JP4022894B2 - Navigation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation apparatus that can obtain and transmit an accurate required time of a link determined by a traffic information center.

  In a technology that measures the time required between certain points, especially between intersections, and transmits it to the traffic information center (hereinafter referred to as the center), the time required between the intersections is measured as a conventional technique, and the coordinates are required together with the coordinates of both intersections. There is something to send time. Since such conventional technology only transmits the required time between points, the true required time can be obtained when, for example, the vehicle is separated from the road halfway between intersections and returned to the original road again. In addition, when there are a plurality of roads having the same two intersections, it is not possible to recognize which road is the required time.

  As a method for solving such a problem, a method of transmitting a required time in correspondence with a link called a road can be considered. In this case, since the center side determines the link number for each road, the navigation apparatus side must transmit the required time corresponding to the link number determined by the center. When the start point and end point of the link (VICS link) determined by the center side and the link (navigation link) held by the navigation device side match and correspond 1: 1, the time required for the navigation link is transmitted as it is, When one VICS link corresponds to the navigation link, the number of each navigation link and the total required time are transmitted as the required time of the VICS link.

  However, since the link required time obtained by the navigation device is not all accurate information, the time required for transmission to the center may include information that is not accurate information. In addition, transmitting a time that is not accurate will increase the transmission load.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to transmit an accurate link transit time.
The present invention relates to a vehicle position detecting means for detecting a vehicle position, a measuring means for measuring a time required for passing a navigation link as a required time for passing the link, and a transmission for transmitting the measured required time for passing the link to the center. When the vehicle detects that the vehicle has been removed from the navigation link while traveling on the navigation link, the measurement unit stops measuring the time required for passing the link, and determines the vehicle position at the point of departure and the vehicle position up to that point. The link passing time is stored, and when it is detected from the stored vehicle position that it has returned to the point where it has deviated again, the measurement of the link passing time is restarted and added to the stored link passing time. And

  According to the present invention, when the navigation link is removed while the navigation link is traveling and then returned to the point where the navigation link is removed, the time required for passing the link can be added, so that the accurate required time can be transmitted to the center.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a navigation device according to the present embodiment.
The vehicle navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an input device 1 that inputs information related to route guidance, a current position detection device 2 that detects information related to the current position of the host vehicle, navigation data and route guidance necessary for route calculation. Information storage device 3 in which display / sound guidance data and programs (applications and / or OSs) required for recording are recorded, display / speech guidance processing necessary for route search processing and route guidance, and the entire system Central processing device 4 that performs control, information transmission / reception device that transmits / receives road information, traffic information, for example, information relating to vehicle travel, detects information related to the current position of the vehicle, and transmits / receives information related to the current position 5. It is comprised from the output device 6 which outputs the information regarding route guidance.

  The input device 1 has a function of inputting a destination and instructing the central processing device 4 to perform a navigation process according to the driver's will. As means for realizing the function, a touch switch, a remote controller, or the like that inputs a destination by a telephone number or coordinates on a map or requests route guidance can be used. It is also possible to add a voice recognition device for enabling voice input and a recording card reading device for reading data recorded on an IC card or magnetic card. In addition, an information center that stores data necessary for navigation and provides information via a communication line at the request of the driver, and a portable type having data such as map data, destination data, simple maps, and building shape maps A data communication device for exchanging data with an information source such as an electronic device can be added.

  The current position detection device 2 obtains the current position information of the vehicle using a satellite navigation system (GPS), an absolute direction sensor that detects the traveling direction of the vehicle in an absolute direction by using, for example, geomagnetism, a vehicle For example, a steering sensor, a relative azimuth sensor that detects the relative azimuth by using a gyro sensor, for example, a distance sensor that detects the travel distance of the vehicle from the rotational speed of the wheel.

  The information storage device 3 is an external storage device that stores a navigation program and data, and includes, for example, a CD-ROM. The program includes a program for performing processing such as route search, a processing program shown in the flowchart described in this embodiment, a display output control necessary for route guidance, a program for performing voice output control necessary for voice guidance, and Necessary data and display information data necessary for route guidance and map display are stored. The stored data includes map data, search data, guidance data, map matching data, destination data, registration point data, road data including width information, data by genre, landmark data, etc. All the necessary data is stored. This embodiment can also be applied to a type in which only data is stored in the CD-ROM and the program is stored in the central processing unit.

  The central processing unit 4 includes a CPU 40 that executes various arithmetic processes, a flash memory 41 that reads and stores a program from a CD-ROM of the information storage device 3, a program that performs program checking and update processing for the flash memory 41 (program reading means) ), The coordinates of the set destination point, and the road name code No. The RAM 43 temporarily stores the searched route guidance information and the data being processed. In addition to this, although not shown in the figure, the voice, phrase, one sentence, sound, etc. read out from the information storage device 3 based on the voice output control signal from the CPU are synthesized and converted into an analog signal. A voice processor for outputting to the speaker, a communication interface for exchanging input / output data by communication, a sensor input interface for capturing the sensor signal of the current position detection device 2, and a clock for entering the date and time in the internal diagnosis information Etc. Note that a program for performing the above-described update processing may be stored in an external storage device.

  The program according to the present embodiment and other programs for executing navigation may all be stored in a CD-ROM which is an external storage medium, or a part or all of these programs are stored in the ROM 42 on the main body side. Also good.

  Various navigation functions are realized by inputting data and programs stored in the external storage medium as external signals to the central processing unit of the navigation apparatus main body and performing arithmetic processing.

  The navigation device according to the present embodiment stores a relatively large-capacity flash memory 41 for reading a program from a CD-ROM of an external storage device as described above, and a program (program reading means) for starting up a CD. A small-capacity ROM 42 is built in. The flash memory 41 is a non-volatile storage unit that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. Then, as a CD start-up process, a program in the ROM 42 as a program reading means is activated and the program stored in the flash memory 41 is checked, and the CD-ROM disc management information and the like of the information storage device 3 are read. The program loading process (update process) is performed based on this information and the state of the flash memory 41.

  The information transmitter / receiver 5 is a GPS receiver that acquires information using a satellite navigation system (GPS), a VICS information receiver that acquires information using FM multiplex broadcasting, radio wave beacons, optical beacons, etc. By using a telephone, a personal computer, etc., it is composed of an information center (for example, ATIS) and a data transmitting / receiving device for bidirectionally communicating information with other vehicles.

  The output device 6 has a function of outputting guidance information by voice and / or a screen when the driver needs it, and printing out data subjected to navigation processing by the central processing unit 4. For this purpose, input data is displayed on the screen, a display that displays a route guidance screen, a printer that prints out data processed by the central processing unit 4 or data stored in the information storage device 3, and route guidance by voice. A speaker for output is provided.

  The display is composed of a simple liquid crystal display or the like, and displays an enlarged intersection map screen based on map data and guide data processed by the central processing unit 4, a destination name, time, distance, a traveling direction arrow, and the like. Since the image data sent to the display is binary image data (bitmap data), a communication line used for serial communication or the like is used instead of a dedicated image signal line. A communication line can also be used. The display is provided with a memory that temporarily holds bitmap data.

  This display is provided in an instrument panel in the vicinity of the driver's seat, and the driver can check the current location of the host vehicle and obtain information on the route from now on by looking at the display. Although not shown in the figure, a tablet including a touch panel, a touch screen, etc. may be used on the display screen, and the point input, road input, etc. can be performed by touching the screen or tracing the screen. Good.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the entire navigation apparatus system according to the present embodiment.
First, initialization processing is performed, and the CPU 40 reads the navigation program from the CD-ROM and stores it in the flash memory 41 (S1). Next, according to this navigation program, a process for detecting the current position by the current position detection device 2 is performed, a map around the current position is displayed, and the name of the current position is displayed (S2). Next, a process of setting a destination is performed using a telephone number, an address, a facility name, a registered point, etc. (S3), and a route search process from the current position to the destination is performed (S4). The route to reach the destination is set as navigation link number data in which navigation link numbers to be guided are arranged as shown in FIG. When the route is determined, processing for displaying and outputting route guidance until the arrival at the destination is performed while tracking the current position by the current position detecting device 2 (S5).

  FIG. 3 shows a table for converting a navigation link into a VICS link.

  The conversion table includes a navigation link number, a starting point position represented by a distance from the end of the first VICS link corresponding to the navigation link, an end point position represented by a distance from the end of the last VICS link corresponding to the navigation link, and a navigation link. , The corresponding number of VICS links, the link number of the VICS link, and the distance are stored.

For example, when the navigation link and the VICS link correspond as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the specific numerical values are as shown in FIG.
The conversion table will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. The navigation link number a is in the relationship as shown in FIG. 4 with the VICS link A, and is the distance from the end of the first VICS link (link number A). The start position represented is L _A , the end position represented by the distance from the end of the last VICS link (link number A) is 0, the distance of the navigation link is l _a , the number of VICS links is 1, the VICS link number is A, distance of the VICS link is the L _a.

Further, the navigation link number b and the navigation link number c have a relationship with the VICS link B as shown in FIG. In the navigation link number b, the start point position represented by the distance from the end of the first VICS link (link number B) is L _B , and the end point position represented by the distance from the end of the last VICS link (link number B) is L _B ′, the distance of the navigation link is l _b , the number of VICS links is 1, the VICS link number is B, and the distance of the VICS link is L _B. In the navigation link number c, the start point position represented by the distance from the end of the first VICS link (link number B) is L _B ′, and the end point represented by the distance from the end of the last VICS link (link number B). The position is 0, and the navigation link distance is l _c .

Further, the navigation link numbers d to f have a relationship as shown in FIG. 6 with the VICS links C and D. End position represented by the distance from the end of the navigation link number d is the start position represented by the distance from the end of the first VICS link (link number C) L _C, the last VICS link (link numbers C) are L _C ', The distance of the navigation link is l _d , the number of VICS links is 1, the VICS link number is C, and the distance of the VICS link is L _C. Also, the end point navigation link number e, the starting position represented by the distance from the end of the first VICS link (link numbers C) represented by the distance from the end of the L _C ', the last VICS link (link number D) The position is L _D ′, the distance of the navigation link is l _e , the number of VICS links is 2, the VICS link number is C and D, and the distance of the VICS link is L _C and L _D. Also, the end point navigation link number f, the start position represented by the distance from the end of the first VICS link (link numbers D) shown by L _D ', the distance from the end of the last VICS link (link number D) The position is 0, the distance of the navigation link is l _f , the number of VICS links is 1, the VICS link number is D, and the distance of the VICS link is L _D.

Next, the link required time measurement process will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a link required time measurement processing flow. Here, assuming that the vehicle is traveling from the left side to the right side, the left end point of each link is the start point, and the right end point is the end point.
First, it is determined whether or not the navigation link start point has been passed in S11. If it has passed the starting point, the process proceeds to S12, a timer is started, and the navigation link number is temporarily stored in the RAM. Next, proceeding to S13, it is determined whether or not the end of the navigation link has been passed. If it is determined that the vehicle has passed, the process proceeds to S14, the timer is stopped, and the time T required to travel the passed navigation link number is stored in the RAM together with the link number.

Next, navigation link conversion and transmission processing will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case will be described as an example where three navigation links and two VICS links as shown in FIG. 6 in which the start and end points of the navigation link and the VICS link are shifted.
First, when the vehicle passes the navigation link d (see FIG. 6), the navigation link number d and the required time _Td are stored by the link required time measurement process (see FIG. 8). In S21, it is determined with reference to the conversion table stored in the CD-ROM whether there is a VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number. In this case, referring to the conversion table of FIG. 7, since there is a VICS link C corresponding to the navigation link number d, the determination is “YES”, and the flow proceeds to S22. In S22, information on the corresponding VICS link number C is acquired. Next, in S24, it is determined whether or not the starting point of the navigation link number matches the starting point of the VICS link number. In this case, since the start point of the navigation link number d matches the start point of the corresponding VICS link number C, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to S25. In S25, the data of the VICS link number C corresponding to the navigation link number d is set as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 includes the VICS link number, the VICS link distance, the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point, and the required time.

The VICS link data set in S25 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 in the cases of FIGS.
FIG. 11A shows data of the VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number a, the VICS link number is A, the VICS link distance is L _A , the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point is L _A , and the required time. The time required to travel the navigation link number a, that is, corresponding to the navigation link distance l _a is T _a .

FIG. 11B shows VICS link data corresponding to the navigation link number b, where the VICS link number is B, the VICS link distance is L _B , and the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point is L _B −L _B ′. , required time (the time required for traveling the navigation link number b, i.e. corresponding to the navigation link distance l _b) becomes T _b.

FIG. 11C shows data of the VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number c, where the VICS link number is B, the VICS link distance is L _B , and the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point is L _B -L _B. '+ L _B ', the required time is the first half of the VICS link number B, that is, the time T _b required to travel the navigation link number _c is added to the time T _b required to travel the navigation link number b. T _b + T _c (corresponding to VICS link distance L _B ).

FIG. 11D shows data of the VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number d. The VICS link number is C, the VICS link distance is L _C , and the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point is L _C -L _C. ', The required time (corresponding to the time required to travel the navigation link number d, ie, the navigation link distance l _d ) is T _d .

FIG. 11E shows data of the first VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number e, where the VICS link number is C, the VICS link distance is L _C , and the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point is L _C + L. _D -L _D ', the time required (corresponding to the VICS link distance L _C) is the navigation link distance l _e, by apportioning a time T _e required for traveling the navigation link number e L _C' determined the time required since it obtained by adding the T _d Te, and _{T d + (L C '/} l e) T e.

FIG. 11F shows the data of the last VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number e. The VICS link number is D, the VICS link distance is L _D , and the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point is L _D −. L _D '(corresponding to, L _D -L _D) duration' is sought by subtracting the 'required time (L _{C of' / l e) T e L} C from the _{T e, T e - (L} C ′ / L _e ) T _e .

FIG. 11G shows data of the VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number f, where the VICS link number is D, the VICS link distance is L _D , and the distance from the VICS link start point to the navigation link end point is L _D -L _D. '+ L _D', the time required (corresponding to the VICS link distance L _D) is obtained by the sum of the duration of T _e and (L _C '/ l _e) and the difference between T _e, the navigation link link distance l _f , T _e - a _{(L C '/ l e)} T e + T f.

Returning to S25 of the process in FIG. 9, the data of the VICS link number C corresponding to the navigation link number d is navigated from the VICS link number C, the VICS link distance L _C , and the VICS link start point as shown in FIG. The distance Lc−Lc ′ to the link end point and the required time _Td are set. Next, the process proceeds to S28, in which it is determined whether or not the distance from the VICS link start point corresponding to the obtained required time matches the distance of the entire VICS link. In this case, the distance “L _C -L _C ′” from the start point of the VICS link number C corresponding to the obtained required time T _d to the end point of the navigation link number d does not match the distance “L _C ” of the entire VICS link. Therefore, “NO” is determined, and the process returns to S21.

When the vehicle passes the navigation link number d and then passes the navigation link number e, the required time of the navigation link number e is measured, and the navigation link number and the required time Te are temporarily stored in the RAM. In S21, it is determined whether or not there is a VICS link corresponding to the navigation link number e. In this case, referring to the conversion table in FIG. 7, since there are the VICS link number C and the VICS link number D, the answer is “YES”. Proceed to and acquire information on the corresponding VICS link. Next, in S24, since the start point of the navigation link number e does not match the start point of the VICS number C, the process proceeds to S26. In S26, it is determined whether or not the information stored as shown in FIG. 11 is that of the current target VICS link number. In this case, since the information of the VICS link number C is stored as shown in FIG. 11D, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to S25. In S25, the data (L _C ') corresponding to the VICS link C of the navigation link e is added to the stored data of FIG. 11 (d). That is, since the required time of the navigation link number e is obtained, the required time (Lc ′ / l _e ) _Te is added to the required time T _d and stored as shown in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to S28, the obtained required time _{T d + (L C '/} l e) by adding the T _e storage. The process advances to S28, 'the distance from the start point of the (/ l _e VICS link number C corresponding to T _e "L _C -L _C Duration resulting _{T d + L C)' +} L C '(= L C ) ”Coincides with the distance“ L _C ”of the entire VICS link, the process proceeds to S29, and the link number and the required time are transmitted to the center. Finally, the process proceeds to S30, and the stored data in FIG. 11E is cleared. Thereafter, the VICS link number and the required time are sequentially obtained and transmitted in the same manner.

  In the above description, the CD-ROM is read in order to refer to the conversion table every time the vehicle passes the navigation link. However, since the navigation device performs map matching processing so that the current position is always displayed at an accurate position on the map, the load on the navigation device increases if the CD-ROM is read each time, and map matching is performed. It affects other functions such as processing.

Therefore, an example in which the required time for the VICS link can be transmitted to the center side without imposing a load on the navigation device will be described below.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the data of the navigation link number obtained by the route search.
In this example, in step S5 of the processing flow of FIG. 2, before performing route guidance, the related VICS link data is read in advance from the CD-ROM conversion table based on the navigation link data in which the navigation link numbers are arranged in advance. It is.

  For example, when a route passing through a navigation link a → navigation link b → …… → navigation link f is calculated as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the navigation link data is a navigation link as shown in FIG. 12 (b). Equation 6, navigation link numbers a to f are set. Next, the data of the navigation links a to f is read from the CD-ROM conversion table and stored in the RAM, and thereafter the same processing as in FIG. 9 is performed.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the related data is read from the conversion table of the CD-ROM every time one navigation link is traveled in S21. In this example, the data related to the searched route is read from the CD-ROM in advance. Therefore, it is not necessary to read the CD-ROM every time a navigation link travels, and the required time can be transmitted without affecting other navigation functions such as map matching. Also, when the vehicle departs from the route and re-searches the route to the destination, similarly, data relating to the re-searched route is read from the CD-ROM in advance.

  Note that not only the searched route, but also conversion data related to the navigation links in the search range can be read in advance when the search range is determined. That is, the route search process of S4 in FIG. 2 is performed by setting the route search range based on the current position and the destination and using the navigation link in the route search range, but exists within this route search range. The navigation link conversion data is previously read from the CD-ROM. As a result, when searching for a route in which the vehicle deviates from the route and returns to the original route, the conversion table can be used by reading in advance. Become.

  In addition, this embodiment is not limited to said example, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, since the vehicle may run slowly or go around the destination, the required time may not be transmitted when the vehicle arrives around the destination. Moreover, it is linked with map data, and for example, it is determined that a vehicle has entered a convenience store or the like, and the timer is stopped. In this case, instead of the map data, it may be determined that the handbrake is applied or the gear is parked. Thereby, it can prevent transmitting long required time including stop time. Furthermore, the vehicle position coordinates detected by the current position detection device can also be stored as VICS link data set corresponding to the navigation link in FIG. As a result, for example, when one navigation link is disengaged while traveling, the position coordinates of the disengaged point are stored, the timer is stopped, and the time required until then is stored. . When the return to the original point is detected from the stored position coordinates, the timer is restarted and added to the stored required time, so that an accurate required time can be transmitted.

  Since the present invention can transmit an accurate required time to the center, the industrial utility value is extremely large.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the navigation apparatus for vehicles of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of a process of the whole navigation apparatus system concerning this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the table which converts a navigation link into a VICS link. It is a figure which shows the example with which a navigation link and a VICS link respond | correspond to 1: 1. It is a figure which shows the example in which a navigation link and a VICS link respond | correspond to 2: 1. It is a figure which shows the example in which a navigation link and a VICS link respond | correspond to 3: 2. It is a figure which shows the conversion table corresponding to FIG. 4 thru | or FIG. It is a figure which shows a link required time processing flow. It is a figure which shows a navigation link conversion and transmission processing flow. It is a figure which shows the data of the VICS link set corresponding to a navigation link. It is a figure which shows the data of the VICS link set corresponding to FIG. 4 thru | or FIG. It is a figure which shows the navigation link number data of a search path | route.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Input device, 2 ... Current position detection device, 3 ... Information storage device, 4 ... Central processing unit, 5 ... Information transmission / reception device, 6 ... Output device

Claims (1)

Vehicle position detecting means for detecting the vehicle position;
Measuring means for measuring the time required to pass through the navigation link as the required time for passing the link, and transmitting means for transmitting the measured required time for passing the link to the center,
When the measurement means detects that the vehicle has been removed from the navigation link while traveling on the navigation link, the measurement means stops measuring the link passage time and determines the vehicle position at the point of departure and the link passage time up to that point. A navigation device characterized in that when it detects from a stored vehicle position that it has stored and returned to a point that has deviated again, measurement of the link passage required time is resumed and added to the stored link passage required time.

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