JP5455398B2 - Route information providing system, terminal device, and communication centralized management device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a route information providing system, a terminal device, and a communication centralized management device, and more particularly to a route information providing system, a terminal device, and a communication centralized management device suitable for use in a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.

  As a route information providing system that provides route information to a vehicle navigation device or the like, there is a route information providing device that has been conventionally intended to provide highly accurate route information as route information from a departure place to a destination ( For example, see Patent Document 1). In this route information providing apparatus, a route information database in which route information is stored is provided in the center. Further, the route from the departure point to the destination is searched based on the route information stored in the route information database in accordance with an instruction from the information registration computer.

  Furthermore, the route between the point specified by the route information stored in the route information database and a nearby point is added as specific route information from the information registration computer to the route database. The specific route information added by the information registration computer can be used when searching for the route from the departure point to the destination transmitted from the navigation device. By using this specific route information, a suitable route from the departure point to the destination can be provided.

JP 2002-372431 A

  However, in the route information providing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, unspecified number of users can use the specific route information registered by the information registration computer. For this reason, since it is possible for an unspecified number of users to use specific route information that a user of an information registration computer wants a specific target person to use, there is a possibility that problems such as privacy infringement may occur. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a route information providing system capable of providing suitable route information from a departure place to a destination while enabling protection of user privacy. .

  A vehicle route information providing system according to the present invention that has solved the above problems is provided in a route information database that stores route information used for route search from a departure place to a destination, and a first terminal device, Route information registration means for registering route information in the route information database and route information acquisition means for obtaining route information registered by the route information registration means from the route information database provided in a second terminal device different from the first terminal device And information provision availability determination means for determining whether or not the route information registered by the route information registration means in the route information database can be provided to the route information acquisition means.

  The route information providing system according to the present invention includes information provision availability judging means for judging whether or not the route information registered by the route information registration means in the route information database can be provided to the route information obtaining means. For this reason, since it is possible to determine whether or not provision to the route information acquisition unit is possible, provision of matters relating to the privacy of the user can be refused. On the other hand, route information from the departure point to the destination can be provided. Accordingly, it is possible to provide suitable route information from the departure place to the destination while allowing the user's privacy to be protected.

  Here, the route information can be in the form of the first terminal owner related route information to the facility related to the owner of the first terminal device.

  Thus, the route information is the first terminal owner-related route information to the facility related to the owner of the first terminal device, so that the route to the facility of the owner of the first terminal device can be provided to an unspecified number of people. Can be prevented. On the other hand, since it is possible to provide a route from the departure point to the destination, it is possible to protect the privacy of the owner of the first terminal device, and it is possible to provide a suitable route from the departure point to the destination. Information can be provided.

  Moreover, it can be set as the aspect provided with the provision availability registration means which registers the availability of the routing information with respect to a 2nd terminal device.

  In this way, by providing provision availability registration means for registering whether or not route information can be provided to the second terminal device, only the owner of the second terminal device related to the owner of the first terminal device has the first terminal. Owner-related route information can be provided.

  Furthermore, it can be set as the aspect provided with the redundant route information deletion means which deletes the redundant route information contained in route information.

  In this way, by providing redundant route information deleting means for deleting redundant route information, a redundant route that is a useless route that has been passed by traveling on a lazy road or the like when registering route information is provided. Can be prevented.

  Alternatively, the route information database may be provided in the communication central management device.

  As described above, since the route information database is provided in the communication central management apparatus, the route information can be provided smoothly.

  Further, it is possible to adopt a mode in which redundant route information deletion means is provided in the communication central management apparatus.

  Since the status route information deletion means is provided in the communication central management apparatus, the redundant route information can be appropriately determined and deleted.

  Further, the first terminal device and the second terminal device may be provided in the first navigation device and the second navigation device, respectively.

  As described above, by providing the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the first navigation device and the second navigation device, it is possible to suitably provide route information when performing route guidance.

  Further, at least one of the first navigation device and the second navigation device may be a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.

  On the other hand, it can be used as a first terminal device in these route information providing systems, and can be a terminal device that includes route information transmitting means for transmitting route information, and is used as a second terminal device to receive route information. It can be set as the terminal device provided with an information receiving means. Furthermore, provided in these route information providing systems, a route information receiving means for receiving route information transmitted from the first terminal device, a route information database for storing route information transmitted from the first terminal device, It is also possible to provide a communication centralized management device that includes route information transmitting means for transmitting route information stored in the route information database to the second terminal device.

  According to the route information providing system according to the present invention, it is possible to provide suitable route information from the departure point to the destination while making it possible to protect the privacy of the user.

It is a block block diagram of the path | route information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a narrow street learning process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main road and a narrow street. It is a figure which shows the state which provided link ID and node ID to route information. It is a figure which shows the other example of the state which provided link ID and node ID to route information. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the state which provided link ID and node ID to route information. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the state which provided link ID and node ID to route information. (A) is a figure which shows the relationship between a specific group and a group member, (b) is a figure which shows the example of narrow street learning information. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the narrow street learning process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a main road and a narrow street. (A) (b) is a figure which shows the example of a redundant path | route. (A) (b) is a figure which shows the example of a redundant path | route. It is a figure which shows the example of a redundant route. It is a figure for demonstrating the suitable path | route to the destination. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence at the time of providing specific narrow street learning information in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a specific group and a group member. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence at the time of providing other specific narrow street learning information. Furthermore, it is a flowchart explaining the process sequence at the time of providing specific narrow street learning information. Furthermore, it is a flowchart explaining the process sequence at the time of providing specific narrow street learning information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. For the convenience of illustration, the dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a route information providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the route information providing system according to the present embodiment is a first navigation device 1 serving as a first terminal device mounted on a first vehicle and a second terminal device mounted on a second vehicle. It has the base station 3 provided with the 2nd navigation apparatus 2 and a communication centralized management apparatus.

  The first navigation device 1 and the second navigation device 2 are computers mounted on a vehicle, and include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface, and the like. Configured.

  The first navigation device 1 includes a (user interface (hereinafter referred to as “UI”) unit 11, an in-vehicle camera 12, an in-vehicle map database 13, a narrow street learning information storage unit 14, and a route learning unit 15. The one navigation device 1 includes a navigation function unit 16, an in-vehicle transmission unit 17, and an in-vehicle reception unit 18.

  The second navigation device 2 has the same configuration as the first navigation device 1. The second navigation device 2 includes a UI unit 21, an in-vehicle camera 22, an in-vehicle map database 23, a narrow street learning information storage unit 24, and a route learning unit 25. The second navigation device 2 includes a navigation function unit 26, an in-vehicle reception unit 27, and an in-vehicle transmission unit 28.

  The base station 3 includes a center reception unit 31, a narrow street learning information management unit 32, a narrow street accumulation database 33 that is a route information database, a center map database 34, and a center transmission unit 35.

  Since the 1st navigation apparatus 1 and the 2nd navigation apparatus 2 have the same structure, the 1st navigation apparatus 1 is demonstrated about the structure.

  The UI unit 11 in the first navigation device 1 stores the narrow streets learned by the destination switch and the route learning unit 15 into the narrow street accumulation database 33 in the base station 3. A registration switch for registration is provided. These destination switches and registration switches are provided, for example, on a touch panel in a monitor.

  The UI unit 11 outputs a destination signal to the navigation function unit 16 when a driver or the like operates the destination switch to register the destination. Further, when the driver or the like operates the registration switch, a narrow street registration signal is output to the route learning unit 15. The in-vehicle camera 12 is disposed in front of the vehicle and images the front of the vehicle to acquire image data. The in-vehicle camera 12 sequentially outputs the acquired image data to the route learning unit 15.

  The in-vehicle map database 13 stores infrastructure information data such as facility data and road data in the first navigation device 1, search data, drawing data, and the like. From the in-vehicle map database 13, the stored data is read from the route learning unit 15, the information provision availability determination unit, and the route learning unit 15 and the navigation function unit 16 as the provision availability registration unit. The data is read by the navigation function unit 16.

  The narrow street learning information storage unit 14 is transmitted from the narrow street learning information learned by the route learning unit 15, the in-vehicle transmission unit 28 in the second navigation device 2 received by the in-vehicle reception unit 18, or the center transmission unit 35 in the base station 3. Narrow street learning information is stored. The narrow street learning information storage unit 14 reads the stored narrow street learning information to the route learning unit 15 and the navigation function unit 16 in accordance with read instructions from the route learning unit 15 and the navigation function unit 16.

  The route learning unit 15 starts route learning including narrow street learning based on the narrow street learning start signal output from the navigation function unit 16. The route learning unit 15 is provided with various travel sensors in the vehicle such as a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, and a yaw rate sensor, and can learn the travel route of the first vehicle based on the detection results by these travel sensors. Has been.

  In addition, the route learning unit 15 acquires peripheral information such as traffic lights, railroad crossings, and stop lines included in the image data output from the in-vehicle camera 12 when the narrow street learning of the route learning is started. The narrow street learning information obtained based on the travel route of the vehicle based on the detection result obtained by detecting the image data and the travel sensor is learned. The route learning unit 15 outputs the learned narrow street learning information to the in-vehicle transmission unit 17. The route learning unit 15 registers the learned narrow street learning information in the narrow street learning information storage unit 14. Furthermore, when a registration signal is output from the UI unit 11 after performing narrow street learning, the learned narrow street learning information is transmitted to the center receiving unit 31 in the base station 3 via the in-vehicle transmission unit 17.

  The navigation function unit 16 has a function of navigating a route from the departure point of the first vehicle to the destination. The navigation function unit 16 includes a GPS device, and the current position of the first vehicle can be detected by the GPS function of the GPS device. Further, in the navigation function unit 16, when the destination signal is output from the UI unit 11, the current position of the first vehicle is set as the departure point, and the position based on the output destination signal is set as the destination. Provide route guidance.

  For route guidance, for example, a monitor on which a destination switch or a registration switch is displayed is used. Here, the navigation function unit 16 can register the home of the driver of the first vehicle and the facility where the driver of the first vehicle frequently travels as the destination. These destinations and facilities can be selected as the destination switch. Furthermore, a facility or the like based on facility data registered in the in-vehicle map database 13 can be selected as a destination.

  The navigation function unit 16 is stored in the in-vehicle map database 13 according to the departure point based on the current position detected by the GPS device and the destination based on the destination signal output from the UI unit 11 when performing route guidance. Map information and the narrow street learning information stored in the narrow street learning information storage unit 14 are read out, and among the route information including the departure place and the destination, a plurality of suitable guidance for reaching the destination from the departure place are provided. calculate. The navigation function unit 16 displays the calculated plurality of guidance routes on a monitor in a state where the navigation route can be selected by a driver or the like. Then, based on the guidance route selected by the driver, the driving information is displayed on the monitor and the route guidance is performed by outputting the voice.

  The in-vehicle transmission unit 17 transmits various types of information to vehicles other than the first vehicle, such as the second navigation device 2 in the second vehicle and the base station 3. Here, when various types of information are transmitted to the second navigation device 2, the information can be transmitted via the external device 4. The information transmitted from the in-vehicle transmission unit 17 includes narrow street learning information and a route request signal learned by the route learning unit 15.

  The in-vehicle receiving unit 18 receives various information transmitted from the second navigation device 2 or the base station 3. Information received by the in-vehicle receiving unit 18 includes narrow street learning information transmitted from the second navigation device 2 and narrow street learning information transmitted from the base station 3. When receiving the narrow street learning information, the in-vehicle receiving unit 18 outputs the received narrow street learning information to the narrow street learning information storage unit 14. Moreover, the vehicle-mounted receiving part 27 in the 2nd navigation apparatus 2 becomes a route information acquisition means of this invention.

  The center receiver 31 in the base station 3 receives various information including narrow street learning information transmitted from the in-vehicle transmitters 17 and 27 in the first navigation device 1 and the second navigation device 2. When the center receiving unit 31 receives the narrow street learning information, the center receiving unit 31 outputs the received narrow street learning information to the narrow street learning information management unit 32.

  The narrow street learning information management unit 32 manages the narrow street learning information, and assigns the narrow street learning information output from the center transmission unit 35 to the first navigation device 1 that is the transmission destination to give the narrow street learning information. Register in the accumulation database 33. The narrow street learning information management unit 32 confirms the ID given to the narrow street learning information, and sends the narrow street learning information to the navigation device corresponding to this ID, for example, the in-vehicle receiving unit 27 in the second navigation device 2. Send.

  The narrow street accumulation database 33 stores narrow street learning information registered by the narrow street learning information management unit 32. The stored narrow street learning information is read from the narrow street accumulation database 33 to the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in accordance with a read instruction from the narrow street learning information management unit 32. Further, the center map database 34 stores data such as infrastructure information data. From the center map database 34, data such as stored infrastructure information data is read out to the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in response to a read instruction from the narrow street learning information management unit 32.

  The narrow street learning information management unit 32 reads the narrow street learning information and the infrastructure information data from the narrow street accumulation database 33 and the center map database 34 when receiving the route request signal from the in-vehicle transmission units 17 and 27, respectively. The narrow street learning information and infrastructure information data corresponding to the route request signal are output to the center receiver 35.

  When the narrow street learning information and infrastructure information data are output from the narrow street learning information management unit 32, the center transmission unit 35 receives the output narrow street learning information and infrastructure information data in the in-vehicle reception unit in the first navigation device 1. 18 and the in-vehicle receiver 28 in the second navigation device 2 respectively.

  Next, an operation procedure in the route information providing system according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, first, narrow street learning performed in the first navigation device 1 will be described. The narrow street learning is performed at the time of navigation performed in the navigation function unit 16. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the narrow street learning process.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the narrow street learning process, first, a destination is set from home or various facilities (S1). The destination setting here is performed by a driver or the like operating a destination switch in the UI unit 11. When the destination is set, the navigation function unit 16 performs route search (S2). In performing the route search, the navigation function unit 16 reads the road data passing through the current position and the destination from the road data stored in the in-vehicle map data. Subsequently, the narrow street learning information storage unit 14 is referred to, and the narrow street learning information located in the vicinity of the selected road data is read out. Thus, using the read road data and narrow street learning information, a plurality of guide route candidates that are suitable as a route from the current position to the destination are searched and set. Here, when the narrow street learning information transmitted from the second navigation device 2 or the base station 3 is registered in the narrow street learning information storage unit 14, the registered narrow street learning information is also used. Can do.

  When the route search is performed, a plurality of guide route candidates are displayed on the monitor in the navigation function unit 16. The driver selects a desired guide route candidate as a guide route from among a plurality of guide route candidates displayed on the monitor (S3). Thus, route selection is performed through the selected route until the destination is reached from the current position through the selected route (S4).

  When the route guidance is being carried out, it is determined whether or not the current traveling position is within a certain range from the destination, for example, an area that is partitioned in advance on the map (S5). As a result, if it is determined that the current traveling position is not within a certain range from the destination, it is not an area suitable for narrow street learning, so the process returns to step S4 to provide route guidance. Continue.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the current traveling position is within a certain range, the navigation function unit 16 outputs a narrow street learning start signal to the route learning unit 15. The accounting learning unit 15 starts narrow street learning by outputting a narrow street learning start signal (S6). When performing narrow street learning, the narrow street shape is calculated by calculating the shape of the narrow street based on the position where the narrow street learning was started and the detection results of various running sensors such as a vehicle speed sensor, rudder angle sensor, and yaw rate sensor. Detect and learn.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the first vehicle M1 enters a certain range (hereinafter referred to as “narrow street learning range”) X from point A on the first trunk road R1. It is assumed that the narrow street learning range X includes two basic roads, a first basic road R1 and a second basic road R2. Further, it is assumed that the destination α exists at a position slightly away from the second trunk road R2.

  In this case, the route guidance shows a guidance route N1 indicated by a thick broken line, and the first vehicle M1 has a route learning start point A point → B point → C point → D point → E point → F point → purpose Assume that you travel in the order of the ground α. This travel route is calculated based on detection results from various travel sensors such as a yaw rate sensor. In this case, the route learning unit 15 in the first navigation device 1 learns a route from the point A to the destination α. The learned route is the link information sectioned at the intersection (node). Here, the route RM1 between the point A and the point B and the route RM2 between the point D and the point E are learned as basic road link information that is link information of the basic road. Also, route RS1 between point B and point C, route RS2 between point C and point D, route RS3 between point E and point F, and route between point F and destination α. RS4 is learned as narrow street link information which is link information of narrow street learning information. A link ID and a node ID are assigned to the basic road link information and narrow street link information learned in this way, respectively.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a link ID and a node ID are added to the route information. As shown in FIG. 4, node IDs “A” to “G” and “α” are assigned to the points A to G and α, respectively. On the other hand, “LK001” is assigned as the link ID to the route RM1 between the points A and B. In addition, “LK002” is given as a link ID to the route RM2 between the point D and the point E. Furthermore, route RS1 between point B and point C, route RS2 between point C and point D, route RS3 between point E and point F, and route between point F and destination α. RS4 is assigned “LS001”, “LS002”, “LS003”, and “LS004” as the link IDs. It is learned as narrow street link information that is link information of narrow street learning information.

  Here, for example, when traffic lights and level crossings are detected from the infrastructure information data in the in-vehicle map database 13 on the travel route of the first vehicle M1, links are divided at the positions of these traffic lights and level crossings, and narrow street learning information is obtained. Add and learn as. Further, when a stop line is detected by the in-vehicle camera 12 on the travel path of the first vehicle M1, a link is divided at the position of the stop line, and learning is performed as additional narrow street learning information. For example, when a traffic signal is detected in the route RS4 between the point F and the destination α, the link IDs “LS004”, “LS0041”, and “LS0041” are separated from the point G where the detected traffic signal S is provided. LS0042 ".

  Now, in the case of learning the narrow street learning information, the example in which the narrow street learning information exists has been described. However, the narrow street learning information may not exist. In this case, the coordinate position of the entry point to the narrow street and the coordinate position of the next node candidate point are acquired, and the narrow street is learned based on these coordinate positions. Candidate points for the next node may include railroad crossings, traffic lights, temporary stop lines, and intersections that turn left and right at a certain angle after the temporary stop.

  Railroad crossings and traffic lights can be detected from image data and infrastructure information data obtained by the in-vehicle camera 12. Further, the temporary stop line can be detected from the image data obtained by the in-vehicle camera 12. Furthermore, an intersection that turns left and right at a certain angle or more after the temporary stop can be detected from the travel history of the travel sensor.

  Next, a link is provided with the entry point to the narrow street as the link start node and the next node candidate point as the end point, and the node ID and link ID are set. Then, the direction distance is calculated from the link start point and the link end point, and learned as narrow street learning information. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a link ID and a node ID are assigned at this time.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a point A that is a link start point on the first trunk road R1 is set, and a point B where the traffic light S is detected is set as a link end point. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the point C is the link end point, the point D is the link start point where the link is started again, and the destination α. In this case, node IDs “A” to “D” and “α” are assigned to the points A to D and the destination α, respectively. Further, “LS001” is assigned as a link ID between the A point and the B point. Further, “LS002” is assigned as a link ID between the B point and the C point. Furthermore, “LS00n” is assigned as the link ID between the point D and the destination α.

  Furthermore, when learning a narrow street, when there is no narrow street learning information, the next node candidate point cannot be set over a long distance as in a mountain road, and one link may become very long. is there. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the local coordinates are acquired at a certain interval during traveling. Acquisition of local coordinates can be performed by the GPS device in the navigation function unit 16. Information that can hold the interpolated points C1 to C5 of the local coordinates acquired in this way or a shape similar to the shape connecting the interpolated points is stored as narrow street learning information. Examples of the shape similar to the shape connecting the interpolation points include an arc radius and a clothoid.

  When the narrow street learning is performed in this way, the route learning unit 15 registers the link ID and the node ID of the learned narrow street link information in the narrow street learning information storage unit 14 as the narrow street learning information. Further, the link ID and the node ID of the narrow street link information are output to the in-vehicle transmission unit 17.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is stopped at a position near the destination, for example, a position within several tens of meters from the destination (S7). As a result, when the vehicle has not stopped near the destination, it is considered that the vehicle has not yet reached the destination. In this case, the process returns to step S6 and the narrow street learning is continued.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle is stopped near the destination, the route learning unit 15 determines whether or not to register the narrow street learning information learned so far in the narrow street accumulation database 33 in the base station 3. Is confirmed (S8). Whether or not the narrow street learning information is registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33 is determined by whether or not a registration signal is output from the UI unit 11.

  In order to confirm whether or not to register in the narrow street learning information storage unit 14, it is determined whether or not “Register” is selected by operating the registration switch in the UI unit 11 (S9). As a result, when the registration switch is not operated and it is determined that the narrow street learning information is not registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33, the in-vehicle transmission unit 17 transmits the narrow street link information to the base station 3. However, the narrow street learning process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the narrow street learning information is not registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33, the in-vehicle transmission unit 17 transmits the narrow street link information to the base station 3. In the base station 3, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 registers the transmitted narrow street link information in the narrow street accumulation database 33 (S10). Thus, the narrow street learning process is completed.

  The narrow street learning information registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33 is assumed to be used by different users. Specifically, when only a person belonging to a specific group (hereinafter referred to as a “specific group”) becomes a user, when an unspecified person becomes a user, only a person who belongs to a specific group for a certain period of time uses it. It is a case to become a person. For example, it is assumed that the narrow street learning information L shown in FIG. 7 is learned.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, “Mr. A”, “Mr. B”, and “Mr. C” belong to a specific group “A group”, and “A group” and “Mr. group” have “A It is assumed that none of “Mr.”, “Mr. B”, and “Mr. C” belong. Here, when the narrow street learning information L1 is around Mr. A's home and only the person who belongs to the specific group is the narrow street learning information L1 is a user, “Mr. B” belonging to “Group A” Only “Mr. C” can use the narrow street learning information L1. As for the narrow street learning information L2 around Mr. B's home, only “Mr. A” and “Mr. C” belonging to the “Group A” can use the narrow street learning information L2. In this aspect, since the narrow street learning information L1, L2 is not provided to an unspecified number of things around Mr. A's house, privacy protection can be enhanced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the narrow street learning information L3 to L5 is in the vicinity of the stores A, B, and C, respectively, and the narrow street learning information L3 to L5 is an unspecified person as a user. In this case, anyone can use the narrow street learning information L3 to L5 without any restriction. In this case, the narrow street learning information L3 to L5 around the store can be appropriately provided to an unspecified number of people for stores A, B, and C that the store wants to use.

  In the second navigation device 2 in the second vehicle, the narrow street learning information registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33 can be used when the navigation function unit 26 selects the guidance route. Here, the owner of the first navigation device 1 may be “Mr. A” and the owner of the second navigation device 2 may be “Mr. B”, and both may belong to the same specific group. In this case, the second navigation device 2 can always receive the route information transmitted from the first navigation device 1 and registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33.

  Also, the owner of the first navigation device 1 is “Mr. A” and the owner of the second navigation device 2 is “Mr. B” and “Mr. C” (not shown), and both are the same. It may not belong to a specific group. In this case, for the route information transmitted from the first navigation device 1 and registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33, the second navigation device 2 provides only the route information when an unspecified person becomes a user. Will be able to receive.

  As described above, in the route information providing system according to the present embodiment, the first navigation device 1 enables the owner to select the narrow street learning information to be registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33. For this reason, provision can be refused about narrow street learning information which is a matter regarding the privacy of the owner of the 1st vehicle. On the other hand, route information from the departure point to the destination can be provided. Accordingly, it is possible to provide suitable route information from the departure place to the destination while enabling protection of the privacy of the owner of the first vehicle.

  Moreover, in the 1st navigation apparatus 1, it can restrict to the user in a specific group about the user who can provide narrow street learning information, for example. For this reason, narrow street learning information can be provided only to users in a specific group related to the first vehicle. Therefore, while making it possible to protect the privacy of the owner of the first vehicle, suitable route information from the departure point to the destination can be provided only to the user within the specific group.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The route information providing system according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the route information providing system according to the first embodiment, and the processing procedure is mainly different. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, narrow street learning in the vicinity of the destination has been described, but in this embodiment, narrow street learning in the case where it is unrelated to the destination will be described. Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the route information providing system according to the present embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of narrow street learning processing in the route information providing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in the route information providing system according to the present embodiment, in performing the narrow street learning process, first, as shown in FIG. Perform (S11). While continuing to monitor the link, it is determined whether or not the vehicle M has entered the narrow street (S12). Here, when the vehicle M is removed from the monitored link, it is determined that the vehicle has entered the narrow street.

  As a result, if it is determined that the vehicle M has not detached from the monitored link and has not entered the narrow street, the process returns to step S11 to continue monitoring the link. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the narrow street, the narrow street learning is started (S13). The narrow street learning procedure is performed in the same manner as in step S6 in the first embodiment.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the vehicle M has escaped from the narrow street (S14). The determination as to whether or not the narrow street has been escaped is made based on, for example, whether or not the vehicle M has returned to the main road. As a result, if it is determined that the vehicle M has returned to the main road and has escaped from the narrow street, the process returns to step S11 and link monitoring is started without registering the learned narrow street.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the narrow street has not been escaped, it is determined whether or not “register” is selected by operating the registration switch in the UI unit 11 regardless of the presence or absence of the destination (S15). As a result, when the registration switch is not operated and it is determined that the narrow street learning information is not registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33, the in-vehicle transmission unit 17 transmits the narrow street link information to the base station 3. However, the narrow street learning process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the narrow street learning information is not registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33, the in-vehicle transmission unit 17 transmits the narrow street link information to the base station 3. In the base station 3, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 registers the transmitted narrow street link information in the narrow street accumulation database 33 (S16).

  For example, when narrow street learning information is registered at the arrival point β shown in FIG. 10, node IDs “A” to “E”, “β” and each node ID from the link start point A to the arrival point β are assigned. A link ID is given to the link between the designated points. These node IDs and link IDs are registered as narrow street learning information. Thus, the narrow street learning process is completed.

  As described above, in the route information providing system according to the present embodiment, the narrow street learning information is learned regardless of the destination. For this reason, the route information providing system according to the present embodiment can be suitably used when, for example, it is desired to notify the other streets of the narrow street learning information while traveling on a narrow street that is off the main road.

  As a suitable situation using the route information providing system according to the present embodiment, an accident or the like occurs in the vehicle M while traveling on a narrow street, and when an accident occurrence position is notified to an emergency vehicle or the like, a friend's house on the narrow street For example, when a substitute driving vehicle is called after drinking alcohol at a store or the like, or when a meeting point on a narrow street when joining an acquaintance vehicle or the like is notified to the acquaintance vehicle or the like.

  Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The route information providing system according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the route information providing system according to the first embodiment, and the learning mode of narrow street learning information is mainly different. Hereinafter, the learning of narrow street learning information in the route information providing system according to the present embodiment will be mainly described.

  In this embodiment, when learning the narrow street learning information, instead of learning the route on which the vehicle actually traveled, the shortest route obtained by deleting the route determined to be a redundant route is calculated and used as the narrow street learning information. Is. In the present embodiment, the shortest route is calculated in the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3. However, it can also be performed in the route learning unit 15 in the navigation devices 1 and 2.

  In the first embodiment, when learning a narrow street, as shown in FIG. 4, node IDs and link IDs are assigned in the order in which the first vehicle M1 traveled on the route from the point A to the destination α. It was. On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), a vehicle that has entered the narrow street from point A of the main road R reaches the destination α from point A through point B. The redundant route RD1 of B1 point → B2 point → B3 point → B point may be passed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), in the process where the vehicle that has entered the narrow street from the main road R reaches the destination α from the point A through the point B, the point B → the point B1 → the point B2 → B1 The redundant route RD2 from point to point B may be passed.

  In the route information providing system according to the present embodiment, narrow street learning is performed by deleting such redundant routes RD1 and RD2. In order to delete the redundant routes RD1 and RD2, when narrow street learning is started in the route learning unit 15 shown in FIG. 1, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has traveled on the same point. As a result, when traveling at the same point (point B in the examples of FIGS. 11A and 11B), the route traveling between the same points is deleted from the narrow street. In the present embodiment, the route learning unit 15 serves as redundant route information deletion means. In this way, by deleting the redundantly traveled route as a redundant route, the shortest route from the point A serving as the node to the destination α can be calculated as a narrow street. In this way, narrow street learning can be performed.

  In addition to the redundant route information shown in FIG. 11, there may be a route that can be shortened on the map. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, a vehicle that has entered a narrow street from the point A of the main road R reaches the destination α from the point A through the point B. There may be a case of passing through point → E point → F point → G point → H point.

  Here, as a route from the point A to the destination α, when reaching the point H from the point C, it moves in a straight line from the point C to the point H rather than a route passing from the point C to the point G. The travel distance is shorter on the route. In this case, it is determined that the route passing from point C to point G is a redundant route, and is deleted from the narrow street learning information, and the route of point A → B point → C point → H point → α is narrow street learning information. Register as

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), a vehicle that has entered the narrow street from point A of the main road R is point A → B point → C point → D point → E point → F point → G point → H point → When the process of reaching the destination α is performed, an A1 point closer to the destination α than the point A may exist as a node on the main road R. When the A1 point serving as such a node is detected, a route on which the vehicle travels from the A point to the H point becomes a redundant route. Therefore, in this case, the route from point A to point H is deleted as a redundant route, and the node is corrected from point A to point A1. Then, the route from the A1 point to the destination α is learned as a narrow street. In this way, by deleting a route that can be determined to have traveled in a detour as a redundant route, the shortest route from the point A serving as a node to the destination α can be calculated as a narrow street. In this way, narrow street learning can also be performed.

  Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, when a vehicle that has entered the narrow street from the point A of the first trunk road R <b> 1 has undergone a process of reaching point A → B point → C point → D point → destination α, On the second trunk road R2 different from the first trunk road R1, an A1 point closer to the destination α than the point A may exist as a node. When the A1 point serving as such a node is detected, a route on which the vehicle has traveled from the A point to the destination α via the D point becomes a redundant route. Therefore, in this case, the route from point A through point D to destination α is deleted as a redundant route, and the node is corrected from point A to point A1. Then, the route from the A1 point to the destination α is learned as a narrow street. In this way, by deleting a route that can be determined to have traveled in a detour as a redundant route, the shortest route from the point A serving as a node to the destination α can be calculated as a narrow street. In this way, narrow street learning can also be performed.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, when a redundant route is deleted as a redundant route, and as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a route judged to be shortened by correcting a node is deleted as a redundant route. In this case, first, a narrow street from which redundant redundant routes are deleted can be set as a first candidate, and a narrow street from which redundant routes determined to be shortened can be deleted as a second candidate.

  Thus, when a node is corrected and a redundant route is deleted, narrow street learning is performed for a narrow street that is not actually running. In this case, the reliability of the narrow street is determined as to whether or not to learn as a narrow street. As the reliability of the narrow streets, the presence or absence of road information of the narrow streets or the running results within a specific period of the narrow streets can be used. Examples of narrow street road information include road width and road regulations. When the road is wider than a certain width, it is determined that the reliability as a narrow street is high when there is no road regulation. In addition, as a track record within a specific period, if there is a track record that other vehicles have traveled on this narrow street in the same direction and more than a certain number of times within a certain period, the reliability as a narrow street is high. To be judged. When the reliability is above a certain level, it is registered as narrow street information.

  By registering a plurality of narrow street learning information as a first candidate and a second candidate for one destination α, the convenience of the navigation devices 1 and 2 can be achieved. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that a narrow street from point A to destination α is learned as a first candidate route, and a narrow street from point A1 to destination α is learned as a second candidate route. In this case, if it is the position of the 1st vehicle M1, it can reach | attain a destination by a short-distance movement by passing a 1st candidate route | root. However, if it is the position of the second vehicle M2, when passing through the first candidate route, it must reach the A1 point from the second trunk road R2 through the first trunk road R1 and pass through the first candidate route. It becomes a detour. On the other hand, by passing through the second candidate route having the node A1 on the second trunk road R2 as a node, it is possible to reach the destination α at a much shorter distance than passing through the first candidate route. . In this case, the second candidate route can be provided without providing the first candidate route.

  Subsequently, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, as the first embodiment, the mode of provision when providing narrow street learning information is mainly different. Specifically, according to the type of registered narrow street learning information, the provision destination for providing the narrow street learning information is different.

  As narrow street learning information in the present embodiment, narrow street learning information (hereinafter referred to as “specific narrow street learning information”) provided only to the owner of a specific navigation device, and to all navigation device owners There is narrow street learning information to be provided (hereinafter referred to as “unspecified narrow street learning information”).

  For example, when narrow street learning information is transmitted from the first navigation device 1 to the base station 3, the UI unit 11 in the first navigation device 1 is provided with a specific information addition switch in addition to the registration switch. The narrow street learning information is learned as the specific narrow street learning information by operating the registration switch and the specific information providing switch of the first navigation device 1. Below, the provision aspect of specific narrow street learning information and the provision aspect of unspecified narrow street learning information are demonstrated.

  In the navigation device, when the learned narrow street learning information is transmitted to the base station 3, the specific narrow street learning information to which the specific information is given or the unspecified narrow street information to which the specific information is not given is transmitted to the base station 3. . When the specific narrow street learning information to which the specific information is given is transmitted to the base station 3, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3 registers the specific narrow street learning information in the narrow street accumulation database 33, Provide narrow street learning information to registered members. On the other hand, when the unspecified narrow street learning information to which the specific information is not given is transmitted to the base station 3, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3 is not specified as the transmitted narrow street learning information. The narrow street learning information is registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33.

  Then, the provision aspect of specific narrow street learning information is demonstrated. In providing specific narrow street learning information, vehicles are registered in advance for each group. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the A group includes navigation devices for A vehicle, B vehicle, and C vehicle. Further, the B group includes navigation devices for A vehicle, D vehicle, and E vehicle. Further, group IV includes navigation devices for F vehicles, G vehicles, and H vehicles. Moreover, the vehicle information about the vehicle navigation device registered for each group is registered in a vehicle information database (not shown). The vehicle information here includes the destination of narrow street learning information.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when providing specific narrow street learning information. As shown in FIG. 15, in providing specific narrow street learning information, first, the specific narrow street learning information is newly registered in the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3 (S21). For the new registration of specific narrow street learning information, the specific narrow street learning information L1 transmitted from the first navigation device 1 or the like is registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33.

  Here, it is assumed that the vehicle A transmits the specific narrow street learning information L <b> 1 to the base station 3. In this case, since the navigation device of the A vehicle belongs to the A group and the B group, the specific narrow street learning information L1 transmitted from the navigation device of the A vehicle is the navigation of the vehicle belonging to the A group or the B group. Sent to the device.

  Therefore, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3 confirms registered members (S22). Registered members are registered in advance for each group. Here, the navigation devices for A vehicle, B vehicle, and C vehicle belonging to Group A, and A vehicle, D vehicle, and E vehicle belonging to Group B are confirmed. Subsequently, the vehicle information of the registered vehicle is confirmed (S23). Here, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 acquires the vehicle information of the navigation devices of the A vehicle, the B vehicle, and the C vehicle belonging to the Instep group, the A vehicle, the D vehicle, and the E vehicle belonging to the Group B from the vehicle information database. To do.

  Then, the narrow street learning information acquired in step S21 is distributed to registered members (S24). Here, the specific narrow street learning information L1 is distributed to the registered member, but the registered member may not be able to receive. For this reason, when distributing the specific narrow street learning information L1, when the registered member performs information communication with the base station 3, the specific narrow street learning information L1 is distributed.

  Thereafter, the registered member navigation device, for example, the in-vehicle receiving unit 18 in the first navigation device 1 registers the received specific narrow street learning information L1 in the narrow street learning information storage unit 14 (S25). In this way, provision of specific narrow street learning information is completed.

  Therefore, the specific narrow street learning information L1 transmitted from the A vehicle to the base station 3 is provided to the navigation devices in the B vehicle, the C vehicle, the D vehicle, and the E vehicle belonging to the same group. On the other hand, the specific narrow street learning information L1 transmitted from the A vehicle is not provided to the F vehicle, the G vehicle, and the H vehicle that do not belong to the same group as the A vehicle.

  For example, the specific narrow street learning information L2 transmitted from the E vehicle is provided to the A vehicle and the D vehicle belonging to the B group, and is not provided to the B vehicle and the C vehicle belonging to the A group to which the A vehicle belongs. It has become a relationship. In addition, the specific narrow street learning information L3 transmitted from the H vehicle belonging to the kite group is provided to the F vehicle and the G vehicle belonging to the kite group.

  Next, a manner of providing unspecified narrow street learning information will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when providing unspecified narrow street learning information. As shown in FIG. 17, when providing unspecified narrow street learning information, the navigation device sets a destination for a home or a predetermined facility (S31). Next, the navigation apparatus connects to the base station 3 (S32), and determines whether or not unspecified narrow street learning information for the set destination is newly registered in the narrow street accumulation database 33 in the base station 3. Judgment is made (S33).

  As a result, when new unspecified narrow street learning information is not registered, provision of unspecified narrow street learning information is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when new unspecified narrow street learning information is registered, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3 transmits new unspecified narrow street learning information for the destination from the center transmission unit 35. Then, the navigation device receives new unspecified narrow street learning information for the transmitted destination (S34).

  Thereafter, new unspecified narrow street learning information for the transmitted destination is registered in the narrow street learning information database. Thus, the provision of unspecified narrow street learning information is terminated.

  Thereafter, the navigation device performs a plurality of types of route searches to the destination set in step S31 including the registered unspecified narrow street learning information, and provides several patterns of candidate routes to the driver. Then, guidance is provided along the candidate route selected by the driver.

  As described above, in the route information providing system according to the present embodiment, the specific narrow street learning information is provided to the navigation devices registered as the same group when the base station 3 receives the specific narrow street learning information. The On the other hand, unspecified narrow street learning information is provided in response to a request from the navigation device. For this reason, specific narrow street learning information can be quickly provided to members in the group. Further, unspecified narrow street learning information can be prevented from being provided to an unnecessary person, and the amount of transmission / reception can be reduced.

  Further, when distributing the specific narrow street learning information to the members in the group, the external device 4 can be used without passing through the base station 3. Hereinafter, an embodiment using the external device 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when using the external device 4, the external device 4 is connected to the navigation device in the vehicle, and the specific narrow street learning information learned by this navigation device is copied to the external device 4 (S41). Here, as the external device 4, a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, or a device capable of exchanging information such as a mobile phone can be used.

  After the specific narrow street learning information is copied to the external device 4, the external device 4 is removed from the navigation device. Next, the external device 4 is connected to a navigation device in another vehicle in the group. Then, the specific narrow street learning information copied to the external device 4 is taken into the connected navigation device (S42) and registered in the narrow street learning information database in the navigation device (S43).

  Thus, by using the external device 4, the specific narrow street learning information can be provided to the navigation devices in other vehicles in the group without passing through the base station 3.

  Further, when the unspecified narrow street learning information is a spot registration point such as a store, distribution of unspecified narrow street learning information (hereinafter referred to as “spot registration point narrow street learning information”) about the spot registration point such as a store is performed. It can also be done. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when distributing narrow street learning information regarding a spot registration point.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when distributing the spot registration point narrow street learning information, the navigation device connects to the base station 3 and confirms registration of the target spot registration point (S51). As the registration confirmation work of the spot registration point, verification can be performed. For example, when the registrant registers the spot registration point in the base station 3, a mode of checking the registration ID issued by the base station 3 is used. be able to. However, other methods can be used for the mode of confirmation of registration of spot registration points.

  When the registration confirmation of the spot registration point is performed, the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3 determines whether or not there is a target registration spot point (S52). As a result, when it is determined that there is no spot registration point, the processing for distributing narrow street learning information regarding the spot registration point is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if the narrow street learning information management unit 32 in the base station 3 determines that there is a target spot registration point, the base station 3 displays the spot registration point narrow street learning information of the determined spot registration point as a navigation device. Send to. The navigation device receives the transmitted spot registration point narrow street learning information (S53) and registers it in the narrow street learning information database (S54).

  Then, in the navigation device, the owner or the like of the navigation device performs destination setting (S55). Thereafter, a plurality of types of route searches to the destination set in step S55 including the registered spot registration point narrow street learning information are performed, and several patterns of candidate routes are provided to the driver. Then, guidance is provided along the candidate route selected by the driver. As described above, the narrow street learning information for the spot registration point can be easily provided to an unspecified navigation device.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the navigation device is mounted on a vehicle is used. However, for example, the navigation device may be provided on a mobile body possessed by a pedestrian or the like such as a mobile phone. . In the above embodiment, the acquired narrow street information is provided to the navigation device. However, the information may be provided to another device, for example, a fixed personal computer or a mobile phone that does not have a navigation function. .

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st navigation apparatus, 2 ... 2nd navigation apparatus, 3 ... Base station, 4 ... External equipment, 11, 21 ... UI part, 12, 22 ... Car-mounted camera, 13, 23 ... Car-mounted map database, 14, 24 ... Narrow street learning information storage unit, 15, 25 ... Route learning unit, 16, 26 ... Navi function unit, 17, 27 ... In-vehicle transmission unit, 18, 28 ... In-vehicle reception unit, 31 ... Center reception unit, 32 ... Narrow street learning Information management unit 33 ... narrow street accumulation database, 34 ... center map database, 35 ... center transmission unit, L ... narrow street learning information, R, R1, R2 ... trunk road, RD1, RD2 ... redundant route.

Claims (8)

A route information database for storing route information used for route search from the departure place to the destination;
Route information registration means provided in the first terminal device for registering route information in the route information database;
Route information acquisition means provided in a second terminal device different from the first terminal device, for acquiring the route information registered by the route information registration means from the route information database;
Information provision availability determination means for determining whether to provide the route information acquisition means with respect to the route information registered in the route information database by the route information registration means provided in the first terminal device;
A provision availability registration unit which is provided in the first terminal device and registers availability of the route information to the second terminal device;
Redundant path information deleting means for deleting redundant path information included in the path information;
With
The route information is first terminal owner related route information to a facility related to the owner of the first terminal device,
The first terminal owner related route information is narrow street learning information including the coordinate position of the entry point to the narrow street from the main road around the facility to the facility,
The redundant route information deletion means deletes the redundant route, which is information of an extra route included in the narrow street learning information, or corrects the entry point, and selects the shortest route from the entry point to the facility. Calculate
The route information registration means registers the narrow street learning information including information on the shortest route,
When the owner of the first terminal device and the owner of the second terminal device belong to the same group, the information provision availability determination unit determines whether the narrow street learning information for the route information acquisition unit is When the owner of the first terminal device and the owner of the second terminal device do not belong to the same group, the provision of the narrow street learning information to the route information acquisition unit is permitted. A route information providing system characterized by not.   The route information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the route information database is provided in a communication central management device.   The route information providing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the redundant route information deleting unit is provided in a communication central management device.   The route information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first terminal device and the second terminal device are provided in the first navigation device and the second navigation device, respectively.   The route information providing system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first navigation device and the second navigation device is a navigation device mounted on a vehicle.   A terminal device comprising route information transmitting means for transmitting the route information, used as the first terminal device in the route information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A terminal device comprising route information receiving means that is used as the second terminal device in the route information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , and receives the route information. It is provided in the route information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
Route information receiving means for receiving route information transmitted from the first terminal device;
A route information database for storing route information transmitted from the first terminal device;
Route information transmitting means for transmitting the route information stored in the route information database to the second terminal device;
Centralized communication management device.

Images