JP3832284B2 - Navigation system and navigation program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a navigation system and a navigation program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a navigation device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, when an operator such as a driver operates a predetermined input unit to set a destination, the destination and the current location detection processing unit detect the destination. Based on the current location of the vehicle, a route from the current location to the destination is searched, and the searched route is guided. In this case, the route is searched so that the distance from the present location to the destination and the required time are minimized.
[0003]
The route to be searched is usually a road having a certain width or more (for example, a width of 5 [m] or more), or a main road such as a prefectural road, a national road, or an expressway. For example, if a narrow road such as a back alley is displayed on the screen that guides the searched route, the display is complicated and difficult to grasp the route, and the narrow road is guided as a route. Then, running is difficult and the driver gets tired. Therefore, by searching only roads and main roads having a certain width or more, it is possible to easily grasp the guided route and to travel easily.
[0004]
However, there is a case where the current location or the destination is away from a road having a certain width or a main road to be searched. For example, when the current location or destination is set in an area such as a vast parking lot of a commercial facility such as a home center or department store, the current location or destination is far from the road to be searched. Normal route search cannot be performed.
[0005]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a route search method when the current location or destination in a conventional navigation apparatus is away from the road to be searched.
[0006]
As shown in FIG. 2A, a set point 61 that is the current location or destination exists in an area such as a vast parking lot of a commercial facility such as a home center or a department store, and is a road 62 to be searched. , 63 and 64, in the conventional navigation device, the data of the road 62 and the road 64 close to the set point 61 is acquired, and a perpendicular is drawn from the set point 61 to the road 62 and the road 64, Of the legs 65 and 66 of the perpendicular, the one closer to the set point 61 is set as a new set point.
[0007]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 2B, the vertical foot 66 is selected as a new set point, and a route search is performed using the set point 66 as the current location or destination.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional navigation device has a problem in that when there is a connecting road such as an approach path or an introduction path into the area, the entrance of the connecting road cannot be selected as a new setting point. .
[0009]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a route search method when there is a connecting road to an area in a conventional navigation device.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 3 (a), a setting point 71, which is the current location or destination, exists in an area 72 such as a vast parking lot of a commercial facility such as a home center or a department store, and is a road to be searched. 74, the data of the road 73 and the road 75 close to the set point 71 is acquired, and a perpendicular is drawn from the set point 71 to the road 73 and the road 75. If a point closer to the set point 71 among the 80 and the vertical foot 77 is set as a new set point, the connection point between the road 74 which is the entrance of the connection road 76 and the connection road 76 is not selected as a new set point. End up.
[0011]
In order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIG. 3B, a connection point 79 between the road 74 that is the entrance of the connection road 76 and the connection road 76 or a starting point 78 of the connection road 76 in the area 72 is provided. A navigation device has been proposed in which the connection point is registered and the coordinates of the connection point are registered (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-74681). Thus, a route search is performed using the connection point 79 or the starting point 78 as the current location or destination.
[0012]
However, in the navigation device, since it is necessary to register the coordinates of the connection point 79 or the starting point 78, a large amount of memory resources are consumed. In addition, when there are a plurality of connecting roads 76, the connecting road closer to the set point 71 that is the current location or destination in the area 72 is always selected, so that the current location or destination outside the area 72 is selected. If it is close to a distant connection road, the searched route may become a detour and the distance may become long.
[0013]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a navigation system that can search for an appropriate route without consuming a large amount of memory resources when a set point exists in an area with a connecting road, and An object is to provide a navigation program.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in the navigation system of the present invention, a data recording unit that stores data on the periphery of a specific area and road data, a point determination unit that determines whether a current location or a destination exists in the specific area, A road acquisition unit that acquires a road connected to the specific area based on data on a periphery of the specific area and road data; and a route search unit that searches for a route including the acquired road. Then, when there are a plurality of acquired roads, the route search unit selects a road having a low search cost for the route including the road as a connection road to the specific area. To do.
[0015]
In another navigation system of the present invention, the road acquisition unit further includes a road that connects one end of a road in the specific area and the other end outside the specific area to the specific area. get.
[0017]
In still another navigation system of the present invention, an in-vehicle terminal comprising an input unit for inputting the current location or destination, an information center comprising the data recording unit, a point determination unit, a road acquisition unit, and a route search unit, Consists of.
[0018]
In the navigation program of the present invention, the computer for navigation, based on the point determination unit for determining whether the current location or the destination exists in the specific area, the data on the periphery of the specific area and the road data, It functions as a road acquisition unit that acquires a road connected to the specific area, and a route search unit that searches for a route including the acquired road. The route search unit selects a road having a low search cost for a route including the road as a connection road to the specific area when there are a plurality of the acquired roads. The
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the in-vehicle terminal of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing functions of the in-vehicle terminal of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 4, reference numeral 14 denotes an in-vehicle terminal as a computer that functions as a navigation device. The in-vehicle terminal 14 is a current location detection processing unit 15 that detects a current location, a recording medium on which road data and the like are recorded. The data recording unit 16, a navigation processing unit 17 that performs various arithmetic processing such as navigation processing based on the input information, an input unit 34, a display unit 35, a voice input unit 36, a voice output unit 37, and a communication unit 38. A vehicle speed sensor 41 is connected to the navigation processing unit 17.
[0022]
The current location detection processing unit 15 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 21, a geomagnetic sensor 22, a distance sensor 23, a steering sensor 24, a beacon sensor 25, a gyro sensor 26, an altimeter (not shown), and the like. Some of the GPS sensor 21, the geomagnetic sensor 22, the distance sensor 23, the steering sensor 24, the beacon sensor 25, the gyro sensor 26, the altimeter, and the like may be omitted as appropriate from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost.
[0023]
The GPS sensor 21 detects the current location on the earth by receiving radio waves generated by an artificial satellite, and the geomagnetic sensor 22 detects the direction in which the vehicle is facing by measuring the geomagnetism. The distance sensor 23 detects a distance between predetermined positions on the road. Examples of the distance sensor 23 include a sensor that measures the rotational speed of a wheel (not shown) and detects a distance based on the rotational speed, a sensor that measures acceleration, integrates the acceleration twice, and detects a distance. Can be used.
[0024]
The steering sensor 24 detects a rudder angle, and the steering sensor 24 is, for example, an optical rotation sensor, a rotation resistance sensor, or a wheel attached to a rotating portion of a steering wheel (not shown). An angle sensor or the like is used.
[0025]
And the said beacon sensor 25 receives the positional information from the beacon arrange | positioned along the road, and detects a present location. The gyro sensor 26 detects the rotational angular velocity of the vehicle, that is, the turning angle. As the gyro sensor 26, for example, a gas rate gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like is used. Then, by integrating the turning angle detected by the gyro sensor 26, it is possible to detect the direction in which the vehicle is facing.
[0026]
The GPS sensor 21 and the beacon sensor 25 can detect the current location independently. The current location can also be detected by combining the distance detected by the distance sensor 23 and the orientation detected by the geomagnetic sensor 22 and the gyro sensor 26. Further, the present location can be detected by combining the distance detected by the distance sensor 23 and the steering angle detected by the steering sensor 24.
[0027]
The data recording unit 16 records map data files, intersection data files, node data files, road data files, photo data files, and information on facilities such as hotels, gas stations, tourist information centers in each region. It has a database consisting of facility information data files. In addition to the data for searching for a route, the data recording unit 16 displays a guide map along the searched route on the screen of the display unit 35, or a characteristic photograph at an intersection or a route. Various data for recording a frame diagram, displaying a distance to the next intersection, a traveling direction at the next intersection, and other guidance information are recorded. The data recording unit 16 also records various data for outputting predetermined information by the audio output unit 37.
[0028]
By the way, intersection data is recorded in the intersection data file, node data is recorded in the node data file, road data is recorded in the road data file, and road conditions are displayed on the screen by the intersection data, node data, and road data. The The intersection data includes the type of intersection, that is, an intersection where a traffic signal lamp is installed or an intersection where no traffic signal lamp is installed. The node data constitutes at least the position and shape of the road in the map data recorded in the map data file, and includes actual road branch points (including intersections, T-junctions, etc.), node points , And data indicating a link connecting each node point. Further, the node point indicates at least the position of a road bending point.
[0029]
The road data includes the width, gradient, cant, altitude, bank, road surface condition, number of road lanes, points where the number of lanes decreases, points where the width becomes narrower, etc. Contains data. In the case of an expressway or a main road, each lane in the opposite direction is stored as separate road data and processed as a double road. For example, in the case of a main road having two or more lanes on one side, it is processed as a two-way road, and the upward lane and the downward lane are stored in the road data as independent roads. The corner includes data such as a radius of curvature, an intersection, a T-junction, and a corner entrance. Furthermore, the road attributes include data such as level crossings, expressway entrance rampways, expressway toll gates, downhill roads, uphill roads, road types (national roads, major local roads, general roads, highways, etc.).
[0030]
Further, the data recording unit 16 stores data on the periphery of the specific area. Here, the specific area is an area that is located away from a preset main road, that is, an area, an amusement park, a theme park, a park, and other facilities, housing complexes, and expressways. Parking areas such as parking areas, service areas, department stores, supermarkets, home centers, shopping malls, pachinko parlors, game centers, restaurants, etc. And since the data of the peripheral edge of the specific area, that is, the coordinate data of the boundary line with the surroundings is stored in the data recording unit 16, the peripheral data of the specific area is acquired from the data recording unit 16. Thus, the position, shape, area, etc. of the specific area can be accurately grasped.
[0031]
The navigation processing unit 17 includes a CPU 31 that controls the entire in-vehicle terminal 14, a RAM 32 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 31 performs various arithmetic processes, a control program, and a route to a destination. And a ROM 33 as a recording medium on which various programs for searching for a route, traveling guidance on the route, determining a specific section, searching for a point, a facility, and the like are recorded. The navigation processing unit 17 is connected to the input unit 34, the display unit 35, the audio input unit 36, the audio output unit 37, and the communication unit 38. Then, various processes such as a route search, travel guidance in the route, determination of a specific section, a search for points, facilities, and the like are executed. Some of the voice input unit 36, the voice output unit 37, and the communication unit 38 may be omitted as appropriate from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost.
[0032]
Here, the program includes a computer for navigation based on a point determination unit that determines whether or not the current location or the destination is in a specific area, the data on the periphery of the specific area, and road data. A navigation program that functions as a road acquisition unit that acquires a road connected to the specific area and a route search unit that searches for a route including the acquired road is also included. The computer-readable recording medium on which the navigation program is recorded is not only a semiconductor memory, but also a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a magnetic drum, a CD-ROM, an MD, a DVD-ROM, an optical disk, an MO, an IC card, and an optical card. And all types of recording media such as memory cards. The data recording unit 16 and the ROM 33 are configured by a magnetic core, a semiconductor memory, etc. (not shown). As the data recording unit 16 and the ROM 33, various storage media such as magnetic tape, magnetic disk, magnetic drum, CD-ROM, MD, DVD-ROM, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, memory card, etc. are used. You can also The storage medium may be installed in advance on the in-vehicle terminal 14 or may be replaced as appropriate by a driver or the like.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, various programs are recorded in the ROM 33, and various data are recorded in the data recording unit 16. However, the programs and data are similarly recorded in an external storage medium. You can also. In this case, for example, a storage medium such as a flash memory (not shown) may be provided in the navigation processing unit 17, and the program and data may be read from the external storage medium and written to the storage medium. Therefore, the program and data can be updated by exchanging the external storage medium. Further, a control program or the like of an automatic transmission control device (not shown) can be recorded on the external storage medium. In this way, it is possible to start programs recorded in various storage media and perform various processes based on the data. The external storage medium may be any kind of magnetic tape, magnetic disk, magnetic drum, CD-ROM, MD, DVD-ROM, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, memory card, and the like.
[0034]
Furthermore, the communication unit 38 is for transmitting and receiving various data to and from an FM transmitter, a telephone line, the Internet, a mobile phone network, etc., for example, a traffic jam received by an information sensor (not shown), etc. Various data such as road information, traffic accident information, and D-GPS information for detecting a detection error of the GPS sensor 21 is received. Further, a program for realizing the functions of the present invention, other programs for operating the in-vehicle terminal 14, data, etc. are transferred from an information center (Internet server, navigation server, etc.) to a plurality of base stations (Internet provider terminals). The communication unit 38 is connected to the communication unit 38 via a telephone line, a communication line, etc.), and further transmitted from each base station to the communication unit 38. When using such a system, when at least a part of the program and data transmitted from each base station is received, the CPU 31 can read / write memory such as RAM 32, flash memory, hard disk, etc. It is possible to download to a recording medium, start the program, and perform various processes based on the data.
[0035]
In this case, for example, the program and data can be recorded on different recording media, or can be recorded on the same recording medium.
[0036]
In addition, using a personal computer for home use, the program, data, etc. transmitted from the information center are downloaded to a recording medium such as a memory card, a flexible disk, etc. that can be attached to and detached from the personal computer, and the program is started. Various processes can also be performed based on the data.
[0037]
The input unit 34 is for correcting the position at the start of traveling or inputting a destination, and is provided with operation keys, push buttons, jog dials, crosses arranged on the body of the in-vehicle terminal 14. Although it consists of a key etc., a remote controller may be sufficient. In the case where the display unit 35 is a touch panel, it is preferable that the display unit 35 includes operation switches such as operation keys and operation menus displayed on the screen of the display unit 35. In this case, an input can be performed by pressing (touching) the operation switch like a normal touch panel.
[0038]
The screen of the display unit 35 displays operation guidance, operation menus, operation key guidance, a route from the current location to the destination, guidance information along the route, and the like. As the display unit 35, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an LED display, a plasma display, a hologram device that projects a hologram on a windshield, or the like can be used.
[0039]
The voice input unit 36 includes a microphone (not shown) and the like, and can input necessary information by voice. Furthermore, the voice output unit 37 includes a voice synthesizer and a speaker (not shown), and outputs voice information, for example, guidance information composed of voice synthesized by the voice synthesizer, shift information, and the like from the speaker to notify the operator. In addition to the voice synthesized by the voice synthesizer, various kinds of sound and various kinds of guidance information recorded in advance on a tape, a memory, and the like can be output from the speaker.
[0040]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the in-vehicle terminal 14 includes a point determination unit 27 that determines whether or not the current location or the destination exists in the specific area, the peripheral edge of the specific area, A road acquisition unit 28 that acquires data on roads that intersect an odd number of times and a route search unit 29 that searches for a route are included.
[0041]
Here, when the current location or the destination is set, the location determination unit 27 acquires the data of the periphery of the specific area stored in the data recording unit 16, and the location set as the current location or the destination is the It is determined whether or not it exists in a specific area. In this case, a half line extending in an arbitrary direction from the point is created, and when the half line intersects the periphery of the specific area an odd number of times, it is determined that the point exists in the specific area, and the half line is When the edge of the specific area intersects a plurality of times, it is determined that the point exists outside the specific area.
[0042]
Then, the road acquisition unit 28 acquires a road connected to the specific area based on the peripheral data and road data of the specific area. The Here, the road connected to the specific area is a road where the coordinates of one end of the road exist in the specific area and the coordinates of the other end exist outside the specific area. In addition, since the road that intersects the periphery of the specific area an odd number of times is one that exists in the specific area and the other end is outside the specific area, the road that intersects the periphery of the specific area an odd number of times is specified. It may be a connecting road into the area.
[0043]
The route search unit 29 searches for a route by a normal method. When the point determination unit 27 determines that the point exists in the specific area, the route search unit 29 searches for a route that joins the connecting road. . For example, when the destination is set in the specific area, the route from the current location of the vehicle to the connecting road to the specific area is searched. If the current location is within the specific area, a route from the connecting road to the destination is searched.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the in-vehicle terminal 14 having the above configuration will be described.
[0045]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method for searching for a route joining a connecting road into a specific area in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is stored in a data recording unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for searching for a route that joins a connecting road into a specific area according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0046]
Here, a case where an operator drives a car, goes to a department store, and searches for a route for parking in a department store parking lot as a specific area will be described.
[0047]
First, the operator searches for a department store. In this case, the operator performs the same operation as when searching for facilities such as restaurants, gas stations, and movie theaters, Department store Can be searched. For example, the name of the department store may be input, or the current location and the search target range may be set, and then the department store may be set as the search target.
[0048]
Thereby, the in-vehicle terminal 14 executes a department store search, and the search result is displayed on the screen of the display unit 35. When the operator selects one department store from the displayed search results, a map including the current location and the department store is displayed. When the operator sets the department store as the destination, the route search unit 29 starts searching for a route from the current location to the destination.
[0049]
In this case, it is preferable that the route search unit 29 automatically sets a point in the parking lot of the department store as a destination. Normally, department store parking lots are scattered around the department store building, and when an operator drives a car to go to the department store, it is common to use the department store parking lot. It is often convenient for the operator to search for a route as a destination. However, since the operator may not use the parking lot of the department store, it is desirable to display on the screen an operation key that can cancel the setting of such a destination.
[0050]
When there are a plurality of parking lots at the department store, it is desirable to select the parking lot closest to the building at the department store. In addition, when it is possible to obtain information on the empty state of the parking lot from the information center, it is desirable to select from parking lots that can be parked. Furthermore, when the information center can acquire information related to the congestion situation of roads around each parking lot, a parking lot with the shortest required time may be selected based on the information. Note that the operator may be able to select a desired parking lot.
[0051]
Next, when a point in the parking lot is set as a destination, the road acquisition unit 28 accesses the data recording unit 16 and acquires data on roads around the destination. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the data regarding the road around the point in the parking lot as the destination is acquired.
[0052]
In FIG. 1, 11 is a parking lot as a specific area, 11a is a first connecting road to the parking lot 11, 11b is a second connecting road to the parking lot 11, and 11c is a destination in the parking lot 11. , 12 is a first main road around the parking lot 11, and 13 is a second main road around the parking lot 11.
[0053]
And the spot determination part 27 determines whether the setting spot 11c as a destination exists in the parking lot 11 as a specific area. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, since the set point 11c exists in the parking lot 11, it is determined that the set point 11c exists in the specific area.
[0054]
Then, the road acquisition unit 28 extracts a road connected to the parking lot 11 from the data related to the road around the destination acquired from the data recording unit 16. In this case, the peripheral data of the parking lot 11 as the specific area, that is, the coordinate data of the boundary line with the surroundings is stored in the data recording unit 16 as a table as shown in FIG. Therefore, the road acquisition unit 28 can accurately specify the shape of the periphery of the parking lot 11 by acquiring the data of the periphery of the parking lot 11 from the data recording unit 16. Then, the road acquisition unit 28 determines whether or not each of the roads around the parking lot 11 is a road having one end in the parking lot 11 and the other end outside the parking lot 11. In addition, you may make it determine whether the periphery of the parking lot 11 crosses an odd number of times. Thereby, the 1st connection road 11a and the 2nd connection road 11b which have one end in the parking lot 11 and the other end outside the parking lot 11 are extracted as connection roads into the parking lot 11.
[0055]
Next, the route search unit 29 performs a route search using the first connection road 11a and the second connection road 11b as destinations. Thereby, a route to the first connection road 11a and the second connection road 11b is searched. For example, the first connection road 11a and the second connection road 11b are set as search end roads, and a route is determined by searching using a well-known Dijkstra method. As a result, the connection road from which the route having a low search cost from the current location is searched is selected as the optimum connection road.
[0056]
Compared to selecting one from a plurality of connected roads and searching for a route from the current location to the selected connected road, a route corresponding to the current location can be searched without searching for a detour route. .
[0057]
Finally, the route from the current location to the optimum connecting road is displayed on the screen of the display unit 35.
[0058]
Also, when a point in the parking lot 11 is set as the current location and a point outside the parking lot 11 such as the operator's home is set as the destination, the route is searched similarly. In this case, the route search is performed using the first connection road 11a and the second connection road 11b as the current location, and the connection road searched for the route with the low search cost to the destination is selected as the optimum connection road. .
[0059]
In addition, when either one of the first connection road 11a and the second connection road 11b is an entrance to the parking lot 11, and the other is an exit from the parking lot 11, the point in the parking lot 11 When the destination is set as the destination, only the connecting road that is the entrance is selected. When the point in the parking lot 11 is set as the current location, only the connecting road that is the exit is selected, and the selected connecting road is selected. The route that joins is searched.
[0060]
Furthermore, when the road acquisition unit 28 cannot extract a road that intersects the periphery of the parking lot 11 an odd number of times, that is, when there is no connection road to the parking lot 11, the route search unit 29 Similarly to the method described in “Prior Art”, a perpendicular is dropped from the set point 11c to the first main road 12 and the second main road 13, and the leg closer to the set point 11c among the legs of the perpendicular Is a new setting point. Then, a route search is performed by setting the new set point as the destination or the current location.
[0061]
Thus, in the present embodiment, when a point set as the current location or destination exists in a specific area, the road acquisition unit 28 extracts a road connected to the specific area, and includes a route including the road. Is searched for by the route search unit 29.
[0062]
Therefore, when the point set as the current location or the destination exists in a specific area of the connection road, it is possible to easily search for a route that selects the optimum connection road.
[0063]
In addition, since the optimum connecting road is selected using the data on the periphery of the specific area and the data on the road around the specific area, the coordinate data of the starting point or the ending point of the connecting road is registered in order to select the optimal connecting road. Therefore, the memory resource of the in-vehicle terminal 14 can be saved.
[0064]
Next, a flowchart in the present embodiment will be described.
Step S1: A destination is set.
Step S2: Acquire data on roads around the destination.
Step S3: It is determined whether or not the set point 11c as the destination exists in the specific area. When it exists, it progresses to step S4, and when it does not exist, it progresses to step S7.
Step S4 The road acquisition unit 28 extracts a road connected to the specific area from the data regarding the road around the destination acquired from the data recording unit 16.
Step S5: Determine whether there is a road connected to the specific area. When it exists, it progresses to step S6, and when it does not exist, it progresses to step S7.
Step S6: A connecting road connected to the specific area is set as the destination.
Step S7: A road near the set point 11c is set as the destination.
Step S8: The route search unit 29 performs route search.
[0065]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same structure and the same operation as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.
[0066]
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the navigation system in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0067]
In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes an information center as a server, which is configured in a computer equipped with arithmetic means such as a CPU and MPU, storage means such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, and a communication interface. The computer is not a single computer but may be a so-called distributed server in which a plurality of computers are organically coupled. Furthermore, another system may be configured in the computer.
[0068]
Reference numeral 14 denotes an in-vehicle terminal operated by an operator. The in-vehicle terminal 14 is actually a large number, but in the present embodiment, it is represented by 14 for convenience of explanation. The in-vehicle terminal 14 is the same as the in-vehicle terminal 14 in the first embodiment, but in the present embodiment, the function may be greatly omitted, such as a CPU, MPU, etc. As long as it has a computing means, a storage means such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, a display part such as a liquid crystal display, an LED display and a CRT, an input part such as a keyboard, a remote controller and a touch panel, and a communication interface. The in-vehicle terminal 14 is a navigation device mounted on a vehicle such as a passenger car, a truck, a bus, and a motorcycle, for example, but is a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, a game machine, a digital TV. Anything may be used.
[0069]
Further, when the in-vehicle terminal 14 is a navigation device, the current location is detected by the current location detection processing unit 15 as in the in-vehicle terminal 14 in the first embodiment. For example, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, etc. In this case, the position of the base station can be detected as the current location based on communication with the base station where the mobile phone, the portable information terminal, etc. are located.
[0070]
Here, the information center 40 and the in-vehicle terminal 14 are connected to each other via a network 57 so as to communicate with each other. The network 57 is any communication line such as a wired or wireless public communication line network, a dedicated communication line network, the Internet, an intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a satellite communication line network, and the like. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used. Moreover, it may communicate using CS broadcasting or BS broadcasting by a broadcasting satellite, may communicate using terrestrial digital television broadcasting, may communicate using FM multiplex broadcasting, You may communicate using the optical beacon and radio wave beacon currently installed by the roadside.
[0071]
And the navigation system in this Embodiment is comprised by the said information center 40 and the vehicle-mounted terminal 14. FIG.
[0072]
The information center 40 includes an information providing unit 44 for providing the in-vehicle terminal 14 with information such as a route to the destination based on the departure point information and the destination information transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 14; A terminal information storage unit 45 that sequentially stores information for each in-vehicle terminal 14 and a terminal specifying unit 46 for specifying the in-vehicle terminal 14 based on an ID key or the like.
[0073]
The information providing unit 44 includes a map database 47 as a map information storage unit, a POI (Point of Interest) database 48, a road database 49, a public transportation database 50, a traffic information database 51, and the like.
[0074]
Here, the map database 47 stores map information such as nodes, links, coordinates, and facility names for drawing a map. Further, the POI database 48 stores facility data, town page data, and the like for searching for points such as a departure point, a destination, and a passing point. Further, the road database 49 stores data for searching for routes such as road search costs and road types. Furthermore, the public transport database 50 stores data such as railways, buses, airplanes, ships and other routes, stops, operation timetables, and the like. Further, the traffic information database 51 is a road traffic information communication system called VICS, for example. Road traffic information related to traffic congestion of roads created by collecting information of traffic control systems such as police and the Japan Highway Public Corporation. Store.
[0075]
The storage means of the information center 40 in which the map database 47, the POI database 48, the road database 49, the public transportation database 50, the traffic information database 51, etc. are stored may be an internal storage medium inside the information center 40. It may be an external storage medium. In this case, the internal storage medium and the external storage medium are any kind of magnetic tape, magnetic disk, magnetic drum, CD-ROM, MD, DVD-ROM, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, memory card, and the like. There may be.
[0076]
The information providing unit 44 includes a map creating unit 52 that draws a map based on the map information, coordinate information of a predetermined point such as a destination based on information stored in the POI database 48, a name, A POI search unit 53 that searches for point information such as an address, and a route that searches for a route from the current location to the destination based on information stored in the road database 49, the public transport database 50, the traffic information database 21, etc. A search unit 54 is included.
[0077]
Further, the information providing unit 44 includes a transmission / reception unit 56 that transmits / receives information to / from the in-vehicle terminal 14 and a keyword extraction unit 55 that extracts a keyword such as a spot name from the received information.
[0078]
The information providing unit 44 includes a destination setting unit, an estimated arrival time calculation unit, a comparison unit, and a reply unit (not shown).
[0079]
Here, the destination setting unit is means for performing destination setting based on the position information when position information such as a destination and a passing point is received from the in-vehicle terminal 14. Further, the predicted arrival time calculation unit is based on the route information searched by the route search unit 54, for example, the time at which the destination will be reached based on the sum of the required time data for each road section, that is, the arrival time It is a means for calculating the predicted time. Note that the predicted arrival time calculation unit may update the predicted arrival time at regular intervals. At this time, the predicted arrival time may be recalculated in consideration of the latest traffic jam information, regulation information, etc. stored in the traffic information database 51.
[0080]
The comparing means is means for comparing the estimated arrival time with the desired arrival time extracted as a time keyword. Further, when it is determined that the predicted arrival time is later than the desired arrival time as the time keyword as a result of the comparison by the comparison means, the reply means informs the in-vehicle terminal 14 that the predicted arrival time is later than the desired arrival time. It is a means to reply.
[0081]
On the other hand, the in-vehicle terminal 14 includes the communication unit 38 and the display unit 35 that transmit / receive information to / from the information center 40 as described above. Here, the display unit 35 causes the display means to display the map transmitted from the information center 40, and displays the current location, the destination, and the like of the in-vehicle terminal 14 on the map. Further, information such as the desired arrival time, the estimated arrival time, the name of the destination, and the address are also displayed.
[0082]
Here, in the present embodiment, the information center 40 has the current location or the destination as described in the first embodiment in the specific area in addition to the database such as the map database 47 and the road database 49. It has the point determination part 27 which determines whether it exists, or the road acquisition part 28 which acquires the data regarding the road connected to a specific area.
[0083]
As a result, when the information center 40 receives the information on the current location and the destination transmitted by the in-vehicle terminal 14, the information center 40 is set as the current location or the destination in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. If the specified point exists in the specific area, a road connecting to the specific area is extracted, and a route that joins the road is searched for using the road as a connection road. Then, information about the searched route is transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal 14.
[0084]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the data recording unit 16 of the in-vehicle terminal 14 does not need to include a database including a map data file, a road data file, and the like, so that the configuration of the in-vehicle terminal 14 is simplified. be able to. Therefore, the in-vehicle terminal 14 can be reduced in size and weight, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In the information center 40, since various data are frequently updated, a route search result based on the latest data can be obtained.
[0085]
When the in-vehicle terminal 14 includes a database composed of the map data file, road data file, etc., for example, processing such as setting of a destination is performed in the in-vehicle terminal 14, and the result of the processing is sent to the information center 40. It is also possible to transmit and perform the subsequent processing in the information center 40. In this case, the processing burden on the information center 40 can be reduced, the configuration of the information center 40 can be simplified, and the operating cost can be reduced.
[0086]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.
[0087]
For example, the present invention provides a computer for navigation based on the point determination unit that determines whether or not the current location or the destination is in a specific area, the peripheral data of the specific area, and road data. A navigation program that functions as a road acquisition unit that acquires a road connected to an area and a route search unit that searches for a route including the acquired road is included.
[0088]
Furthermore, the present invention provides a computer for navigation based on the point determination unit that determines whether or not the current location or the destination is in a specific area, the peripheral data of the specific area, and road data. The present invention includes a computer-readable recording medium that records a navigation program that functions as a road acquisition unit that acquires a road connected to an area and a route search unit that searches for a route including the acquired road.
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when a set point exists in an area with a connection road, an appropriate route can be searched without consuming a large amount of memory resources.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method for searching for a route joining a connecting road into a specific area according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a route search method when a current location or a destination in a conventional navigation apparatus is away from a road to be searched.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a route search method when there is a connecting road to an area in a conventional navigation device.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the in-vehicle terminal of the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a function of the in-vehicle terminal of the navigation system in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data of a peripheral edge of a specific area stored in the data recording unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for searching for a route joining a connecting road into a specific area according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Parking
11a First connecting road
11b Second connecting road
11c set point
14 In-vehicle terminal
16 Data recording part
27 point determination part
28 Road acquisition department
29, 54 Route search unit
34 Input section
40 Information Center

Claims (4)

A data recording unit for storing data on the periphery of a specific area and road data;
A point determination unit for determining whether a current location or a destination exists within the specific area;
A road acquisition unit that acquires a road connected to the specific area based on data on the periphery of the specific area and road data;
Possess a route searching unit for searching for a route including the acquired road,
The route search unit, when there are a plurality of acquired roads, selects a road with a low cost for searching a route including the road as a connection road to the specific area . The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the road acquisition unit acquires a road having one end of a road existing in the specific area and the other end outside the specific area as a road connecting to the specific area. An in-vehicle terminal provided with an input unit for inputting the current location or destination;
The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2 , comprising an information center including the data recording unit, a point determination unit, a road acquisition unit, and a route search unit. Computer for navigation,
A point determination unit that determines whether or not the current location or the destination is within a specific area,
Based on the peripheral data and road data of the specific area, a road acquisition unit that acquires a road connected to the specific area, and
Function as a route search unit for searching for a route including the acquired road ,
The route search unit, when the road obtained is plural, navigation program searching cost of the route including the road you select a low road as connecting road to the specific area.

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