JP5599505B2 - Traffic information presentation device and navigation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic information presentation device that presents traffic information to a user and a navigation device that performs navigation processing using the traffic information.

In recent years, a system that collects traffic information such as traffic jams and construction information and distributes it to vehicles using FM multiplex broadcasting or road beacons has become widespread, contributing to ease of traffic concentration and improving road safety. doing. For example, there is RDS-TMC (Radio Data System-Traffic Message Channel) that broadcasts messages related to traffic and operation information by FM broadcasting.
In addition, in the traffic information handled by RDS-TMC or the like, an infrastructure link number (code) is stored in order to specify the location (road where the traffic occurred). The infrastructure link is a link assigned to encode a predetermined road section, and an infrastructure link related to a traffic event conveyed by the traffic information is specified from the code stored in the traffic information.

On the other hand, in the map database used for the navigation device, one or more corresponding map links are assigned to the infrastructure link, and the map link assigned to the infrastructure link is specified from the code in the traffic information. Can do.
The map link is link information stored in advance in a map database used for the navigation device, and stores information such as a road position and a link cost used in route search. In general, a map database stores links used for map display and the like and links used for route search or the like. Here, these links are collectively referred to as map links.

  As a conventional technique using traffic information specifying an infrastructure link, for example, there is a navigation system disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this system, by displaying the encoded road section (infrastructure link) and judging the road section where the traffic event has occurred, it is possible to display the congestion line and other traffic events. .

Special table 2010-501079 gazette

In the map data provided by the map supplier, infrastructure links are mainly set only on expressways or main roads (hereinafter, roads with infrastructure links are called main roads). Traffic information cannot be delivered to roads that are not.
In addition, the traffic information service provider specifies traffic information indicating traffic events that occurred at ramps and junctions at the exit or entrance of the main road, and designates the infrastructure link set in the road section of the main road to which they are connected. Deliver to the vehicle side. Since only the road section where the infrastructure link is set is identified from this traffic information, traffic events that occurred on ramps and junctions are mistakenly recognized as occurring on the main road of the main road, and the traffic is There were problems that information could not be presented, and routes that could avoid unnecessary use of highways could be calculated.

For example, a case will be described in which a traffic failure occurs at a ramp or a junction, and traffic information such as “exit closed” or “entrance closed” is distributed by specifying an infrastructure link on a main road. In this case, in the conventional system represented by Patent Document 1, processing for identifying the location of the occurrence of a traffic fault is performed from the road section of the infrastructure link designated by the traffic information.
Therefore, it is misunderstood that traffic obstacles such as “Exit Exit” and “Inlet Closure” are closed on the main road of the main road with infrastructure links. Despite the fact that the ramps and junctions that connect the main road with another road are closed, an icon indicating "Road is closed" is displayed on the main road, or the main road is not actually closed In some cases, a route that avoids a part of the route is calculated.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and provides a traffic information presentation apparatus and a traffic event occurrence location that can accurately identify a traffic event occurrence location and present traffic information. An object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can use traffic information for navigation processing.

The traffic information presentation device according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives traffic information including information that specifies a road section of a main road for specifying a place where a traffic event occurs, and the content of the traffic information received by the receiving unit If the traffic information analyzed by the analysis section and the traffic information analyzed by the analysis section is specific traffic information that indicates a traffic event that occurred at a ramp or junction that connects the road section of the specified main road and another road , extracted by scanning the links connected to the link corresponding to the specified road section, a lamp or a link junction where the traffic event has occurred from the road connecting the specified road segment to another road comprising a processing unit for, and a presentation section for presenting the contents of a specific traffic information analyzed by the analysis unit, a link that is extracted in the processing unit as a place of occurrence of the traffic event.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that traffic information can be presented by accurately specifying the place where the traffic event occurs.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the map link and the ramp in the main road. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection relation of roads other than a main road, a ramp, and a main road. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the map link in the map of map level A, and an infrastructure link. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the map link of FIG. 5, and an infrastructure link in the map of the map level B higher than the map level A. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the map link in case a map level is low, and an infrastructure link. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the map link in case a map level is high, and an infrastructure link. It is a flowchart which shows the extraction process of a start end connection link. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the map link which flows out from the start side node of the map link of scanning object, and the map link which flows in into a termination | terminus side node. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary at the time of confirming whether the passage to the scanning link from the map link which flows into the starting end side node of an input link is possible. It is a flowchart which shows the extraction process of a termination | terminus connection link.

Hereinafter, in order to describe the present invention in more detail, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and shows a configuration when the traffic information presentation device of the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation device. In FIG. 1, the navigation apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a traffic information receiving unit 2, a traffic information storage unit 3, a traffic information analysis unit 4, a specific traffic information processing unit 5, a map link storage unit 6, and an infrastructure link storage unit 7. , A navigation processing unit 8, a route calculation unit 8a, a display information construction unit 9, and a display unit 10.

  The traffic information receiving unit 2 is a component that receives traffic information data distributed by a traffic information service provider, and is realized by a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information such as RDS-TMC packets. The traffic information storage unit 3 is a storage unit that accumulates traffic information received by the traffic information reception unit 2. The traffic information analysis unit 4 is a component that analyzes the content of the traffic information accumulated in the traffic information storage unit 3, and as a result of the analysis, the map link of the road section where the traffic event has occurred and the content of the traffic event ( Create information that represents traffic jams, accidents, closed roads, etc.).

  The specific traffic information processing unit 5 uses the traffic information determined to be the specific traffic information by the traffic information analysis unit 4 from the map links corresponding to the road section where the infrastructure link is set on the main road. It is a structure part which performs the process which extracts the map link corresponding to an occurrence place. The specific traffic information is traffic information related to a traffic event that occurs on a road that connects an road with another road by designating an infrastructure link set in a main road section of the main road. For example, when a road exiting from a main road to another road or a road entering from another road to the main road (hereinafter referred to as a ramp) is closed, it is set as the road section of the main road to which the ramp is connected. For example, traffic information indicating that an exit link is closed or an entrance is closed by designating an existing infrastructure link.

  The map link storage unit 6 is a storage unit that stores map links, and is realized by, for example, a storage device that stores a map database in which link information is registered. As described above, the map link is information that stores information such as road position and link cost used in route search. The infrastructure link storage unit 7 is a storage unit that stores table information in which an infrastructure link number (code) for identifying an infrastructure link set on a main road is associated with a map link assigned to the infrastructure link. Yes, for example, it is constructed in a part of the storage area in the map link storage unit 6.

  The navigation processing unit 8 is a configuration unit that performs navigation processing such as route calculation (route search), route guidance, and map display, and particularly uses specific traffic information by using the processing result of the specific traffic information processing unit 5. Perform navigation processing. For example, in addition to the route calculation by the route calculation unit 8a, route guidance for voice guidance of a traffic event indicated by the specific traffic information using the specific traffic information, an icon image of the traffic event indicated by the specific traffic information, etc. It displays on the map which displayed the driving route and the guidance route.

The route calculation unit 8 a is a component that calculates a route from the current location on the map to the destination using the map link stored in the map link storage unit 6. The current position information is detected by, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or the like. The destination is input using input means such as a touch panel using the display screen of the display unit 10. In addition, description of these structures is abbreviate | omitted.
The route calculation unit 8 a performs route calculation using the traffic information analysis result by the traffic information analysis unit 4 and the processing result by the specific traffic information processing unit 5. For example, when an analysis result indicating that a part of the road section of the route is closed is obtained, a route that avoids the road section is recalculated. In addition, when the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that a traffic fault has occurred in the ramp, a route for avoiding the ramp is calculated.

  The display information construction unit 9 acquires the information about the route calculated by the route calculation unit 8a, the analysis result of the traffic information by the traffic information analysis unit 4, and the processing result of the specific traffic information by the specific traffic information processing unit 5. It is a structure part which builds the information for a display regarding the information of this. Examples of information for displaying information related to routes, results of analyzing traffic information, and processing results of specific traffic information include route lines on maps, traffic congestion lines superimposed on road sections, and icons indicating closed roads. It is done.

The display unit 10 is a display monitor that displays the display information constructed by the display information construction unit 9 on a screen. Traffic information is presented via the display unit 10. For example, an icon representing the contents of a traffic event in the traffic information is displayed on the map.
Although not shown, a voice output unit realized by a speaker or the like and a voice information construction unit may be provided to present the traffic information to the user by voice. As this voice information construction unit, the information about the route calculated by the route calculation unit 8a, the analysis result of the traffic information by the traffic information analysis unit 4, and the processing result of the specific traffic information by the specific traffic information processing unit 5 are acquired, A component that constructs audio information related to these pieces of information can be considered.
Depending on the function of the navigation device to which the traffic information presentation device according to the present invention is applied, various processing units and storage units may be included in addition to the above-described components.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the map link and the ramp on the main road. In FIG. 2, the arrow representing the map link schematically represents a node that is located at the start point of the arrow and a node that is located at the end point of the arrow and a link that is a line segment connecting these. Further, the direction indicated by the arrow is the traveling direction of the vehicle, the road that goes from the main road to the road A other than the main road is the exit ramp a, and the road that enters the main road from the road A is the entrance ramp a. In the opposite lane of the main road, the exit ramp b and the entrance ramp b are connected as shown in FIG.

As described above, a map link corresponding to a predetermined road section on the main road is assigned to the infrastructure link. For example, map links 1 to 5 are assigned in FIG. On the other hand, the map link 6 of the exit ramp a is connected to the start side node of the map link 2 on the main line of the main road, but no infrastructure link is set. In RDS-TMC etc., traffic information (specific traffic information) that specifies the infrastructure link of the main road connected to the ramp is distributed for traffic events that occur at the ramp, so the ramp is identified as the road where the traffic event occurred. Can not.
Therefore, in the present invention, when the traffic information is the specific traffic information, the map of the connecting road connected to the main road is not specified from the map link of the main road main road allocated to the infrastructure link, but the location of the traffic event is specified. Extract links to identify where traffic events occur.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the first embodiment, and shows a map link extraction process corresponding to a traffic event occurrence location. Further, FIG. 1 is referred to for the configuration of the navigation device 1 that is the subject of the processing. It is assumed that the traffic information is received by the traffic information receiving unit 2 and the traffic information is stored in the traffic information storage unit 3 before the processing of FIG. At this time, when display of traffic information by the display unit 10 or execution of route calculation by the route calculation unit 8a is instructed, processing for extracting map links used for these processes is started.

  First, the traffic information analysis unit 4 analyzes the contents of the traffic information stored in the traffic information storage unit 3 to determine whether or not the traffic information is specific traffic information (step ST1). In the traffic information, in addition to the infrastructure link number for specifying the infrastructure link, a traffic event ID assigned for each traffic event content is also stored. Therefore, for example, a table in which the contents of the traffic event and the traffic event ID are associated with each other is set in the traffic information analysis unit 4 in advance. The traffic information analysis unit 4 specifies the content of the traffic event from the table using the traffic event ID in the traffic information stored in the traffic information storage unit 3, and the traffic information is specified traffic information from the content of the traffic event. It is determined whether or not there is.

  When the traffic information is not specific traffic information (step ST1; NO), the traffic information analysis unit 4 refers to the table information stored in the infrastructure link storage unit 7 based on the infrastructure link number in the traffic information. The map link associated with the infrastructure link number is extracted from the map link storage unit 6 (step ST2). Thereafter, the map link extraction process is terminated. The extracted map link is output from the traffic information analysis unit 4 to the route calculation unit 8a and the display information construction unit 9. As a result, the display information construction unit 9 constructs display information related to traffic events that have occurred on the main road of the main road and displays them on the display unit 10, or the route calculation unit 8a performs route calculation considering the traffic information. To do.

  When the traffic information is specific traffic information (step ST1; YES), the traffic information analysis unit 4 refers to the table information stored in the infrastructure link storage unit 7 based on the infrastructure link number in the specific traffic information. Then, all the map links corresponding to the internal section associated with the infrastructure link number are acquired from the map link storage unit 6, and a list of these map links is created (step ST3). For example, by creating a list in which map links corresponding to the internal section are arranged in the traveling direction, the map links registered in the list are handled as a map link row arranged in the traveling direction.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection relationship between a main road, a ramp, and a road other than the main road. The internal section will be described with reference to FIG. Usually, one certain infrastructure link is assigned to the section from the entrance on the main road to the next entrance. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the infrastructure link 2 is set in a section from the entrance of the main road to which the entrance ramp 2 is connected to the entrance of the main road to which the next entrance ramp 1 is connected. The same applies to the infrastructure links 1 and 3.
In the road section where the infrastructure link is set, the section from the exit to the entrance of the main road is referred to as “Internal section”, and the other section is referred to as “External section”. In the example of FIG. 4, in the road section where the infrastructure link 2 is set, the section from the point on the main road where the exit ramp 1 connects to the point on the main road where the entrance ramp 1 connects is the internal link in the infrastructure link 2. It becomes a section.

When traffic information of “entrance ramp closed” specifying infrastructure link 2 is received as specific traffic information, entrance ramp 1 in the traveling direction of the road section where infrastructure link 2 is set is blocked from entrance ramp 2 I want to treat as. In this case, the map link of the entrance ramp 1 may be extracted as the map link of the entrance ramp.
On the other hand, in step ST3, for example, when all the map links associated with the infrastructure link 2 are extracted, the map link of the entrance ramp 2 is connected to the map link assigned to the infrastructure link 2, and thus becomes an extraction target. .
Accordingly, in step ST3, only the map link associated with the internal section is acquired from the map links of the infrastructure link specified by the specific traffic information. Thereby, in the specific traffic information “entrance ramp closed” specifying the infrastructure link 2, the entrance ramp 2 is not extracted, but only the map link of the entrance ramp 1 is extracted.

Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 reads out the top map link of the list of map links (map link sequence) created in the traffic information analysis unit 4 and sets it as a scanning link (step ST4). For example, the first map link in the map link sequence arranged in the traveling direction is set as the scanning target.
Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 analyzes the road attribute of the map link set as the scanning link, and determines whether or not the road attribute of the scanning link is “main road” (step ST5). The road attribute is information indicating the road type, width, traffic classification, etc. of the road to which the map link belongs.

When the road attribute of the scanning link is not “main road” (step ST5; NO), the extraction result link is determined to be “none” and the process is terminated. In this Embodiment 1, in order to use the exit ramp and entrance ramp of the main road as candidates for the location of the traffic event, it is determined in step ST5 whether or not the road type of the scan link is “main road”. Yes.
Note that the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an infrastructure link is also set for a “non-major road”, a side road or exit from a “non-major road” to a “parking lot” or “other facility” When a side road is targeted, the determination is made by changing the road type of the determination criterion to “not a main road” instead of “main road”. Thus, in step ST5, the determination according to the use of the navigation apparatus 1 is implemented.

  When the road attribute of the scan link is “main road” (step ST5; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 needs to acquire a map link connected to the node on the start end side of the scan link. Is determined (step ST6). Details of this determination will be described with reference to FIGS. The map links in the map database are managed hierarchically, and even if the map links represent the same road, the nodes are omitted and simplified as the hierarchy (map level) increases. 5 and 6, the map level B has a higher map hierarchy than the map level A, and the nodes are simplified.

Links # 1 to # 4 at the map level A shown in FIG. 5 are map links on the main road. Here, for example, when the map link (not shown) of the main road exit ramp is connected to node 3 that is the start side node of Link # 2, the map link connected to node 3 is scanned, and the exit ramp The map link needs to be acquired in step ST6.
However, as shown in FIG. 6, in the map of the map level B, unlike the map level A, the nodes 2 to 4 are omitted, and the nodes 1 and 5 are represented by one map link Link # 1 ′. In this case, the map link associated with the infrastructure link is Link # 1 ′, but the link connected to node 5 that is the starting end node of this link is not confirmed. This is a node in which node 5 is not associated with an infrastructure link, and even if a link of an exit ramp of a highway is connected to node 5, a traffic event occurrence candidate indicated by specific traffic information specifying an infrastructure link Because it will not be.

As shown in FIG. 6, the acquisition target of the start side connection link is determined by whether or not the distance L2 from the start of the map link to the start of the infrastructure link section corresponding to the map link is “0”. . Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the link from the link # 3 that is the map link associated with the infrastructure link to the start point of the infrastructure link section from the node 4 that is the starting end node is “0”, that is, one. I'm doing it. For this reason, Link # 3 is determined as the acquisition target of the start-end side connection link (the determination result is “true”).
Note that the link # 2 associated with the infrastructure link has a distance of “0”, that is, matches from the node 2 that is the terminal node to the end point of the infrastructure link section. For this reason, Link # 2 is determined to be an acquisition target of a termination side connection link to be described later.
On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 6, the map link Link # 1 ′ associated with the infrastructure link has a distance L2 (≠≠) from the start node node5 to the start point of the infrastructure link section. 0). For this reason, Link # 1 ′ is not an acquisition target of the starting end side connection link (the determination result is “false”).

Returning to the description of FIG.
The specific traffic information processing unit 5 investigates the map link connected to the start side node for the scan link whose determination result is “true” in step ST6, and the map link corresponding to the ramp portion from the map link storage unit 6. Is extracted (step ST7). Details of this processing will be described later using the flowchart of FIG.

In step ST8, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether all the map links in the map link sequence acquired in step ST3 have been scanned. If there is a map link that has not yet been scanned (step ST8; NO), the process proceeds to step ST9.
In step ST9, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 sets the next map link in the map link sequence acquired in step ST3 as a scan target, returns to the process in step ST6, and repeats the processes from step ST6 to step ST8.

  When all the map links in the map link sequence acquired in step ST3 have been scanned (step ST8; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 is the most downstream in the flow of traffic in the map link sequence. Is obtained (step ST10). For example, when the links # 2 and # 3 illustrated in FIG. 5 are acquired as the map link sequence, the link # 2 downstream in the traveling direction is specified.

  Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether or not it is necessary to acquire a map link group connected to the terminal node on the downstream map link obtained in step ST10 (step ST11). Note that the purpose and procedure of this determination are the same as those at the start end shown in step ST6. However, if the distance L2 shown in FIG. 6 is “0” on the start end side, the determination result is “true”. However, in the determination on the end side, the distance L1 shown in FIG. In this case, the determination result is “true”. This threshold is, for example, 10 (m).

Here, the reason why the above threshold value is used for the determination on the terminal side will be described.
The map database stores information associating the infrastructure link with the map link, and the map link can be identified from the infrastructure link.
When the map level is low, as shown in FIG. 5, the correspondence relationship between the infrastructure link and the map link assigned thereto is 1: 1 or higher. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the start point of the infrastructure link section and the start end of the map link, and the end point of the infrastructure link section and the end of the map link often coincide.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the map level becomes higher and the nodes are omitted, so that the start point of the infrastructure link section and the start end of the map link, or the end point of the infrastructure link section and the end of the map link are unified. You may not be able to do it.

Even if the map link is simplified according to the map level, the section of the infrastructure link must be represented in the section represented by the traffic information. For example, when traffic information representing traffic congestion is received by specifying the infrastructure link shown in FIG. 6, the map link associated with the infrastructure link is Link # 1 ′, but the entire link # 1 ′ section is included. The traffic congestion line must not be displayed, and it is necessary to display the traffic congestion line only in the section of the infrastructure link.
Therefore, as information for associating the infrastructure link with the map link (Link # 1 ′), as shown in FIG. 8, the infrastructure link that is the distance from the start side node (node5) of the map link to the start point of the infrastructure link section. The start distance and the infrastructure link end distance that is the distance from the start side node (node5) to the end point of the infrastructure link section are held. Based on these pieces of information, it is possible to determine which section of the map link (Link # 1 ′) should display the traffic congestion line.

Further, the value of the distance L1 shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by subtracting the infrastructure link end distance from the map link length shown in FIG. The infrastructure link end distance is stored in units of 10 m in order to reduce the capacity of the map database. For example, when the actual infrastructure link end distance is 200 (m), it is stored as the value “20” on the map database.
On the other hand, since the value of the map link length is stored in units of 1 m, even if the end point of the infrastructure link section and the end of the map link coincide with each other, a difference of 10 (m) at maximum is opened.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, even if the length of the infrastructure link section is actually equal to the length of the map link, the map link length is 54 (m) and the infrastructure link end distance is 50 (m). May be stored. Therefore, in the determination in step ST11, the determination result is “true” when the distance L1 shown in FIG. 6 is less than 10 (m), and “false” if the determination result is 10 (m) or more.

  Thereafter, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 investigates the map link connected to the terminal node of the scanning link whose determination result is “true” in step ST11, and corresponds to the ramp portion from the map link storage unit 6. The map link to be extracted is extracted (step ST12). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(1) Extraction Process of Start End Connection Link Next, details of the extraction process of the start end connection link will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the start-end connection link extraction process, and shows the details of the process in step ST7 of FIG.
First, when the specific traffic information processing unit 5 inputs a map link determined to be the acquisition target of the start end connection link, a map link group flowing out from the start end side node of the map link (hereinafter referred to as an input link) Obtained from the link storage unit 6 (step ST1a).
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a map link that flows out from the start side node and a map link that flows into the end side node of the scan target map link, and FIG. 10A shows the link _search that is the scan target. . In step ST1a, as shown in FIG. 10B, Link _out1 to Link _out4 are acquired as map links flowing out from the start side node of the link _{search to be} scanned shown in FIG.

Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 scans the map links acquired in step ST1a one by one, and the map link currently being scanned (hereinafter referred to as a scan link) is different from the input link in step ST1a. It is determined whether or not it is a link (step ST2a). Here, when the input link and the scanning link are not different links, that is, are the same link (step ST2a; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8a. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the link _search in FIG. 10A is an input link, and the link _{out4 in} FIG. _10B is a scanning link, which are the same link.

When it is determined that the input link and the scanning link are different links (step ST2a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether the link attribute of the scanning link is a link attribute to be extracted. (Step ST3a). The link attribute is information such as the road type, width, and traffic classification in the road section corresponding to the map link.
The link attribute to be extracted includes a link attribute that is a road that can be connected as a branch line to a main road. The road attribute of the link to be extracted may be a main road or not a main road.
Here, “Ramp”, “Junction”, “Parallel Road”, and “Sideway to Service Area SA or Parking Area PA” are the link attributes to be extracted. This link attribute can be changed according to the application to which the present invention is applied, and can be used for extraction processing of map links to which no infrastructure link is assigned.

When the link attribute of the scanning link is not the extraction target link attribute (step ST3a; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8a.
When the link attribute of the scanning link is the link attribute to be extracted (step ST3a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that the traffic event conveyed by the traffic information to be processed is an event related to the road at the exit portion of the main road. Is determined (step ST4a).
Generally, the traffic information stores a code obtained by encoding the contents of a traffic event. For example, the code value “406” is assigned “predetermined main road entrance ramp closure” which is the content of a predetermined traffic event, and when the code value is “407”, the predetermined traffic event is determined. “Main road exit ramp closure” is assigned. That is, the determination in step ST4a is performed by comparing and determining codes representing the contents of traffic events. However, when information such as a character string is stored in the traffic information instead of the code, the determination is made by comparing the character strings.

Here, when it is determined that the traffic event is an event related to the road at the exit portion of the main road (step ST4a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that the direction of the scanning link is the actual traffic flow on the road. It is determined whether or not the directions are the same (step ST5a).
In general, each map link in the map database stores information indicating whether it is in the same direction as the actual traffic flow on the road or in the opposite direction. Therefore, a determination is made based on this information. . That is, in the configuration of FIG. 1, information about the actual traffic flow is stored in the map link information stored in the map link storage unit 6, and this information is used.

When the direction of the scanning link is not the same as the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST5a; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8a.
When the direction of the scanning link is the same direction as the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST5a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 selects the map link flowing into the starting end side node of the input link. A map link having the same link attribute as that of the input link is specified, and it is determined whether or not it is possible to pass from the road of the specified map link to the road of the scanning link (step ST6a). Details of the determination in step ST6a will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline when confirming whether or not the map link flowing into the starting end side node of the input link is allowed to pass through to the scanning link. Here, it is assumed that the Link _input shown in FIG. 11A is an input link, and the scanning link is the Link _search in FIG.
First, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 acquires a map link group that flows into the start end side node of the link _input . Thereby, Link _in1 to Link in4 of FIG. _11B are acquired.
Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5, among the acquired link group _is the same link attribute as _{Link input The,} identifies a different link from the _{Link input The.} At this time, the reverse direction is also regarded as the same link. In the example of FIG. _11B , Link _in3 is specified.

Then, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether or not it is possible to passage of the road of the scan link from the identified road Link _in3. For example, even when a node with two links is shared and connected, the traffic flowing out of the node from the road of the link that flows into the node is restricted by traffic restrictions such as “no right turn”. There are cases where it is not possible to access the road. Therefore, the above determination is performed.
In FIG. 11 (c) are shown as sharing a node _{Link in3} and _{Link search} and are connected relationship, if actually can not traffic to the _{Link search} road from the road _{Link in3,} the _{Link search} Traffic information relating to a traffic event occurring on a road is not distributed by specifying an infrastructure link to which Link in ₃ is assigned. In this case, the contents of the traffic event in which the traffic information is distributed by designating the infrastructure link to which Link in ₃ is allocated should not be allocated to the Link _search . For this reason, whether or not road traffic between map links is allowed is confirmed as described above. In general, information on traffic restrictions between map links is stored in a map database, and the information is referred to. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 1, information regarding road traffic regulation is stored in the map link information stored in the map link storage unit 6, and this information is used.

When it is impossible to pass the road of the map link having the same link attribute as the input link to the road of the scanning link (step ST6a; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8a.
Further, when it is possible to pass from the road of the map link having the same link attribute as the input link to the road of the scanning link (step ST6a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that the scanning link is the current specific traffic information The traffic link is determined to be the link of the ramp portion where the traffic event has occurred, and the scan link is added to the ramp link list and stored (step ST7a).
The ramp link list is data in which the map link of the ramp portion that is the extraction target is set as the location where the traffic event of the specific traffic information occurs, and is stored in the specific traffic information processing unit 5.

  In step ST8a, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether or not all the map links in the map link group acquired in step ST1a have been scanned. Here, when all the map links are scanned (step ST8a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 ends the extraction process of the start end connection link. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST8 in FIG.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the traffic event is not an event related to the road at the exit portion of the main road but an event at the entrance portion (step ST4a; NO), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 is the same as the process of step ST5a. Then, it is determined whether or not the direction of the scanning link is opposite to the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST9a). Here, when the direction of the scanning link is the same direction as the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST9a; NO), the process proceeds to the above-described step ST8a.
When the direction of the scanning link is opposite to the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST9a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 selects the map link whose direction is opposite to the scanning link. Is acquired from the map link storage unit 6 as a scanning link obtained by inverting (step ST10a).

Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether or not it is possible to pass from the scanning link road whose direction is reversed to the input link road (step ST11a). Here, when it is possible to pass from the road of the scanning link whose direction is reversed to the road of the input link (step ST11a; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 adds the scanning link to the ramp link list. (Step ST12a). When it is impossible to pass from the road of the scanning link whose direction is reversed to the road of the input link (step ST11a; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8a.
When the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that there is a map link that has not been scanned yet (step ST8a; NO), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 sets the next map link in the map link group acquired in step ST1a as a scan link ( The processing from step ST13a) and step ST2a is repeated.

(2) Termination Connection Link Extraction Processing Next, details of termination connection link extraction processing will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the termination connection link extraction process, and shows details of the process in step ST12 of FIG.
First, when the specific traffic information processing unit 5 inputs a map link determined to be a terminal connection link acquisition target, a map link group that flows into the terminal node of the map link (hereinafter referred to as an input link) Obtained from the link storage unit 6 (step ST1b).
Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 scans the map links acquired in step ST1b one by one, and the map link currently being scanned (hereinafter referred to as a scan link) is different from the input link in step ST1b. It is determined whether it is a link (step ST2b). Here, when the input link and the scanning link are not different links, that is, they are the same link (step ST2b; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8b.

  When it is determined that the input link and the scanning link are different links (step ST2b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether or not the link attribute of the scanning link is a link attribute to be extracted. (Step ST3b). The link attribute of the extraction target is the same as the extraction process of the start connection link described above, and “ramp”, “junction”, “parallel road”, “side road leading to the service area SA or the parking area PA” is extracted. Link attribute.

If the link attribute of the scan link is not the link attribute to be extracted (step ST3b; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8b.
When the link attribute of the scanning link is the link attribute to be extracted (step ST3b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that the traffic event conveyed by the traffic information to be processed is an event related to the road at the entrance of the main road. Is determined (step ST4b). The determination method is the same as the extraction process of the starting connection link.

  When it is determined that the traffic event is an event related to the road at the entrance of the main road (step ST4b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 has the direction of the scanning link in the same direction as the actual traffic flow on the road. It is determined whether or not there is (step ST5b). Here, when the direction of the scanning link is not the same as the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST5b; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8b.

  When the direction of the scanning link is the same direction as the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST5b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 inputs from among the map links flowing out from the terminal side node of the input link. A map link having the same link attribute as the link is specified, and it is determined whether or not the road of the specified map link can be passed from the scan link road (step ST6b). Here, when it is impossible to pass from the road of the scanning link to the road of the map link having the same link attribute as the input link (step ST6b; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8b.

In addition, when it is possible to pass from the road of the scan link to the road of the map link having the same link attribute as the input link (step ST6b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that the scan link is the specific traffic of this time. It is determined that the link of the ramp portion where the information traffic event has occurred, and the scan link is added to the ramp link list and stored (step ST7b).
In step ST8b, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether all the map links in the map link group acquired in step ST1b have been scanned. Here, when all the map links are scanned (step ST8b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 ends the extraction process of the start end connection link.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the traffic event is not an event related to the road at the entrance portion of the main road but an event at the exit portion (step ST4b; NO), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 is similar to the process of step ST5b. Then, it is determined whether or not the direction of the scanning link is opposite to the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST9b). Here, when the direction of the scanning link is the same direction as the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST9b; NO), the process proceeds to the above-described step ST8b.
When the direction of the scanning link is opposite to the actual traffic flow on the road (step ST9b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 selects the map link whose direction is opposite to the scanning link. Is acquired from the map link storage unit 6 as a scanning link obtained by inverting (step ST10b).

Next, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines whether it is possible to pass from the road of the input link to the road of the scanning link in which the direction acquired in step ST10b is reversed (step ST11b). Here, when it is possible to pass from the road of the input link to the road of the scanning link whose direction is reversed (step ST11b; YES), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 adds the scanning link to the ramp link list. Add and save (step ST12b). When it is not possible to pass from the road of the input link to the road of the scanning link whose direction is reversed (step ST11b; NO), the process proceeds to step ST8b.
When the specific traffic information processing unit 5 determines that there is a map link that has not been scanned yet (step ST8b; NO), the specific traffic information processing unit 5 performs the next map in the map link group acquired in step ST1b. A link is set as a scanning link (step ST13b), and the processing from step ST2b is repeated.

  The specific traffic information processing unit 5 outputs the ramp link list in which the map link of the ramp part is set as described above to the route calculation unit 8a and the display information construction unit 9. The route calculation unit 8a and the display information construction unit 9 specify the place where the traffic event of the specific traffic information occurs using the map link of the ramp part set in the ramp link list. As a result, even when specific traffic information is received, it is not considered that a traffic obstacle such as “exit closed” or “entrance closed” has occurred on the main road. In other words, an icon representing “road closed” is not displayed on a trunk road that is not actually closed, and a route that avoids a part of the trunk road that is not actually closed is not calculated.

In the first embodiment, the route calculation unit 8a of the navigation device 1 performs the route calculation considering the specific traffic information by specifying the location where the traffic event has occurred from the processing result of the specific traffic information processing unit 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the navigation processing unit 8 may use the processing result of the specific traffic information processing unit 5 to execute navigation processing such as route guidance and map display considering specific traffic information. For example, as route guidance in consideration of specific traffic information, a case where the traffic event indicated by the specific traffic information is voice-guided can be considered. Moreover, as a map display in consideration of specific traffic information, an icon image or the like of a traffic event indicated by the specific traffic information is displayed on a map displaying a travel route or a guidance route of the own vehicle.

  In the first embodiment, the traffic event of the traffic information distributed to the main road where the infrastructure link is set has occurred on the side road (ramp, etc.) of the main road where the infrastructure link is not set. Although the process for recognizing was shown, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when recognizing that a traffic event of traffic information distributed to roads other than main roads occurred on other roads (such as roads connected to parking lots or other facilities) where infrastructure links are not established Applicable.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the traffic information receiving unit 2 that receives traffic information, the traffic information analyzing unit 4 that analyzes the content of the traffic information received by the traffic information receiving unit 2, and the traffic When the traffic information analyzed by the information analysis unit 4 is specific traffic information indicating a traffic event that has occurred on a road connected to a predetermined road section where an infrastructure link is set, it is connected to a link corresponding to the predetermined road section The specific traffic information processing unit 5 that scans the link that is connected to the road and that extracts the link of the road where the traffic event has occurred from the roads connected to the predetermined road section, and the specific information analyzed by the traffic information analysis unit 4 The display information constructing unit 9 and the display unit 10 are provided to identify and present the location of the traffic event with the link extracted by the specific traffic information processing unit 5. By configuring in this way, it is possible to accurately identify the place where the traffic event occurs and present the traffic information.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, when the specific traffic information processing unit 5 indicates a traffic event that has occurred on a road that merges with a predetermined road section where the infrastructure link is set, the specific traffic information section 5 The link that flows into or out of the link corresponding to is scanned, and the link of the road where the traffic event has occurred is extracted from the roads connected to the predetermined road section. In particular, when specific traffic information indicates the closure of a road that joins a predetermined road section, information indicating a road closure (for example, an icon image or text information indicating a road closure) is displayed. In this way, it is possible to accurately identify a traffic event that has occurred on a road that merges with this road section, instead of the main line of a predetermined road section, and present the traffic information.

  Furthermore, according to this Embodiment 1, when the specific traffic information processing part 5 shows the traffic event which generate | occur | produced on the road where specific traffic information branches from the predetermined | prescribed road area where the infrastructure link was set, it will be included in the said road area. A link that flows into or out of the corresponding link is scanned to extract a link of a road where the traffic event has occurred from roads connected to the predetermined road section. In particular, when the specific traffic information indicates the closure of a road that branches off from a predetermined road section, information indicating a closed road (for example, an icon image or text information indicating a closed road) is displayed. By doing in this way, it is possible to accurately specify a traffic event that has occurred on a road that branches from this road section instead of the main line of a predetermined road section, and present the traffic information.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the specific traffic information indicates traffic events that occur on roads that connect to the road section by specifying a code (infrastructure link number) given to the predetermined road section. The traffic information analysis unit 4 specifies a link corresponding to a predetermined road section from the code included in the specific traffic information, and the specific traffic information processing unit 5 specifies the predetermined information specified by the traffic information analysis unit 4 The link connected to the link corresponding to the road section is scanned, and the link of the road where the traffic event has occurred is extracted from the roads connected to the predetermined road section.
In this way, the location of the traffic event can be accurately identified for specific traffic information that indicates the traffic event that occurred on the branch line of the specified road section where the infrastructure link is specified by specifying the infrastructure link number. It can identify and present traffic information.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the specific traffic information processing unit 5 scans a link corresponding to a predetermined section (Internal section) where a predetermined road section is joined or branched, and a traffic event occurs. To extract the link of the road. In this way, it is possible to efficiently identify the branch line where the traffic event has occurred, not the main line of the predetermined road section.

  Furthermore, according to this Embodiment 1, the traffic information receiving part 2 which receives traffic information, the traffic information analysis part 4 which analyzes the content of the traffic information received by the traffic information receiving part 2, and the traffic information analysis part When the traffic information analyzed by 4 is specific traffic information indicating a traffic event that has occurred on a road connected to a predetermined road section, the link connected to the link corresponding to the predetermined road section is scanned to A specific traffic information processing unit 5 that extracts a link of a road where the traffic event has occurred from roads connected to the road section, and a location where the traffic event has occurred is identified by the link extracted by the specific traffic information processing unit 5 And a navigation processing unit that performs navigation processing using specific traffic information. In particular, the navigation processing unit includes a route calculation unit 8a that specifies a place where a traffic event has occurred with the link extracted by the specific traffic information processing unit 5 and performs route calculation using the specific traffic information. With this configuration, it is possible to execute a navigation process using the specific traffic information by accurately specifying the location where the traffic event has occurred. For example, when a traffic fault occurs on an entrance road or an exit road of a main road, a route calculation that avoids these roads can be performed.

In the first embodiment, the traffic information presentation device according to the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation device. However, not only the in-vehicle navigation device but also a mobile phone terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA; Personal) Digital Assistance) may be applied.
Further, the present invention may be applied to a PND (Portable Navigation Device) or the like that is carried and used by a person such as a vehicle, a railway, a ship, or an aircraft.

  In the present invention, any constituent element of the embodiment can be modified or any constituent element of the embodiment can be omitted within the scope of the invention.

  The traffic information presenting apparatus according to the present invention can present traffic information by accurately recognizing a place where a traffic event has occurred with respect to traffic information that designates a predetermined road section and notifies the occurrence of a traffic event. Therefore, it is suitable for a vehicle-mounted navigation device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation apparatus, 2 Traffic information receiving part, 3 Traffic information memory | storage part, 4 Traffic information analysis part, 5 Specific traffic information processing part, 6 Map link memory | storage part, 7 Infrastructure link memory | storage part, 8 Navigation processing part, 8a Route calculation part , 9 Display information construction part, 10 Display part.

Claims (8)

A receiving unit for receiving traffic information including information for specifying a road section of a highway for identifying a place where a traffic event occurs ;
An analysis unit for analyzing the contents of the traffic information received by the reception unit;
When the traffic information analyzed by the analysis unit is specific traffic information indicating a traffic event that occurs at a ramp or junction that connects a road section of the designated main road and another road , the designated road A processing unit that scans a link connected to a link corresponding to a section and extracts a link of a ramp or a junction in which the traffic event has occurred from roads that connect the designated road section and another road. When,
Traffic information presentation apparatus and a presentation unit that presents links the content of the specific traffic information analyzed by the analysis unit, which is extracted in the processing unit as a place of occurrence of the traffic event. The presentation unit is configured when a specific traffic information indicates the closing of the lamp or junction merges into the designated road section, the lamp or junction joins said to the specified road section in links that are extracted in the processing unit identify and a traffic information presentation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displaying the information indicating the road closures. The presentation unit, the particular case where the traffic information indicates the closing of the lamp or junction branched from the specified road section, the lamp or junction branched from the specified road section in the link extracted by the processing unit identify and a traffic information presentation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displaying the information indicating the road closures. The specific traffic information is traffic information indicating a traffic event that specifies the assigned code to the designated road section generated by a lamp or junction connected to the road section,
The analysis unit specifies a link corresponding to the designated road section from the code included in the specific traffic information,
The processing unit scans a link connected to a link corresponding to the designated road section specified by the analysis unit, and connects the designated road section and another road. The traffic information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein a link of a ramp or a junction in which the traffic event has occurred is extracted from. A receiving unit for receiving traffic information including information for specifying a road section of a highway for identifying a place where a traffic event occurs ;
An analysis unit for analyzing the contents of the traffic information received by the reception unit;
Corresponding to the specified road section when the traffic information analyzed by the analysis unit is specific traffic information indicating a traffic event occurring at a ramp or junction that connects the specified road section and another road A processing unit that scans a link connected to a link to extract a link of a ramp or a junction in which the traffic event has occurred from roads connected to the designated road section;
The link extracted by the processing unit as a place of occurrence of the traffic event, a navigation device and a navigation processing unit that performs navigation processing using the specific traffic information. The navigation processing unit, a link extracted by the processing unit as a place of occurrence of the traffic event, the navigation according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a route calculation unit which performs a route calculation using the specific traffic information apparatus. The route calculation unit, indicating closure of the lamp or junction the particular traffic information is merged into the designated road section, the lamp joins the to the specified road section in the link extracted by the processing unit or The navigation apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein a route that avoids the road is calculated by specifying a junction . The route calculation unit is configured when a specific traffic information indicates the closing of the lamp or junction branched from the specified road section, the lamp is branched from the specified road section in the extracted link in the processing unit or The navigation apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein a route that avoids the road is calculated by specifying a junction .

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