JP2011075524A - Navigation system, navigation apparatus, navigation server, and navigation method - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] Even when the communication state is suddenly deteriorated or the communication state is suddenly deteriorated, it is not necessary to wait for the destination to be set until the communication state recovers normally. It is an object of the present invention to provide a navigation system, a navigation device, a navigation server, and a navigation method capable of acquiring a route search result in a general manner.
The present invention controls the destination information to be input via the input unit, stores the destination information input when it is determined that the communication state is not normal in the storage unit, and the communication state is normal. If it is determined that the route search condition includes at least the destination information stored in the storage unit, the route search result is received from the server, and the received route search result is output to the output unit.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation system, a navigation device, a navigation server, and a navigation method.

  Conventionally, a technique is disclosed in which a route search is not performed on the terminal side but a route search is performed on the server side and a search result is transmitted to the terminal.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, route search conditions are transmitted to a server, route data including guide points created by the server is received, map data is requested from the server, map data is received, and displayed. There has been disclosed a portable terminal that creates a route image based on a range that can be displayed on a screen and route data, and creates a route guidance map image by combining the map image and the route image.

  Also, in Patent Document 2, each of the server and the client terminal obtains a route from the departure point to the destination by using information in each database, and the server determines whether the obtained route matches each other. The client terminal uses the information in the database on the client terminal side for the matching part, and acquires the detailed information about the route obtained by the server for the mismatching part and performs route guidance A guidance system is disclosed.

JP 2005-134209 A JP 2003-014483 A

  However, in the conventional route search technology on the server side, the destination cannot be set on the terminal side in the case of a state outside the communication range or when the communication state deteriorates rapidly, and the communication state is recovered. It had the problem of having to wait for the destination to be set.

  For example, in the portable terminal described in Patent Document 1, all route data and map data are received from the server. When the mobile terminal is outside the communication range, the destination for causing the server to perform route search is used. There was a problem that it was impossible to set.

  Moreover, in the route guidance system described in Patent Document 2, the route search is performed on each of the server side and the client terminal side, and only the difference is received by the client terminal. The problem is that it is impossible to set a destination for route search.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is necessary to wait for the destination to be set until the communication state recovers normally even when the state outside the communication range or the communication state deteriorates rapidly. It is an object of the present invention to provide a navigation system, a navigation device, a navigation server, and a navigation method that can automatically acquire a route search result when the communication state is recovered.

  In order to achieve such an object, the navigation system of the present invention includes a navigation server including at least a storage unit and a control unit, and a navigation device including at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, In which the storage unit of the navigation server includes network data storage means for storing network data defining a traffic network, and the control unit of the navigation device includes the navigation system Control is performed so that destination information is input via the input unit and communication state determination means for determining a communication state with the server, and is input when the communication state determination means determines that the communication state is not normal. Destination information input means for storing the destination information in the storage unit; Route search condition transmission for transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit to the navigation server when the communication state determination unit determines that the communication state has been restored to a normal state. A route search result receiving means for receiving a route search result transmitted from the navigation server; and outputting the route search result received by the route search result receiving means to the output unit to provide route guidance. A route guidance unit for performing the route search condition reception unit for receiving the route search condition transmitted from the navigation device, and the network stored in the network data storage unit. Based on the data, the route search received by the route search condition receiving means. And route searching means for calculating a satisfying route search result, the route search result calculated by the route searching means is characterized in that and a route search result transmitting means for transmitting to the navigation apparatus.

  In the navigation system of the present invention, in the navigation system described above, the storage unit of the navigation device includes point data storage means for storing point data associated with a point, and the destination information input means is By controlling the user to select a destination based on the spot data stored in the spot data storage means via the input unit, the destination information is acquired and stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by storing.

  The navigation system according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the navigation system described above, the communication state determination means monitors the communication state with the navigation server and makes the determination based on the communication state. .

  The navigation system according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the navigation system described above, the communication state is a communication strength level, a communication speed, a communication line type, and / or a communication range or a state outside the communication range. And

  The navigation system according to the present invention is the navigation system described above, wherein the route guidance unit stores the storage unit stored in the storage unit when the communication state determination unit determines that the communication state is not normal. Control is performed so that the direction of the destination information with respect to the destination is output to the output unit.

  In the navigation system according to the present invention, in the navigation system described above, when the route search condition transmission unit determines that the communication state has been restored to a normal state by the communication state determination unit, the navigation device The route search condition starting from the current location of the user is transmitted to the navigation server.

  The navigation device of the present invention is a navigation device including at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, which is communicably connected to a navigation server including at least a storage unit. The storage section includes network data storage means for storing network data defining a traffic network, and the control section is configured to communicate via a communication state determination means for determining a communication state with the navigation server and the input section. Destination information input means for storing the destination information input when the communication state determination means determines that the communication state is not normal, in the storage unit; Stored in the storage unit when the communication state determination means determines that the communication state has recovered to a normal state Route search condition transmission means for transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information to the navigation server, and the route search condition calculated based on the network data stored in the network data storage means Route search result receiving means for receiving a route search result from the navigation server; route guide means for performing route guidance by causing the output unit to output the route search result received by the route search result receiving means; It is provided with.

  Further, the navigation server of the present invention is a navigation server including at least a storage unit and a control unit that are communicably connected to a navigation device including at least an output unit, and the storage unit of the navigation server includes: Network data storage means for storing network data defining a traffic network, and the control unit is transmitted from the navigation device when it is determined that the communication state with the navigation server has been restored to a normal state. The route search condition receiving means for receiving the route search condition including at least the destination information, and the route search received by the route search condition receiving means based on the network data stored in the network data storage means A route searcher that calculates a route search result that satisfies a condition And route search result transmission means for controlling the output of the route search result to the output unit by transmitting the route search result calculated by the route search means to the navigation device. Features.

  Further, the navigation method of the present invention includes a navigation server including at least a storage unit and a control unit, and a navigation device including at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, which are communicably connected. A navigation method executed in the system, wherein the storage unit of the navigation server includes network data storage means for storing network data defining a traffic network, and is executed in the control unit of the navigation device. A communication state determination step for determining a communication state with the navigation server; and control to input destination information via the input unit, which is executed in the control unit of the navigation device, and the communication state determination step. Determine that the communication status is not normal The communication status is normal in the destination information input step for storing the destination information input in the storage unit in the storage unit and the communication status determination step executed in the control unit of the navigation device. A route search condition transmitting step for transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit to the navigation server when it is determined that the state has been restored; and the control unit of the navigation server A route search condition reception step for receiving the route search condition transmitted from the navigation device, and the network data stored in the network data storage means executed in the control unit of the navigation server. Based on the route search condition receiving step A route search step for calculating a route search result satisfying the route search condition, and a route for transmitting the route search result calculated in the route search step executed in the control unit of the navigation server to the navigation device A search result transmission step; a route search result reception step for receiving a route search result transmitted from the navigation server; executed in the control unit of the navigation device; and a control unit of the navigation device. A route guidance step of performing route guidance by causing the output unit to output the route search result received in the route search result reception step.

  The navigation method of the present invention is a navigation method that is executed in a navigation device that includes at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, and is communicably connected to a navigation server that includes at least a storage unit. And the said memory | storage part of the said navigation server is provided with the network data storage means which memorize | stores the network data which prescribes | regulates a traffic network, The communication state which determines the communication state with the said navigation server performed in the said control part Control is performed to input destination information via the determination step and the input unit, and the storage unit stores the destination information input when the communication state determination step determines that the communication state is not normal. In the destination information input step stored in the A route search condition transmission step of transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit to the navigation server when it is determined that the state has been restored to a normal state; and the network data storage A route search result receiving step for receiving from the navigation server a route search result that satisfies the route search condition calculated based on the network data stored in the means, and the route received in the route search result receiving step A route guidance step of performing route guidance by causing the output unit to output a search result.

  The navigation method of the present invention is a navigation method executed in a navigation server having at least a storage unit and a control unit, which is communicably connected to a navigation device having at least an output unit. The storage unit includes network data storage means for storing network data defining a traffic network, and is determined to have been restored to a normal state in communication with the navigation server, which is executed in the control unit. A route search condition receiving step for receiving the route search condition including at least destination information transmitted from the navigation device, and receiving the route search condition based on the network data stored in the network data storage means The above received at step A route search step for calculating a route search result that satisfies a route search condition, and the route search result calculated in the route search step is transmitted to the navigation device, thereby causing the output unit to output the route search result. And a route search result transmission step for controlling so as to be controlled.

  According to this invention, the navigation server stores the network data defining the traffic network in the storage unit, and the navigation device determines the communication state with the navigation server and causes the destination information to be input via the input unit. Control and store the destination information input when it is determined that the communication state is not normal, and store the destination information stored in the storage unit when it is determined that the communication state is restored to the normal state. A route search condition including at least a route search condition is transmitted to the navigation server, a route search result transmitted from the navigation server is received, and the received route search result is output to an output unit to provide route guidance. Based on the network data stored in the storage unit. Route calculating the search condition is satisfied route search result, it is possible to transmit the calculated route search result to the navigation device. As a result, the present invention recovers the communication state without having to wait for the destination setting until the communication state recovers normally even when the communication state or the communication state suddenly deteriorates. In this case, the route search result can be automatically acquired. In particular, when the present invention is applied to a navigation device having no large-capacity storage or memory on the local (navigation device) side, the destination can be set regardless of the communication state, and the communication state is restored. In this case, the local (navigation device) side can automatically obtain a route search result and provide route guidance.

  Further, according to the present invention, the navigation device further stores the spot data associated with the spot in the storage unit and controls the user to select a destination based on the spot data via the input unit. Thus, the destination information can be acquired and stored in the storage unit. As a result, the present invention makes it possible to set the destination by allowing the user to select the destination based on the point data stored on the local (navigation device) side even in a state outside the communication range, etc. When recovered, the local (navigation device) side can automatically obtain the route search result and perform route guidance.

  Further, according to the present invention, the navigation device can monitor a communication state with the navigation server and make a determination based on the communication state. As a result, the present invention has an effect of grasping the transition of the communication state and transmitting a route search condition for automatically acquiring a route search result at an appropriate timing.

  Further, according to the present invention, the communication state can be a communication strength level, a communication speed, a communication line type, and / or a communication range or a state outside the communication range. Thereby, according to the communication state such as the communication strength, the communication speed, the type of the communication line, the communication range / out of communication range, etc., when these communication states become normal state, There is an effect that the route search result can be automatically acquired based on the set destination.

  Further, according to the present invention, the navigation device can further control the output of the direction of the destination information with respect to the destination when it is determined that the communication state is not normal. As a result, the present invention is capable of performing navigation while indicating the direction to the destination even when the route search result cannot be obtained from the server side until the communication state is restored to the normal state. Play.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the navigation device can further transmit a route search condition with the current location of the user of the navigation device as a departure point to the navigation server. As a result, the present invention automatically resets the departure place and reroutes it even if it is necessary to change the departure place by updating the current position until the communication state is restored to the normal state. The search condition can be transmitted to the navigation server.

  In the above description, the navigation system of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the navigation apparatus, the navigation server, and the navigation method have the same effect.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the navigation system in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the navigation system in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing, as an example, a display screen of the direction with respect to the destination output by the route guide unit 102f. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route search result display screen output by the route guide unit 102f.

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

[Navigation system configuration]
First, an example of the configuration of the navigation system in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the navigation system in the present embodiment, and conceptually shows only the portion related to the present invention in the configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system of this embodiment schematically includes a navigation server 200 including at least a control unit 202 and a storage unit 206, and an output unit 114, an input unit 116, a control unit 102, and a storage. The navigation device 100 including at least the unit 106 is connected to be communicable. The communication is, for example, remote communication such as wired / wireless communication via the network 300, and has a function of mutually connecting the navigation device 100 and an external device such as the navigation server 200. For example, the Internet, telephone It may be a line network (including a mobile terminal line network and a general telephone line network), an intranet, power line communication (PLC), or the like. Each unit of the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200 is communicably connected via an arbitrary communication path.

[Configuration of Navigation Server 200]
Here, in FIG. 1, the navigation server 200 receives the route search condition transmitted from the navigation device 100, and based on the network data stored in the storage unit 206, the route search result that satisfies the received route search condition. And a function of transmitting the calculated route search result to the navigation device 100. The navigation server 200 is connected to the navigation apparatus 100 through the communication control interface unit 204 via the network 300 so as to be communicable with each other, and includes a control unit 202 and a storage unit 206. The control unit 202 is a control unit that performs various processes, and performs route search and the like. The communication control interface unit 204 is an interface connected to a communication device (not shown) such as an antenna or a router connected to a communication line, a telephone line, etc., and performs communication control between the navigation server 200 and the network 300. It has a function to perform. That is, the communication control interface unit 204 has a function of communicating data with the navigation device 100 or the like via a communication line. The storage unit 206 is a storage unit such as a fixed disk device, and stores various databases and tables (network database 206a etc. to map database 206c).

  Among these components of the storage unit 206, the network database 206a is a network data storage unit that stores network data that defines a traffic network. Here, the network data stored in the network database 206a is data related to roads, passages, routes, and the like configured by nodes and links. For example, road network data includes nodes on road network expressions such as intersections. It is comprised by the combination of the node data regarding the node which is, and the link data regarding the link which is the road area between nodes. More specifically, the node data may include a node number, position coordinates such as latitude and longitude, a node type, the number of links to be connected, a connection node number, an intersection name, and the like. The link data includes link number, type of road to be connected, route number of national road, prefectural road, city road, etc., important route information, attribute information of administrative area where link exists, link length, road service status, abnormal Traffic restrictions such as traffic restrictions, vehicle weight restrictions, vehicle height restrictions, width, road width classification, number of lanes, speed limit, in-link attributes such as overpasses, tunnels and bridges, and names etc. Good.

  Here, in the network data stored in the network database 206a, evaluation information is stored in association with a node number, a link number, or the like in order to evaluate each route composed of nodes and links. Good. As an example, the evaluation information includes traffic regulation data, transportation timetable data, and usage fee data. Here, the traffic regulation data is data that defines various traffic regulations. For example, traffic regulation data such as roads that are damaged or road construction, traffic zones, and community zones that are installed to ensure traffic safety. This includes information such as the prohibition of entry of vehicles and the prohibition of entry of ordinary vehicles due to being connected to private land. The timetable data is, for example, information representing timetables of various transportation facilities such as trains, airplanes, buses, streetcars, ropeways, monorails, cable cars, and ships. In addition, usage fee data is consumed when using transportation such as trains, airplanes, buses, streetcars, ropeways, monorails, cable cars, ships, etc., or when traveling by car, motorcycle, etc. This information is used to calculate transportation costs, etc. In addition, position information such as latitude and longitude information of facilities and the like existing on a map used for route creation when traveling by car, motorcycle, bicycle, walking, or the like may be stored. These various types of network data are stored in advance in the network database 206a, and the control unit 202 of the navigation server 200 periodically downloads the latest network data via the network 300 and stores it in the network database 206a. Network data may be updated.

  The guidance database 206b is guidance data storage means for storing guidance data (voice guidance data, display guidance data, etc.) to be output according to the current position on the guidance route. For example, the guidance database 206b may correspond to “turn to the left at the next intersection” associated with the direction of travel at a branch point or the like on the guidance route or “route” associated with the current position deviating from the guidance route. Voice guidance data such as “I missed it” may be stored, and this voice guidance data is used when the control unit 102 of the navigation device 100 executes voice guidance as described later. In addition, the guidance database 206b stores display guidance data such as turn-by-turn (TBT) associated with the traveling direction at a branch point on the guidance route and guidance indicating that the current position is off the guidance route. The display guidance data may be used when the control unit 102 of the navigation device 100 executes the display guidance as will be described later. Here, the TBT is an arrow navigation that displays guidance such as a right or left turn on the screen.

  The map database 206c is map data storage means for storing map data such as map drawing data for drawing a map. As an example, the map drawing data stored in the map database 206c is drawing data for drawing buildings, roads, terrain such as mountains and rivers, and the like. For example, the drawing data may be data representing one area, site, area, or the like on a map with polygonal polygons, or data for two-dimensional display or three-dimensional display. Further, the drawing data may be outdoor map data such as road maps of the whole country and each region, and indoor map data such as a floor guide map relating to a building having height information (for example, a multilevel parking lot). There may be. The various map data stored in the map database 206c may be configured in mesh units (for example, first to third regional division mesh data, 100m mesh data, etc.) partitioned by longitude and latitude. . These map data are stored in advance in the map database 206c, and the control unit 202 of the navigation server 200 periodically downloads the latest data via the network 300 and stores it in the map database 206c. Data may be updated. The map data stored in the map database 206c may be raster format map data or vector format map data.

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

  Among these, the route search condition receiving unit 202a is route search condition receiving means for receiving a route search condition transmitted from the navigation device 100.

  The route search unit 202b is route search means for calculating a route search result that satisfies the route search condition received by the route search condition receiving unit 202a based on the network data stored in the network database 206a. For example, the route search unit 202b searches for the guide route from the departure point to the destination that satisfies the route search condition including the departure point information and the destination information using the network data stored in the network database 206a. A route search result related to the guide route is generated. At that time, the route search unit 202b may perform an evaluation on the required time, fee, distance, etc. for each guide route based on the evaluation information stored in the network database 206a. The route search result may be calculated by selecting and sorting. In addition, the route search unit 202b may acquire guidance data related to the calculated guide route from the guide database 206b and include it in the route search result, or acquire map data related to the map including the calculated guide route from the map database 206c. It may be included in the route search result.

  The route search result transmission unit 202c is a route search result transmission unit that transmits the route search result calculated by the route search unit 202b to the navigation device 100.

[Configuration of Navigation Device 100]
In FIG. 1, the navigation device 100 determines a communication state with the navigation server 200, controls to input destination information via the input unit 116, and is input when it is determined that the communication state is not normal. When the destination information is stored in the storage unit 106 and it is determined that the communication state has been restored to the normal state, the route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit 106 is transmitted to the navigation server 200. The route search result is received from the navigation server 200, and the route search result is executed by causing the output unit 114 to output the received route search result. In the present embodiment, the navigation device 100 is connected to the navigation server 200 via the communication control interface unit 104 via the network 300 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The control unit 202, the storage unit 206, and the output unit 114. And an input unit 116. Here, the navigation apparatus 100 may include a position acquisition unit 112 having a GPS function, an IMES function, and the like so that current position information can be acquired in real time.

  The navigation device 100 is, for example, an in-vehicle car navigation device that performs car navigation, an information processing device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer that is generally commercially available, a mobile navigation device such as a mobile phone, PHS, or PDA. It may be. The in-vehicle navigation device 100 that performs car navigation may be, for example, WND (registered trademark) (Wireless Navigation Device). The in-vehicle navigation device 100 that performs car navigation is supplied with electric power from a vehicle, and is detachably fixed to a vehicle body such as a dashboard by an attachment or the like, and has a large capacity storage in the device body (local). Can acquire a signal (for example, vehicle speed pulse, fuel consumption, etc.) from the vehicle, has a built-in communication module, and can communicate with the navigation server 200 or the like via the network 300 within the communication range, A device that can also download data such as a route search result from the navigation server 200 may be used.

  Of the configuration of the navigation device 100, the position acquisition unit 112 may be, for example, a position acquisition unit that receives a position information signal transmitted from the position transmission device 500. For example, the position acquisition unit 112 has a GPS function, an IMES function, and the like so that current position information can be acquired in real time. Here, the position transmitting device 500 may be a GPS device that transmits a position information signal (GPS signal) related to orbit data, time information, and the like, and uses a position information signal having characteristics similar to those of the GPS signal. An IMES device that realizes an IMES (Indoor Message System) technology that enables indoor positioning may be used. The IMES technology is a system developed from the framework of the quasi-zenith satellite, which is a positioning satellite system. Further, the position transmission device 500 may be a GPS repeater that transmits a GPS signal received outdoors indoors. Further, the position transmission device 500 may be a small transmission device that is arbitrarily installed on each floor of a building (for example, a multilevel parking lot) or an underground structure (for example, a tunnel, an underground parking lot). Good. In addition, self-position information (position ID etc.) according to an installation place is allocated to this small transmitter. When the navigation device 100 enters the communicable range, the navigation device 100 receives the self-position information transmitted from the small transmitter as a position information signal. The communication method at this time may be, for example, various short-range wireless methods such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag system and Bluetooth (registered trademark), an infrared communication method, and the like. Further, the position transmission device 500 may be a wireless LAN access point. In the present embodiment, the control unit 102 calculates position information including latitude, longitude, and height information from the position information signal acquired by the position acquisition unit 112. Further, the position acquisition unit 112 may receive the wireless LAN signal and acquire the identification information of the access point. In the present embodiment, the control unit 102 may acquire the position information by specifying the position of the access point from the identification information unique to the access point acquired by the position acquisition unit 112.

  In addition, the position acquisition unit 112, for example, based on the direction information such as the traveling direction of the navigation device 100 detected by the direction sensor, the distance information detected by the distance sensor, and the map data, the user of the navigation device 100 You may acquire the positional information which shows a present position. Here, a geomagnetic sensor that detects the absolute traveling direction of the navigation device 100 and an optical gyro that detects the relative traveling direction of the navigation device 100 may be used as the direction sensor. In addition, the direction sensor may be an electronic compass that can acquire information on the direction and inclination by combining a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor. Further, when the navigation device 100 is an in-vehicle information processing terminal, the distance sensor may generate a pulse corresponding to the rotation of the vehicle and detect the travel distance based on the number of rotations of the wheels. Further, when the navigation device 100 is an in-vehicle information processing terminal, the position acquisition unit 112 may acquire position information indicating the own vehicle position from inter-vehicle communication of a communication device mounted on each vehicle.

  The output unit 114 is an output unit for outputting a route search result received from the navigation server 200. Here, the output unit 114 may be display means for displaying a display screen for displaying a route search result or the like (for example, a display or a monitor composed of a liquid crystal, an organic EL, or the like). Voice output means (for example, a speaker or the like) that outputs voice guidance data or the like based on a route search result or the like as voice may be used. The input unit 116 may be input means (for example, a key input unit, a touch panel, a keyboard, a microphone, etc.) for inputting a departure point, a current position, a destination, and the like. The input / output control interface unit 108 controls the position acquisition unit 112, the output unit 114, the input unit 116, and the like.

  The communication control interface unit 104 is an interface connected to a communication device (not shown) such as an antenna or a router connected to a communication line, a telephone line, etc., and communicates between the navigation device 100 and the network 300. It has a function to perform control. That is, the communication control interface unit 104 has a function of communicating data with the navigation server 200 or the like via a communication line.

  The storage unit 106 is a storage unit such as a fixed disk device, and stores various files, tables, and databases (such as the point database 106a to the route search result file 106c).

  Among these, the spot database 106a is a spot data storage unit that stores spot data associated with a spot. For example, the point data stored in the map database 206c is data in which information is associated with a certain point. As an example, facility information (such as a facility name or address, Data such as business details, price, business hours, etc.), notes (character information such as place names), icons (icons for representing stores, facilities, etc.), symbols (map symbols, etc.) are stored. For example, POI (Point of Interest) data. Here, as facility information, for example, in addition to stores such as hotels, restaurants, department stores, convenience stores, and gas stations, it is possible to target all facilities such as exercise facilities, theme parks, and parks. Moreover, since the facility information and the like are classified according to categories such as hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations, the category information may be stored in association with each other. As a result, the user can select the category information via the input unit 116 and search for the nearest desired facility.

  The route search condition file 106b is route search condition storage means for storing route search conditions such as destination information and departure point information.

  The route search result file 106c is route search result storage means for storing the route search result received by the route search result receiving unit 102e.

  In addition, the storage unit 106 may store guidance data, map data, and the like. As an example, the guide data and map data stored in the storage unit 106 of the navigation device 100 are simplified or more simplified than the guide data and map data stored in the guide database 206b and the map database 206c of the navigation server 200, or Data that is not updated as the latest data may be used.

  The control unit 102 includes an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS, a program defining various processing procedures, and necessary data. And the control part 102 performs the information processing for performing various processes by these programs. In terms of functional concept, the control unit 102 includes a current position information acquisition unit 102a, a destination information input unit 102b, a communication state determination unit 102c, a route search condition transmission unit 102d, a route search result reception unit 102e, and a route guidance unit 102f. Configured.

  Among these, the current position information acquisition unit 102a is current position information acquisition means for acquiring current position information related to the current position of the user of the navigation device 100. Here, the current position information acquisition unit 102 a is the navigation apparatus detected by the position information calculated from the position information signal received from the position transmission device 500 by the position acquisition unit 112 and / or the direction sensor of the position acquisition unit 112. The current position information of the user of the navigation device 100 including direction information such as the traveling direction of 100 may be acquired. Further, the current position information acquisition unit 102a may acquire, as current position information, position coordinates and the like regarding the current position input by the user via the input unit 116. Here, the current position input by the user via the input unit 116 may be a position where the user actually exists, and a virtual current position arbitrarily selected by the user (for example, Tokyo It may be an arbitrary point such as a station or an airport in Osaka selected by a user in the area. Specifically, on the map data display screen displayed on the output unit 114, coordinates specified by the user (for example, a designation operation on the touch panel type output unit 114) via the input unit 116, and Alternatively, the direction information may be acquired as the current position information.

  The destination information input unit 102b controls the user to input destination information via the input unit 116, and the destination input when the communication state determination unit 102c determines that the communication state is not normal. This is destination information input means for storing location information in the route search condition file 106b. Here, the destination information input unit 102b acquires destination information by controlling the user to select a destination via the input unit 116 based on the point data stored in the point database 106a. May be. For example, the destination information input unit 102b controls the user to input a destination keyword (for example, an address or a facility name) via the input unit 116, and searches for the keyword from the point database 106a. You may acquire ground information. In addition, when the map data is stored in the storage unit 106, the destination information input unit 102b outputs the spot data stored in the spot database 106a in association with the map data on the map. And the user is allowed to specify a destination via the input unit 116 on the map data display screen displayed on the output unit 114 (for example, a designation operation on the touch panel type output unit 114). You may acquire ground information.

  The communication state determination unit 102c is a communication state determination unit that determines a communication state with the navigation server 200. For example, the communication state determination unit 102c monitors the communication state with the navigation server 200 and makes a determination based on the communication state. The communication state monitored by the communication state determination unit 102c includes the strength of communication strength, the communication speed, the type of communication line, the state within / out of communication range, and the like. For example, when the communication state determination unit 102c is in a communication state sufficient to receive the route search result transmitted from the navigation server 200 (for example, the communication strength is strong, the communication speed is fast, the communication line is thick, the communication The communication state is determined to be normal. On the other hand, when the communication state is insufficient to receive the route search result transmitted from the navigation server 200 (for example, the communication strength is weak, the communication speed is slow, the communication line is thin, In the case of being out of communication range), it is determined that the communication state is not normal. For this determination, a threshold value may be set in advance in association with each communication state.

  The route search condition transmission unit 102d also includes a route search condition including at least destination information stored in the route search condition file 106b when the communication state determination unit 102c determines that the communication state has been restored to a normal state. Is a route search condition transmission means for transmitting to the navigation server 200. Here, the route search condition may include departure place information in addition to the destination information. In this case, the route search condition transmission unit 102d may transmit a route search condition including departure place information stored in advance in the route search condition file 106b to the navigation server 200. The route search condition transmission unit 102d The route search condition may be acquired and transmitted to the navigation server 200 by controlling the user to input departure point information via the input unit 116. Further, the route search condition transmission unit 102d may set the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a as departure point information of the route search condition and transmit it to the navigation server 200.

  The route search result receiving unit 102e is a route search result receiving unit that receives the route search result transmitted from the navigation server 200 and stores it in the route search result file 106c.

  The route guidance unit 102f is route guidance means for performing route guidance by causing the output unit 114 to output the route search result received by the route search result receiving unit 102e and stored in the route search result file 106c. Here, the route guide unit 102f may sequentially output the route search result according to the update of the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a. For example, the current position based on the current position information is the guide route. When approaching the upper branch point, the output unit 114 may output voice guidance data, display guidance data, or the like for direction indication. Here, the route guidance unit 102f outputs the direction of the destination information stored in the route search condition file 106b with respect to the destination when the communication state determination unit 102c determines that the communication state is not normal. It may be controlled to output to the unit 114 by voice or display. For example, the route guidance unit 102f calculates a direction from the current position of the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a to the destination of the destination information, and expresses the direction by a straight line or an arrow. The display screen and voice data for guiding the direction (for example, voice guidance data such as “Destination is diagonally right” or “Destination is northwest”) are output to the output unit 114. May be.

  Above, description of an example of a structure of the navigation system in this embodiment is finished.

[Navigation system processing]
Next, an example of processing of the navigation system according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the navigation system in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the destination information input unit 102b of the navigation device 100 first controls the user to input destination information via the input unit 116 (step SA-1). Here, the destination information input unit 102b acquires destination information by controlling the user to select a destination via the input unit 116 based on the point data stored in the point database 106a. May be. For example, the destination information input unit 102b controls the user to input a destination keyword (for example, an address or a facility name) via the input unit 116, searches for the keyword from the point database 106a, and the search result. May be displayed on the output unit 114, and the destination information may be acquired by controlling the user to select the destination. In addition, when the map data is stored in the storage unit 106, the destination information input unit 102b outputs the spot data stored in the spot database 106a in association with the map data on the map. And the user is allowed to specify a destination via the input unit 116 on the map data display screen displayed on the output unit 114 (for example, a designation operation on the touch panel type output unit 114). You may acquire ground information.

  Then, the communication state determination unit 102c of the navigation device 100 monitors the communication state with the navigation server 200 and determines whether or not the communication state is normal (step SA-2). For example, when the communication state determination unit 102c is in a communication state sufficient to receive the route search result transmitted from the navigation server 200 (for example, the communication strength is strong, the communication speed is fast, the communication line is thick, the communication If the communication state is insufficient to receive the route search result transmitted from the navigation server 200 (for example, the communication strength is low). If the communication state is weak, the communication speed is slow, the communication line is thin, or the communication area is out of service area, etc., it is determined that the communication state is not normal. In order to determine whether or not the communication state is normal, a threshold value may be set in advance in association with the communication state, and the communication state determination unit 102c may perform determination based on the threshold value.

  When the communication state determination unit 102c of the navigation device 100 determines that the communication state is not normal (step SA-2, No), the destination information input by the processing of the destination information input unit 102b is routed. The information is stored in the search condition file 106b and monitoring of the communication state is continued until the communication state is restored to a normal state. Here, when the communication state determination unit 102c determines that the communication state is not normal, that is, until the communication state is restored to a normal state, the route guidance unit 102f of the navigation device 100 determines the route search condition file 106b. The direction of the destination information stored in the destination may be controlled so as to be output to the output unit 114 by voice or display. For example, the route guidance unit 102f calculates a direction from the current position of the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a to the destination of the destination information, and expresses the direction by a straight line or an arrow. A display screen, voice guidance data for guiding the direction, and the like may be output to the output unit 114. Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing, as an example, a display screen of the direction with respect to the destination output by the route guide unit 102f. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the route guidance unit 102 f outputs, to the output unit 114, a display screen in which the direction of the destination is represented by an arrow or a straight line until the communication state is restored to a normal state. . It should be noted that the destination direction output processing by the route guidance unit 102f may be continued until the following step SA-8, and according to the update of the current location information acquired by the current location information acquisition unit 102a, etc. The direction of the destination may be recalculated and output.

  When the communication state determining unit 102c determines that the communication state has been restored to the normal state (step SA-2, Yes), the route search condition transmitting unit 102d of the navigation device 100 stores the route search condition file 106b. A route search condition including at least the destination information is transmitted to the navigation server 200 (step SA-3). Here, when the departure point information is set in advance in the route search condition file 106b, the route search condition transmission unit 102d may transmit the departure point information together with the destination information to the navigation server 200 as the route search condition. . Further, the route search condition transmission unit 102d acquires a route search condition further including the departure point information by controlling the user to input the departure point information via the input unit 116, and the route search condition is transmitted to the navigation server. 200 may be transmitted. In addition, the route search condition transmission unit 102d may set the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a as the starting point of the route search condition. The current position information acquisition unit 102a may acquire current position information from a position information signal transmitted from the position transmission device 500, and the input unit 116 on the map data display screen displayed on the output unit 114. The coordinates and azimuth information specified by the user (for example, specifying operation on the touch panel type output unit 114) may be acquired as current position information.

  Then, the route search condition receiving unit 202a of the navigation server 200 receives the route search condition from the navigation device 100 (step SA-4).

  Then, the route search unit 202b of the navigation server 200 calculates a route search result that satisfies the route search condition received by the route search condition reception unit 202a based on the network data stored in the network database 206a (step SA- 5). For example, the route search unit 202b searches for a guidance route from the departure point to the destination that satisfies the route search condition including the departure point information and the destination information using the network data stored in the network database 206a, and the guidance is performed. A route search result related to the route is generated. Here, the route search unit 202b may acquire the guide data related to the calculated guide route from the guide database 206b and include it in the route search result, and acquire map data related to the map including the calculated guide route from the map database 206c. May be included in the route search result.

  Then, the route search result transmission unit 202c of the navigation server 200 transmits the route search result acquired by the route search unit 202b to the navigation device 100 (step SA-6).

  Then, the route search result receiving unit 102e of the navigation device 100 receives the route search result transmitted from the navigation server 200 and stores it in the route search result file 106c (step SA-7).

  Then, the route guidance unit 102f of the navigation device 100 causes the output unit 114 to output the route search result received by the route search result receiving unit 102e and stored in the route search result file 106c (step SA-8). For example, the route guidance unit 102f ends the output process of the destination direction started in step SA-2 and causes the output unit 114 to output the route search result stored in the route search result file 106c. Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route search result display screen output by the route guide unit 102f. As shown in FIG. 4, when the route search result is received from the navigation server 200 by the route search result receiving unit 102e, the route guidance unit 102f ends the output processing of the direction of the destination shown in FIG. The output unit 114 is caused to output a display screen indicating the route search result stored in the route search result file 106c. Here, the route guide unit 102f may sequentially output the route search result according to the update of the current position information acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 102a. For example, the current position based on the current position information is the guide route. When approaching an upper branch point or the like, the output unit 114 may output voice guidance data, display guidance data, or the like for direction instruction included in the route search result.

  Above, description of the process of the navigation system in this embodiment is finished.

[Other embodiments]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention can be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims other than the above-described embodiments. It may be done.

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

  In addition, processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and facility search conditions, screen examples, and database configurations shown in the above documents and drawings may be specially noted. It can be arbitrarily changed except for.

  Further, regarding the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200, each illustrated component is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated.

  For example, the processing functions provided in each device of the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200, in particular, the processing functions performed by the control unit 102 and the control unit 202 are all or any part of the processing functions. (Central Processing Unit) and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware by wired logic. The program is recorded on a recording medium to be described later, and is mechanically read by the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200 as necessary. That is, the storage unit 206 such as a ROM or HD stores a computer program for performing various processes by giving instructions to the CPU in cooperation with the OS. This computer program is executed by being loaded into the RAM, and constitutes a control unit in cooperation with the CPU.

  The computer program may be stored in the navigation apparatus 100 and an application program server connected to the navigation server 200 via an arbitrary network 300, and all or part of the computer program is stored as necessary. It can also be downloaded.

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

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

  Various databases and the like (network database 206a to map database 206c, point database 106a to route search result file 106c and the like) stored in the storage unit 106 and the storage unit 206 are RAM, a memory device such as a ROM, and a fixed disk such as a hard disk. It is a storage means such as a device, a flexible disk, an optical disk, etc., and stores various programs, tables, databases, web page files, etc. used for various processes and website provision.

  Further, the navigation device 100 and the navigation server 200 connect information processing apparatuses such as known personal computers and workstations, and software (including programs, data, etc.) that allows the information processing apparatus to implement the method of the present invention. It may be realized by mounting.

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

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, there is no need to wait for the destination to be set until the communication state recovers normally even when the communication state or the communication state deteriorates rapidly. The navigation system, the navigation device, the navigation server, and the navigation method that can automatically obtain the route search result when the communication state is recovered can be provided. It is extremely useful in various fields such as the information processing field.

100 Navigation device 102 Control unit
102a Current position information acquisition unit
102b Destination information input part
102c Communication state determination unit
102d Route search condition transmitter
102e Route search result receiver
102f Route guidance unit 104 Communication control interface unit 106 Storage unit
106a point database
106b Route search condition file
106c route search result file 108 input / output control interface unit 112 position acquisition unit 114 output unit 116 input unit 200 navigation server 202 control unit
202a Route search condition receiver
202b Route search unit
202c Route search result transmission unit 204 Communication control interface unit 206 Storage unit
206a Network database
206b Information database
206c Map database 300 Network 500 Location transmitter

Claims (11)

A navigation system including at least a storage unit and a control unit, and a navigation system including at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, which are communicably connected,
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Network data storage means for storing network data defining a transportation network;
With
The control unit of the navigation device includes:
Communication state determination means for determining a communication state with the navigation server;
The destination information is controlled to be input via the input unit, and the destination information is stored in the storage unit when the communication state determination unit determines that the communication state is not normal. Information input means;
A route search condition for transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit to the navigation server when the communication state determination unit determines that the communication state has been restored to a normal state. A transmission means;
Route search result receiving means for receiving a route search result transmitted from the navigation server;
Route guidance means for performing route guidance by causing the output unit to output the route search result received by the route search result receiving means;
With
The control unit of the navigation server is
Route search condition receiving means for receiving the route search condition transmitted from the navigation device;
Route search means for calculating a route search result received by the route search condition receiving means based on the network data stored in the network data storage means;
Route search result transmission means for transmitting the route search result calculated by the route search means to the navigation device;
A navigation system characterized by comprising: The navigation system according to claim 1,
The storage unit of the navigation device includes:
Point data storage means for storing point data associated with the point;
With
The destination information input means is
The destination information is acquired and stored in the storage unit by controlling the user to select a destination based on the point data stored in the point data storage means via the input unit. A navigation system characterized by: The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2,
The communication state determination means includes
A navigation system, wherein the communication state with the navigation server is monitored and the determination is made based on the communication state. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the communication state is a communication strength level, a communication speed, a communication line type, and / or a communication range or a state outside the communication range. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The route guidance means
When the communication state determination means determines that the communication state is not normal, control is performed so that the direction of the destination information stored in the storage unit with respect to the destination is output to the output unit. Features a navigation system. The navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The route search condition transmission means includes:
When the communication state determination unit determines that the communication state has been restored to a normal state, the route search condition starting from the current position of the user of the navigation device is transmitted to the navigation server. Features a navigation system. A navigation device including at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, which are communicably connected to a navigation server including at least a storage unit,
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Network data storage means for storing network data defining a transportation network;
With
The control unit
Communication state determination means for determining a communication state with the navigation server;
The destination information is controlled to be input via the input unit, and the destination information is stored in the storage unit when the communication state determination unit determines that the communication state is not normal. Information input means;
A route search condition for transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit to the navigation server when the communication state determination unit determines that the communication state has been restored to a normal state. A transmission means;
Route search result receiving means for receiving, from the navigation server, a route search result that satisfies the route search condition calculated based on the network data stored in the network data storage means;
Route guidance means for performing route guidance by causing the output unit to output the route search result received by the route search result receiving means;
A navigation device comprising: A navigation server including at least a storage unit and a control unit, connected to a navigation device including at least an output unit, in a communicable manner,
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Network data storage means for storing network data defining a transportation network;
With
The control unit
Route search condition receiving means for receiving the route search condition including at least the destination information transmitted from the navigation device when it is determined that the communication state with the navigation server has been restored to a normal state;
Route search means for calculating a route search result received by the route search condition receiving means based on the network data stored in the network data storage means;
Route search result transmission means for controlling the output of the route search result to the output unit by transmitting the route search result calculated by the route search means to the navigation device;
A navigation server comprising: A navigation method executed in a navigation system in which a navigation server including at least a storage unit and a control unit, and a navigation device including at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit are connected to be able to communicate with each other. And
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Network data storage means for storing network data defining a transportation network;
With
Executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
A communication state determination step for determining a communication state with the navigation server;
Executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
A purpose of controlling the destination information to be input via the input unit, and storing the destination information input when the communication state is determined to be not normal in the communication state determination step in the storage unit A land information input step;
Executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
A route search for transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit to the navigation server when it is determined in the communication state determination step that the communication state has recovered to a normal state A condition sending step;
Executed in the control unit of the navigation server,
A route search condition receiving step for receiving the route search condition transmitted from the navigation device;
Executed in the control unit of the navigation server,
A route search step for calculating a route search result that satisfies the route search condition received in the route search condition reception step based on the network data stored in the network data storage means;
Executed in the control unit of the navigation server,
A route search result transmission step of transmitting the route search result calculated in the route search step to the navigation device;
Executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
A route search result receiving step for receiving a route search result transmitted from the navigation server;
Executed in the control unit of the navigation device;
A route guidance step for performing route guidance by causing the output unit to output the route search result received in the route search result receiving step;
A navigation method comprising: A navigation method that is executed in a navigation device that includes at least an input unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, connected to a navigation server that includes at least a storage unit.
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Network data storage means for storing network data defining a transportation network;
With
Executed in the control unit,
A communication state determination step for determining a communication state with the navigation server;
A purpose of controlling the destination information to be input via the input unit, and storing the destination information input when the communication state is determined to be not normal in the communication state determination step in the storage unit A land information input step;
A route search for transmitting a route search condition including at least the destination information stored in the storage unit to the navigation server when it is determined in the communication state determination step that the communication state has recovered to a normal state A condition sending step;
A route search result receiving step for receiving, from the navigation server, a route search result that satisfies the route search condition calculated based on the network data stored in the network data storage unit;
A route guidance step for performing route guidance by causing the output unit to output the route search result received in the route search result receiving step;
A navigation method comprising: A navigation method that is executed in a navigation server that includes at least a storage unit and a control unit, and is communicably connected to a navigation device that includes at least an output unit,
The storage unit of the navigation server includes:
Network data storage means for storing network data defining a transportation network;
With
Executed in the control unit,
A route search condition receiving step for receiving the route search condition including at least destination information transmitted from the navigation device when it is determined that the communication state with the navigation server has been restored to a normal state;
A route search step for calculating a route search result that satisfies the route search condition received in the route search condition reception step based on the network data stored in the network data storage means;
A route search result transmission step for controlling the output unit to output the route search result by transmitting the route search result calculated in the route search step to the navigation device;
A navigation method comprising:

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