JP2014032116A - Navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device capable of calculating a more accurate threshold value of electric energy.SOLUTION: A navigation device comprises: a present position detection section 5 to detect a present position of an own vehicle; an external signal input section 10 to acquire electric energy consumed by the own vehicle and a vehicle signal indicating usage of an electric components mounted on the own vehicle; a map information storage section 71 to store, for each predetermined map zone, map information including data on a chargeable area which is data indicating a distance range having a possibility that a facility capable of charging the own vehicle exists and is set on the basis of at least one or more piece of information of date information and presence/absence information on a facility card required to use the predetermined charging facility; an electricity consumption calculation section to calculate electricity consumption of the own vehicle on the basis of a travel distance thereof, the electric energy, the vehicle signal and a travel history; and an electric energy threshold value calculation section to calculate an electric energy threshold value on the basis of the electricity consumption and the chargeable area.

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device that can more accurately calculate an electric energy threshold value for preventing a battery of an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid car from being insufficient in electric energy.

  In recent years, low-pollution vehicles have been widely used worldwide to prevent environmental destruction or global warming and to protect the global environment, and is represented by electric vehicles that do not emit exhaust gas (EV). Development and sales of electric-powered vehicles are being promoted.

  However, at present, infrastructure development such as charging facilities has not progressed sufficiently, and infrastructure development varies from region to region. Under such circumstances, conventionally, as a measure for preventing an electric vehicle from becoming difficult to travel due to a shortage of battery power, the minimum amount of power (kWh) required to reach the charging facility (hereinafter, referred to as “electric vehicle”). (Referred to as an electric energy threshold value) is changed according to the travel environment such as the travel area, the use status of the electrical components of the vehicle, or the road shape. And when the electric power state (henceforth remaining electric power amount) left in the vehicle of an electric vehicle becomes below an electric energy threshold value, it notifies that to a driver | operator etc. as a warning (for example, patent documents) 1-5).

JP-A-8-140207 JP 2002-350520 A JP 2006-113887 A JP 2011-178209 A JP 2003-294463 A

  The power amount threshold value can be calculated based on “electricity cost” (travel distance per unit power) and “chargeable range” (radial distance at which a charging facility can exist). Electricity costs change under the influence of driving history reflecting the driving habits of each driver. Further, the “chargeable range” varies depending on whether or not the facility user card for using the charging facility is owned in addition to the region and the date and time. Therefore, in order to calculate an accurate electric energy threshold, it is necessary to consider conditions such as the driving history of each driver and whether or not the current charging facility can be used. Conditions such as the driving history of the driver and whether or not the current charging facility can be used are not taken into consideration, and it cannot be said that an accurate electric energy threshold is calculated.

  The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can calculate a more accurate threshold value of electric power.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a navigation device according to the present invention includes a current position detection unit that detects the current position of the host vehicle, the amount of power consumed by the host vehicle, and the electrical components mounted on the host vehicle. An acquisition unit for acquiring a vehicle signal indicating a use situation, and data indicating a distance range in which a charging facility capable of charging the own vehicle exists for each predetermined map section (hereinafter referred to as “parcel”). Map information storage for storing map information including data of a rechargeable range set based on at least one of date / time information and information on presence / absence of a facility card necessary for using a predetermined charging facility A travel distance of the host vehicle determined based on the current position of the host vehicle detected by the current position detection unit, a power amount and a vehicle signal acquired by the acquisition unit, a travel history of the host vehicle, Based on A power consumption calculation unit that calculates a power consumption that is a travel distance per unit power amount in the host vehicle, a power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation unit, and a power that is a predetermined threshold of the power amount based on the chargeable range A power amount threshold value calculation unit for calculating an amount threshold value.

  According to the present invention, a current position detection unit that detects a current position of the host vehicle, an amount of power consumed by the host vehicle, and a vehicle signal that indicates a use status of electrical components mounted on the host vehicle are acquired. Data indicating the distance range in which there can be a charging facility capable of charging the own vehicle for each section and a predetermined map section, and date and time information and a facility card necessary for using the predetermined charging facility Based on the current position of the host vehicle detected by the current position detection unit, the map information storage unit for storing the map information including the data of the chargeable range set based on at least one information of the presence information The power consumption, which is the travel distance per unit power amount in the host vehicle, is calculated based on the travel distance of the host vehicle obtained in the above, the power amount and vehicle signal acquired by the acquisition unit, and the travel history of the host vehicle. Electricity cost calculator A power amount threshold value calculating unit that calculates a power amount threshold value that is a predetermined threshold value of the power amount based on the power cost calculated by the power cost calculating unit and the chargeable range, and thus a more accurate power amount threshold value Can be calculated.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the setting menu by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the electricity consumption information display screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the electric energy threshold value display screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the charging facility acquisition setting screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display item of the power consumption information display screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display item of the electric power usage condition screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display item of the electric energy threshold value display setting screen by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the map database contained in the map information by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the chargeable range data acquisition used for calculation of the electric energy threshold value by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for calculating the electric energy threshold value by embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart for updating the latest charging facility information from an external server according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a screen transition of the determination operation | movement of the electric energy threshold value (at the time of driving | running | working guidance) by embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen transition of the determination operation | movement (at the time of path | route setting) of the electric energy threshold value by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the determination operation | movement (at the time of driving | running | working guidance) of the electric energy threshold value by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the determination | judging operation | movement (at the time of path | route setting) of the electric energy threshold by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a path | route searched by the operation | movement of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of the chargeable range according to the driving | running condition and driving | running | working condition by this embodiment, a power consumption, and an electric energy threshold value.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The navigation device according to the present embodiment is assumed to be applied as an in-vehicle navigation device mounted on an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid car. In recent years, in-vehicle navigation devices are mainly combined navigation devices in which a navigation device and an AV (Audio Visual) device operate in cooperation. Therefore, in the following, the navigation device according to the present embodiment is a combined type. It will be described as a navigation device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a map display control unit 1, a GPS receiver 3, a self-contained navigation sensor 4, a traffic information transmitting / receiving unit 6, a speaker 17, and a display 19 (display). Part). The mobile phone 20 can be connected.

  First, the outline | summary of each part with which the map display control part 1 is provided is demonstrated (details are mentioned later).

  The map display control unit 1 receives signals from the control unit 2 that controls the overall operation of the map display control unit 1, the GPS receiver 3 and the self-contained navigation sensor 4, and determines the current position and traveling direction of the host vehicle. A current position detection unit 5 to detect, and an external signal input unit 10 (acquisition) that inputs (acquires) various vehicle signals such as wipers, air conditioners, headlights, and audio and signals indicating the amount of power consumed by the host vehicle from the outside. And an information storage unit 7 for storing various information such as signals input to the external signal input unit 10, map information, or AV information.

  The map display control unit 1 also inputs an information update unit 8 for updating information in the information storage unit 7 based on an instruction from the control unit 2 and an information input for inputting (acquiring) information about a map or information about AV from the outside. And an instruction input unit 11 that receives (inputs) an instruction from a user of the navigation device (hereinafter simply referred to as a user).

  In addition, the map display control unit 1 calculates a desired route from the current position of the host vehicle to a point desired by the user (predetermined point), and a facility search unit 12 that searches for a facility or place desired by the user. The route calculation unit 13 (route calculation unit) to be provided, and guidance information for guiding the direction of the own vehicle to travel at predetermined key points so that the user does not get lost during traveling And a guidance guide unit 14 that performs processing for the purpose.

  Further, an information drawing unit 15 that performs information processing for drawing a map or guidance information and performs information processing for visually providing a user with various function settings of the navigation device as a menu screen. And a display control unit 18 that performs control for display on the display 19 based on a result of information processing by the information drawing unit 15, and audio information from the speaker 17 among AV information or guidance information. And a voice control unit 16 for controlling the above.

  Next, the detail of each part with which the navigation apparatus by this Embodiment is provided is demonstrated.

  The GPS receiver 3 is for applying a satellite navigation system that measures the current position of the host vehicle based on radio waves from GPS satellites.

  The self-contained navigation sensor 4 is for applying a self-contained navigation system that detects the current position and direction of the host vehicle based on various sensors. The self-contained navigation sensor 4 includes an orientation sensor that detects the orientation of the host vehicle, a travel distance sensor that detects the number of rotations of the wheels of the host vehicle, and calculates a travel distance.

  The current position detection unit 5 receives signals from the GPS receiver 3 and the self-contained navigation sensor 4 and performs a map matching based on map information described later by using the satellite navigation system and the self-contained navigation system together on the map. This is for detecting the current position and traveling direction of the host vehicle. Here, map matching refers to, for example, road information included in map information described later and a travel locus of the host vehicle including a left / right turn, and the detected current position of the host vehicle is compared with road information. It is a method of calculating the most probable position on the map as the current position of the vehicle.

  The traffic information transmitting / receiving unit 6 receives or transmits traffic information sequentially or at a predetermined timing, and includes FM multiplex broadcasting, radio wave beacons, and optical beacons (typically, Vehicle Information & Communication System: VICS (registration). (Trademark))) can be received, and information including traffic conditions, traffic distance, traffic regulation, travel time, etc. of each road can be acquired. In recent years, DSRC (Dedicate Short Range Communication) is also being adopted as the traffic information transmission / reception unit 6, and various services can be provided to the user by using it for two-way communication or one-way communication between the roadside device and the vehicle-mounted device. Can be provided. Further, when the traffic information transmitting / receiving unit 6 functions as a transmitter for transmitting traffic information, it transmits information related to the host vehicle, for example, information called current position, traveling speed, or other probe information.

  The mobile phone 20 can acquire various types of information (for example, charging facility information in the present embodiment) from the outside, and the acquired information is included in the map information in the map information storage unit 71 via the control unit 2. Stored in beta base.

  The information storage unit 7 stores information necessary for a navigation function or an entertainment function. Typically, a map information storage unit 71 that stores map information, and AV information related to AV such as audio, video, or both information are stored. The AV information storage unit 72 is stored, and these are constituted by a memory.

  The map information storage unit 71 stores a map obtained by layering a plurality of maps corresponding to a predetermined scale, and the map information includes map display information. Here, map display information refers to “road information” relating to roads, “facility information (type, name, position, etc.)” relating to facilities, “various character information (location names, facility names, intersection names, road names, etc.)”, Alternatively, it includes at least one piece of information such as “various icon information (facility, road number, etc.)” and is displayed on the display 19. In the map information storage unit 71, information for guidance (position information of a predetermined important point, drawing information at the relevant point, voice guidance information, etc.) used in the guidance guide unit 14 or data not displayed on the display 19 is stored. Information (for example, information that expresses roads with line segments called links and points called nodes, link costs as the load required to travel the link, or a variety of other information) is also included. ing. Note that the map information and AV information stored in the information storage unit 7 can be changed, and the information update unit 8 instructed by the control unit 2 performs partial update, partial addition, partial deletion, and total deletion. Alternatively, it is possible to change information such as updating all.

  The information input unit 9 supplies map information or AV information to the navigation device from the outside. That is, the information input unit 9 can be used to input information from the outside and update the information in the information storage unit 7. Here, the external information input to the information input unit 9 is specifically map information or AV information. The information input unit 9 includes an insertion unit for receiving disk media represented by CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) including map information and AV information, and semiconductor media represented by SD card. The above information is read from the media inserted in the insertion section. The read information is stored in the map information storage unit 71 and the AV information storage unit 72 via the control unit 2.

  The instruction input unit 11 receives an instruction from the user and inputs the instruction to each unit of the navigation device. As various instructions by the user, recognition of recognizing instructions from hardware switches provided in the navigation device, touch switches displayed by setting on the display to be described later, a remote control installed on a handle, etc., a separate remote control An instruction by a device or a voice recognition device that recognizes an instruction by a user's voice can be given.

  The facility search unit 12 searches for a desired facility from facility information including information on the charging facility stored in the map information storage unit 71. Based on the user's instruction received by the instruction input unit 11, the facility search unit 12 The facility information included in the map information in the information storage unit 71 is searched to search for a desired facility or place. The search result obtained by the facility search unit 12 is displayed on the display 19 or the like and presented to the user.

  The route calculation unit 13 calculates an optimum route (hereinafter also referred to as a recommended route) from the current position of the host vehicle to a point set by the user (such as a destination or a waypoint). The recommended route is calculated based on the current position of the host vehicle acquired from 5, the point information input from the instruction input unit 11, the map information obtained from the map information storage unit 71, and the like. The recommended route calculated by the route calculation unit 13 is displayed on the display 19 and presented to the user. As an example of the route calculation by the route calculation unit 13, there is a known Dijkstra method for accumulating the link cost assigned to each link representing each road as a line segment and calculating the route having the minimum link cost. . As examples of recommended routes, the route with the shortest distance (shortest), the route with the shortest required time (fastest), the route with the lowest cost including the cost of the toll road (cheap), and the best fuel efficiency. A route (low fuel consumption) or a route (standard) having a good balance between required time and cost may be selected. Further, a plurality of routes may be presented in each option, for example, in the shortest. The plurality of routes presented at this time are not necessarily the shortest of all routes, but are presented with a certain amount of tolerance. The same applies to other options (fastest, cheap, low fuel consumption, standard, etc.).

  The guidance and guidance unit 14 takes a predetermined turn in advance by taking into account the right or left turn ahead while traveling on a point that should change course such as an intersection or a branch road while traveling on a recommended route, a point that is easily mistaken, or a road that has multiple lanes. A user's driving operation is assisted at a predetermined important point such as a point to guide the lane to be changed. The guidance guide unit 14 includes the current position of the host vehicle acquired from the current position detection unit 5, the recommended route acquired from the route calculation unit 13, and the guidance information included in the map information acquired from the map information storage unit 71. Based on this, when the vehicle reaches a certain important point, for example, an intersection, the direction to proceed at the intersection is visually given by an arrow or a paint color on the road, and further expanded or expanded enlarged guide The control unit 2 is instructed to output the figure. Alternatively, the direction in which the host vehicle should travel is visually assigned, and the control unit 2 is instructed to output an actual image of the relevant point or an image similar thereto.

  The information drawing unit 15 is for instructing the control unit 2 to output drawing information for drawing various desired information such as characters and images on the display 19, and is received via at least the instruction input unit 11. A map drawing unit 151 for drawing a desired map by processing the map information based on an instruction from the user. In addition, it includes a menu drawing unit 152 that manages the state of the menu screen and draws the menu screen. Here, although a specific operation will be described later, the map drawing unit 151 includes a map information storage unit 71, a current position detection unit 5, a facility search unit 12, a route calculation unit 13, a guidance guide unit 14, and a menu drawing unit. Necessary information is acquired from 152, information to be displayed on the display 19 is processed based on the acquired information, and a processing result is output to the display control unit 18 via the control unit 2. Based on the output from the map drawing unit 151, the display control unit 18 instructs the control unit 2 to draw a desired map on the display 19 connected to the display control unit 18. The display 19 draws desired information on the screen based on an instruction from the display control unit 18 controlled by the control unit 2.

  In addition, the menu drawing unit 152 instructs the control unit 2 to draw a desired menu on the display 19 via the display control unit 18 based on the instruction from the user acquired from the instruction input unit 11. The menu drawing includes setting of a touch switch that is set to be displayed on the screen of the display 19, and when the user operates the touch switch, the operation is recognized by the instruction input unit 11. ing.

  The display control unit 18 can draw not only information on the display 19 based on the instruction of the map drawing unit 151 but also image information stored in the AV information storage unit 72 on the display 19.

  The voice control unit 16 can control the speaker 17 to output the voice based on the guidance information from the guidance guide unit 14. A plurality of speakers 17 are installed (only one is shown in FIG. 1), and the voice control unit 16 controls to output guidance information from speakers near the driver's seat. Note that the speakers 17 are not necessarily the same, and the roles are shared by speakers having different structures, such as those that mainly output high sounds, those that mainly output middle sounds, and those that mainly output low sounds. There may be. Here, it is desirable that the speaker used for outputting the guidance information mainly outputs middle sounds in consideration of easy listening. In addition to the AV information output speaker 17, a dedicated speaker for outputting the guidance information may be incorporated in the navigation device.

  Further, the audio control unit 16 can control the audio information stored in the AV information storage unit 72 or the audio information acquired from the information input unit 9 to be output to each speaker 17 with an appropriate distribution. When the information acquired from the AV information storage unit 72 or the information input unit 9 includes both audio information such as TV broadcast and DVD and video information, the audio control unit 16 stores the audio information. While controlling to output to the speaker 17, the display control unit 18 controls to output video information to the display 19, and the entertainment function is realized by operating the audio control unit 16 and the display control unit 18 in cooperation with each other. To do.

  Next, the operation of the car navigation apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

  First, various setting operations in the car navigation apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transition example of the setting menu according to the present embodiment. The display 19 of the navigation device according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a map display screen that displays information about the map such as the current position and route of the host vehicle, and a setting that is displayed to set various information in the navigation device. Screen.

  When an operation to change the screen displayed on the display 19 is performed by the user, the operation is input to the instruction input unit 11. Thereafter, processing according to the user's instruction is executed in the information drawing unit 15, and the changed screen is displayed on the display 19 via the control unit 2 and the display control unit 18. In the following description, it is assumed that the operation for changing the screen by the user or the operation for setting various information is a touch operation on the display 19.

  The map display screen shows a state in which the user selects and displays that the vicinity of the current position of the own vehicle is displayed. For example, a map of 1 km square with the own vehicle as the center of the screen is displayed. Yes. The display of the map around the current position of the host vehicle is considered to have the most display opportunities when using the navigation device. At this time, the current position of the host vehicle is calculated by the current position detector 5 based on information such as the GPS receiver 3 and the autonomous navigation sensor 4.

  When the user selects the “setting” button in a state where the map display screen is displayed on the display 19, the map display screen displayed on the display 19 transitions (changes) to the setting screen.

  On the setting screen, buttons for executing the three functions of “power consumption information display”, “power amount threshold display / setting”, and “charging facility information acquisition setting” are displayed, and the setting screen displays the map display screen. A “return” switch for returning is displayed. Selecting the “Display Electricity Information” button displays the electric energy information display screen, selecting the “Power Threshold Display / Setting” button displays the electric energy threshold display setting screen, and selecting the “Charge Facility Information Acquisition Setting” button. The charging facility information acquisition setting screen is displayed. In addition, when a “return” button on each screen is selected, a setting screen is displayed. Hereinafter, each function of “electricity cost information display”, “electric energy threshold display / setting”, and “charging facility information acquisition setting” will be described.

  “Electricity information display” will be described.

  When the “display electricity consumption information” button on the setting screen is selected, an electricity consumption information display screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. The electricity cost information display screen displays the accumulated electricity cost (km / kWh), travel distance (km), and power consumption (kWh). Here, the travel distance is obtained by monitoring the current position of the host vehicle (cumulative current position) calculated by the current position detector 5. Further, the power consumption is obtained by accumulating the power input as a signal to the external signal input unit 10. The accumulated power consumption is calculated based on the accumulated travel distance and the accumulated power consumption, and varies depending on the driving situation (stop, vehicle speed, travel route, etc.) for each driver.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing display items on the electricity cost information display screen shown in FIG. The “cumulative power consumption”, “travel distance”, and “power consumption” displayed on the power consumption information display screen are updated by the travel (movement) of the host vehicle. Further, the initial value of the accumulated power consumption is a specified value for each vehicle type, and the specified value is a specified value at the time of purchase of the navigation device according to the present embodiment.

  When the “power usage status” button on the power consumption information display screen shown in FIG. 3 is selected, a power usage status screen showing the power consumption for each ON / OFF state pattern of the vehicle signal is displayed. The ON / OFF state pattern of the vehicle signal is a combination of ON / OFF of electrical components (for example, wiper, air conditioner, headlight, audio, etc.) mounted on the vehicle other than the navigation device according to the present embodiment. Further, the ON / OFF state of the vehicle signal is detected by the external signal input unit 10. At the same time, the control unit 2 calculates (counts) the number of stops, the number of gradients, the number of curves, and the average speed of the host vehicle based on each information input via the external signal input unit 10. Here, the number of stops of the host vehicle indicates the number of times the host vehicle has stopped while traveling, the number of slopes indicates the number of sloped points on the road on which the host vehicle is traveling, and the number of curves indicates the number of curves The number of curved points on the inside road is shown, and the average speed means the average speed while the host vehicle is traveling.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing display items on the power usage status screen shown in FIG. 3. The power usage status screen displays the results of measuring “electricity cost”, “travel distance”, “power consumption”, “number of stops”, “number of gradients”, “number of curves”, and “average speed” in the ON / OFF state of each electrical component. To display. As a result, the power consumption according to the driver's bag and the travel route is calculated, and a more reliable power amount threshold value can be obtained. The initial value of the electricity cost is a specified value for each vehicle type, and the specified value is a specified value at the time of purchase of the navigation device according to the present embodiment, but is updated according to the driving situation.

  The power consumption information display screen and the power usage status screen of FIG. 3 have a function of returning various data to initial values (default values) by arranging an “initial value” button and selecting the “initial value” button. . The items to be initialized are all items on the power consumption information display screen and the power usage status screen, and initial value data is set via the external signal input unit 10. 6 and 7, after setting the initial value, a message such as “Returned electricity consumption to the initial value” is displayed on the screen.

  “Power threshold value display / setting” will be described.

  When the “power amount threshold value display / setting” button on the setting screen is selected, the power amount threshold value display setting screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. On the power amount threshold value display setting screen, power amount threshold values (first threshold value and second threshold value) for performing a charging warning are displayed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing display items on the power threshold display setting screen shown in FIG. Here, the first threshold (first electric energy threshold) indicates the lowest electric energy that the host vehicle can reach the charging facility, and the second threshold (second electric energy threshold) is smaller than the first threshold. , Indicates the amount of power that the vehicle seems to be unable to reach the charging facility.

  Further, on the power amount threshold value display setting screen, the power amount threshold value can be set to either variable or fixed. When the power amount threshold value is variably set, the power amount threshold value is updated as needed according to the traveling environment of the host vehicle. The power amount threshold value is calculated based on the power consumption (km / kWh) and the chargeable range (km). The chargeable range includes a radial distance (first distance) where a charging facility capable of charging the host vehicle can exist and a radial distance (second distance) where no charging facility is expected. Yes, the first distance and the second distance are set based on at least one piece of information for each condition (location of vehicle, date and time, presence / absence of facility user card (facility card)). It shall be held (per parcel). Here, the facility user card refers to a card necessary for using the charging facility.

  On the other hand, when the power amount threshold is set to be fixed, the power amount threshold can be manually input. Specifically, for example, it is possible to manually input a portion surrounded by a broken line on the power amount threshold value display setting screen.

  The power threshold display setting screen also has a function of returning various data to initial values (default values) by arranging an “initial value” button and selecting the “initial value” button. Items to be initialized are all items on the power amount threshold value display setting screen, and initial value data is set via the external signal input unit 10. Based on FIG. 8, after the initial value is set, a wording such as “the power amount threshold has been returned to the initial value” is displayed on the screen.

  The “charging facility information acquisition setting” will be described.

  When the “charging facility information acquisition setting” button on the setting screen is selected, a charging facility information acquisition setting screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. The charging facility information acquisition setting screen is a setting screen for acquiring charging facility points and charging range information (hereinafter referred to as charging facility information) from the outside via the Internet. On the charging facility information acquisition setting screen, settings for whether or not the latest charging facility information is automatically acquired (automatic acquisition) while the host vehicle is traveling and server information for information acquisition are set.

  In addition, it has a function of acquiring (manually acquiring) the latest charging facility information by selecting the “acquire information” button on the charging facility information acquisition setting screen. The manual acquisition of charging facility information can be selected for updating all regions in the map database or updating only a specific region (generally a region around the vehicle). When the “acquisition start” button on the charging facility information acquisition screen is selected, charging facility information acquisition processing is performed, and a message such as “update of charging facility information completed” is displayed on the screen.

  In this way, by sequentially acquiring the latest charging facility information, the latest chargeable range can be included in the map information, and the credibility of the power amount threshold calculated using the chargeable range can be increased. .

  Here, the map database included in the map information stored in the map information storage unit 71 will be described in relation to the chargeable range.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of a map database included in the map information stored in the map information storage unit 71 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, only the part related to the present embodiment in the map database is shown.

  As described above, the map information stored in the map information storage unit 71 is a hierarchy of a plurality of maps corresponding to a predetermined scale. The map in each hierarchy is delimited by parcels, and holds data on the chargeable range for each parcel. The chargeable range is set for each date / time and facility user card presence / absence condition in one parcel.

  The chargeable range varies depending on the number of business shops of the charging facility. For example, if the charging facility is often closed (such as New Year's Day or late at night) (the possibility of closing is high), the rechargeable range will be wide (the power threshold will be high), otherwise When it appears that there are many cases where the charging facility is open, the chargeable range is narrowed (the electric energy threshold is lowered). The chargeable range also changes when the host vehicle moves and the parcel changes. For example, if you move from a rural area to an urban area, the number of charging facilities near your vehicle will increase, so the chargeable range will be narrowed. If you move from an urban area to a rural area, you will be charged near your vehicle. As the number of facilities decreases, the chargeable range becomes wider.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining chargeable range data acquisition based on the map database shown in FIG. 9. In the map shown in FIG. 10, the black triangle mark indicates the position of the host vehicle, and the host vehicle travels along a route via points A to F. In addition, the ranges delimited by broken lines in the figure indicate parcels, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the chargeable range is stored in units of parcels. Further, the chargeable range is acquired from the parcel (region) where the host vehicle is located (exists) depending on the position of the host vehicle. For example, in FIG. 10, when the own vehicle exists at the point A, the chargeable range is acquired from the parcel including the point A. At this time, the chargeable range is acquired in consideration of conditions such as the acquired date and the presence / absence of a facility user card. The acquired chargeable range is used for calculation of an electric energy threshold which will be described in detail later.

  A method for calculating the electric energy threshold will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for this purpose.

  The electric energy threshold (kWh) can be calculated by “chargeable range (km) / electric cost (km / kWh)”. As described above, the chargeable range is stored in the map database corresponding to each condition, but as described later (FIG. 12), an external server (hereinafter referred to as “charging facility management server”) via the Internet. You may make it acquire from. Here, the charging facility management server refers to a server connected to the Internet that manages charging facility information (charging spot + chargeable range). It is assumed that the power amount threshold value is calculated by a function unit (power amount threshold value calculating unit) that calculates the power amount threshold value in the control unit 2. The power amount threshold value calculation unit may be provided independently of the control unit 2. The power consumption is calculated sequentially from the travel distance (km) and the power consumption (kWh), and the total “cumulative power consumption” and “detailed power consumption” in each vehicle signal ON / OFF state are recorded.

  Now, the operation will be described in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

  The “electricity cost” for calculating the electric energy threshold is calculated as follows.

  In step S1101, “cumulative power consumption” is calculated from the cumulative travel distance and the cumulative power consumption. The initial value of the accumulated power consumption is a specified value determined by the vehicle, and this value changes as the vehicle travels, and gradually becomes a highly reliable value. Separately from the accumulated power consumption, the power consumption in each vehicle signal ON / OFF state is recorded in steps S1102 to S1103.

  The “chargeable range” is acquired by referring to data matching the conditions from the map database. The “chargeable range” stored in the map database can be downloaded from an external server (charging facility management server) on the Internet because the credibility is lost when the data becomes old (FIG. 12).

  If the power amount threshold value is “variable” in step S1104, a chargeable range corresponding to the traveling environment is acquired in steps S1105 to S1109. If it is not “variable” (fixed), it is not necessary to calculate the power amount threshold value, so this process is skipped. The chargeable range is changed when the date and time or the vehicle position changes more than specified.

  Further, if the route is set in the determination in step S1110, the power consumption when traveling the route is predicted from the past travel history. That is, in step S1111, the power consumption is calculated taking into account the number of stops, the number of gradients, the number of curves, and the average speed. If the route is not set, in step S1111, the power consumption in the vehicle signal ON / OFF state is used for calculating the electric energy threshold (without considering the travel history), whereas the route is set. In consideration of the driving history, an appropriate power consumption considering the driving habits of the driver is calculated and reflected in the power amount threshold value.

  Specifically, the power consumption considering the traveling history is obtained by the following formula (1).

  Calculate the average speed based on the number of stops (for example, the number of traffic lights and intersections), the number of slopes (for example, the number of upslopes), the number of curves, and the presence or absence of traffic jams from the set route. The travel history is compared to find the ratio. By multiplying the detailed power consumption by each ratio, it is possible to calculate the power consumption considering the travel history.

Electricity cost = "Detailed electricity cost" x Ratio 1 x Ratio 2 x Ratio 3 x Ratio 4 (1)
It becomes. Here, ratio 1... Ratio by the number of stops, ratio 2... Ratio by the number of gradients, ratio 3... Ratio by the number of curves, ratio 4.

  As described above, by changing the data of “electricity cost” and “chargeable range” depending on the driving environment, the optimum threshold value of electric energy is always calculated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for updating to the latest charging facility information (charging spot + chargeable range) using the charging facility management server.

  When the navigation device is activated in step S1201, it is determined in steps S1202 and S1203 whether the connection condition of the charging facility management server is met, and if it matches, the server is accessed. In step S1204, it is determined whether the charging facility information on the map database is the latest. If the information is not the latest, the latest data is acquired in step S1205. If it is the latest, this process is skipped.

  Charging facility information is acquired on a regional basis. When entering the adjacent acquisition area due to movement of the own vehicle position by own vehicle traveling, if the charging facility information in that area is not the latest, data is acquired from the charging facility management server.

  Next, the power amount threshold value determination operation (during travel guidance) of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, the guidance guidance when the remaining power amount of the host vehicle is equal to or less than the power amount threshold value will be described. FIG. 13 shows a screen transition example, and FIG. 15 shows a flowchart.

  In step S1501, an arbitrary screen is displayed on the display 19. Note that step S1501 corresponds to step S1301 in FIG.

  In step S1502, the latest charging facility information is acquired. Note that step S1502 is the same as the process shown in FIG.

  In step S1503, an electric energy threshold (first threshold and second threshold) is calculated based on the power consumption and the chargeable range. Note that step S1503 corresponds to step S1113 in FIG.

  In step S1504, the remaining power amount of the host vehicle is acquired.

  In step S1505, it is determined whether the remaining power amount is equal to or less than the first threshold value. If the remaining power amount is less than or equal to the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S1506. That is, attention is paid to the driver that there is little remaining power to travel, and the nearest charging facility is searched for by the facility search unit 12, and when the charging facility is found, the route calculation unit 13 reaches the charging facility. A route is set and guidance is provided by the guidance guide unit 14. On the other hand, if the remaining power amount is not less than or equal to the first threshold, the process moves to step S1501 and continues as it is. Note that step S1505 corresponds to step S1305 in FIG.

  In step S1506, it is determined whether the remaining power amount is equal to or less than the second threshold value. If the remaining power amount is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1507. If the remaining power amount is not equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1511.

  In step S1507, it is determined whether or not the charging facility is set as a transit point (by the first threshold determination). If the charging facility is set as a transit point, it is further determined in step S1508 whether there is a remaining power amount that can reach the set charging facility. If it is possible to reach the charging facility with the remaining power amount, in step S1510, attention is given to the fact that the second threshold value has been reached, and guidance to the charging facility is performed as it is. On the other hand, if the charging facility is not set as a transit point, or if it is determined in step S1508 that the charging facility cannot be reached, the process proceeds to step S1509 to issue a warning that there is no charging facility in the vicinity.

  As in steps S1509 to S1511 described above, the content of notification to the user is changed according to the remaining power amount. About these, a telop and an icon are displayed on the screen through the display 19. Alternatively, it may be notified by sound from the speaker 17 instead of the screen display, or may be notified by both screen display and sound.

  Next, the power amount threshold value determination operation (during route setting) of the navigation device according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, in particular, a case where route search and guidance are performed by setting a destination or waypoint will be described. FIG. 14 shows a screen transition example, and FIG. 16 shows a flowchart.

  In step S1601, the destination or waypoint is set by the user via the instruction input unit 11. Note that step S1601 corresponds to steps S1401 and S1402 in FIG.

  In step S1602, it is determined whether or not the vehicle can reach the destination or waypoint set in step S1601 with the remaining power amount of the host vehicle. The first threshold value used in the determination is a value displayed on the power amount threshold value display setting screen shown in FIG. That is, the first threshold value at the current location. If it is possible to reach the set destination or waypoint, the process proceeds to step S1608. If it is not possible to reach the set destination or waypoint, the process proceeds to step S1603. Note that step S1602 corresponds to step S1403 in FIG.

  In step S1603, a point at which the vehicle can travel in the destination direction (on the recommended route) (hereinafter referred to as “travelable point”) is calculated based on the remaining power. The travelable point is calculated by the following equation (2).

Travelable point (distance) = (remaining power amount-first threshold) x electricity cost (2)
In step S1604, it is determined whether or not the first power amount threshold value at the travelable point calculated in step S1603 is greater than the first threshold value at the current point. Here, the first electric energy threshold value at the travelable point is calculated based on the chargeable range and the power consumption at the travelable point. If the first power amount threshold value at the travelable point is greater than the first threshold value at the current point, the process proceeds to step S1605. If the first power amount threshold value at the travelable point is not greater than the first threshold value at the current point, the process proceeds to step S1606. To do.

  In step S1605, the travelable point (distance) is recalculated using the first electric energy threshold at the travelable point.

  In step S1606, the user is informed that the vehicle cannot travel to the destination or waypoint with remaining power. For example, a display (telop display) is displayed on the screen of the display 19 to the effect that “the amount of power has been reduced. Search for the nearest charging facility”. Alternatively, it may be notified by sound from the speaker 17 instead of the screen display, or may be notified by both screen display and sound. Note that step S1606 corresponds to step S1404.

  In step S1607, the nearest charging facility is searched from the travelable points calculated in step S1603 or step S1605 and set as the destination. Here, the search for the nearest charging facility is performed by the facility search unit 12.

  In step S1608, a route to the destination or waypoint set in step S1601 or the destination set in step S1607 is searched for guidance. Here, the route search is performed by the route calculation unit 13, and the guidance is performed by the guidance guide unit 14. Note that step S1608 corresponds to step S1406 and step S1407 in FIG. If the vehicle can travel to the destination or waypoint set in step S1601, the fact that the destination or waypoint is set is displayed on the screen of the display 19 as in step S1405 of FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route when the processes of FIGS. 16 and 14 are performed.

  If there is sufficient power to go to the destination or waypoint set in step S1601 in FIG. 16, the route indicated by the bold line in the figure is searched for guidance guidance along this route (this is "Normal route"). In addition, when it is determined that the destination or waypoint cannot be reached with the remaining electric energy, a route marked with a triangle in the figure is searched. At this time, the vehicle travels on a normal route to a point where the remaining power amount becomes the first power amount threshold value (travelable distance point), and a route calculating unit calculates a route from the travelable distance point to the nearest charging facility. 13 is a recommended route, and guidance guidance is performed along the route.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a change example of the chargeable range, the power consumption, and the electric energy threshold according to the driving situation and the traveling situation according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18A shows a change in the chargeable range, FIG. 18B shows a change in power consumption, and FIG. 18C shows a change in the electric energy threshold.

  A change in the chargeable range shown in FIG.

  When the navigation device is activated (ACC: ON), the chargeable range is acquired based on the location where the host vehicle exists and the time at the time of activation. At this time, the own vehicle is assumed to be in a rural area. After that, when driving and entering an urban area where the number of charging facilities seems to be large, the chargeable range is narrowed. After that, when traveling at night in urban areas, the chargeable range is expanded, and when entering the rural area at midnight, the chargeable range is further expanded.

  Next, the change in electricity consumption shown in FIG.

  When the navigation device is activated (ACC: ON), the accumulated power consumption is set as the power consumption used for calculating the power amount threshold value. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the average power consumption considering the state of the vehicle signal is set as the power consumption used for the calculation of the power amount threshold. After that, if there is a change in the vehicle signal, the average power consumption considering the state of the vehicle signal after the predetermined time has elapsed after the vehicle signal (wiper and headlight in the figure) is turned on. The electricity cost used for the calculation of After that, when there is a change in the road condition, the power consumption considering the road condition (congestion, that is, low-speed driving in the figure) is set as the power consumption used for calculation of the electric energy threshold.

  Next, the change in the electric energy threshold shown in FIG.

  The power amount threshold value can be calculated based on the chargeable range and the power consumption, and shows a change as shown in FIG.

  From the above, according to the navigation device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately calculate the electric energy threshold considering the traveling history of the host vehicle or the vehicle signal. Therefore, even if the vehicle is traveling in an area where there are few charging facilities, it can be prevented that it becomes difficult to travel due to a shortage of batteries. In addition, even if the vehicle cannot reach the charging facility, the driver can be notified in advance by screen display or voice before the battery runs out, and the driver can take appropriate measures in preparation for the battery running out. Can take. Moreover, since the latest chargeable range set based on the date information and the facility user card is used, it is possible to calculate a power amount threshold value corresponding to the driving situation.

  In the navigation device shown in FIG. 1, the GPS receiver 3, the autonomous navigation sensor 4, the traffic information transmission / reception unit 6, the speaker 17, and the display 19 are provided outside the map display control unit 1. You may make it provide in the inside of the control part 1. FIG.

  Further, in the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the current position detection unit 5 has been described as adopting a hybrid system that uses both a satellite navigation system and a self-contained navigation system, but either a satellite navigation system or a self-contained navigation system is used. You may make it employ | adopt.

  In the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, when the traffic information transmitting / receiving unit 6 does not exchange traffic information bidirectionally, the traffic information transmitting / receiving unit 6 is replaced with a traffic information receiving unit that functions as a receiver for receiving traffic information. May be.

  In the navigation device shown in FIG. 1, a typical example of the information storage unit 7 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but a memory device using a semiconductor element may also be used.

  In the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the information input unit 9 can also function as the information storage unit 7. That is, information from the medium input to the information input unit 9 may be stored in the information storage unit 7, but without providing the information storage unit 7, the information input unit 9 has a function of storing media information. May be. As a modification of the information input unit 9, the information input unit 9 may connect a portable medium having USB (Universal Serial Bus) information directly or by wire. The portable media may include a portable music player or a device equipped with the function. In addition, the information input unit 9 and a portable information communication device such as a mobile phone or a portable tablet may be connected by wire, but they do not need to be physically connected, and exchange information wirelessly. You may do it. Here, the wireless means that it is not connected to the wired line by a line, and the information exchange method (radio wave, light, etc.) does not matter.

  In addition, the information input unit 9 incorporates a communication device that exchanges information with an external information center that is separately installed, and depending on the communication device, for example, information of either map information or AV information, or other information You may give and receive. Note that the information input unit 9 may use the above-described portable information communication device instead of incorporating the communication device.

  In the first embodiment, the information drawing unit 15 and the display control unit 18 are described as separate functional units. However, the information drawing unit 15 and the display control unit 18 may be integrated.

  In the first embodiment, each representative function unit has been described as being independent of the control unit 2. However, each of these functions, for example, the current position detection unit 5, the information update unit 8, and the facility search are described. The unit 12, the route calculation unit 13, the guidance guide unit 14, the information drawing unit 15, the display control unit 18, and the voice control unit 16 may be built in the control unit 2. For example, these functions may be achieved by a microcomputer. It may be.

  Further, the navigation device according to the present embodiment may be an independent system that operates based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit 71, and when necessary, the map information in the necessary range is transmitted from the outside by communication. Even if it uses a communication method that is obtained through 9 and the stored map information is temporarily stored in a work memory unit inside a navigation device composed of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like. Good.

  In addition, in FIG. 11, when the vehicle speed (average vehicle speed) of the host vehicle fluctuates by a predetermined value or more, a process for calculating the power consumption considering the fluctuating vehicle speed may be added.

  In the present invention, the embodiments can be appropriately modified and omitted within the scope of the invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Map display control part, 2 Control unit, 3 GPS receiver, 4 Autonomous navigation sensor, 5 Current position detection part, 6 Traffic information transmission / reception part, 7 Information storage part, 8 Information update part, 9 Information input part, 10 External signal Input section, 11 Instruction input section, 12 Facility search section, 13 Route calculation section, 14 Guide guidance section, 15 Information drawing section, 16 Voice control section, 17 Speaker, 18 Display control section, 19 Display, 20 Mobile phone, 71 Map Information storage unit, 72 AV information storage unit, 151 Map drawing unit, 152 Menu drawing unit.

Claims (15)

A current position detector for detecting the current position of the host vehicle;
An acquisition unit that acquires an amount of electric power consumed by the host vehicle and a vehicle signal indicating a use state of an electrical component mounted on the host vehicle;
It is data indicating a distance range in which a charging facility capable of charging the host vehicle can exist for each predetermined map section, and includes date and time information and a facility card necessary for using the predetermined charging facility. A map information storage unit for storing map information including data of a chargeable range set based on at least one piece of information on presence / absence information;
The travel distance of the host vehicle determined based on the current position of the host vehicle detected by the current position detection unit, the power amount and the vehicle signal acquired by the acquisition unit, and the host vehicle Based on the travel history of the vehicle, a power consumption calculation unit that calculates a power consumption that is a travel distance per unit power amount in the host vehicle,
An electric energy threshold calculating unit that calculates an electric energy threshold that is a predetermined threshold of the electric energy based on the electric energy calculated by the electric energy calculating unit and the chargeable range;
A navigation device comprising:   The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the travel history includes the number of stops of the host vehicle, the number of gradients, the number of curves, or an average speed. The power amount threshold value includes a first power amount threshold value and a second power amount threshold value smaller than the first power amount threshold value,
The first power amount threshold value and the second power amount threshold value can be a variable setting that automatically changes according to a driving environment and a fixed setting that does not change.
The first power amount threshold indicates the amount of power that the host vehicle can reach the charging facility,
3. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the second power amount threshold indicates the amount of power that the host vehicle cannot reach the charging facility. 4.   The data of the charging facility and the chargeable range can be acquired from an external server in order to always maintain the map database included in the map information in the latest state. The navigation device according to any one of the above.   The data of the charging facility and the chargeable range is obtained when the navigation device is activated or in the adjacent area where the chargeable range acquired in the area where the own vehicle actually exists is located in the traveling direction of the own vehicle. 5. The navigation device according to claim 4, wherein the navigation device is automatically updated when it is reached.   The navigation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the charging facility and the chargeable range data are manually updated at an arbitrary timing. A facility search unit for searching for a desired facility from facility information including information on the charging facility;
The said facility search part searches the said charging facility around the present position of the said vehicle when the said electric power becomes below the said electric energy threshold value, The Claim 1 thru | or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Navigation device. A route calculation unit that calculates a route from the current position of the host vehicle to a predetermined point;
The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the route calculation unit calculates a route from the current position of the host vehicle to the charging facility searched by the facility search unit.   The navigation apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a route guide unit that guides the traveling of the host vehicle according to the route calculated by the route calculation unit.   When the route calculation unit determines that the host vehicle cannot travel to the predetermined point with the remaining power amount, the power amount indicating the power amount at which the host vehicle can reach the charging facility at the current point The travelable distance from the current point of the host vehicle is calculated based on the threshold value, or the power threshold value at the travelable point that is a point traveled from the current point by the travelable distance is the current point. If the power amount threshold value is greater than the power amount threshold value, the travelable distance is recalculated based on the power amount threshold value at the travelable point, and the route from the travelable point to the nearest charging facility is calculated. The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein the navigation device is characterized. A display unit for displaying predetermined information;
The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the display unit displays information indicating a caution or a warning when the power becomes equal to or less than the power amount threshold value. An audio output unit that outputs predetermined information as audio;
The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the voice output unit outputs, as a voice, information indicating a caution or a warning when the power falls below the power amount threshold value.   The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the power amount threshold value can be set to an arbitrary fixed value.   The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the vehicle signal includes a signal indicating a combination of a wiper, an air conditioner, a headlight, or an audio ON / OFF state of the host vehicle. .   The navigation device according to claim 14, wherein the power consumption calculation unit calculates the power consumption using the vehicle signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ON / OFF state has changed.

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