JP4326263B2 - Route search apparatus, route search method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a route search method using map network data having a link evaluation value and a point management method for giving a user a point registered in the map network data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, navigation apparatuses that perform map display, route search, and the like using map data that is digitized so as to be usable by computers, so-called electronic map data, have become widespread. Navigation devices are widely used for in-vehicle use and portable use. The electronic map data includes route search data for performing route search. The route search data includes link data representing roads (passages), node data representing road end points such as intersections and dead ends, landmark information, and the like. The link data includes a link ID for identifying each road, a link cost representing an evaluation value of the road such as an average required travel time, and the like. The link cost is determined by the road administrator based on various factors such as the type of road, the presence or absence of tolls, the time zone, the occurrence rate of traffic congestion, and navigation devices are generally based on such link costs, A route search is in progress.
[0003]
Further, in recent years, for users who use toll roads, facilities, etc., depending on the traffic situation in a system (see Patent Document 1) that promotes use by returning service points according to the degree of use, or on toll roads A system for refunding fees (see Patent Document 2) has been studied.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-216187 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-260037 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional route search method is performed only based on the link cost set by the creator of the network data, and the points given to the facility or the like are not considered in the route search. Therefore, in the service point system that gives points to users who use facilities, for example, even when points are registered and the use of users is promoted, there is a low possibility that such roads will be searched by route search. There was a problem that the effect of registration was difficult to be reflected.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to perform a route search corresponding to various conditions by reflecting a point input from the outside other than the administrator in the link cost in the route search. . Moreover, it aims at performing the point management which promotes utilization of a road or a facility by giving this point to a user.
[0007]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the present invention employs the following configuration. That is, as the first configuration of the present invention,
A route search device that has a node and a link that connects nodes, and performs a route search using map data in which a link evaluation value for route search is set for the link,
Registration means for registering a point designated by a point registrant in a database in association with the feature of the map data and the link;
A receiving unit for receiving at least starting point information and destination information from the user;
The gist of the present invention is to include a route guidance unit that performs a route search based on the link evaluation value, the points, and the received information and notifies the user of the result.
[0008]
The link evaluation value is a value that is set based on the road distance, the required travel time, the type, the occurrence rate of traffic congestion, and the like, and is set in advance when the network data is created. Various methods can be used for the route search. For example, according to the Dijkstra method, a search method can be preferentially performed as the integrated value of the link evaluation values from the departure point to the destination is lower.
[0009]
According to the route search device of the present invention, a route search can be performed in consideration of the link evaluation value and the point registered by the point registrant in association with the map data.
In this way, for example, when the point registrant is a manager of a store, facility, etc., the user can be guided to the location where the point is registered, and the commercial effect can be improved. Further, for example, when the point registrant is a road manager, traffic control can be performed using the registered points.
[0010]
In the route search device according to the present invention, the route guide unit includes:
A plurality of routes are searched based on the link evaluation value and the received information, determined based on the points registered in the links included in the plurality of routes, and the route search result is notified to the user. It is good as well.
[0011]
For example, when a route search is performed using the conventional Dijkstra method, a route with a high total value of points registered in the link of the route is selected from a plurality of routes searched in ascending order of the integrated value of the link evaluation values. Can be notified to the user together with the total points. A plurality of routes may be notified, for example, three routes may be notified from the top of the total value of points. It is good also considering not only the point registered into the link but the point registered into the feature together.
[0012]
In this way, since a plurality of route candidates are searched based on the link evaluation value, a route that is easy to pass is searched. Since the user is notified of the result obtained by adding the points to the plurality of route candidates, the user can flexibly select the route while considering the ease of passing with the points, so that convenience is improved. .
[0013]
In addition, the route guidance unit
The point may be reflected in the link evaluation value, and a route search may be performed based on the link evaluation value after the change and the received information.
[0014]
By doing so, the route search can be performed by the link evaluation value reflecting the point registered in association with the map data by the point registrant, and not only the route guidance but also the point is reflected in the link evaluation value, for example. In this case, if the link evaluation value is increased, the route can be avoided. For example, road managers, road construction managers, etc. temporarily and limited traffic volume restrictions, suppression of traffic volume near residential areas at night, commuting, school traffic hours, Control can be performed.
[0015]
The link evaluation value changing unit may reflect the point registered within a predetermined range including at least a part of the link in the link evaluation value of the link. In this way, the link evaluation value can be changed flexibly.
[0016]
In the route search apparatus of the present invention,
The link has attribute information;
The link evaluation value changing unit may change a method of reflecting the point on the link evaluation value based on the attribute information.
[0017]
The attribute information can be information about roads such as road types such as highways and national roads, road widths, prescribed speeds, and traffic restrictions such as one-way traffic. According to the present invention, the degree of influence of a registered point on a link evaluation value can be controlled by attribute information.
[0018]
In the route search device of the present invention,
Map display means for controlling the point registrant to display a map based on the map data on an operation unit for performing the registration operation;
In response to an operation on the operation unit by the point registrant, a registration location receiving unit that receives designation of the point and a registration location of the point, and
The registration means may perform the registration in association with the link or feature corresponding to the registration location. By doing so, the point registrant can easily specify the point registration location, which is preferable because it can improve convenience.
[0019]
As a second configuration of the present invention,
A point management device for managing points given to a user who uses a map data in which a link evaluation value for evaluating a link is set on the link having a node and a link connecting nodes;
A point data reference unit that refers to a database registered by associating points registered by the point registrant with links or features in the map data;
When,
A movement information acquisition unit that acquires movement information that can identify the movement locus of the user on the map data;
It is summarized that the point corresponding to the link or feature specified based on the movement information is accumulated for each user, and includes a point management unit that manages an accumulated point representing the total of the points for each user. .
[0020]
For example, the map data may be referred to from a storage medium such as a hard disk or a CD-ROM, or may be acquired from a server or the like via a network. In the latter case, it is preferable to receive only necessary map data as appropriate because the network load can be reduced. The point registrant can be, for example, a store manager, a manager of an advertising billboard installed at a position facing a road, a manager of a road, or the like. The points registered by the point registrant can be accumulated, for example, on the server, given when the user uses the road or facility where the points are registered, and can be exchanged for products corresponding to the accumulated points. If this is done, it is possible to promote the use of the facility by the user, which is preferable.
[0021]
According to the present invention, since points are given to a user who has moved using map data, the use of map data can be promoted and the effect of advertisement / promotion can be improved for point registrants. Become.
[0022]
The point management apparatus of the present invention can be constructed on either the server side or the user side. For example, when the former is constructed, it can be realized by acquiring user information that can identify the user, movement information, and the like from the user, and the processing load on the user side device can be reduced. In the latter case, the user information and movement information may be notified to the server, but when the map data is acquired via the network, the points registered in association are also acquired. If this is done, it is possible to know the points to be given without the need to exchange information with the subsequent server. Since there are a plurality of map data users for a plurality of point registrants, it is preferable in terms of operation that the accumulated points acquired by the users are managed on the server side. In such a case, for example, if the user notifies the server of user information and acquisition points at a predetermined timing, this can be easily realized.
[0023]
The movement information may be a movement history that the user has moved. For example, if the travel history includes information that can specify the time required for passing the road, the passing time, the staying time of the facility, etc., points can be given based on various information. It is.
[0024]
In the point management device of the present invention,
The movement information includes information that can specify the time required for movement,
The point adding unit may change and add the points based on the required travel time.
[0025]
The information that can specify the required travel time may be, for example, the required travel time of the road itself, or may be calculated from the distance of the road and the average speed when the road passes. For example, the point adding unit may multiply the point by a coefficient proportional to a preset required moving time, or may add or subtract a predetermined point. For example, for a user whose travel time is 10 minutes or more, points can be flexibly changed and added, for example, 5 points can be added to the points that are normally given, and convenience is improved.
[0026]
Further, the movement information includes information that can specify a movement distance,
The point addition unit may change and add the points based on the movement distance.
[0027]
The travel distance can be calculated from, for example, the average speed and the travel time required for the sum of the distances of the roads represented by the links managed by the attribute information of the traveled links. For example, the point adding unit doubles the point when the moving distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, or halves the point when moving to a side road without passing the link to the end or moving. A predetermined point may be added in proportion to the distance. In this way, it is possible to perform point management that further reflects the usage rate of the user.
[0028]
In the first configuration or the second configuration of the present invention,
For the display means for displaying the map data to the user,
It is good also as providing the display control part which highlights the point registration location where the said point was registered.
[0029]
The highlighting may be, for example, displaying the location where points are registered by changing colors, display size, blinking, additional information balloons, etc., and roads are red and facilities are blue. The display method may be switched according to the attribute information. The display may be switched according to the registered points. The point registration location is preferably a display that is easier for the user to recognize than the normal display. By doing so, the user can easily visually recognize the location where the points are registered, such as an area where the locations where the points are registered are dense, and the convenience is improved. Moreover, the point registrant can improve the advertising / advertisement effect, which is preferable.
[0030]
Moreover, it is good also as highlighting the point registration location which exists in the predetermined range based on a user's present location position information. The predetermined range does not need to be considered centering on the current location information. For example, the current location information may be a range where the current location information is the lower end of the arc with respect to the traveling direction of the user. Also good. By doing so, the user can grasp the point registration location existing in the vicinity of the current location, and the convenience is improved.
[0031]
Also,
Comprising user information acquisition means for acquiring user information including information capable of specifying an attribute of the user;
The display control unit may perform control for switching a highlighted portion based on the user information.
[0032]
With the user information acquisition means, for example, information about the user is registered in advance on the server side, and attribute information or the like may be acquired by receiving information that can identify the user from the user. , Sex, preferences, etc. may be entered one by one.
[0033]
In this way, the user can easily confirm the point registration location appropriate for him from the number of point registration locations set in large numbers, and convenience is improved.
[0034]
The present invention may be configured as a traffic control method and a point management method in addition to the above-described configuration as a traffic control device based on points and a point management device. Moreover, you may comprise as a recording medium which recorded the computer program for implement | achieving the traffic control and point management of this invention with a computer, and this program. Recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed materials printed with codes such as barcodes, computer internal storage devices (ROM, RAM, etc. A variety of computer-readable media such as an external storage device and the like.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following items.
A. First embodiment:
A1. System configuration:
A2. Functional block diagram:
A3. Map data structure:
A4. Link cost:
A5. Point registration process:
A6. Route search:
A6-1. Route search process:
A6-2. Link cost change processing:
A6-3. Route search results:
A7. Point addition processing:
A8. Variations of the first embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
B1. Functional block diagram:
B2. Point change processing:
B3. Variations of the second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
C1. Highlighting process:
C2. Variations of the third embodiment:
D. Variations:
[0036]
A. First embodiment:
A1. System configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1000 as the first embodiment. A navigation system 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a server 100, a navigation device 200, and a point registration system 300. The server 100, the navigation device 200, and the point registration system 300 are connected via the Internet INT and exchange various data.
[0037]
In the server 100, various databases of map data 110, user acquisition points 120, and registration points 130 are constructed. The map data 110 stores electronic map data. In the registration point 130, a point registrant 310 registers points associated with roads, features, etc. on the electronic map data from the point registration screen 320. In contrast, such points are awarded. In the user acquisition points 120, points given to users are managed in association with user information.
[0038]
The server 100 has a function of receiving departure point information, destination information, and the like from the navigation device 200, searching for a route, and transmitting the route information to the navigation device 200. The point registration system 300 manages points registered for roads, features, etc. on the electronic map data, and reflects these points in the route search.
[0039]
The navigation device 200 is connected to the server 100 via the Internet INT and exchanges various data by performing wireless communication with the relay station ST. The navigation device 200 includes a display panel 210 and an operation panel 220. The display panel 210 displays a map, character information, a menu screen, a route search result, a point registration location, and the like. The operation panel 220 receives user instructions such as moving the cursor on the map displayed on the display panel 210, setting and changing the scale, scrolling the screen, and various settings on the menu screen including inputting information about the destination. It is for input.
[0040]
In the point registration system 300, the point registrant 310 refers to the map data stored in the map data 110 using a client personal computer connected to the Internet INT, and can register 10 points on any feature, road, etc. This is a system for registering points such as points (hereinafter, the unit of points is represented by “p”), 20p, and the like.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the navigation device 200 is a so-called car navigation device of a vehicle type. Hereinafter, a functional block diagram showing configurations of the server 100 and the navigation device 200, details of processing, and details of processing of the point registration system 300 will be shown.
[0042]
A2. Function block:
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating configurations of the server 100 and the navigation device 200.
[0043]
The control unit 230 of the navigation device 200 is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and includes a control unit 231, a communication unit 232, a current location detection unit 233, a command input unit 234, and a display control unit. 235. These functional blocks are configured by software. It may be configured in hardware.
[0044]
The control unit 231 controls each unit in the control unit 230. The communication unit 232 performs wireless communication with the relay station ST, and exchanges various data with the server 100 via the Internet INT. The current position detection unit 233 detects the current position based on radio waves from an artificial satellite received by a GPS antenna (not shown). The command input unit 234 inputs a user's instruction by operating the operation panel 220 or a destination in route search. The destination can be specified by, for example, the destination address, name, telephone number, and the like. The display control unit 235 controls the screen to be displayed on the display panel 210.
[0045]
The control unit 101 of the server 100 includes a control unit 102, a communication unit 103, a route search unit 104, a point management unit 105, a point registration unit 106, map data 110, user acquisition points 120, and various databases. , A registration point 130, registrant information 140, and user information 150. The control unit 102 controls each unit in the control unit 101. The communication unit 103 exchanges various data with the navigation device 200 and the point registration system 300. For example, the communication unit 103 receives a display request from the navigation device 200 and transmits the electronic map data extracted based on the display request to the navigation device 200.
[0046]
The point registration unit 106 registers the points registered from the point registration system 300 and point registration locations in the registration points 130, and registers the total value of the registration points of the point registrant 310 in the registrant information 140. . The registrant information 140 is composed of three items: a registrant's ID, name, and total registration points as shown in the figure. The point registration unit 106 uses the ID received from the point registration system 300 as a point registrant. 310 is specified and the registration point is added.
[0047]
Based on the current location information, departure location information, destination information received from the navigation device 200, the route search unit 104 reflects the points registered in the registration point 130 and searches for a route from the departure location to the destination. Do. The method for reflecting the points in the route search will be described later in detail. The route search result is sent to the navigation device 200 via the communication unit 103. In this embodiment, the route search method is performed by the well-known Dijkstra method.
[0048]
The point management unit 105 receives the current location information and the user ID from the navigation device 200. If the current position is a road or facility where the point is registered, the point management unit 105 associates the point to be given with the user ID. Register with user acquisition points 120.
[0049]
The user information 150 manages the detailed information of the user of the navigation device 200, and as shown in the figure, is configured with five items of user ID, user name, contact address, age, and gender. A telephone number is stored in the contact information, and “0” is stored as male and “1” is stored as female. The information managed by the user information 150 is not limited to the detailed information of these users, and it is also possible to manage preference items such as hobbies together.
[0050]
A3. Map data structure:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the electronic map data stored in the map data 110 in this embodiment. The electronic map data includes display data 400 and network data 410. The display data 400 is data for displaying on the display panel 210 of the navigation device 200 and the point registration screen 320. It reflects the actual conditions such as the road width. The network data 410 is composed of link data representing roads, node data representing road end points, and polygons representing features. The polygon may be configured as a separate layer. Each node and link has various information as attribute information. As shown in the figure, the nodes of the network data 410 correspond to the display data 400 as indicated by broken lines, and the links and polygons of the network data 410 also correspond similarly.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, the navigation apparatus 200 designates the departure point S as the departure point of the route search and the destination E as the destination.
[0052]
A4. Link cost:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the link cost in the network data 410. In the figure, N1 to N7 indicate nodes, and L3 (12), L4 (16), etc. indicate links. (12) in L3 (12) indicates a link cost that represents an evaluation value such as the ease of passage of the corresponding link. The lower the link cost, the easier it is to pass, that is, it is evaluated that traffic congestion does not occur. The The features Po1 to Po4 are polygons indicating buildings, facilities, and the like.
[0053]
When a route search is performed by the Dijkstra method based on the link cost in the network data 410, the starting point S is the node N4 and the destination E is the feature Po1, so that the shortest route is as shown by a broken line in the figure. The result “L13-L10-L3” is obtained.
[0054]
A5. Point registration process:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining point registration processing by the point registrant 310. In this embodiment, the information of the point registrant 310 is registered in the server 100 in advance, and the point registrant 310 accesses the server 100 via a browser and points to an arbitrary location on the map data 110. You can register.
[0055]
Based on the operation of the point registrant 310, the point registration system 300 inputs the ID and password to the server 100 and logs in (step S10). The server 100 authenticates the point registrant 310, determines that the registrant can register the point, and sends an access permission (step S20). The point registration system 300 receives the access permission, refers to the map data 110, and designates a location where the point is to be registered (step S11). Examples of the designation method include various methods such as inputting an address, designating with a telephone number, and designating with a pointing device such as a mouse. Next, a point is arbitrarily designated for the designated location (step S12).
[0056]
The point registration system 300 sends the designated registration location and point registration instruction to the server 100 (step S13), and the server 100 registers the registration location and point in the registration point 130 and the registrant information 140. Are registered (step S21).
[0057]
FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the point registration screen 320. The process from step S11 to S13 in FIG. 5 is shown. The point registration screen 320 includes a registrant information display unit 320a, a message display unit 320b, a map display unit 320c, and a registration button 320d.
[0058]
The registrant information display unit 320a displays the ID and name of the logged-in registrant, the message display unit 320b displays a point registration method explanation message, and the map display unit 320c displays a map. Data 110 is displayed. The registration button 320d has a function of sending the designated point registration point and point to the server 100 when pressed.
[0059]
For example, when registering “50p” in “feature Po1”, the point registrant 310 uses a pointing device such as a mouse to designate “feature Po1” and displays “50p” in the displayed registration unit 321a. ". The name is displayed on the registration unit 321a by the attribute information of the feature Po1. In the present embodiment, the feature Po1 is “◯ × department store”.
[0060]
When registering a point with respect to a road, it can be realized by registering a point to a link including a point designated by a mouse. As shown in the figure, when the position of an asterisk is designated with the mouse, the link L4 is selected and the registration unit 321b is displayed. The registration unit 321b displays the road name “ΔΔ street” indicated by the link from the link attribute information, and the point registrant 310 designates “100p” of the point to be registered.
[0061]
The point registrant 310 can register such registration information in the server 100 by pressing the registration button 320d after designating the point where the point should be registered and the point.
[0062]
FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a registration point 130 that is a database constructed in the server 100. The registration point 130 manages the points registered by the point registration system 300 for each link and polygon, and is composed of three items: “registrant ID”, “registration location”, and “registration point”. ing.
[0063]
The registrant ID is information for specifying the point registrant 310, and the ID of the registrant information 140 is stored. The registration location stores links, polygons, and the like where points are registered. The registration point indicates a point registered at the registration location.
[0064]
This figure shows that the point registrant with the registrant ID “100” has registered “50p” for “feature Po1”, “100p” for “link L4”, and “50p” for “link L3”. . Also, registrant IDs “374” and “233” respectively register “10p” and “10p” in “link L13”. In this way, it is possible to register points from different registrants for the same link and polygon.
[0065]
A6. Route search:
A6-1. Route search process:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating route search processing in the present embodiment. This process is performed between the server 100 and the navigation device 200.
[0066]
The navigation device 200 inputs the departure point and the destination from the operation panel 220 and transmits them to the server 100 (step S30). The server 100 receives these pieces of information (step S40) and performs a route search (step S41). The route search process will be described later. Next, the server 100 transmits the route search result to the navigation device 200 (step S42).
[0067]
The navigation device 200 receives the route search result (step S31) and displays it on the display panel 210 (step S32).
[0068]
A6-2. Link cost:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the process of reflecting the points on the link cost. The process in step S41 of FIG. 7 is a process performed by the server 100 referring to the map data 110 and the registration point 130 by controlling the route search unit 104.
[0069]
The server 100 extracts a link as a route candidate based on the information of the departure place and the destination received from the navigation device 200, changes the set link cost by the point registered in the link, A new link cost is set (step S50). In the figure, a table for explaining the change of the link cost by reflecting the points is shown. In this embodiment, the link cost is reduced by “1” for every 10p. For example, the link cost set in advance for the link L3 is “12”. Since the point “50p” is registered in the link L3, a new link cost reflecting the registered point is set by reducing the link cost by 5.
[0070]
After reflecting the point registered in the link in the link cost, the server 100 further reflects the point registered for the feature connectable from the link in the link cost (step S51). In the figure, a table for explaining the change of the link cost by reflecting the points registered in the feature is shown. Similar to the processing in step S50, the link cost is reduced by "1" for every 10 points. For example, the feature Po1 represented by the polygon can be connected from the link L3 and the link L4, the point registered in the feature Po1 is “50p”, and the link cost of both the link L3 and the link L4 Reflected. In step S50, the link L3 is changed from “12” to “7”, and the link cost of the link L4 is changed from “16” to “6”. Based on “50p” registered in the feature Po1, the link cost after the change is further lowered by “5”. By doing so, the link L3 is changed from “7” to “2”, and the link L4 is changed from “6” to “1”.
[0071]
After changing the link cost, the server 100 sets a new link cost in the network data 410 (step S52), and performs a route search (step S53).
[0072]
FIG. 9A illustrates network data 420 in which a new link cost is set. Similarly to the network data 410 shown in FIG. 4, N1 to N7 in the network data 420 indicate nodes, and L3 (2), L4 (1), etc. indicate links. (2) in L3 (2) indicates the corresponding link cost, and the registered points are reflected.
[0073]
FIG. 9B shows the result of route search based on the network data 420 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the route number “1” is selected as the route “L15-L7-L4”, the total value of the link cost is “11”, and the route number 2 is the route “L13-L10-L3”. Is selected, and the total value of the link costs is “13”. The route “L15-L9-L3” is selected as the route number 3, the total value of the link cost is “24”, and the route “L15-L23-L8-L4” is selected as the route number 4. The total value of the link cost is “45”. That is, route number 1 is transmitted to navigation device 200 as a route search result. The route number 1 is a route indicated by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG.
[0074]
A6-3. Route search results:
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a route search result displayed on the display panel 210. From the departure point S to the destination E, a route is displayed as indicated by solid arrows in the figure. When a route search is performed with a link cost that does not reflect points, there is a high probability that the route R indicated by the broken line is searched, and the route R is congested because many users pass through the route search. It was. Traffic control that eases traffic congestion on route R by registering points on routes with high link costs set in advance, that is, routes that are highly likely to be congested, detours, etc., and changing link costs There is an effect.
[0075]
A7. Point addition processing:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining point addition processing given to a user. This is processing performed by the server 100 after step S21 in FIG.
[0076]
When the server 100 receives the user information and the current location information from the navigation device 200 (step S60), the server 100 specifies a passing link based on the current location information and determines whether or not a point is registered in the link. (Step S61). If no points are registered, the process is terminated. It is assumed that the user information includes at least a user ID.
[0077]
If the points are registered, the points are added to the accumulated points registered in the user acquisition points 120 (step S62). As for the user acquisition points 120, the user ID and the user's accumulated points are managed as shown in step S62.
[0078]
According to the navigation system 1000 of the first embodiment described above, the link cost is changed to reflect the points arbitrarily registered by the point registrant and the route search is performed, so that the following various effects are obtained. be able to. First, since the link cost can be flexibly changed by registering points, arbitrary traffic control by the point registrant can be performed. Second, since a point registered in a building, facility, etc. can be reflected in the link cost of a link connectable to such a building, etc., the navigation device can pass through the building, facility, or the vicinity in which the point is registered. 200 users can be guided and an advertising effect can be obtained. Since the amount of change in the link cost varies depending on the number of points to be registered, it is possible to suppress unfairness in advertising effects for point registrants. There is an advantage that the user can acquire points even when a detour route is selected as a route search result.
[0079]
A8. Variations of the first embodiment:
In the first embodiment, the route search is performed with the link cost reflecting the registered points, and the points are added to the user who has passed. However, the point addition process is omitted, and the route control with only the route search process is performed. It is good also as comprising as an apparatus.
[0080]
In the first embodiment, the higher the point, the lower the link cost and the route search is performed, so-called “point priority route search”. If the user can flexibly select the route search method, Convenience is improved and preferred.
[0081]
Further, as shown in the first embodiment, the point reflected in the link cost is not limited to the link and the facility that can be connected from the link, for example, registered in the facility existing within a predetermined range from the center of the link. Points may be reflected in the link cost of such links.
[0082]
B. Second embodiment:
B1. Functional block diagram:
In the first embodiment, the server 100 receives the departure point information and the destination information from the navigation device 200 and performs the route search. However, in the second embodiment, the navigation device 200 performs the route search. The point was calculated from the traffic history. The system outline is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0083]
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the navigation device 200 in the second embodiment. The control unit 500 of the navigation device 200 is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and includes a control unit 501, a communication unit 502, a current location detection unit 503, a command input unit 504, and a display control unit. 505, a map data storage unit 506, a history management unit 507, and a point management unit 508. These functional blocks are configured by software. It may be configured in hardware.
[0084]
The communication unit 502, the current location detection unit 503, the command input unit 504, and the display control unit 505 perform the same processing as each block described in FIG.
[0085]
The control unit 501 receives the map data necessary for the route search including the departure point and the destination and the attribute information related to the map data from the server 100, and displays the map data for display to the display control unit 505. The attribute information is transferred to the map data storage unit 506. As shown in the figure, the map data storage unit 506 includes a link and the name, distance, type, and registered point of the road indicated by the link. For example, the link L15 is “National road 28”, the road distance to the link L15 is “5 km”, the road type is “national road”, and the registered point is “200p”. .
[0086]
The history management unit 507 manages the traffic history. As shown in the figure, the history management unit 507 is managed in time series, and includes a traffic start date / time, a traffic end date / time, and an average speed. The traffic start time indicates the date and time when the node indicating the end point of the link is passed, and the traffic end date and time indicates the date and time when the node at the other end point of the link passes. For example, L15 indicates that the traffic start date and time is “200301280950”, which is “January 28, 2003, 9:50”. The same applies to the end date and time of traffic. The average speed is calculated from the distance stored in the map data storage unit 506, the traffic start date and time, and the traffic end date and time. A separate speed history may be created, and the average speed may be calculated from the speed history.
[0087]
The point management unit 508 has a function of calculating points from the history management unit 507 and the map data storage unit 506 and sending the calculated points to the server 100 via the communication unit 502. The calculated flag Fd is a flag for determining whether or not the link has already calculated the points. “0” indicates not calculated, and “1” indicates calculated.
[0088]
B2. Point change processing:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining point calculation processing in the second embodiment. This is processing performed by the control unit 501 of the navigation device 200 controlling each functional block. In the present embodiment, different additional points depending on the required travel time are added to the points registered in the traveled link.
[0089]
The navigation device 200 refers to the travel history of the history management unit 507 (step S70), and confirms the travel time required for the first link whose calculated flag Fd is “0” (step SS71). Next, the map data storage unit 506 is referred to, and points are calculated from the points registered in the link and the required travel time (step S72). As shown in the figure, depending on the travel time, different additional points are added to perform point calculation, and the calculated flag Fd is set to “1”. When the required travel time is “0 to 10 minutes”, “normal point + 0p” is obtained, and the normal point remains. In the case of “11 to 20 minutes”, “normal point + 5p” is obtained. In the case of “21-30 minutes”, “normal point + 7p”, and in the case of “31 minutes or more”, “normal point + 10p”. In this way, the added points increase in proportion to the required travel time. This is because, for example, when a signboard is present at a place that can be visually recognized during road traffic, the time for checking the signboard is increased in proportion to the required travel time, and the advertising effect can be improved.
[0090]
Next, subtotal points are calculated (step S73). The subtotal points indicate the total points of the history in which the calculated flag Fd is “0” in the traffic history. It is determined whether or not the point calculation of the history whose calculated flag Fd of the traffic history is “0” has been completed (step S74), and if it has not been completed, the time required for passing the next history is confirmed ( In step S75), the process returns to step S72 to calculate points. When the point calculation is completed, the subtotal points are transmitted to the server 100 together with the user information via the Internet INT (Step S76). The user information may be information that can identify the user, such as a user ID. The server 100 registers the received point in the user acquisition point 120.
[0091]
According to the second embodiment described above, since the points to be given to the user can be given in proportion to the user's travel time, points corresponding to the advertising / advertisement effect can be given, and the point registrant Convenience can be improved.
[0092]
B3. Variations of the second embodiment:
In this embodiment, the points to be given are calculated based on the required travel time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the points may be calculated based on a user's moving means such as a private car, public transportation, bicycle, or walking. In addition, for example, a user who passes only half of the link and deviates on a side road is given a predetermined point lower than the normal point. The points may be calculated based on the distance moved.
[0093]
In this embodiment, the points registered in the link are calculated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When using facilities, buildings, etc., or when passing, points registered in such facilities may be added according to the usage status. In this way, point calculation can be performed flexibly and convenience is improved.
[0094]
Further, points may be calculated based on user attribute information such as sex and age as shown in the user information 150 of FIG. This is preferable for the point registrant because it is possible to give points efficiently.
[0095]
C. Third embodiment:
In the first embodiment, a route search reflecting the points registered by the point registrant 310 is performed and points are given to the user. In the second embodiment, the points are changed and given to the user based on the traffic history. In the third embodiment, the location where points are registered is highlighted on the display panel 210 of the navigation device 200, thereby clarifying the guidance of the point registration location to the user and the advertisement / promotion of the point registrant 310. We decided to improve the effect. In this embodiment, the system overview is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the server 100 performs route search, point calculation, and the like. Only the highlighting process may be performed without performing route search or point calculation.
[0096]
C1. Highlight processing
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining highlight display of a point registration location in the third embodiment. When the server 100 receives the current location information from the navigation device 200, the processing is started.
[0097]
The navigation device 200 transmits the current location information to the server 100 while passing (step S80). When the server 100 receives the current location information from the navigation device 200 (step S90), the server 100 searches for a point registration location within a predetermined range from the current location information (step S91). As shown in the figure, links and polygons in which points are registered are searched for in a link existing in a region B indicated by a circle centered on the current location X indicated by an asterisk. In the present embodiment, as indicated by broken lines in the figure, points are registered in the links L3, L4, L7 and the feature Po1.
[0098]
The server 100 sends an instruction to highlight the link and polygon to the navigation device 200 (step S92). The navigation device 200 receives such an instruction (step S81), and as shown in the drawing, highlights roads and features corresponding to the instructed links and polygon links L3, L4, L7 and the feature Po1. Examples of the highlight display include various modes such as changing the color, pattern, and the like from a normal form, blinking, enlarging display, and displaying a balloon. In this embodiment, different display is performed for the link and the polygon. For example, a different color or pattern may be displayed for each link attribute, or the display mode may be switched for each point. It is good also as controlling. For example, a location with a high registration point may be highlighted for a longer time than a location with a low registration point.
[0099]
According to the third embodiment described above, since the location where the point is registered is highlighted on the navigation device 200, the user can check the road or facility where the point is registered. Improves. In addition, the point registrant can improve the advertising / advertisement effect.
[0100]
C2. Variations of the third embodiment:
Since the third embodiment described above is realized by a system configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, the server 100 performs route search and point calculation. However, the navigation device 200 has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment. Route search and point calculation may be performed. The processing load on the server 100 can be suppressed.
[0101]
In the third embodiment, the point registration location existing within a predetermined range from the current location is highlighted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, not only within a predetermined range but also all point registration locations may be highlighted, point registration locations where the points are greater than or equal to a predetermined value are always displayed, and point registration locations less than or equal to a predetermined range are You may display only when it exists in the range. For example, the point registration location to be highlighted may be switched based on attribute information such as the user's sex, age, and hobbies.
[0102]
D. Variations:
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various embodiments can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying. For example, in the system configuration of the first embodiment, the point change process described in the second embodiment may be performed.
[0103]
In addition to the above, the point highlight display mode in the third embodiment or the increase / decrease of points to be added in the second embodiment may be switched in accordance with predetermined conditions such as weather conditions. For example, if the point registrant 310 is an administrator of an outdoor amusement park or the like, it cannot be used in the case of rain, so it can be flexibly set at the time of registration, such as “points to 0 if rain”. Thus, a more convenient navigation system can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1000 according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing configurations of a server 100 and a navigation device 200 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of electronic map data stored in map data 110 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating link costs in network data 410 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating point registration processing by a point registrant 310 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a point registration screen 320 and a registration point 130 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating route search processing in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing for reflecting points in a link cost in the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating network data 420 reflecting a new link cost and a route search result in the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a route search result displayed on the display panel 210 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating point addition processing given to a user in the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device 200 in the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a point calculation process in the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating highlight display of a point registration location in the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1000 ... Navigation system
100 ... server
101 ... Control unit
102 ... Control unit
103 ... communication section
104: Route search unit
105 ... Point management department
106: Point registration section
110 ... Map data
120: User acquisition points
130: Registration points
140 ... Registrant information
150: User information
200 ... Navigation device
210 ... Display panel
220 ... Operation panel
230 ... Control unit
231 ... Control unit
232: Communication unit
233 ... Current location detection unit
234 ... Command input part
235 ... Display control unit
300 ... Point registration system
310 ... Point registrant
320 ... Point registration screen
320a ... Registrant information display section
320b ... Message display section
320c ... Map display section
320d ... Registration button
321a, 321b ... Registration unit
400: Display data
410 ... network data
420: Network data
500 ... Control unit
501: Control unit
502: Communication unit
503 ... Current location detection unit
504 ... Command input part
505 ... Display control unit
506 ... Map data storage unit
507 ... History management unit
508 ... Point management department

Claims (10)

A route search device that has a node and a link that connects nodes, and performs a route search using map data in which a link evaluation value for route search is set for the link,
Registration means for registering points specified by the point registrant in the database in association with features ,
A receiving unit for receiving at least starting point information and destination information from the user;
The link evaluation value is changed by reflecting the feature point in the link evaluation value, a route search is performed based on the link evaluation value after the change and the received information, and the result is notified to the user. A route search device comprising: The route search device according to claim 1,
The route guidance unit
A plurality of routes are searched based on the link evaluation value and the received information, and at least one route of the searched routes based on the points registered in the links included in the plurality of routes is searched. A route search apparatus that determines and notifies the user of the route search result. The route search device according to claim 1,
The route guidance device reflects the point in the link evaluation value by lowering the link evaluation value based on the point, and performs the route search using a Dijkstra method. The route search device according to claim 1 ,
The route search device, wherein the route guide unit reflects the point registered within a predetermined range including at least a part of the link in a link evaluation value of the link. The route search device according to claim 1 ,
The link has attribute information;
The route guidance device is a route search device that changes a method of reflecting the point on the link evaluation value based on the attribute information. The route search device according to claim 1, further comprising:
Map display means for controlling the point registrant to display a map based on the map data on an operation unit for performing the registration operation;
In response to an operation on the operation unit by the point registrant, a registration location receiving unit that receives designation of the point and a registration location of the point, and
The route search device, wherein the registration unit performs the registration in association with the feature corresponding to the registration location. The route search device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:
A route search device comprising: a display control unit that highlights a point registration location where the point is registered with respect to a display unit that displays the map data to a user. The route search device according to claim 7,
Comprising user information acquisition means for acquiring user information including information capable of specifying an attribute of the user;
The display control unit is a route search device that performs control for switching a highlighted portion based on the user information. A route search method in which a computer uses a map data in which a link evaluation value for route search is set to a link having a node and a link connecting the nodes.
Registering the points specified by the point registrant in the database in association with the features ;
A process of accepting input of departure place information and destination information by a user;
The link evaluation value is changed by reflecting the feature point in the link evaluation value, a route search is performed based on the link evaluation value after the change and the received information, and the result is notified to the user. And a route searching method comprising: A computer program for causing a computer to perform a route search using map data in which a link evaluation value for a route search is set to the link.
A point that has been specified from the point registrant, and the function to be registered in the database in association with the feature,
A function that accepts input of departure and destination information by the user,
The link evaluation value is changed by reflecting the feature point in the link evaluation value, a route search is performed based on the link evaluation value after the change and the received information, and the result is notified to the user. A computer program for causing a computer to realize the function to perform.

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