JP4144107B2 - Preparation start time notification device and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a preparation start time notification device that, when a set preparation start time is reached, for example, an alarm is sounded to notify that the preparation start time is reached.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When it is considered to use a car to reach a destination, it is usually performed to determine the departure time in consideration of the arrival time at the destination. Then, it is conceivable that the user determines the time to start preparation in consideration of the time required for preparation until departure. At this time, if the departure time is early in the morning, the time for starting the preparation is the wake-up time.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is not easy to determine the departure time described above when going to a destination that has never been visited, especially when traveling on a road that has never been traveled. This is because the traffic situation on the road cannot be predicted, so it is not possible to know how fast the vehicle can travel.
[0004]
Therefore, if you want to leave early with plenty of time, you have to prepare early. For example, when thinking about getting up at the preparation start time, sleep time is reduced. Conversely, if the start of preparation is late and the departure time is late, it may not be possible to arrive at the destination at the desired time, which may result in driving in the middle. Such a situation is not preferable from the viewpoint of safe driving.
[0005]
Also, even if the preparation start time appropriate to some extent is known, it is often the case that the time is checked by checking the clock many times.
On the other hand, conventionally, a navigation device that sets an appropriate route from a departure place to a destination and uses it as a guide is known. Some of such navigation devices have a function of calculating an expected arrival time at a destination when traveling on a set destination route.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention provides a preparation start time notification device that automatically sets an appropriate preparation start time according to the destination by using the technology used in the navigation device and notifies that the preparation start time has been reached. It aims to provide and contributes to safe driving.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The preparation start time notification device according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve the above-described object, notifies the user to that effect when the set preparation start time is reached. It is characterized by setting the time.
[0008]
The preparation start time notification device of the present invention stores map information in the storage means. The storage means can be a CD-ROM or DVD. Then, the departure point, the destination, the desired arrival time and the preparation time at the destination are input via the input means. The preparation time is the time required for preparation before departure. This preparation time varies depending on the user. For example, one user may take an hour to leave, while another user takes 20 minutes to leave.
[0009]
When each information is input, the route setting means sets a route from the departure place to the destination (destination route) based on the map information stored in the storage means. The map information described above is considered to be link information of links (roads) that connect nodes, for example, and connection information between links, which are used in navigation devices. In that case, the route setting means sets the route by, for example, the Dijkstra method or a method based thereon. For example, when calculating the route calculation cost (evaluation value for the route) from the current location to each node using the link information for the link between nodes, the total cost is calculated at the stage when all the cost calculation to the destination is completed. For example, the minimum link is connected and the route to the destination is set.
[0010]
When the destination route is set by the route setting means in this way, the required time estimating means estimates the required time when traveling on the destination route.
For example, if the travel time, which is the time required to travel each link, is included in the map information as link information, the travel time estimation means accumulates the travel time and travels to the destination when traveling on the destination route. Estimate time. If the travel time is not stored as the link information, the required time estimating means estimates the time required to travel each link from the road type and road width of each link, and estimates the required time to the destination.
[0011]
Then, when the required time to the destination is estimated by the required time estimating means, the preparation start time setting means sets a time that is back from the desired arrival time by the required time and the preparation time as the preparation start time.
In other words, in the present invention, by calculating the route to the destination based on the map information and estimating the required time to the destination, a time that is back from the desired arrival time by the required time and the preparation time required for the departure. Is set and notified as the preparation start time. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the clock to determine whether the preparation start time has come. In addition, the user can start preparation at the time when it is notified that the set preparation start time has been reached, and can arrive at the destination at the desired arrival time by preparing within the preparation time and departing to the destination. Probability is high. Therefore, the preparation start time does not become earlier than necessary. In particular, when leaving the destination early in the morning, if the user wakes up by notifying the preparation start time by this device, the wake-up time will not be earlier than necessary, so that the sleep time can be ensured as much as possible. In addition, worrying about whether or not you can reach the destination at the desired time is reduced. Ensuring such sleeping time and reducing impatience are preferable from the viewpoint of safe driving.
[0012]
In the present invention, the preparation start time is set in consideration of the preparation time input by the user. That is, some users take one hour to depart, and some users take 20 minutes to depart. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to set an appropriate preparation start time according to each user.
[0013]
Note that the departure point, the destination, the desired arrival time at the destination, and the preparation time described above may be input by the user via the input unit. In that case, for example, the operation switch group corresponds to the input means. Further, the departure point may be configured to include a GPS receiver, and the position where the present apparatus is installed may be set as the departure point based on satellite data obtained from the GPS receiver. In this case, the operation switch group and the GPS receiver correspond to input means. However, since it is necessary to install the antenna of the GPS receiver outdoors, it is realistic that the user inputs the departure place via the operation switch.
[0014]
  In addition, when the user enters the departure and destination points,Claim 3As shown in FIG. 4, the correspondence between each point on the map and at least one of the telephone number and the postal code is stored, and the starting place and the postal code are input by inputting the telephone number or the postal code through the input means. It is good to be able to input the destination. This is advantageous in that it is easy to input the starting point and destination.
[0015]
  By the way, it is possible to estimate the destination route and the required time based only on the map information, but the actual required time to the destination greatly increases or decreases depending on traffic conditions such as traffic jams and regulations.The
[0016]
  Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in claim 1,To be able to receive traffic-related information from outside via receiving meansThe preparation start time notification device is configured. Moreover,The route setting means sets the destination route based on the map information and the received traffic related information, and the required time estimating means estimates the required time based on the map information and the received traffic related information. Inis doing.
[0017]
For example, it is conceivable that the receiving means is means for acquiring traffic-related information from an ATIS (Advanced Traffic Information Service) via a telephone line. Further, it may be a means for receiving traffic-related information broadcast by FM multiplexing from a vehicle information and communication system (VICS).
[0018]
And, for example, when setting the destination route, the route setting means calculates the route calculation cost from the current location to each node using the link information for the link between the nodes as described above. It is conceivable to set a traffic congestion level based on the information and calculate a route calculation cost including the traffic congestion level.
[0019]
The required time estimation means may include the time between interchanges on the highway (hereinafter referred to as “IC”) in the traffic-related information, so the route between the ICs is included in the destination route. When necessary, the required time between the ICs is estimated using the information.
[0020]
According to such a configuration, the destination route and the required time to the destination are calculated in consideration of traffic conditions such as traffic jams and regulations. Since the preparation start time based on the required time is set by the preparation start time setting means, the possibility that the user can arrive at the destination at the desired arrival time is further increased.
[0021]
  Also, such a configurationBy adopting it, the application range of the present invention is increased.For example, this preparation start time notification device can be used for commuting every morning. According to the present invention, when the road used for commuting cannot be traveled due to traffic restrictions or the like, another destination route is set, and the required time to the destination when traveling on that route Is estimated, and a preparation start time earlier than usual is set. Therefore, if you depart and start at the preparation start time, you can arrive at the destination at the desired arrival time even if you detour around the restricted point, so there is no user impatience due to detours and safe driving Can be achieved.
[0022]
The preparation start time can be set only once. However, since the traffic situation changes from moment to moment, it is possible that the destination route once set may not be able to travel due to traffic jams due to sudden accidents.
Therefore, as shown in claim 4, it is conceivable that the route setting means is configured to reset the destination route every time a predetermined time elapses. For example, the destination route is reset every 30 minutes. When a destination route that does not include a link that can no longer travel is reset by the route setting means, the required time to the destination when traveling on the reset destination route is estimated by the required time estimation means. Then, a time that is back from the desired arrival time by the required time and the preparation time is set as the preparation start time by the preparation start time setting means. Therefore, even if there is an accident and the destination route once set cannot travel, an appropriate preparation start time is reset.
[0023]
If the destination route is reset every predetermined time as described above, for example, when the above-described CD-ROM or DVD is used as the storage means, there is no access for reading the map information every predetermined time. appear. Therefore, the shorter the predetermined time is, the more frequently the access occurs. For example, when trying to get up by notifying the preparation start time, the user's sleep may be hindered by the access sound. In other words, if the predetermined time is too long, the preparation start time is not reset immediately even if an accident or the like occurs. Then, when the preparation start time is reset, there may be a situation where the preparation start time has already passed.
[0024]
Therefore, as shown in claim 5, it is conceivable that the route setting means is configured to reset the destination route when the traffic related information received by the receiving means is updated. For example, traffic-related information is transmitted from the VICS at intervals of 5 minutes. Therefore, the received traffic related information is compared with the traffic related information received 5 minutes ago, and the destination route is reset only when it is determined that the traffic related information has been updated.
[0025]
In this way, when traffic-related information is not updated without an accident or the like, the destination route is not reset and unnecessary access is not performed. Therefore, the user's sleep is not hindered by the access sound. Conversely, when traffic-related information is updated due to the occurrence of an accident or the like, the destination route is immediately reset and the preparation start time is reset. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly set an appropriate preparation start time in accordance with changes in traffic conditions.
[0026]
By the way, the set preparation start time can be as early as possible depending on traffic conditions. For example, when most roads are closed due to snow, for example, the required time to reach a destination that can be reached in about 1 hour is estimated to be 6 hours, and a preparation start time may be set at midnight. The user may think that he / she wants to go to the destination even if he / she wakes up at that time, but conversely, the user may think that he / she does not need to go to the destination until he / she wakes up at that time.
[0027]
  Therefore,In the present invention, as shown in claim 1, the preparation start time notification device is configured so that the user can set the notification permission time, which is the time at which the user is permitted to notify the preparation start time, via the input means, and the notification permission is provided. The preparation start time notification device is configured not to notify that the preparation start time is reached until the time has come.. In this case, for example, if the notification permission time is set to 5:00, even if the preparation start time is set to 3:00, notification is made that the preparation start time has been reached until 5:00. Absent. Thereby, the convenience of the user is achieved.
[0028]
  Also, assuming this configuration,As shown in claim 2The route setting means may be configured not to set the destination route until the notification permission time has passed. This is because the preparation start time is not notified until the notification permission time, and it is sufficient to set the destination route (including resetting) after the notification permission time has passed. This eliminates unnecessary destination route setting and estimation of required time. As a result, for example, access when a CD-ROM or DVD is used as the storage means can be reduced.
[0029]
  By the way, it is convenient for the user if the traffic situation can be grasped. Therefore,As shown in claim 6,Furthermore, it is good also as a structure provided with the traffic information alerting | reporting means which alert | reports the traffic relevant information received by the receiving means. The traffic information notifying means may be of any configuration as long as the traffic information is notified to the user. For example, it is conceivable that a voice is output such as “10 km traffic jam in the vicinity of XX high-speed IC” and notified through hearing. It is also conceivable to notify through vision. For example, the text information such as “10 km traffic jam in the vicinity of XX high-speed IC” is displayed on the display device. This further enhances the convenience for the user. However, when trying to get up using this apparatus, visual notification is preferable to audio notification. This is because there is little possibility of disturbing sleep.
[0030]
  Also,As shown in claim 7The traffic information notification by the traffic information notification means may be performed together with a notification that the preparation start time has come. If there is a notification that the preparation start time has been reached, it is convenient for the user if it is known that the preparation start time has been set and notified, especially if it is a relatively early time .
[0031]
  Note that the route setting means of such a preparation start time notification device,RequiredTime estimation means and preparation start time setting meansFunction, and when the notification permission time, which is the time at which notification of the preparation start time is permitted, is set via the input means of the preparation start time notification device, the preparation start time The function to prevent the notification that it has becomebe able to. In the case of such a program, for example, the program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, or a hard disk, and is used by being loaded into a computer system and started up as necessary. it can. In addition, the ROM or backup RAM may be recorded as a computer-readable recording medium, and the ROM or backup RAM may be incorporated into a computer system.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a preparation start time notification device 20 as one embodiment. The preparation start time notification device 20 includes a timer unit 22, a map data input device 24, an operation switch group 26, a display unit 28, an alarm generation unit 30, a memory device 32, an FM multiplex receiver 34, and a processing unit 36.
The timekeeping unit 22 is a so-called clock and can measure time.
[0033]
The map data input unit 24 inputs map data stored in the CD-ROM 24a. The map data includes data indicating road connection conditions. By the way, it is conceivable to use a DVD other than the CD-ROM 24a as a recording medium for storing map data. In general, these recording media are used based on the amount of data, but other media such as a memory card may be used.
[0034]
The operation switch group 26 is composed of various switches for operating the preparation start time notification device 20, and specifically, the user departs from the destination, the destination, the desired arrival time at the destination, It is a switch for inputting a preparation time which is a time required for preparation. Therefore, the operation switch group 26 corresponds to “input means”. Note that a switch for switching display contents to be displayed on the display unit 28 is also included.
[0035]
The memory device 32 is for storing the time set in the alarm processing described later and information input from the user. Further, the memory device 32 stores a correspondence relationship that associates each point on the map with a telephone number and a postal code. Thus, the user can easily input the departure point and the destination by simply operating the operation switch group 26 and inputting the telephone number or the postal code.
[0036]
The display unit 28 is a color display device, and on the display screen, the map data input from the map data input device 24 and additional data such as a destination route to be displayed on the map are displayed in an overlapping manner. Can do. Further, the traffic related information received by the FM multiplex receiver 34 can be displayed. Therefore, the display unit 28 corresponds to “traffic information notification means”.
[0037]
The FM multiplex receiver 34 is a device for receiving information provided from the information center 10 such as VICS. A signal received from the outside via the FM multiplex receiver 34 is decoded by a decoding unit 34 a included in the FM multiplex receiver 34, input to the processing unit 36, and processed by the processing unit 36. The FM multiplex receiver 34 corresponds to “reception means”.
[0038]
The processing unit 36 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and a bus line for connecting these configurations. Then, the display unit 28, the alarm generating unit 30, and the FM multiplex receiver 34 are controlled in accordance with the input from the map data input device 24, the operation switch group 26, and the time measuring unit 22, and the preparation start time as described later is set. To notify that the preparation start time has come, and display traffic-related information.
[0039]
Here, the configuration of the information center 10 will be briefly described.
The information center 10 collects an external event collection device 12 that collects external events such as road conditions from various sensors S attached near the road, and a variety of regulations and external event collection device 12 together with a road map in the center area. Based on the information stored in the road network data storage device 14 in which various traffic information created based on the external event is stored, the communication device 16 for transmitting traffic-related information, and the network data storage device 14 And a control device 18 which is a main body of control for specifying a target road such as traffic regulation or traffic jam and transmitting the information via the communication device 16. This information center 10 transmits traffic related information at intervals of 5 minutes.
[0040]
By having such a configuration, the preparation start time notification device 20 generally performs the following operation. That is, when the user operates the operation switch group 26 and inputs the position of the departure place and the destination, the desired arrival time and the preparation time at the destination, the processing unit 36 selects the optimum route (from the departure place to the destination ( Destination route) is automatically set, and the required time to the destination when traveling on the destination route is estimated. Then, the preparation start time is set by subtracting the required time to the destination and the preparation time required for preparation before departure from the desired arrival time. Further, when the set preparation start time is reached, the alarm generation unit 30 sounds an alarm and notifies that fact. Therefore, the processing unit 36 corresponds to “route setting means”, “required time estimation means”, and “preparation start time setting means”.
[0041]
Then, the alarm process executed by the processing unit 30 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, initial setting is performed in the first step S100. This process is for the user to input the current time and departure place via the operation switch group 26. If the time and departure place have already been input, the process proceeds to S110 without performing substantial processing. On the other hand, if the current time and departure place information are not stored, for example, when the preparation start time notification device 20 is purchased or the current time and departure place are deleted from the memory due to a power failure, the process of S100 is performed. Wait for input. Further, when it is desired to reset the current time or to change the departure place, the user can input the current time and the departure place by performing a predetermined operation via the operation switch group 26 prior to the execution of the alarm processing. Is possible.
[0042]
The subsequent S110 is processing for the user to input the destination, the desired arrival time at the destination, the preparation time that is the time required for preparation before departure, and the alarm permission time. The user inputs these pieces of information by operating the operation switch group 26.
[0043]
In continuing S120, it is judged whether each information mentioned above was inputted by the user. If it is determined that the input has been made (S120: YES), the process proceeds to S140. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input is not made (S120: NO), the process proceeds to S130.
[0044]
In S130, where any of the destination, the desired arrival time at the destination, the preparation time, or the alarm permission time is not input, it is determined whether or not the information that has not been input is already stored. These pieces of information are assumed to be stored in a memory as a default once input. Therefore, the user can omit the input of information once input in the process of S110 described above. If the information not input here is not stored (S130: NO), the alarm processing is terminated. On the other hand, when the information which was not input is memorize | stored (S130: YES), it transfers to S140.
[0045]
In S140, it is determined whether or not the alarm permission time has come. In this process, it is determined whether or not the current time acquired from the time measuring unit 22 has passed the alarm permission time. If it is determined that the alarm permission time has come (S140: YES), the process proceeds to S150. On the other hand, this determination process is repeated until the alarm permission time is reached (S140: NO).
[0046]
In S150, traffic related information is received. In this process, the traffic related information transmitted from the above-described information center 10 at intervals of 5 minutes is received via the FM multiplex receiver 34. In subsequent S160, the received traffic related information is compared with the previously received traffic related information, and it is determined whether or not the traffic related information has been updated. If it is determined that there is an update (S160: YES), the process proceeds to S170. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no update (S160: NO), the process proceeds to S200 in FIG.
[0047]
In S170, a destination route is set. This process calculates the cost from the departure point to the destination by calculating the cost by the Dijkstra method using the map data from the map data input device 24 based on the departure point and the destination input by the user. It is.
[0048]
Specifically, the route calculation using this Dijkstra method is performed from the CD-ROM 24a via the map data input unit 24, and the link information including the link information and the traffic regulation for the link between the nodes as the map data. Use the information to calculate the route cost from the departure point to each node (evaluation value for the route), and after completing all the cost calculations to the destination, connect the link that minimizes the route cost. This is a well-known method for setting a destination route. The route cost calculation at each link in the Dijkstra method is performed using, for example, the following equation.
[0049]
Route cost = link length x road width factor x road type factor x congestion degree
Here, the road width coefficient is a coefficient set according to the road width, and the road type coefficient is a coefficient set according to the road type such as a toll road. The traffic congestion degree is a coefficient set according to the traffic congestion degree of the road, and the initial value is “1”. That is, when there is no traffic jam, “1” is set so as not to affect the calculation of the route cost, and the numerical value is set larger as the traffic jam level increases. This congestion degree is set based on the traffic related information received from the information center 10 described above via the FM multiplex receiver 34. By adding the route cost calculated using the above equation, the route cost on the route to the destination is obtained. Then, at the stage where all cost calculations up to the destination have been completed, a link to the route cost is connected and a route to the destination is set.
[0050]
In subsequent S180, the required time to the destination when traveling on the destination route set in S170 is estimated. In this process, the required time to the destination is estimated based on the traffic related information from the information center 10 and the map data input from the map data input device 24.
[0051]
Specifically, since it is considered that the travel time for a link or a part of the link that forms the destination route is included in the traffic-related information, the travel time for the link is calculated based on the traffic-related information. presume. For example, since the required time between ICs on an expressway may be included in the traffic-related information, when the route between the ICs is included in the destination route, that information is used for the required time between the ICs. On the other hand, for other links, if the travel time, which is the time required for travel of the link, is included in the map data as link information, the travel time required for that link is estimated from the travel time. If the travel time is not stored as link information, the travel time required for the link is estimated from the road type and road width of the link.
[0052]
In subsequent S190, a preparation start time is set. In this process, a time obtained by subtracting the required time to the destination estimated in S180 and the preparation time from the desired arrival time at the destination is set as the preparation start time.
In S200 in FIG. 3, it is determined whether the preparation start time has come. This process is to determine whether or not the current time acquired from the time measuring unit 22 has passed the preparation start time. If it is determined that the preparation start time has come (S200: YES), the process proceeds to S210. On the other hand, when it is determined that the preparation start time has not come (S200: NO), the processing from S150 in FIG. 2 is repeated.
[0053]
In S210, the alarm generation unit 30 is controlled to sound an alarm. Then, together with the sounding of the alarm in S210, the latest received traffic related information is displayed on the display unit 28 in S220.
When the alarm is sounded in S210, the user instructs the stop of the alarm by operating the operation switch group 26. Therefore, in subsequent S230, it is determined whether or not there has been an alarm stop operation from the user. If it is determined that an alarm stop operation has been performed (S230: YES), this alarm process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no alarm stop operation (S230, NO), the processing from S210 is repeated.
[0054]
Note that the processing of S140 to S170 described above corresponds to processing as “route setting means”, the processing of S180 corresponds to processing as “required time estimation means”, and the processing of S190 is “preparation start time setting means”. It corresponds to the processing as.
Next, the effect exhibited by the preparation start time notification device 20 will be described.
[0055]
In the preparation start time notification device 20, the processing unit 36 performs the above-described alarm processing, thereby calculating the route to the destination (S170 in FIG. 2) and estimating the required time to the destination ( S180), a time obtained by subtracting the required time and the preparation time required for preparation until departure from the desired arrival time is set as the preparation start time (S190). When the preparation start time is reached (S200: YES in FIG. 3), an alarm is sounded to notify that the preparation start time has been reached (S210).
[0056]
The preparation start time notification device 20 includes an FM multiplex receiver 34, and receives traffic-related information from the information center 10 that is a dynamic information source (S150 in FIG. 2). Then, based on not only the map data input from the CD-ROM 24a, which is a static information source, via the map data input device 24 but also this traffic related information, the destination route is set and the required time to the destination And set the preparation start time. In other words, the destination route and the required time to the destination are calculated in consideration of traffic conditions such as traffic jams and regulations, and the preparation start time based on the required time is set.
[0057]
Therefore, if the user starts preparation by the notification, prepares within the preparation time, and departs to the destination, there is a high possibility that the user can arrive at the destination at the desired arrival time. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the preparation start time earlier than necessary in order to leave early. In addition, worrying about whether or not you can reach the destination at the desired time is reduced. As a result, it can contribute to safe driving.
[0058]
In addition, since the preparation start time is notified, there is no need to worry about the clock in order to determine whether or not the time has come. Therefore, the preparation start time device 20 can be used as a device for notifying the wake-up time, that is, a so-called alarm clock. If you get up at the notified preparation start time, you won't waste your sleep time.
[0059]
Furthermore, the preparation start time is set in consideration of the preparation time input by the user. That is, some users take one hour to depart, and some users take 20 minutes to depart. Therefore, according to the preparation start time setting device 20, an appropriate preparation start time can be set according to each user.
[0060]
The preparation start time notification device 20 having such a function can be used when a user thinks that he or she will arrive at a destination that has never been reached by a desired time. It is also effective in commuting every morning. For example, if a road used for commuting cannot be run due to traffic restrictions, etc., another destination route is set, and the required time to the destination when traveling on that route is estimated The preparation start time that is earlier than usual is set.
[0061]
In addition, in the preparation start time notification device 20, even after the preparation start time is once set, if the traffic related information received by the FM multiplex receiver 34 is updated (S160 in FIG. 2: YES), preparation is performed. The start time is reset (S170 to S190). Therefore, even when there is an accident and the destination route once set cannot be traveled, an appropriate preparation start time is reset and notified.
[0062]
By the way, if most roads are closed due to snow, for example, the time required to reach a destination that can be reached in about 1 hour is estimated to be 6 hours, and a preparation start time is set at midnight. It is done. At this time, the user may think that it is not necessary to go to the destination until he / she wakes up at that time.
[0063]
Therefore, in this preparation start time notification device 20, by inputting the alarm permission time (S110 in FIG. 2), until this alarm permission time is reached (S140: NO), notification that the preparation start time has been reached. Do not do. Therefore, convenience for the user is achieved. Also, the preparation start time is not set until the alarm permission time is reached. Even after the alarm permission time, the preparation start time is reset only when the traffic-related information is updated as described above. As a result, unnecessary destination route setting and estimation of required time are eliminated, and access to the CD-ROM 24a storing map data can be reduced. As a result, even when sleeping until the preparation start time, the user's sleep is less likely to be hindered by the access sound. Conversely, when the traffic related information is updated, the preparation start time is reset, so when the traffic related information is updated due to the occurrence of an accident, the destination route is immediately reset and the preparation start time is reset. Is reset. Therefore, it is possible to quickly set an appropriate preparation start time in accordance with changes in traffic conditions.
[0064]
Furthermore, in the preparation start time notification device 20, an alarm is sounded to notify that the preparation start time has come (S210 in FIG. 3), and the received traffic related information is displayed on the display unit 28 ( S220). As a result, when it is notified that the preparation start time has been reached, it is possible to know what kind of traffic situation caused the preparation start time to be set, which is convenient for the user.
[0065]
As described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, the traffic related information is acquired from the information center 10 represented by VICS via the FM multiplex receiver 34. However, for example, the traffic related information is acquired from ATIS via a telephone line. It is good also as composition to do.
[0066]
Further, in the above embodiment, the user is configured to input the departure place via the operation switch group 26. However, the configuration includes a GPS receiver, and preparation is started based on satellite data obtained from the GPS receiver. The position where the time notification device is installed may be set as the departure place. In this case, the operation switch group and the GPS receiver correspond to “input means”. However, since it is necessary to install the antenna of the GPS receiver outdoors, the above-described configuration in which the user inputs the departure place via the operation switch group 26 is realistic.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a preparation start time notification device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the first half of alarm processing executed by a processing unit of the preparation start time notification device.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a second half of the alarm processing executed by the processing unit of the preparation start time notification device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Information Center
12 ... External event collection device 14 ... Road network data storage device
16 ... Communication device 18 ... Control device
20 ... Preparation start time notification device
22 ... Timekeeping unit 24 ... Map data input device
24a ... CD-ROM 26 ... operating switch group
28 ... Display unit 30 ... Alarm generating unit
32 ... Memory device 34 ... FM multiplex receiver
34a ... Decoder part

Claims (8)

When the set preparation start time is reached, a preparation start time notification device that notifies the user to that effect,
Storage means for storing map information;
An input means for inputting a departure time, a destination, a desired arrival time at the destination, and a preparation time which is a time required for the user to prepare for the departure; and
Route setting means for setting a destination route that is a route from the departure place to the destination based on the map information stored in the storage means;
When a destination route is set by the route setting means, a required time estimation means for estimating a required time to the destination when traveling on the destination route based on the map information stored in the storage means When,
When the required time is estimated by the required time estimating means, a preparation start time setting means for setting a time that is back from the desired arrival time by the required time and the preparation time as the preparation start time ;
A receiving means capable of receiving traffic-related information from outside;
With
The route setting means sets the destination route based on the map information and the traffic related information received by the receiving means,
The required time estimating means is configured to estimate the required time based on the map information and the traffic related information received by the receiving means.
Furthermore, the preparation start time notification device
The user is configured to be able to set a notification permission time that is a time at which the user is permitted to notify the preparation start time via the input means,
The preparation start time notification device is configured not to notify that the preparation start time is reached until the notification permission time is reached . In the preparation start time notification device according to claim 1,
  The route setting means is configured not to set the destination route until the notification permission time is reached.
  A preparation start time notification device. In the preparation start time notification device according to claim 1 or 2,
  Stores the correspondence between each point on the map and at least one of phone number or postal code,
  The user can input the starting point and the destination by inputting the telephone number or the postal code via the input means.
  A preparation start time notification device. In the preparation start time notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The preparation start time notification device, wherein the route setting means is configured to reset the destination route every time a predetermined time elapses. In the preparation start time notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The preparation start time notifying device, wherein the route setting means is configured to reset the destination route when the traffic related information received by the receiving means is updated. In the preparation start time notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
  Furthermore, traffic information notifying means for notifying the traffic related information received by the receiving means is provided.
  A preparation start time notification device. In the preparation start time notification device according to claim 6,
  The notification of the traffic related information by the traffic information notification means is configured to be performed together with the notification of the preparation start time by the preparation start time notification means.
  A preparation start time notification device. The function as the route setting means, the required time estimating means and the preparation start time setting means of the preparation start time notifying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the input of the preparation start time notifying apparatus A function of not reporting that the preparation start time has been reached until the notification permission time is reached when a notification permission time that is a time permitting notification of the preparation start time is set via the means. Is a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer system to realize the above.

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