JP3849421B2 - Information display device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information display device, a route setting device that sets a route to a destination, and a navigation device that provides travel guidance for the set route.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A navigation device that detects the current position by GPS or the like as the vehicle travels, displays the current position together with a road map on the display, sets an appropriate route from the current position to the destination, and uses it as a guide is known. This contributes to a smoother drive. In setting the route, the Dijkstra method or a method based thereon is generally used. Specifically, using map data recorded on a static information source such as a CD-ROM or DVD, the link calculation information for links between nodes is used to calculate the route calculation cost from the current location to each node (for the route). (Evaluation value) is calculated, and at the stage where all the cost calculations up to the destination have been completed, a link to the destination with the minimum total cost is connected to set the route to the destination.
[0003]
In addition, when a route is calculated using only information from such a static information source, traffic conditions that change dynamically cannot be taken into account in the calculation conditions. For example, traffic regulation due to construction or accidents that are not recorded as static information. As a result, roads that are congested will be included in the destination route. Therefore, a system has been devised, such as ATIS or VICS, which receives traffic regulation information from a dynamic information source or receives a recommended route taking into account the traffic regulation information. For example, in a navigation device that has received information for specifying a portion where a traffic jam occurs, the route cost of the portion where the traffic jam occurs is made higher than usual. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the traffic jam portion to be included in the route, and it is possible to automatically set a detour route that avoids the traffic jam caused by the construction or accident described above. Of course, the same applies when the detour route itself is received from the dynamic information source.
[0004]
However, even if there is no traffic jam, there is a case where it is desired to avoid the user traveling as much as possible, for example, because the road surface condition is bad. That is, avoidance according to knowledge and preference based on such user's experience could not be made. Therefore, a technique is disclosed in which a user can set an avoidance area based on his / her own judgment and set a route to avoid the avoidance area (for example, Japanese Patent No. 2679505, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-105575, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. -83529).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the user sets himself / herself in this way, it is necessary for the user himself / herself to set a place to be avoided, and the setting work becomes complicated. Above all, if the user himself / herself does not recognize the reason for avoiding the place to be avoided, there is a problem that it cannot be set. That is, although it can be set on a road or the like that is frequently used by the user, for example, when the user travels in an unguided place such as a travel destination, even a place to be avoided cannot be considered. In addition, there are various reasons for avoidance, but it is not simply a reason that you do not want to drive on roads with poor road conditions. Furthermore, if it is expected that it is better to avoid entering the area (district) due to worsening security, it will lead to personal danger. Sometimes it is not done.
[0006]
  Therefore, the present invention is capable of displaying information in an area or point that is not necessary at the present time but is expected to avoid traffic in the future and is not recognized by the user himself / herself.AndObjective.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
  According to claim 1According to the information display device, the avoidance area information distributed from the information center can be displayed together with the road map, but this avoidance area information is not necessary at the present time but is expected to avoid traffic in the future. It is information about. For example, considering avoiding traffic jams, there is no problem if the user knows from his / her own experience that traffic jams occur frequently in a certain time zone. Can not. Therefore, for example, if information on areas and time zones where there is a high probability of traffic jams is accumulated and provided as an avoidance area, traffic jams will occur in advance even if it is the first traffic location. You can know the area that is likely to do. Thus, according to the present display device, although the user himself / herself does not recognize, it is possible to know the region or the point where it is expected to avoid traffic in the future. It should be noted that the term “region or point” is intended to cover a relatively wide region or a relatively narrow point. Examples of the point include a case where a specific intersection or railroad crossing is targeted.
  With regard to the avoidance area information, the user can instruct the type of the information instead of receiving all the information held by the information center. In this way, since only the type of avoidance area information instructed by the user is distributed from the information center, only the information desired by the user can be received and displayed.
[0008]
In the case of the information display device according to claim 3Contains at least information about the area or point to be avoidedAvoidance area informationIn addition, at least one of “reason for avoidance”, “degree of avoidance”, and “when to avoid” is included.ing. If such information can also be confirmed by the user, it can be used as a reference for subsequent judgment (for example, whether or not it is better to actually avoid it).
[0010]
In the case of the information display device according to claim 2,Without selecting at the time of reception,At the time of displayAs you chooseYes. That is, a display information type instruction means for the user to instruct the type of avoidance area information to be displayed on the display means is provided. Of the avoidance area information received from the information center via the communication means, the display information type instruction means Only the avoidance area information of the specified type is displayed on the display means together with the road map.. In this case, only the avoidance area information of the type instructed by the user among the avoidance area information received from the information center is displayed, so that only the information desired by the user can be displayed.
[0011]
In the case of the information display device according to claim 4, the avoidance area information including at least the information of the area or the point to be avoided includes further “reason for avoidance”, “degree of avoidance”, “ It includes at least one of the “time when avoidance is necessary”. If such information can also be confirmed by the user, it can be used as a reference for subsequent judgment (for example, whether or not it is better to actually avoid it).
  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the scale of the road map is changed so that the scale includes all the received avoidance area information, the road map and all the avoidance area information can be displayed on the display means. Can be confirmed.
  The avoidance area information may be estimated based on at least one of weather conditions, social conditions, and the possibility of occurrence of a natural disaster.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. Needless to say, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a navigation device 20 as one embodiment. The navigation device 20 includes a position detector 22, a map data input device 24, an operation switch group 26, a remote control sensor 27, a display device 28, a speaker 30, an external memory 32, a communication device 34, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 36. ing.
[0028]
The position detector 22 includes a known gyroscope 38, a vehicle speed sensor 40, and a GPS receiver 42 for GPS that detects the position of the vehicle based on radio waves from a satellite. Since these sensors 38, 40, and 42 have errors of different properties, they are configured to be used while being interpolated by a plurality of sensors. Depending on the accuracy, a part of the above may be used, and a geomagnetic sensor, a steering rotation sensor, a wheel sensor of each rolling wheel, or the like may be used.
[0029]
The map data input device 24 inputs map data stored in a recording medium. The map data includes data indicating road connection status (road network data), map matching data for improving position detection accuracy, and the like. As a recording medium for storing the map data, a CD-ROM or a DVD is generally used because of the amount of data, but another medium such as a memory card may be used.
[0030]
By the way, the format of the road network data includes link information, node information, and link connection information. The link information includes a “link ID” that is a unique number for identifying a link, a “link class” for identifying an expressway, a toll road, a general road, an attachment road, and the like, There is information about the link itself such as “coordinate” and “end coordinate” and “link length” indicating the length of the link. On the other hand, the node information includes “node ID” that is a unique number of nodes connecting the links, right and left turn prohibition at intersections, presence / absence of traffic lights, and the like. Further, in the interlink connection information, for example, data indicating whether or not traffic is allowed for one-way traffic or the like is set. Even in the case of the same link, for example, in the case of one-way traffic, it is possible to pass from one link but not from another link. Therefore, whether or not traffic is allowed is determined depending on the connection mode between the links.
[0031]
The operation switch group 26 includes various switches for operating the navigation device 20. Specifically, the operation switch group 26 includes a switch for switching display contents to be displayed on the display device 28, and a route ( Including a switch for setting a destination route). In addition, as various switches which comprise the operation switch group 26, the touch switch comprised integrally with the display apparatus 28 may be used, and a mechanical switch may be used.
[0032]
The remote control sensor 27 is for inputting a signal from a remote control 27a provided with a switch or the like for the user to input various commands. The remote control sensor 27 receives the same commands as those using the operation switch group 26 described above. It can be input.
On the display screen of the display device 28, the vehicle current position mark inputted from the position detector 22, the map data inputted from the map data input device 24, the guide route to be displayed on the map, the mark of the set point, etc. The additional data can be displayed in an overlapping manner. Further, as will be described later, information (the required time, route distance, etc.) regarding the current route corresponding to the detour route can be displayed.
[0033]
The speaker 30 is configured to notify the driver of driving guidance by voice. In this embodiment, the driving guidance is given to the driver by both the display by the display device 28 and the voice output from the speaker 30. can do.
The external memory 32 stores the route set by the electronic control unit 36, and the stored contents are backed up by a power source (not shown).
[0034]
The communication device 34 is a device for receiving information provided from the information center 10 and transmitting information to the outside. Information received from the outside via the communication device 34 is processed by the electronic control device 36. In addition, as a device used as the communication device 34, a mobile communication device such as a car phone or a mobile phone may be used, or a dedicated receiver may be used. Information provided from the information center 10 is information for VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), avoidance area information described later, and the like.
[0035]
The electronic control unit 36 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and a bus line for connecting these configurations. Then, according to the input from the position detector 22, the map data input device 24, the operation switch group 26, and the remote control sensor 27, the display device 28, the speaker 30, the external memory 32, and the communication device 34 are controlled to set and guide the route. Processes and other processes are executed.
[0036]
Here, the configuration of the information center 10 will be briefly described. The information center 10 includes various information such as an avoidance area information storage device 11, an external event collection device 12 that collects external events such as road conditions from various sensors S attached near the road, and a road map in the center area. Between the road network data storage device 14 storing various traffic information created based on the external events collected by the external event collection device 12 and the navigation device 20 via a wireless line such as a car phone or a mobile phone. Based on various information stored in the communication device 16 that performs communication, the position data (current location and destination) received from the navigation device 20 and the road network data storage device 14, traffic regulation, Information about traffic jams and the avoidance area information stored in the avoidance area information storage device 11 are stored in the communication device 16. And a control unit 18 which is composed mainly of control of or transmitted.
[0037]
The traffic information created based on the external event collected by the external event collection device 12 represents traffic information indicating a traffic jam point, a traffic jam section, etc., an accident, a broken vehicle, an obstacle on the road, construction, work, etc. Traffic regulation information including traffic obstruction information, temporary regulations such as traffic closure, speed regulation, lane regulation and their causes (for example, holding a marathon, etc.), parking lot information that informs the availability of parking lots / service areas / parking areas, etc. It is included.
[0038]
The avoidance area information stored in the avoidance area information storage device 11 is information regarding an area or a point that is not necessary at the present time but is expected to be avoided in the future. In other words, the above-mentioned traffic jam information is information indicating that traffic jam has actually occurred, but this avoidance area information takes into consideration a situation that is not currently generated but is expected to occur in the future. . In addition, not only in the case of traffic conditions such as traffic jams, but also includes cases where it is better to avoid traffic from the standpoint of safety of future passengers, for example, due to vehicle breakdowns and accidents, or poor security.
[0039]
This avoidance area information will be further described. The avoidance area information is information regarding an area or a point that is not necessary at the present time but is expected to be avoided in the future, and therefore some estimation is required. For example, it can be obtained as a result of statistical analysis of past traffic conditions. This is, for example, that there is a high possibility of traffic jam from Monday to Friday from what time to what time. In addition, even when there is a special event such as a homecoming rush due to a long vacation or at the beginning of the day, it is statistically understood that there is a high possibility of traffic jam from what time to what time. In addition, for example, traffic jams may easily occur on roads that are not subject to restriction due to the influence of traffic restrictions due to events (for guarding important persons or for marathons). This can also be predicted from a statistical point of view, so that information may be provided. In addition, in the traffic information created based on the external event collected by the external event collection device 12 described above, information about traffic regulation by, for example, a marathon is obtained. However, that information is only about roads that are subject to regulation. For this reason, the occurrence of traffic congestion is predicted from a statistical point of view for roads near the road subject to traffic regulation and used as avoidance area information.
[0040]
It is also conceivable to estimate the avoidance area information based on weather conditions. Since traffic jams may occur due to rainfall or snowfall, information may be provided when traffic jams are expected in consideration of weather conditions. Furthermore, since it is possible to predict not only a traffic jam but also a situation where there is a high possibility that a car will be flooded due to heavy rain, or a situation where the possibility of a rear-end collision will increase due to road freezing, such information may be provided. In terms of flooding, if the car you are riding on has a structure that is difficult to flood, you can pass it even if you expect such flooding, and in the case of ordinary passenger cars, you should avoid it. It is safe. In other words, the final decision can be made by the user. Similarly, in the case of road surface freezing, it is determined that the vehicle may pass if it is equipped with a spike tire, a studless tire, a tire chain, or the like, and if not, it is determined that it should be avoided.
[0041]
In addition, with respect to such flooding and road surface freezing, a certain wide area may be a target, and a narrow local area (point) may be a target. For example, when the intersection portion is lower than the surrounding area and water tends to accumulate in the portion, the intersection is a point to be avoided. In addition, when a part of the road is depressed, that part becomes the avoidance target point. When a part of the road is depressed, for example, in the case of a vehicle having a low vehicle height, there is a risk of damaging the bottom surface of the vehicle. In addition, when partial flooding or depression occurs, a relatively wide range including a road leading to it can be set as an avoidance target area. Therefore, the avoidance area information covers not only a region indicating a relatively wide range but also a point indicating a relatively narrow range.
[0042]
It is also conceivable to estimate the avoidance area information based on the social situation. For example, as described above, information on areas that should be avoided from the viewpoint of security is provided. There may be some areas where security is not always stable, and it may be temporarily insecure due to criminal cases or conflicts. In this case, when it is expected that it is better to avoid the entry into the area (district) due to further deterioration of security in the future, it is preferable that the degree of avoidance be maximized. This kind of information provision is considered beneficial, especially when you are abroad and you do not have a geographical sense from that point of view.
[0043]
It is also conceivable to estimate the avoidance area information based on the possibility of occurrence of a natural disaster. For example, there is a high possibility that an earthquake will occur. In particular, as for aftershocks, information that “may occur within a few days” is obtained as information from the place where the earthquake research is conducted or from the authorities, so it is effective to specify the target area and provide the information. is there. The same concept can be applied to volcanic explosions. Typhoons can be dealt with based on the above weather conditions.
[0044]
Because it is caused by such various causes, in the avoidance area information, in addition to the information on the area or point to be avoided, “reason for avoidance”, “necessity of avoidance”, “time when avoidance is required” Is included.
Here, a method for defining a region or a point to be avoided will be described. First, a point may be specified by coordinates (x, y) based on latitude x and longitude y. Further, since various areas are conceivable, an example is shown in FIG.
[0045]
In the case shown in FIG. 4A, it is defined by a square area, and the center coordinates (x, y) of the square area and the distance L from the center coordinates to each side are determined. As a result, a square region having one side of 2L is defined. In the case shown in FIG. 4B, two coordinates (x₁, Y₁), (X₂, Y₂) Is specified as a rectangular area with diagonal vertices. In the case shown in FIG. 4C, it is designated as a circular area defined by the center coordinates (x, y) and the radius R. Also, a complicated shape may be defined by specifying coordinates of a plurality of points. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), it is conceivable to define a polygon figure region connecting these plural points. In addition, it may be defined as a region where a plurality of points are connected by a curve.
[0046]
In addition, with regard to “reasons that need to be avoided”, there may be reasons such as traffic jams, flooding, road surface freezing, security deterioration, and bad roads. Further details may be included. For example, it is possible to distinguish between traffic congestion due to rush hour and traffic congestion due to road regulations associated with the event, or security deterioration due to conflict and security deterioration due to incidents. In addition, regarding bad roads, it is possible to distinguish between sluggish roads that occur after rainfall, gravel roads, and roads with severe undulations.
[0047]
The “necessity of avoidance” can be determined based on the degree of traffic jam, that is, from the viewpoint of required time and from the viewpoint of emphasizing safety. In the former case, in consideration of the degree of traffic jam, the degree of necessity is increased when a heavy traffic jam is expected, and the degree of necessity is lowered otherwise. In addition, in the case of reasons related to safety, such as worsening security, it is better to increase the degree of necessity.
[0048]
In addition, “a time when avoidance is necessary” may be predicted only at the start time, or may be predicted at the start and end times. This is because when the event period is fixed to some extent, such as a marathon, the occurrence period can be predicted for the traffic congestion on the surrounding roads. Of course, if the reason is due to the deterioration of security due to conflict, it is likely that the end date will be indefinite.
[0049]
The navigation apparatus 20 acquires such avoidance area information and the like from the information center 10 in response to a user operation instruction from the operation switch group 26 or the remote controller 17a or automatically. The information is automatically displayed on the display device 28 in response to or in response to a user operation instruction from the operation switch group 26 or the remote controller 17a, and in response to a user operation instruction from the operation switch group 26 or the remote controller 17a. Or automatically register. When the route is set, the route information is calculated again in accordance with the user operation or automatically in consideration of the registered avoidance area information.
[0050]
Next, processing contents regarding acquisition / registration of avoidance area information executed by the electronic control device 36 of the navigation device 20 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3. This process is executed when, for example, the user operates the operation switch group 26 or the remote controller 17a and the avoidance area information acquisition / registration mode is selected while the menu screen is displayed on the display device 28. It is.
[0051]
When this mode is selected, a setting screen is displayed on the display device 28 (S10). Then, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the avoidance area information acquisition switch (S20). When the acquisition switch is operated (S20: YES), communication is performed with the information center 10 via the communication device 34. The avoidance area information is acquired (S30). If the communication with the information center 10 is not successful (S40: NO), an error message indicating that is displayed on the display device 28 (S60), and the process returns to S10. On the other hand, even if the communication with the information center 10 is successful (S40: YES), there is a possibility that there is no avoidance area information. Therefore, if there is no avoidance area information (S50: NO), a message indicating that fact. Is displayed on the display device 28 (S70), and the process returns to S10.
[0052]
If there is avoidance area information (S50: YES), the process proceeds to S80 in FIG. In S80, it is determined whether or not the automatic registration setting is on. The avoidance area information acquired from the information center 10 can be set to automatically register (automatic registration setting on), or can be set to register individually (automatic registration setting off). This setting on / off can be selected by the user. For example, whether the automatic registration setting is turned on or off while the avoidance area information acquisition / registration mode setting screen shown in S10 is displayed. Can be instructed.
[0053]
If the automatic registration setting is on (S80: YES), it is determined whether the setting for displaying the acquired avoidance area information is on (S90). This is a setting for displaying the avoidance area information acquired from the information center 10 on the display device 28 in the sense of allowing the user to confirm it, and then automatically registering (display setting on). It is determined whether it is set to automatically register (display setting off). The user can also select the display setting on / off, and the setting method is the same as the above-described automatic registration setting on / off, for example.
[0054]
If the setting for displaying the acquired avoidance area information is off (S90: NO), the avoidance area information is registered as it is (S100). Note that the avoidance area information registered in this way is taken into consideration in route calculation. On the other hand, when the setting to display the acquired avoidance area information is on (S90: YES), on the map screen changed to the scale of the range including the avoidance area using the display device 28, The acquired avoidance area information is displayed (S110).
[0055]
If a map is currently being displayed, it is possible to display avoidance area information on the map screen without changing the scale. However, if the acquired avoidance area information is a position that does not exist in the current display map, the map of the area including the avoidance area information may be changed and displayed together with the avoidance area information. In this case, if the avoidance area is wide, a part of the display may be displayed. Of course, a wide-area map that includes the entire avoidance area may be displayed.
[0056]
  The display of the avoidance area information will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the avoidance area information includes information on the area or point to be avoided, the reason why avoidance is necessary, the degree of avoidance, and the time when avoidance is necessary. . The area or point to be avoided is displayed by being surrounded by a broken line or blinking so that the corresponding area or point can be identified (identified) on the map screen. This makes it easier for the user to understand intuitively. For the area or point to be avoided, an expression based on the address can be considered, for example, “near Showa-cho, Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture”. In addition, expressions such as “…… near an intersection”, “... near a bridge”, “... near a building”, or “X road” may be used. In addition, as described above, the reason for avoidance may be expressed as, for example, traffic jam, flooding, road surface freezing, deterioration of security, bad road, and more detailed reasons including traffic congestion due to rush hour and marathon. Traffic congestion accompanying it, security deterioration due to conflict, security deterioration due to incidents, etc.WhenIt may be expressed. Further, the “necessity of avoidance” may be expressed numerically as 1 to 5, for example, or may be an abstract level expression such as high, medium, and low. As for the time when avoidance is necessary, only the start and end times that can be predicted are displayed, and if neither can be predicted, it may be expressed as “indefinite”.
[0057]
After the avoidance area information acquired in this way is displayed, for example, a message “Register” is displayed on the screen, and the avoidance area is registered (S120). After the avoidance area is registered in S100 or S120, the process proceeds to S150.
The above-described steps S90 to S120 are processes when the automatic registration setting is on. However, when the automatic registration setting is off (S80: NO), similar to S110, it is acquired on the map screen. The avoidance area information is displayed, and a “register” switch and a “not register” switch as shown in FIG. 5 are also displayed (S130). Therefore, the user can confirm the contents of the avoidance area information by looking at the screen display, and can determine whether or not to register individually. When the “Register” switch is operated (S140: Register), the process proceeds to S120, a message “Register” is displayed on the screen, the avoidance area is registered, and then the process proceeds to S150. . On the other hand, when the “not registered” switch is operated (S140: not registered), the process directly proceeds to S150.
[0058]
In S150, it is determined whether or not all of the acquired avoidance area information has been processed. If not (S150: NO), the process returns to S80. On the other hand, if all the processes have been processed (S150: YES), it is determined whether one or more are registered (S160). This is because when it is determined whether or not to register individually, there is a possibility that none is registered. If no item is registered (S160: NO), the process returns to S10. On the other hand, when one or more cases are registered (S160: YES), it is determined whether there is a route that has already been set (S170).
[0059]
When the route exists (S170: YES), the route is recalculated in consideration of the registered avoidance area information in order to reflect the avoidance area information on the route (S180). Then, guidance based on the recalculated route is started (S190), and this process is terminated. Even if a route exists, there is no need to recalculate the route if the avoidance area information is unrelated to the route, for example, the route does not pass the avoidance area. The electronic control unit 36 may have a function of determining the necessity of recalculation by determining the relationship between the acquired / registered avoidance area information and the set route.
[0060]
On the other hand, if there is no route (S170: NO), the process returns to S10. Although not shown in the drawing, the avoidance area information registered in this way is naturally taken into account when the route is calculated thereafter.
Here, how to consider the avoidance area information in S180 will be described.
[0061]
  (1)In the case of the present embodiment, since the cost calculation by the Dijkstra method is used for route calculation, the link is re-established by increasing the route cost for the link included in the region or the link including the point. Make it difficult to be included in the route to be set. About how much it is hard to be included, for example, depending on the avoidance level, the higher the necessity for avoidance, the harder it is to be included. In particular, it is considered preferable to set the highest avoidance level for areas where security is expected to deteriorate due to conflicts or incidents. Therefore, when the highest avoidance level is set, it is preferable that the corresponding link is hardly included in the route to be reset.
[0062]
  (2)Further, since it is sometimes inappropriate to consider all of the registered avoidance area information, it is also effective to extract the avoidance area information to be considered as follows. For example, only avoidance area information having a degree of necessity higher than the level designated by the user is considered. For example, in a state where the avoidance area information acquisition / registration mode setting screen shown in S10 is displayed, the user can instruct the degree of avoidance of avoidance area information that should be considered when setting the route. If the necessary degree is set in five stages, for example, if the degree of avoidance is the upper two levels, the route cost is increased when the route is calculated. In addition, for the time when avoidance is necessary, it is conceivable to consider the avoidance area information only when there is a possibility that a vehicle exists in the avoidance target area or point at that time. Furthermore, it is possible to consider only avoidance area information within the geographical range designated by the user. In this case, for example, a range such as a predetermined range (for example, a distance is specified) centered on the current location only in the current periphery, or a route periphery when a route is set is conceivable. These instructions are also given via the operation switch group 26 and the remote controller 27a.
[0063]
  In the present embodiment, the position detector 22 and the electronic control device 36 correspond to position specifying means, and the communication device 34 corresponds to communication means. Further, the electronic control device 36 corresponds to a route setting unit and a scale change unit, and the display device 28 corresponds to a display unit and a notification unit. The operation switch group 26 and the remote controller 27a correspond to registration instruction means, information acquisition instruction means, distribution information type instruction means, and display information type instruction means, and the display device 28, speaker 30, and electronic control device 36 correspond to guidance means. To do. Also, how to consider the avoidance area information mentioned above(2)In this case, the operation switch group 26 and the remote controller 27a correspond to avoidance level instruction means and registration range instruction means.
[0064]
As described above, according to the navigation device 20 of the present embodiment, since it is possible to set a route in consideration of the avoidance area information acquired from the information center 10, the user himself / herself does not recognize, but it is necessary to avoid traffic in the future. An appropriate route can be set in consideration of an expected region (district) or point. In other words, in the conventional technology that corresponds to the case where a traffic jam or the like occurs at the present time, it cannot cope with a traffic jam that is expected to occur in the future. Since information on areas and time zones where there is a statistically high possibility of traffic jams is stored and provided as avoidance area information, traffic jams can occur in advance even in places where traffic passes for the first time It is possible to set a route that avoids highly likely areas. In addition, in the case of traffic jams, the required time only increases, but for areas where security is expected to deteriorate due to, for example, conflicts, it should be avoided from the viewpoint of physical safety. Therefore, in the case of such a cause, it is possible to prevent the corresponding area from entering the route by acquiring the avoidance area information having the highest avoidance level. In addition, it is considered that the user himself / herself often knows about such a dispute when it occurs in the vicinity where he / she always lives, but for example, when traveling for the first time in a foreign country, In many cases, users themselves do not know the situation. Therefore, it is very effective to obtain avoidance area information from the information center 10 in this way.
[0065]
In addition, since it may be inappropriate to uniformly consider all avoidance area information in route calculation, in this embodiment, the user individually determines whether to register the acquired avoidance area information. It is also possible. For the determination, in addition to the area or point to be avoided, the reason why the avoidance is necessary, the degree of the avoidance, the time when the avoidance is necessary, and the like are displayed on the display device 28. it can.
[0066]
[Another embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, the avoidance area information to be considered in the route recalculation in S180 can be extracted under the conditions specified by the user. For example, when the avoidance area information is acquired from the information center 10 You may make it extract to. As the conditions at that time, selection by region, selection by a reason for avoidance, selection by a degree of necessity for avoidance, selection by a time when avoidance is necessary, and the like can be considered. In other words, only avoidance area information within a predetermined range centered on the vehicle position is acquired in advance, or only avoidance area information for a predetermined reason is acquired, or an avoidance area having a degree of avoidance more than a predetermined level. Set to get only information. A setting is also conceivable in which only avoidance area information is acquired such that the designated time and the time when avoidance overlap are necessary. The condition setting in this case may be performed using the operation switch group 26 and the remote controller 27a. In this way, if the user can perform communication focusing on necessary information, the time required for communication is shortened, which is advantageous in terms of cost (communication cost).
[0067]
(2) In the above-described embodiment, the avoidance area information is acquired when there is an instruction from the user. In this method, there is a merit that it can be acquired at any timing that the user thinks necessary, but the avoidance area information is not reflected if the user does not feel necessity or forgets to acquire it . The avoidance area information is information related to an area or a point where traffic is expected to be avoided in the future. Basically, the avoidance area information changes every moment, and thus there is a high possibility that the user cannot predict. Therefore, it may be automatically acquired at a preset acquisition timing so that the latest information is always automatically acquired.
[0068]
  In this case, the process shown in FIG. 6 may be performed instead of the process shown in FIG. In the case of FIG. 2, the avoidance area information acquisition / registration mode is selected.AndWhen the setting screen is displayed on the display device 28 (S10) and the user operates the avoidance area information acquisition switch (S20: YES), avoidance area information is acquired (S30). On the other hand, in the case of this embodiment, it is executed regardless of what mode is selected (that is, whatever screen is displayed), and automatic avoidance area information acquisition timing Is always determined (S210). If the automatic acquisition timing is reached (S210: YES), the processing after S220 is performed. The processes in S220 to S260 shown in FIG. 6 are the same as the processes in S30 to S70 shown in FIG. Further, after the process of S240, the process proceeds to S80 of FIG. 3, and each process shown in FIG. 3 is executed. That is, the screen display at that time is temporarily interrupted, or the avoidance area information is displayed as another window (information window) on the screen.
[0069]
Note that the automatic acquisition timing in S210 is acquired at predetermined time intervals, acquired at a predetermined time, acquired every time a predetermined distance is traveled, or acquired every time the border of a border or other administrative district is exceeded. And so on. It is preferable that the user can change and set the predetermined time, the predetermined time, or the predetermined distance. Further, since the acquired avoidance area information is finally taken into consideration in route calculation, it may be acquired whenever route calculation is required.
[0070]
[Others]
(A) In the above embodiment, the user selects the mode selection or the instruction to register / do not obtain the acquired avoidance area information by operating the operation switch group 26 and the remote controller 27a. You may make it selectable. Of course, such voice input may also be used when setting conditions for extracting avoidance area information to be considered for route calculation and conditions for avoidance area information to be acquired.
[0071]
(B) In the above embodiment, the avoidance area information is displayed on the display device 28. However, the avoidance area information may be notified by voice through the speaker 30, for example. However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, since there is a large amount of information and information on the area and the point, intuitive notification through vision is considered effective. Therefore, although notification by voice may be used together, it is preferable to execute display by the display device 28.
[0072]
Moreover, you may make it notify a user with a beep etc. at the timing which acquired information. In this way, the user can be notified of the latest information acquisition without delay.
(C) In the above embodiment, the control unit 30 interpolates the error of the current vehicle position based on data detected by the position detection unit 10 including the GPS receiver 2, the gyroscope 6, the distance sensor 8, and the like. The vehicle current position was specified. Therefore, as described above, the position detection unit 10 and the control unit 30 correspond to “position specifying unit”, but the position detection unit 10 is not necessarily required in order to be established as the position specifying unit. For example, position information may be acquired from a roadside beacon and the current position may be specified based on the position information. Further, the current location may be specified by a function such as a mobile phone or a PHS that can specify the position.
[0073]
(D) In the above embodiment, the avoidance area information is communicated mainly using a car phone or a mobile phone. However, in addition to these, communication using an information transmitter / receiver provided along the road is used. Techniques can also be employed. In that case, the avoidance area information may be received when the vehicle travels in the vicinity of or just below the information transceiver. In this way, more reliable communication is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a navigation apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first half of processing related to acquisition / registration of avoidance area information executed by the electronic control device according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a second half of a process related to acquisition / registration of avoidance area information executed by the electronic control device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method for defining a region or a point to be avoided.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of acquired avoidance area information on a display device.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the first half of processing of another embodiment related to acquisition / registration of avoidance area information.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information center, 11 ... Avoidance area information storage device, 12 ... External event collection device, 14 ... Road network data storage device, 16 ... Communication device, 18 ... Control device, 20 ... Navigation device, 22 ... Position detector, 24 ... Map data input device, 26 ... operation switch group, 27 ... voice recognition unit, 28 ... display device, 30 ... speaker, 31 ... calendar clock, 32 ... external memory, 34 ... communication device, 36 ... electronic control device, 38 ... Gyroscope, 40 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 42 ... GPS receiver

Claims (6)

Display means for displaying a road map;
A communication means for performing data communication via a wireless line with an information center that distributes avoidance area information that is information related to an area or a point that is not required at the present time but is expected to avoid traffic in the future;
A distribution information type instruction means for a user to instruct the type of the avoidance area information distributed from the information center to the own device,
The communication unit requests the information center to distribute only the avoidance area information of the type instructed by the distribution information type instruction unit;
The avoidance area information received from the information center via the communication means is displayed on the display means together with the road map. Display means for displaying a road map;
A communication means for performing data communication via a wireless line with an information center that distributes avoidance area information that is information related to an area or a point that is not required at the present time but is expected to avoid traffic in the future;
Display information type instruction means for the user to indicate the type of avoidance area information to be displayed on the display means,
Of the avoidance area information received from the information center via the communication means, only the avoidance area information of the type indicated by the display information type instruction means is displayed on the display means together with the road map. A characteristic information display device. Display means for displaying a road map;
A communication means for performing data communication via a wireless line with an information center that distributes avoidance area information that is information related to an area or a point that is not required at the present time but is expected to avoid traffic in the future;
A distribution information type instruction means for a user to instruct the type of the avoidance area information distributed from the information center to the own device,
The avoidance area information, avoiding the need reasons required degree of avoidance, Ri avoided include at least one of the time required contact,
The communication unit requests the information center to distribute only the avoidance area information of the type instructed by the distribution information type instruction unit;
The avoidance area information received from the information center via the communication means is displayed on the display means together with the road map. Display means for displaying a road map;
A communication means for performing data communication via a wireless line with an information center that distributes avoidance area information that is information related to an area or a point that is not required at the present time but is expected to avoid traffic in the future;
Display information type instruction means for the user to indicate the type of avoidance area information to be displayed on the display means,
The avoidance area information, avoiding the need reasons required degree of avoidance, Ri avoided include at least one of the time required contact,
Of the avoidance area information received from the information center via the communication means, only the avoidance area information of the type indicated by the display information type instruction means is displayed on the display means together with the road map. A characteristic information display device. In the information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Comprising scale changing means for changing the scale of the road map displayed on the display means;
The scale changing means changes the scale of the road map so that the scale includes all the received avoidance area information, and displays the road map and the avoidance area information on the display means. Display device. In the information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The avoidance area information is estimated based on at least one of weather conditions, social conditions, and the possibility of occurrence of a natural disaster.

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