JP2010169491A - Route guide system, portable terminal device, route guide server, route guiding device, and method of guiding route - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform an appropriate route guide from a departing place to a destination in a building by guiding a halfway floor section just for making an elevator or stair connection without any misunderstanding in the route guide including network data for connecting floors. <P>SOLUTION: In a route guide server, a guide route satisfying route search conditions transmitted from a route guiding device, and guide spots and voice data corresponding to the guide route are transmitted to the route guiding device as route guiding data. In the route guiding device, the route guide server is accessed, and transmission of route search conditions to and reception of route guide data from the route guide server are performed. Also, guide spots are set, based on the type and length of a link connected to a node on the guide route of the received route guide data, and voice data corresponding to the set guide spots are output via a voice output section, thus executing a voice guide. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a route guidance system, a mobile terminal device, a route guidance server, a route guidance device, and a route guidance method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for performing a route search related to a multi-level building has been disclosed.

  For example, the route search device described in Patent Document 1 is a technique for performing route search in consideration of a hierarchy inside a building, and is provided in a building that is stored for each of a plurality of levels having different heights. By using map data including data relating to the state of connection of the road (network data), the route search is performed in consideration of the network data of stairs and escalators connecting the floors.

  Further, in the communication navigation system described in Patent Document 2, attribute information indicating “floor” information is added to the link data as an attribute (the floor information is not added to the link connecting “floor” with other attribute information). When the link is followed, when a link without floor information is reached, the previous node is the link entrance (start point) connecting the floors, and the previous node is the exit (end point) When it is determined that there is, and the guidance data including the guidance indicating the next floor to be moved is output at the entrance (starting point) of this link, for example, when the user is on the B1 floor as shown in FIG. , Voice guidance such as "Please go up to the first floor on the stairs" indicating the next floor.

JP 2003-240591 A Patent No. 4041099

  However, in the prior art (Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.), a route search is performed in consideration of attribute information indicating “floor” information added as an attribute, and guidance including guidance indicating the next floor to be moved is included. By outputting the data, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the user is on the B1 floor, voice guidance such as “Please go up to the first floor on the stairs” indicating the next floor can be performed. When the voice guidance data is generated from the route calculated based on the attribute of the network data as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the destination is the fourth floor, and the first to third floors simply move on the floor. Even if it is only a stairway or escalator connecting part, voice guidance indicating the next floor will be performed for each floor from the B1 floor, which is the departure point, so that the user can To (floor) If the result in false positives, such as there is a destination if the motion had a problem in that. Therefore, in the prior art (Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.), it is assumed that a stairway or an escalator connecting part (for example, the first floor to the third floor in FIG. 1) moves to that floor as if it were a floor. There was a problem that happened to give a lot of guidance.

  As described above, in the prior art (Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.), the floor (with the destination) that is actually the movement target is a higher floor (for example, the fourth floor in FIG. 1). First, a floor part (for example, the first to third floors in FIG. 1) for transiting a simple elevator or staircase is guided as movement to that floor, and the user following the guidance says, “Move to that floor. If you get to your destination, you have the problem of misunderstanding.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in route guidance including network data connecting floors, the floor part in the middle for transiting a simple elevator or stairs is guided without misunderstanding, It is an object to provide a route guidance system, a portable terminal device, a route guidance server, a route guidance device, and a route guidance method capable of performing appropriate route guidance from a departure place to a destination.

  In order to achieve such an object, a route guidance system according to the present invention includes a route guidance server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a voice output unit connected to the route guidance server via a network so as to communicate with each other. A route guidance system including a mobile terminal device including at least a control unit, wherein the storage unit of the route guidance server includes a plurality of nodes and a relationship between the nodes regarding each floor of a building having two or more floors. Network data composed of links to be connected, the links having at least information on link types and link lengths indicating connections between floors, and network data storage means for storing the network data; The guidance point for executing the voice guidance set in each of the above nodes and the sound output at the guidance point Guidance point storage means for associating and storing data, and the control unit of the route guidance server satisfies the route search condition including at least a departure place and a destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device. The guide route composed of the node and the link from the departure place to the destination is searched using the network data stored in the network data storage means, the searched guide route and the guide Route guidance means for transmitting the guidance point and the voice data stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to a route to the portable terminal device as route guidance data, and the control unit of the portable terminal device includes: Receiving means for receiving the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server; and the route guidance received by the receiving means. If the link type of the link connected to the node on the guide route of the data indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, and indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, It is determined whether the link type of the connected link indicates the connection between the floors, and if the link indicates the connection between the floors, whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. If the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and if the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point. And voice guidance output means for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the guidance point setting means via the voice output unit. And.

  The mobile terminal device of the present invention is a mobile terminal device including at least a voice output unit and a control unit that are communicably connected to a route guidance server via a network, and the control unit includes two or more floors. Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of the building having the link, the links having at least information on a link type and a link length indicating a connection between the floors The network includes the node and the link from the starting point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device. The guidance route, the guidance point for executing the voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route, and the guidance Receiving means for receiving the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server, and the guidance route for the route guidance data received by the receiving means. It is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the upper node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. When the link type indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, the link of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node is determined. It is determined whether the link type indicates a connection between the floors. If the link type indicates a connection between the floors, it is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. When the distance exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and when the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point. And voice guidance output means for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the guidance point setting means via the voice output unit. It is characterized by that.

  The route guidance server according to the present invention is a route guidance server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, which are communicably connected to a portable terminal device including at least a voice output unit via a network, the storage unit Is network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting between the nodes for each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the link is a link type and link indicating a connection between the floors Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information on the length, guidance points for executing voice guidance set in the respective nodes on the guidance route, and voice data output at the guidance points; Guidance point storage means for storing the information in association with each other, and the control unit transmits a small amount of information transmitted from the portable terminal device. The network data stored in the network data storage means for the guide route composed of the node and the link from the departure point to the destination satisfying the route search condition including both the departure point and the destination. A route searching means for generating route guidance data including the guidance route searched and searched, and the guidance point and the voice data stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to the guidance route; It is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated by the route search means indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. If so, determine whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, and the connection between the floor and the floor. If the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is less than a predetermined distance, and if the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and the link length is When the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, a guide point setting unit that does not set the immediately preceding node as the guide point and the voice data corresponding to the guide point set by the guide point setting unit are transmitted to the mobile terminal device. Thus, voice guidance output control means is provided for outputting the voice guidance through the voice output unit of the portable terminal device to execute the voice guidance.

  The route guidance device of the present invention is a route guidance device including at least a voice output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, and the storage unit includes a plurality of nodes related to each floor of a building having two or more floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data, the network data comprising links connecting the nodes, wherein the links have at least information on link types and link lengths indicating connections between floors And guidance point storage means for storing the guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other, and The section includes the node and the link from the starting point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination. The guide route constituted by the network data stored in the network data storage means is searched, and the searched guide route and the guide point storage means corresponding to the guide route are stored in the guide point storage means. A route searching means for generating route guidance data including the guidance point and the voice data; and the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated by the route searching means. If the link indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. When the connection between the floors is indicated, it is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the link length exceeds the predetermined distance. The previous node is set as the guide point, and when the link length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance, the guide point setting unit that does not set the immediately previous node as the guide point is set by the guide point setting unit. Voice guidance output means for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point is output via the voice output unit.

In addition, the route guidance method of the present invention includes at least a route guidance server that includes at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a voice output unit and a control unit that are connected to the route guidance server through a network so as to communicate with each other. A route guidance method executed in a route guidance system including a mobile terminal device, wherein the storage unit of the route guidance server includes a plurality of nodes and a relationship between the nodes regarding each floor of a building having two or more floors. Network data composed of links to be connected, the links having at least information on link types and link lengths indicating connections between floors, and network data storage means for storing the network data; The guidance point for executing the voice guidance set in each of the above nodes, and output at the guidance point And the guidance point storage means for storing in association with the voice data,
The node from the starting point to the destination that satisfies the route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device, which is executed in the control unit of the route guidance server And searching for the guide route constituted by the link using the network data stored in the network data storage means, and storing the searched guide route and the guide point storage means corresponding to the guide route. A route search step of transmitting the guidance point and the voice data as route guidance data to the mobile terminal device, and the route transmitted from the route guidance server executed in the control unit of the mobile terminal device. A reception step of receiving route guidance data, and the control unit of the mobile terminal device, A first determination step of determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guide route of the route guide data received in the communication step indicates a connection between the floor and the mobile terminal When it is determined in the first determination step that is executed in the control unit of the apparatus that the connection between the floors is indicated, the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node is the link type It is determined that the connection between the floor and the floor is indicated in the second determination step for determining whether the connection between the floor is indicated and the second determination step that is executed in the control unit of the mobile terminal device A third determination step for determining whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the third determination step executed in the control unit of the portable terminal device. When the link length is determined to exceed the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and it is determined in the third determination step that the link length is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. The guidance point setting step that does not set the immediately preceding node as the guidance point, and the guidance point that is set in the guidance point setting step that is executed in the control unit of the mobile terminal device. A voice guidance output step for executing voice guidance by outputting voice data through the voice output unit.

  The route guidance method of the present invention is a route guidance method executed in a portable terminal device including at least a voice output unit and a control unit that are communicably connected to a route guidance server via a network. Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes, with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, the link indicating a connection between the floors and the floors The destination from the starting point that satisfies the route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device, which is searched using the network data, and has at least information on the link type and the link length. Up to the guide route composed of the nodes and the links up to and to each node on the guide route. Receiving the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server, the route guidance data including the guidance point for executing the voice guidance and the voice data output at the guidance point; A first determination step of determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data received in the reception step indicates a connection between the floor and the first; Determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor when it is determined in the determining step that the connection between the floor and the floor is indicated. If it is determined in the determination step and the second determination step that the connection between the floors is indicated, it is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. When the link length is determined to exceed the predetermined distance in the determination step 3 and the third determination step, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and the link is determined in the third determination step. When it is determined that the length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance, the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set in the guidance point setting step and the guidance point setting step in which the immediately preceding node is not set as the guidance point is obtained. And a voice guidance output step of executing the voice guidance by outputting through the voice output unit.

In addition, the route guidance method of the present invention is a route guidance method that is executed in a route guidance server that includes at least a control unit and a storage unit that is communicably connected via a network to a portable terminal device that includes at least a voice output unit. The storage unit is network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information on the link type and link length indicating connection, a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route, and the guidance point Guidance point storage means for storing the voice data output in association with each other,
Comprising the node and the link from the starting point to the destination satisfying a route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the portable terminal device, which is executed in the control unit The guidance route searched for using the network data stored in the network data storage means, the searched guidance route, and the guidance point stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to the guidance route And a route search step for generating route guidance data including the voice data, and the link type of the link connected to the node on the guide route of the route guidance data generated in the route search step. A first determination step for determining whether or not indicates a connection between the floor and the connection between the floor and the floor in the first determination step. In the second determination step for determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately before the node indicates the connection between the floor and the second determination step. In the third determination step and the third determination step, it is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. When it is determined that the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and when it is determined in the third determination step that the link length is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, A guide point setting step in which the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point, and the voice data corresponding to the guide point set in the guide point setting step is transmitted to the portable terminal device. It allows, characterized in that it includes a sound guidance output control step for the audio output unit to output via of the portable terminal apparatus to execute the voice guidance, the.

  The route guidance method of the present invention is a route guidance method executed in a route guidance device including at least a voice output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit has two or more floors. Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of the network, wherein the links include at least information on link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. Network data storage means for storing information, guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route, and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other and storing the guidance point storage means And is executed by the control unit, the starting point satisfying a route search condition including at least a starting point and a destination. The guide route composed of the node and the link to the destination is searched using the network data stored in the network data storage means, and the searched guide route and the corresponding guide route A route search step for generating route guide data including the guide point and the voice data stored in the guide point storage means, and the route guide data generated in the route search step on the guide route. It is determined that the link type of the link connected to the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor in the first determination step, and whether the floor is connected in the first determination step. A second determination step for determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floors. And the third determination that determines whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance when it is determined in the second determination step that the connection between the floors is indicated. If the link length is determined to exceed the predetermined distance in the step and the third determination step, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and the link length is determined in the third determination step. When it is determined that the distance is equal to or less than the distance, the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set in the guidance point setting step and the guidance point setting step in which the immediately preceding node is not set as the guidance point, and the voice A voice guidance output step of executing the voice guidance by outputting through the output unit.

  According to the present invention, in the route guidance server, network data including a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links include floors Network data is stored in the storage unit, which has at least information on the link type and link length indicating the connection of the floor, and is output at the guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route. Is stored in the storage unit in association with the voice data to be transmitted, and is composed of nodes and links from the starting point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device. The guide route searched for using the network data stored in the storage unit, the searched guide route, and the memory corresponding to the guide route Is transmitted to the mobile terminal device as route guidance data, and the mobile terminal device receives the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server, and receives the guidance route of the received route guidance data. If the link type of the link connected to the upper node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, and if the link type indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, the link type of the link connected to the node immediately before the relevant node is the floor and floor If the link length of the floor to which the previous node belongs is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, and if the link length exceeds the predetermined distance, the previous node is If it is set as a guide point and the link length is less than or equal to the predetermined distance, the voice data corresponding to the set guide point is output via the voice output unit without setting the immediately preceding node as the guide point. It makes it possible to perform a voice guidance. Thereby, for example, in the output of the voice guidance, when the link indicating the connection between the floors is continuous on the guidance route, the node that is the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the continuous floors and the floors is used. When the current position reaches the guidance point at the set guidance point, there is an effect that voice guidance can be provided for the floor to which the node that is the end point of the link indicating the connection between the successive floors and the floor belongs.

  Specifically, in the prior art (Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.), as shown in FIG. 1, the floor that is actually the target of movement (with the destination) is a higher floor (for example, in FIG. Despite being on the 4th floor), the floor portion (for example, the 1st to 3rd floors in FIG. 1) on the way to transit a simple elevator or staircase is guided as movement to that floor, and the guidance is followed. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the connection between the floors and the floors is a problem that the user misunderstood that the user can reach the destination by moving to the floor. (For example, in the case where the stairs continue from the B1 floor to the fourth floor in FIG. 2), it corresponds to the guidance target node located at the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the consecutive floors and floors. Information point ( For example, in FIG. 2, when the current position reaches the guidance point on the B1 floor, the floor to which the guidance target node located at the end point of the link indicating the connection between the consecutive floors and the floor belongs (for example, in FIG. 4th floor) can be voice-guided. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a link length, which is a distance from the stairs to the stairs, is predetermined even for a floor portion (for example, the second floor in FIG. 3) on the way to transit a simple elevator or stairs. If the distance is more than the distance, the B1 floor, which is the departure point, will give a voice message saying "Please go up to the second floor on the stairs" and when the user goes up to the second floor, It is possible to provide voice guidance step by step depending on the structure of the building.

  That is, in the prior art (Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.), as shown in FIG. 1, for example, when a user moves from a departure place on the B1 floor to a destination on the fourth floor, In route guidance, when moving between floors B1 to 1st floor, 1st floor to 2nd floor, 2nd floor to 3rd floor, etc. ”Please go up to the second floor on the stairs”. For this reason, if the user only hears the first voice guidance “Up to the first floor on the stairs”, there is a destination. There was a possibility of misunderstanding that the floor is the first floor.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, when moving from a departure place on the B1 floor to a destination on the fourth floor, the B1 floor to the fourth floor are "4 steps on the stairs. Please guide me to the next floor to be used, and the floor where the destination is to be moved by guiding the destinations that have been transferred using `` stairs '' or `` escalators '' that move between floors. There is an effect that there is no fear of misunderstanding that it is the first floor.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the present invention clearly conveys that the user goes up to the second floor by a staircase and goes up from the second floor to the fourth floor of the destination by another staircase. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to execute step-by-step voice guidance in consideration of the structure of the building such as “Please go up to the second floor by stairs” and “Please go up to the fourth floor by stairs”. Specifically, in the present invention, when the link of the floor part connecting the floors is short, it is merely a transfer of “stairs”, “escalators”, “elevators”, etc. that move between the floors, Since the target of guidance is not set for the floor, it is possible to prevent guidance from occurring every time the floor changes, and it is possible to provide easy-to-understand guidance that does not cause misunderstandings to the user. Play.

  In the above description, the effect of the route guidance system of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the same effect can be achieved in the mobile terminal device, the route guidance server, the route guidance device, and the route guidance method.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of voice guidance in the prior art. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of voice guidance in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of voice guidance in the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the route guidance system in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the route guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the guide point setting process in FIG. 2 created according to the process shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the route guidance server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the route guidance server in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the route guidance device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the route guidance device according to the third embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a route guidance system, a mobile terminal device, a route guidance server, a route guidance device, a route guidance method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  Hereinafter, with regard to the configuration and processing of the present invention, the first embodiment (route guidance system), the second embodiment (route guidance server (server-driven type)), and the third embodiment (route guidance device (stand-alone type)). )) Will be described in detail in this order.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment (route guidance system) of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the route guidance system in the first embodiment, and conceptually shows only the portion related to the present invention in the configuration. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the route guidance system in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the content of the guide point setting process in FIG. 2 created according to the process shown in FIG.

[Configuration of route guidance system]
First, an example of the configuration of the route guidance system in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the route guidance system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention schematically includes a route guidance server 200 including at least a control unit 202 and a storage unit 206, and a network connected to the route guidance server 200. The mobile terminal device 100 includes at least a position acquisition unit 112, a display unit 114, a voice output unit 116, and a control unit 102 that receive a position information signal transmitted from the position transmission device 500 and that are communicably connected via the terminal 300. It is configured with. Each part of these route guidance systems is communicably connected via an arbitrary communication path.

[Configuration of the route guidance server 200]
Here, in FIG. 4, the route guidance server 200 receives the route information that satisfies the route search condition transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100, the guidance point corresponding to the guidance route, and voice data as route guidance data. As a function of transmitting to the mobile terminal device 100. Moreover, you may have functions, such as transmitting the map data corresponding to the positional information transmitted from the portable terminal device 100 to the portable terminal device 100. The route guidance server 200 is connected to the mobile terminal device 100 through the network 300 via the communication control interface unit 204 so as to be able to communicate with each other, and includes a control unit 202 and a storage unit 206. The control unit 202 is a control unit that performs various processes, and performs route search, transmission of map data, and the like. The storage unit 206 is a storage unit such as a fixed disk device, and stores various databases and tables (network data file 206a, guidance point file 206b, map data file 206c, etc.).

  Among these components of the storage unit 206, the network data file 206 a is stored in the control unit 202 from a departure point to a destination that satisfies a route search condition including at least a departure point and a destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100. Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, which is used when searching for a guide route composed of nodes and links. The link is network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information on a link type and a link length indicating a connection between floors. Here, each node is associated with position information including latitude, longitude, and altitude for each node. In addition, for each link, the link type (for example, “link indicating connection in floor (for example, link indicating the number of floors such as the first floor, the second floor, the third floor, the fourth floor, etc.)” or the “floor It includes information on links indicating floor connections (for example, links indicating means such as stairs, escalators, elevators, etc.) and information on link lengths (for example, 1 m, 3 m, 5 m, 10 m, etc.).

  In addition, the guide point file 206b is a guide in which the control unit 202 stores a guide point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guide route and voice data output at the guide point in association with each other. It is a point storage means. Here, the guidance point file 206b stores voice data such as “Please go up to the first floor on the stairs” associated with the coordinate data indicating the guidance point, for example. As will be described later, the control unit 102 of the mobile terminal device 100 determines the link type and link length of the link connected to each node on the guide route and newly sets it as a guide point, and then associates it with the guide point in advance. The voice data may be updated. And this audio | voice data is used when the control part 102 of the portable terminal device 100 performs audio | voice guidance so that it may mention later.

  The map data file 206c includes a position including latitude, longitude, and height information used when the control unit 202 transmits map data corresponding to the position information transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100 to the mobile terminal device 100. Map data storage means for storing information in association with information. Here, in the present invention, the map data stored in the map data file 206c is mainly a floor guide map for a building having height information (for example, a department store, a station, a museum, a museum, an underground mall, etc.). Indoor map data. Further, the map data file 206c may further store outdoor map data such as road maps of the whole country and each region used by GPS or the like, for example. These indoor map data and outdoor map data are stored in advance in the map data file 206c, and the control unit 202 of the route guidance server 200 periodically downloads the latest data via the network 300 to map data file 206c. The indoor map data and outdoor map data stored in may be updated.

  The control unit 202 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data. And the control part 202 performs the information processing for performing various processes with these programs. The control unit 202 is configured to include a route search unit 202a in terms of functional concept.

  Among these, the route search unit 202a transmits a guide route composed of nodes and links from the departure point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the departure point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100. A mobile terminal that uses the network data stored in the network data file 206a to search, and uses the searched guide route and the guide point and voice data stored in the guide point file 206b corresponding to the guide route as route guide data. This is route search means for transmitting to the device 100.

  Further, the control unit 202 of the route guidance server 200 may transmit the map data stored in the map data file 206 c corresponding to the position information transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100 to the mobile terminal device 100.

[Configuration of Mobile Terminal Device 100]
In FIG. 4, the mobile terminal device 100 accesses the route guidance server 200, transmits route search conditions to the route guidance server 200, and receives route guidance data, and also guides the received route guidance data. A guidance point is set based on the link type and link length of the link connected to the upper node, and voice guidance is executed by outputting voice data corresponding to the set guidance point via a voice output unit. It has a function. In addition, the mobile terminal device 100 accesses the route guidance server 200, transmits the current position to the route guidance server 200 and receives map data, and displays the searched guidance route on the received map data. The display unit 114 may have a function of displaying a map display screen on which a current position display symbol indicating the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 112 is displayed.

  The mobile terminal device 100 is, for example, an information processing device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer that is generally commercially available, or a mobile communication terminal device such as a mobile phone, PHS, or PDA. In addition, the mobile terminal device 100 includes a position acquisition unit 112 having a GPS function, an IMES function, and the like so that navigation guidance that reflects the current position in real time can be performed. The mobile terminal device 100 also displays a display unit 114 (for example, from a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display) that displays a map display screen including various symbols drawn based on the route guidance data and map data received from the route guidance server 200. Configured display, monitor, etc.), an audio output unit 116 (for example, a speaker) for outputting audio data, and an input unit (not shown) for inputting a route search condition to be transmitted to the route guidance server 200 (for example, Key input unit, touch panel, keyboard, microphone, etc.). The input / output control interface unit 108 controls the position acquisition unit 112, the display unit 114, the audio output unit 116, the input unit, and the like.

  Here, the position acquisition unit 112 is a position acquisition unit that receives a position information signal transmitted from the position transmission device 500. Here, the position transmitting device 500 may be a GPS device that transmits a position information signal (GPS signal) relating to latitude, longitude, and altitude (height information), and position information having characteristics similar to those of the GPS signal. An IMES device that realizes IMES (Indoor Message System) technology that enables indoor positioning using a signal may be used. The IMES technology is a system developed from the framework of the quasi-zenith satellite which is a positioning satellite system. Further, the position transmission device 500 may be a small transmission device that is arbitrarily installed at various locations on each floor in a building (multi-storey building). In addition, self-position information (position ID etc.) according to an installation place is allocated to this small transmitter. And if the portable terminal device 100 enters the communicable range, the portable terminal device 100 receives the self-location information transmitted from the small transmitter as a positional information signal. The communication method at this time may be, for example, various short-range wireless methods such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag system and Bluetooth (registered trademark), an infrared communication method, and the like. In the present invention, the control unit 102 extracts position information including latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal acquired by the position acquisition unit 112.

  The communication control interface unit 104 is an interface connected to a communication device (not shown) such as an antenna or a router connected to a communication line, a telephone line, etc., and between the mobile terminal device 100 and the network 300. It has a function to perform communication control. That is, the communication control interface unit 104 has a function of communicating data with external devices such as the mobile terminal device 100 and the route guidance server 200 via a communication line. The network 300 has a function of mutually connecting the mobile terminal device 100 and an external device such as the route guidance server 200, and includes, for example, the Internet, a telephone line network (a mobile terminal line network, and a general telephone line network). ), An intranet or the like.

  The control unit 102 also has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program defining various processing procedures, and necessary data. And the control part 102 performs the information processing for performing various processes by these programs. The control unit 102 includes a receiving unit 102a, a guidance point setting unit 102b, a voice guidance output unit 102c, a current position acquisition unit 102d, and a map display unit 102e in terms of functional concept.

  Among these, the receiving unit 102 a is a receiving unit that receives route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server 200. The receiving unit 102a may receive map data transmitted from the route guidance server 200.

  Further, the guide point setting unit 102b determines whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guide route of the route guidance data received by the receiving unit 102a indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. If not, set the node as a guide point, and if it indicates a connection between floors, determine whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates a connection between floors and If the floor connection is not indicated, the previous node is set as a guide point. If the floor connection is indicated, it is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the previous node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. When the distance exceeds the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as a guide point, and when the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point.

  The voice guidance output unit 102c is voice guidance output means for executing voice guidance by outputting voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the guidance point setting unit 102b via the voice output unit 116. . Here, when the link indicating the connection between the floors is continuous on the guide route, the voice guidance output unit 102c is the guide point set at the node that is the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the continuous floors and floors. When the current position reaches the guidance point, the floor to which the node serving as the end point of the link indicating the connection between successive floors may be voice-guided.

  In addition, the current position acquisition unit 102d extracts the position information including the latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112, thereby obtaining the extracted position information. It is a current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of the mobile terminal device 100.

  Further, the map display unit 102e displays a guide route searched by the route search unit 202a on the map data received by the receiving unit 102a, and a current position display symbol indicating the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 112 Is a map display means for displaying on the display unit 114 a map display screen on which is displayed.

  Above, description of an example of a structure of the route guidance system in 1st Embodiment is finished.

[Processing of route guidance system]
Next, the process of the route guidance system in the first embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, the control unit 102 of the mobile terminal device 100 transmits a route search condition including at least a departure place and a destination input by the user via the input unit to the route search server 200. (Step SA-1). Here, the current position acquisition unit 102d of the mobile terminal device 100 extracts position information including latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112. The extracted position information may be acquired as the current position of the mobile terminal device 100 and transmitted to the route guidance server 200.

  Then, the route search unit 202a of the route guidance server 200 sets a route search condition including at least the departure place and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100 by the processing of the control unit 102 of the mobile terminal device 100 in step SA-1. Receiving (step SA-2), searching for a guide route composed of nodes and links from the departure point to the destination satisfying the route search condition using the network data stored in the network data file 206a; The searched guidance route and the guidance point and voice data stored in the guidance point file 206b corresponding to the guidance route are transmitted to the portable terminal device 100 as route guidance data (step SA-3). Here, the control unit 202 of the route guidance server 200 may transmit map data stored in the map data file 206 c corresponding to the position information transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100 to the mobile terminal device 100.

  That is, the route search unit 202a of the route guidance server calculates a guide route by performing a route search based on the route search condition received from the mobile terminal device 100. Here, the guide route is based on a plurality of nodes arranged corresponding to the route of the map data (for example, indoor map data) and a link connecting the nodes from the current location to the destination, This is route data connecting nodes and links that pass through.

  And the receiving part 102a of the portable terminal device 100 receives the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server 200 by the process of the control part 102 of the portable terminal device 100 in step SA-3 (step SA-4). Here, the receiving unit 102a may receive map data transmitted from the route guidance server 200.

  Then, the guidance point setting unit 102b sets the first node on the departure side of the route guidance data received by the processing of the reception unit 102a in step SA-4 as a determination target (step SA-5).

  Then, the guide point setting unit 102b determines whether the determination target node set in step SA-5 is a guide point (step SA-6). That is, the guidance point setting unit 102b sets the first node among the nodes included on the guidance route of the route guidance data received from the route guidance search server 200 as a determination target node (for example, It is determined whether or not voice data for performing guidance such as a change in traveling direction is associated.

  When it is determined that the determination target node set in step SA-6 is not the guidance point (step SA-6: No), the guidance point setting unit 102b determines whether the node is the destination. (Step SA-11) When it is determined that it is not the destination (Step SA-11: No), the next node on the guidance route is set as a determination target (Step SA-12), and then Step SA-5 is set. Return to the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step SA-6 that the determination target node is a guide point (step SA-6: Yes), the guidance point setting unit 102b determines that the link type of the link connected to the node is a floor. It is determined whether or not a floor connection is indicated (step SA-7). That is, if the guide point setting unit 102b is a guide point, the node set as the determination target is a link indicating a connection between floors (for example, “stairs”, “escalator”, “elevator”, etc. Link). Note that this determination by the processing of the guide point setting unit 102b indicates that the type of link before and after the node connected to the determination target node is “link indicating connection in floor (for example, first floor, second floor, third floor, fourth floor). "Link indicating the number of floors, etc.)" to "links indicating the connection between floors (for example, links indicating means such as stairs, escalators, elevators)".

  When it is determined in step SA-7 that the link type of the link connected to the node indicates the connection between the floors (step SA-7: Yes), the guidance point setting unit 102b immediately before the node. It is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node indicates a connection between floors (step SA-8). That is, when the determination target node is connected to the link indicating the connection between the floor and the floor, the guidance point setting unit 102b further determines that the link type connected to the node as the guide point stored immediately before is the floor and the floor. It is determined whether the link indicates a connection (for example, a link indicating “stairs”, “escalator”, “elevator”, etc.).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step SA-7 that the link type of the link connected to the node does not indicate a connection between floors (step SA-7: No), the guidance point setting unit 102b guides the node. The point is set (step SA-10), and then the process proceeds to step SA-11 described above.

  When it is determined in step SA-8 that the link type of the link connected to the immediately preceding node indicates the connection between the floors (step SA-8: Yes), the guidance point setting unit 102b It is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (step SA-9). In other words, the guide point setting unit 102b indicates that the link type connected to the node as the immediately preceding guide point indicates a connection between floors (for example, a link indicating “stairs”, “escalator”, “elevator”, etc.). If it is, it is determined whether the link distance on the floor to which the determination target node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step SA-8 that the link type of the link connected to the immediately preceding node does not indicate a connection between floors (step SA-8: No), the guidance point setting unit 102b Is set as a guide point (step SA-10), and the process proceeds to step SA-11 described above.

  When it is determined in step SA-9 that the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than the predetermined distance (step SA-9: Yes), the guidance point setting unit 102b performs the above-described step SA-11. Proceed to processing. That is, the guide point setting unit 102b determines whether the determination target node is not the destination when the link distance on the floor to which the determination target node belongs is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. The target node is moved to the next node, and the same processing as described above is performed. Thus, for example, when the guide point setting unit 102b indicates a connection connecting the stairs (when the link length of the link is equal to or less than a predetermined distance as illustrated in FIG. 1), the guidance point setting unit 102b performs the audio at the determination target node. Set to not give guidance.

  In the present invention, guidance is provided based on the user's condition (for example, in the case of a hearing-impaired person), and it is determined that it is better to also guide the “stairs” or “escalator” moving between floors. In other cases, the process may be switched depending on the state of the target person, such as no guidance.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step SA-9 that the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs exceeds the predetermined distance (step SA-9: No), the guidance point setting unit 102b sets the node as the guidance point. (Step SA-10), the process proceeds to Step SA-11 described above. That is, when the distance of the link on the floor to which the determination target node belongs exceeds a predetermined distance, the guidance point setting unit 102b stores the determination target node as a guidance point.

  And the guidance point setting part 102b determines with respect to all the nodes on a guidance route by repeating the above-mentioned step, and sets a guidance point. If it is determined in step SA-11 that the node is the destination (step SA-11: Yes), that is, all nodes on the guide route are determined, and the setting of the guide point is completed. After that, the voice guidance output unit 102c executes voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the processing of the guidance point setting unit 102b via the voice output unit 116 (step SA). -13). Here, when the link indicating the connection between the floors is continuous on the guide route, the voice guidance output unit 102c is the guide point set at the node that is the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the continuous floors and floors. When the current position reaches the guidance point, the floor to which the node serving as the end point of the link indicating the connection between successive floors may be voice-guided. Further, the map display unit 102e displays the guide route searched by the processing of the route search unit 202a on the map data received by the receiving unit 102a, and indicates the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 112. A map display screen displaying the display symbols may be displayed on the display unit 114.

  Here, an example of the content of the guide point setting process in FIG. 2 created according to the process shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the example shown in FIG. 6 is not limited to the present embodiment, and can be similarly applied to other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the user moves from the departure point on the B1 floor to the destination on the fourth floor in FIG. 2, the guide point setting unit 102 b performs the process shown in FIG.
First, in the escalator 1, since the immediately preceding node is not connected to a link indicating an escalator or a staircase, it is set as a guidance point for voice guidance. The guide point setting unit 102b is set as a guide point in the escalator 2 because the immediately preceding node is connected to the link indicating the escalator or the staircase, but the link length of the link indicating the connection in the floor is shorter than the predetermined distance. do not do. Similarly, in escalators 3 and 4, the immediately preceding node is connected to a link indicating an escalator or a staircase, but the link length of the link indicating the connection in the floor is shorter than a predetermined distance, so that it is not set as a guide point.

  Thus, by setting the guide point by the processing of the guide point setting unit 102b, the voice guidance output unit 102c is a link indicating the connection between the floors on the guide route (escalators 1 to 4 in FIG. 6). If the current position reaches the guidance point at the guidance point set at the node that becomes the starting point of the link (B1 floor in FIG. 6) indicating the connection between the successive floors. The floor (the fourth floor in FIG. 6) to which the node serving as the end point of the link indicating the connection between the floors can be voice-guided.

  Above, description of the process of the route guidance system in 1st Embodiment is finished.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention (route guidance server 200 (server-driven type)) will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the route guidance server 200 in the second embodiment, and conceptually shows only the portion related to the present invention in the configuration. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the route guidance server 200 in the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the route guidance server 200 generates data to be output to the voice output unit 116 of the mobile terminal device 100 and map data to be displayed on the display unit 114, and these data are stored in the mobile terminal device 100. The mobile terminal device 100 is caused to function as the audio output unit 116 and the display unit 114. In the second embodiment, the mobile terminal device 100 transmits position information indicating the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 112 to the route guidance server 200 so that the route guidance server 200 can perform route guidance in real time. is doing. As described above, the second embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the route guidance server 200 performs server-led processing.

[Configuration of the route guidance server 200 (server-driven type)]
First, an example of the configuration of the route guidance server 200 (server-driven type) in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the route guidance server 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a position acquisition unit 112 that receives a position information signal transmitted from the position transmission device 500, a display unit 114, and an audio output unit 116. Is connected to a mobile terminal device 100 including at least a communication unit via a network 300, and includes at least a control unit 202 and a storage unit 206. Each unit of the route guidance server 200 and the mobile terminal device 100 is connected to be communicable via an arbitrary communication path.

  In FIG. 7, the route guidance server 200 generates a guide route that satisfies the route search condition transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100, a guide point corresponding to the guide route, and voice data based on the route guide data. The node is determined in consideration of the link type and link length, a map display screen further including the guidance route and voice data including the guidance point set based on the determined result is generated and transmitted to the mobile terminal device 100 By doing so, the generated map display screen is displayed on the display unit 114 of the mobile terminal device 100, and has a function of controlling voice guidance to be executed at the set guidance point. In addition, the route guidance server 200 generates a map display screen including at least map data corresponding to the position information transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100, and transmits the map display screen to the mobile terminal device 100, whereby the generated map display screen is portable. You may have functions, such as controlling to display on the display part 114 of the terminal device 100. FIG.

  The functions of the communication control interface unit 204 and the storage unit 206 (network data file 206a, guidance point file 206b, map data file 206c, etc.) in the route guidance server 200, and the position acquisition unit 112 in the mobile terminal device 100, Since the functions of the display unit 114 and the audio output unit 116 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 7, the control unit 202 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data. And the control part 202 performs the information processing for performing various processes with these programs. The control unit 202 includes a route search unit 202a, a guidance point setting unit 202b, a voice guidance output control unit 202c, a map display generation unit 202d, and a display control unit 202e in terms of functional concept.

  Among these, the route search unit 202a transmits a guide route composed of nodes and links from the departure point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the departure point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100. Search using network data stored in the network data file 206a, and generate route guidance data including the searched guidance route and the guidance point and voice data stored in the guidance point file 206b corresponding to the guidance route. Route search means.

  The guidance point setting unit 202b determines whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated by the route search unit 202a indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. If the connection is not indicated, the node is set as a guide point, and if the connection between the floor and the floor is indicated, it is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, If the floor-to-floor connection is not indicated, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point. If the floor-to-floor connection is indicated, it is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. When the length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as a guide point, and when the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the previous point is not set as a guide point.

  In addition, the voice guidance output control unit 202c transmits voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the guidance point setting unit 202b to the portable terminal device 100, thereby via the voice output unit 116 of the portable terminal device 100. Voice guidance output control means for outputting and executing voice guidance. Here, when the link indicating the connection between the floors is continuous on the guide route, the voice guidance output control unit 202c is guided by the node set as the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the continuous floors and the floors. When the current position reaches the guidance point at the point, the floor to which the node serving as the end point of the link indicating the connection between successive floors may be voice-guided.

  In addition, the map display generation unit 202d extracts the latitude, longitude, and height extracted from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112 of the portable terminal device 100, which is transmitted from the portable terminal device 100. The map data stored in the map data file 206c corresponding to the position information acquired as the current position of the mobile terminal device 100 including the information is acquired, and the route search unit 202a searches the acquired map data. It is a map display generation means for displaying a guide route and generating a map display screen displaying a current position display symbol indicating the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 112.

  In addition, the display control unit 202e transmits the map display screen generated by the map display screen generation unit 202b to the mobile terminal device 100, thereby causing the display unit 114 of the mobile terminal device 100 to display the map display screen. Means.

  Above, description of an example of a structure of the route guidance server 200 in 2nd Embodiment is finished.

[Processing of the route guidance server 200 (server-driven type)]
Next, an example of processing of the route guidance server 200 in the second embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, first, the control unit 102 of the mobile terminal device 100 transmits a route search condition including at least a departure place and a destination input by the user via the input unit to the route search server 200. (Step SB-1). Here, the control unit 102 of the mobile terminal device 100 is extracted by extracting position information including latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112. The position information may be acquired as the current position of the mobile terminal device 100 and transmitted to the route guidance server 200.

  Then, the route search unit 202a of the route guidance server 200 sets the route search condition including at least the departure place and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100 by the processing of the control unit 102 of the mobile terminal device 100 in step SB-1. Receiving (step SB-2), searching for a guide route composed of nodes and links from the departure point to the destination satisfying the route search condition using the network data stored in the network data file 206a; Route guidance data including the searched guidance route and the guidance points and voice data stored in the guidance point file 206b corresponding to the guidance route is generated (step SB-3). Here, the control unit 202 of the route guidance server 200 may acquire map data stored in the map data file 206c corresponding to the position information transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100.

  Note that the processing of the following steps SB-4 to SB-11 performed by the guide point setting unit 202b is the same as steps SA-5 to SA-12 of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. .

  And the guidance point setting part 202b performs determination with respect to all the nodes on a guidance route, when it determines with a node being a destination in step SB-10 (step SB-10: Yes), After completing the setting of the guidance point, the voice guidance output control unit 202c transmits the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the processing of the guidance point setting unit 202b to the portable terminal device 100, thereby the portable terminal device The voice guidance is executed through the voice output unit 116 (step SB-12). Here, when the link indicating the connection between the floors is continuous on the guide route, the voice guidance output control unit 202c is guided by the node set as the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the continuous floors and the floors. When the current position reaches the guidance point at the point, the floor to which the node serving as the end point of the link indicating the connection between successive floors may be voice-guided. Here, the map display generation unit 202d is searched for by the process of the route search unit 202a including the guide point set by the process of the guide point setting unit 202b on the map data acquired by the process of the control unit 202. A map display screen may be generated in which a guide route is displayed and a current position display symbol indicating the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 112 is displayed. Then, the display control unit 202e may display the map display screen generated by the process of the map display generation unit 202d on the display unit 114 by transmitting it to the mobile terminal device 100.

  Above, description of the process of the route guidance server 200 in 2nd Embodiment is finished.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment (route guidance device 400 (stand-alone type)) of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the route guidance apparatus 400 according to the third embodiment, and conceptually shows only the portion related to the present invention in the configuration. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the route guidance device 400 according to the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, all functions are integrated into the route guidance device 400, and the route guidance device 400 is connected to the node on the guidance route of the generated route guidance data without being connected to the route guidance server 200. A guidance point is set based on the link type and link length of the link to be connected, and voice data corresponding to the set guidance point is output via the voice output unit, thereby executing voice guidance. Further, the route guidance device 400 displays the searched guidance route on the acquired map data without being connected to the route guidance server 200, and displays the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 412. You may have a function of displaying the map display screen which displayed the symbol on the display part 414, etc. Thus, the third embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that the route guidance device 400 is configured as a stand-alone type and performs processing alone.

[Configuration of route guidance device 400 (stand-alone type)]
First, an example of the configuration of the route guidance device 400 (stand-alone type) in the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the route guidance device 400 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a position acquisition unit 412 that receives a position information signal transmitted from the position transmission device 500, a display unit 414, and an audio output unit 416. A control unit 402 and a storage unit 406 are provided at least. Each part of these route guidance apparatuses 400 is connected so that communication is possible via arbitrary communication paths.

  In FIG. 9, the functions of the input / output control interface unit 408, the position acquisition unit 412, the display unit 414, and the audio output unit 416 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. Further, each part (network data file 406a, guidance point file 406b, map data file 406c, etc.) of the storage unit 406 is also provided in the route guidance device 400, not the route guidance servers 200 and 206, Since each function is the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Further, for each part of the control unit 402 (route search unit 402a to map display unit 402e, etc.), the route guidance device 400 of this embodiment is a stand-alone type and does not include a communication control interface unit. Each function is basically the same as that of the first embodiment except that the transmitter and the receiver are not provided.

  In FIG. 9, the control unit 402 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data. And the control part 402 performs the information processing for performing various processes with these programs. The control unit 402 is functionally conceptually configured to include a route search unit 402a, a guidance point setting unit 402b, a voice guidance output unit 402c, a current position acquisition unit 402d, and a map display unit 402e.

  Among these, the route search unit 402a stores, in the network data file 406a, a guide route composed of nodes and links from the departure point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the departure point and the destination. It is a route search means that searches using network data and generates route guidance data including the searched guidance route and the guidance point and voice data stored in the guidance point file 406b corresponding to the guidance route.

  The guidance point setting unit 402b determines whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated by the route search unit 402a indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. If this node is not indicated, the node is set as a guide point, and if a floor-to-floor connection is indicated, it is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates a floor-to-floor connection. If the connection between the floor and the floor is not indicated, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point. If the connection between the floor and the floor is indicated, it is determined whether the link length of the floor to which the previous node belongs is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. Is a guide point setting means that sets the immediately preceding node as a guide point when the distance exceeds a predetermined distance, and does not set the immediately preceding node as a guide point when the link length is equal to or less than the predetermined distance.

  The voice guidance output unit 402c is voice guidance output means for executing voice guidance by outputting voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the guidance point setting unit 402b via the voice output unit 416. . Here, when the link indicating the connection between the floors is continuous on the guidance route, the voice guidance output unit 402c is the guide point set at the node that is the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the continuous floors and floors. When the current position reaches the guidance point, the floor to which the node serving as the end point of the link indicating the connection between successive floors may be voice-guided.

  Further, the current position acquisition unit 402d extracts the position information including the latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 412. It is a current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of the guidance information providing apparatus 400.

  Further, the map display unit 402e acquires the position information acquired as the current position of the route guidance device 400 including the latitude, longitude, and height information extracted from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112. The map data stored in the map data file 406c is acquired, the guide route searched by the route search unit 402a is displayed on the acquired map data, and the current acquired by the position acquisition unit 412 It is a map display means for displaying a map display screen on which a current position display symbol indicating a position is displayed on the display unit 414.

  Above, description of an example of a structure of the route guidance apparatus 400 in 3rd Embodiment is finished.

[Processing of route guidance device 400 (stand-alone type)]
Next, an example of processing of the route guidance apparatus 400 according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, the control unit 402 of the route guidance apparatus 400 acquires a route search condition including at least a departure place and a destination input by the user via the input unit (step SC-1). . Here, the current position acquisition unit 402d extracts the position information including the latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 412. May be acquired as the current position of the route guidance device 400.

  Then, the route search unit 402a is a node from the departure point to the destination that satisfies the route search condition including at least the departure point and the destination acquired by the processing of the control unit 402 of the route guide device 400 in step SC-1. And searching for a guide route composed of the links using the network data stored in the network data file 406a, the searched guide route, and the guide points and voices stored in the guide point file 406b corresponding to the guide route. Route guidance data including the data is generated (step SC-2). Here, the control unit 402 of the route guidance device 400 may acquire the map data stored in the map data file 406c corresponding to the position information acquired as the current position.

  In addition, since the process of the following steps SC-3 to SC-10 performed by the guide point setting unit 402b is the same as steps SA-5 to SA-12 in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. .

  And the guidance point setting part 402b determines with respect to all the nodes on a guidance route, when it determines with a node being a destination in step SC-9 (step SC-9: Yes), After completing the setting of the guidance point, the voice guidance output unit 402c outputs voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the processing of the guidance point setting unit 402b via the voice output unit 416, thereby voice guidance. Is executed (step SC-11). Here, when the link indicating the connection between the floors is continuous on the guidance route, the voice guidance output unit 402c is the guide point set at the node that is the starting point of the link indicating the connection between the continuous floors and floors. When the current position reaches the guidance point, the floor to which the node serving as the end point of the link indicating the connection between successive floors may be voice-guided. Here, the map display unit 402e is the position acquired as the current position of the route guidance device 400 including the latitude, longitude, and height information extracted from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112. The map data stored in the map data file 406c corresponding to the information is acquired, and the route search unit 402a includes the guide point set by the process of the guide point setting unit 402b on the acquired map data. A map display screen that displays the searched guidance route and displays a current position display symbol indicating the current position acquired by the position acquisition unit 412 may be displayed on the display unit 414.

  Above, description of the process of the route guidance apparatus 400 in 3rd Embodiment is finished.

[Other embodiments]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention can be applied to various different embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. May be implemented.

  In addition, among the processes described in the embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method.

  In addition, unless otherwise specified, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including registration data for each processing, parameters such as search conditions, screen examples, and database configurations shown in the above documents and drawings Can be changed arbitrarily.

  In addition, regarding the mobile terminal device 100, the route guidance server 200, and the route guidance device 400, each illustrated component is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated.

  For example, the processing functions provided in each of the mobile terminal device 100, the route guidance server 200, and the route guidance device 400, particularly the processing functions performed by the control unit 102, the control unit 202, and the control unit 402 are as follows. All or an arbitrary part thereof can be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware by wired logic. The program is recorded on a recording medium to be described later, and is mechanically read by the mobile terminal device 100, the route guidance server 200, and the route guidance device 400 as necessary. In other words, the storage unit 206 such as ROM or HD, the storage unit 406, and the like store computer programs for giving instructions to the CPU in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) and performing various processes. This computer program is executed by being loaded into the RAM, and constitutes a control unit in cooperation with the CPU.

  The computer program may be stored in an application program server connected to the mobile terminal device 100, the route guidance server 200, and the route guidance device 400 via an arbitrary network 300, as necessary. You can also download all or part of it.

  The program according to the present invention can also be stored in a computer-readable recording medium. Here, the “recording medium” refers to any “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, or a LAN, WAN, or Internet. It includes a “communication medium” that holds the program in a short period of time, such as a communication line or a carrier wave when the program is transmitted via a network represented by

  The “program” is a data processing method described in an arbitrary language or description method, and may be in any format such as source code or binary code. The “program” is not necessarily limited to a single configuration, but is distributed in the form of a plurality of modules and libraries, or in cooperation with a separate program represented by an OS (Operating System). Including those that achieve the function. Note that a well-known configuration and procedure can be used for a specific configuration for reading a recording medium, a reading procedure, an installation procedure after reading, and the like in each device described in the embodiment.

  Various databases and the like (network data files 206a and 406a, guidance point files 206b and 406b, map data files 206c and 406c, etc.) stored in the storage unit 206 and the storage unit 406 are stored in a memory device such as a RAM or a ROM. It is a storage means such as a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk, and stores various programs, tables, databases, web page files, etc. used for various processes and website provision.

  Further, the mobile terminal device 100, the route guidance server 200, and the route guidance device 400 are connected to an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, and the software ( (Including programs, data, etc.) may be implemented. In particular, the mobile terminal device 100 may be, for example, an information processing device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer that is generally commercially available, or a mobile communication terminal device such as a mobile phone, PHS, or PDA.

  Furthermore, the specific form of distribution / integration of the devices is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part of them may be functional or physical in arbitrary units according to various additions or according to functional loads. Can be distributed and integrated.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in route guidance including network data connecting floors, a floor part in the middle for transiting a simple elevator or stairs is guided without misunderstanding, and a departure place in a building A route guidance system, a portable terminal device, a route guidance server, a route guidance device, and a route guidance method capable of providing appropriate route guidance from a destination to a destination can be provided, so that map information indoors and outdoors is transmitted. It is extremely useful in various fields such as information equipment that supports route guidance such as the information processing field.

100 mobile terminal device 102 control unit
102a receiver
102b Guide point setting part
102c voice guidance output unit
102d Current position acquisition unit
102e Map display unit 104 Communication control interface unit 108 Input / output control interface unit 112 Position acquisition unit 114 Display unit 116 Voice output unit 200 Route guidance server 202 Control unit
202a Route search unit
202b Guide point setting part
202c Voice guidance output control unit
202d Map display generation unit
202e Display control unit 204 Communication control interface unit 206 Storage unit
206a Network data file
206b Guide point file
206c Map data file 300 Network 400 Route guidance device (stand-alone type)
402 control unit
402a Route search unit
402b Guide point setting part
402c Voice guidance output unit
402d Current position acquisition unit
402e Map display unit 406 Storage unit
406a Network data file
406b Guide point file
406c Map data file 408 Input / output control interface unit 412 Position acquisition unit 414 Display unit 416 Audio output unit 500 Position transmission device

Claims (8)

A route guidance system including a route guidance server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a portable terminal device including at least a voice output unit and a control unit that are communicably connected to the route guidance server via a network. There,
The storage unit of the route guidance server
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information;
Guidance point storage means for storing a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other;
With
The control unit of the route guidance server
The network data storage unit stores the guide route composed of the node and the link from the departure point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the departure point and the destination transmitted from the portable terminal device. A search is performed using the network data stored in the means, and the searched guidance route and the guidance point and the voice data stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to the guidance route are used as route guidance data. Comprising route search means for transmitting to the mobile terminal device,
The control unit of the mobile terminal device is
Receiving means for receiving the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server;
When determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guide route of the route guidance data received by the receiving means indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, and indicating the connection between the floor and the floor Determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floors, and if the link indicates the connection between the floors, the link of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs It is determined whether the length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance. If the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point. If the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is A guide point setting means not set as a guide point;
Voice guidance output means for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance spot set by the guidance spot setting means via the voice output unit;
A route guidance system comprising: A portable terminal device comprising at least a voice output unit and a control unit that are communicably connected to a route guidance server via a network,
The control unit
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. At least information, searched using the network data, the node from the starting point to the destination satisfying a route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device; and Route guidance data including the guidance route composed of the links, a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route, and voice data output at the guidance point. Receiving means for receiving the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server;
When determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guide route of the route guidance data received by the receiving means indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, and indicating the connection between the floor and the floor Determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floors, and if the link indicates the connection between the floors, the link of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs It is determined whether the length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance. If the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point. If the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is A guide point setting means not set as a guide point;
Voice guidance output means for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance spot set by the guidance spot setting means via the voice output unit;
A portable terminal device comprising: A route guidance server having at least a control unit and a storage unit, connected to a mobile terminal device having at least an audio output unit so as to communicate via a network,
The storage unit
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information;
Guidance point storage means for storing a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other;
With
The control unit
The network data storage unit stores the guide route composed of the node and the link from the departure point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the departure point and the destination transmitted from the portable terminal device. Route guidance data including the guidance route searched using the network data stored in the means, and the guidance point and the voice data stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to the guidance route. Route search means for generating
It is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated by the route search means indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. If the link type of the link connected to the node immediately before the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, and indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, the link of the floor to which the immediately previous node belongs is determined. It is determined whether the link length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance. When the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point. When the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set. Guide point setting means not to set as the above guide point,
By transmitting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set by the guidance point setting means to the portable terminal device, the voice data is output via the voice output unit of the portable terminal device to execute the voice guidance. Voice guidance output control means;
A route guidance server comprising: A route guidance device comprising at least an audio output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit,
The storage unit
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information;
Guidance point storage means for storing a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other;
With
The control unit
The network data stored in the network data storage means for the guide route composed of the node and the link from the departure point to the destination satisfying a route search condition including at least a departure point and a destination. A route searching means for generating route guidance data including the guidance route searched and searched, and the guidance point and the voice data stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to the guidance route;
It is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated by the route search means indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. If the link type of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, and indicates the connection between the floor and the floor, the link of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is determined. It is determined whether the link length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance. If the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point. If the link length is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the previous node is A guide point setting means not set as the guide point,
Voice guidance output means for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance spot set by the guidance spot setting means via the voice output unit;
A route guidance device comprising: A route guidance server including at least a control unit and a storage unit, and a route guidance system including a portable terminal device including at least a voice output unit and a control unit that are communicably connected to the route guidance server via a network. A route guidance method to be executed,
The storage unit of the route guidance server
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information;
Guidance point storage means for storing a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other;
With
The node and the link, which are executed by the control unit of the route guidance server, from the starting point to the destination satisfying a route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the portable terminal device. The guide route constituted by the network data stored in the network data storage means is searched, and the searched guide route and the guide point storage means corresponding to the guide route are stored in the guide point storage means. A route searching step for transmitting the guidance point and the voice data to the portable terminal device as route guidance data;
A receiving step for receiving the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server, executed in the control unit of the mobile terminal device;
The link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data received in the reception step executed in the control unit of the portable terminal device is the connection between the floor and the floor. A first determination step for determining whether to indicate;
The link of the link connected to the node immediately preceding the node when it is determined in the first determination step that is executed in the control unit of the mobile terminal device that the connection between the floors is indicated. A second determination step for determining whether the type indicates a connection between the floor and the floor;
If it is determined in the second determination step that is executed in the control unit of the mobile terminal device that the connection between the floors is indicated, the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. A third determination step for determining whether or not
When it is determined in the third determination step that is executed in the control unit of the mobile terminal device that the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and the third When it is determined in the determining step that the link length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance, a guide point setting step in which the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point;
By outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set in the guidance point setting step, which is executed in the control unit of the portable terminal device, via the voice output unit, the voice guidance is performed. A voice guidance output step to be executed;
A route guidance method comprising: A route guidance method executed in a portable terminal device including at least a voice output unit and a control unit that are communicably connected to a route guidance server via a network,
Executed in the control unit,
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. At least information, searched using the network data, the node from the starting point to the destination satisfying a route search condition including at least the starting point and the destination transmitted from the mobile terminal device; and Route guidance data including the guidance route composed of the links, a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route, and voice data output at the guidance point. Receiving the route guidance data transmitted from the route guidance server;
A first determination step for determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data received in the reception step indicates a connection between the floor and the floor;
If it is determined in the first determination step that the connection between the floor and the floor is indicated, it is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately before the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. A second determination step;
A third determination step for determining whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is not more than a predetermined distance when it is determined in the second determination step that the connection between the floors is indicated;
If it is determined in the third determination step that the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and the link length is equal to or less than the predetermined distance in the third determination step. When it is determined that there is a guide point setting step in which the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point,
A voice guidance output step for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set in the first guidance point setting step via the voice output unit;
A route guidance method comprising: A route guidance method executed in a route guidance server having at least a control unit and a storage unit, which is communicably connected via a network to a mobile terminal device having at least an audio output unit,
The storage unit
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information;
Guidance point storage means for storing a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other;
With
Executed in the control unit,
The network data storage unit stores the guide route composed of the node and the link from the departure point to the destination that satisfy the route search condition including at least the departure point and the destination transmitted from the portable terminal device. Route guidance data including the guidance route searched using the network data stored in the means, and the guidance point and the voice data stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to the guidance route. A route search step for generating
A first determination step of determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated in the route search step indicates connection between the floors;
If it is determined in the first determination step that the connection between the floor and the floor is indicated, it is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately before the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. A second determination step;
A third determination step for determining whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is not more than a predetermined distance when it is determined in the second determination step that the connection between the floors is indicated;
If it is determined in the third determination step that the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and the link length is less than or equal to a predetermined distance in the third determination step. When it is determined that there is a guide point setting step in which the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point,
The voice data corresponding to the guidance point set in the guidance point setting step is transmitted to the portable terminal device, so that the voice guidance is executed via the voice output unit of the portable terminal device. A voice guidance output control step,
A route guidance method comprising: A route guidance method executed in a route guidance device including at least a voice output unit, a control unit, and a storage unit,
The storage unit
Network data composed of a plurality of nodes and links connecting the nodes with respect to each floor of a building having two or more floors, and the links relate to link types and link lengths indicating connections between the floors. Network data storage means for storing the network data having at least information;
Guidance point storage means for storing a guidance point for executing voice guidance set for each node on the guidance route and voice data output at the guidance point in association with each other;
With
Executed in the control unit,
The network data stored in the network data storage means for the guide route composed of the node and the link from the departure point to the destination satisfying a route search condition including at least a departure point and a destination. A route search step for generating route guidance data including the guidance route searched and searched, and the guidance point and the voice data stored in the guidance point storage means corresponding to the guidance route;
A first determination step of determining whether the link type of the link connected to the node on the guidance route of the route guidance data generated in the route search step indicates a connection between the floor and the floor;
If it is determined in the first determination step that the connection between the floor and the floor is indicated, it is determined whether the link type of the link connected to the node immediately before the node indicates the connection between the floor and the floor. A second determination step;
A third determination step for determining whether the link length of the floor to which the immediately preceding node belongs is not more than a predetermined distance when it is determined in the second determination step that the connection between the floors is indicated;
If it is determined in the third determination step that the link length exceeds a predetermined distance, the immediately preceding node is set as the guide point, and the link length is less than or equal to a predetermined distance in the third determination step. When it is determined that there is a guide point setting step in which the immediately preceding node is not set as the guide point,
A voice guidance output step for executing the voice guidance by outputting the voice data corresponding to the guidance point set in the guidance point setting step via the voice output unit;
A route guidance method comprising:

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