JP2013140430A - Information provision device, information provision system, and information provision method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To guide a driver for safer driving of a vehicle.SOLUTION: In an in-vehicle device 200, a positioning unit measures a current position. A reception unit receives an estimated value of a period of time from the time when a vehicle 500 passes the position of a roadside radio device 100A installed on a road to the time when gates 510A-510G open, the estimated value being associated with the speed of the vehicle 500 at the time when passing the position of the roadside radio device 100A, from a distribution server 300. A guide unit notifies a user of the timing when a gate to which the vehicle 500 is traveling, of the gates 510A-510G, opens on the basis of the measured current position and the received estimated value.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, and an information providing method.

  In recent years, car navigation systems and ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) systems have become widespread. In addition, various researches and developments for realizing ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) capable of integrating these and providing various services all in one are repeated.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle device that displays an inter-vehicle distance or the like outside the vicinity of the ETC gate, and urges the user to be alerted by a display and sound corresponding to the vehicle speed near the ETC gate.

JP 2009-252110 A

  By the way, in the vicinity of a gate that can be opened and closed on a road, such as an ETC gate, the driver needs to drive with caution so as not to slow down the vehicle and collide with the gate or other vehicles. . However, if communication between the vehicle-mounted device and the roadside radio device takes time, or if the speed of the vehicle itself is high, there is a risk that an accident will occur in time even if the attention is drawn immediately before the gate Will increase. Or, even if the speed of the vehicle is reduced too much, it may cause a traffic jam. For this reason, it is desired to provide guidance to the driver with sufficient margin and assist the driver so that the vehicle can travel safely.

  The present invention solves such problems, and provides an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, and an information providing method suitable for guiding a driver so that the vehicle can be driven more safely. Objective.

In order to achieve this object, an information providing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information providing apparatus that provides a user with guidance about one or more gates that are mounted on a vehicle and installed on a road and that can be opened and closed. Because
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
Distributes a predicted value that associates the speed of the vehicle when passing the position of the roadside wireless device installed on the road and the time until the gate opens after passing the position of the roadside wireless device A receiving unit for receiving from the server;
Based on the measured current position and the received predicted value, a guide unit that guides a user when to open the gate;
It is characterized by providing.

A plurality of the gates;
The predicted value received by the receiving unit includes route data indicating a route from the position of the roadside apparatus to each of the plurality of gate positions,
The receiving unit receives the predicted value corresponding to each of the plurality of gates;
The guide unit determines a gate to which the vehicle is heading among the plurality of gates based on the received route data and the measured current position, and determines the timing at which the determined gate is opened. The user may be guided.

  The guide unit calculates a guidance start position for starting guidance at a timing when the determined gate is opened based on route data corresponding to the determined gate among the received route data, and the positioning is performed. When the current position reaches the calculated guidance start position, guidance at the timing when the determined gate is opened may be started.

A storage unit that stores a travel history that associates the position, speed, and time of the vehicle;
The guide unit adjusts the received predicted value based on the stored traveling history, and sets the timing for opening the gate based on the adjusted predicted value instead of the received predicted value. The user may be guided.

A settlement unit that settles a fee required for the vehicle to pass through the gate using a credit card inserted in the information providing device;
A warning section that warns the user if the credit card is not inserted correctly;
May be further provided.

The plurality of gates include a dedicated gate that can be settled only by the settlement unit and a non-dedicated gate that is not,
The warning unit may warn the user when the determined gate is the dedicated gate and the credit card is not inserted correctly.

  The guide unit updates the predicted value with the passage of time, displays the predicted value on a monitor, and / or outputs the predicted value by voice, thereby giving the user a timing to open the gate. You may guide.

The information provision system which concerns on the 2nd viewpoint of this invention is related with the gate which has a delivery server, the roadside apparatus installed in the road, and the vehicle equipment mounted in the vehicle, and is installed in the said road and can be opened and closed An information providing system for providing guidance to a user,
The distribution server
Stores a predicted value that associates the speed of the vehicle when passing the position of the roadside wireless device and the time from when the position of the roadside wireless device installed on the road passes until the gate opens. A storage unit to
An update unit that updates a predicted value stored in the storage unit based on the degree of congestion of the road;
A speed acquisition unit that acquires the speed of the vehicle at a position where the roadside wireless device is installed;
A transmission unit that acquires the predicted value corresponding to the acquired speed from the storage unit and transmits the predicted value to the vehicle-mounted device via the roadside wireless device;
With
The in-vehicle device is
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
A receiving unit that receives the predicted value from the distribution server via the roadside device;
Based on the measured current position and the received predicted value, a guide unit that guides the user when to open the gate;
It is characterized by providing.

  The update unit may calculate the congestion degree based on the number of vehicles per unit time passing through a position where the roadside wireless device is installed.

The update unit updates a predicted value stored in the storage unit based on statistical data in a past period,
The degree of congestion indicates that the road is crowded as the value increases,
The period of statistical data used by the updating unit when the congestion level is less than a predetermined value may be longer than the period of statistical data used by the updating unit when the congestion level is equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  The update unit may update a predicted value stored in the storage unit based on a travel history in which the position, speed, and time of the vehicle are associated with each other.

The in-vehicle device further includes a warning unit that warns the user when a credit card is not correctly inserted,
The warning unit notifies the distribution server that payment cannot be made using the credit card when a credit card is not correctly inserted in the vehicle-mounted device,
When the distribution server receives the notification from the vehicle-mounted device, the distribution server may control to close the gate when the vehicle reaches a predetermined distance before the gate.

An information providing method according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
A positioning step to measure the current position;
Predicted value that correlates the speed of the vehicle when passing a predetermined position on the road and the time from passing through the predetermined position on the road until the openable gate installed on the road opens An acquisition step to acquire,
Based on the measured current position and the acquired predicted value, a guidance step for guiding the timing of opening the gate to the user;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to guide the driver so that the vehicle can be driven more safely.

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure of an information provision system. It is another figure for demonstrating the whole structure of an information provision system. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a delivery server. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a roadside radio | wireless apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of onboard equipment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the required time table showing a response | compatibility with the speed of a vehicle, and the predicted value of required time. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the gate guidance table which stores the information regarding a gate. It is a flowchart for demonstrating guidance processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a warning process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a travel history. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a gate guidance table. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a gate guidance table.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking ITS as an example.

  First, an outline of processing performed by ITS will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the ITS is mounted on the roadside wireless device 100 disposed in the vicinity of a place where a vehicle such as a road or a parking lot passes, and communicates with the roadside wireless device 100 to communicate with the vehicle. The vehicle-mounted device 200 that provides traffic information and the like to passengers, and a distribution server 300 that generates various information and supplies the information to the roadside apparatus 100 are provided. The roadside apparatus 100 is generally called an ITS spot or the like.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the ITS of this embodiment cooperates with an ETC system introduced for settlement on a toll road or the like. FIG. 2 shows a schematic view near the toll booth on the highway. In the ITS, in addition to the roadside wireless device 100 (two types 100A and 100B in the figure), the vehicle-mounted device 200 mounted on the vehicle 500, and the distribution server 300, the travel speed of the vehicle 500 is measured. A speed meter 400 is included. In the following description, 100A may be referred to as a warning roadside wireless device, and 100B may be referred to as a gate roadside wireless device. The gate roadside apparatus 100B has one gate roadside apparatus 100B1 to 100B7 installed at each gate.

  The vehicle 500 proceeds from the lower side of the figure to the upper side where the gate 510 (seven in the figure, 510A to 510G) is located. The vehicle 500 is a lane that uses ETC (lane marked “ETC” in the figure), a lane that cannot use ETC (lane marked “general” in the figure), or ETC. Drive either one of the lanes that can be used or not (the lane labeled “ETC / General” in the figure). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle 500 is equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 200 and uses ETC for fee settlement. The number of gates 510 is arbitrary.

  The traveling speed of the vehicle 500 approaching the toll gate is measured by the speed measuring device 400 installed in front of the toll gate, and the measurement result is transmitted to the distribution server 300. In addition, communication is performed between the roadside radio device 100 </ b> A for notice and the vehicle-mounted device 200 installed at substantially the same place as the speed measuring device 400. Then, using a unique vehicle-mounted device number assigned in advance to the vehicle-mounted device 200, it is determined which vehicle has passed through the vicinity of the warning roadside apparatus 100 </ b> A, and the determination result is transmitted to the distribution server 300. The distribution server 300 records which vehicle is approaching the toll gate at which speed. Further, based on the communication result and the discrimination result, a warning for forgetting to insert the ETC card is given, or the time expected to reach the gate 510 of the toll gate from the vicinity of the roadside radio device 100A for the roadway for warning is indicated. It is transmitted from the device 100A to the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  Further, a position (communication completion position) 580 (in the figure, 580A to 580A) that needs to complete exchange of information necessary for normal settlement by ETC is passed to the vehicle 500 that has passed near the roadside radio apparatus 100A for warning. Before reaching the 580G (seven of 580G), guidance to the user (typically the driver of the vehicle 500) at the timing when the gate 510 opens is started at the guidance start position 570 (seven in the figure, 570A to 570G). Is done. The guidance start position 570 may be calculated each time by the vehicle-mounted device 200, or the distribution server 300 may determine in advance.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the distribution server 300 will be described. The distribution server 300 is a device that generates and distributes traffic information for each roadside apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the distribution server 300 includes an input unit 301, an output unit 302, communication control units 303 and 304, a storage unit 305, and a control unit. 306, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 307, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 308, and a system bus 309.

  The input unit 301 includes a keyboard, a mouse, an input interface, and the like, and inputs various data and instructions.

  The output unit 302 includes a display device and the like, and displays various images and text messages.

  The first communication control unit 303 transmits / receives various information to / from an external device via a general communication network NW1 such as a telephone line or the Internet.

  The second communication control unit 304 is connected to the plurality of roadside apparatus 100 via the ITS communication network NW2, and transmits traffic information to each roadside apparatus 100. The second communication control unit 304 receives information obtained by the roadside apparatus 100 communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 200 via the ITS communication network NW2.

  The storage unit 305 includes a hard disk device and the like, and stores various traffic information. In addition, the storage unit 305 stores geographic information about the location and address of each roadside apparatus 100 and data related to various contents distributed to the roadside apparatus 100.

  The control unit 306 includes a processor and controls the operation of the distribution server 300 as a whole. Further, the control unit 306 creates information to be distributed from the roadside wireless device 100 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 based on various types of information stored in the storage unit 305 for each of the roadside wireless devices 100, and the second communication control unit 304 is controlled and supplied to each roadside apparatus 100 via the ITS communication network NW2. Details of the configuration of information generated and transmitted by the control unit 306 will be described later.

  The ROM 307 stores an operating system (OS) and various data necessary for controlling the distribution server 300 as a whole.

  The RAM 308 functions as a work area for the control unit 306.

  A system bus 309 is a transmission path for transferring commands and data between the above-described units.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the roadside apparatus 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the roadside apparatus 100 includes a wireless communication unit 101, a communication control unit 102, a storage unit 103, a control unit 104, a ROM 105, a RAM 106, and a system bus 107.

  Each roadside apparatus 100 is arranged in the vicinity of a road, a parking lot, or the like, and transmits content data to the vehicle-mounted device 200 of a vehicle passing through the vicinity by a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) method. Each roadside apparatus 100 stores content data to be transmitted and wirelessly transmits the content data. The content data stores data such as images and sounds.

  The wireless communication unit 101 transmits and receives information to and from the vehicle-mounted device 200 installed in a vehicle that passes nearby by a wireless signal such as an optical signal. For example, the wireless communication unit 101 transmits traffic information and content data provided from the distribution server 300 to the vehicle-mounted device 200. In addition, the wireless communication unit 101 receives information such as a vehicle ID transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  The communication control unit 102 is connected to the distribution server 300 via the ITS communication network NW2, and receives traffic information and the like transmitted from the distribution server 300. Further, the communication control unit 102 transmits traffic information acquired by the own device to the distribution server 300.

  The storage unit 103 stores traffic information received from the distribution server 300, traffic information unique to the own device, and the like.

  The control unit 104 includes a processor and controls the operation of the entire roadside apparatus 100. The control unit 104 transmits the traffic information stored in the storage unit 103 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 by the wireless communication unit 101, and stores information related to the vehicle-mounted device 200 acquired by the wireless communication unit 101 in the storage unit 103. . Further, the control unit 104 controls the communication control unit 102 to transmit the traffic information and the like acquired by the own device stored in the storage unit 103 to the distribution server 300 via the ITS communication network NW2, and distributes the distribution information. Information acquired from the server 300 by the communication control unit 102 is stored in the storage unit 103.

  The ROM 105 stores an operating system and various data necessary for operation control of the entire roadside apparatus 100.

  The RAM 106 functions as a work area for the control unit 104 and temporarily stores various data.

  The system bus 107 is a transmission path for transferring commands and data between the above-described units.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle-mounted device 200 includes a communication unit 201, an audio processing unit 202, an output unit 203, an operation unit 204, an I / O (Input / Output) unit 205, a storage unit 206, a control unit 207, a ROM 208, A RAM 209 and a system bus 210 are provided.

  The vehicle-mounted device 200 is installed in a vehicle and is configured integrally with a car navigation device, for example. The vehicle-mounted device 200 has a function of reproducing and notifying traffic information transmitted from the roadside apparatus 100 together with a general car navigation function. Further, the vehicle-mounted device 200 receives and reproduces content data transmitted from the roadside apparatus 100 by DSRC wireless communication.

  The communication unit 201 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 201a, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System; registered trademark) module 201b, and an ETC module 201c.

  The GPS module 201 a receives GPS radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites and supplies them to the control unit 207. The latitude and longitude of the position where the vehicle-mounted device 200 exists is accurately measured by the GPS module 201a.

  The VICS module 201b communicates with the roadside apparatus 100 by the DSRC method, and transmits and receives traffic information.

  The ETC module 201c transmits / receives data for settlement of charges with the roadside apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 207 controls the ETC module 201c to communicate with the gate roadside apparatus 100B installed at the toll gate on the toll road, and uses the credit card inserted into the vehicle-mounted device 200 to charge the vehicle toll. Settlement.

  The audio processing unit 202 converts the digital audio signal input from the control unit 207 into an analog audio signal by a D / A (Digital / Analog) converter (not shown), and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 222. Also, the audio processing unit 202 converts the audio input from the microphone 223 into a digital audio signal by an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter (not shown), and inputs the digital audio signal to the control unit 207. Thereby, the user can listen to the navigation voice or input the voice. Furthermore, the voice processing unit 202 can synthesize and output voice using data created in a TTS (Text-to-Speech) format. The data in the TTS format may be push-distributed from the roadside apparatus 100 or stored in the storage unit 206 in advance.

  The output unit 203 includes a monitor device, and displays a navigation image acquired by the communication unit 201, a video of television broadcasting, a map image stored in advance in the storage unit 206, and the like.

  The operation unit 204 includes a touch panel type input device and the like, generates an instruction input signal based on an instruction input by a user, and inputs the instruction input signal to the control unit 207.

  The I / O unit 205 includes a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory) drive. The I / O unit 205 reads data from a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM storing predetermined map information and inputs the data to the control unit 207. Further, the I / O unit 205 acquires a detection signal from the sensor group 225 such as a speed sensor, a travel distance sensor, and an orientation sensor, and supplies the detection signal to the control unit 207.

  The storage unit 206 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) and stores map data, various setting information, and the like. The storage unit 206 may include other memories such as a flash memory card that can be attached and detached by the user. The control unit 207 may read the map data from a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM storing the map data as needed, or read the map data from the recording medium in advance and write it in the storage unit 206 (installed). You may do it. Alternatively, the map data may be stored in advance in an HDD or a flash memory card.

  The control unit 207 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the operation of the on-vehicle device 200 as a whole. For example, the control unit 207 determines the current position of the own device based on the GPS signal received via the GPS module 201a. The control unit 207 takes in the output of the direction sensor included in the sensor group 225 via the I / O unit 205 and determines the current traveling direction of the vehicle. The control unit 207 obtains the travel distance from the output of the distance sensor. Further, the control unit 207 receives traffic information from the roadside apparatus 100 via the VICS module 201b, and reproduces it based on parameters for controlling the reproduction timing included in the received traffic information. Further, the control unit 207 reproduces the distributed content data and provides the content to the user. Note that the control unit 207 may include a coprocessor or the like.

  The ROM 208 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire vehicle-mounted device 200.

  The RAM 209 temporarily stores data and programs, and holds data acquired by the communication unit 201, data read from a DVD-ROM, and the like. The control unit 207 uses the RAM 209 as a work memory.

  The system bus 210 is a transmission path for interconnecting the above-described units and transferring commands and data.

  Next, processing (guidance processing) performed by the ITS of the present embodiment for performing guidance for safely passing the toll gate by the vehicle 500 will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, when the vehicle 500 approaches the toll gate, the speed measuring device 400 measures the speed at which the vehicle 500 travels and identifies the vehicle body number by image recognition. The speed measuring device 400 transmits the measured speed of the vehicle 500 and the vehicle body number to the distribution server 300.

  In addition, the control unit 104 of the roadside radio apparatus 100A for warning controls the wireless control unit 101 to communicate with the vehicle-mounted device 200 mounted on the vehicle 500 to acquire the vehicle-mounted device number unique to the vehicle-mounted device 200. And transmitted to the distribution server 300. It is assumed that the vehicle body number of the vehicle 500 and the vehicle-mounted device number of the vehicle-mounted device 200 mounted on the vehicle 500 are registered in advance in the distribution server 300 in association with each other.

  The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 uses the speed and the vehicle body number received from the speed measuring device 400 and the vehicle-mounted device number received from the roadside radio device for prediction 100A to determine which vehicle is near the roadside radio device for notification 100A at which speed. It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling, and the determination result is recorded in the storage unit 305. The control unit 306 records the determination result of the speed of the vehicle-mounted device 200, that is, the speed of the vehicle 500, for all of the vehicle-mounted devices 200 that have passed near the roadside radio device for prediction 100A.

  Further, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 determines whether the warning roadside apparatus 100A is in accordance with the speed of the vehicle 500 traveling in the vicinity of the warning roadside apparatus 100A and the degree of congestion of the road near the warning roadside apparatus 100A. Estimated values of the required time from a certain place to the place where the gates 510A to 510G are located and respective routes to the gates 510A to 510G are calculated and transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 200 together with the positions of the respective gates 510A to 510G. To do.

In FIG. 6, the required time indicating the correspondence between the speed of the vehicle 500 and the predicted value of the required time from the place where the roadside radio apparatus 100A for warning is located to the communication completion position 580 set in front of each of the gates 510A to 510G. The structural example of the table 600 is shown.
FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a gate guidance table 700 showing detailed guidance for each gate 510.
The required time table 600 and the gate guidance table 700 are created by the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 and updated as needed.

  The predicted value of the required time is calculated based on a statistical value of the required time actually taken by the vehicle 500 that has passed in the vicinity of the roadside radio device for prediction 100A in the past. Here, the control unit 306 uses a statistical value for a relatively long period and a statistical value for a relatively short period depending on the degree of congestion.

  In other words, when the road is congested (when the degree of congestion is greater than or equal to a predetermined value), the required time is affected by the movement of other vehicles traveling forward and left and right rather than the way the driver is driving. The required time often changes in a short time. For this reason, the control unit 306 calculates a predicted value of the required time using the latest statistical value of the speed. The statistical value is typically an average value, but may be a median value (median) of velocity distribution, a mode value (mode) of velocity distribution, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the road is not congested (when the degree of congestion is less than a predetermined value), the required time is not significantly affected by the movement of other vehicles. The estimated value of the required time is calculated using the long-term statistics.

  The degree of congestion is an indication of the degree of congestion on the road, and a situation in which a heavy traffic jam occurs and the speed of the vehicle 500 may become zero from the minimum value 0 (zero) indicating that the vehicle is not traveling at all (drivers Is represented by a numerical value between up to a maximum value 100 indicating a situation where the vehicle 500 must be stopped.

  For example, the control unit 306 calculates the degree of congestion according to the number of vehicles passing near the notice roadside wireless device 100A per unit time. If the number of vehicles passing per unit time is less than the first threshold, the control unit 306 has a congestion degree of zero, and if the number of vehicles passes the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the congestion degree is 10%, the second threshold or more and If it is less than the third threshold, the degree of congestion is calculated such that the degree of congestion is 20%.

  The control unit 306 repeatedly calculates the degree of congestion at regular timing, for example, every 10 minutes or every hour, and updates the required time table 600 illustrated in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 306 calculates the degree of congestion based on the number of vehicles passing per unit time counted by the speed measuring device 400 installed at substantially the same location as the roadside radio device for prediction 100A. . However, the control unit 306 may calculate the degree of congestion for each traveling lane, or may calculate the degree of congestion for each gate 510 near, for example, a toll gate as shown in FIG.

  Or, instead of the number of vehicles counted by the speed measuring device 400, the control unit 306 determines the congestion degree based on the number of vehicle-mounted devices 200 per unit time in which the roadside radio device for warning 100A can establish mutual communication. You may calculate.

  Further, the control unit 306 updates the predicted value of the required time stored in the required time table 600 for each speed based on the degree of congestion. When the degree of congestion is less than a predetermined value (for example, 10%), the control unit 306 sets the actual value of the required time obtained from statistics over a relatively long period as the predicted value of the required time. On the other hand, when the degree of congestion is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 306 uses the actual value of the required time obtained from statistics in a relatively short period as the predicted value of the required time.

  The gate guidance table 700 includes a gate number, a route 560 from the place where the roadside radio apparatus 100A for warning is located to the gate 510, a communication completion position 580, a position of the gate 510, and a gate after reaching the communication completion position 580. The time until 510 is opened and the type whether or not the gate 510 is an ETC / general lane are stored in association with each other.

  The route 560 is obtained by plotting the latitude and longitude of a plurality of positions that should pass from the location where the roadside wireless device for notice 100A is located to the gate 510. The route data A associated with the gate A in FIG. 7 represents the route 560A shown in FIG. The control unit 306 sets a line that linearly connects a plurality of positions specified by latitude and longitude as a route 560A. The control unit 306 may acquire a route 560A by connecting a plurality of positions specified by latitude and longitude with a curve using an interpolation method such as spline interpolation, for example. The same applies to the route data B, C, D, E, F, and G.

  Before the vehicle 500 reaches the gate 510, the communication completion position 580 exchanges data with the vehicle-mounted device 200 for data necessary for the gate roadside apparatus 100B installed near the gate 510 to settle the toll by ETC. The position that needs to be completed, expressed in latitude and longitude.

  The position of the gate 510 is a position where the gate 510 is installed, and is represented by latitude and longitude. However, the control unit 306 may set the position closest to the gate 510 among the plurality of positions included in the route data as the position of the gate 510.

  The time until the gate 510 is opened is typically a fixed value regardless of the distinction of the gate, but may be a variable value so that it can be set to be shorter in order to travel around the gate 510 more safely.

  The required time table 600 shown in FIG. 6 and the gate guidance table 700 shown in FIG. 7 are transmitted from the distribution server 300 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 via the roadside radio device for prediction 100A. The in-vehicle device 200 provides the driver with various guidance based on the received required time table 600 and the gate guidance table 700 so that the driver of the vehicle 500 can travel around the gate 510 more safely.

  That is, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 determines the gate from the required time table 600 and the gate guide table 700 received from the roadside device 100A for warning and the position (the vehicle position) acquired by controlling the GPS module 201a. Of 510A to 510G, it is determined to which gate the in-vehicle device 200 is directed. Furthermore, the control unit 207 calculates the time taken from the vehicle position to the communication completion position 580 corresponding to the determined gate (the gate on which the vehicle 500 is headed). Then, the control unit 207 calculates the time until the gate 510 which is approaching from the present time from the time obtained by the calculation and the time until the gate 510 is opened. Based on the calculated time until the gate 510 is opened, the control unit 207 informs the driver of the opening timing of the gate 510 toward the driver by, for example, outputting a sound, displaying a progress bar, or displaying the number of seconds. I can guide you.

  In addition, when the control unit 104 of the roadside radio apparatus 100A for notification notifies that the credit card is not inserted into the in-vehicle device 200 as a result of communicating with the in-vehicle device 200, the control unit 104 indicates that the credit card is not inserted correctly. The in-vehicle device 200 is notified and the on-vehicle device 200 is requested to warn the driver.

  Further, the control unit 104 of the roadside radio apparatus for notice 100A transmits to the distribution server 300 an onboard unit number or a vehicle body number associated with the onboard unit 200 determined that no credit card is inserted, and controls the distribution server 300. Unit 306 stores the received vehicle-mounted device number or vehicle body number in storage unit 305.

  Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 determines that the vehicle is heading for the ETC dedicated gate (gates 510A, B, and D to G in FIG. 2), and a credit card is inserted. The driver is warned by voice or video to go to the ETC / general-purpose gate (gate 510C in FIG. 2) or the general-purpose gate. Note that the control unit 207 does not need to warn when it is determined that the host vehicle is heading toward the ETC / general-purpose gate or the general-purpose gate.

  In spite of the warning, the vehicle-mounted device 200 may still not recognize the credit card when the vehicle 500 reaches the communication completion position. Therefore, if the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 determines that the vehicle receiving the warning is heading to the gate 510 without recognizing the credit card, the control unit 306 transmits the credit card to the vehicle-mounted device 200 associated with the vehicle. Can be further notified that it has not been inserted correctly and the gate 510 can be blocked.

  Next, the flow of guidance processing executed by the ITS of this embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the speed measuring device 400 measures the speed of the vehicle 500 passing through a nearby road (step S801). The speed measuring device 400 transmits the measurement result to the distribution server 300. The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 records the received measurement result in the storage unit 305.

  The control unit 207 of the on-vehicle device 200 confirms whether or not a credit card necessary for making a payment by ETC is correctly inserted in the on-vehicle device 200 (step S802).

  More specifically, the control unit 104 of the warning roadside apparatus 100A requests the vehicle-mounted device 200 that has entered the communication range of the warning roadside apparatus 100A to check whether or not a credit card is inserted. . Upon receiving the request, the control unit 207 of the in-vehicle device 200 confirms whether or not the credit card is correctly inserted, and transmits the confirmation result to the roadside radio apparatus for notice 100A. The control unit 104 of the roadside radio apparatus for notice 100 </ b> A transmits the received confirmation result to the distribution server 300. The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 records the received confirmation result in the storage unit 305. Note that the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 confirms whether or not the credit card is correctly inserted and transmits the confirmation result to the distribution server 300 even if there is no request from the roadside radio apparatus 100A for notice. Good. Note that the correct insertion of a credit card means that a credit card that has not expired and can be settled is inserted in a predetermined slot in a predetermined direction.

  If it is determined that the credit card is not inserted correctly (step S803; NO), the ITS executes a warning process (step S804), and proceeds to the process of step S805. Details of the warning process will be described later with reference to FIG. The case where the credit card is not inserted correctly is a case where the credit card cannot be recognized or the credit card can be recognized but the expiration date has passed.

  When it is determined that the credit card is correctly inserted (step S803; YES), the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 determines that the congestion degree of the road section from the location where the roadside radio device for prediction 100A is located to the gate 510 is a predetermined value. It is determined whether it is less than (step S805).

  As described above, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 calculates the degree of congestion based on the number of passing vehicles per unit time counted by the speed measuring device 400 or the roadside radio device for warning 100A, but is connected to the ITS. The degree of congestion may be acquired from another system or another device (for example, a traffic information system such as VICS).

  When it is determined that the degree of congestion is less than the predetermined value (step S805; YES), the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 acquires a predicted value of the required time based on long-term statistical data (step S806). On the other hand, when it is determined that the degree of congestion is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S805; NO), the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 acquires a predicted value of the required time based on short-term statistical data (step S807). .

  The long term is a length of time that can be expected to reduce the contribution of local and sudden traffic jams, for example, for one month or one year. The short period is a length of time that may contribute to local or sudden traffic jams or accidents, such as 1 minute or 5 minutes. The statistical data to be used is different when the road is congested, because the driving method of one vehicle is affected by the movement of other vehicles, and the required time tends to change frequently. This is because when the road is vacant, it is less affected by the movement of other vehicles and the required time tends to fluctuate less.

  Then, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 creates a required time table 600 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and a gate guidance table 700 as illustrated in FIG. Note that the control unit 306 may update and save the required time table 600 at a regular repetition timing regardless of the determination of the degree of congestion, or the gate guidance table 700 that is assumed to be less frequently updated. May be created in advance.

  Further, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 transmits the required time table 600 and the gate guide table 700 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 via the roadside warning device 100A, and the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 transmits the roadside radio for warning. The required time table 600 and the gate guidance table 700 are received via the device 100A (step S808). The control unit 207 of the in-vehicle device 200 stores the received required time table 600 and the gate guidance table 700 in the storage unit 206.

  The control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 is a vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted device 200 is mounted among the gates 510A to 510G based on the received route data included in the gate guidance table 700 and the current position measured by the GPS module 201a. The gate to which 500 (own vehicle) is heading is determined (step S809).

  For example, the control unit 207 compares the latitude / longitude on the routes 560A to 560G indicated by the route data with the latitude / longitude indicating the current position of the vehicle, and the vehicle travels on the route having the matching latitude / longitude. It is determined that the vehicle is heading to the gate corresponding to the determined route. In FIG. 2, for example, a plurality of routes overlap each other in the vicinity of the road where the warning roadside apparatus 100A is installed, but the control unit 207 performs the process of step S809 until the routes do not overlap each other. By repeating the above, it is possible to determine the gate to which the vehicle is heading.

  The control unit 207 of the in-vehicle device 200 determines whether or not to start guidance to the determined gate (step S810). For example, when the current position of the host vehicle reaches a predetermined distance before the determined gate position, the control unit 207 determines that the host vehicle has reached a guidance start position 570 for starting guidance to the determined gate. If not, if not, it is determined to wait without starting guidance to the determined gate. Alternatively, the control unit 207 may start the guidance when reaching the middle of the determined route or when reaching X% (0 <X <100) of the entire route from the starting point of the route.

  The case where the vehicle 500 reaches the guidance start position 570 is a case where the latitude / longitude representing the current position of the vehicle 500 matches the latitude / longitude represented by the guidance start position 570. However, the control unit 207 determines that the latitude and longitude representing the current position of the vehicle 500 is within a predetermined error range centered on the latitude and longitude represented by the guidance start position 570 (for example, a circle with a predetermined radius or a rectangle with a predetermined size). It may be determined that the vehicle 500 has reached the guidance start position 570.

  When it is determined that guidance to the determined gate is not started (step S810; NO), the control unit 207 waits until the host vehicle reaches the guidance start position 570. When it is determined that guidance to the determined gate is to be started (step S810; YES), the control unit 207 guides the opening timing of the determined gate (the gate to which the vehicle is heading) (step S811).

  More specifically, the control unit 207 acquires a predicted value of the required time corresponding to the gate on which the host vehicle is heading based on the speed of the host vehicle and the required time table 600, and from the acquired predicted value of the required time. Then, a time obtained by subtracting the time required from obtaining the required time table 600 to determining the gate to which the vehicle is heading is calculated. Further, the control unit 207 sets the time obtained by adding the time until the gate included in the gate guide table 700 is opened to the time until the gate where the host vehicle is heading is opened. And the control part 207 notifies a driver by displaying on the monitor apparatus the time until the gate which the own vehicle is heading opens.

  The time until the gate to which the vehicle is heading decreases as the vehicle continues to travel (time elapses). Therefore, the control unit 207 repeatedly updates the time until the gate on which the vehicle is heading opens and displays it on the monitor device. That is, for example, the time until the gate is opened is counted down, such as “10 seconds remaining”, “9 seconds”, “8 seconds”, and the like. The control unit 207 may display the time until the gate opens as a number, or may change the length of a line representing the degree of progress, as in a so-called progress bar. Further, the control unit 207 may notify the driver of the time until the gate opens by outputting not only video but also audio.

  The control unit 207 determines whether or not the vehicle has reached the determined gate based on the measured vehicle position and the route data (step S812). When it is determined that the vehicle has not reached the determined gate (step S812; NO), the control unit 207 continues the guidance of the timing at which the determined gate opens and determines that the vehicle has reached the determined gate. (Step S812; YES), the guidance process is terminated.

  Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the ITS settles the toll by ETC at the communication completion position 580 of the vehicle 500.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 104 of the roadside radio apparatus for warning 100A transmits all the information stored in the created required time table 600 to the vehicle-mounted device 200, but corresponds to the measured speed of the vehicle 500. Only the predicted value of the required time may be transmitted.

  Next, the warning process executed in the case of NO in step S803 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. This warning process is executed when it is determined that the credit card for payment is not correctly inserted into the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  First, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 notifies the driver that the payment credit card has not been correctly inserted (step S901). For example, the control unit 207 displays an image indicating that the credit card for payment is not correctly inserted on the monitor device. In addition, the control unit 207 reproduces a sound or sound effect indicating that the payment credit card is not correctly inserted and outputs the sound or sound effect from the speaker.

  The control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 notifies the distribution server 300 that the payment credit card has not been correctly inserted (step S902).

  Receiving the notification, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 transmits the gate guide table 700 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 via the warning roadside device 100A, and the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 controls the warning roadside device 100A. The gate guidance table 700 is received from the distribution server 300 via (step S903).

  Based on the received route data included in the gate guidance table 700 and the current position measured by the GPS module 201a, the control unit 207 of the in-vehicle device 200 selects the gate to which the host vehicle is heading among the gates 510A to 510G. A determination is made (step S904).

  As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the vehicle is heading for the ETC dedicated gate (gates 510A, B, and D to G in FIG. 2) (step S905; YES), the control unit 207 displays the general gate (FIG. 2). In FIG. 2, the driver is guided so as to go to the gate between the gate 510C and the gate 510D) or the ETC / general purpose gate (the gate 510C in FIG. 2) (step S906). When it is determined that the host vehicle is not heading for the ETC dedicated gate (step S905; NO), the control unit 207 proceeds to the process of step S907.

  For example, the control unit 207 guides the driver to change the lane to go to the general gate or the ETC / general gate by video and / or audio.

  The control unit 207 determines whether or not the vehicle has reached the general gate or the ETC / general purpose gate (step S907). When it is determined that the vehicle has reached the general gate or the ETC / general purpose gate (step S907; YES), the ITS ends the warning process and the guidance process. When it is determined that the host vehicle has not yet reached the general gate or the ETC / general purpose gate (step S907; NO), the control unit 207 again determines whether or not the credit card is correctly inserted into the vehicle-mounted device 200. Confirmation is made (step S908).

  When it is determined that the credit card is correctly inserted in the vehicle-mounted device 200 (step S908; YES), the ITS ends the warning process. Even after the warning process is completed, if the vehicle-mounted device 200 is within the communication range of the roadside device 100A for warning, the ITS may return to the above-described step S805 and perform the guidance process. That is, if the driver is warned that the credit card is not inserted correctly and then reinserts the credit card correctly, the warning may be released and guidance to the gate 510 may be performed. .

  When it is determined that the credit card is not correctly inserted into the vehicle-mounted device 200 (step S908; NO), the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 and the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 have reached the communication completion position 580 or not. Is discriminated (step S909).

  When it is determined that the communication completion position 580 has not been reached (step S909; NO), the ITS returns to the process of step S905. On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication completion position 580 has been reached (step S909; YES), the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 notifies the driver to stop the vehicle 500 (step S910). In other words, if the credit card is not properly inserted and the user intends to enter the ETC gate, the driver is guided to stop the vehicle 500 because payment is impossible.

  Furthermore, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 closes the gate that is heading (step S911). Alternatively, the control unit 306 notifies the ETC system to close the gate that is heading. In other words, when the user is about to enter the ETC dedicated gate without the credit card being correctly inserted, the gate that is heading is closed. This prevents unauthorized traffic.

  According to the present embodiment, the ITS can appropriately guide each vehicle traveling on the road so that it can travel near the gate more safely. In addition, since the predicted value of the time required until the gate opens is appropriately determined according to the degree of congestion on the road, the accuracy of guidance is increased.

  In addition, if payment cannot be made using the ETC system, the driver will be asked to go to another general gate or to reconfirm the credit card before reaching the ETC gate. Dangerous driving can be suppressed. When the vehicle 500 is about to enter the gate without being able to settle with the ETC system, the gate is controlled to be closed, so that unauthorized traffic can be prevented.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the history of how to drive the vehicle 500 is also taken into account when calculating the predicted value of the required time.

  Specifically, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 determines whether or not there is a toll gate near the vehicle from the map data used for navigation and the current position while the vehicle 500 is traveling. For example, when the current position reaches X meters before the toll gate, the control unit 207 determines that there is a toll gate near the own vehicle.

  When the control unit 207 determines that there is a toll gate near the own vehicle and that the own vehicle is heading toward the toll gate, the control unit 207 includes a travel history 1000 including the position and speed of the own vehicle. Is stored in the storage unit 206. The storage unit 206 stores, for example, a travel history 1000 as schematically illustrated in FIG. The actual value of the required time is obtained from the time difference included in the travel history 1000. Further, from the positions included in the travel history 1000, the gate through which the vehicle 500 passes can be found among the gates 510A to 510G.

  In the travel history 1000, the speed of the vehicle 500 is recorded in association with the position and time of the vehicle 500. The distance interval for storing the history is arbitrary. The control unit 207 may calculate the speed of the vehicle 500 from the change per unit time of the position measured by the GPS module 201a, or may directly acquire the speed from the speed meter of the vehicle 500.

  The control unit 207 enters the communication area of the gate roadside apparatus 100B, and after the settlement process by ETC is completed, the travel history 1000 stored in the storage unit 206 is transmitted to the gate roadside apparatus 100B. The control unit 104 of the gate roadside apparatus 100 </ b> B receives the travel history 1000 from the vehicle-mounted device 200 and transmits it to the distribution server 300. The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 stores the received travel history 1000 in the storage unit 305.

  The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 receives the travel history 1000 from all the vehicle-mounted devices 200 that pass through the gate 510. Then, the control unit 306 aggregates the obtained travel history 1000 and obtains a statistical value of the required time from the place where the roadside radio device for prediction 100A is located to the gate 510.

  By using the travel history 1000, a predicted value closer to reality can be obtained. For example, the control unit 207 calculates the time required for the host vehicle to decelerate by 10 km / h based on the travel history 1000. Since the predicted value of the required time included in the required time table 600 transmitted and received in step S808 described above is based on the time actually taken by many other vehicles, the driving tendency such as the time required for deceleration is complete. Does not always match. Therefore, the control unit 207 adjusts the predicted value of the required time included in the required time table 600 so as to match the driving tendency of the host vehicle.

  In other words, in step S808 described above, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 creates a target time table 600 in addition to the required time table 600 and the gate guidance table 700 via the warning roadside apparatus 100A. The time taken to decelerate the vehicle at a predetermined speed (for example, 10 km / h) is transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  The control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 compares the time taken for the 10 km / h deceleration received from the distribution server 300 with the time taken for the own vehicle to decelerate 10 km / h. Then, the control unit 207 adds the difference between these times to the required time included in the required time table 600 or subtracts it from the required time included in the required time table 600. “10 km / h” described here is an example, and may be any other speed.

  The control unit 207 may always adjust the required time when performing the guidance process, or may control the presence or absence of adjustment according to the degree of congestion.

  For example, when the degree of congestion is 50% (first threshold) or more, the control unit 207 uses the predicted value of the required time included in the required time table 600 received from the distribution server 300 as it is for guidance. This is because when the road is congested, the influence of other vehicles is greater than the driving tendency of the own vehicle.

  In addition, when the degree of congestion is less than 10% (second threshold), the control unit 207 adjusts the predicted value of the required time included in the required time table 600 received from the distribution server 300 using the driving tendency of the own vehicle. To do. For example, if the difference between the time taken to decelerate “1 km / h” received from the distribution server 300 and the time taken to slow down the vehicle by “1 km / h” is “+ N seconds”, the control unit 207 multiplies the difference between the current speed and the desired speed at gate 510 (typically 20 km / h) by N seconds. Then, the control unit 207 adds the obtained number of seconds to the predicted value of the required time included in the required time table 600 received from the distribution server 300. The obtained numerical value is a predicted value of the required time according to the driving tendency of the own vehicle.

  In addition, when the degree of congestion is 10% or more and less than 50% (the first threshold or more and less than the second threshold), the control unit 207 displays the predicted value of the required time included in the required time table 600 received from the distribution server 300. In consideration of a predetermined weight, the vehicle is adjusted using the driving tendency of the vehicle. For example, if the difference between the time taken to decelerate “1 km / h” received from the distribution server 300 and the time taken to slow down the vehicle by “1 km / h” is “+ N seconds”, the control unit 207 multiplies the difference between the current speed and the desired speed at gate 510 (typically 20 km / h) by N seconds. Further, the control unit 207 multiplies the obtained number of seconds by a predetermined weighting factor (however, a real number larger than 0 and smaller than 1). Then, the control unit 207 adds the number of seconds obtained in consideration of the weighting factor to the predicted value of the required time included in the required time table 600 received from the distribution server 300.

  As in this embodiment, by adjusting the predicted value of the required time in consideration of the driving tendency of the own vehicle, that is, the behavior tendency of the driver, it is possible to provide more accurate guidance and guidance suitable for the driver. It becomes like this. Even if the same vehicle-mounted device 200 (the same vehicle 500) is driven by a different driver, the content of the guidance can be changed according to the driver.

  A modification in which the first threshold value and the second threshold value are arbitrarily changed is also possible, but the second threshold value is assumed to be larger than the first threshold value. Further, not only the first threshold value and the second threshold value but also three or more threshold values may be used for more detailed case division.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 is required to decelerate a predetermined speed in the target vehicle when creating the required time table 600 in addition to the required time table 600 and the gate guidance table 700. Is transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 200. However, the control unit 306 determines the time taken for the vehicle that has been the target when creating the required time table 600 and passed through the gate to which the vehicle 500 is currently traveling to decelerate to a predetermined speed. Alternatively, it may be transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 200. Thereby, the effect which the precision of guidance improves more is anticipated.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the guidance start position 570 is determined by the vehicle-mounted device 200 side. However, the distribution server 300 side may determine and notify the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the gate guide table 1100 in the present embodiment. The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 creates a gate guidance table 1100 to which an item for storing position data indicating the guidance start position 570 is added. And the control part 306 transmits the produced gate guidance table 1100 to the onboard equipment 200 via the roadside radio | wireless apparatus 100A for warning.

  For example, when it is desired to start guidance 5 seconds before reaching the gate 510, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 has a position on the route 560 and the vehicle 500 is located 5 seconds before the position of the gate 510. The latitude and longitude of the expected position is set to the guidance start position 570. However, depending on the degree of congestion and speed at that time, there is a possibility that it may not be exactly 5 seconds ago. Therefore, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 calculates how many seconds before the time when the gate 510 is actually opened to guide the opening timing of the gate 510, and distributes it via the gate roadside apparatus 100B. Send to server 300. Then, when the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 determines the guidance start position 570, the difference between the required time transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 200 and the time when the vehicle-mounted device 200 actually starts the guidance of the timing for opening the gate. Statistics are taken and this difference is fed back to the estimated time.

  For example, if this difference is “−1 second”, the actual time required is one second shorter than the predicted time. Therefore, the control unit 306 updates the required time table 600 using a value obtained by subtracting 1 second from the predicted value obtained from the statistical value as described above as a new predicted value. Thereafter, the vehicle-mounted device 200 that has received the required time table 600 can provide more accurate guidance.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 306 calculates a different guidance start position 570 according to the speed measured by the roadside radio apparatus for warning 100A, and installs the gate guidance table 1200 storing the calculation result on the vehicle. It may be transmitted to the device 200. As a result, more accurate guidance can be provided.

  In this way, the distribution server 300 side determines the guidance start position 570 for each gate 510, and provides the driver with more accurate guidance by feeding back the time actually taken until the gate 510 to the predicted value. Will be able to.

  Each of the above-described embodiments is merely for description, and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

  In addition to the roadside radio device 100A for warning and the gate roadside device 100B, three or more roadside radio devices 100 may be installed. For example, a required time table distributed when a third roadside radio device 100 is further installed between the roadside radio device for prediction 100A and the radio device for roadside 100B, and the vehicle 500 passes near the roadside device for roadside notification 100A. If 600 has been updated, the third roadside apparatus 100 may redistribute the latest required time table 600.

  The roadside radio device for prediction 100A having the function of the speed measuring device 400 may be installed instead of the roadside radio device for prediction 100A and the speed measuring device 400 separately.

  In each of the above embodiments, the speed measuring device 400 measures the speed of the vehicle 500, but the vehicle-mounted device 200 may measure the speed and transmit the speed to the distribution server 300 via the roadside apparatus 100.

  A computer program for operating the vehicle-mounted device 200 as a whole or a part of the apparatus is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, MO (Magneto Optical Disk), and distributed. May be installed in another computer and operated as the vehicle-mounted device 200, or a process performed by the vehicle-mounted device 200 may be executed. Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, and an information providing method suitable for guiding a driver so that the vehicle can be driven more safely.

100, 100A, 100B, 100B1 to 100B7 Roadside wireless device 101 Wireless communication unit 102 Communication control unit 103 Storage unit 104 Control unit 105 ROM
106 RAM
107 System Bus 200 Onboard Device 201 Communication Unit 201a GPS Module 201b VICS Module 201c ETC Module 202 Audio Processing Unit 203 Output Unit 204 Operation Unit 205 I / O Unit 206 Storage Unit 207 Control Unit 208 ROM
209 RAM
210 System bus 225 Sensor group 300 Distribution server 301 Input unit 302 Output unit 303, 304 Communication control unit 305 Storage unit 306 Control unit 307 ROM
308 RAM
309 System bus 400 Speed measuring device 500 Vehicle 510 Gate 560, 560A to 560G Route 570, 570A to 570G Guidance start position 580, 580A to 580G Communication completion position 600 Required time table 700, 1100, 1200 Gate guidance table 1000 Travel history

Claims (13)

An information providing device for providing a user with guidance on one or more openable gates mounted on a vehicle and installed on a road,
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
Distributes a predicted value that associates the speed of the vehicle when passing the position of the roadside wireless device installed on the road and the time until the gate opens after passing the position of the roadside wireless device A receiving unit for receiving from the server;
Based on the measured current position and the received predicted value, a guide unit that guides a user when to open the gate;
An information providing apparatus comprising: A plurality of the gates;
The predicted value received by the receiving unit includes route data indicating a route from the position of the roadside apparatus to each of the plurality of gate positions,
The receiving unit receives the predicted value corresponding to each of the plurality of gates;
The guide unit determines a gate to which the vehicle is heading among the plurality of gates based on the received route data and the measured current position, and determines the timing at which the determined gate is opened. Guide users,
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1. The guide unit calculates a guidance start position for starting guidance at a timing when the determined gate is opened based on route data corresponding to the determined gate among the received route data, and the positioning is performed. When the current position reaches the calculated guidance start position, the guidance of the timing at which the determined gate is opened is started.
The information providing apparatus according to claim 2. A storage unit that stores a travel history that associates the position, speed, and time of the vehicle;
The guide unit adjusts the received predicted value based on the stored traveling history, and sets the timing for opening the gate based on the adjusted predicted value instead of the received predicted value. Guide users,
The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information providing apparatus includes: A settlement unit that settles a fee required for the vehicle to pass through the gate using a credit card inserted in the information providing device;
A warning section that warns the user if the credit card is not inserted correctly;
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The plurality of gates include a dedicated gate that can be settled only by the settlement unit and a non-dedicated gate that is not,
The warning unit warns the user when the determined gate is the dedicated gate and the credit card is not inserted correctly.
The information providing apparatus according to claim 5. The guide unit updates the predicted value with the passage of time, displays the predicted value on a monitor, and / or outputs the predicted value by voice, thereby giving the user a timing to open the gate. invite,
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information providing apparatus is an information providing apparatus. An information providing system that has a distribution server, a roadside wireless device installed on a road, and an on-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, and provides a user with guidance regarding a gate that is installed on the road and can be opened and closed.
The distribution server
Stores a predicted value that associates the speed of the vehicle when passing the position of the roadside wireless device and the time from when the position of the roadside wireless device installed on the road passes until the gate opens. A storage unit to
An update unit that updates a predicted value stored in the storage unit based on the degree of congestion of the road;
A speed acquisition unit that acquires the speed of the vehicle at a position where the roadside wireless device is installed;
A transmission unit that acquires the predicted value corresponding to the acquired speed from the storage unit and transmits the predicted value to the vehicle-mounted device via the roadside wireless device;
With
The in-vehicle device is
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
A receiving unit that receives the predicted value from the distribution server via the roadside device;
Based on the measured current position and the received predicted value, a guide unit that guides the user when to open the gate;
An information providing system comprising: The update unit calculates the congestion degree based on the number of vehicles per unit time passing through the position where the roadside wireless device is installed.
The information providing system according to claim 8. The update unit updates a predicted value stored in the storage unit based on statistical data in a past period,
The degree of congestion indicates that the road is crowded as the value increases,
The period of statistical data used by the update unit when the congestion level is less than a predetermined value is longer than the period of statistical data used by the update unit when the congestion level is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.
The information providing system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The update unit updates a predicted value stored in the storage unit based on a travel history that associates the position, speed, and time of the vehicle.
The information providing system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The in-vehicle device further includes a warning unit that warns the user when a credit card is not correctly inserted,
The warning unit notifies the distribution server that payment cannot be made using the credit card when a credit card is not correctly inserted in the vehicle-mounted device,
When the distribution server receives the notification from the vehicle-mounted device, the distribution server controls to close the gate when the vehicle reaches a predetermined distance before the gate.
The information providing system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the system is provided. A positioning step to measure the current position;
Predicted value that correlates the speed of the vehicle when passing a predetermined position on the road and the time from passing through the predetermined position on the road until the openable gate installed on the road opens An acquisition step to acquire,
Based on the measured current position and the acquired predicted value, a guidance step for guiding the timing of opening the gate to the user;
An information providing method comprising:

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