Presentation device

Abstract

To provide a presentation device capable of presenting a route in which a transit place is considered when the route is presented based on a past route.SOLUTION: When a new departure place and destination are set, on the basis of a route history, a route is extracted where the set departure place is located within a predetermined range from one end point in a past route and the set destination is located within a predetermined range from the other end point different from the one end point in the past route. A first route for going through transit places on the past route is compared with a second route for going through an alternative transit place regarding at least one transit place of the transit places on the past route, and then based on a comparison result, either one of the routes is presented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of a presentation device that presents a route from a departure point to a destination. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, navigation devices search for a route from an input departure point to a destination in accordance with current traffic conditions and set route search conditions, and present the route to a user.

[0003] There is a known technique for searching for a route from a departure point to a destination, extracting past routes that pass through the vicinity of the current destination, and providing guidance to the current destination using a route that passes through the extracted past routes (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-107924 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the inconvenience that may occur when using a route that passes through a past route. Specifically, when trying to use a past route that was used on an outward journey on a return journey, the following inconvenience may occur. For example, if on the outward journey, you get on the expressway from interchange A (an example of a route point) on the upbound lane and exit the expressway at interchange B on the upbound lane, then on the return journey, an irrational route that ignores travel distance may be presented, such as getting on the expressway from interchange B on the upbound lane and exiting the expressway at interchange A on the upbound lane.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to present, as an example, a route that does not cause the above-mentioned inconvenience when using a route that passes through a past route. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that it comprises an extraction means for extracting past routes from a route history, and a presentation means for comparing a first route that passes through an intermediate point included in the past route extracted by the extraction means with a second route in which at least one of the intermediate points included in the first route has been changed to an alternative intermediate point, and presenting one of the routes based on the comparison result. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a presentation device 1. [Diagram 2] 1A is a diagram showing a route and waypoints guided to a user by a navigation device on an outbound journey, and 1B is a diagram showing a route and waypoints guided to a user by a navigation device on a return journey. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on a display device when a route passing through a stopover point is displayed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a navigation device NV. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation (main processing) of the navigation device NV. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the navigation device NV (first alternative route point search process). [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the navigation device NV (second alternative route point search process). [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example (third alternative route point search process) of the navigation device NV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the presentation device 1 includes an extraction unit 111A and a presentation unit 111B.

[0011] The extraction means 111A extracts, from the history of routes traveled between two points, a route in which the currently set departure point is located within a predetermined range from one of the two points and the currently set destination is located within a predetermined range from the other point between the two points that is different from the one point. For example, a route in which the currently set departure point is located within a predetermined range from the past departure point and the currently set destination is located within a predetermined range from the past destination, or a route in which the currently set destination is located within a predetermined range from the past departure point and the currently set departure point is located within a predetermined range from the past destination. The predetermined range can be set arbitrarily. For example, a range of a radius of 1 km can be set. It may also be set according to the distance from the departure point to the destination (for example, if the distance between the two points is long, it is set wider).

[0012] The presentation means 111B compares a first route that passes through the waypoints on the route extracted by the extraction means 111A from the currently set departure point to the currently set destination with a second route that passes through an alternative waypoint for at least one of the past waypoints from the currently set departure point to the currently set destination, and presents one of the routes based on the comparison result. Examples of waypoints include facilities such as gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, ICs (interchanges), SAs (service areas), and PAs (parking areas), and intersections. The first route and the second route can be compared from various perspectives. For example, the comparison can be performed from the perspective of travel distance, travel time, travel cost (toll road fees, etc.), convenience for the user (for example, points related to convenience are given for each waypoint (for example, points are given if the expected arrival time is within business hours, and points are not given if the expected arrival time is outside business hours), and the route with a higher total point is determined to be more convenient).

[0013] As described above, according to the operation of the presentation device 1 according to the embodiment, when there is a history of past routes (either outbound or inbound) between two points between the currently set departure point and the destination, where the departure point and the destination are within a predetermined range, a first route that passes through the waypoints on the past route is compared with a second route that passes through alternative waypoints for at least some of the waypoints on the past route, and one of the routes is presented based on the comparison result. Therefore, a route that takes the waypoints into consideration can be presented.

[0014] The presentation unit 111B sets, as an alternative route point, a facility that is available and in the same category as the route point and is located within a predetermined range from the route point, thereby making it possible to present a facility that is suitable for the user as an alternative route point.

[0015] The presentation means 111B may compare the travel distance of the first route with the travel distance of the second route, and present the first route if the difference is shorter than a reference distance, and present the second route if the difference is longer than the reference distance. The reference distance may be set arbitrarily. This allows a route including past stopovers to be presented to the user when there is no significant difference in the travel distance.

[0016] The presentation means 111B may compare the expected travel time of the first route with the expected travel time of the second route and present the route with the shorter expected travel time. The expected travel time is calculated by a conventionally known method based on the travel distance and traffic conditions of the first route or the second route. This makes it possible to present to the user the route with the shorter travel time to the destination.

[0017] When a stop on the first route is a facility for which an available time is set, the presentation means 111B may refer to the use time information indicating the available time of the facility, and when the expected arrival time at the facility is outside the available time, present a second route with an alternative stop at the facility that is available at the expected arrival time. When the stop is a facility for which an available time is set, such as a gas station, a convenience store, a restaurant, an IC (interchange), a SA (service area), or a PA (parking area), the available time is associated with each facility and stored in the storage means as the use time information. The storage means may be provided inside or outside the presentation device 1. The expected arrival time at the stop is calculated by a conventionally known method based on the travel distance, traffic conditions, etc. This makes it possible to avoid the user being unable to use the stop when arriving at the stop because the available time is outside the available time, and to present the user with an alternative stop that is available at the time of arrival.

[0018] When the waypoint on the first route is a facility, the presentation means 111B refers to lane information indicating whether the facility is located along an inbound lane or an outbound lane on the route, and when the facility is not located along a lane leading to the destination, may present a second route in which the facility located along the lane leading to the destination is an alternative waypoint. The lane information indicating whether the facility is located along an inbound lane or an outbound lane on the route is stored in a storage means. The storage means may be provided inside or outside the presentation device 1. As a result, when the waypoint facility is not located along a lane leading to the destination, a facility located along the lane leading to the destination, rather than a facility on the opposite lane, can be presented to the user as an alternative waypoint, improving user convenience.

[0019] When the waypoint is a supplying facility for the supplying materials, the presentation means 111B compares the price of the supplying materials at the time of moving between the two points with the current price of the supplying materials, and when the value obtained by subtracting the price of the supplying materials at the time of moving between the two points from the current price of the supplying materials is higher than the reference price, the presentation means 111B may present a second route as an alternative waypoint at a supplying facility where the supplying materials can be supplied at a price where the difference is smaller, or a supplying facility where the supplying materials can be supplied at a price lower than the price of the supplying materials at the time of moving between the two points. The supplying materials include, for example, gasoline, hydrogen, natural gas, etc., which are energy sources for mobile objects such as automobiles, and food and drink for users of the mobile objects. The supplying facilities include, for example, gas stations, gas stations, hydrogen stations, convenience stores, etc. The prices of the supplying materials are acquired from related organizations of the supplying facilities or users of the supplying facilities at any time, and are stored in the storage means in association with the supplying facilities and the date and time. The reference price can be set arbitrarily. The storage means may be provided inside the presentation device 1 or outside it. As a result, if the price of supplies is high at a supply facility that is a stopover point, alternative supply facilities where the price of supplies is cheaper can be presented to the user, improving convenience for the user.

[0020] When presenting the first route or the second route, the presentation means 111B may present the route with the waypoints or alternative waypoints of the route in an individually excluding manner, and may search for and present a route excluding the waypoints or alternative waypoints selected to be excluded. For example, when the route is displayed on the display means, a check box corresponding to the waypoints or alternative waypoints is displayed in association with the route, and the waypoints or alternative waypoints for which the check box is selected by the user are determined to have been excluded. This makes it possible to present to the user a route from which waypoints that are not necessary for the user to pass through have been deleted (for example, a route that allows the user to reach the destination in a shorter time, etc.).

[0021] When presenting the first route or the second route, the presentation means 111B may present the route with the waypoints or alternative waypoints of the route in an individually excluding manner, and may present a route that passes through another alternative waypoint within a predetermined range and is in the same category as the waypoint or alternative waypoint selected to be excluded. For example, when the route is displayed on the display means, a check box corresponding to the waypoint or alternative waypoint is displayed in association with the waypoint or alternative waypoint, and the waypoint or alternative waypoint for which the check box is selected by the user is determined to be excluded. This makes it possible to present to the user a route in which a waypoint or alternative waypoint that the user does not want to pass through has been changed to another alternative waypoint. EXAMPLES

[0022] Next, a specific example corresponding to the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0023] The following embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 8. Note that the following embodiment is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation device.

[0024] [1. Overview of navigation device] First, a characteristic function of the navigation device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(A) is a diagram showing a route and waypoints guided to a user on an outbound journey (going), and FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing a route and waypoints guided to a user on a return journey (return). When the destination of the outbound journey is the starting point of the return journey, and the starting point of the outbound journey is the destination of the return journey, the navigation device guides the waypoints of the outbound journey as waypoints on the return journey as well. However, when it is inconvenient to use the waypoints of the outbound journey as waypoints on the return journey as they are, the navigation device guides a route including an alternative waypoint that is an alternative to the waypoint. Note that this embodiment can also be applied when a point within a predetermined range from the destination of the outbound journey is the starting point of the return journey, and a point within a predetermined range from the starting point of the outbound journey is the destination of the return journey.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 2(A), the outbound route guided by the navigation device is as follows. (1) Starting point of outbound journey (2) Route 1: "○△ intersection" (3) Stop 2 on the outbound journey: "□△ gas station" (4) Stop 3 on the outbound journey: "XX Interchange (inbound)" (5) Stopover point 4 on the outbound journey: "△× Service Area (inbound)" (6) Stop 5 on the outbound route: "□□ Interchange (inbound)" (7) Stopover point 6 on the outbound journey: "XX convenience store" (8) Goal point on the outward journey

[0026] When a user instructs the navigation device to search for a route that starts from the finish point of the outbound journey and ends up at the start point of the outbound journey, the navigation device presents the user with the following route for the return journey, as shown in Figure 2(B). (1) Starting point of the return journey (2) Return stop 1: "XX convenience store" (3) Return stop 2: "□□ Interchange (outbound)" (4) Return stop 3: "△× Service Area (Downbound)" (5) Return stop 4: "XX Interchange (outbound)" (6) Return stop 5: "△□ gas station" (7) Return stop 6: "○△ intersection" (8) Return Finish Point

[0027] In this way, the navigation device searches for alternative route points for the outbound highway interchanges and service areas, such as outbound route point 3 "XX interchange (inbound)", outbound route point 4 "△× service area (inbound)", and outbound route point 5 "□□ interchange (inbound)", if the interchanges and service areas on the outbound highway are used as route points on the return journey, which would result in a long detour and inconvenience, and presents a route for the return journey that includes the alternative route points if the travel distances on the outbound journey and the return journey would exceed a predetermined reference distance if the route points on the outbound journey were used as route points on the return journey. When searching for alternative route points, the navigation device searches for points and facilities of the same category that are located within a predetermined range from each route point. In the example of Figure 2 (B), the return route point 2 "○○ Interchange (Downbound)", the return route point 3 "△× Service Area (Downbound)", and the outbound route point 4 "□□ Interchange (Downbound)" are searched for and presented as alternative route points for the outbound route point 3 "○○ Interchange (Inbound)", the outbound route point 4 "△× Service Area (Inbound)", and the outbound route point 5 "□□ Interchange (Inbound)".

[0028] In addition, the ease of stopping at facilities such as gas stations and convenience stores may vary greatly depending on whether they are located along the lane in the direction of travel or along the opposite lane (oncoming lane). For example, when there are three lanes on the opposite lane, stopping at a facility along the opposite lane can be troublesome and dangerous. Also, when the lane in the direction of travel and the opposite lane are far apart (for example, a service area on a highway), it is difficult to stop at the facility. In such a case, the navigation device searches for alternative routes for those routes and presents a return route including the alternative routes. When searching for alternative routes, points and facilities of the same category that are located within a specified range from each route and are easy to stop at are searched for. In the example of FIG. 2(B), return route 5 "△□ gas station" is searched and presented as an alternative route for outbound route 2 "□△ gas station". Note that, in the example of FIG. 2(B), for outbound route 6 "XX convenience store", it is assumed that the opposite lane is one lane, and return route 1 "XX convenience store" is presented as it is.

[0029] That is, the navigation device compares a return route that passes through waypoints on the outbound route (a route previously guided) with a return route that passes through alternative waypoints for at least some of the waypoints on the outbound route, and presents one of the routes based on the comparison results. This makes it possible to present to the user a route that takes into consideration the ease of stopping at the waypoints, without making the user travel a long distance on the return route to pass through the same waypoints as on the outbound route. In addition, since the alternative waypoints presented are facilities of the same category within a specified range of the waypoints on the outbound route, it is unlikely to impair the satisfaction of users who wish to pass through the same waypoints as on the outbound route.

[0030] If the route point is a facility such as a restaurant, the navigation device calculates the expected arrival time at the facility, and if the expected arrival time is outside the business hours (available hours), the navigation device selects a facility of the same category within a predetermined range from the route point that is open during business hours as an alternative route point. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the user cannot use the route point due to being outside business hours when the route point is reached, and to present the user with an alternative route point that can be used at the time of arrival. In the above example, the business hours of the facility are taken into consideration, but information on regular holidays may also be taken into consideration. Specifically, it is determined whether the expected arrival date at the facility falls on a regular holiday of the facility, and if it is a regular holiday, the navigation device selects a facility of the same category within a predetermined range from the route point, the expected arrival date is not a regular holiday, and the expected arrival time is within business hours as an alternative route point. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the user cannot use the route point due to being closed when the route point is reached, and to present the user with an alternative route point that can be used at the time of arrival.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when the route shown in FIG. 2(B) is displayed on a display device. In the waypoint display screen 500, the waypoints on the outbound route are displayed in the previous waypoint display area 501, and the waypoints on the return route are displayed in the current waypoint display area 502. In addition, an exclusion check box 503 is provided to the right of each waypoint displayed in the current waypoint display area 502. When the user checks the exclusion check box 503 and selects the search again button 505, the navigation device searches for a route excluding the waypoint corresponding to the checked exclusion check box 503, and presents it to the user. This allows the user to make the navigation device search for a route excluding the waypoints that were passed through on the outbound route but do not need to be passed through on the return route. On the other hand, when the user selects the guidance start button 504, the navigation device starts guidance of a route that passes through each waypoint shown in the current waypoint display area 502. Also, when an exclusion checkbox 503 to the right of a route point is checked, a route point of the same category within a predetermined range from the route point may be presented as an alternative route point. In this case, if the route point presented as an alternative route point is not desirable for the user, a new route point can be presented to the user as a desirable route point. In this case, in addition to the checkbox 503, a button for presenting another route point may be provided, and the above-mentioned process may be performed by touching the button.

[0032] [2. Configuration of navigation device] Next, the configuration of the navigation device NV according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the navigation device NV is configured to include a control unit 211, a storage device 212 consisting of a HDD or the like, an input device 213 consisting of a keyboard or a remote controller, a touch panel or the like, a display unit 214, a bus line 215, an input / output interface unit 220, a vehicle speed sensor 221, an angular velocity sensor 222, an acceleration sensor 223, a steering angle sensor 224, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 225, a data transmitting / receiving unit 226, and a wireless communication unit 227.

[0034] The vehicle speed sensor 221 detects the current speed of the vehicle by using a speed detection process using a vehicle speed pulse obtained from the vehicle equipped with the navigation device NV, and outputs speed data. The angular velocity sensor 222 detects the angular velocity of the vehicle, for example, a change in direction, and outputs angular velocity data and relative direction data per unit time. The acceleration sensor 223 detects the acceleration of the vehicle, for example, in the forward and backward directions, and outputs acceleration data per unit time. The steering angle sensor 224 detects the steering angle of the vehicle, and outputs steering angle data, etc. The GPS receiving unit 225 receives navigation radio waves from a GPS satellite, and outputs vehicle position information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude data, absolute direction data in the vehicle's traveling direction, and GPS speed data as GPS positioning data. The data transmitting / receiving unit 226 performs processing related to the transmission and reception of data between the server device and the server device via a network. The wireless communication unit 227 performs processing related to wireless road-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0035] The storage device 212 stores map image data for displaying a map on the display unit 214, map information used when searching for a route, road link information, etc. The storage device 212 also stores various programs such as an operating system and application programs. Note that the various programs may be acquired, for example, from a server device or the like via a network, or may be read from a recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or USB memory.

[0036] The storage device 212 stores location information, lane information (information indicating whether the lane is an up-bound or down-bound lane), oncoming lane access information (information indicating whether the lane is easily accessible from the oncoming lane (if the lane is on the oncoming lane of a three-lane road, it is difficult to access; if the lane is on the oncoming lane of an expressway, it is difficult to access)), and business hours information (information indicating business hours) in association with each of the points and facilities that can be route points. However, some information is not associated with some points and facilities. For example, intersections do not have business hours, so business hours information is not associated with them. In addition, the storage device 212 stores price information indicating the prices of gasoline, diesel, etc., together with the date and time when the facility is a gas station. Furthermore, a route history DB is constructed in the storage device 212, and past route information including a departure point, a destination, and route points, and information indicating the date and time at each point is stored.

[0037] The input device 213 is configured with a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, other controllers, etc., and receives input operations from a user and transmits operation signals indicating the contents of the operation to the control unit 211.

[0038] The display unit 214 displays various display data under the control of the control unit 211. The display unit 214 includes a graphics controller 214a, a buffer memory 214b including a memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM), and a display 214c including a liquid crystal display. In this configuration, the graphics controller 214a controls the entire display unit 214 based on control data sent from the control unit 211 via a bus line 215. The buffer memory 214b temporarily stores image information that can be displayed instantly. An image is then displayed on the display 214c based on the image data output from the graphics controller 214a.

[0039] The control unit 211 is composed of a CPU 211a for controlling the entire control unit 211, a ROM 211b in which a control program for controlling the control unit 211 and the like are stored in advance, and a RAM 211c for temporarily storing various data. The control unit 211 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 221, an angular velocity sensor 222, an acceleration sensor 223, a steering angle sensor 224, and a GPS receiving unit 225 via a bus line 215 and an input / output interface unit 220, and controls the entire navigation device NV based on speed data, angular velocity data, relative direction data, steering angle data, GPS positioning data, absolute direction data of the vehicle's traveling direction, acceleration data, and the like outputted from each of them, and also controls the operation of each of the various components such as a display unit 214.

[0040] [3. Example of operation of navigation device NV] Next, an example of the operation of the navigation device NV when presenting a route including waypoints on a past route will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0041] First, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV acquires the departure point and destination input by the user using the input device 213 (step S11).

[0042] Next, the control unit 211 refers to the route history DB and searches for past routes that have one end point within a predetermined range from the departure point and the other end point within a predetermined range from the destination (step S12).

[0043] Next, the control unit 211 judges whether or not a previous route has been found in the process of step S12 (step S13). At this time, if the control unit 211 has not found a previous route (step S13: NO), the control unit 211 ends the process shown in the flowchart. On the other hand, if a previous route has been found (step S13: YES), the control unit 211 extracts a stopover point on the previous route and searches for a route that passes through the stopover point (step S14). Note that, if there are multiple stopover points, the control unit 211 extracts all stopover points.

[0044] Next, the control unit 211 sequentially performs a first alternative route point search process (step S15) to be described later with reference to Fig. 6, a second alternative route point search process (step S16) to be described later with reference to Fig. 7, and a third alternative route point search process (step S17) to be described later with reference to Fig. 8. In these processes, the control unit 211 searches for alternative route points for each type of route point.

[0045] Next, the control unit 211 compares the route in which the route point is not changed to the alternative route point (an example of the "first route") with the route in which the route point is changed to the alternative route point searched in the processes from step S15 to step S17 (an example of the "second route") (step S18). In this embodiment, the control unit 211 calculates the expected travel time for both routes and compares the two routes.

[0046] Next, the control unit 211 judges whether the route in which the route point is changed to the alternative route point is more convenient for the user (step S19). The control unit 211 in this embodiment judges the route with the shorter expected travel time of the two routes compared in the process of step S18 as the route that is more convenient for the user. The expected travel time is calculated by a conventionally known method based on the travel distance, traffic conditions, etc. If the control unit 211 judges that the route in which the route point is changed to the alternative route point is more convenient for the user (step S19: YES), the control unit 211 displays the route in which the route point is changed to the alternative route point on the display 214c (step S20), and ends the process shown in the flowchart. On the other hand, if the control unit 211 judges that the route in which the route point is changed to the alternative route point is not more convenient for the user (step S19: NO), the control unit 211 displays the route in which the route point is not changed to the alternative route point on the display 214c (step S21), and ends the process shown in the flowchart.

[0047] Next, the first alternative route point search process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0048] First, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV extracts waypoints that are facilities with business hours from the waypoints of the past route extracted in the process of step S14 in Fig. 5 (step S31). Specifically, the control unit 211 extracts facilities that are stored in the storage device 212 in association with business hours information.

[0049] Next, the control unit 211 calculates the expected arrival time at each facility extracted in the process of step S31 (step S32). Specifically, the control unit 211 calculates the expected arrival time by a conventionally known method based on the travel distance, traffic conditions, etc.

[0050] Next, the control unit 211 extracts facilities for which the expected arrival time calculated in the process of step S32 is outside business hours, from among the facilities extracted in the process of step S31 (step S33).

[0051] Next, the control unit 211 searches for facilities of the same category within a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 500 m) from the facility extracted in the process of step S33 (a facility whose expected arrival time is outside business hours) and whose expected arrival time is within business hours (step S34). Specifically, the control unit 211 searches for facilities of the same category within a predetermined range from the facility, calculates the expected arrival time of the searched facility, and determines whether the expected arrival time is within business hours of the searched facility. However, if a corresponding facility is not found, the process shown in the flowchart is terminated.

[0052] Next, the control unit 211 determines the facility searched for in the processing of step S34 (i.e., a facility of the same category within a specified range from the facility that was the route point and whose expected arrival time is within business hours) as an alternative route point (step S35), and terminates the processing shown in the flowchart.

[0053] Next, the second alternative route point search process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] First, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV extracts (step S51) a route point that is a facility that is not along a lane leading to the destination from the route points of the past route extracted in the process of step S14 in Fig. 5. Specifically, the control unit 211 extracts a facility that is not along a lane leading to the destination based on the route searched in the process of step S14 in Fig. 5 and the position information and lane information (whether the lane is along an upbound lane or an downbound lane).

[0055] Next, the control unit 211 extracts facilities that are difficult to access from the opposite lane from among the facilities extracted in the process of step S51 (step S52). Specifically, the control unit 211 extracts the facilities by referring to the opposite lane access information (information indicating whether the facility is easily accessible from the opposite lane) stored in the storage device 212 in association with the facility.

[0056] Next, the control unit 211 searches for facilities of the same category within a predetermined range (for example, within a radius of 500 m) from the facility extracted in the process of step S52, which are located along the lane leading to the destination (step S53). At this time, the control unit 211 may include facilities that are not located along the lane leading to the destination as search targets, as long as they are easily accessible from the opposite lane. If no corresponding facility is found, the process shown in the flowchart is terminated.

[0057] Next, the control unit 211 determines the facility found in the process of step S53 as an alternative route point (step S54), and ends the process shown in the flowchart.

[0058] Next, the third alternative route point search process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0059] First, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV extracts stop points that are gas stations from stop points of the past route extracted in the process of step S14 in FIG. 5 (step S71).

[0060] Next, for the gasoline station extracted in the process of step S71, the control unit 211 calculates the difference between the gasoline price (or diesel price; the user is allowed to set in advance whether it is gasoline or diesel) from the previous visit and the current gasoline price (step S72). Specifically, the control unit 211 obtains the gasoline price from the previous visit based on the date and time when the gasoline station was used in the past and the price information for the gasoline station stored in the storage device 212, and obtains the current price at the gasoline station, and calculates the difference (i.e., the current gasoline price minus the gasoline price from the previous visit).

[0061] Next, the control unit 211 judges whether the difference calculated in the process of step S72 is higher than the reference price (e.g., 5 yen) (step S73). At this time, if the control unit 211 judges that the difference is not higher than the reference price (step S73: NO), it ends the process shown in the flowchart. On the other hand, if the control unit 211 judges that the difference is higher than the reference price (step S73: YES), it searches for gas stations within a predetermined range (e.g., within a radius of 3 km) from the gas station and whose current gasoline price is lower than the gasoline price at the extracted gas station at the time of the previous use (step S74). The control unit 211 may also search for gas stations where gasoline can be replenished at a price that reduces the difference calculated in the process of step S72 (i.e., gas stations whose current gasoline price is lower than the current gasoline price at the gas station extracted in the process of step S71). This makes it possible to present, as an alternative stopover, gas stations that sell gasoline at a higher price than the price at the previous use but at a lower price than the gasoline station at the time of the previous use. ) Furthermore, if a corresponding gas station is not found, the control unit 211 ends the process shown in the flowchart.

[0062] Next, the control unit 211 determines the gas station found in the process of step S74 as an alternative route point (step S75), and ends the process shown in the flowchart.

[0063] As described above, the control unit 211 (an example of an "extraction means" and "presentation means") of the navigation device NV of this embodiment extracts, from the history of routes traveled between two points, a route in which the currently set departure point is located within a predetermined range from one of the past points between the two points and the currently set destination is located within a predetermined range from another point different from the one of the past points between the two points (step S12 in FIG. 5), compares a route that passes through the intermediate points on the route extracted in step S12 from the departure point to the destination (an example of a "first route") with a route that passes through an alternative intermediate point for at least one of the intermediate points from the departure point to the destination (an example of a "second route"), and presents one of the routes based on the comparison results.

[0064] Therefore, according to the navigation device NV of this embodiment, when there is a history of past routes (either outbound or inbound) between two points between the currently set departure point and the destination, where the departure point and the destination are within a predetermined range, a route that passes through the waypoints on the past route is compared with a route that passes through alternative waypoints for at least some of the waypoints on the past route, and one of the routes is presented based on the comparison result. Therefore, a route that takes the waypoints into consideration can be presented.

[0065] In addition, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV according to this embodiment sets, as an alternative route point, a facility that is available and in the same category as the route point and that is located within a predetermined range from the route point, thereby making it possible to present facilities that are suitable for the user as alternative route points.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV according to this embodiment compares the estimated travel time of a route that does not change the waypoint to the alternative waypoint with the estimated travel time of a route that changes the waypoint to the alternative waypoint, and presents the route with the shorter estimated travel time, thereby making it possible to present to the user a route with the shorter travel time to the destination.

[0067] Furthermore, when a stop on a past route is a facility with set business hours (one example of "available hours"), the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV according to this embodiment refers to business hours information (one example of "available hours information") indicating the business hours of the facility, and when the expected arrival time at the facility is outside of business hours, presents a route with an alternative stop at a facility that is available at the expected arrival time. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where the user cannot use a facility when arriving at the facility because it is outside of business hours, and also makes it possible to present to the user an alternative stop that is available at the time of arrival.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV according to this embodiment refers to lane information indicating whether a facility that is a route along a past route is located along an up lane or an down lane on the route, and if the facility is not located along the lane leading to the destination, presents a route with a facility along the lane leading to the destination as an alternative route. This makes it possible to present to the user, as an alternative route, a facility along the lane leading to the destination, rather than a facility on the opposite lane, when a facility that is a route along a past route is not located along the lane leading to the destination, thereby improving user convenience.

[0069] Furthermore, when a waypoint is a gas station (an example of a "refilling facility") for refilling with gasoline (an example of a "refilling material"), the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV according to this embodiment may compare the gasoline price when the gas station was used on a past route with the current gasoline price, and when the difference is higher than a reference price, may present a route with an alternative waypoint at a gas station where gasoline can be refilled at a price that reduces the difference, or a gas station where gasoline can be refilled at a lower price than the gasoline price when the gas station was used on the past route. As a result, when the gasoline price is high at a gas station on a waypoint, gas stations with cheaper gasoline prices can be presented to the user, improving user convenience.

[0070] Furthermore, when presenting a route that passes through a waypoint on a past route or a route in which a waypoint on a past route has been changed to an alternative waypoint, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV according to this embodiment presents the waypoint or alternative waypoint of the route in such a manner that the waypoint or alternative waypoint of the route can be individually excluded, and searches for and presents a route that excludes the waypoint or alternative waypoint selected to be excluded. This makes it possible to present to the user a route from which a waypoint that is not necessary for the user to pass through has been deleted (for example, a route that allows the user to reach the destination in a shorter time, etc.).

[0071] [4. Modifications] Next, modified examples of the above embodiment will be described. Note that the modified examples described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0072] [4.1. Variation 1] In the above embodiment, in the processing of steps S18 and S19 in FIG. 5, a route in which the waypoint is not changed to an alternative waypoint is compared with a route in which the waypoint is changed to an alternative waypoint to determine which route is more convenient for the user. Alternatively, the two routes may be compared based on the travel distance of both routes, travel cost (toll road charges, etc.), and convenience for the user (for example, points related to convenience are assigned to each waypoint (for example, points are assigned if the expected arrival time is within business hours, and points are not assigned if the expected arrival time is outside business hours), and the route with the higher total points is determined to be more convenient) to determine which route is more convenient for the user. In addition, regardless of the viewpoint of comparison, a criterion may be set in advance, and the route in which the waypoint is changed to an alternative waypoint may be presented only if the difference between the two routes (difference in travel time, difference in travel cost, difference in total points indicating convenience) exceeds the criterion.

[0073] [4.2. Variation 2] In the above embodiment, the control unit 211 of the navigation device NV according to the embodiment is configured to present the waypoints or alternative waypoints as individually excluding ways, and to search for and present a route excluding the waypoints or alternative waypoints selected to be excluded, but instead, the control unit 211 may be configured to present the waypoints or alternative waypoints of the route as individually excluding ways, and to present a route that passes through another alternative waypoint that is in the same category as the waypoint or alternative waypoint selected to be excluded by the user and is within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to present to the user a route in which a waypoint or alternative waypoint that the user does not want to pass through has been changed to another alternative waypoint. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Presentation device 111A Extraction means 111B Presentation means NV navigation equipment 211 Control Unit 211a CPU 211b ROM 211c RAM 212 Storage device 213 Input Device 214 Display unit 214a Graphics Controller 214b Buffer memory 214c Display 215 Bus Line 220 Input / Output Interface Section 221 Vehicle speed sensor 222 Angular velocity sensor 223 Acceleration Sensor 224 Steering Angle Sensor 225 GPS receiver 226 Data transmission and reception unit 227 Radio Communication Department

Claims

[Claim 1] An extraction means for extracting a past route from a route history; a presentation means for comparing a first route via a route point included in the past route extracted by the extraction means with a second route in which at least one of the route points included in the first route is changed to an alternative route point, and presenting one of the routes based on a comparison result; A presentation device comprising:

Images