JP2002181570A - Navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] To provide a navigation device Anavi1 capable of automatically selecting one route from a plurality of searched routes. SOLUTION: A navigation device Anavi1 CPU1.
Searches for a plurality of routes from a search start point to a destination. The plurality of routes include a common combination of the search start point and the destination, but the directions from the search start point to the destination are different from each other. And CPU1
Determines which of a plurality of routes the user is traveling on based on the position information Icp from the locator 9 and selects the route.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a navigation device, and more particularly, to a navigation device for guiding a user to a destination using map data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Navigation devices such as those described above generally have a guidance function. The guidance function is a function in which the navigation device searches for an optimal route from a predetermined position to a destination set by the user, and then guides the user to the destination along the searched optimal route.

Further, recent navigation devices have an improved guidance function as described below. That is, the navigation device searches for a plurality of routes from the departure point to the destination set by the user, presents the plurality of routes to the user, and causes the user to select one route. The navigation device guides a user to a destination along a route selected by the user.

[0004]

The improved guidance function described above is more user-friendly than the guidance function performed along the optimum route searched by the navigation device, because a preferred route is selected by the user. It can be said that there is.

However, in the improved guidance function described above, the user must operate the input device of the navigation device to select one of a plurality of routes. In particular, when a large number of routes are presented, the user must repeatedly and repeatedly operate the input device before selecting one route. As described above, there is a problem that the improved guidance function requires the user to perform a troublesome operation for selecting a route.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can automatically select one route from a plurality of searched routes.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A first invention is a navigation device for guiding a user to a destination using map data, wherein a storage unit for storing the map data, and a storage unit in the storage unit. A route search unit that searches a plurality of routes from a search start point to one or more destinations using map data, and creates route data representing each searched route; A movement information creation unit that creates movement information; and a selection unit that selects one piece of route data from a plurality of pieces of route data created by the route search unit based on the movement information created by the movement information creation unit. A guidance data creation unit that creates guidance data for guiding a user to a destination based on the route data selected by the selection unit and the map data in the storage unit; Accordance derived data created, and an output unit for outputting an image or sound for guiding to a destination user.

[0008] A second invention is dependent on the first invention,
The movement information creating unit includes a locator that detects the current position of the user, the locator creates position information indicating the current position detected by the locator as movement information, and the selecting unit determines the position information based on the position information detected by the locator. The route is selected based on the route.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, since the navigation device includes the selection unit, one of the plurality of searched routes can be automatically selected, so that the user can select the route. Therefore, the user does not need to perform a troublesome operation.

A third invention is dependent on the second invention,
The selection unit includes a calculation unit that performs map matching based on the map data stored in the storage unit and the position information created by the locator to calculate the current position of the user on the road network. The route is selected based on the current position of the user calculated by the calculation unit.

According to the third aspect, the current position of the user on the road network is calculated by the calculation unit, and the selection unit selects one route based on the current position of the user on the road network. Therefore, it is possible to select a route with higher accuracy as compared with the case of the current position of the user on the map.

A fourth invention is dependent on the first invention,
Immediately after the route search unit has searched for a route, based on the plurality of route data created by the route search unit, further includes a notification data creation unit that notifies a user of a plurality of routes, and the output unit further includes: According to the route data created by the notification data creating unit, an image or a sound for specifying a plurality of routes is output.

According to the fourth aspect, since the plurality of routes are output from the output unit, the user can recognize the plurality of searched routes. As a result, a more user-friendly navigation device can be provided.

A fifth invention is dependent on the first invention,
The route search unit searches for a plurality of routes from a user's departure point as a search start point to one or more destinations.
A sixth invention is according to the first invention, and the route search unit further sets a search start point as a search start point when a predetermined start condition is satisfied while the output unit is performing output processing according to the guidance data. A plurality of routes from the current position of the user to one or more destinations are searched.

A seventh invention is according to the first invention,
The route search unit reaches one destination from the search start point,
In addition, a plurality of routes that are different from each other are searched. An eighth invention is according to the first invention, and the route search unit comprises:
Search a plurality of routes from a search start point to a plurality of destinations.

A ninth invention is according to the first invention,
The movement information creation unit includes an orientation sensor that detects the orientation of the user, and the orientation sensor creates orientation information indicating the orientation of the user detected by the orientation sensor as the movement information.
A route is selected based on the azimuth information generated by the azimuth sensor.

A tenth invention is according to the first invention, wherein the movement information creation unit comprises a trajectory information creation unit for creating trajectory information indicating a movement trajectory of the user as movement information, and the selection unit includes: The route is selected based on the trajectory information created by the trajectory information creation unit.

An eleventh invention is a navigation method for guiding a user to a destination using map data. The navigation method uses a plurality of map data from a search start point to one or more destinations. A route search step of searching for a route and creating route data representing each searched route, a travel information creating step of creating travel information related to a user's travel, and a travel information created by the travel information creating step. A selection step of selecting one piece of route data from a plurality of pieces of route data created in the route search step based on the route data, and a user reaching a destination based on the route data selected in the selection step and the map data. Outputting the guidance data created by the guidance data creation step for creating guidance data for guiding and the guidance information creation step And a power step.

A twelfth invention is according to the eleventh invention, wherein in the movement information creating step, position information indicating the current position of the user is created as movement information, and in the selecting step, the position information is created in the movement information creating step. A route is selected based on the position information thus obtained.

A thirteenth invention is according to the twelfth invention, wherein the selecting step performs a map matching based on the map data and the position information created in the movement information creating step, thereby providing a user in the road network. In the selecting step, a route is selected based on the current position of the user calculated in the calculating step.

A fourteenth invention is a recording medium recording a program for realizing navigation for guiding a user to a destination using a map data on a computer device, wherein a search is started using the map data. From the point, 1
A route search step of searching for a plurality of routes to one or more destinations and creating route data representing each searched route; a travel information creating step of creating travel information related to the travel of the user; A selection step of selecting one piece of route data from a plurality of pieces of route data created by the route search step based on the movement information created by the information creation step; a route data selected by the selection step; The method includes a guidance data creation step of creating guidance data for guiding a user to a destination based on data, and an output step of outputting guidance data created by the guidance information creation step.

A fifteenth invention is according to the fourteenth invention, wherein in the movement information creating step, position information indicating the current position of the user is created as movement information, and in the selection step, the movement information creation step is performed. A route is selected based on the created position information.

A sixteenth invention is according to the fifteenth invention, wherein the selecting step performs a map matching based on the map data and the position information created in the movement information creating step, thereby providing a user with a road network. In the selecting step, a route is selected based on the current position of the user calculated in the calculating step.

[0024]

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a program for realizing, on a computer, navigation for guiding a user to a destination by using map data. A route search step of searching for a plurality of routes from a search start point to one or more destinations and creating route data representing each searched route; A moving information creating step to be created, a selecting step of selecting one piece of route data from a plurality of pieces of route data created by the route searching step based on the moving information created by the moving information creating step, and a selecting step Creation of guidance data for guiding a user to a destination based on the route data and map data selected by the user Comprising a step, and an output step of outputting the guidance data created by the guide information creation step.

A fifteenth invention is according to the fourteenth invention, wherein in the movement information creating step, position information indicating the current position of the user is created as movement information, and in the selecting step, the movement information creating step is performed. A route is selected based on the created position information.

A sixteenth invention is according to the fifteenth invention, wherein the selecting step performs a map matching based on the map data and the position information created in the movement information creating step, thereby providing a user with a road network. In the selecting step, a route is selected based on the current position of the user calculated in the calculating step.

[0027]

FIG. 1 shows a hardware configuration of a navigation device Anavi1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the navigation device Anavi1 is directed to a vehicle application, and includes a CPU 1 and an R
OM2, RAM3, storage device 4, input device 5,
An output unit 6, a locator 9, and a communication device 10 are provided.

The ROM 2 is a program memory in which a program P for the navigation device Anavi1 is stored.
navi1 is recorded in advance. After turning on the power of the navigation device Anavi1, the CPU 1 executes the program Pnavi1 in the ROM 2. The CPU 1 uses the RAM 3 as a work area during execution of the program Pnavi1.

The storage device 4 is typically a DVD drive, a CD drive, a hard disk drive, or an IC.
It consists of a memory and stores a map database DBcart. The map database DBcart may be a well-known one,
Map data Dcart contained in one or more files
Is a set of The map data Dcart usually includes display data displayed as an image representing a map on the display device 7 and road network data representing a connection relationship of roads on the map.

Here, the map means a diagram in which the condition of the ground surface is represented on a plane using characters and map symbols at a predetermined scale, and is different from a system diagram described later.
Note that there are a bird's-eye view and a plan view as typical examples of the map.
The bird's-eye view is a diagram showing a three-dimensional spread of the terrain when looking down on the ground from the air on a plane. The plan view is a diagram in which each object on the ground surface is projected on a plane. In the plan view, each of the objects has a shape looking down from directly above.

Since the road network data is well known, its description is simplified. However, the road network data is composed of nodes indicating intersections and links indicating roads, and is data indicating the connection status of the road network. Additional information Iaddi is assigned to the map data Dcart in advance. In the present embodiment, the additional information Iaddi includes intersection name information or cost. The intersection name information indicates the name of a main intersection on the road network, and is assigned to a node representing the main intersection. The cost is a weight value assigned to each link, and indicates a required time or a distance when the user passes through each link. The cost is used at the time of the route search (step S205 in FIG. 2).

The input device 5 typically includes a remote controller operated by a user's hand, a touch sensor,
It consists of keys, buttons or a mouse, or a microphone for the user to input voice. Further, the input device 5 may be configured by two or more of a remote controller, a touch sensor, a key, a button, a mouse, and a microphone according to the design specification of the navigation device Anavi.

The output unit 6 is typically composed of a display device 7 and a speaker 8, and outputs various data created by the CPU 1 to a user. Various data will be described later as appropriate. Locator 9 is a GPS (Glo
It comprises a receiver of a bal positioning system, a direction sensor and a vehicle speed sensor, detects the current position of the user, and generates position information Icp indicating its coordinates. The position information Icp is transmitted to the CPU 1.

The communication device 10 typically has a VICS (V
Vehicle Information and Communication System) and receives traffic information Itraf from beacons placed near the road. In the present embodiment, the traffic information Itraf means information for specifying a point where a traffic congestion and a traffic accident occur in coordinates. In addition, a mobile phone may be included as a part of the communication device 10 in order to add an Internet connection function to the navigation device Anavi.

Next, the operation of the navigation device Anavi1 will be described. After turning on the power of the navigation device Anavi1, the CPU 1 executes the program Pna recorded in the ROM2.
Start running vi1. FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the CPU 1 described in the program Pnavi1.

First, in FIG. 2, the CPU 1 acquires position information Icp indicating the current position of the user from the locator 9 (step S201).

In the next step S202, the CPU 1
First, map data Dcart representing a map of the predetermined range α1
From the map database DBcart to the RAM 3.
Here, the predetermined range α1 means around the current position indicated by the reception position information Icp. Further, the CPU 1 has a RAM
Then, map matching is performed using the map data Dcart 3 and the received position information Icp to generate display data Ddis in which a figure representing the current position of the user is arranged on a road within the map within a predetermined range α1. The CPU 1 transmits the created display data Ddis to the display device 7. The display device 7 performs a display process based on the received display data Ddis, and displays, on its own screen, a peripheral map in which the graphic at the current position is synthesized (step S202).

Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not to search for a route (step S203). The following is a typical example of the processing in step S203. That is, a function for starting a route search is assigned to a predetermined portion of the input device 5. When this part is operated by the user, the input device 5 generates an instruction signal Sinst1 for instructing execution of the route search and transmits it to the CPU 1.

If the instruction signal Sinst1 has not been received at the time of execution of step S203, the CPU 1 returns to step S201. On the other hand, if the instruction signal Sinst1 has been received at the time of execution of step S203, it is determined that a route search is to be performed, and the CPU 1 proceeds to step S204.
Then, the CPU 1 acquires the coordinates of both the search start point and the destination of the route to be searched this time (step S20).
4). In this step S204, the search start point is the starting point of the user. Step S2
The following is a typical example of the process 04. That is, the user operates the input device 5 to set the departure place and the destination to one.
Enter one by one. The input device 5 generates coordinate information Icdn for specifying the coordinates of the departure point and the destination in response to a user input, and transmits the coordinate information Icdn to the CPU 1. CPU1
Decodes the received coordinate information Icdn to obtain the coordinates of the departure place and the destination.

As another specific example of step S204,
The user operates the input device 5 to input one destination.
The input device 5 generates coordinate information Icdn for specifying the input coordinates of the destination, and transmits the coordinate information Icdn to the CPU 1. C
The PU 1 acquires the coordinates of the destination from the received coordinate information Icdn. Further, the CPU 1 sends the position information I from the locator 9.
Receives cp and obtains coordinates indicating the current position of the user. The CPU 1 uses the acquired coordinates of the current position as the coordinates of the departure place.

Next, the CPU 1 searches for a plurality of routes based on an algorithm to which the Dijkstra method or the like is applied (step S205). At this time, the CPU 1 operates as a route search unit in the claims.

In the present route search, the plurality of routes include the common search start point and destination acquired in step S204. However, in a plurality of routes, directions from the search start point to the target are different from each other. A typical example of such a plurality of routes is a route that can reach a destination with a shortest distance and a quasi-shortest distance. There are other routes that can reach the destination in the shortest time and the sub-minimum time. Here, in the following description, the optimal route means a route that can be reached from the current position to the destination in the shortest distance or the shortest time. Also,
The sub-optimal route means a route that can reach the destination from the current position by the shortest distance or the next shortest distance or time.

Hereinafter, the route search in step S205 will be described more specifically with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In FIG. 4, the CPU 1 first reads out the map data Dcart included in the predetermined range α1 from the map database DBcart to the RAM 3 (step S401). Here, the predetermined range α1 is typically a rectangular area including both the search start point and the destination acquired in step S204.

Next, the CPU 1 searches for one optimal route by using the map data Dcart on the RAM 3, more specifically, the road network data and the cost as the additional information Iaddi contained therein, and then searches for the optimal route. Route data Droute11 representing the route is created on the RAM 3 (step S402). The route data Droute11 is typically
It consists of a series of nodes that make up the optimal route. Further, in step S402, the total cost Ctotal11 of the optimal route is calculated as RA
Written to M3. The total cost C total11 is a value obtained by adding up the costs assigned to all the links constituting the optimum route.

Next, the CPU 1 searches for a sub-optimal route using the road network data on the RAM 3 and the cost as the additional information Iaddi (step S403).
Here, since the sub-optimal route must not overlap with the optimal route, the CPU 1 sets the cost of the link constituting the optimal route obtained in step S402 to be larger than that in step S402, and sets the sub-optimal route. Search for. Thereby, the CPU 1 sets a sub-optimal route different from the optimal route,
It can be obtained in step S403. Further, in step S403, the total cost Ctotal12 of the sub-optimal route is R
Written on AM3. The total cost C total12 is a value obtained by adding the costs of all the links constituting the sub-optimal route.

However, depending on the location, the suboptimal route is
It may be too detoured compared to the optimal route and may not be practical. In consideration of such a case, after step S403, the CPU 1 sets the total cost Ctotal12 of the sub-optimal route and the total cost Ctotal1 of the optimal route.
It is determined whether or not the difference from 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold value Vth1 (step S404). Here, the threshold value Vth1 is determined according to the design requirements of the navigation device Anavi1, and is a value indicating whether or not the sub-optimal route is practical.

If the threshold Vth1 is exceeded, the CPU
No. 1 determines that a sub-optimal route has not been obtained and exits step S205 in FIG. 2 and proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if it does not exceed the threshold value Vth1, the CPU 1
Route data Droute12 representing the suboptimal route obtained in step S403 is created on the RAM 3 (step S40).
5). The route data Droute12 typically includes a row of nodes that form a suboptimal route.

After the end of step S405, the CPU 1
The process exits from step S205 in FIG. 2 and proceeds to step S206. Then, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the optimal route and the sub-optimal route have been obtained in step S205 (step S206). The determination in step S206 is
The above is performed based on whether both the route data Droute11 and Droute12 are stored or only the route data Droute11 is stored.

If it is determined in step S206 that there is only an optimal route, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S212. Then, the CPU 1 creates the message data Dmess1 and sends it to the output unit 6. Message data Dme
ss1 is image data or audio data representing a message for notifying the user that only the optimal route has been obtained in step S205. The output unit 6 performs display processing on the display device 7 or audio output processing on the speaker 8 based on the received message data Dmess1, and outputs a message to the user (step S212). After the end of step S212, C
PU1 proceeds to step S213 (described later) in FIG.
(See A enclosed in brackets).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that both the optimum route and the sub-optimal route have been obtained, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S207. And C
The PU 1 creates and displays the notification data Dwarn (step S207). In the present embodiment, step S
As 207, one of the following first to fourth creation and display processes is performed.

First, the first creation and display processing is described in FIG.
This will be described more specifically with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the processing procedure of FIG. 5, the portion to be displayed in the map data Dcart read in step S401 is the notification data Dwa.
Used as a basis for rn.

In FIG. 5, the CPU 1 first obtains position information Icp indicating the current position of the user from the locator 9 (step S501). Next, the CPU 1 performs map matching using the map data Dcart to be presented and the received position information Icp, and stores the intermediate image data Dim11 in which the graphic representing the current position is arranged on the road in the map in the RAM 3.
It is created above (step S502).

Next, from the coordinate information Icdn of the destination used in step S205 and the intermediate image data Dim11 in step S502, the CPU 1 determines the intermediate image data Dim12 in which the figure representing the destination is arranged on the map. To RAM3
It is created above (step S503).

Further, the CPU 1 compares the route data Droute11 and Droute12 on the RAM 3 with each other in step S503.
Based on the intermediate image data Dim12, notification data Dwarn11 capable of displaying an optimal route and a suboptimal route on a map is created (step S504). The above notification data Dwa
rn11 is data that allows the display device 7 to combine and display the current position, the destination, the optimal route, and the sub-optimal route on a map.

Here, in step S504, the CP
It is more preferable that U1 creates the notification data Dwarn11 that can display the optimal route and the suboptimal route on the map in different colors or line types. Thereby, step S
When the notification data Dwarn11 is displayed in 505, the user can distinguish and visually recognize the optimum route and the sub-optimal route.

In step S504, it is more preferable that the color or line type of the optimal route is more conspicuous than each of the sub-optimal routes. This allows the user to intuitively recognize a more conspicuous optimal route when displaying the notification data Dwarn11. Note that the order of steps S501 to S504 is not limited to the above, but may be another order. However, step S502
Must be executed after step S501.

After the end of step S504, the CPU 1
The created notification data Dwarn11 is transmitted to the display device 7.
The display device 7 performs a display process based on the reception notification data Dwarn11 and displays a map image on which at least the optimal route and the sub-optimal route are combined on its own screen as shown in FIG. I do. Thereby, a plurality of routes (optimal route and sub-optimal route) are presented to the user (step S505). After the step S505 ends, the CPU 1 proceeds to a step S208.

Next, the second creation and display processing will be described with reference to FIG. The processing procedure of FIG.
When compared with the processing procedure of steps S701 to S704,
Is further provided. Since there is no other difference between the two processing procedures, the steps corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers in FIG. 7 and the description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 7, the CPU 1 stores position information Icp
Is acquired (Step S501), and then Step S701
Proceed to. By the way, since the optimal route and the sub-optimal route are routes connecting the same departure point and destination, they are separated from the departure point in different directions at certain intersections on both routes. In this sense, in the following description, an intersection where the optimal route and the sub-optimal route are separated is referred to as a branch intersection.

In step S701, the CPU 1
First, the coordinates of the node indicating the branch intersection are specified by comparing the two node strings constituting the route data Droute11 and Droute12. Then, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the user is near the branch intersection based on the coordinates indicated by the reception position information Icp and the coordinates of the node representing the branch intersection (step S701). More specifically, the determination in step S701 is to calculate the distance between the current position and the branch intersection from both coordinates and determine whether the calculated distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold value Vth2. It is performed based on. Here, the threshold value Vth2 is determined based on the design requirements of the navigation device Anavi1, and is a value indicating whether the user is approaching the intersection.

If it is determined in step S701 that the user is not near the branch intersection, step S70
2 to S705 are performed, and as a result, an image based on the notification data Dwarn11 is presented to the user.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that the user is near the intersection, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S702. Then, the CPU 1 performs map matching using the map data Dcart representing the map to be displayed this time and the reception position information Icp, and the graphic representing the current position is displayed on the intermediate image data Dcart on the road in the map.
im21 is created on the RAM 3 (step S702). However, the map data Dcart used in step S702
Represents an enlarged map of the area around the junction. In this regard,
Step S702 is different from step S502.

Next, based on the route data Droute11 and Droute12 obtained in step S205 and the intermediate image data Dim21 in step S702, the CPU 1 arranges the route around the branch intersection in the optimal route and the suboptimal route on the map. The generated notification data Dwarn12 is generated (step S703). The notification data Dwarn12 is image data that allows the display device 7 to display the departure place, the optimal route, and the suboptimal route on a map in which the area around the branch intersection is enlarged.

Here, in step S703, the color or line type of the optimal route and the sub-optimal route are preferably different from each other, and the color or line type of the optimal route is more prominent than each of the sub-optimal routes. Is more preferable. The order in which steps S702 and S703 are performed may be interchanged.

After the end of step S703, the CPU 1
The created notification data Dwarn12 is transmitted to the display device 7.
The display device 7 performs a display process on the basis of the reception notification data Dwarn12, and displays, on its own screen, at least an optimal route and a suboptimal route on a map obtained by enlarging the area around the branch intersection as shown in FIG. Display the combined image of the routes. As a result, the CPU 1 presents a point where a plurality of routes (optimal route and sub-optimal route) are separated to the user in an easy-to-understand manner (step S704). After displaying, C
PU1 proceeds to step S208.

Next, the third creation and display processing will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG.
First, the CPU 1 acquires position information Icp indicating the current position of the user from the locator 9 (step S801).
Next, the CPU 1 generates intermediate image data Dim31 using the background image data Dbgi and the reception position information Icp (step S802). Here, the background image data Dbgi
Is image data that is prepared in advance and represents the background of the image displayed in step S806. Further, the intermediate image data Dim31 means image data in which a graphic representing the position (departure point of the user) indicated by the reception position information Icp is arranged on the background image represented by the background image data Dbgi.

Next, based on the destination coordinate information Icdn used in step S205 and the intermediate image data Dim31 in step S802, the CPU 1 generates an intermediate image in which a figure representing the destination is arranged on the background image. The data Dim32 is generated (step S803).

Next, the CPU 1 acquires the intersection name information as the additional information Iaddi (step S804). More specifically, what is acquired in step S804 is the route data Droute11 and Droute12, that is, those of the main intersections constituting the optimum route and the sub-optimal route.

Next, based on the intersection name information obtained in step S804 and the intermediate image data Dim32 in step S803, the CPU 1 arranges the names of the respective main intersections on the background image, Notification data Dwarn13 is created on the RAM 3 by connecting each major intersection name with a line so as to represent a sub-optimal route (step S80).
5). The notification data Dwarn13 is image data that allows the display device 7 to display a system diagram in which connections between a plurality of main intersections included in a plurality of routes are represented by lines.

Here, also in step S805, as in step S503, it is preferable that the color or line type of the optimal route is different from the color or line type of the sub-optimal route. Furthermore, it is further preferred that the color or line type of the optimal route is more prominent than each of the sub-optimal routes.

Here, what needs attention is step S8.
The order of 01 to S805 is not limited to the above, and may be another order. However, step S802 must be performed after step S801.

When step S805 ends, the CPU 1
Sends the created notification data Dwarn13 to the display device 7. The display device 7 performs a display process based on the reception notification data Dwarn13, and displays the above system diagram on its own screen as shown in FIG. Thereby, a plurality of routes (optimal route and sub-optimal route) are presented to the user (step S806). After the end of step S806, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S208.

Next, a fourth creation and display process will be described with reference to FIG. The processing procedure in FIG.
When compared with the processing procedure of FIG.
1004 is further provided. Since there is no other difference between the two processing procedures, steps in FIG. 10 corresponding to the steps in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof will be omitted. Further, step S10
Since the processes of 01 to S1004 correspond to steps S701 to S704 described in the second creation and display process, detailed description of each is omitted.

Also in the above-described fourth creation and display processing, the CPU 1 can present the point where a plurality of routes (optimal route and sub-optimal route) are separated to the user in an easily understandable manner. After the end of step S1004, C
PU1 proceeds to step S208.

When a plurality of routes are presented in step S207, the user selects one of the routes. The most characteristic feature of the present embodiment is that the CPU 1 selects any route based on the actual movement status of the user (that is, the vehicle) without the user operating the input device 5 in particular. Hereinafter, an example of a method for selecting one route will be described.

First, the CPU 1 instructs the locator 9 to transmit the position information Icp as an example of the movement information Move. The locator 9 creates position information Icp indicating the current position of the user in response to an instruction from the CPU 1 and transmits the created position information Icp to the CPU 1. At this time, locator 9
Operates as an example of the movement information creating unit in the claims. The CPU 1 acquires the position information Icp from the locator 9 (Step S208). In the present embodiment, in order to clarify the invention, it has been described that the position information Icp is obtained in step S208, but the CPU 1 converts the position information Icp obtained in step S207 into the movement information Imove.
You may use as.

Next, the CPU 1 performs map matching using the map data Dcart on the RAM 3 and the received position information Icp to calculate the current position of the user on the road network on the map (step S209). At this time, CPU
1 operates as a calculating unit in the claims.

Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the user is currently on one route (optimal route or sub-optimal route) based on the calculation result of step S209 (step S210). Here, as is well known, the map matching in step S209 is a process of matching the current position of the user on a road on the map, and therefore, the CPU 1 determines the optimal route and the sub-optimal route from the calculation result of the map matching. Which of the above is moving can be determined.

If it is determined that the current position of the user is located on the common part of the plurality of routes, the CPU 1 returns to step S207 and continues to present the plurality of routes to the user. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S210 that the user is located on one of the routes, the one where the user is currently located (optimal route or sub-optimal route) is selected (step S211). That is, the CPU 1 determines that the route data D
Select either route11 or Droute12. In step S211, the CPU 1 operates as a selecting unit in the claims. Thereafter, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S213 in FIG. 3 (see A surrounded by a circle).

In practice, it can be assumed that the user deviates from both routes. However, such a case is irrelevant to the present embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

At the time when the above steps S211 or S212 are completed, the CPU 1 has obtained one path,
The user is guided and guided using the one route (optimal route or sub-optimal route). More specifically, CP
U1 is the selected route data Droute1 (route data Dro
Based on either one of ute11 and Droute12), guidance data Dguid is created and displayed (step S213). At this time, the CPU 1 operates as a guidance data creating unit in the claims.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of step S213. 11, first, the CPU 1 acquires position information Icp indicating the current position of the user from the locator 9 (step S1).
101).

In the next step S1102, the CPU
1 is a map data Dca representing a map of a predetermined range α2.
rt is read from the map database DBcart to the RAM3. Here, the predetermined range α2 is typically around the current position indicated by the reception position information Icp. The map data Dcart required in step S1102 is stored in step S20.
If the data has already been read out to the RAM 3 in step 2, the CPU
1 uses the map data Dcart on the RAM 3 and does not read from the map database DBcart.

Further, the CPU 1 stores the map data Dcart and the route data Droute1 on the RAM 3 (step S21).
Route data Droute11 or Droute12 selected in 1
) And the received position information Icp, the display device 7 creates image data that can be combined and displayed on the road in the map by using the route from the current position of the user to the destination. Furthermore, CP
When the user's current position is approaching the intersection, U1 creates voice data indicating that the user turns right or left or goes straight. As described above, the CPU 1 creates the guidance data Dguid including only the image data or the image data and the audio data on the RAM 3 (step S1102).

Next, the CPU 1 sends the guidance data Dguid to the output unit 6. The output unit 6 performs a display process or a display device 7 and a sound output process based on the guidance data Dguid. More specifically, the display device 7 displays the guidance data D
The display processing is performed based on the image data included in the guid, and an image as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the own screen. In FIG. 12, on the screen of the display device 7, the current position, the destination, and the route selected in step S211 are combined and displayed on a map. The speaker 8 outputs a sound to the user based on the sound data included in the guidance data Dguid (step S1103). As a result, the CPU 1 guides and guides the user to the destination.

After the end of step S1103, the CP
U1 exits from step S213 in FIG. 3 and proceeds to step S214. Then, the CPU 1 compares the coordinates of the current position of the user with the coordinates of the destination acquired in step S204, and determines whether the user has arrived at the destination (step S214).

When the coordinates of both the current position and the destination match, the CPU 1 determines that the user has arrived at the destination and returns to step S201 (see C surrounded by a circle).
On the other hand, if the two coordinates do not match, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S
Proceed to 215. Then, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the condition for starting the re-route search is satisfied (step S215).
For the determination in step S215, in the present embodiment, a function for starting a re-route search is assigned to a predetermined portion of the input device 5. When this part is operated by the user, the input device 5 generates an instruction signal Sinst2 for instructing execution of the re-route search, and the CPU 1
Send to

If the instruction signal Sinst2 has not been received at the time of execution of step S215, the CPU 1 returns to step S213 and continues to guide the user using the same route as before. On the other hand, if it has been received, it is considered that the start timing of the re-route search has come, and the CPU 1 proceeds to step S216. Then, the CPU 1 acquires the coordinates of the search start point used in the re-route search (step S21).
6). Step S216 will be described more specifically.
PU1 receives the position information Icp from locator 9,
Obtain coordinates indicating the current position of the user. The CPU 1 uses the acquired current position as a search start point in the re-route search. In the re-route search, the same coordinates as in step S204 are used as the coordinates of the destination.

When the above step S216 is completed, C
PU1 performs step S205 to perform the re-route search.
Return to Since the subsequent processing is clear from the above, description thereof will be omitted. In the above description, the case where the search start point is the departure place has been described. However, it should be noted that the search start point is the current position of the user in the re-route search. Furthermore, in the re-route search, a route that has not been searched in the past is used in the same manner as in the case of searching for the above-mentioned sub-optimal route, by using a method such as setting a large cost of a link constituting the already searched route. Is preferably searched for.

Further, in the creation and display of the notification data Dwarn after the re-route search is performed (step S207), as shown in parentheses in FIGS. 6 and 9, a plurality of routes from the current position are displayed. Is done.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the navigation device Anavi1 is based on the user's movement status, that is, the movement information Imove (position information Icp) from a plurality of routes obtained by the route search. Automatically selects one route. Then, the navigation device Anavi1 guides and guides the user using the selected route. Thus, the navigation device A that does not require the user to perform a troublesome operation for selecting a route.
navi1 can be provided.

In the above-described embodiment, the display device 7 performs the display process in accordance with the notification data Dwarn11 to Dwarn13, thereby presenting the optimal route and the sub-optimal route to the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
Notification data Dwarn1v is generated to present the optimum route and the sub-optimal route to the user by voice, and is transmitted to the speaker 8. Then, the speaker 8 may provide an optimal route and a sub-optimal route to the user by performing a sound output process according to the reception notification data Dwarn1v from the CPU 1. That is, the notification data Dwarn1 may be output from the output unit 6 in the form of an image or sound.

In the above embodiment, the CPU 1
Although two routes, the optimal route and the sub-optimal route, have been searched, three or more routes may be searched. Further, in the above embodiment, each route data Droute1 is described as a node sequence, but may be a link sequence.

Further, in the above embodiment, the rerouting search is performed by the CPU 1 in step S215 by the instruction signal Sin.
It was executed based on whether or not st2 was received. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a re-route search may be performed according to another start condition. Other start conditions include, for example, when the current position of the user approaches the intersection, or when a traffic accident or traffic congestion occurs on the route used for guidance and guidance of the user in step S213.
Here, the traffic information Itraf received by the communication device 10 is used for the CPU 1 to grasp the occurrence situation of the traffic accident or the traffic congestion.

In the above embodiment, step S2
In 05, it has been described that a plurality of routes from the search start point (starting point or current position) to one destination are searched. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of routes from the search start point (starting point or current position) to a plurality of destinations are searched for, and step S20 is performed.
7 may be displayed.

Next, the configuration of the navigation device Anavi2 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device Anavi2. FIG.
4 is different from FIG.
Is shown, and the azimuth sensor 13 is shown as a part of the locator 9. Since there are no other differences, in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are given to components corresponding to the configuration in FIG. 1, and description thereof will be omitted.

The ROM 12 is a program memory in which a program Pnavi2 for the navigation device Anavi2 is recorded in advance. The direction sensor 13
Also known as a gyro sensor, it detects which direction the user is currently facing and orientation information Idrc indicating the direction.
Generate The direction information Idrc is transmitted to the CPU 1.

Next, the operation of the navigation device Anavi2 will be described. After turning on the power of the navigation device Anavi2, the CPU 1 executes the program P stored in the ROM 12.
Start running navi2.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the first half of the processing procedure of the CPU 1 described in the program Pnavi2. Note that the latter half of the processing procedure described in the program Pnavi2 is the same as that in FIG. 3, so that illustration and description thereof will be omitted. Also, FIG.
Compared to FIG. 2, the difference is that the set of steps S208 to S210 replaces the set of steps S1501 to S1503. Since there are no other differences, in FIG. 15, steps corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

When a plurality of routes are presented to the user by executing step S207, CPU 1 creates angle information Iang1 of the optimal route and angle information Iang2 of the sub-optimal route (step S1501).

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the angle information Iang1 and the angle information Iang2. In FIG. 16, a reference line Lref (see a two-dot chain line) is defined in advance in the program Pnavi2. The reference line Lref is a single straight line starting from the branch intersection (see the first embodiment) and pointing in a predetermined direction. In step S1501, the CPU 1 calculates an angle θ1 formed by the reference line Lref, the branch intersection, and the optimum route, and stores the calculation result in the RAM 3 as angle information Iang1. Further, the CPU 1 calculates an angle θ2 formed by the reference line Lref, the branch intersection, and the sub-optimal route, and stores the calculation result in the RAM 3 as angle information Iang2.

After the above step S1501, the CPU 1
Sends an instruction to the azimuth sensor 13 to transmit the azimuth information Idrc as an example of the movement information Imove. The azimuth sensor 13 creates azimuth information Idrc indicating the current orientation of the user in response to an instruction from the CPU 1,
Send to U1. More specifically, the direction information Idrc is:
The angle at which the user faces is indicated by a value based on the reference line Lref. At this time, the azimuth sensor 13 operates as an example of the movement information creating unit in the claims. CPU1
The azimuth information Idrc from the azimuth sensor 13 is obtained (step S1502).

Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the direction of the user matches the direction of the only route (optimal route or sub-optimal route) (step S1503). More specifically, the CPU 1 determines the azimuth information I obtained in step S1502.
By comparing drc with the angle information Iang1 and Iang2 on the RAM 3, it is determined whether or not the value of the azimuth information Idrc matches only one of the angle information Iang1 and Iang2.

When the value of the azimuth information Idrc does not coincide with only one of the angle information Iang1 and Iang2,
The CPU 1 determines that it is not located on one of the routes of the user, returns to step S207, and continues to present the plurality of routes to the user. On the other hand, in step S1503, the value of the azimuth information Idrc is changed to the angle information Iang1 and Ian1.
If it matches either one of g2, the CPU 1 determines that the user is located on one of the routes and selects the one where the user is currently located (optimal route or sub-optimal route) (step S211).

After the end of step S211 above, the CPU
1 proceeds to step S213 in FIG. 3 (see A surrounded by ○), and performs the processing as described in the first embodiment.
As described above, the navigation device Anavi2 automatically selects one route from the plurality of routes obtained by the route search, based on the user's movement status, that is, the movement information Imove (direction information Idrc). So the user
There is no need to perform a troublesome operation for selecting a route.

In the second embodiment described above,
Until the user reaches the branch intersection, the CPU 1 does not need to acquire the azimuth information Idrc.
01 and S1502, a step is provided for determining whether or not the user has arrived at the branch intersection. If the user has not arrived, the process returns to step S207. If the user has arrived, the process returns to step S1502. You may make it go to.

Next, the configuration of the navigation device Anavi3 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device Anavi3. FIG.
7 is different from FIG.
Is shown in the figure. Since there are no other differences, in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are given to components corresponding to the configuration in FIG. 1, and description thereof will be omitted.

The ROM 14 is a program memory in which a program Pnavi3 for the navigation device Anavi3 is recorded in advance. Next, the operation of the navigation device Anavi3 will be described. After turning on the power of the navigation device Anavi3, the CPU 1 starts executing the program Pnavi3 recorded in the ROM 14.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the first half of the processing procedure of the CPU 1 described in the program Pnavi3. The latter half of the processing procedure described in the program Pnavi3 is the same as that in FIG. Also, FIG.
As compared with FIG. 2, the set of steps S209 to S211 differs from the set of steps S1801 to S1803. Since there are no other differences, in FIG. 18, steps corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

After executing step S207, CPU 1 executes
Acquire location information Icp from locator 9 (step S
1801). Next, the CPU 1 creates trajectory information Itaj as movement information Move (step S1802).
At this time, the CPU 1 operates as a trajectory information creating unit in the claims. More specifically, every time the CPU 1 executes step S1802, the CPU 1 adds the coordinate value of the position information Icp acquired in step S1801 to the trajectory information Itraj created so far. Therefore, the trajectory information Itaj
Is information indicating a trajectory that the user has moved so far, and is composed of a column of coordinate values indicated by a plurality of pieces of position information Icp.

Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the movement trajectory of the user coincides with only one route (optimal route or sub-optimal route) (step S1803). More specifically, the CPU 1 compares the trajectory information Itraj created in step S1802 with the route data Droute11 and Droute12 on the RAM 3, and the trajectory specified by the trajectory information Itaj is specified by the route data Droute11. It is determined whether or not only one of the optimum route and the sub-optimal route specified by the route data Droute12 matches.

If the movement trajectory does not coincide with only one of the optimum route and the sub-optimal route, the CPU 1 is not located on one of the user's routes.
Returning to 207, the plurality of routes are continuously presented to the user. On the other hand, in step S1802, when the movement trajectory matches only one of the optimal route and the sub-optimal route,
The CPU 1 determines that the user is located on one of the routes, and selects the one where the user is currently located (optimal route or sub-optimal route) (step S211).

After the end of step S211 above, the CPU
1 proceeds to step S213 in FIG. 3 (see A surrounded by ○), and performs the processing as described in the first embodiment.
As described above, the navigation device Anavi2 automatically selects one route from the plurality of routes obtained by the route search based on the user's movement status, that is, the movement information Imove (trajectory information Itraj). So the user
There is no need to perform a troublesome operation for selecting a route.

As described above, in the first to third embodiments,
The navigation devices Anavi1 to Anavi3 have been intended for vehicle use. However, the navigation device Anavi
1 to Anavi3 can be easily applied to portable applications. Further, the programs Pnavi1 to Pnavi3 are used for mobile phones and PDs.
A (information portable terminal), a personal computer, and other computer devices can be easily implemented, so that the computer device can easily have a navigation function.

Further, the programs Pnavi1 to Pnavi3 described in each of the above embodiments are CDs, DVDs (Digital Ver.
satile Disk), an MO (Magnetic-Optical) disk, or a recording medium typified by a semiconductor memory. Further, a program P is provided so that the computer device can be downloaded from a server on the network.
navi1 to Pnavi3 may be stored on the storage device of the server.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device Anavi1.

FIG. 2 is a first half of a main flowchart showing a processing procedure of a CPU 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a latter half of a main flowchart showing a processing procedure of a CPU 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a route search (step S205).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a first creation and display process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a result of display processing of notification data Dwarn11 and Dwarn12.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a second creation and display process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a third creation and display process.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a result of display processing of notification data Dwarn13.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a fourth creation and display process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a process of creating and displaying guidance data Dguid (step S213).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a result of display processing of guidance data Dguid.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display example of a plurality of routes.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device Anavi2.

FIG. 15 is a first half of a main flowchart showing a processing procedure of the CPU 1 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining angle information Iang1 and Iang2.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device Anavi3.

18 is a first half part of a main flowchart showing a processing procedure of the CPU 1 of FIG. 16;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU 2 ... ROM 3 ... RAM 4 ... Storage device 5 ... Input device 6 ... Output part 7 ... Display device 8 ... Speaker 9 ... Locator 10 ... Communication device

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Hamada 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Reference) 2C032 HC08 HD21 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB13 AC02 AC14 AC18 5H180 AA01 FF05 FF11 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF32

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A navigation device for guiding a user to a destination using map data, comprising: a storage unit that stores the map data; and a search start point using map data in the storage unit.
A route search unit that searches a plurality of routes to one or more destinations and creates route data representing each searched route; a movement information creation unit that creates movement information related to the movement of the user; A selection unit that selects one piece of route data from a plurality of pieces of route data created by the route search unit based on the travel information created by the travel information creation unit; and a route selected by the selection unit. A guidance data creation unit for creating guidance data for guiding a user to a destination based on the data and the map data in the storage unit; and providing the user with the destination according to the guidance data created by the guidance information creation unit. And an output unit that outputs an image or a sound for guiding to the navigation device. 2. The movement information creation unit includes a locator that detects a current position of a user. The locator creates position information indicating a current position detected by the locator as the movement information, and the selection unit includes: The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein a route is selected based on position information detected by the locator. 3. A calculation unit that calculates a current position of a user on a road network by performing map matching based on map data stored in the storage unit and position information created by the locator. The navigation device according to claim 2, wherein the selection unit selects a route based on the current position of the user calculated by the calculation unit. 4. A notification data creation unit that notifies a user of a plurality of routes based on a plurality of route data created by the route search unit immediately after the route search unit searches for a route. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit further outputs an image or a sound specifying a plurality of routes according to the route data created by the notification data creating unit. 5. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the route search unit searches for a plurality of routes from a user's departure point as the search start point to one or more destinations. 6. The route search unit further includes: when a predetermined start condition is satisfied while the output unit is performing an output process in accordance with the guidance data, from a current position of the user as the search start point. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of routes to one or more destinations are searched. 7. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the route search unit searches for a plurality of routes from the search start point to one destination and different from each other. 8. The route search unit searches for a plurality of routes from the search start point to a plurality of destinations.
The navigation device according to claim 1. 9. The movement information creating unit includes an orientation sensor that detects an orientation of a user, wherein the orientation sensor creates, as the movement information, orientation information indicating an orientation of a user detected by the orientation sensor, The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the unit selects a route based on the direction information generated by the direction sensor. 10. The trajectory information creation unit creates trajectory information indicating a trajectory of a user as the movement information, and the selection unit creates a trajectory created by the trajectory information creation unit. The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein a route is selected based on the information. 11. A navigation method for guiding a user to a destination using map data, wherein a plurality of routes from a search start point to one or more destinations are searched using the map data. A route search step of creating route data representing each searched route; a travel information creation step of creating travel information related to the travel of the user; and a travel information created by the travel information creation step. A selecting step of selecting one piece of route data from a plurality of pieces of route data created by the route searching step; and a user selecting a destination based on the route data selected by the selecting step and the map data. A guidance data creating step for creating guidance data for guiding to the According to another, and an output step of outputting image or voice for guiding the user to a destination, the navigation method. 12. The moving information creating step,
The position information indicating a current position of a user is created as the movement information, and the selection step selects a route based on the position information created in the movement information creation step. Navigation method. 13. The selecting step includes a calculating step of calculating a current position of a user on a road network by performing map matching based on the map data and the position information created in the movement information creating step. 13. The navigation method according to claim 12, wherein in the selecting step, a route is selected based on the current position of the user calculated in the calculating step. 14. A recording medium which records a program for realizing navigation for guiding a user to a destination using a map data on a computer device, wherein the map data is used to start a search from a search start point. A route searching step of searching for a plurality of routes to one or more destinations and creating route data representing each searched route; a movement information creating step of creating movement information related to the movement of the user; A selection step of selecting one piece of route data from a plurality of pieces of route data created by the route search step based on the travel information created by the travel information creation step; and a route selected by the selection step. Data and guidance data creation for creating guidance data for guiding a user to a destination based on the map data Steps and, in accordance with guidance data created by said guidance information generation step, and an output step of outputting image or voice for guiding the user to a destination, a recording medium recording a program. 15. The moving information creating step,
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein position information indicating a current position of the user is created as the movement information, and in the selection step, a route is selected based on the position information created in the movement information creation step. A recording medium that stores a program. 16. The selecting step includes a calculating step of calculating a current position of the user on a road network by performing map matching based on the map data and the position information created in the movement information creating step. 16. The recording medium according to claim 15, wherein in the selecting step, a route is selected based on the current position of the user calculated in the calculating step.