO), the process proceeds to S160.

  In S160, the route search unit 40 determines whether or not the counter i indicates the candidate point at the end of the candidate point list. When the end point is indicated (S160: YES), the process proceeds to A (S80 in FIG. 6). If the end is not pointed (S160: NO), the process proceeds to S170.

  Note that YES is determined in S160 when the generation of the charging spot list fails for all candidate points i or when there is no charging spot that does not deviate significantly from the route.

  In S170, the route search unit 40 increments the counter i by 1 (i = i + 1). Then, the process returns to S120.

  Details of S180 (neighboring facility list generation processing) are shown in FIG.

  In S190, the route search unit 40 sets the counter j to 0. Then, the process proceeds to S200. The counter j is a variable indicating each charging spot in the charging spot list generated in S140. j = 0 indicates the beginning of the charging spot list.

  In S200, the route search unit 40 selects the jth charging spot from the charging spot list. Then, the process proceeds to S210.

  In S210, the route search unit 40 determines whether the distance between the candidate point i and the charging spot j is within a predetermined distance. Specifically, for example, the route search unit 40 uses the position information of the candidate point i and the position information of the charging spot j to obtain a linear distance between them. Then, it is determined whether or not the straight line distance is within a predetermined distance (for example, 1 km). Of course, instead of the straight line distance, a route from the candidate point i to the charging spot may be searched and the distance on the route may be used.

  When the distance between the candidate point i and the charging spot j is within a predetermined distance (S210: YES), the route search unit 40 advances the process to S220. When the distance between the candidate point i and the charging spot j is larger than the predetermined distance (S210: NO), the process proceeds to B (S160 in FIG. 7).

  By the process of S210, it is possible to prevent a charging spot that greatly deviates from the temporary guidance route from being set as a transit point. In the charging spot list, since the charging spots are arranged in the order of distance from the candidate point i, when it is determined NO at the jth, the subsequent charging spots are not determined.

  In S220, the route search unit 40 generates a peripheral facility list according to the estimated arrival time. Specifically, the route search unit 40 uses the map DB 1400 and the position information of the charging spot j to specify a facility whose linear distance from the charging spot j is within a predetermined distance (for example, 500 m). Of course, instead of the linear distance, a route from the charging spot j to the facility may be searched and the distance on the route may be used.

  Further, the route search unit 40 extracts a facility whose predicted arrival time is within business hours using the predicted arrival time at the candidate point i calculated in S130 and the detailed information 1434 of each identified facility. Then, the peripheral facility list is generated by arranging information (for example, coordinate information) specifying the extracted facilities in the order of short distance from the charging spot j. Then, the process proceeds to S230.

  In S220, if there is no facility around charging spot j within a predetermined distance from charging spot j and the estimated arrival time is within business hours, list generation fails.

  Note that the route search unit 40 may generate the peripheral facility list without considering the estimated arrival time and business hours.

  In S230, the route search unit 40 determines whether the peripheral facility list has been successfully generated. If the list is successfully generated (S230: YES), the process proceeds to S300 (optimum charging spot determination process). If the list generation fails (S230: NO), the process proceeds to S240.

  In S240, the route search unit 40 determines whether or not the counter j indicates the charging spot at the end of the charging spot list. If it indicates the end (S240: YES), the process proceeds to S260. If the terminal is not pointed (S240: NO), the process proceeds to S250.

  Note that YES is determined in S240 when the peripheral facility list has failed to be generated for all the charging spots related to the candidate point i or when there is no optimal peripheral facility with a short distance.

  In S250, the route search unit 40 increments the counter j by 1 (j = j + 1). Then, the process returns to S200.

  In S260, the route search unit 40 selects the charging spot at the start (j = 0) of the charging spot list as a waypoint. Then, the process proceeds to S270.

  In S270, the route search unit 40 generates route information. Specifically, the route search unit 40 searches for a guide route from the current location to the destination that passes through the charging spot selected in S260 as a transit point. Then, the process proceeds to S280.

  In S280, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance. Specifically, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance using the guidance route generated in S270. Then, the process proceeds to S290.

  In S290, the route guiding unit 50 notifies the user that a charging spot has been added. Specifically, the route guiding unit 50 instructs the display control unit 20 to display, for example, an image for notifying the position where the charging spot is added. You may make it output an audio | voice via the speaker 131. FIG. Then, this flow ends.

  In S290, when the peripheral facility list of the charging spot selected in S260 is generated, the route guiding unit 50 may notify the position of at least one or more peripheral facilities. You may make it notify that a surrounding facility is separated from the charging spot more than predetermined distance.

  Details of S300 (optimum charging spot determination processing) are shown in FIG.

  In S310, the route search unit 40 selects a starting facility from the peripheral facility list. Specifically, the route search unit 40 selects the peripheral facility at the start end from the peripheral facility list of the charging spot j generated in S220. That is, the peripheral facility closest to the charging spot j is selected. Then, the process proceeds to S320.

  In S320, the route search unit 40 determines whether the distance between the charging spot j and the facility is within a predetermined distance. Specifically, for example, the route search unit 40 uses the position information of the charging spot j and the position information of the peripheral facility selected in S310 to obtain a linear distance therebetween. Then, it is determined whether or not the straight line distance is within a predetermined distance (for example, 250 m assumed to be easily reached on foot). Of course, instead of the linear distance, a route from the charging spot j to the facility may be searched and the distance on the route may be used.

  When the distance between the charging spot j and the surrounding facility is within the predetermined distance (S320: YES), the route search unit 40 advances the process to S330. When the distance between the charging spot j and the surrounding facility is larger than the predetermined distance (S330: NO), the process proceeds to C (S240 in FIG. 8).

  In S330, the route search unit 40 selects the charging spot j as a waypoint. Then, the process proceeds to S340. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the charging spot where the peripheral facility is within a predetermined distance is the optimum charging spot.

  In S340, the route search unit 40 generates route information. Specifically, the route search unit 40 searches for a guide route from the current location to the destination that passes through the charging spot selected in S330 as a transit point. Then, the process proceeds to S350.

  In S350, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance. Specifically, the route guidance unit 50 starts route guidance using the guidance route generated in S340. Then, the process proceeds to S360.

  In S360, the route guiding unit 50 notifies the user that a charging spot with a peripheral facility has been added. Then, this flow ends.

  In S350 to 360, the route guidance unit 50 displays, for example, a guidance screen as shown in FIG. In the guidance screen of FIG. 10, the current location, the destination, the guidance route, the charging spot that is a transit point, the peripheral facility of the charging spot (the peripheral facility selected in S310), and the charging spot where the peripheral facility is nearby And a message indicating that is set as a waypoint. You may make it output audio | voice via the speaker 131 that the charging spot with a peripheral facility was added.

  In S350 to 360, the route guiding unit 10 may display and guide not only the peripheral facility selected in S310 but also other peripheral facilities included in the peripheral facility list of the charging spot that is a transit point. Good.

  The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to guide charging spots in the vicinity of facilities that can be used by the user during charging.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, a guide route set as a waypoint is searched for a charging spot in the vicinity of facilities that the user can use during charging. With such a configuration, for example, even when the user sets a route that passes through an area where the user does not understand the land, the user can easily set a charging spot on the route where there is a facility capable of killing time. Can do.

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

<Modification 1>
In the above embodiment, it is sequentially determined whether or not the charging spot is the optimum, but the charging spot may be selected by the user. For example, the route search unit 40 includes a temporary guidance route, a charging spot within a predetermined distance from each candidate point, a charging spot having a peripheral facility within a predetermined distance from the charging spot, and a peripheral facility of the charging spot. Then, it is displayed on the map via the display control unit 20. Of course, the selection of the charging spot by the user is accepted via the operation accepting unit 10, and the selected charging spot is set as a waypoint. Selection of a plurality of charging spots may be accepted.

<Modification 2>
In the above embodiment, one charging spot is set. However, when the destination cannot be reached by one charge, a charging spot may be added to the route. For example, the route search unit 40 determines whether or not it can arrive from the set charging spot to the destination with the maximum battery capacity (for example, 100%) or a predetermined remaining amount (for example, 80%) smaller than that. . If it cannot arrive, a charging spot with a nearby facility is added as a transit point on the route from the set charging spot to the destination. Of course, when charging at the set charging spot is completed and it departs, it is determined whether it can arrive at the destination with the remaining battery level at that time. You may perform the process which adds a charging spot.

<Modification 3>
In the above embodiment, the list of facilities around the charging spot is generated based on the estimated arrival time at the candidate point and the business hours of the facility, but the estimated arrival time at the charging spot and the business hours of the facility Based on the above, a list of surrounding facilities may be generated.

  In addition, a list of charging spots around the candidate point may be generated based on the estimated arrival time at the candidate point and the business hours of the charging spot. That is, a list of charging spots whose predicted arrival time is within business hours is generated. The business hours of the charging spot are included in the detailed information 1424 of the charging spot data 1421. Of course, the charging spot list may be generated based on the estimated arrival time at the charging spot and the business hours of the charging spot.

<Modification 4>
Regardless of the estimated arrival time and the business hours of the facility, a list of peripheral facilities of a predetermined type may be generated. For example, in S220, the route search unit 40 extracts a facility of a type designated in advance among facilities within a predetermined distance from the charging spot j, and adds it to the peripheral facility list. Note that the facility type is included in the detailed information 1434 of the facility data 1431. The types of facilities included in the peripheral facility list can be set in advance by the user, for example. In addition, the route search unit 40 stores a history of facilities that the user has set as destinations or waypoints in the past, and sets the type of the most frequently set facility or a plurality of facilities on the higher frequency side. The type may be specified as the type of facility to be included in the peripheral facility list.

  In addition, the route search unit 40 may extract different types of facilities according to time zones. For example, the route search unit 40 adds a facility of a predetermined type (for example, a convenience store) to the list when the estimated arrival time is nighttime (for example, 20:00 to 10:00), and in other time zones, Facilities of other predetermined types (for example, leisure facilities and shopping facilities) are added to the list.

<Modification 5>
Different types of facilities may be extracted according to the time required for charging. For example, the route search unit 40 calculates the estimated battery remaining amount at the time of arrival at each charging spot based on the current remaining battery amount and the distance to the charging spot, and charges from the estimated battery remaining amount to the maximum battery amount. The charging time required for this is calculated using a predetermined formula or the like. The charging capability of the charging spot (for example, a method such as rapid charging or normal charging) may be stored in the charging spot data in advance, and the charging time may be calculated in consideration of the charging capability. Then, for example, when the charging time is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes), the route search unit 40 adds a facility (for example, a shopping facility or a restaurant) that has a higher effect of killing time to the peripheral facility list. On the other hand, when the charging time is shorter than the predetermined time, the effect of killing time is low (for example, a convenience store) is added to the peripheral facility list.

  Note that any two or more of the first embodiment and each modification may be combined as appropriate.

  In the first embodiment and each modification described above, the navigation device executes the route search processing alone, but the navigation device and the server device that can communicate with the navigation device share the processing. Also good. For example, the navigation device transmits the destination, the current location, and the battery remaining amount to the server device, the server device performs route search processing and transmits the search result to the navigation device, and the navigation device displays the search result. Thus, the present invention is not limited to a single navigation device, and can be realized by a system including a navigation device and other devices.

  Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described exemplary embodiment has been described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not limited to one having all the configurations described. A part of the configuration of an example of an embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another example. Moreover, it is also possible to add the structure of another example to the structure of an example of a certain embodiment. In addition, for a part of the configuration of an example of each embodiment, another configuration can be added, deleted, or replaced. In addition, each of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, and the like are realized by hardware by, for example, designing them with an integrated circuit, and the processor interprets and executes the program. It may be realized by software. In addition, the control lines and information lines in the figure indicate what is considered necessary for the description, and do not necessarily indicate all of them. It may be considered that almost all the components are connected to each other.

  The present invention can be applied not only to an electric vehicle that uses battery power as a power source, but also to a mobile body that uses electricity from a capacitor as a power source, such as a mobile body that uses super-capacitor power as a power source. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a moving body that uses the energy of the energy storage device as a power source. It should be noted that the present invention is more effective when applied when it takes a relatively long time to store energy.

1: navigation device, 2: in-vehicle communication network, 3: battery management unit, 4: battery, 10: operation reception unit, 20: display control unit, 30: current location calculation unit, 40: route search unit, 50: route guidance unit , 60: Traffic information acquisition unit, 70: Battery information acquisition unit, 100: Control device, 101: CPU, 102: RAM, 103: ROM, 104: I / F, 110: Display, 120: Input device, 121: Touch panel , 122: hard switch, 130: voice input / output device, 131: speaker, 132: microphone, 140: storage device, 150: vehicle speed sensor, 151: gyro sensor, 152: GPS receiver, 160: FM broadcast receiver, 161 : Beacon receiving device, 162: Communication device, 170: In-vehicle communication device, 1400: Map DB, 1410: ID, 1411: Link data, 1412: Link ID, 1413: Coordinate information, 1414: Type information, 1415: Link length information, 1416: Link travel time, 1420: Mesh ID, 1421: Charging spot data, 1422: Charging spot ID, 1423: Coordinate information, 1424: Detailed information, 1430: Mesh ID, 1431: Facility data, 1432: Facility ID, 1433: Coordinate information, 1434: Detailed information

Claims (12)

A navigation device mounted on a moving body that uses battery power as a power source,
Map information acquisition means for acquiring map information including information on charging spots and facilities other than the charging spots;
Using the map information, for each charging spot, the facility included in the predetermined range from the charging spot is specified, and from the current location via any of the charging spots having the facility in the predetermined range to the destination Route search means for searching for a route,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 1,
The route search means searches for a first route from the current location to a destination, specifies a charging spot included in a predetermined range from the first route, and for each specified charging spot, from the charging spot Identify facilities within a given range,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 2,
A battery remaining amount acquiring means for acquiring the remaining amount of the battery;
The route search means sets a candidate point that can be reached with the remaining battery amount on the first route, and specifies a charging spot included in a predetermined range from the candidate point, thereby determining a predetermined point from the first route. Identify charging spots within range,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 2 or 3,
The route search means sets a charging spot closest to the first route among charging spots having facilities within the predetermined range as a waypoint,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The route search means sets one of charging spots having facilities within a predetermined distance narrower than the predetermined range among charging spots having facilities within the predetermined range as a transit point.
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The route search means identifies a facility that is included in the predetermined range for each charging spot and whose predicted arrival time at the charging spot is within the business hours of the facility, and has the facility. Identify one of the charging spots as a transit point,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The route search means specifies a facility of a type that is included in the predetermined range for each charging spot and is associated with a predetermined time zone corresponding to an estimated arrival time at the charging spot, Identify one of the charging spots with the facility as a transit point,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The route search means specifies, for each charging spot, a facility that is included in the predetermined range and that has a predetermined type of facility, and specifies any one of the charging spots having the facility as a transit point. ,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 8,
Having storage means for storing a history of facilities set as a destination or waypoint;
The route search means identifies the type of the most frequently set facility based on the history, and is a facility included in the predetermined range for each charging spot, and corresponds to the specified type Identify the facility to be used, and identify one of the charging spots with the facility as a transit point,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The route search means calculates, for each charging spot, a charging time necessary for charging from a predicted battery remaining amount at the time of arrival at the charging spot, and is associated with a predetermined length of time corresponding to the charging time. Identify the type of facility and identify one of the charging spots that have the facility as a transit point.
A navigation device characterized by that. A route search method for a navigation device mounted on a moving body using battery power as a power source,
Obtaining map information including information on charging spots and facilities other than the charging spots;
Using the map information, for each charging spot, the facility included in the predetermined range from the charging spot is specified, and from the current location via any of the charging spots having the facility in the predetermined range to the destination Searching for a route,
A route search method characterized by that. A program for a navigation device mounted on a mobile body that uses battery power as a power source,
Map information acquisition means for acquiring map information including information on charging spots and facilities other than the charging spots;
Using the map information, for each charging spot, the facility included in the predetermined range from the charging spot is specified, and from the current location via any of the charging spots having the facility in the predetermined range to the destination Causing the navigation device to function as route search means for searching for a route;
A program characterized by that.

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