JP4559442B2 - Navigation system, route search server, terminal device, and navigation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation system that searches for and guides an optimum route from a desired departure point to a destination, and in particular, is a point of interest (POI) set as a destination by a user. In a navigation system that searches for a route to a facility and guides the user to the POI and charges the POI operator a success fee, the position history of the terminal device possessed by the user The present invention relates to a navigation system, a route search server, a terminal device, and a navigation method in which charging is determined when a corresponding POI is reached.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, navigation devices and navigation systems that guide a user by searching for a route from a desired departure point to a destination using map data and road data are known. Such navigation devices and navigation systems are known. As a car navigation device that is installed in an automobile and guides the route to the driver, a communication type that uses a mobile phone as a navigation terminal to send a route search request to the route search server, receives the result, and receives route guidance Navigation systems have been put to practical use.

  In particular, the communication-type navigation system is a system that uses a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone as a navigation terminal, and is also used as a navigation system for pedestrians. As a navigation system for pedestrians, it is preferable to add a route guidance function including transportation, and in addition to searching and guidance for walking routes, the route search server accumulates routes and operation time data of transportation, There is also a navigation system having a function of guiding a route from a desired departure station to a desired destination station (boarding candidate train) in addition to searching for a walking route and guidance. There is also a traffic guidance system that receives and displays information such as routes, timetables of transportation facilities, and trains that can be boarded from an information distribution server without searching for walking routes.

  A general navigation device, a route search device and a route search method used in a communication navigation system are disclosed in, for example, the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-165681). This navigation system is configured to send information on a departure point and a destination from a portable navigation terminal to an information distribution server, and the information distribution server searches and guides a route that matches a search condition from road network and traffic network data. Has been. As the search condition, there are means for moving from the departure place to the destination, for example, walking, automobile, combined use of railroad and walking, and the route is searched as one of the search conditions.

  The information distribution server has roads (routes) of map data as nodes and nodes as the positions of inflection points, links connecting the nodes as links, and cost information (distance and required time) of all links as a database. ing. Then, the information distribution server sequentially searches for a link from the departure node to the destination node with reference to the database, and traces the node and link with the smallest cost information of the link as a guide route. The shortest route can be guided to the portable navigation terminal. As such a route search method, a method called label determination method or Dijkstra method is used. Patent Document 1 also discloses a route search method using this Dijkstra method.

  A route search system that searches for routes that use transportation is a database of operation time data of each transportation based on route search conditions such as departure date, departure location, destination, arrival time specified by the user. It has a time database and data that makes the traffic network a database based on this. Then, referring to these databases, each available means of transportation (individual trains and route buses) connecting the departure point and destination, including connections (transfers), is sequentially traced to meet the route search conditions. It is configured to present one or a plurality of candidates for a guide route (departure station, destination station, route, train, etc.). As route search conditions, it is generally possible to specify conditions such as required time, number of transfers, and fares.

  The search data in the route system using the transportation system and the navigation system that guides the route is the same as the road network data in the in-vehicle navigation system and the pedestrian navigation system. In addition to the data networked as a bidirectional link, the operation time and required time of each link are added as link cost data for each means of transportation operated on each traffic route. Furthermore, there is a system in which fare data is added and the fare of the searched guide route is guided together.

  A navigation system that searches for routes using transportation in addition to walking routes is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-258184). The navigation system disclosed in Patent Document 2 expresses a traffic network from a starting point to a destination point by using a node as a point and a link between points as a link. A traffic network route searching method to be searched is used.

  As a route from the departure point and destination point to the transportation station to be used, a straight line distance from the departure point and destination point to the transportation station to be used, and a straight line distance from the destination point to the transportation station to be used. Is calculated using latitude and longitude information, the average cost is calculated using the straight line distance as a variable, the stations of all used transportation facilities included in the cost range specified by the average cost are determined, and the walking route is determined. The obtained walking route is incorporated into the traffic network route of the transportation system to express the comprehensive traffic network, and the computer is used to search under the cost condition obtained by the label determination method.

  Also, in such a navigation system, a facility that is a place of interest (POI) that a user wants to visit is searched, and a route from the current position of the user or a desired departure place to the corresponding POI is searched. A system that can guide you is provided. The POI includes, for example, a wide variety of hotels, well-known buildings, facilities, facilities for shopping and eating, public facilities, and event venues.

  In this case, the route search server is provided with a POI database for searching for a POI. The route search server stores POI information in various POI databases obtained from various information distribution servers using a communication network such as the Internet. Various methods have also been proposed for the user to select POI as a destination. In addition to a method for searching by entering a facility name, telephone number, address, etc., a map including the current position of the user is displayed on the map. A method for selecting a POI icon image displayed on the screen has been proposed.

  By the way, the user is provided with route guidance to the POI as the destination, and when the user visits the POI, the route search server operator pays a guidance success fee to the POI operator. There are also known navigation systems that charge users. For example, it is disclosed as a success management system in the following Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-330943).

  The success management system disclosed in Patent Document 3 receives success information received from a mobile terminal device and notifies that the mobile terminal device has successfully navigated to a store from the mobile terminal device and counts it up to the number of successes. And stores a management unit that stores the number of successes in association with a store ID for identifying each store, a store ID, billing destination information that is associated with the store ID and specifies a billing destination, and a number of successes. And a calculation unit that reads the billing destination information and the number of successes from the storage unit and calculates a billing amount to be billed for each billing destination as a price for successful navigation.

  Further, a commercial transaction brokerage system that issues a guide certificate for discounting the purchase price of a product when the user guides a store of the product desired by the user is disclosed in the following Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-306716). It is disclosed. This commercial transaction brokerage system is configured to guide a store from the brokerage system to a user navigation system and issue a certificate of guidance. A user can receive a discount by performing a business transaction with a certificate by presenting a certificate, and the brokerage system collects a guidance introduction fee from the store where the user transacted with the guide. All or part of the guide introduction fee is returned to the user, and the user can receive the above-mentioned discount.

JP 2001-165681 A JP 2000-258184 A JP 2006-330943 A JP 2001-306716 A

  As in the success management system disclosed in Patent Document 3 above, in a system in which the navigation system guides the customer to the store and obtains a success fee, the route search server operator has the POI operator as a member, The map information of the desired location specified by the current position or the terminal device is transmitted to the terminal device, and when displaying the map image on the display means of the terminal device, the POI of the member included in the map area is preferentially displayed and used It is preferable that the user can easily select the member's POI.

  Such a POI presentation function is known as a peripheral search function. By the way, the user selects the member's POI, downloads the map data to the terminal device, requests the route search server for route search and route guidance to the POI, and receives the guide route data from the route search server. When the route guidance is received, and the success fee is charged to the member POI operator as a result of the navigation system guiding the customer to the store as in the success management system of Patent Document 1, the following is performed. Problems arise.

  In the success management system disclosed in Patent Document 3, (1) When the terminal device (user) is guided to around the POI that is the destination, for example, within 10 m or within 20 m, (2) Guide route When the terminal device (user) is guided to the end of the information, guidance success information is generated and charged.

  However, in pedestrian navigation systems and the like that are currently in practical use, guidance is not always performed near the destination. (1) First, there is a case where guidance is stopped by a user. In such an example, when the POI that is the destination is a landmark that can be recognized from a relatively long distance, the user tends to stop the guidance as soon as it is confirmed. (2) Next, there may be a case where GPS cannot be received at the POI that is the destination and the vicinity thereof, or position information of the terminal device cannot be obtained outside the communication range.

  For example, the POI that is the destination may be located in an underground shopping center or located inside a huge facility, and the GPS receiving means cannot receive GPS satellite signals or the terminal device is out of the communication range and is not necessarily present until the end of the route. The location may not be acquired (or cannot be communicated). In the cases as described in (1) and (2) above, it is impossible to determine whether or not the terminal device has been guided to the target POI, and it is not possible to confirm the end of the guidance. However, there was a problem that it was not possible to charge.

  Further, in the commercial transaction mediation system disclosed in Patent Document 4 above, when the route guidance data is downloaded to the terminal device, a commission right is generated in the mediation system, and a certificate for discount is issued to the user. It is configured. However, if the terminal device simply downloads the guide route from the navigation server to the target POI, there is a problem that the execution of the guide cannot be confirmed and the accuracy of billing is reduced. In addition, in order to solve this problem, there is a problem that a confirmation process for the user of the terminal device is separately required at the POI (store), and there is a facility burden for that.

  As a result of various investigations to solve the above problems, the inventor of the present application transmits guide route data to the member POI to the terminal device, and temporarily registers billing data when route guidance is started in the terminal device, When the estimated arrival time at the POI is calculated, and when a new route guidance is generated in the terminal device before the estimated arrival time, the temporary registration is discarded, and no new route guidance is generated. The present invention has been completed by conceiving that the above problem can be solved if the provisionally registered billing data is finally registered.

  That is, according to the present invention, when the route guidance to the relevant POI is continued until the expected arrival time at the POI in the terminal device, the terminal device can be estimated (determined) with a considerably high probability that the terminal device has arrived at the relevant POI. Is focused on.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, search for a route to a facility that is a place of interest (POI) set as a destination by the user, and guide the user to the POI. In a navigation system in which a success fee is charged to the operator of the corresponding POI in the case of the failure, the user is charged when the POI is reached based on the route guidance continuation period of the terminal device possessed by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system that is fixed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is
A facility information storage means for advertising; a facility route guidance information providing means for advertising; a route guidance execution means to the advertisement target facility; a route guidance log storage means; and a charging registration means. ,
When the route guidance execution means starts route guidance to the facility to be advertised, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility to be advertised are In addition to storing in the route guidance log storage means, the billing registration means temporarily registers billing information on the advertising fee for the advertisement target facility ID, and a new route is stored in the terminal device ID by the expected arrival time. The navigation system is characterized in that the provisional registration of the billing information is canceled when the guidance occurs, and the billing information provisional registration is fully registered and confirmed when the new route guidance does not occur.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the navigation system according to claim 1, wherein when the billing registration unit performs main registration of the billing information, the advertisement is transmitted to the terminal device based on an ID of the terminal device. Issue preferential proof at the target facility.

The invention according to claim 3 of the present application is
A facility information storage means for advertising, a facility route guidance information providing means for advertising, a route guidance log storage means, and a billing registration means; and a route guidance execution means to the advertisement target facility. A route search server that provides the facility route guidance information to a terminal device having:
When the route guidance execution means starts route guidance to the facility to be advertised, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility to be advertised are In addition to storing in the route guidance log storage means, the billing registration means temporarily registers billing information on the advertising fee for the advertisement target facility ID, and a new route is stored in the terminal device ID by the expected arrival time. When the guidance occurs, the temporary registration of the billing information is canceled, and when the new route guidance does not occur, the billing information temporary registration is fully registered and confirmed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the route search server according to the third aspect, when the billing registration unit performs the main registration of the billing information, the billing registration unit is configured to the terminal device based on an ID of the terminal device. It is characterized by issuing a preferential certificate at the advertising target facility.

  The invention according to claim 5 of the present application is the route search server according to claim 3, wherein the route search server further includes arrival time calculation means, and is based on the facility route guidance information to be advertised provided to the terminal device. The estimated arrival time at the advertisement target facility is calculated.

The invention according to claim 6 of the present application is
A facility information storage unit, a providing unit that provides the facility route guidance information to the terminal device, a route guidance log storage unit, and a billing registration unit. When the route guidance to the facility is started, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, and the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility targeted for the advertisement are stored in the route guidance log storage means. At the same time, the billing registration means provisionally registers billing information of the advertising fee for the facility ID to be advertised, and when a new route guidance is generated in the ID of the terminal device by the expected arrival time, A terminal device connected to a route search server that cancels the provisional registration of the billing information and does not generate a new route guidance;
The terminal device includes route guidance execution means, and the route guidance execution means executes route guidance to the facility based on facility route guidance information provided from the route search server. The terminal device ID and the advertisement target facility ID are transmitted.

  The invention according to claim 7 of the present application is the terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device further includes arrival time calculation means, based on the facility route guidance information of the advertisement target provided to the terminal device. The estimated arrival time at the facility to be advertised is calculated, and the estimated arrival time is transmitted to the route search server.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present application is
A facility information storage means for advertising, a facility route guidance information providing means for advertising, a route guidance log storage means, and a billing registration means; and a route guidance execution means to the advertisement target facility. A navigation method using a route search server that provides the facility route guidance information to a terminal device having:
When the route guidance execution means starts route guidance to the facility to be advertised, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility to be advertised are The step of storing in the route guidance log storage means, and the charge registration means temporarily registers the charge information of the advertisement fee for the facility ID to be advertised, and a new ID in the terminal device ID by the expected arrival time Canceling the temporary registration of the billing information when the route guidance occurs, and finally registering and confirming the billing information temporary registration when the new route guidance does not occur. To do.

  The invention according to claim 9 of the present application is the navigation method according to claim 8, wherein the navigation method further includes the terminal based on the ID of the terminal device when the charge registration unit performs main registration of the charge information. It has a step of issuing a preferential certificate at the facility to be advertised to the apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 10 of the present application is the navigation method according to claim 8, wherein the route search server further includes arrival time calculation means, and the navigation method further includes the facility to be advertised provided to the terminal device. It has the step which calculates the arrival time to the said advertising object facility based on route guidance information.

  In the invention according to claim 1, when the route guidance execution means starts route guidance to the facility to be advertised, the navigation system includes the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, and the advertisement target of the terminal device. Is stored in the route guidance log storage means, and the billing registration means temporarily registers billing information of the advertisement fee for the facility ID to be advertised, and the ID of the terminal device by the expected arrival time. If a new route guidance occurs, the temporary registration of the billing information is canceled, and if no new route guidance occurs, the temporary registration of the billing information is fully registered and confirmed.

  According to such a configuration, when route guidance to the relevant POI is continued until the expected arrival time at the POI in the terminal device, it is estimated with a fairly high probability that the terminal device has arrived at the relevant POI ( Determination) and charging can be performed accurately.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the navigation system according to the first aspect, the billing registration means, when the billing information is fully registered, the advertisement to the terminal device based on the ID of the terminal device. Issue a certificate of preferential treatment at the target facility.

  According to such a configuration, as a preferential proof, for example, it is a coupon for discounting the service provision fee in the POI, and the registered POI operator who is the advertiser is guided to the user of the terminal device to the POI. Service for the terminal device can be provided and the cost for using the navigation system can be reduced to the user of the terminal device by discounting the fee.

  In the invention according to claims 3 to 5, the route search server constituting the navigation system according to claims 1 and 2 can be provided, and the invention according to claims 6 and 7 can be provided. Can provide a terminal device constituting the navigation system according to claims 1 and 2. Furthermore, in the invention according to claims 8 to 10, it is possible to provide a navigation method for realizing the route search server according to claims 3 to 5, respectively.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. In the following embodiments, a mobile phone is used as a terminal device, and a navigation system that has a POI information providing function in a navigation system that performs route search and route guidance will be described as a specific example. Without being limited to the example, the terminal device may be a mobile terminal such as a portable game machine or a portable music player. In this specification, such mobile terminals are collectively referred to as terminal devices.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system 10 includes a terminal device 20 and a route search server 30 that are connected via a network 12. The navigation system 10 includes a POI information distribution server 50 that provides detailed information such as the location and service contents of POIs belonging to various categories, and an information distribution server 51 that distributes various contents such as image data and music data. Has been.

  The route search server 30 can acquire necessary data from the POI information distribution server 50 or the information distribution server 51 via the network 12 and add it to its own database. Similarly, a search request can be transmitted to the POI information distribution server 50 to obtain a desired search result. A mobile phone can be used as the terminal device 20, and it may be a portable device such as a PDA, a music player, or a portable game machine.

  The route search server 30 includes a registered POI database 39 that stores POI information (facility information) registered as members in this system, and when there is a peripheral search request from the terminal device 20, a map that is transmitted to the terminal device. The facility information and advertisement information of the registered member (advertiser) POI (advertisement target facility) included in the data area are preferentially displayed on the terminal device 20. A route guidance log storage means 36 for storing a route guidance log for each ID of each terminal device 20 when each terminal device 20 makes a route search or route guidance request to the route search server 30 with the registered POI as the destination. I have.

  The route search server 30 includes a search network database 35. When there is a route search or route guidance request from each terminal device 20 to the route search server 30 with the registered POI as the destination, the search network database 35 is stored. With reference to the designated starting point, the optimum route from the designated departure point to the destination POI or a predetermined number of candidate routes is searched, and the guide route data is transmitted to the terminal device 20. When the terminal device 20 starts route guidance based on the guide route data distributed from the route search server 30, the route search server 30 calculates the estimated arrival time at the destination POI from the cumulative link cost of the guide route.

  When the route guidance starts on the terminal device 20 based on the guidance route data to the registered POI, the route search server 30 temporarily registers the billing information. Then, the route search server 30 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 has arrived at the registered POI that is the destination. If it is determined that the terminal device 20 has reached the registered POI, the provisionally registered charging information is fully registered and confirmed.

  The determination as to whether or not the registered POI that is the destination has been reached (destination arrival determination) is performed as follows. That is, it is determined with reference to the route guidance log storage means 36 whether or not a new route guidance has occurred in the terminal device 20 before the estimated arrival time of the terminal device 20 at the registered POI. According to this determination method, the route guidance to the corresponding POI was continued until the expected arrival time at the POI in the terminal device 20, but the route guidance to the new destination was not generated in the terminal device 20. This means that it can be estimated (determined) with a fairly high probability that the terminal device has arrived at the corresponding POI.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on specific examples, but before that, a detailed configuration of a system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the navigation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. As described in FIG. 1, the route search server 30 includes a search network database 35 that stores search network data, a route guidance log storage unit 36, and a registered POI database 39.

  In FIG. 2, the terminal device 20 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 22, a GPS reception unit 23, a display unit 24, a distribution data storage unit 25, a route guidance request unit 26, and an operation / input unit 27. . The GPS receiving means 23 includes a GPS receiver, receives and processes GPS satellite signals, and measures the current position (latitude / longitude) of the terminal device 20. Although not shown, the control unit 201 is a microprocessor having a RAM, a ROM, and a processor, and controls the operation of each unit by a control program stored in the ROM. The communication means 22 is an interface for communicating with the route search server 30 via the network 12.

  The communication means 22 includes a wireless communication unit and communicates with the route search server 30. The operation / input means 27 includes a key, a dial, and the like, and is used as an input function for operating the terminal device 20, a departure place, a destination, and the like. The display means 24 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like, and is used for displaying a guide route of the guide route data distributed from the route search server 30 and a map.

  The display unit 24 also functions as an input unit for displaying the menu screen and operating the terminal device 20. The route guidance requesting means 26 uses the starting point and destination input using the operation / inputting means 27 or the current position of the terminal device 20 measured by the GPS receiving means 23 as the starting point, based on these information. Thus, a route search and route guidance request to be transmitted to the route search server 30 is created. Further, the terminal device 20 requests the route search server 30 for map information of an area including a desired point using the menu screen displayed on the operation / input means 27 and the display means 24, and designates the POI category and area. To request a POI search.

  The distribution data storage unit 25 stores guide route data, map data, guidance, and the like, which are route search results distributed from the route search server 30, and these data are stored in the distribution data storage unit 25 as necessary. It is read out and displayed on the display means 24. In general, a guide route and a mark indicating the current position of the terminal device 20 are superimposed on a map of a certain scale and a certain range including the current position of the terminal device 20 measured by the GPS receiving means 23 to overlap the current position of the terminal device 20 with the current position. The position mark is displayed at the center of the display screen.

  Since the current position information (latitude / longitude information) measured by receiving the GPS satellite signal by the GPS receiving means 23 includes an error, if the current position deviates from the guide route, the current position is displayed on the guide route. The route matching process for correcting to is performed. If voice guidance (for example, a voice message such as “This is a 300m intersection. Turn left”) is added to the guidance route data distributed from the route search server 30 via a speaker. Play and output voice messages to guide users.

  On the other hand, the route search server 30 includes a control unit 301, a distribution data editing unit 31, a communication unit 32, a route search unit 33, a destination arrival determination unit 34, a search network database 35, a route guidance log storage unit 36, and an arrival time calculation. Means 37, billing registration means 38, registration POI database 39, etc. are provided. The search network database 35 includes road network data for searching for a travel route by car. When the route search server 30 has a function of searching for a route using walking or public transportation and guiding it to the terminal device 20, the search network database 35 further includes network data dedicated to walking, a timetable for transportation. Accumulate traffic network data based on the data.

  Although not shown, the control means 301 is a microprocessor having a RAM, a ROM, and a processor, and controls the operation of each unit by a control program stored in the ROM. The communication unit 32 is an interface for communicating with the terminal device 20 via the network 12.

  The route search means 33 searches for an optimum route or a plurality of candidate routes from the departure point to the destination with reference to the search network database 35 based on the route search condition from the terminal device 20. The distribution data editing means 31 is for editing the optimum route and candidate route (guide route) data searched by the route searching means 33 and distributing the data to the terminal device 20. The communication means 32 is sent from the terminal device 20. Are received, or various information is distributed to the terminal device 20.

  In the registered POI database 39, a POI operator can register a POI corresponding to an advertiser as an advertiser in this system. The registered POI data includes data such as the POI name, POI ID, location, POI category, telephone number, and sales information as shown in FIG. The data for each POI is provided with a temporary registration charge storage field for temporarily registering charge information for route guidance from each terminal device 20 and a main registration charge storage field for main registration of charge information. When the map data of the area including the desired place is requested from the terminal device 20 or when the POI search specifying the POI category and area is requested, the route search server 30 gives priority to the registered POI to the terminal device 20. Display.

  When the terminal device 20 selects a registered POI and requests route search and route guidance as a destination, when the terminal device 20 reaches the destination (registered POI), the route search server 30 operates the corresponding registered POI. Charge the user. At that time, the route search server 30 temporarily registers the billing information at the start of route guidance for the terminal device 20 and calculates the expected arrival time at the destination. Then, it is determined that no new route guidance has occurred in the terminal device 20 until the expected arrival time and route guidance with the registered POI as the destination is continued, and the provisionally registered billing information is fully registered. .

  When the route search server 30 receives a request for route search or route guidance from the terminal device 20 using the registered POI as a destination, the route search means 33 refers to the search network database 35 to determine the optimum route or a plurality of routes to the destination. The candidate route is searched for as a guide route, and the data of the guide route is distributed to the terminal device 20.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a guide route display screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 20. The guide route display screen shown in FIG. 4 exemplifies the case where the candidate route from the departure point (current position) received from the route search server 30 to the destination (registered POI #### hotel) is displayed on the display unit 24. ing.

  On the display screen 401, the POI name #### hotel is displayed in the destination display field 402, and candidate routes are displayed in order of shorter required time, such as the first route 403 and the second route 407. The first route is the current location departure time, the nearest station (00 station) arrival time (walk from the current location to the nearest station), the nearest station departure time (ride train), arrival station, arrival station arrival time, exit The arrival and departure times at each point are guided as in destination arrival time 404 (walking from the arrival station to the destination).

  For the route section of walking movement, the selection items of the route map confirmation 405 and the start of route guidance 406 are displayed. When the route map confirmation 405 is selected by clicking, a map image around the arrival station is displayed, and the arrival station (exit 1) ) To the destination #### Hotel is displayed on the map image (walking route: walking route). When the route guidance start 406 is selected, guidance in a traveling direction such as straight, right turn, left turn, etc. is output by voice or the like for each guide point such as an intersection according to the current position of the terminal device.

  In the terminal device 20, when a desired candidate route, for example, the first route in FIG. 4 is selected from a plurality of candidate routes and the display of the route guidance start 406 is clicked, the terminal device 20 performs a route for starting the route guidance. Communication with the search server 30 is performed. In the present invention, at this timing, the ID of the terminal device 20, the destination (ID of the registered POI), and the expected arrival time of the terminal device 20 at the destination are transmitted to the route search server 30. These data are stored for each terminal device in the route guidance log storage means 36 in the route search server 30. Note that the estimated arrival time can also be calculated based on the route search result on the route search server 30 side. In the following description, the estimated arrival time is calculated by the route search server 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the information stored as the route guidance log includes the user name of the terminal device 20, the terminal ID of the terminal device 20, the destination (registered POI ID), the estimated arrival time, the guidance continuation flag, and the like. . In the route guidance log shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 20 of ID ** 0010 that has received the candidate route shown in FIG. 4 selects the first route of the candidate route with the hotel as the destination and provides route guidance. An example of starting is shown.

  The expected arrival time of the terminal device 20 at the hotel is the expected arrival time at the destination on the first route. This estimated arrival time is the time calculated by the arrival time calculation means 37 from the route data of the first route. For this time, the destination arrival predicted time in the route data can be used as it is, but the time is added to the time at a predetermined rate according to the walking distance by adding a time delay due to walking movement. May be calculated.

  When the route guidance server 30 starts route guidance to the registered POI in the terminal device 20 (when the route guidance start 406 in FIG. 4 is clicked and a route guidance start request is transmitted), the route search log storage means 36 stores the corresponding terminal. The route guidance log for the device 20 is stored, and the guidance continuation flag is set to “1”. If a new route guidance occurs in the terminal device 20 during route guidance for the corresponding terminal device 20, the guidance continuation flag is reset to “0” and a route guidance to a new destination is generated. Memorize the time.

  On the other hand, the billing registration means 38 registers billing information for each registered POI. The billing information registered in the billing registration means 38 is basically the number of guidance of the terminal device 20 to the registered POI. This billing information is divided into provisional registration information and main registration information. The billing information is provisionally registered at the start of guidance for each terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 reaches the registered POI (destination) in the destination arrival determination means 34. Is determined, the provisionally registered billing information is fully registered and confirmed.

  The destination arrival determination means 34 refers to the route search log storage means 36 to determine whether the guidance continuation flag is reset from “1” to “0” in the terminal device 20 until the expected arrival time at the registered POI. Whether the destination is reached is determined by monitoring whether or not the destination is reached. That is, if the guidance continuation flag is not reset until the expected arrival time of the terminal device 20, it is determined that the route guidance has been continued up to the registered POI. As a result of the destination arrival discrimination, the billing registration means 38 registers the billing information temporarily registered.

  If the guidance continuation flag is reset before the expected arrival time, the terminal device 20 indicates that a new route search and route guidance in which the destination has been changed from the registered POI has occurred. This means that the possibility that the terminal device 20 arrives at the time has decreased, and the provisionally registered charging information is canceled.

  In this way, when the route guidance is started in the terminal device 20, the billing information is temporarily registered, the estimated arrival time at the POI is calculated, and a new route guidance is generated in the terminal device 20 before the estimated arrival time. In such a case, the temporary registration is discarded, and if the new route guidance does not occur, the provisionally registered charging information is fully registered, that is, the POI corresponding to the expected arrival time at the POI in the terminal device 20. When the route guidance to is continued, it can be estimated (determined) with a fairly high probability that the terminal device has arrived at the corresponding POI, and charging can be performed accurately.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the charging process of the navigation system 10 described above. When the start of route guidance is received from the terminal device 20 in the process of step S101, the route search server 30 determines in the process of step S102 whether the destination is a normal route search that is not a registered POI. In the case of normal route search (route search where the destination is not a registered POI), normal route search and route guidance are performed in step S120.

  When the destination is the registered POI, the route search server 30 stores the ID of the terminal device 20 that started the route guidance in the process of step S103 in the route guidance log storage unit 36. Next, in the process of step S104, the ID of the destination POI is stored in the route guidance log storage means 36. Next, the arrival time calculation means 37 calculates the estimated arrival time at the destination based on the guidance route data in the process of step S105, and stores it in the route guidance log storage means 36.

  Then, the route search server 30 sets the route guidance continuation flag of the route guidance log storage means 36 to “1” in the process of step S106, and the charging registration means 38 registers the corresponding registration in the registered POI database 39 in the process of step S107. Charge information is temporarily registered in the temporary registration charge field (see FIG. 3) of the POI data. The billing information may be a count value indicating the number of times of guidance with the corresponding registered POI as the destination, or may be a value that cumulatively counts the billing amount.

  Next, the route search server 30 determines whether or not the expected arrival time at the registered POI that is the destination is reached in the process of step S108. If it is not the estimated arrival time, the process of step S108 is repeated. If the estimated arrival time is reached, the destination arrival determination means 34 refers to the route search log storage means 36 in the process of step S109 and continues guidance until the expected arrival time at the registered POI in the terminal device 20. Whether the flag is reset from "1" to "0" is monitored to determine arrival at the destination. That is, if the guidance continuation flag is not reset until the expected arrival time of the terminal device 20, it is determined that the route guidance has been continued up to the registered POI.

  If the destination arrival determination means 34 determines that the terminal device 20 has reached the destination in the determination processing in step S109, the charging registration means 38 in the processing in step S110 determines the corresponding registered POI in the registered POI database 39. The charging information provisionally registered in the temporary registration charging field (see FIG. 3) of the data is moved to the main registration charging field and finally registered. In this case, the billing process can be performed in real time for the registered POI operator (settlement account).

  Next, the route search server 30 performs a charging process in the process of step S112 based on the registered charging information, and ends the process. The billing process may be configured to periodically execute another processing procedure. That is, the charging process procedure is periodically executed, the provisional registration data stored in the registration POI database 39 is looked over, and the provisional registration billing information whose estimated arrival time has passed is transferred to the main registration billing information. Based on the registered POI ID, the operator (advertiser) is charged. In any accounting process, accounting information can be accumulated by accumulating accounting information on a weekly or monthly basis.

  On the other hand, if the destination arrival determination means 34 determines that the terminal device 20 has not reached the destination in the determination process of step S109, the destination arrival determination means 34 stores it in the charging temporary registration column of the corresponding POI in the process of step S111. The charged billing information is discarded, and the process proceeds to step S113.

  By such processing, when the route guidance to the relevant POI is continued until the expected arrival time at the POI in the terminal device 20, it is estimated (determined) that the terminal device has arrived at the relevant POI. ) And can be charged accurately.

  In the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the procedure for determining the arrival at the destination in the process of step S <b> 109 is based on the route guidance continuation flag. However, the procedure is not limited to this procedure. For example, the following procedure can also be taken.

  That is, (1) When a route guidance request and route guidance log data are transmitted from the terminal device 20, it is searched based on the ID of the terminal device 20 whether there is provisional registration of route guidance billing information. (2) If there is provisional registration (there may be a plurality of provisional registrations) with the ID of the same terminal device 20, it is checked whether the estimated arrival time of the registered POI in the previous provisional registration has already passed. (3) If the estimated arrival time has passed, the process proceeds to main registration in a separately executed billing registration process and is left as it is. (4) If the estimated arrival time has not passed, the next route guidance will start before the estimated arrival time of the previous route search. The temporary registration of the billing information is discarded. Even in such a procedure, it is possible to determine whether or not to continue route guidance.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the above processing procedure. When the start of route guidance is received from the terminal device 20 in the process of step S201, the route search server 30 determines in the process of step S202 whether or not provisional registration of billing information has already been performed with the same terminal device ID. If there is provisional registration (there may be a plurality of provisional registrations) with the ID of the same terminal device 20, the process proceeds to step S204 to determine whether the estimated arrival time of the registered POI in the previous provisional registration has already passed. If there is no provisional registration (there may be a plurality of provisional registrations) with the ID of the same terminal device 20, the process proceeds to step 203, and the charge registration means 38 provisionally registers charge information.

  If it is determined that the estimated arrival time of the registered POI in the previous temporary registration has already passed in the determination processing of the expected arrival time elapse in step 204, the process proceeds to the main registration in the billing registration processing that is executed separately. Then, the process proceeds to step S203. If it is determined that the estimated arrival time of the registered POI in the previous temporary registration has not passed yet, the charging registration means 38 starts the next route guidance before the estimated arrival time of the previous route search in the process of step S205. Therefore, the provisional registration of the previous billing information is canceled assuming that the destination has not arrived at the previous destination.

  The route search by the route search means 33 is performed as follows. The search network database 35 has road network data (for walking, searching for a moving route by a car) and traffic network data (for searching a moving route by a transportation facility). For example, when the road is composed of roads A, B, and C as shown in FIG. 8, the road network data includes the roads connecting the nodes with the end points, intersections, and inflection points of the roads A, B, and C as nodes. Expressed as a directional link, node data (node latitude / longitude), link data (link number) and link cost of each link (link distance or time required to travel the link) are used as data. It consists of link cost data.

  That is, in FIG. 8, Nn (◯ mark) and Nm (◎ mark) indicate nodes, and Nm (◎ mark) indicates a road intersection. Directional links connecting the nodes are indicated by arrow lines (solid line, dotted line, two-dot chain line). As for the links, there are links facing in the upward and downward directions of the road, but in FIG. 8, only the links in the direction of the arrows are shown for the sake of simplicity.

  When performing route search using such road network data as a search database, follow links linked from the departure node to the destination node, accumulate the link cost, and minimize the accumulated link cost. Search for and guide. That is, in FIG. 8, when a route search is performed with the departure point as the node AX and the destination as the node CY, the road travels from the node AX to the road A, turns right at the second intersection, enters the road C, and reaches the node CY. The link cost is accumulated sequentially, and a route that minimizes the accumulated link cost is searched for and guided.

  Although other routes from the node AX to the node CY are not shown in FIG. 8, there are actually other such routes, so that a plurality of routes that can be reached from the node AX to the node CY are displayed. A search is performed in the same manner, and a route with the lowest link cost is determined as the optimum route. This method is performed by, for example, a known method called the Dijkstra method.

  On the other hand, the traffic network data for route search of the transportation system is configured as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the case of traffic routes A, B, and C, each station (each airport on an aircraft route) provided on each traffic route A, B, and C is a node, and the nodes are connected. A section is represented by a directional link, and node data (latitude / longitude) and link data (link number) are network data. In FIG. 9, Nn (◯ mark) and Nm (◎ mark) indicate nodes, Nm (◎ mark) indicates a transit point (such as a transfer station) of a traffic route, and a directional link connecting each node. It is indicated by an arrow line (solid line, dotted line, two-dot chain line). As for the links, there are links facing in the upward and downward directions of the traffic route, but in FIG. 9, only the links in the direction of the arrows are illustrated in order to simplify the illustration.

  However, the traffic network basically has a different link cost compared to the road network. That is, in the road network, the link cost is fixed and static. However, in the traffic network, as shown in FIG. 9, each route such as a train or an aircraft (hereinafter referred to as an individual train or an aircraft) that operates a traffic route is used. A plurality of means of transportation). The time of departure from one node and the time of arrival at the next node are determined for each means of transportation (specified by timetable data and operation data), and individual routes do not necessarily link to adjacent nodes. There is a case. This is the case, for example, with express trains and trains that stop at each station. In such a case, a plurality of different links exist on the same traffic route, and the required time between nodes may differ depending on the transportation means.

  In the transportation network illustrated in FIG. 9, a plurality of transportation means (routes) Aa to Ac... Exist on the same link of the transportation route A, and a plurality of transportation means (routes) Ca to Cc. Will do. Therefore, unlike a simple road network, the transportation network of a transportation facility has a data amount proportional to the total number of transportation means (routes such as individual aircraft and trains). For this reason, the data of the traffic network becomes a huge amount of data compared to the data amount of the road network. Accordingly, much time is required for route search accordingly.

  In order to search for a route from a certain departure point to a certain destination using such traffic network data, all the means of transportation that can be used (ride) when arriving from the departure point to the destination are searched. It is necessary to specify the means of transportation that matches the search conditions.

  For example, in FIG. 9, when a specific departure time is designated with the departure point as the node AX of the traffic route A and a route search is made with the node CY of the traffic route C as the destination, the route operates on the traffic route A. Of the transportation means Aa to Ac..., All transportation means after the departure time are sequentially selected as the departure route. Based on the arrival time at the transit node on the transit route C, among all the transit means Ca to Cc... Operating on the transit route C, all combinations of transit means after the time that can be boarded at the transit node. The total time required for each route, the number of transfers, and the like are guided.

  The route search server 30 searches for an optimal route or a plurality of candidate routes connecting an arbitrary departure point and destination using such a search network database 35, and guide route data together with map data in the terminal device 20. To provide route guidance. In addition, when a route search condition using walking and transportation is specified as the moving means, a total route search using both walking and transportation is performed by combining road network data and transportation network data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the terminal device 20 determines the charge when the route guidance to the registered POI is continuously performed until the estimated arrival time at the destination. A preferential certificate at the destination POI can be issued to the device 20. The preferential certificate may be, for example, a coupon for discounting the service provision fee in the POI. As a result, the registered POI operator who is the advertiser is provided with a service that guides the user of the terminal device 20 to the POI, and the user of the terminal device 20 can use the navigation system with a discount. Costs can be reduced.

  In the present invention, since the route guidance to the facility to be advertised (registered POI) is charged, the advertiser can be convinced to pay the advertising cost, and the advertisement is a success fee for the route guidance. The unit price can be set relatively high, and the advertisement in the navigation system and the customer guidance service are established. In addition, the navigation service usage fee of the user of the terminal device can be supplemented by the advertising cost, and the route guidance from the advertisement (POI search) can be provided to non-registered members of the navigation service.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the navigation system concerning the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the POI data accumulate | stored in a POI database. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the guidance route | root in a terminal device. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the route guidance log for every terminal device memorize | stored in a route guidance log memory | storage means. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the route guidance process in the navigation system concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of the route guidance process in the navigation system concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the concept of the data of a road network. It is a schematic diagram which shows the concept of the data of a traffic network.

Explanation of symbols

10 .... Navigation system 20 ... Terminal device 201 ... Control means 22 ... Communication means 23 ... GPS receiving means 24 ... Display means 25 ... Distribution data storage Means 26 ··· Route guidance request means 27 ··· Operation / input means 30 ··· Route search server 301 ··· Control means 31 ··· Distribution data editing means 32 ··· Communication means 33 ··· Route search means 34 ··· Destination arrival discrimination means 35 ··· Network database for search 36 ··· Route guidance log storage means 37 ··· Arrival time calculation means 38 ··· Accounting registration means 39... Registered POI database

Claims (10)

A facility information storage means for advertising; a facility route guidance information providing means for advertising; a route guidance execution means to the advertisement target facility; a route guidance log storage means; and a charging registration means. ,
When the route guidance execution means starts route guidance to the facility to be advertised, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility to be advertised are In addition to storing in the route guidance log storage means, the billing registration means temporarily registers billing information on the advertising fee for the advertisement target facility ID, and a new route is stored in the terminal device ID by the expected arrival time. A navigation system characterized in that provisional registration of the billing information is canceled when guidance occurs, and registration of the billing information provisional registration is finalized and confirmed when new route guidance does not occur.   The said charge registration means issues the preferential proof in the said advertisement object institution with respect to this terminal device based on ID of the said terminal device, when the said charging information is main-registered. Navigation system. A facility information storage means for advertising, a facility route guidance information providing means for advertising, a route guidance log storage means, and a billing registration means; and a route guidance execution means to the advertisement target facility. A route search server that provides the facility route guidance information to a terminal device having:
When the route guidance execution means starts route guidance to the facility to be advertised, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility to be advertised are In addition to storing in the route guidance log storage means, the billing registration means temporarily registers billing information on the advertising fee for the advertisement target facility ID, and a new route is stored in the terminal device ID by the expected arrival time. A route search server that cancels provisional registration of the billing information when guidance is generated, and registers and confirms the provisional information provisional registration when no new route guidance is generated.   The said charge registration means issues the preferential proof in the said advertisement object institution with respect to this terminal device based on ID of the said terminal device, when the said charging information is main-registered. Route search server.   The route search server further includes arrival time calculation means, and calculates an expected arrival time at the advertisement target facility based on the advertisement target facility route guidance information provided to the terminal device. Item 4. The route search server according to Item 3. A facility information storage unit, a providing unit that provides the facility route guidance information to the terminal device, a route guidance log storage unit, and a billing registration unit. When the route guidance to the facility is started, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, and the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility targeted for the advertisement are stored in the route guidance log storage means. At the same time, the billing registration means provisionally registers billing information of the advertising fee for the facility ID to be advertised, and when a new route guidance is generated in the ID of the terminal device by the expected arrival time, A terminal device connected to a route search server that cancels the provisional registration of the billing information and does not generate a new route guidance;
The terminal device includes route guidance execution means, and the route guidance execution means executes route guidance to the facility based on facility route guidance information provided from the route search server. A terminal device that transmits an ID of the terminal device and a facility ID of the advertisement target.   The terminal device further includes arrival time calculation means, calculates an expected arrival time at the advertising target facility based on the advertising target facility route guidance information provided to the terminal device, and receives the arrival time at the route search server. The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the predicted time is transmitted. A facility information storage means for advertising, a facility route guidance information providing means for advertising, a route guidance log storage means, and a billing registration means; and a route guidance execution means to the advertisement target facility. A navigation method using a route search server that provides the facility route guidance information to a terminal device having:
When the route guidance execution means starts route guidance to the facility to be advertised, the ID of the corresponding terminal device, the facility ID of the advertisement target, the expected arrival time of the terminal device to the facility to be advertised are The step of storing in the route guidance log storage means, and the charge registration means temporarily registers the charge information of the advertisement fee for the facility ID to be advertised, and a new ID in the terminal device ID by the expected arrival time Canceling the temporary registration of the billing information when the route guidance occurs, and finally registering and confirming the billing information temporary registration when the new route guidance does not occur. How to navigate.   The navigation method further includes a step of issuing a preferential certificate at the facility to be advertised to the terminal device based on the ID of the terminal device when the billing registration unit performs the main registration of the billing information. The navigation method according to claim 8.   The route search server further includes arrival time calculation means, and the navigation method further calculates a predicted arrival time at the advertisement target facility based on the advertisement target facility route guidance information provided to the terminal device. The navigation method according to claim 8, further comprising steps.

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