JP5653501B2 - Navigation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle navigation device that provides road guidance, and more particularly, to a technique for guiding information related to a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane.

  Conventionally, as a road where entry of vehicles is restricted, for example, an HOV lane used in a road system mainly found in a large city in North America is known. The HOV lane is also called a Car Pool Lane, and is a lane that is allowed to run only by a vehicle on which a plurality of people are boarded, such as a lane attached to a highway and a lane that shortcuts an interchange. Are known. This road system adopting the HOV lane encourages multiple people to board one vehicle by giving the user a preferential treatment that the user can arrive at the destination in a short time by driving the HOV lane. Therefore, it is intended to alleviate traffic congestion by reducing the overall traffic volume.

  As a technique related to such an HOV lane, Patent Literature 1 discloses a navigation device that searches for a route using information on the HOV lane as road information of a route to a destination set by a user. In this navigation device, a map including road information about entry / exit points on an expressway with an HOV lane in order to efficiently travel on a lane where mutual entry and departure from other lanes are restricted. Data is read from the DVD and stored in the data buffer. The route search processing unit performs route search processing in consideration of the availability of HOV lanes using the map data stored in the data buffer. When performing route guidance using the HOV lane, the HOV lane guidance unit provides a predetermined lane change guidance by image and voice at the timing when the entry / exit point to change the course approaches within a predetermined distance from the vehicle position. Do.

JP 2001-183159 A

  However, when guidance is provided using map data in which HOV lanes and normal lanes (lanes other than HOV lanes) are represented by a single link, it is not possible to present appropriate guidance timing or guidance content on such roads. There's a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and even when the map data in which the HOV lane and the normal lane are expressed by one link is used, appropriate guidance to the destination is provided. An object of the present invention is to obtain a navigation device capable of performing the above.

In the navigation device according to the present invention, a road that can enter and leave each other only in a predetermined permission section between a special lane that is a part of a plurality of lanes and a normal lane that is a remaining lane is connected to one link. Based on the map data acquisition unit that acquires the map data defined in, and the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, between the special lane that is in front of the own vehicle and the normal lane An entry / exit extraction unit that extracts an entrance / exit section; a branch extraction unit that extracts a branch point on a special lane in front of the vehicle based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the vehicle; Different guidance for when the lane changeable section defined by the entrance / exit section extracted by the entrance / exit extraction unit is longer than a predetermined length and when the lane changeable section is shorter than a predetermined length The guidance timing adjustment unit that determines imming, and the guidance timing that is determined by the guidance timing adjustment unit, the departure guidance that informs that it is possible to leave the special lane, or the entry guidance that informs that it is possible to enter the special lane or on the special lane A control unit that performs branch guidance, and the guidance timing adjustment unit determines the guidance timing based on the start point of the lane changeable section when the lane changeable section is shorter than a predetermined length .

  According to the navigation device of the present invention, even when map data in which the HOV lane and the normal lane are expressed by a single link is used, guidance can be provided to the destination with appropriate timing and content. There is an effect.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of the control apparatus which comprises the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation | movement which leaves | separates from a HOV lane on the basis of the high speed exit in the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation | movement which approachs to a HOV lane on the basis of the highway approach start point in the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus based on Embodiment 11 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 11 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 12 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 13 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the road image and link image for demonstrating operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 13 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the ground signboard information for demonstrating operation | movement of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 13 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the case of leaving | separating from the HOV lane of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 14 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the case of approaching to the HOV lane of the navigation apparatus concerning Embodiment 14 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention appropriately performs guidance when leaving the HOV lane using map data in which the HOV lane and the normal lane are represented by a single link. It is. The above-mentioned HOV lane corresponds to the “special lane” of the present invention. Note that the special lane is not limited to the HOV lane, and may be composed of other lanes that are restricted from entering and leaving the normal lane.

  1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a navigation apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The navigation device includes an input device 11, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 12, a direction sensor 13, a distance sensor 14, a front signboard detection camera 15, a map data storage device 16, a display device 17, a voice output device 18, and a control device. 19 is provided.

  The input device 11 can be composed of, for example, a touch panel placed on the screen of the display device 17. This input device 11 is used for setting a starting point, a destination or a waypoint for route search, and for giving various instructions to the navigation device by the user. Information input from the input device 11 is sent to the control device 19 as an operation signal.

  The GPS receiver 12 detects the current position of the vehicle on which the navigation device is mounted based on a GPS signal received from a GPS satellite (not shown). The current position of the vehicle detected by the GPS receiver 12 is sent to the control device 19 as a current position signal. The direction sensor 13 detects the direction in which the vehicle is facing, and sends it to the control device 19 as a direction signal. The distance sensor 14 detects the moving distance of the vehicle and sends it to the control device 19 as a distance signal.

  The front signboard detection camera 15 detects a signboard related to the HOV lane existing in front of the host vehicle. The position of the signboard and the signboard image (for example, a character string indicating the distance to the exit displayed on the signboard) detected by the front signboard detection camera 15 are sent to the control device 19 as a signboard signal.

  The map data storage device 16 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) device, and for realizing a navigation function in addition to digitized map data including road data defining roads by links and nodes. Various data are stored. The map data storage device 16 is not limited to an HDD, and may be configured by a disk drive device that reads data from a mounted DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or CD (Compact Disc), a USB memory, an SD card, or the like. .

  The road indicated by the road data has one link that can enter and leave each other only in a predetermined permission section between the HOV lane that is a part of a plurality of lanes and the normal lane that is the remaining lane. Defined in The link data representing the link includes HOV lane position information indicating the position of the HOV lane, HOV lane presence / absence information indicating whether or not the HOV lane is provided, and a section in which the lane can be changed between the HOV lane and the normal lane. Lane changeable section information indicating, time restriction information indicating whether or not traffic is permitted depending on the time of the HOV lane entrance, road name, road number, and the like. The data stored in the map data storage device 16 is read out by the control device 19.

  The display device 17 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays a map, a route, an enlarged view, various guidance messages, or the like on the screen in accordance with a video signal sent from the control device 19. The audio output device 18 is composed of, for example, a speaker, and according to the audio signal sent from the control device 19, guidance for leaving from the HOV lane to the normal lane or entering from the normal lane to the HOV lane is given by audio. Output.

  The control device 19 controls the entire navigation device, although detailed functions will be described later. The control device 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a display control unit 24, and an input / output control unit 25.

  The CPU 21 uses the RAM 23 as a work memory and operates according to a program read from the ROM 22 to execute processing such as route search or guidance point extraction. The ROM 22 stores programs and data that are read out by the CPU 21 to execute various processes. The RAM 23 is used as a work memory of the CPU 21 as described above, and temporarily stores data being processed (for example, developed map data).

  The display control unit 24 controls the display device 17. Specifically, the display control unit 24 converts display data generated by the CPU 21 into a video signal, and sends the video signal to the display device 17 via the input / output control unit 25. The input / output control unit 25 includes a control device 19, an input device 11 connected to the control device 19, a GPS receiver 12, a direction sensor 13, a distance sensor 14, a front signboard detection camera 15, a map data storage device 16, It functions as an interface between the display device 17 and the audio output device 18, and controls transmission and reception of signals between them.

Next, details of functions realized by the control device 19 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control device 19. The control device 19 includes a control unit 30, a map data acquisition unit 31, a current position detection unit 32, a route search unit 33, a route storage unit 34, an HOV lane determination unit 35, an HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36, a passage permission / inhibition determination unit 37, A front signboard detection unit 38, a guidance timing adjustment unit 39, a display processing unit 40, a voice message generation unit 41, a voice guidance unit 42, and a HOV lane upper branch extraction unit 43 are provided. Among these constituent elements, those other than the path storage unit 34 are realized by program processing executed by the CPU 21.

  The control unit 30 controls the entire control device 19. For example, the control unit 30 controls the start and stop of the connected components and the transmission and reception of data between them. The map data acquisition unit 31 acquires map data from the map data storage device 16 and sends it to the control unit 30.

  The current position detection unit 32 performs autonomous navigation using the current position signal sent from the GPS receiver 12, or the azimuth signal sent from the azimuth sensor 13 and the distance signal sent from the distance sensor 14. Based on the generated current position signal and the map data acquired from the map data acquisition unit 31 via the control unit 30, the current position of the vehicle is detected. In addition, since transmission / reception of data between components connected to the control unit 30 is all performed via the control unit 30, a description that the data is transmitted via the control unit 30 may be omitted below.

  The current position detection unit 32 can detect which lane of one link is actually traveling even if the road is represented by one link on the map data. The current position of the vehicle detected by the current position detection unit 32 is sent to the control unit 30 as own vehicle position information.

  The route search unit 33 finds a route from the current position indicated by the vehicle position information sent from the current position detection unit 32 or the departure point input from the input device 11 to the destination input from the input device 11. The search is performed based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 31. The route searched by the route search unit 33 is sent to the route storage unit 34 as route data.

  The route storage unit 34 is provided, for example, in a part of the RAM 23 included in the control device 19, and stores the route data sent from the route search unit 33. The route data stored in the route storage unit 34 is read by the control unit 30.

  The HOV lane determination unit 35 determines whether a HOV lane is included in a road indicated by map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 31 or a route indicated by route data stored in the route storage unit 34. . The determination result in the HOV lane determination unit 35 is sent to the control unit 30.

  The HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 corresponds to the “entrance / exit extraction unit” of the present invention, and the determination result sent from the HOV lane determination unit 35 via the control unit 30 indicates that the road or route includes the HOV lane. In the case shown, the entrance / exit section between the normal lane and the HOV lane is extracted. This entrance / exit section defines a lane changeable section. The entrance / exit section extracted by the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 is sent to the control unit 30 as entrance / exit position data.

  Based on the number of passengers indicated by the passenger number data sent from the passenger number detection unit (not shown) and the vehicle information sent from the vehicle information extraction unit (not shown), It is determined whether or not the HOV lane of the road or route determined to include the HOV lane by the HOV lane determination unit 35 can be passed. The determination result by the pass / fail determination unit 37 is sent to the control unit 30.

  The front signboard detection unit 38 indicates the presence / absence of a signboard, the position of the signboard, and the content of the signboard (the distance to the exit displayed on the signboard or the name of the exit) based on the signboard signal sent from the front signboard detection camera 15. The character string shown is detected and sent to the control unit 30 as signboard data.

  The guidance timing adjustment unit 39 is information that is determined to be a point that requires guidance from the current position detected by the current position detection unit 32 and the route indicated by the route data stored in the route storage unit 34, the HOV lane The guidance timing is adjusted based on the information related to the HOV lane obtained from the judgment unit 35, the HOV lane entrance / extraction extraction unit 36, and the passage permission judgment unit 37, the information obtained from the front signboard detection unit 38, and the like. When it is determined that it has arrived, guidance timing data indicating that fact is sent to the display processing unit 40 and the voice message generation unit 41 via the control unit 30.

  When the guidance timing data is sent from the guidance timing adjustment unit 39, the display processing unit 40 is a map indicated by the map data from the map data acquisition unit 31, a route indicated by the route data from the route storage unit 34, Display data for displaying information on the guide points obtained from the processing results in the HOV lane determining unit 35, the HOV lane entrance / exit extracting unit 36, the passability determining unit 37, and the front signboard detecting unit 38 is generated. The display data generated by the display processing unit 40 is sent to the display control unit 24 inside the control device 19.

  When the guidance timing data is sent from the guidance timing adjustment unit 39, the voice message generation unit 41 includes a route indicated by the route data from the route storage unit 34, an HOV lane determination unit 35, an HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36, A voice message for guiding information on the guide point obtained from the processing results in the pass / fail judgment unit 37 and the front signboard detection unit 38 is generated. The voice message generated by the voice message generation unit 41 is sent to the voice guide unit 42 as voice data.

  The voice guide unit 42 converts the voice data sent from the voice message generation unit 41 into a voice signal and sends the voice signal to the voice output device 18. Thereby, the voice guidance corresponding to the voice message is output from the voice output device 18.

  The HOV lane upper branch extraction unit (branch extraction unit) 43 is present in front of the host vehicle based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 31 and the current position of the host vehicle detected by the current position detection unit 32. A branch point on the HOV lane to be extracted is extracted. The result of branch extraction on the HOV lane by the HOV lane branch extraction unit 43 is sent to the control unit 30.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the first embodiment, and the guidance process related to the HOV lane and normal lane lane change will be described.
When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). That is, the map data acquisition unit 31 acquires map data from the map data storage device 16 and sends the map data to the current position detection unit 32 and the HOV lane determination unit 35.

Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). That is, the current position detector 32 autonomously uses the current position signal sent from the GPS receiver 12 or the azimuth signal sent from the azimuth sensor 13 and the distance signal sent from the distance sensor 14. Based on the current position signal generated by the navigation and the map data from the map data acquisition unit 31, the current position of the vehicle is detected and sent to the control unit 30 as own vehicle position information.
At this time, whether the HOV lane is included in the route indicated by the road or the route data stored in the route storage unit 34 is included in the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 31. And the determination result is sent to the control unit 30.

Thereafter, the lane changeable section position between the HOV lane and the normal lane or the branch point position on the HOV lane is acquired (step ST3). In other words, the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 normally exists in front of the host vehicle when the determination result of the HOV lane determination unit 35 sent from the control unit 30 indicates that the road includes the HOV lane. An entrance / exit section between the lane and the HOV lane is extracted and sent to the control unit 30 as entrance / exit position data. The control unit 30 acquires the section indicated by the entrance / exit position data sent from the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction section 36 as the lane changeable section.
Alternatively, the HOV lane upper branch extraction unit 43 exists ahead of the vehicle when the determination result of the HOV lane determination unit 35 sent from the control unit 30 indicates that the road includes the HOV lane. A branch point on the HOV lane is extracted and sent to the control unit 30 as branch point position data. The control unit 30 acquires the position indicated by the branch point position data sent from the branch extraction unit 43 on the HOV lane as a branch point on the HOV lane.

  Next, guidance regarding lane change or branching is performed for a lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane or a branch point on the HOV lane (step ST4). That is, the control unit 30 provides guidance regarding lane change or branching for the lane changeable section or the branch point on the HOV lane acquired in step ST3. That is, the user is provided with a guidance for leaving to be able to leave the HOV lane, a guidance for informing that the user can enter the HOV lane, or a branch guidance on the HOV lane.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the departure guidance for notifying that the vehicle can be separated from the HOV lane, the entry guidance for notifying that the vehicle can enter the HOV lane, or the branch on the HOV lane Since guidance can be performed, exit guidance from the HOV lane to the normal lane, entry guidance from the normal lane to the HOV lane, and branch guidance on the HOV lane can be performed at appropriate positions.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is configured to provide guidance regarding lane change between the HOV lane and the normal lane based on the start point position of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane. It is. The configuration of the navigation device according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the second embodiment with a focus on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 3 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.
When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2).

Next, the lane changeable section position between the HOV lane and the normal lane is acquired (step ST3a). That is, when the determination result sent from the HOV lane determination unit 35 indicates that the road includes an HOV lane, the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 determines whether the normal lane and the HOV lane that are in front of the host vehicle are Is extracted and sent to the controller 30 as entrance / exit position data.
The control unit 30 acquires the section indicated by the entrance / exit position data sent from the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction section 36 as the lane changeable section. Alternatively, the HOV lane upper branch extraction unit 43 exists in front of the host vehicle when the determination result of the HOV lane determination unit 35 sent from the control unit 30 indicates that the road includes the HOV lane. A branch point on the HOV lane is extracted and sent to the control unit 30 as branch point position data. Further, the control unit 30 acquires a position indicated by the branch point position data sent from the branch extraction unit 43 on the HOV lane as a branch point on the HOV lane.

  Next, lane change guidance is provided based on the start point position of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane (step ST4a). That is, the control unit 30 provides guidance regarding lane change based on the start point position of the lane changeable section acquired in step ST3a. Here, the start point position of the lane changeable section refers to the start point of the section that can be moved between the HOV lane and the normal lane as shown in FIG. In addition, the control unit 30 provides guidance related to the branch on the HOV lane based on the branch point position on the HOV lane acquired in step ST3a. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is an effective guide reference when guiding a lane changeable section regardless of whether the route is guided or not. be able to. In reality, a signboard is also installed at the start point of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane, and by guiding at the start point, the user can afford to enter or leave. Can be operated safely. Furthermore, it is also effective for branch guidance on the HOV lane.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is configured to determine a reference point for guidance according to the length of the lane changeable section. The configuration of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the third embodiment with a focus on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 3 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, the lane changeable section positions of the HOV lane and the normal lane are acquired (step ST3b). Next, the length (distance) of the lane changeable section is acquired from the lane changeable section position acquired in step ST3b (step ST4b). That is, the control unit 30 acquires the length of the section indicated by the entrance / exit position data from the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 as the length of the lane changeable section.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the lane changeable section is short (step ST5b). Specifically, for example, it is checked whether or not the distance of the lane changeable section acquired in step ST4b is shorter than 0.6 miles, for example. If it is determined in step ST5b that the lane changeable section is short, guidance is provided based on the start point position of the lane changeable section of the HOV lane and the normal lane (step ST6b). That is, the control unit 30 provides guidance regarding lane change between the HOV lane and the normal lane. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  If it is determined in step ST5b that the lane changeable section is not short, guidance is provided based on a point that secures a sufficient distance (eg, 0.6 miles) from the end point of the lane changeable section. Is performed (step ST7b). That is, the control unit 30 provides guidance regarding lane change between the HOV lane and the normal lane. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the length of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is taken into consideration regardless of whether the route is not guided or guided. , Guidance for leaving the HOV lane can be given to a point appropriate for the user. Here, the appropriate point for the user is, for example, the start point of the lane changeable section when the lane changeable section is short, and the distance that the user can safely change the lane from the end point when the lane changeable section is long. It can be set as the point which secured.

  Regarding the departure from the HOV lane, when the vehicle starts to travel on the HOV lane, it wants to travel on the HOV lane for as long as possible, but it is also necessary to satisfy the requirement to safely leave the HOV lane. In the navigation apparatus according to the above, lane change guidance is performed at a point in consideration of the distance of the lane changeable section and the distance that the user can safely change lanes. As a result, it is possible to safely travel on the HOV lane as much as possible.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention determines the reference point for guidance according to the length of the lane changeable section, and performs different guidance. The configuration of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment with a focus on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 3 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). That is, the route search unit 33 calculates the route from the current position indicated by the vehicle position information acquired from the current position detection unit 32 in step ST2 to the destination input from the input device 11 in step ST1 as map data. A search is performed based on the map data acquired from the acquisition unit 31, and route data indicating the route obtained by this search is sent to the route storage unit 34 for storage. Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance (when guidance is not performed along the route).

  Next, it is checked whether an HOV lane exists in front of the host vehicle or on the route (step ST4c). That is, the HOV lane determination unit 35 includes the HOV lane on the road indicated by the map data acquired from the map data acquisition unit 31 in step ST1 or the route indicated by the route data stored in the route storage unit 34 in step ST3c. It is determined whether it has been determined, and the determination result is sent to the control unit 30. Note that the determination as to whether the route includes an HOV lane is valid only when the route search processing in step ST3c is executed. Based on the determination result from the HOV lane determination unit 35, the control unit 30 checks whether there is an HOV lane in front of the host vehicle or on the route. If it is determined in step ST4c that there is no HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4c that there is a HOV lane ahead or on the route, a lane changeable section position between the HOV lane and the normal lane is then acquired (step ST5c). Next, the length (distance) of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is acquired (step ST6c). Next, it is checked whether the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long (step ST7c). Specifically, the control unit 30 checks whether the distance of the lane changeable section acquired in step ST6c is, for example, 3 miles or more.

  If it is determined in this step ST7c that the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long, the HOV lane is based on the exit, branch point or highway entry start point connected to the road on the route. Leaving / incoming guidance to the HOV lane (step ST8c). That is, the control unit 30 does not use the start point of the lane changeable section of the HOV lane and the normal lane as a reference, but a branch point such as a high-speed exit on the route or a highway entry start point flowing from a general road Based on the above, departure from the HOV lane or entry guidance to the HOV lane is performed. 8 and 9 show an example in which the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long. FIG. 8 shows an example in which departure from the HOV lane is considered based on the high speed exit. FIG. 9 shows the highway. This is an example in which entry into the HOV lane is considered based on the entry start point. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  If it is determined in step ST7c that the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is not long, the departure / entry between the HOV lane and the normal lane regardless of the distance of the lane changeable section. Guidance is performed (step ST9c). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the guidance for leaving the HOV lane is provided at a point appropriate for the user with reference to the exit or branch point on the route. Here, the appropriate point for the user is, for example, a point existing at a sufficient distance to change the lane secured from the exit position on the route to the departure point side (vehicle direction) or the departure point side from the branch point position. It is possible to set a point that is back enough distance to change the lane secured to (own vehicle direction).

  Regarding the departure from the HOV lane, when the vehicle starts to travel on the HOV lane, it desires to travel on the HOV lane for as long as possible. However, since it is necessary to satisfy the requirement to safely leave the HOV lane, Embodiment 4 In the navigation apparatus according to the above, guidance is performed with reference to a branch or exit existing ahead of the HOV lane. This makes it possible to safely travel on the HOV lane as much as possible.

  Further, according to the navigation device in accordance with Embodiment 4 of the present invention, entry guidance to the HOV lane is performed at a point appropriate for the user with reference to the highway entry start point. Here, the appropriate point for the user is, for example, a point that exists at a sufficient distance to change the lane secured on the destination side (in front of the host vehicle) from the highway approach start point position on the route. it can.

  As for the approach to the HOV lane, in order to enter the HOV lane safely, the approach to the HOV lane is not guided immediately from the start point of the expressway approach, but from the start point of the approach to the expressway when entering the HOV lane. By considering a sufficient distance to change lanes on a normal lane, you can safely start driving on the HOV lane as soon as possible. It should be noted that there is a sufficient distance to change lanes on roads with HOV lanes, because there are many lanes in normal lanes, and it is difficult to change lanes to the next lane easily. It is necessary to prepare a distance for safely changing lanes within the lane.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
In the navigation device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, when the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long, the departure / entry guidance for the HOV lane and the normal lane is not performed. . The configuration of the navigation device according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the fifth embodiment with a focus on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 7 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Next, it is checked whether an HOV lane exists in front of the host vehicle or on the route (step ST4c). If it is determined in step ST4c that there is no HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4c that there is a HOV lane ahead or on the route, a lane changeable section position between the HOV lane and the normal lane is then acquired (step ST5c). Next, the length (distance) of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is acquired (step ST6c).

  Next, it is checked whether the lane changeable section of the HOV lane and the normal lane is long (step ST7c). Specifically, it is checked whether or not the distance of the lane changeable section acquired in step ST6c is, for example, 3 miles or more. Here, “the lane changeable section is long” means that the HOV lane and the normal lane are separated by a white dotted line on the entire road, and the HOV lane and the normal lane leave / enter at an arbitrary position. Say if you can.

  In step ST7c, if it is determined that the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long, the departure / entry guidance for the HOV lane and the normal lane is not performed (step ST8d). In other words, if the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long, the lane change is possible at any position between the HOV lane and the normal lane, so it is considered that guidance is not necessary. There is no exit / entry guidance between the HOV lane and the normal lane. In this step ST8d, it can be configured not to perform only the leaving guidance, only the entering guidance, or both the leaving guidance and the entering guidance. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  In Step ST7c, if it is determined that the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is not long, the HOV lane and the normal lane are not related regardless of the distance of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane. Departure / entry guidance is performed (step ST9c). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with Embodiment 5 of the present invention, if the lane can be freely changed between the HOV lane and the normal lane, it is the same as the case where the lane is changed on the normal lane. Since it is conceivable that the lane is changed according to the user's preference, it is possible to suppress unnecessary output guidance.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
In the navigation device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, when the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long, the guidance / removal guidance for the HOV lane and the normal lane is performed according to the setting of the user. It is intended to determine whether or not. The configuration of the navigation device according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the sixth embodiment with a focus on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 10 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Next, it is checked whether an HOV lane exists in front of the host vehicle or on the route (step ST4c). If it is determined in step ST4c that there is no HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4c that there is a HOV lane ahead or on the route, a lane changeable section position between the HOV lane and the normal lane is then acquired (step ST5c). Next, the length (distance) of the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is acquired (step ST6c).

  Next, it is checked whether the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long (step ST7c). In this step ST7c, if it is determined that the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is not long, the departure / entry between the HOV lane and the normal lane regardless of the distance of the lane changeable section. Guidance is performed (step ST9c). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST7c that the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane is long, then if the lane changeable section is long, the HOV lane departure / entry guidance is not performed. It is checked whether it is set (step ST7c-1). That is, when the lane changeable section is long, the control unit 30 checks whether or not the user sets that the HOV lane departure / entry guidance is not performed. This setting is performed using, for example, the input device 11. The input device 11 in the case of setting that guidance for leaving / entering the HOV lane is not performed functions as the setting unit of the present invention.

  If it is determined in this step ST7c-1 that the HOV lane departure / entry guidance is not set when the lane changeable section is long, the departure / entry between the HOV lane and the normal lane is determined. No guidance is provided (step ST8d). In step ST8d, it is possible not to perform only the leaving guidance, only the entering guidance, or both the leaving guidance and the entering guidance. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  In step ST7c-1, if it is determined that the HOV lane departure / entry guidance is not set when the lane changeable section is long, the exit and branch point connected to the road on the route Alternatively, departure from the HOV lane / entry guidance to the HOV lane is performed based on the starting point of the highway main line (step ST10d). The process of step ST10d is the same as the process of step ST8c of the guidance process (see FIG. 7) performed in the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment described above. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with Embodiment 6 of the present invention, whether or not to perform the leaving guidance and the approach guidance can be changed according to the user's setting, so it matches the user's request. Can be provided.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention is configured to perform advance preparation guidance when entering the HOV lane from the normal lane. The configuration of the navigation device according to the seventh embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the seventh embodiment with a focus on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 7 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance.
Next, it is checked whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side (step ST4e). That is, the HOV lane determination unit 35 determines whether a road included in the map data from the map data acquisition unit 31 includes an HOV lane, and sends the determination result to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 indicates that the determination result received from the HOV lane determination unit 35 includes the HOV lane, and the current position indicated by the vehicle position information received in step ST2 is the HOV lane. Check if it is on a normal lane running side by side.

  If it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is not traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side, the guidance process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which the HOV lanes run side by side, then the lane that can enter the HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route can be changed. It is checked whether or not there is a section (step ST5e). That is, the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36, when the judgment result sent from the HOV lane judgment unit 35 indicates that the road or route includes the HOV lane, the entrance / exit between the normal lane and the HOV lane. Extract sections. The entrance / exit section extracted by the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 is sent to the control unit 30 as entrance / exit position data. Based on the entry / exit position data from the HOV lane entry / extraction extraction unit 36, the control unit 30 checks whether there is a lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route. If it is determined in step ST5e that there is no lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST5e that there is a lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route, then the lane changeable section position to the HOV lane is acquired (step ST5e). ST6e). That is, the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 extracts an entrance / exit section between the normal lane and the HOV lane existing in front of the host vehicle, and sends it to the control unit 30 as entrance / exit position data. The control unit 30 acquires the section indicated by the entrance / exit position data sent from the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction section 36 as a lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane from the normal lane.

  Next, guidance is given that the vehicle should approach the HOV lane side in the normal lane before the lane changeable section position to the HOV lane (step ST7e). The guidance to the effect that it should approach the HOV lane side in this normal lane corresponds to the advance preparation guidance of the present invention. Next, entry guidance to the HOV lane is performed (step ST8e). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with Embodiment 7 of the present invention, the preliminary preparation guidance for entering the HOV lane and the HOV lane entry guidance are configured to be performed separately. This makes it possible to prevent the user from rushing and changing the lane in the direction of the HOV lane.

Embodiment 8 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention is configured to perform guidance at a timing corresponding to the number of lanes when performing guidance for entering the HOV lane while traveling on a normal lane. The configuration of the navigation device according to the eighth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the navigation device according to the eighth embodiment, focusing on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 12 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance. Next, it is checked whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side (step ST4e). If it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is not traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which the HOV lanes run side by side, then the lane that can enter the HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route can be changed. It is checked whether or not there is a section (step ST5e). If it is determined in this step ST5e that there is no lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane in front of the host vehicle or on the route, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST5e that there is a lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane in front of or on the route, the lane changeable section position to the HOV lane is then acquired (step ST6e). ).

  Next, the number of lanes in the normal lane of the traveling road is acquired (step ST7e-1). That is, the control unit 30 acquires the number of lanes in the normal lane from the map data acquired from the map data acquisition unit 31 in step ST1. Next, according to the number of lanes of the normal lane acquired in step ST7e-1, before the position of the lane changeable section to the HOV lane, guidance to the HOV lane side is given according to the number of lanes of the normal lane. It is performed (step ST7e-2). For example, if the number of lanes in the normal lane is small, the guidance approaching the HOV lane may be delayed to some extent, and if the number of lanes in the normal lane is as small as two, guidance may not be performed. Conversely, if the number of lanes in the normal lane is large, it is considered difficult to change lanes if the approach guidance to the HOV lane is suddenly performed, so early guidance is performed. Thus, guidance is performed step by step according to the number of lanes in the normal lane.

  Next, since the lane change should have been completed up to the lane adjacent to the HOV lane by the above-described processing, approach guidance to the HOV lane is performed (step ST8e). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with Embodiment 8 of the present invention, by changing the guidance timing of the advance preparation guidance for entering the HOV lane according to the number of normal lanes, the guidance is too early. It is possible to prevent inappropriate guidance such as being too late. Usually, if the number of lanes is small, there is no problem even if the guidance approaching to the HOV lane side is delayed to some extent, and if the number of normal lanes is as small as 2 lanes, guidance may be unnecessary. On the other hand, if there are many normal lanes, it is considered difficult to change lanes if the guidance to the HOV lane is suddenly performed, so it is effective to provide guidance early.

Embodiment 9 FIG.
In the navigation device according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, in the navigation device according to Embodiment 7, the number of normal lanes is the maximum number of lanes, for example, when guidance is given to the HOV lane while traveling in a normal lane. The guidance is performed assuming that there are 10 lanes. The configuration of the navigation device according to the ninth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the ninth embodiment, centering on the guidance process. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 12 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance. Next, it is checked whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side (step ST4e). If it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is not traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which the HOV lanes run side by side, then the lane that can enter the HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route can be changed. It is checked whether or not there is a section (step ST5e). If it is determined in step ST5e that there is no lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane in front of the vehicle or on the route, the guidance process ends.

  If it is determined in step ST5e that there is a lane changeable section that can enter the HOV lane in front of or on the route, the lane changeable section position to the HOV lane is then acquired (step ST6e). .

  Next, before the position of the lane changeable section to the HOV lane, guidance is given to the HOV lane side at a timing assuming that the number of normal lane lanes is 10 lanes (step ST7f). That is, the control unit 30 assumes that the maximum number of lanes in a normal lane is a fixed number (for example, 10 lanes), and is a timing on the assumption that the assumed number of lanes will be moved, and to the HOV lane. Before the lane changeable section position, we will guide you to the HOV lane side. In this way, by performing guidance in consideration of the maximum number of lanes, it is possible to prevent excessive lane changes.

  Next, since the lane change should have been completed up to the lane adjacent to the HOV lane by the above-described processing, approach guidance to the HOV lane is performed (step ST8e). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device of the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the preliminary preparation guidance for entering the HOV lane and the entry guidance to the HOV lane are separately performed, so that the lane to the user in advance. It is possible to have a consciousness of making a change, and it is possible to prevent the danger of a lane change in the direction of the HOV lane. Further, by matching the guidance timing to the maximum number of lanes, danger can be prevented and the user can be notified at the same timing.

Embodiment 10 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention is configured to perform preliminary preparation guidance when leaving the HOV lane to the normal lane. The configuration of the navigation device according to the tenth embodiment is the same as that of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the navigation device according to the tenth embodiment, focusing on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 13 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance. Next, it is checked whether or not the vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane (step ST4g). That is, the HOV lane determination unit 35 determines whether a road included in the map data from the map data acquisition unit 31 includes an HOV lane, and sends the determination result to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 indicates that the determination result received from the HOV lane determination unit 35 includes the HOV lane, and the current position indicated by the vehicle position information received in step ST2 is on the HOV lane. Check if it is. If it is determined in step ST4g that the vehicle is not traveling on the HOV lane, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4g that the host vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane, then it is checked whether there is a lane changeable section that can enter the normal lane in front of the host vehicle or on the route. (Step ST5g). That is, the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36, when the judgment result sent from the HOV lane judgment unit 35 indicates that the road or route includes the HOV lane, the entrance / exit between the normal lane and the HOV lane. Extract sections. The entrance / exit section extracted by the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36 is sent to the control unit 30 as entrance / exit position data. Based on the entry / exit position data from the HOV lane entry / exit extraction unit 36, the control unit 30 checks whether there is a lane changeable section that can enter the normal lane in front of the host vehicle or on the route. If it is determined in step ST5g that there is no lane changeable section that can enter the normal lane in front of the vehicle or on the route, the guidance process ends. Note that whether or not there is a lane changeable section that can enter the normal lane on the route is valid only when a route search is performed in step ST3c.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST5g that there is a lane changeable section that can enter the normal lane in front of or on the route, the lane changeable section position to the normal lane is then acquired (step ST6g). ). Next, the number of lanes on the HOV lane of the traveling road is acquired (step ST7g). Next, it is checked whether the HOV lane is one lane (step ST8g). If it is determined in step ST8g that the HOV lane is one lane, the guidance process ends.

  If it is determined in step ST8g that the HOV lane is not a single lane, the fact that the vehicle should approach the normal lane before the lane changeable section position to the normal lane according to the number of lanes acquired in step ST7g Guidance is performed (step ST9g). Depending on the road where the HOV lane and the normal lane are represented by one link, the lane change between the HOV lanes may not be possible in the lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane. (There is a place where the lane can be changed to the normal lane only when the vehicle is in the normal lane (horizontal) lane (on the HOV lane) in the lane changeable section) It is necessary to move to the HOV lane.

  Next, by the above-described processing, the vehicle is supposed to have moved to the side closer to the most normal lane (side) in the HOV lane, so guidance for leaving the normal lane is provided (step ST10g). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with Embodiment 10 of the present invention, the advance preparation guidance for leaving the HOV lane and the entry guidance to the normal lane are separately performed, so that the user is in advance. It is possible to have a consciousness of changing lanes, and it is possible to prevent the danger of changing lanes in the direction of leaving the HOV lane.

Embodiment 11 FIG.
In the navigation device according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention, the guide timing and the number of times of guidance are changed according to whether or not the vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane. The configuration of the navigation device according to the eleventh embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the eleventh embodiment, centering on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 15 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance. Next, it is checked whether the HOV lane and the normal lane are traveling on a road represented by one link (step ST4i). If it is determined in step ST4i that the HOV lane and the normal lane are not traveling on a road represented by one link, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4i that the HOV lane and the normal lane are traveling on a road represented by a single link, then whether or not the vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane. Is examined (step ST4g). If it is determined in step ST4g that the host vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane, then the guidance timing is set later than in the normal lane traveling (step ST5h).

  Next, the number of times of guidance is reduced as compared with normal lane travel (step ST6h). Next, guidance is performed at the set guidance timing and frequency (step ST7h). Thereafter, the guidance process ends. In addition, the process of step ST5h and step ST6h can also be comprised so that only any one may be performed.

  If it is determined in step ST4g that the host vehicle is not traveling in the HOV lane, the guidance timing is then set earlier than in the HOV lane traveling (step ST8i). That is, the same guidance timing as other guidance is set. Next, the same number of times of guidance as that on a normal highway is set (step ST9i). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST7h, and guidance is performed at the guidance timing and the number of times set in step ST8i and step ST9i.

As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with Embodiment 11 of the present invention, the number of lanes in the HOV lane is basically small, and the user is prepared for the next movement from the early point of the guidance point (mental Don't need to be given). In addition, since it is considered possible to move easily without giving guidance (caution) many times, the guidance can be performed by distinguishing the timing or number of times of guidance between the HOV lane and the normal lane. Can reduce discomfort and provide appropriate guidance.
The present invention is effective not only for entering / leaving guidance between the HOV lane and the normal lane, but also for branching on the HOV lane.

Modification 1 of Embodiment 11
The navigation apparatus according to the first modification of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention is such that guidance is performed at a timing corresponding to the number of lanes in which the host vehicle is traveling. The configuration of the navigation device according to the first modification of the eleventh embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the first modification of the eleventh embodiment, centering on the guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 16 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance.

  Next, the number of lanes in which the vehicle is traveling is acquired (step ST4j). In this case, in the case of a road in which the HOV lane and the normal lane are expressed by one link, if the vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane side, the number of lanes of only the HOV lane is acquired and the vehicle is traveling on the normal lane side. If there is, the number of lanes for only the normal lane is acquired. Next, guidance is provided at a timing according to the number of lanes (step ST5j). Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with the first modification of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the next guidance point (HOV lane side or normal lane) increases as the number of lanes (lanes) increases. Since it may be necessary to make preparations such as approaching the side, guidance is provided at an earlier timing, and guidance is provided at a later timing as the number of lanes (number of lanes) decreases. Therefore, it is possible to allow the user to have a sense of tension on the guide point for an appropriate distance.

Embodiment 12 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention is such that guidance is performed at a timing according to the signboard position or the contents of the signboard. The configuration of the navigation device according to the twelfth embodiment is the same as that of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the twelfth embodiment with a focus on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 16 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance.

  Next, a signboard position such as a place name and road number on the road is acquired (step ST4k). The signboard position can be obtained from information stored in the map data storage device 16, a method of detecting the actual position using the front signboard detection camera 15, or a rule on which the signboard is installed (for example, what from the branch The method of calculating the signboard position by software, etc. can be used.

  Next, the content written on the signboard is acquired (step ST5k). That is, the control unit 30 acquires contents such as a place name, an exit, a road name, or a distance written on the signboard based on the signboard data from the front signboard detection unit 38. However, when the guidance is performed only at the signboard position and the guidance is not dependent on the contents written on the signboard, the process of step ST5k is skipped.

  Next, guidance is performed according to the signboard position or the contents written on the signboard (step ST6k). That is, guidance is performed in consideration of the timing according to the signboard position acquired at step ST4k and the timing (timing from the distance) according to the contents written on the signboard acquired at step ST5k. The guidance can be performed by at least one of voice guidance, guidance map display, or telop display, as in the case of normal guidance. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the guidance timing is changed according to the signboard position, so that guidance is provided in accordance with the signboard position. As a result, since the road information and the guidance match, the user can travel with peace of mind without feeling uncomfortable while traveling.

  In addition, since it is configured to guide according to the distance written on the signboard representing the exit, it is possible to guide the distance according to the signboard information, the user does not feel uncomfortable while traveling You can drive with confidence.

  In addition, since the signboard position is configured to guide using the information included in the data, it is possible to prepare the guidance in advance and measure the timing.

  In addition, since the signboard position is detected by the camera and guided, it is possible to guide at the actual position, and the stored data is updated every year and cannot be used. Can be resolved.

  In addition, because the rule of the position where the signboard is installed (how many meters away from the branch, etc.) is stored as data and the branch guidance is based on the signboard position, the branch to be guided The signboard for the branch to be guided can be identified in advance, and the appropriate signboard information for the branch can be provided to the user.

Embodiment 13 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention is designed to guide a high-speed exit or road that can be reached when moving from an HOV lane to a normal lane. The configuration of the navigation device according to the thirteenth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the thirteenth embodiment, centering on guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 16 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, a route search is performed (step ST3c). Note that the processing of step ST3c is skipped during non-route guidance. Next, it is checked whether or not the vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane (step ST4g). If it is determined in step ST4g that the vehicle is not traveling on the HOV lane, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4g that the host vehicle is traveling in the HOV lane, then the lane changeable section position from the HOV lane to the normal lane is acquired (step ST5l).

  Next, when moving from the lane changeable section position to the normal lane, a high-speed exit capable of exiting from the high speed (normal lane) or the road name ahead of the high-speed exit is acquired (step ST6l). The acquisition method performed in step ST6l includes a method of acquiring from information stored in the map data storage device 16 (information is processed and stored from attributes and the like), and an actual signboard using the front signboard detection camera 15. It is possible to use a method of detecting contents, a method of handling software, such as handing over links with software, acquiring a high-speed exit or a road name, and the like. Details of the method supported by this software will be described later.

  Next, it is guided which high-speed exit or road can be reached when exiting the lane changeable section (step ST7l). That is, guidance such as the high-speed exit acquired in step ST6l or the road name ahead is provided. The guidance can be performed by at least one of voice guidance, telop, telop and beep sound (Pi sound), or guide map display. Thereafter, the guidance process ends.

  Next, an example of a method supported by software will be described in detail. FIG. 20 shows a state in which a lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane exists in front of the host vehicle, and a high-speed exit exists from the normal lane. FIG. 20A shows a road image. FIG. 20B is a link image expressed on the map data.

  FIG. 21 shows a situation in which terrestrial signboard information is stored as inter-link information. In this example, in the direction from link 3 to link 4, the characters “I-405 S Long Beach” are the actual territory. In the direction from link 3 to link 5, it indicates that the characters "EXIT 13 Main Street Los Angeles" are displayed on the actual signboard.

  When the host vehicle finds a link 2 that can change lanes forward when traveling on the HOV lane, the controller 30 follows the link in the direction ahead of the host vehicle and searches for a high-speed exit link (high-speed branch link). In this example, the high-speed exit link 5 is searched, and the control unit 30 can obtain the characters “EXIT 13 Main Street Los Angeles” from the link information between the link 3 and the link 5 as information on the high-speed exit. When the control unit 30 approaches the link 2, the previously acquired “EXIT 13 Main Street Los Angeles” characters are displayed on the screen of the display device 17 and moved from the HOV lane to the normal lane in the lane changeable section. In that case, you will be able to use "Exit 13", guide you through "Main Street" and proceed to "Los Angeles".

  Thereby, the user can determine whether to leave in the lane changeable section or whether to leave in the previous lane changeable section.

Further, by incorporating the following (1) to (3) as conditions, it is possible to provide more friendly guidance.
(1) The distance for searching for the link 5 is a fixed distance.
(2) Search for multiple exits.
(3) The link 5 is separated from the link 2 by a certain distance.
In the above-described example, the exit information is the inter-link restriction, but the exit information may be stored in a node or a link.

  As described above, according to the navigation device of the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, while traveling on the HOV lane, it is possible to provide guidance as to which lane changeable section from which the HOV lane can be reached to reach the destination. This makes it possible to use the HOV lane in an appropriate section for the user. Further, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from going too far (running the HOV lane too much) and making a detour on the road to the destination, or quickly moving from the HOV lane to the normal lane.

  In addition, as for the judgment criteria for outputting the exit guidance when leaving the HOV lane with at least one of the street name voice, telop, Pi sound or guide map, it is guided using what is processed into data. It can be performed. Of the lane changeable sections of the HOV lane and the normal lane, information relating to which lane changeable section is appropriate for entering each exit is registered in the map data, and the guide timing is adjusted in advance. Is possible.

  In addition, the above judgment criteria can provide guidance by detecting a signboard with a camera. Of the lane changeable sections of the HOV lane and the normal lane, information relating to which lane changeable section is appropriate for entering each exit is detected from the actual road in the software (using a camera) By doing so, it becomes possible to guide at an actual timing, and it is possible to provide guidance without error to the user.

  Further, according to the above judgment criteria, it is possible to guide the link by software. Of the lane changeable sections of the HOV lane and the normal lane, information relating to which lane changeable section is appropriate for entering each exit can be entered by linking to the exit by software. It becomes possible to determine and guide.

Embodiment 14 FIG.
The navigation device according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention is such that the user can set whether or not he / she has left the HOV lane or entered in the navigation device according to Embodiment 1. The configuration of the navigation device according to the fourteenth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the fourteenth embodiment when leaving the HOV lane, centering on the guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 15 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, it is checked whether or not the vehicle is traveling on the HOV lane (step ST4g). If it is determined in step ST4g that the vehicle is not traveling in the HOV lane, the guidance process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4g that the host vehicle is traveling in the HOV lane, it is then checked whether there is a lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane in front of the host vehicle (step ST4g). ST5m). If it is determined in step ST5m that there is no lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane in front of the host vehicle, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST5m that there is a lane changeable section between the HOV lane and the normal lane in front of the host vehicle, it is then checked whether the host vehicle has entered the lane changeable section ( Step ST6m). If it is determined in step ST6m that the vehicle has not entered the lane changeable section, the process waits while repeatedly executing step ST6m. If it is determined that the vehicle has entered the lane changeable section while waiting while repeatedly executing step ST6m, guidance for leaving the HOV lane is provided (step ST7m). Here, for example, guidance is provided that means "If you get out of the HOV lane, now!"

  Next, guidance is made as to whether the vehicle has left the HOV lane (step ST8m). That is, the guidance timing adjustment unit 39 adjusts the guidance timing from the information related to the HOV lane obtained from the HOV lane determination unit 35 and the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36, and determines that the guidance timing has been reached. Is sent to the display processing unit 40 and the voice message generating unit 41. The display processing unit 40 generates display data for displaying information “Did you leave the HOV lane?” In accordance with the guidance timing data from the guidance timing adjustment unit 39, and displays the internal display of the control device 19. The data is sent to the control unit 24. As a result, a guide map display or a telop display is displayed on the display device 17 “Did you leave the HOV lane?”.

  In addition, the voice message generation unit 41 generates a voice message for guiding information “Did you leave the HOV lane?” According to the guidance timing data from the guidance timing adjustment unit 39, and the voice message is voice data. Send to guide 42. The voice guide unit 42 converts the voice data sent from the voice message generation unit 41 into a voice signal and sends the voice signal to the voice output device 18. Thereby, the voice guidance corresponding to the voice message “Did you leave the HOV lane?” Is output from the voice output device 18.

Next, it is checked whether or not it has been set that the vehicle has left the HOV lane (step ST9m). In other words, the control unit 30 of the control device 19 that has received the operation signal sent from the input device 11 checks whether or not the operation signal indicates that the setting indicating that the operation signal has left the HOV lane has been performed. If it is determined in this step ST9m that the fact that the vehicle has left the HOV lane is not set, the sequence returns to step ST5m and the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST9m that the departure from the HOV lane has been set, the guidance process ends. The guidance “Did you leave the HOV lane?” Can be configured to be performed by at least one of guide map display, telop display, and voice guidance.
As described above, when the control unit 30 performs the leaving guidance and then sets that the user has completed the leaving, the controller 30 suppresses subsequent repetition of the leaving guidance.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation when the navigation device according to the fourteenth embodiment enters the HOV lane, centering on the guidance processing. In the following, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 12 are used for the steps for performing the same processing as the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the guidance process is started, first, map data is acquired (step ST1). Next, own vehicle position information is acquired (step ST2). Next, it is checked whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side (step ST4e). If it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is not traveling on a normal lane of a road on which HOV lanes run side by side, the guidance process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST4e that the vehicle is traveling on a normal lane of a road on which the HOV lanes run side by side, then the lane between the normal lane and the HOV lane can be changed in front of the vehicle. It is checked whether or not there is a section (step ST5n). If it is determined in step ST5n that there is no lane changeable section between the normal lane and the HOV lane in front of the host vehicle, the guidance process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST5n that there is a lane changeable section between the normal lane and the HOV lane in front of the host vehicle, it is then checked whether or not the host vehicle has entered the lane changeable section ( Step ST6n). If it is determined in step ST6n that the vehicle has not entered the lane changeable section, the process waits while repeatedly executing step ST6n. If it is determined that the vehicle has entered the lane changeable section while waiting while repeatedly executing step ST6n, entry guidance to the HOV lane is performed (step ST7n). Here, for example, guidance is provided that means "If you enter the HOV lane, now!"

  Next, guidance is made as to whether the vehicle has entered the HOV lane (step ST8n). That is, the guidance timing adjustment unit 39 adjusts the guidance timing from the information related to the HOV lane obtained from the HOV lane determination unit 35 and the HOV lane entrance / exit extraction unit 36, and determines that the guidance timing has been reached. Is sent to the display processing unit 40 and the voice message generating unit 41. The display processing unit 40 generates display data for displaying information “Did you enter the HOV lane?” According to the guidance timing data from the guidance timing adjustment unit 39, and displays the display inside the control device 19. The data is sent to the control unit 24. As a result, a guide map display or a telop display is displayed on the display device 17 as “Have you entered the HOV lane?”.

  Further, the voice message generation unit 41 generates a voice message for guiding the information “Have you entered the HOV lane?” According to the guidance timing data from the guidance timing adjustment unit 39, and the voice message is voice data. Send to guide 42. The voice guide unit 42 converts the voice data sent from the voice message generation unit 41 into a voice signal and sends the voice signal to the voice output device 18. Thereby, the voice guidance corresponding to the voice message “Have you entered the HOV lane?” Is output from the voice output device 18.

Next, it is checked whether or not the entry into the HOV lane has been set (step ST9n). That is, the control unit 30 of the control device 19 that has received the operation signal transmitted from the input device 11 checks whether or not the operation signal indicates that the setting indicating that the operation signal has entered the HOV lane has been performed. If it is determined in step ST9n that the entry to the HOV lane has not been set, the sequence returns to step ST5n and the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST9n that entry into the HOV lane has been set, the process returns to step ST2.
The guidance “Have you entered the HOV lane?” Can be configured to be performed by at least one of guide map display, telop display, and voice guidance.
In this way, after the control unit 30 performs the approach guidance, when the fact that the entry is completed is set by the user, the subsequent approach guidance is not repeated.

  As described above, according to the navigation device in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 30 performs the leaving guidance or the entering guidance, and then the user has set the completion of the leaving or entering. In addition, the subsequent departure guidance or entry guidance is prevented from being repeated. In other words, when the vehicle reaches the lane changeable section while traveling on the HOV lane, if the departure guidance is provided and the fact that the departure from the HOV lane is set accordingly, the entry guidance is suppressed together with the departure guidance, and the HOV lane If the vehicle reaches the lane changeable section while driving in parallel on the normal lane, entering guidance and setting the fact that the vehicle has entered the HOV lane according to this will suppress the exit guidance as well as entering guidance. . In this way, it is possible to prevent unnecessary guidance from being repeatedly performed immediately after leaving or entering from the HOV lane.

  In the fourteenth embodiment, since guidance for confirming whether or not the lane has been changed is provided, for example, in a telop display, it is meaningless to leave after inputting that the user has left in response to this guidance. It can suppress that guidance is performed.

  Note that a navigation device can be realized by combining all of the above-described first to fourteenth embodiments. Further, the numerical values such as the distance used in the first embodiment to the fourteenth embodiment are all examples, and can be changed to arbitrary values.

Claims (14)

Acquire map data that defines a road that can enter and leave each other only in a predetermined permitted section between a special lane that is a part of a plurality of lanes and a normal lane that is a remaining lane. A map data acquisition unit;
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, an entrance / exit extraction unit that extracts an entrance / exit section between the special lane and the normal lane existing in front of the own vehicle,
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, a branch extraction unit that extracts a branch point on a special lane existing ahead of the own vehicle;
A guidance timing adjusting unit that determines different guidance timings when the lane changeable section defined by the entrance / exit section extracted by the entrance extraction section is longer than a predetermined length and when the lane changeable section is shorter than the predetermined length; ,
A control unit that performs departure guidance for notifying that the vehicle can be separated from the special lane, entry guidance for notifying that the vehicle can enter the special lane, or branch guidance on the special lane at the guidance timing determined by the guidance timing adjustment unit. ,
When the lane changeable section is shorter than the predetermined length, the guidance timing adjustment unit determines the guide timing based on a start point of the lane changeable section.
A navigation device characterized by that . When the lane changeable section is longer than the predetermined length, the guide timing adjustment unit determines the guide timing based on a point in front of a predetermined distance from the end point of the lane changeable section. claim 1 Symbol placement of the navigation apparatus. Acquire map data that defines a road that can enter and leave each other only in a predetermined permitted section between a special lane that is a part of a plurality of lanes and a normal lane that is a remaining lane. A map data acquisition unit;
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, an entrance / exit extraction unit that extracts an entrance / exit section between the special lane and the normal lane existing in front of the own vehicle,
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, a branch extraction unit that extracts a branch point on a special lane existing ahead of the own vehicle;
A guidance timing adjusting unit that determines different guidance timings when the lane changeable section defined by the entrance / exit section extracted by the entrance extraction section is longer than a predetermined length and when the lane changeable section is shorter than the predetermined length; ,
In the guide timing determined by the guide timing adjustment unit, and a control unit for entering information or branch guidance on special lanes indicating that possible enter the withdrawal guide or special lanes indicating that capable of being released from a special lane,
A route search unit that searches for a route to the destination,
When the lane changeable section is longer than the predetermined length, the guidance timing adjustment unit determines the guidance timing based on the exit or branch point of the highway on the route searched by the route search unit.
A navigation device characterized by that . Acquire map data that defines a road that can enter and leave each other only in a predetermined permitted section between a special lane that is a part of a plurality of lanes and a normal lane that is a remaining lane. A map data acquisition unit;
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, an entrance / exit extraction unit that extracts an entrance / exit section between the special lane and the normal lane existing in front of the own vehicle,
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, a branch extraction unit that extracts a branch point on a special lane existing ahead of the own vehicle;
A guidance timing adjusting unit that determines different guidance timings when the lane changeable section defined by the entrance / exit section extracted by the entrance extraction section is longer than a predetermined length and when the lane changeable section is shorter than the predetermined length; ,
In the guide timing determined by the guide timing adjustment unit, and a control unit for entering information or branch guidance on special lanes indicating that possible enter the withdrawal guide or special lanes indicating that capable of being released from a special lane,
A route search unit that searches for a route to the destination,
When the lane changeable section is longer than the predetermined length, the guidance timing adjustment unit determines the guidance timing based on the expressway entry start point on the route searched by the route search unit.
A navigation device characterized by that . Acquire map data that defines a road that can enter and leave each other only in a predetermined permitted section between a special lane that is a part of a plurality of lanes and a normal lane that is a remaining lane. A map data acquisition unit;
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, an entrance / exit extraction unit that extracts an entrance / exit section between the special lane and the normal lane existing in front of the own vehicle,
Based on the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit and the position information of the own vehicle, a branch extraction unit that extracts a branch point on a special lane existing ahead of the own vehicle;
A guidance timing adjusting unit that determines different guidance timings when the lane changeable section defined by the entrance / exit section extracted by the entrance extraction section is longer than a predetermined length and when the lane changeable section is shorter than the predetermined length; ,
A control unit that performs departure guidance for notifying that the vehicle can be separated from the special lane, entry guidance for notifying that the vehicle can enter the special lane, or branch guidance on the special lane at the guidance timing determined by the guidance timing adjustment unit. ,
When the lane changeable section is longer than the predetermined length, the control unit suppresses at least one of departure guidance and entry guidance.
A navigation device characterized by that . The said guidance timing adjustment part determines a guidance timing on the basis of the starting point of the said lane changeable area, when the said lane changeable area is shorter than the said predetermined length. The navigation device according to any one of the above. The navigation apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a setting unit configured to set to suppress at least one of leaving guidance or entering guidance. The guidance timing adjustment unit determines the guidance timing of advance preparation guidance and approach guidance to the effect that the special lane side should be approached from the normal lane during travel,
8. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs pre-preparation guidance at the pre-preparation guidance time determined by the guidance timing adjustment unit, and performs approach guidance at the guidance time of the approach guidance . The navigation device according to any one of the above.   The guidance timing adjustment unit acquires the number of lanes of a normal lane from the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit, and guide timing of advance preparation guidance according to the lane changeable distance determined by the acquired number of lanes The navigation device according to claim 8, wherein the navigation device is determined. The guidance timing adjustment unit determines the guidance timing of advance preparation guidance and departure guidance to the effect that the normal lane side should be approached from the special lane that is running,
The control unit performs the preliminary preparation guidance when the special lane has a plurality of lanes at the preliminary preparation guidance timing determined by the guidance timing adjustment unit, and performs the separation guidance at the guidance timing of the separation guidance. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the navigation device is characterized. Wherein, the guidance timing determined by the guide timing adjustment unit, the outlet information of the forward highway after leaving from a special lane, at least one of audio, caption, Pi sound or guide map of street name The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the navigation device guides the user with the navigation device.   The control unit obtains the exit information of the highway ahead after leaving the special lane based on the information registered in the map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit or by the map data acquisition unit 12. The navigation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein guidance is provided by handing a link indicated by the map data. It has a front signboard detection unit that detects a signboard that exists in front,
12. The navigation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit guides exit information of a highway ahead after leaving the special lane based on information on a signboard detected by the front signboard detection unit. The said control part suppresses the repetition of subsequent separation guidance or approach guidance, when it is set that the separation or entry was completed by the user after performing separation guidance or approach guidance. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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