JP5990018B2 - Navigation device, information providing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for predicting a direction in which a vehicle travels at a branch point such as an intersection.

  The present applicant has proposed a vehicle equipment control apparatus that predicts the traveling direction of a vehicle at a branch point such as an intersection and controls the vehicle equipment based on the prediction result (Patent Document 1). The vehicle equipment control device predicts the traveling direction based on the history of turning left and right at the branch point and straight ahead, and appropriately predicts the traveling direction and controls the vehicle equipment even when the route is not set in advance. be able to.

JP 2009-289105 A

  In recent years, the use of IT in vehicle equipment has been further advanced, and it has become possible to receive various information in vehicles. On the other hand, a vehicle moving at a high speed has a poor communication environment as compared with a PC in a home or office, and it may take a long time to download information, or communication may be cut off. Therefore, in order to provide timely information, it is desirable to download in advance information on facilities to be provided, road information, and the like. The traveling direction prediction apparatus can be appropriately used for such applications.

  By the way, in the area where the user has not been much, there is a problem that the traveling direction of the vehicle cannot be appropriately predicted because the traveling history is small. In other words, there are many cases where an area with a small travel history has happened to go to a certain destination, and when traveling next time, it is not known where to leave the previously traveled road. Therefore, in such a case, it is risky to predict the traveling direction with full confidence in the travel history. Specifically, when the vehicle does not move in the predicted direction, road information and the like must be read again, so that there may be a problem that the processing is not in time.

  In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a traveling direction prediction apparatus that reduces the risk of prediction errors.

  The traveling direction prediction apparatus of the present invention is connected to a map information storage unit that stores map information including intersections and a current position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, and is a history of passing through the intersections in the past. The vehicle travel direction based on the current position data of the vehicle obtained from the current position detection unit, and the intersection passage information storage unit that stores the passage information based on the number of times the vehicle has traveled in each branch direction. Based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit, the intersection specifying unit for specifying the intersection in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the passing information of the specified intersection is acquired from the intersection passing information storage unit , Based on the acquired passage information, a predicted traveling direction calculation unit that obtains a first candidate and a second candidate of a predicted traveling direction, the first candidate obtained by the predicted traveling direction calculation unit, and the And an output unit for outputting data of two candidates.

  Thus, since the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction (hereinafter referred to as “predicted traveling direction”) are obtained based on the intersection passing information, as compared with the case where the traveling direction is predicted only in one direction. , The risk of unpredictability can be reduced. Note that how many candidates are to be obtained may be determined in consideration of the time required for preparing the application after predicting the traveling direction. For example, when providing information about the predicted traveling direction, it is possible to determine how many candidates are to be obtained in relation to the time required for downloading the information. That is, if it takes a long time to download information, the third and fourth candidates may be obtained in advance so that the third and fourth candidates are downloaded in advance, and the time for downloading the information is long. In such an environment, it can be up to the second candidate.

  In the traveling direction prediction apparatus of the present invention, the predicted traveling direction calculation unit, when the amount of passage information acquired from the intersection passage information storage unit is a predetermined threshold value or less, (1) road information of the intersection, ( Even if the second candidate is obtained based on any one or a combination of 2) passing information of other vehicles of the same vehicle type, (3) passing information of other vehicles of the same purpose, and (4) current traffic information. Good.

  For intersections with little passing information, the accuracy of prediction based on passing information may not be high. Therefore, by obtaining a second candidate for the driving direction based on a criterion different from the passing information, The second candidate can be obtained appropriately.

  In the traveling direction prediction apparatus of the present invention, the predicted traveling direction calculation unit determines whether (1) the intersection specified by the intersection specifying unit has passed within a predetermined period, or (2) a predetermined Whether or not it has passed more than a predetermined number of times within the period, (3) whether or not it has passed in the same situation as the present, (4) whether or not it has passed more than a predetermined number of times in the same situation as the present, (5) Whether or not it has passed within a predetermined period in the same situation as the present, or (6) Whether or not it has passed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period in the same situation as now It may be determined whether or not the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction is obtained from the passage information according to the reference.

  With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately analyze the prediction accuracy of the traveling direction based on the passage information and appropriately determine how to obtain the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction. Here, the current situation is, for example, a situation such as a day of the week, a time zone, weather, or the presence of a passenger. When accumulating intersection passage information, storing the data of such a situation in association with the intersection passage information, it is possible to read the intersection passage information of the same situation and compare the number of passages. In order to determine the number of passages within a predetermined period, the intersection passage number storage unit stores not only the total number of passages but also date data indicating when the vehicle has passed. is necessary.

  The navigation device of the present invention includes the above-described traveling direction prediction device, an information acquisition unit that acquires information on the first candidate and the second candidate direction of the traveling direction predicted by the traveling direction prediction device, and a vehicle And an information providing unit that provides information on the direction of the traveling direction acquired by the information acquiring unit when the direction in which the vehicle actually travels coincides with either the first candidate or the second candidate.

  When the vehicle actually travels in the direction of the first candidate or the second candidate by acquiring in advance the information on the direction of the first candidate and the second candidate of the traveling direction predicted by the traveling direction prediction apparatus described above In addition, information can be provided promptly. Moreover, since at least two candidates are obtained, the possibility of the prediction of the traveling direction being lost can be reduced.

  The traveling direction prediction method of the present invention predicts a traveling direction at an intersection by a traveling direction prediction device connected to a map information storage unit that stores map information including an intersection and a current position detection unit that detects a current position of the vehicle. A method in which the traveling direction prediction device obtains a traveling direction of a vehicle based on data of a current position of the vehicle acquired from the current position detection unit, and the traveling direction prediction device includes the map information storage unit. A step of specifying an intersection in the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the map information stored in the vehicle, and the traveling direction predicting device is a history of passing the identified intersection in the past, Passage information based on the number of times the vehicle has traveled in each branch direction at the intersection is obtained from the intersection passage information storage unit stored for each approach direction to the intersection, and based on the obtained passage information. Te, comprising determining a first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction, the traveling direction predicting device, and outputting the data of the second candidate to the first candidate.

  A program of the present invention is a program for predicting a traveling direction at an intersection by a computer connected to a map information storage unit that stores map information including an intersection and a current position detection unit that detects a current position of the vehicle. A step of obtaining a traveling direction of the vehicle based on the current position data of the vehicle acquired from the current position detecting unit in the computer, and a traveling direction of the vehicle based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit. Steps to identify the intersection at the intersection, the passage information of the identified intersection, history information that has passed through the intersection in the past, and passage information based on the number of times of traveling in each branch direction at each intersection, for each approach direction to the intersection Obtained from the stored intersection passing information storage unit, and obtain the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction based on the obtained passing information A step, and a step of outputting the data of the first candidate and the second candidate.

  According to the present invention, since the first candidate and the second candidate of the traveling direction predicted based on the intersection passing information are obtained, the risk of deviating prediction is reduced as compared with the case where the traveling direction is predicted only in one direction. be able to.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the navigation apparatus containing the advancing direction prediction apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the advancing direction prediction apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the intersection passage information storage part. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the prediction progress direction table. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a navigation apparatus. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the advancing direction prediction apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the advancing direction prediction apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the intersection passage information storage part of a log | history server. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the advancing direction prediction apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the advancing direction prediction apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the advancing direction prediction apparatus of 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, a traveling direction prediction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation device 10 including a traveling direction prediction device 1 according to the first embodiment. The navigation device 10 is used by being mounted on a vehicle. The navigation device 10 is connected to the information server 22, acquires appropriate information according to the traveling route from the information server 22, and provides it to the user.

  The navigation device 10 includes a traveling direction prediction device 1, a current position detection unit 12 that detects the current position of the vehicle, a map database (hereinafter referred to as “map DB”) 14 that stores map information including intersection information, It has the communication part 16 which communicates with the information server 22, the information acquisition part 18 which acquires information from the information server 22, and the information provision part 20 which presents the acquired information with respect to a user.

  The current position detector 12 is based on, for example, a geomagnetic sensor for detecting the absolute azimuth of the vehicle, a gyroscope for detecting the relative azimuth of the vehicle, a distance sensor for detecting the mileage of the vehicle, and radio waves from the satellite. And a GPS receiver for a global positioning system (GPS) that measures the position of the vehicle. Since these sensors have errors of different properties, they are configured to be used while being complemented by a plurality of sensors. Depending on the accuracy, the current position detection unit 12 may be configured by some of the sensors described above, or a steering rotation sensor (not shown), a vehicle speed sensor for each rolling wheel, or the like may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the traveling direction prediction apparatus 1. The traveling direction prediction device 1 includes an intersection passing information storage unit 30 that stores intersection passing information, a prediction table storage unit 32 that stores a predicted traveling direction table in which a predicted traveling direction is defined by road information, and intersection passing information. And an arithmetic control unit 34 for obtaining the traveling direction at the intersection based on the above. In the present embodiment, the traveling direction prediction apparatus 1 outputs predicted traveling direction data to the information acquisition unit 18 and acquires information from the information server 22 based on the predicted traveling direction. .

  The calculation control unit 34 is stored in the intersection passage information update unit 36 that updates the passage information stored in the intersection passage information storage unit 30, the intersection specification unit 38 that specifies the next intersection, and the intersection passage information storage unit 30. A predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 that obtains a traveling direction predicted at the next intersection based on the passing information, and an output unit 42 that outputs data of the predicted traveling direction to the outside. The traveling direction prediction apparatus 1 includes a processor constituted by a CPU, and the function of the arithmetic control unit 34 is realized by a program stored in a memory or HDD.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the intersection passage information storage unit 30. The intersection passage information storage unit 30 stores an intersection ID for identifying an intersection, an approach direction to the intersection, and the number of times the intersection has passed in each branch direction. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the intersections with intersection IDs “1001” and “1002” are crossroads, the number of passes in each of the three directions of right turn, left turn, and straight travel is stored as the number of passes in each branch direction. ing. “1” to “4”, which are data of the approach direction, are numbers assigned for convenience to the respective branch roads constituting the intersection. For example, the branch path in the south direction (or closest to the south direction) is “1”, and “2” to “4” can be given in the order of the west direction, the north direction, and the east direction.

  The data in the intersection passage information storage unit 30 is updated by the intersection passage information update unit 36. The intersection passage information update unit 36 acquires data on the current position of the vehicle from the current position detection unit 12. The intersection passage information update unit 36 collates the current position of the vehicle with the map information read from the map DB 14, and counts the number of intersection passages in the intersection passage information storage unit 30 when it is determined that the vehicle has passed the intersection.

  In addition, the data memorize | stored in the intersection passage information storage part 30 are data for every user. For example, when a plurality of users drive the same vehicle, intersection passing information is aggregated and stored for each user.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the prediction table storage unit 32. The prediction table storage unit 32 stores a prediction progress direction table that includes road information that defines the predicted travel direction and its priority. The road information that defines the predicted traveling direction can be obtained from statistical data or determined by an expert. By using the predicted traveling direction table, it is possible to predict the traveling direction without using the user's intersection passing information.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, “Road”, “Road with the same standard”, and “Road with the same road width” are defined as the predicted traveling directions. “Roadside” indicates that the direction of the road that does not turn right or left at the intersection is the predicted traveling direction. The “same standard road” is, for example, the same type of national road, prefectural road, city road, and the like. When traveling on National Highway 1 up to the intersection, the direction in which National Highway 1 continues is the predicted traveling direction. The “road with the same road width” is, for example, a road having the same number of lanes.

  The priority order defines which road information is applied with priority. In the example shown in FIG. 4, first, the direction of “road” having the highest priority is selected as the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction. If the direction along the road has already been determined as the first candidate, the “same standard road” with the second highest priority is selected as the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction.

  The intersection identification unit 38 acquires data on the current position of the vehicle from the current position detection unit 12, and based on the acquired data on the current position of the vehicle and the map information read from the map DB 14, the road on which the vehicle is traveling Find the direction of travel and identify the next intersection. The intersection identifying unit 38 inputs information on the identified intersection to the predicted traveling direction calculating unit 40.

  The predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 reads data corresponding to the approach direction to the intersection from the intersection passage information storage unit 30 as data of the next intersection. The predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 calculates the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction at the next intersection based on the read data.

  The method of obtaining the first candidate and the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction depends on whether or not there is sufficient history data that has passed the next intersection, that is, whether or not the total number of passages at the intersection is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Different. When the total number of times of passing through the intersection is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the first candidate and the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction are obtained based on the intersection passing information read from the intersection passing information storage unit 30. When the total number of times of passing through the intersection is less than a predetermined threshold, the first candidate in the predicted traveling direction is determined based on the intersection passing information, and the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction is determined based on the predicted traveling direction table.

  When calculating the traveling direction based on the intersection passing information, the predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 calculates the probability value that each branch direction is selected from the number of times of traveling in each branch direction at the intersection, and uses the probability value as the probability value. Based on this, the first candidate and the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction are obtained.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the intersection ID is “1001” and the approach direction is “1”, the right turn probability is 35 / (5 turns, left turns 5 times, and straight turns 10 times. 35 + 5 + 10) = 0.7 (= 70%), the probability of turning left is 10 / (35 + 5 + 10) = 0.2 (= 20%), and the probability of going straight is 5 / (35 + 5 + 10) = 0.1 (= 10%). Since the probability value of the right turn is the maximum, the right turn is the first candidate for the predicted traveling direction. When obtaining the second candidate based on the passing information, the left turn is the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction because the probability value of the left turn is the next largest.

  When calculating the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction using the predicted traveling direction table, the predicted traveling direction calculating unit 40 obtains the second candidate from the branch directions excluding the direction selected as the first candidate. In the example described above, since the right turn is calculated as the first candidate, the second candidate is obtained from the remaining straight and left turns. Referring to the predicted travel direction table (FIG. 4), since the road direction defined with the first priority is straight, straight travel is the second candidate. In this example, the second candidate for the predicted travel direction turns left when obtained from the passage information, and goes straight when obtained from the predicted travel direction table.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the navigation device 10 including the traveling direction prediction device 1 according to the first embodiment. The navigation apparatus 10 calculates the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction at the next intersection by the traveling direction prediction apparatus 1 (S10). This operation will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction at the next intersection are calculated by the traveling direction prediction device 1, the navigation device 10 uses the information acquisition unit 18 to obtain information on the direction of the first candidate and the second candidate. Is downloaded and stored in the storage unit (S12). The information acquisition unit 18 first downloads information on the direction of the first candidate, and then downloads information on the direction of the second candidate.

  The navigation apparatus 10 determines whether the vehicle has passed the intersection while performing the information download process (S14). If it is determined that the vehicle has not passed the intersection (NO in S14), the information is continuously downloaded (S12). In addition, when the download of the information of the direction of the 1st candidate and the 2nd candidate is completed before passing an intersection, you may download the information of the direction of the other advancing direction.

  If the navigation device 10 determines that the vehicle has passed the intersection (YES in S14), the navigation device 10 determines whether the traveling direction is the direction of the first candidate or the second candidate (S16). If the traveling direction is the direction of the first candidate or the second candidate (YES in S16), the navigation device 10 reads the information downloaded in step S12 and stored in the storage unit and provides it to the user. (S18). If the traveling direction is not the direction of the first candidate or the second candidate (NO in S16), the navigation device 10 downloads information on the direction of the traveling direction and provides it to the user (S20).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation for obtaining the first candidate and the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction by the traveling direction predicting apparatus 1. The traveling direction prediction apparatus 1 acquires data on the current position detected by the current position detection unit 12. The intersection identification unit 38 of the traveling direction prediction device 1 identifies the road on which the vehicle is traveling based on the input current position data and the map information read from the map DB 14 (S30). Moreover, the intersection specific | specification part 38 calculates | requires the present advancing direction of a vehicle from the time series data of the present position input from the present position detection part 12 (S30). The intersection identifying unit 38 identifies the next intersection based on the road on which the vehicle is traveling and the traveling direction thereof (S32). The intersection identifying unit 38 inputs information indicating the identified next intersection to the predicted traveling direction calculating unit 40.

  The predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 reads “the number of times of passage in each branch direction” corresponding to the input approach direction to the next intersection from the intersection passage information storage unit 30 (S34). Subsequently, the predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 determines whether or not the total number of passages in each branch direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 20 times) (S36).

  When the total number of passages in each branch direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (YES in S36), the predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 has a probability of proceeding in each branch direction based on the number of passages in each branch direction. Calculate the value. The predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 obtains the direction having the maximum probability value as the first candidate of the predicted traveling direction at the intersection among the right / left turn and straight traveling, and determines the direction having the second largest probability value as the predicted traveling direction. Obtained as the second candidate (S38).

  When the total number of passages in each branch direction is less than the predetermined threshold (NO in S36), the predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 has a probability of proceeding in each branch direction based on the number of passages in each branch direction. Calculate the value. The predicted traveling direction calculation unit 40 obtains a direction having the maximum probability value as a first candidate of a predicted traveling direction at an intersection among right / left turns and straight traveling (S40). Next, the traveling direction prediction device 1 obtains a second candidate for the predicted traveling direction using the predicted traveling direction table (S42).

  The traveling direction prediction device 1 outputs data of the first candidate and the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction obtained by calculation to the information acquisition unit 18 (S44). The configuration and operation of the traveling direction prediction device 1 and the navigation device 10 according to the first embodiment have been described above.

  The traveling direction prediction apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment predicts not only one branch direction but also at least two directions (first candidate and second candidate) when predicting the traveling direction at the next intersection. ) Is predicted, it is possible to reduce the risk of the prediction of the traveling direction being missed. Then, the navigation device 10 acquires information in advance when the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction is selected as well as the first candidate for the predicted traveling direction, so that the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction is obtained. Information can be provided promptly even when is selected.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the traveling direction prediction apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the navigation device 10 including the traveling direction prediction device 2 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). In the second embodiment, the traveling direction predicting device 2 determines the predicted traveling direction based on the passing information of other vehicles of the same vehicle size when the amount of passing information of the intersection to be predicted is not sufficient. Find 2 candidates.

  The traveling direction prediction device 2 of the second embodiment is connected to a history server 44 that includes an intersection passage information storage unit 46 that stores intersection passage information of other vehicles. In this Embodiment, the example which uses the communication part 16 which the navigation apparatus 10 has as the communication part 16 is shown, However, The advancing direction prediction apparatus 2 is good also as having an original communication part.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the intersection passage information storage unit 46 held by the history server 44. The intersection passage information stored in the intersection passage information storage unit 46 is the same as the intersection passage information of the intersection passage information storage unit 30 included in the traveling direction prediction device 2, but in the history server 44, the intersection passage information of a large number of vehicles. Is stored for each vehicle type. Here, the vehicle grade is, for example, a classification based on the displacement, and includes a light car, a small passenger car, a normal passenger car, and the like. The history server 44 collects such intersection passing information using a probe car or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the traveling direction prediction apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. The operation of obtaining the first candidate and the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction based on the intersection passing information when the total number of times of passing at the intersection is equal to or greater than the threshold, and outputting to the information acquisition unit 18 is the case of the first embodiment. (S30 to S38, S44).

  The traveling direction prediction apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment first obtains a first candidate for the predicted traveling direction based on the intersection passing information when the total number of passages at the intersection is less than the threshold (S40). Specifically, the traveling direction prediction device 2 calculates the probability value that each branch direction is selected from the number of times of traveling in each branch direction at the intersection, and determines the branch direction having the maximum probability value as the first predicted traveling direction. Ask as a candidate.

  Subsequently, the traveling direction prediction device 2 transmits to the history server 44 the intersection ID of the next intersection, the approach direction data indicating the approach direction to the intersection, and the vehicle type data of the host vehicle (S50). When the history server 44 receives the intersection ID, the approach direction data, and the vehicle type data (S52), the history server 44 calculates a probability value that each branch direction is selected at the intersection based on the received vehicle passage information of the vehicle type. Is transmitted to the traveling direction prediction apparatus 2 (S54).

  The traveling direction prediction device 2 calculates a branch direction having the highest probability selected by a vehicle of the same vehicle among the branch directions other than the first candidate as the second candidate for the predicted travel direction (S56). The traveling direction prediction apparatus 2 outputs information on the first candidate and the second candidate in the traveling direction to the information acquisition unit 18 (S44).

  According to the traveling direction prediction apparatus 2 of the second embodiment, it is possible to appropriately obtain the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction based on the intersection passing information of vehicles of the same vehicle case.

  In this embodiment, in order to obtain the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction, the intersection passing information of other vehicles of the same vehicle type is used, but the intersection passing information of other vehicles of the same purpose is used. Is also possible. Here, the purpose is, for example, the purpose of moving vehicles such as transportation, buses and taxis. As described above, the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction can also be appropriately obtained by using the passing information of other vehicles having the same purpose.

  In the present embodiment, the history server 44 has been described with respect to an example (S54) in which data of probability values for selecting each branch direction at an intersection has been described. The intersection passing information itself may be transmitted, or data in an order in which each branch direction is selected may be transmitted. Regardless of which of these data is received, the traveling direction prediction device 2 can grasp which branching direction and the proportion of which other vehicles of the same vehicle type have selected.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the traveling direction prediction apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the navigation device 10 including the traveling direction prediction device 3 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). In the third embodiment, the traveling direction prediction device 3 obtains the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction using the traffic information when there is not enough passing information of the intersection to be predicted.

  The travel direction prediction apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment is communicably connected to a traffic information center 50 that provides traffic information such as traffic jams and traffic closures. In this Embodiment, the example which uses the communication part 16 which the navigation apparatus 10 has as the communication part 16 is shown, However, The advancing direction prediction apparatus 3 is good also as having an original communication part.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the traveling direction prediction apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment. When the total number of passages is equal to or greater than the threshold, the operation for obtaining the first candidate and the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction based on the intersection passage information and outputting them to the information acquisition unit 18 is the same as in the case of the first embodiment. (S30 to S38, S44).

  When the total number of passages is less than the threshold (NO in S36), the traveling direction prediction device 3 of the third embodiment first obtains a first candidate for the predicted traveling direction based on the intersection passing information (S40). . Specifically, the traveling direction prediction device 3 calculates a probability value that each branch direction is selected from the number of times of traveling in each branch direction at the intersection, and determines the traveling direction having the maximum probability value as the first predicted traveling direction. Ask as a candidate.

  Subsequently, the traveling direction prediction device 3 transmits a traffic information transmission request to the traffic information center 50 (S60). When the traffic information center 50 receives a traffic information transmission request (S62), the traffic information center 50 transmits the traffic information to the traveling direction prediction device 3 that is the transmission source (S64). When the traveling direction prediction device 3 receives the traffic information (S66), the traveling direction prediction device 3 obtains a second candidate for the predicted traveling direction from among the branch directions other than the first candidate (S68). For example, when there is a congested area, a branch direction other than the direction toward the area is obtained as the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction. Thus, the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction can be appropriately obtained using the traffic information.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which a traffic information transmission request is transmitted to the traffic information center 50 when obtaining the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction has been described. If there is, the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction may be obtained based on the latest traffic information received.

  The configuration and operation of the traveling direction prediction device of the present invention and the navigation device including the traveling direction prediction device have been described in detail with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is limited to the above-described embodiments. is not.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example of obtaining the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction at the intersection has been described, but the traveling direction predicting apparatus of the present invention has, for example, five intersections, six In the case of a difference road, not only the first candidate and the second candidate but also the third candidate or less may be obtained. As a method for obtaining the third candidate, for example, passage information may be used or road information may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the predicted traveling direction table in the first embodiment, the intersection passing information of other vehicles of the same standard or the same purpose in the second embodiment, and the traffic information in the third embodiment. Although the example which calculates | requires the 2nd candidate of a prediction advancing direction using was demonstrated, it is good also as calculating | requiring the 2nd candidate of a advancing direction of a prediction by appropriate combination of such information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the number of times of passing through the intersection is simply compared with a predetermined threshold, and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction is obtained from the intersection passage information based on the result, or is obtained based on other information. An example of deciding whether to do so was explained. However, instead of simply comparing the passing information of the intersection, for example, the number of passes in a predetermined period may be determined, or the number of passes in the same situation may be determined. Specifically, (1) whether or not it has passed within a predetermined period, (2) whether or not it has passed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, and (3) passed in the same situation as the present (4) whether it has passed more than a predetermined number of times in the same situation as now, (5) whether it has passed within a predetermined period in the same situation as now, ( 6) The method of obtaining the second candidate may be determined according to a criterion such as whether or not a predetermined number of times have passed within a predetermined period in the same situation as the present.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately predict the traveling direction at the intersection, and therefore, it is possible to apply the prediction result to device control and route guidance.

1-3 Traveling direction prediction device 10 Navigation device 12 Current position detection unit 14 Map database 16 Communication unit 18 Information acquisition unit 20 Information provision unit 22 Information server 24 Content database 26 Communication unit 30 Intersection passing information storage unit 32 Prediction table storage unit 34 Operation control unit 36 Intersection information update unit 38 Intersection identification unit 40 Predicted travel direction calculation unit 42 Output unit 44 History server 46 Intersection passage information storage unit 48 Communication unit 50 Traffic information center

Claims (6)

A traveling direction prediction device for predicting the traveling direction of the vehicle;
An information acquisition unit that acquires information on the direction of the first candidate and the second candidate of the traveling direction predicted by the traveling direction prediction device;
An information providing unit that provides information on the direction of the traveling direction acquired by the information acquiring unit when a direction in which the vehicle has actually traveled matches either the first candidate or the second candidate;
A navigation device comprising:
The traveling direction predicting device is
Connected to a map information storage unit that stores map information including an intersection and a current position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle,
An intersection passage information storage unit that stores past passage information based on the number of times that the vehicle has traveled in each branch direction in the past and that has passed through each intersection direction,
An intersection that determines the vehicle traveling direction based on the vehicle current position data acquired from the current position detection unit, and that identifies an intersection in the vehicle traveling direction based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit A specific part,
Passage information of the identified intersection is acquired from the intersection passage information storage unit, and when the data amount of the acquired passage information is greater than a predetermined threshold , the first direction of the predicted traveling direction based on the acquired passage information is acquired. 1 candidate and the 2nd candidate are obtained , and when the data amount of the obtained passing information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the first candidate is obtained based on the obtained passing information, and (1) road information of the intersection, Prediction for obtaining the second candidate based on any one or a combination of (2) passage information of other vehicles of the same vehicle grade, (3) passage information of other vehicles of the same purpose, and (4) current traffic information A traveling direction calculator,
An output unit that outputs data of the first candidate and the second candidate obtained by the predicted traveling direction calculation unit;
A navigation device comprising: The predicted travel direction calculation unit replaces the determination of whether or not the data amount of the passage information acquired from the intersection passage information storage unit is a predetermined threshold or less with the intersection identified by the intersection identification unit (1) Whether it has passed within a predetermined period, (2) whether it has passed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, (3) whether it has passed in the same situation as the present, (4) Whether or not it has passed more than a predetermined number of times in the same situation as present, (5) Whether or not it has passed within a predetermined period in the same situation as now, (6) Specified in the same situation as now The navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the second candidate in the predicted traveling direction is obtained from the passage information based on any criterion of whether or not the vehicle has passed a predetermined number of times within the period. A method for providing information by a navigation device including a map information storage unit storing map information including an intersection and a traveling direction prediction device connected to a current position detection unit for detecting a current position of a vehicle,
The advancing direction prediction device obtaining the advancing direction of the vehicle based on the current position data of the vehicle acquired from the current position detecting unit;
The advancing direction prediction device identifying an intersection in the advancing direction of the vehicle based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit;
The advancing direction prediction device stores the passing information of the specified intersection in the past, and the passing information based on the number of times of traveling in each branch direction at each intersection is stored for each approach direction to the intersection. obtained from the intersection passage information storage section, when the data amount of the acquired passage information is larger than a predetermined threshold value, based on the obtained passage information, obtains a first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction, acquires When the data amount of the passing information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the first candidate is obtained based on the acquired passing information, and (1) the road information of the intersection, (2) other vehicles of the same vehicle type Obtaining the second candidate based on any one or combination of passage information, (3) passage information of other vehicles of the same purpose, and (4) current traffic information ;
The navigation device acquiring information about the first candidate and the second candidate from an information server;
When the direction in which the vehicle actually travels matches either the first candidate or the second candidate, the navigation device provides information on the direction of the travel direction acquired from the information server;
An information providing method comprising: The step of obtaining the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction is the determination of the intersection instead of determining whether or not the data amount of the passage information acquired from the intersection passage information storage unit is a predetermined threshold value or less. (1) whether or not the intersection specified in the section has passed within a predetermined period, (2) whether or not it has passed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, and (3) the same as the present Whether it has passed in a situation, (4) whether it has passed more than a predetermined number of times in the same situation as the present, and (5) whether it has passed within a predetermined period in the same situation as now (6) Whether or not the second candidate for the predicted traveling direction is to be obtained from the passage information is determined based on one of the criteria of whether or not a predetermined number of times have passed within a predetermined period in the same situation as the present. The information providing method according to claim 3. A program for providing information by a computer connected to a map information storage unit that stores map information including an intersection and a current position detection unit that detects a current position of a vehicle, the computer comprising:
Obtaining a traveling direction of the vehicle based on the current position data of the vehicle acquired from the current position detection unit;
Identifying an intersection in the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the map information stored in the map information storage unit;
Passage information of the specified intersection is obtained from the intersection passage information storage unit that is a history of passing through the intersection in the past and is stored based on the number of times each intersection has traveled in each branch direction according to the direction of entry to the intersection. Then, when the data amount of the acquired passage information is larger than a predetermined threshold , the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction are obtained based on the acquired passage information, and the data amount of the acquired passage information is When the value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the first candidate is obtained based on the acquired passing information, and (1) road information of the intersection, (2) passing information of other vehicles of the same vehicle type, and (3) the same Obtaining the second candidate based on any or a combination of passage information of other vehicles of interest, (4) current traffic information ;
Obtaining information about the direction of the first candidate and the second candidate from an information server;
Providing information on the direction of the traveling direction acquired from the information server when the direction in which the vehicle has actually traveled matches either the first candidate or the second candidate;
A program that executes The step of obtaining the first candidate and the second candidate of the predicted traveling direction is performed by determining whether or not the data amount of the passing information acquired from the intersection passing information storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in the computer. the intersection intersection specified by the specifying unit (1) whether it was passed within a predetermined time period, whether or not through a predetermined number of times or more in (2) within a predetermined time period, (3 ) Whether it has passed in the same situation as now, (4) Whether it has passed more than a predetermined number of times in the same situation as now, (5) Passed within a predetermined period in the same situation as now Whether or not the second candidate in the predicted progress direction is obtained from the passage information according to any of the following criteria: (6) whether or not the vehicle has passed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period in the same situation as the present Claim 5 to determine whether or not Program described.

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