JP5230166B2 - Terminal device and probe information analysis system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for transmitting and receiving probe information between a terminal device capable of detecting a current position and an analysis server.

  Currently, many vehicles are equipped with a car navigation system. The car navigation system uses the current position detected using GPS (Global Positioning System) to provide route guidance and display of the vehicle position.

  In recent years, a technique for analyzing the traffic situation of a vehicle by transmitting the current position acquired by the car navigation system to a predetermined information collection center has been proposed (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2007-207083 A

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for suppressing information having the same content from being transmitted from a large number of vehicles to an information collection center. Specifically, an FCD (floating car data) vehicle-mounted device mounted on the vehicle compares information transmitted from the information collection center with information held by itself, and the comparison result indicates a predetermined condition. The probe information is transmitted to the information collection center only when is established.

  However, there is a matter that can be analyzed only after information of the same content is transmitted from a large number of vehicles, such as an analysis of a place where a large number of vehicles are staying. Therefore, if the probe information is transmitted to the information collection center only when the above conditions are satisfied, there is a possibility that matters that can be analyzed are greatly limited.

  By the way, the GPS receiver has been miniaturized and is being installed not only in vehicles but also in various terminal devices such as mobile phones, portable game machines, PND (Personal Navigation Device), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). is there. Therefore, in recent years, it has been desired that various analyzes are performed not only on the traffic situation of the vehicle, but also using the current position detected by these terminal devices.

  Considering these problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the amount of communication associated with the transmission / reception of probe information while suppressing the fact that the items that can be analyzed are greatly limited, and the car navigation system The present invention is not limited to this, and is to provide a technique capable of analyzing the current position detected by various terminal devices from various angles.

In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, the terminal device according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured as follows. That is,
A terminal device that transmits the probe information to an analysis server that analyzes probe information including position information,
A position detector for detecting the current position;
A moving means determining unit for determining a moving means of a user who uses the terminal device;
A geographic data reference section that references geographic data in which geographic information is recorded;
A route guidance process for displaying the detected current position on a predetermined route represented by geographic data to guide the route, and displaying the detected current position on a map image represented by the geographic data. Current position display processing, and
From said analysis server receives the analysis information representing a result of analysis of the local detour many pedestrians on the basis of the probe information, based on the analysis information, and displays the local detour many pedestrians,
Analysis information representing a result of analyzing a region where many users who browse the map gather based on the probe information transmitted when a function for executing a current position display process is selected by the user from the analysis server. A processing unit that receives and displays an area where many users who browse the map gather based on the analysis information;
Probe information including the detected current position and information indicating the determined moving means for the analysis server when the route guidance process or the current position display process is executed by the processing unit. Is a terminal device.
The above embodiments of the terminal device, when performing the route guidance process or current position display processing Ru using the current position and geographical data for analysis server transmits the probe information including the current position. That is, probe information is transmitted only when processing that requires geographic information is performed, so probe information is not transmitted when processing that is not related to geographic information is performed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication accompanying probe information transmission / reception. According to the above aspect, since the probe information including the current position and the information indicating the moving means of the user is transmitted from the terminal device on which the route guidance process has been executed to the analysis server, the analysis server The position of the terminal device that is moving can be analyzed based on the information, and the analysis server can analyze the area where there are many pedestrian detours. Moreover, according to the said aspect, since probe information is transmitted to an analysis server also when the present position display process which displays a present position on a map image is performed, an analysis server has many users who browse a map. You can analyze the gathering area. The present invention can also be configured as the following aspects.

That is, a terminal device that wirelessly transmits the probe information to an analysis server that analyzes probe information including position information,
A position detector for detecting the current position;
A geographic data reference section that references geographic data in which geographic information is recorded;
A processing unit that executes predetermined processing using the current position and the geographic data;
When the said process is performed by the said process part, it is a terminal device provided with the transmission part which transmits the probe information containing the said detected present position with respect to the said analysis server.

  The terminal device according to the aspect transmits probe information including the current position to the analysis server when a predetermined process using the current position and geographic data is executed. That is, probe information is transmitted only when processing that requires geographic information is performed, so probe information is not transmitted when processing that is not related to geographic information is performed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication accompanying probe information transmission / reception. In the present application, the probe information refers to the current position detected by the terminal device by the position detector, information input from the user or other equipment by the terminal device, information analyzed by the terminal device, etc., from the terminal device to the analysis server. This is a general term for information that can be transmitted to the Internet.

  In the terminal device according to the aspect described above, the processing unit may execute a route guidance process for displaying the detected current position on a predetermined route represented by the geographic data as the process. According to such an aspect, since the probe information is transmitted to the analysis server from the terminal device on which the route guidance process has been executed, the analysis server analyzes the position of the terminal device that is moving based on the route guidance. Can do.

  The terminal device according to the aspect further includes a moving unit determining unit that determines a moving unit of a user who uses the terminal device, and the transmission unit includes the detected current position and the determined moving unit. Probe information including information to be displayed may be transmitted to the analysis server. According to such an aspect, the analysis server can analyze the position distribution of the terminal device according to the moving means of the user.

  In the terminal device according to the above aspect, a plurality of moving means to be used are designated in advance for the route represented by the geographic data, and the plurality of designated moving means use the moving means for the route. The moving means determining unit determines the moving means used by the user based on the detected current position and the positional relationship of each section in the route. May be. According to such an aspect, even if there is a section where the moving means is changed in the route, it is possible to perform an analysis according to the moving means with high accuracy.

  The terminal device according to the above aspect may further include a receiving unit that receives the geographic data from the analysis server. According to such an aspect, the storage capacity of the storage device provided in the terminal device can be reduced.

  Prior to receiving the geographic data, the terminal device according to the aspect further includes a route search unit that specifies a starting point and a destination of the route to the analysis server and requests a search for the route. You may have. According to such an aspect, since the route search can be performed by the analysis server, the processing burden on the terminal device can be reduced.

  In the terminal device according to the aspect described above, the receiving unit receives geographic data including a plurality of types of the routes from the analysis server, and the terminal device further selects one route from the plurality of types of routes. There may be provided means for accepting. According to such an aspect, the user can select a preferable route from a plurality of presented routes.

  The present invention can also be applied as the following analysis server as a second aspect.

That is, an analysis server that analyzes probe information transmitted wirelessly from a plurality of terminal devices,
A receiving unit that receives probe information that is transmitted when predetermined processing using geographic data and the current position of the terminal device is executed by the terminal device, and includes the current position of the terminal device; ,
An analysis server including an analysis unit that performs a predetermined analysis based on the current position included in the probe information.

  In such an analysis server, probe information including the current position is received only when a predetermined process using the current position and geographic data is executed by the terminal device. Therefore, probe information is not always received from the terminal device. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication accompanying probe information transmission / reception.

  In the analysis server of the above aspect, the probe information transmitted from the terminal device further includes information indicating a moving means of a user who uses the terminal device, and the analysis unit receives the received current Based on the position, the moving state of the terminal device may be analyzed, and the traffic state in the region where the user of the terminal device exists may be analyzed from the relationship between the moving state and the moving means. With such an aspect, it is possible to analyze the traffic situation in each place according to the moving means of the user of the terminal device.

  In the analysis server of the above aspect, when the moving unit is walking, the analysis unit may analyze an area where the terminal device has a low movement speed as an area where pedestrians tend to stay. Good. With such an aspect, it is possible to analyze the degree of user retention in each region where probe information is transmitted.

  In the analysis server according to the aspect described above, the analysis unit may analyze an area where the terminal device having a low movement speed is a region where a delay of the railway is occurring when the moving unit is a railway. Good. With such an aspect, it becomes possible to analyze the delay situation of the railway in each place where the probe information is transmitted.

  In the analysis server of the above aspect, when the moving unit is a car, the analysis unit may analyze an area where there are many terminal devices having a low moving speed as an area where traffic congestion occurs. With such an aspect, it becomes possible to analyze the traffic jam situation in each place where the probe information is transmitted.

  The analysis server of the above aspect may further include a transmission unit that transmits the result of the analysis to the terminal device. If it is such an aspect, the various information analyzed by the analysis server can be confirmed using a terminal device.

  The present invention can also be applied as the following probe information analysis system as a third aspect.

That is, a probe information analysis system comprising a plurality of terminal devices and an analysis server that communicate with each other wirelessly,
The terminal device
A position detector for detecting the current position;
A geographic data reference section that references geographic data in which geographic information is recorded;
A processing unit that executes predetermined processing using the current position and the geographic data;
A transmission unit that transmits probe information including the detected current position to the analysis server when the processing is executed by the processing unit;
A receiver for receiving the probe information;
The probe information analysis system includes an analysis unit that performs a predetermined analysis based on the current position included in the probe information.

  Also according to such an aspect, similarly to the first aspect and the second aspect described above, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication accompanying probe information transmission / reception.

  In addition to the configuration as the above-described terminal device, analysis server, and probe information analysis system, the present invention analyzes a probe information transmission method, a probe information analysis method, a computer program for transmitting probe information, and probe information. It can also be configured as a computer program. These computer programs may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. As the recording medium, for example, various media such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a memory card, and a hard disk can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Configuration of probe information analysis system:
B. Function selection processing:
C. Navigation process:
D. Probe information analysis processing:
E. Variations:

A. Configuration of probe information analysis system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a probe information analysis system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the probe information analysis system 10 of the present embodiment mainly includes a mobile phone 200 as a terminal device, an analysis server 100, and a map server 150. Although only one mobile phone 200 is shown in FIG. 1, the probe information analysis system 10 includes a plurality of mobile phones 200.

  The mobile phone 200 has a map display function and a navigation function, and further has a function of transmitting probe information including position information to the analysis server 100. The analysis server 100 has a function of searching for a recommended route in response to a request from the mobile phone 200 and a function of analyzing probe information received from the mobile phone 200. The map server 150 has a function of transmitting a map image displayed on the screen by the mobile phone 200 in response to a request from the mobile phone 200.

  The mobile phone 200 of this embodiment includes a GPS receiver 201, a display panel 202, an audio output unit 203, a wireless communication circuit 205, an operation unit 206, a main control unit 210, and a call control unit 220. ing.

  The main control unit 210 is a controller for controlling each unit of the mobile phone 200. The main control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 212, and a ROM 213. The CPU 211 implements various processes to be described later by loading the control program stored in the ROM 213 into the RAM 212 and executing it.

  The GPS receiver 201 is a device that receives a radio wave transmitted from an artificial satellite constituting a GPS (Global Positioning System / Global Positioning System) and detects a current position.

  The display panel 202 includes a liquid crystal display and a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display has a resolution of, for example, 480 pixels × 640 pixels (VGA). The main control unit 210 controls the display panel 202 to draw a map image, a recommended route, a current position, and the like. The display panel 202 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various display devices such as an organic EL display can be employed.

  The voice output unit 203 includes a speaker for outputting voice during route guidance, a circuit for driving the speaker, and the like.

  The wireless communication circuit 205 is a circuit that wirelessly performs data communication or voice communication with the base station BS. An analysis server 100 and a map server 150 are connected to the base station BS via the Internet INT. The wireless communication circuit 205 can access the analysis server 100 and the map server 150 via the base station BS.

  The call control unit 220 is a circuit that performs incoming calls and calls for voice calls, conversion of voice signals and electrical signals, and the like.

  The operation unit 206 includes a group of buttons such as a numeric keypad 206a and a cursor key 206b. Using these buttons, the user selects a function to be executed and inputs search conditions for searching for a recommended route.

  The map server 150 includes a communication unit 152 that communicates with the mobile phone 200 via the Internet INT, a control unit 154 that includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and a storage device 155 that stores map data 156. In the map data 156, data for the mobile phone 200 to draw a map on the display panel 202 is recorded. The map data 156 is configured in a vector format having latitude and longitude as coordinates. The map data 156 includes data representing the shape of features such as buildings, roads, sidewalks, and tracks. When receiving an acquisition request for map data 156 from the mobile phone 200, the control unit 154 extracts data in a range designated from the mobile phone 200 from the map data 156 and transmits the data to the mobile phone 200 via the communication unit 152. In this embodiment, the map data 156 is recorded in the vector format, but may be recorded in the raster format.

  The analysis server 100 includes a communication unit 102 that communicates with the mobile phone 200 via the Internet INT, a control unit 104 that includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and a storage device 105 that stores network data 103 for route search. I have. The network data 103 includes road network data 106 representing road connection status, sidewalk network data 107 representing sidewalk connection status, and track network data 108 representing track connection status. Each network data has a common location such as a parking lot or a station where the moving means can be changed. The analysis server 100 can search for a route that crosses a road, a sidewalk, and a track by using these points recorded in common in each network data as a transit point. The network data 103 may include, for example, network data representing aircraft routes, ship routes, bicycle-only roads, and the like.

  Each network data is composed of node data and link data. Node data is data representing points such as landmarks, intersections, branch points, and bending points, and link data is data representing roads, sidewalks, and tracks by line segments connecting these nodes. Node data and link data include road and intersection names, characteristic information indicating distance, number of lanes, width, slope, etc., traffic regulation information indicating prohibition of one-way traffic and right / left turns, and many covered walkways and stairs. Feature information indicating a sidewalk or the like is associated as attribute information. In this embodiment, the track network data 108 is associated with timetable data representing the arrival and departure times at each station. By using this timetable data, the analysis server 100 can perform a search for a railway route that specifies a departure and arrival time.

  When there is a route search request from the mobile phone 200 via the Internet INT, the control unit 104 of the analysis server 100 uses the network data 103 to determine a route connecting the starting point and the destination specified from the mobile phone 200. Explore. If a transit point is designated from the mobile phone 200, a route from the departure point to the destination via the designated transit point is searched. At this time, the control unit 104 searches for a plurality of types of routes having different moving means to be used. A well-known Dijkstra method can be used as the route search algorithm. When the route search is completed, the control unit 104 transmits data representing the searched route to the mobile phone 200 as route data using the communication unit 102.

  The control unit 104 further analyzes the probe information received from the mobile phone 200. The probe information includes the current position detected by the mobile phone 200 using the GPS receiver 201. Although only one mobile phone 200 is shown in FIG. 1, hundreds to tens of millions of mobile phones 200 are actually included in the probe information analysis system 10. Therefore, the control unit 104 can analyze the probe information received from such a number of mobile phones 200 to analyze the traffic congestion of the car, the delay of the railway, the frequency of the pedestrian detouring, and the like.

  In this embodiment, as described above, network data and map data are stored in separate servers. However, these data may be stored in the same server. The network data, the route data searched using the network data, and the map data can be regarded as “geographic data” in a broad sense including all.

B. Function selection processing:
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of function selection processing executed in the mobile phone 200. This process is a process for the user to select a function to be used from various functions provided in the mobile phone 200.

  When this function selection process is executed, the CPU 211 of the mobile phone 200 displays a list of available functions on the display panel 202. And the selection of the function performed from a user is received via the operation part 206 (step S10).

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a function selection screen displayed on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, four functions of “navigation”, “analysis information display”, “periphery search”, and “current position display” can be used. The user uses the operation unit 206 to select a desired function from the displayed functions.

  Upon receiving selection of a function to be used, the CPU 211 determines whether the selected function is “navigation” (step S20). When “navigation” is selected (step S20: Yes), the CPU 211 executes navigation processing (step S30). Details of this navigation processing will be described later.

  In step S20, when the function selected by the user is not the “navigation” function (step S20: No), it is determined whether the selected function is the “analysis information display” function (step S40). If the selected function is the “analysis information display” function (step S40: Yes), the CPU 211 accesses the analysis server 100 and executes analysis information display processing for displaying information analyzed by the analysis server 100. (Step S50). A specific example of this analysis information display process will be described later.

  In step S40, when it is determined that the function selected by the user is not the “analysis information display” function (step S40: No), the CPU 211 selects the function other than the navigation function and the analysis information display function. Processing according to the function is executed (step S60).

  For example, if the “periphery search” function is selected, the CPU 211 executes a process of searching for features such as stores and stations around the current position detected by the GPS receiver 201. In this process, for example, the user designates a desired genre using a predetermined user interface. Then, the CPU 211 transmits to the analysis server 100 data indicating a search range (for example, 1 km around the current position) and a genre designated by the user. Then, the analysis server 100 searches for stores of a specified genre around the current position based on the received data, and returns the list to the mobile phone 200. The user can browse detailed information such as the location, address, and telephone number of the store by selecting the desired store from the list of searched stores. Further, the user can set the store thus selected as a destination in the navigation function. When this peripheral search function is executed, the storage device 105 of the analysis server 100 accumulates the search center point, the search range, the conditions such as the genre, the search result, and the selected store as probe information.

  If the “current position display” function is selected, the CPU 211 requests the map server 150 to transmit map data around the current position detected by the GPS receiver 201. Based on the map data received from the map server 150, a map image is drawn on the display panel 202. A predetermined symbol indicating the current position is superimposed and displayed at the center of the map image. If the user moves and the current position changes, the screen is scrolled accordingly. By performing such processing, the user can grasp the geographical situation around the current location. When this current position display function is executed, the storage device 105 of the analysis server 100 accumulates, as probe information, the center point of the map displayed in the current position display, the moving direction, the moving amount, and the like.

  According to the function selection process described above, the mobile phone 200 can execute a process according to the function selected by the user.

C. Navigation process:
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the navigation process executed in step S30 of the function selection process described above. In FIG. 4, the process executed on the mobile phone 200 side and the process executed on the analysis server 100 side are shown.

  When this navigation process is executed, first, the CPU 211 of the mobile phone 200 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “mobile phone 200”) displays a predetermined input screen on the display panel 202, and the departure point from the user. And input of search conditions such as the destination (step S100).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a search condition input screen is displayed on the display panel 202 in step S100. FIG. 5 shows an example in which a departure point input button, a destination input button, a departure / arrival date designation button, and a detailed condition setting button are displayed on the display panel 202. The user can display a user interface for inputting the departure place by pressing the departure place input button using the operation unit 206. Further, a user interface for inputting a destination can be displayed by pressing a destination input button. For example, the current position detected by the GPS receiver 201 can be specified as the departure point and the destination. Further, the departure point and the destination can be designated on the map displayed on the display panel 202. Furthermore, the departure point and the destination can be specified using a telephone number, a postal code, or an address. Note that FIG. 5 shows a button for inputting a starting point and a destination, but a button for designating a waypoint may be added.

  When the user presses the arrival / departure date / time designation button using the operation unit 206, an interface for designating the departure date / time and arrival date / time is displayed. When the user presses the detailed condition setting button using the operation unit 206, an interface for specifying detailed search conditions is displayed. With this interface, it is possible to specify whether or not an express train is used when using a railroad, or to preferentially search for a sidewalk with many roofs or a sidewalk with few stairs when walking.

  Reference is now made again to FIG. When receiving the input of the search condition from the user through the screen shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 200 requests the route search by transmitting the search condition data representing the input search condition to the analysis server 100. (Step S110).

  When control unit 104 (hereinafter simply referred to as “analysis server 100”) of analysis server 100 receives the search condition data from mobile phone 200 (step S120), it determines the departure place specified by the received search condition data. A route search process for searching for a route connecting the destination (or a route that passes through the route if the route is designated) is executed (step S130). As described above, the analysis server 100 uses the network data 103 in this route search process to search for a plurality of types of routes with different moving means to be used. In this route search processing, a route satisfying these conditions is searched in consideration of the departure / arrival time designated by the user, the presence / absence of use of an express train, and the priority of a sidewalk with many roofs or a sidewalk with few stairs.

  When the analysis server 100 completes the execution of the route search process, the analysis server 100 returns route data representing the searched plurality of routes to the mobile phone 200 (step S140).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of route data sent back to the mobile phone 200 in step S140. FIG. 6 shows four types of routes from route 1 to route 4. Routes 1 to 4 are all routes that connect the same starting point and destination, and the moving means to be used are different. Routes 1 and 2 are routes that use walking and railroads, and routes 3 and 4 are routes that use cars. Route 1 and route 2 use different routes, and route 3 and route 4 use different toll roads. The route data includes, for each route, point data consisting of latitude and longitude, and data indicating the means of transportation used in the section connecting the points. Further, the estimated time passing through each section and the type of route , Detailed information indicating the fee, place name, station name, interchange name is included.

  In FIG. 4, the mobile phone 200 receives the route data from the analysis server 100 (step S150). A plurality of types of routes represented by the received route data are displayed on the display panel 202, and selection of one route is accepted from the user (step S160).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a plurality of types of routes are displayed on the display panel 202 in step S160. In the example shown in FIG. 7, routes from “1” to “4” are displayed on the left side of the screen. Each route displays a fee required to move the route, an overall travel time, and a moving means used to move the route. When the user selects one of the routes using the operation unit 206, detailed connection information of the route is displayed on the right side of the screen. FIG. 7 shows details of a route that travels from Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture to Tokyo, using walking and rail. In this connection information, the distance and the estimated movement time are displayed for each section where the moving means is changed and each section where the route is changed. Although FIG. 7 shows an example in which each route is displayed in a list form, each route may be graphically represented and superimposed on a map.

  Reference is now made again to FIG. In step S160, when receiving a selection of a route to be used from the user, the mobile phone 200 notifies the analysis server 100 of the selected route (step S170). The analysis server 100 receives this notification and identifies the route selected by the user from the plurality of routes searched in step S130 (step S180).

  When the notification of the route to the analysis server 100 is completed, the mobile phone 200 detects the current position of the mobile phone 200 using the GPS receiver 201 (step S190). When the current position is detected, the mobile phone 200 performs matching processing for correcting the detected current position to a position on the route selected in step S170 (step S200). In this matching process, the current position is corrected at the intersection of the path drawn from the current position detected by the GPS receiver 201 with respect to the path.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the matching process is performed on the mobile phone 200 side. However, the matching process can also be performed on the analysis server 100 side as indicated by a broken line in step S245 of FIG. On the analysis server 100 side, since the route selected on the mobile phone 200 side is specified in step S180, the analysis server 100 receives the specified route and the mobile phone 200 in step S220 described later. By using the current position included in the probe information, matching processing can be performed similarly to the mobile phone 200 side. When performing the matching process on the analysis server 100 side, in step S220 described later, the current position before matching detected in step S190 is transmitted from the mobile phone 200 to the analysis server 100 instead of the current position after matching. It will be done.

  After the matching process, the mobile phone 200 performs a route guidance process (step S210). In this route guidance processing, map data around the current position is acquired from the map server 150, and a map image displayed using the map data is displayed with a figure representing the route, a predetermined symbol indicating the current position, Is superimposed and displayed. Further, in this route guidance process, when the current position approaches an intersection or a curve, a process for indicating on the screen the direction to proceed is also performed. Of course, in this route guidance process, the destination, the distance to the next transfer point, the estimated arrival time, and the like may be displayed.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display panel 202 in the route guidance process. In the example shown in FIG. 8, roads, tracks, and main buildings are displayed on the display panel 202 as map images. The current position is displayed by an arrow-shaped symbol indicating the traveling direction, and the route is drawn by a thicker line than the road. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a route traveling on a track from a road via a station is displayed as a route.

  When the route guidance process is performed in step S210, the mobile phone 200 transmits probe information to the analysis server 100 (step S220). This probe information includes the current position matched with the position on the route in step S200 and information indicating the moving means currently used by the user. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 200 transmits the probe information to the analysis server 100 at a predetermined time interval (for example, once every 60 seconds). Note that instead of a predetermined time interval, probe information may be transmitted to the analysis server 100 every time a predetermined amount of information (for example, 50 points) is accumulated.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing details of probe information transmitted to the analysis server 100. FIG. 9A shows an example of a route constituted by a walking section and a railway section. As shown in FIG. 9A, if the current position detected by the GPS receiver 201 is shifted from P1 to P15, the current position is corrected to a position on the route by the matching process in step S200. Is done. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the current position after the matching is transmitted to the analysis server 100 in time series together with the terminal ID individually assigned to the mobile phone 200 and the identification ID of the probe information. In addition, the mobile phone 200 compares the current position after matching with the positional relationship between the sections of each moving unit on the route, and identifies the section including the current position after matching so that the user can use the current position. The moving means that is present is determined. Information indicating the determined moving means is also transmitted to the analysis server 100 as probe information. In this embodiment, the terminal ID is a telephone number assigned to the mobile phone 200. However, the terminal ID may be a user's email address or a user ID assigned to a user who uses the analysis server. Good.

  In this embodiment, as described above, on the mobile phone 200 side, the moving means currently used by the user is determined, and information indicating the moving means is transmitted to the analysis server 100 as probe information. . However, the moving means currently used by the user can also be determined on the analysis server 100 side. Specifically, the analysis server 100 compares the section of each moving unit on the route specified in step S180 described above with the current position included in the probe information transmitted from the mobile phone 200, and includes the current position. By identifying the section to be transmitted, the moving means currently used by the user can be determined. Also, the analysis server 100 calculates an average moving speed based on the current position included in the probe information received from the mobile phone 200 and the time when the probe information is received, and the movement of the user according to the speed. It is also possible to easily determine whether the means is walking, vehicle, or railway. If the user's moving means is determined on the analysis server 100 side, the mobile phone 200 does not need to add information indicating the moving means to the probe information. It becomes possible to reduce the data capacity.

  When transmitting the probe information to the analysis server 100 in step S220 shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone 200 determines whether the route guidance is completed (step S230). In this process, when the current position detected in step S190 is detected around the destination, it can be determined that the route guidance has ended. If the mobile phone 200 determines that the route guidance has ended (step S220: Yes), the mobile phone 200 ends the navigation process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the route guidance has not ended (step S220: No), the process returns to step S190, and the route guidance for the user is continued.

  When the analysis server 100 receives the probe information transmitted from the mobile phone 200 in step S220 (step S240), the analysis server 100 converts the received probe information in time series based on the terminal ID and the information ID shown in FIG. Assemble (step S250).

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of probe information assembled by the process of step S250. As described above, the probe information analysis system 10 of this embodiment includes a large number of mobile phones 200. Therefore, the analysis server 100 assembles the received probes for each terminal ID in order to analyze the probe information for each mobile phone 200. At this time, the analysis server 100 calculates the time when the user has passed the current position recorded in the probe information based on the time when the individual probe information is received, and adds this time to the probe information. As described above, in this embodiment, the analysis server 100 calculates the passage time of the user, but the mobile phone 200 may include the time information in the probe information. Further, the probe information may include, for example, calendar information indicating consecutive holidays, event dates, and the like.

  When the probe information is assembled, the analysis server 100 accumulates the assembled probe information in the storage device 105 (step S260), and ends the navigation process. Thereafter, the analysis server 100 analyzes the probe information accumulated in the storage device 105 by executing a probe information analysis process described later.

D. Probe information analysis processing:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of probe information analysis processing executed by the analysis server 100. This process is repeatedly executed while the analysis server 100 is operating.

  When this probe information analysis process is started, the analysis server 100 reads the probe information accumulated in the storage device 105 by the navigation process described above for each section in which the moving means is changed (step S300). The type of the moving means in the section is determined based on the probe information (step S310).

  When the moving means determined in step S310 is a car (step S310: “car”), the analysis server 100 determines the passage time in the probe information shown in FIG. 10 and the expected passage time in the route data ( Compared with FIG. 6), it is determined whether the user has failed to pass through the section in time (step S320). FIG. 6 shows a plurality of routes. Which route is used by the mobile phone 200 is specified in step S180 of the navigation process shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S320 that the passage has not been completed in time (step S320: Yes), the analysis server 100 further determines that section within the time based on the statistics of the analysis results of the probe information thus far. It is determined whether the frequency of the users who could not pass is high (step S330). For example, if it is analyzed that about 70% of the probe information recorded that has passed the same section in the same time zone and the same day of the week is not passed within the time, It can be determined that the frequency of users who could not pass in time is high. If the frequency of the users who have not been able to pass through the section within the time is high (step S330: Yes), the analysis server 100 analyzes that the section currently being analyzed is a section that is congested (step S340). When the user passes the section within the time (step S320: No), or when the frequency of the users who cannot pass within the time is low (step S330: No), the analysis server 100 performs the process of step S340. To skip. It should be noted that when determining whether or not the vehicle has passed the section in time, the “time” serving as a determination criterion may have a certain range. For example, if it passes within 1.2 times the expected time, it may be considered that it has passed within that time.

  When the moving means determined in step S310 is a railroad (step S310: “railway”), the analysis server 100 determines the passage time in the probe information shown in FIG. Compared with FIG. 6), the user determines whether or not the user has failed to pass the section within the time (step S350).

  If it is determined in step S350 that the passage has not been completed in time (step S350: Yes), the analysis server 100 further determines that section within the time based on the statistics of the analysis results of the probe information thus far. It is determined whether the frequency of the users who could not pass is high (step S360). If this frequency is high, the analysis server 100 analyzes that the railway in the section currently being analyzed is delayed (step S370). When the user passes through the section within the time (step S350: No), or when the frequency of the users who cannot pass within the time is low (step S350: No), the analysis server 100 performs the process of step S370. To skip. In addition, when the movement of the user is stopped, the analysis server 100 searches for a station nearest to the stop point, and determines that the station is stopped at the station if there is a station within a preset range. be able to. If there is no station within the range, it can be determined that the vehicle is stopped on the track.

  When it is determined that the user's moving means is a railroad, the analysis server 100 can perform the following processing in order to improve the accuracy of railroad delay analysis. That is, the analysis server 100 searches the storage device 105 for probe information that uses the same railway at the same time and uses the route guidance function (railway navigation) of the mobile phone 200, and uses the searched probe information. Based on this, the presence or absence of delay is statistically determined. By performing such processing, the analysis server 100 can accurately determine the presence or absence of a railway delay.

  When the moving means determined in step S310 is walking (step S310: “walking”), the analysis server 100 determines the passage time in the probe information shown in FIG. 10 and the expected passage time in the route data. (See FIG. 6), it is determined whether the user has failed to pass the section within the time (step S380).

  If it is determined in step S380 that the passage has not been completed in time (step S380: Yes), the analysis server 100 further determines that section within the time based on the statistics of the analysis results of the probe information thus far. It is determined whether the frequency of the users who could not pass is high (step S390). If this frequency is high, the analysis server 100 analyzes that there are many users who take a detour in the section currently being processed (step S400). When the user passes through the section within the time (step S380: No), or when the frequency of the users who cannot pass within the time is low (step S380: No), the analysis server 100 performs the process of step S400. To skip. In this embodiment, when the frequency of users who have not been able to pass through the section being processed in time is high, it is analyzed that there are many users taking a detour in that section. It is possible to analyze that there are many users who are present, or to analyze that it is a section where an event is held. Moreover, the analysis server 100 can analyze whether the section is a section with a small amount of movement of the user based on the average speed of the users in the section or whether the current position is measured at the same point.

  As described above, when the analysis processing corresponding to the moving unit is completed for one section, the analysis server 100 accumulates the analysis results in the storage device 105 (step S410). Then, the above-described series of processing is executed for probe information received from other sections and other mobile phones 200. Thus, the analysis result obtained by analyzing a large amount of probe information can be displayed on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200 in step S50 of the function selection process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an analysis result indicating a traffic jam section is displayed on the mobile phone 200. The mobile phone 200 accesses the analysis server 100 and receives an analysis result related to the traffic jam, whereby the section of the traffic jam road can be highlighted with respect to other roads. At this time, if a balloon “congested” is displayed on the screen, the user can easily understand that the section is congested. By confirming such traffic information, the user can move while avoiding a traffic jam section. Note that the analysis server 100 can search for a route that avoids the traffic jam by using the analysis result regarding such a traffic jam in the route search process. Specifically, it is possible to search for a route avoiding traffic jams by increasing the link cost of a traffic jam zone or restricting the use of link data in that zone.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the mobile phone 200 displays an analysis result indicating a railway delay section. The mobile phone 200 accesses the analysis server 100 and receives the analysis result related to the delay section of the railway, so that the delayed section can be displayed with emphasis on other sections. At this time, if a balloon “delayed section” is displayed on the screen, the user can easily understand that the railway is delayed in that section. By checking such delay information, the user can move while avoiding a route in which a delay occurs. The analysis server 100 can search for a route that avoids a route in which a delay occurs by using the analysis result regarding such a delay in the route search process. A specific search method for avoiding a route having a delay is the same as the search method for a route that avoids a traffic jam.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the mobile phone 200 displays the analysis result of an area where there are many pedestrian detours. As shown in the drawing, in this embodiment, the map is divided into meshes, and meshes including many sections with many detours are displayed with emphasis on other meshes. At this time, it is possible to adjust the degree of highlighting according to the number of sections including many detours included in the mesh. The user can search an attractive area that induces a detour by referring to the information displayed in this way. Note that the analysis server can perform route search with priority given to regions with many or few detours by using the analysis result regarding such detours in the route search processing. Note that the analysis result of an area where there are many pedestrian detours may be highlighted on the map in the same manner as when displaying a traffic jam or a delay zone of a railway. Of course, a traffic jam or a delay zone of the railway may be analyzed in a mesh shape as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, an example in which information analyzed by the analysis server 100 is displayed by the mobile phone 200 has been shown. However, such information includes a personal computer, a car navigation system, and the like. Alternatively, it may be displayed on a device other than the mobile phone 200.

  In the probe information analysis system 10 of the present embodiment described above, when the mobile phone 200 performs route guidance, the current position of the mobile phone 200 is transmitted to the analysis server 100 as probe information. Therefore, probe information is not transmitted to the analysis server 100 when processing irrelevant to processing using a map is performed, so that the amount of communication with the analysis server 100 accompanying transmission / reception of probe information is reduced. Can do.

  Further, in this embodiment, the analysis server 100 analyzes the current position of the user according to the moving means included in the probe information, thereby causing various phenomena such as occurrence of traffic jams, railway delays, and frequency of detours. Can be analyzed. Therefore, the user can avoid roads that are congested and routes that are delayed by referring to these analysis results using the mobile phone 200. In addition, it is possible to actively move to an area with many detours, or to move around that area. Furthermore, by referring to such analysis results, it is possible to easily grasp sections where traffic congestion is likely to occur and railway lines where delay is likely to occur. Therefore, a business operator who lays a road or a railway business operator can use this information for future construction plans. In addition, if an area where detours are likely to occur can be ascertained, it can be used for planning store openings for various stores.

E. Variations:
As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to such an Example, but can take a various structure in the range which does not deviate from the meaning. For example, the following modifications are possible.

(Modification 1):
In the above embodiment, the mobile phone 200 determines the moving means of the user based on the route data received from the analysis server 100. On the other hand, the mobile phone 200 may receive the setting of the moving means to be used from the user in advance. In such an aspect, the mobile phone 200 can notify the analysis server 100 of the user's movement means as probe information even if no movement means is added to the route data transmitted from the analysis server 100. .

(Modification 2):
In the above embodiment, the probe information is transmitted to the analysis server 100 when the navigation function of the mobile phone 200 is executed. However, for example, the probe information may be transmitted to the analysis server 100 even when the peripheral search function shown in FIG. 3 or the current position display function is executed. In these cases, the probe information may not include information indicating the moving means.

  If the probe information is transmitted to the analysis server 100 when the periphery search function is executed, the analysis server 100 can analyze the area where the users who perform the periphery search gather. For example, if the region is a region where a large number of users who perform a peripheral search gather, the region can be analyzed as a region where there are many popular stores and hot spots. In addition, if there are many users who perform a peripheral search with a wide search range, it is possible to analyze that the vicinity of the point is an area where there are not many stores.

  If the probe information is transmitted to the analysis server 100 when the current position display function is executed, the analysis server 100 can analyze the area where the users who browse the map gather. For example, if the area is an area where many users who browse the map gather, the area can be analyzed as an area where the structure of the townscape is complex. In addition, if a region where many users who browse the map gather, it is possible to analyze that the region has many travelers, residents, and workers who are not from that region.

(Modification 3):
In the above embodiment, the analysis server 100 and the map server 150 on the network store data used for route search and data used for map drawing. On the other hand, the mobile phone 200 may store these data in a storage device provided therein. As the storage device, for example, various memory cards, hard disk devices, and flash memories can be used. With such a configuration, the mobile phone 200 can perform route search processing and map display by using data stored in its own storage device.

(Modification 4):
In the said Example, although the example which applied the mobile telephone 200 as a terminal device was shown, the aspect of a terminal device is not restricted to this. For example, a portable navigation device having a wireless communication function and a GPS reception function, a portable personal computer, a game machine, and various personal digital assistants (PDAs) can be applied as terminal devices.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the probe information analysis system 10 as an Example of this invention. 5 is a flowchart of a function selection process executed in the mobile phone 200. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a function selection screen displayed on the display panel 202 of the mobile phone 200. It is a flowchart of a navigation process. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a search condition input screen is displayed on the display panel 202. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the structure of the route data sent in response to the mobile telephone 200. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which a plurality of types of routes are displayed on the display panel 202. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display panel 202 in route guidance processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detail of the probe information transmitted to the analysis server. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of probe information. It is a flowchart of a probe information analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which displayed the analysis result which shows a traffic congestion area on the mobile telephone. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which displayed the analysis result which shows the delay area of a railway on the mobile telephone. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which displayed on the mobile phone 200 the analysis result of the area where there are many pedestrian sidewalks.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Probe information analysis system 100 ... Analysis server 102 ... Communication part 103 ... Network data 104 ... Control part 105 ... Memory | storage device 106 ... Road network data 107 ... Trail network data 108 ... Track network data 150 ... Map server 152 ... Communication part 154 ... Control unit 155 ... Storage device 156 ... Map data 200 ... Mobile phone 201 ... GPS receiver 202 ... Display panel 203 ... Audio output unit 205 ... Wireless communication circuit 206 ... Operating unit 210 ... Main control unit 211 ... CPU
212 ... RAM
213 ... ROM
220 ... Call control unit

Claims (4)

A terminal device that transmits the probe information to an analysis server that analyzes probe information including position information,
A position detector for detecting the current position;
A moving means determining unit for determining a moving means of a user who uses the terminal device;
A geographic data reference section that references geographic data in which geographic information is recorded;
A route guidance process for displaying the detected current position on a predetermined route represented by geographic data to guide the route, and displaying the detected current position on a map image represented by the geographic data. Current position display processing, and
From said analysis server receives the analysis information representing a result of analysis of the local detour many pedestrians on the basis of the probe information, based on the analysis information, and displays the local detour many pedestrians,
Analysis information representing a result of analyzing a region where many users who browse the map gather based on the probe information transmitted when a function for executing a current position display process is selected by the user from the analysis server. A processing unit that receives and displays an area where many users who browse the map gather based on the analysis information;
Probe information including the detected current position and information indicating the determined moving means for the analysis server when the route guidance process or the current position display process is executed by the processing unit. A transmission unit for transmitting
Terminal device. The terminal device according to claim 1,
In the route represented by the geographic data, a plurality of moving means to be used are specified in advance, and the specified plurality of moving means are associated with each route using each moving means. ,
The moving means determining unit determines a moving means used by the user based on the detected current position and a positional relationship between the sections in the route. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The said processing part divides a map into mesh shape, and emphasizes and displays the mesh applicable to an area with many detours with respect to another mesh. A probe information analysis system comprising a terminal device and an analysis server,
The terminal device
A position detector for detecting the current position;
A moving means determining unit for determining a moving means of a user who uses the terminal device;
A geographic data reference section that references geographic data in which geographic information is recorded;
A route guidance process for displaying the detected current position on a predetermined route represented by geographic data to guide the route, and displaying the detected current position on a map image represented by the geographic data. Current position display processing, and
From said analysis server receives the analysis information representing a result of analysis of the local detour many pedestrians on the basis of the probe information, based on the analysis information, and displays the local detour many pedestrians,
Analysis information representing a result of analyzing a region where many users who browse the map gather based on the probe information transmitted when a function for executing a current position display process is selected by the user from the analysis server. A processing unit that receives and displays an area where many users who browse the map gather based on the analysis information;
Probe information including the detected current position and information indicating the determined moving means for the analysis server when the route guidance process or the current position display process is executed by the processing unit. And a transmission unit for transmitting
The analysis server
A receiver for receiving the probe information;
On the basis of the probe information, analyzes regional detour many pedestrians, transmits the analysis information representing the results of the analysis to the terminal device, based on the probe information, the user attracts many areas A probe information analysis system comprising: an analysis unit that performs analysis and transmits analysis information representing a result of the analysis to the terminal device.

Images