WO2004057273A1

WO2004057273A1 - Route search apparatus, route search system, program, and route search method

Info

Publication number: WO2004057273A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/013333
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tatsuya Honmaru; Shigeaki Nakata
Original assignee: Jicoux Datasystems, Inc.
Priority date: 2002-12-20
Filing date: 2002-12-20
Publication date: 2004-07-08
Also published as: JPWO2004057273A1; AU2002357627A1

Abstract

A route search apparatus for searching a movement route used for movement from a start point to an end point. The entire region including the start point and the end point is divided into a plurality of block areas. The apparatus includes a block management unit for managing an inner route cost which is a movement cost required when passing through the block regions using an in-block route contained in the block regions, a block selection unit for selecting blocks according to the start point and the end point of the entire region, a movement route generator for generating a movement route from the start point to the end point via the in-block route contained in each of the block regions selected by the block selection unit, and a movement cost calculation unit for calculating the route movement cost which is a movement cost when movement is performed using the movement route according to the in-route cost corresponding to the in-block route contained in the movement route.

Description

, .Program, and route search method

Technical field

The present invention relates to a route search device, a route search system, a program, and a route search method. In particular, the present invention specifies a movement route to be used for movement from a start point to an end point.

The present invention relates to a route search device for searching.

Field background technology

Conventionally, a method for performing a route search using a plurality of nodes is known. In this method, a route search is performed based on the distance between each node and the like.

However, when there are many nodes between the start point and the end point, the amount of computation required for the route search increases, and the route search may take time. For this reason, it has been difficult in the past to efficiently search for a route.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a route search device, a route search system, a program, and a route search method that can solve the above-described problems. This object is achieved by a combination of the features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

Disclosure of the invention

In order to achieve such an object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a route search device for searching for a movement route to be used for a movement from a start point to an end point, wherein an entire area including the start point and the end point is determined. A block management unit that manages an internal path cost, which is a moving cost required to pass through the block area using a path in the block included in the block area, corresponding to each of the plurality of divided block areas; Select multiple block areas based on the start and end points of the area A block selecting unit that generates a moving path from a start point to an end point via a path within a block included in each of a plurality of block areas selected by the block selecting unit; A moving cost calculating unit that calculates a path moving cost, which is a moving cost when moving using the moving path, based on the internal path cost corresponding to the included block internal path.

Further, at least some of the block areas have at least three entrances connecting the inside and the outside of the block area, and the block management unit corresponds to each of at least some of the block areas. Two of the at least three entrances may be used as one end and the other end, and at least two different routes in the block may be managed.

Also, each block area has a plurality of entrances and exits that connect the block area and a block area adjacent to the block area in the entire area, and the block management unit includes two entrances out of the plurality of entrances. Is managed as a route in the block, the moving cost between the two entrances and exits is managed as the cost of the inner diameter route corresponding to the route in the block, and the block selecting unit determines the number of blocks in the block area. At least as a part, two block areas adjacent to each other are selected, and the movement path generation unit compares the two block areas with the intra-block path in each block area and the two block areas. At least a part of the movement route may be generated by connecting via an entrance connecting the devices. In addition, the travel route generation unit generates a plurality of travel routes, the travel cost calculation unit calculates each route travel cost for the plurality of travel routes, and the route search device calculates the route travel cost for each travel route. And a route selection unit that selects one of the plurality of travel routes based on the plurality of travel routes.

In addition, the block management unit assigns the separation movement cost, which is the movement cost between the two separation blocks, to the two separation blocks, which are the block regions separated from each other across the plurality of block regions. Further, the block selection unit may control the start point program, which is a block area including the start point, as at least a part of the plurality of block areas. And the end point block, which is a block area including the end point, and the movement path generation unit generates a start point path from the start point to one separation block based on the intra-block path included in the start point block. Based on the route in the block included in the end point block, an end point route from another distant block to the end point is generated, thereby generating a movement route passing through the start point route and the end point route. Based on the inner route cost corresponding to the route in the block included in each of the start route and the end route, the start cost and the end cost of the start route and the end route are calculated. The route moving cost may be calculated based on the moving cost, the end point moving cost, and the distance moving cost.

Further, the block selection unit further selects: a start point near block which is a block area near the start point block, and an end point near block which is a block area near the end point block. By passing through the route within the block included in each of the blocks near the start point, the route from the start point to the separated block from the start point and the route within the block included in each of the block near the end point and the block near the end point By doing so, an end point route from another separated block to the end point may be generated.

In addition, the block management unit includes a plurality of whole division blocks that are a plurality of block areas obtained by dividing the entire area, and a plurality of block areas corresponding to the plurality of areas obtained by further dividing each of the plurality of whole division blocks. The block selection unit manages the partial block blocks and the internal path cost corresponding to each block block, and the block selection unit determines, as at least a part of the plurality of block areas, the start block and the end block that are the partial block including the start point. The end point block, which is a partial block that includes, and one or more intermediate blocks, each of which is a whole divided block that does not include either the start point or the end point, are selected, and the movement route generation unit is included in the start point block A starting point route based on the intra-block route, an intermediate route based on the intra-block route included in each of the one or more intermediate blocks, By generating an end point route based on the route in the block included in the end point block, the start point route, the intermediate route, and the end point route are generated. A moving route via a road may be generated.

The block selection unit further selects a start neighborhood block which is a partial division block near the start block and an end neighborhood block which is a partial division block near the end block, and a movement route generation unit. Is the start path from the start point to any intermediate block via the block 內 path included in each of the start point block and the start point block, and the blocks included in the end point vicinity block and the end point block, respectively. By passing through the internal route, an end route from any intermediate block to the end point is generated.

In addition, the apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives designation of a waypoint to be routed in the middle of the movement route, wherein the block selecting unit determines a waypoint block which is a subdivided block including the waypoint as a part of the plurality of block areas. Alternatively, the movement route generation unit may generate the movement route further based on the route in the block included in the route point block. Further, the block selecting unit further selects a transit point neighboring block which is a partial divided block near the transit point block, and the movement route generating unit transmits the intra-block route included in each of the transit point block and the transit point neighboring block. By passing through, a transit route from one of the intermediate blocks to any of the intermediate blocks via the transit point may be generated, and a travel route via the transit route may be generated.

In addition, the block management unit further manages the block facility information indicating the facilities located along the route in the block, and the route search device uses the block facility information based on the block facility information corresponding to the route in the block through which the moving route passes. It further includes a facility information generation unit that generates route facility information indicating facilities located along the travel route, and an information output unit that outputs information indicating the travel route in association with the route facility information corresponding to the travel route. May be.

In addition, the block management unit further manages intra-block error information indicating an error range of a required time when moving using the intra-block route, and the route search device corresponds to the intra-block route through which the moving route passes. Based on the error information in the block, path error information indicating the error range of the required time when moving using the travel path is calculated. The information processing unit may further include an error information calculation unit that performs the operation, and an information output unit that outputs information indicating the movement route in association with the route error information corresponding to the movement route.

In addition, the block management unit receives update cost information for updating the internal route cost from a server provided outside the route search device, and updates at least a part of the internal route cost based on the update cost information. May be.

The block selection unit includes a template storage unit that stores a template figure having a predetermined shape, a figure size change unit that enlarges or reduces the template figure to a size including a start point and an end point, and an enlargement or reduction. And a selection execution unit for arranging the arranged template figures on the entire area with reference to the positions of the start point and the end point, and selecting a plurality of block areas including the arranged template figures. The block management unit may further include a state acquisition unit that acquires at least a part of the state of the entire area, wherein the block management unit associates at least some of the intra-block paths with availability information indicating whether the intra-block paths can be used. Based on the status acquired by the status acquisition unit, and changes the availability information for the intra-block route.The traveling route generation unit determines whether the intra-block route is available based on the availability information. By making a determination, a movement route can be generated based on the available route in the block. '

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a route search system for searching for a movement route to be used for movement from a start point to an end point, wherein at least one of a plurality of block areas obtained by dividing an entire area including the start point and the end point is provided. A server for storing update cost information for updating an internal route cost, which is a moving cost required to pass through the block area using a block internal path included in the block area, corresponding to the block; The terminal manages the internal path cost required when passing through the block area using the intra-block path included in the block area corresponding to each of the plurality of block areas. , And a block that updates the route cost corresponding to at least a part of the block area based on the update cost information received from the server. A processing section, a position of a start point and an end point in the entire region Based on the block selection unit that selects a plurality of block areas, and a movement path that generates a movement path from a start point to an end point via a path in a block included in each of the plurality of block areas selected by the block selection unit. A moving cost calculating unit configured to calculate a route moving cost, which is a moving cost when moving using the moving route, based on an inner route cost corresponding to an inner route of the block included in the moving route.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for searching for a movement route to be used for movement from a start point to an end point, wherein the program includes a plurality of block areas obtained by dividing an entire area including the start point and the end point. Correspondingly, a block management unit that manages an internal path cost, which is a moving cost required to pass through the block area using a path in the block included in the block area, and a position of a start point and an end point in the entire area. Based on the block selection unit that selects multiple block areas and the movement path from the start point to the end point via the intra-block path included in each of the multiple block areas selected by the block selection unit. Based on the generated moving route generation unit and the inner route cost corresponding to the route inside the block included in the moving route, the moving cost when moving using the moving route is calculated. A travel cost calculating unit for calculating a certain route travel cost.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a route search method for searching for a movement route to be used for movement from a start point to an end point, wherein each of the plurality of block areas obtained by dividing an entire area including the start point and the end point is provided. Correspondingly, a block management stage for managing an internal route cost, which is a moving cost required to pass through the block area by using an intra-block path included in the block area, and a starting point and a start point in the entire area. From the start point to the end point via the block selection step of selecting a plurality of block areas based on the position of the end point and the intra-block paths included in each of the plurality of block areas selected by the block selection unit A moving route generation step for generating a moving route, and a moving process using a moving route based on an inner route cost corresponding to an intra-block route included in the moving route. And a movement cost calculation step of calculating a path movement cost is the cost. Note that the above summary of the present invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and a sub-combination of these features may also be an invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a route search system 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of block areas managed by the block management unit 104.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the primary block 304a.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the route search device 100.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the route search device 100.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the block selection unit 112. 'FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the route search device 100. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the scope of the patent request, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are described. Is not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration of a route search system 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The route search system 50 of the present example searches at high speed for a moving route between the start point and the end point. The route search system 50 includes a route search device 100 and a server 150.

The server 150 is provided outside the route search device 100, and provides information for the route search device 100 to use for the route search to the route search device 100. The route search device 100 is an example of a terminal that communicates with the server 150. The route search device 100 is, for example, a car navigation device, and searches for a movement route to be used for movement from a start point to an end point in a preset entire area. The route search device 100 includes a block information storage unit 106, a facility information storage unit 108, Error information storage unit 110, block management unit 104, block selection unit 112, travel route generation unit 114, travel cost calculation unit 116, facility information generation unit 120, error information calculation It has a unit 122, a route selection unit 118, and an information input / output unit 102.

The block information storage unit 106 stores information corresponding to each of a plurality of block areas obtained by dividing the entire area. In this example, the block information storage unit 106 stores one or a plurality of intra-block paths, which are paths included in the block area, for each block area, and uses the respective intra-block paths to execute the block. In this case, block information that associates the internal route cost, which is the moving cost required to pass through the block area, is stored.

The block information storage unit 106 stores, as the inner diameter road cost, for example, the time or fee required for passing through the corresponding block route, the turning angle or the number of signals in the block route, the weather in the block route, The moving cost such as the road width or other characteristics of the route in the block is stored as the inner-diameter road cost. The facility information storage unit 108 stores block facility information indicating facilities located along the block route in association with each block route. The facility information storage unit 108 stores, for example, information indicating the convenience store, the parking area, or the presence or absence of a store preset by the user, as the block facility information.

The error information storage unit 110 stores in-block error information indicating an error range of a required time when moving using the block route, in association with each block route. The error information storage unit 110 stores, for example, information associating the error value of the required time with the probability of occurrence of the error as the error information in the block.

The block management unit 104 manages the information stored in the block information storage unit 106, the facility information storage unit 108, and the error information storage unit 110, so that each of the intra-block paths is managed. It manages internal route cost, block facility information, and block error information in response to. Here, in this example, the server 150 stores update cost information for updating the internal route cost. The block management unit 104 receives the updated cost information from the server 150 via the information input / output unit 102, and, based on the information, updates the inner diameter path stored in the block information storage unit 106. Update costs. Further, the block management unit 104 may further update the block facility information or the error information in the block based on the information received from the server 150.

The block selection unit 112 receives information specifying the start point and the end point included in the entire area from the user via the information input / output unit 102 and the block management unit 104, and determines the start point and the end point in the entire area. Select multiple block areas based on location. The block selecting unit 112 selects, for example, an area block within a predetermined distance from a straight line connecting the start point and the end point, among all the block areas.

The movement route generation unit 114 receives the block information from the block management unit 104, and generates a plurality of movement routes from the start point to the end point based on the block information. In the present example, the movement path generation unit 114 generates a movement path that passes through the intra-block path included in each of the plurality of block areas selected by the block selection unit 112. The movement cost calculation unit 116 receives block information received from the block management unit 104 via the movement route generation unit 114. Then, the moving cost calculation unit 1 16 calculates, for each of the plurality of moving routes, the moving cost when moving using the moving route based on the inner route cost corresponding to the intra-block route included in the moving route Is calculated.

The facility information generation unit 120 receives the block facility information from the block management unit 104 and, based on the block facility information corresponding to the route inside the block through which the movement route passes, locates along the movement route. The route facility information indicating the facility to perform is generated.

The error information calculation unit 122 receives the error information in the block from the block management unit 104, and moves based on the error information in the block corresponding to the route in the block through which the movement route passes, using the movement route. The path error information indicating the error range of the required time is calculated. For example, the error information calculation unit 122 The route error information is calculated based on the error value indicated as the information and the probability corresponding to the value.

The route selection unit 118 selects one travel route from the plurality of travel routes based on the route travel costs calculated for each of the plurality of travel routes. The route selecting unit 118 may select a moving route based on route facility information or route error information.The route selecting unit 118 may select a plurality of moving routes based on the respective route moving costs. They may be selected in order.

The information input / output unit 102 receives designation of the start point and the end point from the user, and outputs information indicating the movement route selected by the route selection unit 118 to the user. Here, the information input / output unit 102 outputs information indicating the moving route to the user by displaying the information on a display, for example. The information input / output unit 102 may supply the information to, for example, another information processing device instead of outputting the information to the user.

still. In this example, the information input / output unit 102 outputs information indicating the moving route in association with the route facility information and the route error information corresponding to the moving route. The information input / output unit 102 receives the updated cost information from the server 150 and supplies the updated cost information to the block management unit 104. According to this example, it is possible to appropriately search for a travel route.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a plurality of block areas managed by the block management unit 104. In this example, the block management unit 104 manages the internal route cost corresponding to each of the plurality of primary blocks 304, the plurality of secondary blocks 306, and the plurality of tertiary blocks 308. I do.

The primary block 304 is an example of the whole division block, and is a block area obtained by dividing the whole area 302. Each of the secondary block 306 and the tertiary block 308 is an example of a partial block, and is a block area corresponding to an area obtained by further dividing each of the plurality of primary blocks 304. .

The block management unit 104 manages a plurality of secondary blocks 306 corresponding to the area of one primary block 304 and corresponds to the area of one secondary block 306. And And manage a plurality of tertiary blocks 308. Also, the secondary block 306 includes a path within the block that is set in more detail than the corresponding area in the primary block 304, and the tertiary block 308 includes the corresponding area in the secondary block 306. Includes more detailed intra-block routes. In this case, the route can be searched at high speed by selecting and using the primary block 304, the secondary block 306, or the tertiary block 308 according to the distance of the route to be searched. . Further, according to the present example, a route search can be performed with high accuracy by selecting the tertiary block 308 for a region that requires high accuracy. In this example, the primary block 304, the secondary block 303, and the tertiary block 308 are square areas each having a side of about 80 km, 10 km, and 1 km. It is. In other examples, the primary block 304, the secondary block 306, and the tertiary block 308 may be other two-dimensional shapes, for example, rectangular or triangular. .

FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the primary block 304a. The primary block 304a has five entrances 402a-e connecting the inside and the outside of the primary block 304a, respectively. In this example, the primary block 304 a is adjacent to a plurality of primary blocks 304 b to i in the entire area, and the five entrances and exits 402 a to e correspond to the primary block 3. 0 a and a plurality of primary blocks 304 b i are connected. Also, the primary block 304 a has two of the five entrances and exits 402 a to e as one end and the other end, and has a plurality of in-block paths 404 a to h different from each other. In this case, the block management unit 104 (see FIG. 1) manages a plurality of intra-block routes 404a to h corresponding to the primary block 304a. That is, the block management unit 104 manages a combination of two entrances and exits 402 among a plurality of entrances and exits 402 to a as the intra-block route 404, and The movement cost between 0 2 is managed as the inner diameter path cost corresponding to the in-block path 4 04.

Here, each of the plurality of primary blocks 3 0 4 b to i is a primary block 3 0 It may have the same or similar configuration as 4a. The secondary block 306 (see FIG. 2) and the tertiary block 308 (see FIG. 2), which are the area blocks included in the primary block 304, are different from the primary block except that the size of the area is different. It may have the same or similar configuration as the block 304a.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the route search device 100. The route search device 100 first checks whether or not the route cost needs to be updated by, for example, communicating with the server 150 (S102). Upon receiving the update cost information from 0, the block management unit 10'4 updates the internal path cost (S104). As a result, the block management unit 104 manages the internal road cost.

Then, the information input / output unit 102 acquires information indicating a start point and an end point of the route to be searched from the user, for example (S106), and the block selection unit 112 determines the start point and the end point. Based on the indicated information, a plurality of block areas are selected (S108). Then, the movement route generation unit 114 generates a plurality of movement routes based on the selected block areas (S 110), and the movement cost calculation unit 116 calculates each of the movement routes for each of the movement routes. The route movement cost is calculated (S112). Then, the route selecting unit 118 selects one or a plurality of moving routes based on the calculated route moving cost (S114), and the information input / output unit 102 determines whether the selected moving route is Information is output (S116).

In step S108, the block selection unit 112 selects two block areas adjacent to each other as at least a part of the plurality of block areas. Then, in S 110, the movement path generation unit 114 connects the two block areas to the intra-block paths in the respective block areas via the entrance / exit connecting the two block areas. In this way, at least a part of the travel route is generated. According to this example, a moving route can be generated at high speed.

Further, in S102, the information input / output unit 102 may acquire the state of at least a part of the entire area such as disaster information. In this case, block management unit 1 04 manages, for example, at least a part of the intra-block routes in association with usability information indicating whether or not the intra-block routes can be used.

Then, in S 104, based on the state obtained by the information input / output unit 102, the block management unit 104 changes the usability information for the route in the block. In this case, in S110, the movement route generation unit 114 determines whether or not the route in the block can be used based on the availability information, and thereby determines the movement route based on the available route in the block. Generate Thereby, the movement route generation unit 114 can generate a more appropriate route.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the route search device 100. In this example, the block selection unit 112 (see FIG. 1) selects a plurality of block areas based on the positions of the start point 516 and the end point 518. The movement route generation unit 1 14 (see FIG. 1) moves based on the intra-block route included in the selected block area via the start route 52 0, the intermediate route 52 2 and the end route 52 24. Generate In this example, for convenience of explanation, the operation when the area corresponding to the primary block is divided into four secondary blocks and the area corresponding to the secondary block is divided into four tertiary blocks Will be described.

The block selector 1 1 2 includes, as a plurality of block areas, a start block 502, a plurality of blocks near the start point 504 a to f, an end point block 500, a plurality of blocks near the end point 508 a to f , And a plurality of intermediate blocks 5110a-s. The start point block 502 is a block area including the start point, and the plurality of blocks near the start point 504 a to f are block areas near the start point block 502. The start block 502 is a tertiary block. The plurality of blocks near the starting point 504 a to c are tertiary blocks, and the plurality of blocks near the starting point 504 (! To f are secondary blocks).

The nearby block area for one tertiary block is, for example, another secondary block and / or tertiary block divided from the primary block including the tertiary block. In another example, a nearby block area is a block area. A block area whose distance from the area is smaller than a predetermined distance may be used. The end point block 506 is a block area including the end point, and the plurality of end point neighboring blocks 508 a to f are block areas near the end point block 506. The end point block 506 is a tertiary block 308. The plurality of end point neighboring blocks 508 a to c are tertiary blocks, and the plurality of end point neighboring blocks 508 d to f are secondary blocks.

Each of the plurality of intermediate blocks 5110 a to s is a block area not including any of the start point 5 16 and the end point 5 18 ′. In this example, the plurality of intermediate blocks 5110 a to s are primary blocks.

Based on the start point block 502 and the routes in the blocks included in the plurality of start point blocks 504 a to f, the movement path generation unit 114 may include any one of the intermediate blocks 51 from the start point 516. Generates a start point route 5 0 to 0, an end point block 5 0 6, and an end point from any of the intermediate blocks 5 10 based on the routes in the blocks included in the blocks near the end point 5 08 a to f. An end point route 5 2 4 to 5 18 is generated. In this case, the movement route generation unit 114 generates the route using the secondary block and the Z block or the tertiary block in which the route in the block is set in detail, so that the start route 5200 and the end route are generated. 5 2 4 can be generated with high accuracy.

In this example, the movement route generation unit 114 passes through the route in the block included in each of the start block 502 and the blocks near the start point 504 d to e, so that the intermediate block A starting point route 5 20 to 5 10 n is generated. In addition, the movement route generation unit 114 passes the intermediate block 5110f from the intermediate block 5108 by passing through the route in the block included in each of the end point blocks 508 d to e and the end point block 506. An end point route 5 2 4 to the end point 5 18 is generated.

In addition, the movement route generation unit 114 connects the start point route 52 and the end point route 52 based on the in-block routes included in each of the plurality of intermediate blocks 5110a to s. Further, an intermediate path 5 2 2 is generated. In this case, the intermediate path 5 2 2 is generated at high speed by generating the path using the primary block corresponding to the large area. can do.

Then, the movement route generation unit 114 should be used for the movement from the start point 516 to the end point 518 by connecting the start route 520, the intermediate route 522, and the end route 524. Generate a travel route. Note that the movement route generation unit 114 generates a plurality of movement routes by generating a plurality of the start route 520, the end route 524, and the Z or the intermediate route 522, respectively. Good.

The movement cost calculation unit 1 16 (see FIG. 1) calculates the inner route cost corresponding to the route in the block included in each of the start route 52 0, the intermediate route 52 2, and the end route 52 4, Calculate the starting cost, the intermediate moving cost, and the ending moving cost, which are the moving costs of the starting route 522, the intermediate route 522, and the ending route 524, respectively. Is calculated on the basis of. According to this example, a moving route can be searched at high speed and with high accuracy. As a result, a route search can be performed efficiently.

Here, the block management unit 104 further adds a separation moving cost, which is a moving cost between the two block regions, to the two block regions separated from each other across the plurality of block regions. May be managed. The block management unit 104 manages, for example, the distance movement cost between the intermediate blocks 5110 n and 510 f. In this case, for example, the movement cost calculating unit 116 calculates the start point movement cost corresponding to the start point route 520, the end point movement cost corresponding to the end point route 524, and the intermediate block 510 η. The route movement cost is calculated based on the separation movement cost corresponding to the movement to 5 10 f. In this case, by calculating the route moving cost at high speed, the moving route can be searched at higher speed.

Further, the information input / output unit 102 (see FIG. 1) may further receive, for example, from the user, the designation of the route point 5 26 to be routed in the middle of the movement route. In this case, the block selection, section 1 1 1 2, as a part of a plurality of block areas, includes a transaction point block 5 1 2 which is a block area including the waypoints 5 2 6, Select multiple blocks near the waypoints 5 1 4 a to f You. Further, the block selecting unit 112 further selects a plurality of intermediate blocks 5110t to y based on the positions of the waypoints 526. In this example, the waypoint block 5 1 2 and a plurality of waypoint blocks 5 14 a to c are tertiary blocks, and a plurality of waypoint blocks 5 14 d to f are secondary blocks. It is.

The moving route generation unit 114 further includes a route block 51, and a route within a block included in a plurality of route neighboring blocks 51 to 44. A route 530 is generated via the waypoint 526 to any one of the intermediate blocks 510. In this example, the movement route generation unit 114 transmits the route point block 512 and a plurality of route point neighboring blocks 5114 b to (! A route 530 from the intermediate block 5110 V to the intermediate block 51 Ow is generated.

In addition, based on the positions of the start point 5 16, the waypoint 5 26, and the intermediate route 5 28, the movement route generation unit 114 may respectively determine the start route 520 and the end route 524 via the route. A plurality of intermediate paths 5 2 8-:! ~ 2, which respectively connect the paths 5 330, are generated. As a result, the movement route generation unit 114 can determine the start route 520, the end route 524, and the plurality of intermediate routes 528— :! 22, and via route 540 A moving route via the route is generated. Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to search for an appropriate route according to the designation of a waypoint.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the block selection unit 112. The block selection unit 112 includes a template storage unit 602, a graphic size change unit 604, and a selection execution unit 606.

The template storage section 602 stores a template figure having a predetermined shape. The template storage unit 602 stores, for example, a rectangular template figure.

The figure size changing unit 604 enlarges or reduces the template figure to a size including the designated start point and end point. The figure size changing unit 604 may enlarge or reduce the template figure based on the distance connecting the start point and the end point. The selection executing unit 606 arranges the enlarged or reduced template graphic on the entire area with reference to the positions of the start point and the end point, and selects a plurality of block areas including the arranged template graphic. For example, the selection execution unit 606 may select, as each of the plurality of block areas, a block area that at least partially overlaps the arranged template graphic. According to this example, a plurality of block areas can be appropriately selected.

In another example, the template storage section 602 may store, for example, a substantially elliptical template figure. The selection executing section 606 may arrange the template graphic with the major axis of the substantially elliptical shape and the direction connecting the start point and the end point substantially parallel to each other. In this case, a more appropriate moving route can be searched for by selecting more block areas near the middle between the start point and the end point.

Further, for example, when the shape of the entire area is long in a predetermined direction, the selection executing section 606 may arrange the template graphic such that the long axis of the substantially elliptical shape is substantially parallel to the predetermined direction. In this case, the route search can be performed more efficiently.

FIG. 7 shows a hardware configuration of the route search device 100 (see FIG. 1) according to the present embodiment. The distribution device 100 according to the present embodiment is realized by an information processing device 700 including a CPU 800, a ROM 810, a RAM 820, a communication interface 830, a hard disk drive 840, a flexible disk drive 850, and a CD-ROM drive 860. .

The CPU 800 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 810 and the RAM 820, and controls each unit. The ROM 810 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 800 when the information processing device 700 is started, a program that depends on the hardware of the information processing device 700, and the like. The RAM 820 stores programs executed by the CPU 800, data used by the CPU 800, and the like. The communication interface 830 communicates with another device via a network. The hard disk drive 840 stores programs and data used by the information processing device 700, and supplies the programs and data to the CPU 800 via the RAM 820. Also, the hard disk drive 840 It may operate as each of the block information storage unit 106, the facility information storage unit 108, and the error information storage unit 110 described with reference to FIG. The flexible disk drive 850 reads a program or data from the flexible disk 890 and provides it to the RAM 820. The CD-ROM drive 860 reads a program or data from the CD-ROM 895 and provides it to the RAM 820.

The program provided to the CPU 800 via the RAM 820 is stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk 890, a CD-ROM 895, or an IC card and provided by a user. The program is read from the recording medium, installed in the information processing device 700 via the RAM 820, and executed in the information processing device 700.

The programs installed and executed in the information processing device 700 include a block management module, a block selection module, a movement route generation module, a movement cost calculation module, and a route selection module. The module of the program X includes the information processing device 700, the block management unit 104, the block selection unit 112, the movement route generation unit 114, the movement cost calculation unit 116 described with reference to FIG. Each of them is made to function as the route selector 118. .

The programs or modules described above may be stored in an external storage medium. As the storage medium, in addition to the flexible disk 890 and the CD-ROM 895, an optical recording medium such as DVD or PD, a magneto-optical recording medium such as MD, a tape medium, or a semiconductor memory such as an IC card can be used. Further, a storage device such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a recording medium, and the program may be provided to the information processing device 700 via the network.

As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiment, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention. Industrial applicability

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a route search can be performed efficiently.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A route search device that searches for a movement route to be used for movement from a start point to an end point,

Movement required to pass through the block area using the intra-block path included in the block area corresponding to each of the plurality of block areas obtained by dividing the entire area including the start point and the end point. A block management unit that manages internal route costs,

A block selection unit that selects a plurality of the block areas based on the positions of the start point and the end point in the entire area;

A movement path generation unit that generates the movement path from the start point to the end point via the in-block path included in each of the plurality of block areas selected by the block selection unit;

A travel cost calculation unit that calculates a route travel cost, which is a travel cost when moving using the travel route, based on the internal route cost corresponding to the intra-block route included in the travel route;

A route search device comprising:

2. At least a part of the block area has at least three entrances and exits connecting the inside and the outside of the block area,

The block management unit may correspond to at least a part of the block areas, respectively, with two of the at least three entrances as one end and the other end, respectively, and at least two different blocks in the block. 2. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the route is managed.

3. Each of the block areas has a plurality of ports for connecting the block area and the block area adjacent to the block area in the entire area,

The block management unit may include a set of two of the plurality of entrances. Managing the matching as the intra-block route, managing the moving cost between the two entrances as the inner-diameter route cost corresponding to the intra-block route, and the block selecting unit, Selecting at least as part of the two adjacent block regions,

The movement path generation unit connects the two block areas to the two block areas by connecting the intra-block paths in the respective block areas via the entrance and exit connecting the two block areas. 2. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the travel route is generated. -'

4. The moving route generator generates a plurality of the moving routes,

The travel cost calculation unit calculates, for the plurality of travel routes, each of the route travel costs,

The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the route search device further includes a route selection unit that selects one of the plurality of travel routes based on the respective route travel costs. .

5The block management unit is configured to provide, for the two separated blocks which are the block areas separated from each other with the plurality of block areas interposed therebetween, a separation which is a moving cost between the two separated blocks. More control over travel costs,

The block selecting unit, as at least a part of the plurality of block areas, a starting point block that is the block area including the starting point;

An end point block which is the block area including the end point;

And select

The movement route generation unit generates a start route from the start point to one of the separated blocks based on the route inside the block included in the start block, based on the route within the block included in the end block, By generating an end point route from the other separation block to the end point, generating the movement route via the start point route and the end point route,

The travel cost calculation unit is included in each of the start route and the end route. Based on the inner route cost corresponding to the intra-block route, the starting route moving cost and the end point moving cost, which are the moving costs of the start route and the end route, respectively, are calculated. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the route movement cost is calculated based on an end point movement cost and the separation movement cost.

6. The block selection unit is

A start point near block that is the block area near the start point block, and an end point near block that is the block area near the end point block;

The movement route generation unit may be configured to control the start point route from the start point to the one separated block by passing through the inside-block path included in each of the start point block and the start point vicinity block; The block according to claim 5, wherein the route and the end point route from the other separated block to the end point are generated by passing through the block and the route in the block included in each of the end point blocks. Route search device.

7. The block management unit includes:

A plurality of whole division blocks which are the plurality of block areas obtained by dividing the whole area;

A plurality of partial divided blocks which are a plurality of block regions corresponding to a plurality of regions obtained by further dividing each of the plurality of divided blocks.

Manages the internal route cost corresponding to each of the

The block selecting section, as at least a part of the plurality of block areas, a starting point block which is the partial division block including the starting point;

An end point block that is the partial split block including the end point;

One or more intermediate blocks, each of which is the whole division block not including any of the start point and the end point;

And select The movement route generation unit includes: a starting point route based on the inside-block route included in the starting point block; an intermediate route based on the inside-block route included in each of the one or more intermediate blocks; and the end point. Generating the end route based on the route in the block included in the block, thereby generating the movement route passing through the start route, the intermediate route, and the end route. Item 2. The route search device according to item 1.

8. The block selection unit is:

A starting point near block that is the partial split block near the start point block, and an end point near block that is the partial split block near the end point block;

The movement route generation unit may be configured to control the start point from the start point to any of the intermediate blocks by passing through the inside path of the block included in each of the start point block and the block near the start point. Generating the route and the end point route from any of the intermediate blocks to the end point by passing through the block near the end point and the route in the block included in each of the end point blocks. 8. The route search device according to claim 7, wherein: -9. Further provided is a reception unit that receives designation of a waypoint to be passed on the way of the travel route,

The block selecting unit further selects, as a part of the plurality of block areas, a waypoint block which is the partial division block including the waypoint,

8. The process according to claim 7, wherein the moving route generating unit generates the moving route further based on the intra-block route included in the waypoint block.

10. The block selection unit further selects a block near the via point, which is the partial divided block near the via point block,

The movement route generation unit may be configured to perform any one of the preceding routes by passing the route in the block included in each of the route point block and the route vicinity block. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: generating a transit route from the intermediate block to any of the intermediate blocks via the transit point, and generating the movement route transiting the transit route. Route search device.

1 1. The block management unit further manages block facility information indicating facilities located along the route in the block,

The route search device,

A facility information generating unit that generates route facility information indicating a facility located along the travel route, based on the block facility information corresponding to the intra-block route through which the travel route passes;

An information output unit that outputs information indicating the travel route in association with the route facility information corresponding to the travel route;

The route search device according to claim 1, further comprising:

12. The block management unit further manages error information in a block indicating an error range of a required time when moving using the route in the block,

The route search device,

An error information calculation unit configured to calculate path error information indicating an error range of required time when moving using the moving path, based on the intra-block error information corresponding to the intra-block path through which the moving path passes; and ,

An information output unit that outputs information indicating the travel route in association with the route error information corresponding to the travel route;

The route search device according to claim 1, further comprising:

13. The block management unit receives update cost information for updating the inner diameter road cost from a server provided outside the route search device, and based on the update cost information, The route search device according to claim 1, wherein the inner route cost is updated.

1 4. The block selection section

A template storage unit for storing a template figure having a predetermined shape, A graphic size changing unit for enlarging or reducing the template graphic to a size including the start point and the end point; and- the entirety of the enlarged or reduced template graphic based on the positions of the start point and the end point. 2. The route search device according to claim 1, further comprising: a selection execution unit that is arranged on an area and selects a plurality of block areas including the arranged template graphic.

15. A state acquisition unit for acquiring at least a part of the state of the entire area is further provided.

The block management unit manages at least a part of the intra-block routes in association with usability information indicating whether or not the block path can be used, and manages the state acquired by the state acquisition unit. Based on the information on the availability of the route in the block,

The moving route generating unit generates the moving route based on the available route in the block by determining whether the route in the block can be used based on the availability information. Item 2. The route search device according to item 1.

16. A route search system that searches for a movement route to be used for movement from the start point to the end point,

The moving cost required to pass through the block area using the intra-block path included in the block area corresponding to at least a part of a plurality of block areas obtained by dividing the entire area including the start point and the end point. A server that stores update cost information for updating the internal route cost,

A terminal for communicating with the server;

With

刖 not yet

For each of the plurality of block areas, the internal path cost required to pass through the block area using the block internal path included in the block area is managed, and received from the server. The updated cost information A block management unit for updating the inner diameter path cost corresponding to at least a part of the block area,

A route search system comprising:

1 7. This is a program that searches for a movement route to be used for moving from the start point to the end point.

A block selecting unit that selects a plurality of the block areas based on the positions of the start point and the end point in the entire area;

A program characterized by comprising:

1 8. A route search method that searches for a movement route to be used for movement from the start point to the end point So,

Movement required to pass through the block area using the intra-block path included in the block area corresponding to each of the plurality of block areas obtained by dividing the entire area including the start point and the end point. A block management stage for managing internal route costs,

A block selecting step of selecting a plurality of the block areas based on the positions of the start point and the end point in the entire area;

A movement path generation step of generating the movement path from the start point to the end point via the in-block path included in each of the plurality of block areas selected by the block selection unit;

A travel cost calculation step of calculating a route travel cost, which is a travel cost when moving using the travel route, based on the internal route cost corresponding to the intra-block route included in the travel route;

A route search method comprising: