JP4816561B2 - Information creating apparatus, information creating method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information creating apparatus, an information creating method, and a program for setting a predetermined area centered on a school as a school zone.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various travel guidance devices that set a predetermined area centered on a school as a school zone have been proposed.
For example, based on road map data including the location (latitude / longitude) information of school facilities categorized by school type such as nursery school, kindergarten, nursing school, elementary school, junior high school, etc. A travel guidance device has been proposed that sets an area having a radius of several kilometers around a school facility as a school zone (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-250632 A (paragraphs (0019) to (0022))

  However, since the travel guidance device described in Patent Document 1 described above sets a school zone within a certain distance range centering on school facilities, roads in which students do not pass due to areas or time zones where students do not actually pass are set. Etc. are included in the school zone. Also, if the road map data is an old version, map data related to the newly-established school facility is not included, so the school zone related to the school facility cannot be set, and accurate guidance of the school zone is not possible. There's a problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an information creation apparatus, an information creation method, and a program that enable a school zone to be set in accordance with a student's actual traffic state. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the information creating apparatus according to claim 1 includes a vehicle position detecting means (21) for detecting the own vehicle position, and a map information storage means (37) for storing map information including school position information. Photographing means (51, 53) for photographing the periphery of the vehicle, student recognition means (23) for detecting a student based on an image photographed by the photographing means, and the self-detecting student by the student recognition means. A detection position storage means (42) for storing a car position as a student detection position; a school search means (23) for searching a school around the student detection position based on the map information and the student detection position; A collection means (23, 38, 10 and 16) for collecting the school searched by the school search means and the student detection position so as to correspond to each other as school information, and a scan collected by the collection means. Characterized by comprising a, a school zone setting means (10) for setting the school zone for each school based on Lumpur information.

  The information creation device according to claim 2 is the information creation device (2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein the school zone setting means (10) connects the student detection positions corresponding to each school. The area is set as a school zone.

  The information creating apparatus according to claim 3 is the information creating apparatus (2, 3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the student recognizing means (23) determines a student type based on the image. The school search means (23) makes a determination and searches for a school corresponding to the type of student determined by the student recognition means.

  An information creating apparatus according to claim 4 is the information creating apparatus (2, 3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the school information is a date and time when a student is detected by the student recognition means. Including the information, the school zone setting means (10) sets a school zone for each predetermined time zone based on the date and time information.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information creation method comprising: an own vehicle position detecting step (S11) for detecting an own vehicle position; and a student recognition step for detecting a student based on an image photographed by photographing means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle. (S13, S14, S16, S18), a detection position storage step (S20) for storing the vehicle position where the student is detected in the student recognition step as a student detection position, map information including school location information, and A school search process (S15, S17, S19) for searching for a school around the student detection position based on the student detection position, and the school searched in the school search process and the student detection position are made to correspond to each other. A collection step (S20 to S21, S111 to S112) to collect as school information, and a school zone for each school based on the school information collected in the collection step. And Ruzon setting step (S113~S116), characterized by comprising a.

  Further, the program according to claim 6 detects a student on the basis of an image taken by an own vehicle position detecting step (S11) for detecting the own vehicle position and an imaging means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle. A step (S13, S14, S16, S18), a detection position storage step (S20) for storing the vehicle position at which the student was detected in the student recognition step as a student detection position, and map information including school location information; A school search step (S15, S17, S19) for searching for a school around the student detection position based on the student detection position, and the school searched in the school search step and the student detection position are made to correspond to each other. And collecting school information as school information (S20 to S21, S111 to S112) and school zones for each school based on the school information collected in the collecting process. A school zone setting step of setting (S113~S116), a program for execution.

  In the information generating apparatus according to claim 1 having the above-described configuration, the school information collected by mutually correlating the student detection position where the student is detected by the photographing means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle and the school around the student detection position. Since the school zone is set for each school based on the above, it is possible to set the school zone of each school according to the actual traffic state of the student.

  Further, in the information creation device according to claim 2, since the school zone is set by connecting the student detection positions where the students are detected for each school, the school zone of each school is accurately set according to the actual traffic state of the students. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, in the information creation device according to claim 3, in order to search for a school corresponding to the type of student determined based on the image, it is possible to more accurately search the school to which the student detected based on the image attends school. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the information creation device according to claim 4, it becomes possible to set the school zone of each school for each predetermined time zone based on the date and time information when the student is detected, and the school zone is changed for each predetermined time zone. It becomes possible to make the school zone more reliable.

  Further, in the information creation method according to claim 5, based on the school information collected by mutually correlating the student detection position where the student is detected by the photographing means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle and the school around the student detection position. Since the school zone is set for each school, the school zone of each school can be set according to the actual traffic condition of the student.

  Further, in the program according to claim 6, when the computer reads the program, the computer detects the student detection position where the student is detected by the photographing means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle, and the school around the student detection position. Since the school zone is set for each school based on the school information collected in correspondence with each other, the school zone of each school can be set according to the actual traffic state of the student.

  Hereinafter, an information creation device, an information creation method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment in which a navigation system is embodied.

[Schematic configuration of navigation system]
First, a schematic configuration of the navigation system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a navigation system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system 1 according to the present embodiment is an example of a navigation device 2 and school zone setting means for setting update information for updating map information for the navigation device 2 and a school zone described later. The information distribution center 3 and the network 4 are basically configured. The navigation device 2 and the information distribution center 3 are configured to be able to transmit and receive various types of information via a network 4 configured by a mobile phone network or the like.
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, and a navigation update history information database (navigation). Update history information DB) 15, center side school zone database (center side school zone DB) 16, and center side communication device 17.

  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. An internal storage device such as a ROM 13 in which various control programs for performing information update processing, school zone setting processing (see FIG. 4) for setting a school zone for each school, which will be described later, and the like are recorded, and time is measured. A timer 19 is provided. 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. Map display data, intersection data related to each intersection, node data related to node points, link data related to roads (road links), which are a kind of facility, search data for searching for routes, various types of facilities such as elementary schools, junior high schools, etc. It consists of facility data related to POI (Point of Interest) such as schools and stores, search data for searching points, and the like.

  Here, the map display data is divided into 4 divisions (length 1/2), 16 divisions (1/4), and 64 divisions (1/8) based on a secondary mesh partitioned by about 10 km × 10 km. Each unit is set 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.

  The link data includes a link ID for identifying each road link constituting the road (hereinafter referred to as “link”), a width of the road to which each link belongs, a gradient, a cant, a bank, and a road surface. The data representing the state, the number of lanes on the road, the number of lanes decreasing, the width narrowing, the railroad crossing, etc., regarding the corner, the data representing the curvature radius, intersection, T-junction, corner entrance and exit, etc. Regarding road attributes, data indicating downhill roads, uphill roads, etc. are roads, such as national roads, prefectural roads, narrow streets, and other highways, highway automobile national roads, urban highways, general toll roads, toll bridges, etc. Is recorded. Furthermore, regarding toll roads, data relating to entrance roads (rampways), toll gates (interchanges) and the like of toll roads are recorded.

  In addition, as search data, data used when searching and displaying a route to a set destination is recorded, and the distance and road width of a link that forms a right / left turn or road when passing through a node. The cost data used to calculate the weight of each node determined by the road type or the like (hereinafter referred to as “cost”), and the route selected by the route search are displayed on the liquid crystal display 25 of the navigation device 2 (see FIG. 2). ) Of the route display data for displaying on the map.

  Further, as facility data, data related to POIs such as various schools such as kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools, hotels, hospitals, gas stations, parking lots, and tourist facilities in each region are recorded together with an ID that identifies the POI. The center side map information DB 14 also records voice output data for outputting predetermined information by the speaker 26 (see FIG. 2) 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.

  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 school zone DB 16 stores school zones centered on schools such as kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools in each region set by the school zone setting process described later. Then, as will be described later, the school zone is expanded or reduced on the basis of the traffic conditions of the children, elementary school students, junior high school students, etc. who go to each school, and stored again in the center side school zone DB 16 (see FIG. 4). ). Hereafter, kindergarten, elementary school students, junior high school students, etc. are referred to as “students”.

  Then, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 selects the area information representing the school zone area existing around the navigation device 2 stored in the center-side school zone DB 16 at the timing when the navigation device 2 makes a request. And deliver.

  When the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 distributes update information for updating the map information of the navigation device 2, the CPU 11 of the school zone existing in the periphery of the navigation device 2 stored in the center-side school zone DB 16. Area information representing an area may be selected and distributed. Further, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 selects area information indicating the area of the school zone existing around each navigation device 2 stored in the center-side school zone DB 16 and periodically sends it to the corresponding navigation device 2. You may make it deliver. Further, the information distribution center 3 stores area information representing the school zone area stored in the center-side school zone DB 16 in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and provides it to each navigation device 2. It may be.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a current location detection processing unit 21 that detects the current position of the own vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “own vehicle position”), and data in which various data are recorded. A recording unit 22, a navigation control unit 23 that performs various arithmetic processes based on the input information, an operation unit 24 that receives operations from the operator, and a liquid crystal that displays information such as a map to the operator Communication is performed between the display 25, the speaker 26 that outputs voice guidance regarding route guidance, and a road traffic information center (VICS (registered trademark)) (not shown), the information distribution center 3, and the like via a mobile phone network or the like. And a communication device 27. The navigation control unit 23 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 28 that detects the traveling speed of the host vehicle.

The navigation control unit 13 is electrically connected to a camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 51 that drives and controls a CCD camera and the like. The camera ECU 51 is electrically connected to a front imaging camera 53 that is composed of two CCD cameras and the like fixed in the vicinity of the room mirror and the like and photographs the front in the traveling direction.
In addition, the optical axes of both cameras constituting the front imaging camera 53 are parallel to each other (which may be substantially parallel), and the horizontal axes of the imaging surfaces are arranged on the same line. Note that the installation location of the front imaging camera 53 is not limited to the vicinity of the rearview mirror, and may be provided at any position on the vehicle body as long as it can capture the front in the traveling direction.

  Hereinafter, each component constituting the navigation device 2 will be described. The current position detection processing unit 21 includes a GPS 31, a direction sensor 32, a distance sensor 33, an altimeter (not shown), and the like. It is possible to detect a direction, a 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. The azimuth sensor 32 includes a geomagnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, 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. Detect the direction of the vehicle. The distance sensor 33 measures, for example, the rotational speed of a wheel (not shown) of the host vehicle, detects the distance based on the measured rotational speed, measures the acceleration, and integrates the measured acceleration twice. Thus, it is composed of a sensor or the like that detects the distance, and detects the moving distance of the vehicle.

  The data recording unit 22 includes an external storage device and a hard disk (not shown) as a storage medium, a navigation side map information database (navigation side map information DB) 37 stored in the hard disk, a school zone database (school zone DB). 38) and a recording head (not shown) which is a driver for reading predetermined programs and the like and writing predetermined data to the hard disk.

  Here, 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 that is updated by the information distribution center 3. Here, the navigation map information 37A is composed of various information necessary for route guidance and map display in the same way as the update map information 14A. For example, new road information and a map for identifying each new road are displayed. Map display data for display, intersection data for each intersection, node data for node points, link data for roads (links) as a kind of facility, search data for searching for routes, kindergartens and kinders as a kind of facility It consists of facility data related to POIs such as various schools such as junior high schools and stores, search data for searching points, 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 school zone DB 38 stores area information representing school zone areas centered on each school to be updated by the information distribution center 3. The contents of the area information representing the school zone area centered on each school stored in the school zone DB 38 is updated by downloading the update information distributed from the information distribution center 3 via the communication device 27. The
Further, as will be described later, in the school zone DB 38, the vehicle position where the students such as kindergarten children, elementary school students, and junior high school students are detected based on the captured image data captured by the front imaging camera 53, and the detected students are displayed. School information composed of corresponding schools and the like is sequentially stored.

  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 and stores route data when a route is searched, traffic information received from the information distribution center 3, and the like. From a ROM 43 and a ROM 43 in which a school information transmission processing program (see FIG. 3) for transmitting school information composed of a vehicle position where a student such as an elementary school student or a junior high school student is detected and a searched school or the like is transmitted to the information distribution center 3 Internal memory such as flash memory 44 for storing the read program Location and, a timer 45 for measuring time.

  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.

This 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 searching for information about facilities, etc. Consists of keys and multiple operation switches. Note that the operation unit 24 may be configured by a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, or 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, operation guidance, operation menu, key guidance, from the current location to the destination Guidance route, guidance information along the guidance route, traffic information, and the like are displayed.

  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”, “passing the school zone”, and the like. In the present embodiment, when the host vehicle enters the school zone, the CPU 41 displays a warning on the road map displayed on the liquid crystal display 25 and passes through the school zone via the speaker 26. Give voice guidance to the effect.

  The communication device 27 is a communication means such as a mobile phone network that communicates with the information distribution center 3, and transmits / receives the latest version of updated map information and area information regarding the school zone to the information distribution center 3. Do. Further, in addition to the information distribution center 3, the communication device 27 receives traffic information including information such as traffic congestion information transmitted from a road traffic information center (not shown) and the congestion status of the service area.

  Further, the camera ECU 51 includes a data receiving unit 51A that receives control information transmitted from the navigation control unit 13, and an image recognition unit 51B that performs image recognition of a captured image captured by the front imaging camera 53. I have.

  Here, the image recognition unit 51B detects a pedestrian from image data in front of the vehicle input from the front imaging camera 53 using an image processing method such as pattern recognition. For detection of pedestrians, for example, techniques such as neural network, SVM (Support Vector Machine), template matching and the like are used. In addition, the image recognition unit 51B acquires the detected three-dimensional position of the pedestrian (relative position coordinates with the predetermined part of the vehicle as the origin) using, for example, the principle of stereo vision. In addition, the image recognition unit 51B acquires the detected pedestrian attributes, such as color, size, and sex, by image processing. And the image recognition part 51B outputs the detection pedestrian information comprised by the presence or absence of the detection of a pedestrian, the detected three-dimensional position of a pedestrian, the attribute of a pedestrian, etc.

[School information transmission process]
Next, in the navigation system 1 having the above-described configuration, a process executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2, which includes a car position where a student such as a kindergarten, elementary school, or junior high school student has been detected by the front imaging camera 53 and a school that has been searched. The “school information transmission process” for transmitting the school information composed of the above to the information distribution center 3 will be described based on FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a process executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2, which is a “school information transmission process” for transmitting school information including the location of the vehicle where the student is detected and the searched school to the information distribution center 3. It is a flowchart to show. 3 is stored in the ROM 43 of the navigation device 2, and is executed by the CPU 41 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every about 10 milliseconds to about 5 seconds).

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 11, the CPU 41 detects the vehicle position and the vehicle direction indicating the direction of the vehicle by the current position detection unit 21, and the vehicle position is detected. The coordinate data (for example, latitude and longitude data) and the vehicle direction are stored in the RAM 42. Further, the CPU 41 acquires date and time information representing the current date, day of the week, and time via the timer 45 and stores it in the RAM 42.

  In S <b> 12, the CPU 41 outputs a control signal that instructs the camera ECU 51 to output the image recognition data of the captured image of the front imaging camera 53, and walks on the captured image of the front imaging camera 53. Detected pedestrian information such as the presence / absence of the person and the detected three-dimensional position of the pedestrian and the attribute of the pedestrian (for example, color, size, sex, etc.) is acquired and stored in the RAM 42.

Subsequently, in S13, the CPU 41 reads again the detected pedestrian information acquired via the camera ECU 51 from the RAM 42, and executes a determination process for determining whether there is a pedestrian in front of the host vehicle.
And when there is no pedestrian ahead of the own vehicle, that is, when the content of the detected pedestrian information does not include information such as the pedestrian's three-dimensional position without the pedestrian (S13: NO), The CPU 41 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle, that is, when the content of the detected pedestrian information includes information such as the pedestrian and the three-dimensional position of the pedestrian (S13: YES), CPU41 transfers to the process of S14. In S14, CPU41 performs the determination process which determines whether the pedestrian ahead of the own vehicle is a junior high student based on this detection pedestrian information.

  Here, when the color of the head of the pedestrian is yellow and the size (height) is less than 110 cm from the attribute of the pedestrian included in the detected pedestrian information, the CPU 41 is a kindergarten. Is determined. Further, the CPU 41 determines that the pedestrian is an elementary school student when the color of the pedestrian's head is yellow and the size (height) is 110 cm or more from the attribute of the pedestrian included in the detected pedestrian information. judge. Further, the CPU 41 determines that the pedestrian is a junior high school student when the pedestrian's head color is other than yellow and the size (height) is 140 cm or more from the attribute of the pedestrian included in the detected pedestrian information. Is determined.

  And when it determines with the pedestrian ahead of the own vehicle being a junior high student (S14: YES), CPU41 transfers to the process of S15. In S15, the CPU 41 reads out the vehicle position from the RAM 42, and based on the vehicle position and the navigation map information 37A, the nearest junior high school around the vehicle position (for example, within a radius of about 500 m to 2 km). Search for and extract. Then, the CPU 41 reads out the extracted position coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude) and facility data (for example, POI identification ID) from the navigation map information 37A and relates to the searched school. After the information is stored in the RAM 42, the process proceeds to S20 described later.

  On the other hand, when it determines with the pedestrian ahead of the own vehicle not being a junior high student (S14: NO), CPU41 transfers to the process of S16. In S <b> 16, the CPU 41 reads the detected pedestrian information again from the RAM 42, and executes a determination process for determining whether or not the pedestrian in front of the host vehicle is an elementary school student based on the detected pedestrian information.

  And when it determines with the pedestrian ahead of the own vehicle being an elementary school student (S16: YES), CPU41 transfers to the process of S17. In S17, the CPU 41 reads out the vehicle position from the RAM 42, and based on the vehicle position and the navigation map information 37A, the nearest elementary school around the vehicle position (for example, within a radius of about 500 m to 2 km). Search for and extract. Then, the CPU 41 reads out the extracted position coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude) and facility data (for example, POI identification ID) from the navigation map information 37A and relates to the searched school. After the information is stored in the RAM 42, the process proceeds to S20 described later.

On the other hand, when it determines with the pedestrian ahead of the own vehicle not being an elementary school student (S16: NO), CPU41 transfers to the process of S18. In S18, the CPU 41 reads out the detected pedestrian information from the RAM 42 again, and executes a determination process for determining whether or not the pedestrian in front of the host vehicle is a kindergarten based on the detected pedestrian information.
And when it determines with the pedestrian ahead of the own vehicle not being a kindergarten (S18: NO), CPU41 complete | finishes the said process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the pedestrian in front of the host vehicle is a kindergarten (S18: YES), the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S19. In S19, the CPU 41 reads the own vehicle position from the RAM 42, and based on the own vehicle position and the navigation map information 37A, the nearest kindergarten around the own vehicle position (for example, within a radius of about 500 m to 2 km). Search for and extract. Then, the CPU 41 reads out the extracted position coordinates (for example, latitude and longitude) and facility data (for example, POI identification ID) from the navigation map information 37A and relates to the searched school. After the information is stored in the RAM 42, the process proceeds to S20. Here, the processes of S14, S16, and S18 correspond to the determination process of the student type based on the image data.

In S20, the CPU 41 stores the coordinate data and date / time information representing the vehicle position stored in S11 and the school information retrieved in S15, S17, or S19 in the school zone DB 38 as school information in association with each other. To do.
In S21, the CPU 41 reads the latest school information stored in the school zone DB 38, and transmits the information to the information distribution center 3 via the communication device 27 together with the navigation identification ID for identifying the navigation device 2, and then ends the processing. To do.

[School zone setting process]
Next, a school zone setting process for setting a school zone for each school in the navigation system 1 having the above-described configuration, which is executed by the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3, will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a school zone setting process that is executed by the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 and sets a school zone for each school. The program shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the ROM 13 provided in the information distribution center 3, and is executed by the CPU 11 every predetermined time (for example, every about 10 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds). The

As shown in FIG. 4, when the CPU 11 receives the school information together with the navigation identification ID via the center-side communication device 17 in S111, the CPU 11 stores the received school information in the RAM 12.
In S112, the CPU 11 reads the received school information from the RAM 12, and identifies the school information for each corresponding school, that is, each kindergarten, elementary school, and junior high school based on the facility data included in the school information. The data is classified for each POI identification ID and stored in the center-side school zone DB 16.

Subsequently, in S113, the CPU 11 executes a determination process for determining whether or not it is the setting timing for setting the school zone. The CPU 11 regularly sets the school zone for each school (for example, about every hour, every 24 hours, every week, every month, etc.).
And when it is not the timing which sets the school zone for every school (S113: NO), CPU11 complete | finishes the said process.

  On the other hand, when it is time to set a school zone for each school (S113: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to the process of S114. In S114, the CPU 11 sets each school nationwide stored in the center-side school zone DB 16 as a processing target in order. Then, the CPU 11 extracts all school information corresponding to the school set as the processing target from the center-side school zone DB 16 and stores it in the RAM 12.

  Subsequently, in S115, the CPU 11 reads out each coordinate data representing the vehicle position from the extracted school information. Then, the CPU 11 sets the position coordinates of the school corresponding to the school information based on the update map information 14 </ b> A as the center in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction for every predetermined angle range (for example, about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees). The vehicle position that is located on the outermost side in the radial direction is selected and stored in the RAM 12. Then, the CPU 11 sequentially connects the vehicle positions on the outer periphery of the selected school and stores them in the RAM 12 as the boundary line of the school zone of the school.

  In S116, the CPU 11 reads out the boundary line of the school zone of the school from the RAM 12, sets the inside of the boundary line as a new school zone, and sets area information representing the area of the new school zone as the processing target. In correspondence with the set school, that is, with the POI identification ID assigned to the school, stored in the center-side school zone DB 16, the process proceeds to S <b> 117.

Subsequently, in S117, the CPU 11 executes a determination process for determining whether there is a next school to be processed in S114. If there is a next school to be processed in S114, the CPU 11 sets the next school as a processing target, and stores all school information corresponding to the school set as the processing target in the center side school zone. After extracting from the DB 16 and storing it in the RAM 12, the processing from S115 is executed again.
On the other hand, if there is no next school to be processed in S114, it is determined that the process for setting the school zone has been executed for all schools, the loop is terminated, and the process is terminated.

As described above in detail, in the navigation system 1 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 detects the position of the own vehicle that detects the kindergarten, elementary school, and junior high school students based on the captured image captured by the front imaging camera 53. The school information that associates the date and time information with the closest school around the vehicle position corresponding to the detected student is transmitted to the information distribution center 3 (S11 to S21). Further, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 classifies the school information received via the network 4 for each school, and sequentially stores and collects it in the center side school zone DB 16. When the school zone setting timing comes, the CPU 11 sets a school zone for each school based on the collected school information (S111 to S117).
Thereby, CPU11 becomes possible [setting the school zone of each school according to a student's actual traffic condition].

  Further, the CPU 11 reads out each coordinate data representing the vehicle position from each extracted school information, and based on the update map information 14A, the CPU 11 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the school position coordinates corresponding to the school information. For each predetermined angle range in the direction (for example, every range of about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees), the vehicle position located at the outermost side in the radial direction is connected and set as a new school zone (S115). To S116). Thereby, since CPU11 connects the own vehicle position which detected the student for every school, and sets a school zone, it is possible to set the school zone of each school more correctly according to a student's actual traffic condition. Become.

  Further, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 detects the nearest school around the vehicle position corresponding to each of the kindergarten, elementary school, and junior high school students detected based on the photographed image taken by the front imaging camera 53, that is, a kindergarten, an elementary school, and a middle school. (S15, S17, S19), it is possible to more accurately search for schools around the vehicle position.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. For example, the following may be used.

  (A) For example, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 periodically sets the school zone for each school based on the school information sequentially stored in the school zone DB 38 in step 20 (for example, about every hour, 24 hours). For example, every week, every month, etc.) (see step 114 to step 117 above) and stored in the school zone DB 38. As a result, the CPU 41 can periodically create a school zone optimum for the travel route on which the host vehicle actually travels and store it in the school zone DB 38.

  Then, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 associates the area information representing the area of the new school zone that is periodically created based on the school information sequentially stored in the school zone DB 38 with the school set as the processing target. That is, the POI identification ID assigned to the school may be attached and transmitted to the information distribution center 3. The CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 sequentially stores the received area information indicating the school zone area and the POI identification ID in the center-side school zone DB 16 as school zone data. Then, in steps 114 to 117, the CPU 11 sets each school based on this school zone data, using the peripheral edge where all the corresponding school zones are superimposed as the boundary line of the school zone for each school. The school zone may be set. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the processing of the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3.

 (B) Further, for example, in S115 to S116, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 sets a school zone and stores it in the center side school zone DB 16 and then from the school information extracted from the center side school zone DB 16 Each coordinate data representing the position is read again. Moreover, CPU11 reads the position coordinate of the school corresponding to the said school information based on the update map information 14A. Then, the CPU 11 may search for a route connecting each vehicle position and the school, set each searched route as a school zone road (a school road), and store it in the center side school zone DB 16. . As a result, the CPU 11 can specify the school road in the school zone and set the school zone for each school.

  In step 20, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 searches for a route from the vehicle position of the school information to the school together with the school information, and uses the searched route as a school zone road (school road). You may make it store in school zone DB38 corresponding to information. In step 21, the CPU 41 may transmit the latest school information stored in the school zone DB 38 and the school zone road corresponding to the school information to the information distribution center 3. As a result, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 can set a school zone based on the received school information in S115 to S116, and specifies a school zone road (school road) in each school zone. It becomes possible to do. In addition, the processing of the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 can be reduced. Further, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 displays the school zone on the road map displayed on the liquid crystal display 25 when the own vehicle enters the school zone, and the own vehicle is in the school zone road (the school road). ) When traveling on, it is possible to provide voice guidance to the effect that the vehicle is traveling on the school zone road via the speaker 26. That is, it is possible to provide guidance in which the driver's attention level is changed when the own vehicle enters the school zone and when the own vehicle travels on the school zone road (school road).

  Further, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 periodically sets the school zone for each school based on the school information and the school zone road (school route) sequentially stored in the school zone DB 38 (for example, about every hour, It may be created every 24 hours, every week, every month, etc.) (see step 114 to step 117 above) and stored in the school zone DB 38. As a result, the CPU 41 can create a school zone most suitable for the travel route on which the host vehicle actually travels by specifying up to school roads in the school zone for each school, and store it in the school zone DB 38.

  (C) Also, for example, instead of the above steps 15, 17, and 19, when the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 detects a junior high school student, an elementary school student or a kindergarten (S14: YES, S16: YES, S18: YES) The link ID for identifying the link where the vehicle is located may be read from the navigation map information 37A, and the attribute of “school link” may be added to the link ID and stored in the RAM. In step 20, the CPU 41 stores the link ID, the attribute of “school link”, and the date / time information stored in step 11 in the school zone DB 38 as school link information. May be. Subsequently, in step 21 described above, the CPU 41 reads the latest school link information stored in the school zone DB 38 and transmits it to the information distribution center 3 via the communication device 27 together with the navigation identification ID for identifying the navigation device 2. It may be.

  On the other hand, in step 111 described above, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 may store the received school link information in the center school zone DB 16. Then, instead of step 112 to step 117, the CPU 11 reads the link ID from the received school link information, and stores “school” in the link data of the link stored in the update map information 14A corresponding to the link ID. The attribute of “link” may be added and stored again in the update map information 14A. As a result, the CPU 11 can register the link corresponding to the link ID in the update map information 14A as a school road through which a junior high school student, elementary school student, or kindergarten passes.

  (D) Further, for example, the CPU 41 of the navigation device 2 performs the school information transmission process in steps 11 to 21 from Monday to Friday from 6 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm You may make it perform only in. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the reliability of the school information transmitted to the information distribution center 3.

  (E) Also, for example, in step 115 above, the CPU 11 of the information distribution center 3 reads the date and time information of all school information corresponding to the set school, and for each predetermined time period (for example, 6: 00 to 6 AM). : 14, 6:15 to 6:29, 6:30 to 6:44,... Every 15 minutes, etc.) School information may be classified. After that, the CPU 41 extracts the corresponding school information for each time period, and determines in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction around the position coordinates of the school corresponding to the school information based on the update map information 14A. For each angle range (for example, every range of about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees), the vehicle position located on the outermost side in the radial direction is selected and stored in the RAM 12. Then, the CPU 11 may sequentially connect the vehicle positions outside the periphery of the school selected for each time zone and store them in the RAM 12 as the school zone boundary line for each time zone of the school. .

  In step 116, the CPU 11 reads out the boundary line of the school zone for each time zone of the school from the RAM 12, sets the boundary line for each time zone as a new school zone, and sets each time zone. Each area information representing each new school zone area is stored in the center-side school zone DB 16 in association with the school set as the processing target, that is, with the POI identification ID assigned to the school. Thereafter, the process may proceed to S117. As a result, the CPU 11 can create a school zone for each predetermined time zone for each school and store it in the center-side school zone DB 16.

It is the block diagram which showed the navigation system which concerns on a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the navigation apparatus of the navigation system. It is a flowchart which shows the "school information transmission process" which is a process which CPU of a navigation apparatus performs, and transmits school information to an information distribution center. It is a flowchart which shows the school zone setting process which is a process which CPU of an information delivery center sets, and sets a school zone for every school.

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
16 Center side school zone DB
17 Center side communication device 21 Present location detection unit 23 Navigation control unit 27 Communication device 37 Navigation side map information DB
38 School Zone DB
51 Camera ECU
53 Front imaging camera

Claims (6)

Own vehicle position detecting means for detecting the own vehicle position;
Map information storage means for storing map information including school location information;
Photographing means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle;
Student recognition means for detecting a student based on an image photographed by the photographing means;
Detection position storage means for storing the vehicle position where the student is detected by the student recognition means as a student detection position;
School search means for searching for a school around the student detection position based on the map information and the student detection position;
A collection means for collecting the school searched by the school search means and the student detection position as school information in association with each other;
School zone setting means for setting a school zone for each school based on the school information collected by the collecting means;
An information creating apparatus characterized by comprising:   The information creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the school zone setting unit sets an area connecting the student detection positions corresponding to each school as a school zone. The student recognition means determines the type of student based on the image,
The information creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the school search unit searches for a school corresponding to the type of student determined by the student recognition unit. The school information includes date and time information when a student is detected by the student recognition means,
The information creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the school zone setting unit sets a school zone for each predetermined time period based on the date and time information. A vehicle position detection step for detecting the vehicle position;
A student recognition process for detecting a student based on an image taken by a photographing means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle;
A detection position storing step of storing the vehicle position where the student is detected in the student recognition step as a student detection position;
A school search step of searching for a school around the student detection position based on the map information including the position information of the school and the student detection position;
A collection step of collecting the school searched in the school search step and the student detection position as school information in association with each other;
A school zone setting step for setting a school zone for each school based on the school information collected in the collecting step;
An information creation method characterized by comprising: On the computer,
A vehicle position detection step for detecting the vehicle position;
A student recognition process for detecting a student based on an image taken by a photographing means for photographing the periphery of the vehicle;
A detection position storing step of storing the vehicle position where the student is detected in the student recognition step as a student detection position;
A school search step of searching for a school around the student detection position based on the map information including the position information of the school and the student detection position;
A collection step of collecting the school searched in the school search step and the student detection position as school information in association with each other;
A school zone setting step for setting a school zone for each school based on the school information collected in the collecting step;
A program for running

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