Route guidance control device, route guidance control method and navigation system

Abstract

Route guidance control device, comprising: a route search unit (3) for accessing a map database (2) storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an inputted vocal utterance by means of a plurality of search criteria provided with priority orders; a target setting unit (1) for setting a first target according to the input linguistic utterance in accordance with the priority orders, the target setting unit (1) being arranged to: - to perform a search in descending priority order and to stop the search when a target is found; or - to perform a search according to all of the plurality of search criteria, and, when a plurality of targets are set, to set one of the candidates that matches a high-priority search criterion as a target; and a destination surrounding area setting unit (5) for setting a range of a surrounding area of ​​the first destination in accordance with a distance between a current position and the first destination.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a route guidance control device, a route guidance method, and a navigation system which set a destination area for an inaccurate instruction in route guidance by a car navigation system or the like, and then provide route guidance to a final destination accordingly. Background to the state of the art

[0002] A conventional car navigation system sets a specific point as a destination and calculates a route. There are several methods for setting a specific point as a destination, such as searching by place name, address, phone number, and category.

[0003] However, setting a specific point as a destination involves many steps and also requires time. Consequently, the operations take time, making it difficult to start a vehicle immediately.

[0004] To solve this problem, for example, the configuration disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is provided, which enables setting a destination to a predetermined area (region) rather than a specific point to search for a route and causing the map of a destination environment to be displayed on a screen of a car navigation system. In Patent Literature 1, the address of a point in the center of a display area and a display scale are detected, an administrative area serving as the destination environment is detected based on contrast data, and the route to be followed, which has the shortest distance from the current position to an intersection point between a road and an administrative boundary, is searched.When a vehicle approaches the administrative boundary, a guidance is provided to prompt the user to enter a setting for whether to search for a new route. A target area around the user's destination can be set within the range depending on the degree of inaccuracy of the user's destination, and the route to the inaccurate destination can be easily searched.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, a configuration is provided as disclosed in Patent Literature 2, which enables the area data containing the position coordinates of points such as primary hubs and station forecourts in each area, for example, Hakone or Gotemba, to be constructed in advance. For setting the area name "Hakone" as a destination after a route search, the position coordinates of points included in the destination area are extracted from the area data, the extracted position coordinates are set as the position coordinates of the destinations, and then the routes indicating a starting point to a plurality of other points from the current vehicle position are searched. This configuration performs a route search operation using the nearest point to the starting point as a destination, and enables the operation result to be displayed on a display screen for route guidance.

[0006] Patent Literatures 3-8 disclose further examples of setting a destination in a navigation system based on a user's utterances. List of cited publicationsPatent literature Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP 2007 - 240 438 A. Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP 2004 - 219 243 A. Patent literature 3: US 2007 / 0 156 331 A1. Patent literature 4: US 2012 / 0 101 810 A1. Patent literature 5: DE 102006 051 331 A1. Patent literature 6: DE 602 15 988 T2. Patent literature 7: US 2009 / 0 157 297 A1. Patent literature 8: US 2007 / 0 276 586 A1. Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0007] However, according to the conventional art disclosed in Patent Literature 1, displaying the map of the destination area on a screen is required. This is because there is a problem that route search cannot be performed until the location the user wants to travel to is known on a map.

[0008] In addition, according to the conventional art disclosed in Patent Literature 2, it is necessary to construct the area data in advance, which raises the problem that route search cannot be performed for the positions not included in the area data.

[0009] The invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a route guidance control device, a route guidance control method, and a navigation system which make it possible to perform a route search for an inaccurate instruction involving almost human feelings as when a user tells a taxi driver where he wants to go, even without knowing the position where the user wants to go on a map or even without building up area data in advance, and make it possible to start a vehicle immediately toward the area to which the user wants to go. Solution to the problem

[0010] The invention is defined in the independent patent claims.

[0011] A route guidance control device according to the invention specifically comprises: a search unit for accessing a map database storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an inputted voice utterance using a plurality of search criteria provided with priority orders; and a destination setting unit for setting a first destination corresponding to the inputted voice utterance in accordance with the priority orders; and a destination surroundings setting unit for setting a range of a surrounding area of ​​a first destination in accordance with a distance between a current position and the first destination.

[0012] A route guidance control method according to the invention specifically comprises the steps of: accessing a map database storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an inputted voice utterance using a plurality of search criteria provided with priority orders in a search unit; and setting a first destination corresponding to the inputted voice utterance in accordance with the priority orders in a destination setting unit; and setting a range of a surrounding area of ​​a first destination in accordance with a distance between a current position and the first destination in a destination surrounding area setting unit.

[0013] A navigation system according to the invention is a navigation system in which a route guidance control device enables a display device to display a route to a destination using map information stored in a map database. Specifically, the route guidance control device includes: a search unit for accessing a map database storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an input voice utterance using a plurality of search criteria provided with priority orders; a destination setting unit for setting a first destination corresponding to the input voice utterance in accordance with the priority orders; and a destination surrounding area setting unit for setting a range of a surrounding area of ​​a first destination in accordance with a distance between a current position and the first destination. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0014] According to the invention, it is possible to perform route search for an inaccurate instruction, allowing a vehicle to immediately travel toward the area a user wishes to reach. Furthermore, the burden of the number of operations and the operation time for route searches can be reduced. Furthermore, route searches can be performed using an area name without having to build up area data in advance. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 is a diagram for illustrating examples of a variety of search criteria to be used when a destination setting unit sets a destination. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are diagrams illustrating examples in which candidate goals are presented to the user. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6A is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6B is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 is a diagram for illustrating examples of conditions for setting a range of a target environment area in a target environment area setting unit. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing other examples of conditions for setting a range of a target environment area in the target environment area setting unit. Fig. 9A to 9C show examples of specific images showing distances between a target and current positions and target surrounding areas on a map. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are diagrams showing examples of adjusting a range of a target environment area by an input speech utterance. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a target environment area. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a current position has approached a perimeter of a target surrounding area. Fig. Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation for narrowing down a target surrounding area. Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B are diagrams illustrating examples in which candidate target areas are presented to a user. Fig. 15 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 17 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 19A and Fig. 19B are diagrams for illustrating examples of setting a target using two keywords. Fig. 20 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the route guidance control device according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B are diagrams for illustrating examples of setting the coordinates of a position of characters on a map as a destination. Fig. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a route guidance control device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 24 is a diagram for illustrating an example of setting a destination using a distribution of locations. Fig. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a route guidance control device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an overview of a navigation system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0015] Embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. First embodiment

[0016] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0017] The route guidance control device includes a destination setting unit 1, a map database 2 (hereinafter referred to as a map DB), a route search unit 3, and a route guidance unit 4.

[0018] The destination setting unit 1 includes a search unit that searches for a destination for each of the plurality of search criteria, and can set a destination based on the search results obtained using a plurality of predetermined search criteria and based on data about a speech input by voice or text from an input device (not shown). Specifically, when the map DB 2 does not contain a speech matching an input speech, the destination setting unit 1, as explained below, sets, for example, an intermediate destination using map information including the input speech. Priority orders are set for the plurality of search criteria, and the destination setting unit 1 sets a destination so that a high-priority search criterion takes precedence.

[0019] The map DB 2 contains map-related data (map information), such as the names of places and / or the position information of places.

[0020] The route search unit 3 performs a route search to search for a route from a current position to the destination.

[0021] The route guidance unit 4 provides route guidance based on the result of the route search performed by the route search unit 3.

[0022] The operation of the route guidance control device according to the first embodiment of the invention will be explained below.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0024] The destination setting unit 1 receives data about a voice utterance input from the input device, that is, data about where a user intends to go (step ST100). In this regard, the user input of the location the user intends to go to may be performed by voice recognition, input of text, or the like, and the input may be made by any means. At this time, for example, the input device may generate an audio output such as "Where should we go first?" or "Which area should we go to?" to ask the user a question. This may prompt or cause the user to input an inaccurate voice utterance or the name of an area. In addition, "Where should we go first?", "Which area should we go to?", or another message may be displayed on a screen.A combination of audio output and screen display can be performed.

[0025] The destination setting unit 1 sets a destination based on the search results obtained using a plurality of preset search criteria in accordance with the data received in step ST100, that is, data about the voice input by the user (step ST110). At this time, the information contained in the map DB 2, such as location information and / or the position information of locations, is used.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating examples of a variety of search criteria to be used when the destination setting unit 1 sets a destination.

[0027] As in Fig. 3, priority orders are set for the multitude of search criteria and in Fig. 3, the search criteria are assigned priority orders in descending priority order: 1, 2, ....

[0028] The destination setting unit 1 sets a destination by performing a search for each of the plurality of search criteria such as those shown in Fig. 3. Position information indicating the specific destination is obtained from the map DB 2.

[0029] For example, if a user-input utterance is "Shin-Yokohama" because there is a "train station" with the same name as the input utterance, the destination setting unit 1 obtains position information indicating "Shin-Yokohama Station" from the map DB and sets the position information as a destination. If a user-input utterance is "Hakone" even though there is no "train station" with the same name as the input utterance, that is, "Hakone Station," because there is a "prefecture or municipality name" that has the same name as the input utterance, the destination setting unit 1 obtains position information indicating "Hakone City Hall" from the map DB and sets the position information as a destination.In the case where a user-input utterance is "Yokohama Tower," even though there is no "station" or "prefectural or municipal name" that has the same name as the input utterance, such as "Yokohama Tower Station" or "Yokohama Prefectural Tower," there is a "place name" that has the same name as the input utterance. In this case, the destination setting unit 1 obtains position information indicating "Yokohama Tower" from the map DB 2 and sets the position information as it is as a destination point.In the case where a user-input utterance is "Dogenzaka," even though there is no "station," "prefectural or municipality name," or "place name" with the same name as the input utterance, such as "Dogenzaka Station," "Dogenzaka Prefectural," or "Dogenzaka," there is a "nodes" with the same name as the input utterance. In this case, the destination setting unit 1 obtains position information indicating "Dogenzaka Nodes" from the map database and sets the position information as a destination.

[0030] In essence, it is determined which positional information is to be treated as a target in accordance with an input linguistic utterance.

[0031] In this regard, since the priority orders are set for the plurality of search criteria, the target setting unit 1 can perform a search in descending priority order and terminate the search when a target is found. Alternatively, the target setting unit 1 can perform a search for all of the plurality of search criteria, and when a plurality of targets are set, the target setting unit 1 can set one of the candidates that matches a high-priority search criterion as a target. For example, if as a result of a target search for each of the plurality of search criteria according to Fig. 3 If an input utterance is contained in both a station name and a municipality name, the destination setting unit 1 sets the station name as a destination. Specifically, if, for example, "Yokohama" is input, "Yokohama Station" is set as a destination instead of "Yokohama City Hall."

[0032] The variety of search criteria is not limited to the Fig. 3 shown and can be adjusted accordingly.

[0033] The route search unit 3 performs a route search for a route from the current position to the destination (step ST120). The route search can be performed using conventional techniques.

[0034] The route guidance unit 4 sets route guidance in accordance with the route set by the route search unit 3 in step ST120 (step ST130). The route guidance can be provided using conventional techniques.

[0035] When setting destinations by the destination setting unit 1 in step ST110, when a plurality of destinations with the same name can be set, it is also possible to present candidates to the user to prevent the automatic setting of a destination that is not intended by a user. Specifically, for example, when the destination "Ryokuchi Koen," which exists in Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture, and Shibuya Ward in Tokyo, can be set as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the candidates for “Ryokuchi Koen,” which are possible targets, can be displayed in a list on a touch panel screen by a display device (not shown). In addition, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, a map can be displayed on the touch panel screen of the display device (not shown). This allows the user to check the candidate destinations on the screen and designate a destination, and the automatic setting of a destination that is not intended by the user can be avoided.

[0036] In addition to the Fig. 4A and Fig. For example, according to the presentation methods shown in Figure 4B, candidate destinations may be displayed on a screen, and the user may select a destination using a hardware selection button mounted on a steering wheel or the like. Alternatively, for example, the phrase "Ryokuchi Koen" in Kamakura? In Yokohama? In Shibuya?" or "Ryokuchi Koen in Kamakura?" may be voiced, and the user may respond to a message, such as "Kamakura" or "Yokohama," by voice. As such, a method for presenting a user with a plurality of candidate destinations may be selected accordingly.

[0037] As explained above, according to the first embodiment, a destination can be set even if an input speech utterance is inaccurate. Furthermore, a destination can be set without pre-creating destination data, for example, associated with areas. Furthermore, the burden due to the number of operations and the operation time for a route search can be further reduced. Second embodiment

[0038] In the first embodiment, the embodiment in which a destination can be set even when an input speech utterance is imprecise was described. Alternatively, since an imprecise instruction from a user for a destination includes a gradation, for example, "XX area," "direction of XX," or "around XX," there is a possibility that a destination may be different from the point to which the user intends to travel. Thus, it may be appropriate to assume the position to which the user intends to travel as an area with a two-dimensional surface, and gradually narrow down the area to thereby become a precise destination.

[0039] In the second embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which an area of ​​a user-intended location to which the user intends to travel (destination surrounding area) is set, and a range (scope) of the destination surrounding area is variably created depending on a distance between a current position and a destination, and, for example, when the user has approached the boundary of the destination surrounding area, the destination is reset, and the area to which the user intends to travel is further narrowed down.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0041] It is noted that overlapping explanations of the same configurations as those given in relation to Fig. 1 explained in the first embodiment is omitted.

[0042] The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is as in Fig. 5 that the device further comprises a target environment area setting unit 5, a current position acquisition unit 6, a demand time decider 7, a demand set generator 8 and an input unit 9.

[0043] The target surrounding area setting unit 5 calculates the distance between the current position and the target based on a target received from a target setting unit 1 and position information indicating a current position received from the current position acquisition unit 6, and sets a target surrounding area based on the calculated distance between the current position and the target.

[0044] The current position acquisition unit 6 acquires the position information indicating the current position by GPS or the like.

[0045] The inquiry sentence generator 8 receives data about a linguistic utterance last input from the target setting unit 1 and generates an inquiry sentence to ask the user.

[0046] The demand timing decider 7 receives the current position from the current position acquisition unit 6 and receives a range of the target surrounding area from the target surrounding area setting unit 5. When the demand timing comes, the demand timing decider 7 outputs the demand sentence generated by the demand timing generator 8 by voice or display.

[0047] The input unit 9 is a hardware button, for example, a button on a touch panel screen, which receives the user's instructions. The input unit 9 can be included in the route guidance control device or provided externally to the route guidance control device.

[0048] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the second embodiment of the invention. The operation will be described with reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B explains.

[0049] Since steps ST100, ST110, ST120 and ST130 in Fig. 6A the same operation as steps ST100, ST110, ST120 and ST130 shown in Fig. 2 in the first embodiment, overlapping explanations will be omitted. It is assumed that a target is searched for using the plurality of search criteria according to Fig. 3 is set.

[0050] The destination surrounding area setting unit 5 receives position information indicating a destination (hereinafter referred to as a first destination) set by the destination setting unit 1 in step ST110 and position information indicating a current position obtained by the current position acquisition unit 6, and calculates a distance between the current position and the first destination based on the two received position information. In this regard, the distance employed here includes a direct distance and travel information.

[0051] In addition, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a range (perimeter) of a target surrounding area (hereinafter referred to as a surrounding area of ​​the first target) based on the calculated distance between the current position and the first target (step ST220).

[0052] A specific method for setting a range of a target environment area is explained below.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing examples of conditions for setting a range of a target surrounding area in the target surrounding area setting unit 5.

[0054] Among the as in Fig. Under the conditions shown in Figure 7, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a range of a target surrounding area in accordance with a distance between a current position and a destination. For example, if the distance between the current position and the destination is 1 km, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a range of the target surrounding area to a radius of 100 m. In this regard, the conditions for setting a range of a target surrounding area can be set accordingly and are stored in advance in the target surrounding area setting unit 5.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing other examples of conditions for setting a range of the target surrounding area in the target surrounding area setting unit 5.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 may store the graph defining a relationship between a distance between a current position and a target and a radius of a target surrounding area, or may store data defining a relationship as a mathematical expression. In itself, the manner in which the conditions for determining a range of a target surrounding area are defined is not specifically limited.

[0057] Fig. 9A to 9C show examples of specific images showing the distance between targets and current positions and the target surrounding areas on a map.

[0058] For example, if an input utterance is “Yokohama,” the destination setting unit 1 uses position information that sets “Yokohama Station” as a destination. If, as in Fig. 9A, a current position is Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets the radius of a target surrounding area with Yokohama Station at its center to 10 km, since the distance between the current position and Yokohama Station is about 100 km. In addition, if, as shown in Fig. 9B, a current position is Chigasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets the radius of the target surrounding area with Yokohama Station at its center to 3 km, since the distance between the current position and Yokohama Station is approximately 30 km. In addition, if, as shown in Fig. 9C, a current position is Totsuka Ward, Kanagawa Prefecture, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets the radius of a target surrounding area with Yokohama Station at its center to 1 km because the distance between the current position and Yokohama Station is about 10 km.

[0059] When the target is far from the current position, the target surrounding area is wide, and when the target is close to the current position, the target surrounding area is narrow.

[0060] Please note that the target environmental area here is circular, but is not limited to a circle and can be oval or square, or a prefecture or a city. The shape of the target environmental area can be arbitrary.

[0061] Furthermore, the destination setting unit 1 may store data about which search criterion is used to set a destination when the destination is set, that is, data indicating the degree of correspondence between an input speech utterance and the set destination. The destination surrounding area setting unit 5 may set the size of a destination surrounding area according to which the search criterion is used to set the destination to be stored in the destination setting unit 1. For example, when an input speech utterance is the same as the name of a place or the name of a node, a destination surrounding area may be narrowly set.When the name of a place, node, or other position that is the same as the input speech utterance is not present and a destination is set using position information indicating a station or government agency, the destination surrounding area can be set widely.

[0062] This is done with reference to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B explained. Fig. 10A is a diagram for illustrating an example of a range of a target surrounding area in a case of inputting “Yokohama Station.”

[0063] Fig. 10B is a diagram for illustrating an example of a range of a target surrounding area for a case of inputting “Yokohama.”

[0064] Both in the case of the input “Yokohama Station” and in Fig. 10A, and in the case of the input “Yokohama”, as in Fig. 10B, the destination setting unit 1 sets the same “Yokohama Station” as a destination. On the other hand, in the case of inputting “Yokohama Station,” the name of the location “Yokohama Station” is present in the map DB 2, and thus, matching position information is present. In the case of inputting “Yokohama,” no matching position information is present in the map DB 2, and thus, a destination is set based on position information indicating a station name. That is, it can be concluded that in the case of inputting “Yokohama Station,” it is more likely that the destination is a location to which the user wants to travel. Thus, the destination surrounding area setting unit 5 stores the conditions so that a narrow destination surrounding area is set for the case of inputting “Yokohama Station,” as shown in Fig. 10A, and a wide target surrounding area for the case of inputting “Yokohama”, as shown in Fig. 10B, and sets a target environment area based on the conditions. In this way, the range of an area can be approximated to the area expected by the user.

[0065] The description returns to the process according to Fig. 6A.

[0066] After a route search unit 3 searches for a route in step ST120, a route guidance unit 4 provides route guidance in step ST130. At this time, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 may send a signal for displaying the first target surrounding area set in step ST220 to a display device (not shown) for screen display (see Fig. 11). It is pointed out that the display may be done in such a way that, as shown with a dashed line and a solid line in Fig. 11, the user can view a search route within a target surrounding area and a search route from a current position to where the user has approached the target surrounding area. It should also be noted that the display device may be included in the route guidance control device or may be provided externally to the route guidance control device.

[0067] The demand sentence generator 8 generates a demand sentence (step ST300). Specifically, the destination setting unit 1 stores a last-input speech (data received in step ST100), and the demand sentence generator 8 receives the data about the last-input speech from the destination setting unit 1 and generates a demand sentence based on the received data about the speech. For example, if the destination setting unit 1 receives "Yokohama" in step ST100, the demand sentence generator 8 generates a demand sentence such as "Where to go in Yokohama?" or "Where in Yokohama?". Alternatively, if the destination setting unit 1 receives "Yokohama Station" in step ST100, for example, the demand sentence generator 9 generates a demand sentence such as "Where at Yokohama Station?"It should be noted that the demand sentences are not limited to this and can be arbitrary, as long as the content of the demand sentence makes it possible to obtain an answer by which the area can be further narrowed down.

[0068] The request timing decider 7 decides whether the position of the user vehicle becomes a specified position near the boundary of the surrounding area of ​​the first destination, which was set last time (set in step ST220) (step ST310). In this regard, the “specified position near the boundary of the destination surrounding area” may be a point at which the position of the user vehicle has entered the destination surrounding area. As such, “near the boundary of the destination surrounding area” may be any position determined in advance based on the current position and the position of the destination surrounding area. It is assumed that, as shown in Fig. 12, the point at which the current position has approached a perimeter of the target surrounding area is the point at which the position of the user vehicle has approached the boundary of the target surrounding area.

[0069] If the position of the user's vehicle has approached the boundary of the surrounding area of ​​the first target in step ST310 (if "YES" in step ST310), processing proceeds to step ST330. On the other hand, if the position of the user's vehicle has not approached the boundary of the surrounding area of ​​the first target in step ST310 ("NO" in step ST310), the request timing decider 7 decides whether an input button has been pressed, that is, whether an input has been received from the input unit 9 (step ST320). The input unit 9 is, for example, a hardware button attached to a steering wheel or a center console, or a button visible on a liquid crystal touch panel. The user can press such a button if the user wants to actively narrow down the target surrounding area, thereby causing the transmission of a request timing signal to the request timing decider 7.

[0070] This means that when the user approaches the boundary of the target surrounding area, the user will be automatically prompted. If the user presses the button before approaching the boundary of the target surrounding area, the user can be prompted at that time. For example, if the button is pressed while waiting at a traffic light, the target surrounding area can be narrowed down. Furthermore, by pressing the button whenever the user wants, the target surrounding area can be instantly narrowed down.

[0071] If the Enter button is not pressed in step ST320 (if "NO" in step ST320), the processing returns to step ST310. On the other hand, if the Enter button is pressed in step ST320 (if "YES" in step ST320), the processing returns to step ST330.

[0072] The demand timing decider 7 enables an output device (not shown) to output the demand sentence generated by the demand sentence generator 8 in step ST300 (step ST330). Specifically, for example, a demand sentence such as "Where to go in Yokohama?" or "Where in Yokohama?" is output by voice, or a demand sentence is displayed on a screen, or both voice output and screen display are performed. In response, the user answers the demand by inputting a voice utterance that further narrows down the destination area. Here, assume that, for example, "Chinatown" is input.

[0073] The destination setting unit 1 receives data about the additional speech utterance ("Chinatown") (step ST340). Furthermore, the destination setting unit 1 sets a destination (hereinafter referred to as a second destination) within the surrounding area of ​​the last destination, that is, within the range of the surrounding area of ​​the last destination based on the additional speech utterance received in step ST340 (step ST350). For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13A, "Chinatown" is searched within the surrounding area of ​​the first destination, through which the second destination is set. Note that a specific setting procedure for the second destination is the same as that for the second destination. This eliminates multiple candidates for a destination. For example, when inputs are made in the order of "Shibuya" -> "Japan A Hotel," it is only necessary to search for a Japan A Hotel in the Shibuya area. That is, Japan A Hotels in Yokohama, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and other locations are excluded from the search results.

[0074] Then, route guidance is provided using the second destination as a destination ( Fig. 13B).

[0075] The target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a range of a target surrounding area (hereinafter referred to as the surrounding area of ​​the second target) based on the distance between the current position and the second target (step ST360). A specific determination method for the surrounding area of ​​the second target is the same as the determination method for the surrounding area of ​​the first target.

[0076] The route search unit 3 searches for a route from the current position to the second destination (step ST370). Then, the route guidance unit 4 provides route guidance to the second destination (step ST380), and processing ends. Certain operations in steps ST370 and ST380 are the same as those in steps ST120 and ST130.

[0077] When the request timing decider 7 decides in step ST310 that the position of the user vehicle has approached the boundary of the target surrounding area, or when the request timing decider 7 decides in step ST320 that an input has been received from the input unit 9, the surrounding area of ​​the first target can be displayed on the display device. Furthermore, the surrounding areas of the first and second targets can be displayed on one screen at any time. The first and second targets can also be displayed on one screen at any time.

[0078] It should be noted that in the second embodiment, just as in the first embodiment, when a plurality of destinations with the same name can be set when setting the first destination in the destination setting unit 1 in step ST110, it is also possible to present candidates to the user in order to prevent an unintended destination of the user from being automatically set. In particular, for example, when the area of ​​the first destination "Ryokuchi Koen", which exists in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, can be set as in Fig. 14A, a plurality of candidates for “Ryokuchi Koen area,” which may be a destination, may be displayed in a list on a touch panel screen by a display device (not shown). In addition, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14B, a map can be displayed on the touch panel screen of the display device (not shown). This allows the user to check the target area candidates on the screen and set a target area, thus preventing automatic selection of an unintended target area.

[0079] In addition to the ones mentioned for example in the Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B, candidates for a destination area may be displayed on a screen, and the user may designate a destination area using a hardware selection button mounted on a steering wheel or the like. Alternatively, for example, the sentence for checking "Is 'Ryokuchi Koen' an area in Kamakura? An area in Yokohama? Or another area in Shibuya?" or "Is 'Ryokuchi Koen' an area in Kamakura?" may be output by voice guidance, and the user may respond to a message, for example, "Area in Kamakura" or "Area in Yokohama," by voice. As such, a method for presenting a plurality of candidate destinations to the user may be selected accordingly.

[0080] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, since a target surrounding area to which the user intends to travel is determined when the target surrounding area is displayed, the user can easily recognize, for example, which area the user is traveling to, the scope of the area to which the user is traveling as a destination, or whether a location the user intends to travel to is included in the target surrounding area. Furthermore, by changing a range of the target surrounding area depending on how a destination is set based on an input speech when the target surrounding area is displayed on a screen, the displayed area can be further approximated to the area displayed by the user.

[0081] Furthermore, when the user's vehicle position approaches the boundary of the target surrounding area, an area or position where the user wants to go is narrowed down within the initially set target surrounding area, thus narrowing down the search results, making it possible to generate a search route in a more precisely targeted direction. Furthermore, it is also possible to generate a search route in a more precisely targeted direction at any time the user wishes, and thus the user can perform an operation to narrow down the target surrounding area toward a more precisely targeted direction when the vehicle stops at a traffic light or at a time when the user stops the vehicle, for example, to take a break. Third embodiment

[0082] In the second embodiment, the embodiment in which the target surrounding area is narrowed down was explained. Alternatively, even if a target surrounding area is narrowed down multiple times, since a target surrounding area can always be set with a two-dimensional surface, it may be necessary to set a precise destination to which a user ultimately wishes to travel (hereinafter referred to as the final destination).

[0083] In the third embodiment, an embodiment in which a route to a final destination is searched and guided is explained.

[0084] Fig. 15 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0085] It is noted that overlapping descriptions of the same configurations as those described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 in the first and second embodiments are omitted. The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is as shown in Fig. 15, in that the device further comprises a keyword discriminator 10 and a target determination unit 11.

[0086] The keyword discriminator 10 receives data about a speech utterance input by a user and determines whether the speech utterance last input is the same as the speech utterance input this time. Note that for the first input, the keyword discriminator 10 sends the received speech utterance data as it is to a target setting unit 1. For the second and subsequent receptions, the keyword discriminator 10 determines whether the speech utterance is the same as the last speech utterance and sends the decision result to the target setting unit 1.

[0087] The target decision unit 11 decides which of a plurality of search criteria is used to determine a target set by the target setting unit 1, and sends the result of the decision to a demand set generator 8. In this regard, the target setting unit 1, when setting the target, has stored data about which search criterion is used to set a target and sends the search criterion to the target determination unit 11.

[0088] Fig. Fig. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the third embodiment of the invention. The operation will be described with reference to Fig. 16. It is noted that it is assumed that a plurality of search criteria for determining a destination are those which are Fig. 3 are shown.

[0089] It is assumed that the operation according to Fig. 16 after the operations in steps ST100, ST110 and ST220 to ST130 according to Fig. 6A in the second embodiment. It is assumed that in the process in step ST100, the keyword discriminator 10 receives a speech utterance input for the first time and transmits the speech utterance as it is to the destination setting unit 1.

[0090] The destination determination unit 11 decides which search criterion is used to determine a destination set by the destination setting unit 1, and sends the result of the decision to the demand set generator 8 (step ST400).

[0091] When the demand sentence generator 8 receives the result of the decision made by the target decision unit 11 in step ST400, the demand sentence generator 8 generates a demand sentence corresponding to the content of the received result of the decision (step ST410).

[0092] In particular, if, for example, an input linguistic utterance is “Shin-Yokohama” and the destination setting unit 1 sets a destination as “Shin-Yokohama Station” by means of a first-prioritized search criterion according to Fig. 3, a demand sentence question “Where should one go in Shin-Yokohama?” is generated. Alternatively, if an input linguistic utterance is “Hakone” and the destination setting unit 1 selects a destination as “Hakone City Hall” using a second-priority search criterion according to Fig. 3, a query sentence question "Where should one go in Hakone?" is generated. Note that data about an inputted verbal utterance is received by the destination determination unit 11 from the destination setting unit 1 and sent to the query sentence generator 8 along with the decision result.

[0093] On the other hand, if, for example, an input linguistic utterance is “Yokohama Tower” and the target setting unit 1 sets a target as “Yokohama Tower” by means of a third-priority search criterion according to Fig. 3, the demand sentence generator 8 generates a demand sentence question "Where should one go in the Yokohama Tower area? Or should one go to the Yokohama Tower?".

[0094] In fact, the demand set generator 8 generates a demand set based on the result of the decision made by the target decision unit 11.

[0095] Please note that the above-mentioned demand sentences are examples and other statements may be used.

[0096] When the demand set generator 8 generates a demand set in step ST410, a demand time generator 7 decides whether a position of the user vehicle has approached a boundary of a target surrounding area (surrounding area of ​​the first target) that was set last time (step ST310). Furthermore, the demand time decider 7 decides whether an input button has been pressed (step ST320). Certain operations in steps ST310 and ST320 are the same as those in steps ST310 and ST320 according to Fig. 6B, and detailed descriptions are therefore omitted.

[0097] If it is judged in step ST310 that the position of the user's vehicle has approached the boundary of the destination area (surrounding area of ​​the first destination) that was set last time (if "YES" in step ST310), or if it is judged in step ST320 that the input button has been pressed (if "YES" in step ST320), the demand timing judge 7 allows an output device (not shown) to output the demand sentence generated by the demand timing generator 8 in step ST410 (step ST432). Note that the demand sentence may be output by voice or displayed on a screen. Alternatively, both voice and screen output may be performed. In response, the user answers the demand by further inputting a voice utterance. In this regard, it is assumed that, for example, "Japan A Hotel" or "Yokohama Station" is input.

[0098] The keyword discriminator 10 receives data about the additional linguistic utterance (step ST433).

[0099] When the keyword discriminator 10 receives the data on the additional utterance in step ST433, the keyword discriminator 10 decides whether the utterance input this time is the same as the utterance input last time (which was input in step ST100 according to Fig. 6A received utterance) (step ST434). Specifically, the keyword discriminator 10 has stored the received utterance data and decides whether the utterance input this time is the same as the utterance input last time based on the data on the last received utterance and the data on the additional utterance.

[0100] If the additionally inputted utterance is different from the utterance last inputted in step ST434 (if "NO" in step ST434), processing proceeds to step ST435. On the other hand, if the additionally inputted utterance is the same as the utterance last inputted in step ST434 (if "YES" in step ST434), processing proceeds to step ST438. For example, if the utterance last inputted is "Yokohama Station," if the utterance inputted this time is "Japan A Hotel," processing proceeds to step ST435. If the utterance inputted this time is "Yokohama Station," processing proceeds to step ST438.

[0101] In step ST438, the destination setting unit 1 sets the currently set destination, i.e., the last destination (first destination), as a final destination. Specifically, if the utterance input last time is the same as the utterance input this time, it can be concluded that it is highly likely that the user wants this as a destination, and thus, it is decided that further inquiry or further narrowing down of the destination is unnecessary. For example, if the utterance input last time is "Yokohama Station" and the utterance input this time is also "Yokohama Station," "Yokohama Station" is set as a final destination. Subsequently, inquiry is not output, and route guidance to the final destination is provided.It should be noted that the final destination refers to a precise location where the user ultimately wants to arrive.

[0102] A route search unit 3 searches for a route from a current position to the final destination (step ST439), and a route guidance unit 4 provides route guidance to the final destination (step ST380). Certain operations in steps ST439 and ST380 are the same as those in steps ST370 and ST380 according to Fig. 6B. It should be noted that although a route search is performed here in step ST439 without performing another route search, a search route to the last destination (ie, “Yokohama Station”), ie, the route searched in step ST120 according to Fig. 6A searched route can be used as it is.

[0103] On the other hand, in step ST435, the destination setting unit 1 obtains the surrounding area of ​​the last destination (surrounding area of ​​the first destination) from a destination surrounding area setting unit 5 and sets a destination (second destination) within a range of the obtained first destination surrounding area. Note that the specific operation in step ST435 is the same as that in step ST350 according to Fig. 6B. For example, if the last input utterance was "Yokohama Station" and the this time input utterance is "Japan A Hotel," the destination setting unit 1 sets a destination for Japan A Hotel within a surrounding area of ​​the first destination for "Yokohama Station." Then, route guidance is provided with the second destination as a destination.

[0104] The destination surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a range of a destination surrounding area (hereinafter referred to as the surrounding area of ​​the second destination) based on the distance between the current position and the second destination (step ST360), the route search unit 3 searches for a route from the current position to the second destination (step ST370), and the route guidance unit 4 provides route guidance to the second destination (step ST380). Certain operations in steps ST360 to ST380 are the same as those in steps ST360 to ST380 according to Fig. 6B, as described in the second embodiment.

[0105] Then, processing returns to step ST400, and subsequent operations are repeated. That is, a query is issued again, and operations are repeated until a destination to which the user wishes to travel is obtained (until a final destination is set).

[0106] As explained above, according to the third embodiment, even for an inaccurate instruction which corresponds to an almost human sense such as the user asking a taxi driver for his destination, the vehicle can start driving by creating a search route to a destination direction, and a place to which the user ultimately wants to go is set as a precise destination, and the user can thus arrive at the final destination. Fourth embodiment

[0107] In the first to third embodiments, it is assumed that the speech input by a user can be a single keyword (e.g., "Yokohama"). In the fourth embodiment, an embodiment will be explained in which, even when a speech containing two or more keywords (e.g., "Yokohama-Chinatown") is received, a destination and a destination surrounding area can be set.

[0108] Fig. 17 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0109] It is pointed out that overlapping descriptions of the same configurations as those described in Fig. 5 described in the second embodiment is omitted.

[0110] The difference between the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment is, as shown in Fig. 17, in that the device further comprises a number-of-keyword determining unit 12 and a keyword separator 13.

[0111] The number-of-keyword determining unit 12 determines whether a received linguistic utterance contains one keyword (word) or two or more keywords (words).

[0112] The keyword separator 13 separates the received linguistic utterance into two or more keywords.

[0113] Fig. Fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. The operation will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In this regard, it is assumed that, for example, a linguistic utterance containing two keywords “Yokohama Chinatown” is received and a plurality of search criteria for setting a destination are those which are in Fig. 3 are shown.

[0114] A destination setting unit 1 receives data about where a user wants to go, which is input from an input device (step ST100). Step ST100 is the same as step ST100 in Fig. 6A, as described in the second embodiment.

[0115] The number of keywords determining unit 12 determines whether the number of keywords included in the speech utterance received in step ST100 is 1 (step ST710).

[0116] Counting the number of keywords can be done using conventional techniques.

[0117] If it is determined in step ST710 that the number of keywords included in the received speech is equal to one (if “YES” in step ST710), the number-of-keyword determining unit 12 sends the received speech to the target setting unit 1, and the target setting unit 1 executes processes in and after step ST110 in Fig. 6A. Certain operations are the same as those described in the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions are thus omitted.

[0118] If it is determined in step ST710 that the number of keywords included in the received utterance is not equal to one (if "NO" in step ST710), the keyword separator 13 separates the received utterance into keywords (step ST720). Here, assuming that the utterance "Yokohama Chinatown" is received, the keyword separator 13 separates the utterance into two keywords, the first keyword "Yokohama" and the second keyword "Chinatown." Keyword separation can also be performed using conventional techniques.

[0119] The destination setting unit 1 sets a candidate destination (referred to as a first destination candidate) using the first keyword obtained by the separation in step ST720 (step ST730). Specifically, the destination setting unit 1 sets "Yokohama Station" as the first candidate destination based on the word "Yokohama" which is the first keyword.

[0120] A destination surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a range of a candidate for a destination surrounding area (referred to as a first candidate for a destination surrounding area) based on a distance between the current position and the first candidate for a destination (step ST740).

[0121] The destination setting unit 1 sets a candidate destination (second candidate destination) within the range of the first candidate destination surrounding area set by the destination surrounding area setting unit 5 in step ST740 based on the second keyword (step ST750). Specifically, the second keyword "Chinatown" is set as the second candidate destination. In this regard, if the candidate destination set in this step ST750 is the one set based on the last keyword, the destination setting unit then sets it as a destination. That is, here, since "Chinatown" is the candidate destination set using the last keyword, "Chinatown" becomes a destination.

[0122] For example, when there are a plurality of second candidates for a destination set by means of the second keyword within the first candidate for a destination surrounding area, the point whose distance is closest to the first candidate for a destination may be set as the second candidate for a destination.

[0123] The target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a target surrounding area candidate (referred to as a second target surrounding area candidate) in accordance with a distance between the first candidate for a target determined by the target setting unit 1 in step ST730 and the second candidate for a target determined by the target setting unit 1 in step ST750 (step ST760). For a specific determination method for the second candidate for a target surrounding area, as described in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 in the second embodiment, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 stores predetermined conditions for a range of a target surrounding area in accordance with the distance between the first candidate for a destination and the second candidate for a destination, and sets the second candidate for a destination surrounding area in accordance with the conditions. The distance between the first candidate for a destination and the second candidate for a destination and the range of a candidate for a destination surrounding area based on the distance can be appropriately set. It should also be noted that, just as with the destination, the target surrounding area setting unit 5 sets a candidate for a destination surrounding area as a target surrounding area using the last keyword. For this reason, the second candidate for a destination surrounding area is set as a target surrounding area.

[0124] A route search unit 3 searches for a route from a current position to the destination (step ST770), and a route guide unit 4 guides the route searched in step ST770 (step ST780).

[0125] Here, processes in steps of ST730 to ST780 are described with reference to Fig. 19A and Fig. 19B.

[0126] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 19A, in step ST730, "Yokohama Station" is set as a first candidate destination by the first keyword "Yokohama," and in step ST740, a first candidate destination surrounding area is set for "Yokohama Station" (first candidate destination). Then, in step ST750, a second candidate destination is set for the second keyword "Chinatown" within the range of the first candidate destination surrounding area. Furthermore, in step ST760, a second candidate destination surrounding area is set in accordance with the distance between "Yokohama Station" (first candidate destination) and "Chinatown" (second candidate destination).In this regard, since Chinatown (second candidate for a destination) is a candidate for the destination set by means of the last keyword among the keywords included in the received linguistic utterance, the destination setting unit 1 sets Chinatown (second candidate for a destination) as a destination, and sets the second candidate for a destination surrounding area as a destination surrounding area.

[0127] When a route is searched from a current position to the destination in step ST770 as shown in Fig. 19B shown, starts route guidance.

[0128] It is noted that although here, as in Fig. 19B, the destination and the destination surrounding area are displayed on one screen in route guidance, the configuration is not limited to this, and the destination and the destination surrounding area may not be displayed on one screen, or candidates for a destination surrounding area may also be displayed on one screen.

[0129] As such, in the fourth embodiment, the number-of-keywords determination unit 12 decides the number of keywords (words) included in a received speech. When the received speech contains a plurality of keywords (words), the keyword separator 13 separates the received speech into keywords. A candidate for a target and a candidate for a target surrounding area for each keyword obtained by the separation are set in order from the first keyword. The settings of a candidate for a target and a candidate for a target surrounding area for a next keyword within the candidate for a target surrounding area set immediately before the next keyword are repeated.When a candidate for a target and a candidate for a target surrounding area are set for the last keyword, the candidate for a target for the last keyword is set as a target.

[0130] This allows a narrower range to be set as a target vicinity compared to the case when only "Yokohama" is entered from a current location or only "Chinatown" is entered. Furthermore, when only "Chinatown" is entered, there is a possibility that numerous "Chinatowns" from across the country may appear as candidates. Thus, Yokohama Chinatown, which is the location the user wants to travel to, can be searched for, and selected from the numerous search results. On the other hand, when "Yokohama Chinatown" is entered, only Yokohama Chinatown can be set as a safe destination.

[0131] Note that although the case of two keywords, such as "Yokohama Chinatown," is described here as an example, in the case of three or more keywords, a candidate destination and a destination surrounding area can be set for each keyword, and a candidate destination set from the last keyword is selected as a destination. For example, in the case of "Yokohama Chinatown Japan A Hotel," a candidate destination of "Chinatown" that exists in a candidate destination surrounding area for "Yokohama" can be set, and further, a destination of "Japan A Hotel" that exists in a candidate destination surrounding area for "Chinatown" can be set.

[0132] Furthermore, although here in "Yokohama Chinatown," "Yokohama," which appears first, is considered the first keyword and "Chinatown," which appears afterward, is considered the second keyword, the configuration is not limited to this, and the order of the keywords can be set according to the language. For example, in the case of Japanese, the order of the keywords is "Yokohama Chinatown," and it is assumed that an area that appears first ("Yokohama") is wider than an area that appears next ("Chinatown"). On the other hand, in the case of English, such as "Times Square in New York," an area that appears later ("New York") is larger than an area that appears first ("Times Square"). In such a case, a setting can be made so that "New York" is the first keyword.

[0133] As explained above, according to the fourth embodiment, even when a speech utterance containing a plurality of keywords is input, a target and a target surrounding area can be set. Furthermore, a target and a target surrounding area can be further narrowed compared to the case where a speech utterance is input by a keyword, and thus, when the target surrounding area is displayed on a screen, the displayed area can be further approximated to the area expected by the user. Fifth embodiment

[0134] In the first embodiment, when a station, place, or other entity exists that has the same name as a speech input by a user, position information indicating the station, place, or other entity that has the same name as the input speech is obtained from the map DB 2 to thereby set a destination. However, when position information cannot be obtained from the map DB 2 because a speech is input for which no station, place, or entity exists that has the same name as the input speech, a destination cannot be set. In the fifth embodiment, an embodiment will be explained in which a destination can be set even when a speech is input for which position information cannot be obtained from the map DB 2.

[0135] Fig. 20 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance control device according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0136] The difference between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment is, as shown in Fig. 20, in that a destination setting unit 1 accesses a map creation database 14 (hereinafter referred to as map creation DB).

[0137] For example, the map creation DB 14 stores the region names (characters used for map creation), display areas, display content, and maximum and minimum scales of geographical information.

[0138] Fig. Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the route guidance device according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that steps ST100, ST120, and ST130 according to Fig. 21 are the same as steps ST100, ST120 and ST130 according to Fig. 2, which is explained in the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description is omitted. Here, the description follows assuming that the linguistic utterance "Miura Peninsula," which is not included in the names of the municipalities or station names, is input, and a destination search is performed using the plurality of search criteria shown in Fig. 3, is carried out.

[0139] When data about a speech utterance (“Miura Peninsula”) indicating where a user wants to go is received in step ST100, the destination setting unit 1 searches for a destination based on the plurality of search criteria according to Fig. 3. At this time, there is no "station" or "prefecture or municipality name" with the same name as "Miura Peninsula," but the characters displayed on the map contain the same characters ("Miura Peninsula") as the input speech. Thus, the destination setting unit 1 accesses the map creation DB 14 and sets the coordinates of a position of the characters displayed on the map as a destination (step ST810). Specifically, the destination setting unit 1 converts the center of a display area of ​​the characters ("Miura Peninsula") displayed on the map and stored as characters to be used for map creation into position coordinates on the map, and further sets the converted position coordinates as a destination.It should be noted that a method for converting to position coordinates on the map may be based on latitude and longitude, but the method is not limited thereto, and any method may be used as long as the position coordinates of the center of the display area of ​​the characters displayed on the map can be obtained.

[0140] The process in step ST810 is described with reference to the Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B explained.

[0141] The destination setting unit 1 converts the center of a display area on a map where “Miura Peninsula” is displayed, such as that shown in Fig. 22A into position coordinates and sets the position coordinates as a target.

[0142] Furthermore, assume that, for example, data about the word "Iwase," which is located in Iwase, Kamakura City, is received in step ST100. In this case, "Iwase," like "Miura Peninsula," is not included in the names of municipalities or station names, nor in government agencies or node names, but is recorded on the map (see Fig. 22B), and the geographical information name “Iwase” is stored together with its display area in the map creation DB 14.

[0143] The destination setting unit 1 converts the center of the display area on the map where “Iwase” is displayed, such as that shown in Fig. 22B into position coordinates, and sets the position coordinates as a target.

[0144] The description returns to the process according to Fig. 21.

[0145] A route search unit 3 searches for a route from a current position to the destination set by the destination setting unit 1 in step ST810 (step ST120), and a route guidance unit 4 provides route guidance (step ST130). Certain operations in steps ST120 and ST130 are the same as those in steps ST120 and ST130 according to Fig. 2, as described in the first embodiment.

[0146] As explained above, according to the fifth embodiment, a destination can be set even when a speech is inputted for which position information indicating a station, place, or other entity having the same name as the input speech cannot be obtained from the map DB. Sixth embodiment

[0147] In the fifth embodiment, the embodiment was explained in which, in the case where a speech utterance is inputted for which position information indicating a station, place, or other entity having the same name as the inputted speech utterance cannot be obtained from the map DB 2, if characters such as a name displayed on a map are present, a destination can then be displayed based on the position represented by the characters. In the sixth embodiment, an embodiment is explained in which a destination is set even if a name is inputted for which position information indicating a station, place, or other entity having the same name as the inputted speech utterance cannot be obtained from the map DB 2, or if names (e.g.an area referred to by its colloquially known name) which are not shown on a map.

[0148] A configuration of a route guidance control device according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that shown in Fig. 1 in the first embodiment, and is thus omitted.

[0149] Fig. Fig. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance device according to the sixth embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that steps ST100, ST120, and ST130 according to Fig. 23 are the same as steps ST100, ST120 and ST130 according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 21, which are described in the first and fifth embodiments, and a detailed description is thus omitted. Here, the following description is made assuming that the utterance "Shonan" is input and a target search is performed using the plurality of search criteria shown in Fig. 3, is carried out.

[0150] When data about a spoken utterance ("Shonan") indicating where a user wants to go is received in step ST100, a destination setting unit 1 searches for a destination based on the plurality of search criteria. At this time, there are no "station" or "prefectural or municipality names" that have the same name as "Shonan," but there are a plurality of place names that include the name "Shonan." The destination setting unit 1 accesses a map DB 2 to search for the place name containing a received character string (step ST910).

[0151] The destination setting unit 1 sets a destination based on a distribution of locations obtained as a result of the search in step ST910 (step ST920). Specifically, the destination setting unit 1 divides a map by grids, checks a distribution of locations in each grid, identifies a grid having the largest number of corresponding locations, and sets the coordinates of a position of the center of the grid as a destination (see Fig. 24). It should be noted that setting a target is not limited to this, and considering the distribution density of locations, the center of the distribution density can be set as a target. In itself, the target can be set as appropriate.

[0152] A route search unit 3 searches for a route from a current position to the destination set by the destination setting unit 1 in step ST920 (step ST120), and a route guidance unit 4 provides route guidance (step ST130). Certain operations in steps ST120 and ST130 are the same as those in steps ST120 and ST130 according to Fig. 2, which is explained in the first embodiment.

[0153] As explained above, according to the sixth embodiment, a destination can be set even if the position information indicating a station, place, or other entity having the same name as an inputted speech cannot be obtained from the map DB, and even if the same name as the inputted speech is not displayed on a map. Seventh embodiment

[0154] In the first embodiment, a target is set according to the priority orders of a plurality of search criteria. In the seventh embodiment, an embodiment is explained in which, when, in addition to a highly preferred target candidate, there are other target candidates that apply to the search criteria and are closer in distance to a current position than the highly preferred target candidate, a target is set that takes into account a distance from the current position.

[0155] A configuration of a route guidance control device according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that shown in Fig. 1 in the first embodiment, and is thus omitted.

[0156] Fig. Fig. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the route guidance control device according to the seventh embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that steps ST100, ST120, and ST130 according to Fig. 25 are the same as the steps ST100, ST120 and ST130 according to Fig. 2, which is explained in the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

[0157] When data about a speech indicating where a user wants to go is received in step ST100, a destination setting unit 1 searches for destinations that can be searched by a plurality of search criteria in accordance with the priority orders, and decides whether there are a plurality of destinations that apply to the search criteria, that is, whether there are destinations that can be searched by a plurality of search criteria in addition to a destination that can be searched by a highest priority search criterion (referred to as a preferred destination) (step ST1010).

[0158] When there are no plurality of destinations that apply to the search criteria in step ST1010, that is, when there is only one destination (when "NO" in step ST1010), the destination setting unit 1 sets the preferred destination, that is, a single destination, as a destination because only the single destination applies to a search criterion (step ST1040).

[0159] On the other hand, when there are destinations that apply to a plurality of search criteria in addition to the preferred destination in step ST1010 (when "YES" in step ST1010), the destination setting unit 1 accesses the map DB 2 and calculates a distance between the current position and each of the destinations that apply to the search criteria, and further decides whether there are destinations whose distances from the current position are shorter than a distance between the current position and the preferred destination (referred to as near destinations) (step ST1020).

[0160] If there are no nearby targets in step ST1020 (if “NO” in step ST1020), the target setting unit 1 sets the preferred target as a target (step ST1040).

[0161] If near targets are present in step ST1020 (if "YES" in step ST1020), the target setting unit 1 determines in advance whether the near targets satisfy a setting condition (step ST1030). Here, the setting condition is, for example, that "compared to the distance between the current position and the preferred target, the distance from the current position to the near target is less than or equal to 1 / 10 of the distance from the current position to the preferred target."

[0162] If a near target exists that satisfies the setting condition in step ST1030 (if "YES" in step ST1030), the target setting unit 1 sets the near target as a target that satisfies the setting condition (step ST1050). That is, here, a near target whose distance from the current position is less than or equal to 1 / 10 of the distance to the preferred target is set as a target. Note that if there are a plurality of corresponding near targets, a near target that is closer to the current position can be set as a target.

[0163] When there is no point satisfying the setting condition in step ST1030 (when “NO” in step ST1030), the destination setting unit 1 sets the preferred destination as a destination (step ST1040).

[0164] A route search unit 3 searches for a route to the destination set by the destination setting unit 1 (step ST120), and route guidance is provided (step ST130). Specific operations in steps ST120 and ST130 are the same as those in steps ST120 and ST130 according to Fig. 2, which is explained in the first embodiment.

[0165] It should be noted that the setting condition can be such that "the distance between the current position and the near target is shorter than the distance from the current position to the preferred target." In itself, the setting condition can be set as appropriate.

[0166] As explained above, according to the seventh embodiment, for example, even when a plurality of different items such as a station name and a node name are considered destinations, a destination more suitable for a user situation can be set. Eighth embodiment

[0167] Although the above first to seventh embodiments describe that the route guidance control devices according to the invention can be applied to automotive navigation systems, the application is not limited to navigation devices in automotive navigation systems and can be applied to navigation devices for moving bodies including humans, vehicles, railways, ships, aircraft, or other entities, or to servers in navigation systems. Furthermore, the route guidance control devices according to the invention can also be applied to things in any form, for example, navigation system applications mounted on portable information terminals such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and mobile phones.

[0168] Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a navigation system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. The navigation system can adopt various modes. For example, an in-vehicle device 100 can perform a route guidance control operation in cooperation with at least one portable information terminal 101, such as a smartphone, and a server 102, or at least one of the portable information terminals 101, such as a smartphone, and the server 102 can perform route guidance control, and map information can be displayed on the in-vehicle device 100. A configuration mode of the navigation system will be explained below.

[0169] The description will be made for a case in which, in the navigation system according to the eighth embodiment, the server 102 performs a route guidance control operation, and results of the route guidance control are displayed on the in-vehicle device 100 and thus provided to a user, and for a case in which the portable information terminal 101 performs a route guidance operation in cooperation with the server 102, and results of the route guidance control are displayed on the in-vehicle device 100 and thus provided to the user, in addition to a case in which the in-vehicle device 100 shown in Fig. 26, has all the functions of the route guidance control devices according to the first to seventh embodiments.

[0170] First, the case will be described in which the server 102 performs route guidance control and results of the route guidance control are displayed on the in-vehicle device 100, that is, a case will be explained in which the in-vehicle device 100 functions as a display device in cooperation with the server 102 having the route guidance control function.

[0171] In this configuration, a case is considered in which the in-vehicle device 100 communicates directly with the server 102 or the in-vehicle device 100 communicates with the server 102 via the portable information terminal 101.

[0172] The server 102 serves as a guidance control device, including a destination setting unit 1, a map DB 2, a route search unit 3, a destination surrounding area setting unit 5, a current position acquisition unit 6, a demand timing decider 7, a demand sentence generator 8, a keyword discriminator 10, a destination determination unit 11, a number-of-keyword determination unit 12, a keyword separator 13, and a map creation DB 14, which are explained in the first to seventh embodiments. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 100 serves as a display device, including at least one display unit, for providing the user with the results of route guidance control performed by the server 102.

[0173] In this case, the in-vehicle device 100 essentially has only a communication function and a display function, and receives results of the route guidance control performed by the server 102 and provides the results to the user.

[0174] Specifically, the server 102 is a route guidance control device including the destination setting unit 1, the map DB 2, the route search unit 3, the destination surrounding area setting unit 5, the current position acquisition unit 6, the demand timing decider 7, the demand sentence generator 8, the keyword discriminator 10, the destination determination unit 11, the number of keywords determination unit 12, the keyword separator 13, and the map creation DB 14; and the server 102, which is the route guidance control device, enables the in-vehicle device 100, which is the display device, to display generated results of the route guidance control.

[0175] Even by such a configuration, the same effects as those obtained in the first to seventh embodiments can be obtained.

[0176] It is noted that, in addition to the above, the configuration may be such that the server 102 includes only the map DB 2 and the map creation DB 14, and the in-vehicle device 100 including the route guidance control device performs a route guidance control operation by communicating with the map DB in the server 102, and displays results of the route guidance control.

[0177] In addition, the case where the portable information terminal 101 performs a route guidance control operation in cooperation with the server 102, and the in-vehicle device 100 provides the user with the results of the route guidance control will be explained.

[0178] In this configuration, a case is considered in which the in-vehicle device 100 communicates with the server 102 via the portable information terminal 101, and an application of the portable information terminal 101 performs a route guidance operation in cooperation with the server 102. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 100 serves as a display device including at least one display unit for providing the user with the results of the route guidance control performed by the portable information terminal 101 and the server 102.

[0179] In this case, the in-vehicle device 100 essentially has only a communication function and a display function, and receives results of the route guidance control performed cooperatively by the portable information terminal 101 and the server 102, and provides the results to the user.

[0180] Specifically, by using the portable information terminal 101, results of the route guidance control are displayed on the in-vehicle device 100, which is the display device.

[0181] Even by such a configuration, the same effects as those obtained in the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

[0182] It should be noted that also in this case, the configuration may be designed such that the server 102 includes only the map DB 2 and the map creation DB 14, and the in-vehicle device 100 including a route guidance control device performs a route guidance control operation by communicating with the map DB in the server 102 by using the portable information terminal 101, and displays results of the route guidance control.

[0183] It should be appreciated that, within the scope of the invention, two or more of the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined with each other, various changes may be made to any components of any of the above embodiments, and any components of any of the above embodiments may be omitted. Industrial applicability

[0184] A route guidance control device according to the invention can perform route search for an inaccurate instruction, which almost incorporates human emotions, as if a user tells a taxi driver where he or she wants to go, even without knowing the location of the user's intended destination on the map or even without pre-constructing data, and a vehicle can immediately travel toward the area where the user wants to go. Thus, the route guidance control device can be applied as a route guidance control device that sets a destination area for an inaccurate instruction for route guidance performed by a car navigation system or the like, and then provides route guidance to a final destination as required. List of reference symbols

[0185] 1: Destination setting unit, 2: Map DB; 3: Route search unit; 4: Route guidance unit; 5: Destination surrounding area setting unit; 6: Current position acquisition unit; 7: Demand timing decider, 8: Demand sentence generator, 9: Input unit, 10: Keyword discriminator, 11: Destination determination unit, 12: Number of keywords determination unit, 13: Keyword separator, 14: Map creation DB, 100: In-vehicle device, 101: Portable information terminal, and 102: Server

Claims

[1] Route guidance control device, comprising: a route search unit (3) for accessing a map database (2) storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an inputted vocal utterance by means of a plurality of search criteria provided with priority orders; a target setting unit (1) for setting a first target according to the input linguistic utterance in accordance with the priority orders, the target setting unit (1) being arranged to: - to perform a search in descending priority order and to stop the search when a target is found; or - to perform a search according to all of the plurality of search criteria, and, when a plurality of targets are set, to set one of the candidates that matches a high-priority search criterion as a target; and a destination surrounding area setting unit (5) for setting a range of a surrounding area of ​​the first destination in accordance with a distance between a current position and the first destination. [2] The route guidance control device according to claim 1, wherein the destination surrounding area setting unit (5) further sets a range of a surrounding area of ​​the first destination in accordance with the plurality of search criteria used for setting the first destination. [3] A route guidance control device according to claim 1, further comprising a request timing decider (7) for permitting the output of a request set when the current position and a position of the surrounding area of ​​the first destination satisfy a setting condition, wherein the destination setting unit (1) receives data on a linguistic utterance for answering the query sentence in order to set a second destination in the surrounding area of ​​the first destination. [4] A route guidance control device according to claim 1, wherein the destination surrounding area setting unit (5) outputs a signal causing the surrounding area of ​​the first destination to be displayed on a display device. [5] A route guidance control device according to claim 1, further comprising a demand timing decider (7) for permitting the output of a demand set based on an input from an external source, wherein the destination setting unit (1) receives data on a linguistic utterance for answering the query sentence in order to set a second destination in the surrounding area of ​​the first destination. [6] A route guidance control device according to claim 3, further comprising a keyword discriminator (10) for deciding whether a speech utterance input last time is the same as the speech utterance input this time, wherein the target setting unit (1) sets a currently set target as a final target when the last inputted utterance is the same as the this time inputted utterance. [7] A route guidance control device according to claim 5, further comprising a keyword discriminator (10) for deciding whether a speech utterance input last time is the same as a speech utterance input this time, wherein the target setting unit (1) sets a currently set target as a final target when the last inputted utterance is the same as the this time inputted utterance. [8] A route guidance control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a number-of-keyword determining unit (12) for determining a number of words contained in the input linguistic utterance; and a keyword separator (13) for, when the number-of-keyword determining unit (12) determines that the input linguistic utterance contains a plurality of words, separating the input linguistic utterance into the plurality of words, wherein the target setting unit (1) sets the first target based on the plurality of words obtained by the separation. [9] A route guidance control device according to claim 1, wherein the destination setting unit (1) includes a search criterion of map creation information as one of the plurality of search criteria, and the search criterion is used to search for a destination based on character information to be used for map creation; and Position coordinates of the first destination set based on the search criterion of the map creation formations are position coordinates from a center of characters displayed on a map. [10] A route guidance control device according to claim 1, wherein the destination setting unit (1) includes a location search criterion as one of the plurality of search criteria, the location search criterion being used to search for a destination based on information about one or more locations having the inputted speech; and Position coordinates of the first destination, which is set based on the location search criterion, are set based on a distribution on a map of the one or more locations. [11] Route guidance control device according to claim 1, wherein the destination setting unit (1) searches for destinations which are searchable by the plurality of search criteria in accordance with the priority orders; and when a preferred destination exists as a destination searchable by a search criterion having a higher priority, and a near destination exists as the destination searchable by the plurality of search criteria, and a distance from the current position is shorter than a distance between the current position and the preferred destination, the destination setting unit (1) sets the first destination as the near destination if the near destination satisfies a setting condition. [12] A route guidance control method comprising: Accessing a map database (2) storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an inputted vocal utterance by means of a plurality of search criteria provided with priority orders in a route search unit (3); Setting a first target according to the input linguistic utterance in accordance with the priority orders in a target setting unit (1), wherein - the search is carried out in descending priority order and the search is terminated when a target is found; or - the search is performed according to all of the plurality of search criteria, and, when a plurality of targets are set, one of the candidates matching a high-priority search criterion is set as a target; and further comprising: setting a range of a surrounding area of ​​the first destination in accordance with a distance between a current position and the first destination in a destination surrounding area setting unit (5). [13] A navigation system in which a route guidance control device enables a display device to display a route to a destination using map information stored in a map database (2), the route guidance control device comprising: a route search unit (3) for accessing a map database (2) storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an inputted vocal utterance by means of a plurality of search criteria provided with priority orders; a target setting unit (1) for setting a first target according to the input linguistic utterance in accordance with the priority orders, the target setting unit (1) being arranged to: - to perform a search in descending priority order and to stop the search when a target is found; or - perform a search according to all of the plurality of search criteria, and, when a plurality of destinations are set, set one of the candidates matching a high-priority search criterion as a destination; and a destination surrounding area setting unit (5) for setting a range of a surrounding area of ​​the first destination in accordance with a distance between a current position and the first destination.

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