JP3540615B2 - Navigation system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a navigation system that provides route guidance for an automobile, and more particularly to a navigation system that has a function of providing guidance to a facility that can replenish energy such as gasoline in an automobile before the energy is exhausted.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the conventional navigation system, information relating to the traveling of the vehicle uses signals generated by the vehicle itself, such as a gyro, a vehicle speed pulse, and a parking signal. On the other hand, surrounding geographical information, sightseeing information, and other service information are automatically displayed on the monitor when they are recorded on a map data recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and are not displayed. In such a case, the search can be performed according to the driver's will. Further, in a navigation system having a communication function, it is possible to receive and use the above information from an information provider, and in this case, it is possible to use the latest information.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, since information on the remaining amount of energy, such as the fuel of a normal car or the battery of an electric car, is not taken into account by a conventional navigation system, the driver recognizes the information with an alarm system provided in the car itself. Need to be dealt with. For this reason, the driver has to visually check the remaining fuel level and the remaining battery level, or has relied on an alarm system for generating an alarm when the remaining level has decreased to a certain level or less.
[0004]
For this reason, especially on a motorway such as an expressway or a toll road, the number of fuel supply facilities is small, and the fuel consumption is large as compared with driving on a general road. When the fuel level is low, the driver cannot immediately know the distance to the next refueling facility and whether the driver can drive to the next refueling facility just by looking at the fuel gauge. In some cases, it cannot be determined. This is due to the fact that the relationship between the travelable distance and the distance to the next fuel supply facility cannot be grasped based on the remaining fuel, more specifically, the remaining fuel. Furthermore, if the vehicle runs out of fuel due to lack of fuel on a motorway, it may be violated by law.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and determines whether there is a facility capable of replenishing energy within a travelable distance corresponding to the current remaining energy on a set traveling route, If it is possible to travel to at least the next facility where energy can be replenished, it will be instructed to perform energy replenishment at that facility. If you are traveling, search for and set the route to the nearest facility that can supply energy at the next exit, provide guidance, and if you are traveling on a road other than a motorway at that time, the nearest energy It is an object of the present invention to provide a navigation system that searches for, sets and guides a route to a facility where replenishment is possible.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The navigation system according to the present invention detects an energy remaining amount detecting means for detecting an energy remaining amount, a position detecting means for detecting its own position, and searches for a route from a position detected by the position detecting means to a destination. Route search means, and the route searched by the route search means is added to the map information. Superposition Display means for displaying and displaying, a remaining travel distance calculating means for calculating a travelable distance corresponding to the remaining energy amount detected by the remaining energy detection means, and a position detected by the position detection means dedicated to an automobile. The route searched by the route searching means is not a road, but a road designated When entering a road, first search means for searching for a facility on the automobile exclusive road where energy can be supplied one point ahead, and one of the facilities on the automobile exclusive road searched by the first search means When the distance to the facility where the previous energy supply is possible is longer than the possible travel distance calculated by the remaining travel distance calculation means, the energy supply nearest to the position detected by the position detection means is reduced. Possible facilities Search The second search means, and if the travelable distance calculated by the remaining travel distance calculation means is smaller than the distance to the facility ahead of the first search means searched by the first search means, the second search means Energy supply guide means for causing the route search means to search for a route to the facility searched by the search means, displaying the route on the display means, and notifying the necessity of energy supply at the facility. .
[0007]
In such a navigation system according to the present invention, when a vehicle enters a dedicated motorway in front of a set traveling route, a vehicle of a facility capable of replenishing energy within a travelable distance corresponding to the current remaining energy amount is provided. Judges whether the vehicle is on a dedicated road and, if it is possible to travel to at least the next facility where energy can be supplied, guides the user to replenish energy at that facility and cannot travel to the next facility where energy can be supplied In the case of, a route to a nearest facility capable of replenishing energy is searched for and set before entering the motorway, and the necessity of energy replenishment at the facility is notified.
[0010]
Further, in the navigation system according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, further, when the detection result by the remaining energy detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the route searching means is instructed from the position detected by the position detecting means. A route to the destination is set.
[0011]
In such a navigation system of the present invention, a route that joins the originally set route after the energy supply or a new route to the original destination is searched.
[0012]
Further, the navigation system according to the present invention further comprises a calendar means in each of the above-mentioned inventions, wherein the first and second search means determine that when the detection result by the energy remaining amount detection means becomes a predetermined amount or less, the calendar means And searching for a location of a facility where energy can be supplied under different search conditions according to the corresponding date and time.
[0013]
In such a navigation system of the present invention, energy can be replenished depending on whether the current time is daytime or nighttime, weekday or holiday, etc. Search automatically.
[0014]
Still further, the navigation system according to the present invention further includes communication means in each of the above-mentioned inventions, and the first and second search means search for the nearest facility location where energy can be supplied via the communication means. It is characterized by being done.
[0015]
In such a navigation system of the present invention, the function can be exerted even when information on facilities capable of supplying energy is not recorded in the map data itself used by the navigation system, and the latest information can be obtained. Can be used.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a navigation system according to the present invention. In the following embodiments, a case will be described in which the navigation system of the present invention is provided for a gasoline-powered vehicle and a gas station is used as a facility capable of supplying energy.
[0017]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a navigation system body (hereinafter, referred to as a control unit), which is basically configured as a dedicated computer system equipped with a CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive.
[0018]
The control unit 10, which is the main body of the navigation system, includes a detection signal (a signal indicating the gasoline remaining amount itself and a gasoline remaining amount) from a gasoline tank remaining amount sensor 21 of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle. (An alarm signal generated in the event that the vehicle speed is changed), and a detection signal of the traveling speed of the vehicle detected by the speed sensor 22. These signals are also given to a gasoline meter 25 and a warning lamp 26 in the driver's seat of the vehicle, respectively, to notify the driver of the gasoline remaining amount and to give an alarm when the gasoline remaining amount decreases to a certain level or less. Occurs.
[0019]
The remaining amount sensor 21 may use a level sensor for a gasoline vehicle or a diesel vehicle, a pressure gauge for an LPG or natural gas vehicle, and a voltmeter for an electric vehicle.
[0020]
The azimuth detection signal from the gyro 31 and the position detection signal from the GPS 32 are also input to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 further includes a monitor 33 for displaying a route to a destination designated by the driver on a map, a communication unit 34 for communicating with an information provider as necessary, A recording medium reading unit 35 for reading map data from a recording medium (eg, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.) 36 on which data is recorded, a voice input unit 37 for inputting driver's instructions by voice, On the other hand, a voice output unit 38 for giving instructions and information by voice and guiding them, a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 39 for giving instructions by the driver, and the like are connected.
[0021]
The control unit 10 has a target search unit 11, a map matching unit 12, a route search / setting unit 13, a route guidance unit 14, a calendar unit 15, and a remaining mileage calculation unit 16 as software functions. Function as fuel supply guide means. Each of these functional units may be stored in advance as a program in a storage unit (ROM, flash memory, or the like) built in the control unit 10, or may be stored as a recording content of an appropriate recording medium from the recording medium reading unit 35. May be read.
[0022]
The target search unit 11 causes the recording medium reading unit 35 to search the recording medium 36 when the driver specifies a certain target on the map, for example, an intersection, a station, a gas station, or the like using the voice input unit 37 or the remote controller 39. Or, the communication unit 34 communicates with the information provider to acquire the target position information.
[0023]
The map matching unit 12 combines the self-contained navigation for estimating the current position from the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the gyro 31 and the traveling speed of the vehicle detected by the speed sensor 22, and the navigation for detecting the current position by the GPS 32. So-called hybrid map matching for detecting the current position on the map data. The current position detected by the map matching unit 12 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the map displayed on the monitor 33, and is displayed on the monitor 33 when the detected current position moves on the map. The range of the map changes automatically.
[0024]
The route search / setting unit 13 searches for and sets a route from the current position to the destination specified by the driver from the outside, specifically. The destination for the route search can be specified by the driver on the map displayed on the monitor 33, or can be searched by the target search unit 11.
[0025]
The route guidance unit 14 superimposes and displays the route set by the route search / setting unit 13 on the map displayed on the screen of the monitor 33, and instructs a right or left turn while the vehicle is actually running. Is displayed on the screen of the monitor 33 or by voice output from the voice output unit 38.
[0026]
The calendar unit 15 stores a day of the week and a holiday on each day of each year, and is referred to when the target search unit 11 performs a search. This is because, for example, when searching for a gas station, it is necessary to search for a 24-hour gas station at night and on holidays.
[0027]
The remaining mileage calculating unit 16 detects the remaining amount of gasoline based on the detection signal of the remaining amount sensor 21 and calculates the mileage at the current remaining amount of gasoline according to the fuel efficiency (mileage per liter of gasoline). I do.
[0028]
The control unit 10 constantly determines the necessity of refueling based on the processing results of the above-described units, and when the necessity of refueling occurs, the fact is indicated on the screen of the monitor 33. It is displayed and guided by voice output from the voice output unit 38. Further, when the need for refueling at a gas station outside the route originally searched and set by the route search / setting unit 13 occurs, the control unit 10 sets an appropriate gas station in the target search unit 11. The route search / setting unit 13 newly searches for and sets a route to the gas station, and further causes the route search / setting unit 13 to search for a route to the original destination.
[0029]
Such a navigation system of the present invention basically operates as follows. When the driver designates a destination using the voice input unit 37 or the remote controller 39, the control unit 10 recognizes the current position grasped by the function of the map matching unit 12 described above, and recognizes the target by the function of the route search / setting unit 13. A route to the destination is searched for and set, and a corresponding portion, specifically, the entire route from the current position to the destination or a part of the map data centered on the current position is stored in the storage medium reading unit 35 in the storage medium. The data is read from the display 36 and displayed on the monitor 33, and the current position, the traveling direction and the set route are displayed in a superimposed manner.
[0030]
Then, as the vehicle travels, the control unit 10 estimates the current position from the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the gyro 31 and the traveling speed of the vehicle detected by the speed sensor 22, and detects the current position by the GPS 32. Then, both are comprehensively determined, and the current position and the traveling direction are displayed on the monitor 33. In addition, the function of the route guidance unit 14 displays guidance for turning right or left on the monitor 33, or performs route guidance by voice output from the voice output unit 38. Further, with the movement of the current position, the optimum map range is displayed while being updated on the monitor 33 by causing the recording medium reading unit 35 to read the recording medium 36.
[0031]
The navigation system of the present invention whose configuration example is shown in FIG. 1 basically performs the same operation as the above-described conventional navigation system, but additionally, based on the detection signal of the remaining amount sensor 21, The operation shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 6 and the schematic view of the display screen of the monitor 33 in FIG. 7 is also performed.
[0032]
First, the fuel efficiency (travel distance per liter of gasoline) and the process of calculating the remaining travelable distance by the remaining travel distance calculation unit 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0033]
The processing of the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 shown in FIG. 2 is executed by interruption every predetermined period. First, the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 obtains the current gasoline remaining amount information (ON), that is, the gasoline remaining amount at that time from the detection signal of the remaining amount sensor 21 (step S1). Next, the remaining mileage calculation unit 16 reads the gasoline remaining amount information (OP) at the time of the previous processing from the memory of the control unit 10 (step S2). This is information in which the current gasoline remaining amount information (ON) at the time of the previous processing is stored in the memory as the OP. Next, the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 calculates a decrease amount (OP-ON) of the gasoline remaining amount between the current processing and the previous processing (step S3). As a result, the amount of gasoline reduced from the previous processing to the current processing is determined.
[0034]
In parallel with the processing of steps S1 to S3 described above, the remaining mileage calculation unit 16 acquires the current position information (PO) grasped by the map matching unit 12 (step S4), and then the current position of the previous processing The information (PP) is read from the memory of the control unit 10 (Step S5). This is information in which the current position information (PO) at the time of the previous processing is stored in the memory as PP. Next, the remaining mileage calculation unit 16 calculates the mileage (PO-PP) between the current processing and the previous processing (step S6). Thus, the distance traveled by the vehicle from the previous processing to the current processing is determined.
[0035]
The remaining mileage calculation unit 16 calculates the fuel efficiency (RATE) after performing the processes of steps S1 to S3 and the processes of steps S4 to S7 in parallel (step S17). The calculation of the fuel efficiency (RATE) is performed by (PO-PP) / (OP-ON). Next, the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 calculates a remaining mileage (DS) (step S8). The calculation of the remaining travelable distance (DS) is performed by multiplying the current gasoline remaining amount information (ON) by the fuel efficiency (RATE).
[0036]
Finally, the remaining mileage calculation unit 16 stores the current gasoline remaining amount information (ON) in the memory as the OP and the current position information (PO) in the memory as the PP (Steps S9 and S10). The above-described processing by the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 is repeated at regular intervals, thereby detecting the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. It is desirable to use the average value of the times as the actual fuel efficiency.
[0037]
Next, the processing by the control unit 10 relating to the fuel supply guidance of the navigation system of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0038]
Now, it is assumed that the vehicle equipped with the navigation system of the present invention is traveling toward the destination set by the driver as described above (step S11). Here, the route to the original destination set by the driver is referred to as a first route. The control unit 10 first checks the current position grasped by the map matching unit 12 (step S12), and then determines whether the current position is on a motorway, in other words, whether the vehicle is traveling on a motorway. Is checked (step S13). Hereinafter, the processing differs depending on whether the vehicle is traveling on a motorway ("YES" in step S13) or not ("NO" in step S13).
[0039]
If the vehicle is traveling on a motorway ("YES" in step S13), the control unit 10 reads the set route, that is, the gas station up to two points ahead in the traveling direction of the first route on the recording medium reading unit. The user is instructed to search the recording medium 36 (step S14). Specifically, since the vehicle is currently running on a motorway, the control unit 10 sends the next gas station ahead of the traveling direction on the motorway and the gas station one more position to the target search unit 11. Search. The search for the gas station can be made by inquiring of the information provider by the communication unit 34.
[0040]
In any case, when the gas station two places ahead is found, the control unit 10 calculates the distance (D2) to the gas station (step S15), and calculates the remaining mileage DS calculated by the remaining mileage calculation unit 16. And (Step S16). If D2> DS is not satisfied ("NO" in step S16), that is, if the vehicle can travel to the gas station two points ahead, the process returns to step S11 and the first route is displayed on the monitor 33. State continues.
[0041]
Conversely, if D2> DS in step S16 ("YES" in step S16), that is, if it is impossible to travel to the gas station two points ahead, control unit 10 first searches in step S14. The distance to the next gas station (D1) is calculated (Step S17), and compared with the remaining mileage DS calculated by the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 (Step S18). Here, if D1> DS is not satisfied ("NO" in step S18), that is, if it is possible to travel to the next gas station, the control unit 10 refuels at the gas station (next gas station). The necessity is notified by the monitor 33 or the audio output unit 38 (step S19).
[0042]
On the other hand, if D1> DS in step S18 ("YES" in step S18), that is, if it is impossible to travel to the next (next) gas station, the vehicle is currently traveling on the motorway. Therefore, the control unit 10 causes the target search unit 11 to search for the next interchange (step S20), and causes the target search unit 11 to search for the nearest gas station from the searched interface change (step S21). The position of the gas station is acquired (step S22).
[0043]
At this point, the display state of the monitor 33 is in the state shown in FIG. In FIG. 7A, reference numeral CP indicates a current position, and R1 indicates a first route to a destination designated by the driver, and is set on an expressway HG which is a motorway. At this point, the vehicle equipped with the navigation system of the present invention is traveling several hundred meters before the interchange on the highway, and the first route R1, which is the route to the destination specified by the driver, is the interchange. It is set to go straight.
[0044]
In this way, when it is determined that the vehicle cannot travel to the next gas station while traveling on the motorway, the control unit 10 exits the motorway and guides the user to the gas station on the general road. First, the control unit 10 causes the route search / setting unit 13 to search and set a route (second route) to the gas station whose position has been acquired in step S22 (step S31), and displays the second route on the monitor 33. And guide the route guide unit 14 (step S32). At this time, it is desirable to set the route so that the vehicle travels on the first route until a certain time has elapsed from the current position CP, specifically, until the time required for searching and setting the second route R2 has elapsed.
[0045]
At this point, the display state of the monitor 33 is as shown in FIG. 7 (b). In FIG. 7B, reference numeral CP indicates the current position, and R2 indicates the above-described second route. Specifically, the vehicle equipped with the navigation system of the present invention is traveling at the current position CP near the interchange of the highway HG, and the second route R2 is a route to the destination specified by the driver. It is set to deviate from the first route R1 and exit from the interchange to a general road.
[0046]
During this time, the control unit 10 monitors the detection signal of the gasoline remaining amount sensor 21 (step S33), and determines that refueling has been performed when the remaining fuel amount exceeds a predetermined amount ("YES" in step S33). . Thereafter, the route search / setting unit 13 is caused to search for and set the first route R1, that is, a route for returning to the route to the original destination set by the driver (hereinafter, referred to as a third route R3). (Step S34), and displays it on the monitor 33 (Step S35).
[0047]
At this point, the display state of the monitor 33 is in the state shown in FIG. In FIG. 7C, reference numeral CP indicates the current position, and R3 indicates the above-described third route. Specifically, the vehicle equipped with the navigation system of the present invention exits the highway HG on a general road, is refueling at a gas station (GS), and the third route R3 returns to the highway HG to allow the driver to refuel. It is set to join the first route R1, which is the route to the designated destination.
[0048]
When refueling is completed and the vehicle starts running, the control unit 10 causes the route guidance unit 14 to provide guidance on the third route R3 displayed on the monitor 33, and the driver drives according to the guidance. The vehicle travels so as to join the first route R1 toward the original destination set by the driver.
[0049]
When the vehicle returns to the first route R1 ("YES" in step S36), the control unit 10 displays the first route R1 on the monitor 33 and guides the route guidance unit 14 to travel along the first route R1 (step S36). S37). Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.
[0050]
When setting the third route, the first route previously set may be ignored, and a new route from the gas station to the original destination designated by the driver may be searched and set. Needless to say, it's good. Alternatively, the third route and the previously set first route may be set as an integrated route.
[0051]
By the way, if the vehicle is not traveling on the exclusive road in step S13, the following processing is performed.
[0052]
If the vehicle is not traveling on the motorway ("NO" in step S13), the controller 10 determines whether to enter the motorway on the set route, that is, on the traveling direction of the first route ( In step S40), when the vehicle does not enter the exclusive motorway, the target search unit 11 is caused to search for the gas station up to two points ahead by causing the recording medium reading unit 35 to read the recording medium 36 (step S41). More specifically, since the vehicle is currently traveling on a general road, the next gas station ahead of the set traveling direction of the first route and the gas station further ahead are searched. The search for the gas station can be made by inquiring of the information provider by the communication unit 34.
[0053]
When a gas station two places ahead is found on the set first route, the control unit 10 calculates a distance (D2) to the gas station (step S42), and the remaining travel distance calculation unit 16 calculates the distance (D2). The remaining travel distance DS is compared with the remaining travel distance DS (step S43). If D2> DS is not satisfied ("NO" in step S43), that is, if it is possible to travel to the gas station two points ahead, the process returns to step S11 and the first route is displayed on the monitor 33. State continues.
[0054]
Conversely, if D2> DS in step S43 ("YES" in step S43), that is, if it is impossible to travel to the gas station two points ahead, the control unit 10 first searches in step S41. The distance (D1) to the next gas station is calculated (Step S44), and compared with the remaining mileage DS calculated by the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 (Step S45). Here, if D1> DS is not satisfied ("NO" in step S45), that is, if it is possible to travel to the next gas station, the control unit 10 sets the gas station (on the set first route) The necessity of refueling at the next gas station is notified by the monitor 33 or the voice output unit 38 (step S46).
[0055]
On the other hand, if D1> DS in step S45 (“YES” in step S45), that is, if it is impossible to travel to the next (next) gas station on the set first route, The control unit 10 causes the target search unit 11 to search for the nearest gas station away from the set first route (step S47), and acquires the position of the gas station (step S48).
[0056]
In this manner, when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling on a general road and cannot travel to the next gas station on the first route set so as not to enter the motorway, the control is performed. The unit 10 temporarily leaves the set first route and guides it to the nearest gas station. Subsequent processing by the control unit 10 is the same as that in steps S31 to S37 described above, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0057]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that the vehicle will enter the motorway, the gas station up to two points on the motorway is caused to read the storage medium 36 by the storage medium reading section 35, thereby causing the target search section to read. 11 is searched (step S51). Specifically, since the vehicle is currently traveling on a general road, the next gas station and the further gasoline station from the entrance to the dedicated car road ahead of the set route 1 in the traveling direction are set. Search for a stand. The search for the gas station can be made by inquiring of the information provider by the communication unit 34.
[0058]
When a gas station two places ahead is found on the motorway on the set first route, the control unit 10 calculates the distance (D2) to the gas station (step S52), and calculates the remaining travel distance. A comparison is made with the remaining travel distance DS calculated in step 16 (step S53). Here, if D2> DS is not satisfied ("NO" in step S53), that is, if it is possible to travel to the gas station two points ahead on the motorway to be entered, the process returns to step S11 and the process returns to step S11. The state in which one path is displayed on the monitor 33 continues.
[0059]
Conversely, in step S53, if D2> DS ("YES" in step S53), that is, if it is impossible to travel to the gas station two points ahead on the motorway to be entered, the control unit 10 The distance (D1) to the next gas station retrieved in step S51 is calculated (step S54), and compared with the remaining mileage DS calculated by the remaining mileage calculating unit 16 (step S55). ). Here, if D1> DS is not satisfied ("NO" in step S55), that is, if it is possible to travel from the entrance to the car exclusive road to be entered to the first gas station, the control unit 10 returns to the car exclusive road. Waiting for the vehicle to enter (step S56), and informs the monitor 33 or the voice output unit 38 of the need for refueling at the gas station (step S57).
[0060]
On the other hand, in step S55, if D1> DS ("YES" in step S55), that is, it is impossible to travel from the entrance of the planned exclusive car road on the first route to the first gas station. In this case, the control unit 10 temporarily stops entering the motorway by leaving the set first route and causes the target search unit 11 to search for the nearest gas station (step S58). The position is obtained (step S59).
[0061]
In this way, it is impossible to travel from the entrance to the motorway to be entered on the first route, which is running on the general road and is set to enter the motorway, to the first gas station. If it is found, the control unit 10 temporarily leaves the set first route and guides it to the nearest gas station. Subsequent processing by the control unit 10 is the same as that in steps S31 to S37 described above, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0062]
By the way, gas stations are not always open 24 hours. For this reason, in the navigation system of the present invention, the calendar unit 15 is built in the control unit 10, and when searching for a gas station, it is desirable to search for an available gas station based on the current time.
[0063]
Specifically, when the control unit 10 confirms the current time, the calendar unit 15 confirms the date and time, and whether or not it is a day of the week and a holiday (national holiday). When the current time is during the daytime on weekdays (generally between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm), the control unit 10 controls all the gas stations. At night (generally from 9:00 pm to 8:00 am the following day) and on Saturdays, Sundays, and all days of public holidays, the 24-hour gas station is instructed to the recording medium reading unit 35 to record the recording medium. Search from 36.
[0064]
By performing such a process, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user goes to the gas station according to the guidance but has already closed at night or closed on Sunday.
[0065]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the navigation system of the present invention is installed in a gasoline-powered vehicle and gasoline is supplied at a gas station has been described. However, vehicles using diesel fuel, LPG, natural gas, and the like as well as electric vehicles In this case, the information may be guided to a refueling facility or a charging facility suitable for each.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
According to the navigation system according to the present invention as described in detail above, If you are traveling on a road other than, and the set route enters the motorway If The motorway to be entered In the above, it is determined whether there is a facility capable of replenishing energy within the travelable distance corresponding to the current energy remaining amount, The first on the motorway to be entered Drive to a facility where energy can be supplied If it is not possible, stop entering the motorway once Search and set the route to the nearest facility where energy can be replenished, and notify the necessity of energy replenishment. Therefore, even if the driver does not pay attention to the remaining energy, it is possible to avoid a situation in which energy cannot be supplied on the motorway and a so-called lack of gas state, in other words, a situation where the vehicle runs out of energy and gets stuck. .
[0068]
Further, according to the navigation system of the present invention, after energy supply, a route that joins the originally set route is searched and automatically set, so that the driver newly designates a destination. No need.
[0069]
Further, according to the navigation system according to the present invention, energy can be replenished according to whether the current time is daytime or nighttime, weekday or holiday, etc. Since the search is performed automatically, there is little risk of being guided to a facility outside business hours.
[0070]
Further, according to the navigation system of the present invention, communication is performed between the information provider and the information even when the information on the facilities capable of supplying energy is not recorded in the map data itself used by the navigation system. It is possible to obtain the latest information and to use the latest information by communication.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a navigation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation system of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation system of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation system of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the navigation system of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a display state on a display means of the navigation system of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Navigation system (control unit)
11 Goal search section
12 Map matching section
13 Route search / setting section
14 Route guidance
15 Calendar section
16 Remaining mileage calculation unit
21 Remaining sensor
22 Speed sensor
31 Gyro
32 GPS
33 monitors
34 Communication section
35 Recording medium reading unit
36 Recording media

Claims (4)

Energy remaining amount detecting means for detecting an energy remaining amount;
Position detection means for detecting its own position,
Route search means for searching for a route from the position detected by the position detection means to the destination;
Display means for superimposing and displaying the route searched by the route search means on the map information;
Remaining travel distance calculation means for calculating a travelable distance corresponding to the remaining energy amount detected by the remaining energy detection means,
It said location position detected by the detection means rather than on motorways, when the route searching means is searched by the route enters the motorway, one ahead of energy supply of the motor vehicle only on the road First search means for searching for a facility capable of
When the distance to the next energy-supplying facility on the motorway exclusive road searched by the first search means is larger than the mileage calculated by the remaining mileage calculation means. Second search means for searching for a facility capable of replenishing energy nearest to the position detected by the position detection means;
If the mileage calculated by the remaining mileage calculating means is smaller than the distance to the facility ahead of the first searched by the first searching means, the distance to the facility searched by the second searching means is determined. A navigation system comprising: an energy supply guide unit that causes the route search unit to search for a route, displays the route on the display unit, and notifies the user of the need for energy supply at the facility. The route searching means searches and sets a route from a position detected by the position detecting means to the designated destination when a detection result by the energy remaining amount detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined amount. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the navigation system is adapted to do so . Further comprising calendar means, wherein the first and second search means refers to the calendar means when a detection result by the energy remaining amount detection means becomes a predetermined amount or less, and according to a corresponding date and time. The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a search is made for a position of a facility where energy can be supplied under different search conditions . 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising communication means , wherein said first and second search means are adapted to search for a position of a nearest facility capable of supplying energy via said communication means . Navigation system according to any of the above.

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