Movement guiding method and movement guiding system

Abstract

The invention provides a movement guiding method and a movement guiding system capable of guiding movement while suppressing confusion or unease of a pedestrian, i.e., a user of the movement guiding system. And a control unit that sets the movement of a movement guide route to the destination on the basis of the movement history of the user, and provides movement guide information for guiding the user to move along the automatically set movement guide route from the movement guide device to the user. Therefore, a user can move on a road having a movement memory, for example, on a walking road, or does not move while feeling dangerous, thereby suppressing confusion and unease.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mobile guidance method and a mobile guidance system. In particular, this invention relates to an improvement on a method for setting a mobile guidance path. Background Technology

[0002] As a system for guiding pedestrian movement, there are known mobile guidance systems that utilize a mobile guidance device carried by the pedestrian. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that sends current location data and destination data to a navigation server and extracts navigation map data and shortest path data, thereby displaying mobile guidance information on the screen of the mobile guidance device.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-81957 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when pedestrians (users of the mobility guidance system) move according to mobility guidance information provided by the mobility guidance device, if the mobility guidance information uses a path that the pedestrian has never walked before, or a path with low safety (e.g., a path without a sidewalk), it may cause confusion or anxiety for the pedestrian. In particular, in the case of pedestrians with dementia whose memory, sense of direction, or spatial cognition has declined, there are issues such as being unable to accurately understand the mobility guidance information provided by the mobility guidance device, leading to confusion, or feeling uneasy about the guided path.

[0005] The inventors of this invention focused on the following aspect: as one reason for the aforementioned problem, it can be cited that the mobile guidance device prioritizes providing the shortest path to the destination. Furthermore, it was discovered that in order to eliminate or mitigate the aforementioned problem, there are situations where prioritizing the shortest path to the destination is not preferable, thus completing the present invention.

[0006] The present invention was made in view of this, and its object is to provide a mobile guidance method and mobile guidance system that can guide movement while suppressing situations that cause confusion or unease to pedestrians (users of the mobile guidance system).

[0007] The present invention, aimed at achieving the aforementioned objective, targets a mobile guidance method utilizing a mobile guidance device carried by a user during movement and providing the user with mobile guidance information. Furthermore, the mobile guidance method is characterized by comprising: a mobile guidance path setting step, which, when guiding movement to a destination, automatically sets a mobile guidance path to the destination based on the user's movement history and / or automatically sets a mobile guidance path to the destination considering security; and a mobile guidance information providing step, which provides the mobile guidance information from the mobile guidance device to the user, the mobile guidance information being used to guide the user to move along the automatically set mobile guidance path.

[0008] This specific feature enables the automatic setting of a navigation path to a destination based on the user's travel history and / or with safety considerations when guiding the user to their destination using a user-carried navigation device. The navigation device provides navigation information to the user, guiding them along the automatically set path. This allows the user to move along routes they have traveled on (e.g., familiar routes) without experiencing perceived danger, thus preventing confusion or anxiety.

[0009] Furthermore, in the step of providing mobile guidance information, the orientation of the mobile guidance device is obtained, and guidance information is provided based on the orientation, using the direction to the destination or the direction to the transit point to the destination as the direction of extension along the mobile guidance path.

[0010] Therefore, even if the user changes direction or the user's position deviates slightly from the mobile guidance path, the mobile guidance device can stably provide the direction (or orientation) of the destination or transit point, thereby preventing the user from getting confused.

[0011] Furthermore, in the step of providing mobile guidance information, as the user moves along the mobile guidance path, information about the user's movement along the mobile guidance path is provided to the user at predetermined intervals.

[0012] When users move around for extended periods, they may feel uneasy about whether they are actually following the designated path. In such cases, providing regular updates confirming that they are indeed moving along the path can reassure them.

[0013] Furthermore, whether or not it is necessary to provide the user with information about their movement along the movement guidance path is determined based on at least one of the user's heart rate and amount of sweating.

[0014] Providing information unconsciously in situations that cause confusion or anxiety to the user may exacerbate the confusion or anxiety, and is therefore not preferable. In view of this, this solution determines whether the user is in a situation that is causing confusion or anxiety based on the user's heart rate or perspiration, and is able to suppress the unconscious provision of information.

[0015] Furthermore, the mobile guidance system used to implement the above-described mobile guidance method also falls within the scope of the technical concept of this invention. That is, the invention targets a mobile guidance system equipped with a mobile guidance device, which is carried by the user during movement and provides mobile guidance information to the user. This mobile guidance system is characterized by having a management device that, when guiding movement to a destination, automatically sets a mobile guidance path to the destination based on the user's movement history and / or automatically sets a mobile guidance path to the destination considering security. The mobile guidance device is configured to perform the following mobile guidance action: receive information about the mobile guidance path from the management device and provide the mobile guidance information to the user, the mobile guidance information being used to guide the user to move along the mobile guidance path.

[0016] Thus, a mobile guidance system is obtained that enables a mobile guidance method that guides movement while suppressing situations that cause confusion or unease to the user.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] In this invention, a mobile guidance route to the destination is automatically set based on the user's travel history and / or with safety considerations. Mobile guidance information is provided to the user from a mobile guidance device, guiding the user to move along the automatically set route. Therefore, the user can move along routes they have travel memories of (e.g., familiar routes) or avoid situations where they feel danger while moving, thereby suppressing situations that could lead to confusion or anxiety. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This shows a schematic structure of the mobile guidance system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (a) is a block diagram showing the general structure of the management device and the control system constituting the mobile guidance system. Figure 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the information transmission action from the management device to the mobile guidance device. Figure 1 (c) is a diagram illustrating the information sending action in the mobile guidance.

[0020] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of a movement guide route automatically set in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of route setting and movement guidance actions in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the way arrows are displayed on the display in the third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This indicates that the user's location has deviated slightly from the navigation path. Figure 5 (a) is a top view showing the mobile guidance route and the user's location. Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing the orientation of the arrows on the respective displays of the comparative example and the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the display process of arrows on the display screen in the route guidance of the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of providing reminder information in the route guidance in the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the case in which the mobile guidance device according to the present invention is a wearable terminal of the watch type (so-called smartwatch) will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a mobile guidance method for a system user walking towards a destination will be described. Furthermore, the following description will use the case of a user with dementia using the mobile guidance device as an example. In addition, in the following description, the mobile guidance path will sometimes be referred to as the mobile guidance route, and the system user (walker) will be referred to as the user.

[0027] -First Embodiment-

[0028] Figure 1 This shows a schematic structure of the mobile guidance system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 (a) is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of the management device 2 and the control system constituting the motion guidance system 1. Figure 1 (b) is a diagram illustrating the information transmission action from the management device 2 to the mobile guidance device 3. Figure 1 (c) is a diagram illustrating the information sending actions during motion guidance (route guidance).

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the mobile guidance system 1 comprises a management device 2 and a mobile guidance device 3. Furthermore, when implementing the mobile guidance method according to the present invention, the management device 2 is not essential. The mobile guidance device 3 can also be used to implement the mobile guidance method according to the present invention by having the mobile guidance device 3 possess the functions of the management device 2 described later.

[0030] (Management device)

[0031] The management device 2 is composed of a general personal computer or the like. Furthermore, the management device 2 can also be other types of terminal devices such as tablet computers, smartphones, or dedicated equipment.

[0032] The management device 2 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM) for storing control programs, random access memory (RAM) for temporary data storage, and input / output ports. The management device 2 includes an information input unit 21, a route setting unit 22, an information sending unit 23, an information receiving unit 24, a user management unit 25, and a mobile history viewing unit 26 as functional units implemented through the control program (belonging to the functional units of the mobile guidance system 1).

[0033] Information input is entered into the information input unit 21 through operation of an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device provided with the management device 2. Examples of such information include route setting selection information, departure point information, destination information, and route correction information. While the user can input the information through the input device, as mentioned above, in the case of a user with dementia, it is preferable for a family member or supporter (caregiver, etc.) of the user to operate the input device and input the information.

[0034] The route setting selection information refers to the information used when setting a route (mobility guidance route) from the departure point to the destination, indicating whether to use automatic route setting or manual route setting. That is, by operating the input device, one can select either automatic or manual route setting, and this selected information is input into the information input unit 21 as route setting selection information. Furthermore, when automatic route setting is selected, the departure point and destination are input via the input device, and the route setting unit 22 automatically sets the mobility guidance route from the departure point to the destination. Conversely, when manual route setting is selected, the departure point and transit points (designated) are input via the input device, and the route setting unit 22 sets the mobility guidance route from the departure point to the destination as an arbitrary route (manual route setting).

[0035] The departure point information is the location coordinates of the departure point (the location where the user's movement is guided) input through the operation of the input device.

[0036] Destination information is the location coordinates of the destination (the point where the user's movement is guided to end) entered through the operation of the input device.

[0037] Route correction information is used to correct mobile guidance routes that are set automatically or manually. For example, when a mobile guidance route from the origin to the destination is set automatically and a temporary mobile guidance route is displayed on the display screen of the management device 2, if a request is made to change the temporary mobile guidance route, the route correction information is input to the information input unit 21 by changing or adding transit points through the operation of the input device.

[0038] The input of this departure point information, destination information, and route correction information is performed by an input device (such as a positioning device) specifying a location on the map displayed on the screen of the management device 2.

[0039] The route setting unit 22 is a functional unit that sets a mobile guidance route from the origin to the destination based on the information input to the information input unit 21. For example, if automatic route setting is selected as the route setting selection information, a mobile guidance route from the origin to the destination is automatically set. That is, an automatic mobile guidance route including transit points is automatically set. In this case, the mobile guidance route from the origin to the destination is not necessarily set as the shortest route, but rather utilizes the user's past travel history information managed by the user management unit 25 (described later). That is, the mobile guidance route from the origin to the destination is automatically set to prioritize the use of roads that the user has previously traveled (walked). For example, the frequency of use of roads that the user has previously traveled is accumulated for each road and stored in the user management unit 25 in advance, and the mobile guidance route is automatically set to prioritize the use of roads with high usage frequency. This automatic setting process of the mobile guidance route is equivalent to the mobile guidance path setting step in this invention (the mobile guidance path setting step that automatically sets the mobile guidance path up to the destination based on the user's travel history when guiding movement towards the destination).

[0040] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of a movement guide route automatically set in this embodiment. Figure 2 In the diagram, S represents the origin (e.g., home) and G represents the destination (e.g., convenience store). Furthermore, in the motion guidance route, R1 to R5 represent the transfer points required for right or left turns. The shortest route from origin S to destination G is S→R1→R2→R' (represented by a dashed circle)→R5→G. However, considering that users frequently use roads around stations and often use roads along the route without having used the R'→R5 route, the motion guidance route is set as S→R1→R2→R3→R4→R5→G.

[0041] This is because, in the case of a user with dementia, there is a possibility of confusion or anxiety when traversing a route for the first time (such as when traversing the R'→R5 route). That is, by setting the aforementioned movement guidance route, the user can move along roads with a history of movement (e.g., familiar roads) or avoid situations where they feel danger while moving, thereby suppressing situations that could lead to confusion or anxiety.

[0042] However, in this case, the length (distance) of the guiding route is longer than the shortest route, so the guiding route is set to a distance where the difference will not become excessive. For example, the guiding route is set within the range where its length is no more than 1.3 times the length of the shortest route. This value is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily. For example, both the shortest route and the guiding route can be calculated and compared to determine if the above length condition is met. Furthermore, when multiple guiding routes are calculated, these routes can be compared with the shortest route to select the guiding route with the smallest length difference from the shortest route.

[0043] In addition, Figure 2 In cases where users frequently utilize the R'→R5 route, a movement guidance route is set that utilizes this R'→R5 route. In this case, the movement guidance route is consistent with the shortest route.

[0044] The information transmission unit 23 is a functional unit that transmits information about the mobile guidance route set by the route setting unit 22 to the mobile guidance device 3. The mechanism for transmitting this information can be a short-range wireless communication based on known technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wired communication that connects the management device 2 and the mobile guidance device 3 via a signal cable. Figure 1 (b) indicates the state of sending information about the mobile guidance route from the management device 2 to the mobile guidance device 3 via short-range wireless communication.

[0045] The information receiving unit 24 is a functional unit that receives information sent from the mobile guidance device 3 during route guidance using the mobile guidance device 3. Among the information sent from the mobile guidance device 3 is its location information. Specifically, by receiving location information (location information determined by the GPS module 33, described later) sent from the mobile guidance device 3 at predetermined intervals, the movement trajectory of the mobile guidance device 3, i.e., the user's movement trajectory, can be determined. As the communication method in this case, long-distance communication via a relay station (LTE, 4G, 5G, etc.) is used. Figure 1 (c) indicates the state of sending location information from the mobile guidance device 3 to the management device 2.

[0046] User management unit 25 is a functional unit that manages various user information. For example, in addition to the user's personal information, it also stores information on the movement trajectory of the mobile guidance device 3 based on the location information received by the information receiving unit 24. Furthermore, when the management device 2 manages multiple mobile guidance devices 3, it establishes and stores the ID of each mobile guidance device 3 in association with the personal information of each user wearing each mobile guidance device 3 or the movement trajectory information of the mobile guidance device 3 received by the information receiving unit 24.

[0047] Furthermore, as described above, the movement trajectory information stored in the user management unit 25 is used to set the movement guidance route in the aforementioned route setting unit 22. That is, when automatic route setting is selected as the route setting selection information, the movement trajectory information (information on the roads the user has previously traveled) is read out, and the movement guidance route is automatically set to prioritize the use of the roads the user has previously traveled as the movement guidance route from the starting point to the destination.

[0048] The mobile history viewing unit 26 generates and stores mobile history information based on the location information received by the mobile guidance device 3 from the information receiving unit 24. Furthermore, when a mobile history viewing request is made via the input device, this information (past mobile history information) is read and displayed on the display screen of the management device 2. This allows for easy confirmation that the user has moved according to the mobile guidance information provided by the mobile guidance device 3.

[0049] (Mobile guidance device)

[0050] As described above, the mobile guidance device 3 is a watch-type wearable terminal that the user wears on their wrist.

[0051] The mobile guidance device 3 also includes a processor such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. Furthermore, as part of the mobile guidance system 1, the mobile guidance device 3 includes an information receiving unit 31, a route guidance unit 32, a GPS module 33, a display 34, an inertial measurement unit (hereinafter referred to as IMU) 35, an information transmitting unit 36, and a bio-information acquisition unit 37.

[0052] The information receiving unit 31 is a functional unit that receives information about the movement guidance route sent from the information sending unit 23 of the management device 2. As described above, the mechanism for receiving this information can be a short-range wireless communication based on known technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wired communication that connects the management device 2 and the movement guidance device 3 via a signal line.

[0053] The route guidance unit 32 provides the user with mobile guidance information to guide them to their destination based on the mobile guidance route information received by the information receiving unit 31. Specifically, this mobile guidance information is provided by displaying the direction the user should proceed using arrows on the display 34 of the mobile guidance device 3. That is, as shown... Figure 1 As shown in (c), destination information is displayed on display 34 (in... Figure 1(c) In the case of a convenience store, and with the display 34 horizontal, an arrow indicates the direction the user should move in. The display processing of the display 34 is equivalent to the motion guidance information providing step in this invention (the motion guidance information providing step from the motion guidance device to the user to guide the user to move along an automatically set motion guidance path).

[0054] Furthermore, the route guidance unit 32 also has a destination selection function. That is, it can pre-register frequently used destinations to retrieve information on previously set mobile guidance routes for those destinations. Figure 1 (b) illustrates cases where the registered destination is a hospital, community center, convenience store, or home. Furthermore, for example, if information about a mobile guidance route from home to a convenience store was previously sent from management device 2 and stored in mobile guidance device 3, and the user's location information when wearing mobile guidance device 3 is home and the convenience store is set as the destination through operation of mobile guidance device 3, by reading the stored mobile guidance route information, mobile guidance information can be provided to the user to guide them to the destination without receiving new mobile guidance route information from management device 2 (there is no need for management device 2 to re-set the route).

[0055] GPS module 33 receives GPS signals from more than three artificial satellites overhead and determines the position of the mobile guidance device 3 (the user's position).

[0056] The display 34 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal screen, and is used to display images to the user as movement guidance information (such as the aforementioned display of destination information and arrows).

[0057] The IMU35 is equipped with a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer, which measure the three-dimensional acceleration (3-axis acceleration) and angular velocity (3-axis angular velocity) of the motion guidance device 3. Furthermore, it is not limited to this IMU35; any device capable of detecting the orientation of the motion guidance device 3 (the user's orientation) (e.g., an azimuth sensor) is acceptable. That is, anything capable of detecting two-dimensional (horizontal) orientation is acceptable.

[0058] The information sending unit 36 ​​is a functional unit that sends information to the management device 2 during route guidance. As described above, this information can include the location information of the movement guidance device 3. That is, the location information is sent from the information sending unit 36 ​​to the management device 2 at predetermined intervals.

[0059] The biometric information acquisition unit 37 is a functional unit that acquires the user's biometric information. Examples of biometric information include the user's perspiration volume or heart rate. The principle for measuring perspiration volume can utilize known principles. For example, the amount of perspiration can be estimated by measuring the electrostatic capacitance of the skin (wrist). Furthermore, the method for measuring heart rate can also utilize known methods. Examples include electrocardiography, photoelectric pulse wave method, blood pressure measurement method, and phonocardiography. The reason for providing this biometric information acquisition unit 37 is to determine whether the user is causing confusion or anxiety during route guidance based on perspiration volume or heart rate.

[0060] (Route setting actions and movement guidance actions)

[0061] Next, the route setting operation and the movement guidance operation of the movement guidance system 1 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of route setting and movement guidance actions in this embodiment. The flowchart shows the process from setting the movement guidance route to the start of movement guidance.

[0062] In setting a mobile guidance route to the destination, firstly, in step ST1, it is determined whether the route setting selection information input to the information input unit 21 is automatic route setting. If the route setting selection information is automatic route setting, the process proceeds to step ST2; if the route setting selection information is manual route setting, the process proceeds to step ST4.

[0063] In step ST2, if the origin and destination information are input via the input device, in step ST3, the mobile guidance route is automatically set. As described above, the mobile guidance route set here is automatically set to prioritize routes previously used by the user. In step ST5, the mobile guidance route set in this way is displayed as a temporary mobile guidance route on the display screen of the management device 2.

[0064] On the other hand, in step ST4, when the departure point, destination point, and transit point information are input through the input device, a travel guidance route is set based on this information. This set travel guidance route is also displayed as a temporary travel guidance route on the display screen of the management device 2 in step ST5.

[0065] In step ST6, it is determined whether route correction information has been input through the operation of the input device. If route correction information has been input, the mobile guidance route reflecting the route correction information is reset. The reset mobile guidance route is updated as a temporary mobile guidance route in step ST5 and displayed on the display screen of the management device 2.

[0066] When the mobile guidance route is allowed to be displayed on the screen of the management device 2 (for example, when the send button of the management device 2 is pressed), the information of the mobile guidance route is sent from the information sending unit 23 to the mobile guidance device 3 (step ST7).

[0067] Furthermore, the information of the mobile guidance route is received by the information receiving unit 31 of the mobile guidance device 3, and the route guidance unit 32 provides the user with mobile guidance information to guide the user to the destination (step ST8). As a specific method of providing this mobile guidance information, as described above, the destination information and an arrow based on the direction the user should move are displayed on the display 34 (see reference). Figure 1 (c)).

[0068] The above actions are repeated each time the mobile boot system 1 starts.

[0069] (Effects of the implementation method)

[0070] As explained above, in this embodiment, when the route setting selection information is set to automatic route setting, a travel guidance route up to the destination is automatically set based on the user's travel history, and travel guidance information is provided to the user from the travel guidance device 3 to guide the user to move along the automatically set travel guidance route. Therefore, the user can move on roads with travel memories, such as familiar roads, or in situations where they feel danger while moving, thereby suppressing situations that could lead to confusion or anxiety.

[0071] The effects of this embodiment are significant when users with dementia use the mobile guidance device 3. Specifically, people with dementia experience a decline in memory, sense of direction, or spatial awareness, and sometimes become anxious when they get lost because they don't know where they are, the direction to their destination, or are not good at reading maps. By receiving mobile guidance from the mobile guidance device 3 of the mobile guidance system 1 according to this embodiment, these problems or anxieties can be eliminated, thus helping to increase the frequency of outings for dementia patients.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only can the origin, destination, and transit point be arbitrarily set in the manual route setting, but it can also be changed into a new mobile guidance route that reflects the route correction information in the temporarily set mobile guidance route, thereby enabling the customization of the mobile guidance route and making it highly valuable.

[0073] -Second Implementation Method-

[0074] Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, when the route setting selection information is set to automatic route setting, the route setting unit 22 automatically sets a travel guidance route, prioritizing the use of roads previously traveled by the user as the travel guidance route from the starting point to the destination. In this embodiment, instead of this, when the route setting selection information is set to automatic route setting, the route setting unit 22 automatically sets a travel guidance route considering the user's travel safety.

[0075] Specifically, information on the pedestrian accident rate for each road is pre-input into the information input unit 21, and a movement guidance route is automatically set based on this information to prioritize roads with low pedestrian accident rates. This automatic setting process for movement guidance routes is equivalent to the movement guidance path setting step in this invention (the movement guidance path setting step that automatically sets a movement guidance path from the destination while considering safety). The pedestrian accident rate for each road is estimated based on risk assessments of pedestrian safety systems connected to vehicles or information on accident locations published by public agencies such as the police. This information is obtained via the Internet or the like. Furthermore, the consideration of safety in this invention is not limited to considering the aforementioned pedestrian accident rate; considerations can include various information related to movement safety, such as road width or the presence or absence of sidewalks.

[0076] Therefore, suppressing the situation where users move while feeling danger can suppress the user's anxiety.

[0077] However, even in this case, the length (distance) of the movement guide route is longer than the length of the shortest route, so the movement guide route is set to a distance such that the difference does not become too large. Other structures and processing operations are the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0078] The motion guidance route setting in this second embodiment can be used in conjunction with the motion guidance route setting in the first embodiment described above. For example, two motion guidance routes can be predetermined, one that prioritizes utilizing roads previously traveled by the user and the other that takes into account the user's motion safety, and either can be selected through operation of the input device.

[0079] -Third Embodiment-

[0080] Next, the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the display state of the arrow (indicating the direction the user should move forward) on the display 34 is embodied by the route guidance unit 32, and can be applied to either the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above.

[0081] In this embodiment, the arrow display on the display 34 changes according to the orientation of the mobile guidance device 3 (orientation around the vertical axis). That is, when the mobile guidance device 3 is located on the mobile guidance route (the user is located on the mobile guidance route), the orientation of the mobile guidance device 3 is detected by the IMU 35, and even if the orientation of the mobile guidance device 3 changes, the orientation of the arrow on the display 34 always remains the same (the orientation of the next transit point with left or right turns, or the orientation of the destination if there is no next transit point).

[0082] Specifically, when the orientation of the moving guide device 3 changes from the state where the arrow on the display 34 is pointing towards the transit point or destination, the direction indicated by the arrow changes to the opposite direction of the change and the same angle as the change in the direction of the change. Thus, regardless of whether the orientation of the moving guide device 3 changes, the arrow always points to the same direction, thereby changing the display mode of the arrow.

[0083] Figure 4 This illustrates an example of a change in the display method of the arrows on the display 34 in this embodiment. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a scenario where the destination (or transit point) is located on the right side of the image (the arrows, indicated by thick lines, represent movement guides on the pedestrian walkway). When the user is at position A facing the opposite side of the destination, the arrow on display 34 points to the right side of the image, i.e., behind the user. Furthermore, when the user at position B changes their orientation (direction of facing) 90° clockwise relative to position A, the arrow on display 34 changes direction to a counter-clockwise direction, pointing to the right side of the image, i.e., to the user's right. Moreover, when the user at position C further changes their orientation (direction of facing) 90° clockwise relative to position B, the arrow on display 34 changes direction to a further counter-clockwise direction, pointing to the right side of the image, i.e., in front of the user.

[0084] Thus, by changing the display method of the arrow on the display 34 according to the orientation of the mobile guide device 3, the user can always be guided toward the destination, thereby suppressing user confusion.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to suppress user confusion, the display method of the arrows on the display 34 is further adjusted as follows.

[0086] Here, as Figure 5As shown in (a), consider the case where the user's position deviates slightly from the movement guide route (indicated by the thick line in the diagram, guiding to the right) and is located at positions 1, 2, and 3 in the diagram, respectively. When the direction of the arrow on display 34 is set with high precision towards the transit point R, as shown... Figure 5 As shown in the comparative example (b), at position 1, the arrow points slightly to the left (upper side on the map) relative to the direction of the mobile guidance route (left and right in the figure); at position 2, it points slightly to the right (lower side on the map) relative to the direction of the mobile guidance route; and at position 3, it points slightly to the left (upper side on the map) relative to the direction of the mobile guidance route. This situation is not limited to situations where the user's position deviates slightly from the mobile guidance route; it can also occur due to the accuracy of the position measurement based on the GPS module 33. In this arrow display method on the display 34, the arrow's direction may frequently change (the arrow swings left and right) as the user moves, causing discomfort to the user. This is especially noticeable when the distance to the transit point R becomes shorter.

[0087] In this embodiment, considering this, a non-sensitive zone (area that does not deviate from the motion guide path) of a predetermined width (a predetermined width on both sides relative to the extension direction of the motion guide path) is pre-set in the motion guide path (see reference). Figure 5 (a) width dimension Don), when located in the insensitive zone, fix the direction of the arrow in the direction of extension along the movement guide path so that the user will not feel uncomfortable.

[0088] Next, use Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates the specific processes used to perform the aforementioned actions. This flowchart is repeated during route guidance.

[0089] First, in step ST11, the azimuth angle θw is defined with the top of the display 34 of the moving guide device 3 (set as the 12 o'clock direction when the analog clock is displayed) as a reference. For example, the north direction is set as the azimuth angle θw=0 (deg), and the azimuth angle is defined to 360deg in the clockwise direction on the display 34.

[0090] In step ST12, the current position and the nearest point P on the movement guide path from the current position are determined, and the distance between them is defined as Dd.

[0091] In step ST13, it is determined whether the distance Dd is less than or equal to the width dimension Don. This determines whether the position of the moving guide device 3 is inside the insensitive zone.

[0092] If the distance Dd is less than or equal to the width dimension Don and the determination in step ST13 is "yes", proceed to step ST14, where the azimuth angle from point P to the next transit point (or the destination if there is no next transit point) is defined as θr. For example, the north direction is set to θr = 0 (deg), and the azimuth angle is defined to 360 deg in the clockwise direction.

[0093] Furthermore, in step ST15, the azimuth angle θw is subtracted from the azimuth angle θr, and this value is set as the direction of the arrow on the display 34 and displayed on the display 34.

[0094] On the other hand, in step ST13, if the distance Dd exceeds the width dimension Don and the result is "no", it is determined that the position of the mobile guidance device 3 has deviated from the insensitive zone, and the process proceeds to step ST16 to implement the prescribed route deviation guidance. For example, a warning sound is emitted from the mobile guidance device 3, or information about the user deviating from the mobile guidance route is sent to the management device 2.

[0095] Repeat this action during route guidance.

[0096] Through the above actions, such as Figure 5 (b) The present invention, when the motion guide device 3 is located in an insensitive zone, can fix the direction of the arrow in the direction of extension along the motion guide route, so that the user will not feel uncomfortable.

[0097] -Fourth Implementation Method-

[0098] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is an improvement for assisting users in route guidance. When users are moving for a long time, they may worry about whether they can follow the navigation route. In this case, providing information (hereinafter referred to as reminder information) that they can follow the navigation route regularly can reassure the user. On the other hand, providing too much reminder information or providing reminder information at inappropriate times may cause confusion or anxiety to the user, and is therefore not preferred. In this embodiment, considering these points, the timing of providing reminder information is appropriately set.

[0099] Specifically, if the user moves along the guided route for a specified period of time, the guided vehicle 3 provides the user with a reminder message via sound or vibration to ensure they can continue along the route, thus reassuring the user. For example, if the reminder message is an audio message, it could include a statement such as "This is the right way." On the other hand, if the user does not move (stops) or is located in an intersection area, the provision of the reminder message is stopped to prevent the provision of useless reminder messages (providing reminder messages even if the user stops) or reminder messages that distract the user and cause them to stop (by providing reminder messages while the user is in an intersection area, causing them to stop due to distraction).

[0100] Next, use Figure 7 The flowchart illustrates the specific processes used to perform the aforementioned actions. This flowchart is also repeated during route guidance.

[0101] First, in step ST21, the guidance interval (the time interval for providing reminder information) corresponding to the user's perceived descent width (cognitive ability of time and place) is defined as Tan. This guidance interval Tan can be stored in the mobile guidance device 3 or read from the web page connected to the mobile guidance system 1.

[0102] In step ST22, the distance Dd is defined using the same process as in step ST12. And in step ST23, similarly to step ST13, it is determined whether the distance Dd is less than or equal to the width dimension Don.

[0103] If the distance from Dd is below the width dimension Don and the determination in step ST23 is "yes", proceed to step ST24 and define the time for maintaining the state where the distance from Dd is below the width dimension Don as Ton.

[0104] In step ST25, it is determined whether the maintenance time Ton is greater than or equal to the guide interval Tan. This is an action used to determine whether a reminder message needs to be provided because the maintenance time Ton is too long for the state where the distance Dd is less than or equal to the width dimension Don.

[0105] If the duration Ton is less than the guidance interval Tan, the process returns directly as it is not yet time to provide a reminder. On the other hand, if the duration Ton is greater than or equal to the guidance interval Tan and the determination in step ST25 is "yes", the process proceeds to step ST26 to determine whether the person is currently walking and is outside the intersection area.

[0106] If the user is stopped or walking within an intersection area and the determination in step ST26 is "No", it is determined that providing a reminder is not preferable, and the process returns directly. On the other hand, if the user is currently walking outside an intersection area and the determination in step ST26 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step ST27 to provide a reminder. That is, the user is given information via sound or vibration to guide them along the movement path, making the user feel at ease. Then, the process proceeds to step ST28 to reset the duration (Ton).

[0107] On the other hand, in step ST23, if the distance Dd exceeds the width dimension Don and is determined to be "no", the position of the moving guide device 3 deviates from the insensitive zone and cannot provide a reminder message, so the process moves to step ST29 and resets the maintenance time Ton.

[0108] Repeat this action during route guidance.

[0109] Therefore, when the mobile guidance device 3 is located in the insensitive zone (where the user is located) and is stopped or not walking within the intersection area, the user is provided with information via sound or vibration to move along the mobile guidance route whenever the guidance interval Tan is reached, which reassures the user. In this way, providing reminders to the user at appropriate times reassures the user and prevents the provision of useless reminders or reminders that distract the user and cause them to stop.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the condition for step ST26 can also be added as an "and" condition: the user has not caused confusion or anxiety. Specifically, the aforementioned biometric information acquisition unit 37 acquires at least one of the user's sweat volume and heart rate, and determines whether the user has caused confusion or anxiety based on this biometric information. Specifically, if the user's pulse is above a predetermined threshold or the sweat volume is above a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the user has caused confusion or anxiety, and it is not preferable to provide a reminder message.

[0111] Other implementation methods

[0112] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and can include all variations or applications within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0113] For example, in the various embodiments described, the case where the mobile guidance device 3 is a smartwatch has been illustrated. The invention is not limited to this; other types of wearable terminals (smart glasses, ring-shaped, speaker / earphone, etc.) or smartphones may also be used.

[0114] Furthermore, while this embodiment describes a method for guiding users while they are walking, it can also be applied as a method for guiding users while they are traveling by bicycle or other means of transportation.

[0115] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to situations where users other than those suffering from dementia use the mobile guidance device 3.

[0116] Industrial availability

[0117] This invention can be applied to mobile guidance methods and systems using watch-type mobile guidance devices used by users with dementia.

[0118] Symbol Explanation

[0119] 1-Mobile guidance system, 2-Management device, 3-Mobile guidance device, 22-Route setting unit, 32-Route guidance unit.

Claims

1. A mobile guidance method utilizing a mobile guidance device carried by a user during movement and providing mobile guidance information to the user, the mobile guidance method being characterized by comprising: The mobile guidance path setting step involves automatically setting a mobile guidance path to the destination based on the user's mobile history and / or automatically setting a mobile guidance path to the destination with security considerations when guiding the user to the destination; and the mobile guidance information providing step involves providing the mobile guidance information from the mobile guidance device to the user, the mobile guidance information being used to guide the user to move along the automatically set mobile guidance path.

2. The mobile guidance method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the step of providing mobile guidance information, the orientation of the mobile guidance device is obtained, and guidance information is provided based on the orientation, using the direction to the destination or the direction to the transit point to the destination as the direction of extension along the mobile guidance path.

3. The mobile guidance method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the step of providing mobile guidance information, as the user moves along the mobile guidance path, information about the user's movement along the mobile guidance path is provided to the user at predetermined intervals.

4. The mobile guidance method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Whether or not it is necessary to provide the user with information about their movement along the movement guidance path is determined based on at least one of the user's heart rate and amount of sweating.

5. A mobile guidance system comprising a mobile guidance device carried by a user during movement and providing the user with mobile guidance information, the mobile guidance system being characterized in that it comprises a management device, which, when guiding movement to a destination, automatically sets a mobile guidance path to the destination based on the user's movement history and / or automatically sets a mobile guidance path to the destination considering security, the mobile guidance device being configured to perform the following mobile guidance action: receiving information about the mobile guidance path from the management device and providing the mobile guidance information to the user, the mobile guidance information being used to guide the user to move along the mobile guidance path.

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