JP4895977B2 - Guide device, guide method, computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a route guidance technique using a portable device.

  Conventionally, route guidance using a mobile phone capable of data communication has been performed. In a certain technique, the user inputs, for example, a departure station, a destination station, and a desired arrival time on the train guidance screen displayed on the display 11c of the mobile phone 11. The train guide server 21 extracts train information from the timetable database 22 and the transfer database 23 using them as keys, and transmits the train information to the mobile phone 11. The user further sets a notification method (screen, vibration) and notification time (3 minutes before).

  During operation, when the notification time comes, the CPU 11a of the mobile phone 11 issues a vibration command to the vibration control program based on the notification method and displays a notification screen on the display 11c. In addition, a predetermined time before the notification time is connected to the train guidance server 11, information related to the train information (for example, operation stop due to snow) is acquired and displayed on the display 11.

JP 2002-225712 A

  However, the above technology cannot accurately give a notice at a time such as 3 minutes before arrival at the next station when the train on which the user is actually traveling is delayed or advanced. Also, if the user changes the initial schedule and does not get on the train presented at the time of the search, it is useless. Such a problem is not limited to trains, but is widely used when using a traffic system that operates according to a predetermined timetable, such as a route bus, a regular ferry, and an airline.

An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of the user when heading to a destination using a traffic system that operates according to a timetable .

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs, as one aspect thereof, a guide device having the following configuration. This guidance device
A route preparation unit that prepares route information representing a position of a route including a route on which a transportation means is operated according to a timetable, and a route to a destination;
A timetable preparation unit for preparing timetable information that is information of the timetable;
A current position acquisition unit for acquiring current position information representing the current position;
An output unit that can be carried by the user and output information;
In the route included in the route, a first expected arrival time at which the user arrives at a first use station where a transportation means that the user should ride next departs from the current position information and the route information. Based on the first expected arrival time, the route information, and the timetable information, a first departure time at which the next transportation means that the user should take departs from the first use station And a time management unit that causes the output unit to output the first use station and the first departure time;
An accident information acquisition unit capable of receiving from the outside accident information indicating that at least part of the route included in the route is unavailable.
When the accident information is received via the accident information acquisition unit after the first departure time is output to the output unit,
The route preparation unit is a route for moving from the current position to the destination based on the newly acquired current position information and the accident information, and newly includes route information that does not include the unusable route. Prepare
The time management unit
A new first expected arrival time at which the user arrives at a new first use station where a transportation means that the user should ride next on a route included in the route of the newly prepared route information, Calculation based on the newly acquired current position information and the newly prepared route information, and based on the new first expected arrival time, the newly prepared route information, and the timetable information The transportation means that the user should ride next specifies a new first departure time from which the new first use station departs, and the new first use station and the new first departure The time is output to the output unit.
Moreover, in order to achieve the said objective, this invention can employ | adopt the guidance apparatus provided with the following structures as the one aspect | mode. This guidance device
A route preparation unit that prepares route information indicating a position of a route including a route on which a vehicle is operated according to a timetable, from a departure point to a destination;
A timetable preparation unit for preparing timetable information which is information of a timetable;
A current position acquisition unit for acquiring current position information representing the current position using the global positioning system;
An output unit that can be carried by the user and output information;
Calculating a first expected arrival time at which the user arrives at a first user station where the next means of transportation on the route included in the route departs based on the current position information and the route information; Based on the predicted arrival time, route information, and timetable information, the first departure time at which the transportation means that the user should ride next leaves the first user station is specified, and the first user station and the first user station A time management unit that causes the output unit to output one departure time.

  With such an aspect, it is possible to notify the user of the departure time of the transportation means to be next taken at the use station, reflecting the actual current position. For this reason, even when the user cannot move to the use station as scheduled, the departure time of the transportation means is notified reflecting the situation. Therefore, the convenience of the user when using the traffic system that operates according to the timetable can be improved.

  “Preparing” information with a certain component means that the component itself generates the information from other information, that the component holds the information in advance and provides it, It includes various aspects such as the component obtaining and providing the information from the outside. Further, the “route position” may represent the positions of a plurality of points included in the route.

  The guidance device may further include a clock unit that can obtain the current time. The current position acquisition unit may function as a clock unit by acquiring current time information indicating the current time using the global positioning system.

  In addition, the current position acquisition unit can be carried by the user and can acquire the current position of the current position acquisition unit, that is, current position information indicating the current position of the user.

  Further, when calculating the first expected arrival time, it is also possible to calculate the first expected arrival time based on the timetable information. If it is set as such an aspect, the stop time in the stop station in the middle, the waiting time of the passing train longer than a normal stop time, etc. can be reflected more accurately in the first expected arrival time.

Further, the guidance device can further include a map information preparation unit that prepares map information representing a map around at least the current position.
And an output part can be provided with the display part which can display an image.
In such an aspect, the time management unit, based on the map information, the route information, and the current position information, the map including the current position, the position of at least a part of the route including the current position, and the current The position is preferably displayed on the display unit in an overlapping manner.

  With this aspect, the user can move to the destination while confirming the positional relationship between the current position and the first use station based on the display on the map.

In addition, it is preferable that an output part can call a user's attention to at least one of an audio | voice and a vibration.
The time management unit preferably uses the output unit to alert the user to at least one of voice and vibration when a predetermined time has elapsed from the first expected arrival time.

  In this manner, even when arrival at the first use station is advanced or delayed, the user is notified that the user has approached the first use station only a certain time before arrival. . For this reason, the preparation for using the 1st use station can be performed with a margin. In addition, preparation for using the first use station is started from an unnecessarily early time, so that the possibility of inconvenience before arriving at the first use station can be reduced.

Moreover, it is preferable that the time management unit further performs the following processing after the output unit outputs the first departure time. That is,
Based on the newly acquired current position information and route information, a first predicted arrival time to the first user station is newly calculated,
Based on the newly calculated first expected arrival time and timetable information, a first departure time at which the next means of transportation on which the user should ride departs the first use station is newly calculated,
The new first departure time is output to the output unit.

  In this case, even if the situation changes, such as when the first departure time is output to the output unit and the arrival at the first use station is delayed or accelerated, the changed situation The departure time of an appropriate transportation means can be output depending on the situation. Such processing is preferably performed repeatedly.

After the first departure time is output by the output unit, it is preferable that the following processing is performed when a predetermined condition regarding at least one of the current position and the route is satisfied.
The route preparation unit newly prepares route information indicating a position of a route including a route that is a route for moving from the current position to the destination based on the newly acquired current position information.
The time management department
On the route included in the route of the new route information, the new first predicted arrival time at which the user arrives at the new first use station where the transportation means that the user should ride next departs from the new current position information. Calculated based on new route information,
Based on the new first predicted arrival time, the new route information, and the timetable information, the new first departure time at which the user should get on the next departure from the new first use station is identified. And
The new first use station and the new first departure time are output to the output unit.

  According to such an aspect, even when the user does not move as scheduled or some abnormality occurs in the route, the user is required to travel on a new route to reach the destination. It is possible to know the use station from which the means departs and the departure time of the transportation means.

  The predetermined condition may further include that the user has instructed a route re-search. Moreover, it can also be set as the aspect by which a re-search is performed automatically irrespective of a user's instruction | indication. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be a condition in which individual subordinate requirements are combined with “AND” or “OR”.

  If the timetable information prepared in the past holds information about a new first use station and a sufficient time range after the new first expected arrival time, the information used in the past A new first departure time can be obtained using the same timetable information. On the other hand, when the timetable information prepared in the past does not hold information on a new first use station, or does not hold information on a sufficient time range after the new first expected arrival time In this case, it is preferable to prepare new timetable information based on the new first use station and the current time.

  The predetermined condition when preparing new route information may include that the current position remains in a predetermined region including one point on the route for a predetermined time or longer.

  In this manner, for example, even when the user gets off the transportation means at a stop station on the way or the transportation means on which the user gets stopped for some reason, the user reaches the destination. In the new route, it is possible to know the use station from which the next transportation means departs and the departure time of the transportation means.

  In addition, the predetermined condition when preparing new route information may include that the current position exists outside a predetermined region including the route.

  According to such an aspect, for example, even when the user deviates from the route or makes a mistake in the transfer, the user is required to transport the next route on the new route for reaching the destination. It is possible to know the use station from which the means departs and the departure time of the transportation means.

In addition, it is preferable that the guidance device further includes an accident information acquisition unit that can receive accident information from the outside that at least a part of the routes included in the route is unavailable. In such an aspect, the predetermined condition for performing re-preparation of the route information may include receiving the accident information via the accident information acquisition unit.
In such an aspect, when the route preparation unit prepares new route information, the position of the route that does not include an unusable section of the route based on the newly acquired current position information and accident information. It is preferable to prepare new route information representing

  According to such an aspect, even when a part of the route included in the route becomes unusable, the user starts the next transportation on the new route for reaching the destination. You can know the station used and the departure time of the means of transportation.

In addition, when the output unit includes a display unit that can display an image, it is preferable that the guidance device has the following mode.
The time management department
A transportation means that departs from the first use station after the first departure time, and is a departure time from the first use station of the transportation means that can be substituted for the transportation means that the user should ride next. To calculate an alternative departure time based on the first departure time, the route information, and the timetable information,
Displaying the first alternative departure time together with the first departure time on the display unit;
The first departure time is displayed with emphasis over the first alternative departure time.

  According to such an aspect, the user can know the departure time of the transportation means that can be substituted for the transportation means that should be next. At the same time, the user is more impressed with the departure time of the next transportation means than the departure time of the alternative transportation means. For this reason, the user can be more conscious of information on the transportation means that should be originally taken while obtaining preliminary information.

  In addition, as an aspect which emphasizes and displays a certain display over other displays, for example, it displays with larger characters, displays with characters drawn with thicker lines, displays with characters of different colors, and different backgrounds It is possible to adopt a mode such as attaching.

The time management unit
Based on the current position information and the route information, the transportation means that the user should take from the first use station will arrive at the second use station where the user should get off for transfer on the route, based on the current position information and the route information. Calculate
Based on the second predicted arrival time, the route information, and the timetable information, a second departure time at which the transportation means to which the user is to transfer leaves the second use station is specified,
It is preferable to output the second use station and the second departure time to the output unit.

  With this aspect, the user can know the departure time of the transportation means at the second use station as a transfer station and reflecting the actual current position.

In addition, when the output unit includes a display unit that can display an image, it is also preferable that the guidance device has the following mode.
The time management department
It is a station between the first user station and the second user station, and does not display a station where the next means of transportation that the user should ride is not stopped,
The first use station is displayed on the display unit together with the first departure time,
The second use station is displayed on the display unit together with the second departure time.

  If it is such an aspect, the information of a passing station with low importance will not be displayed on a display part. For this reason, even when the display unit is small, the user can easily grasp the first use station and the first departure time, and the second use station and the second departure time.

  The time management unit preferably causes the output unit to display the first departure time with a higher emphasis than the second departure time.

  With this aspect, the user can know the departure time of the transportation means to be transferred. At the same time, the user is more strongly impressed with the departure time of the next transportation. For this reason, the user can be more conscious of information on the transportation means that should be next, while obtaining preliminary information.

In addition, when an output part is provided with the display part which can display an image, it is also preferable to make a guidance apparatus into the following aspects.
The route preparation unit displays station facility information indicating whether or not the next transportation means on the route included in the route stops, and whether or not the stop station has a predetermined facility in the ticket gate. Prepare route information including.
Based on the station facility information, the time management unit displays a display indicating the stop station and, if the stop station has a predetermined facility in the ticket gate, causes the display unit to display the predetermined display.

  If it is set as such an aspect, the user can determine based on the display of a display part whether to get off at the stop station in the middle in order to utilize a predetermined | prescribed facility. Note that “within the ticket gate” means an area in which the user can come and go freely from the transportation means without passing through the ticket gate.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, a guidance method, a guidance device and a guidance system, an image display method and an image display device, and a computer for realizing the functions of those methods or devices. The present invention can be realized in the form of a program, a recording medium recording the computer program, a data signal including the computer program and embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

A. First embodiment:
A1. overall structure:
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a route guidance system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The route guidance system of the first embodiment includes a route search server 100, a map server 150, a timetable server 170, an operation management server 180, and a mobile phone 200.

  The mobile phone 200 includes a GPS unit 201, a display panel 202, an audio output unit 203, a vibration mechanism 204, a communication unit 205, a command input unit 206, a clock unit 209, a main control unit 210, and call control. Part 220.

  The GPS unit 201 is a unit including an antenna for receiving radio waves from a satellite of GPS (Global Positioning System / Global Positioning System). Based on the radio wave received by the GPS antenna, the GPS unit 201 can generate current position information indicating the current position of the mobile phone 200.

  The display panel 202 is a liquid crystal display that can display an image. The voice output unit 203 is a device that includes a speaker, and is a device that can output a message to a user such as route guidance, a melody, and the like by voice. The vibration mechanism 204 is a device that can prompt the user's attention with a predetermined pattern of vibration. In the present specification, the devices 203 and 204 that output sound and vibration may be collectively referred to as a “warning unit”. In addition, the devices 202 to 204 that output images, sounds, and vibrations may be collectively referred to as “output units”.

  The communication unit 205 can communicate with the route search server 100 and the map server 150 via the Internet INT to transmit and receive information.

  The command input unit 206 includes a numeric keypad 206a and a cursor key 206b. The user inputs information to the mobile phone 200 via the numeric keypad 206a and the cursor key 206b.

  The clock unit 209 outputs current time information indicating the current time in response to a request from the main control unit 210.

  The call control unit 220 is a circuit that performs an incoming call for a call, a voice / electrical signal conversion, and the like.

  The main control unit 210 is a control unit for controlling each unit of the mobile phone 200. The main control unit 210 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM used for those controls. For example, the main control unit 210 controls each unit of the mobile phone 200 by executing the application software 212 on the CPU, obtains route data representing a route from the current position to the destination, and provides route guidance (route guide). It can be performed. A functional unit of the main control unit 210 that obtains route data is shown as a route preparation unit 231 in FIG. In addition, a functional unit of the main control unit 210 that performs route guidance based on route data is shown as a route guidance unit 232 in FIG.

  The route search server 100 includes a communication unit 102, a control unit 104, and a storage unit 106. The communication unit 102 can communicate with the map server 150, the timetable server 170, the operation management server 180, and the mobile phone 200 via the Internet INT.

  The storage unit 106 stores route network data (route search data) for route search. The storage unit 106 further stores data received from the map server 150, the timetable server 170, the operation management server 180, and the mobile phone 200, and data generated based on them.

  The route network data includes node information, intersection and station attribute information, and arc information. The node information is data representing points such as road intersections, curve start and end points, route stations, and the like. The attribute information of the intersection is information to be displayed on the display panel 202 of the user's mobile phone 200 when the user enters the intersection, for example, information indicating where each road intersecting at the intersection is heading.

  The station attribute information includes entry route information indicating how many of the train routes are entering the station. The station attribute information also includes information indicating the relationship between the stop position of the train and the position of the staircase of the station. Information on the stop position of the train is held in association with the number of train vehicles. Furthermore, the attribute information of the station includes information on whether or not the station has a toilet in the ticket gate and whether or not it has a restaurant. Furthermore, the attribute information of the station includes information on the time required for transfer at the station.

  The arc information is information regarding arcs that are roads or route sections between nodes. Each arc is assigned a unique ID. In addition, information on the name of the road (such as National Highway 1 and Prefectural Road 30) is associated with the arc of the road section. And the information of the name (Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, etc.) of the route is associated with the arc of the route section.

  In addition to the distance information of the section, information on the average speed when moving by walking, automobile, and bicycle is assigned to the arc of the road section. In addition to information on the distance of the section, information on the average moving speed when the section travels by train is also assigned to the arc of the section of the route. As for the information on the average moving speed of the train, one or more pieces of information are assigned to each arc, such as in the case of stopping at each station and in the case of express.

  Each arc information includes latitude and longitude data of a number of points included in each arc. That is, roads and route sections for which a route can be set can be represented as a point sequence of those points.

  The map server 150 includes a communication unit 152, a control unit 154, and a map database 156. The communication unit 152 can communicate with the route search server 100 and the mobile phone 200 via the Internet INT.

  The map database 156 stores map image data as image data to be transmitted to the mobile phone 200. The control unit 154 specifies map image data representing a map of a partial area requested by the mobile phone 200 based on the data received from the mobile phone 200 and transmits the map image data to the mobile phone 200 via the communication unit 152.

  The timetable server 170 includes a communication unit 172, a control unit 174, and a timetable database 176. The communication unit 172 can communicate with the route search server 100 via the Internet INT.

  The timetable database 176 stores timetable data for train routes in Japan. Based on the data received from the route search server 100, the control unit 174 provides information on the departure time of the train near the specific station, the specific route, and the specific time, as well as the stop station of the train and the stop station of the train. Data including information on stop time and departure time (hereinafter referred to as “timetable original data”) is created and transmitted to the route search server 100 via the communication unit 152.

  The operation management server 180 includes a communication unit 182, a control unit 184, and a storage unit 186. The communication unit 182 can communicate with the route search server 100 via the Internet INT. The communication unit 182 can communicate with the train operation monitoring apparatus via a dedicated line (not shown). The train operation monitoring device is installed, for example, at a main station on each route, and transmits operation management data including actual train arrival time, departure time, suspension information and accident information to the operation management server 180. . Based on the information, the operation management server 180 creates information about the location where the train accident has occurred and the disconnected section, and transmits the information to the route search server 100.

  The control unit 104 of the route search server 100 refers to the storage unit 106 and changes from the departure point to the destination based on the data received from the map server 150, the timetable server 170, the operation management server 180, and the mobile phone 200. Route data representing the route to reach is generated. The route may include a section of a train route. For this reason, the route data includes, for example, information on the station to be boarded when traveling to the destination, the departure time of the train to be boarded, the stop station of the train, and the stop time and departure time of the stop station. Is included. The generated route data is transmitted to the mobile phone 200 and used in the mobile phone 200 for route guidance.

A2. Directions:
FIG. 2 is a chart showing information exchange between the mobile phone 200, the route search server 100 , the timetable server 170, and the operation management server 180 when performing route guidance. In step S105, the mobile phone 200 first receives an input of a departure place, a waypoint, a destination, a search condition, and the like from the user via the command input unit 206. A route search instruction is received from the user.

  Upon receiving a route search instruction from the user, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200, together with the current position information acquired from the GPS unit 201 and the current time information acquired from the clock unit 209, the departure point, waypoint, destination Information such as search conditions is transmitted to the route search server 100.

  In step S <b> 205, the route search server 100 searches for a route from the departure point to the destination via the waypoint while referring to the route network data in the storage unit 106. This route is a route that uses a train at least partially.

  In step S210, the route search server 100 transmits information on a route section (hereinafter referred to as “use section”) used in the searched route to the operation management server 180, and inquires about the operation status of the use section.

  In step S405, the operation management server 180 checks the operation status of the usage section received from the mobile phone from all the stored operation information, and determines whether or not there is a disconnected section in the usage section. The disconnected section is a section where the train is not operating due to an accident or the like or a significant delay occurs. Then, the operation management server 180 returns to the route search server 100 information on the presence / absence of a disconnected section and, if there is a disconnected section, operation information including information on the section.

  If there is a disconnected section in the use section, the route search server 100 searches for a route again avoiding the disconnected section in step S215. And the information of the utilization area of the newly searched route | route is transmitted to the operation management server 180, and the operation condition of a utilization area is inquired again (step S210).

  The processes in steps S210, S405, and S215 are performed until a route that does not include a non-transmission section is found. Note that if a route that does not include a disconnected section is not determined and steps S210, S405, and S215 are repeated a predetermined number of times, the route search server 100 replies to the mobile phone 200 that the route search is impossible.

  In step S220, the route search server 100 transmits the information on the departure station and the destination station in the determined use section and the current time information received from the mobile phone 200 to the timetable server 170, and information on the train to be used. Inquire.

  In step S305, the timetable server 170 refers to the timetable database 176 to determine one or more trains to be used in the use section from the departure station to the destination station. And the names of those trains (Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, etc.), number of vehicles, boarding platform at the boarding station and train stop position, departure time at the boarding station, arrival time at the boarding station, platform at the boarding station, The stop position of the train, the stop station, the stop platform at the stop station and the stop position of the train, the arrival time and the departure time at the stop station are determined.

  In step S305, the boarding station is departed after the train thus determined, and a train that can be used as a substitute for the train is determined. As such an alternative train, for example, a train that departs within one hour from the departure time of the train that should originally ride is selected. And the names of those trains, the number of vehicles and the positions of the doors, the platform and train stops at the boarding station, the departure time at the boarding station, the arrival time at the exit station, the stop platform and the train stop position at the exit station The stop station, the stop platform at the stop station and the stop position of the train, the arrival time and the departure time at the stop station are also determined. Information on these trains is transmitted to the route search server 100. In addition, the information on these trains and alternative trains may be referred to as “timetable information” below.

  In step S225, the route search server 100 determines the route name of one or more trains to be used in the use section, the number of vehicles and the position of the door, the boarding platform at the boarding station and the stop position of the train, the departure time at the boarding station, the departure station Arrival time, stop position of the platform and train at the stop station, stop station, stop platform and stop position of the train at the stop station, arrival time and departure time at the stop station, and the route determined in step S205 or S215 Based on this, route data is generated. The generated route data is stored in the storage unit 106 of the route search server 100 together with information such as the departure point, waypoint, destination, and search condition.

  The route data includes node information, intersection and station attribute information, and arc information. The arc information further includes information of a point sequence of latitude and longitude. The route data includes the above timetable information. Note that node information and arc information may be collectively referred to as “route information”.

  Note that the route search server 100 receives information on the stop positions of the home and train at each station received from the timetable server 150, the number of train vehicles and the position of the door, and route network data in the storage unit 106 of the route search server 100. The vehicle and the door closest to the stairs at each station are determined based on information representing the relationship between the train stop position and the position of the stairs at that station. In the route data, information on the vehicle and the door closest to the staircase of the boarding station, the stop station, and the getting-off station determined as described above is also included as part of the station attribute information. Further, the route data includes information on the names of the routes (Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, etc.) of each train used in the route.

  The route data generated by the route search server 100 in step S225 is transmitted to the mobile phone 200. The mobile phone 200 receives the route data. A functional unit of the main control unit 210 that transmits information such as a departure point, a waypoint, a destination, and a search condition to the route search server 100 and receives route data from the route search server 100 is a route preparation unit 231 (FIG. 1).

  The route data includes “timetable information” as described above. Of the route preparation unit 231 as a functional unit that obtains route data, a functional unit that fulfills the function of obtaining timetable information in particular is shown as a timetable preparation unit 231b in FIG. On the other hand, a functional unit that performs a function of obtaining “route information” (node information and arc information) is shown as a route information preparation unit 231a in FIG.

  In step S110, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 draws a route on the display panel 202 based on the route data and separately obtained map image data from the map server 150. When a guide start instruction from the user is acquired via the command input unit 206, the route guide is started. When the user arrives at the destination, the route guide is terminated.

  In addition, the function part of the main control part 210 which acquires map image data from the map server 150 is shown as the map information preparation unit 233 in FIG. Moreover, the function part of the main control part 210 which performs route guidance based on route data is the route guidance unit 232 (refer FIG. 1).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example SD1 of an image displayed on the display panel 202 after step S110 in FIG. The image display SD1 can be enlarged and reduced on the display panel of the mobile phone 200. At that time, the size of the character is constant regardless of the enlargement or reduction of the map image. The size of the characters in the image display SD1 can be set in advance.

  In the image display SD1, the departure point SP, the departure station Stb, the stop station Sts1, the stop station Sts2, the transfer station Stt1, the destination station Std, and the destination PD are displayed on the map image based on the node information in the route data. It is shown.

  In the image display SD1, sections S01 (departure point SP to departure station Stb), S02 (departure station Stb to stop station Sts1), S03 (stop station Sts1, stop station) based on arc information in the route data. Sts2), S04 (stop station Sts2 to transfer station Stt1), S05 (transfer station Stt1 to destination station Std), and S06 (target station Std to destination PD) are shown. The sections S02 to S05, which are train routes, are indicated by thick solid lines. Sections S01 and S06, which are general roads, are indicated by thick broken lines. PP is an icon indicating the current position.

  Of the routes from the departure point SP to the destination PD, the section S01 is a section to be moved on foot. Similarly, section S06 is a section to be moved on foot. Sections S02 to S05 (indicated by a thick solid line in FIG. 3) are sections using a train. In FIG. 3, four routes L01, L02, L03, and L04 are shown. Of these, the sections used in the route guide route are the use section Lu01 in the route L01 and the route L02. This is the usage section Lu02.

  Actually, the station Stn exists between the stop station Sts1 and the stop station Sts2. However, the train that is scheduled to be used on the route on which the route guide is performed does not stop at the station Stn. For this reason, the station Stn is not displayed in the image display SD1. In addition, in FIG. 3, in order to make an understanding of a present Example easy, the station Stn is shown with a broken line.

  On the other hand, the stations Stb, Stt1, Std and the stop stations Sts1, Sts2 at which the user gets on and off the train are displayed in the image display SD1. By adopting such an aspect, information can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner even on a screen having a small area.

  The departure station Stb, the stop station Sts1, the stop station Sts2, the transfer station Stt1, and the destination station Std are indicated with balloons B01 to B05, respectively, based on the station attribute information.

  In the balloon B01 of the departure station Stb, the name “A station” of the departure station Stb, the departure time Td11 of the train to be boarded at the A station, the route name (P station) and the home (“No. 1 representing the first platform”) H ”) is displayed, and a train departure time Td12 as an alternative candidate that can be used next is displayed. Therefore, the user can know when the next train departs when arrival at station A is delayed.

  As described above, the mobile phone 200 holds, as timetable information, information on trains that can be substituted for trains that should be originally used for trains that depart within one hour from the departure time of trains that should be originally used. Yes. However, in the image display SD1, information on the departure time of one train having the earliest departure time among such alternative trains is displayed. By adopting such an aspect, information can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner even on a screen having a small area. If there is no alternative train that departs within one hour, the departure time of the alternative train is not displayed on the image display SD1.

  In the balloon B01 of the departure station Stb, an icon Ic1 indicating that there is a toilet in the ticket gate of the station and an icon Ic2 indicating that there is a restaurant in the ticket gate of the station are shown. By adopting such a mode, the user can know whether the restroom can be used without exiting the ticket gate and the restaurant can be used without exiting the ticket gate after passing through the ticket gate at the station. .

  These icons Ic1 and Ic2 are displayed according to the presence or absence of a restroom and a restaurant in the ticket gate even at a transfer station on the way (see balloon B04 in FIG. 3). For this reason, the user can know whether or not he / she can go to the toilet during the transfer time. The icons Ic1 and Ic2 are also displayed for a stop station on the way (see a balloon B03). For this reason, the user can know whether or not he / she can use the toilet or the restaurant without getting off at the stop station on the way and leaving the ticket gate.

  The stop station Sts1 is not a station that gets on and off the train on this route. Therefore, in FIG. 3, the departure time of the train is not shown in the balloon B02 of the stop station Sts1. Also, at this station, there are no toilets and restaurants in the ticket gates. For this reason, the icons Ic1 and Ic2 are not shown in the balloon B02 of the stop station Sts1. The station name “B station” and the route name “P line” are displayed in the balloon B02 of the stop station Sts1.

  The balloon B04 of the transfer station Stt1 includes the name “D station” of the transfer station Stt1, the scheduled arrival time Ta4 of the train that has taken from the station A (departure station Stb), the route name (P line), and the platform (No. 2). H) display TLa4, the departure time Td41 of the train to be boarded at D station, the route name (Q line) and the platform (No. 3H) display TLd4, and the next train departure as an alternative candidate Time Td42 is shown. Based on these displays, the user can know in advance the schedule of train transfer at the transfer station. For this reason, the user can know whether there is time to go to a toilet or a restaurant during transit time. Further, it is possible to know how much delay occurs when one train to be taken at D station is overtaken.

  In the balloon B05 of the destination station Std, the estimated arrival time Ta5 of the train that has boarded from the station D (transfer station Stt1) and the display TLa5 of the route name (Q line) and the platform (No. 1 H) are shown. Yes. Based on this display, the user can know in advance the arrival time at the disembarking station.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the user is on the way to the departure station Stb (see the current position icon PP). The departure time Td11 of the train to be boarded at the departure station Stb is displayed larger than the departure times Td12, Td41, and Td42 of the other trains. For this reason, the user can easily know the departure time of the next train to be boarded from the screen display.

  The main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 acquires the current position information via the GPS unit 201 at regular intervals, such as every 3 seconds, and redraws the current position icon PP on the screen.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of updating the expected arrival time at the station and the display of the departure time of the train to be taken. The processing of FIG. 4 is repeatedly performed by the route guidance unit 232 of the main control unit 210 during the time when the route guide is being performed.

  Each time the current position information is updated, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 calculates the distance between the current position and the station where the user should next get off. The distance between the next station to get off and the current position is the point sequence of the section included in the arc data, and the distance between each point in the point sequence included between the next station to get off and the current position It is obtained by calculating the sum of. When calculating the distance, it is not necessary to calculate the sum of the distances between points for all points included between the station where the next station should get off and the current position. The sum of the distances may be calculated.

  Then, based on the distance and the average moving speed of the section including the current position, the arrival time at the station where the user should get off next is calculated (step S505 in FIG. 4). In addition, the information on the average moving speed of each section in the use section is included in the arc information of the route data. The predicted arrival time thus obtained is displayed in place of the expected arrival time (see Ta4 in FIG. 3) that has been displayed on the display panel 202 until then.

  The expected arrival time initially displayed on the display panel 202 is the estimated arrival time (Ta4 in FIG. 3) based on the timetable database 176 obtained via the route search server 100 and the timetable server 170. However, thereafter, the expected arrival time is updated at regular intervals by the process of FIG. By setting it as such an aspect, the user can know the arrival time based on the actual situation.

  Next, in step S510, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 determines whether or not the transfer at the transfer station is possible based on the expected arrival time. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the expected arrival time at the transfer station is later than the time obtained by subtracting the time required for transfer at the transfer station from the departure time of the train to be transferred at the transfer station. Information on the time required for transfer at the transfer station is included in the station attribute information of the route data.

  In step S510, when the predicted arrival time is the same as or earlier than the time obtained by subtracting the time required for transfer at the transfer station from the departure time of the train to be transferred at the transfer station, the process ends. In step S510, when the expected arrival time is later than the time obtained by subtracting the time required for transfer at the transfer station from the departure time of the train to be transferred at the transfer station, in step S515, the train to be transferred at the transfer station. Update departure time for.

  Specifically, in step S515, among trains that can substitute for the train that should have been at the transfer station, the departure time is later than (expected arrival time) + (time required for transfer), of which Select the one with the earliest departure time. Then, the departure time is set as the departure time of the train to be boarded at the transfer station. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, if the delay is 5 minutes, the time of departure time Td41 is replaced by the time of departure time Td42. The time of departure time Td42 is further replaced by the earliest departure time of the alternative train after the departure time. At the same time, the train route and platform information (see TLd4 in FIG. 3) to be ridden are also updated based on the timetable information and displayed on the display panel 202.

  Further, as the departure time of the train to be boarded at the transfer station is updated, the scheduled arrival time at each boarding station and alighting station located downstream of the transfer station in the route (see Ta5 in FIG. 3), ride The departure time of the power train (not present in FIG. 3), the route and the platform, and the departure time of the alternative train (not present in FIG. 3) are updated. For example, in FIG. 3, when the departure time of a train to be taken at D station is updated from 17:27 to 17:35, the arrival time at E station departs from D station at 17:35. It is updated at the arrival time of the alternative train at E station.

  The route data includes, as timetable information, information on alternative trains that depart within one hour from the departure time of the train that should originally ride at each boarding station. Replacement of each of the above arrival times, departure times, and the like is performed based on information on such alternative trains. On the other hand, when there is no alternative train, a route re-search described later is performed.

  As described above, in the image display SD1, the departure time and arrival time of the train are updated at regular intervals. By setting it as such an aspect, the user can know the arrival time of a train and the departure time and arrival time of a transfer train according to the actual situation on the route.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the arrival notification process performed by the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200. The processing of FIG. 5 is also repeatedly performed by the route guidance unit 232 of the main control unit 210 according to the update of the current position information during the time when the route guide is being performed. As described above, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 updates the expected arrival time at the getting-off station at regular intervals (step S605). In step S610, it is determined whether or not the current time is later than Tp before the expected arrival time. Tp is a preset time, and can be set to 3 minutes, for example.

  If the current time is not later than Tp before the expected arrival time, the process of step S610 is performed again after waiting for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if the current time is later than Tp before the expected arrival time, the main control unit 210 alerts the user by the audio output unit 203 and the vibration mechanism 204 in step S610, and then performs processing. finish.

  By adopting such an aspect, for example, even when the user is sleeping in a train or concentrating on reading, the user collects luggage prior to getting off by receiving a warning from the mobile phone, etc. Can get ready to get off.

  In addition, when preparation for getting off is started at a predetermined time regardless of the actual current position, there is a disadvantage that preparation for getting off is not necessary when the train arrives earlier than planned. Moreover, when the train is behind schedule, for example, the following inconvenience occurs. That is, even though the train is delayed, the book that was being read or the game machine that was being used was put in a bag, and it was held by hand until the train arrived at the station. She also wears a jacket and feels hot on the train.

  However, in the present embodiment, the time for issuing a notice of arrival to the user is determined in consideration of the actual current position. For this reason, even when the train arrives late at the station or arrives early, the user can start preparation for getting off in accordance with the actual situation.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for performing a route re-search. The process of FIG. 6 is also repeatedly performed by the route guidance unit 232 of the main control unit 210 during the time when the route guide is performed. It is the route information preparation unit 231a of the main control unit 210 that performs the route re-search according to the instruction of the route guidance unit 232 of the main control unit 210.

  In step S705, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 determines whether or not the current position remains within a certain range near the route for a time Ts or longer. The “predetermined range near the route” in step S705 can be, for example, a circular range having a radius of 20 m from a point on the train line or in the station. Ts is a preset time, and can be set to 10 minutes, for example. Furthermore, in step S705, it is also determined whether or not there is an alternative train for which the departure time is to be displayed in the update of the arrival time and departure time of the train (see FIG. 4).

  In step S705, if the current position remains within a certain range near the route for time Ts or more, or if there is no alternative train in updating the arrival time and departure time of the train, the process proceeds to step S720. In other cases, the process proceeds to step S710.

  For example, if the train on which the user is on has stopped for 10 minutes or more due to an accident or the like, the process proceeds from step S705 to step S720. In addition, when the user gets off at a stop station on the way that is not a disembarking station (for example, station C in FIG. 3), goes to the toilet, and waits for the next train for more than 10 minutes at that station. The process proceeds from step S705 to step S720.

  In step S710, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 determines whether or not the current position is out of a predetermined range near the route. The “predetermined range in the vicinity of the route” in step S710 can be, for example, an area within 20 m from the train line or station included in the route. This area is, for example, a range within 20 m on the left and right of the route included in the route. If the determination result of step S710 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S720. If the determination result is No, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S710, for example, when the user gets off at a station on the way and sightseeing around the area, or when he / she makes a mistake and gets on a train in a different direction, the determination result is Yes.

  The route search server 100 inquires the operation management server about the operation information of the use section at regular intervals and receives the operation information (see step S210 in FIG. 2). In step S715, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 receives the operation information from the route search server 100, and determines whether or not there is a disconnected section in the use section based on the operation information. If there is a disconnected section in the usage section, the process proceeds to step S720. In other cases, the process returns to step S705.

  The main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 performs the determinations of steps S705, S710, and S715 at regular intervals (for example, 3 minutes) while performing route guidance.

  In step S720, the main control unit 210 of the mobile phone 200 transmits the current position information and current time information to the route search server 100, and transmits a route re-search instruction. The route search server 100 uses the received current position information and information such as the waypoints, destinations, and search conditions stored in the storage unit 106 to generate route data again. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing after step S205 in FIG.

  However, the newly generated route data includes accident information indicating a position where a train accident has occurred (hereinafter referred to as “disconnection position”). Information on the location of the disconnection point is obtained based on operation information provided from the operation management server. Of the route preparation unit 231 as a functional unit for obtaining route data, a functional unit that fulfills the function of obtaining accident information in particular is shown as an accident information preparation unit 231c in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example SD2 of an image displayed on the display panel 202 when the route data is generated again in step S720 of FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, an icon AP indicating a disconnected position is shown based on the accident information. Section S04 (stop station Sts2 to transfer station Stt1) is a non-communication section.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the station C is changed from a stop station to a transfer station (see the station Stt2 in FIG. 7), and a new station F (station Stt3) is presented as a transfer station. The route including the section S07 (transfer stations Stt2 to Stt3) and S08 (transfer station Stt3 to the destination station Std) is presented by a thick line. That is, the use section used in the route is changed. Of route L03, section S07 is use route Lu03. Of route L04, section S08 is use route Lu04.

  And in the balloons B03b, B06, B05b of each station, the train route name and home display at each station (TLa3, TLa6, TLa5b), the arrival time (Ta3, Ta6, Ta5b), the transfer train route name and home (TLd3, TLd6) and the departure time (Td31, Td32, Td61, Td62) are shown.

  In addition, since the sections S04 and S05 are no longer used sections, they are displayed with thinner lines than the used sections. Station D is not shown because it is neither a transfer station nor a stop station. However, in FIG. 7, D station (station Stt1) is indicated by a broken line in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment. Note that the station once indicated in the route guidance may be continuously displayed on the screen.

  By adopting such an aspect, even if the situation changes significantly, such as when the user does not move according to the route presented first, or when the user cannot move according to the route presented first, according to the situation, A new route can be searched and presented to the user.

B. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment, on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200, the sections included in the route, the display of each station, and the arrival time and departure time of the train are displayed on a map (see FIGS. 3 and 7). ). However, in the second embodiment, the sections included in the route, the display of each station, and the arrival time and departure time of the train are not displayed on the map but are displayed as a guide map. The other points of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example SD3 of an image displayed on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200 in the second embodiment. In the image display SD3, a block B20 is displayed instead of the departure place icon SP (see FIG. 3). Further, a block B26 is displayed instead of the destination icon PD. Then, instead of the departure station, destination station, and stop station icons and balloons, blocks B21 to B25 are displayed. Also in FIG. 8, the block corresponding to the passing station is not displayed.

  The blocks B21 to B25 are linearly arranged between the block B20 as the departure point and the block B26 as the destination. Blocks B21 to B25 include displays corresponding to the balloons B01 to B05 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 3 are the same elements as those in FIG.

  When the screen display SD3 of FIG. 8 does not fit on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200, a part of the screen display SD3 is displayed on the display panel 202, and the other parts are scrolled and displayed. It can also be made.

  Information such as arrival times (see Ta4 and Ta5) and departure times (see Td11, Td41, and Td42) and information on the route itself shown in FIG. 8 are updated by the same processing as in the first embodiment (FIG. 4). , And FIG. 6).

  Even in such an aspect, the user can know the arrival time according to the actual situation and the departure time of the train to be boarded. Further, the aspect of the second embodiment has less display information on the screen than the first embodiment. For this reason, the user can easily know the arrival time and the departure time of the train to be boarded.

C. Third embodiment:
In the first embodiment, on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200, the sections included in the route, the display of each station, and the arrival time and departure time of the train are displayed on the map (SD1 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7). SD2). In the third embodiment, a guide map showing the required time to each station is displayed alongside the display of the route and the like displayed on the map. The other points of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 shows, in the third embodiment, on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200 side by side on the left side of the display of the route and the like displayed on the map (see SD1 in FIG. 3 and SD2 in FIG. 7). It is a figure which shows the display of guide map SD4. That is, in the third embodiment, the image SD1 and the image SD4 are displayed side by side on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200.

  In the image display SD4, a block B46 representing the destination is displayed. Then, blocks B41 to B45 representing the departure station, the destination station, and the stop station are displayed. In FIG. 9, the block corresponding to the passing station is not displayed.

  The blocks B41 to B46 are arranged linearly. Blocks B41 to B46 indicate distances Lr2 to Lr6 and required times Tr2 to Tr6 to each station and destination. The distance to each station and the destination and the required time are calculated based on the arc information included in the route data, the node information of the destination station, and the destination information specified by the user.

  The distance to each station and the destination and the required time are updated each time the current position information is updated (see FIG. 4). The distance to each station and the destination and the required time are updated each time a re-search is performed (see FIG. 6).

  By adopting an aspect such as that of the third embodiment, the user can intuitively know how much time and labor is required before arriving at each station and destination. And since the distance and required time to each station and the destination are updated according to a change in the situation, accurate information can always be obtained.

  In the example of FIG. 9, it is assumed that the current position is between A station and B station. For this reason, the starting point that has already passed and the block corresponding to station A are not displayed. By setting it as such an aspect, the user can grasp | ascertain the distance and required time of the remaining journey intuitively from the present position as a starting point. In addition, it can also be set as the aspect which displays the station and departure point which have passed until it arrives at the destination.

D. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

D1. Modification 1:
The update time interval (3 seconds) of the current position information shown in the above embodiment, the time interval for re-search (10 minutes), the time range for determining an alternative train (1 hour), etc. are all examples. The amount of each time can be made larger and smaller.

  Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the range in the vicinity of the route and the station (range of 20 m) shown as the determination criterion for the re-search is an example, and the size of the range in the vicinity can be made larger than them. Can be small.

  Further, the map image data as the image data stored in the map database 156 of the map server 150 may be held as raster data or may be held as vector data. The map image data transmitted to the mobile phone 200 as a terminal device carried by the user may be raster data or vector data. Further, one of the map image data in the map database 156 and the map image data transmitted to the terminal device can be vector data and the other can be raster data.

  In the above embodiment, the character size is constant regardless of the scale of the map image in the image display SD1 in FIG. 3 and the image display SD2 in FIG. However, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which some or all of the characters in the image display are enlarged or reduced according to the enlargement or reduction of the map image.

D2. Modification 2:
In the above embodiment, using the average speed information of the section, the arrival time at the station where the user should get off next is calculated. However, the arrival time at the next station where the user should get off may be calculated by other methods.

  For example, the route guidance unit 232 of the main control unit 210 executes the process of FIG. 4 every time a train stops at a stop station. In step S505, the main control unit 210 arrives at the stop station (hereinafter referred to as “scheduled arrival time”) stored in advance in the route data and the time when the train actually arrived at the stop station (hereinafter referred to as “arrival time”) , “Actual arrival time”). Based on the difference between the estimated arrival time at the stop station and the actual arrival time at the stop station, the arrival time at the disembarkation station stored in advance in the route data (see Ta4 in FIG. 3) is corrected.

  The corrected expected arrival time thus obtained is displayed in place of the expected arrival time (see Ta4 in FIG. 3) that has been displayed on the display panel 202 until then. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment. Even in such an aspect, the expected arrival time and the departure time of the train to be transferred at the transfer station can be updated to reflect the actual state.

  Such processing can also be performed based on the departure time of the stop station. Further, the processing based on the actual arrival time at the stop station and the actual departure time from the stop station can be performed for the arrival notice at the disembarkation station in FIG. 6 (see step S605 in FIG. 6). .

  Furthermore, the above processing may be performed for a passing station. That is, in step S305 in FIG. 2, the timetable server 170 refers to the timetable database 176, calculates the passing time of the passing station, and transmits it to the route search server 100 as part of the “timetable information”. Information about the passage time of the passing station is transmitted from the route search server 100 to the mobile phone 200 as part of route data. The route guidance unit 232 of the main control unit 210 calculates the difference between the passing time of the passing station stored in the route data in advance and the time when the train actually passes the passing station every time the train passes the passing station. Based on this, the arrival time at the disembarking station is corrected and displayed (see step S505 in FIG. 4 and step S605 in FIG. 5).

  In the above-described embodiment, the arc information of the route network data has one or more average moving speeds such as in the case of each station stop or in the case of express. However, the arc information of the route network data may not have such an average moving speed. Even in such an aspect, if it is an aspect like this modification, the arrival time at the disembarking station can be updated based on the actual current position and route information.

D3. Modification 3:
In the third embodiment, the display SD4 in FIG. 9 is displayed on the left side of the display SD1 in FIG. However, the displays SD1 (SD2), SD3, and SD4 of the first to third embodiments can be displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in any combination and arrangement.

D4. Modification 4:
As a result of the arrival time at each station being changed, the train to be used is changed, or the route to be used is changed, so that the train to be used is changed. It can also be set as the aspect which accesses the server of the system which can purchase the ticket of the train after a change. With such an aspect, the user can purchase a ticket in advance before arriving at the transfer station.

D5. Modification 5:
In the above embodiment, a display indicating that there is a toilet or a restaurant in the ticket gate of the station is performed (see FIGS. 3 and 7). However, the station information that the guidance device presents to the user is not limited to these. For example, the guidance device displays whether there is a souvenir shop in the ticket gate, whether there is a convenience store, and whether there is a kiosk or vending machine at each platform at the boarding station, getting off station, or stopping station It can also be set as the aspect to do. That is, the guidance device can be configured to present to the user whether or not the ticket gate has predetermined equipment that can be used by the user.

D6. Modification 6:
Although not described in the above embodiment, each display in each balloon (B01 to B06 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7) and each block in B20 to B26 and B42 to B46 in FIG. 8 and FIG. The display can be sequentially selected with the cursor key 206b of the mobile phone 200.

  For example, if you select a station name by placing the cursor on it and pressing the enter key to confirm the selection, the information on the presence or absence of station facilities (souvenir shops, convenience stores, restaurants, etc.) and information on the service route are displayed. It can also be set as an aspect. That is, the station attribute information can be displayed separately for information displayed before a predetermined operation is performed and information displayed after a predetermined operation is performed.

  In addition, when the cursor is placed on the route and the selection key is pressed to confirm the selection, the train platform number or the vehicle number closest to the stairs can be displayed. That is, train attribute information can be displayed separately for information displayed before a predetermined operation is performed and information displayed after a predetermined operation is performed.

D7. Modification 7:
When a route is re-searched when there is a significant delay (see S705 in FIG. 6), the route is used without changing the route using the information on the route prepared in the past. It is good also as an aspect which specifies the re-search estimated arrival time which arrives at and the re-search departure time from which the transportation means departs from the use station. In addition, the route itself can be searched again.

D8. Modification 8:
In the above embodiment, the output unit that provides information to the user is configured as the display panel 202, the audio output unit 203, and the vibration mechanism 204 (see FIG. 1). However, the output unit can output information in the form of a printed matter, or can output information with unevenness constituting Braille. The output unit only needs to be able to provide information to the user in some form such as an image, sound, touch, or vibration.

D9. Modification 9:
In the above-described embodiment, a system is used in which a current position is identified by receiving radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System / Global Positioning System) satellite. The current position acquisition unit as a component of the guidance device may be based on any principle or use a system operated by any institution as long as the current position can be specified.

D10. Modification 10:
In the above embodiment, one average moving speed is assigned to one section between stations. However, the section between stations may be divided into smaller subsections. And information, such as an average moving speed and distance, the average time required for a movement, may be allocated for every area.

D11. Modification 11:
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a route of a train is included in the route has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to route guidance in the case where various routes such as a route bus, a regular ferry, and an aircraft are included in the route in addition to the train. That is, the route included in the route may be “a route on which the transportation means is operated according to the timetable”.

  Here, the “transportation means” is a concept associated with the operation schedule. That is, “a train that departs Nagoya Station at 8:21 and heads toward Tokyo” is an example of “transportation”. In this case, for example, “Tokaido Shinkansen” is an example of “route”.

  Moreover, the said Example demonstrated the aspect in which the user transfers from one train to another train in the path | route which reaches a destination. However, the transfer may be performed in a mode of changing to a different type of transportation such as a train to a bus or a walk to a train. In other words, the route guidance system only needs to be able to indicate to the user the station from which the “transport means that the user should ride next” and its departure time.

  Here, “the transportation means that the user should ride next” means “the means currently used (for example, walking, bicycle, car, other trains, ships, airplanes, etc.) are used next. Means "means of transport". The moving means used before “the transportation means that the user should ride next” does not have to be operated according to the timetable, and may be, for example, walking, a bicycle, a car, or the like. In addition, when using a moving means that does not depend on these timetables, the arrival time at the station can be calculated based on the average moving speed and the average required time included in the current position and route information.

  In addition, the “station where the transportation means departs” does not mean “a starting station of the transportation means”. The “station from which the transportation means departs” means a station from which the transportation means departs regardless of whether the transportation means has stopped at another station before the station. That is, the “station from which the transportation means departs” is a concept that includes both “the station where the transportation means arrives from another station and then departs” and “the first departure station of the transportation means”.

D12. Modification 12:
In the said Example, a route guidance system contains the route search server 100, the map server 150, the timetable server 170, the operation management server 180, and the mobile telephone 200 as the component. However, a mobile terminal that is carried by the user and that includes a GPS unit and a display may be provided with the functions of the route search server 100 and the map server 150. Furthermore, the function of the timetable server 170 can also be provided in a portable terminal. Further, the route search server 100 and the map server 150 may be the same server. The timetable server 170 and the operation management server 180 may be the same server.

  That is, the route guidance system as a guidance device may be one device in which each component is housed in one housing. Further, the route guidance system as a guidance device may be configured as two or more devices whose constituent elements are connected to each other by a data communication line. For each function such as a function for generating route information and a function for generating map information, one or more arbitrary functions can be assigned to each device. Each function may be realized by one device, or two or more devices may be realized in cooperation. In an aspect in which two or more components are connected by a communication line, the output unit that outputs information to the user is preferably carried by the user.

D13. Modification 13:
The guidance device according to the present invention can be grasped as a mobile terminal such as the mobile phone 200 of the first embodiment. Such a portable terminal prepares by acquiring each information used for a process from the outside (refer the path | route preparation unit 231 of FIG. 1, the map information preparation unit 233).

  For example, in such a portable terminal, the main control unit prepares the route information by obtaining it from the external server 100 (see the route information preparation unit 231a in FIG. 1). In addition, the main control unit prepares the timetable information of the station in the time near the arrival time at the station by obtaining from the external server 170 via the server 100 (see the timetable preparation unit 231b). . Further, the main control unit prepares the map information around the current position by obtaining it from the external server 150 (see the map information preparation unit 233). Then, the main control unit prepares the route accident information by obtaining it from the external server 180 via the server 100 (see the accident information preparation unit 231c). That is, the function of preparing each information is realized by the function unit of the main control unit of the mobile terminal controlling the communication unit.

  On the other hand, the guidance device according to the present invention can be grasped as the entire route guidance system of the first embodiment, for example. In such a guide device, information used for processing can be generated based on information held by each component of the guide device. For example, the map server 150 in FIG. 1 that cuts out a map image around the current position from the entire map image corresponds to this. In addition, information used for processing can be generated based on information obtained from the outside and information held by itself. For example, the route search server 100 and the operation management server 180 correspond to this. Furthermore, each component of the guidance device may hold information used for processing by itself.

D14. Modification 14:
In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. For example, a part of the function of the application software 212 (FIG. 1) can be executed by the control circuit.

  A computer program for realizing such a function is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM. The host computer reads the computer program from the recording medium and transfers it to the internal storage device or the external storage device. Alternatively, the computer program may be supplied from the program supply device to the host computer via a communication path. When realizing the function of the computer program, the computer program stored in the internal storage device is executed by the microprocessor of the host computer. Further, the host computer may directly execute the computer program recorded on the recording medium.

  In this specification, the host computer is a concept including a hardware device and an operation system, and means a hardware device that operates under the control of the operation system. The computer program causes such a host computer to realize the functions of the above-described units. Note that some of the functions described above may be realized by an operation system instead of an application program.

  In the present invention, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, An external storage device fixed to a computer such as a hard disk is also included.

The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the route guidance system which is 1st Example of this invention. The chart which shows the exchange of the information of the mobile telephone 200, the route search server 100, the map server 150, the timetable server 170, and the operation management server 180 at the time of performing route guidance. The figure which shows example SD1 of the image displayed on the display panel 202 after step S110 of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process which updates the expected arrival time to a station, and the display of the departure time of the train which should be boarded ahead. The flowchart which shows the process of the arrival notification which the main control part 210 of the mobile telephone 200 performs. The flowchart which shows the process for performing a route re-search. The figure which shows example SD2 of the image displayed on the display panel 202 when route data are produced | generated again by step S720 of FIG. The figure which shows example SD3 of the image displayed on the display panel 202 of the mobile telephone 200 in 2nd Example. The figure which shows the display of guide map SD4 displayed side by side on the left side of the display of the route etc. which are displayed on a map on the display panel 202 of the mobile telephone 200 in 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Route search server 102 ... Communication part 104 ... Control part 106 ... Memory | storage part 150 ... Map server 152 ... Communication part 154 ... Control part 156 ... Map database 170 ... Server 170 ... Timetable server 172 ... Communication part 174 ... Control part 176 ... Timetable database 180 ... Operation management server 182 ... Communication unit 184 ... Control unit 186 ... Storage unit 200 ... Mobile phone 201 ... GPS unit 202 ... Display panel 203 ... Audio output unit 204 ... Vibration mechanism 205 ... Communication unit 206 ... Command input Part 206a ... Numeric keypad 206b ... Cursor key 209 ... Clock part 210 ... Main control part 212 ... Application software 220 ... Call control part AP ... Icon indicating disconnection position INT ... Internet Ic1 ... Icon indicating presence of toilet Ic2 ... Restaurant is there Lr2 ... Distance to station B Lr3 ... Distance to station C Lr4 ... Distance to station D Lr5 ... Distance to station E Lr6 ... Distance to destination PD ... Destination icon PP ... Current position Icon S01 to S07 ... Sections SD1, SD3, SD4 ... Image display SP ... Icon showing departure place Stb ... Departure station Std ... Destination station Stn ... Station where the train to be on the route does not stop St1, St2, St3 ... Transfer station Sts1, Sts2 ... Stop stations Ta4, Ta5 ... Estimated arrival times Td11, Td41 ... Departure times of trains to ride Td12, Td42 ... Departure times of alternative trains Lr2 ... Required time to B station Lr3 ... Required time to C station Lr4 ... Time required to D station Lr5 ... Time required to E station Lr6 ... Time required to destination Ts ... To station Time to notice wearing

Claims (8)

A guidance device,
A route preparation unit that prepares route information representing a position of a route including a route on which a transportation means is operated according to a timetable, and a route to a destination;
A timetable preparation unit for preparing timetable information that is information of the timetable;
A current position acquisition unit for acquiring current position information representing the current position;
An output unit that can be carried by the user and output information;
A first predicted arrival time for said user next ride to vehicle in the first train station starting at the route the user arrives included in the route, the current position information, in said route information Based on the first expected arrival time, the route information, and the timetable information, a first departure time at which the next transportation means that the user should take departs from the first use station And a time management unit that causes the output unit to output the first use station and the first departure time;
An accident information acquisition unit capable of receiving from outside the accident information that at least a part of the route included in the route is unavailable ,
When through the accident information acquisition unit even after the first departure time before SL on the output unit is outputted receiving the accident information,
The route preparation unit is a route for moving from the current position to the destination based on the newly acquired current position information and the accident information, and newly includes route information that does not include the unusable route. Prepare
The time management unit
A first predicted arrival time a new said user next ride to vehicle the user arrives at the new first train station starting at line included in the path of the newly prepared path information, the Calculation based on the newly acquired current position information and the newly prepared route information, and based on the new first expected arrival time, the newly prepared route information, and the timetable information The transportation means that the user should ride next specifies a new first departure time from which the new first use station departs, and the new first use station and the new first departure A guidance device that causes the output unit to output time. The guide device according to claim 1, further comprising:
A map information preparation unit that prepares map information representing a map around at least the current position;
The output unit includes a display unit capable of displaying an image,
The time management unit, based on the map information, the route information, and the current position information, a map including the current position, and a position of at least a part of the route including the current position; A guide device that displays the current position on the display unit in an overlapping manner. The guidance device according to claim 1,
The output unit includes a display unit capable of displaying an image,
The time management unit
Departure from the first use station of a means of transportation that departs from the first use station after the first departure time and that can be substituted for the means of transportation that the user should ride next. Calculating a first alternative departure time that is a time based on the first departure time, the route information, and the timetable information;
Displaying the first alternative departure time together with the first departure time on the display unit;
A guide device that displays the first departure time with a higher emphasis than the first alternative departure time. The guidance device according to claim 1,
The time management unit
A second expected arrival time at which the transportation means that the user should get on from the first use station arrives at a second use station on which the user should get off for transfer on the route, and the current position information, Based on the route information,
Based on the second expected arrival time, the route information, and the timetable information, the transport means to be transferred by the user specifies a second departure time at which the user leaves the second use station,
A guide device that causes the output unit to output the second use station and the second departure time. A guide device according to claim 4, wherein
The output unit includes a display unit capable of displaying an image,
The time management unit does not display a station that is between the first use station and the second use station and that does not stop the transportation means that the user should ride next. A guide device that displays the first use station on the display unit together with a departure time, and displays the second use station on the display unit together with the second departure time. The guidance device according to claim 1,
The output unit includes a display unit capable of displaying an image,
The route preparation unit is a stop station where a transportation means that the user should next ride on the route included in the route, and whether or not the stop station has a predetermined facility in a ticket gate. Prepare the route information including station equipment information to represent,
The time management unit displays station information on a plurality of stop stations where transportation means stop for each station on the display unit, and the stop station has the predetermined facility in a ticket gate based on the station facility information. If it is determined to be in, the station information include information indicating that there is the predetermined facility into the ticket gate, the guide device. A guide method for moving from a departure place to a destination,
(A) a step of preparing route information representing a position of a route including a route on which the transportation means is operated according to a timetable, the route reaching the destination;
(B) preparing timetable information which is information of the timetable;
(C) obtaining current position information representing the current position;
(D) a first expected arrival time at which the user arrives at a first use station where a next transportation means on the route included in the route departs, the current position information, and the route information Based on the first expected arrival time, the route information, and the timetable information, the first means of transportation that the user should take next departs the first use station. Identifying a departure time and notifying the user of the first user station and the first departure time;
(E) receiving accident information from the outside that at least a part of the route included in the route is unavailable ,
When the first departure time in the step (d) receiving said accident information through the accident information acquisition unit even after that is known to the user,
(F) A route for moving from the current position to the destination based on the newly acquired current position information and the accident information, and including the route that does not include the unusable route. A step of newly preparing route information to be represented;
(G) the newly prepared the user next first predicted arrival vehicle is new the user arrives at the new first train station starting to take in the routes included in the route of the route information Calculating a time based on the newly acquired current position information and the newly prepared route information;
(H) Based on the new first expected arrival time, the newly prepared route information, and the timetable information, the transportation means that the user should ride next is the new first use station. identifying a first departure time a new starting,
(I) informing the user of the new first user station and the new first departure time. A computer program for moving from a departure place to a destination,
An output unit that can be carried by a user and output information; a current position acquisition unit for acquiring current position information representing a current position; and a control unit that controls the output unit and the current position acquisition unit. By being executed in the guide device provided,
A function to prepare route information indicating the position of the route including the route on which the transportation means is operated according to the timetable, and the route to the destination;
A function of preparing timetable information which is information of the timetable;
A first predicted arrival time for said user next ride to vehicle in the first train station starting at the route the user arrives included in the route, the current position information, in said route information Based on the first expected arrival time, the route information, and the timetable information, a first departure time at which the next transportation means that the user should take departs from the first use station Identifying the first use station and the first departure time to the output unit ,
A function for receiving from outside the accident information that at least a part of the route included in the route is unavailable, can be realized in the guide device ,
The function of preparing the route information is after the first departure time is output by the function of outputting the first use station and the first departure time, and via the accident information acquisition unit. Route information for moving from the current position to the destination based on the newly acquired current position information and the accident information when the accident information is received and not including the unusable route Including the ability to prepare a new
The function of outputting the first use station and the first departure time is when the predetermined condition is satisfied after the first departure time is output.
The freshly prepared first predicted arrival time new to the user to the new first available station arrives to the user in the route included in the route next ride to vehicle departs in the route information, A function to calculate based on the newly acquired current position information and the newly prepared route information;
Based on the new first expected arrival time, the newly prepared route information, and the timetable information, a new transportation means that the user should take next departs from the new first use station. A function for identifying the first departure time,
Including a function of Ru is output to the output section a first train station and the new first departure time said new computer program.

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