JP2016176699A - Route search device, route search method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a route search device that can output information on the number of facilities along a route from a current place to a destination.SOLUTION: A route search device 1, which searches for a route from a current place to a destination based on map information 13a, includes: a storage unit 13 storing facility positions information 13b; a facility search unit searching for facilities along the route from the current place to the destination based on the facility positions information 13b stored in the storage unit 13; a number-of-facility determination unit determining the number of facilities found by the facility search unit; and an input/output unit 14 outputting information on the number of facilities determined by the number-of-facility determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a route search apparatus, a route search method, and a computer program for searching for a route from a current location to a destination and facilities located along the route.

  There is a navigation device that detects the position of a vehicle by GPS, searches for a route from a current location to a designated destination, and guides the destination (for example, Patent Document 1). The navigation device according to Patent Literature 1 has a function of displaying a route to a destination on a map, analyzing a tendency of a store where the user stops, and displaying a store that matches the user's preference.

JP 2004-37292 A

However, it is expected that the user who uses the navigation device does not grasp the store existing on the route to the destination. Even if a conventional navigation device is used, there is a problem that the user cannot determine how many stores of the same type remain until the destination, and at what timing, which store should stop.
Similarly, when heading to a distant destination with no driving experience, the user cannot determine at which timing and at which facility to take a break. I may not find it.
In addition, not only the navigation apparatus for vehicles but the route search apparatus which searches the path | route to the destination of a pedestrian and another moving body also has the same problem. In addition, the same problem occurs when searching for and displaying facilities such as a toilet, a gas station, and an amusement facility as well as a restaurant.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a route search device, a route search method, and a computer program capable of outputting information related to the number of facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination.

  A route search device according to an aspect of the present invention is a route search device that searches for a route from a current location to a destination based on map information, from the current location to the destination based on position information of a plurality of facilities. A facility search unit that searches for facilities located along the route of the facility, a facility number calculation unit that calculates the number of facilities obtained by searching by the facility search unit, and a facility calculation unit that calculates the number of facilities calculated by the facility number calculation unit An output unit that outputs information relating to the number.

  A route search method according to one aspect of the present invention is a route search method for searching a route from a current location to a destination based on map information, the step of storing location information of a plurality of facilities, and the stored location Based on the information, a step of searching for facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination, a step of calculating the number of facilities obtained by the search, and a step of outputting information relating to the calculated number of facilities With.

  A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer that stores positional information of a plurality of facilities to search for a route from a current location to a destination based on map information. A facility search unit that searches for a facility located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the position information, a facility number calculation unit that calculates the number of facilities obtained by searching in the facility search unit, and the facility It functions as an output unit that outputs information related to the number of facilities calculated by the number calculation unit.

  Note that the present application can be realized not only as a route search apparatus including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a route search method using such characteristic processing as a step, or executing such a step on a computer. It can be realized as a program for making it happen. Further, it can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the route search device, or can be realized as another system including the route search device.

  According to the above, it is possible to provide a route search device, a route search method, and a computer program that can output information on the number of facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the route search apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the output result of the information which concerns on the number of facilities. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the route search apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the route search apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the route search apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the fourth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the route search apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a search range table.

[Description of Embodiment of the Present Invention]
First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. Moreover, you may combine arbitrarily at least one part of embodiment described below.

(1) A route search device according to an aspect of the present invention is a route search device that searches a route from a current location to a destination based on map information, and based on position information of a plurality of facilities, Calculated by a facility search unit that searches for facilities located along the route to the destination, a facility number calculation unit that calculates the number of facilities obtained by searching by the facility search unit, and the facility number calculation unit And an output unit that outputs information related to the number of facilities.

In this aspect, the facility search unit searches for facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the location information of the plurality of facilities, and the facility number calculation unit calculates the facilities obtained by the search. Calculate the number. The content of the specific facility is not particularly limited, and a predetermined type of facility set in advance may be searched, a specific type of facility designated by the user may be selected, It may be an arbitrary facility according to various situations. Then, the output unit outputs information related to the calculated number of facilities. Therefore, the route search device can notify the user of information related to the number of facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination, and the user can grasp the number of facilities that can be visited before reaching the destination. You can move to the destination.
Note that the route search device of this aspect is not limited to the route for the vehicle to move to the destination, but also includes a device for searching for a route along which a person or other moving body moves.
In this aspect, it is not essential to detect the position of the user as the current location. It may be specified assuming an arbitrary position that the user thinks is the current location.
Furthermore, it is sufficient for the route search apparatus of this aspect to be able to perform a route search, and it is not essential to perform a process for guiding the movement to the destination.

(2) A configuration including a calculation unit that calculates time or distance required for movement between adjacent facilities along the route based on the position information of the plurality of facilities and the map information is preferable.

  In this aspect, the calculation unit calculates the time required for movement between adjacent facilities along the route to the destination, or the distance between the facilities. Therefore, the route search device can notify the user of information related to the time required for movement between adjacent facilities along the route from the current location to the destination or the distance between the facilities, and the user can select the time or distance. It is possible to move to the destination while grasping.

(3) The calculation unit moves between the nearest facility located along the route and the facility near the destination adjacent to the facility based on the position information and the map information of the plurality of facilities. It is preferable to calculate the time or distance required for.

  In this aspect, the calculation unit calculates the time required for movement between the nearest facility located along the route to the destination and the facility near the destination adjacent to the facility, or the distance between the facilities. Is calculated. Therefore, the route search apparatus can notify the user of the time required to move to the next facility or the distance between facilities after passing through the nearest facility, and the user can understand the time or distance while grasping the purpose. You can move to the ground.

(4) It is provided with a table in which the type of facility and the search range are associated, and the facility search unit searches for the facility of that type at a position within the search range corresponding to the type of facility from the route. This configuration is preferable.

  In this aspect, the facility search unit searches for a facility located within a predetermined search range from the route to the destination. That is, the route search unit searches not only the facilities adjacent to the route but also the facilities separated from the route within the search range. The size of the search range varies depending on the type of facility to be searched. For example, a facility having a high necessity may be searched using a wide search range, and a facility having a low necessity may be searched using a narrow search range. Therefore, the route search device can search for facilities within the search range corresponding to the type of facility, and can notify the user of information related to the number of facilities located along the route to the destination.

(5) Based on the acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the own device, the movement history storage unit that stores the facility reached in the past or the type of the facility, and the facility or type stored in the movement history storage unit, And a facility for identifying the type of facility identified by the identifying unit, wherein the facility retrieving unit is located along a route from the current location to the destination. Is preferred.

  In this aspect, the movement history storage unit stores the facility that the user has reached in the past or the type of the facility, and the specifying unit includes the facility that the user has visited in the past or Identify the type of facility. The facility search unit searches for a facility specified by the specifying unit or a facility of the same type as the facility among the facilities located along the route. Then, the output unit can notify the user of information related to the number of facilities searched in this way. That is, the route search apparatus can notify the user of information related to the number of facilities that match the user's preference among facilities located along the route to the destination.

(6) A clock unit and a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information, and the movement history storage unit includes a facility that has arrived in the past or a type of the facility, and the clock unit when the facility is reached. The time-lapsed time and the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit are stored in association with each other, and the specifying unit selects the type of facility corresponding to the current time and weather information among the facilities that have arrived in the past. A specific configuration is preferred.

  In this aspect, the movement history storage unit stores the facility that the user has reached in the past or the type of the facility, the arrival time, and weather information in association with each other. Based on the time and weather information, the facility or type of facility that the user has visited in the past is specified. Then, the output unit can notify the user of information related to the number of facilities searched in this way. In other words, the route search device identifies a facility that matches the user's preference among the facilities located along the route to the destination based on the time and weather information at the time of movement, and information related to the number of the facility Can be notified.

(7) A body state detection unit that detects a body state of a mobile person who moves to the destination together with the own device, and a specifying unit that specifies a type of facility corresponding to the body state detected by the body state detection unit, Preferably, the facility search unit is located along a route from the location to the destination, and searches for the type of facility specified by the specifying unit.

  In this aspect, the body state detection unit detects the body state information of the mobile person moving to the destination. The body state detection unit is for specifying a facility necessary for the moving person. The specifying unit specifies a facility corresponding to the physical condition detected by the physical condition detecting unit. And an output part can notify a user of information concerning the number of facilities according to a moving person's physical condition.

(8) A remaining amount detecting unit for detecting the remaining amount of fuel stored in the vehicle or a battery mounted on the vehicle, and determining whether the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is less than a threshold value And the facility search unit searches for a facility related to a gas station or a charging station located along a route from the location to the destination when the determination unit determines that the value is less than the threshold value. The structure which does is preferable.

  In this aspect, the remaining amount detection unit detects the fuel or battery remaining amount stored in the vehicle. The facility search unit searches for a facility related to a gas station or a charging station located along a route to the destination when the fuel or battery remaining amount of the vehicle is less than a predetermined threshold. The output unit can notify the user of information related to the number of gas stations or charging stations in accordance with the fuel or the remaining battery level.

(9) A route search method according to an aspect of the present invention is a route search method for searching for a route from a current location to a destination based on map information, and storing location information of a plurality of facilities; Based on the stored location information, a step of searching for facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination, a step of calculating the number of facilities obtained by the search, and information relating to the calculated number of facilities Outputting.

  In this mode, as in mode (1), the user can be notified of information regarding the number of facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination, and the user can drop in before reaching the destination. It is possible to move to the destination while grasping the number of facilities.

(10) A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer that stores position information of a plurality of facilities to search for a route from a current location to a destination based on map information. A facility search unit that searches for facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the location information, a facility number calculation unit that calculates the number of facilities obtained by searching in the facility search unit, And function as an output unit that outputs information related to the number of facilities calculated by the facility number calculation unit.

  In this aspect, as in aspect (1), the computer can notify the user of information relating to the number of facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination, and the user can reach the destination. You can move to your destination while knowing how many facilities you can visit.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
A specific example of a route search apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to these illustrations, is shown by the claim, and intends that all the changes within the meaning and range equivalent to a claim are included.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a route search apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The route search device 1 according to the first embodiment provides route guidance to a destination and outputs information related to the number of facilities such as restaurants and gas stations located along the route from the current location to the destination. It is a device that can. In the first embodiment, the route search device 1 will be described as being mounted on a vehicle. The route search device 1 is, for example, a computer that includes a control unit 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operation of each component of the route search device 1. A temporary storage unit 12, a storage unit 13, an input / output unit 14, and a clock unit 15 are connected to the control unit 11 via a bus. The route search device 1 controls the operation of each component by executing a computer program 10a, which will be described later, stored in the storage unit 13, and performs route search and route guidance to the destination and facilities located along the route. The output processing of information relating to the number is executed.

  The temporary storage unit 12 is a memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), an SRAM (Static RAM), etc., and a control program read from the storage unit 13 when executing the arithmetic processing of the control unit 11 and a computer program 10a described later. In addition, various data generated by the arithmetic processing of the control unit 11 are temporarily stored.

  The storage unit 13 is a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and stores a computer program 10a for executing processing according to the first embodiment. Further, the storage unit 13 stores map information 13a necessary for route search and route guidance, and facility location information 13b necessary for specifying a facility located along the route.

  The computer program 10a according to the first embodiment may be recorded in the recording medium 10 so as to be readable by a computer. The storage unit 13 stores a computer program 10a read from the recording medium 10 by a reading device (not shown). The recording medium 10 is a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM, an optical disc such as a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a flexible disc, a magnetic disc such as a hard disc, a magnetic optical disc, and a semiconductor memory. Etc. Further, the computer program 10a according to the first embodiment may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 13.

  The map information 13a includes image data representing roads and buildings on which the vehicle travels. Further, the map information 13a stores information in which a plurality of road links are associated with the average travel time of each road link in a plurality of time zones. The average travel time is the time required to travel each road link. A road link is a road section of two adjacent intersections, and logically constitutes a road on which a vehicle travels. Each road link is connected by a node corresponding to an intersection, and logically constitutes a road network.

  The facility position information 13b includes a state in which position information indicating the positions of at least a plurality of facilities and the type or name of each facility are associated with each other.

The input / output unit 14 is an interface for inputting / outputting various signals or information. The input / output unit 14 is connected to external devices such as the position detection unit 2, the reception unit 3, the display unit 4, and the speaker 5.
The position detection unit 2 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The GPS receiver constitutes a GPS system together with GPS satellites, receives radio waves from artificial satellites, specifies its own position, that is, the position of the vehicle, and outputs the specified position information to the route search apparatus 1. . The position of the vehicle is represented by latitude and longitude, for example.
The accepting unit 3 is a touch sensor that detects a finger contact position based on a change in capacitance or electric capacity caused by contact of the finger with the display unit 4. The receiving unit 3 detects various operations by detecting an operation by the user, and outputs the received information to the route search device 1. For example, the reception unit 3 receives a destination of the vehicle. The touch sensor is an example of the receiving unit 3 and may be a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch pen, or various keys.
The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a head-up display, and displays an image based on the image signal output from the control unit 11. Specifically, the display unit 4 displays a map image, a route from the current location to the destination, and various facilities located along the route. The speaker 5 outputs a sound corresponding to the sound signal output from the control unit 11.

  The clock unit 15 measures the date and time. The clock unit 15 has calendar information, and the control unit 11 can acquire time information such as the current date, time, and day of the week from the clock unit 15.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the first embodiment. The control unit 11 of the route search apparatus 1 receives the destination at the reception unit 3 (step S11). Next, the control unit 11 acquires vehicle position information from the position detection unit 2 (step S12), and searches for a route from the current location to the destination based on the map information 13a stored in the storage unit 13 (step S13). ). For example, the control unit 11 searches for a route that minimizes the sum of the average travel times of a plurality of road links that form the route.

  Next, the control unit 11 performs route guidance for the vehicle (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 11 displays the route obtained by searching in step S13 and the current location of the vehicle on the map image, and guides the route to the destination.

  Next, the control unit 11 searches for a facility located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the facility position information 13b stored in the storage unit 13 (step S15). The type of facility to be searched is not particularly limited, and may be a predetermined facility or a facility designated by the user. In the first embodiment, for example, a restaurant and a gas station are searched. The facility located along the route means, for example, a facility included within a predetermined distance from the route.

  Next, the control unit 11 calculates the number of facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the search result of step S15 (step S16). Next, the control unit 11 calculates the time required to move from the current location to the nearest facility, or the distance to the nearest facility (step S17). The required time may be calculated using the average travel time of the road links that constitute the route from the current location to the facility. When the distance from the current location to the facility is relatively short, the required time may be calculated by dividing the distance from the current location to the facility by the average speed of the current vehicle. Furthermore, it goes without saying that traffic information, weather information, and the like may be acquired from an external server (not shown), and the required time may be calculated in consideration of information such as day of the week, season, and weather.

  Next, based on the search result of step S15, the control unit 11 calculates the time required to move from the nearest facility to the facility near the destination adjacent to the facility, or the distance between the facilities ( Step S18). Furthermore, the control part 11 calculates the time required for the movement between facilities farther away, or the distance between each facility based on the search result of step S15 (step S19).

  Then, the control unit 11 outputs the information related to the number of facilities calculated in step S16 and the distance or required time calculated in steps S17 to S19 from the input / output unit 14 to the display unit 4, thereby the information. Is displayed on the display unit 4 (step S20). Note that the control unit 11 may output the information by voice by outputting a voice signal representing the information from the output unit to the speaker 5.

  And the control part 11 determines whether the vehicle arrived at the destination (step S21). When it determines with not having arrived at the destination (step S21: NO), the control part 11 returns a process to step S12. When it determines with having arrived at the destination (step S21: YES), the control part 11 finishes a process.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an output result of information relating to the number of facilities. The control unit 11 displays the route guidance image 6 as shown in FIG. 3 by the process of step S20. The route guidance image 6 includes a map display unit 61 that displays a map image. The map image is superimposed with an arrow image 61a indicating the current location and traveling direction of the vehicle, and a route diagram 61b from the current location to the destination. Yes.
Further, the route guidance image 6 includes a facility number display unit 62 that displays the number of facilities such as restaurants or gas stations located along the route from the current location to the destination. The display position and display mode of the facility display unit 4 are not particularly limited, and it is sufficient if the number of various facilities located along the route can be displayed.
Further, the route guidance image 6 includes a required time display unit 63 that displays a required time for moving from the current location to the nearest facility, a distance to the nearest facility, and the like. Further, when two or more facilities of the same type exist along the route, the required time display unit 63 displays the required time required for movement between the facilities and the distance between the facilities. In the first embodiment, the route guidance image 6 is displayed for the restaurant. Needless to say, the gas station and other facilities may be displayed in the same manner. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, when two or more facilities of the same kind exist along the route, the required time display unit 63 displays numbers in the display columns related to the facilities in order from the current location, The display unit 61 may display the number corresponding to each facility on the map image. The number is an example, and a mark corresponding to each facility may be displayed on the map, or a mark representing the type of each facility may be displayed on the map together with the number.

According to the route search device 1, the route search method, and the computer program 10a according to the first embodiment, it is possible to output information related to the number of facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination. For example, the route search device 1 can display the number of restaurants or gas stations located along the route to the destination. The user can move to the destination while grasping how many restaurants and gas stations are between the current location and the destination.
The effects of the route search device 1 will be described assuming a more specific situation. When the user was driving the vehicle while drinking a drink, the remaining amount of drink was low, so it was decided to purchase at a convenience store or other store. Think. However, in some cases, the distance to the next store is long, and drinks are lost. Although the user may be thirsty and distracted from his attention to driving, according to the route search device 1 according to the first embodiment, the required time or distance to the next store is determined in advance. Since it can be grasped, such a problem can be solved.

  In addition, the route search device 1 can display or audio-output on the display unit 4 the time required to move from the current location to the nearest facility or the distance to the nearest facility. Therefore, the user can move to the destination while grasping the time required for moving to the nearest facility.

  Furthermore, the route search device 1 can display or audio-output on the display unit 4 the time required for moving from the nearest facility to the facility near the destination adjacent to the facility or the distance between the facilities. Therefore, if the user passes without stopping at the next facility that arrives next, the user can grasp the time required to arrive at the same type of facility next time, and whether or not to stop at the nearest facility. It can be easily judged.

(Embodiment 2)
The route search apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment searches for facilities that match the user's preference among facilities located along the route to the destination, and determines the number of facilities, the time required to move between facilities, It is configured to output information such as distance. The route search device 201 according to the second embodiment further includes a wireless communication unit 16 that wirelessly transmits and receives various types of information between the movement history storage device 7 and the weather information providing device 8, and the processing content of the control unit 11 is the same. Since this embodiment is different from the first embodiment, mainly the differences will be described below. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the route search apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The route search apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment includes the same control unit 11, temporary storage unit 12, storage unit 13, input / output unit 14, and clock unit 15 as those in the first embodiment, and further includes a wireless communication unit 16. The wireless communication unit 16 transmits / receives various information to / from the external movement history storage device 7 and the weather information providing device 8.
Transmission and reception of various information by the wireless communication unit 16 is controlled by the control unit 11. For example, the movement history storage device 7 requests weather forecast information from the weather information providing device 8 and receives the weather information transmitted from the weather information providing device 8.
In addition, the wireless communication unit 16 transmits the movement history information 7a of the vehicle to the movement history storage device 7, and causes the movement history storage device 7 to store the movement history information 7a. The movement history information 7a includes, for example, the type of facility where the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time, the date and time when the vehicle has stopped at the facility, weather information at that time, and the like. The movement history information 7a is information indicating user preferences. The wireless communication unit 16 can request the movement history information 7a from the movement history storage device 7, and the movement history storage device 7 sends the movement history information 7a of the requesting vehicle to the route search device 201 in response to the request. The route search device 201 receives the movement history information 7 a transmitted from the movement history storage device 7.

  Further, the storage unit 13 stores a computer program 210a for causing a computer to execute the route search method according to the second embodiment. The computer program 210a according to the second embodiment may be recorded in the recording medium 210 so as to be readable by a computer.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a route search method according to the second embodiment. The control unit 11 of the route search apparatus 201 performs the same processing as Step S11 to Step S14 of Embodiment 1 in Step S211 to Step S214. Next, the control unit 11 acquires time information from the clock unit 15 (step S215). The time information includes date and time information. And the control part 11 acquires weather information from the weather information provision apparatus 8 via the wireless communication part 16 (step S216).

Next, the control unit 11 acquires vehicle movement history information 7a from the movement history storage device 7 via the wireless communication unit 16 (step S217). And the control part 11 specifies the kind of facility suitable for a user's preference based on the time information acquired in step S215, and the weather information acquired in step S216 (step S218). For example, the type of facility that has stopped in the past at the same time, the same time zone, and the same weather conditions at least once or a predetermined number of times is specified. The range of the time is not particularly limited, and one year may be divided into December, or may be divided into four, spring, summer, autumn and winter. The width of the time zone is not particularly limited, and the day may be divided into 24 hours by hour, or it may be divided into four such as morning, noon, evening, and night. And it may be divided into two categories in the afternoon. For example, the weather may be classified into sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, and the like.
In addition, although the route search apparatus 201 demonstrated the example which performs the specific part of the facility which matched user's preference, for example, the present | current time, time, weather conditions, and the past movement history, the movement history memory | storage was demonstrated. The server provided with the device 7 may specify a facility that matches the user's preference and transmit the result to the route search device. In addition, the elements for determining the user's preference are not limited to the time, weather, and past travel history, but it is preferable to consider the driver's age, sex, driving history, road conditions, and other factors.

  Next, the control unit 11 searches for the type of facility identified in step S218 from the facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the facility position information 13b stored in the storage unit 13 (step S219). ). Hereinafter, processing similar to steps S16 to S20 of the first embodiment is executed in steps S220 to 224. Next, the control unit 11 identifies the facility where the vehicle has stopped (step S225). For example, the control unit 11 stores the position information of the vehicle acquired in the route guidance and the time when the position of the vehicle is detected in the temporary storage unit 12, the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time or more, and the When the stop position of the vehicle and the position of the facility are less than a predetermined distance, the facility may be specified as the facility where the vehicle has stopped.

  Then, the control unit 11 transmits the movement history information 7a in which the type of the facility specified in step S255, the date, time, and weather information at the time of stopping at the facility are associated with each other to the movement history storage device 7, and stores them. (Step S226). After completing the process in step S226, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the destination (step S227). When it determines with not having arrived at the destination (step S227: NO), the control part 11 returns a process to step S212. When it determines with having arrived at the destination (step S227: YES), the control part 11 finishes a process.

  According to the route search device 201, the route search method, and the computer program 210a according to the second embodiment, the user is notified of information related to the number of facilities that match the user's preference among facilities located along the route to the destination. I can do it. Specifically, the type of facility that the user has stopped at least once or a predetermined number of times in the past is identified, and information regarding the number of such types of facilities located along the route to the destination is given to the user. You can be notified.

  In addition, the route search apparatus 201 identifies a facility that matches the user's preference in consideration of the time, time zone, and weather conditions related to the user's preference, and notifies the user of information related to the number of the facility. I'm going.

  In the second embodiment, the movement history information 7a is stored in the external movement history storage device 7. However, when the storage unit 13 has a sufficient free space, the movement history information 7a is stored in the storage unit 13. You may comprise so that it may be made.

(Embodiment 3)
The route search apparatus 301 according to the third embodiment searches for facilities according to the continuous operation time and the user's physical condition among the facilities located along the route to the destination, and the number of facilities and the necessary requirements for movement between the facilities. It is configured to output information such as time and distance between facilities. Since the route search device 301 according to the third embodiment is further provided with the body state detection unit 17 and the processing content of the control unit 11 is different from that of the first embodiment, the following mainly describes the differences. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the route search apparatus 301 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The route search apparatus 301 according to the third embodiment includes the same control unit 11, temporary storage unit 12, storage unit 13, input / output unit 14, and clock unit 15 as those in the first embodiment, and further includes a body state detection unit 17. The body state detection part 17 is provided with the imaging part which images the driver | operator of a vehicle, for example. The body state detection unit 17 extracts an eye part from the driver's face image, and detects fatigue according to the blinking frequency and the open / closed state of the eye. The means for detecting the eye state of the user is an example of the body state detection unit 17 and includes a sensor for detecting the user's blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and the like, and configured to detect the user's body state. Also good.

  In addition, the storage unit 13 stores a computer program 310a for causing a computer to execute the route search method according to the third embodiment. The computer program 310a according to the third embodiment may be recorded on the recording medium 310 so as to be readable by a computer.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the third embodiment. The control unit 11 of the route search apparatus 301 performs the same processing as Step S11 to Step S14 of Embodiment 1 in Step S311 to Step S314. Next, the control unit 11 specifies the continuous operation time (step S315). The control unit 11 stores the position information of the vehicle acquired in the route guidance and the time when the position of the vehicle is detected in the temporary storage unit 12, and the vehicle continues to move without stopping for a predetermined time or more. What is necessary is just to specify the time.

  Subsequently, the control part 11 detects a user's physical condition in the physical condition detection part 17 (step S316). And the control part 11 specifies the kind of facility according to the continuous driving | running time specified in step S315, and the physical condition detected in step S316 (step S317). For example, when the continuous operation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, or when the body state detection unit 17 detects a fatigue state, the control unit 11 specifies the type of facility that can take a break. When the continuous operation time is less than the predetermined time and the body state detection unit 17 does not detect the fatigue state, the type of the predetermined facility or the type of any facility designated by the user is specified.

  Next, based on the facility position information 13b stored in the storage unit 13, the control unit 11 searches for facilities of the type identified in step S317 among the facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination (step S318). ). Hereinafter, processing similar to steps S16 to S21 of the first embodiment is executed in steps S319 to S324.

According to the route search device 301, the route search method, and the computer program 310a according to the third embodiment, information related to the number of facilities that match the user's physical condition among the facilities located along the route to the destination is given to the user. You can be notified. Specifically, when there is a possibility that the user is tired, a facility that can take a break is searched, and information such as the number of the facility, the required time to the facility, and the distance can be notified to the user.
The effects of the route search device 301 will be described assuming a more specific situation. When the user is driving a long distance, it is necessary to take a break before arriving at the destination. There is a facility where you can take a break now, but if you still have enough physical strength and concentration, you tend to decide that you can move to the next facility. However, if the distance to the next facility that can take a break is long or the required time is longer than expected due to traffic jams, it is not possible to take a break on the way, and it becomes difficult to perform safe driving due to fatigue. According to the route search device 301 of the third embodiment, since it is possible to grasp in advance the required time or distance to the next facility where a break can be taken, this problem can be solved.

(Embodiment 4)
The route search apparatus 401 according to the fourth embodiment searches for a gas station facility located along the route to the destination when the remaining amount of gasoline in the vehicle is less than the threshold, and is required for the number of facilities and movement between the facilities. It is configured to output information such as required time and distance between facilities. The route search device 401 according to the fourth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment because the remaining amount detection unit 9 is connected to the input / output unit 14 and the processing content of the control unit 11 is different from that of the first embodiment. Will be explained. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the route search apparatus 401 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The remaining amount detection unit 9 is connected to the input / output unit 14 of the route search apparatus 401 according to the fourth embodiment. The remaining amount detection unit 9 includes a fuel level sensor, for example. The fuel level sensor has a variable resistance whose resistance value changes depending on the vertical position of the float of the fuel tank, and the remaining amount detection unit 9 detects the resistance value of the variable resistance and the remaining fuel corresponding to the resistance value. The amount is calculated, and a signal indicating the remaining amount of fuel obtained by the calculation is given to the route search device 401. Note that the control unit 11 may calculate the remaining amount of fuel.

  In addition, the storage unit 13 stores a computer program 410a for causing a computer to execute the route search method according to the fourth embodiment. The computer program 410a according to the fourth embodiment may be recorded on the recording medium 410 so as to be readable by a computer.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a route search method according to the fourth embodiment. The control unit 11 of the route search apparatus 401 performs the same processing as Step S11 to Step S14 of Embodiment 1 in Step S411 to Step S414, and the number of gas stations located along the route from the current location to the destination. The information concerning is output. Next, the control unit 11 detects the remaining amount of gasoline in the vehicle at the remaining amount detection unit 9 (step S415), and determines whether or not the remaining amount of gasoline is less than the threshold (step S416). When it is determined that the gasoline remaining amount is less than the threshold (step S416: YES), the control unit 11 is located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the facility location information 13b stored in the storage unit 13. Among these, a gas station is searched (step S417). Hereinafter, processes similar to steps S16 to S20 of the first embodiment are executed in steps S418 to S422. When the process of step S422 is completed, or when it is determined in step S416 that the remaining amount of gasoline is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S416: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the destination. (Step S423). When it determines with not having arrived at the destination (step S423: NO), the control part 11 returns a process to step S412. When it determines with having arrived at the destination (step S423: YES), the control part 11 complete | finishes a process.

  According to the route search device 401, the route search method, and the computer program 410a according to the fourth embodiment, when the gasoline remaining amount of the vehicle becomes less than the threshold, the number of gas station facilities located along the route to the destination is calculated. Such information can be notified to the user. In addition, it is possible to notify the user of the time required for movement between the gas stations located along the route and the distance between the gas stations.

  In addition, although the example which detects the gasoline remaining amount of a vehicle was demonstrated in Embodiment 4, in the case of the vehicle driven by a battery, what is necessary is just to provide the battery remaining amount detection part which detects a battery remaining amount. The battery remaining amount detection unit monitors the voltage and current of the battery and detects the remaining amount of the battery. When the remaining battery level detected by the remaining battery level detection unit is less than the threshold value, the control unit 11 searches for a charging station located along the route to the destination, and obtains information on the number of charging stations. Can be output.

(Embodiment 5)
Since the route search apparatus 501 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the facility search method along the route, the following mainly describes the differences. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the route search apparatus 501 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The route search apparatus 501 according to the fifth embodiment includes a control unit 11, a temporary storage unit 12, a storage unit 13, an input / output unit 14, and a clock unit 15 similar to those in the first embodiment. The storage unit 13 further includes a search range. A table 13c is stored.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the search range table 13c. The search range table 13c stores attribute IDs, facility types, and search ranges used when searching for the facilities in association with each other. When searching for a facility located along the route, the control unit 11 detects a facility located within a certain search range from the route. In the fifth embodiment, the search range used for the facility search is different for each type of facility, and the search range table 13c stores the search range for each type of facility.
For example, since a facility for taking a break is important for safe driving of a vehicle, the search range is wide, and a search range of 100 m is associated with the facility. Since facilities such as toilets and gas stations are essential facilities for users and vehicles, the search range is relatively wide, and a search range of 50 m is set. In addition, facilities related to ATMs and car washing are necessary facilities depending on the situation, and since the importance is lowered, the search range is relatively narrow, and a search range of 20 m is set. Furthermore, since facilities related to eating and drinking or entertainment are related to comfort and have low importance, a narrow search range of 5 m is set. The search range is an example, and the numerical value of the search range is also an example. Moreover, you may comprise so that a user can set the search range arbitrarily.

  In addition, the storage unit 13 stores a computer program 510a for causing a computer to execute the route search method according to the fifth embodiment. The computer program 510a according to the fifth embodiment may be recorded on the recording medium 510 so as to be readable by a computer.

The processing procedure of the route search method according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but only the search method for facilities located along the route is different. In step S15, the control unit 11 specifies a search range corresponding to the type of facility to be searched based on the search range table 13c, and searches for a facility located along the route using the specified search range. .
For example, when searching for a gas station and a restaurant located along the route, the control unit 11 specifies 50 m as a search range corresponding to the gas station. And the control part 11 searches the gas station located in the range of 50 m from the path | route to the destination. On the other hand, the control part 11 specifies 5m as a search range corresponding to a restaurant. And the control part 11 searches the restaurant located in the range of 5 m from the path | route to the destination.

  According to the route search device 501, the route search method, and the computer program 510a according to the fifth embodiment, information on the number of facilities that are located along the route to the destination is searched for the facility within the search range corresponding to the type of facility. Can be notified to the user.

  In addition, although the technical element of Embodiment 1-Embodiment 5 was demonstrated separately, it is also possible to comprise a route search apparatus combining the technical element of Embodiment 1-5 arbitrarily.

1, 201, 301, 401, 501 Route search device 2 Position detection unit 3 Reception unit 4 Display unit 5 Speaker 6 Route guidance image 7 Movement history storage device 7a Movement history information 8 Weather information providing device 9 Remaining amount detection unit 10,210 , 310, 410, 510 Recording medium 10a, 210a, 310a, 410a Computer program 11 Control unit 12 Temporary storage unit 13 Storage unit 13a Map information 13b Facility location information 13c Search range table 14 Input / output unit 15 Clock unit 16 Wireless communication unit 17 Physical state detection unit 6 Route guidance image 61 Map image display unit 61a Arrow image 61b Route diagram 62 Facility number display unit 63 Time required display unit

Claims (10)

A route search device that searches a route from the current location to a destination based on map information,
A facility search unit that searches for facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination based on location information of a plurality of facilities,
A facility number calculation unit for calculating the number of facilities obtained by searching in the facility search unit;
A route search device comprising: an output unit that outputs information related to the number of facilities calculated by the facility number calculation unit. The route search device according to claim 1, further comprising: a calculation unit that calculates time or distance required for movement between adjacent facilities along the route based on position information of the plurality of facilities and the map information. The calculation unit includes:
Based on the position information of the plurality of facilities and the map information, the time or distance required for movement between the nearest facility located along the route and the facility near the destination adjacent to the facility is calculated. The route search device according to claim 1 or 2. It has a table that associates facility types with search ranges,
The facility search unit
The route search device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a facility of the type at a position within a search range corresponding to the type of facility is searched from the route. An acquisition unit for acquiring position information of the own machine;
A movement history storage unit for storing the facility that has reached the past or the type of the facility;
Based on the facility or type stored in the movement history storage unit, and a identifying unit that identifies the type of facility that has reached the past,
The facility search unit
The route search device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the route search device is located along a route from a current location to a destination and searches for a facility of a type specified by the specifying unit. A clock part,
A weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information, and
The movement history storage unit
The facility that has reached the past or the type of the facility, the time that the clock unit has elapsed when the facility is reached, and the weather information that the weather information acquisition unit has acquired are stored in association with each other,
The specific part is:
The route search device according to claim 5, wherein the type of facility corresponding to the current time and weather information among the facilities reached in the past is specified. A body state detection unit for detecting the body state of a mobile person moving to the destination together with the aircraft,
A specific unit that identifies the type of facility corresponding to the physical condition detected by the physical condition detection unit,
The facility search unit
The route search device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the route search device is located along a route from a location to a destination and searches for a facility of a type specified by the specifying unit. A remaining amount detection unit for detecting a remaining amount of fuel stored in the vehicle or a battery mounted on the vehicle;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than a threshold,
The facility search unit
The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the determination unit determines that the value is less than the threshold value, a facility related to a gas station or a charging station located along a route from the location to the destination is searched. The route search device described in 1. A route search method for searching a route from a current location to a destination based on map information,
Storing location information of a plurality of facilities;
Searching for facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the stored location information;
Calculating the number of facilities obtained by searching;
A route search method comprising: outputting information related to the calculated number of facilities. A computer program for storing the location information of a plurality of facilities to search for a route from the current location to the destination based on map information,
The computer,
A facility search unit that searches for facilities located along the route from the current location to the destination based on the location information;
A computer program that functions as a facility number calculation unit that calculates the number of facilities obtained by searching by the facility search unit, and an output unit that outputs information related to the number of facilities calculated by the facility number calculation unit.

Images