JP2010276396A - Navigation apparatus and route display method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify a user of the effectiveness of the most recommended route more clearly. <P>SOLUTION: The navigation apparatus includes: a first route search means for searching for a first route (a recommended route) between two points using statistical traffic information; a second route search means for searching for a second route (the most recommended route) between the two points using the statistical traffic information, predicted traffic information, and real-time traffic information, an extraction means for comparing the first route and the second route and extracting the difference therebetween; and an output means for outputting information indicating the extracted difference. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device, and more particularly to an in-vehicle navigation device and a route display method thereof.

  In a navigation device, not only traffic information stored in advance in the navigation device, but also traffic information distributed from a system that distributes traffic information connected via a communication network (hereinafter referred to as “traffic information distribution center”). There is known a technique for searching for a more optimal route (path) by using (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The traffic information distributed from the traffic information distribution center is usually more accurate than the traffic information stored in advance in the navigation device. Therefore, the route search using this traffic information is called, for example, “fastest route search”. The distribution of traffic information from the traffic information distribution center may be a paid service.

JP 2009-069160 A

  Incidentally, the navigation device as described above uses a route search using the traffic information of the navigation device (hereinafter referred to as “recommended route search”) or a route search using the traffic information distributed from the traffic information distribution center ( In the following, this is referred to as “most recommended route search”) according to a user instruction. Then, the search result is displayed on the display.

  However, simply by displaying the search result, the user does not know why the most recommended route is the optimum route or what is better than the recommended route. For example, when a seemingly detoured route is displayed on the map as the most recommended route, the user cannot be satisfied with the search result unless the cause is known. In addition, when the most recommended route search is a paid service, the user wants to know the effect of the most recommended route in more detail.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for notifying the user of the effect of the most recommended route more clearly.

  A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a navigation device, which uses statistical traffic information to search for a first route between two points, and the statistics The second route search means for searching for the second route between two points using the traffic information, the predicted traffic information and the real-time traffic information is compared with the first route and the second route. It has an extraction means for extracting, and an output means for outputting information indicating the difference extracted by the extraction means.

Here, in the above navigation device, the second route search means uses different traffic information according to the distance from the departure place from the statistical traffic information, the predicted traffic information, and the real-time traffic information. Thus, the second route is searched, and the extraction means includes the second route for each range searched using any of the statistical traffic information, the predicted traffic information, and the real-time traffic information. The difference from the first route is extracted, and the output means outputs information indicating the difference extracted by the extraction means for each range.
This may be a feature.

  Further, in the above navigation apparatus, the extraction unit extracts a required time for each range for the first route and the second route, and the output unit includes the first route and the second route. For the second route, the required time may be output for each of the ranges.

  Further, in the above navigation device, the extraction unit may determine, for each range, a different route between the first route and the second route and the different route of the first route. At least one cause information of the congestion degree, traffic jam information, and regulation information is extracted, and the output means outputs the information indicating the different route and the cause information.

  Further, in the above navigation device, the output means may include the range when a difference in the required time for each range of the first route and the second route is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The required time may be output every time.

The navigation device may include an operation reception unit that receives a user operation for searching for the first route or the second route, and the second route search unit includes:
The second route may be automatically searched when the frequency of the user operation for searching for the second route is less than a predetermined threshold.

Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a route display method in a navigation device, wherein the navigation device searches for a first route between two points using statistical traffic information. A route search step, a second route search step for searching for a second route between two points using the statistical traffic information, the predicted traffic information and the real-time traffic information, the first route and the second route Performing an extraction step of comparing the route and extracting the difference, and an output step of outputting information indicating the difference extracted by the extraction means;
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the effect of the most recommended route can be notified to the user more clearly.

The figure which shows the network structural example of the navigation apparatus and traffic information delivery center which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the schematic structural example of the hardware of a navigation apparatus. The figure which shows the structural example of map information. The figure which shows the structural example of statistical traffic information. The figure which shows the structural example of prediction traffic information. The figure which shows the structural example of real-time traffic information. The figure explaining the use area of various traffic information in search of the most recommended route. The block diagram which shows the function structural example of a main-control part. The figure which shows the example of the user interface screen which displays the comparison result of a recommended route and the most recommended route. The flowchart which shows an example of the comparison process of the recommended route of a navigation apparatus, and a most recommended route.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration example of a navigation device and a traffic information distribution center according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The navigation device 1 is a system that is mounted on the vehicle 6 and performs navigation processing that displays map information, route information, and the like to guide the user.

  When instructed by the user, the navigation device 1 searches for a recommended route using map information (not shown) and statistical traffic information 2 stored in advance in its own storage device. Further, when instructed by the user, the navigation device 1 receives the predicted traffic information 4 and the real-time traffic information 5 from the traffic information distribution center 3 via the communication network, and uses these traffic information and statistical traffic information 2. To search for the most recommended route.

  The traffic information distribution center 3 is a system that distributes traffic information to the navigation device 1. The traffic information distribution center 3 is composed of, for example, a server device.

  The traffic information distribution center 3 holds the predicted traffic information 4 and the real-time traffic information 5 in its own storage device and updates it regularly or appropriately. Moreover, the predicted traffic information 4 and the real-time traffic information 5 are distributed via a communication network in response to a request from the navigation device 1.

  Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the statistical traffic information 2 is traffic information generated by statistically processing past traffic information. The predicted traffic information 4 is a prediction model generated based on past traffic information, and is applied to current traffic information such as real-time VICS (Vehicle Information Communication System: registered trademark) information. Traffic information. The real-time traffic information 5 is traffic information including current traffic information such as real-time VICS information and / or probe traffic information generated by statistically processing the probe information collected from the vehicle 6.

  The above is an example of the network configuration of the navigation device 1 and the traffic information distribution center 3. However, this configuration is not limited to the above configuration because the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the present invention. For example, the traffic information distribution center 3 may search for the most recommended route based on the information on the departure place (current location) and the destination transmitted from the navigation device 1, and may transmit it to the navigation device 1. Moreover, the structure with which the network structure of the general navigation apparatus 1 and the traffic information distribution center 3 is not excluded.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of hardware of the navigation apparatus.

  The navigation device 1 includes a main control unit 10, a display 20, an input device 30 (touch panel 31, hard switch 32), a voice input / output device 40 (speaker 41, microphone 42), a storage device 50, a vehicle speed sensor 60, a gyro sensor 62, A GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 64, a communication device 66, an FM multiplex broadcast receiver 68, and a beacon receiver 70 are included.

  The main control unit 10 is a central unit that performs processing for realizing various functions of the navigation device 1. The main control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that performs various arithmetic processing, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 that store programs to be executed and necessary data, An interface (I / F) 14 for controlling other devices is connected by a signal line 15.

  The main control unit 10 calculates the current location using information output from the vehicle speed sensor 60, the gyro sensor 62, and the GPS receiver 64, for example. Further, map information necessary for display is read from the storage device 50 based on the obtained current location information. Further, the main control unit 10 develops the read map information in graphics, and displays a mark indicating the current location on the display 20 in a superimposed manner.

  Further, the main control unit 10 uses the map information 51 and the statistical traffic information 52 to calculate the optimum route (recommended route) connecting the starting point (current location) and the destination instructed by the user, and the display 20 To display. In addition, the main control unit 10 uses the map information 51, the statistical traffic information 52, the predicted traffic information 53, and the real-time traffic information 54 to optimally connect the departure point (current location) instructed by the user and the destination. (The most recommended route) is calculated and displayed on the display 20. Further, the calculated recommended route and the most recommended route are compared to extract a difference, and information indicating the difference is displayed on the display 20 or output from the speaker 41.

  In addition, the main control unit 10 outputs voice and operation sound for guiding the user via the speaker 41. Further, it accepts a user request via the input device 30 or the microphone 42 and executes a process corresponding to the request.

  Further, the main control unit 10 receives the predicted traffic information and the real-time traffic information from the traffic information distribution center 3 via the communication device 66 periodically or during route search. The received predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information are stored in the RAM 12 and the storage device 50 (predicted traffic information 53, real-time traffic information 54).

  Further, the main control unit 10 receives traffic information distributed by the VICS center via the FM multiplex broadcast receiving device 68 and the beacon receiving device 70 and displays them on the display 20. Traffic information received from the VICS center is stored in the RAM 12 or the storage device 50.

  The display 20 is a unit that displays graphics information generated by the main control unit 10. The display 20 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display (Electro-Luminescence Display), and the like.

  The input device 30 is a unit for receiving a user instruction by a user operation. The input device 30 includes a touch panel 31, a hard switch 32, and the like.

  The touch panel 31 is a transparent operation panel attached to the display surface of the display 20. The touch panel 31 specifies a touch position corresponding to the XY coordinates of the image displayed on the display 20, converts the touch position into coordinates, and outputs the coordinates to the main control unit 10. The touch panel 31 includes a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic input detection element. The hard switch 32 is, for example, a dial switch, a scroll key, a keyboard, or a button.

  The voice input / output device 40 includes a speaker 41 as a voice output device and a microphone 42 as a voice input device. The speaker 41 outputs the audio signal generated by the main control unit 10. The microphone 42 acquires sound outside the navigation apparatus 1 such as sound emitted from the user or other passengers and outputs the sound to the main control unit 10.

  The speaker 41 and the microphone 42 are separately disposed at predetermined parts of the vehicle. Of course, the speaker 41 and the microphone 42 may be housed in an integral housing. In addition, the navigation device 1 can include a plurality of speakers 41 and microphones 42, respectively.

  The vehicle speed sensor 60, the gyro sensor 62, and the GPS receiver 64 are used to detect the current position (own vehicle position) of the moving body (navigation apparatus 1) and the like.

  The vehicle speed sensor 60 is a sensor that outputs vehicle speed data used for calculating the vehicle speed. The gyro sensor 62 is configured by an optical fiber gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like, and is a sensor that detects an angular velocity due to the rotation of the moving body. The GPS receiver 64 receives a signal from a GPS satellite, and measures the distance between the mobile body and the GPS satellite and the rate of change of the distance with respect to three or more satellites, so that the current position and progress of the mobile body Measure speed. Various data detected in this way is sent to the main control unit 10 and used for navigation processing.

  The communication device 66 is a device for connecting to a communication network such as a mobile phone line or the Internet. The communication device 66 communicates with the traffic information distribution center 3 via a communication network.

  The FM multiplex broadcast receiver 68 receives an FM multiplex broadcast signal transmitted from an FM multiplex broadcast station. In FM multiplex broadcasting, rough current traffic information such as VICS information, regulation information, SA / PA (service area / parking area) information, parking lot information, weather information, etc., text provided by radio stations as FM multiplex general information Information etc. are included.

  The beacon receiving device 70 receives traffic information, regulation information, SA / PA information, parking lot information, and the like sent from the beacon.

  The storage device 50 includes programs and data necessary for the main control unit 10 to execute various processes, map information 51 used for navigation processing, statistical traffic information 52, predicted traffic information 53, and real-time traffic information 54. A voice dictionary used for voice recognition is stored. These pieces of information are read out and used on the RAM 12 by the CPU 11 of the main control unit 10. The storage device 50 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or the like.

  The map information 51 and the statistical traffic information 52 are stored in advance in the storage device 50 (for example, stored when the navigation device 1 is manufactured or shipped). Of course, it may be updated periodically or according to a user instruction. On the other hand, the predicted traffic information 53 and the real-time traffic information 54 are received from the traffic information distribution center 3 by the main control unit 10 via the communication device 66 at a predetermined timing (for example, when searching for the most recommended route). 50.

  The map information 51, statistical traffic information 52, predicted traffic information 53, and real-time traffic information 54 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of map information.

  The map information 51 includes, for each mesh identification code (mesh ID) 511, which is a partitioned area on the map, link data of each link constituting a road included in the mesh area. The link data indicates, for each link identification code (link ID) 512, coordinate information 513 of two nodes (start node and end node) constituting the link, road type information 514 including the link, and link length. The link length information 515, the link travel time 516, the link ID (connection link ID) 517 of the link connected to each of the two nodes, and the like are included. Further, the number of lanes indicating the number of lanes included in the link, the identification code (road ID) of the road including the link, the road name, and the like are also included. In addition, information (name, type, coordinate information, etc.) of map components other than roads is also included.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of statistical traffic information.

  The statistical traffic information 52 is statistical traffic information for each link and predetermined condition. The statistical traffic information 52 includes a mesh ID 521, a condition 520, a link ID 522, a statistical link travel time 524 and a statistical congestion degree 525 for each time zone 523. The condition 520 is information indicating the type of day (for example, weekday, weekday before holiday, weekday after holiday, holiday, holiday after weekday, holiday after holiday, etc.). Of course, more detailed conditions (for example, seasons) may be included.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of predicted traffic information.

  The predicted traffic information 53 is predicted traffic information for each link. The predicted traffic information 53 includes a mesh ID 531, a link ID 532, a predicted link travel time 534 and a predicted congestion degree 535 for each time zone 533.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of real-time traffic information.

  The real-time traffic information 54 is real-time traffic information for each link. The real-time traffic information 54 includes, for each mesh ID 541 and link ID 542, a real-time link travel time 544, a real-time congestion degree 545, a real-time restriction information 546, and the like. The restriction information 546 includes information indicating restriction contents (for example, traffic prohibition, lane restriction, etc.), information indicating a cause event (for example, accident, construction, etc.), start point and end point information of a restriction section, and the like.

  Of course, the configurations of the map information 51, the statistical traffic information 52, the predicted traffic information 53, and the real-time traffic information 54 described the main configuration in describing the features of the present invention, and are limited to the above configuration. Absent. Further, the information included in the general map information 51, the statistical traffic information 52, the predicted traffic information 53, and the real-time traffic information 54 is not excluded.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the outline of the search method of the most recommended route will be described. First, the main control unit 10 specifies a departure place (current location) and a destination. In addition, real-time traffic information and predicted traffic information are acquired from the traffic information distribution center 3. Then, when searching for the optimum route from the departure place to the destination, for the area A (short distance area) within a predetermined distance from the departure place, the real-time traffic information 54 is used and the area A is located outside the area A and from the current location. The predicted traffic information 53 is used for the area B (medium distance area) within the predetermined distance, and the statistical traffic information 52 is used for the area C (far distance area) outside the area B and within the predetermined distance from the current location. . The main control unit 10 employs the optimum route calculated in this way as the most recommended route.

  That is, since the most recommended route is searched based on more accurate traffic information, it is a route that arrives at the destination in the shortest time at the time of the search. In addition, the route can calculate the required time and estimated arrival time with higher accuracy than the recommended route calculated using only the statistical traffic information 52.

  The above is the configuration example of the navigation device 1. However, this configuration is not limited to the above configuration because the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the present invention. Moreover, the structure with which the general navigation apparatus 1 is provided is not excluded.

  For example, the navigation device 1 may include a terrestrial digital broadcast tuner. Moreover, it may not be provided in the vehicle, and may be a portable PND (Personal Navigation Device), for example. Moreover, you may communicate with another vehicle-mounted apparatus (for example, audio | voice and an air-conditioner), a sensor, etc. via in-vehicle communication networks, such as in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) and CAN (Controller Area Network).

  Next, the functional configuration of the main control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the main control unit.

  The main control unit 10 includes a display control unit 110, an operation reception unit 120, a current location calculation unit 130, a traffic information reception unit 140, a route search unit 150, a route guidance unit 160, and a route comparison unit 170.

  These functional units are realized, for example, by the CPU 11 executing a predetermined program loaded from the ROM 13 and / or the storage device 50 to the RAM 12. The predetermined program is stored in advance in the ROM 13 and / or the storage device 50 (for example, when the navigation device 1 is manufactured). Of course, it may be downloaded from the network via the communication device 66 and installed and / or updated. Further, it may be read from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and installed and / or updated.

  The display control unit 110 receives an instruction from another functional unit, and generates and outputs a drawing command for displaying the user interface screen on the display 20. For example, a map drawing command is generated so as to draw images such as roads, other map components, and current locations, waypoints, destinations, and routes with a specified scale and drawing method. In addition, a drawing command is generated so as to draw an image such as a menu item for accepting a user instruction or an operation button.

  The operation receiving unit 120 receives a user operation input via the input device 30, analyzes the operation content, and controls other functional units so that processing corresponding to the operation content is executed. In addition, from the voice input via the microphone 42, the corresponding operation content is analyzed by voice recognition, and the other functional units are controlled so that the processing corresponding to the operation content is executed.

  For example, when the user requests a recommended route search, the operation reception unit 120 requests the route search unit 150 to display map information, a dialog, a window, and the like for receiving a destination setting. Also, the route search unit 150 is requested to calculate a route from the departure point to the destination.

  The current location calculation unit 130 periodically calculates the current location using information output from the vehicle speed sensor 60, the gyro sensor 62, and the GPS receiver 64. Further, by performing map matching processing using the calculation result, the current location is adjusted on the road (link) having the highest correlation.

  When the traffic information receiving unit 140 receives a request for downloading predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information, the traffic information receiving unit 140 accesses the traffic information distribution center 3 using the communication device 66 and requests distribution of the predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information. The downloaded predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information are stored in the storage device 50 (predicted traffic information 53 and real-time traffic information 54). Further, when traffic information or the like is received via the FM multiplex broadcast receiving device 68 and the beacon receiving device 70, the traffic information is stored in the storage device 50.

  The route search unit 150 uses a Dijkstra method or the like to search for a route that minimizes the cost (for example, travel distance, travel time) of a route connecting two designated points (current location, destination). In the present embodiment, the route search unit 150 uses map information and statistical traffic information when searching for a recommended route. When searching for the most recommended route, map information, statistical traffic information, predicted traffic information, and real-time traffic information are used.

  Specifically, the route search unit 150 receives, via the operation reception unit 120, the type of route to be searched (recommended route or most recommended route) designated by the user. In addition, the destination specified by the user is acquired via the operation reception unit 120. In addition, information on the departure place (current location) is acquired from the current location calculation unit 130.

  When a search for a recommended route is requested, the route search unit 150 searches for a route that minimizes the total cost from the departure point to the destination using the travel time 524 of the link included in the statistical traffic information 52 as a cost. As described above, the statistical traffic information 52 includes the travel time 524 of the link for each condition 520 and each time zone 523. Therefore, when a route search is performed, the travel time 524 corresponding to the condition 520 and the time zone 523 at the arrival time of the link is used as the cost of the link. It should be noted that for a link whose travel time is not included in the statistical traffic information 52, a route search may be performed using the travel time 516 of the map information 51 as a cost.

  When the search for the most recommended route is requested, the route search unit 150 has different traffic information (statistics) for each predetermined area (short distance area, medium distance area, long distance area) between the departure point and the destination. A route search is performed using the traffic information 52, the predicted traffic information 53, and the real-time traffic information 54).

  First, the route search unit 150 acquires predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information from the traffic information distribution center 3 via the traffic information receiving unit 140. For the predicted traffic information, for example, information of a range corresponding to the intermediate distance area is acquired. For real-time traffic information, information in a range corresponding to a short-distance area is acquired.

  Then, the route search unit 150 uses the link travel time 544 included in the real-time traffic information 54 as a cost for a short distance area and the link travel time 534 included in the predicted traffic information 53 as a cost for a medium distance area. For a long-distance area, the travel time 524 of the link included in the statistical traffic information 52 is used as a cost to search for a route that minimizes the total cost from the departure point to the destination.

  As described above, the predicted traffic information 53 includes the link travel time 534 for each time zone 533. Therefore, when performing route search, the travel time 534 corresponding to the time zone 533 at the predicted arrival time for the link is used as the cost of the link. The statistical traffic information 52 includes a travel time 524 of the link for each condition 520 and time zone 523. Therefore, when a route search is performed, the travel time 524 corresponding to the condition 520 and the time zone 523 at the arrival time of the link is used as the cost of the link.

  Note that for links that do not include travel time in the statistical traffic information 52, the predicted traffic information 53, and the real-time traffic information 54, a route search may be performed using the travel time 516 of the map information 51 as a cost.

  The route guidance unit 160 performs route guidance using the route searched by the route search unit 150. For example, the information on the route is compared with the information on the current location, and the user is notified by voice using the speaker 41 whether to go straight ahead or to turn left or right before passing through an intersection or the like. In addition, the route guidance unit 160 displays the direction to travel on the map displayed on the display 20 and guides the route to the user.

  The route comparison unit 170 compares the recommended route searched by the route search unit 150 with the most recommended route, and extracts a difference between them. In addition, the extracted information regarding the difference is displayed on the display 20 via the display control unit 110 or is output as audio via the speaker 41. Of course, either display or audio output may be performed.

  Specifically, for example, the route comparison unit 170 identifies the total time required for each of the recommended route and the most recommended route. In addition, for each of the recommended route and the most recommended route, the portion of the route belonging to the short distance area / medium distance area / far distance area is specified. Then, the required time is calculated for each area.

  Further, the route comparison unit 170 compares the links constituting the recommended route and the most recommended route for each area in order from the departure point side, and identifies different links. When a different link is specified, the congestion degree and the regulation information are acquired using the statistical traffic information 52, the predicted traffic information 53, or the real-time traffic information 54 for the link of the recommended route. If there are congestion levels and restriction information received from the FM multiplex broadcast receiving device 68 and the beacon receiving device 70 for the link of the recommended route, such information may be acquired. Moreover, you may acquire the road name corresponding to the said link of a recommended route using the map information 51. FIG.

  The route comparison unit 170 displays a user interface screen for notifying information indicating the difference between the recommended route and the most recommended route extracted as described above on the display 20 via the display control unit 110.

  The route comparison unit 170 displays, for example, a user interface screen 700 as shown in FIG. In the example of this figure, the route comparison unit 170 displays images of the recommended route and the most recommended route on the user interface screen 700, and the range of the short distance area / medium distance area / far distance area is displayed for each route. indicate.

  In addition, the route comparison unit 170 displays an image 710 indicating the traffic information used in the route search for each area of the recommended route and the most recommended route. Further, the route comparison unit 170 displays an image 720 indicating the total required time from the departure place to the destination for each of the recommended route and the most recommended route. In addition, the route comparison unit 170 displays an image 730 indicating the required time of the portion of the route belonging to the area for each area of each route. If there is a difference in the time required for the area corresponding to each route, the difference may be displayed, for example, “Shorten by x!”.

  In addition, when there is a link that differs between the recommended route and the most recommended route, the route comparison unit 170 recommends an image 750 indicating the congestion degree, traffic jam information, restriction information, etc. of the different links of the recommended route acquired as described above. Overlays the corresponding image in the route image. Further, an image 740 for notifying that the recommended links differ in congestion, congestion, regulation, etc., is displayed. The road name of the avoided link may be displayed.

  Of course, the user interface screen 700 described above is merely an example, and is not limited to the display mode described above. For example, the route comparison unit 170 may display an image indicating the recommended route and the most recommended route superimposed on the map image, and display a portion corresponding to the difference link between the recommended route and the most recommended route in a predetermined display mode. Further, the congestion degree of different links, traffic jam information, regulation information, and the like may be displayed in a predetermined display mode.

  Further, the route comparison unit 170 outputs information indicating the difference between the recommended route and the most recommended route extracted as described above from the speaker 41. For example, the difference in total required time, the difference in required time in each area, the avoidance of congestion / congestion / regulation, and the like are output as voice.

  The above components are classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the navigation device 1 and the main control unit 10. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configurations of the navigation device 1 and the main control unit 10 can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a comparison process between the recommended route and the most recommended route of the navigation device. This flow is started, for example, when the operation receiving unit 120 receives an instruction for searching for a recommended route by the user.

  In S110, the route search unit 150 searches for a recommended route. Specifically, the route search unit 150 uses the map information 51 and the statistical traffic information 52 to search for a route that minimizes the total cost from the departure point to the destination. The searched recommended route is displayed on the display 20. And if the instruction | indication of the search of the most recommended route by a user is received, a process will be advanced to S120.

  In S120, the route search unit 150 searches for the most recommended route. Specifically, the route search unit 150 acquires predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information from the traffic information distribution center 3 via the traffic information reception unit 140. Then, the map information 51, the statistical traffic information 52, the predicted traffic information 53, and the real-time traffic information 54 are used to search for a route that minimizes the total cost from the departure point to the destination. Further, the searched most recommended route is displayed on the display 20. And if the instruction | indication of the setting of the most recommended route by a user is received, a process will be advanced to S130.

  In S130, the route guidance unit 160 starts route guidance using the most recommended route. Specifically, the route is guided to the user via the speaker 41 or the display 20 based on the result of comparing the information on the most recommended route with the information on the current location. Then, the process proceeds to S140.

  In S140, the route comparison unit 170 compares the recommended route with the most recommended route. Specifically, the route comparison unit 170 compares the recommended route (S110) searched by the route search unit 150 with the most recommended route (S120), and for each short-distance area / medium-distance area / long-distance area, Time required, different links, congestion degree of different links, restriction information, etc. are extracted. Then, the process proceeds to S150.

  In S150, the route comparison unit 170 outputs a comparison result between the recommended route and the most recommended route. Specifically, the route comparison unit 170 displays information indicating the difference between the recommended route extracted in S140 and the most recommended route on the display 20 or outputs a sound from the speaker 41. The display is performed, for example, as a user interface screen 700 (FIG. 9). Then, this flow ends. The route comparison unit 170 may delete the display when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of display of the user interface screen 700 or when an instruction from the user is received.

  Each processing unit of the above-described flow is divided according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the navigation device 1 and the main control unit 10. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the navigation device 1 and the main control unit 10 can be divided into more processing units depending on the processing contents. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to this embodiment, the effect of the most recommended route can be notified to the user more clearly.

  That is, in this embodiment, when a search for the most recommended route is instructed after a search for a recommended route, a difference between those routes is extracted. At that time, the route is classified for each type of traffic information used for route search, and a difference is extracted for each category. And the information which shows a difference for every division is output. With this configuration, the user can more clearly know the effect of the most recommended route compared to the recommended route. In addition, it is possible to clearly know the cause of the traffic jam that the most recommended route has avoided.

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in S140 of FIG. 10, the route comparison unit 170 determines the total travel distance, the travel distance for each area, the total fee (energy consumption such as roads, electricity and fuel), the fee for each area of the recommended route and the most recommended route It is also possible to extract differences such as. In S150, the extracted information indicating these differences may be output.

  Further, for example, the difference may be output only when the effect of the most recommended route on the recommended route is large.

  Specifically, the route comparison unit 170 holds a predetermined threshold (for example, the required time of 10 minutes, the travel distance of 5 km, and the charge of 1000 yen) for each item such as the required time, the travel distance, and the charge. Then, in S150 of FIG. 10, information indicating the difference is output for items whose difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, the difference in required time is equal to or greater than 10 minutes) among the extracted recommended routes and the difference between the recommended routes. Alternatively, information indicating the difference may be output when there is at least one item whose difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

  If it does as mentioned above, the effect with respect to the recommended route of the most recommended route can be notified to a user more effectively.

  For example, the comparison result between the recommended route and the most recommended route may be output when the destination is reached. Specifically, the route comparison unit 170 measures the actual travel time for each area for the most recommended route, and when arriving at the destination, in addition to the information shown in FIG. The corresponding travel time is displayed. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of the accuracy of the most recommended route more effectively.

  For example, even when the frequency of use of the user's most recommended route search is low, the difference from the most recommended route may be output when the recommended route search is executed.

  Specifically, the main control unit 10 holds in advance a predetermined threshold value indicating the frequency of use of the most recommended route search (for example, the ratio 0.1 of the total use count of the most recommended route to the total use count of the recommended route search). To do. Further, the number of times of use of the recommended route search and the number of times of use of the most recommended route search are recorded, and the use frequency is calculated and recorded every time any one of the route searches is used.

  The main control unit 10 compares a predetermined threshold value with the latest use frequency when the most recommended route search is not executed following the recommended route search. Then, when the latest use frequency is less than a predetermined threshold, the most recommended route search is automatically executed. Then, the difference between the recommended route and the most recommended route is extracted and output.

  In this way, the effect of the most recommended route is notified when the frequency of use of the most recommended route search by the user is low, and for example, the user can be encouraged to use the most recommended route search.

  In addition, you may combine at least 2 or more among embodiment of said this invention and various modifications.

1: navigation device, 2: statistical traffic information, 3: traffic information distribution center, 4: predicted traffic information, 5: real-time traffic information, 6: vehicle, 10: main control unit, 11: CPU, 12: RAM, 13: ROM, 14: I / F, 15: signal line, 20: display, 30: input device, 31: touch panel, 32: hard switch, 40: voice input / output device, 41: speaker, 42: microphone, 50: storage device 51: Map information, 52: Statistical traffic information, 53: Predicted traffic information, 54: Real-time traffic information, 60: Vehicle speed sensor, 62: Gyro sensor, 64: GPS receiver, 66: Communication device, 68: FM multiplex broadcasting Receiving device, 70: beacon receiving device, 110: display control unit, 120: operation receiving unit, 130: current location calculating unit, 140: traffic information receiving unit, 15 : Route search unit, 160: route guiding section, 170: route comparison unit, 700: user interface screen

Claims (9)

A navigation device,
First route searching means for searching for a first route between two points using statistical traffic information;
Second route search means for searching for a second route between two points using the statistical traffic information, predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information;
Extracting means for comparing the first route with the second route and extracting a difference;
Output means for outputting information indicating the difference extracted by the extraction means,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 1,
The second route search means includes:
Searching the second route by using different traffic information according to the distance from the departure place from the statistical traffic information, the predicted traffic information and the real-time traffic information,
The extraction means includes
For each range searched using any of the statistical traffic information, the predicted traffic information, and the real-time traffic information, the difference between the second route and the first route is extracted,
The output means includes
For each range, output information indicating the difference extracted by the extraction means,
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 2,
The extraction means includes
For the first route and the second route, extract the required time for each range,
The output means includes
Outputting the required time for each of the ranges for the first route and the second route;
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 2 or 3,
The extraction means includes
For each range, at least one cause of a different route between the first route and the second route and a congestion degree, congestion information, and restriction information about the different route of the first route Extract information,
The output means includes
Outputting information indicating the different route and the cause information;
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein
The output means includes
When the difference between the required times for each of the ranges of the first route and the second route is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the required time is output for each of the ranges.
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An operation receiving means for receiving a user operation for searching for the first route or the second route;
The second route search means includes:
Automatically searching for the second route when the frequency of the user operation for searching for the second route is less than a predetermined threshold;
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The statistical traffic information is information stored in advance in the navigation device,
The predicted traffic information and the real-time traffic information are information received from a traffic information providing center.
A navigation device characterized by that. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The output means includes
Information indicating the difference extracted by the extraction means is output or displayed as audio.
A navigation device characterized by that. A route display method in a navigation device,
The navigation device
A first route search step for searching for a first route between two points using statistical traffic information;
A second route search step for searching for a second route between two points using the statistical traffic information, predicted traffic information and real-time traffic information;
An extraction step of comparing the first route with the second route and extracting differences;
An output step of outputting information indicating the difference extracted by the extraction means;
A route display method characterized by that.

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