Driving assistance device and driving assistance method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a driving assistance device and method for intelligently selecting a vehicle from the respective driving routes of multiple vehicles when a via-point is required. The device comprises a driving route planning unit for planning driving routes for multiple vehicles traveling to a common destination, a via-point occurrence determination unit for determining whether a via-point request has occurred during the driving of the multiple vehicles toward the destination, a via-point extraction unit for extracting via-points from the via-point requests when the via-point occurrence determination unit determines that a via-point request has occurred during the driving of the multiple vehicles toward the destination, a driving route extraction unit for extracting driving routes that can pass through the via-point from the driving routes planned by the driving route planning unit, and a presentation unit for presenting the extracted driving route information and via-point information to a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving assistance device and a driving assistance method, and in particular to a driving assistance device and a driving assistance method for intelligently selecting a vehicle based on the respective driving routes of multiple vehicles when a via-point is required. Background Art

[0002] With the recent advancement of technology and the internet, the use of navigation devices has become a part of people's daily lives. While driving, navigation can help drivers plan routes, avoid congestion, and observe traffic regulations, greatly facilitating daily commutes. In particular, with the increasing popularity of self-driving tours, technologies such as those described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-51202 enable people to share their vehicle locations in real time while traveling to the same destination. Alternatively, technologies that group vehicles into a team and simultaneously plan and display their routes using a unified navigation server are gaining increasing popularity among young people. For example, the use of WeChat (registered trademark) in car computers can display the real-time updates of the vehicle locations of all members in a group. Group members can also use the group platform to chat and communicate in real time, meeting the need for mutual care when traveling together.

[0003] The above-mentioned existing technologies can effectively enable multiple users driving multiple vehicles to a predetermined destination to share their vehicle locations and routes in real time, as well as communicate about road conditions and emergencies through chat among multiple drivers. However, as drivers follow their predetermined routes to their destinations, unexpected situations often arise, such as requiring them to pass through a specific location before reaching their destination. Therefore, the problem of selecting a suitable vehicle from among multiple vehicles to pass through this location remains unsolved by the above-mentioned existing technologies.

[0004] Patent document: Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-51202. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a driving assistance device and a driving assistance method for intelligently selecting a vehicle to pass through a via point based on the respective driving routes of multiple vehicles when the via point is required.

[0006] The present invention provides a driving assistance device, comprising: a driving route planning unit for planning various driving routes for multiple vehicles traveling to the same destination; a via request occurrence determination unit for determining whether a via request has occurred during the driving of the multiple vehicles toward the destination; a via point extraction unit for extracting via points from the via requests when the via request occurrence determination unit determines that a via request has occurred during the driving of the multiple vehicles toward the destination; a driving route extraction unit for extracting driving routes that can pass through the via points from the various driving routes planned by the driving route planning unit; and a prompting unit for prompting the via points and the extracted driving routes to a user.

[0007] The driving assistance device further comprises a route location determination unit for determining whether the route location exists on at least one of the extracted driving routes. Based on the determination result of the route location determination unit, if the route location exists on at least one of the extracted driving routes, a driving route that passes through the route location is extracted from the driving routes planned by the driving route planning unit; and the presentation unit presents the route location and the extracted driving route to the user.

[0008] The driving assistance device further comprises: a vehicle position acquisition unit for acquiring a current position of the vehicle; a via-point position determination unit for determining whether the via-point exists on at least one of the extracted driving routes. If, based on a determination result of the via-point position determination unit, the via-point does not exist on any of the extracted driving routes, the driving route planning unit plans a route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination via the via-point as a second driving route; and the presentation unit for presenting the via-point and the second driving route to the user.

[0009] The driving assistance device further comprises: a driving route number determination unit for determining the number of the second driving routes; and an additional distance calculation unit for calculating the additional travel distance of each of the second driving routes compared to the extracted driving routes. When the driving route number determination unit determines that the number of the second driving routes is plural, the driving route extraction unit extracts the second driving route with the least additional travel distance based on the result calculated by the additional distance calculation unit; and the presentation unit presents the via-point and the second driving route with the least additional travel distance to the user.

[0010] The driving assistance device further comprises: a driving route number determination unit for determining the number of the second driving routes; an estimated time acquisition unit for acquiring a first time required to travel the extracted driving route and a second time required to travel the second driving route; and an additional time calculation unit for calculating, based on the acquired first and second times, the additional time required to travel the second driving route compared to traveling the extracted driving route. If the driving route number determination unit determines that the number of the second driving routes is plural, the driving route extraction unit extracts the second driving route with the least additional time based on the result calculated by the additional time calculation unit; and the presentation unit presents the second driving route with the least additional time and the via-point to the user.

[0011] The driving assistance device further comprises: a driving route number determination unit for determining the number of the second driving routes; and a congestion level acquisition unit for acquiring a congestion level of the second driving route. When the driving route number determination unit determines that the second driving routes are plural, the driving route extraction unit extracts the second driving route with the lowest congestion level based on the congestion level; and the presentation unit presents the via point and the second driving route with the lowest congestion level.

[0012] The driving assistance device further comprises: a chat information acquisition unit for acquiring chat information while the plurality of vehicles are traveling toward the same destination; and a location information determination unit for determining whether the chat information includes a specific location. If the location information determination unit determines that the chat information includes a specific location, the via request occurrence determination unit determines that a via request has occurred while the plurality of vehicles are traveling toward the destination, and the via point extraction unit extracts the specific location as a via point.

[0013] The driving assistance device further comprises: a chat information acquisition unit for acquiring chat information while the plurality of vehicles are traveling toward the same destination; an event information determination unit for determining whether the chat information contains a specific event; and a location correspondence determination unit for determining whether a specific location corresponding to the specific event exists when the event information determination unit determines that the chat information contains a specific event. If the location correspondence determination unit determines that a specific location corresponding to the specific event exists, the via request occurrence determination unit determines that a via request has occurred while the plurality of vehicles are traveling toward the destination, and the via location extraction unit extracts the specific location corresponding to the specific event as a via location.

[0014] The present invention provides a driving assistance method, including a driving route planning step of planning each driving route for multiple vehicles traveling to the same destination; a via request occurrence judgment step of judging whether a via request has occurred during the driving of the multiple vehicles toward the destination; a via point extraction step of extracting a via point from the via request when it is determined in the via request occurrence judgment step that the via request has occurred during the driving of the multiple vehicles toward the destination; a driving route extraction step of extracting a driving route that can pass through the via point as a first driving route from the multiple driving routes planned in the driving route planning step; and a prompting step of prompting the via point and the driving route that can pass through the via point to a user.

[0015] Effects of the invention:

[0016] According to the driving assistance device and driving assistance method provided by the present invention, when a sudden request for a stopover point occurs while multiple vehicles are traveling to the same destination, a vehicle can be quickly and intelligently selected from multiple vehicles to pass through the stopover point, thereby fully and reasonably utilizing the advantages of each vehicle's driving route, simplifying user operations, and saving time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the configuration of a driving assistance device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the driving assistance method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a driving assistance method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a driving assistance method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a driving assistance method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a driving assistance method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a driving assistance method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 15 This is an example diagram of displaying specific item demand information and corresponding locations according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of the reference numerals: 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G: driving assistance device; 101: driving route planning unit; 102: unit for determining whether a route request has occurred; 103: route extraction unit; 104: driving route extraction unit; 105: prompt unit; 106: route position determination unit; 107: vehicle position acquisition unit; 108: driving route number determination unit; 109: added distance calculation unit; 110: estimated time acquisition unit; 111: added time calculation unit; 112: congestion level acquisition unit; 113: chat information acquisition unit; 114: location information determination unit; 115: event information determination unit; 116: location correspondence determination unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Implementation Method 1

[0034] The following describes a driving assistance device and a driving assistance method according to a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specific embodiments, components of the device may be modified, deleted, or added, and the steps of the method may be modified, deleted, added, or reordered, depending on the actual situation.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the driving assistance device 100 is composed of a driving route planning unit 101, a route request occurrence determination unit 102, a route point extraction unit 103, a driving route extraction unit 104, a presentation unit 105 and other components. Figure 1The illustrated driving assistance device 100 has the minimum configuration required to implement the present invention. Each of the components 101-105 described above can be hardware components, such as any one or more of RAM / ROM memory, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a CPU. The following describes in detail the necessary components for implementing the driving assistance device 100 of the present invention.

[0036] The driving route planning unit 101 uses the current location and destination information of each vehicle, outputs road data from map information stored in hardware such as a CD-ROM (not shown), and then plans a route for each vehicle from its current location to its destination using a route planning algorithm such as the shortest path problem. When planning routes for each vehicle, the driving route planning unit 101 assumes the same destination. That is, using the current location and destination information of each vehicle, it can plan multiple candidate routes based on user needs, such as the shortest time route, the shortest distance route, and so on. Here, the driving route planning unit 101 uses the route planning algorithm to plan driving routes "LA," "LB," "LC," and "LD" for multiple vehicles, such as vehicles "A," "B," "C," and "D." Simultaneously, the driving route planning unit 101 can also receive information about via-points extracted by the via-point extraction unit 103 and, based on the current location of each vehicle, plan routes that pass through these via-points.

[0037] The unit 102 for determining whether a via request has occurred is composed of hardware such as a memory and a central processing unit, and can also be composed of a combination of a software program that can implement specific functions and the above hardware. The unit 102 for determining whether a via request has occurred determines whether a via request has occurred while each vehicle is traveling toward the destination along its planned routes. Here, the basis for determining whether a via request has occurred can be based on the content of the chats between the vehicles while they are traveling toward the destination along their planned routes. Specifically, when the chats contain location information, facility information, or demand information for specific items, the unit 102 for determining whether a via request has occurred while each vehicle is traveling toward the destination along its planned routes. When the unit 102 for determining whether a via request has occurred, it sends information to the via point extraction unit 103.

[0038] The via-location extraction unit 103 is composed of hardware such as a memory and a central processing unit, or can be composed of the above hardware combined with a software program that can implement specific functions. When the via-location extraction unit 103 receives the information sent by the via-request occurrence determination unit 102, it extracts the via-location from the via-request. Here, the via-location extraction unit 103 can perform different operations based on the content information contained in the chat message serving as the via-request, specifically:

[0039] ① When the chat information of the above-mentioned route request contains location information, such as "No. 8-5, Software Park Road", the above-mentioned route extraction unit 103 directly extracts the location information.

[0040] ② When the chat information of the above-mentioned route request does not contain location information, but contains specific facility information and store information (including store name, store address, etc.), for example, "Xiaohaha Southwest Road Store", the location is set as the route point for extraction.

[0041] ③ When the chat message via the request contains demand information for a specific item, such as "need a drink," "buy a drink," or "less drink," the location information corresponding to the "specific item demand information" is searched to obtain location information where the specific item can be purchased. Here, when the chat message via the request contains demand information for a specific item such as "need a drink," "buy a drink," or "less drink," the location information where the drink can be purchased is searched. Locations where the drink can be purchased can be obtained through an online search, or by searching a database of existing items and corresponding purchase locations, ultimately obtaining location information where the drink can be purchased.

[0042] The driving route extraction unit 104 is composed of hardware such as a memory and a central processing unit, or can be composed of the above hardware combined with a software program that can perform specific functions. It extracts driving routes that can pass through the aforementioned via points. Here, the method for determining whether a driving route can pass through the via points can be: if the user needs to change the original driving direction significantly, such as 180 degrees, to reach the via point, then the driving route is considered to be unable to pass through the via point; or if the additional driving distance compared to the original driving route to reach the aforementioned destination is greater than a certain value, such as 5 kilometers, then the driving route is considered to be unable to pass through the via point; or if there are no roads that can reach the via point due to impassable obstacles such as lakes, large buildings, mountains, etc., then the driving route can also be considered to be unable to pass through the via point.

[0043] The prompting unit 105 is composed of a central processing unit, a memory, a display device, and a sound playback device. It presents the user with information about the via-points extracted by the via-point extraction unit 103, as well as routes that can pass through these via-points, in the form of text, images, or sounds. The prompting unit 105 may not have its own image or sound output devices, such as a display screen or speakers, but may simply process the information and then transmit it to an external device with image display and sound output. Furthermore, the route details may be displayed in detail based on user actions. For example, the route display area may be expanded or reduced based on user actions, and information about specific locations on the route, such as via-points, may be highlighted based on user clicks on the planned route. Furthermore, the prompting unit 105 may separately display routes that can pass through these via-points to vehicles corresponding to these routes. Alternatively, if the route after passing through a via-point changes relative to the original route, the changed portion may be highlighted.

[0044] Below, refer to Figure 2 A flowchart of the driving assistance device of the present invention will be described.

[0045] First, the driving route planning unit 101 plans the driving routes for multiple vehicles heading to the same destination. For example, four vehicles "A", "B", "C" and "D" drive to the same destination "G" according to the planned driving routes "LA", "LB", "LC" and "LD" (step S201).

[0046] Secondly, the passing request occurrence judgment unit 102 of the driving assistance device 100 judges whether a passing request occurs during the driving of the above-mentioned multiple vehicles along the driving routes "LA", "LB", "LC" and "LD" planned by the above-mentioned driving route planning unit 101 (step S202).

[0047] Then, according to the judgment result, when the plurality of vehicles do not make any passing request while traveling along the routes planned by the route planning unit 101 (step S202: No), the process ends.

[0048] According to the judgment results, when the above-mentioned multiple vehicles have a via request during the driving process of each driving route planned by the above-mentioned driving route planning unit 101 (step S202: yes), the via request is obtained, and the via point extraction unit 103 is used to extract the via point information from the via request. For example, a via request "Q" occurs during the driving process, and the via point "Tr" is extracted from the via request "Q" (step S203).

[0049] Next, the driving route extraction unit 104 extracts the driving routes that can pass through the above-mentioned via point "Tr" from the driving routes "LA", "LB", "LC" and "LD" planned by the above-mentioned driving route planning unit 101. Here, for example, the driving route "LB" cannot pass through "Tr" because the route leading to the via point "Tr" is temporarily blocked, so the driving routes "LA", "LC" and "LD" are extracted (step S204).

[0050] Finally, the travel routes "LA", "LC", and "LD" extracted in step S204 and the aforementioned via points "Tr" are presented to the user.

[0051] Through this embodiment, it is possible to determine in real time whether a via request has occurred while multiple vehicles are traveling along a planned route to the same destination. When a via request has occurred, the via points included in the via request are extracted, and then one or more routes that can pass through the via points can be selected from the various routes of the multiple vehicles, and the routes and the extracted via points are presented to the user. In this embodiment, regardless of the location of the via point, as long as the via point can be passed through, it is considered that the present subject has been resolved, i.e., included in the effects of implementing this embodiment. According to this embodiment, the problem in the prior art of being unable to quickly and timely select a vehicle from multiple vehicles to pass through the via point when a via request is detected can be resolved. It can achieve the effect of accurately and quickly responding to the user's via request and quickly and intelligently selecting a vehicle's route to pass through the via point, which can reduce operations, facilitate the user's life, and improve the user's experience.

[0052] Implementation Method 2

[0053] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance device 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Here, components that are different from those of the driving assistance device 100 will be described in detail, and descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0055] The driving assistance device 100A is similar to the driving assistance device 100 and includes a transit point position determination unit 106 .

[0056] The via point position determination unit 106, which is composed of a central processing unit, a memory and other components, determines whether the via point exists on at least one of the driving routes extracted by the driving route extraction unit 104. When the via point exists on at least one of the driving routes extracted by the driving route extraction unit 104, information is sent to the driving route extraction unit 104. The driving route extraction unit 104 extracts the route on which the via point exists as the first driving route. Here, the determination method for determining whether the via point exists on the multiple driving routes planned by the driving route planning unit 101 can be, for example, if there is a route passing through the via point among the extracted driving routes, then it can be considered that the via point exists on at least one of the extracted driving routes; or if the shortest straight-line distance between the position of the via point and the extracted driving route is within a specified range, for example, within 500 meters, then it can be considered that the extracted driving route passes through the via point.

[0057] Below, combined with the specific flow chart, that is, refer to Figure 4 This embodiment is described in detail. Steps S401 to S403 are Figure 2 Steps S201 to S203 are the same and are not described again here. Only steps S404 to S406 are described.

[0058] The above-mentioned via point position judgment unit 106 judges whether the above-mentioned via point "Tr" exists on at least one of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes "LA", "LC", and "LD" (step S404); according to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned via point "Tr" does not exist on any of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes (step S404: No), the processing is terminated.

[0059] According to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned via point "Tr" exists on at least one of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes, for example, on "LD" (step S404: yes), the above-mentioned driving route extraction unit 104 extracts the route in which the above-mentioned via point "Tr" exists on the above-mentioned extracted driving route "LD" as the first driving route (step S405).

[0060] Finally, the presenting unit 105 presents the via point “Tr” and the first travel route “LD” to the user (step S406 ).

[0061] This embodiment can determine whether a stopover location exists on at least one of the extracted routes based on its location information, and extract the stopover location from the at least one extracted route. This eliminates the need for the route planning unit 101 to re-plan a new route passing through the stopover location based on the stopover location information; the existing route can still pass through the stopover location. This reduces the number of calculation steps, saves computation time, and improves efficiency, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0062] Implementation Method 3

[0063] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Here, regarding the configuration that minimally implements the present invention, that is, the driving assistance device 100 , components that differ from the driving assistance device 100 will be described in detail, and description of the same components will be omitted.

[0065] Driving assistance device 100B adds a route location determination unit 106, a chat information acquisition unit 113, and a location information determination unit 114 to driving assistance device 100. The route location determination unit 106 has been described in detail in the aforementioned driving assistance device 100A, and its description is omitted here.

[0066] The chat information acquisition unit 113 is composed of a communication component and a storage component, such as RAM / ROM, etc. It acquires chat information by communicating with other components and stores the information.

[0067] Location information determination unit 114, comprised of a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and other components, determines whether the chat message contains specific location information. First, a determination is made as to whether location information exists in the chat message. The criteria for determining whether this is specific location information can include, for example, specific address information such as "8-5 Software Park Road," address location information forwarded by chat programs such as WeChat (registered trademark), or address links. Alternatively, location information such as place names, facility names, or building names that can be searched through a local database or the internet, such as "Xiaohaha Southwest Road Store." The criteria for determining location information in this embodiment can be any known determination method, in addition to the methods described above. After determining that the location information is location information, a further determination is made as to whether the location is a location accessible to non-restricted individuals. For example, "S's home" or "Y Community" are considered to be locations accessible to restricted individuals and are not considered specific locations in this case. For example, public places with shopping attributes such as "supermarkets," "convenience stores," and "markets" are considered specific locations in this case.

[0068] Below, combined with the specific flow chart, that is, refer to Figure 6 This embodiment will be described in detail.

[0069] First, the driving route planning unit 101 plans driving routes for multiple vehicles heading to the same destination (step S601 ).

[0070] The chat information acquisition unit 113 acquires whether chat information occurs while the multiple vehicles are traveling toward the same destination (step S602); when no chat action occurs while the multiple vehicles are traveling toward the same destination, that is, when no chat information exists while the multiple vehicles are traveling toward the same destination (step S602: No), the processing is terminated.

[0071] When multiple vehicles chat while traveling toward the same destination, that is, when multiple vehicles have chat information while traveling toward the same destination (step S602: yes), the chat content is obtained (step S603).

[0072] Next, the location information determination unit 114 determines whether the chat content contains specific location information (step S604 ); based on the determination result, if the chat content does not contain location information (step S604 : No), the process ends.

[0073] According to the judgment result, when the above chat content contains specific location information (step S604: yes), it is considered that a transit request occurred in the process of the above multiple vehicles driving to the same destination (step S605); the specific location information contained in the above chat information is extracted, and the specific location is set as the transit point (step S606).

[0074] The above-mentioned transit point location judgment unit 106 judges whether the above-mentioned specific location set as the transit point exists on at least one of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes (step S607); according to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned specific location does not exist on any of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes (step S607: No), the processing is terminated.

[0075] According to the determination result, when the specific location exists on at least one of the extracted driving routes (step S607: Yes), the driving route extraction unit 104 extracts the driving route in which the specific location exists on the extracted driving route as the first driving route (step S408);

[0076] Finally, the presenting unit 105 presents the specific location and the first driving route to the user (step S409 ).

[0077] In addition to the effects of Implementation Method 1, this implementation method also determines whether a via-the-way request has occurred by detecting whether multiple vehicles have engaged in chat activities while traveling to the same destination, further detecting whether the chat content contains specific location information, and performing a series of other judgments. If a via-the-way request has occurred, the location information contained in the chat content is extracted and set as the via-the-way location. This implementation method effectively determines whether a via-the-way request has occurred and can quickly determine whether address information exists from the chat information. If so, it is extracted as the via-the-way location information, thereby accelerating system operation time and providing convenience for users. At the same time, it can also accurately capture user needs from the chat information of multiple vehicles, eliminating the need for users to perform operations themselves, saving users time and improving the user experience.

[0078] Implementation Method 4

[0079] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a driving assistance device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Here, components that differ from the minimum configuration for realizing the present invention, that is, the driving assistance device 100 , will be described in detail, and descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0081] The driving assistance device 100C is based on the driving assistance device 100 and further includes a via-point position determination unit 106 , a chat information acquisition unit 113 , an event information determination unit 115 , and a location correspondence determination unit 116 .

[0082] The transit point location determining unit 106 is the same component as the transit point location determining unit 106 in the second embodiment and has the same function, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0083] Chat information acquisition unit 113 is composed of communication components and storage components, such as RAM / ROM. It communicates with other components to acquire and store chat information. This component is identical to chat information acquisition unit 113 in Embodiment 3 and has the same specific functions, so a detailed description is omitted here.

[0084] The event information determination unit 115, which is composed of a central processing unit, a memory, and a search engine, determines whether the chat message contains specific event information. Based on the determination result, if the chat message contains specific event information, the specific event information is sent to the location correspondence determination unit 116. Here, the criterion for determining whether it is specific event information is, for example, when the chat message contains a "verb" plus "noun" form, such as "need Nongjia Mountain Spring Drink", "buy Nongjia Mountain Spring Drink", "less Nongjia Mountain Spring Drink", and "forgot Nongjia Mountain Spring Drink", where the verbs are "need", "buy", "less", and "forgot" respectively, and the noun is "Nongjia Mountain Spring Drink", it is considered that there is demand information for a specific item, and the event information determination unit 115 determines that the chat message contains specific event information.

[0085] The location correspondence judgment unit 116 is composed of a memory and a search engine, etc. After receiving the specific event information from the above-mentioned event information judgment unit 115, it searches for the location information corresponding to the specific event information to obtain the location information corresponding to the above-mentioned specific event information. Next, the above-mentioned location correspondence judgment unit 116 searches for the acquired event information, as described above, for example, the acquired event information is the location information corresponding to the noun keyword in the "demand information for a specific item", and obtains the location information corresponding to the above-mentioned specific item. Here, the specific search method can use the network to communicate with an external database to obtain the location information corresponding to the above-mentioned specific item; it can also use a locally established database to perform a corresponding search. Here, as Figure 15 As shown, the item noun keyword "Nongjia Mountain Spring Beverage" following the action keywords "need," "few," "buy," and "forget" in the chat message is retrieved. Then, the address information corresponding to the noun keyword "Nongjia Mountain Spring Beverage" is retrieved, namely, "Youda Supermarket" and "Red Sun Convenience Store." Finally, the retrieved location information corresponding to the specific item is sent to the route request determination unit 102, the route location extraction unit 103, and the prompt unit 105.

[0086] Below, combined with the specific flow chart, that is, refer to Figure 8 This embodiment will be described in detail.

[0087] First, the driving route planning unit 101 plans driving routes for multiple vehicles heading to the same destination (step S801 ).

[0088] The chat information acquisition unit 113 acquires whether chat information occurs while the multiple vehicles are traveling toward the same destination (step S802); when no chat action occurs while the multiple vehicles are traveling toward the same destination, that is, when no chat information exists while the multiple vehicles are traveling toward the same destination (step S802: No), the processing is terminated.

[0089] When multiple vehicles chat while traveling toward the same destination, that is, when multiple vehicles have chat information while traveling toward the same destination (step S802: yes), the chat content is obtained (step S803).

[0090] Next, it is continued to determine whether the chat content contains specific event information (step S804); according to the determination result, when the chat content does not contain specific event information (step S804: No), the processing is terminated.

[0091] According to the judgment result, when the chat content contains specific event information (step S804: Yes), the location corresponding judgment unit 116 further judges whether there is location information corresponding to the specific event (step S805). If the judgment result is negative, that is, there is no specific location information corresponding to the specific event (step S805: No), the process ends;

[0092] If the result of the determination is positive, that is, there is location information corresponding to the specific event (step S805: Yes), the via request occurrence determination unit 102 determines that a via request has occurred (step S806);

[0093] Then, the route point extraction unit 103 receives information sent from the point correspondence determination unit 116 and extracts the specific point information corresponding to the specific event information as the route point information from the information (step S807).

[0094] Next, the above-mentioned transit point location judgment unit 106 judges whether the above-mentioned specific location set as the transit point exists on at least one of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes (step S808); according to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned specific location does not exist on any of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes (step S808: No), the processing is terminated.

[0095] According to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned specific location exists on at least one of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes (step S808: yes), the above-mentioned driving route extraction unit 104 extracts the route on which the above-mentioned specific location exists on the above-mentioned extracted driving routes as the first driving route (step S809).

[0096] Finally, the presenting unit 105 presents the specific location and the first driving route to the user (step S810 ).

[0097] This embodiment can detect the occurrence of specific events in chat messages and the presence of location information corresponding to these specific events to determine if a via-request has occurred when multiple vehicles are traveling to the same destination. This allows the user to detect a via-request request even if no address information is present in the chat message. This significantly improves the intelligence of via-request recognition, enhances the practicality of the device, and provides convenience to users, thereby enhancing their user experience.

[0098] Implementation Method Five

[0099] In this embodiment, the driving assistance device 100D comprises the same components as the driving assistance device 100A, with the addition of a vehicle position acquisition unit 107. This unit, comprised of communication components and storage devices such as RAM / ROM, communicates with each vehicle to acquire the current position information of multiple vehicles. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the driving route planning unit 101 receives information from the via-point position determination unit 104 and re-plans a route, referred to as a second driving route, based on the vehicle's current position corresponding to the driving route extracted by the driving route extraction unit 104, passing through the via-point extraction unit 103.

[0100] Below, refer to Figure 10 The driving assistance method in this embodiment will be described.

[0101] First, the driving route planning unit 101 plans driving routes “LA”, “LB”, and “LC” for a plurality of vehicles to travel to the same destination (step S1001 ).

[0102] Next, the route request occurrence determination unit 102 determines whether a route request has occurred while the plurality of vehicles are traveling along the respective routes "LA", "LB", and "LC" planned by the route planning unit 101 (step S1002).

[0103] Then, according to the judgment result, when the plurality of vehicles do not make any passing request while traveling along the routes planned by the route planning unit 101 (step S1002: No), the process ends.

[0104] According to the judgment results, when the above-mentioned multiple vehicles generate a via request during the driving process of each driving route planned by the above-mentioned driving route planning unit 101 (step S1002: yes), the via request is obtained, and the via point extraction unit 103 is used to extract the location information of the via point "Tr" from the via request (step S1003).

[0105] Then, from the above-mentioned driving routes "LA", "LB", and "LC", since the driving route "LB" cannot pass through the via point "Tr", the driving routes "LA" and "LC" that can pass through the above-mentioned via point "Tr" are extracted (step S1004).

[0106] The above-mentioned via point position judgment unit 106 judges whether the above-mentioned via point "Tr" exists on at least one of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes "LA" and "LC" (step S1005); according to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned via point exists on at least one of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes (step S1005: yes), the processing is terminated.

[0107] According to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned passing point "Tr" does not exist on any of the above-mentioned extracted driving routes "LA" and "LC" (step S1005: No), the current positions of vehicles "A" and "C" corresponding to routes "LA" and "LC" are obtained (step S1006).

[0108] Then, based on the current positions of vehicles "A" and "C", the travel routes "LA2" and "LC2" passing through the above-mentioned transit point "Tr" are planned as the second travel routes (step S1007).

[0109] Finally, the presenting unit 105 presents the via point “Tr” and the second travel routes “ LA2 ” and “ LC2 ” to the user (step S1008 ).

[0110] This embodiment can accommodate situations where a stopover point isn't on any of the extracted routes that can pass through it. If a stopover point isn't on each vehicle's original route, the route planning unit replans a route that can pass through it based on the user's current location, the stopover point's location, and other information. This route and the stopover point information are extracted and displayed to the user. This intelligent replanning of a new route through the stopover point based on the stopover point's location information speeds up calculation time and improves efficiency, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0111] In addition, when the judgment result of step S1005 of this embodiment is affirmative, the contents of steps S608 and S609 in the third embodiment or S809 and S810 in the fourth embodiment may be further executed as a variation of this embodiment.

[0112] Implementation Method 6

[0113] In this embodiment, the configuration of the driving assistance device 100E is compared with the component configuration of the driving assistance device 100D in that a travel route number determination unit 108 and a distance calculation unit 109 are added.

[0114] like Figure 11 As shown, the driving route number judgment unit 108 is composed of a processor with computing capabilities, which judges the driving routes after the above-mentioned extracted driving routes pass through the above-mentioned via points, that is, the number of second driving routes. When the number of the above-mentioned second driving routes is plural, the information is sent to the added distance calculation unit 109.

[0115] The added distance calculation unit 109, comprised of a processor with computing capabilities, calculates the added distance of each of the second driving routes compared to the extracted driving routes. For example, vehicles "A," "B," and "C" are traveling along the planned driving routes "LA," "LB," and "LC" to the same destination "G." During the driving process, a request to pass through a via point "Tr" is received. Since route "LB" cannot pass through via point "Tr," the driving route extraction unit 103 extracts driving routes "LA" and "LC" that can pass through via point "Tr." Next, the driving route extraction unit 103 determines whether via point "Tr" exists on any of the driving routes "LA" and "LC." If via point "Tr" does not exist on either of the driving routes "LA" and "LC," the driving route planning unit 101 replans new driving routes based on the current positions of vehicles "A" and "C," namely, second driving routes "LA2" and "LC2," respectively, that pass through via point "Tr" to reach destination "G." The added distance calculation unit 109 then calculates the additional travel distances of "LA2" relative to "LA" and "LC2" relative to "LC," for example, as "LXA" and "LXC," respectively. Based on the calculation results, for example, the values ​​for "LXA" and "LXC" are 2.3 km and 0.8 km, respectively. The second travel route "LC2," corresponding to "LXC" with the smaller additional travel distance, is sent to the presentation unit 105. The presentation unit 105 then presents the aforementioned stop "Tr" and "LC2" to the user.

[0116] Below, refer to Figure 12 The driving assistance method in this embodiment will be described.

[0117] First, the driving route planning unit 101 plans the driving routes of the three vehicles "A", "B" and "C" heading to the same destination "G", which are "LA", "LB" and "LC" respectively (step S1201).

[0118] Next, the route request occurrence determination unit 102 determines whether a route request has occurred while the plurality of vehicles are traveling along the respective routes "LA", "LB", and "LC" planned by the route planning unit 101 (step S1202).

[0119] Then, according to the judgment result, when the plurality of vehicles do not make any passing request while traveling along the routes planned by the route planning unit 101 (step S1202: No), the processing ends.

[0120] According to the judgment results, when the above-mentioned multiple vehicles generate a via request during the driving process of each driving route planned by the above-mentioned driving route planning unit 101 (step S1202: yes), the via request is obtained, and the via point extraction unit 103 is used to extract the via point "Tr" information from the via request (step S1203).

[0121] Then, since the driving route "LB" cannot pass through the via point "Tr", the driving routes "LA" and "LC" that can pass through the via point "Tr" are extracted from the above-mentioned driving routes "LA", "LB", and "LC" (step S1204).

[0122] The above-mentioned transit point position judgment unit 106 judges whether the above-mentioned transit point "Tr" exists on at least one of the above-mentioned driving routes (step S1205); according to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned transit point exists on at least one of the above-mentioned driving routes (step S1205: yes), the processing is terminated.

[0123] According to the judgment result, when the above-mentioned transit point "Tr" does not exist on any of the driving routes "LA" and "LC" (step S1205: No), the current position "PA" and "PC" of each vehicle are obtained (step S1206).

[0124] For the vehicle corresponding to the extracted route that can pass through the above-mentioned via point "Tr", the second driving route "LA2", "LC2" is planned according to its current position "PA", "PC" to reach the destination "G" after passing through the above-mentioned via point "Tr" (step S1207).

[0125] Then, the driving route number determination unit 108 determines whether the number of the second driving routes is greater than or equal to 2 (step S1208); when there is only one second driving route (step S1208: No), the only one second driving route is prompted to the user (step S1214).

[0126] When there are multiple second driving routes, that is, greater than or equal to 2 (step S1208: yes), the added distance calculation unit 109 calculates the added driving distances "LXA" and "LXC" for the second driving routes "LA2" and "LC2" respectively compared to the driving routes "LA" and "LC" (step S1209).

[0127] Then, the driving distance of the second driving route is calculated (step S1210). The distances of the two driving routes are compared to calculate the increased driving distances "LXA" and "LXC" (step S1211). The second driving route with the smaller increased driving distance is extracted. For example, if the values ​​of "LXA" and "LXC" are 2.3 km and 0.8 km, respectively, the second driving route "LC2" corresponding to "LXC" with the smaller increased driving distance is extracted (step S1212).

[0128] Finally, the presenting unit 105 presents the via point "Tr" and the second travel route "LC2" having a smaller increased travel distance to the user (step S1213).

[0129] In the fourth embodiment, if it is determined that the location information of the aforementioned via-point is not present on any of the extracted routes that can pass through the via-point, a further determination is made as to whether there are two or more second routes. If there is only one, the second route is extracted and presented to the user. If there are two or more second routes, the distance added to each route after passing through the aforementioned location relative to the original route that did not pass through the aforementioned location is further calculated based on distance, and the route with the least added distance is then extracted. In this way, even if the aforementioned location is not on the original route, a suitable original route passing through the aforementioned location can be extracted from multiple routes, thus addressing a wider range of location information situations and expanding the scope of application of the present invention. This further improves user convenience and enhances the user experience.

[0130] Implementation Method Seven

[0131] In this embodiment, the configuration of the driving assistance device 100F is similar to that of the driving assistance device 100D in that a number of travel routes determining unit 108 , an estimated time acquiring unit 110 , and an additional time calculating unit 111 are added.

[0132] like Figure 13 As shown, the structure and function of the driving route quantity determination unit 108 are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0133] The estimated time acquisition unit 110, comprised of communication components, obtains the values ​​of the first time "T10" and "T13" required to travel the routes "LA" and "LC" extracted by the route extraction unit 104, as well as the second time "T20" and "T23" required to travel the second routes "LA2" and "LC2." The specific calculation method can be implemented using known techniques and will not be detailed here. These values ​​are then transmitted to the added time calculation unit 111.

[0134] The added time calculation unit 111, comprised of a CPU or other processor with computational processing capabilities, calculates the additional time "TXA" and "TXC" (transferred from the travel route quantity determination unit 108) representing the time increments "TXA" and "TXC" relative to the first time increments "T10" and "T13" for the second time increments "T20" and "T23." For example, if the additional time increment "TXA" is 15 minutes and the additional time increment "TXC" is 5 minutes, and since "TXC" is less than "TXA," the second travel route "LC2" corresponding to the additional time increment "TXC" is transmitted to the presentation unit 105.

[0135] The presenting unit 105 presents the via point “Tr” and the second driving route “LC2” to the user.

[0136] Through this embodiment, when it is determined in embodiment 5 that the location of the passing point does not exist on any of the above-mentioned driving routes, it is further determined whether there are multiple second driving routes. If there is only one, the second driving route is extracted and prompted to the user. If there are two or more second driving routes, the time is further used as a judgment basis to calculate the time added by the second driving route after each first driving route passes through the above-mentioned specific location relative to the driving route extracted by the driving route extraction unit 104 that does not pass through the above-mentioned location, and then the second driving route with the least added time is extracted. In this way, even if the above-mentioned specific location is not on any of the extracted driving routes, a suitable second driving route passing through the above-mentioned location can be extracted from multiple driving routes, which can correspond to more comprehensive location information situations, thereby expanding the scope of application of the present invention. Furthermore, it is convenient for users and improves the user experience.

[0137] Implementation Method Eight

[0138] In this embodiment, the configuration of the driving assistance device 100G is compared with the component configuration of the driving assistance device 100D in that a travel route number determination unit 108 and a congestion level acquisition unit 112 are added.

[0139] like Figure 14 As shown, the structure and function of the driving route quantity determination unit 108 are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0140] The congestion level acquisition unit 112, comprised of a processor, memory, and other components, is capable of acquiring the congestion level of each route. The specific calculation method can be implemented using known techniques and will not be elaborated upon here. For example, the congestion levels of the second routes "LA2" and "LC2" are acquired as "YA" and "YC," respectively. These levels are then compared. If, for example, "YA" > "YC," the second route "LC2," corresponding to the less congested route "YC," is sent to the notification unit 105.

[0141] The presenting unit 105 presents the via point “Tr” and the second driving route “LC2” to the user.

[0142] Through this embodiment, when it is determined in embodiment 5 that the location information of the above-mentioned place does not exist on any of the extracted driving routes that can pass through the via point, it is further determined whether there are two or more second driving routes. If there is only one, the second driving route is extracted and prompted to the user; if there are two or more second driving routes, the congestion level of the second driving route after each driving route passes through the above-mentioned place is calculated based on whether the road to the via point and the road from the via point to the destination are congested, and then the second driving route with the lowest congestion level of the via route is extracted. In this way, even if the above-mentioned place is not on the original driving route, it is possible to extract the original driving route that passes through the above-mentioned place from multiple driving routes, which can correspond to more comprehensive situations of location information, thereby expanding the scope of application of the present invention. Furthermore, it is convenient for users and improves the user experience.

[0143] In addition, a driving assistance system composed of the driving assistance device, communication network, and user terminal of each of the above embodiments also falls within the scope of the present invention. The driving assistance system provided by the present invention can achieve the technical effects achieved by the above-mentioned driving assistance device and its modified examples.

[0144] The specific embodiments and specific examples of the present invention are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific embodiments and specific examples described above are merely specific examples of the present invention, which are used to understand the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications, combinations, and reasonable omissions of elements to the specific embodiments and specific examples based on the technical ideas of the present invention, and the resulting methods are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments and specific examples can be combined with each other, and the embodiments formed by the combination are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0145] The steps included in the priority application determination method of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented as steps included in a priority application determination program, or as a recording medium recording the above-mentioned priority application determination program, and achieve the same technical effect.

Claims

1. A driving assistance device, comprising a driving route planning unit for planning driving routes for multiple vehicles traveling to a common destination; characterized in that: The driving assistance device further comprises: a via request occurrence determination unit for determining whether a via request occurs while the plurality of vehicles are traveling toward the destination; a via point extraction unit configured to extract via points from the via request when the via request occurrence determination unit determines that the via request occurs while the plurality of vehicles are traveling toward the destination; a driving route extracting unit for extracting a driving route that can pass through the via point from the driving routes planned by the driving route planning unit; The presenting unit presents the via points and the extracted travel route to the user.

2. The driving assistance device according to claim 1, wherein: Also has, a via-point position determination unit for determining whether the via-point exists on at least one of the extracted travel routes; When, based on a determination result of the via-point position determination unit, the via-point exists on at least one of the extracted driving routes, the driving route extraction unit extracts the driving route in which the via-point exists among the driving routes as a first driving route; The presenting unit presents the via point and the first driving route to a user.

3. The driving assistance device according to claim 1, wherein: A vehicle position acquisition unit, which acquires the current position of the vehicle; a via-point position determination unit for determining whether the via-point exists on at least one of the extracted travel routes; When, based on a determination result of the via-point position determination unit, the via-point does not exist on any of the extracted driving routes, the driving route planning unit plans a route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination via the via-point as a second driving route; The presenting unit presents the via point and the second driving route to the user.

4. The driving assistance device according to claim 3, wherein: Also has, a driving route quantity determination unit configured to determine the quantity of the second driving route; an increased distance calculation unit for calculating an increased driving distance of the second driving route compared to the extracted driving route; When the driving route number determination unit determines that the number of the second driving routes is plural, the driving route extraction unit extracts the second driving route having the least increased driving distance based on the result calculated by the increased distance calculation unit; The presenting unit presents the second driving route having the smallest passing points and the smallest increased driving distance to the user.

5. The driving assistance device according to claim 3, wherein: Also has, a driving route quantity determination unit configured to determine the quantity of the second driving route; an estimated time acquisition unit for acquiring a first time required for traveling along the extracted driving route and a second time required for traveling along the second driving route; an additional time calculation unit, which calculates, based on the acquired first time and the acquired second time, an additional time required for traveling along the second driving route compared to traveling along the extracted driving route; When the driving route number determination unit determines that the number of the second driving routes is plural, the driving route extraction unit extracts the second driving route having the least added time based on the result calculated by the added time calculation unit; The presenting unit presents the second driving route with the least additional time and the via points to the user.

6. The driving assistance device according to claim 3, wherein: Also has, a driving route quantity determination unit configured to determine the quantity of the second driving route; a congestion level acquiring unit, configured to acquire a congestion level of the second driving route; When the driving route number determination unit determines that the number of the second driving routes is plural, the driving route extraction unit extracts the second driving route with the lowest congestion level based on the congestion level; The presenting unit presents the via point and the second driving route with the lowest congestion level.

7. The driving assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Also has, a chat information acquisition unit, configured to acquire chat information during the process of the plurality of vehicles traveling to the same destination; a location information determination unit, for determining whether the chat information contains a specific location; When the location information judgment unit determines that the chat information contains a specific location, the transit request occurrence judgment unit determines that a transit request occurred during the driving of the multiple vehicles toward the destination, and the transit point extraction unit extracts the specific location as a transit point.

8. The driving assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Also has, a chat information acquisition unit, configured to acquire chat information during the process of the plurality of vehicles traveling to the same destination; An event information determination unit, for determining whether the chat information contains a specific event; a location corresponding determination unit, which, when the event information determination unit determines that the chat information contains a specific event, further determines whether there is a specific location corresponding to the specific event; When the above-mentioned location correspondence judgment unit determines that there is a specific location corresponding to the above-mentioned specific event, the above-mentioned transit request occurrence judgment unit determines that a transit request has occurred during the driving of the above-mentioned multiple vehicles to the above-mentioned destination, and the above-mentioned transit point extraction unit extracts the above-mentioned specific location corresponding to the above-mentioned specific event as a transit point.

9. A driving assistance method, The driving route planning step is to plan the driving routes of multiple vehicles traveling to the same destination; a step of determining whether a via request occurs, determining whether a via request occurs during the driving of the plurality of vehicles toward the destination; a via point extraction step of extracting via points from the via request when it is determined in the via request occurrence determination step that the via request occurs while the plurality of vehicles are traveling toward the destination; a driving route extraction step of extracting a driving route that can pass through the aforementioned via-point from the aforementioned driving routes planned in the aforementioned driving route planning step; The prompting step is to prompt the user with the above-mentioned passing points and the above-mentioned extracted driving route.

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