Route guidance system

Abstract

To provide a technology for improving convenience of a wheelchair user.SOLUTION: A route guidance system includes: a departure point and destination acquisition unit configured to acquire a departure point and a destination of a route on a wheelchair; a first route search unit configured to search for a first route, which is a route from the departure point to the destination, based on a search condition for a case in which a wheelchair user travels by self-operation; a second route search unit configured to search for a second route, which is a route from the departure point to the destination, based on a search condition for a case in which the user travels with assistance of a caregiver; and a search result display unit configured to display a search result of the first route and a search result of the second route in a comparable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a route guidance system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for displaying a support map for wheelchair users is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 2 describes a method for displaying an optimal passage route according to an individual wheelchair user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In route search to a destination, the optimal route when a wheelchair user manually operates the wheelchair to move himself / herself and the optimal route when the wheelchair user moves with the assistance of others may be different. For example, there may be a section with a step or gradient that a wheelchair user cannot pass through by self-operation but can pass through with assistance. If a wheelchair user can compare these two routes, he / she can consider the moving route, the presence or absence of a request to a companion, etc., and the convenience when the wheelchair user moves is improved. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technology for improving the convenience of wheelchair users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above object, a route guidance system includes a departure and destination acquisition unit that acquires the departure and destination of wheelchair movement, a first route search unit that searches for a first route, which is a movement route from the departure to the destination, based on search conditions when the wheelchair user moves independently, a second route search unit that searches for a second route, which is a movement route from the departure to the destination, based on search conditions when the user moves with the assistance of an assistant, and a search result display unit that displays the search result of the first route and the search result of the second route in a comparable manner.

[0006] That is, in the route guidance system, when searching for a route from the departure to the destination, it searches for the movement route when the wheelchair user moves independently and the movement route when the user moves with the assistance of an assistant, and displays the search results of both in a comparable manner. Therefore, the wheelchair user can compare the two routes and consider factors such as the movement route and whether to request a companion. As a result, the convenience of wheelchair users can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) Overall configuration: (1-1) Configuration of the user terminal: (1-2) Configuration of the route guidance system: (2) Route guidance process: (3) Other embodiments:

[0009] (1) Overall configuration: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the route guidance system 10 according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the route guidance system 10 searches for a route along which a wheelchair user can move, including a route where the user manually operates the wheelchair to move and a route when the user can receive assistance from an assistant, and has a function of comparing and displaying both. In this specification, the movement of a wheelchair user by manually operating the wheelchair is referred to as self-operation. The user terminal 100 is a terminal used by a wheelchair user in order to utilize the functions of the route guidance system 10.

[0010] (1-1) Configuration of the user terminal: In the present embodiment, the user terminal 100 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. The user terminal 100 includes a communication unit 140, a GNSS reception unit 141, a UI unit 142, and a control unit 120. The communication unit 140 includes a circuit for communicating with other devices. The user terminal 100 can communicate with the route guidance system 10 via the communication unit 140.

[0011] The GNSS reception unit 141 is a device that receives signals of the Global Navigation Satellite System. The GNSS reception unit 141 receives radio waves from navigation satellites and outputs a signal for calculating the position of the user terminal 100. The control unit 120 acquires this signal and obtains the position of the user terminal 100.

[0012] The UI unit 142 is an interface unit that receives instructions from the user and provides various information to the user, and includes a touch panel display, switches, speakers, microphones, etc. The control unit 120 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and can execute various programs recorded on a recording medium or in the ROM.

[0013] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 can execute a navigation program for wheelchair movement. By executing the navigation program, the control unit 120 receives inputs of the departure point and the destination via the UI unit 142 and transmits them together with a search request for a travel route to the route guidance system 10. Further, the control unit 120 receives the search result data returned from the route guidance system 10 and displays the search results on the display of the UI unit 142 based on the search result data.

[0014] (1-2) Configuration of the route guidance system: The route guidance system 10 includes a control unit 20 including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., a recording medium 30, and a communication unit 40, and the control unit 20 can execute programs stored in the recording medium 30 and the ROM. In this embodiment, a route guidance program 21 can be executed as this program. The communication unit 40 includes a circuit for communicating with other devices, and the route guidance system 10 can communicate with the user terminal 100 via the communication unit 40.

[0015] Map information 30a is recorded in the recording medium 30. In this embodiment, the map information 30a is for pedestrians. Pedestrians include wheelchair users. The map information 30a includes node data indicating the positions of nodes set on the roads where pedestrians pass, shape interpolation point data indicating the positions of shape interpolation points for specifying the shapes of roads between nodes, link data indicating the connection between nodes, facility data indicating the positions, names, facility genres, etc. of facilities existing on the roads and their surroundings, and the like.

[0016] In addition, the link data is associated with data for determining whether a wheelchair can pass through. For example, the link data is associated with information indicating the gradient of the road section. Further, when there is one or more steps within the road section, information indicating the position of the step, the height of one step, the number of consecutive steps (number of steps), etc. is associated with the link data corresponding to the section. In the present embodiment, when the interval between steps in the moving direction along the extending direction of the road in the two-dimensional map is within the threshold value, it is regarded as consecutive steps.

[0017] The control unit 20 executes a route guidance program 21 in order to realize a function of comparably displaying the search result of the moving route in the self-propelled mode and the search result of the moving route in the case of assisted movement. By executing the route guidance program 21, the control unit 20 functions as a departure destination acquisition unit 21a, a first route search unit 21b, a second route search unit 21c, and a search result display unit 21d.

[0018] By the function of the departure destination acquisition unit 21a, the control unit 20 acquires the departure place and the destination of the wheelchair movement. The control unit 20 acquires the departure place and the destination input by the user to the user terminal 100 via the communication unit 40.

[0019] Based on the function of the first path search unit 21b, the control unit 20 searches for a first path, which is a moving path from the starting point to the destination, based on the search conditions when the wheelchair user moves manually. The search conditions when moving manually include not passing through a road section with a gradient steeper than the first reference value and not passing through a road section with one or more steps. The first reference value is a value determined in advance as a threshold for the ascending or descending gradient to be avoided in the case of manual operation. Specifically, for example, a gradient value of about 1 / 12 may be assumed. Note that gradient values with different absolute values may be adopted as the first reference value for the ascending and descending cases. The control unit 20 raises the cost of a link having a gradient steeper than the first reference value and the cost of a link having one or more steps to, for example, the upper limit value of the cost, and uses a path search algorithm to search for the path with the lowest cost from the starting point to the destination. By searching in this way, a path suitable for the case of moving manually (a path with the minimum overall cost while avoiding sections that cannot be traversed manually) can be obtained.

[0020] Based on the function of the second route search unit 21c, the control unit 20 searches for a second route, which is a moving route from the starting point to the destination, based on the search conditions when the user moves with the assistance of an assistant. The search conditions when moving with assistance include not passing through a road section with a gradient steeper than a second reference value indicating a steeper gradient than the first reference value, and not passing through a road section having two or more consecutive steps. The second reference value is a value determined in advance as a threshold for the gradient of ascent or descent that should avoid wheelchair passage even with assistance. Specifically, for example, a gradient value of about 1 / 8 may be assumed. Note that different absolute values for ascent and descent may be adopted as the second reference value. The control unit 20 refers to the map information 30a to obtain the positions of the steps existing on the second route. When there is a road section where the interval between adjacent steps (distance in the moving direction along the road) is within the threshold, the control unit 20 regards the road section as a road section having two or more consecutive steps. The control unit 20 raises the cost of a link having a gradient steeper than the second reference value and the cost of a link having two or more consecutive steps to, for example, the upper limit value of the cost, and searches for the route with the lowest cost from the starting point to the destination. By searching in this way, a route suitable for the case where the user can obtain assistance (a route that avoids sections where passage is impossible even with assistance and has the minimum overall cost) can be obtained.

[0021] Based on the function of the search result display unit 21d, the control unit 20 causes the user terminal 100 to display the search results of the first route and the second route in a comparable manner. The control unit 20 calculates the total length of the sections of each link constituting the first route to obtain the route length of the first route. Further, the control unit 20 calculates the required time for moving along the first route by self-operation based on the average moving speed of the wheelchair during self-operation and the route length of the first route.

[0022] The control unit 20 calculates the total length of each link constituting the second path and calculates the path length of the second path. Further, the control unit 20 calculates the required time when assistance from an assistant is obtained. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 assumes that the wheelchair user uses the assistance of the assistant only for locations or sections that cannot be passed in the case of self-operation but can be passed with assistance, and the wheelchair user moves by self-operation for other sections that can be passed by self-operation. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 calculates the required time assuming that the average moving speed when moving with assistance is the same as the average moving speed in the case of self-operation. That is, the control unit 20 calculates the required time of the second path from the average moving speed and the path length of the second path that are the same as those in the case of self-operation described above. Note that different values may be adopted for the average moving speed when moving with assistance and the average moving speed in the case of self-operation. In that case, the control unit 20 calculates the required time from the length of the section where assistance is required and the average moving speed in the case of having assistance, calculates the required time from the length of the self-operation section and the average moving speed in the case of self-operation, and calculates the required time of the second path by summing them up. Note that, in the present embodiment, a section that cannot be passed in the case of self-operation but can be passed with assistance is a section where the gradient is greater than 1 / 12 and less than or equal to 1 / 8, or a section where there is a single non-continuous step.

[0023] Various modes may be adopted for guiding the search results of the first path and the second path so that they can be compared. For example, for each of the first path and the second path, it may be configured to display at least one of the required time, the path length, and a map showing the path. In the present embodiment, in order to display all of these as search results, the control unit 20 transmits search result data including map image data showing the path, the path length, and the required time for both the first path and the second path to the user terminal 100. The map image data showing the path is composed of, for example, data indicating the positions of points (such as intersections) on the path and the passing order thereof, and map information indicating features (roads, facilities, etc.) included in a predetermined range including the path.

[0024] In addition, the control unit 20 transmits to the user terminal 100, as search results, data including data for displaying assistance points for the second route. The second route, that is, the route in the case of having assistance, includes points that cannot be passed by self-operation but can be passed with assistance. The control unit 20 transmits to the user terminal 100 the position of this point and information indicating the state of the road at the point (factors requiring assistance). The information indicating the state of the road at the point is, for example, "step" or the like. When the portion requiring assistance is a section having a length equal to or greater than a predetermined length, the position of the start point and the end point of the section, the section length, and the state of the road in the section (for example, "1 / 8 gradient" or the like) are transmitted to the user terminal 100.

[0025] When the user terminal 100 receives these search result data, it displays on the display of the user terminal 100 a screen that comparably shows the search results based on the search result data. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the search results. Buttons b1 and b2 shown in FIG. 2 are buttons for switching the selection state between the first route and the second route. Button b1 is a button for selecting the first route, and a pictogram indicating wheelchair movement by self-operation, the required time of the first route, and the route length are displayed. Button b2 is a button for selecting the second route, and a pictogram indicating wheelchair movement with assistance, the required time of the second route, and the route length are displayed. Note that FIG. 2 shows a state in which the second route is selected. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the first route and the second route are displayed at once in the map display area a1, but the selected route is highlighted more than the unselected route. That is, in the map display area a1 of FIG. 2, the thick solid line connecting point A and point B indicates the highlighted second route, and the thin broken line connecting point A and point B indicates the first route.

[0026] In this way, for each of the first route and the second route, by displaying the required time, the route length, and the map showing the route, based on this information, the user can determine whether to select the first route and move by themselves, or select the second route and request accompaniment and assistance from others. Note that at least any one of the required time, the route length, and the map showing the route may be displayed as a search result. For example, if the required time of the first route and the required time of the second route are displayed in a comparable manner, the user can compare the two and determine which route to select. For example, when the map showing the first route and the map showing the second route are displayed in a comparable manner, the user can also compare them and consider which route to select.

[0027] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, when the second route is selected, the control unit 120 of the user terminal 100 displays, based on the data for displaying the assistance point, the points or sections where passage is possible with assistance separately from the other parts (i.e., the parts that can be self-operated) on the second route. Further, the control unit 120 displays the road conditions of the relevant points and sections in association with the relevant points and sections. In FIG. 2, the section that requires assistance is displayed by a line in a different form from the other sections of the second route, and in the balloon pointing to the section, the text indicating the road conditions of the section is displayed. Also, the section length of the section that requires assistance is also displayed (e.g., “Companion support distance: 10 m”). By displaying this information, the wheelchair user can grasp the positions and numbers of the points and sections that require assistance and the road conditions. By clarifying the assistance points and sections on the second route in this way, compared with the case where this information is unclear, the wheelchair user can more easily and specifically request assistance from others. When the start button b3 shown in FIG. 2 is operated in the state where any route is selected, the control unit 120 determines the selected route as the guidance route and starts navigation.

[0028] As described above, when searching for a route from the departure point to the destination, the route guidance system 10 searches for the travel route when the wheelchair user moves independently and the travel route when the user moves with the assistance of an assistant, and causes the user terminal 100 to display the search results of both so that they can be compared. Therefore, the wheelchair user can consider the travel route, the presence or absence of a request to a companion, etc. by comparing the two routes. As a result, the convenience of wheelchair users can be improved.

[0029] (2) Route guidance process: Next, the route guidance process executed by the route guidance system 10 in cooperation with the user terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The route guidance process starts when the user operates the user terminal 100 to start a navigation program for a wheelchair. When the user inputs the departure point and the destination into the user terminal 100, the control unit 120 of the user terminal 100 receives the departure point and the destination (step S100). Note that the control unit 20 may acquire the current location of the user terminal 100 based on the output of the GNSS reception unit 141 and use the current location as the default departure point.

[0030] Subsequently, when the user performs an operation requesting a travel route by wheelchair, the control unit 120 receives the operation and transmits a search request for the travel route by wheelchair to the route guidance system 10 (step S105). That is, the control unit 120 transmits a search request for the travel route by wheelchair, which is the route from the departure point acquired in step S100 to the destination, to the route guidance system 10.

[0031] When the route guidance system 10 receives a search request for a movement route in a wheelchair, the control unit 20 acquires a departure point and a destination based on the search request by the function of the departure destination acquisition unit 21a (step S110). Subsequently, the control unit 20 searches for a movement route in the case of self-operation (first route) and a movement route in the case of having an assistant (second route) (step S115). That is, the control unit 20 searches for the first route, which is a movement route from the departure point to the destination, based on the search conditions when the wheelchair user moves by self-operation by the function of the first route search unit 21b. Also, the control unit 20 searches for the second route, which is a movement route from the departure point to the destination, based on the search conditions when the user moves with the assistance of an assistant by the function of the second route search unit 21c.

[0032] Subsequently, the control unit 20 generates search result data for comparably displaying the search results of the first route and the search results of the second route by the function of the search result display unit 21d (step S120), and transmits the search result data to the user terminal 100 (step S125). That is, the control unit 20 generates search result data including map image data indicating the route, the route length, and the required time for both the first route and the second route, and data indicating the assistance points for the second route, and transmits it to the user terminal 100.

[0033] When the control unit 120 of the user terminal 100 receives the search result data from the route guidance system 10 (step S130), it displays both search results and highlights the first route (step S135). That is, the control unit 20 sets the state in which the first route is selected, and displays the required time and route length of the first route (refer to b1 in FIG. 2), and the map including the first route (refer to a1 in FIG. 2) based on the data regarding the first route in the search result data. The control unit 120 highlights the first route in the map display area a1. Also, the control unit 120 displays the required time and route length of the second route (refer to b2 in FIG. 2), and the second route (refer to a1 in FIG. 2) based on the data regarding the second route in the search result data.

[0034] Subsequently, the control unit 120 determines whether it has been determined via the first route (step S140). If it is determined that it has been determined, the control unit 120 starts route guidance via the first route (step S145). That is, when the start button b3 is operated with the button b1 in FIG. 2 selected, the control unit 120 determines that it has been determined via the first route and starts navigation on the first route.

[0035] If it is not determined in step S140 that it has been determined via the first route, the control unit 120 determines whether either the first route or the second route has been selected (step S150). If it is determined in step S150 that the first route has been selected, the control unit 120 returns to step S135. If it is determined in step S150 that the second route has been selected, the control unit 120 displays both search results and highlights the second route (step S155). That is, the control unit 20 displays the required time and route length of the second route (see b2 in FIG. 2), a map including the second route (see a1 in FIG. 2) based on the data regarding the second route in the search result data. The control unit 120 highlights the second route in the map display area a1. Further, the control unit 120 displays the required time and route length of the first route (see b1 in FIG. 2), the first route (see a1 in FIG. 2) based on the data regarding the first route in the search result data. In addition, the control unit 120 displays information (road conditions and section length) regarding points or sections on the second route that require assistance.

[0036] Subsequently, the control unit 120 determines whether it has been determined via the second route (step S160). If it is not determined in step S160 that it has been determined via the second route, it returns to step S150. If it is determined in step S160 that it has been determined via the second route, the control unit 120 starts route guidance via the second route (step S165). That is, when the start button b3 is operated with the button b2 in FIG. 2 selected, the control unit 120 determines that it has been determined via the second route and starts navigation on the second route.

[0037] (3) Other embodiments: The above embodiments are examples for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, the route guidance system may be implemented by a single user terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or may be implemented by a plurality of devices (for example, a user terminal and a server, etc.). At least a part of the departure destination acquisition unit 21a, the first route search unit 21b, the second route search unit 21c, and the search result display unit 21d that constitute the route guidance system may be divided and exist in a plurality of devices. Some configurations of the above-described embodiments may be omitted, or the processing order may be changed or omitted.

[0038] The link data is not limited to outdoor roads, and indoor passages may also be included in the map information as link data. Further, the link data may include data indicating the width of the link. Depending on the type of wheelchair, the width of the wheelchair can vary. Therefore, depending on the type of wheelchair, there may be passages that cannot be passed through. The first route search unit and the second route search unit acquire information indicating the width of the wheelchair used by the wheelchair user. That the wheelchair with the acquired width can pass through may be added to the search conditions for the first route and the second route. Specifically, it is configured to search for a route that does not pass through a section having a width narrower than the width obtained by adding a predetermined margin to the width of the user's wheelchair.

[0039] In addition, depending on the physique of wheelchair users, the height of steps and the degree of gradient that can be passed with the assistance of an assistant may vary. Therefore, the map information may be configured to include information indicating not only the presence or absence of steps but also the height of the steps. Further, the route guidance system may be configured to acquire the weight of the wheelchair user. Then, the second route search unit may variably set the height and gradient of steps that can be passed with assistance according to the weight of the wheelchair user. For example, when the weight of the wheelchair user is heavy, the height of the steps considered passable with assistance may be set to a smaller value than when the weight is light. Also, when the weight of the wheelchair user is heavy, the gradient considered passable with assistance may be set to a gentler value than when the weight is light. Further, these values may be variably set according to the relative relationship between the physiques of the wheelchair user and the assistant. For example, the route guidance system may be configured to acquire from the wheelchair user whether the weight of the accompanying person is lighter than the weight of the wheelchair user and whether the accompanying person has physical strength. The second route search unit may be configured to variably set the height and gradient of steps that can be passed with assistance according to the weight of the wheelchair user as described above, for example, when the weight of the accompanying person is lighter than the weight of the wheelchair user.

[0040] The search result display unit only needs to be able to display the search results of the first route and the second route in a comparable manner, and various modes other than the examples of the above embodiments may be adopted for the specific display method. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is not always necessary to display both routes within one map. By switching the selection states of the first route and the second route, these may be alternately switched and displayed.

[0041] Furthermore, the method of the present invention is also applicable as a program or a method. Also, the system, program, and method as described above may be realized as a single device, or may be realized by using components shared with each part provided in the vehicle, and include various aspects. Also, it can be appropriately changed, such as part being software and part being hardware. Furthermore, the invention is also established as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in exactly the same way.

Explanation of Signs

[0042] 10…Route guidance system, 20…Control unit, 21…Route guidance program, 21a…Departure and destination acquisition unit, 21d…Search result display unit, 30…Recording medium, 30a…Map information, 40…Communication unit, 100…User terminal, 120…Control unit, 140…Communication unit, 141…GNSS receiver, 142…UI unit, a1…Map display area, b1, b2…Buttons, b3…Departure button

Claims

1. A starting point and destination acquisition unit that acquires the starting point and destination of movement in a wheelchair; A first route search unit that searches for a first route, which is a movement route from the starting point to the destination, based on search conditions when the wheelchair user moves by self-operation; A second route search unit that searches for a second route, which is a movement route from the starting point to the destination, based on search conditions when the user moves with the assistance of an assistant; A search result display unit that displays the search results of the first route and the second route in a comparable manner; A route guidance system comprising the above.

2. The search result display unit displays at least any one of the required time, the route length, and a map showing the route for each of the first route and the second route. The route guidance system according to Claim 1.

3. The search result display unit displays an assistance point for the second route. The route guidance system according to Claim 2.

4. The search conditions when moving by self-operation include not passing through a road section with a gradient steeper than a first reference value and not passing through a road section having one or more steps. The search conditions when moving with assistance include not passing through a road section with a gradient steeper than a second reference value indicating a gradient steeper than the first reference value and not passing through a road section having two or more consecutive steps. The route guidance system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

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