JP4605073B2 - Navigation device and navigation system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device and a navigation system, and more particularly to a navigation device and a navigation system that display route information on a map of a display device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a navigation device is often mounted on a vehicle that provides vehicle travel guidance so that a driver can easily arrive at a desired destination. This navigation device detects the current position of a vehicle with a GPS receiver or the like, acquires map data corresponding to the current position through a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM or HDD, or a network, and displays it on a liquid crystal monitor. It is a device that can. Then, map data including the current position of the vehicle is read from a recording medium or the like, a map image around the current position of the vehicle is drawn based on the map data and displayed on the display device, and the vehicle position mark is overlaid on the map image. You can also see at a glance which point the vehicle is currently driving by scrolling the map image as the vehicle moves, or by fixing the map image to the screen and moving the vehicle position mark I have to.

Here, various navigation devices and navigation systems have been proposed that search for a route that can be reached in the shortest time by performing a route search based on received traffic information.
For example, in a navigation device that searches for a guidance route to a destination based on traffic information sent from outside, traffic information receiving means for receiving the traffic information and past traffic information are stored separately for each time. Past data storage means; and guidance route search means for searching for the guidance route using the past traffic information stored in the past data storage means and the latest traffic information acquired via the traffic information reception means; (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-19593 (paragraphs (0013) to (0031), FIGS. 1 to 6)

In the navigation device described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to search for a guidance route that takes into account traffic jams to be generated for each route based on past traffic information stored in past data storage means.
However, in the navigation device described in Patent Document 1, a route within a certain time (for example, within one hour) is searched using the latest traffic information, and a route exceeding a certain time is searched in the past. Since the search is performed using the traffic information, the travel time of each link greatly changes at the traffic information switching portion, and the accuracy of the predicted arrival time may be lowered. As a result, there is a problem that a recommended route is searched using traffic information in a time zone that is significantly different from the actual arrival time.

  Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the above-described problems, and in the vicinity of the boundary where the traffic information is switched, the travel time of each link of the adjacent boundary portion is complemented to make the change gentle, An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device and a navigation system that can set an accurate arrival time by accurately determining an arrival time by determining the arrival time based on the travel time of each supplemented link, and can accurately search for a recommended route. And

The navigation device according to claim 1 for achieving the above object, a navigation apparatus mounted on the vehicle (2), for each time period of a predetermined time interval, the vehicle is predicted distance range that reaches within the predetermined time period a predicted distance range data storage means for storing the predicted distance range data (38), based on the predicted distance range data relative to the current time, the predicted distance range is circular area centered on the current vehicle position a predicted distance range setting means for setting multiple (23), with the boundary portion of the two predicted distance range between which is set adjacent among the predicted distance range set by the predicted distance range setting unit, the boundary portion An inner boundary area that is spaced a predetermined distance radially inward from the vehicle center and an outer boundary area that is separated by a predetermined distance from the boundary radially outward. And a predicted boundary distance range setting means (23) to be set as the prediction boundary distance range region between said inner border area by said outer boundary area for each link, the traffic of each time period of the predetermined time interval Based on the traffic data storage means (39) for storing the traffic data generated based on the situation, and the traffic data of each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance ranges set adjacently , the predicted boundary distance a boundary traffic data setting means for setting a boundary traffic data corresponding to the range (23), wherein among the links included in the two predicted distance range adjacent set, before Ki予 measuring boundary distance range for the link, together with use of the traffic data for time periods that correspond to the predicted distance range in which the link is contained, the link before Ki予 measuring boundary distance within the range of the previous Kisakai Part traffic data using a search means for searching a route from the current vehicle position to the destination (23), characterized by comprising a.

Further, the navigation device according to claim 2 is predicted distance range data obtained by predicting a distance range in which the vehicle reaches within the predetermined time for each time zone of the predetermined time interval in the navigation device (2) mounted on the vehicle. A prediction distance range data storage means (38) for storing a prediction and a prediction distance range that is a circular area centered on the current vehicle position based on the prediction distance range data based on the current time. With respect to a boundary portion between two prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other among the prediction distance ranges set by the distance range setting means (23) and the prediction distance range setting means , the vehicle position is determined from the boundary portion. radially inwardly around, it sets the inner border area at a distance of a predetermined percentage of the distance of the predicted distance range of the radially inward, before the boundary portion Radially outward to set the outer boundary area at a distance of the predetermined percentage of the distance of the predicted distance range of the radially outer, predict a region sandwiched between the inner border area by said outer boundary area boundary Predicted boundary distance range setting means (23) for setting as a distance range, and traffic data storage means (39) for storing traffic data generated on the basis of traffic conditions for each time zone of the predetermined time interval for each link And boundary traffic data setting means (23) for setting boundary traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range based on traffic data of each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other ) And among the links included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other, the link outside the predicted boundary distance range is predicted to include the link. The traffic data in the time zone corresponding to the distance range is used, and for the links within the predicted boundary distance range, the route from the current vehicle position to the destination is searched using the boundary traffic data. And a search means (23) for performing the processing.

The navigation device according to claim 3, in the navigation device according to claim 1 or claim 2 (2), the boundary traffic data setting means (23), said adjacent set two predictions An average value of traffic data in each time zone corresponding to the distance range is calculated, and the calculated average value is set as boundary traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range.

The navigation device according to claim 4, in the navigation apparatus mounted on a vehicle (2), for each time period of a predetermined time interval, the predicted distance range data in which the vehicle is predicted distance range that reaches within the predetermined time period and stores the predicted distance range data storage means (38), based on the predicted distance range data relative to the current time, sets a plurality of predicted distance range is a circular area centered on the current vehicle position prediction A plurality of divided predictions obtained by further dividing each of the predicted distance ranges set by the distance range setting means (23) and the predicted distance range setting means into a predetermined number in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position in time series. and dividing the predicted distance range setting means for setting a distance range (23), for each link, traffic data generated on the basis of the traffic conditions of each time period of the predetermined time interval A storage for traffic data storage means (39), sets the divided traffic data corresponding to the respective time zones of the plurality of divided predicted distance range based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to each predicted distance range dividing The traffic data setting means (23) and the divided traffic data in the time zone corresponding to each of the divided predicted distance ranges for the links in the plurality of divided predicted distance ranges, and searching means for searching for a route up to the earth (23), characterized by comprising a.

Further, the navigation device according to claim 5 is the navigation device (2) according to claim 4 , wherein the divided predicted distance range setting means (23) further sets a predetermined number of each predicted distance range in time series. The plurality of divided prediction distance ranges are set by dividing into equal time intervals.

Further, the navigation device according to claim 6 is the navigation device (2) according to claim 4 , wherein the divided prediction distance range setting means (23) further sets each prediction distance range at a predetermined rate in time series. The plurality of divided prediction distance ranges are set by being divided into a predetermined number.

A navigation device according to claim 7 is the navigation device (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , wherein the divided traffic data setting means (23) includes the predicted distance ranges and the respective distance ranges. The traffic data of each pair of time zones corresponding to adjacent predicted distance ranges on the vehicle position side of the predicted distance range is proportionally distributed so as to match each time interval of the plurality of divided predicted distance ranges, and It is characterized by setting divided traffic data.

The navigation device according to claim 8 is the navigation device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the predicted distance range data storage means (38) maps the predicted distance range data to a map. stores for each mesh, the predicted distance range setting means (23) detects the map mesh including the vehicle position, reads out the predicted distance range data corresponding to the detected map mesh, said prediction A distance range is set.

A navigation device according to claim 9 is the navigation device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the predicted distance range setting means (23) is located at the current vehicle position. The predicted distance range data is corrected by synchronizing the current time and the time zone corresponding to the predicted distance range with respect to the closer predicted distance range.

The navigation device according to claim 1 0, in the navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 (2), the predicted distance range data, areas, seasons, days of the week, each holiday or holiday period It is characterized by being generated.

The navigation system according to claim 1 1, a navigation system comprising a navigation device and (2), an information distribution center with a routing information distribution means for distributing the routing information (17) (3) to the navigation device, the (1) In the navigation device (2), the vehicle position information transmitting means (23, 23) transmits the vehicle position information for specifying the vehicle position and the destination information for specifying the destination to the information distribution center. 27), receiving means (27) for receiving the route information distributed from the information distribution center, and display for controlling the route information received by the receiving means to be displayed on the map of the display device (25). a control unit (23), wherein the information distribution center (3), for each time period of a predetermined time interval, predicts the distance range that the vehicle arrives within the predetermined time period Predicted distance range data storage means (18) for storing the predicted distance range data, and traffic data storage means for storing the traffic data generated based on the traffic situation for each time zone of the predetermined time interval for each link. (19) When the vehicle position information and the destination information are received from the navigation device (2), the vehicle position is centered on the basis of the predicted distance range data based on the current time . A prediction distance range setting means (10) for setting a plurality of prediction distance ranges which are circular areas, and two prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other among the prediction distance ranges set by the prediction distance range setting means. with the boundary portion, the predetermined distance away outward from the inner boundary area and boundary portion spaced a predetermined distance radially inward around the vehicle position from the boundary portion to the radially outer Set the field area, the predicted boundary distance range setting means for setting a region sandwiched between the inner border area by said outer boundary area as a predicted boundary distance range (10), said adjacent set two predictions based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to the distance range, wherein the predicted boundary distance range corresponding boundary traffic data setting means for setting a boundary traffic data (10), two which are set the adjacent among the links included in the predicted distance range, the front for the Ki予 measuring boundary distance outside of the link, using the traffic data for time periods that correspond to the predicted distance range in which the link is included, before Symbol for links in prediction boundary distance range, using a pre-Symbol boundary traffic data, wherein the search means for searching a route from the vehicle location to the destination (10), by the search means And distribution control means for routing information routes that search through the route information distribution means for controlling so as to deliver to the navigation device (10), characterized in that it has a.
A navigation system according to claim 12 includes a navigation device (2) and an information distribution center (3) having route information distribution means (17) for distributing route information to the navigation device. 1) In the navigation device (2), the vehicle position information transmitting means (23, 27) transmits the vehicle position information for specifying the vehicle position and the destination information for specifying the destination to the information distribution center. ), Receiving means (27) for receiving the route information distributed from the information distribution center, and display control for controlling the route information received by the receiving means to be displayed on the map of the display device (25). Means (23), and the information distribution center (3) predicts a distance range in which the vehicle reaches within the predetermined time for each predetermined time interval. Predicted distance range data storage means (18) for storing predicted distance range data, and traffic data storage means for storing traffic data generated on the basis of the traffic situation for each time zone of the predetermined time interval for each link ( 19) and the vehicle position information and the destination information received from the navigation device (2), based on the predicted distance range data based on the current time, a circle centered on the vehicle position A prediction distance range setting means (10) for setting a plurality of prediction distance ranges as areas, and a boundary between two prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other among the prediction distance ranges set by the prediction distance range setting means The inner boundary area that is separated from the boundary portion in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position by a predetermined percentage of the distance in the predicted distance range on the inner side in the radial direction. And setting an outer boundary area that is separated from the boundary portion in the radial direction by a predetermined percentage of the distance in the predicted distance range outside the radial direction, and the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area Based on predicted boundary distance range setting means (10) for setting a region between the two as a predicted boundary distance range, and traffic data of each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance ranges set adjacently, The boundary traffic data setting means (10) for setting the boundary traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range, and the predicted boundary distance range among the links included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other For the outer link, the traffic data in the time zone corresponding to the predicted distance range including the link is used, and the link within the predicted boundary distance range is used. Then, using the boundary traffic data, search means (10) for searching a route from the vehicle position to the destination, route information of the route searched for by the search means, the route information distribution means And a delivery control means (10) for controlling delivery to the navigation device.

Further, the navigation system according to claim 1 3, a navigation apparatus mounted on a vehicle (2), an information distribution center having (3) route information distribution means for distributing the routing information to the navigation device (17), In the navigation system (1), the navigation device (2) transmits the vehicle position information for specifying the vehicle position and the destination information for specifying the destination to the information distribution center. Transmitting means (23, 27), receiving means (27) for receiving the route information distributed from the information distribution center, and displaying the route information received by the receiving means on the map of the display device (25). Display control means (23) for controlling the information distribution center (3), and the information distribution center (3) is configured so that the vehicle arrives within the predetermined time every predetermined time interval. Predicted distance range data storage means (18) for storing predicted distance range data for predicting the distance range, and for each link, traffic data generated based on the traffic situation for each time zone of the predetermined time interval is stored. When the vehicle position information and the destination information are received from the traffic data storage means (19) and the navigation device, the vehicle position is centered on the basis of the predicted distance range data based on the current time. A predicted distance range setting means (10) for setting a plurality of predicted distance ranges, which are circular areas, and each predicted distance range set by the predicted distance range setting means in a radial direction centered on the vehicle position. and dividing the predicted distance range setting means for setting a plurality of divided predicted distance range is divided into time-series manner predetermined number respectively (10), each time zone corresponding to each predicted distance range And dividing the traffic data setting means for setting a dividing traffic data corresponding to the respective time zones of the plurality of divided predicted distance range based on the traffic data (10), with respect to links in the plurality of divided predicted distance range, using the divided traffic data in the time zone corresponding respectively to the divided predicted distance range, said a search means for searching a route from the vehicle location to the destination (10), via path searched by the search means Distribution control means (10) for controlling the route information to be distributed to the navigation device via the route information distribution means.

In the navigation device according to claim 1 having the above-described configuration, a plurality of predicted distance ranges in which the vehicle reaches each time zone with a predetermined time interval on the basis of the current time are set in a circular area centered on the current vehicle position. Is done. In addition, the boundary between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other in each predicted distance range includes an inner boundary area that is a predetermined distance away from the boundary inward in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position. an outer border area a predetermined distance is set radially outwardly from the boundary, the area sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area Ru is set as a predicted boundary distance range. And the boundary part traffic data corresponding to a prediction boundary distance range are set based on the traffic data of each time slot | zone corresponding to the two prediction distance ranges set adjacently . Then, among the links included in the two predicted distance range set adjacent to, pre For measuring boundary distance outside of the link, the traffic time slot that corresponds to the predicted distance range that the link is included with use of the data, pre for the measuring links within boundary distance range, using a set boundary portion traffic data on the predicted boundary distance range, rOUTE the search from the current vehicle position to the destination Is done.
Thereby, a circular area centered on the current vehicle position, the boundary between the two predicted distance range set adjacent to, and radially inward around the vehicle position from the boundary portion set the predicted boundary distance range is a region sandwiched between the inner boundary area separated by a predetermined distance radially outwardly and the outer border area, the boundary traffic data corresponding to 該予 measuring boundary distance range, adjacent to It becomes possible to set based on the traffic data of each time zone corresponding to the set two predicted distance ranges . For this reason, when traffic data according to a time zone is used for a route search, even if the difference between traffic data corresponding to two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other is large and discontinuous, the predicted boundary distance A range can compensate for this discontinuity . Therefore, based on the current time, since the vehicle can be predicted accurately hours to reach each link included in the two predicted distance range set adjacent, the precise time of day traffic data and boundary traffic It becomes possible to use data, and it is possible to predict a road where a traffic jam occurs when a vehicle passes and a road where the traffic jam is eliminated by taking time changes into account.

In addition, it is sandwiched between an inner boundary area and an outer boundary area that are separated from each other by a predetermined distance radially inward and radially outward from the boundary between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other. set the predicted boundary distance range is a region to quickly, it is possible to complement accurately discontinuity of traffic data between each predicted distance range, predicts a time zone which the vehicle reaches each link processing Time can be shortened.

In the navigation device according to claim 2 , a plurality of predicted distance ranges in which the vehicle reaches each time zone with a predetermined time interval with respect to the current time are set in a circular area centered on the current host vehicle position. . In addition, at the boundary portion between two prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other in each prediction distance range, the prediction distance range on the radially inner side centering on the vehicle position from the boundary portion. An inner boundary area that is separated by a predetermined percentage of the distance and an outer boundary area that is separated from the boundary by a predetermined percentage of the distance in the predicted distance range outside the radial direction are set radially outward from the boundary. A region sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area is set as a predicted boundary distance range. And the boundary part traffic data corresponding to a prediction boundary distance range are set based on the traffic data of each time slot | zone corresponding to the two prediction distance ranges set adjacently. Of the links included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other, for the links outside the predicted boundary distance range, the traffic data of the time zone corresponding to the predicted distance range including the link is obtained. In addition, for a link within the predicted boundary distance range, the route from the current vehicle position to the destination is searched using the boundary traffic data set in the predicted boundary distance range.
Thus, a circular area centered on the current vehicle position, and a boundary portion between two adjacent prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position from the boundary portion. A predicted boundary distance range, which is a region sandwiched between an inner boundary area and an outer boundary area that are separated by a predetermined percentage of the distance of each predicted distance range, is set on the radially outer side, and the predicted boundary distance range is set as the predicted boundary distance range. Corresponding boundary part traffic data can be set based on traffic data of each time zone corresponding to two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other. For this reason, when traffic data according to a time zone is used for a route search, even if the difference between traffic data corresponding to two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other is large and discontinuous, the predicted boundary distance A range can complement this discontinuity. Therefore, since the time zone when the vehicle reaches each link included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other can be accurately predicted with the current time as a reference, the traffic data and the boundary traffic data in the accurate time zone can be predicted. It is possible to use this, and it is possible to predict a road where a traffic jam occurs when a vehicle passes and a road where the traffic jam is eliminated, taking into account temporal changes.
Also, a predetermined percentage of the distance of each predicted distance range is separated from the boundary portion between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other in the radial direction center and the radial direction centered on the own vehicle position. set the predicted boundary distance range is a region sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area quickly, it is possible to complement accurately discontinuity of traffic data between each predicted distance range, the vehicle There can be achieved on improvement of the prediction accuracy of the time period to reach each link.

In the navigation device according to claim 3 , the boundary traffic data setting means calculates an average value of the traffic data in each time zone corresponding to two predicted distance ranges set adjacently, and calculates the calculated average The value is set as boundary traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range. For this reason, it is possible to quickly set the boundary traffic data and accurately complement the discontinuity of the traffic data between the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other, and the vehicle reaches each link. The processing time for predicting the time zone can be shortened.

In the navigation device according to claim 4 , a plurality of predicted distance ranges in which the vehicle reaches each time zone with a predetermined time interval with respect to the current time are set in a circular area centered on the current host vehicle position. . Moreover, Ru is set a plurality of divided predicted distance range that each predicted distance range is divided into more each time series manner predetermined number in the radial direction around the vehicle position. The divided traffic data corresponding to the respective time zones of the plurality of divided predicted distance range based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to the respective predicted distance range is set. Then, the links in the plurality of divided predicted distance range, by using the divided traffic data in the time zone corresponding respectively to the divided predicted distance range, ROUTE from the current vehicle position to the destination is searched .
Thereby, for each prediction distance range that is a circular area centered on the current vehicle position, each of the prediction distance ranges is further divided into a predetermined number in a time series, and a plurality of divided prediction distance ranges are set. The divided traffic data corresponding to each of the plurality of divided predicted distance ranges can be set based on the traffic data of each time zone. For this reason, when traffic data according to the time zone is used for route search, even if the difference in traffic data corresponding to each predicted distance range becomes large and discontinuous, each predicted distance range is predetermined in time series. Complementing this discontinuity in multiple divided prediction distance ranges divided into the number, it is possible to accurately predict the time zone when the vehicle will reach each link, so it is possible to use the divided traffic data in the accurate time zone Taking into account temporal changes, it is possible to predict roads where congestion occurs when vehicles pass and roads where congestion is resolved.

In the navigation device according to the fifth aspect , the divided prediction distance range setting means further divides each prediction distance range into a predetermined number of equal time intervals in time series to set a plurality of divided prediction distance ranges. For this reason, it becomes possible to quickly set a plurality of divided predicted distance ranges and accurately complement the discontinuity of traffic data between the predicted distance ranges, and predict the time zone when the vehicle reaches each link. The processing time can be shortened.

In the navigation device according to claim 6 , the divided predicted distance range setting means further divides each predicted distance range into a predetermined number at a predetermined ratio in time series to set a plurality of divided predicted distance ranges. For this reason, it becomes possible to change the mutual ratio of the plurality of divided prediction distance ranges obtained by dividing each prediction distance range, and it becomes possible to more accurately complement the discontinuity of traffic data between the prediction distance ranges. Further, it is possible to further improve the prediction accuracy of the time zone when the vehicle reaches each link.

Further, in the navigation device according to claim 7 , the divided traffic data setting means includes traffic in each pair of time zones corresponding to each predicted distance range and an adjacent predicted distance range on the vehicle position side of each predicted distance range. prorated to fit the data in each time interval times of a plurality of divided predicted distance range setting the split traffic data. For this reason, it is possible to quickly set the segmented traffic data and accurately compensate for the discontinuity of the traffic data between each predicted distance range, and the processing time for predicting the time zone when the vehicle reaches each link Shortening can be achieved.

In the navigation device according to the eighth aspect , the predicted distance range data is stored for each map mesh. For this reason, the predicted distance range setting means only needs to read the predicted distance range data of the map mesh including the own vehicle position. The processing can be reduced compared to the sequential search of the distance range data.

Also, in the navigation device according to claim 9, most currently predicted distance range close to the position, by synchronizing the time zone of the current time and the predicted distance range, corrects the predicted distance range data. For this reason, since the predicted distance range can be set more accurately and each predicted boundary distance range or each divided predicted distance range can be set, traffic data in an accurate time zone can be used.

Further, the navigation device according to claim 1 0, the predicted distance range data, areas, seasons, days of the week, holidays, and is generated for each factor such as holiday periods. For this reason, it is possible to more accurately calculate the distance range that arrives within the predetermined time from the current position of the vehicle, and set each predicted boundary distance range or each divided predicted distance range.

Further, in the navigation system according to claim 1 1, the navigation device transmits the destination information specifying the vehicle position information and the destination of identifying the vehicle position to the information distribution center. In the information distribution center, when the transmitted vehicle position information and destination information are received , the vehicle is set to a predetermined time interval based on the current time based on the vehicle position information. A plurality of predicted distance ranges to reach is set in a circular area centered on the current vehicle position . In addition, the boundary between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other in each predicted distance range includes an inner boundary area that is a predetermined distance away from the boundary inward in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position. an outer border area a predetermined distance is set radially outwardly from the boundary, the area sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area Ru is set as a predicted boundary distance range. And the boundary part traffic data corresponding to a prediction boundary distance range are set based on the traffic data of each time slot | zone corresponding to the two prediction distance ranges set adjacently . Then, among the links included in the two predicted distance range set adjacent to, pre For measuring boundary distance outside of the link, the traffic time slot that corresponds to the predicted distance range that the link is included with use of the data, pre for the measuring links within boundary distance range, using a set boundary portion traffic data on the predicted boundary distance range, searching for a route to the destination from the current vehicle position and distributes the route information of the searched route to the navigation device. Thereafter, the navigation device displays the received route information on the map of the display device.
As a result, the information distribution center is a circular area centered on the current vehicle position, and the boundary between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other is centered on the vehicle position from the boundary. radius inward and radially outward to set the predicted boundary distance range is a region sandwiched by a predetermined distance apart inner boundary area and the outer boundary area, boundary traffic data corresponding to 該予 measuring boundary distance range Can be set based on traffic data of each time zone corresponding to two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other. For this reason, when traffic data according to a time zone is used for a route search, even if the difference between traffic data corresponding to two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other is large and discontinuous, the predicted boundary distance A range can compensate for this discontinuity . Therefore, based on the current time, since the vehicle can be predicted accurately hours to reach each link included in the two predicted distance range set adjacent, the precise time of day traffic data and boundary traffic Data can be used, and a route search can be performed by accurately predicting a road where a traffic jam occurs when a vehicle passes and a road where the traffic jam is eliminated in consideration of temporal changes. In addition, since the information distribution center searches for a route from the vehicle position to the destination, the processing load on the navigation device can be reduced. In addition, the information distribution center includes an inner boundary area and an outer boundary area that are separated by a predetermined distance radially inward and radially outward from the boundary between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other. It is possible to quickly set the predicted boundary distance range, which is the area between the two, and to accurately complement the discontinuity of traffic data between each predicted distance range, and the time zone when the vehicle reaches each link The processing time for predicting can be shortened.
In the navigation system according to the twelfth aspect, the navigation device transmits own vehicle position information for specifying the own vehicle position and destination information for specifying the destination to the information distribution center. In the information distribution center, when the transmitted vehicle position information and destination information are received, the vehicle is set to a predetermined time interval based on the current time based on the vehicle position information. A plurality of predicted distance ranges to reach is set in a circular area centered on the current vehicle position. In addition, at the boundary portion between two prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other in each prediction distance range, the prediction distance range on the radially inner side centering on the vehicle position from the boundary portion. An inner boundary area that is separated by a predetermined percentage of the distance and an outer boundary area that is separated from the boundary by a predetermined percentage of the distance in the predicted distance range outside the radial direction are set radially outward from the boundary. A region sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area is set as a predicted boundary distance range. And the boundary part traffic data corresponding to a prediction boundary distance range are set based on the traffic data of each time slot | zone corresponding to the two prediction distance ranges set adjacently. Of the links included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other, for the links outside the predicted boundary distance range, the traffic data of the time zone corresponding to the predicted distance range including the link is obtained. For the links within the predicted boundary distance range, the route from the current vehicle position to the destination is searched using the boundary traffic data set in the predicted boundary distance range. The route information of the route is distributed to the navigation device. Thereafter, the navigation device displays the received route information on the map of the display device.
As a result, the information distribution center is a circular area centered on the current vehicle position, and the boundary between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other is centered on the vehicle position from the boundary. A predicted boundary distance range that is a region sandwiched between an inner boundary area and an outer boundary area that are separated by a predetermined percentage of the distance of each predicted distance range, on the radially inner side and the radially outer side, The boundary traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range can be set based on the traffic data of each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other. For this reason, when traffic data according to a time zone is used for a route search, even if the difference between traffic data corresponding to two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other is large and discontinuous, the predicted boundary distance A range can complement this discontinuity. Therefore, since the time zone when the vehicle reaches each link included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other can be accurately predicted with the current time as a reference, the traffic data and the boundary traffic data in the accurate time zone can be predicted. It is possible to use this, and it is possible to predict a road where a traffic jam occurs when a vehicle passes and a road where the traffic jam is eliminated, taking into account temporal changes. In addition, since the information distribution center searches for a route from the vehicle position to the destination, the processing load on the navigation device can be reduced. In addition, the information distribution center has a predetermined percentage of the distance of each predicted distance range from the boundary between two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other to the radially inner side and the radially outer side centered on the vehicle position. It is possible to quickly set the predicted boundary distance range, which is the area between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area that are separated by a distance, and to accurately complement the discontinuity of traffic data between each predicted distance range It becomes possible, and the prediction accuracy of the time zone when the vehicle reaches each link can be improved.

Further, in the navigation system according to claim 1 3, the navigation device transmits the destination information specifying the vehicle position information and the destination of identifying the vehicle position to the information distribution center. In the information distribution center, when the transmitted vehicle position information and destination information are received , the vehicle is set to a predetermined time interval based on the current time based on the vehicle position information. A plurality of predicted distance ranges to reach is set in a circular area centered on the current vehicle position . Moreover, Ru is set a plurality of divided predicted distance range that each predicted distance range is divided into more each time series manner predetermined number in the radial direction around the vehicle position. The divided traffic data corresponding to the respective time zones of the plurality of divided predicted distance range based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to the respective predicted distance range is set. Then, the links in the plurality of divided predicted distance range, by using the divided traffic data in the time zone corresponding respectively to the divided predicted distance range, searches the route to the destination from the current vehicle position, the route information of this searched route distributed to the navigation device. Thereafter, the navigation device displays the received route information on the map of the display device.
As a result, the information distribution center includes a plurality of divided predicted distance ranges obtained by further dividing each predicted distance range into a predetermined number in time series for each predicted distance range that is a circular area centered on the current vehicle position. It is possible to set and set the divided traffic data corresponding to each of the plurality of divided predicted distance ranges based on the traffic data of each time zone. For this reason, when traffic data according to the time zone is used for route search, even if the difference in traffic data corresponding to each predicted distance range becomes large and discontinuous, each predicted distance range is predetermined in time series. Complementing this discontinuity in multiple divided prediction distance ranges divided into the number, it is possible to accurately predict the time zone when the vehicle will reach each link, so it is possible to use the divided traffic data in the accurate time zone In consideration of temporal changes, a route search can be performed by accurately predicting a road where a traffic jam occurs when the vehicle passes and a road where the traffic jam is eliminated. In addition, since the information distribution center searches for a route from the vehicle position to the destination, the processing load on the navigation device can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, a navigation apparatus and a navigation system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on the first to fourth embodiments.

  First, a schematic configuration of the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a navigation device 2, update information for updating map information for the navigation device 2, and slice width data 380 (predicted distance range data described later) 4) and an information distribution center 3 that distributes traffic data 390 (see FIG. 5) and a network 4. The navigation device 2 and the information distribution center 3 are configured to be able to transmit and receive various types of information via the network 4.

In addition, a road traffic information center (VICS (registered trademark)) 5 is connected to the network 4, and the navigation device 2 and the information distribution center 3 are connected to the police, Japan, via the network 4. Traffic information such as road traffic congestion information and traffic regulation information created by collecting information of a traffic control system such as a road corporation can be received every predetermined time. The traffic information is, for example, detailed information on road traffic information such as road traffic information related to road traffic jams, traffic regulation information due to road construction, construction work, and the like. In the case of road traffic information, the detailed information includes a VICS link ID (to be described later), the actual length of the traffic, the time required to pass through the traffic, the degree of traffic (no traffic / congested / separated traffic, etc.), and traffic Vehicle speed, travel time, traveling direction of traffic jam lane, time when traffic jam is expected to be resolved, etc.In the case of traffic regulation information, the duration of VICS link ID, road construction, building construction, etc., which will be described later, no traffic, one-sided alternate traffic, The type of traffic regulation such as lane regulation, the time zone of traffic regulation, etc.
The configuration of the navigation device 2 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution center 3 includes a server 10, a center side map information database (center side map information DB) 14 as a map information recording unit connected to the server 10, a navigation update history information DB 15, The center side traffic information DB 16, the center side communication device 17, a slice width DB 18 that stores slice width data 380, and a traffic DB 19 that stores traffic data 390 are provided. In addition, the server 10 is based on requests from the navigation device 2 and the arithmetic unit that controls the entire server 10 and the CPU 11 as the control unit, the RAM 12 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 11 performs various arithmetic processes. Of the map information stored in the navigation device 2, the update information for updating the map information of the predetermined area to the new version of the map information is extracted from the center side map information DB 14 and distributed to the navigation device 2. Information update processing, route search processing for searching a recommended route based on the vehicle position information and destination information based on a request from the navigation device 2 described later, and delivering the recommended route to the navigation device 2 An internal storage device such as a ROM 13 in which various control programs are recorded. Eteiru. An MPU or the like can be used instead of the CPU 11.

  In the center-side map information DB 14, update map information 14A, which is map information that is the basis for updating the map information created by the information distribution center 3 and stored in the navigation device 2, is classified for each version. Is remembered. Furthermore, update information for updating part or all of the map information stored in the current navigation device 2 to the update map information 14A is also stored. Here, the version is creation time information for specifying the time when the map information is created, and the time when the map information is created can be specified by referring to the version.

The update map information 14A stored in the center-side map information DB 14 stores various information necessary for route guidance and map display by the navigation device 2, for example, for displaying a map. It consists of map display data, route data 48 (see FIG. 3), and the like.
Here, in particular, the map display data is divided into 4 (length 1/2), 16 (1/4), and 64 (1/8) based on a secondary mesh partitioned by 10 km × 10 km. Each unit is configured so that the data amount of each unit is approximately the same level. The smallest 64 division size unit is about 1.25 km square. Each secondary mesh (hereinafter referred to as “mesh”) partitioned by 10 km × 10 km is assigned a mesh ID 380A (see FIG. 4).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the route data 48 is data for each region that divides the whole country into areas, and is a header 48A, intersection data for each intersection, node data 48B for node points, and a kind of facility. It includes link data 48C relating to a road (link), link cost 48D for searching for a route, coordinate data 48E indicating the coordinates of nodes and links, version 48F, and the like. Further, the route data 48 includes store data related to POI (Point of Interest) such as a store as a kind of facility, search data for searching for a point, and the like.

The header 48A stores the mesh ID number and the like as an area dividing the whole country.
Node data 48B includes actual road branch points (including intersections, T-junctions, etc.), node point coordinates (positions) set for each road according to a radius of curvature, etc. A node attribute indicating whether the node is a node corresponding to an intersection, a connection link number list which is a list of link IDs which are identification numbers of links connected to the node, and a node number of a node adjacent to the node via the link A list of adjacent node numbers as a list, data on the height (altitude) of each node point, and the like are recorded.

  The link data 48C includes, for each road link constituting the road (hereinafter referred to as “link”), the width of the road to which the link belongs, the gradient, the cant, the bank, the road surface state, the number of lanes of the road The data indicating the number of lanes decreasing, the width narrowing, the railroad crossing, etc. for the corner, the curvature radius, the intersection, the T-junction, the corner entrance and exit, etc. In addition to roads such as roads, national roads, prefectural roads, narrow streets, etc., and highway automobile national roads, city expressways, general toll roads, toll roads, etc. Is done. Furthermore, regarding toll roads, data relating to entrance roads (rampways), toll gates (interchanges) and the like of toll roads are recorded.

  The link cost 48D is recorded for data used when searching and displaying a route to a set destination. The link cost 48D is a distance of a link that forms a right or left turn or a road when passing through a node, In order to display the cost data used for calculating the weight of each node (hereinafter referred to as “cost”) determined by the road width, the road type, etc., and the route selected by the route search on the map of the liquid crystal display 25. This is a fixed value.

  Further, as store data, data on POIs such as hotels, hospitals, gas stations, parking lots, and tourist facilities in each region are recorded together with IDs that identify the POIs. The center-side map information DB 14 also records voice output data for outputting predetermined information by the speaker 26 of the navigation device 2.

  Then, the information distribution center 3 uses the latest version of the update map information 14A stored in the center-side map information DB 14 at the timing when the request is received from the navigation device 2, and the navigation device 2 uses the latest version of the update map information 14A. Update the map information stored in. Specifically, in the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment, when there is a distribution request for the update map information 14A from the navigation device 2, the update information for updating to the newest update map information 14A. Is delivered to the navigation device 2. Here, as the update information transmitted to the navigation device 2, all information including new road information for identifying the new road of the newest update map information 14A of the latest version may be transmitted. Necessary minimum information for updating from the map information stored in the current navigation device to the newest update map information 14A (only information on the update portion including the new road information for identifying the new road) It may be sent.

  On the other hand, in the navigation update history information DB 15, information related to the update history in which the map information stored in the navigation device 2 has been updated so far is stored together with the navigation identification ID that identifies the navigation device 2. As the update history, which version of map information is used for each link data or node data that specifically constitutes map information is stored, and a new one is updated every time the map information of the navigation device 2 is updated. Rewritten to update history.

  The center-side traffic information DB 16 stores current traffic information 16A, which is information on traffic congestion on the current road, which is created by collecting traffic information received from the road traffic information center (VICS) 5. The center-side traffic information DB 16 stores statistical traffic information 16B, which is statistical traffic information related to traffic jams and the like created in the past. This statistical traffic information 16B is the event schedule information such as the scheduled location and the scheduled date and time of events such as festivals, parades, fireworks festivals, etc., for example, roads around stations and large commercial facilities at specific times every day except weekends. Statistical traffic jam information and traffic jam prediction information such as the occurrence of traffic jams or the occurrence of traffic jams during summer holidays may be included on roads around the beach. Further, in the center side traffic information DB 16, every predetermined time in the future (for example, about every 30 minutes from the current time, about every 1 hour) for each traffic jam created based on the current traffic information 16 A and the statistical traffic information 16 B. , Approximately every 2 hours, etc.) of predicted traffic information 16C, such as traffic jam prediction information.

  Then, at the timing when the information distribution center 3 receives a request from the navigation device 2, the information distribution center 3 is connected between the intersections based on the current traffic information 16A, statistical traffic information 16B, and predicted traffic information 16C stored in the center side traffic information DB 16. Select and distribute traffic information.

  The traffic information received from the road traffic information center (VICS) 5 includes a VICS link ID together with information such as type information, position, distance of a traffic jam section, traffic jam level, and the like. The VICS link ID is an identification number assigned to a VICS link as a travel guide link that is standardized by dividing a road into predetermined intersections. The traffic information also includes information such as the coordinates of the start point and end point in each VICS link, the distance from the start point to the end point, and the like.

Here, the road (link) and the VICS link stored in the center side map information DB 14 are not the same (generally, the road (link) is subdivided more than the VICS link). . Therefore, each road (link) has a conversion table (contrast table) between the road link ID and the VICS link ID given as an identification number, and the corresponding road link ID is specified based on the VICS link ID. Be able to. Therefore, when the navigation apparatus 2 has a conversion table, when a VICS link ID is received from the information distribution center 3 or the road traffic information center (VICS) 5, traffic congestion information or the like is based on the VICS link ID. It is possible to specify the road section on which the traffic information is to be displayed.
However, if the navigation device 2 does not have a conversion table, the road section cannot be specified based on the VICS link ID. Therefore, this conversion table is also stored in the center side traffic information DB 16. Thereby, VICS link ID can be converted into road link ID currently used in the navigation apparatus 2, and traffic information can be transmitted.

Further, the information distribution center 3 distributes the slice width data 380 stored in the slice width database (slice width DB) 18 at a timing when a distribution request is received from the navigation device 2.
Here, the slice width data 380 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the data structure of the slice width data 380 stored in the slice width DB 18.
As shown in FIG. 4, the slice width data 380 includes a mesh ID 380A, a season 380B, a day of the week 380C, and a slice width 380D as a distance range. As described above, the mesh ID 380A is an ID assigned to each mesh that divides the whole country into 10 km squares. The subordinate data of the mesh ID 380A is the season 380B. In the season 380B, the slice width data 380 is divided into spring, summer, autumn, winter, and long holidays. Further, the lower day of the week 380C includes each day of the week and holidays.

  In addition, the slice width 380D is stored for each mesh, and is data that predicts a distance range in which the vehicle can travel in 15 minutes as a predetermined time, and for each 15-minute time zone. 24 hours of data are stored. That is, each slice width 380D is prediction data in which factors such as mesh ID 380A (regional characteristics), season 380B, day of the week 380C, and time zone are added. In the first embodiment, the information distribution center 3 performs VICS signals, Data is statistically processed based on probe information collected from each automobile. For example, the average vehicle speed of all links in the mesh is calculated from the VICS signal and probe information corresponding to each link included in the mesh, and a distance obtained by multiplying the average vehicle speed by a predetermined time (15 minutes) is a slice width 380D of the mesh. And

In addition, the information distribution center 3 distributes the traffic data 390 stored in the traffic database (traffic DB) 19 at the timing when the request from the navigation device 2 is received.
Here, the traffic data 390 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the data structure of the traffic data 390 stored in the traffic DB 19.
As shown in FIG. 5, the traffic data 390 is generated for each mesh ID 380A, for example, and has a link cost 390C for the link ID 390A of each link for each time zone 390B. The time zone 390B is set every 15 minutes and has the same division as the time zone (eg, “0:00” to “0:14”) set in the slice width data 380.
The link cost 390C is data indicating the average travel time required to pass through the link in the time zone 390B, and is, for example, “3 (min)”. That is, the link cost 48D of the route data 48 is a cost that does not include the time zone 390B based on the link length, the road width, and the like. The link cost 390C of the traffic data 390 is a cost reflecting the traffic situation of each time zone 390B, and is calculated by dividing the link data 390C by a reference link cost (for example, “2 min”) into route data. This is data for generating a new link cost LC by adding 48 link costs 48D.

  The information distribution center 3 may be operated by any one of an individual, a company, a group, a local government, a government-related organization, or the like, or may be operated by a road traffic information center (VICS) 5.

  The network 4 includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, a mobile phone line network, a telephone line network, a public communication line network, a dedicated communication line network, a communication line network such as the Internet, etc. Can be used. A communication system using CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, terrestrial digital television broadcasting, FM multiplex broadcasting, or the like by a broadcasting satellite can also be used. Furthermore, a communication system such as a non-stop automatic fee payment system (ETC) or a narrow area communication system (DSRC) used in an intelligent road traffic system (ITS) can also be used.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the navigation device 2 configuring the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the navigation device 2 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device 2 according to the first embodiment is based on a current location detection processing unit 21 that detects the current position of the host vehicle, a data recording unit 22 that records various data, and input information. The navigation control unit 23 that performs various arithmetic processes, the operation unit 24 that receives operations from the operator, the liquid crystal display 25 that displays information such as a map to the operator, and voice guidance related to route guidance are output. And a communication device 27 that communicates with the road traffic information center (VICS) 5, the information distribution center 3, and the like. The navigation control unit 23 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 28 that detects the traveling speed of the host vehicle.

  The components constituting the navigation device 2 will be described below. The current location detection processing unit 21 includes a GPS 31, a geomagnetic sensor 32, a distance sensor 33, a steering sensor 34, a gyro sensor 35 as an azimuth detection unit, and an altimeter (not shown). And the like, and it is possible to detect the current position, direction, distance to a target (for example, an intersection), and the like.

  Specifically, the GPS 31 detects the current location and current time of the vehicle on the earth by receiving radio waves generated by artificial satellites, and the geomagnetic sensor 32 measures the direction of the vehicle by measuring the geomagnetism. The distance sensor 33 detects a distance between predetermined positions on the road. Here, as the distance sensor 33, for example, the rotational speed of a wheel (not shown) of the vehicle is measured, a sensor that detects the distance based on the measured rotational speed, the acceleration is measured, and the measured acceleration is 2 A sensor that integrates the times and detects the distance can be used.

  The steering sensor 34 detects the rudder angle of the host vehicle. Here, as the steering sensor 34, for example, an optical rotation sensor attached to a rotating portion of a steering wheel (not shown), a rotation resistance sensor, an angle sensor attached to a wheel, or the like is used.

  And the gyro sensor 35 detects the turning angle of the own vehicle. Here, as the gyro sensor 35, for example, a gas rate gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like is used. Further, by integrating the turning angle detected by the gyro sensor 35, the vehicle direction can be detected.

  The data recording unit 22 includes an external storage device and a hard disk (not shown) as a storage medium, a navigation side traffic information DB 36, a navigation side map information DB 37, a slice width DB 38, a traffic DB 39, and a predetermined data stored in the hard disk. A recording head (not shown), which is a driver for reading programs and the like and writing predetermined data to the hard disk, is provided. In the first embodiment, a hard disk is used as the external storage device and the storage medium of the data recording unit 22, but a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk can be used as the external storage device in addition to the hard disk. Also, a memory card, magnetic tape, magnetic drum, CD, MD, DVD, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, etc. can be used as an external storage device.

  Here, in the navigation side traffic information DB 36, the actual length of the traffic jam received from the road traffic information center (VICS) 5, the cause of the traffic jam, the time when the traffic jam is expected to be eliminated, etc. Current traffic information 36A created from traffic information such as road traffic congestion information, traffic regulation information such as road construction and building construction, etc. is stored. The navigation-side traffic information DB 36 stores statistical traffic information 36B, which is statistical traffic information relating to traffic jams and the like created in the past. This statistical traffic information 36B is the event schedule information such as the scheduled location and the scheduled date and time of events such as festivals, parades, fireworks festivals, etc., for example, roads around stations and large commercial facilities at specific times every day except weekends. Statistical traffic jam information and traffic jam prediction information such as the occurrence of traffic jams or the occurrence of traffic jams during summer holidays may be included on roads around the beach. Further, in the navigation side traffic information DB 36, every predetermined time in the future (for example, about every 30 minutes from the current time, about every hour) for each traffic jam created based on the current traffic information 36A and the statistical traffic information 36B. , Approximately every 2 hours, etc.), predicted traffic information 36BC is stored.

The navigation side map information DB 37 stores navigation map information 37 </ b> A that is used for travel guidance and route search of the navigation device 2 and is updated by the information distribution center 3. Here, the navigation map information 37A includes various information such as map display data and route data 48 (see FIG. 3) necessary for route guidance and map display, similar to the update map information 14A. As shown in FIG. 3, the route data 48 is data for each region that divides the whole country into areas, and includes a header 48 </ b> A, intersection data regarding each intersection, node data 48 </ b> B regarding node points, and roads that are a kind of facility ( Link data 48C relating to a link), a link cost 48D for searching for a route, coordinate data 48E indicating coordinates of nodes and links, a version 48F, and the like.
Since details of each data have already been described, details thereof are omitted here.
The contents of the navigation-side map information DB 37 are updated by downloading update information distributed from the information distribution center 3 via the communication device 27.

The slice width DB 38 stores the above-described slice width data 380 (see FIG. 4) to be updated by the information distribution center 3. The traffic DB 19 stores the above-described traffic data 390 (see FIG. 5) that is symmetric to be updated by the information distribution center 3.
Each content of the slice width data 380 stored in the slice width DB 38 and the traffic data 390 stored in the traffic DB 39 downloads update information distributed from the information distribution center 3 via the communication device 27. Updated by.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation control unit 23 constituting the navigation device 2 is a computing device that performs overall control of the navigation device 2, a CPU 41 as a control device, and working when the CPU 41 performs various types of computation processing. The RAM 42 is used as a memory, stores route data when a route is searched, traffic information received from the information distribution center 3, and the like, a control program, a prediction distance range and a prediction boundary distance range described later. And a ROM 43 storing a route guidance processing program (see FIG. 6) for searching for a guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination and displaying it on a map, and a flash memory 44 storing a program read from the ROM 43. And an internal storage device such as a timer 45 for measuring time. As the RAM 42, ROM 43, flash memory 44, etc., a semiconductor memory, a magnetic core or the like is used. As the arithmetic device and the control device, an MPU or the like can be used instead of the CPU 41.

  In the first embodiment, various programs are stored in the ROM 43, and various data are stored in the data recording unit 22. However, the programs, data, and the like are stored in the same external storage device, memory card, and the like. It is also possible to read out a program, data, etc. from the flash memory 44 and so on. Further, the program, data, etc. can be updated by exchanging a memory card or the like.

  Furthermore, the navigation control unit 23 is electrically connected to peripheral devices (actuators) of the operation unit 24, the liquid crystal display 25, the speaker 26, and the communication device 27.

  The operation unit 24 is operated when correcting the current location at the start of traveling, inputting a departure point as a guidance start point and a destination as a guidance end point, or when searching for information about facilities, etc. And a plurality of operation switches. Then, the navigation control unit 23 performs control to execute various corresponding operations based on switch signals output by pressing the switches. As the operation unit 24, a keyboard, a mouse, a barcode reader, a remote control device for remote operation, a joystick, a light pen, a stylus pen, or the like can be used. Furthermore, it can also be configured by a touch panel provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 25.

  In addition to a route guidance screen on which a map based on the navigation map information 37A is displayed and traffic information on each link is displayed on the liquid crystal display 25 as will be described later, operation guidance, operation menu, key guidance, current location A guide route from the destination to the destination, guidance information along the guide route, traffic information, news, weather forecast, time, mail, TV program, etc. are displayed. Instead of the liquid crystal display 25, it is also possible to use a CRT display, a plasma display, or the like, or a hologram device that projects a hologram on the windshield of a vehicle.

  In addition, the speaker 26 outputs voice guidance or the like that guides traveling along the guidance route based on an instruction from the navigation control unit 23. Here, examples of the voice guidance to be guided include “200m ahead, turn right at XX intersection”, “Now, the next national road XX is congested”. Note that as the sound output from the speaker 26, in addition to the synthesized sound, various sound effects and various guidance information recorded in advance on a tape, a memory or the like can be output.

  The communication device 27 is a communication unit that communicates with the information distribution center 3, and transmits / receives updated map information of the latest version, slice width data 380, traffic data 390, and the like to / from the information distribution center 3. Further, in addition to the information distribution center 3, the communication device 27 includes information such as traffic congestion information, regulation information, parking information, traffic accident information, and service area congestion status transmitted from the road traffic information center (VICS) or the like. Receive traffic information consisting of

Next, in the navigation system 1 having the above configuration, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 sets a predicted distance range, a predicted boundary distance range, and the like, searches for a guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination, and places it on the map. The route guidance process to be displayed will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a route guidance process in which the navigation device 2 according to the first embodiment searches for a guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination and displays it on a map.
Note that the program shown in the flowchart in FIG. 6 is stored in the RAM 42 or ROM 43 provided in the navigation device 2 and is executed by the CPU 41.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 11, the CPU 41 performs an input operation of the operation unit 24 such as a touch panel or an operation switch in accordance with a route guidance processing program stored in the ROM 43. Waiting for the destination setting (S11: NO).
If it is determined that the destination has been input (S11: YES), the CPU 41 temporarily stores the coordinates of the destination in the RAM 42.
Subsequently, in S <b> 12, the CPU 41 detects the current position of the own vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “own vehicle position”) by the current position detection processing unit 21. Then, the CPU 41 reads out map data including the current position of the vehicle from the navigation map information 37A, detects a mesh including the vehicle position based on the map data, and acquires a mesh ID 380A of the mesh.

In S13, the CPU 41 reads the time data of the timer 45, acquires the current date and time and the current time, and identifies the current season 380B, day 380C, and time zone factor.
In S14, when the CPU 41 specifies the mesh ID 380A, the season 380B, the day of the week 380C, and the time zone factor, the CPU 41 reads the slice width data 380 associated with the mesh ID 380A, and based on the slice width data 380, the four slices are read out. The width 380D is determined in time series.

For example, when the season 380B is “spring”, the day of the week 380C is “Monday”, and the current time is a time included in 10: 15-10: 29, the CPU 41 includes the slice width data 380 shown in FIG. , Read the slice width 380D of “10: 15-10: 29”. For example, the slice width 380D is “6.0 km”, and this mesh indicates that the distance in which the vehicle can travel is about 6 km in 15 minutes.
Next, the CPU 41 reads out the slice width 380D of “10:30 to 10:44” of the same mesh ID 380A, season 380B, and day of the week 380C as the second slice width 380D. The slice width 380D read at this time indicates the distance range in which the vehicle reaches from “10:30 to 10:44” from the position where the vehicle traveled during “10:15 to 10:29”. For example, “5.6 km”.

  The CPU 41 uses the same mesh ID 380A, season 380B, and day 380C of “10:45 to 10:59” and “11:00 to 11:14” as the third and fourth slice widths 380D. “6.3 km” and “5.8 km” having a slice width of 380D are read out. As a result, “10: 15-10: 29”, “10: 30-10: 44”, “10: 45-10: 59”, “11: 0-11: 14” The slice width 380D that predicts the distance traveled by the vehicle in each of the four consecutive time zones is acquired.

  Next, in S15, the CPU 41 corrects the first slice width 380D. As described above, the first slice width 380D predicts the distance traveled by the vehicle in 15 minutes “10: 15-10: 29”. Therefore, when the current time is “10:20”, for example, the time until the end time “10:29” of the above time zone (from “10:20” to “10:29”) Recalculate the slice width 380D. In other words, if the predicted travel distance for 15 minutes from “10:15 to 10:29” is “6.0 km”, it will be “4.0 km” in 10 minutes, so the first slice width 380D is The correction is made to “4.0 km”, and the corrected slice width 380D is stored in the RAM.

In S16, the CPU 41 uses the four slice widths 380D to set each circular area as the predicted distance range.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 41 sets the first circular area 51 using the first slice width 380 </ b> D stored in the RAM 42 with the current vehicle position 50 as the center. Since the corrected first slice width 380D is “4.0 km”, the first circular area 51 has a circular shape with a radius “4.0 km” from the vehicle position 50. The first circular area 51 is a predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10: 20-10: 29”.
Subsequently, the CPU 41 sets a second circular area 52 that is separated from the circumference of the first circular area 51 by a second slice width 380D (“5.6 km”). The second circular area 52 is a predicted distance range where the vehicle reaches within “10:30 to 10:44”.

  Further, the CPU 41 determines, based on the third and fourth slice widths 380D, the third circular area 53 that is separated from the circumference of the second circular area 52 by the third slice width 380D (“6.3 km”), A fourth circular area 54 that is separated from the circumference of the third circular area 53 by a fourth slice width 380D (“5.8 km”) is set. The third circular area 53 is a predicted distance range in which the position where the vehicle reaches “10:45 to 10:59” is predicted, and the fourth circular area 54 is “11:00 to 11:14”. This is the predicted distance range. As a result, the circular areas 51 to 54 are set concentrically around the current vehicle position 50.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in S <b> 17, the CPU 41 sets a predetermined distance range including the boundary portion as a predicted boundary distance range at the boundary portion of each set predicted distance range. That is, each boundary area that is separated from each circular area 51 to 54 by a predetermined distance (in the first embodiment, about 500 m) on the radially inner side and the radially outer side centered on the vehicle position is set.
First, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 41 sets a first inner boundary area 51 </ b> A that is 500 m away from the first circular area 51 radially inward with the vehicle position 50 as the center. Further, the CPU 41 sets a first outer boundary area 51 </ b> B that is 500 m away from the first circular area 51 radially outward with the host vehicle position 50 as the center. The area between the first inner boundary area 51A and the first outer boundary area 51B is the predicted boundary distance range.

In addition, the CPU 41 sets a second inner boundary area 52 </ b> A that is 500 m away from the second circular area 52 on the inner side in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position 50. Further, the CPU 41 sets a second outer boundary area 52 </ b> B that is 500 m away from the second circular area 52 radially outward with the host vehicle position 50 as the center. The area between the second inner boundary area 52A and the second outer boundary area 52B is the predicted boundary distance range.
Subsequently, the CPU 41 sets a third inner boundary area 53 </ b> A that is 500 m away from the third circular area 53 radially inward with the host vehicle position 50 as the center. In addition, the CPU 41 sets a third outer boundary area 53 </ b> B that is 500 m away from the third circular area 53 radially outward with the host vehicle position 50 as the center. The area between the third inner boundary area 53A and the third outer boundary area 53B is the predicted boundary distance range.

Further, the CPU 41 sets a fourth inner boundary area 54 </ b> A that is 500 m away from the fourth circular area 54 radially inward with the vehicle position 50 as the center. The area between the fourth inner boundary area 54A and the fourth circular area 54 is the predicted boundary distance range.
As a result, the boundary areas 51A to 54A are set concentrically with the current vehicle position 50 as the center, and predicted boundaries are formed on both sides in the radial direction of the circular areas 51 to 53 and on the inner side in the radial direction of the fourth circular area 54. A distance range is set.

As shown in FIG. 6, in S <b> 18, the CPU 41 searches for traffic data 390 in the traffic DB 39 based on the time zone corresponding to each of the circular areas 51 to 54.
First, the CPU 41 searches the traffic data 390 associated with the mesh ID of the mesh including the current host vehicle position 50. When the corresponding traffic data 390 is detected, the link cost 390C corresponding to the link in the first circular area 51 is read first. Here, since the first circular area 51 is the predicted distance range where the vehicle will reach by “10: 20-10: 29”, it is in the time zone 390B of “10: 20-10: 29”. Corresponding link cost 390C is detected.

Further, the CPU 41 detects the traffic data 390 corresponding to the link in the second circular area 52, and reads the link cost 390C in the traffic data 390. As shown in FIG. 8, the meshes included in the second circular area 52 are different, but the traffic data 390 is searched for each mesh. Then, among the traffic data 390, the link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “10:30 to 10:44”, of which the link cost 390C of the link included in the second circular area 52 is read out.
Similarly, for the links included in the third to fourth circular areas 53 to 54, “10: 45-10: 59” and “11: 0-11: 14” for each mesh. The link cost 390C of each traffic data 390 is read out.

Subsequently, in S19, the CPU 41 searches the traffic data 390 in the traffic DB 39 based on the time zones corresponding to the circular areas 51 to 54 based on the boundary areas 51A to 54A, and the circular areas 51 to 53. Boundary area complementing processing is performed to complement link costs corresponding to links within each predicted boundary distance range set on both sides in the radial direction and on the inner side in the radial direction of the fourth circular area 54.
First, the CPU 41 reads the link cost 390C in the time zone 390B of “10: 20-10: 29” of the first circular area 51 read out in S18 and “10: 30-10 of the second circular area 52”. The link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “time 44 minutes” is read, and the average value of the link costs 390C is calculated. The average value of each link cost 390C is a link of a link in an area sandwiched between the first inner boundary area 51A and the first outer boundary area 51B (hereinafter referred to as “first predicted boundary distance range 71”). It is stored in the RAM 42 as a cost (hereinafter referred to as “first average link cost 390C”).

Further, the CPU 41 reads the link cost 390C in the time zone 390B of the second circular area 52 “10:30 to 10:44” read in S18 and “10:45 to 10:00” of the third circular area 53. The link cost 390C of the “59 minutes” time zone 390B is read out, and the average value of the link costs 390C is calculated. The average value of each link cost 390C is a link of a link in a region sandwiched between the second inner boundary area 52A and the second outer boundary area 52B (hereinafter referred to as “second predicted boundary distance range 72”). This is stored in the RAM 42 as a cost (hereinafter referred to as “second average link cost 390C”).
Further, the CPU 41 reads the link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “10: 45-10: 59” of the third circular area 53 read out in S18 and “11: 0-11 of the fourth circular area 54”. The link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “time 14 minutes” is read out, and the average value of the link costs 390C is calculated. The average value of each link cost 390C is a link of a link in a region sandwiched between the third inner boundary area 53A and the third outer boundary area 53B (hereinafter referred to as “third predicted boundary distance range 73”). It is stored in the RAM 42 as a cost (hereinafter referred to as “third average link cost 390C”).

  Further, the CPU 41 reads the link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “11: 0 to 11:14” of the fourth circular area 54 read out in S18 and “11: 0 to of the fourth circular area 54”. The link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “11:15 to 11:29”, which is the next time zone of the “11:14” time zone 390B, is read, and the average value of each link cost 390C is calculated. . The average value of the link costs 390C is the link cost of the links in the region sandwiched between the fourth inner boundary area 53A and the fourth circular area 54 (hereinafter referred to as “fourth predicted boundary distance range 74”). (Hereinafter referred to as “fourth average link cost 390C”).

For example, for the link P shown in FIG. 8, the link cost “5 min” in the time zone 390B of “10: 20-10: 29” of the first circular area 51 and “10 o'clock” of the second circular area 52 The average value “10 min” with the link cost “15 min” of the time zone 390B from “30 minutes to 10:44” is stored in the RAM 42 as the first average link cost 390C.
For the link Q shown in FIG. 8, the link cost “7 min” in the time zone 390B of “10:30 to 10:44” in the second circular area 52 and “10 o'clock” in the third circular area 52 The average value “13.5 min” with the link cost “20 min” in the time zone 390B of “45 minutes to 10:59” is stored in the RAM 42 as the second average link cost 390C.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in S20, the CPU 41 determines the link costs 390C of the circular areas 51 to 54 read in S18, the first average link cost 390C stored in the RAM 42 in S19, and the second Using the average link cost 390C, the third average link cost 390C, the fourth average link cost 390C, and the link cost 48D of the route data 48 corresponding to the same link as each of the link costs 390C, a new link is created. Calculate the cost LC. For example, the link cost LC is generated by adding the link cost 48D to the numerical value obtained by dividing each link cost 390C by the reference link cost (for example, “2 min”), and the link cost LC is stored in the RAM 42. Memorize temporarily.

And the area | region except each prediction boundary distance range 71, 72, 73, 74 of each circular area 51-54, the 1st prediction boundary distance range 71, the 2nd prediction boundary distance range 72, the 3rd prediction boundary distance range 73, the 1st When the link cost LC for each link included in the 4 predicted boundary distance range 74 is generated, the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S21.
In S21, the CPU 41 uses the link cost LC to search for a route from the current own vehicle position to the destination coordinates stored in the RAM 42 by the Dijkstra method or the like.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 41 has a level including the narrow road in the area in the fourth circular area 54 centered on the own vehicle position 50 and the destination peripheral area 58 (for example, a 30 km square area). Route data 48 is used. Then, between the fourth circular area 54 and the destination peripheral region 58, route data 48 of a level higher than that level and including a main road such as a national road is used.
Further, the link costs 390C of the circular areas 51 to 54 read out in S18, the first average link cost 390C, the second average link cost 390C, the third average link cost 390C, and the fourth stored in the RAM 42 in S19. The average link cost 390C is the area excluding the prediction boundary distance ranges 71, 72, 73, 74 of the circular areas 51 to 54, the first prediction boundary distance range 71, the second prediction boundary distance range 72, and the third prediction boundary distance. Since it is the link cost of each link included in the range 73 and the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74, the route data 48 is within the destination peripheral region 58 and between the fourth circular area 54 and the destination peripheral region 58. The recommended route to the destination 55 is searched by the Dijkstra method or the like using only the link cost 48D.

  Therefore, in the fourth circular area 54 centered on the own vehicle position 50, traffic data 390 up to about 60 minutes ahead, which is predicted at the present time, is taken into consideration, so it does not occur at the present time, Can predict traffic jams. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, even when no traffic jam occurs at the current time (“10:20”), when the vehicle passes (for example, “11:00 to 11:14”), the rush hour It is possible to detect a traffic jam prediction road 56 in which the occurrence of natural traffic jams and the like is predicted. Thereby, the CPU 41 can search for a route that avoids the traffic jam prediction road 56. For this reason, for example, when the first route R1 connecting the vehicle position 50 and the destination 55 and the second route R2 including the traffic jam prediction road 56 are searched, the link cost LC of the traffic jam prediction road 56 is large. Accordingly, the first route R1 that avoids the traffic jam prediction road 56 can be calculated as the recommended route.

  On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 10, a traffic jam occurrence road 57 in which a traffic jam due to rush hour occurs at the present time (“10:20”) on the first route R1 from the own vehicle position 50 to the destination 55. Even if there is, there is a case where it is predicted that the traffic jam will be resolved when the vehicle passes (for example, “11:00 to 11:14”). In this case, when the link cost LC corresponding to the first route R1 including the congestion occurrence road 57 is small and suitable as the route, the second route R2 that does not have a congestion at the present time but takes time is selected. However, it is possible to select the first route R1 that is currently congested but is expected to be resolved when passing.

When the recommended route is searched, the CPU 41 calculates the required time to the destination, temporarily stores it in the RAM 42, and then proceeds to the process of S22.
As shown in FIG. 6, in S22, the CPU 41 displays the searched route on the liquid crystal display 25 and performs route guidance.
As a result, for example, a guidance screen 60 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 25. The guidance screen 60 includes a map image 61 that is a map from the vehicle position 50 to the destination, a vehicle position mark 62 and a destination mark 63, and a guidance route (recommended route) 64 that connects the marks 62 and 63. It is superimposed with a thick blue line. At this time, a guidance voice for guiding the route may be output from the speaker 26.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, in S23, the CPU 41 executes a determination process for determining whether or not the fourth circular area 54 has been exceeded while guiding the recommended route. And when it determines with not having exceeded the 4th circular area 54 (S23: YES), CPU41 transfers to the process of S24. In S24, the CPU 41 executes a determination process for determining whether or not to end the guidance. In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the destination, or whether or not a route guidance stop operation has been performed by the operation unit 24 such as an operation switch or a touch panel.
If it is determined that the guidance is not finished (S24: NO), the CPU 41 executes the processes after S22 again to continue the route guidance.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S23 that the fourth circular area 54 has been exceeded (S23: NO), the CPU 41 executes the processing after S12 again, detects the mesh including the current host vehicle position, and described above. Repeat the process. Then, while predicting the traffic situation when the vehicle passes, the route is searched and the searched route is guided.
On the other hand, when an input operation for arriving at the destination or stopping guidance is performed via the operation unit 24 in S24 (S24: YES), the CPU 41 determines that the guidance is finished, and finishes the route guidance. Then, the process ends.

  As described above in detail, in the navigation device 2 according to the first embodiment, the distance range (predicted distance range) that reaches every 15 minutes from the current position of the vehicle is set as the circular areas 51 to 54 for each time zone. (S11 to S16). In addition, boundary areas 51A to 54A that are separated from each circular area 51 to 54 by a predetermined distance (in the first embodiment, about 500 m) on the radially inner side and the radially outer side centered on the own vehicle position are set. Then, the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 are set (S17). Further, based on the link costs 390C corresponding to the time zones 390B of the circular areas 51 to 54, the first average link costs 390C to 390C corresponding to the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74, respectively. 4 Average link cost 390C is set (S18-S19). And the area | region except each prediction boundary distance range 71, 72, 73, 74 of each circular area 51-54, the 1st prediction boundary distance range 71, the 2nd prediction boundary distance range 72, the 3rd prediction boundary distance range 73, the 1st The link cost LC for each link included in the 4 predicted boundary distance range 74 is set (S20). Then, the CPU 41 searches for a recommended route from the current own vehicle position to the coordinates of the destination stored in the RAM 42 using the link cost LC, performs route guidance, and exceeds the fourth circular area 54. The circular areas 51 to 54 and the boundary areas 51A to 54A are reset (S21 to S24).

  Therefore, in the navigation device 2, each boundary area 51A that is separated from each circular area 51 to 54 by a predetermined distance (in the first embodiment, about 500 m) radially inward and radially outward with the vehicle position as the center. To 54A, the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 are set, and the first based on each link cost 390C corresponding to each time zone 390B of each circular area 51 to 54, The first average link cost 390C to the fourth average link cost 390C corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 can be set. For this reason, even if the difference of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time slot | zone 390B of each circular area 51-54 becomes large and it is discontinuous, it is in 1st prediction boundary distance range 71-4th prediction boundary distance range 74. By setting the first average link cost 390C to the fourth average link cost 390C for each link, each of the circular areas 51 to 54 within the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 is set. Since the discontinuity of each link cost 390C corresponding to the time zone 390B is complemented and the time zone 390B where the vehicle reaches each link can be accurately predicted, traffic congestion occurs when the vehicle passes by taking into account temporal changes Roads where traffic congestion and roads can be resolved can be predicted with high accuracy.

  Also, the respective boundary areas 51A to 54A that are separated from each circular area 51 to 54 by a predetermined distance (in the first embodiment, about 500 m) on the inner side in the radial direction and the outer side in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position. Therefore, the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 are quickly set to accurately complement the discontinuity of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time zone 390B of each circular area 51 to 54. Thus, the processing time for predicting the time zone 390B for the vehicle to reach each link can be shortened.

  In addition, the average value of the link costs 390C corresponding to the time zones 390B of the adjacent areas of the circular areas 51 to 54 is the first value corresponding to the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74. Since the 1st average link cost 390C to the 4th average link cost 390C are set, the 1st average link cost 390C to the 4th average link cost 390C are quickly set to correspond to each time zone 390B of each of the circular areas 51 to 54. Therefore, the discontinuity of each link cost 390C can be accurately compensated, and the processing time for predicting the time zone 390B for the vehicle to reach each link can be further shortened.

Further, the CPU 41 synchronizes the current time with the time zone corresponding to the first circular area 51, and corrects the slice width 380D to be short. For this reason, since the 1st circular area 51 can be set more correctly, the precision of the 2nd-4th circular areas 52-54 can be improved.
Further, the slice width data 380 has a slice width 380D for each factor of the mesh 380A, season 380B, day of the week 380C, and time zone. For this reason, since locality, a time factor, and a time factor can be added to slice width 380D, the precision of slice width 380D can be improved.

  Next, a navigation device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the configuration of the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 6 indicate the same or corresponding parts as those in the configuration of the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

The schematic configuration of the navigation device 2 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the navigation device 2 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are also substantially the same as the navigation apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment.
However, as shown in FIG. 12, the navigation device 2 according to the second embodiment searches for the guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination and displays each circular area in the route guidance processing S47 to S49 for displaying on the map. The navigation apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment is different from the navigation apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment in that 51 to 54 are equally divided into three equal time intervals at equal time intervals, that is, three equal intervals at five minute intervals.

A route guidance process executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 according to the second embodiment to search for a guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination and display the route on the map will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a route guidance process in which the navigation device 2 according to the second embodiment searches for a guidance route from the vehicle position to the destination and displays it on a map.
Note that the program shown in the flowchart in FIG. 12 is stored in the RAM 42 or the ROM 43 provided in the navigation device 2 and is executed by the CPU 41.

As shown in FIG. 12, in S41 to S46, the CPU 41 executes the processes of S11 to S16.
In S47, the CPU 41 sets each divided circular area by dividing each circular area 51 to 54 into three equal time intervals in equal time intervals, that is, three equal intervals in five minute intervals.
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first circular area 51 has a circular shape with a radius of “4.0 km” from the own vehicle position 50, and thus the distance that the vehicle reaches from the own vehicle position 50 in 5 minutes, Since the distance to reach within “10: 20-10: 24” is “2 km” from the own vehicle position, the CPU 41 sets the first divided circular area 501 having the radius “2 km” from the own vehicle position. To do. The first divided circular area 501 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10: 20-10: 24”. An area sandwiched between the first divided circular area 501 and the first circular area 51 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10: 25-10: 29”.

  Further, since the distance from the circumference of the first circular area 51 to the second circular area 52 is “5.6 km”, the distance that the vehicle reaches from the circumference of the first circular area 51 in the radial direction 5 minutes. Is “about 1.9 km”, the CPU 41 sets the second divided circular area 511 that is separated from the circumference of the first circular area 51 by “about 1.9 km”. Further, a third divided circular area 512 that is separated from the circumference of the first circular area 51 by “about 3.8 km” is set. A region sandwiched between the first circular area 51 and the second divided circular area 511 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10:30 to 10:34”. An area between the second divided circular area 511 and the third divided circular area 512 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10: 35-10: 39”. The region sandwiched between the third divided circular area 512 and the second circular area 52 is a divided predicted distance range where the vehicle reaches within “10: 40-10: 44”.

  Further, since the distance from the circumference of the second circular area 52 to the third circular area 53 is “6.3 km”, the distance that the vehicle reaches from the circumference of the second circular area 52 in 5 minutes in the radial direction. Is “about 2.1 km”, the CPU 41 sets a fourth divided circular area 521 that is separated from the circumference of the second circular area 52 by “about 2.1 km”. Further, a fifth divided circular area 522 that is separated from the circumference of the second circular area 52 by “about 4.2 km” is set. A region sandwiched between the second circular area 52 and the fourth divided circular area 521 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10: 45-10: 49”. A region sandwiched between the fourth divided circular area 521 and the fifth divided circular area 522 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10: 50-10: 54”. An area between the fifth divided circular area 522 and the third circular area 53 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “10: 55-10: 59”.

  Further, since the distance from the circumference of the third circular area 53 to the fourth circular area 54 is “5.8 km”, the distance that the vehicle reaches from the circumference of the third circular area 53 in the radial direction 5 minutes. Is “about 1.9 km”, the CPU 41 sets a sixth divided circular area 531 that is separated from the circumference of the third circular area 53 by “about 1.9 km”. Further, a seventh divided circular area 532 that is separated from the circumference of the third circular area 53 by “about 3.8 km” is set. An area sandwiched between the third circular area 53 and the sixth divided circular area 531 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “11:00 to 11:05”. An area between the sixth divided circular area 531 and the seventh divided circular area 532 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “11:05 to 11:09”. An area between the seventh divided circular area 532 and the fourth circular area 54 is a divided predicted distance range in which the vehicle reaches within “11: 10-11: 14”.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, in S48, the CPU 41 reads the traffic data 390 in the traffic DB 39, divides each time zone 390B of the traffic data 390 into three equal parts, and sets each time zone 391B. Along with this, divided traffic data 391 composed of each link cost 391C that is proportionally distributed according to the time interval of each time zone 391B obtained by dividing each link cost 390C adjacent in time series into three equal parts is created. Store in the RAM 42.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the divided traffic data 391 is set for each mesh ID 380A corresponding to the traffic data 390, and has a link cost 391C for the link ID 391A of each link for each time zone 391B. Yes. This time zone 391B is set every 5 minutes to divide each time zone 390B of the traffic data 390 into three equal parts, and the time zone set by the slice width data 380 (for example, “0:00” to “0:14” etc. ) Are divided into three equal parts (for example, “0:00” to “0:04”, “0:05 to 0:09”, “0:10 to 0:14”, etc.).
The link cost 391C is data indicating the average travel time required to pass through the link in the time zone 391B, and the link cost 390C corresponding to each adjacent time zone 390 of the traffic data 390 is This is proportionally distributed according to the time interval of each time zone 391B divided into three equal parts.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the link P of the traffic data 390, the link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “10:15 to 10:29” is “5 min”, and “10:30 to 10:00 When the link cost 390C of the time zone 390B of “44 minutes” is “15 min”, the difference “10 min” of the link cost 390C is “3.3 min”, “3.4 min”, “3.3 min”, almost 3 etc. Divided, and sequentially added to the link cost 390C “5 min” for proportional distribution. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the link cost 391C of the time zone 391B of “10: 15-10: 19” for the link P of the divided traffic data 391 is “5 min” and “10: 20- The link cost 391C of the time zone 391B of “10:24” is “8.3 min”, the link cost 391C of the time zone 391B of “10: 25-10: 29” is “11.7 min”, “10 The link cost 391C of the time zone 391B from “30:30 to 10:34” is set to “15 min” and stored in the RAM.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12, in S49, the CPU 41 searches the divided traffic data 391 stored in the RAM 42 based on the time zones corresponding to the divided circular areas 501, 511 to 532, and the circular areas 51 to 54. To do.
First, the CPU 41 searches the divided traffic data 391 associated with the mesh ID of the mesh including the current host vehicle position 50. When the corresponding divided traffic data 391 is detected, the link cost 391C corresponding to the link in the first divided circular area 501 is read first. As shown in FIG. 13, the first divided circular area 501 is a predicted distance range where the vehicle reaches by “10:20 to 10:24”, and therefore, “10:20 to 10:24”. The link cost 391C corresponding to the time zone 391B of “minute” is detected.

Further, the CPU 41 detects the divided traffic data 391 corresponding to the link in the first circular area 51, and reads the link cost 391C in the divided traffic data 391. As shown in FIG. 13, the first circular area 51 is a predicted distance range that the vehicle will reach by “10: 25-10: 29” here, so that “10: 25-10: 29” The link cost 391C corresponding to the time zone 391B is detected.
Further, the CPU 41 searches the divided traffic data 391 for each mesh although the meshes included in the second divided circular area 511 are different. Then, among the divided traffic data 391, the link cost 391C of the time zone 391B of “10:30 to 10:34”, of which the link cost 391C of the link included in the second divided circular area 511 is read out. .

Further, the CPU 41 searches the divided traffic data 391 for each mesh although the meshes included in the third divided circular area 512 are different. Then, among the divided traffic data 391, the link cost 391C of the time zone 391B of “10: 35-10: 39”, of which the link cost 391C of the link included in the third divided circular area 512 is read out. .
Similarly, for each link included in the second circular area 52, the fourth divided circular area 521, the fifth divided circular area 522,..., The seventh divided circular area 532, and the fourth circular area 54, “10: 45-10: 49”, “10: 50-10: 54”, “10: 55-10: 59” for each mesh,..., “11: 05- The link cost 391C of each divided traffic data 391 of “11:09” and “11:10 to 11:14” is read.

For example, for the link P shown in FIG. 13, the link cost “11.7 min” in the time zone 391B of the first circular area 51 “10: 25-10: 29” is the link cost 391C and the divided traffic data 391. Read from.
For the link Q shown in FIG. 13, the link cost “20 min” in the time zone 391B of “10: 45-10: 49” in the fourth divided circular area 521 is determined from the divided traffic data 391 as the link cost 391C. Read out.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, in S50, the CPU 41 uses the link cost 391C thus read and the link cost 48D of the route data 48 corresponding to the same link to create a new link cost LC. Is calculated. For example, a link cost LC is generated by adding the link cost 48D to a numerical value obtained by dividing each link cost 391C by a reference link cost (for example, “2 min”), and the link cost LC is stored in the RAM 42. Memorize temporarily.

Then, a link cost LC is generated for each link included in the first divided circular area 501, the first circular area 51, the second divided circular area 511,..., The seventh divided circular area 532, and the fourth circular area 54. Then, CPU41 transfers to the process of S51.
In S51, the CPU 41 uses the link cost LC to search for a route from the current vehicle position to the destination coordinates stored in the RAM 42 by the Dijkstra method or the like.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 41 has a level including the narrow road in the area in the fourth circular area 54 centered on the own vehicle position 50 and the destination peripheral area 58 (for example, a 30 km square area). Route data 48 is used. Then, between the fourth circular area 54 and the destination peripheral region 58, route data 48 of a level higher than that level and including a main road such as a national road is used.
The link cost 391C is read for the first divided circular area 501, the first circular area 51, the second divided circular area 511,..., The seventh divided circular area 532, and the fourth circular area 54. Therefore, the recommended route to the destination 55 is dicked by using only the link cost 48D in the route data 48 in the destination peripheral region 58 and between the fourth circular area 54 and the destination peripheral region 58. Search by law.

Accordingly, in the fourth circular area 54 centered on the own vehicle position 50, the divided traffic data 391 up to about 60 minutes ahead, which is predicted at the present time, is taken into consideration, so the navigation device 2 according to the first embodiment described above. As with, traffic congestion that is not occurring at the present time but that will occur in the future can be predicted.
When the recommended route is searched, the CPU 41 calculates the required time to the destination, temporarily stores it in the RAM 42, and then proceeds to the processing of S52.
Subsequently, in S52 to S54, the CPU 41 executes the processes of S22 to S24 and ends the process.

  As described above in detail, in the navigation device 2 according to the second embodiment, the distance range (predicted distance range) that reaches every 15 minutes from the current position of the vehicle is set as the circular areas 51 to 54 for each time zone. (S41 to S46). Further, the divided circular areas 501 and 511 to 532 are set by dividing the circular areas 51 to 54 into three equal parts at equal time intervals, that is, three equal parts at five minute intervals (S47). . In addition, each time zone 391B obtained by dividing the time zone 390B of the traffic data 390 into three equal parts is set, and accordingly, each link cost 390C adjacent in time series is divided into the three equal time zones 391B. The divided traffic data 391 composed of the link costs 391C proportionally distributed according to the time interval is created (S48). In addition, based on this divided traffic data 391, it is included in the first divided circular area 501, the first circular area 51, the second divided circular area 511, ..., the seventh divided circular area 532, and the fourth circular area 54. The link cost LC of each link to be read is read out, and the link cost LC is set based on the link cost 48D of the route data 48 (S49 to S50). Then, the CPU 41 searches for a recommended route from the current own vehicle position to the coordinates of the destination stored in the RAM 42 using the link cost LC, performs route guidance, and exceeds the fourth circular area 54. The circular areas 51 to 54 and the divided circular areas 501 and 511 to 532 are reset (S51 to S54).

  Therefore, in the navigation device 2, the respective divided circular areas 501 and 511 to 532 are set by dividing the respective circular areas 51 to 54 into three equal parts at equal time intervals, ie, three equal parts at five minute intervals. Based on the divided traffic data 391, the first divided circular area 501, the first circular area 51, the second divided circular area 511,..., The seventh divided circular area 532, and the fourth circular area 54 are included. A link cost 391C can be set for each link. For this reason, even if the difference of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time slot | zone 390B of each circular area 51-54 becomes large and is discontinuous, each circular area corresponding to each division | segmentation circular area 501,511-532. By setting each link cost 391C in which each link cost 390B of 51 to 54 is proportionally distributed in time series, the discontinuity of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time zone 390B of each circular area 51 to 54 is complemented. Thus, since the time zone 391B where the vehicle reaches each link can be accurately predicted, it is possible to predict with high accuracy the road where the traffic jam occurs when the vehicle passes and the road where the traffic jam is eliminated.

The three equal parts between the circular areas 51 to 54 in each time series manner isochronous, i.e. 3 equal portions at 5 minute intervals for setting the divided circular area 501,511～532. For this reason, it becomes possible to set each division | segmentation circular area 501,511-532 rapidly, and to complement the discontinuity of the traffic data 390 of each circular area 51-54 exactly, and a vehicle arrives at each link. The processing time for predicting the time zone 391B can be shortened.
The divided traffic data 391 sets each time zone 391B obtained by dividing each time zone 390B of the traffic data 390 into three equal parts, and accordingly, each link cost 390C adjacent in time series is divided into these three equal parts. Therefore, the divided traffic data 391 is quickly set to correspond to each time zone 390B of each circular area 51-54. The discontinuity of each link cost 390C can be accurately compensated, and the processing time for predicting the time zone 391B for the vehicle to reach each link can be further shortened.

  Further, the CPU 41 synchronizes the current time with the time zone corresponding to the first circular area 51, and corrects the slice width 380D to be short. For this reason, since the 1st circular area 51 can be set more correctly, the precision of the 2nd-4th circular areas 52-54 can be improved. Further, the slice width data 380 has a slice width 380D for each factor of the mesh 380A, season 380B, day of the week 380C, and time zone. For this reason, since locality, a time factor, and a time factor can be added to slice width 380D, the precision of slice width 380D can be improved.

Next, in the navigation system according to the third embodiment, the route guidance process for guiding the route from the current vehicle position to the destination executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 and the current executed by the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3. A route search process for searching for a recommended route from the vehicle position to the destination and delivering it to the navigation device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 11 denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

The schematic configuration of the navigation system according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are also substantially the same as those in the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, as shown in FIG. 15, the navigation system according to the third embodiment is different from the navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the information distribution center 3 executes a process corresponding to S12 to S21. .

  First, the “route guidance process” executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the programs shown in the flowcharts of S71 to S76 in FIG. 15 are stored in the RAM 42 and ROM 43 provided in the navigation device 2, and are executed by the CPU 41.

As shown in FIG. 15, in S71, the CPU 41 waits for setting of a destination by an input operation of the operation unit 24 such as a touch panel or an operation switch in accordance with the route guidance processing program stored in the ROM 43 (S71: NO). ).
When it is determined that the destination has been input (S71: YES), the CPU 41 temporarily stores the coordinates of the destination in the RAM.
Subsequently, in S72, the CPU 41, together with a request command for requesting a route search to the information distribution center 3, the current vehicle position data, the destination coordinate data, the version information of the navigation map information 37A, and the map image 61 (see FIG. 11) is transmitted. At the same time, when the guidance route (recommended route) 64 (see FIG. 11) to the destination ahead is displayed on the map image 61 (see FIG. 11) of the liquid crystal display 25 to guide the route, the CPU 41 Transmits the route information such as the destination and the guide route 64 to the information distribution center 3.

Thereafter, in S73, the CPU 41 sends the route information such as the guide route (recommended route) 64 and the distance radius data from the vehicle position of the fourth circular area 54 from the information distribution center 3 (in the third embodiment, the distance radius data is For example, it is about 21.7 km, that is, the total position of the own vehicle position and the distance between the circular areas 51 to 54 of the first embodiment. The distance radius data from the vehicle position in the area 54 is stored in the RAM 42.
In S74 through S76, the CPU 41 ends the process after executing the processes in S22 through S24.

Next, the “route search process” executed by the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, in FIG. 15, a program shown in the flowchart of S111~S121, the information distribution center 3 are stored in it and RAM12 and ROM13 which comprises, performed by the CPU 11.
First, in S111, the CPU 11 together with the request command for requesting the route search transmitted from the navigation device 2 in S72, the vehicle position data, the destination coordinate data, the version information of the navigation map information 37A, the map image 61 Each information such as the scale and route information is received and stored in the RAM 12. Then, CPU 11 executes a process corresponding to S12 above based on the update map information 14A that corresponds to the version information of the navigation map information 37A stored in the center side map information DB 14.
In S112 to S120, the CPU 11 updates the map information 14A corresponding to the version information of the navigation map information 37A stored in the center-side map information DB 14, the slice width data 380 stored in the slice width DB 18, Based on the traffic data 390 stored in the traffic DB 19, the processes of S13 to S21 are executed.

  Subsequently, in S121, the CPU 11 determines the route information of the searched recommended route and the distance radius data from the vehicle position of the fourth circular area 54 (in the third embodiment, the distance radius data is about 21.7 km, for example). That is, the vehicle position and the total distance between the circular areas 51 to 54 shown in Fig. 8 of the first embodiment are transmitted to the navigation device 2, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the navigation system according to the third embodiment, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 sets a predetermined distance (in the embodiment) from each circular area 51 to 54 to the radially inner side and the radially outer side centered on the vehicle position. 3 is about 500 m.) Set the respective boundary areas 51A to 54A apart, set the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74, and set each time of each circular area 51 to 54 Based on each link cost 390C corresponding to the band 390B, the first average link cost 390C to the fourth average link cost 390C corresponding to the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 can be set. It becomes. For this reason, even if the difference of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time slot | zone 390B of each circular area 51-54 becomes large and it is discontinuous, it is in 1st prediction boundary distance range 71-4th prediction boundary distance range 74. By setting the first average link cost 390C to the fourth average link cost 390C for each link, each of the circular areas 51 to 54 within the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 is set. Since the discontinuity of each link cost 390C corresponding to the time zone 390B is complemented and the time zone 390B where the vehicle reaches each link can be accurately predicted, traffic congestion occurs when the vehicle passes by taking into account temporal changes The route search can be performed by predicting the road to be closed and the road in which the congestion is eliminated with high accuracy. In addition, since the information distribution center 3 searches for a route from the vehicle position to the destination, the processing load on the navigation device 2 can be reduced.

  Also, the respective boundary areas 51A to 54A that are separated from each circular area 51 to 54 by a predetermined distance (in the third embodiment, about 500 m) on the inner side in the radial direction and the outer side in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position. Therefore, the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74 are quickly set to accurately complement the discontinuity of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time zone 390B of each circular area 51 to 54. Thus, the processing time for predicting the time zone 390B for the vehicle to reach each link can be shortened.

  In addition, the average value of the link costs 390C corresponding to the time zones 390B of the adjacent areas of the circular areas 51 to 54 is the first value corresponding to the first predicted boundary distance range 71 to the fourth predicted boundary distance range 74. Since the 1st average link cost 390C to the 4th average link cost 390C are set, the 1st average link cost 390C to the 4th average link cost 390C are quickly set to correspond to each time zone 390B of each of the circular areas 51 to 54. Therefore, the discontinuity of each link cost 390C can be accurately compensated, and the processing time for predicting the time zone 390B for the vehicle to reach each link can be further shortened.

The CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 corrects the slice width 380D to be short by synchronizing the current time with the time zone corresponding to the first circular area 51. For this reason, since the 1st circular area 51 can be set more correctly, the precision of the 2nd-4th circular areas 52-54 can be improved.
Further, the slice width data 380 has a slice width 380D for each factor of the mesh 380A, season 380B, day of the week 380C, and time zone. For this reason, since regional characteristics, time factors, and time factors can be added to the slice width 380D, the accuracy of the slice width 380D can be improved.

Next, in the navigation system according to the fourth embodiment, the route guidance processing for guiding the route from the current vehicle position to the destination executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 and the current executed by the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3. A route search process for searching for a recommended route from the vehicle position to the destination and delivering it to the navigation device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the navigation system 1 according to the first to third embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 15 are the same as those of the navigation system 1 according to the first to third embodiments. The corresponding part is shown.

The schematic configuration of the navigation system according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the navigation system 1 according to the second embodiment. Various control processes are also substantially the same as those in the navigation system 1 according to the second embodiment.
However, as shown in FIG. 16, the navigation system according to the fourth embodiment is different from the navigation system 1 according to the second embodiment in that the information distribution center 3 executes a process corresponding to S42 to S51. .

First, “route guidance processing” executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 16 is stored in the RAM 42 or ROM 43 provided in the navigation device 2 and executed by the CPU 41.
As shown in FIG. 16, in S81 to S86, the CPU 41 ends the process after executing the processes of S71 to S76.

Next, the “route search process” executed by the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the programs shown in the flowcharts of S141 to S151 in FIG. 16 are stored in the RAM 12 and the ROM 13 provided in the information distribution center 3, and are executed by the CPU 11.
First, in S141, the CPU 11 together with the request command for requesting the route search transmitted from the navigation device 2 in S82, the vehicle position data, the destination coordinate data, the version information of the navigation map information 37A, the map image 61 Each information such as the scale and route information is received and stored in the RAM 12. And CPU11 performs the process corresponded to said S42 based on the map information 14A for update corresponding to the version information of the navigation map information 37A stored in center side map information DB14.
In S142 to S150, the CPU 11 updates map information 14A corresponding to the version information of the navigation map information 37A stored in the center-side map information DB 14, slice width data 380 stored in the slice width DB 18, Based on the traffic data 390 stored in the traffic DB 19, the processes of S43 to S51 are executed.

  Subsequently, in S151, the CPU 11 determines the route information of the searched recommended route and the distance radius data from the vehicle position of the fourth circular area 54 (in the fourth embodiment, the distance radius data is, for example, about 21.7 km). That is, the vehicle position and the sum of the distances between the circular areas 51 to 54 shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the navigation system according to the fourth embodiment, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 divides each of the circular areas 51 to 54 into three equal parts at regular time intervals, that is, three etc. at five minute intervals. The divided circular areas 501, 511 to 532 are set, and based on the divided traffic data 391, the first divided circular area 501, the first circular area 51, the second divided circular area 511,. A link cost 391C can be set for each link included in the seventh divided circular area 532 and the fourth circular area 54. For this reason, even if the difference of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time slot | zone 390B of each circular area 51-54 becomes large and is discontinuous, each circular area corresponding to each division | segmentation circular area 501,511-532. By setting each link cost 391C in which each link cost 390B of 51 to 54 is proportionally distributed in time series, the discontinuity of each link cost 390C corresponding to each time zone 390B of each circular area 51 to 54 is complemented. In addition, since the time zone 391B where the vehicle reaches each link can be accurately predicted, the road where the traffic jam occurs when the vehicle passes and the road where the traffic jam is resolved can be predicted with high accuracy. Route search can be performed. In addition, since the information distribution center 3 searches for a route from the vehicle position to the destination, the processing load on the navigation device 2 can be reduced.

The three equal parts between the circular areas 51 to 54 in each time series manner isochronous, i.e. 3 equal portions at 5 minute intervals for setting the divided circular area 501,511～532. For this reason, it becomes possible to set each division | segmentation circular area 501,511-532 rapidly, and to complement the discontinuity of the traffic data 390 of each circular area 51-54 exactly, and a vehicle arrives at each link. The processing time for predicting the time zone 391B can be shortened.
The divided traffic data 391 sets each time zone 391B obtained by dividing each time zone 390B of the traffic data 390 into three equal parts, and accordingly, each link cost 390C adjacent in time series is divided into these three equal parts. Therefore, the divided traffic data 391 is quickly set to correspond to each time zone 390B of each circular area 51-54. The discontinuity of each link cost 390C can be accurately compensated, and the processing time for predicting the time zone 391B for the vehicle to reach each link can be further shortened.

  The CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 corrects the slice width 380D to be short by synchronizing the current time with the time zone corresponding to the first circular area 51. For this reason, since the 1st circular area 51 can be set more correctly, the precision of the 2nd-4th circular areas 52-54 can be improved. Further, the slice width data 380 has a slice width 380D for each factor of the mesh 380A, season 380B, day of the week 380C, and time zone. For this reason, since locality, a time factor, and a time factor can be added to slice width 380D, the precision of slice width 380D can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the first to fourth embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following may be used.

(1) In the first to fourth embodiments, the first to fourth circular areas 51 to 54 having a circular shape are set. However, the first to fourth circular areas 51 to 54 are not necessarily perfect circles, and may be ellipses or deformed circles with a part protruding. . For example, if there is a road whose number of lanes is extremely large compared to the surrounding roads, a deformed circle that protrudes the part corresponding to the road is set, or an ellipse that makes the road correspond to the long axis part of the ellipse A shape area may be set.
(2) In the first to fourth embodiments, the circular first to fourth circular areas 51 to 54 are set using the slice width 380D of the mesh including the vehicle position. The area as the predicted distance range may be set using the slice width 380D of the mesh where the outer periphery of the mesh is located. More specifically, first, an area (first area) closest to the vehicle position is set using the slice width 380D of the mesh including the vehicle position. After setting, when the outer periphery of the first area is located on a mesh different from the mesh including the vehicle position, the outer periphery of the first area is positioned when setting the next area (second area). A mesh slice width of 380D is used.

(3) In step 17 of the first embodiment and step 116 of the third embodiment, each boundary area is about 500 m away from each circular area 51 to 54 radially inward and radially outward with the vehicle position as the center. However, each boundary area separated by a predetermined ratio (for example, 10%) of the distance between the circular areas 51 to 54 is set on the radially inner side and the radially outer side, respectively. Good.
For example, the first inner boundary area 51 </ b> A that is 4 km × 10% = 400 m away from the first circular area 51 in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position 50 is set. In addition, a first outer boundary area 51 </ b> B that is 5.6 km × 10% = 560 m away from the first circular area 51 in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position 50 is set. The area between the first inner boundary area 51A and the first outer boundary area 51B is the predicted boundary distance range.

  (4) In step 47 of the second embodiment and step 146 of the fourth embodiment, each of the circular areas 51 to 54 is divided into three equal time intervals at equal time intervals, that is, three equal intervals at five minute intervals. Although each divided circular area is set, each circular area 51 to 54 may be divided into three at different time intervals. In this case, in each of the steps 48 and 147, each time zone 391B of the divided traffic data 391 also divides each time zone 390B of the traffic data 390 into three, and accordingly, each link cost 390C is divided into three and each link is divided. Cost 391C is set.

  (5) In step 48 of the second embodiment and step 147 of the fourth embodiment, each time zone 390B of the traffic data 390 is divided into three equal parts to set a time zone 391B, and each link cost 390C is set accordingly. Each link cost 391C is set by dividing into three equal parts, but the change of each link cost 390C is smoothed using a B-spline curve or the like, and each link cost 390C corresponding to each time zone 391B is calculated to calculate the link cost. It may be set as 391C.

(6) In the first to fourth embodiments, the first to fourth circular areas 51 to 54 are set, but a plurality other than four may be used.
(7) In step 47 of the second embodiment and step 146 of the fourth embodiment, each of the circular areas 51 to 54 is divided into three in time series, but may be divided into two or more than four. Good.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a navigation system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the navigation apparatus of the navigation system. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of path | route data. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of slice width data. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of traffic data. 5 is a flowchart illustrating route guidance processing executed by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st-4th circular area. The first to fourth inner boundary areas and the first to third outer boundary areas, which are set a predetermined distance apart from the first to fourth circular areas radially inward and radially outward with the vehicle position as the center. It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing of the route search process which searches for the route | route from the own vehicle position to the coordinate of the destination. It is explanatory drawing of the route search process which searches for the route | route from the own vehicle position to the coordinate of the destination. It is explanatory drawing of the guidance screen of route guidance. 12 is a flowchart illustrating route guidance processing executed by the navigation device according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of each division | segmentation circular area set so that between each 1st-4th circular area may be equally divided into 3 at equal time intervals, respectively. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of division | segmentation traffic data. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a route guidance process executed by a navigation device of a navigation system according to a third embodiment and a route search process executed by an information distribution center. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a route guidance process executed by a navigation device of a navigation system according to a fourth embodiment and a route search process executed by an information distribution center.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation system 2 Navigation apparatus 3 Information distribution center 4 Network 10 Server 11, 41 CPU
12, 42 RAM
13, 43 ROM
14 Center side map information DB
17 Center side communication device 18, 38 Slice width DB
19, 39 Traffic DB
23 navigation control unit 25 liquid crystal display 27 communication device 37 navigation side map information DB
48 route data 50 own vehicle position 51-54 1st circle area-4th circle area (predicted distance range)
51A, 52A, 53A, 54A First inner boundary area to fourth inner boundary area 51B, 52B, 53B First outer boundary area to third outer boundary area 71-72 First predicted boundary distance range to fourth predicted boundary distance range 380 Slice width data 390 Traffic data 391 Division traffic data 501, 511 to 532 First division circular area to seventh division circular area

Claims (13)

In a navigation device mounted on a vehicle,
For each time period of a predetermined time interval, the predicted distance range data storage means for storing the predicted distance range data in which the vehicle is predicted distance range that reaches within the predetermined time period,
Predicted distance range setting means for setting a plurality of predicted distance ranges that are circular areas centered on the current vehicle position based on the predicted distance range data based on the current time ;
For the boundary of the two predicted distance range between which is set adjacent among the predicted distance range set by the predicted distance range setting unit, a predetermined radially inward around the vehicle position from the boundary portion An inner boundary area that is separated by a distance and an outer boundary area that is a predetermined distance away from the boundary portion in the radial direction are set, and a region sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area is set as a predicted boundary distance range. Predictive boundary distance range setting means to
For each link, traffic data storage means for storing traffic data generated based on traffic conditions for each time zone of the predetermined time interval ;
Based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance range set the adjacent, the boundary transport data setting means for setting a boundary traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range,
Among the links included in the two predicted distance range the flanked to set, before Ki予 for the measurement boundary distance outside of the link, the time slot that corresponds to the predicted distance range that the link is included with use of the traffic data for the link before Ki予 measuring boundary distance within the range, using the front Symbol boundary traffic data, and search means for searching for a route to the destination from the current vehicle position ,
A navigation device characterized by comprising: In a navigation device mounted on a vehicle,
Predicted distance range data storage means for storing predicted distance range data in which a distance range in which the vehicle reaches within the predetermined time is predicted for each time period of the predetermined time interval;
Predicted distance range setting means for setting a plurality of predicted distance ranges that are circular areas centered on the current vehicle position based on the predicted distance range data based on the current time;
About the boundary part between two prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other among the respective prediction distance ranges set by the prediction distance range setting means , An inner boundary area that is separated by a predetermined percentage of the distance in the radially inner predicted distance range is set, and the predetermined distance out of the distance in the radially outer predicted distance range is set on the radially outer side from the boundary portion. set the outer boundary area at a distance of proportions, the predicted boundary distance range setting means for setting a region sandwiched between the inner border area by said outer boundary area as predicted boundary distance range,
For each link, traffic data storage means for storing traffic data generated based on traffic conditions for each time zone of the predetermined time interval;
Boundary part traffic data setting means for setting boundary part traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range based on traffic data of each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other;
Of the links included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other, for the links outside the predicted boundary distance range, the traffic data in the time zone corresponding to the predicted distance range including the link And a search means for searching for a route from the current vehicle position to the destination using the boundary traffic data for the link within the predicted boundary distance range,
Features and to Luna navigation apparatus further comprising: a. The boundary traffic data setting means calculates an average value of traffic data for each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other , and corresponds the calculated average value to the predicted boundary distance range. the navigation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that setting as the boundary portion traffic data. In a navigation device mounted on a vehicle,
For each time period of a predetermined time interval, the predicted distance range data storage means for storing the predicted distance range data in which the vehicle is predicted distance range that reaches within the predetermined time period,
Predicted distance range setting means for setting a plurality of predicted distance ranges that are circular areas centered on the current vehicle position based on the predicted distance range data based on the current time ;
A divided predicted distance range for setting a plurality of divided predicted distance ranges obtained by further dividing each predicted distance range set by the predicted distance range setting means into a predetermined number in a radial direction centered on the vehicle position. Setting means;
For each link, traffic data storage means for storing traffic data generated based on traffic conditions for each time zone of the predetermined time interval ;
And dividing the traffic data setting means for setting a dividing traffic data corresponding to the respective time zones of the plurality of divided predicted distance range based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to each predicted distance range,
Relative links in the plurality of divided predicted distance range, using the divided traffic data in the time zone corresponding respectively to the divided predicted distance range, search for searching a route to the destination from the current vehicle position Means,
A navigation device characterized by comprising: The divided predicted distance range setting unit, according to claim 4, characterized in that for setting the plurality of divided predicted distance range is divided into equal time intervals of each further time-series manner predetermined number each predicted distance range Navigation device. The divided predicted distance range setting means, according to claim 4, characterized in that for setting the plurality of divided predicted distance range is divided into a predetermined number at a further predetermined rate time series manner, respectively each predicted distance range Navigation device. The divided traffic data setting means includes a plurality of divided predicted distance ranges for each pair of time zone traffic data corresponding to each predicted distance range and an adjacent predicted distance range on the vehicle position side of each predicted distance range. The navigation device according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , wherein the divided traffic data is set in proportion to each time interval of the time zone. The predicted distance range data storage means stores the predicted distance range data for each map mesh,
The predicted distance range setting means, wherein to detect a map mesh including the vehicle position, the reading predicted distance range data corresponding to the detected map mesh and sets the predicted distance range The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The predicted distance range setting means corrects the predicted distance range data by synchronizing the current time and a time zone corresponding to the predicted distance range with respect to the predicted distance range closest to the current vehicle position. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the predicted distance range data is generated for each area, season, day of the week, holiday, or consecutive holiday period. In a navigation system comprising a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, and an information distribution center having route information distribution means for distributing route information to the navigation device,
The navigation device
Own vehicle position information transmitting means for transmitting own vehicle position information for specifying the own vehicle position and destination information for specifying the destination to the information distribution center;
Receiving means for receiving the route information distributed from the information distribution center;
Display control means for controlling the route information received by the receiving means to be displayed on a map of a display device;
Have
The information distribution center
For each time period of a predetermined time interval, the predicted distance range data storage means for storing the predicted distance range data in which the vehicle is predicted distance range that reaches within the predetermined time period,
For each link, traffic data storage means for storing traffic data generated based on traffic conditions for each time zone of the predetermined time interval ;
When receiving the vehicle position information and the destination information from the navigation device, based on the predicted distance range data based on the current time , a predicted distance range that is a circular area centered on the vehicle position is determined. A plurality of predicted distance range setting means for setting;
For the boundary of the two predicted distance range between which is set adjacent among the predicted distance range set by the predicted distance range setting unit, a predetermined radially inward around the vehicle position from the boundary portion An inner boundary area that is separated by a distance and an outer boundary area that is a predetermined distance away from the boundary portion in the radial direction are set, and a region sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area is set as a predicted boundary distance range. Predictive boundary distance range setting means to
Based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance range set the adjacent, the boundary transport data setting means for setting a boundary traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range,
Among the links included in the two predicted distance range the flanked to set, before Ki予 for the measurement boundary distance outside of the link, the time slot that corresponds to the predicted distance range that the link is included with use of the traffic data for the links in the previous Ki予 measuring boundary distance range, using a pre-Symbol boundary traffic data, and search means for searching for a route to a destination from said vehicle position,
And distribution control means for distributing to the navigation device via the route information distribution unit route information via path searched by the searching means,
A navigation system comprising: In a navigation system comprising a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, and an information distribution center having route information distribution means for distributing route information to the navigation device,
The navigation device
Own vehicle position information transmitting means for transmitting own vehicle position information for specifying the own vehicle position and destination information for specifying the destination to the information distribution center;
Receiving means for receiving the route information distributed from the information distribution center;
Display control means for controlling the route information received by the receiving means to be displayed on a map of a display device;
Have
The information distribution center
Predicted distance range data storage means for storing predicted distance range data in which a distance range in which the vehicle reaches within the predetermined time is predicted for each time zone of the predetermined time interval;
For each link, traffic data storage means for storing traffic data generated based on traffic conditions for each time zone of the predetermined time interval;
When receiving the vehicle position information and the destination information from the navigation device, based on the predicted distance range data based on the current time, a predicted distance range that is a circular area centered on the vehicle position is determined. A plurality of predicted distance range setting means for setting;
About the boundary part between two prediction distance ranges set adjacent to each other among the respective prediction distance ranges set by the prediction distance range setting means, An inner boundary area that is separated by a predetermined percentage of the distance in the radially inner predicted distance range is set, and the predetermined distance out of the distance in the radially outer predicted distance range is set outward from the boundary in the radial direction. A prediction boundary distance range setting unit that sets an outer boundary area that is separated by a distance, and sets a region sandwiched between the inner boundary area and the outer boundary area as a prediction boundary distance range;
Boundary part traffic data setting means for setting boundary part traffic data corresponding to the predicted boundary distance range based on traffic data of each time zone corresponding to the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other;
Of the links included in the two predicted distance ranges set adjacent to each other, for the links outside the predicted boundary distance range, the traffic data in the time zone corresponding to the predicted distance range including the link And a search means for searching for a route from the vehicle position to the destination using the boundary traffic data for the link within the predicted boundary distance range,
Distribution control means for controlling the route information searched for by the search means to be distributed to the navigation device via the route information distribution means;
A navigation system comprising: In a navigation system comprising a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, and an information distribution center having route information distribution means for distributing route information to the navigation device,
The navigation device
Own vehicle position information transmitting means for transmitting own vehicle position information for specifying the own vehicle position and destination information for specifying the destination to the information distribution center;
Receiving means for receiving the route information distributed from the information distribution center;
Display control means for controlling the route information received by the receiving means to be displayed on a map of a display device;
Have
The information distribution center
For each time period of a predetermined time interval, the predicted distance range data storage means for storing the predicted distance range data in which the vehicle is predicted distance range that reaches within the predetermined time period,
For each link, traffic data storage means for storing traffic data generated based on traffic conditions for each time zone of the predetermined time interval ;
When receiving the vehicle position information and the destination information from the navigation device, based on the predicted distance range data based on the current time , a predicted distance range that is a circular area centered on the vehicle position is determined. A plurality of predicted distance range setting means for setting;
Divided predicted distances for setting a plurality of divided predicted distance ranges in which each predicted distance range set by the predicted distance range setting means is further divided into a predetermined number in time series in the radial direction centered on the vehicle position. Range setting means;
And dividing the traffic data setting means for setting a dividing traffic data corresponding to the respective time zones of the plurality of divided predicted distance range based on the traffic data for each time zone corresponding to each predicted distance range,
Relative links in the plurality of divided predicted distance range, searching means for the division predicted distance range and respectively with the divided traffic data of the corresponding time slot, searching for a route to a destination from the vehicle position When,
And distribution control means for distributing to the navigation device via the route information distribution unit route information via path searched by the searching means,
A navigation system comprising:

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