Evaluation device

Abstract

To evaluate a route to a destination.SOLUTION: A terminal device 30 includes: an acquisition unit 31 that acquires route information from a first server device 10; an evaluation unit 32 that evaluates the route information by causing a second search engine 21 that performs route search on the acquired route information on the basis of the input conditions to perform cost calculation based on the input conditions; and an output unit 33 that outputs the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaluation device for evaluating, for example, a searched route.

Background Art

[0002] As is well known, a navigation device installed in a moving body such as a vehicle searches for a route from the current location or a predetermined departure point to a destination and presents it to a user such as a driver.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that data input related to a driving destination or a driving route is performed outside the vehicle at an arbitrary time point before driving, stored in an external memory of the vehicle, and transmitted to the vehicle wirelessly when necessary.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 describes acquiring route evaluation information stored in association with a driving history corresponding to a candidate for a driving route, evaluating candidates for the searched driving route based on the route evaluation information, and ranking the candidates for the driving route according to desired conditions based on the evaluation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] For example, the above-described navigation device searches for a route (route) using a search engine (search means, search unit). In recent years, the search engine is not only built into the device body but also provided in a server device or the like, and is available not only from dedicated devices such as navigation devices but also from various information terminals such as smartphones.

[0007] Therefore, consumers and the like can use a plurality of search engines as various services, and it is convenient if they can compare the routes searched by the plurality of search engines as an index for selecting products and services.

[0008] In addition, if it is possible to compare not only a plurality of search engines but also the route searched by the search engine with the route used in daily life, it is also possible to evaluate the route used in daily life.

[0009] As an example of the problem to be solved by the present invention, there is an evaluation of the route to the destination.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes an acquisition unit that acquires first route information from the outside, a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions for the first route information, and performs cost calculation based on the conditions, an evaluation unit that evaluates the first route information, and an output unit that outputs the evaluation result of the evaluation unit.

[0011] The invention according to claim 10 includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first route information from the outside, a second acquisition unit that acquires second route information generated by a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions, and an output unit that outputs the first route information and the second route information in a comparable manner.

[0012] The invention according to claim 11 is an evaluation method executed by an evaluation device that evaluates a searched route, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring first route information from the outside, an evaluation step of performing cost calculation based on the conditions using a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions for the first route information, and evaluating the first route information, and an output step of outputting the evaluation result of the evaluation step.

[0013] The invention according to claim 12 is an evaluation method executed by an evaluation device for evaluating a searched route, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring first route information from the outside; a second acquisition step of acquiring second route information generated by a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions; and an output step of outputting the first route information and the second route information in a comparable manner.

[0014] The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that the evaluation method according to claim 11 or 12 is executed by a computer.

[0015] The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the evaluation program according to claim 13 is stored.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation unit causes the search unit that performs route search on the first route information acquired from the outside by the acquisition unit based on the input conditions to calculate the cost based on the conditions and perform the evaluation. Then, the output unit outputs the evaluation result of the evaluation unit. By doing so, the evaluation unit can evaluate the first route information, which is the result already searched, using the search unit.

[0018] Further, the acquisition unit may acquire the first route information searched by another search unit different from the search unit. By doing so, the route searched by another search unit can be evaluated based on the algorithm or the like used by the search unit.

[0019] Further, the search unit may perform route search according to the conditions to generate second route information, and the output unit may output the evaluation result of the first route information and the second route information in a comparable manner. By doing so, the routes of another search unit and the search unit can be compared, and the evaluation result can be shown to the user or the like in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0020] Further, the evaluation unit may obtain an evaluation value based on the result of cost calculation for both the first route information and the second route information, and the output unit may output the evaluation value. By doing so, for example, a cost value or an evaluation value based on the cost can be shown together with the route information. Therefore, the goodness or badness of the route can be shown based on the cost.

[0021] Further, the acquisition unit may acquire a plurality of pieces of first route information, the plurality of pieces of first route information are each searched by a plurality of different other search units, and the output unit may output the evaluation results of the plurality of pieces of first route information in a comparable manner to each other. By doing so, the routes of a plurality of other search units can be compared, and the evaluation result can be shown to the user or the like in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0022] In addition, the evaluation unit may obtain an evaluation value based on the result of cost calculation for a plurality of pieces of first route information, and the output unit may output the evaluation value. By doing so, for example, a cost value or an evaluation value based on the cost can be shown together with the route information. Therefore, the quality of the route can be shown based on the cost.

[0023] In addition, the evaluation unit may cause the cost calculation to be performed on the input first route information in a predetermined evaluation unit, extract the evaluation unit in which the calculated cost exceeds a predetermined standard, and the output unit may output the extracted evaluation unit. By doing so, since evaluation can be performed for each evaluation unit, the route can be subdivided and evaluated.

[0024] In addition, the evaluation unit may include at least one of underpass, intersection, level crossing, and traffic signal as a category. By doing so, the form of the road that becomes the route, facilities on the road, etc. can be used as the evaluation unit.

[0025] In addition, the evaluation unit may calculate the number of passes in the route indicated by the first route information for each category of the evaluation unit, and the output unit may output the number of passes. By doing so, for example, the number of passes can be shown for each intersection, each level crossing, etc.

[0026] In addition, the evaluation unit may obtain an evaluation value based on the calculated cost for the extracted evaluation unit, and the output unit may output the evaluation value. By doing so, an evaluation value can be presented for each evaluation unit, and for example, it becomes clear which evaluation unit has a poor evaluation.

[0027] In addition, the evaluation unit may further evaluate based on the evaluation items for which the route should be selected. By doing so, for example, items that are generally not included in cost elements, such as the quality of the scenery and the brightness at night, can also be included in the evaluation.

[0028] Further, in the evaluation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, a first acquisition unit acquires first route information from the outside, and a second acquisition unit acquires second route information generated by a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions. Then, an output unit outputs the first route information and the second route information in a comparable manner. By doing so, the first route information obtained from the outside can be compared with the second route information searched by the search unit. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate two routes.

[0029] Further, in the evaluation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an evaluation step, for the first route information acquired from the outside in an acquisition step, cost calculation based on the input conditions is performed using a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions, and evaluation is performed. Then, in an output step, the evaluation result of the evaluation unit is output. By doing so, in the evaluation step, the first route information, which is a result already searched using the search unit, can be evaluated.

[0030] Further, in the evaluation method according to another embodiment of the present invention, first route information is acquired from the outside in a first acquisition step, and second route information generated by a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions is acquired in a second acquisition step. Then, in an output step, the first route information and the second route information are output in a comparable manner. By doing so, the first route information obtained from the outside can be compared with the second route information searched by the search unit. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate two routes.

[0031] Further, the above-described evaluation method may be executed by a computer as an evaluation program. By doing so, it is possible to evaluate a route using a computer.

[0032] Further, the above-described evaluation program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. By doing so, the program can be distributed not only when incorporated into a device but also as a single entity, and version updates and the like can be easily performed.

Example

[0033] An evaluation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system having the evaluation device according to this embodiment.

[0034] The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first server device 10, a second server device 20, and a terminal device 30. The first server device 10, the second server device 20, and the terminal device 30 are communicably connected to each other by a network N such as the Internet.

[0035] The first server device 10 is composed of a well-known server computer, and includes, for example, a microprocessor having a CPU, a memory, etc., a storage device for storing various programs and data, and a network interface. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the first server device 10 includes a first search engine 11 and a map database 12.

[0036] The first search engine 11 searches for a route suitable for driving by referring to the map database 12 based on conditions such as a departure point and a destination given from the outside. The first search engine 11 may use a well-known algorithm such as Dijkstra's algorithm. Further, the first search engine 11 can be made to function by, for example, executing a program stored in a storage device with a microprocessor.

[0037] The map database 12 is a database having map data for the first search engine 11 to perform route search. The map database 12 includes road network data constituting the map. This road network data includes the latitude and longitude of nodes, the length of connection links, cost information of each node and link, etc.

[0038] The second server device 20 is composed of a well-known server computer, and includes, for example, a microprocessor having a CPU, a memory, etc., a storage device for storing various programs and data, and a network interface, etc. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second server device 20 includes a second search engine 21 and a map database 22.

[0039] The second search engine 21 searches for a route suitable for driving by referring to the map database 22 based on conditions such as a departure point and a destination given from the outside. The second search engine 21 may use a well-known algorithm such as Dijkstra's algorithm, for example. Further, the second search engine 21 can be made to function by, for example, executing a program stored in a storage device with a microprocessor. Note that the second search engine 21 is different from the first search engine 11 in, for example, algorithm tuning, parameters, cost calculation methods, and conditions that can be considered. That is, even when the same conditions are given to the first search engine 11 and the second search engine 21, different routes may be output.

[0040] The map database 22 is a database having map data for the second search engine 21 to perform route search. The map database 22 includes road network data constituting the map. This road network data includes the latitude and longitude of nodes, the length of connection links, cost information of each node and link, etc. Note that the map database 22 may also be different from the map database 12 in, for example, cost information.

[0041] The terminal device 30 is a device that displays (outputs), etc., the routes searched by the first search engine 11 and the second search engine. The terminal device 30 may be a personal computer (desktop type, notebook type), a mobile device such as a smartphone, or a navigation device such as a car navigation.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 includes an acquisition unit 31, an evaluation unit 32, and an output unit 33. The acquisition unit 31 acquires the route information searched by the first search engine 11 or the second search engine 21. The acquisition unit 31 functions as a circuit or the like for communicating with the network N.

[0043] The evaluation unit 32 evaluates the route indicated by the route information acquired by the acquisition unit 31. For example, the evaluation unit 32 causes the second search engine 21 to perform cost calculation on the route searched by the first search engine 11. The evaluation unit 32 may calculate an evaluation value based on the cost value calculated by the second search engine 21. The evaluation unit 32 functions as a control circuit such as a microprocessor.

[0044] The above-described evaluation value is calculated as follows, for example. First, cost elements considered when calculating the evaluation value include, for example, the length of the distance, the length of time, the narrowness of the road width, the frequency of right and left turns, the frequency of level crossings, the frequency of near-miss locations, and the like. Since these cost elements are preset as node and link information in the map database 21 or the like, they can be acquired from the map database 21.

[0045] Furthermore, it is desirable to consider a benefit element in addition to the cost element. Examples of the benefit element include the frequency of automatic driving sections, the beauty of the scenery, the brightness at night, the frequency of locations with roofs, the frequency of shaded areas, the visibility during driving, the stability of the road surface, and the like. This benefit element is an advantage for the user and can be considered as a parameter for reducing the cost. That is, it may be based on the evaluation items regarding the surrounding environment of the road that becomes the route, that is, the evaluation items for which the route should be selected. These benefit elements can be acquired by the evaluation unit 32 based on the settings of the vehicle and the user as described later.

[0046] Specifically, as shown in the table of FIG. 3, weights regarding the vehicle and mounted sensors, weights regarding the environment such as weather, and weights regarding personal importance are set for each item, and a comprehensive weight obtained by multiplying them is calculated for each item.

[0047] The weights related to the vehicle and the mounted sensors are weights added according to the vehicle characteristics and the mounted sensors, and are set as fixed values for each vehicle. The weights related to the environment such as weather are weights added according to the season, date and time, and weather, and are automatically set according to the season, date and time, and weather. The weights related to the importance attached by an individual are weights added according to what the individual attaches importance to, and it is preferable that they can be changed by the user according to their mood on that day. The weights related to the importance attached by an individual may be set, for example, from the input unit of the terminal device 30.

[0048] Then, based on the comprehensive weight calculated as shown in FIG. 3, an evaluation value E is calculated by the following formula (1) or (2). In formula (1) and formula (2), the cost element is defined as a negative value, and the benefit element is defined as a positive value. This is because, for the user, the cost element is an element that is preferably small, and the benefit element is an element that is preferably large (or that does not matter even if it exists).

Equation

[0049] The output unit 33 outputs the evaluation result performed by the evaluation unit 32. The output unit 33 can be configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display. Also, by making the output unit 33 a touch panel, it can serve as both a display and an input unit. Specifically, a plurality of acquired routes are displayed so as to be comparable on a map, or distances and times are displayed so as to be comparable.

[0050] Also, based on the result of the cost calculation performed by the second search engine 21, the cost value and the evaluation value E calculated by the above formula (1) or (2) may be displayed. Not only distances and times are added for comparison on the map, but also locations with high cost values and the like may be displayed using icons, balloons, etc.

[0051] Next, an output example (display example) of the output unit 33 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the routes R1 and R2 searched by the first search engine 11 (denoted as engine A in FIG. 4) on the map, the routes R3 and R4 searched by the second search engine 21 (denoted as engine B in FIG. 4), and the route R5 which is the straight-line distance. In addition, it shows search conditions, a comparison table of each route, and the like.

[0052] In FIG. 4, "S" indicates the departure point and "G" indicates the destination. Also, whether or not traffic information is taken into account differs between route R1 and route R2. Similarly, whether or not traffic information is taken into account differs between route R3 and route R4. In addition, at the point P1 shown on the route R2, comments "Underpass" and "Cannot pass due to height limit" are added as the balloon C1. Similarly, at the point P2 shown on the routes R1 and R2, comments "Acute turning angle" and "Cannot pass without turning" are added as the balloon C2.

[0053] The above comments C1 and C2 were not taken into account by the first search engine 11 that searched the routes R1 and R2, and were found as a result of having the second search engine 21 perform cost calculation and having the evaluation unit 32 evaluate the routes R1 and R2. That is, in the example of FIG. 4, it can be said that the routes R3 and R4 are more in line with the conditions than the routes R1 and R2, and it can be said that the second search engine 21 is superior. In other words, it can be said that the problems of the routes R1 and R2 are shown.

[0054] Note that instead of the comments C1 and C2, they may be displayed as icons. For example, an icon indicating an underpass may be displayed at the point P1, and an icon indicating an acute angle may be displayed at the point P2. Such points where icons or balloons are to be displayed can be specified, for example, by extracting nodes and links determined as routes that cannot be passed because they do not satisfy the conditions in the second search engine 21. Routes that cannot be passed may be determined, for example, by extremely high cost values.

[0055] Also, in FIG. 4, a table T1 showing search conditions is shown at the left end. As shown in the figure, these search conditions include the number of stopping points, time specification, search criteria, toll road use, highway use, ferry use, smart IC use, traffic jam consideration, regulation consideration, and time limit consideration. The number of stopping points is the number of points to stop on the way. The time specification is the planned time of passage. The search criteria are, for example, the recommendations of the search engine, the shortest distance, minimizing the number of turns, or choosing the widest road possible. Toll road use indicates whether to use a toll road or not. Highway use indicates whether to use a highway or not. Ferry use indicates whether to use a ferry or not. Smart IC use indicates whether to use a smart interchange, which is an interchange with a simple structure dedicated to ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System). Traffic jam consideration indicates whether to consider traffic jams or not. Regulation consideration indicates whether to consider road regulations, etc. Time limit consideration indicates whether to consider the restrictions on roads where passage is restricted by time.

[0056] Also, in FIG. 4, vehicle type information can be set as a condition. The vehicle type information is shown in table T2. As shown in the figure, this vehicle type information includes vehicle type, toll classification, ETC connection, vehicle width, vehicle height, vehicle weight, and dangerous goods loading. The vehicle type is the type such as ordinary passenger car or medium-sized passenger car for the vehicle traveling to the destination. The toll classification is the toll classification on toll roads such as ordinary vehicle. ETC connection indicates the presence or absence of ETC use. The vehicle width and vehicle height are the vehicle width and vehicle height of the vehicle traveling to the destination. The vehicle weight is the vehicle weight of the vehicle traveling to the destination. Dangerous goods loading indicates whether the vehicle traveling to the destination is loaded with dangerous goods or not.

[0057] Note that all of the search conditions T1 and vehicle type information T2 can be considered by engine B, but only some of them may be considered by engine A. For example, in engine A, when the number of stopping points, time specification, search criteria, toll road use, and highway use are considered possible, even if other items are specified, only the items that can be considered will be considered and the search will be performed.

[0058] In addition, buttons B1, B2, and B3 are provided in the upper left part of FIG. 4. Button B1 is a button for switching whether to display route R5, which is the straight-line distance from the starting point to the destination. Button B2 is a button for causing engine A to perform route search and displaying the search result. Button B3 is a button for causing engine B to perform route search and displaying the search result.

[0059] In addition, buttons B4, B5, B6, B7, and B8 are provided in the upper central part of FIG. 4. Button B4 is a button indicating routes for each season. This is a button for causing, for example, four routes to be searched for each of the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Button B5 is a button indicating routes for each day of the week. This is a button for causing seven routes for each day of the week to be searched for respectively. Button B6 is a button indicating routes during consecutive holidays. This is a button for causing the optimal route to be searched for respectively during consecutive holidays such as Golden Week. Button B7 is a button indicating routes depending on the weather. This is a button for causing routes for each weather condition such as sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy to be searched for respectively. Button B8 is a button indicating routes depending on the time zone. This is a button for causing routes for each time zone such as morning, noon, evening, and night to be searched for respectively.

[0060] In addition, a table T3 showing the evaluation results is shown on the right side of FIG. 4. In this table T3, the distance and time are shown for each of the straight line, engine A, and engine B. Also, for engine A and engine B, the distance and time are shown for each route when traffic information is considered (with traffic information) and when traffic information is not considered (without traffic information).

[0061] In addition, a table T4 showing the evaluation results is shown at the bottom of FIG. 4. In this table T4, values based on the result of the search by engine A and the result of cost calculation of the route searched by engine A using engine B are shown. Table T4 shows items such as response time, movement cost, number of level crossings, number of right turns, number of road regulations considered, one-way traffic, and sea route.

[0062] The response time is the time from when the route search is instructed until the route is acquired. The moving cost is the cost value calculated by the search engine (Engine B) for the route. Regarding the moving cost of Engine A, the value calculated according to the criteria (calculation method) of Engine B for the route searched by Engine A is shown. Therefore, the moving costs are calculated based on the same calculation criteria. By doing so, for example, even when Engine A is an external service and the details of cost calculation are unknown, the moving cost can be calculated (estimated).

[0063] The number of level crossings is the number of level crossings crossed in the route. The number of right turns is the number of right turns made in the route. The number of times of considering road regulations is the number of times road regulations are considered during route search. One-way traffic is the number of one-way sections in the route. The sea route is the number (or presence / absence) of sections where ships, etc. are used in the route.

[0064] Also, in Table T4, the numerical values of the above-mentioned items are calculated and displayed for each route when traffic information is considered (traffic information available) and when traffic information is not considered (traffic information not available).

[0065] Also, the moving cost shown in Table T4 is not limited to directly showing the cost value calculated by Engine B. It may be the evaluation value E calculated by the above formula (1) or (2), or for example, it may be a point conversion based on the calculated cost value out of 100 points, or it may be a stage notation such as ABC or excellent / good / passable.

[0066] In addition, the evaluation unit 32 may cause the engine B to perform cost calculation for a predetermined evaluation unit. Examples of the evaluation unit include categories such as underpasses, intersections, level crossings, traffic lights, etc. In a search engine such as the engine B, costs are calculated in units of nodes and links. Since the above-mentioned underpasses, etc. are included in nodes and links, it is only necessary to obtain the cost value for each node and link. For example, assuming that there are five in a row on a route in the order of an underpass, an intersection with a traffic light, an intersection with a traffic light, a level crossing, and an intersection without a traffic light, cost values may be obtained for each of these five evaluation units. Alternatively, a particularly focused evaluation unit may be specified. For example, if only the level crossing is to be focused on, only the cost value of the level crossing may be obtained.

[0067] In addition, for example, it is not limited to showing the cost value for each underpass, and for example, it may be configured to display when the calculated cost value exceeds a predetermined standard. The display method may be the callout C1 in FIG. 4 or the above-mentioned icons, etc. For example, at an intersection where traffic congestion is severe and it takes a long time to turn right, the cost value is set and calculated to be high. In that case, if the cost value of turning right at the intersection exceeds a predetermined standard, the right turn at the intersection is extracted as an object for display such as an icon. Also, the predetermined standard may be not only the cost value but also the evaluation value E. Also, the predetermined standard may be based on set conditions, such as the vehicle height in the case of an underpass.

[0068] In addition to the number of level crossings shown in the table T4, the number of passes of underpasses, intersections, traffic lights, etc. may be displayed. Since there are intersections with and without traffic lights, the number of passes of intersections and traffic lights may be different. Also, intersections may be subdivided into right turns with a signal and right turns without a signal. Also, the number of stops (the number of stop lines) may be included.

[0069] In addition, the above-mentioned evaluation value E may be applied to the above-mentioned predetermined evaluation unit. For example, the evaluation value E may be obtained based on the cost value calculated for the underpass, and the evaluation value E may be displayed for each underpass, or only the underpasses that exceed a predetermined standard may be displayed.

[0070] In addition, when calculating the above-described evaluation value E, the calculation results of the cost elements (such as the length of the distance, the length of the time, etc.) and the benefit elements (such as the number of automatic driving sections, the beauty of the scenery, etc.) may be shown as a bar graph or the like.

[0071] The search conditions and vehicle type information shown in FIG. 4 are inputs, and the contents shown in Tables T3 and T4 and the routes on the map are outputs.

[0072] Next, the operation of the terminal device 30 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5. First, for example, conditions for route search are set (step S11). These conditions are the search conditions and vehicle type information shown in FIG. 4. Of course, it is not necessary to set all items. The search conditions and vehicle type information in FIG. 4 may be set using an input unit such as a touch panel of the terminal device 30. The search conditions and vehicle type information in FIG. 4 may be input more easily, for example, by using a pull-down menu.

[0073] Next, route information based on the conditions set in step S11 is acquired (step S12). The evaluation unit 32 outputs the set conditions to each of the first search engine 11 (engine A) and the second search engine 21 (engine B), and acquires route information (routes R1, R2, R3, R4) from the departure place to the destination, respectively.

[0074] Next, the route acquired in step S12 is evaluated (step S13). As the evaluation method, as described above, for example, when the first search engine 11 is an external service, the route information acquired from the first search engine 11 is output to the second search engine 21, and the result of cost calculation by the second search engine is acquired. Then, based on the result of cost calculation, the evaluation value E is calculated by the above formula (1) or (2), or the number of level crossings shown in Table T4 is calculated.

[0075] Next, the output unit 33 outputs the result of the evaluation executed in step S13 (step S14). For example, it is displayed as shown in FIG. 4.

[0076] That is, the route information obtained from the first search engine 11 is the first route information, and the acquisition unit 31 has acquired the first route information. Then, the evaluation unit 32 performs cost calculation based on the conditions for the first route information using a search unit (second search engine 21) that performs route search based on the input conditions (search conditions, vehicle type information), and evaluates the first route information. And the output unit 33 outputs the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 32.

[0077] Also, the second search engine 21 functions as a search unit, and the first search engine 11 functions as another search unit. Further, the route information obtained by the second search engine 21 performing route search becomes the second route information.

[0078] Also, step S12 of the flowchart in FIG. 5 functions as an acquisition step, step S13 functions as an evaluation step, and step S14 functions as an output step, respectively.

[0079] In addition, in FIG. 4, the routes respectively searched by the first search engine 11 and the second search engine are displayed, but only the routes (routes R1, R2) searched by the first search engine 11 may be displayed. That is, it may be a usage mode in which the route obtained by an external service is evaluated by the search engine owned by itself.

[0080] Also, in FIG. 1, the terminal device 30 was performing the evaluation, but for example, the second server device 20 may be provided with the functions of the acquisition unit, the evaluation unit, and the output unit. FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the system 1A according to the above-described modification.

[0081] The system 1A in FIG. 6 includes a second server device 20A having an acquisition unit 23, an evaluation unit 24, and an output unit 25. The acquisition unit 23 causes the first search engine 11 of the first server device 10 to perform route search according to the conditions obtained from the terminal device 30A, and acquires the result. The evaluation unit 24 evaluates the result acquired by the acquisition unit 23 by the method as described above. The output unit 25 outputs the evaluation result performed by the evaluation unit 24 to the terminal device 30A.

[0082] The terminal device 30A does not necessarily have functions such as the acquisition unit 31 shown in FIG. 2. However, it has a display unit for displaying the map in FIG. 4 and the like.

[0083] In addition, in the configuration of FIG. 6, the second server device 20A includes the acquisition unit 23 and the like, but other server devices may include the acquisition unit 23, the evaluation unit 24, and the output unit 25.

[0084] Further, the terminal device 30 may include a search engine. FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a system 1B in which the terminal device 30 includes a search engine.

[0085] In the system 1B of FIG. 7, the second server device 20 is deleted, and the terminal device 30B includes a second search engine 34 and a map database 35. The operations of the terminal device 30B to the first server device 10 are the same as those in FIG. 1, but all operations to the second server device 20 are completed within the device itself.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the terminal device 30 includes an acquisition unit 31 that acquires route information from the first server device 10, and a second search engine 21 that performs route search based on the input conditions for the acquired route information, and calculates a cost based on the above-mentioned conditions, and an evaluation unit 32 that evaluates the route information, and an output unit 33 that outputs the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 32. By doing so, the evaluation unit 32 can evaluate the route information that is the result of the search by the first search engine 11 using the second search engine 21.

[0087] In addition, the second search engine 21 performs a route search according to conditions to generate route information, and the output unit outputs the evaluation result of the route information searched by the first search engine 11 and the route information searched by the second search engine 21 in a comparable manner. By doing so, the route searched by the first search engine 11 and the route searched by the second search engine 21 can be compared, and the evaluation result can be presented to the user and the like in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0088] Further, the evaluation unit 32 may obtain an evaluation value based on the result of cost calculation for both the first route information and the second route information, and the output unit 33 may output the evaluation value. By doing so, for example, a cost value or an evaluation value based on the cost value can be shown together with the route information. Therefore, the goodness or badness of the route can be indicated by the cost.

[0089] Alternatively, the evaluation unit 32 may cause the second search engine 21 to perform cost calculation for the input route information in a predetermined evaluation unit, extract the evaluation units whose calculated cost values exceed a predetermined standard, and the output unit 33 may output the extracted evaluation units. By doing so, for example, it is possible to evaluate each evaluation unit such as an underpass or a railroad crossing, so that the route can be subdivided and evaluated.

[0090] Further, the evaluation unit may include at least one of an underpass, an intersection, a railroad crossing, and a traffic signal. By doing so, it is possible to use the form of the road that forms the route and the facilities on the road as evaluation units.

[0091] Alternatively, the evaluation unit 32 may calculate the number of passes in the route indicated by the route information for each category of the evaluation unit, and the output unit 33 may output the number of passes. By doing so, for example, the number of passes can be shown for each intersection, each railroad crossing, etc.

[0092] Alternatively, the evaluation unit 32 may obtain an evaluation value based on the calculated cost for the extracted evaluation unit, and the output unit 33 may output the evaluation value. By doing so, an evaluation value can be presented for each evaluation unit, and for example, it also becomes clear which evaluation unit has a poor evaluation. Specifically, when there are a plurality of intersections in the route, it is possible to indicate which intersection has a poor evaluation (high cost).

[0093] In the form shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the route (first route information) for cost calculation by the second search engine 21 was only the first server device 10, but it may be plural. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a plurality of routes corresponding to the first route information are acquired by the terminal device 30. In FIG. 8, the third server device 60 is configured by a well-known server computer similar to the first server device 10.

[0094] The third server device 60 includes a third search engine 61 and a map database 62. The third search engine 61 refers to the map database 62 based on conditions such as a departure place and a destination given from the outside, and searches for a route suitable for traveling, similar to other search engines. Note that the third search engine 61 may be different from other search engines in, for example, algorithm tuning, parameters, cost calculation methods, and conditions that can be considered. That is, even if the same conditions are given to the third search engine 61 as to other search engines, different routes may be output. The map database 62 is a database having map data for the third search engine 61 to perform route search.

[0095] In the configuration of FIG. 8, the terminal device 30 basically operates according to the flowchart of FIG. 5. However, in step S12, the set conditions are output to each of the first search engine 11, the second search engine 21, and the third search engine 61, and route information from the departure place to the destination is acquired respectively.

[0096] Next, when evaluating the route acquired in step S13, for example, if the first search engine 11 and the third search engine 61 are external services, the route information acquired from the first search engine 11 and the third search engine 61 is output to the second search engine 21, and the result of cost calculation by the second search engine is acquired. Then, based on the result of cost calculation, the evaluation value E is calculated by the above formula (1) or (2), or the number of level crossings shown in Table T4 is calculated. Then, the output unit 33 outputs the result of the evaluation executed in step S13.

[0097] In FIG. 8, the third search engine 61 is shown, but the search results of more search engines such as the fourth search engine, the fifth search engine, etc. may be comparably displayed. Further, the search results of the second search engine 21 may not be displayed. That is, the route information between external services may be displayed so that a comparison of a plurality of external services can be made.

[0098] Furthermore, in the same manner as the forms shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the third server device 60 can be added and the same operations as above can be performed.

Embodiment

[0099] Next, an evaluation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 10. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system 1C including the evaluation device of this embodiment. The system 1C shown in FIG. 9 includes a server device 40 and a terminal device 50. The server device 40 and the terminal device 50 are communicably connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet.

[0100] The server device 40 is composed of a well-known server computer, and includes, for example, a microprocessor having a CPU, a memory, etc., a storage device for storing various programs and data, and a network interface. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the server device 40 includes a search engine 41 and a map database 42. Since the search engine 41 and the map database 42 are the same as the second search engine 21 and the map database 22 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The terminal device 50 is a device that displays (outputs) the route searched by the search engine 41. The terminal device 50 may be a personal computer (desktop type, node type), a mobile device such as a smartphone, or a navigation device such as a car navigation.

[0102] Fig. 10 shows the functional configuration of the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 includes acquisition units 51a and 51b, and an output unit 52. The acquisition unit 51a acquires the route information searched by the search engine 41. The acquisition unit 51b acquires route information that has been searched in advance or traveled. This route information that has been searched in advance may be acquired from another server device via the network N, or may be acquired from an external storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. If it is traveled route information, when the terminal device 50 is a terminal in which a navigation device or a navigation app is installed, it may be acquired from the saved past travel history. That is, the acquisition unit 51b may be not limited to a circuit for communicating with the network N, but may be a USB connection interface or an interface with a storage device that stores the travel history, etc.

[0103] The output unit 52 is the same as the output unit 33 shown in Fig. 2, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0104] In this embodiment, the output unit 52 outputs so that the route information searched in advance and the traveled route information acquired by the acquisition unit 51b can be compared with the route information searched by the search engine 41 under the same conditions. For example, it is possible to compare the route used in daily life with the route searched by the search engine 41. As a method of comparison, it may be shown on a map like the routes R1 to R4 in Fig. 4, or may be shown only by numerical values such as distance and time.

[0105] Also, in the form of Fig. 10, an evaluation unit is not provided, but it may be provided. That is, the route information searched in advance and the traveled route information acquired by the acquisition unit 51b may be transmitted to the server device 40 to cause the search engine 41 to calculate the cost, and the number of underpasses, level crossings, intersections, etc. and the evaluation value E as described in the first embodiment may be displayed.

[0106] Note that in this embodiment as well, it may be configured to be evaluated by the server device 20A as shown in FIG. 6, or may be configured to include a search engine in a terminal device as shown in FIG. 7. When applying the configuration of FIG. 7 to this embodiment, the server device 40 in FIG. 9 becomes unnecessary, so evaluation can be substantially performed only by the terminal device 50.

[0107] That is, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 51b functions as a first acquisition unit that acquires first route information from the outside, and as a second acquisition unit that acquires second route information generated by a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the terminal device 50 includes an acquisition unit 51b that acquires route information from the outside, an acquisition unit 51a that acquires route information generated by a search engine 41 that performs route search based on the input conditions, and an output unit 52 that outputs the route information from the outside and the route information searched by the search engine 41 in a comparable manner. By doing so, the route information acquired by the acquisition unit 51b does not have to be searched in real time, and can be used in various scenarios.

[0109] Note that for the pre-searched route information described in the above-described second embodiment, the search results (route information) of a plurality of search engines can be used in the same manner as the configuration shown in FIG. 8. As described above, the search results of a plurality of search engines may be acquired from another server device via the network N, for example, or may be acquired from an external storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0110] Also, in the above-described two embodiments, the route search between two points has been described, but it may be applied to the search of a route that traverses a plurality of points, a route between one point and a plurality of points, a route between a plurality of points and a plurality of points, etc.

[0111] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. That is, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and implement them in accordance with the conventionally known knowledge without departing from the gist of the present invention. As long as the evaluation apparatus of the present invention is still included even by such modifications, of course, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0112] 1 System 10 First Server Device 11 First Search Engine 20 Second Server Device 21 Second Search Engine 20A Second Server Device 22 Acquisition Unit 23 Evaluation Unit 24 Output Unit 30 Terminal Device 31 Acquisition Unit 32 Evaluation Unit 33 Output Unit 30A Terminal Device 30B Terminal Device 34 Second Search Engine 40 Server Device 41 Search Engine 50 Terminal Device 51a Acquisition Unit 51b Acquisition Unit 52 Output Unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires first route information from the outside, For the first route information, cost calculation based on the conditions is performed using a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions, and an evaluation unit that evaluates the first route information, An output unit that outputs the evaluation result of the evaluation unit, An evaluation device characterized by comprising.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the first route information searched by another search unit different from the search unit, The evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The search unit performs route search according to the conditions to generate second route information, The output unit outputs the evaluation result of the first route information and the second route information in a comparable manner, The evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The evaluation unit obtains evaluation values based on the results of the cost calculation for both the first route information and the second route information, The output unit outputs the evaluation value, The evaluation device according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of the first route information, The plurality of the first route information are each searched by a plurality of different other search units, The output unit outputs the evaluation results of the plurality of the first route information in a comparable manner to each other, The evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The evaluation unit obtains evaluation values based on the results of the cost calculation for the plurality of the first route information, The output unit outputs the evaluation value, The evaluation device according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The evaluation unit causes the cost calculation to be performed on the input first route information in a predetermined evaluation unit, extracts the evaluation unit whose calculated cost exceeds a predetermined standard, The output unit outputs the extracted evaluation unit, The evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. The evaluation device according to claim 7, characterized in that the evaluation unit includes at least one of underpass, intersection, level crossing, and traffic signal as a category.

9. The evaluation unit calculates the number of passes in the route indicated by the first route information for each category of the evaluation unit, The output unit outputs the number of passes, The evaluation device according to claim 7, characterized in that.

10. The evaluation unit obtains an evaluation value based on the calculated cost for the extracted evaluation unit, The output unit outputs the evaluation value, The evaluation device according to claim 7, characterized in that.

11. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit further evaluates based on an evaluation item for which the route should be selected.

12. A first acquisition unit that acquires first route information from the outside, A second acquisition unit that acquires second route information generated by a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions, An output unit that outputs the first route information and the second route information so as to be comparable, An evaluation device characterized by comprising:

13. An evaluation method executed by an evaluation device that evaluates a searched route, An acquisition step of acquiring first route information from the outside, An evaluation step of performing cost calculation based on the conditions using a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions for the first route information, and evaluating the first route information, An output step of outputting the evaluation result of the evaluation step, An evaluation method characterized by including:

14. An evaluation method executed by an evaluation device that evaluates a searched route, A first acquisition step of acquiring first route information from the outside, A second acquisition step of acquiring second route information generated by a search unit that performs route search based on the input conditions, An output step of outputting the first route information and the second route information so as to be comparable, An evaluation method characterized by including:

15. An evaluation program characterized by causing a computer to execute the evaluation method according to claim 13 or 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium characterized by storing the evaluation program according to claim 15.

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