JP3988490B2 - Navigation device and data processing method in navigation device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a navigation device using an electronic map and a data processing method in the navigation device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, with the spread of automobiles, chronic traffic congestion due to traffic concentration in cities and traffic congestion suddenly generated due to accidents and construction have become major social problems.
Therefore, in recent years, a system for acquiring traffic jam information and avoiding traffic jam in a navigation device mounted on a vehicle has been developed. A navigation device is a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite whose orbit is in the sky, and can determine its own position and moving speed in real time, and is based on digitized map data. Then, the current position measured by GPS, the guide moving route, and the like are superimposed and displayed on the map on the monitor.
[0003]
In such a navigation device, for example, a road traffic information communication system called VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) is used to display traffic jam information. VICS uses beacons (information and communication facilities) installed on roads and FM (frequency modulation) multiplex broadcasting to provide traffic information such as traffic jams, accidents, traffic regulations, and parking lots to navigation devices in real time. belongs to. Therefore, the navigation device displays the acquired traffic information on a map, and the driver of the vehicle can drive while avoiding traffic jams based on the display. Alternatively, the navigation device can dynamically search for a route that can avoid traffic congestion based on the acquired traffic information and display the route on a map.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the user detours the congested road based on such traffic information and expects to arrive at the destination earlier. However, as a result of detouring in this way, there was no way to confirm whether or not the destination could actually be reached earlier compared to the case of passing through a congested road without detouring.
In addition, the navigation device does not always guide the optimal route. For example, in the driver's local area, the driver may know a way other than the route set by the navigation device as a way out. In such a case, when passing through a loophole, it was not possible to confirm whether or not the destination could be reached earlier than when passing through a set route.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device or the like that can be compared with a case in which an original route is followed when a predetermined route is deviated.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Under such a purpose, the present inventors obtain the results, etc., generated by deviating from the set route by comparing the case where the preset route is deviated from the case where the preset route is not deviated. Based on what can be done, a navigation device has been invented.
[0007]
The navigation device of the present invention is a navigation device that displays an electronic map based on map data, measures a current position by a positioning unit, sets a set route from a start point to a goal point by a setting unit, and the current position is When deviating from the set route, the virtual position when it is assumed that the vehicle has traveled as it is on the set route is estimated by the estimation unit by proceeding on the set route according to the progress of the current position. . In this navigation device, when the route deviates from the set route, the virtual position when traveling along the set route can be estimated.
[0008]
The navigation device may further include an output unit that compares the current position with the virtual position and outputs a comparison result. And an output part can output the information regarding the difference of the distance of the real driving | running | working from the point which deviated from the setting route | root to the present position, and the distance on the setting route | route from a point to a virtual position as a comparison result. Further, the output unit estimates the virtual speed when the virtual position travels the set route, and compares the information regarding the difference in time required to reach a specific point based on the virtual speed and the difference in distance. Can be output as In addition, the output unit may output, as a comparison result, information related to the number of vehicles assumed to have been able to be overtaken by proceeding out of the set route as compared to the case where the set route is assumed to have been advanced. .
[0009]
The present invention can also be understood as a data processing method in a navigation device. This data processing method is a data processing method in a navigation device that displays a current position measured and an electronic map based on map data, and calculates a first route from a start position to a goal position. And when the current position deviates from the first route, calculating a second route from the current position to the goal position, and simultaneously displaying the first route and the second route on the electronic map; A data processing method characterized by comprising:
[0010]
Here, the method may further include a step of comparing the first route with the second route to obtain a comparison result. In this case, the method further includes a step of estimating a virtual position when it is assumed that the vehicle travels along the first route. In the step of displaying the first route and the second route, the virtual position is set to the first route. It can be displayed above. Further, the method may further include a step of obtaining a position comparison result by comparing the current position with the virtual position and a step of outputting information relating to the position comparison result. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the step of obtaining the position comparison result is executed when the current position that has deviated from the first route returns to the first route.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the navigation device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM (Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM, etc. in which map data of a predetermined wide area is stored. A disk drive 11 equipped with a recording disk, a display unit 12 comprising a monitor such as a liquid crystal display for displaying a map, a speaker 13 for outputting guidance sound, an operation unit 14 such as a remote controller and a control panel, and the entire system. A control block (guidance setting unit, estimation unit) 16 for controlling, a positioning block (positioning unit) 17 for positioning, and a VICS information processing unit 18 connected to an antenna for receiving VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) information. It is configured.
[0012]
The control block 16 includes a CPU 20 that controls the entire system and arithmetic processing, a storage control device 21 that controls the disk drive 11, a display control device 22 that controls data displayed on the display unit 12, and guidance control that controls route guidance. The main memory as an internal storage device comprising the device 23, the voice control device 24 for controlling the voice output from the speaker 13, the input control device 25 for controlling the input signal from the operation unit 14, the DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc. 26. A ROM 27 in which a predetermined program for operating the navigation device is stored.
[0013]
In the control block 16, the display control device 22 obtains the map based on the map data stored in the recording disk held in the disk drive 11 and the positioning correction unit 35 of the positioning block 17 in the same manner as a normal navigation device. The positioning result (local position) is superimposed and displayed on the display unit 12. Further, the display control device 22 sets the scale of the map displayed on the display unit 12. The map data stored on the recording disk stores map data of a plurality of types of scales. By operating the operation unit 14, the user can arbitrarily select the scale of the map data read from the recording disk, that is, the scale of the map displayed on the display unit 12.
[0014]
The positioning block 17 detects a GPS antenna 36 that receives a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite, a GPS positioning unit 32 that performs positioning based on a signal obtained from the GPS antenna 36, and a vehicle speed of the vehicle on which the navigation device is mounted. A vehicle speed sensor 33, a gyro sensor 34 for detecting rotational displacement of the vehicle, and a positioning correction unit 35 for correcting a positioning result in the GPS positioning unit 32 based on detection values obtained by the vehicle speed sensor 33 and the gyro sensor 34 are provided. .
[0015]
In the navigation apparatus shown in FIG. 1, when a user operates through the operation unit 14, a start point (departure point), a goal point (target point), and a set route (routes) that is a route from the start point to the goal point ) Is recorded in the main memory 26. The navigation device displays the start point, the goal point, the set route, the current position of the vehicle, and the like on the map on the display unit 12 as appropriate. The set route can be calculated by the CPU 20 referring to the electronic map data stored on the CD-ROM disk of the disk drive 11 based on the start point and the goal point. A vehicle equipped with such a navigation device can travel along the set route displayed on the display unit 12.
[0016]
Here, FIG. 2 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 12 in the navigation device shown in FIG.
In FIG. 2, a start point A and a goal point B are set, and a set route 60 is displayed on the map as an optimum route from the start point A to the goal point B. On the set route 60, the vehicle position 50 of the vehicle traveling along the set route 60 is also displayed. Further, in this image, the traffic congestion information received as VICS information and processed by the VICS information processing unit 18 is indicated by an arrow 70 on the map so that a congested road can be recognized.
[0017]
In the navigation device described above, when the vehicle is advanced to the goal point B, a convenient function can be exhibited when the vehicle deviates from the preset route 60 in order to avoid a congested road and proceeds to another route. Can do. Specifically, when the vehicle is advanced to a route that bypasses the traffic jam that realizes the navigation function, the user can see how much the bypass effect is compared to the case where the vehicle is assumed to have traveled the set route 60. Processing that can be notified can be performed based on a program recorded in the ROM 27. Hereinafter, the process in the navigation apparatus will be specifically described.
[0018]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing in the navigation device.
First, the navigation device determines whether the vehicle has deviated from the set route (step S101). Here, a user who finds that there is a traffic jam display on the set route is able to avoid the jammed road so that he can deviate from the set route based on the road information displayed on the map. Therefore, it is determined whether or not there is such a change in the traveling direction. Specifically, the CPU 20 of the navigation device determines whether or not the position of the vehicle measured by the positioning correction unit 35 of the navigation device is traveling off the set route. If it is determined that the vehicle has not deviated from the set route, that is, is traveling along the set route, after waiting for a predetermined time, the process of step S101 is performed again.
[0019]
On the other hand, if the navigation device determines that the vehicle is traveling off the set route in step S101, the navigation device calculates a new route (hereinafter referred to as a new route) based on the current vehicle position and the goal point. Is performed (step S102). Then, the current vehicle position and the new route are additionally displayed on the map displayed on the display unit 12. Therefore, on the map displayed on the display unit 12, the new route and the current position of the vehicle are displayed together with the set route. Note that the color and the type of line (dotted line, etc.) can be changed so that the new route and the set route can be distinguished.
[0020]
Subsequently, a virtual position of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a virtual position) assuming that the vehicle is advanced along the set route is advanced along the set route (step S103). As described in the above step S102, the vehicle is traveling along the new route, and the vehicle whose current position is calculated by the positioning correction unit 35 on the map is constantly changing along the new route. It is displayed while changing. In step S103, the vehicle is traveling on the new route, but the virtual position of the vehicle when traveling on the set route is calculated, and the virtual position is advanced on the set route as time passes.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which a new route, a vehicle position, a set route, and a virtual position are displayed on a map.
In FIG. 4, as a new route 61, a route that branches from the set route (see FIG. 2) 60 at the point C and merges with the set route 60 at the point D is indicated by a solid line. On the other hand, the points C to D of the set route 60 that are different from the new route 61 are indicated by dotted lines. Then, the actual vehicle position 50 traveling along the new route 61 is displayed as a filled triangle, and the virtual position 50d of the vehicle traveling along the set route 60 is displayed as an unfilled triangle.
[0022]
Note that the virtual position 50d of the vehicle can be calculated by various methods. In order to calculate the virtual position 50d as accurately as possible, it is preferable to consider various factors such as the number of lanes, the road type, the speed limit, the degree of traffic congestion, and signal waiting. Among these factors, the number of lanes, road type, and speed limit can be acquired in advance from electronic map data or the like. On the other hand, the degree of traffic jam and waiting for a signal change in real time, so it is difficult to obtain in advance, but it is possible to infer or consider based on a certain amount of information.
[0023]
First, when considering traffic jam, it can be taken into consideration by appropriately acquiring traffic jam information as VICS information. For example, in the VICS information, the degree of traffic congestion is classified into two, “congested” and “slightly congested”, and a guideline for the speed of a vehicle traveling on the road is also defined for each type of road. For example, 10 km / h or less for general road congestion, 20 km / h or less for general road congestion, 20 km / h or less for urban high-speed congestion, 40 km / h or less for urban traffic congestion, For example, 40 km / h or less can be used for high-speed congestion, and 60 km / h or less for high-speed congestion between cities.
[0024]
In addition, when considering waiting for a signal, it can be taken into account by referring to road rank information. Specifically, it is empirically known that in general, a road with a higher rank has a longer time for the signal to be blue and a shorter time for the signal to be red.
In addition, in the calculation of the virtual position 50d, it is also possible to consider that it is known empirically that it takes more time for a vehicle to turn left than a right turn.
[0025]
Next, following step S104 in FIG. 3, the navigation device determines that the current vehicle position 50 acquired by the positioning correction unit 35 is a junction point between the new route 61 and the set route 60 (point D shown in FIG. 4). It is determined whether or not it has been reached (step S104). When it is determined that the vehicle position 50 has not reached the joining point, the above-described process of step S102 is performed again.
[0026]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S104 that the vehicle position has reached the joining point, the navigation device compares the current vehicle position with the virtual position of the vehicle (step S105). This comparison is for calculating how much the travel time can be shortened by passing the new route taken to bypass the traffic jam. Specifically, first, the actual travel distance from the point C where the set route 60 and the new route 61 branch to the point D, which is the junction point, and the distance on the set route 60 from the point C to the virtual position 50d. A difference (hereinafter referred to as a distance difference) is calculated as a comparison result. Then, the time difference can be calculated as a further comparison result from the following equation.
Time difference = distance difference / speed at virtual position
It is also possible to calculate as a comparison result a predicted value of how many other vehicles assumed to pass the set route can be overtaken by passing the new route. For example, the number of vehicles assumed to be able to overtake can be calculated by the following formula.
Number of vehicles (predicted value) = distance difference / (average length of vehicles + average distance between vehicles) x number of lanes [0028]
Subsequently, the comparison result obtained as described above is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S106).
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in a state where an actual vehicle has arrived at a point D that is a meeting point. In FIG. 5, the vehicle position 50 has arrived at a point D that is a merging point, but the virtual position 50 d that has traveled on the set route 60 has not reached the point D. The comparison result is displayed in a pop-up format at the bottom of the image. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the person who passed the new route 61 is closer to the goal point B, and compared with the distance difference, that is, the virtual position 50d, with a comment “congratulations” celebrating that. The display unit 12 displays how many meters ahead it has been possible to proceed. The time difference calculated from the distance difference and the number of vehicles are also displayed. Here, the vehicle position 50 is ahead of the virtual position 50d. However, when the virtual position 50d is ahead of the vehicle position 50, the distance behind the virtual position 50d or the vehicle is overtaken. The number of other vehicles assumed can also be displayed.
[0029]
This process is terminated as described above. Thus, in this process, the user can know whether or not the route can be shortened as compared with the case of the set route by passing the new route off the set route. When selecting a road for a new route, the user is likely to make a decision based on information that can be used as a basis for judgment. By displaying the comparison result in this way, the user can confirm the information. In addition, it is possible to know whether the judgment is good or bad, and further, the effects when following the instructions of the navigation device.
Further, by displaying the comparison result as described above, the user can enjoy whether the answer is correct or incorrect with respect to the fact that the user has selected and passed the new route.
In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle leaves the set route in order to avoid traffic jams, but even if the driver knows the escape route in advance and leaves the set route, The effect which was done can be acquired.
[0030]
Note that the processing flow shown in the above embodiment is merely an example, and there is no problem even if the order is changed as long as the same processing can be performed. For example, step S105 for performing the comparison process shown in FIG. 3 and step S106 for displaying the result are processed between step S103 and step S104, that is, before the vehicle reaches the junction and returns to the set route. It may be. In this case, a pop-up as shown in FIG. 5 can always be displayed on the display unit 12, and the displayed comparison result is calculated every predetermined time or continuously based on the passage of time and the movement of the vehicle position 50. be able to. The distance difference ′ in such a case can be calculated using, for example, the following equation.
Distance difference '= distance on the new route from the vehicle position of the new route to the merge point−distance on the set route from the virtual position of the set route to the merge point [0031]
In addition, in this Embodiment, the displayed comparison result is a distance difference, a time difference, and the number of vehicles, However, The kind of the displayed comparison result can be set arbitrarily. Further, the type of comparison result displayed by the user himself / herself may be selected. The comparison result may not be displayed. Since the virtual vehicle position is displayed on the display unit 12, whether or not the new route that the vehicle has passed is better than the set route even if specific numerical values are not displayed as the comparison result. The user can determine whether or not.
In the present embodiment, both the new route and the set route are displayed on the display unit 12, but only the new route and the comparison result may be displayed. Further, the comparison result may be notified to the user by voice or the like without being displayed on the display unit 12.
[0032]
Further, in the present embodiment, the information necessary for comparing the set route and the new route is obtained by calculating from the CD-ROM or VICS information such as electronic map data, etc. Is not limited to this. For example, a comparison result can be calculated for a vehicle traveling on a new route based on position data transmitted from another vehicle actually traveling on the set route using wireless communication or the like. Further, in this case, it is possible to send the position data from the vehicle traveling on the new route to the other vehicle and calculate the comparison result also in the other vehicle. In addition, when the driver knows the escape route in advance and deviates from the set route, a new route using the escape route may not be calculated. In such a case, the comparison result can be calculated by following the trajectory of the vehicle position 50.
[0033]
Moreover, it is also possible to provide as a program for performing the processing as shown in the above embodiment, and this program can also be in the form of the following storage medium and program transmission device. That is, as a storage medium, the above-described program may be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, various memories including a semiconductor memory, and a hard disk so that a computer device such as a navigation device can read the program.
In addition to this, as long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention, the configuration described in the above embodiment can be selected or changed to another configuration as appropriate.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a new route different from the preset route set in advance is passed, it can be compared with a case where it is assumed that the route has been advanced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment.
2 shows an example of an image displayed on a display unit in the navigation device shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing in the navigation device.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which a new route, a vehicle position, a set route, and a virtual position are displayed on a map.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in a state where an actual vehicle has arrived at a point D that is a meeting point.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Display part, 14 ... Operation part, 16 ... Control block (guidance setting part, estimation part), 17 ... Positioning block (positioning part), 18 ... VICS information processing part, 20 ... CPU, 22 ... Display control apparatus, 23 ... guidance control device, 26 ... display control device 22, 27 ... ROM, 32 ... GPS positioning unit, 50 ... vehicle position, 50d ... virtual position, 60 ... set route, 61 ... new route

Claims (8)

A navigation device for displaying an electronic map based on map data,
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
A setting section for setting a setting route from the start point to the goal point;
When the current position deviates from the set route, an estimation unit that estimates a virtual position when it is assumed that the vehicle has traveled as it is on the set route by advancing the set route according to the progress of the current position; A navigation device characterized by comprising:   The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that compares the current position with the virtual position and outputs a comparison result.   The output unit outputs, as the comparison result, information relating to a difference between an actual travel distance from a point deviating from the set route to the current position and a distance on the set route from the point to the virtual position. The navigation device according to claim 2.   The output unit estimates a virtual speed when the virtual position travels the set route, and outputs information on a time difference as the comparison result based on the virtual speed and the difference. 3. The navigation device according to 2.   The output unit outputs, as the comparison result, information related to the number of vehicles assumed to have been overtaken by proceeding out of the set route as compared to a case where the set route is assumed to have advanced. The navigation device according to claim 2. A data processing method in a navigation device for displaying a current position measured and an electronic map based on map data,
Calculating a first route from the start position to the goal position;
Calculating a second route from the current position to the goal position when the current position deviates from the first route;
Estimating a virtual position assuming that the vehicle traveled along the first route;
And displaying simultaneously with the first route and the second route on the electronic map,
Have
In the step of displaying the first route and the second route, the virtual position is displayed on the first route . Comparing the current position and the virtual position to obtain a position comparison result;
7. The data processing method according to claim 6 , further comprising a step of outputting information relating to the position comparison result. The data processing according to claim 7 , wherein the step of acquiring the position comparison result is executed when the current position deviated from the first route returns to the first route. Method.

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