WO2008041283A1

WO2008041283A1 - Route guidance device, information recording method, route guidance method, information recording program, route guidance program, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2008041283A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/319505
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroaki Shibasaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-09-29
Filing date: 2006-09-29
Publication date: 2008-04-10
Also published as: JP4578553B2; JPWO2008041283A1

Abstract

A determination section (103) determines, based on information on the position of a mobile body acquired by an acquisition section (102), whether a mobile body has passed the vicinity of a ground feature included in map information. When it is determined that the mobile body has passed the vicinity of the ground feature, a recognition degree update section (105) updates the degree of recognition, which degree functions as the standard for determining whether the ground feature is recognized by the user. A linking section (106) links the updated degree of recognition and the ground feature to each other and records this linked information in a recording section (101). Further, based on the recorded information, a ground feature, functioning as a marker, is specified among ground features present in the periphery of a guidance point, and guidance is made with reference to the specified ground feature.

Description

Specification

Route guidance device, information recording method, route guidance method, information recording program, route guidance program, and recording medium

Technical field

The present invention relates to a route guidance device, an information recording method, a route guidance method, an information recording program, a route guidance program, and a recording medium, which are routed using landmarks known by a user. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described route guidance device, information recording method, route guidance method, information recording program, route guidance program, and recording medium.

Background art

Conventionally, in a navigation apparatus mounted on a vehicle or the like, a route to a destination point is searched and route guidance is performed along the searched route. Route guidance is mainly performed by outputting guidance voices, but at major points on the route such as intersections, guidance is provided based on landmarks (features) around the point so that the user can easily recognize the same point. Generate audio.

[0003] According to this navigation device, the facility located at the specific floor number required by the driver based on the floor information of the facility included in the facility database in the map information read into the map buffer By selectively displaying only the landmarks on the map, only the landmarks of facilities located on the number of floors that are easy to see from the driver's viewpoint are displayed. If you can't find it, you can prevent confusion (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). O

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-180957

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, when landmarks are used for voice guidance (voice guidance) that the driver does not know, the driver's view is not displayed when voice guidance is output. Where is the power? The driver cannot find the landmark immediately, so I'm looking for landmarks. For this reason, the problem that the driver is unable to concentrate on driving and hinders driving is an example.

Means for solving the problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a route guidance device according to the invention of claim 1 is a route guidance device for guiding a mobile object using map information. An acquisition means for acquiring, a determination means for determining whether or not the mobile body has passed near a feature included in the map information, based on the position information of the mobile body acquired by the acquisition means; A linking unit for linking the feature and information relating to the passing of the moving object in the vicinity of the feature when the determination unit determines that the feature has passed in the vicinity of the feature; And recording means for recording the information associated with each other.

[0007] Further, the route guidance device according to the invention of claim 4 is an acquisition means for obtaining position information of a moving body in a route guidance device that performs route guidance using map information for guide points on a route. The position information of the moving body acquired by the acquisition unit is determined to determine whether the force is within a predetermined distance from the guidance point, and the determination unit determines that the position information is within the predetermined distance from the guidance point. A search means for searching for information relating to the passage of the moving object associated with the feature extracted by the extraction means; And a specifying means for specifying a feature serving as a guide for route guidance based on information relating to the passage of the moving object searched by the searching means; and Characterized in that it and a guidance means for performing guidance relative to the identified feature I.

[0008] Further, the information recording method according to the invention of claim 7 is an information recording method for recording information related to guidance of a moving object using map information, and acquires position information of the moving object. An acquisition step; a determination step of determining whether or not the moving object has passed near a feature included in the map information based on the position information of the moving object acquired by the acquiring step; and the determination When it is determined that the vicinity of the feature has been passed by the process, the tying step for linking the feature and the information about the moving body passing through the vicinity of the feature, and the tying step And recording the attached information. It is a sign.

[0009] Further, the route guidance method according to the invention of claim 8 is a route guidance method that performs route guidance using map information for guide points on the route! An acquisition step for determining whether the position information of the moving body acquired in the acquisition step is within a predetermined distance from the guide point, and the determination step determines from the guide point. An extraction step of extracting the feature existing around the guidance point when it is determined that the distance is within a predetermined distance, and the moving object linked to the feature extracted by the extraction step A search step for searching for information, a specifying step for specifying a feature that serves as a guide for route guidance based on information relating to the passage of the mobile body searched by the searching step, and the specifying step Accordingly, characterized in that it comprises an an induction step of performing guidance relative to the identified feature.

[0010] An information recording program according to claim 9 causes a computer to execute the information recording method according to claim 7.

[0011] A route guidance program according to the invention of claim 10 causes a computer to execute the route guidance method according to claim 8.

[0012] A recording medium according to the invention of claim 11 is characterized in that the program according to claim 9 or 10 is recorded in a computer-readable state.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a route guidance device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the functional configuration of the route guidance device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an information recording processing procedure of the route guidance device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a route guidance processing procedure of the route guidance device.

[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a navigation apparatus that is effective in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of information recording processing of the navigation device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of route guidance processing of the navigation device.

[Fig. 8-1] Fig. 8-1 is a graph showing an example of landmark rank.

[FIG. 8-2] FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a landmark database.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of guidance guidance at a guidance point. Explanation of symbols

[0014] 100, 200 route guidance device

101 Recording section

102 Acquisition Department

103 Judgment part

104 Setting section

105 Awareness Update Department

106 Pegging part

201 Recording section

202 Acquisition Department

203 Judgment Department

204 Extractor

205 Search part

206 Specific part

207 Guide section

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of a route guidance device, an information recording method, a route guidance method, an information recording program, a route guidance program, and a recording medium according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. To do.

[0016] (Embodiment)

(Functional configuration of the route guidance device 100)

First, a functional configuration of the route guidance device 100 that is useful in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional configuration of the route guidance device according to the embodiment. It is a block diagram.

In FIG. 1, a route guidance device 100 that guides a moving object using map information includes a recording unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, a determination unit 103, a setting unit 104, a recognition degree update unit 105, A stringing portion 106. The recording unit 101 records map information. Here, the map information includes road network data as nodes and links, and image data drawn using features related to features such as facilities, roads, and other terrain (mountains, rivers, land). Yes. The map information may include text information, information such as facility names and addresses, and road and facility images.

[0018] Further, the recording unit 101 records information in which each feature is associated with information related to the fact that the mobile object has passed in the vicinity of the feature. For example, the information related to the passage of the moving object may be information related to the user's recognition of the feature. Further, the recording unit 101 may record a history of movement of the moving object in the past.

The acquisition unit 102 acquires position information of the moving object. For example, the position information of the moving object is acquired according to the output value from the acceleration sensor or the vehicle speed sensor that detects the behavior of the moving object in addition to the GPS signal that also received the GPS satellite force. Anyway! Further, the position information may be position information of the current location of the mobile body, or may be a history of movement in the past recorded in the recording unit 101. The history moved in the past can be recorded in the recording unit 101! / All history recorded! / ヽ, or only for a predetermined period! / ヽ.

[0020] In addition, the acquisition unit 102 specifically exchanges information among a plurality of devices such as a route guidance device 100 mounted on a vehicle and a route guidance device 100 mounted on a mobile phone. May be. For example, the acquisition unit 102 included in the route guidance device 100 mounted on the vehicle is recorded in the route guidance device 100 mounted on the mobile phone via a communication unit (not shown)! You may get ヽ.

[0021] Based on the position information of the moving object acquired by the acquiring unit 102, the determining unit 103 determines whether the moving object has passed near a feature included in the map information. For example, it is determined whether or not the moving object has passed through a route around the feature. Further, the determination as to whether or not the vehicle has passed in the vicinity of the feature may be, for example, a determination as to whether or not the user can visually recognize from a moving route. [0022] In addition, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the moving body has passed through the vicinity of the feature belonging to the dull whose group name is set by the setting unit 104. More specifically, a group is a plurality of features indicated by the same graphic on a map, for example, stores that are chained.

[0023] The setting unit 104 sets a group name as an index used for route guidance to groups attached to arbitrary features. Specifically, for example, the group name is a name common to the entire group excluding the branch name.

[0024] The degree-of-recognition updating unit 105, when the determination unit 103 determines that the object has passed near the feature, is the degree of recognition that is a criterion for determining whether or not the feature is recognized by the user. Update. The degree of recognition is, for example, a criterion for determining whether or not a feature displayed on a map can be recognized by a user on an actual route. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that features that are usually on the route that the user passes through are highly recognized, and features that are only on the route that the user has not passed through are low. . In addition, the degree of recognition should take into account, for example, the number of advertisements related to features that were broadcast while the user was watching TV.

[0025] The recognizing degree update unit 105 determines whether or not the group name is recognized by the user when the determination unit 103 determines that it has passed near the feature belonging to the group. Update the group name recognition. For example, if there is a feature with the same group name on the route that the user normally passes, the recognition of the group name is high even if the feature is on a route that the user has not passed. And In addition, for example, if the graphic displayed on the map is different, the group name recognition may be determined separately for each graphic even in the same group.

[0026] When the determination unit 103 determines that the vicinity of the feature has passed, the association unit 106 associates the feature with information related to the fact that the moving body has passed the vicinity of the feature. For example, the associating unit 106 associates the feature with the recognition degree updated by the recognition degree updating unit 105. Furthermore, the associating unit 106 may associate each feature belonging to the group including the feature that the moving body has not yet passed through with the group name recognition degree for the group. The information linked by the linking unit 106 may be recorded in the recording unit 101. Yes.

[0027] (Functional configuration of route guidance device 200)

Next, a functional configuration of the route guidance device 200 that is useful in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another example of the functional configuration of the route guidance device according to the embodiment. The route guidance device 200 and the route guidance device 100 that perform route guidance using map information for guide points on the route may be the same body or separate bodies. The route guidance device 200 may have a configuration in which the function is realized by the route guidance device 100. In that case, the functions of the recording unit 201, the acquisition unit 202, and the determination unit 203 included in the route guidance device 200 are realized by the recording unit 101, the acquisition unit 102, and the determination unit 103 included in the route guidance device 10.

In FIG. 2, the route guidance device 200 includes a recording unit 201, an acquisition unit 202, a determination unit 203, an extraction unit 204, a search unit 205, a specifying unit 206, and a guidance unit 207. ing. The recording unit 201 records map information. The map information includes road network data that is a node and link power, and image data that is drawn using features related to features such as facilities, roads, and other terrain (mountains, rivers, land). Map information may include textual information, information such as facility names and addresses, and road and facility images.

[0029] Further, the recording unit 201 records information in which each feature is associated with information related to the fact that the moving body has passed in the vicinity of the feature. For example, the information related to the passage of the moving object may be information related to the user's recognition of the feature. Further, the recording unit 201 may record a history of movement of the mobile object in the past.

[0030] The acquisition unit 202 acquires position information of the moving object. For example, the position information of the moving object is acquired according to the output value from the acceleration sensor or the vehicle speed sensor that detects the behavior of the moving object in addition to the GPS signal that also received the GPS satellite force. Anyway!

The determination unit 203 determines whether the position information force guide point force of the moving body acquired by the acquisition unit 202 is also within a predetermined distance. Guidance points are points set on the route for route guidance (voice output or screen display), such as an intersection where a right or left turn should be made. [0032] When the determining unit 203 determines that the distance is within a predetermined distance from the guide point, the extracting unit 204 extracts a feature existing around the guide point. For feature extraction, features that are landmarks around the guidance point are extracted from the map information. Landmarks are land-based features, such as stores, buildings such as facilities, and natural objects such as Mt. Further, the extraction unit 204 may acquire whether or not the group name is set for the extracted feature.

[0033] The search unit 205 searches for information related to the passage of the moving object associated with the feature extracted by the extraction unit 204. Information relating to the passage of the moving object is recorded in, for example, the recording unit 201 or the recording unit 101 included in the route guidance device 100. Specifically, for example, the search unit 205 searches for a degree of recognition that is a criterion for determining whether or not the feature extracted by the extraction unit 204 is recognized by the user. In addition, when the group name indicating the type to which the feature belongs is set to the feature extracted by the extraction unit 204, the search unit 205 recognizes the group name by the user. Search for the group name recognition level, which is a criterion for determining whether or not it is possible.

The specifying unit 206 specifies a feature serving as a route guidance mark based on the information related to the passage of the moving object searched by the searching unit 205. The feature that serves as a guide for route guidance is a feature that serves as a guide point when guiding by the guide unit 207 described later. The identifying unit 206 identifies, for example, a feature whose degree of recognition is higher than a predetermined value as a feature that serves as a guide for route guidance. Therefore, the user can use only the features that he / she knows as a guide for route guidance.

[0035] Further, the identifying unit 206 identifies a feature whose recognition level is higher than a predetermined value among features whose recognition level is higher than a predetermined value as a feature that serves as a guide for route guidance. It does not have to be. Specifically, for example, since there is a high possibility that these features have a plurality of features that are represented by the same graphic around the guidance point, the features identified as landmarks cannot be distinguished. Therefore, by not identifying these features as landmarks, user confusion can be avoided.

[0036] Further, the specifying unit 206 may specify a feature serving as a route guidance mark based on the group name recognition degree searched by the searching unit 205. The specific section 206 is a category that summarizes the genoles of the same industry (convenience stores, gas stations, etc.). Based on the degree of recognition, a feature serving as a route guidance mark may be specified. For example, when there is a feature with the same awareness, the recognition for each category is high, and the feature included in the category may be specified as the landmark.

The guidance unit 207 performs guidance guidance based on the feature specified by the specification unit 206. Guidance guidance based on features is guidance for instructing a right or left turn based on features visible to the driver.

[0038] (Information recording processing procedure of route guidance device 100)

Next, an information recording process procedure of the route guidance device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the information recording processing procedure of the route guidance device. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, first, the acquisition unit 102 acquires the position information of the moving object (step S301). Based on the position information acquired in step S301, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the moving body has passed through the vicinity of the feature included in the map information (step S302).

[0039] If it is determined in step S302 that the vehicle has passed near the feature (step S302: Yes), the recognition level update unit 105 determines whether the feature is recognized by the user. Update the standard recognition (step S303). Then, the association unit 106 associates the recognition degree updated in step S303 with the feature (step S304) and stores the information associated with step S304 in the recording unit 101! Record (step S305) and end the series of processing.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that he / she has passed through the vicinity of the feature and is! / Step (step S302: No), the process returns to step S301 and the subsequent processing is repeated. .

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the group name may be set as an index used for route guidance, given to an arbitrary feature by the setting unit 104 in advance. In this case, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the moving object has passed near the feature belonging to the group for which the group name is set.

[0042] If it is determined that the vehicle has passed the vicinity of the feature belonging to the group, the recognition of the group name is a criterion for determining whether the group name is recognized by the user by the recognition level update unit 105. The place where the moving body has not yet passed by the tying part 106 Each feature belonging to the group including the object may be recorded in association with the group name recognition degree for the group.

Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when it is determined that the vicinity of the feature has been passed in Step S302: Yes, the force for updating the degree of recognition is not limited to this. For example, step S303 may be omitted, and information on the fact that the moving object has passed near the feature in step S304 may be associated with the feature.

[0044] As described above, according to the route guidance device 100 of the present embodiment, based on the position information of the moving object acquired by the acquiring unit 102, the moving object is included in the map information by the determining unit 103. When it is determined that the vehicle has passed the vicinity of the feature to be recorded, the linking unit 106 associates the feature with the information related to the fact that the moving object has passed in the vicinity of the feature and records it in the recording unit 101. can do. Therefore, it is possible to record the number of times the user has passed for each feature. Thereby, the user can distinguish the feature which exists in the path | route which he often passes among all the features contained in map information.

[0045] Also, according to the route guidance device 100 of the present embodiment, when the determination unit 103 determines that the vicinity of the feature has been passed, the recognition degree update unit 105 causes the feature to be changed by the user. As a result, it is possible to update the degree of recognition that is used as a criterion for determining whether or not a person has power. Therefore, it is possible to record information on whether or not the user knows the power for each feature. Thereby, the user can distinguish the features that he / she knows from among all the features included in the map information.

[0046] Also, according to the route guidance device 100 of the present embodiment, the recognition degree update unit 105 is reinforced by the determination unit 103 for features belonging to a group attached to an arbitrary feature. When it is determined that the user has passed the neighborhood, the group name recognition level, which is a criterion for determining whether or not the group name set as the route guidance index is recognized by the user, is updated. Each feature belonging to the group including the feature that the moving body has not yet passed through can be associated with the group name recognition degree for the group.

[0047] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the user knows the feature based on whether or not the feature on the route that the user has not passed passes through the feature of the same group. According to this Even when the user is guided through the route that passes for the first time, the user can be guided using the features he / she knows.

[0048] (Route guidance processing procedure of route guidance device 200)

Next, the route guidance processing procedure of the route guidance device 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the route guidance processing procedure of the route guidance device. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, first, the acquisition unit 202 acquires the position information of the moving object (step S401).

[0049] Then, the determination unit 203 determines whether or not the position information acquired in step S401 is within a predetermined distance from the guide point (step S402). If it is not within the predetermined distance from the guidance point in step S402 (step S402: No), the process returns to step S401 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0050] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the distance is within the predetermined distance from the guidance point (step S402: Yes), the extraction unit 204 extracts features around the guidance point from the recording unit 201 (step S403). . Further, the search unit 205 searches the information associated with the extracted feature from the recording unit 201 in step S403 (step S404).

[0051] Next, based on the information associated with the feature searched in step S404, the feature serving as a route guidance mark is specified (step S405). Then, in step S405, guide guidance based on the feature that is the mark specified by V is performed! / ヽ (step S406), the series of processing ends.

[0052] As described above, according to the route guidance device 200 of the present embodiment, when the determination unit 203 determines that the distance is within a predetermined distance from the guide point, the extraction unit 204 determines the location around the guide point. Extract the product. Then, based on the information related to the passage of the moving object linked to the feature searched by the search unit 205, the specifying unit 206 specifies the feature serving as a guide for route guidance, and the specifying unit 206 specifies the feature. The guidance unit 207 can provide guidance based on the feature that has been set.

[0053] Therefore, it is possible to perform guidance guidance based on features known to the user from features existing around the guidance point. This allows the user to concentrate on driving because the features can be found quickly.

[0054] Also, according to the route guidance device 200 of the present embodiment, the extraction unit 204 performs extraction. The search unit 205 searches for the degree of recognition that is a criterion for determining whether or not the feature is recognized by the user, and the identification unit 206 identifies the feature that serves as a guide for route guidance based on the degree of recognition. In addition, guidance guidance based on the specified feature can be performed.

[0055] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the user knows the feature based on whether or not the feature on the route that the user has not passed passes through the feature of the same group. . As a result, even when the user is guided through a route that passes for the first time, the user can be guided using the features he / she knows.

Example

[0056] Examples of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, for example, the route guidance device 100 and Z or the route guidance device 200 of the present invention are implemented by a navigation device mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle). This will be explained.

[0057] The route guidance device 100 and the route guidance device 200 may be the same body or separate bodies. Furthermore, since the hardware configuration is the same, in this embodiment, the case where the route guidance device 100 and the route guidance device 200 are the same body will be described.

[0058] (Hardware configuration of navigation device)

Next, a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus 500 that is useful in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a navigation apparatus that is useful in this embodiment. In FIG. 5, the navigation device 500 includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, magnetic disk drive 504, magnetic disk 505, optical disk drive 506, optical disk 507, audio IZF (interface) 508, and microphone 509. A speaker 510, an input device 511, a video IZF 512, a display 513, a communication IZF 514, a GPS unit 515, various sensors 516, and a camera 517. The components 501 to 517 are connected by a bus 520, respectively.

First, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the navigation device 500. The ROM 502 records programs such as a boot program, a data update program, an information recording program, and a route guidance program. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. That is, the CPU 501 uses the RAM 503 as a work area while By executing various programs recorded in the OM502, the entire navigation device 500 is controlled.

The magnetic disk drive 504 controls data reading / writing to the magnetic disk 505 according to the control of the CPU 501. The magnetic disk 505 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504. As the magnetic disk 505, for example, HD (node disk) or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

In addition, the optical disk drive 506 controls reading and writing of data with respect to the optical disk 507 according to the control of the CPU 501. The optical disc 507 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 506. The optical disk 507 can use a writable recording medium. The removable recording medium may be a power MO of the optical disc 507, a memory card, or the like.

[0062] Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507 include map information and function information. The map information includes background data representing features such as buildings, rivers, and the surface of the earth, and road shape data representing the shape of the road, and can be displayed in 2D or 3D on the display screen of display 513. Drawn. When the navigation device 500 is guiding a route, the map information and the current location of the vehicle are displayed in an overlapping manner.

[0063] The background data further includes background shape data representing the shape of the background and background type data representing the type of the background. The background shape data includes, for example, feature representative points 'polyline' 'polygon' and feature coordinates. The background type data includes, for example, feature data such as the name and address of a feature, text data representing a telephone number, and feature type data such as a building 'river' ground surface.

[0064] Further, regarding major facilities (POI: Point of Interest) in the map, information such as business hours and the presence / absence of a parking lot is included as facility information. Furthermore, among the features, facilities provided for a predetermined purpose, such as “gas station” and “convenience store”, are categorized by type. Then, the representative point and coordinate data of the feature and the facility information 'category information are associated with each other. At this time, the facilities are classified into categories such as parking lots, stations, etc., in addition to the above gas stations and convenience stores. and so on. These facilities also serve as landmarks for route guidance at intersections.

[0065] The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, the presence / absence of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, the presence / absence of highway doorways and junctions, the length (distance) of each link, road width, direction of travel, road type (high speed). Road, toll road, general road, etc.).

The function information is three-dimensional data representing the shape of the facility on the map, character data representing the description of the facility, and other various information other than the map information. Map information and function information are recorded in blocks divided by district or function. Specifically, for example, the map information is recorded in a state where each block can be divided into blocks so that each map represents a predetermined area on the map displayed on the display screen. Further, for example, the function information is recorded in a state where each function can be divided into a plurality of blocks so as to realize one function.

In addition to the above-described 3D data and character data, the function information is information for realizing functions such as program data that realizes route search, calculation of required time, route guidance, and the like. Map information and function information are each composed of multiple data files divided by district or function.

[0068] Other examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507 include a past travel history and a landmark database. The details will be explained in Figure 8-2. The landmark database is a feature that can be used as a landmark among the features included in the map information. The number of times a vehicle for each store or facility that forms a loop, such as the number of vehicles traveling within the visible range, the total number of groups for this number of times, and the ability of users determined based on this number to recognize features The rank of recognition, etc., which is a criterion for judging whether or not, is recorded.

The audio IZF 508 is connected to a microphone 509 for audio input and a speaker 510 for audio output. Audio received by the microphone 509 is AZD converted in the audio IZF508. The microphone 509 is installed, for example, in the vicinity of the sun visor of the vehicle, and the number may be one or more. From the speaker 510, a predetermined audio signal was DZA converted in the audio IZF508. Audio is output. Note that the sound input from the microphone 509 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 as sound data.

[0070] Examples of the input device 511 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, and a touch panel. The input device 511 may be realized by one form of any one of the remote control, the keyboard, and the touch panel. The input device 511 may be realized by a plurality of forms.

The video IZF 512 is connected to the display 513. Specifically, the video IZF512 is output from, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 513, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. It is composed of a control IC that controls the display 513 based on image data.

[0072] Display 513 displays an icon, a cursor, a menu, a window, or various data such as characters and images. On the display 513, the above-described map information is drawn two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally. The map information displayed on the display 513 can be displayed with a mark or the like representing the current position of the vehicle on which the navigation device 500 is mounted. The current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 501.

[0073] As the display 513, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be used. The display 513 is installed near the dashboard of the vehicle, for example. A plurality of displays 513 may be installed on the vehicle, for example, near the dashboard of the vehicle or around the back seat of the vehicle.

Communication IZF 514 is connected to a network via radio and functions as an interface between navigation device 500 and CPU 501. The communication I / F 514 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 501.

[0075] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication IZF514 is composed of, for example, FM tuner, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) Z beacon Resino, wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices, and traffic congestion that VICS center power is also distributed. Road traffic information such as traffic regulations. VICS is a registered trademark.

[0076] The GPS unit 515 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 515 is used when the current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 501 together with output values of various sensors 516 described later. The information indicating the current position is information that identifies one point on the map information, such as latitude'longitude and altitude.

Various sensors 516 output information for determining the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 516 are used by the CPU 501 to calculate the current position of the vehicle and the amount of change in speed and direction.

[0078] The camera 517 captures an image inside or outside the vehicle. The image can be either a still image or a moving image.For example, the camera 517 captures the behavior of passengers inside the vehicle, and the captured image is output to a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 505 or optical disk 507 via the image IZF512. To do. The camera 517 captures the situation outside the vehicle, and outputs the captured image to a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 via the video IZF512. In addition, the camera 517 has an infrared camera function, and the surface temperature distribution of an object existing inside the vehicle can be relatively compared based on video information captured using the infrared camera function. . In addition, the video output to the recording medium is overwritten and saved.

[0079] The recording unit 101, the acquisition unit 102, the determination unit 103, the setting unit 104, the recognition degree update unit 105, the association unit 106, and the route guidance device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 are included in the route guidance device 100 illustrated in FIG. The recording unit 201, the acquisition unit 202, the determination unit 203, the extraction unit 204, the search unit 205, the identification unit 206, and the guidance screen 207 are the ROM 502, RAM 503, magnetic disk 505, optical disk in the navigation device 500 shown in FIG. The CPU 501 executes a predetermined program using the program and data recorded in the 507 and the like, and realizes its function by controlling each part in the navigation device 500.

That is, the navigation device 500 according to the embodiment executes the information recording program and the route guidance program recorded in the ROM 502 as a recording medium in the navigation device 500, thereby executing the route shown in FIG. The functions of the guidance device 100 are shown in Fig. 3. The function provided in the route guidance device 200 shown in FIG. 2 can be executed by the route guidance processing procedure shown in FIG.

[0081] (Contents of navigation device information recording process)

Next, the contents of the information recording process of the navigation device 500 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the information recording process of the navigation device. In the flow chart of FIG. 6, first, in the landmark database recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507, a group name is used as an index used for route guidance to a dull previously attached to an arbitrary feature. Set (Step S601).

Next, the position information of the own vehicle is acquired (step S602), and it is determined whether or not the vehicle belongs to the facility belonging to the group having the group name set in step S601 (step S601). S603). If it is determined in step S603 that the facility belonging to the group has been passed (step S603: Yes), one passing point of the corresponding facility in the landmark database is added (step S604). Then, the total points of the group are counted (step S605).

Next, based on the total points counted in step S605, it is determined whether or not rank update power is possible (step S606). If the rank is updated in step S606 (step S606: Yes), the rank is updated (step S607), and it is further determined whether or not the search end power is good (step S608). On the other hand, if the rank is not updated in step S606 (step S606: No), it is determined whether or not the search end power is determined without updating the rank (step S608).

[0084] If the search ends in step S608 (step S608: Yes), record the number of points added in step S604 and the updated rank in step S607 (step S609). Terminate the process. On the other hand, if it passes through the facilities belonging to the group in step S603 (step S603: No), or if the search is not completed in step S608 (step S608: No), the process returns to step S602, and so on. Repeat the process.

In the flowchart of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the rank is updated in step S606, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the groups may be rearranged in the order of the total number of points for each group counted in step S605 without ranking, and it may be determined whether or not the power is greater than a predetermined number of points. [0086] (Contents of navigation device route guidance processing)

Next, the contents of the route guidance process of the navigation device 500 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the route guidance process of the navigation device. In the flow chart in Fig. 7, first wait until the destination point is set (step s 701: No loop). If the destination point is set (step S701: Yes), the route to the destination point is set. A route is determined (step S702).

[0087] Next, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling (step S703). If the vehicle is traveling in step S703 (step S703: Yes), the position information of the host vehicle is acquired (step S704). Then, it is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined distance to the position information force guide point of the own vehicle acquired in step S704 (step S705).

[0088] If it is determined in step S705 that the distance to the guidance point is within a predetermined distance (step S705: Yes), the map information force recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507 also extracts landmarks around the guidance point ( Step S706). Landmark extraction may be multiple or single. Landmarks may be limited to features visible to the driver.

On the other hand, if it is not within the predetermined distance to the guide point in step S705 (step S705: No), the process returns to step S704 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

Next, the degree of recognition for the landmark extracted in step S706 is searched (step S707). For example, chains that are likely to be known by the driver, such as chain stores nationwide, are set high, and the chain is developed only in rural areas where the driver does not normally travel. The store is less likely to be known to the driver, so the landmark recognition is set low. Specifically, for example, the updated rank may be searched in the flowchart of FIG.

Then, based on the recognition degree for the landmark searched in step S707, it is determined whether or not the landmark serving as a guide guidance reference has a certain force (step S708). For example, a landmark with a higher degree of recognition than a predetermined value is preferentially used as a landmark for guidance guidance. In addition, among features whose recognition level is higher than a predetermined value, if the recognition level is higher than other predetermined values, landmarks that are represented by the same graphic around the guidance point. If there is a possibility that there is more than one, it is inappropriate for the landmark that is the standard for guidance.

[0092] Further, even when the recognition degree is higher than another predetermined value, if there are a plurality of landmarks represented by the same graphic within a predetermined distance from the guidance point, the feature is displayed. You may judge that it is unsuitable for the landmark used as the standard of guidance. In addition, within a predetermined distance from the guide point, a land mark that is a feature different from a feature with a recognition level higher than a predetermined value and is represented by a figure similar to a feature with the recognition level higher than a predetermined value. May be determined to be inappropriate for a landmark that is a reference for guidance with a feature whose degree of recognition is higher than a predetermined value.

[0093] If there is a landmark serving as a reference for guidance in step S708 (step S708: Yes), guidance information based on the landmark is generated (step S709). In step S709, the guidance information based on the landmark is, for example, “You can turn right on the road next to the store that you can see on your right.” “You can turn left on the intersection that is 50 meters ahead of oil. This is a guide that instructs to turn left and right with reference to landmarks visible to the driver.

[0094] On the other hand, when there is no landmark that is a reference for guidance in step S708 (step S708: No), for example, when a landmark having a recognition degree lower than a predetermined value is not sufficient, Guide information is generated (step S710). Here, normal guidance information is guidance information that is not based on landmarks. Specifically, for example, “Turn left at an intersection □ 300m ahead” is a guide that instructs a left or right turn based on an intersection name or road name.

[0095] In addition, the display on the display 513 may be changed, for example, by expanding the display of a landmark serving as a guide information guide. In addition, when multiple landmarks are collated, for example, the landmark having the shortest distance from the intersection force that is the guidance point is identified as the optimum landmark, and guidance information based on this landmark is used as guidance guidance. May be used for The criterion for identifying the optimal landmark is not only the value or rank indicating the shortest distance from the guidance point, but also the left and right of the road with respect to the direction of the left or right turn of the guidance point that gives guidance. The force on either side, before passing the guide point The positional relationship with respect to the guide point of the landmark such as whether it is in the position or after passing through may be used as a reference. These values may be classified into ranks and multiplied by a value or rank indicating the degree of recognition to calculate a numerical value or rank for determination.

[0096] Next, the position information of the host vehicle and the relative position between the guide point and the landmark are acquired (step S711), and the guidance information based on the landmark generated in step S709 or the step S710 One of the normal guidance information generated in step S712 is output (step S712). Then, it is determined whether or not the force has arrived at the destination point (step S713). When the destination point is reached (step S713: Yes), the series of processes is terminated.

[0097] On the other hand, if the vehicle is not traveling in step S703 (step S703: No), if the destination has been reached in step S713! / ヽ (step S713: No), return to step S703. The subsequent processing is repeated.

[0098] In the flowchart of FIG. 7, if there is no landmark serving as a guide for guidance in step S708 (step S708: No), the process proceeds to step S710 and the force for generating normal guidance information. This is not a limitation. For example, when the degree of recognition by the user is lower than a predetermined value and there is a landmark, guidance information based on the landmark may be generated.

[0099] (Example of landmark rank)

Next, the landmark rank shown in Fig. 6 will be explained using Fig. 8-1. Figure 8-1 is a graph showing an example of a landmark rank. In Figure 8-1, the vertical axis shows the number of landmarks and the horizontal axis shows the number of points. Here, the number of points is the passing point of the corresponding facility in the landmark database shown in FIG.

[0100] As shown in Figure 8-1, for example, rank A is less than 10 points, rank B is 10 or more and less than 0, rank B is 20 to less than 30, rank C is 30 or more, 40 Set to rank D for less than, and rank E for more than 40.

[0101] (An example of a landmark database)

Next, the landmark database will be described with reference to Fig. 8-2. Figure 8-2 shows FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a landmark database. Figure 8-2! / Landmark, Mark Database 800 includes category 801, gnorape name 802, rank 803, branch name 804, point 805 per branch, and total gnorape points 806. And a figure 810 showing the group on the map.

[0102] In Fig. 8-2, in the category 801 of "Combination Store", the "Seven" group indicated by figure 811, the "Circle C" group indicated by figure 812, and the figure 813 indicated by " Information about the “Coco Costa” group is shown. In the “Seven” group, the Shibuya store has 15 points, the Shinjuku store has 14 points, the Meguro store has 6 points, and the Ikejiri store has 10 points, and the “Seven” group has 45 points. Therefore, it is judged as rank E by the graph shown in Figure 8-1. Similarly, the total number of points in the “Circle” group is rank C with 25 points, and the total number of points in the “coco costa” group is rank A with 1 point.

[0103] (Example of guidance at guidance points)

Next, an example of guidance guidance at a guidance point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of guidance guidance at the guidance point. In FIG. 9, the current position 901 of the host vehicle, the guidance route 902, and the guidance point 903 are shown. In the vicinity of the guide point 903, as a landmark, a graphic 81 la, a graphic 81 lb, a graphic 812, and a graphic 813 are extracted.

[0104] "Seven", represented by figure 811a and figure 8 l ib, is the highest in rank E. 1S As shown in Fig. 9, there are two stores around guide point 903. It's not optimal. In addition, “coco costa” represented by figure 813 has the lowest recognition level in rank A, so the driver is unlikely to know figure 813. Therefore, in FIG. 9, guidance information based on “Circle C” represented by the graphic 812 is generated. Specifically, for example, guidance information such as “turn right on the road in front of Circle C, 300m ahead” is generated and output.

[0105] As described above, according to the navigation device 500 of the present embodiment, based on the position information of the moving object acquired by the acquiring unit 102, the determining unit 103 converts the moving object into map information. When it is determined that the vicinity of the included feature has been passed, The object and the information related to the fact that the moving body has passed in the vicinity of the feature can be linked and recorded in the recording unit 101. Therefore, it is possible to record the number of times a user has passed for each feature. As a result, the user can distinguish among the features included in the map information that are present on the route that the user often passes.

[0106] Also, according to the navigation device 500 of the present embodiment, when the determination unit 103 determines that the vicinity of the feature has been passed, the recognition degree update unit 105 sends the feature to the user. The degree of recognition can be updated as a criterion for determining whether or not it is recognized. Therefore, it is possible to record information on whether or not the user knows the power for each feature. Thereby, the user can distinguish the features that he / she knows from among all the features included in the map information.

[0107] Also, according to the navigation device 500 of the present embodiment, the degree-of-recognition update unit 105 is in the vicinity of a feature belonging to a group that is given to any feature by the determination unit 103. If it is determined that the group name has passed, the group name recognition level, which is a criterion for determining whether or not the group name set as the route guidance index is recognized by the user, is updated. Each feature belonging to a group, including features that have not yet passed through, can be linked to the group name recognition for the group.

[0108] Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the user knows the feature based on whether or not the feature on the route that the user has not passed passes through the feature of the same group. . As a result, even when the user is guided through a route that passes for the first time, the user can be guided using the features he / she knows.

[0109] Also, according to the navigation device 500 of the present embodiment, when the determination unit 203 determines that the distance is within a predetermined distance from the guide point, the extraction unit 204 extracts features existing around the guide point. . Then, based on the information related to the passage of the moving object linked to the feature searched by the search unit 205, the specifying unit 206 specifies the feature serving as a guide for route guidance, and is specified by the specifying unit 206. The guidance unit 207 can perform the guidance plan based on the selected feature.

[0110] Therefore, among the features existing around the guidance point, the features that the user knows Guidance guidance based on can be performed. This allows the user to concentrate on driving because the features can be found quickly.

[0111] Further, according to the navigation device 500 of the present embodiment, the search unit 205 determines the degree of recognition that is a criterion for determining whether or not the feature extracted by the extraction unit 204 is recognized by the user. By searching, the identifying unit 206 can identify a feature serving as a guide for route guidance based on the degree of recognition, and perform guidance guidance based on the identified feature.

[0112] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the user knows the feature based on whether or not the feature on the route that the user has not passed passes through the feature of the same group. As a result, even when the user is guided through a route that passes through for the first time, the user can be guided using the features he / she knows.

[0113] As described above, according to the route guidance device, information recording method, route guidance method, information recording program, route guidance program, and recording medium of the present invention, the navigation device 500 is included in the map information. Information related to the passing of the vehicle in the vicinity of the feature to be recorded is linked to each feature and recorded. Then, based on the recorded information, the features known to the users of the features around the guidance point can be used as a landmark for guidance.

Note that the route guidance method and information recording method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In a route guidance device that uses map information to guide moving objects,

Obtaining means for obtaining position information of the moving body;

Based on the position information of the moving object acquired by the acquiring means, a determining means for determining whether or not the moving object has passed near a feature included in the map information; and An association means for associating the feature with information on the fact that the mobile object has passed in the vicinity of the feature when it is determined that the feature has passed the neighborhood;

Recording means for recording information associated with the association means;

A route guidance device comprising:

[2] When the determination means determines that the vehicle has passed in the vicinity of the feature, the recognition update means is used to update the recognition that is a criterion for determining whether or not the feature is recognized by the user. Prepared,

2. The route guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the association unit associates the feature with the degree of recognition updated by the degree-of-recognition update unit.

[3] A setting means is provided for setting a group name as an index used for route guidance for groups attached to arbitrary features.

The determining means determines whether or not the moving body has passed near a feature belonging to the group whose group name is set by the setting means.

The recognizing degree update means determines whether the group name is recognized by the user when it is determined by the determining means that it has passed near a feature belonging to the group. Update awareness,

The associating means associates each feature belonging to the group including the feature and the group name recognition degree for the group, with the moving body still passing! / ,! The route guidance device according to claim 2.

[4] Route guidance device that performs route guidance using map information for guidance points on the route ¾ 【こ; i l / 、

Acquisition means for acquiring position information of the moving body; Determining means for determining whether or not the position information of the moving body acquired by the acquiring means is within a predetermined distance from the guide point;

An extraction means for extracting features included in the map information existing around the guide point when the determining means determines that the distance is within a predetermined distance from the guide point;

Search means for searching for information relating to the passage of the moving object associated with the feature extracted by the extraction means;

A specifying means for specifying a feature serving as a guide for route guidance based on information relating to the passage of the moving object searched by the searching means;

A route guidance device comprising: guidance means for performing guidance guidance based on the feature identified by the identification means.

[5] The search means searches for a degree of recognition that is a criterion for determining whether or not the feature extracted by the extraction means is recognized by a user!

The specifying means specifies a feature that serves as a guide for route guidance based on the degree of recognition searched by the searching means,

5. The route guidance device according to claim 4, wherein the guidance unit performs guidance guidance based on the feature identified by the identification unit.

[6] The extraction means obtains whether or not a group name is set for the extracted feature,

The search means is configured such that when a group name indicating the type to which the feature belongs is set to the feature extracted by the extraction means, the group name is recognized by the user. A group name recognition degree that is a determination criterion of whether or not, and the specifying means specifies a feature that serves as a guide for route guidance based on the group name recognition degree searched by the search means;

[7] In an information recording method for recording information on guidance of moving objects using map information An acquisition step of acquiring positional information of the moving body;

Based on the position information of the moving body acquired by the acquisition step, a determination step for determining whether the moving body has passed near a feature included in the map information; A linking process for linking the feature and information about the fact that the mobile object has passed in the vicinity of the feature when it is determined that the feature has passed in the vicinity of the feature;

Recording the information associated by the associating step;

An information recording method comprising:

[8] In the route guidance method that performs route guidance using map information for guidance points on the route,

An acquisition step of acquiring position information of the moving object;

A determination step of determining whether the position information of the moving body acquired by the acquisition step is within a predetermined distance from the guide point;

An extraction step of extracting the features existing around the guide point when the determination step determines that the distance is within a predetermined distance from the guide point;

A search step for searching for information related to the passage of the moving object associated with the feature extracted by the extraction step;

A specifying step of specifying a feature serving as a guide for route guidance based on information related to the passage of the moving object searched by the searching step;

A route guidance method comprising: a guidance step of performing guidance guidance based on the feature identified by the identification step.

[9] An information recording program causing a computer to execute the information recording method according to claim 7.

[10] A route guidance program that causes a computer to execute the route guidance method according to claim 8.

[11] The program according to claim 9 or 10 is recorded and read by a computer. A removable recording medium.