JP2020128949A - Traffic information guidance device and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a traffic information guidance device and a computer program with which detail traffic information is provided for an area in which a user need to be provided with detail information, while the total amount of traffic information provided is suppressed.SOLUTION: The present invention acquires traffic information in which an event occurring on a road is specified in units of prescribed distance and outputs traffic information relating to a display target area for which a map image is displayed to a liquid crystal display 35. The traffic information includes multiple kinds of traffic information differing in distance units specified for the same event, and when outputting traffic information, the display target area is divided into a plurality of areas and traffic information is outputted changing the distance units for each area that specify the traffic information to be outputted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a traffic information guidance device and a computer program for guiding traffic information.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, providing traffic information acquired from an external server or the like has been performed as one of support for a user traveling on a road. The traffic information includes, for example, information that guides various events such as traffic jams on the road, caution areas to drive, traffic closures, accidents, and lane restrictions. Here, the traffic information is generally provided by displaying it on a display device such as a display or by outputting a sound from a speaker.

Further, the traffic information output via the display device or the speaker is information that specifies various events occurring on the road described above in a predetermined distance unit. For example, FIG. 12 shows a comparative example when the traffic congestion information of the same road section is specified in 100 m units and when it is specified in 300 m units. As shown in FIG. 12, if the distance unit for identifying an event is short (the resolution of traffic information is fine), the traffic information becomes more accurate and detailed, but on the other hand, a large amount of information is output. Become.

In order to make the user understand more accurate traffic information, it is desirable to shorten the distance unit that identifies the event, but on the other hand, if the amount of information output becomes too large, the user will grasp the traffic information. There is a problem that becomes difficult. In particular, when the user is driving the vehicle, it is desirable to suppress the amount of information output so as not to hinder the driving operation. Therefore, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-5416, when guiding traffic information around a vehicle, the resolution of the traffic information on the recommended route is made finer, while the traffic information at a position away from the recommended route is set. A technique for roughening the resolution is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-5416 (page 15)

In Patent Document 1, the resolution of traffic information is set by the distance from the recommended route (that is, the route on which the user is expected to travel in the future). For example, it is estimated that the user does not need detailed traffic information for a position away from the recommended route, and the resolution of the traffic information is roughly set. However, there may be areas where detailed traffic information should be provided to the user even if the location is far from the recommended route, and traffic information should be provided appropriately when setting the resolution based on the recommended route. There was a problem that I could not.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and divides an area where a map image is displayed on a display device into a plurality of areas, and specifies a phenomenon for each divided area. By outputting the traffic information in different units, the traffic information guidance device that provides the detailed traffic information about the area where the user should be provided with the detailed information, while suppressing the information volume of the entire traffic information provided. And to provide a computer program.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a traffic information guide device according to the present invention obtains traffic information specifying a map image display means for displaying a map image on a display device and a phenomenon occurring on a road in a predetermined distance unit. Traffic information acquisition means, and an information output means for outputting the traffic information relating to the display target area, which is the area where the map image is displayed on the display device, wherein the traffic information corresponds to the same event. The information output unit divides the display target area into a plurality of areas and specifies the traffic information to be output for each area. And output.
Examples of "events occurring on the road" include traffic jams, accidents, sudden deceleration, sharp turns, slips, broken vehicles, road obstacles, construction, work, road closures, large road closures, entry prohibitions, slow speeds, and speed restrictions. , Entrance closing, entrance restriction, chain regulation, lane regulation, one-way mutual traffic, two-way traffic, etc.

Further, the computer program according to the present invention is a program for guiding traffic information. Specifically, a computer displays a map image display means for displaying a map image on a display device, a traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information specifying a phenomenon occurring on a road in a predetermined distance unit, and a map. A computer program for functioning as an information output means for outputting the traffic information relating to a display target area, which is an area where an image is displayed on the display device, wherein the traffic information corresponds to the same event. The information output unit divides the display target area into a plurality of areas and specifies the traffic information to be output for each area. And output.

According to the traffic information guide device and the computer program according to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, the area in which the map image is displayed on the display device is divided into a plurality of areas, and the distance for identifying the event for each of the divided areas. By outputting traffic information with different units, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information for areas where detailed information should be provided to the user, while suppressing the total amount of traffic information provided. .. As a result, it is possible to allow the user to make an appropriate movement based on the traffic information.

It is a schematic block diagram which showed the traffic information guidance system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing composition of a traffic information guidance system concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of probe information memorized by probe information DB. It is a figure showing an example of probe statistical information memorized by probe statistical information DB. It is a figure showing a link division unit which divided a link into a predetermined distance unit. It is a block diagram which shows typically the control system of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flow chart of a traffic information statistical processing program concerning this embodiment. It is a flow chart of a traffic information guidance processing program concerning this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of guidance of traffic information when there is a parallel road. It is a figure explaining the example of guidance of traffic information in the case where there is a route searched under a search condition different from the planned travel route. It is a figure explaining the example of guidance of traffic information when there is a factor which obstructs a run on a planned run route. It is a figure explaining the problem of a prior art.

Hereinafter, a traffic information guidance device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodied in a navigation device 1. First, a schematic configuration of a traffic information guidance system 2 including a navigation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a traffic information guidance system 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the traffic information guidance system 2 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a traffic information guidance system 2 according to the present embodiment basically includes a server device 4 included in a probe center 3 and a navigation device 1 which is a communication (guidance) terminal mounted on a vehicle 5. Have. Further, the server device 4 and the navigation device 1 are configured to be able to send and receive electronic data to and from each other via the communication network 6. Instead of the navigation device 1, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer may be used.

Here, the traffic information guidance system 2 according to the present embodiment constitutes a so-called probe car system. Here, the probe car system is a system that collects information by using the vehicle 5 as a sensor. Specifically, the vehicle 5 transmits the speed data, the operation status of each system such as steering operation and shift position to the probe center 3 together with the GPS position information via the communication device mounted in the vehicle 5 in advance, A system that reuses the collected data as various information on the center side.

Then, the server device 4 provided in the probe center 3 appropriately collects and accumulates probe information (material information) including current time, traveling information, etc. from each vehicle 5 traveling nationwide, and from the accumulated probe information, the road information is acquired. Various types of support information (for example, traffic jam information, information on points or sections to be noted when traveling, accident information, travel time, etc.) are generated, and the generated support information is distributed to the navigation device 1 or the support information is transmitted. It is an information management server that performs various processes used. Particularly in the present embodiment, the server device 4 collects information for identifying the current position of the vehicle 5 and the traveling link from each vehicle 5 at a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of several seconds), and statistically collects the information, thereby Traffic information that specifies the occurring event in a predetermined distance unit is created and delivered to the vehicle 5. Examples of "events occurring on the road" include traffic jams, accidents, sudden deceleration, sharp turns, slips, broken vehicles, road obstacles, construction, work, road closures, large road closures, entry prohibitions, slow speeds, and speed restrictions. , Entrance closure, entrance restriction, chain regulation, lane regulation, one-sided mutual traffic, face-to-face traffic, etc., especially for events that hinder driving on the road.

On the other hand, the navigation device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 5 to display a map around the vehicle position based on the stored map data, to display the current position of the vehicle on a map image, and to display a set guide route. It is an in-vehicle device that guides movement along the vehicle. The navigation device 1 also guides the user to traffic information received from an external server such as the server device 4. The details of the navigation device 1 will be described later.

The communication network 6 includes a large number of base stations located all over the country and a communication company that manages and controls each base station, and the base stations and the communication companies are wired (optical fiber, ISDN, etc.) or wireless to each other. It is configured by connecting. Here, the base station has a transceiver (transceiver) for communicating with the navigation device 1 and an antenna. Then, while the base station performs wireless communication with the communication company, it relays the communication of the navigation device 1 located in the end of the communication network 6 and within the range (cell) of the radio wave of the base station with the server device 4. Have a role to play.

Next, the configuration of the server device 4 included in the traffic information guidance system 2 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 4 basically includes a server control ECU 11, a probe information DB 12 as information recording means connected to the server control ECU 11, a probe statistical information DB 13, and a center communication device 14. ..

The server control ECU 11 (electronic control unit) is an electronic control unit that controls the entire server device 4, and is used as a CPU 21 as an arithmetic unit and a control unit, and a working memory when the CPU 21 performs various arithmetic processes. In addition to the RAM 22 and the control program, a ROM 23 in which a traffic information statistical processing program (see FIG. 7) described later is recorded, and an internal storage device such as a flash memory 24 for storing the program read from the ROM 23 is provided. ..

The probe information DB 12 is a storage unit that cumulatively stores the probe information collected from each vehicle 5 traveling all over the country. In the present embodiment, as probe information collected from the vehicle 5, in particular, (a) date and time, (b) link on which the vehicle 5 travels, (c), traveling direction of the vehicle 5 (forward or reverse direction). , (D) current position coordinates of the vehicle 5, (e) vehicle speed, and (f) specific behavior with respect to the vehicle 5, the content of the behavior is included. However, the probe information does not necessarily need to include all the information regarding (a) to (f) above, and may include information other than (a) to (f) (for example, travel time). The "unique behavior" means, for example, that a brake having a predetermined pedal stroke or more has actuated in the vehicle, that the deceleration has exceeded a predetermined value, that the ABS (Antilock Brake System) has actuated, and that a certain angle or more. It may be that the steering wheel is operated, the angular velocity or the angular acceleration is equal to or higher than a predetermined velocity, or they are combined.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of probe information stored in the probe information DB 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the probe information includes a vehicle ID that identifies the vehicle that is the transmission source, information regarding the above (a) to (f), and the like. For example, the probe information shown in FIG. 3 stores that the vehicle 5 with ID “A” has traveled at a point (x1, y1) in the forward direction of the link with ID “100001” at 45 km/h. Similarly, other probe information is also stored.

On the other hand, the probe statistical information DB 13 is a storage unit that cumulatively stores the probe statistical information (traffic information) generated by statistics of the probe information stored in the probe information DB 12. In particular, in the present embodiment, statistics of probe information are generated to generate traffic information that specifies events occurring on roads nationwide in predetermined distance units. Particularly, in the following description, an example will be described in which traffic information specifying the degree of traffic congestion on the road in 30 m units is generated as an event occurring on the road. The event to be specified may be other than the degree of traffic congestion on the road, and the specified distance unit may be other than 30 m. For example, it may be a unit of 10 m or a unit of 100 m, and it is also possible to specify each of a plurality of distance units.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of probe statistical information stored in the probe statistical information DB 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the probe statistical information is information indicating the content of an event (road congestion degree in the example shown in FIG. 4) occurring for each link. Specifically, the information includes information that specifies the date and time when the statistics were made, links and traveling directions that are the objects of statistics, and information that specifies the degree of congestion. The link to be a statistical object is basically specified by the ID of a section obtained by dividing the link by a distance unit (30 m unit in this embodiment) that specifies an event. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the link is divided in units of 30 m from the start point in the forward direction, and IDs of “100001-0”, “100001-1”, “100001-2”,... Attach. For example, ID "100001-5" indicates a section from a point 150 m away from the forward start point of the link ID "100001" to a point 180 m away. It should be noted that instead of the above-mentioned ID, the coordinates or the distance from the link start point may be used for identification. Also, a plurality of guidance reference points may be set within one link.

For example, the probe statistical information shown in FIG. 4 stores that congestion has occurred in the forward direction of the link of ID “100001” at 10:00 on March 2. The degree of congestion is evaluated in three stages of "congestion", "crowded", and "vacant" in descending order of the degree of congestion, and is specified based on the average vehicle speed and the road speed limit. The probe statistical information is generated for each link included in roads nationwide.

The server device 4 also distributes the probe statistical information stored in the probe statistical information DB 13 to the navigation device 1 in response to a request from the navigation device 1. On the other hand, the navigation device 1 to which the probe statistical information is distributed uses the distributed probe statistical information to execute various processes for guiding traffic information as described later. In particular, in the present embodiment, when guiding traffic information, the distance unit for identifying an event is changed depending on the area, as will be described later.

The center communication device 14 is a communication device for communicating with an external traffic information center such as a vehicle 5 or a VICS (registered trademark: Vehicle Information and Communication System) center via the network 15. In this embodiment, the probe information and the distribution information are transmitted to and received from each vehicle 5 via the center communication device 14. It is also possible to obtain traffic information such as accident information from an external traffic information center.

Next, a schematic configuration of the navigation device 1 mounted on the vehicle 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a current position detection unit 31 that detects the current position of a vehicle in which the navigation device 1 is mounted, a data recording unit 32 that records various data, A navigation ECU 33 that performs various kinds of arithmetic processing based on the input information, an operation unit 34 that receives an operation from the user, a liquid crystal display 35 that displays a map around the vehicle and traffic information to the user, and a route. It has a speaker 36 that outputs voice guidance related to guidance, a DVD drive 37 that reads a DVD that is a storage medium, and a communication module 38 that communicates with an information center such as the probe center 3 or the VICS center.

Below, each component which the navigation apparatus 1 has is demonstrated in order.
The current position detection unit 31 is composed of a GPS 41, a vehicle speed sensor 42, a steering sensor 43, a gyro sensor 44, and the like, and is capable of detecting the current position and direction of the vehicle, the traveling speed of the vehicle, the current time, and the like. .. Here, in particular, the vehicle speed sensor 42 is a sensor for detecting the moving distance and the vehicle speed of the vehicle, generates a pulse in accordance with the rotation of the drive wheels of the vehicle, and outputs a pulse signal to the navigation ECU 33. Then, the navigation ECU 33 calculates the rotational speed and the moving distance of the drive wheels by counting the generated pulses. The navigation device 1 does not have to include all the four types of sensors, and the navigation device 1 may include only one or a plurality of types of these sensors.

Further, the data recording unit 32 reads out a hard disk (not shown) as an external storage device and a recording medium, the map information DB 45, the distribution information DB 46, a predetermined program, etc. recorded in the hard disk and stores predetermined data in the hard disk. A recording head (not shown) which is a driver for writing is provided. The data recording unit 32 may be configured by a flash memory, a memory card, or an optical disk such as a CD or a DVD instead of the hard disk. Further, the map information DB 45 and the distribution information DB 46 may be stored in an external server, and the navigation device 1 may be acquired by communication.

Here, the map information DB 45 is, for example, link data related to roads (links), node data related to node points, search data used for processing related to route search and change, facility data related to facilities, and a map for displaying a map. The storage means stores display data, intersection data regarding each intersection, search data for searching points, and the like.

The distribution information DB 46 is a storage unit that stores distribution information (probe statistical information) distributed from the server device 4.

On the other hand, a navigation ECU (electronic control unit) 33 is an electronic control unit that controls the entire navigation device 1, and includes a CPU 51 as a calculation device and a control device, and a working memory for the CPU 51 to perform various calculation processes. In addition to the RAM 52 that stores the route data and the like when the route is searched, the control program, and the ROM 53 and the ROM 53 that store the traffic information guidance processing program (see FIG. 8) described later, etc. An internal storage device such as a flash memory 54 for storing the read program is provided. The navigation ECU 33 has various means as a processing algorithm together with the server control ECU 11. For example, the map image display means displays the map image on the liquid crystal display 35. The traffic information acquisition means acquires traffic information that specifies an event occurring on a road in a predetermined distance unit. The information output means outputs traffic information regarding the display target area, which is the area where the map image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 35.

The operation unit 34 is operated when inputting a departure place as a traveling start point and a destination as a traveling end point, and is composed of a plurality of operation switches (not shown) such as various keys and buttons. Then, the navigation ECU 33 performs control so as to execute various corresponding operations based on the switch signal output by pressing down each switch. The operation unit 34 can also be configured by a touch panel provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 35. It can also be configured by a microphone and a voice recognition device.

Further, on the liquid crystal display 35, map images including roads, traffic information, operation guides, operation menus, key guides, guide information along the guide route (scheduled route), news, weather forecast, time, mail, TV. Programs etc. are displayed. Particularly in this embodiment, the traffic information distributed from the server device 4 is displayed. Note that a HUD or HMD may be used instead of the liquid crystal display 35.

In addition, the speaker 36 outputs voice guidance for guiding the driver to travel along the guide route (scheduled route) or guidance of traffic information based on an instruction from the navigation ECU 33. Particularly in the present embodiment, the traffic information distributed from the server device 4 is output.

The DVD drive 37 is a drive that can read data recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD or a CD. Then, based on the read data, music and video are reproduced, the map information DB 45 is updated, and the like. A card slot for reading and writing a memory card may be provided instead of the DVD drive 37.

The communication module 38 is a communication device for receiving traffic information and the like transmitted from the probe center 3, the VICS center, and other external centers, and corresponds to, for example, a mobile phone or a DCM. It also includes a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device that communicates between vehicles and a road-to-vehicle communication device that communicates with a roadside device. It is also used for transmitting and receiving probe information and distribution information to and from the server device 4.

Next, a traffic information statistical processing program executed in the server device 4 that constitutes the traffic information guidance system 2 having the above-described configuration will be described based on FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the traffic information statistical processing program according to this embodiment. Here, the traffic information statistical processing program is a program that is executed after a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the last time the program was executed, and that generates traffic information based on the probe information transmitted from each vehicle 5. .. The program shown in the flowchart in FIG. 7 below is stored in the RAM 22, the ROM 23, and the like included in the server device 4, and is executed by the CPU 21.

In step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the CPU 21 selects a period from a current time (that is, a time point at which statistics are performed) to a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) before, among the probe information currently stored in the probe information DB 12. The relevant probe information is extracted. The probe information includes, as shown in FIG. 3, "the date and time when the vehicle detects the current position", "the link and the traveling direction of the vehicle", "the current position coordinates of the vehicle", and "the vehicle speed". "When a peculiar behavior occurs to the vehicle, the behavior content" is included. In particular, the probe information whose “date and time when the vehicle detected the current position” corresponds to the period from the present time to the predetermined time before is extracted.

The probe information is generated at a very short time interval (for example, every few seconds) in the navigation device 1 mounted on each vehicle 5 traveling all over the country, and sequentially transmitted to the server device 4. On the other hand, the server device 4 accumulates the received probe information and stores it in the probe information DB 12. Further, when the navigation device 1 generates the probe information, the current position coordinates of the vehicle and the vehicle speed are detected using the GPS 41, the vehicle speed sensor 42 and the like. The link ID of the link on which the vehicle 5 travels is specified by performing a map matching process that matches the current position of the vehicle with the map information.

Next, in S2, the CPU 21 divides the links for which the traffic information is to be calculated, by the distance unit that identifies the event in the traffic information. Particularly, in the following description, an example will be described in which traffic information specifying the degree of traffic congestion on the road in 30 m units is generated as an event occurring on the road. Therefore, the links for which the traffic information is calculated are divided into 30m units. Next, for each sectioned section (hereinafter referred to as a link section), the average vehicle speed of each vehicle traveling in the link section is calculated. Then, the congestion degree is calculated for each link section based on the average vehicle speed of the vehicle and the speed limit set on the road. The speed limit set on the road is acquired from the map information. The degree of congestion is evaluated in three levels of "congestion", "crowded", and "vacant" in descending order of the degree of congestion. For example, "congestion" when the average vehicle speed is less than 20% of the speed limit, "congestion" when the average vehicle speed is less than 40% of the speed limit, and when the average vehicle speed is 40% or more of the speed limit Is "vacant". However, the threshold value of the congestion degree may be set based on the road type instead of the speed limit.

Further, in S2, the congestion degree may be calculated based on the mode value or the median value of the vehicle speeds of the respective vehicles instead of the average vehicle speed obtained by averaging the vehicle speeds of the respective vehicles. The distance unit of the link section for calculating the degree of congestion is not limited to 30 m, but may be a finer distance unit (for example, 10 m unit) or a coarser distance unit (for example, 100 m). Alternatively, a plurality of distance units (for example, 30 m and 100 m) may be set and the congestion degree may be calculated for each distance unit.

Subsequently, in S3, the CPU 21 stores the congestion degree for each link section acquired in S2 as probe statistical information (traffic information) in the probe statistical information DB 13 (see FIG. 4). Note that the probe statistical information stores information that specifies the date and time when the statistics were made, the ID and the traveling direction of the link section that is the statistical target, and the information that specifies the information indicating the congestion degree. Then, after performing the processes of S1 to S3 for the roads nationwide, the process proceeds to S4.

In S4, the CPU 21 distributes the probe statistical information stored in the probe statistical information DB 13 to the vehicle 5 that has made a request as distribution information. It should be noted that the distribution may be performed to all vehicles 5 that are in a communicable state regardless of the presence or absence of the distribution request.

Next, a traffic information guidance processing program executed in the navigation device 1 which constitutes the traffic information guidance system 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the traffic information guidance processing program according to this embodiment. Here, the traffic information guidance processing program is executed after the ACC power supply (accessory power supply) of the vehicle is turned on, and the traffic information generated by the above-described traffic information statistical processing program (FIG. 7) is given to the vehicle occupants. This is a program to guide you. The program shown in the flowchart in FIG. 8 below is stored in the RAM 52, the ROM 53, and the like included in the navigation device 1, and is executed by the CPU 51.

First, in the traffic information guidance processing program, in S11, the CPU 51 acquires a map image around the current position of the vehicle from the map information DB 45 and displays it on the liquid crystal display 35. The area of the map image displayed on the liquid crystal display 35 (hereinafter referred to as the display target area) is determined by the current position of the vehicle and the display scale of the map image. When the current position of the vehicle changes thereafter, the display target area also changes with the change of the current position of the vehicle. It should be noted that on the map image, a current position mark indicating the current position of the vehicle, facility information regarding facilities in the display target area, traffic information described later, and the like are further displayed.

Subsequently, in S12, the CPU 51 receives the traffic information distributed from the probe center 3. It should be noted that the reception target may be only the traffic information around the current position of the own vehicle, or may be the traffic information in a wider range. When the guide route (planned route of the vehicle) is set in the navigation device 1, the traffic information around the guide route may be used. The traffic information may be acquired from other traffic information centers such as the VICS center other than the probe center 3. The traffic information received in S11 is stored in the distribution information DB 46.

Next, in S13, the CPU 51 acquires a route on which the vehicle is scheduled to travel in the future (hereinafter referred to as a planned traveling route). When the guide route is set in the navigation device 1, the planned traveling route of the vehicle is the guide route currently set in the navigation device 1. The guide route corresponds to the recommended route from the starting point to the destination set by the navigation device 1, and is searched by the navigation device 1 or an external server using the known Dijkstra method, for example. On the other hand, when the guide route is not set in the navigation device 1, the route that follows the current position of the vehicle along the road is set as the planned route.

After that, in S14, the CPU 51 runs parallel to the planned traveling route of the vehicle in the display target area, is within a predetermined distance (for example, within 700 m) from the planned traveling route, and has a road of a specific road type. It is determined whether or not. The "specific road type" is a high standard road having a road rating of a certain standard or higher, and corresponds to, for example, a national road, a motorway, a highway, or the like. However, the “specific road type” may be another type of road, for example, a road other than a narrow street.

Then, in the display target area, it is determined that the vehicle runs parallel to the planned traveling route, is within a predetermined distance from the planned traveling route, and that there is a road of a specific road type (S14: YES). Then, the process proceeds to S15. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle runs parallel to the planned traveling route within the display target area, is within a predetermined distance from the planned traveling route, and there is no road of a specific road type (S14: If NO, the process proceeds to S16.

In S15, the CPU 51 identifies the corresponding parallel running road as a route (hereinafter referred to as a candidate route) that is a candidate for a new planned traveling route of the vehicle other than the planned traveling route. Then, the process proceeds to S16.

In S16, the CPU 51 determines that the planned traveling route of the vehicle is one of the plurality of routes to the destination searched by the navigation device 1 or the external server, and there is another route searched in the display target area. It is determined whether or not. Here, when searching for a route to a destination in the navigation device 1 or an external server, a route is searched for each search condition based on a plurality of search conditions. For example, if there are five search conditions such as "recommended", "distance priority", "general road priority", "toll road priority", and "landscape priority", a total of five routes (however, if multiple routes are the same route) May be) will be searched. Then, for example, if the planned travel route of the vehicle is a route searched under the "recommended" search condition, then "distance priority", "general road priority", "toll road priority", "landscape priority" are searched. It is determined whether or not any of the four routes is within the display target area.

Then, it is determined that the planned traveling route of the vehicle is one of the plurality of routes to the destination searched by the navigation device 1 or the external server, and there is another route searched in the display target area. If (YES at S16), the process proceeds to S17. On the other hand, it is determined that the planned traveling route of the vehicle is not one of the plurality of routes to the destination searched by the navigation device 1 or the external server, or that there is no other route searched in the display target area. If (S16: NO), the process proceeds to S18.

In S17, the CPU 51 specifies the other searched route as a candidate route which is a candidate for a new planned traveling route of the vehicle other than the planned traveling route. Then, the process proceeds to S18.

In S18, the CPU 51 determines whether or not there is traffic congestion on the planned traveling route of the vehicle based on the traffic information acquired in S12. In particular, it is desirable to determine whether or not there is traffic congestion within the range included in the display target area (that is, within the range targeted for traffic information guidance). Note that only the congestion level “congestion” may be the target of the congestion, or the congestion level “congestion” may be included in the congestion.

If it is determined that there is congestion on the planned traveling route of the vehicle (S18: YES), it is estimated that the planned traveling route of the vehicle will be changed in order to avoid the congestion, and the process proceeds to S19. And transition. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no congestion on the planned traveling route of the vehicle (S18: NO), it is estimated that the planned traveling route of the vehicle is not changed, and the process proceeds to S20.

In S19, the CPU 51 identifies all roads in the display target area (excluding the current planned driving route) as candidate routes that are candidates for a new planned driving route of the vehicle. Then, the process proceeds to S22.

On the other hand, in S20, the CPU 51 acquires the user's desired arrival time at the destination and the estimated arrival time at the destination. Here, the desired time of arrival at the destination may be input by the user, or may be specified from the schedule if the schedule of the user registered in advance can be acquired. The estimated time of arrival at the destination is calculated based on the map information and the traffic information acquired in S12.

Subsequently, in S21, the CPU 51 compares the desired arrival time at the destination acquired in S20 with the estimated arrival time at the destination, and the estimated arrival time is delayed or the estimated arrival time is earlier than the desired arrival time. Even if so, it is determined whether or not the difference is less than a predetermined time difference (for example, 10 minutes).

If it is determined that the estimated arrival time is behind the desired arrival time or the estimated arrival time is earlier than the predetermined arrival time (S21: YES), the vehicle is rushed to arrive sooner. It is presumed that the planned traveling route of is changed, and the process proceeds to S19. In S19, all roads in the display target area (excluding the current planned driving route) are specified as candidate routes that are candidates for a new planned driving route of the vehicle. On the other hand, when it is determined that the estimated arrival time is earlier than the desired arrival time by the predetermined time difference or more (S21: NO), it is estimated that the planned traveling route of the vehicle is not changed, and the process proceeds to S22. Transition.

In S22, the CPU 51 displays an icon, a symbol, or the like indicating the content of the event on the map image for the event on the road included in the guidance target area, based on the traffic information acquired in S12. Specifically, for a point or section where an event occurs on a map image, an icon corresponding to the type of event (for example, an icon indicating an accident in the case of an accident, a lane restriction icon in the case of lane regulation) Is displayed. In addition, for a section in which congestion occurs, a line segment (a type of icon) of a color corresponding to the degree of congestion is displayed along the road.

Here, the traffic information is information in which the event is specified in a predetermined distance unit (30 m unit in the present embodiment) by the server device 4 as described above (S2). Further, in the present embodiment, the display target area is divided into a plurality of areas, and the distance unit that specifies the traffic information to be output is changed for each area. In particular, in this embodiment, the display target area is divided into the following four areas.
(1) A particularly close area within the vicinity of the planned route (within 250 m from the planned route)
(2) Areas other than the above around the planned travel route (250m to 500m from the planned travel route)
(3) Area around the candidate route (however, only when the candidate route is acquired in S15, S17, S19) (within 100 m from the candidate route)
(4) Areas that do not correspond to any of the above

Then, regarding the areas (1) and (3), the user recognizes that the user desires detailed and accurate traffic information, and outputs the traffic information that specifies the event in the smallest 30 m unit. On the other hand, for the area (2), the traffic information specifying the event in 150 m units is output. The area (4) is determined to be an area in which the user does not want detailed and accurate traffic information, and the traffic information that specifies the event in units of 300 m, which is the coarsest, is output.

Since the traffic information acquired in S2 is information in which the event is specified in 30 m units by the server device 4 as described above, for the areas (1) and (3), according to the traffic information acquired in S2, Display traffic information at the corresponding point or section on the map image. On the other hand, the CPU 51 generates traffic information specifying an event in 150 m units and 300 m units based on the traffic information acquired in S2.

There are various methods for generating traffic information with coarse resolution from traffic information with fine resolution. As an example, when generating information specifying the degree of congestion in units of 150 m from information specifying the degree of congestion in units of 30 m, the highest degree of congestion of the 30 m sections included in the 150 m section is set to 150 m section. There is a method of setting the congestion level in. This makes it possible to acquire a plurality of types of traffic information with different distance units specified for the same event. Then, regarding the areas (2) and (4), the traffic information is displayed at the corresponding point or section of the map image according to the generated traffic information. However, the traffic information in which the event is specified in 150 m units and 300 m units may also be generated on the server device 4 side.

In addition, it is desirable to exclude narrow streets from the guidance of traffic information, because it becomes a residential road for neighboring residents. However, for example, the narrow streets included in the areas (1) and (3) may be included in the guidance target.

For example, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the travel guide screen 61 displayed on the liquid crystal display 35. As shown in FIG. 9, a map image 62 around the current position of the vehicle and a vehicle position mark 63 indicating the current position of the vehicle are displayed on the travel guide screen 61. Furthermore, for each road included in the map image, for example, for a section where congestion is occurring, a line segment (congestion display) is displayed along the road in a color corresponding to the degree of congestion (for example, "congestion" is red and "congestion" is yellow). The icon) 64 is displayed. If there are other events such as an accident or lane regulation other than the traffic jam, an icon for guiding them is displayed. Further, when displaying the traffic information, the traffic information specifying the event in units of 30 m is displayed for the area 66 near the planned traveling route 65 of the vehicle, and the area 67 slightly separated from the planned traveling route 65 of the vehicle is displayed. Traffic information specifying an event is displayed in 150 m units. If there is a parallel running road 68 that runs parallel to the planned running route 65 and is within a predetermined distance (for example, within 700 m) from the planned running route and there is a road of a specific road type, Also in the area 69 near the road 68, traffic information specifying an event is displayed in units of 30 m. For other areas, traffic information specifying an event is displayed in 300 m units.

As a result of the guidance of the traffic information in the mode shown in FIG. 9, the user has a short distance unit for identifying an event for a route currently being traveled, a parallel road that may be selected as a traveling target in the future, and roads surrounding it ( Accurate and detailed traffic information can be obtained by outputting traffic information (with a fine resolution). On the other hand, for other areas, by outputting the traffic information having a long distance unit (coarse resolution) that specifies the event, it is possible to suppress the amount of traffic information to be output. The display of the traffic information according to the mode shown in FIG. 9 is always performed when the parallel road 68 is included in the display area.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the travel guide screen 61 displayed on the liquid crystal display 35. In the example shown in FIG. 10, there is a road 70 included in a route searched under a search condition different from the planned travel route 65 in the display target area, and when the traffic information is displayed, an area near the road 70 is displayed. Also for 71, traffic information specifying an event is displayed in units of 30 m.

As a result of the guidance of the traffic information in the mode shown in FIG. 10, the user has a route unit that specifies the event for the route currently being traveled, another search route that may be selected as a traveling target in the future, and roads around the route. Accurate and detailed traffic information can be obtained by outputting short (fine resolution) traffic information. On the other hand, for other areas, by outputting the traffic information having a long distance unit (coarse resolution) that specifies the event, it is possible to suppress the amount of traffic information to be output. The display of the traffic information according to the mode shown in FIG. 10 is always performed in the state where the road 70 included in the route searched under the search condition different from the planned traveling route 65 is included in the display area. However, when the setting of the destination is canceled, the traffic information that specifies the event in 300 m units in the vicinity area 71 of the road 70 (excluding the portions overlapping the areas 66 and 67) will be displayed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the travel guide screen 61 displayed on the liquid crystal display 35. In the example shown in FIG. 11, there is a traffic jam on the planned traveling route 65, and when displaying the traffic information, the traffic information specifying the event in units of 30 m is displayed for all the roads included in the display target area 72. Is displayed. Further, even when the estimated arrival time is delayed with respect to the desired arrival time, or even when the estimated arrival time is early, it is displayed in the same display mode even when it is determined that the difference is less than the predetermined time difference. That is, when the planned traveling route of the vehicle is changed (or is likely to be changed), the planned traveling route of the vehicle is not changed (or may be changed). The situation is low), and the ratio of the area that outputs the traffic information specifying the event in short distance units is increased.

Regarding the case where it is estimated that the planned traveling route of the vehicle is changed (or is likely to be changed) in the future as a result of the traffic information being guided in the mode shown in FIG. Can output accurate and detailed traffic information by outputting traffic information with a short distance unit (fine resolution) that specifies an event for all roads included in the map image. As a result, it is possible to appropriately select a route to be traveled in the future based on the guided traffic information. The display of the traffic information according to the mode shown in FIG. 11 shows that (A) the congestion on the planned traveling route 65 is eliminated, (B) it passes through the congested section on the planned traveling route 65, and (C) the desired arrival time. It is determined that the scheduled arrival time is earlier than the predetermined time difference by any of the above conditions. After satisfying any of the conditions (A) to (C), if there is a parallel road in the display target area, the display mode shown in FIG. When there is a road included in the route, it is displayed in the display mode shown in FIG. Further, when there is no parallel road in the display target area and there is no road included in the route searched under the search condition different from the planned traveling route, only the area around the planned traveling route is guided by the detailed traffic information. It will be.

As described above in detail, in the navigation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the traffic information that specifies the event occurring on the road by the predetermined distance unit is acquired (S12, S22), and the map image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 35. The traffic information regarding the display target area where is displayed is output (S22). In addition, the traffic information includes multiple types of traffic information with different distance units specified for the same event, and when outputting traffic information, the display target area is divided into multiple areas. Since the distance unit for specifying the traffic information to be output is changed for each area and output (S22), the traffic provided while providing the detailed traffic information for the area where the user should be provided with the detailed information. It is possible to suppress the amount of information of the entire information. As a result, it is possible to allow the user to appropriately travel based on the traffic information.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, an example of guiding the degree of traffic congestion on the road as the traffic information has been described, but in addition to the degree of traffic congestion on the road, for example, an accident, a sudden deceleration, a sharp turn, a slip, a broken vehicle, an obstacle on the road, construction, and work. It may be traffic information for guiding various events such as: traffic closure, large-scale traffic closure, prohibition of entry, slow speed, speed regulation, entrance closure, entrance restriction, chain regulation, lane regulation, one-sided mutual traffic, and two-way traffic. Even in the case of guiding such traffic information, the display target area is divided into a plurality of areas, and the distance unit that specifies the traffic information is changed for each area and output.

Further, in the present embodiment, the traffic information is displayed on the map image displayed on the liquid crystal display 35 as an output mode of the traffic information, but the traffic information may be output by voice.

Further, in the present embodiment, when there is congestion on the planned traveling route of the vehicle, all the roads in the display target area are specified as candidate routes (S19). For example, all roads in the display target area may be specified as candidate routes even when there are traffic closures, lane restrictions, construction sections, etc.).

In addition, in the present embodiment, when there is a parallel running road in the display target area, the area around the corresponding parallel running road is also irrespective of whether or not the planned travel route of the vehicle is changed. Detailed traffic information was displayed (S15), but only when the planned travel route of the vehicle is changed (only when the determination conditions of S18 and S21 are satisfied) Detailed traffic information may be displayed. Similarly, if there is a route searched in the display target area under a search condition different from that of the planned route, the area around the relevant route will be irrespective of whether the planned route of the vehicle is changed or not. The detailed traffic information was also displayed for, but only when the planned travel route of the vehicle is changed (only when the determination conditions of S18 and S21 are satisfied), the detailed traffic information about the area around the relevant route is displayed. Information may be displayed.

Further, in addition to the area around the route searched under the search condition different from the parallel road or the planned traveling route, for example, when the vehicle travels on the highway, an area around the interchange or junction of the highway, a service area or a parking area. Detailed traffic information may also be displayed for areas around the area (particularly, an access road for entering or leaving the main line of an expressway). It is estimated that these areas are also areas where the user needs detailed traffic information.

Further, in the present embodiment, the execution body of the traffic information statistical processing program shown in FIG. 7 is the server device 4, but it may be configured to be executed by the navigation device 1. Further, the server device 4 and the navigation device 1 may be configured to execute a part of each. When the navigation device 1 executes the traffic information statistical processing program, it is desirable to acquire the travel history of another vehicle via the server device 4 or via inter-vehicle communication.

Further, instead of the navigation device 1, it is possible to configure the traffic information guidance system 2 with another device having a travel guidance function. For example, an in-vehicle device other than the navigation device 1, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like is possible. In that case, in addition to the vehicle travel guidance, it is possible to provide travel guidance for moving bodies (pedestrians, bicycles, etc.) other than the vehicle.

Although the embodiment in which the traffic information guide device according to the present invention is embodied has been described above, the traffic information guide device can also have the following configuration, and in that case, the following effects are exhibited.

For example, the first configuration is as follows.
Map image display means (51) for displaying a map image (62) on a display device, and traffic information acquisition means (51) for acquiring traffic information that specifies an event occurring on a road in predetermined distance units, An information output unit (51) for outputting the traffic information on a display target area, which is an area where a map image is displayed on the display device (35), and the traffic information corresponds to the same event. The information output means divides the display target area into a plurality of areas, and includes a plurality of types of traffic information having different specified distance units, and a distance unit that specifies the traffic information to be output for each area. Change and output.
According to the traffic information guide device having the above configuration, the area in which the map image is displayed on the display device is divided into a plurality of areas, and the traffic information in which the distance unit for identifying the event is changed for each of the divided areas is displayed. By outputting, it becomes possible to provide the detailed traffic information for the area where the user should be provided with the detailed information, while suppressing the information amount of the entire traffic information provided. As a result, it is possible to allow the user to make an appropriate movement based on the traffic information.

The second configuration is as follows.
The information output means (51) has a route acquisition means (51) for acquiring the planned movement route (65) of the moving body (5), and the information output means (51) is located in the display target area around the planned movement route of the moving body. Regarding the areas (66, 67) and the area (69, 71) around the candidate route which is a candidate for a new planned route other than the planned route, the traffic information specifying the event in a distance unit shorter than other areas is displayed. Output.
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information especially for the area around the route that the user may select as a route to move in the future. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select future travel routes based on the output traffic information.

The third configuration is as follows.
The candidate route is a road running in parallel with the planned moving route (65) of the moving body (5).
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information particularly for the area around the parallel road that the user may select as a route to move in the future. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select a future travel route from a plurality of candidates including parallel roads based on the output traffic information.

The fourth configuration is as follows.
The candidate route is a road that runs in parallel with the planned moving route (65) of the moving body (5) and has a specific road type.
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information about the area around the parallel road, which is more likely to be selected by the user as a route to travel in the future. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select a future travel route from a plurality of candidates including parallel roads based on the output traffic information.

The fifth configuration is as follows.
The candidate route is a road that runs parallel to the planned movement route (65) of the moving body (5) and is within a predetermined distance from the planned movement route.
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information about the area around the parallel road, which is more likely to be selected by the user as a route to travel in the future. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select a future travel route from a plurality of candidates including parallel roads based on the output traffic information.

The sixth configuration is as follows.
There is a route acquisition unit (51) for acquiring a plurality of search routes searched for each search condition up to the destination of the mobile unit (5) under a plurality of search conditions, and the candidate route is a planned travel route of the mobile unit ( If 65) is one of the searched routes, it is another searched route.
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information particularly for the area around another route to the destination that the user may select as a route to travel in the future. .. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select the future travel route from the plurality of candidates based on the output traffic information.

The seventh configuration is as follows.
The candidate routes are all roads included in the display target area.
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information particularly for all areas around the road that the user may select as a route to move in the future. As a result, it becomes possible for the user to arbitrarily select a future travel route based on the output traffic information.

The eighth configuration is as follows.
The information output means (51) has a situation determination means (51) for determining whether or not the planned movement route (65) of the moving body (5) is in a changed state, and the information output means (51) is the planned movement route of the moving body. If there is no situation in which the traffic is changed, the traffic that specifies an event in the area (66, 67) around the planned travel route of the moving body in the display target area in a distance unit shorter than other areas. When the information is output and the planned moving route of the moving body is changed, an area around the planned moving route of the moving body and an area around the candidate route (69, 71) in the display target area. ), the traffic information specifying the event is output in a unit of distance shorter than other areas.
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above configuration, especially when the user is estimated to be in a situation where the route the user is going to change in the future (or in a situation where there is a high possibility that the user is changed), It is possible to provide detailed traffic information about the area around the route that may be selected as the route to travel to. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select future travel routes based on the output traffic information.

The ninth configuration is as follows.
The situation where the planned moving route (65) of the moving body (5) is changed is when there is a factor that hinders the movement on the planned moving route.
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above configuration, it is estimated that the user is (or is likely to be) changed in the route to move in order to avoid factors that hinder the movement in the future. In this case, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information, especially about the area around the route that the user may select as a route to move in the future. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select future travel routes based on the output traffic information.

The tenth configuration is as follows.
The mobile unit (5) has a desired time acquisition unit (51) for acquiring a desired time of arrival at the destination and an arrival time prediction unit (51) for predicting an estimated time of arrival at the destination. The situation in which the planned movement route of the body is changed is when the scheduled arrival time is delayed with respect to the desired arrival time or when the difference is less than a predetermined time difference.
According to the traffic information guide device having the above configuration, in the case where it is estimated that the user is in the situation of changing the route to move in order to rush to arrive in the future (or in the situation of high possibility of change), In particular, it is possible to provide detailed traffic information about the area around the route that the user may select as a route to move in the future. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select future travel routes based on the output traffic information.

The eleventh configuration is as follows.
The information output means (51) has a situation determination means (51) for determining whether or not the planned movement route of the moving body (5) is changed, and the information output means (51) changes the planned movement route of the moving body. If the situation is such that the moving route of the moving body is not changed, the ratio of the area that outputs the traffic information that identifies the event in short distance units among the multiple types of traffic information Make it higher
According to the traffic information guidance device having the above-mentioned configuration, in the case where it is estimated that the user is going to change the route to move in the future (or there is a high possibility that the route will be changed) in a wider area, It is possible to provide detailed traffic information. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately select future travel routes based on the output traffic information.

1 Navigation Device 2 Traffic Information Guidance System 3 Probe Center 4 Server Device 5 Vehicle 11 Server Control ECU
33 Navigation ECU
51 CPU
61 Driving guidance screen 62 Map image 64 Congestion display icon 65 Planned route 68, 70 Candidate route

Claims (12)

Map image display means for displaying a map image on a display device,
Traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information that specifies events occurring on the road in predetermined distance units,
An information output means for outputting the traffic information on the display target area, which is the area where the map image is displayed on the display device,
The traffic information includes a plurality of types of traffic information with different distance units specified for the same event,
The information output unit divides the display target area into a plurality of areas, and outputs the traffic information by changing the distance unit that specifies the traffic information to be output for each area. It has a route acquisition means for acquiring the planned route of the moving body,
The information output unit, in the display target area, the area around the planned travel route of the mobile body and the area around the candidate route that is a candidate for a new planned travel route other than the planned travel route are more than other areas. The traffic information guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the traffic information specifying an event is output in short distance units. The traffic information guide device according to claim 2, wherein the candidate route is a road that runs parallel to a planned route of the moving body. The traffic information guide device according to claim 3, wherein the candidate route is a road that runs in parallel with a planned route of the moving body and has a specific road type. The traffic information guide device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the candidate route is a road that runs parallel to the planned travel route of the mobile body and is within a predetermined distance from the planned travel route. It has a route acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of search routes searched for each search condition with a plurality of search conditions up to the destination of the moving body,
The traffic information guide device according to claim 2, wherein the candidate route is another search route when the planned travel route of the mobile body is one of the search routes. The traffic information guide device according to claim 2, wherein the candidate routes are all roads included in the display target area. Having a situation determination means for determining whether or not the planned travel route of the moving body is changed,
The information output means,
When the planned moving route of the moving body is not changed, in the display target area, the area around the planned moving route of the moving body specifies the event in a distance unit shorter than other areas. Output traffic information,
When the planned moving route of the moving body is changed, the area around the planned moving route of the moving body and the area around the candidate route in the display target area are shorter than other areas. The traffic information guide device according to claim 2, wherein the traffic information specifying an event in units is output. The traffic information guiding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the planned travel route of the moving body is changed when there is a factor that hinders the travel on the planned travel route. A desired time acquisition means for acquiring a desired time of arrival of the mobile body at the destination,
An arrival time predicting means for predicting an estimated arrival time at the destination,
The traffic information guide device according to claim 8, wherein the scheduled travel route of the moving body is changed when the scheduled arrival time is behind the desired arrival time or when the difference is less than a predetermined time difference. Having a situation determination means for determining whether or not the planned travel route of the moving body is changed,
In the case where the planned moving route of the mobile body is changed, the information output means is shorter than the case where the planned moving route of the mobile body is not changed, in the plurality of types of traffic information. The traffic information guide device according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of an area for outputting traffic information specifying an event is increased in units. Computer,
Map image display means for displaying a map image on a display device,
Traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information that specifies events occurring on the road in predetermined distance units,
A computer program for functioning as information output means for outputting the traffic information on a display target area, which is an area where a map image is displayed on the display device,
The traffic information includes a plurality of types of traffic information with different distance units specified for the same event,
The information output means is a computer program for dividing the display target area into a plurality of areas and changing the distance unit for specifying the traffic information to be output for each area and outputting the changed traffic information.