Navigation device

Abstract

To provide a navigation device capable of proposing a route in consideration of a relationship between a first vehicle and a second vehicle different from the first vehicle.SOLUTION: In a navigation device 1, an acquisition section 11 acquires a current position of a first vehicle A, a current position of a second vehicle B different from the first vehicle A, a position of a common destination between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B, time required and a route from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination, and time required and a route from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination. On the basis of the acquired information, when there is a deviation for predetermined time or more between the time required from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination and the time required from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination, a proposal section 12 proposes, to at least one of the first vehicle A of which time required to the destination is short and the second vehicle B, a change to a route passing through a drop-in spot such that difference between the time required from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination and the time required from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a navigation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for proposing a route that takes detours into consideration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-139553 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is not possible to propose a route that takes into consideration the relationship between a first vehicle and a second vehicle different from the first vehicle.

[0005] In view of such problems, the present disclosure has an object to propose a navigation device capable of proposing a route that takes into consideration a relationship between a first vehicle and a second vehicle different from the first vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The navigation device of the present disclosure is an acquisition unit that acquires a current position of a first vehicle, a current position of a second vehicle different from the first vehicle, a position of a destination common to the first vehicle and the second vehicle, a required time and a route from the current position of the first vehicle to the destination, and a required time and a route from the current position of the second vehicle to the destination; and a suggestion unit that, when a discrepancy of a predetermined time or more exists between the time required for the first vehicle to travel from the current location of the first vehicle to the destination and the time required for the second vehicle to travel from the current location of the second vehicle to the destination based on the acquired information, suggests to at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, which has a shorter time required for travel from its current location to the destination, to change the route to one that passes through a detour spot so that the difference in the time required for the first vehicle and the second vehicle to travel from their current locations to the destination can be reduced by passing through the detour spot. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure makes it possible to propose a navigation device that can propose a route that takes into consideration the relationship between a first vehicle and a second vehicle different from the first vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a navigation device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen X1 displayed on a display device 20A of a first vehicle A by a navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen X2 displayed on a display device 20A of a first vehicle A by a navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen X3 displayed on a display device 20A of a first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen X4 displayed on a display device 20A of a first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen X5 displayed on a display device 20A of a first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0010] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of a navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 is a device that proposes a route to a first vehicle A or a second vehicle B, taking into consideration the relationship between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B. In this embodiment, the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B have a common destination, that is, a common meeting place. The above-mentioned navigation device 1 may propose a route to a third vehicle C that has a common destination with the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B, in addition to the above-mentioned first vehicle A and second vehicle B. In this case, the navigation device 1 proposes a route to the first vehicle A, the second vehicle B, or the third vehicle C, taking into consideration the relationship between the first vehicle A, the second vehicle B, and the third vehicle C.

[0012] The first vehicle A is equipped with a display device 20A. The display device 20A is an in-vehicle device such as a car navigation system mounted on the first vehicle A. The display device 20A is not limited to an in-vehicle device mounted on the first vehicle A, and may be a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet used by a passenger of the first vehicle A. The second vehicle B is equipped with a display device 20B. The display device 20B is similar to the display device 20A.

[0013] The navigation device 1 is realized, for example, by a server. The navigation device 1 communicates with a display device 20A of the first vehicle A and a display device 20B of the second vehicle B via a network. The navigation device 1 may be realized by a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet used by a passenger of the first vehicle A. The navigation device 1 may also be realized by an in-vehicle device such as a car navigation system mounted on the first vehicle A.

[0014] Specifically, the navigation device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a proposal unit 12. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the current position of the first vehicle A, the current position of the second vehicle B, and the position of a destination common to the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires the required time and route from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination, and the required time and route from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination.

[0015] Based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the proposal unit 12 causes the display device 20A of the first vehicle A and the display device 20B of the second vehicle B to display the current location of the first vehicle A, the current location of the second vehicle B, and a common destination of the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B.

[0016] Then, the proposal unit 12 makes the next proposal to at least one of the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Specifically, the proposal unit 12 makes the next proposal by displaying it on at least one of the display device 20A of the first vehicle A and the display device 20B of the second vehicle B. The proposal unit 12 determines whether or not there is a discrepancy of a predetermined time or more between the required time from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination and the required time from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination. When it is determined that there is a discrepancy of a predetermined time or more between the required times, the proposal unit 12 proposes to at least one of the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B, which has a shorter required time from the current position to the destination, to change the route to one that can arrive at the destination at the same time by passing through a detour spot. Furthermore, when it is determined that the required time deviates by a predetermined time or more, the suggestion unit 12 proposes to each of the first vehicle A and the second vehicle a change to a route that allows the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B to arrive at the destination at the same time by passing through a detour spot. Note that a new route may be proposed that reduces the difference in the required time from the current positions of the first vehicle and the second vehicle. Furthermore, when it is determined that the required time deviates by a predetermined time or more, the suggestion unit 12 proposes to each of the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B a change to a new destination that allows the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B to arrive at the destination at the same time. Note that a change to a new destination may be proposed that reduces the difference in the required time from the current positions of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0017] Here, the suggestion unit 12 preferentially sets any one of tourist spots, places where one can rest (e.g., roadside stations), and restaurants as places where one can stay for a predetermined time around the vehicle's travel route, at least one of the detour spots and the new destination. Furthermore, the suggestion unit 12 may set any one of commercial facilities, landmark places (e.g., stations), and other places where one can stay for a predetermined time. In addition, the suggestion unit 12 preferentially sets any one of places based on past stay history as places where one can stay for a predetermined time around the vehicle's travel route, at least one of the detour spots and the new destination.

[0018] Next, the operation of the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 7. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0019] In the following example, the navigation device 1 displays on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A a proposed route that takes into account the relationship between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B. In this case, the first vehicle A is also referred to as the host vehicle, and the second vehicle B is also referred to as the other vehicle.

[0020] In the following example, before starting processing, the acquisition unit 11 of the navigation device 1 acquires the current position of a first vehicle A, the current position of a second vehicle B different from the first vehicle A, and the position of a destination common to the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B. In addition, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the required time and route from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination, and the required time and route from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination.

[0021] First, in step S101, the proposal unit 12 displays the current position of the first vehicle A, the current position of the second vehicle B, and the position of the common destination on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A. Next, in step S102, the proposal unit 12 displays the required time from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination and the required time from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A.

[0022] For example, in steps S101 and S102, the suggestion unit 12 causes the display device 20A of the first vehicle A to display a display screen X1 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen X1 displayed on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen X1 includes a current position X11 of the first vehicle A, a current position X12 of the second vehicle B, and a position X13 of a destination common to the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B. In addition, the display screen X1 includes a required time (1 hour) X14 from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination, and a required time (2 hours) X15 from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination.

[0023] Next, in step S103, the proposal unit 12 determines whether the first vehicle A will arrive at the destination earlier than the second vehicle B. That is, the proposal unit 12 determines whether the required time from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination is shorter than the required time from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination. If the proposal unit 12 determines that the required time from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination is shorter than the required time from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination, the proposal unit 12 determines that the first vehicle A will arrive at the destination earlier than the second vehicle B (YES in step S103). On the other hand, if the proposal unit 12 determines that the required time from the current position of the first vehicle A to the destination is not shorter than the required time from the current position of the second vehicle B to the destination, the proposal unit 12 determines that the first vehicle A will not arrive at the destination earlier than the second vehicle B (NO in step S103). If it is determined that the first vehicle A will arrive at the destination earlier than the second vehicle B (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104, step S105, or step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first vehicle A will not arrive at the destination earlier than the second vehicle B (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0024] Next, in step S104, the suggestion unit 12 displays the suggested detour spots on the display device 20A. Here, the suggestion unit 12 also displays on the display device 20A a route from the current position of the display device 20A to the destination via the recommended detour spots.

[0025] For example, in step S104, the suggestion unit 12 causes the display device 20A of the first vehicle A to display the display screen X2 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen X2 displayed on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the display screen X2 includes suggestions of a park X21, a ramen shop X22, and a workshop X23 as recommended detour spots.

[0026] In step S105, the suggestion unit 12 displays a proposal for a detour spot of a specific genre on the display device 20A. Here, the suggestion unit 12 also displays on the display device 20A a route from the current position of the display device 20A to the destination via the detour spot of the specific genre.

[0027] For example, in step S105, the suggestion unit 12 causes the display device 20A of the first vehicle A to display a display screen X3 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen X3 displayed on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the display screen X3 includes suggestions of a sushi restaurant X31, a ramen restaurant X32, and a yakiniku restaurant X33 as detour spots of a specific genre. In this case, the specific genre is restaurants.

[0028] Next, in step S106, the suggestion unit 12 displays on the display device 20A a proposal for a detour spot based on the stay history. In this example, the stay history is the stay history of the first vehicle A. Here, the suggestion unit 12 also displays on the display device 20A a route from the current position of the display device 20A to the destination via the detour spot based on the stay history.

[0029] For example, in step S106, the suggestion unit 12 displays the display screen X4 shown in FIG. 6 on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen X4 displayed on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the display screen X4 includes suggestions of a ramen shop (a) X41, a ramen shop (b) X42, and a ramen shop (c) X43 as detour spots based on the stay history. In this case, the suggestion unit 12 determines that the user of the first vehicle A has a tendency to stay at ramen shops based on the stay history of the first vehicle A, and displays a suggestion of the ramen shop as a detour spot on the display device 20A. Note that the suggestion unit 12 may display a suggestion of a detour spot based on the search history of the user, not limited to the stay history, on the display device 20A. For example, the search history of the user is the search history of the user of the first vehicle A. In this case, the suggestion unit 12 may determine that the user of the first vehicle A likes ramen shops based on the search history of the user of the first vehicle A, and a suggestion for the ramen shop as a detour spot may be displayed on the display device 20A.

[0030] Next, the user of the first vehicle A selects a predetermined detour spot in response to any of the detour spot suggestions made in steps S104 to S106. Next, in step S107, the suggestion unit 12 determines a predetermined detour spot selected by the user of the first vehicle A as a detour spot. For example, in the example of Fig. 4, it is assumed that the user of the first vehicle A selects park X21 from among the suggestions of park X21, ramen shop X22, and workshop X23. In this case, the suggestion unit 12 determines park X21 selected by the user of the first vehicle A as a detour spot.

[0031] Next, in step S108, the suggestion unit 12 displays on the display device 20A the time required to travel from the current position of the second vehicle B to the determined detour spot. Here, the suggestion unit 12 may also display on the display device 20A the time required to travel from the current position of the first vehicle A to the determined detour spot.

[0032] For example, in step S108, the suggestion unit 12 displays a display screen X5 shown in FIG. 7 on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen X5 displayed on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A by the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, when the park X21 is determined as a detour spot, the display screen X5 includes a required time (40 minutes) X51 from the current position X12 of the second vehicle B to the park X21, which is the determined detour spot. Here, the display screen X5 may also include a required time (30 minutes) X52 from the current position X11 of the first vehicle A to the park X21, which is the determined detour spot.

[0033] Next, in step S109, the suggestion unit 12 determines whether the difference in the required time from the current position to the determined detour spot between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B is equal to or less than a predetermined time. If it is determined that the difference in the required time is equal to or less than the predetermined time (YES in step S109), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference in the required time is not equal to or less than the predetermined time (NO in step S109), the process ends.

[0034] Next, in step S110, the determined detour spot is changed to a new common destination between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B, that is, a new meeting place. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the park X21, which is the determined detour spot, is changed to the new meeting place. Then, the process ends.

[0035] In the above example, the navigation device 1 performs the process from step S101 to step S110. In another example, the navigation device 1 may end this process after the process of step S107 without performing the process from step S108 to step S110.

[0036] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned example, the navigation device 1 displays a route (e.g., display screen X1 to display screen X5) that takes into consideration the relationship between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B on the display device 20A of the first vehicle A. In another example, the navigation device 1 may display a route that takes into consideration the relationship between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B on the display device 20B of the second vehicle B. In this case, the second vehicle B is also referred to as the host vehicle, and the first vehicle A is also referred to as the other vehicle.

[0037] As described above, the navigation device 1 of the present disclosure proposes a route to at least one of the first and second vehicles that allows the first and second vehicles to arrive at the same time via a detour spot when there is a difference of a predetermined time or more between the times required to reach the destination between the first and second vehicles. Therefore, the navigation device 1 can propose a route to the first vehicle A that takes into account the relationship between the first vehicle A and the second vehicle B. By doing so, the navigation device 1 not only displays the current position and arrival time, but also provides detour guidance and changes to the common destination, allowing the user to use the device as a tool to add variety to and enjoy travel and leisure. Furthermore, the navigation device 1 can suggest recommended detour spots, detour spots of a specific genre, or detour spots based on past stay history, allowing the vehicle user to enjoy travel, leisure, etc. Note that the user may set the navigation device 1 in advance to preferentially suggest any one of recommended detour spots, detour spots of a specific genre, or detour spots based on past stay history.

[0038] Each component of the navigation device 1 in the above-described embodiment is configured by hardware or software, or both, and may be configured by one piece of hardware or software, or may be configured by a plurality of pieces of hardware or software.

[0039] Specifically, each component of the navigation device 1 in the above-described embodiment is configured by a computer including a processor, a memory, and a network interface. The processor may be, for example, a microprocessor, a micro processing unit (MPU), or a central processing unit (CPU). The processor may include multiple processors. The memory is configured by a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory may include a storage located away from the processor. In this case, the processor may access the memory via an I / O interface not shown. The processor executes one or more programs including a group of instructions for causing a computer to perform the algorithm described with reference to the drawings. The network interface may be used to communicate with a network node. The network interface may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) conforming to the IEEE 802.3 series. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0040] The above-mentioned program includes a set of instructions (or software code) for making the computer perform one or more functions described in the embodiment when the program is loaded into the computer. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or the tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or the communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagating signals.

[0041] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0042] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing may be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create an embodiment not expressly shown or described, for example. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Navigation devices 11 Acquisition Department 12 Proposal Department A 1st car B 2nd car 20A, 20B display device

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a current position of a first vehicle, a current position of a second vehicle different from the first vehicle, a position of a destination common to the first vehicle and the second vehicle, a required time and a route from the current position of the first vehicle to the destination, and a required time and a route from the current position of the second vehicle to the destination; a suggestion unit that, when a discrepancy of a predetermined time or more exists between a required time from the current position of the first vehicle to the destination and a required time from the current position of the second vehicle to the destination based on the acquired information, proposes to at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, which has a shorter required time from the current position to the destination, a change to a route that passes through a detour spot such that a difference in the required time between the first vehicle and the second vehicle from the current position to the destination can be reduced by passing through the detour spot. Navigation device.

2. The suggestion unit, When a deviation of a predetermined time or more exists between a required time from the current position of the first vehicle to the destination and a required time from the current position of the second vehicle to the destination based on the acquired information, a change to a new destination is proposed to each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle so that the difference in required time from the current position between the first vehicle and the second vehicle can be reduced.

2. The navigation device of claim 1.

3. The suggestion unit, At least one of the detour spots and the new destination is given priority over one of tourist spots, resting places, and restaurants as places where the vehicle can stay for a predetermined time around the vehicle's travel route. A navigation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The suggestion unit, At least one of the detour spot and the new destination is set with priority based on the past stay history as a place that exists around the vehicle's travel route and is possible to stay at for a predetermined time.

3. A navigation device according to claim 1 or 2.

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