JP2023179712A - Route guide device, control method, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a route guide device capable of suitably performing guidance to facilities by which a user desires to stop.SOLUTION: A system controller 20 of a navigation device 1 refers to a determination table 32 or a determination table, when a destination has been set, in order to retrieve stop-by candidate facilities with prescribed relevance to the destination. In addition, the navigation device 1 issues a notification related to a search result of stop-by candidate facilities by using a display unit 40 or a voice output unit 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a technique for guiding visitors to a facility to visit.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques have been known for providing guidance regarding facilities to be visited separately from a destination. For example, in Patent Document 1, a user specifies a desired genre regarding facilities that can be substituted, such as convenience stores and gas stations, and uses the specified genre as a keyword to locate the corresponding point a predetermined distance from the guide route. A navigation device is disclosed that searches within a range and sets one searched point as a stopover point.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-132923

In Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user to set in advance the genre and keyword of the facility that the user wants to visit. Furthermore, when automatically searching for a route point when the genre or keyword of the facility the user wants to pass through has not been set, the problem arises that the processing time increases because the search is performed for all facilities.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a route guidance device that can suitably guide the user to facilities that are preferably visited.

The invention according to claim 1 includes:
In a route guidance device equipped or installed in a moving body,
a storage unit that stores attribute information regarding the presence or absence of each facility of a facility set as a destination;
a search unit that searches for candidate stop-off points that are candidates to stop at when heading to a set destination;
a notification unit that notifies the user regarding the stopover candidate point;
Equipped with
The search unit searches for a point related to insufficient equipment at the destination based on the attribute information corresponding to the set destination,
The route guidance device is characterized in that the notification unit does not provide notification regarding the stopover candidate point if the stopover candidate point is within a predetermined distance from the destination.

The invention according to claim 8 includes:
A control method executed by a route guidance device provided or installed in a moving body, the method comprising:
a search step of searching for candidate stop-off points that are candidates to stop at when heading to the set destination;
a notification step of notifying the user about the stopover candidate point;
has
The search step searches for a point related to insufficient equipment at the destination based on attribute information regarding the presence or absence of each of the equipment at the set destination,
The notification step is a control method characterized in that when the candidate stop point is within a predetermined distance from the destination, notification regarding the candidate stop point is not performed.

The invention according to claim 9 includes:
A program executed by a computer of a route guidance device provided or installed in a moving body,
a search unit that searches for candidate stop-off points that are candidates to stop at when heading to a set destination;
a notification unit that notifies the user regarding the stopover candidate point;
causing the computer to function as
The search unit searches for a point related to insufficient equipment at the destination based on attribute information regarding the presence or absence of each of the equipment at the set destination,
The program is characterized in that the notification section does not provide notification regarding the stopover candidate point if the stopover candidate point is within a predetermined distance from the destination.

This is a schematic configuration of a navigation device. It is a specific example of the data structure of the determination table in the first example. It is a flowchart regarding the search and guidance of a stop-in candidate facility. This is a display example according to the first embodiment. It is a specific example of the data structure of the determination table in the second example. This is a display example according to the second embodiment. It is a schematic structure of the route search system concerning a modification.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a route guidance device provided or installed in a moving body includes a search unit that searches for candidate points to stop at when heading to a set destination; and a notification section that provides notification regarding the search results of the search section, and the search section determines the point to be searched based on its relevance to the destination.

The route guidance device includes a search section and a notification section. The search unit searches for candidate points to stop at when heading to the set destination. The notification unit notifies the user regarding the search results obtained by the search unit. The search unit then determines the above-mentioned point to be searched based on its relevance to the destination. According to this aspect, when a destination is set, the route guidance device searches for a candidate point to stop at based on the relationship with the destination, and notifies the search result. Thereby, the route guidance device can suitably select and notify the user of possible points to stop at.

In one aspect of the route guidance device, the route guidance device includes a storage unit that stores correspondence information that associates a facility set as a destination with a point recommended to be visited before arriving at the facility. , the search unit searches for a point associated with the set destination in the correspondence information. Thereby, the route guidance device can suitably search for points related to the destination and notify the user of the search results.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the route guidance device includes a storage unit that stores attribute information of a facility set as a destination, and the search unit stores attribute information corresponding to the set destination. Based on this, the point to be searched is determined. With this aspect as well, the route guidance device can suitably search for points related to the destination and notify the user of the search results.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the attribute information is information regarding the presence or absence of predetermined equipment, and the search unit searches for a point having insufficient equipment at the destination based on the attribute information. do. Here, the facilities include various facilities such as toilets, daily necessities/food stores, parking lots, eating and drinking spaces, and restaurants. Thereby, the route guidance device can search for a point with insufficient equipment at the destination and notify the user of the location.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the search unit searches for the point based on an expected arrival time of the destination. Generally, depending on the time of arrival at the destination, whether or not the equipment is necessary for the user may differ. Therefore, according to this aspect, the route guidance device can suitably notify the user of a point at the destination that has insufficient facilities.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the route guidance device further includes an acquisition unit that acquires traffic information around the destination, and the search unit searches for the point based on the traffic information. With this aspect, the route guidance device can search for a suitable spot for a restroom break, etc., and notify the user of the location when there is a traffic jam.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the route guidance device further includes a history recording unit that records history information regarding a stop-off point when the destination of the mobile object is set, and the notification unit When it is determined based on the information that the set destination was not visited at the point searched by the search unit when it was set as a destination in the past, the search result of the search by the search unit is not reported. With this aspect, the route guidance device can suitably prevent unnecessary notification to the user of points that the user did not stop at when heading to the same destination in the past.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the notification unit provides notification regarding the search result of the search unit before the mobile body arrives at the destination. According to this aspect, the route guidance device can notify the user of a suitable point to stop at before arriving at the destination.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the search unit starts searching for the point upon designation of the destination. With this aspect, the route guidance device can automatically search for a stop-off candidate point when a destination is specified, and notify the user of the search results.

In another aspect of the route guidance device, the route guidance device further includes an input reception unit that receives an input specifying whether or not to start searching for the facility upon designation of the destination. According to this aspect, the route guidance device can suitably switch on and off the function of automatically searching for and notifying points to be stopped at when a destination is specified, based on user input.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server device communicates with a route guidance device, and includes a receiving unit that receives information regarding a destination from the route guidance device, and a candidate to stop at when heading to the destination. and a transmitting unit that transmits information regarding the search results of the search unit to the route guidance device, and the search unit is configured to: Determine the point to be searched. According to this aspect, when the server device receives information regarding the destination from the route guidance device, the server device searches for candidate points to stop at based on the relevance to the destination, and transfers the search result information to the route guidance device. Send to. Thereby, the server device can suitably notify the user of the points to be stopped by using the route guidance device.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a control method executed by a route guidance device provided or installed in a moving body, which searches for candidate points to stop at when heading to a set destination. and a notification step of notifying the user about the search results in the search step, and the search step determines the point to be searched based on its relevance to the destination. By executing this control method, the route guidance device can suitably select and notify the user of possible locations to stop at.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer of a route guidance device provided in or installed in a moving object that provides route guidance to a destination, the program being executed by a computer of a route guidance device that provides route guidance to a destination. The computer is made to function as a search unit that searches for facilities existing within a predetermined range from the destination, and a notification unit that notifies the user of the search results of the search unit, and the notification unit , if the facility does not exist, the user is notified that the facility does not exist. By executing this program, the route guidance device can suitably select and notify the user of candidate points to stop at. Preferably, the program is stored on a storage medium.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First example>
(1) Configuration of navigation device
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a navigation device 1 to which a route guidance device according to the present invention is applied. When a destination is set, the navigation device 1 searches for facilities related to the destination and automatically notifies the user of the search results. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes an independent positioning device 10, a GPS receiver 18, a system controller 20, a data storage unit 31, a communication device 38, a display unit 40, an audio output unit 50, and an input device 60.

The independent positioning device 10 includes an acceleration sensor 11 that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, an angular velocity sensor 12 such as a vibrating gyroscope that detects the angular velocity of the vehicle when the vehicle changes direction, and a pulse that is generated as the wheels of the vehicle rotate. It includes a distance sensor 13 that measures a vehicle speed pulse consisting of a signal.

The GPS receiver 18 receives radio waves 19 carrying downlink data including positioning data from a plurality of GPS satellites. The positioning data is used to detect the absolute position of the vehicle from latitude and longitude information.

The system controller 20 includes an interface 21, a CPU 22, a ROM 23, and a RAM 24, and controls the navigation device 1 as a whole. For example, the system controller 20 executes a route search to a destination specified by the user and route guidance for the searched route. Further, in this embodiment, the system controller 20 automatically searches for facilities that are candidates for stopping by (also referred to as "stopping candidate facilities") upon setting the destination, and retrieves the search results regarding the stopover candidate facilities. The display unit 40 and the audio output unit 50 notify the user. The stopover candidate facility is a facility that has a predetermined relationship with the destination, such as a nearby facility of the destination that has facilities that the destination does not have. The system controller 20 is an example of a "search section", "history recording section", "obtaining section", "input reception section", "notification section" in the present invention, and a computer that executes a program in the present invention. In addition, the stop-in candidate facility is an example of "a point that is a stop-in candidate" in the present invention.

The interface 21 performs an interface operation with the independent positioning device 10 and the GPS receiver 18. The interface 21 then inputs these output data to the system controller 20. The CPU 22 controls the entire system controller 20. The ROM 23 includes a non-volatile memory (not shown) in which a control program for controlling the system controller 20 and the like are stored. The RAM 24 readably stores various data such as route data set in advance by the user via the input device 60, and provides a working area for the CPU 22.

The system controller 20, data storage unit 31, display unit 40, audio output unit 50, and input device 60 are interconnected via a bus line 30.

The data storage unit 31 is configured with a storage medium such as an HDD or a flash memory, and stores various data used for navigation processing such as map data. The map data includes road data represented by links corresponding to roads and nodes corresponding to connecting parts (intersections) of roads, and facility information regarding each facility that can be set as a destination. Further, in this embodiment, the data storage unit 31 stores a determination table 32 that the system controller 20 refers to when determining a stopover candidate facility to be notified to the user from the set destination. A specific example of the data structure of the determination table 32 will be described later with reference to FIG. The determination table 32 is an example of "correspondence information" in the present invention.

The communication device 38 receives traffic jam information distributed from a VICS (registered trademark, Vehicle Information Communication System) center, traffic jam information distributed from a server device (not shown) that distributes traffic congestion information, and the like. Note that the communication device 38 may receive information to be stored in the data storage unit 31 as map data from a server device (not shown) under the control of the system controller 20.

The display unit 40 displays various display data on a display device such as a display under the control of the system controller 20. Specifically, the system controller 20 reads map data from the data storage unit 31. The display unit 40 displays an image based on the map data read from the data storage unit 31 by the system controller 20 on a display screen such as a display. The display unit 40 includes a graphic controller 41 that controls the entire display unit 40 based on control data sent from the CPU 22 via the bus line 30, and a memory such as VRAM (Video RAM), and displays image information that can be displayed immediately. It includes a buffer memory 42 for temporary storage, a display control section 43 that controls the display 44 based on image data output from the graphic controller 41, and a display 44.

The audio output unit 50 includes a D/A converter 51 that performs D/A conversion of audio digital data sent from the RAM 24 etc. via the bus line 30 under the control of the system controller 20, and a D/A converter 51 that performs D/A conversion of audio digital data sent from the RAM 24 etc. via the bus line 30. The vehicle is configured to include an amplifier (AMP) 52 that amplifies an audio analog signal, and a speaker 53 that converts the amplified audio analog signal into audio and outputs it to the inside of the vehicle.

The input device 60 includes keys, switches, buttons, a remote control, a voice input device, etc. for inputting various commands and data. The input device 60 is arranged around the front panel or display 44 of the main body of the in-vehicle electronic system mounted in the vehicle. Further, when the display 44 is of a touch panel type, a touch panel provided on the display screen of the display 44 also functions as the input device 60.

Note that the configuration of the navigation device 1 to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, instead of or in addition to the display 44, the navigation device 1 may include a head-up display that allows the driver to view a virtual image through a window shield or a combiner of the vehicle.

(2) Example data structure of judgment table
Next, a specific example regarding the data structure of the determination table 32 will be described.

FIG. 2(A) is a first specific example showing the data structure of the determination table 32. In the example of FIG. 2A, the determination table 32 includes items of "destination category" and "stop-over candidate category." Here, "destination category" indicates each category when classifying facilities that can be set as a destination, and "stop-over candidate category" indicates a stop-over candidate category when a destination belonging to the corresponding destination category is set. Indicates the category of facilities to be set as candidate facilities.

Here, a specific example of referring to the determination table 32 shown in FIG. 2(A) will be described. For example, if a facility belonging to the "campsite" category is set as the destination, the system controller 20 refers to the first record of the determination table 32 shown in FIG. It is determined that the facility should be set as a stopover candidate facility. Therefore, in this case, the system controller 20 refers to the facility information of the map data stored in the data storage unit 31 and, for example, stores supermarkets within a predetermined distance from the destination or within a predetermined distance from the set route to the destination. Search for. Then, the system controller 20 regards the searched facility as a stopover candidate facility, and issues a notification recommending a stopover at the facility. Thereby, the system controller 20 can prompt the user to stop by a supermarket suitable for purchasing items necessary for holding a barbecue or the like at the campsite before arriving at the campsite.

Similarly, when a facility belonging to the inn category is set as a destination, the system controller 20 refers to the second record of the determination table 32 and sets a facility whose category is convenience store as a stopover candidate facility. decide that it should be done. Therefore, the system controller 20 searches for convenience stores near the destination or route, and makes a notification recommending that the user stop by the searched convenience store. Thereby, the system controller 20 can prompt the user to stop by a convenience store suitable for purchasing necessary items inside the inn before arriving at the inn.

In this way, in the example of FIG. 2A, each destination category is associated with a stop-in candidate category, which is a category of facilities that are preferably visited when heading to a facility belonging to the corresponding destination category. Note that the determination table 32 shown in FIG. 2(A) is created in advance by, for example, a personal method, and is stored in the data storage unit 31. Preferably, information specifying the content to be notified may be associated with each combination of "destination category" and "drop-in candidate category" in FIG. 2(A). A specific example of the notification content will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 2(B) is a second specific example showing the data structure of the determination table 32. In the example of FIG. 2(B), the determination table 32 includes items of "destination" and "candidate stop-off facility." Here, in "Destination", facilities that can be set as a destination are registered, and in "Candidate stop-off facility", when the facility indicated by "Destination" is set as a destination, candidate facilities for stop-in are registered. Facilities that should be set as such are registered.

Here, a specific example will be described in which the determination table 32 shown in FIG. 2(B) is referred to. In this case, the first record of the determination table 32 is referred to, and "Roadside Station B", which is a facility where you can take a restroom break, is considered as a stopover candidate facility. We will inform you that it should be established as a land. Thereby, the system controller 20 can appropriately encourage the user to take a restroom break at "Roadside Station B" in consideration of the occurrence of parking lot congestion at "A Land". Similarly, when "Farm E", which is a facility with no parking lot, is set as the destination, the system controller 20 refers to the third record of the determination table 32 and arranges a shuttle bus to Farm E. "Factory F", which is the starting point and has a parking lot, is regarded as a stopover candidate facility, and a notification is made that "Factory F" should be the stopover location. As a result, the system controller 20 takes into consideration that "Farm E" is a facility that does not have a parking lot, and appropriately encourages the driver to stop by "Factory F", which is the departure point of the shuttle bus and has a parking lot. be able to.

In this way, in the example of FIG. 2B, each specific facility that can be set as a destination is associated with a stop-in candidate facility that is a facility recommended to be visited when heading to the facility. Note that the determination table 32 shown in FIG. 2(B) is created in advance by, for example, a personal method, and is stored in the data storage unit 31. Preferably, information specifying the content to be notified may be associated with each combination of "destination" and "candidate stop-off facility" in FIG. 2(B).

Note that the data storage unit 31 may store both the determination table 32 having the data structure shown in FIG. 2(A) and the determination table 32 having the data structure shown in FIG. 2(B). In this case, the system controller 20, for example, preferentially refers to the determination table 32 in FIG. 2(B) to search for a stop-in candidate facility. Then, if the set destination is not registered in the determination table 32 shown in FIG. 2(B), the system controller 20 determines the destination as shown in FIG. 2(A) based on the category of the set destination. Refer to the determination table 32. In this case, by referring to the determination table 32 shown in FIG. 2(A), the system controller 20 recognizes the category of the facility to be set as a stopover candidate facility, and Applicable facilities are considered to be stopover candidate facilities.

(3) Processing flow
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the process of guiding the user to a candidate facility to visit. The system controller 20 executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 every time it detects that a destination has been set.

First, when there is an input specifying a destination, the system controller 20 searches for a route to the destination specified by the user (step S101). Then, the system controller 20 refers to the determination table 32 and searches for a stop-in candidate facility based on the destination (step S102). Here, when referring to the determination table 32 in FIG. 2(A), the system controller 20 recognizes the category of the destination based on the facility information included in the map data of the data storage unit 31, and The category of the candidate facility to be visited is specified with reference to the determination table 32 in FIG. 2(A). Then, the system controller 20 searches for facilities belonging to the specified category, using the destination or the vicinity of the route as the search range. In addition, when referring to the determination table 32 in FIG. Search from included facility information.

Then, the system controller 20 determines whether or not the corresponding stopover candidate facility has been identified through the search in step S102 (step S103). Then, if the system controller 20 is able to identify the corresponding stop-in candidate facility through the search in step S102 (step S103; Yes), the system controller 20 provides guidance to the stop-in candidate facility (step S104). In this case, the system controller 20, for example, performs a display and/or audio output to notify the existence of the searched stop-in candidate facility, and receives input for setting the searched stop-in candidate facility as a stop-in place. Note that the system controller 20 may only display and/or output audio to notify the existence of the searched stop-in candidate facility, and may not accept input for setting the searched stop-in candidate facility as a stop-in place.

On the other hand, if the system controller 20 cannot identify the corresponding stopover candidate facility by the search in step S102 (step S103; No), the system controller 20 ends the process of the flowchart.

(4) Display example
FIG. 4 shows an example of a display displayed on the display 44 when guiding the candidate facility to be visited in step S104 of FIG.

In the example of FIG. 4, after the route to the destination is set, the system controller 20 refers to the determination table 32 of FIG. B” is determined. Then, the system controller 20 displays the current location, the location of the destination "A Land", the route to the destination, and the location of the stopover candidate facility "Roadside Station B" on the map, and also displays the stopover candidate facility "Roadside Station B" on the map. A pop-up window 70 is displayed prompting the user to set "Station B" as a stopover.

Here, the system controller 20 displays a message in the pop-up window 70 that parking congestion is expected at the destination "A Land" and that it is recommended to take a restroom break at the candidate facility "Roadside Station B". is displayed. In this case, the system controller 20 determines the content to be displayed on the pop-up window 70 by referring to information indicating the content to be notified registered in each record of the determination table 32, for example. The system controller 20 also displays a button in the pop-up window 70 for inputting whether or not to set the stopover candidate facility "Roadside Station B" as a stopover. Then, when the "YES" button in the pop-up window 70 is selected, the system controller 20 searches for a route using "Roadside Station B" as a stopover, and starts providing guidance on the route. On the other hand, when the "NO" button on the pop-up window 70 is selected, the system controller 20 erases the display of the pop-up window 70 and provides route guidance to the destination.

As described above, in the display example of FIG. 4, the system controller 20 selects a drop-in facility that is a facility with a toilet associated with the determination table 32 based on the destination information (that is, the information that parking lot congestion is likely to occur). Guide to candidate facilities. Thereby, the system controller 20 can guide the user to a facility that is preferable for the user to visit as a suitable stop-in candidate facility.

<Second example>
In the second embodiment, instead of the determination table 32 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the navigation device 1 records attributes regarding the presence or absence of specific equipment for each facility that can be set as a destination. It has a determination table 32A. Then, the navigation device 1 refers to the determination table 32A, takes into account the attributes of the recognized destination, and determines the facility to be searched as a stopover candidate facility.

FIG. 5 is an example of the data structure of the determination table 32A stored in the data storage unit 31 in the second embodiment. The determination table 32A includes "destination", "category", "handling of daily necessities/food", "surrounding facilities handling daily necessities/food", "toilet", "surrounding facility with restroom", "restaurant", It has the following items: ``Parking lot,'' ``Food and drink space that can be brought in,'' and ``Parking congestion.''

In the "destination" field, facilities that can be set as destinations are recorded, and in the "classification" field, the categories of the facilities recorded in the "destination" field are recorded. In addition, "Handling of daily necessities and food" records whether or not the facility recorded in the "destination" handles daily necessities and food, and "surrounding facilities that handle daily necessities and food" includes The presence or absence of facilities that handle daily necessities and food in the vicinity of the recorded facility is recorded. In addition, "Toilet" records the presence or absence of toilets at the facility recorded in "Destination", and "Nearby facilities with toilets" includes facilities with toilets near the facility recorded in "Destination". The presence or absence of is recorded. In addition, "restaurant", "parking lot", and "food and beverage space that can be brought in" include the presence or absence of a restaurant attached to the facility recorded in "destination", the presence or absence of a parking lot, and The presence or absence of possible eating and drinking spaces is recorded. Furthermore, in "Parking Lot Congestion", it is recorded whether traffic congestion is statistically likely to occur in the parking lot attached to the facility recorded in "Destination".

In this way, the determination table 32A includes attribute information regarding the presence or absence of each facility (i.e., daily necessities handling facility, toilet facility, restaurant, parking lot, etc.) at the facility recorded in the "destination"; Attribute information such as the presence or absence of alternative facilities with each facility and the presence or absence of parking lot congestion in the vicinity of the target facility is recorded.

Here, in the determination table 32A shown in FIG. 5, each item other than "destination" and "category" is divided into three categories based on the characteristics of each item described above. Specifically, "handling of daily necessities and food", "toilets", "restaurants", "parking lots", and "eating and drinking spaces that can be brought in" are classified as "characteristic facilities 1", and "parking lot congestion" are categorized as ``characteristic facilities 2'', and ``surrounding facilities that handle daily necessities and food'' and ``surrounding facilities with toilets'' are categorized as ``presence or absence of alternative facilities.''

Note that the information corresponding to the determination table 32A may be incorporated in advance as part of the facility information for each facility included in the map data stored in the data storage unit 31. The determination table 32A according to the second embodiment is an example of "attribute information" in the present invention.

Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the navigation device 1 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the system controller 20 executes the flowchart of FIG. 3 similarly to the first embodiment. At this time, when searching for a stop-in candidate facility in step S102, the system controller 20 searches for a stop-in candidate facility by referring to the determination table 32A.

In the first example, the system controller 20 refers to the determination table 32A, and if the facility set as the destination does not have a predetermined characteristic facility 1, the system controller 20 determines whether or not there is an alternative facility corresponding to the characteristic facility 1. ” is “○”, the surrounding facilities having the characteristic equipment 1 are searched as stop-in candidate facilities. Furthermore, in the case where the destination facility does not have the predetermined characteristic equipment 1, and the item "presence or absence of alternative facility" corresponding to the characteristic equipment 1 is not present in the determination table 32A, Surrounding facilities having the characteristic equipment 1 are searched as stop-in candidate facilities.

Here, a case will be exemplified in which there is no predetermined characteristic facility 1 in the facility set as the destination, and the item "presence or absence of alternative facility" corresponding to the characteristic facility 1 is "○". For example, in the determination table 32A, a facility (for example, "J Campsite") where "Daily Necessities/Food Handling" is "x" and "Daily Necessities/Food Surrounding Facilities" is "○" is set as the destination. In this case, the target to be searched as a stop-in candidate facility is set to surrounding facilities (for example, a supermarket, etc.) that handle daily necessities and food. Similarly, the system controller 20 determines that in the determination table 32A, a facility (for example, "K Falls") where "toilet" is "×" and "surrounding facilities with toilets" is "○" is set as the destination. In this case, the targets to be searched as stopover candidate facilities are set to surrounding facilities belonging to the category of facilities with toilets.

Next, a case where the destination facility does not have the characteristic facility 1 and the item "presence or absence of alternative facility" corresponding to the characteristic facility 1 is not present in the determination table 32A will be exemplified. For example, when a facility (for example, "J Campsite") whose "parking lot" is "x" in the determination table 32A is set as a destination, the system controller 20 selects the target to be searched as a stopover candidate facility. Nearby parking lots or surrounding facilities with parking lots are designated as candidate facilities for stopping by.

In the second example, the system controller 20 sets the destination to a facility (for example, "K-no-Taki") where "restaurant" and "allowable eating and drinking space" are both "X" in the determination table 32A. If so, the target to be searched as a stopover candidate facility is set to surrounding facilities belonging to the restaurant category.

At this time, preferably, the system controller 20 selects the object to be searched as a stopover candidate facility only when the expected arrival time at the destination falls within a predetermined time period (for example, a general lunch or dinner time period). It is advisable to set it to surrounding facilities that belong to the restaurant category. If the expected arrival time at the destination is outside the predetermined time period, the system controller 20 determines a target to be searched as a stopover candidate facility, for example, according to the first example or the third example described later. In this way, the system controller 20 may determine the object to be searched as a stopover candidate facility, taking into consideration the expected arrival time at the destination.

Similarly, the system controller 20 is intended for facilities where "restaurant" and "daily necessities/food handling" are marked "x" and "eating and drinking space that can be brought in" is marked "○" (for example, "J campsite"). If the estimated time of arrival at the destination is within a predetermined time period, the target to be searched as a stopover candidate facility is set to surrounding facilities that handle food (for example, a supermarket, etc.). .

In the third example, the system controller 20 selects a facility with a restroom when a facility (for example, "Shopping Center N") whose "Parking Lot Congestion" is "○" in the determination table 32A is set as the destination. The surrounding facilities belonging to this category are set as search targets as candidate facilities for stopping by.

Note that the system controller 20 may determine a stop-in candidate facility based on any one of the first to third examples, or may decide a stop-in candidate facility based on all of the first to third examples. At this time, if a plurality of stopover candidate facilities are searched for in step S102, the system controller 20 may guide all of the searched stopover candidate facilities, or may guide one stopover candidate facility selected based on a predetermined rule. You can guide them. Further, in the determination table 32A shown in FIG. 5, a record is generated for each individual facility that can be set as a destination, but instead of or in addition to this, the determination table 32A shown in FIG. Similar to the table 32, records may be generated for each category of facilities that can be set as destinations.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a display displayed on the display 44 when guiding a candidate facility to be visited in the second embodiment.

In the example of FIG. 6, since "K Falls" has been set as the destination, the system controller 20 selects "P Mart", a facility with toilets, as a stopover candidate facility based on the fourth record of the determination table 32A. Signs are displayed to recommend the area as a stopover. Specifically, the system controller 20 determines that "K-no-taki" corresponds to a facility where "toilet" is "×" and "surrounding facilities with toilets" are "○", so the system controller 20 determines that the above-mentioned first Based on the example, surrounding facilities belonging to the category of facilities with toilets are searched, and the facility with toilets "P-Mart" is determined as a candidate facility for stopping by. Then, the system controller 20 displays the current location, the location of the destination "K-no-Taki", the location of "P-Mart" which is a stopover candidate facility, and the set route on the map, and also displays a pop-up window. 71 is displayed superimposed on the map. In addition, the system controller 20 displays in the pop-up window 71 that there is no restroom at the destination "K-no-taki" and also clicks a button for specifying whether or not to set "P-Mart" as a stopover. It is displayed. Then, when the "YES" button in the pop-up window 71 is selected, the system controller 20 searches for a route with "P-Mart" as a stopover, and starts providing guidance on the route. On the other hand, if the "NO" button in the pop-up window 71 is selected, the system controller 20 erases the display of the pop-up window 71 and provides route guidance to the destination.

As explained above, when a destination is set, the system controller 20 of the navigation device 1 according to the first and second embodiments determines the destination by referring to the determination table 32 or the determination table 32A. Search for a stopover candidate facility that has a predetermined relationship with the target facility. The navigation device 1 then uses the display unit 40 or the audio output unit 50 to provide notification regarding the search results of the candidate facilities to visit. Thereby, the navigation device 1 can suitably notify candidate facilities to be visited that are related to the destination.

<Modified example>
Modifications suitable for the first and second embodiments will be described below. Note that each of these modified examples may be combined and applied to the above-described embodiment.

(Modification 1)
A part of the processing executed by the navigation device 1 in the first and second embodiments may be executed by a server device that communicates with the navigation device 1 via a network.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a route guidance system according to a modified example. In the example of FIG. 7, the route guidance system includes a navigation device 1 and a server device 3 that stores a determination table 32. The server device 3 has map data, and when there is a route search request from the navigation device 1 that includes information such as the current position and destination, the server device 3 searches for a route to the destination and sends information on the search results. The signal is supplied to the navigation device 1.

In the configuration example of FIG. 7, for example, the navigation device 1 transmits a route search request including information on the current position and destination to the server device 3. Then, the server device 3 executes the flowchart of FIG. 3 based on the received route search request. At this time, if the server device 3 determines in step S103 that the corresponding stop-in candidate facility exists, it transmits information for guiding the stop-in candidate facility (for example, facility information regarding the stop-in candidate facility) to the navigation device 1.

Note that the server device 3 may store a determination table 32A instead of the determination table 32. In this case, the server device 3 executes a search process for a stop-in candidate facility based on the determination table 32A described in the second embodiment. In this modification, the CPU of the server device 3 is an example of the "receiving section", "search section", and "transmission section" in the present invention.

Further, in the configuration example of FIG. 7, the server device 3 receives information regarding the state of the vehicle (also referred to as "probe information") from a plurality of in-vehicle devices such as the navigation device 1 traveling on the road. The determination table 32 may be automatically generated by analyzing the probe information. For example, based on the probe information, the server device 3 sets another facility as the destination after a certain vehicle arrives at the initially set destination (also referred to as the "initial destination") and heads to the facility; When it is determined that the user has arrived at the original destination again, it is determined that it is preferable to stop by the other facility mentioned above in order to stay at the original destination. Therefore, in this case, the server device 3 adds a new record in the determination table 32 of FIG. 2(B) with the initial destination as the "destination" and the other facility mentioned above as the "stop-over candidate facility." . In this case, the probe information received from the navigation device 1 may include information on the destination setting history and the like. By doing so, the server device 3 can suitably automatically generate the determination table 32.

(Modification 2)
In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the navigation device 1 searches for and guides candidate facilities at the same time as searching for a route to the destination. Instead, after the route search to the destination is completed and route guidance to the destination is started, the navigation device 1 performs processing related to search for and guidance of candidate facilities to stop at at the latest before arriving at the destination. May be executed.

(Modification 3)
In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the navigation device 1 may determine whether or not to guide the candidate facility to be visited in step S104 based on the movement history of the vehicle.

In this case, the system controller 20 determines whether or not the user actually visited the stop-off candidate facility when guiding the stop-off candidate facility according to the flowchart in FIG. It is stored in the data storage unit 31 as historical information in association with the candidate facility. At this time, the system controller 20 determines, for example, that the vehicle has stopped at the location indicated by the location information of the candidate facility stored in the map data for a predetermined period of time based on the location information based on the output of the GPS receiver 18, etc. , it is determined that the candidate facility is visited. When the system controller 20 executes the flowchart of FIG. 3 again, the system controller 20 refers to the above-mentioned history information before executing step S104. If the system controller 20 determines that the proposed stop-off facility to be guided is a facility that has been reported as a stop-off candidate facility for the same destination in the past but the user did not stop by, the system controller 20 guides the stop-off candidate facility in step S104. The process of the flowchart ends without any error. By doing so, the navigation device 1 can suitably suppress unnecessary notification of stop-by candidate facilities that the user does not need.

(Modification 4)
The navigation device 1 may receive input from the input device 60 to set the guidance function of the stopover candidate facility to be turned on or off, which corresponds to steps S102 to S104 in FIG. good.

In this case, the navigation device 1 refers to the setting information stored in the data storage unit 31 when executing the flowchart of FIG. - Execute the processing of S104. On the other hand, the navigation device 1 does not execute the processes of steps S102 to S104 if the guidance function of the stopover candidate facility is set to OFF.

(Modification 5)
In the second embodiment, if the facility searched as a stop-off candidate facility is within walking distance (for example, within 500 meters) from the destination, the navigation device 1 does not need to provide guidance regarding the stop-off candidate facility. Thereby, the navigation device 1 can suitably suppress providing guidance regarding unnecessary stopover candidate facilities.

(Modification 6)
The navigation device 1 may determine a stopover candidate facility to be searched based on traffic information regarding the route to the destination.

For example, if the navigation device 1 determines that there is a traffic jam on the route to the destination based on traffic information received by the communication device 38 from a VICS center or the like, the navigation device 1 determines whether or not there is a toilet at the destination. Search for nearby facilities with toilets as potential facilities to stop by. Then, the navigation device 1 makes a notification to recommend the searched stop-off candidate facility to the user as a stop-off place. This also allows the navigation device 1 to suitably notify the user of candidate facilities that are useful to the user.

1 Navigation device 3 Server device 10 Independent positioning device 12 GPS receiver 20 System controller 22 CPU
31 Data storage unit 38 Communication device 40 Display unit 44 Display 50 Audio output unit 60 Input device

Claims (1)

In a route guidance device equipped or installed in a moving body,
a search section that searches for candidate points to stop at when heading to a set destination;
a notification unit that notifies the user of the search results of the search unit;
Equipped with
The route guidance device is characterized in that the search unit determines the point to be searched based on its relevance to the destination.