JP5056902B2 - Route guidance system and route guidance method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly achieve a guidance in an intersection. <P>SOLUTION: A route guide system includes a time obtaining means for obtaining a present time, a priority setting means for setting a priority of a prescribed land mark in a guide intersection and an intersection guiding means for guiding the intersection having the prescribed land mark in the guide intersection in accordance with the set priority. The priority setting means decides a traffic lane where a vehicle travels to decide the priority of the prescribed land mark in the guide intersection in accordance with decision results, decides a time zone in accordance with the obtained present time and change the set priority in accordance with the decision results. The priority of the prescribed land mark in the guide intersection is set depending on the traffic lane on which the vehicle travels and the guidance of the intersection having the land mark is carried out in accordance with the set priority, thereby a searching route can easily be recognized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a route guidance system and a route guidance method.

  Conventionally, in a navigation device, for example, the current position of a vehicle, that is, the current position is detected by GPS (Global Positioning System), and the direction of the vehicle, that is, based on the turning angle of the vehicle detected by a gyro sensor, that is, The vehicle direction is detected, map data is read from the data recording unit, a map screen is formed on the display unit, the vehicle position indicating the current location, a map around the vehicle position, and the vehicle The direction is displayed. Therefore, the driver who is an operator can drive the vehicle according to the vehicle position displayed on the map screen, the map around the vehicle position, and the vehicle direction.

  When the driver inputs a destination and sets search conditions, a route search process is performed based on the search conditions, and a route from the starting point represented by the current location to the destination is searched according to the map data. Is done. The searched route, that is, the searched route is displayed together with the vehicle position on the map screen, and route guidance is performed. Therefore, the driver can drive the vehicle along the displayed search route.

  By the way, if there is an intersection that needs to turn right or left on the searched route, that is, a guidance intersection, when the vehicle reaches a point that guides a route that is a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection, that is, a route guidance point, An intersection enlarged view is formed in a predetermined area of the screen, and route guidance is performed based on the enlarged intersection view. The enlarged map of the intersection displays a map around the guidance intersection, a search route, and landmarks such as facilities that serve as landmarks at the guidance intersection, and guides the intersection (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of intersection guidance in a conventional navigation device.

  In the figure, c1 is a guidance intersection, r1 and r2 are roads intersecting at the guidance intersection c1, Rt1 is a searched route, h is a center line of the road r1, k1 to k3 are lanes on the driving lane, and k4 to k6 are opposite lanes. The side lane, w1, is a vehicle that is the host vehicle. There is, for example, a predetermined C convenience store represented by the landmark C at the corner (left corner) ahead of the guidance intersection c1, and the corner (right side) ahead of the guidance intersection c1. At a corner), for example, there is a predetermined G gas station represented by the landmark G.

  And if the G gas station is prominent from the C convenience store, when the vehicle w1 reaches the route guidance point, the voice output unit (not shown) is about the guidance intersection c1, for example, "Soon to the left. The G gas station is a landmark. ”Is used to guide the intersection.

JP-A-9-287961

  However, in the conventional navigation device, the guidance intersection c1 has a C convenience store at a corner on the previous travel lane side. In particular, when traveling in the lane k1, the C convenience store close to the vehicle w1. It is easier to recognize the search route Rt1 when the guidance of the intersection by voice is performed for the store. In this case, it becomes difficult to properly guide the intersection.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a route guidance system and a route guidance method that can solve the problems of the conventional navigation device and can appropriately guide intersections.

  Therefore, in the route guidance system of the present invention, time acquisition processing means for acquiring the current time, priority setting processing means for setting priority for a predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection, and the set priority And an intersection guidance processing means for guiding an intersection with a predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection.

  The priority setting processing means determines the lane in which the vehicle is traveling, sets the priority of a predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection based on the determination result, and based on the acquired current time The time zone is determined, and the set priority is changed based on the determination result.

  According to the present invention, the priority is set for a predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection by the lane in which the vehicle is traveling, and the intersection with the landmark is guided based on the set priority. The route can be easily recognized, and the intersection can be properly guided.

It is a figure which shows the navigation system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in the conventional navigation apparatus. It is a main flowchart which shows operation | movement of the intersection guidance process means in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the intersection guidance process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the priority setting information creation process means in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the intersection guidance process in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the intersection guidance process in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart which shows operation | movement of the intersection guidance process means in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the intersection guidance process in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting information acquisition process in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the guidance output process in the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the guidance output process in the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the guidance output process in the 11th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, 14 is an information terminal, for example, a navigation device as an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, 63 is a network, 51 is an information center as an information provider, the navigation device 14, the network 63, the information center 51, etc. The navigation system is configured by the above.

  The navigation device 14 includes a GPS sensor 15 as a current location detection unit for detecting a current location, a data recording unit 16 as an information recording unit in which various information is recorded in addition to map data, and navigation based on the input information. A navigation processing unit 17 that performs various arithmetic processing such as processing, a direction sensor 18 that serves as a direction detection unit that detects the vehicle direction, and a first input for performing predetermined input when operated by a driver as an operator. An operation unit 34 as an input unit, various displays by an image displayed on a screen (not shown), a display unit 35 as a first output unit for notifying the driver, and a predetermined input by voice A voice input unit 36 as a second input unit, a voice output unit 3 as a second output unit for performing various displays by voice and notifying the driver , And a communication unit 38 as a transmission / reception unit functioning as a communication terminal. The navigation processing unit 17 includes a GPS sensor 15, a data recording unit 16, an orientation sensor 18, an operation unit 34, a display unit 35, a voice input unit 36, An audio output unit 37 and a communication unit 38 are connected.

  The navigation processing unit 17 includes a forward monitoring device 48 that monitors the front of the vehicle, a display line recognition device 49 that recognizes a display line that divides the road lane, a peripheral monitoring device 50 that monitors the periphery of the vehicle, and the like. Connected.

  Further, a sensor unit 40 as a vehicle information detection unit is connected to the navigation processing unit 17, and the sensor unit 40 detects the operation of the winker lever by the driver for moving the vehicle to the side. Turn signal sensor 41 as a direction movement operation detection unit, an accelerator sensor 42 as an engine load detection unit that detects an operation of an accelerator pedal by a driver, a brake sensor 43 as a brake detection unit that detects an operation of a brake pedal by the driver, A vehicle speed sensor 44 as a vehicle speed detection unit for detecting a vehicle speed, a throttle opening sensor 45 as a throttle opening detection unit for detecting a throttle opening indicating an acceleration request by the driver, and a steering operation as a steering member by the driver. The steering sensor 46 as a steering detection unit to detect, and the driver Including a shift position sensor 47 as a speed change operation detecting section for detecting a range selected by operating the shift operation section and the like. The shift position sensor 47 detects that a neutral range (N), a forward range (D), a low range (L), a reverse range (R), and a parking range (P) are selected. The winker sensor 41, the accelerator sensor 42, the brake sensor 43, the steering sensor 46, the shift position sensor 47, and the like constitute a driver operation information detection unit that detects vehicle operation information by the driver.

  The GPS sensor 15 detects the current location on the earth by receiving radio waves generated by an artificial satellite, and also detects the time. In the present embodiment, the GPS sensor 15 is used as the current position detection unit, but a distance sensor, a steering sensor, an altimeter, etc. (not shown) are used alone or in combination instead of the GPS sensor 15. You can also Further, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or the like can be used as the direction sensor 18.

  The data recording unit 16 includes a map database including map data files, and map data is recorded in the map database. The map data includes intersection data related to intersections, node data related to nodes, road data related to road links, search data processed for searching, facility data related to facilities, and the like. The data recording unit 16 also records data for outputting predetermined information by the audio output unit 37.

  Further, the data recording unit 16 includes a statistical database composed of statistical data files, a travel history database composed of travel history data files, and the like. Statistical data is stored in the statistical data file, and travel history data is stored in the travel history data file. However, both are recorded as performance data.

  The statistical data is a history of traffic information provided in the past, that is, history information representing a history, and a road traffic information center (not shown) such as a VICS (registered trademark: Vehicle Information and Communication System) center as an information provider. Traffic information provided in the past, etc., data indicating the traffic volume by road traffic census provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (hereinafter referred to as “road traffic census information”), road timetable information provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism By using probe data, which is travel history data collected from a plurality of vehicles (own vehicle or other vehicle) by the information center 51, alone or in combination, processing as necessary, and performing statistical processing Created. In the statistical data, it is possible to add traffic jam prediction information for predicting a traffic jam status to the history information. In that case, in creating the statistical data, detailed conditions such as date and time, day of the week, weather, various events, seasons, facility information (presence / absence of large facilities such as department stores and supermarkets) are added to the history information.

  The data items of the statistical data include a route on which the vehicle has traveled in the past, that is, link number data (ID) for each road link that constitutes each travel route, a direction flag that represents the travel direction, and information that represents the type of information. Type, congestion level indicating the degree of congestion at each predetermined timing, link required time indicating the required time for each predetermined timing when traveling on each road link, average of the link required time for each day of the week It consists of data (for example, day average data).

  In the present embodiment, the degree of traffic jam is used as a traffic jam index indicating the level of traffic jam, and is represented by traffic jam, congestion, and non-jamming.

  In addition, the travel history data is calculated and accumulated based on the travel record of the vehicle, that is, data (travel data) representing the travel record on the travel route. The data items of the travel history data include a link required time at each predetermined timing when traveling on each road link, a traffic congestion level at each predetermined timing when traveling on each road link, and the like.

  The data recording unit 16 includes a disk (not shown) such as a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, and an optical disk for recording the various data, and a read / write for reading and writing various data. A head (not shown) such as a writing head is provided. A memory card or the like can be used for the data recording unit 16.

  In the present embodiment, the data recording unit 16 is provided with the map database, statistical database, travel history database, and the like. However, in the information center 51, the map database, statistical database, travel history, etc. A history database or the like can also be provided.

  The navigation processing unit 17 is a control device that performs overall control of the navigation device 14 and a CPU 31 as an arithmetic device, a RAM 32 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 31 performs various arithmetic processes, In addition to the above program, a ROM 33 in which various programs for searching for a route to the destination, route guidance and the like are recorded, and a flash memory (not shown) used for recording various data, programs and the like are provided. .

  In the present embodiment, various programs can be recorded in the ROM 33 and various data can be recorded in the data recording unit 16, but the programs, data, and the like can also be recorded on a disk or the like. In this case, the program, data, etc. can be read from a disk or the like and written to the flash memory. Therefore, the program, data, etc. can be updated by exchanging the disk or the like. When the navigation device 14 is connected to an automatic transmission control device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle for controlling the automatic transmission, a program, data, etc. for controlling the automatic transmission control device Can also be recorded on the disc or the like. Further, the program, data, and the like can be received via the communication unit 38 and written into the flash memory of the navigation processing unit 17.

  The operation unit 34 is operated by the driver to correct the current location at the start of traveling, to input a departure point and a destination, to input a passing point, and to activate the communication unit 38. As the operation unit 34, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like disposed independently of the display unit 35 can be used. Further, as the operation unit 34, a predetermined input operation is performed by touching or clicking an image operation unit such as various keys, switches, and buttons displayed as images on the screen formed in the display unit 35. It is possible to use a touch panel that can be used.

  A display can be used as the display unit 35. Then, on various screens formed on the display unit 35, the vehicle position indicating the current location, a map, a searched route, guidance information along the searched route, traffic information, etc. are displayed, or until the next intersection in the searched route. In addition to displaying the distance and the direction of travel at the next intersection, the operation guidance, operation menu, and key guidance of the image operation unit, operation unit 34, voice input unit 36, etc. can be displayed. A multiplex broadcast program or the like can be displayed.

  The voice input unit 36 includes a microphone (not shown) and the like, and can input necessary information by voice. Further, the voice output unit 37 includes a voice synthesizer and a speaker (not shown), and the search route, guidance information, traffic information, and the like are output from the voice output unit 37, for example, as voice synthesized by the voice synthesizer. .

  The communication unit 38 transmits various information such as current traffic information and general information transmitted from the road traffic information center to radio wave beacons via radio wave beacon devices, optical beacon devices and the like arranged along the road. A beacon receiver for receiving as an optical beacon, an FM receiver for receiving as an FM multiplex broadcast via an FM broadcast station, and the like. The traffic information includes traffic jam information, regulation information, parking lot information, traffic accident information, service area congestion status information, and the like, and general information includes news, weather forecasts, and the like. The beacon receiver and the FM receiver are unitized and arranged as a VICS receiver, but can be arranged separately.

  The traffic information specifies an information type indicating a type of information, a secondary mesh number for specifying a secondary mesh as a mesh, a road link connecting two points (for example, an intersection), and Link number data representing upstream / downlink, and link information representing the content of information provided in association with the link number data. For example, when traffic information is traffic jam information, the link information Consists of traffic jam head data representing the distance from the start point of the road link to the head of the traffic jam, the traffic jam degree, the traffic jam section, the traffic jam length representing the distance from the traffic jam head to the traffic jam end, the link required time, and the like.

  The communication unit 38 can also receive various information such as traffic information and general information from the information center 51.

  For this purpose, the information center 51 includes a server 53, a communication unit 57 connected to the server 53, a database (DB) 58 as an information recording unit, and the like. A CPU 54, a RAM 55, a ROM 56, etc. are provided as devices. The database 58 records data similar to the various data recorded in the data recording unit 16, such as the map data, statistical data, and travel history data. Furthermore, the information center 51 can provide travel history data collected from a plurality of vehicles (own vehicle or other vehicle) in real time.

  The forward monitoring device 48 includes a radar such as a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like, or a combination thereof. As the vehicle surrounding information, an inter-vehicle distance, an inter-vehicle time, an approach speed with respect to a preceding vehicle, a temporary stop Calculates approach speeds, approach speeds to obstacles, etc. for places (approach points from non-priority roads to priority roads, railroad crossings, intersections with blinking red lights, etc.), and monitors preceding vehicles, temporary stops, obstacles, etc. . In addition, the surroundings monitoring device 50 is a camera such as a CCD, C-MOS, etc., as a vehicle surroundings information on the surroundings of the vehicle, for example, objects to be photographed such as front, side or rear intersections, road signs, traffic lights, buildings. By processing the image data of the image of the captured object, the state of the intersection, the dimensions of the surrounding vehicle, the position of the surrounding vehicle, the number of the surrounding vehicle, the position of the display line, the position of the stop line, on the road The surroundings of the vehicle are monitored by judging the position of the sign and the color of the traffic light.

  The navigation system, the navigation processing unit 17, the CPUs 31, 54, the server 53, and the like function as a computer based on various programs, data, and the like. The data recording unit 16, RAMs 32 and 55, ROMs 33 and 56, database 58, flash memory, and the like constitute a recording medium. An MPU or the like can be used instead of the CPUs 31 and 54 as the arithmetic unit.

  Next, a basic operation when the navigation system having the above configuration is used as a route guidance system will be described.

  First, when the operation unit 34 is operated by the driver and the navigation device 14 is activated, a navigation initialization processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs navigation initialization processing, and the current location and direction sensor detected by the GPS sensor 15. 18 reads the vehicle direction detected by 18 and initializes various data. The matching processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs matching processing, and based on the trajectory of the read current location and the shape, arrangement, etc. of each road link constituting the road around the current location, the current location is any road. The current location is identified by determining whether it is located on the link.

  Subsequently, a basic information acquisition processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs a basic information acquisition process and acquires the map data by reading it from the data recording unit 16 or receiving it from the information center 51 or the like via the communication unit 38. And get. In addition, when acquiring map data from the information center 51, the said basic information acquisition process means downloads the received map data to flash memory. Moreover, when acquiring map data via the communication part 38, a program can also be acquired.

  A display processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs display processing and forms various screens on the display unit 35. For example, the road map display processing means of the display processing means performs road map display processing, forms a map screen on the display unit 35, and displays the vehicle position, a map around the vehicle position and the vehicle direction on the map screen. indicate. Therefore, the driver can drive the vehicle according to the vehicle position, the map around the vehicle position, and the vehicle direction.

  Further, when the driver operates the operation unit 34 to input a destination, a destination setting processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs a destination setting process to set the destination. Note that the departure place can be input and set as necessary. Moreover, a predetermined point can be registered in advance, and the registered point can be set as a destination. Subsequently, when the driver operates the operation unit 34 to input a search condition, a search condition setting processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs a search condition setting process to set the search condition.

  When the destination and search conditions are set in this way, the route search processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs route search processing, reads the current location, destination, search conditions, and the like from the data recording unit 16. Based on the current location, the destination, and the search data, a route from the departure point to the destination represented by the current location is searched based on the search condition, and route data representing the searched route is output. In this case, the route having the smallest total link cost assigned to each road link is set as the searched route.

  Subsequently, a guidance processing means (not shown) of the CPU 31 performs guidance processing and guides the driver on the searched route, that is, route guidance. For this purpose, the route display processing means of the guidance processing means performs route display processing, reads the route data, and displays the searched route on the map screen according to the route data. In this case, if necessary, the voice output processing means of the guidance processing means performs voice output processing and outputs a search route by voice from the voice output unit 37 to perform route guidance.

  The information center 51 can perform route search processing. In that case, the CPU 31 transmits the current location, the destination, search conditions, and the like to the information center 51. When the information center 51 receives the current location, destination, search conditions, etc., the route search processing means (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs route search processing similar to that of the CPU 31 and reads the search data from the database 58 to obtain the current location, destination. Based on the location and the search data, a route from the departure point to the destination is searched under the search conditions, and route data representing the searched route is output. Subsequently, a transmission processing unit (not shown) of the CPU 54 performs transmission processing and transmits the route data to the navigation device 14. Therefore, in the navigation device 14, when the basic information acquisition processing means receives the route data from the information center 51, the guidance processing means performs route guidance as described above.

  And when a guidance intersection exists on the searched route, when the vehicle reaches a route guidance point before the guidance intersection by a predetermined distance L1 (for example, X1 [m]), the intersection enlarged map display process of the guidance processing means is performed. The means performs an enlarged intersection map display process, forms an enlarged intersection map in a predetermined area of the map screen, performs route guidance by the enlarged intersection map, and includes a map around the guided intersection, a search route, Display landmarks such as facilities that serve as landmarks at guidance intersections. The voice output processing means instructs the voice output unit 37 to perform route guidance by voice, for example, “This is X [m] to the left”.

  Subsequently, the intersection guidance processing means of the guidance processing means performs intersection guidance processing and guides the intersection.

  FIG. 3 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the intersection guidance processing means in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a priority setting processing subroutine in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. The figure which shows the subroutine of the intersection guidance process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 6 is the 1st figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 7 is FIG. FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of intersection guidance in the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a third diagram showing an example of intersection guidance in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  6 to 8, c1 is a guidance intersection, r1 and r2 are roads intersecting at the guidance intersection c1, Rt1 is a searched route, h1 is a center line of the road r1, k1 to k3 are lanes on the driving lane side, k4 to k6 is a lane on the opposite lane side, and w1 is a vehicle which is the own vehicle. As a first facility, for example, there is a predetermined C convenience store represented by the landmark C at the corner (left corner) ahead of the guidance intersection c1, and the opposite lane ahead of the guidance intersection c1. As a second facility at the corner on the side (right corner), for example, there is a predetermined G gas station represented by the landmark G.

  First, the intersection determination processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs an intersection determination process to determine whether or not the vehicle w1 has further traveled and has approached the guidance intersection c1, so that the vehicle w1 has a predetermined distance L2 (L2) from the guidance intersection c1. <L1) Judgment is made based on whether or not the point that guides the intersection just before (for example, X2 [m]), that is, whether or not the intersection guide point has been reached. When the vehicle w1 approaches the guidance intersection c1, the priority setting information acquisition processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs priority setting information acquisition processing and sets priorities for the landmarks C and G at the guidance intersection c1. This is obtained by reading the travel state of the vehicle w1 as priority setting information representing information for performing, in this embodiment, the lane in which the vehicle w1 is traveling.

  Subsequently, the priority setting processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs priority setting processing to determine whether or not the vehicle w1 is traveling on the lane k1 closer to the shoulder. As shown in FIG. 6, when traveling in the lane k1 near the shoulder, the priority of the landmark C is increased, and the lanes k2 and k3 on the center line h1 side are set as shown in FIGS. When traveling, the priority of the landmark G is increased.

  In this embodiment, each priority is represented by a numerical value, and the same initial value is set in advance for each landmark C, G. Therefore, in the priority setting process, the initial value is changed and set by adding a predetermined value, multiplying, or converting with a predetermined function. In the present embodiment, the same initial value is set for each of the landmarks C and G. However, if necessary, the initial value can be set differently in advance.

  Subsequently, the intersection guidance processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs intersection guidance processing, reads the priority for each landmark C, G of the guidance intersection c1, and the guidance output processing means of the intersection guidance processing means includes: Guidance output processing is performed, and the voice output unit 37 (FIG. 1) is instructed to perform voice guidance for the guidance intersection c1 and the landmark with high priority. When the priority of Landmark C is high, for example, the guide of the intersection with the name of Landmark C is given, such as “Soon to the left. The C convenience store is a landmark.” Is high, for example, the intersection is accompanied by the name of the landmark G, such as “Soon, it is in the left direction. The G gas station is a landmark”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the priority of the landmark is set depending on which lane the vehicle w1 is traveling, and the intersection is guided by the landmark with a higher priority. Can be easier. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 3 will be described.
Step S1 Wait for approaching the guidance intersection c1.
Step S2: Priority setting information acquisition processing is performed.
Step S3: Perform priority setting processing.
Step S4 An intersection guidance process is performed and the process is terminated.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described.
Step S3-1: It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling in the lane k1 closer to the road shoulder. If the vehicle is traveling on the lane k1 close to the road shoulder, the process proceeds to step S3-2. If the vehicle is not traveling, the process proceeds to step S3-3.
Step S3-2: The priority of the landmark C on the traveling lane side is increased and the process returns.
Step S3-3: Increase the priority of the landmark G on the opposite lane side and return.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described.
Step S4-1 Read the priority.
Step S4-2: A guidance output process is performed and the process returns.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, when the vehicle w1 is traveling on the lane k2, the priority of the landmark G is increased, but there is traffic jam on the road r1. In the case where the vehicle has occurred, for example, if another vehicle having a high vehicle height such as a truck is traveling on the right lane k3 on the right side of the vehicle w1, the landmark G remains for a long time. It is covered by other vehicles. Therefore, even if the vehicle w1 reaches the intersection guide point, the intersection is not guided.

  Therefore, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in which when a traffic jam occurs on the road r1, an intersection can be guided with another landmark.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a subroutine of priority setting processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the priority setting information acquisition processing means performs priority setting information acquisition processing, and the traveling state of the vehicle w1 (FIG. 8) as the priority setting information, in this embodiment, the vehicle w1 travels. It is obtained by reading the current traffic information of the road r1.

  As in the first embodiment, the priority setting processing means determines whether the vehicle w1 is traveling in the lane k1 closer to the shoulder, and if the vehicle w1 is traveling in the lane k1 closer to the shoulder, When the priority of the landmark C on the lane side is increased and the vehicle is traveling on the lanes k2 and k3 on the center line h1, the priority of the landmark G on the opposite lane side is increased.

  Subsequently, the priority setting processing means determines whether or not there is a traffic jam on the road r1 based on the current traffic information. Then, when there is a traffic jam on the road r1, the priority change processing means of the priority setting processing means performs the priority change processing, and the surrounding vehicles monitored by the periphery monitoring device 50 (FIG. 1). The priority is changed based on the dimensions, the positions of surrounding vehicles, and the like.

  For example, when the size of the previous vehicle is large and the vehicle is traveling in the lane k1 closer to the shoulder, the priority of the landmark G is increased and the vehicle is traveling in the lanes k2 and k3 on the center line h1 side. Second, the priority of Landmark C is increased. In addition, when the signboard etc. showing the landmark to be changed are attached at a high position, it is not necessary to change the priority. In this case, whether or not the signboard or the like is attached at a high position can be determined by adding data to each landmark or monitored by the periphery monitoring device 50.

  In this way, it is determined whether or not there is a traffic jam on the road r1 based on the current traffic information, and when the traffic jam occurs, the priority is changed, so that the search route can be easily recognized. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described.
Step S3-11: It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling in the lane k1 closer to the shoulder. If the vehicle is traveling on the lane k1 closer to the road shoulder, the process proceeds to step S3-12, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3-13.
Step S3-12: The priority of the landmark C on the traveling lane side is increased.
Step S3-13: Increase the priority of the landmark G on the opposite lane side.
Step S3-14: Determine whether a traffic jam has occurred. If a traffic jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step S3-15, and if not, the process returns.
Step S3-15 Perform priority change processing and return.

  By the way, the driver can set various kinds of information as unique priority setting information in advance, and can set the priority according to the information.

  Next, the operation of the priority setting processing means when the driver sets a predetermined area as the regional information as unique priority setting information will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a subroutine of priority setting processing in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, when the driver purchases a vehicle, or attaches the navigation device 14 (FIG. 1) as an in-vehicle device, the driver sets area information representing an area where the driver feels good about the land, and records information. The data is recorded and registered in the data recording unit 16 as a unit.

  Therefore, the priority setting information acquisition processing unit acquires the local information by reading the local information with reference to the data recording unit 16, and the priority setting processing unit acquires the facilities, etc. that exist in many areas in the region information. Increase the priority of landmarks, and lower the priority of landmarks such as facilities that exist a lot outside the regional information.

  For example, a driver who lives in a given prefecture is excellent in land in the prefecture where he / she lives, and has a high degree of recognition of landmarks such as facilities based in the prefecture. Therefore, when the vehicle is driven in another prefecture, the landmark can be easily recognized even if the number of facilities is small. Therefore, the priority of landmarks such as facilities based in the prefecture where they reside is increased, and the priority of landmarks such as facilities based in other prefectures is decreased.

  Thus, since the priority of the landmark with a high recognition degree is high and the priority of the landmark with a low recognition degree is lowered, the search route can be easily recognized. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S3-21: It is determined whether or not regional information is set. If the area information is set, the process proceeds to step S3-22. If not set, the process returns.
Step S3-22: Set the priority based on the area information and return.

  Next, the operation of the priority setting processing unit when the driver sets a predetermined color as color information as unique priority setting information will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a subroutine of priority setting processing in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, when the driver purchases the vehicle, or attaches the navigation device 14 (FIG. 1) as an in-vehicle device, the driver sets color information representing a color that gives a strong impression to the driver, and serves as an information recording unit. Record and register in the data recording unit 16.

  Accordingly, the priority setting information acquisition processing unit acquires the color information by reading the color recording unit 16 with reference to the data recording unit 16, and the priority setting processing unit acquires the color of the color that matches or substantially matches the color information. The priority of the landmark is increased, and the priority of the landmark having a color different from the color information is decreased.

  Thus, since the priority of the landmark with a high recognition degree is high and the priority of the landmark with a low recognition degree is lowered, the search route can be easily recognized. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S3-31: It is determined whether color information is set. If color information is set, the process proceeds to step S3-32, and if not set, the process returns.
Step S3-32 Set priority based on the color information, and return.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the driver can set a predetermined area, a predetermined color, etc. as the specific priority setting information. As information, facilities of a genre that the driver is good at, for example, a station, can be set as genre information. In that case, the priority setting processing means refers to the data recording unit 16, reads the set genre information, increases the priority of the landmark of the facility that matches the genre information, and sets the land of the facility different from the genre information. Decrease the priority of the mark.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which the priority is changed according to the time zone will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a subroutine of priority setting processing in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, as in the first embodiment, the priority setting information acquisition processing means performs the priority setting information acquisition processing, and the traveling state of the vehicle w1 (FIG. 8) as the first priority setting information, In the present embodiment, it is acquired by reading the lane in which the vehicle w1 is traveling. Then, the priority setting processing means determines, for example, whether or not the vehicle w1 is traveling in the lane k1 near the shoulder, and when the vehicle w1 is traveling in the lane k1 near the shoulder, priority of the landmark C on the traveling lane side is given. When the vehicle is traveling in the lanes k2 and k3 on the center line h1 side, the priority of the landmark G on the opposite lane side is increased.

  By the way, when the landmark facility is a store or the like, the signboard is often turned off outside business hours. In this case, even if it is a landmark that is easy to recognize, it is usually a specific time zone at night. It becomes difficult to recognize the signboard after the illumination is turned off as a landmark.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the priority of the set landmark is changed according to the time zone.

  For this purpose, the priority setting information acquisition processing means acquires the time as second priority setting information by reading from the GPS sensor 15 (FIG. 1) as the current position detection unit. The time zone determination processing means of the priority setting processing means performs time zone determination processing and determines the time zone based on the time. Subsequently, the priority change processing means of the priority setting processing means performs priority change processing, and changes the priority of a specific time zone for each type of business. As for the priority change processing means, for example, there are many 24-hour stores for convenience stores, so the priority in the late-night time zone is increased, and for restaurants and the like, many stores are open until around 24:00. Therefore, the priority after 24:00 is lowered.

  When the data recording unit 16 uses a high-performance database, the business hours for each store can be recorded in the database. In that case, the priority change processing means refers to the database and changes the priority for each time.

  Thus, since the priority can be changed according to the time zone, it is possible to easily recognize the searched route regardless of whether the illumination is turned on or off. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S3-41: It is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a lane k1 closer to the road shoulder. When traveling on the lane k1 closer to the shoulder, the process proceeds to step S3-42, and when not traveling, the process proceeds to step S3-43.
Step S3-42 The priority of the landmark C on the traveling lane side is increased.
Step S3-43: Increase the priority of the landmark G on the opposite lane side.
Step S3-44: Perform time zone determination processing.
Step S3-45 Perform priority changing processing and return.

  Next, a description will be given of a sixth embodiment of the present invention in which priority is set based on travel history data representing the travel record of the vehicle.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the priority setting information creation processing means in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a priority setting processing subroutine in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 15 is a diagram showing a subroutine for intersection guidance processing in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  By the way, areas that have passed in the past (hereinafter referred to as “passing areas”), facilities that have been set as destinations in the past (hereinafter referred to as “destination facilities”), and facilities that have visited in the past (hereinafter referred to as “stop-by facilities”). ) Is recorded as travel history data in the data recording unit 16 (FIG. 1) as an information recording unit.

  Then, for each facility of the transit area, the destination facility, and the stop-by facility based on the travel history data, an evaluation index representing the use frequency of the facility is calculated and recorded as priority setting information in the data recording unit 16, The priority is changed based on the evaluation index.

  In this case, the priority setting information creation processing means of the intersection guidance processing means passes through the transit area recorded in the data recording unit 16, sets the destination facility as the destination, or stops at the stop-by facility. Each time, the evaluation index is incremented. The evaluation index increases as the number of times of passing through the passing area, the number of times of setting the destination facility, the number of times of stopping at the stopping facility, and the like increase.

  Next, the priority setting information acquisition processing means performs the priority setting information acquisition processing, and acquires it by reading the evaluation index with reference to the data recording unit 16. Subsequently, the priority setting processing means refers to the data recording unit 16 and reads the priority recorded in the data recording unit 16 and reads the evaluation index. The facility having a higher evaluation index has a priority of the landmark. The lower the evaluation index, the lower the priority of the landmark. The priority setting processing means records the set priority in the data recording unit 16.

  In the third embodiment, when the driver purchases a vehicle or attaches a navigation device 14 as an in-vehicle device, the driver sets a region with excellent land intuition as regional information, data It is recorded and registered in the recording unit 16, but in areas other than areas with excellent land intuition, if you pass through a predetermined area repeatedly, facilities in the passing area, along the road in the passing area You may be familiar with the landmarks of the facility. Therefore, the priority of the landmarks of the facilities in the transit area is increased.

  In addition, for example, when a driver often sets a specific pet shop as a destination, or often stops at a specific pet shop, the driver can easily recognize the landmark of the specific pet shop. Therefore, the evaluation index of the specific pet shop is increased and the priority of the landmark is increased.

  In addition, for example, if a driver often sets a pet shop at each place as a destination, or often stops at a pet shop at each place, the driver can easily find the landmark of the store regarding animals. Since it is predicted that it can be recognized, the evaluation index of the pet shop is increased and the priority of the landmark is increased.

  Subsequently, the intersection guidance processing means performs intersection guidance processing, reads the priority from the data recording unit 16, and the guidance output processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs guidance output processing as a second output unit. The voice output unit 37 is instructed to guide the intersection by voice for the guidance intersection and the high-priority landmark.

  In this way, based on the travel history data, as the number of times of passing through the passing area, the number of times of setting the destination facility, the number of times of stopping at the stopping facility, and the like, the priority of the landmark is increased, so the search route can be easily recognized. can do. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

  Further, the priority of each landmark is recorded in the data recording unit 16 and is updated as the travel history data is accumulated unless the navigation device 14 is reset, so that the priority of the landmark is optimized. can do. In addition, since the priority is automatically accumulated, the operability of the driver can be improved.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 13 will be described.
Step S11: It is determined whether the facility is set as the destination. If the facility is set as the destination, the process proceeds to step S14. If the facility is not set, the process proceeds to step S12.
Step S12: It is determined whether or not the facility has been visited. If the user has stopped by the facility, the process proceeds to step S14. If the user has not stopped, the process proceeds to step S13.
Step S13: It is determined whether the facility has been passed. If it has passed the facility, the process proceeds to step S14. If it has not passed, the process ends.
Step S14: The facility evaluation index is incremented and the process is terminated.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 14 will be described.
Step S3-51 Read the priority.
Step S3-52: Priorities are set based on the evaluation index.
Step S3-53: Record the priority and return.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 15 will be described.
Step S4-11 Reads the priority.
Step S4-12: A guidance output process is performed and the process returns.

  By the way, if the driver did not drive the vehicle according to the guidance of the intersection when the guidance was given at the predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection, the landmark used for the guidance of the intersection was mistakenly It may be recognized or difficult to recognize.

  Therefore, for each landmark position at a predetermined guidance intersection, a landmark position coefficient indicating ease of recognition is created as priority setting information, recorded in the data recording unit 16, and the landmark position coefficient is stored in the landmark position coefficient. A seventh embodiment of the present invention in which the priority is changed based on this will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a subroutine for priority setting processing according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a subroutine for intersection guidance processing according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in this 7th Embodiment.

  In FIG. 18, c1 is a guidance intersection, r1 and r2 are roads intersecting at the guidance intersection c1, Rt1 is a searched route, Rt2 is a route on which the vehicle actually travels, that is, a travel route, and w1 is a vehicle that is the host vehicle. is there. The first facility represented by the landmark m1 at the corner on the traveling lane side (left corner) ahead of the guidance intersection c1 is landed on the corner on the opposite lane side (right corner) ahead of the guidance intersection c1. The second facility represented by the mark m2 is located at the corner (left corner) on the traveling lane in front of the guidance intersection c1, and the third facility represented by the landmark m3 is located in front of the guidance intersection c1. There is a fourth facility represented by the landmark m4 at the corner on the opposite lane side (right corner), and the priority setting information creation processing means performs priority setting information creation processing, and each landmark m1-m4 Each time, a landmark position coefficient is created as priority setting information and recorded in the data recording unit 16 (FIG. 1) as an information recording unit.

  The priority setting information acquisition processing means performs priority setting information acquisition processing, reads the landmark position coefficient from the data recording unit 16, and the priority setting processing means determines the priority based on the landmark position coefficient. Set.

  By the way, the landmark position coefficient is set for each landmark m1 to m4, for example, in the case of the guidance intersection c1, and when the driver guides the intersection with a predetermined landmark, the driver can accurately search the route. The landmark position of the landmark that was used to guide the intersection when it was changed based on whether or not the vehicle w1 was driven along Rt1 and the driver accurately moved the vehicle w1 along the searched route Rt1. When the coefficient is increased and the driver cannot accurately drive the vehicle w1 along the search route Rt1, the landmark position coefficient of the landmark used for guiding the intersection is decreased.

  For this purpose, the intersection guidance processing means performs intersection guidance processing, and reads the landmark position coefficients of the landmarks m1 to m4 at the guidance intersection c1 from the data recording unit 16. Subsequently, the guidance output processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs guidance output processing, guides the intersection with the landmark having the highest priority, and when the vehicle w1 passes the guidance intersection c1, the intersection guidance processing means The off-route determination processing means performs off-route determination processing and determines whether or not the driver has accurately driven the vehicle w1 along the searched route Rt1 based on whether or not off-route has occurred.

  The landmark position determination processing means of the intersection guidance processing means determines which landmark is used when guiding the intersection, and the landmark position coefficient change processing means of the intersection guidance processing means. Performs a landmark position coefficient changing process, and when the driver accurately drives the vehicle w1 along the search route Rt1, the landmark position coefficient is changed and increased for the used landmark. As shown in FIG. 18, when the driver cannot accurately travel the vehicle w1 along the search route Rt1 and travels on the travel route Rt2, Change the coefficient to lower it. For example, when the landmark m4 is used, the landmark position coefficient of the landmark m4 is reduced, and as a result, the priority of the landmark m4 is lowered.

  When the landmark position coefficient of a predetermined landmark is changed, the landmark position coefficients of other land surfaces can be changed. For example, when the landmark m4 is used, the landmark position coefficient of the landmark m4 is reduced. However, the landmark position coefficient of the landmark m2 is slightly decreased and the landmark position coefficient of the landmark m3 is increased. The landmark position coefficient of the landmark m1 can be slightly increased.

  Subsequently, the landmark position coefficient recording processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs a landmark position coefficient recording process and records the landmark position coefficient.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a landmark position coefficient indicating ease of recognition is created for each landmark at the guidance intersection c1, and a priority is set based on the landmark position coefficient. Therefore, it is possible to learn a position where the driver can easily recognize the landmark at the guidance intersection c1 and a position where it is difficult for the driver to recognize the landmark. Therefore, the search route Rt1 can be easily recognized, and the intersection can be guided appropriately.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described.
Step S3-61: Set priority based on the landmark position coefficient, and return.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 17 will be described.
Step S4-21 The landmark position coefficient is read out.
Step S4-22 A guidance output process is performed.
Step S4-23 It waits to pass the guidance intersection c1.
Step S4-24: A route off determination process is performed.
Step S4-25 Landmark position determination processing is performed.
Step S4-26 The landmark position coefficient changing process is performed.
Step S4-27 Landmark position coefficient recording processing is performed and the process returns.

  Next, for each landmark at a predetermined guidance intersection, the priority is recorded in the data recording unit 16, and the priority is changed based on whether the driver has driven the vehicle w1 according to the guidance of the intersection. The eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the intersection guidance processing means in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a subroutine of intersection guidance processing in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. The figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting information acquisition process in 8th Embodiment of invention, FIG. 22 is the figure which shows the subroutine of the priority setting process in 8th Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 23 is FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the guidance of the intersection in 8th Embodiment.

  In FIG. 23, c1 is a guidance intersection, r1, r2 are roads intersecting at the guidance intersection c1, Rt1 is a search route, Rt2 is a travel route, h1 is a center line of the road r1, and w1 is a vehicle. . There is a C convenience store represented by the landmark C at the corner on the traveling lane (left corner) ahead of the guidance intersection c1, and at the corner (right corner) on the opposite lane ahead of the guidance intersection c1. There is a G gas station represented by the landmark G. In this case, a priority is set for each landmark C, G existing at the guidance intersection c1, and is recorded in the data recording unit 16 (FIG. 1) as an information recording unit.

  When the vehicle w1 approaches the guidance intersection c1, the intersection guidance processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs intersection guidance processing, and reads the priorities of the landmarks C and G at the guidance intersection c1 from the data recording unit 16, The guidance output processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs guidance output processing and guides the intersection with the landmark having the highest priority.

  Subsequently, the priority setting information acquisition processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs priority setting information acquisition processing, waits for the vehicle w1 to pass through the guidance intersection c1, and routes the priority setting information acquisition processing means. The departure determination processing means performs a route departure determination process, and determines whether or not the driver has accurately driven the vehicle w1 along the searched route Rt1 based on whether or not a route departure has occurred. Subsequently, when an off-route occurs, the priority setting information acquisition processing unit acquires the off-route occurrence as priority setting information, and turns on a flag indicating that the off-route has occurred.

  Next, the priority setting processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs priority setting processing, reads the priorities of the landmarks C and G at the guidance intersection c1 from the data recording unit 16, and determines whether or not the flag is on. to decide. Then, when the flag is on, the priority setting processing means lowers the priority of the landmark used in the intersection guidance.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 23, it is used when the driver cannot accurately drive the vehicle w1 along the search route Rt1 and has caused the vehicle w1 to travel along the travel route Rt2. For the landmarks, change the landmark position coefficient to make it lower. For example, when the landmark C is used, the priority of the landmark C is lowered.

  When the priorities of the landmarks C and G are set in this manner, the priority setting processing means records the priorities of the landmarks C and G in the data recording unit 16.

  When the priority of a predetermined landmark is changed, the priorities of other landmarks can be changed. For example, when the priority of the landmark C is lowered, the priority of the landmark G can be increased.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since priority is set for each landmark at the guidance intersection c1, it is difficult for the driver to recognize landmarks that are easy for the driver to recognize at the guidance intersection c1. Can learn the landmarks. Therefore, the search route Rt1 can be easily recognized, and the intersection can be guided appropriately.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 19 will be described.
Step S21 Wait for approaching the guidance intersection c1.
Step S22 Intersection guidance processing is performed.
Step S23: Priority setting information acquisition processing is performed.
Step S24: The priority setting process is performed and the process is terminated.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 20 will be described.
Step S22-1 Reads the priority.
Step S22-2: Perform guidance output processing and return.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 21 will be described.
Step S23-1 Wait for passing the guidance intersection c1.
Step S23-2: It is determined whether or not a route deviation has occurred. If there is a deroute, the process proceeds to step S23-3, and if not, the process returns.
Step S23-3: Turn on the flag and return.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 22 will be described.
Step S24-1: Reads the priority.
Step S24-2: It is determined whether or not the flag is on. If the flag is on, the process proceeds to step S24-3, and if not, the process proceeds to step S24-4.
Step S24-3: Decrease the priority of landmarks at the time of intersection guidance.
Step S24-4: Record the priority and return.

  By the way, when there are a plurality of landmarks at a predetermined guidance intersection, and there is a landmark with the highest priority among the landmarks, the intersection is guided by the landmark with the highest priority. A ninth embodiment will be described in which a search route can be easily recognized even when there is no landmark having the highest priority.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a subroutine of guidance output processing in the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the guidance output processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs guidance output processing, determines whether there is a landmark with the highest priority, and if there is a landmark with the highest priority, Guide the intersection at the highest landmark. In addition, when there is no landmark with the highest priority, the guidance output processing means determines whether there is another landmark, and when there is another landmark, of the other landmarks. The priority of a predetermined landmark is set by, for example, the method as in the first embodiment, the landmark having the next highest priority is determined, and added as identification information of the landmark. As information, color information representing the main color of the landmark is acquired.

  Subsequently, the guidance output processing means instructs the voice output unit 37 (FIG. 1) as the second output unit, and for the landmark having the second highest priority, the voice information of the intersection with the name and color information of the landmark is obtained. Give guidance. For example, if the landmark with the next highest priority is the landmark of a given convenience store and the sign is yellow, the sign will be “Soon to the left. The C convenience store with the yellow sign is a landmark.” Information is provided.

  Further, when there is no other landmark, the guidance output processing means does not guide the intersection at the landmark.

  In the present embodiment, color information is used as additional information on landmarks. However, in addition to color information, shape information representing a shape, character information representing a character, and the like can be used. .

  As described above, even when there is no landmark having the highest priority, the guidance of the intersection is performed by the feature of the landmark, so that the search route can be easily recognized. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S4-2-1: It is determined whether or not there is a landmark with the highest priority. If there is a landmark with the highest priority, the process proceeds to step S4-2-2. If not, the process proceeds to step S4-2-3.
Step S4-2-2: The intersection is guided by the landmark having the highest priority, and the process returns.
Step S4-2-3: It is determined whether another landmark exists. If another landmark exists, the process proceeds to step S4-2-4, and if not, the process proceeds to step S4-2-6.
Step S4-2-4: The landmark color information is acquired.
Step S4-2-5 Guidance of the intersection is performed using the landmark name and color information, and the process returns.
Step S4-2-6: Return to the landmark without guiding the intersection.

  Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a subroutine of guidance output processing in the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the guidance output processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs guidance output processing to determine whether there is a landmark with the highest priority, and when there is a landmark with the highest priority, The intersection is guided by the landmark with the highest degree. In addition, when there is no landmark with the highest priority, the guidance output processing means determines whether there is another landmark, and when there is another landmark, of the other landmarks. The priority of a predetermined landmark is set by, for example, the method as in the first embodiment, the landmark having the next highest priority is determined, and is used as identification information at the guidance intersection and additional information As such, position information representing the position of the landmark is acquired.

  Subsequently, the guidance output processing means instructs the voice output unit 37 (FIG. 1) as the second output unit, and for the landmark having the second highest priority, the name of the landmark and the location information of the intersection by voice. Give guidance. For example, if the landmark with the next highest priority is the landmark for a given convenience store, and the landmark for that given convenience store is in the left corner beyond the guidance intersection, "C convenience store on the left front is a landmark."

  If there is no other landmark, the guidance output processing means does not guide the intersection at the landmark.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S4-2-11: It is determined whether there is a landmark having the highest priority. If there is a landmark with the highest priority, the process proceeds to step S4-2-12. If not, the process proceeds to step S4-2-13.
Step S4-2-12: The intersection is guided by the landmark having the highest priority, and the process returns.
Step S4-2-13: It is determined whether another landmark exists. If another landmark exists, the process proceeds to step S4-2-14, and if not, the process proceeds to step S4-2-16.
Step S4-2-14: The location information of the landmark is acquired.
Step S4-2-15: The intersection is guided by the name and position information of the landmark, and the process returns.
Step S4-2-16: Return to the landmark without guiding the intersection.

  Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a subroutine of guidance output processing in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, when the driver purchases a vehicle, or attaches the navigation device 14 (FIG. 1) as an in-vehicle device, the color information representing a strong impression color as identification information and additional information is provided. It is set, recorded in the data recording unit 16 as an information recording unit, and registered.

  Then, the guidance output processing means of the intersection guidance processing means performs guidance output processing, determines whether or not there is a landmark with the highest priority, and if there is a landmark with the highest priority, Guide the intersection at the highest landmark. If there is no landmark with the highest priority, the guidance output processing means determines whether there is another landmark, and if there is another landmark, the color set in advance at the guidance intersection. It is determined whether or not the information landmark is present, and if the set color information landmark is present, the voice output unit 37 as the second output unit is instructed and the landmark name and color information are used for voice. Guidance of the intersection by.

  As described above, even when there is no landmark having the highest priority, the guidance of the intersection is performed based on the color information of the landmark at the guidance intersection, so that the search route can be easily recognized. Therefore, it is possible to properly guide the intersection.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S4-2-21: Determine whether there is a landmark with the highest priority. If there is a landmark with the highest priority, the process proceeds to step S4-222; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4-2-23.
Step S4-2-22 Guidance of the intersection is performed with the landmark having the highest priority, and the process returns.
Step S4-2-23: It is determined whether another landmark exists. If another landmark exists, the process returns to step S4-2-24, and if it does not exist, the process returns.
Step S4-2-24: It is determined whether or not there is a landmark of the set color information. If the landmark of the set color information exists, the process returns to step S4-2-25, and if not, the process returns.
Step S4-2-25 Guidance of the intersection is performed using the landmark name and color information, and the process returns.

  In the present embodiment, color information is set in advance, it is determined whether there is a landmark with the set color information, and if there is a landmark with the set color information, It is designed to guide intersections for signs, but as additional information, the genre and store name of a specific facility are set in advance, and it is determined whether there is a landmark such as the set genre and store name. When there are landmarks such as the set genre and store name, it is also possible to guide the intersection for the landmarks such as the genre and store name.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.

14 Navigation device 31 CPU
51 Information Center 63 Network c1 Guided Intersection

Claims (4)

Time acquisition processing means for acquiring the current time;
Priority setting processing means for setting priority for a predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection;
An intersection guidance processing means for guiding an intersection with a predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection based on the set priority;
The priority setting processing means determines a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, sets a priority of a predetermined landmark at the guidance intersection based on a determination result, and sets a time based on the acquired current time. A route guidance system characterized by determining a belt and changing the set priority based on a determination result. The priority setting processing means sets a priority of the landmark on the traveling lane side when the vehicle is traveling in a lane near the shoulder, and determines a time zone based on the acquired current time The route guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the set priority is changed based on a determination result. The priority setting processing means sets the priority of the landmark on the opposite lane side of the lane on which the vehicle is traveling when the vehicle is traveling in the lane on the center line side, and the acquired current 3. The route guidance system according to claim 1, wherein a time zone is determined based on the time, and the set priority is changed based on a determination result. In a route guidance method by a route guidance system that performs route guidance at a guidance intersection,
Get the current time,
Set a priority for a given landmark at a guided intersection,
Based on the set priority, it performs guidance intersection with a predetermined landmark in the guidance intersection,
Determines lane vehicles is traveling, the guide and set the priority for a given landmark at an intersection, and determines the time zone based on the obtained current time on the basis of the determination result, the determination result A route guidance method, wherein the set priority is changed based on:

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