Navigation system, navigation method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a navigation system that enhances the effectiveness of guide information and also contributes to an improvement of safety.SOLUTION: A navigation system includes a guide unit that obtains guide information on a delivery route and output the guide information. The guide unit changes at least one of an output frequency of the guide information and an output method of the guide information according to a driver level of a user. This enhances the effectiveness of the guide information and also contributes to an improvement of safety in the navigation system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a navigation system, a navigation method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Navigation systems that provide guidance on travel routes from a departure point to a destination and information related to the travel routes are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication navigation system that can acquire individual information about users without the need for each user to register. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a navigation device that suppresses guidance on roads that users are familiar with. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses an information processing device that notifies users of notification information determined according to a priority and a notification value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-42789 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-64597 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-158771 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, the spread of internet shopping has led to an increase in the demand for logistics services, and the number of people (hereinafter referred to as "delivery persons") engaged in the task of delivering packages such as merchandise to designated destinations is on the rise. From the perspective of improving work efficiency, delivery persons are assigned a predetermined area of ​​responsibility, and deliver packages to residential homes within that area. Areas with many residential homes tend to have more narrow roads and dead-end streets than normal main streets, and are often heavily trafficked by people and bicycles. For this reason, delivery persons are required to have not only the delivery skills necessary to perform their delivery duties, but also the driving skills necessary to drive safely.

[0005] In this regard, delivery work skills and driving skills vary from delivery person to delivery person. Therefore, if guidance is provided without taking into consideration the proficiency level of these skills, those with high proficiency may find the guidance annoying, and those with low proficiency may feel that the guidance is insufficient, resulting in a problem of reduced effectiveness of the guidance. Furthermore, insufficient guidance for those with low proficiency may lead to a problem of impaired safety. However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not take into consideration the proficiency level of these skills (hereinafter also referred to as "driver level").

[0006] This issue is not limited to delivery people engaged in delivery work, but is also common to workers who need to balance some kind of work skill with driving skill, and general drivers who only need driving skill.Furthermore, this issue is not limited to route guidance from a departure point to a destination, but is also common when users such as delivery people are given guidance about the roads they are driving on while they are driving on roads without relying on route guidance.

[0007] For this reason, there has been a demand for a navigation system that can improve the effectiveness of guidance information and contribute to improving safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following aspects.

[0009] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a navigation system is provided. The navigation system includes a guidance unit that acquires guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputs the guidance information. The guidance unit changes at least one of the frequency of outputting the guidance information and the method of outputting the guidance information according to a driver level of a user.

[0010] According to this configuration, the guidance unit changes at least one of the frequency of outputting guidance information regarding delivery routes and the method of outputting the guidance information depending on the user's driver level, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety.

[0011] (2) In the above-described navigation system, the guidance information is directly or indirectly associated with the importance of the guidance information, and the guidance unit is configured to change the output frequency of the guidance information according to the driver level. When the driver level is relatively high, the output frequency of the guidance information may be reduced by not outputting the guidance information having a relatively low importance. According to this configuration, since the importance of each piece of guidance information is directly or indirectly associated with the piece of guidance information, the output frequency of the guidance information can be changed for each piece of guidance information. Furthermore, when the driver level is relatively high, the guidance unit reduces the output frequency of the guidance information by not outputting guidance information with a relatively low importance. This reduces the annoyance felt by users with a relatively high driver level due to excessive output of guidance information, and by outputting only guidance information with a relatively high importance, the effectiveness of the guidance information can be increased, contributing to improved safety. Furthermore, by outputting guidance information with a relatively low importance for users with a relatively low driver level, the feeling of insufficient guidance for the user can be reduced, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety.

[0012] (3) In the above-described navigation system, the guidance unit may be configured to change the method of outputting the guidance information depending on the driver level, and as the driver level becomes lower, the guidance information may be output by a variety of means, or the amount of information contained in the guidance information may be increased, or the timing of outputting the guidance information may be advanced. According to this configuration, as the driver level decreases, the guidance unit outputs the guidance information using various means, increases the amount of information included in the guidance information, or advances the timing of outputting the guidance information. This reduces the feeling of insufficient guidance for users with relatively low driver levels, thereby improving the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety. Furthermore, by outputting the guidance information earlier than usual to users with relatively low driver levels, the users can confirm the guidance information and take appropriate action in plenty of time. On the other hand, for users with relatively high driver levels, the types of output means of the guidance information and the amount of information included in the guidance information are relatively reduced, thereby reducing the annoyance felt by users due to the output of excessive guidance information. As a result, the effectiveness of the guidance information is improved and safety is improved.

[0013] (4) In the above-described navigation system, the guidance unit may obtain the driver level of the user from another device connected via a network by transmitting an identifier for uniquely identifying the user to the other device. According to this configuration, the guidance unit transmits an identifier for uniquely identifying the user to another device connected via a network, thereby acquiring the user's driver level from the other device. Therefore, control can be performed while keeping the user's driver level confidential from the user. Furthermore, the user's driver level can be centrally managed by the other device.

[0014] (5) In the above-described navigation system, the driver level may include at least one of the user's proficiency in delivery skills required to carry out delivery work and the user's proficiency in driving skills required to drive safely. According to this configuration, the driver level includes at least one of the user's proficiency in delivery work skills required to carry out delivery work and the user's proficiency in driving skills required to drive safely, making it possible to output guidance information that takes into account the user's delivery work skills and driving skills.

[0015] (6) In the above-described navigation system, the delivery route is a route including one or more delivery destinations where the user stops to deliver the package, and the guidance information may include at least one of traffic guidance information regarding the delivery route, package information regarding the package, and delivery destination information regarding the delivery destination of the package. This configuration makes it possible to provide a navigation system specialized for delivery work that delivers packages.

[0016] (7) In the above-described navigation system, the guidance information may include a specified delivery time for the package and an estimated time of arrival at the delivery destination, and the guidance unit may output a message indicating that the package will be late if the estimated time of arrival is later than the specified delivery time. According to this configuration, if the estimated arrival time at the delivery destination is later than the specified delivery time of the package, the information unit outputs a message indicating that the delivery will be late, thereby improving convenience for those engaged in delivery work (delivery personnel) and reducing the possibility of delays in the delivery time of the package.

[0017] The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a device or system that changes at least one of the frequency and method of outputting guidance information depending on the level of the user, a computer program for realizing the functions of this device or a system including the device, a server device for distributing the computer program, a non-transitory storage medium on which the computer program is stored, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance frequency settings. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of a package information DB, a level information DB, and a delivery destination information DB. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance method settings. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed in the navigation system. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively low driver level. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively high driver level. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed in a navigation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A. First embodiment: Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a navigation system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system 1 is a system whose users are people (hereinafter also referred to as "delivery persons") who are engaged in logistics work, particularly the work of delivering packages such as merchandise to designated destinations. The navigation system 1 illustrated here outputs guidance information to the users (delivery persons) including route guidance to the destination of the package to be delivered (hereinafter also referred to as "package to be delivered") and information related to the destination, thereby facilitating delivery work.

[0020] The navigation system 1 includes a route server 10, a delivery plan server 20, and a client 30. The route server 10 and the delivery plan server 20 are connected to the Internet INT by wired communication. The client 30 is connected to the Internet INT by wireless communication via a communication carrier BS. The communication carrier BS includes a transmitting / receiving antenna, a wireless base station, and a switching center. In other words, the route server 10, the delivery plan server 20, and the client 30 can communicate with each other via the Internet INT.

[0021] The route server 10 uses the delivery plan to generate the following a1 and a2. (a1) A route (hereinafter also referred to as a "delivery route") is determined for one or more delivery destinations where the user will stop for the delivery of the package, set as a destination or a stopover in accordance with the delivery order in the delivery plan, and delivery route information representing this delivery route is generated. (a2) Generate guidance information regarding the delivery route. Here, the guidance information regarding the delivery route includes the following three items a21 to a23. Details will be described later. (a21) Traffic guidance information: Guidance information regarding delivery routes (route to departure point or destination), (a22) Parcel information: Guidance information about parcels requiring delivery, (a23) Delivery destination information: Guidance information regarding the delivery destination of the package requiring delivery.

[0022] The route server 10 includes a CPU 110, a communication unit 120, a ROM / RAM 130, and a storage unit 140, and each unit is connected to each other by a bus (not shown).

[0023] The CPU 110 controls each unit of the route server 10 by loading a computer program stored in the ROM 130 into the RAM 130 and executing it. The CPU 110 also functions as a route search unit 111 and a guidance information generation unit 112. The route search unit 111 calculates the delivery route described in a1 above. The guidance information generation unit 112 generates the guidance information described in a2 above. These will be described in detail later.

[0024] The communication unit 120 controls communication with other devices such as the delivery plan server 20 and the client 30 via a communication interface (not shown).

[0025] The storage unit 140 is configured with a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, etc. The storage unit 140 pre-stores a map information database 141, a route information database 142, a guidance information database 143, and a guidance frequency setting 144. In the following description, the database will also be simply referred to as a "DB."

[0026] The map information DB 141 is a database that stores data representing map images. The data representing map images includes information necessary for map display, such as topography, buildings, and road shapes. The route information DB 142 is a database that stores road network data. The road network data includes node information on "nodes" that represent the positions of intersections and landmarks such as stations, and link information on "links" that represent roads connecting the nodes. The node information includes node position information, node type, node name, other node information, etc. The link information includes link cost for each mode of transportation (average travel time on the road represented by the link), link type, link name, link status, other link information, etc.

[0027] The guidance information DB143 is a database that stores various information related to the roads stored in the route information DB142. The guidance information DB143 is used to generate traffic guidance information from the guidance information. The guidance information DB143 includes accident information, near-miss information, no-parking zone information, no-entry zone information, road inclination information, and the like for each road stored in the route information DB142. The accident information may include the location of the accident, the details of the accident, and the date and time of the accident. Similarly, the near-miss information may include the location, details, and date and time of the accident. The road inclination information may include the location of the road inclination, the direction of the inclination, and the magnitude of the inclination.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance frequency setting 144. The guidance frequency setting 144 is a table that specifies the frequency of outputting guidance information to the user, and is composed of a first guidance frequency setting 1441 shown in FIG. 2(A), or the first guidance frequency setting 1441 shown in FIG. 2(A) and a second guidance frequency setting 1442 shown in FIG. 2(B). FIG. 2(A) shows the first guidance frequency setting 1441 in the case where an "importance level" is set for each piece of guidance information. In the first guidance frequency setting 1441 in FIG. 2(A), whether to provide guidance (circle) or not to provide guidance (- mark) is associated with each of the driver levels 1 to 4 for each level of importance of the guidance information. In this embodiment, the "driver level" refers to a broader concept that encompasses the following b1 and b2. (b1) Work skill level: The user's proficiency in the delivery work skills required to carry out delivery work. (b2) Driving skill level: The user's proficiency in driving skills required for safe driving. The proficiency of delivery skills and the proficiency of driving skills are evaluated in advance for each user. The evaluation of the proficiency of delivery skills can be performed based on various criteria, such as years of service, knowledge of delivery work, attitude toward delivery work, customer satisfaction, and evaluation by a manager. The evaluation of the proficiency of driving skills can be performed based on various criteria, such as the color of the driver's license, driving technique, analysis of drive recorder images, and analysis of digital tachograph data.

[0029] In the following explanation, a case where the output of guidance information is controlled using both the job skill level b1 and the driving skill level b2 of the driver level will be exemplified. - Control the output of package information and delivery destination information among the guidance information according to the business skill level b1, · Control the output of traffic guidance information among the guidance information according to the driving skill level b2. In the following explanation, when describing characteristics common to both the job skill level b1 and the driving skill level b2, these will be collectively referred to as the "driver level." When describing individual characteristics, they will be referred to as the job skill level b1 or the driving skill level b2. Note that the navigation system 1 may control the output of guidance information using either the job skill level b1 or the driving skill level b2.

[0030] In FIG. 2(A), driver level "1" means for those receiving training, driver level "2" means for beginners, driver level "3" means for intermediate drivers, and driver level "4" means for veterans. In other words, a user with driver level "1" has a relatively low driver level, and a user with driver level "4" has a relatively high driver level. According to the first guidance frequency setting 1441, when the driver level is relatively high (e.g., driver level 4), guidance information with a relatively low level of importance (e.g., medium importance, low importance) is not output. On the other hand, when the driver level is relatively low (e.g., driver level 1), guidance information with a relatively low level of importance (e.g., medium importance, low importance) is output.

[0031] 2(B) shows a second guidance frequency setting 1442 that is used in combination with the first guidance frequency setting 1441 when an "importance level" is set for each type of guidance information. When the second guidance frequency setting 1442 is used, it is not necessary for an importance level to be directly associated with each type of guidance information.

[0032] According to the example of FIG. 2(B), when the guidance information is traffic guidance information, an importance level is further associated with each item of the traffic guidance information. For example, in the case of accident information, the importance level is set to "high to medium" depending on the date and time of the accident. Specifically, if the date and time of the accident is recent, the importance level is set to high, and if the date and time of the accident is old, the importance level is set to medium. For example, in the case of near-miss information, the importance level is set to "medium to low" depending on the date and time of the near-miss. For example, in the case of no-parking zone information, the importance level is set to "medium." On the other hand, according to the example of FIG. 2(B), when the guidance information is package information, the importance level is set to "high," and when the guidance information is delivery destination information, the importance level is set to "high." Note that package information and delivery destination information may also be associated with an importance level for each item, similar to traffic guidance information. Furthermore, an importance level may be associated with each item only for some of the package information items or some of the delivery destination information items. The items constituting package information and delivery destination information will be described later in FIG. 3. In this way, when the second guidance frequency setting 1442 is used, the importance level is indirectly associated with each piece of guidance information via the type of guidance information.

[0033] Returning to Figure 1, the explanation will continue. The delivery plan server 20 generates a delivery plan for each delivery person for that day. The delivery plan server 20 includes a CPU 210, a communication unit 220, a ROM / RAM 230, and a storage unit 240, and these units are interconnected by a bus (not shown).

[0034] The CPU 210 controls each unit of the delivery plan server 20 by loading a computer program stored in the ROM 230 into the RAM 230 and executing it. The CPU 210 also functions as a delivery plan generation unit 211. The delivery plan generation unit 211 uses data stored in the package information DB 241 and the delivery destination information DB 243 to generate a delivery plan for each delivery person for that day. Details will be described later.

[0035] The communication unit 220 controls communication between the route server 10 and other devices such as the client 30 via a communication interface (not shown).

[0036] The storage unit 240 is configured with a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, etc. The storage unit 240 stores a package information DB 241, a level information DB 242, and a delivery destination information DB 243 in advance.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows examples of the package information DB 241, level information DB 242, and delivery destination information DB 243. FIG. 3(A) shows an example of the package information DB 241. In the package information DB 241, guidance information regarding packages requiring delivery is pre-stored for each package. In the example of FIG. 3(A), each package information includes a delivery destination ID for uniquely identifying each delivery destination, the delivery address of the package, the latitude and longitude of the delivery destination of the package, a time designation for the package, and whether or not the package is designated for drop-off delivery. The "delivery order" of the package information is information assigned after the delivery plan server 20 generates a delivery plan.

[0038] FIG. 3(B) shows an example of the level information DB 242. The level information DB 242 stores a driver ID and a driver level (driving skill level, business skill level) in association with each other. The driver ID is a unique identifier assigned to each user in advance. "X" in the figure represents an arbitrary character string. The driver level is associated with a business skill level b1 and a driving skill level b2 of each user identified by the driver ID.

[0039] FIG. 3(C) shows an example of the delivery destination information DB 243. The delivery destination information DB 243 stores guidance information about the delivery destination of a package for each delivery destination in advance. In the example of FIG. 3(C), each delivery destination information includes a delivery destination ID, whether the delivery destination has a parcel box, nameplate information for the delivery destination, past complaint information for the delivery destination, a delivery location at the delivery destination, and other information. The nameplate information may include information about the presence or absence of a nameplate, as well as a warning when there are multiple nameplates and a warning about the accuracy of the nameplate. The delivery location may also include a specification of the delivery location itself, as well as notes about delivery (e.g., "not in front of the entrance, but in the aisle next to the entrance") and conditions for delivery (e.g., "not allowed in the rain"). The other information may include additional information for identifying the delivery destination if it is in a difficult-to-find location (e.g., "second from the front") and safety information (e.g., "watch out for vicious dogs"). The package information DB 241 in FIG. 3(A) and the delivery destination information DB 243 in FIG. 3(C) are linked by the delivery destination ID.

[0040] Returning to Figure 1, the explanation will continue. Client 30 can be configured as any device, such as a smartphone as shown in the figure, a personal computer, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, etc. Client 30 includes a CPU 310, a communication unit 320, a ROM / RAM 330, a storage unit 340, an input / output unit 350, and a current position acquisition unit 360, and each unit is interconnected by a bus (not shown).

[0041] The CPU 310 loads a computer program stored in the ROM 330 into the RAM 330 and executes it to control each unit of the client 30 and also functions as a guidance unit 311. In the processing described below, the guidance unit 311 cooperates with the route server 10 and the delivery plan server 20 to output guidance information according to the driver level of the user of the client 30. Details will be described later.

[0042] The communication unit 320 controls communication with other devices such as the route server 10 via a communication interface (not shown).

[0043] The storage unit 340 is configured with a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, etc. The storage unit 340 pre-stores a guidance method setting 341. The storage unit 340 also stores a driver level 342 and guidance information 343 acquired through processing described below.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance method setting 341. The guidance method setting 341 is a table that specifies the method of outputting guidance information to a user. In the guidance method setting 341 in FIG. 4, the output method of the guidance information is specified for each of the output means of the guidance information (FIG. 4: voice / display) for each of the driver levels 1 to 4. In addition, the guidance method setting 341 specifies the timing (FIG. 4: distance) at which the guidance information should be output for each of the driver levels 1 to 4. According to the guidance method setting 341, when the driver level is relatively high (for example, driver level 4), the guidance information is output using fewer means (voice) and with a relatively small amount of information (voice alert only). Furthermore, when the driver level is relatively high (for example, driver level 4), the guidance information is output at a normal timing. On the other hand, when the driver level is relatively low (for example, driver level 1), the guidance information is output using various means (voice and display) and with a relatively large amount of information (a combination of voice alert and speech and a combination of illustration display and text display). Furthermore, when the driver level is relatively low (for example, driver level 1), the guidance information is output earlier than usual.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation will be continued. The input / output unit 350 is a variety of interfaces used for inputting and outputting information between the client 30 and the user. For example, the input / output unit 350 may be a touch panel as an input unit, a touch panel as a display unit (output unit), or a liquid crystal panel. The current position acquisition unit 360 receives radio waves transmitted from artificial satellites constituting the GPS (Global Positioning System) or QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), and acquires current position information (latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the client 30. Here, since the client 30 is carried by the user, the current position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 360 can be considered the same as the current position of the user.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed in the navigation system 1. The processing in FIG. 5 is processing for outputting guidance information to a user of the client 30, and can be executed at any timing. For example, this processing may be executed in response to the start of a predetermined application installed on the client 30, as described below. Note that the example in FIG. 5 illustrates a case where an "importance level" is set for each type of guidance information, in other words, where processing is performed in combination with the first guidance frequency setting 1441 and the second guidance frequency setting 1442 described in FIG. 2.

[0047] In step S100, the guiding unit 311 of the client 30 starts a predetermined application installed in the client 30. At this time, the user of the client 30 inputs the driver ID (identifier) ​​assigned to the user. Thereafter, in step S102, the guiding unit 311 transmits a delivery plan acquisition request to the delivery plan server 20. The delivery plan acquisition request includes the driver ID input in step S100.

[0048] In step S104, the delivery plan generation unit 211 of the delivery plan server 20 searches the level information DB 242 using the driver ID as a key, and acquires the driver level (specifically, the job skill level b1 and driving skill level b2) of the user corresponding to the driver ID. In step S106, the delivery plan generation unit 211 generates a delivery plan for the day for the user who sent the delivery plan acquisition request. The delivery plan generation unit 211 can generate a delivery plan using any method by referencing the package information DB 241 and the delivery destination information DB 243. For example, the delivery plan generation unit 211 can generate a delivery plan by matching the area of ​​responsibility assigned to the user in advance with the delivery destination addresses (or latitude and longitude) in the package information DB 241 to determine multiple packages to be delivered, and by determining a delivery order that will travel the delivery destinations of these multiple packages along an optimal route. When generating a delivery plan, the delivery plan generation unit 211 may take into account the job skill level b1 of the driver levels acquired in step S104. In this case, the delivery plan generation unit 211 may assign packages with past complaint information (i.e., packages that require careful delivery) to users with a relatively high business skill level b1. Also, if there are multiple delivery people in the same area, the delivery plan generation unit 211 may generate a delivery plan taking into account the time specifications in the package information DB 241.

[0049] That is, the delivery plan generated by the delivery plan registration unit 211 includes the package information and "delivery order" described in FIG. 3(A) and the delivery destination information described in FIG. 3(C) for the package assigned to the driver ID in step S100. The package information and delivery order in the delivery plan correspond to the package information in the guidance information (see a22), and the delivery destination information corresponds to the delivery destination information in the guidance information (see a23). Note that a predetermined delivery order may be stored in the package information DB 241 described in FIG. 3(A). In this case, in step S106, the delivery plan registration unit 211 can generate a delivery plan using the area of ​​responsibility assigned to the user in advance, and the delivery destination addresses (or latitude and longitude) and delivery order in the package information DB 241.

[0050] In step S108, the delivery plan generation unit 211 of the delivery plan server 20 transmits the delivery plan generated in step S106, in other words, the package information and delivery destination information as guidance information, and the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) acquired in step S104 to the client 30. In step S110, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 stores the acquired delivery plan (package information and delivery destination information as guidance information) in the guidance information 343, and also stores the acquired driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) in the driver level 342.

[0051] In step S120, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 sends a delivery route information acquisition request to the route server 10. The delivery route information acquisition request includes the delivery plan stored in the guidance information 343. In step S122, the route search unit 111 of the route server 10 obtains a delivery route and generates delivery route information (see a1) that represents the delivery route. Specifically, the route search unit 111 uses the delivery plan obtained in step S120 to search for a route (i.e., a delivery route) that uses one or more delivery destinations included in the delivery plan as destinations or stopovers. This route search can be performed using the well-known Dijkstra algorithm or the well-known A-Star search algorithm. In step S124, the route search unit 111 sends the delivery route information generated in step S122 to the client 30. In step S126, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 stores the obtained delivery route information in the guidance information 343.

[0052] In step S120, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 may send the delivery route information acquisition request including the driving skill level b2 of the driver level. In this case, in step S122, the route search unit 111 of the route server 10 may determine a different delivery route depending on the received driving skill level b2. For example, if the driving skill level b2 is relatively high, the route search unit 111 may determine a route that takes the shortest route. For example, if the driving skill level b2 is relatively low, the route search unit 111 may determine a route that takes in larger roads or easier-to-follow roads. In this way, the route search unit 111 of the route server 10 can automatically derive a delivery route that is thought to be optimal depending on the driver level (driving skill level b2).

[0053] In step S130, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 transmits a guidance information acquisition request to the route server 10. The guidance information acquisition request includes the location information of the client 30 acquired by the current location acquisition unit 360 and the driving skill level b2 of the driver levels stored in the driver level 342.

[0054] In step S132, the guidance information generation unit 112 of the route server 10 uses the driving skill level b2 included in the guidance information acquisition request to generate traffic guidance information (see a21) according to the driving skill level b2. Specifically, the guidance information generation unit 112 executes the following steps c1 to c4. (c1) The guidance information generator 112 refers to the first guidance frequency setting 1441 and acquires the importance level according to the driving skill level b2 of the user of the client 30. (c2) The guidance information generation unit 112 searches the guidance information DB 143 and acquires guidance information (accident information, near-miss information, no-parking zone information, no-entry zone information, road inclination information, etc.) about roads around the current location of the client 30. When the guidance information generation unit 112 determines from the acquired road inclination information that there is a steep downhill slope, it generates a warning urging the driver to slow down early and includes the warning in the guidance information. When the guidance information generation unit 112 determines from the acquired road inclination information that there is a steep uphill slope, it generates a warning urging the driver to accelerate in advance and includes the warning in the guidance information. Note that the guidance information generation unit 112 may generate these warnings only when the vehicle weight of the user riding in the vehicle and the vehicle load meet predetermined conditions, in addition to the road inclination information. (c3) The guidance information generating unit 112 refers to the second guidance frequency setting 1442 and excludes guidance information that does not correspond to the importance level obtained in step c1 from the guidance information obtained in step c2. (c4) The guidance information generating unit 112 sets the guidance information after the exclusion as traffic guidance information.

[0055] In step S134, the guidance information generation unit 112 of the route server 10 transmits the traffic guidance information generated in step S132 to the client 30. In step S136, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 stores the acquired guidance information (traffic guidance information as guidance information) in the guidance information 343.

[0056] Note that steps S120 to S136 may be executed as follows: d1, d2. (d1) The generation of delivery route information (see a1) described in steps S120 to S126 may be performed in parts. For example, if the number of parcels to be delivered included in the delivery plan transmitted in step S120 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (i.e., if there are many delivery destinations), the route search unit 111 may generate and transmit delivery routes for only a portion of the delivery plan (e.g., parcels 1 to 10) in step S122. In this case, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 may request the generation of delivery routes for the remainder of the delivery plan by transmitting a delivery route information acquisition request to the route server 10 each time the next delivery destination (or a delivery destination a predetermined number of destinations away) is reached. (d2) The generation and acquisition of traffic guidance information (see a21) described in steps S130 to S136 may be executed each time the location information of the client 30 changes by a predetermined amount. In this way, traffic guidance information about roads around the current location of the client 30 can be acquired at any time in accordance with changes in the location information of the client 30. This reduces the processing load required for generating traffic guidance information (step S132).

[0057] In addition, when the parcel information and delivery destination information of the second notification frequency setting 1442 illustrated in FIG. 2(B) are associated with an importance level for each item, like the traffic guidance information illustrated in FIG. 2(B), in step S106, the delivery plan generation unit 211 of the delivery plan server 20 performs exclusion processing according to the driver level (job skill level b1) and the importance level set in the second notification frequency setting 1442, as in steps c1 to c4 described above.

[0058] In step S140, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 retrieves the guidance method setting 341 using the driver level stored in the driver level 342 to acquire a guidance method corresponding to the driver level. In step S142, the guidance unit 311 outputs the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 in accordance with the guidance method acquired in step S140. Specifically, the guidance unit 311 outputs the package information (see a22) and delivery destination information (see a23) of the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 in accordance with a method corresponding to the job skill level b1. Furthermore, the guidance unit 311 outputs the traffic guidance information (see a21) of the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 in accordance with a method corresponding to the driving skill level b2.

[0059] Fig. 6 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively low driver level. Fig. 6 shows an example of a screen W1 for a user with driver ID = XX01, whose job skill level b1 is "1" and whose driving skill level b2 is "1". The screen W1 is displayed on the input / output unit 350. The screen W1 includes a map view V1, a delivery destination list view V2, and a guidance view V3.

[0060] The map view V1 displays a map. The map displays a delivery destination symbol S1 plotted at the first delivery destination location, a delivery destination symbol S2 plotted at the second delivery destination location, a current location symbol PL, and a route RT. The delivery destination list view V2 displays package information (see a22) and delivery destination information (see a23) from the guidance information in list format. When the current location approaches a point just before the location where there is accident information (FIG. 4), the map view V1 displays a symbol AL indicating the location where there is accident information and a symbol S3 for warning, and the guidance view V3 displays traffic information from the guidance information (see a21). In addition, an alert sound (musical note mark) and voice are output to call attention to the accident information. Furthermore, when the current location approaches a little before the vicinity of delivery destination 1 (Fig. 4), a symbol S4 indicating that delivery will be delayed is superimposed on the delivery destination symbol S1 in the map view V1, package information indicating that delivery will be delayed (see a22) is displayed in the guidance view V3, and an alert sound (musical note mark) and voice are output to warn that delivery will be delayed. Note that the message indicating that delivery will be delayed is output when the time specification (delivery time specification) included in the package information (see a22) in the guidance information is compared with the estimated arrival time at the delivery destination, and the estimated arrival time is expected to be later than the specified time.

[0061] In this way, when the driver level is relatively low, guidance information is output in a variety of ways (voice in speech bubbles and displays in views V1 to V3) and with a relatively large amount of information (a combination of voice alerts and speech, and a combination of illustrations and text displays). Also, when the driver level is relatively low, voice output is output earlier than usual.

[0062] Fig. 7 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively high driver level. Fig. 7 illustrates a screen W2 for a user with driver ID = XX04, whose job skill level b1 is "3" and whose driving skill level b2 is "4". The screen W2 is displayed on the input / output unit 350. Similar to the screen W1 in Fig. 6, the screen W2 includes a map view V1, a delivery destination list view V2, and a guidance view V3.

[0063] The map view V1 displays a map. The map displays a delivery destination symbol S1 plotted at the first delivery destination location, a delivery destination symbol S2 plotted at the second delivery destination location, a current location symbol PL, and a route RT. The delivery destination list view V2 is similar to that shown in FIG. 6. When the current location approaches a location where accident information is available (FIG. 4), only an alert sound (musical note) is output to alert the user to the accident information. Furthermore, when the current location approaches the vicinity of delivery destination 1 (FIG. 4), package information (see a22) indicating that delivery is delayed is displayed in the guidance view V3, and an alert sound (musical note) and audio are also output to warn the user that the delivery is delayed. Instead of or in addition to displaying text or outputting an alert sound in the guidance view V3, an icon indicating that information is available may be displayed. In this case, the user may tap the icon to display detailed information.

[0064] In this way, when the driver level is relatively high, guidance information is output using fewer means (voice) and with a relatively small amount of information (without illustrations of symbols S3, S4, AL, etc.). Also, when the driver level is relatively high, voice output is output at normal timing.

[0065] In the above example, the output frequency of the guidance information is changed according to the driver level by generating guidance information according to the driver level in steps S106 and S132. Also, in step S142, the output method of the guidance information is changed according to the driver level by following the guidance method acquired in step S140. However, the navigation system 1 may execute only one of changing the output frequency of the guidance information according to the driver level and changing the output method of the guidance information according to the driver level. Specifically, for example, in steps S106 and S132, uniform guidance information may be generated regardless of the driver level. Also, for example, step S140 may be omitted, and a uniform output method may be adopted in step S142 regardless of the driver level.

[0066] As described above, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 changes at least one of the frequency of outputting guidance information regarding delivery routes and the method of outputting the guidance information depending on the driver level of the user, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance information a21 to a23 are directly or indirectly associated with the importance of the guidance information, so that the output frequency of the guidance information can be changed for each piece of guidance information. Furthermore, when the driver level is relatively high, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 reduces the output frequency of the guidance information by not outputting guidance information with a relatively low importance (FIG. 2: first guidance frequency setting 1441, FIG. 7). Therefore, for a user with a relatively high driver level, the annoyance felt by the user due to excessive output of guidance information can be reduced, and by outputting only guidance information with a relatively high importance, the effectiveness of the guidance information can be increased, contributing to improved safety. Furthermore, for a user with a relatively low driver level, guidance information with a relatively low importance can also be output (FIG. 2: first guidance frequency setting 1441, FIG. 6), so that the user's feeling of insufficient guidance can be reduced, thereby improving the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 outputs guidance information by various means, increases the amount of information included in the guidance information, or advances the timing of outputting the guidance information as the driver level decreases (FIGS. 4 and 6). This reduces the feeling of insufficient guidance for users with relatively low driver levels, thereby improving the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety. Also, by outputting guidance information earlier than usual to users with relatively low driver levels, the users can confirm the guidance information and take appropriate action in ample time. On the other hand, for users with relatively high driver levels, the types of output means of the guidance information and the amount of information included in the guidance information are relatively reduced (FIGS. 4 and 7). This reduces the annoyance felt by users due to the output of excessive guidance information, resulting in improved effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guiding unit 311 of the client 30 transmits an identifier (driver ID) for uniquely identifying the user to another device (delivery plan server 20) connected via the network, thereby obtaining the user's driver level from the other device (FIG. 5: steps S102 to S108). This allows control while keeping the user's driver level confidential from the user. In addition, the user's driver level can be centrally managed by the other device (delivery plan server 20).

[0070] Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the driver level includes at least one of the user's proficiency in delivery skills required to perform delivery tasks (see b1) and the user's proficiency in driving skills required to drive safely (see b2). This makes it possible to output guidance information that takes into account the user's task skill level b1 and driving skill level b2. Furthermore, by processing the task skill level b1 and driving skill level b2 in combination as in the above embodiment, it is possible to set a driver level specialized for a person (delivery person) engaged in the task of delivering packages such as merchandise to designated delivery destinations, and to output guidance information according to this driver level. As a result, it is possible to provide a navigation system 1 specialized for delivery tasks that involve delivering packages.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 outputs a message indicating that the delivery will be delayed if the estimated arrival time at the delivery destination is later than the specified delivery time of the package (second guidance frequency setting 1442, FIGS. 6 and 7). This improves convenience for those engaged in delivery work (delivery personnel) and reduces the possibility of package delivery delays.

[0072] B. Second embodiment: 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1A of the second embodiment. The navigation system 1A of the second embodiment does not include the delivery plan server 20 in the configuration described in the first embodiment, and includes a client 30A instead of the client 30. In the navigation system 1A, a delivery plan is generated by the client 30A.

[0073] The CPU 310A of the client 30A further has a delivery plan generation unit 312. The delivery plan generation unit 312 acquires a delivery plan input from the user and registers it in the delivery plan 344. That is, in the second embodiment, the package information (see a22) of the guidance information and the delivery destination information (see a23) of the guidance information are input by the user and registered in the delivery plan 344. The memory unit 140A of the client 30A pre-stores the driver level 342.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed in the navigation system 1A of the second embodiment. The processing in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing described in FIG. 5, except that the processing in steps S180 and S182 is executed instead of the processing in steps S102, S104, S106, S108, and S110. In step S180, the guiding unit 311 acquires the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) stored in the driver level 342A. This driver level is used in step S130. In step S182, the delivery plan generation unit 312 acquires the following inputs e1 and e2 made by the user of the client 30A and stores e1 and e2 together in the delivery plan 344. The delivery plan generation unit 312 may display a screen on the input / output unit 350 for acquiring the following inputs e1 and e2. (e1) Package information in the guidance information (see a22) and the delivery order of each package. (e2) Delivery information for guidance information (see a23).

[0075] As described above, the configuration of the navigation system 1A can be modified in various ways, and the configuration may also be such that the delivery plan is input by the user of the client 30A. The navigation system 1A of this second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1A of the second embodiment, the delivery plan server 20 can be omitted, allowing the system to be constructed in a compact manner.

[0076] C. Third embodiment: 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1B of the third embodiment. The navigation system 1B of the third embodiment does not further include the route server 10 in the configuration described in the second embodiment, and includes a client 30B instead of the client 30A. In the third embodiment, all processing is executed by the client 30B.

[0077] The CPU 310B of the client 30B has the same configuration as that described in the second embodiment, but further includes a route search unit 313 and a guidance information generation unit 314. The route search unit 313 performs the same process as that of the route search unit 111 described in the first embodiment. The guidance information generation unit 314 performs the same process as that of the guidance information generation unit 112 described in the first embodiment. The storage unit 340B of the client 30B further stores a map information DB 345, a route information DB 346, a guidance information DB 347, and a guidance frequency setting 348. The map information DB 345 has the same configuration as that of the map information DB 141 described in the first embodiment. The route information DB 346 has the same configuration as that of the route information DB 142 described in the first embodiment. The guidance information DB 347 has the same configuration as that of the guidance information DB 143 described in the first embodiment. The guidance frequency setting 348 has the same configuration as that of the guidance frequency setting 144 described in the first embodiment.

[0078] As described above, the configuration of the navigation system 1B can be modified in various ways, and may be configured so that the processing of FIG. 3 can be implemented by the client 30B alone (without cooperation with the route server 10 and the delivery plan server 20). The navigation system 1B of this third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the navigation system 1B of the third embodiment can reduce the communication load on the client 30B.

[0079] D. Fourth embodiment: 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1C of the fourth embodiment. The navigation system 1C of the fourth embodiment has a client 30C instead of the client 30 in the configuration described in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, only the output frequency of guidance information is changed according to the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2).

[0080] The storage unit 340C of the client 30C does not have the guidance method setting 341 described in the first embodiment. The guidance unit 311C of the client 30C does not execute step S140 in FIG. 5. Furthermore, in step S142 in FIG. 5, the guidance unit 311C outputs the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 in a uniform manner regardless of the driver level of the user. The navigation system 1C of this fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0081] E. Fifth embodiment: 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1D of the fifth embodiment. The navigation system 1D of the fifth embodiment includes a route server 10D instead of the route server 10 in the configuration described in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, only the method of outputting guidance information according to the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) is changed.

[0082] The storage unit 140D of the route server 10D does not have the guidance frequency setting 144 (FIG. 2) described in the first embodiment. In step S132 of FIG. 5, the guidance information generation unit 112D of the route server 10D generates uniform guidance information (see a21 to a23) regardless of the driver level. Specifically, the guidance information generation unit 112D does not execute steps c1 and c3 described in the first embodiment. The navigation system 1D of this fifth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0083] F. Variations: In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. In addition, the following modifications are also possible.

[0084] Variation 1: In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration of the navigation system, route server, delivery plan server, and client is shown. However, the configuration of each device can be arbitrarily adopted. For example, at least a part of each DB possessed by the route server, delivery plan server, and client may be stored in a device other than the route server, delivery plan server, and client (including an external server connected via the Internet).

[0085] In the above embodiment, the navigation system is a system that provides guidance information, in other words, a system used in delivery work. However, the navigation system may be a system not limited to delivery work, but may also be a system for workers who need to balance some kind of work skill with driving skill. In this case, the navigation system may be configured as a system that provides guidance information regarding patrol routes for sales, patrols, etc. Furthermore, the navigation system may be a system for general drivers who only need driving skill. In this case, the navigation system may be configured as a system that provides guidance information regarding normal route guidance.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the navigation system is a system that provides guidance information, in other words, a system that has route guidance built in. However, the navigation system may also be a system that provides guidance information about a road on which a user is traveling while the user is traveling freely on the road without relying on route guidance.

[0087] Variation 2: In the above embodiment, the processes executed by the route server, delivery plan server, and client (FIGS. 5 and 9) have been described using an example of a processing procedure. However, these processing procedures can be modified in various ways, and the processing content of each step may be added, omitted, or changed, and the execution order of each step may be changed.

[0088] For example, in step S100, the client user may input his / her driver level along with the driver ID. In this case, step S104 is not executed, and in step S110, only the delivery plan is sent from the delivery plan server.

[0089] For example, in step S106, the delivery plan registration unit 211 performs exclusion processing according to the driver level (task skill level b1) and the importance level set in the second guidance frequency setting 1442, and then generates and transmits guidance information from which unnecessary guidance information has been excluded. Similarly, in step S132, the guidance information generation unit 112 performs exclusion processing according to the driver level (driving skill level b2) and the importance level set in the second guidance frequency setting 1442, and then generates and transmits guidance information from which unnecessary guidance information has been excluded. However, in step S106, the delivery plan registration unit 211 may generate and transmit guidance information that does not undergo exclusion processing. Similarly, in step S132, the guidance information generation unit 112 may generate and transmit guidance information that does not undergo exclusion processing. In this case, in step S142, the guidance unit 311 may perform exclusion processing according to the driver level (task skill level b1 and driving skill level b2) and the importance level set in the second guidance frequency setting 1442 on the client 30 side, and then output the guidance information.

[0090] For example, in step S140, the contents of the guidance method setting are acquired, and in step S142, guidance information is output in accordance with this guidance method setting. Here, the output method of the guidance information stored in the guidance method setting (FIG. 4) can be changed in various ways. For example, at least one of the settings related to audio, the settings related to display, and the settings related to distance described in FIG. 4 may be omitted. Furthermore, the settings shown in FIG. 4 (settings such as alert + speech, illustration + text, closer than normal distance, etc.) are merely examples, and various changes are possible.

[0091] For example, in step S142, various types of guide screens can be displayed. While Figures 6 and 7 show examples of screens displayed in step S142, these can be modified in various ways. For example, at least some of the map view, delivery destination list view, and guide view may be omitted. For example, additional views for displaying other information not shown in the examples may be provided.

[0092] Variation 3: The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1, 1A~1D...Navigation system 10,10D...Route server 20...Delivery planning server 30, 30A~30C...Client 110...CPU 111...Route search section 112, 112D... Guidance information generation unit 120…Communications Department 130...ROM / RAM 140,140A,140D…Storage section 141...Map information DB 142...Route information DB 143...Guidance information DB 144...Announcement frequency setting 210...CPU 211...Delivery plan generation unit 220…Communications Department 230...ROM / RAM 240...Storage section 241...Baggage information DB 242...Level Information DB 243...Delivery destination information DB 310, 310A, 310B...CPU 311,311C…Information Department 312...Delivery plan generation unit 313...Route search section 314...Guidance information generation unit 320…Communications Department 330...ROM / RAM 340,340B,340C…Storage section 341...Guidance method setting 342,342A...Driver level 343...Guide information 344...Delivery Plan 348...Announcement frequency setting 350…Input / output section 360…Current position acquisition unit 1441...First announcement frequency setting 1442...Second announcement frequency setting

Claims

1. A navigation system, a guidance unit that acquires guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputs the guidance information; The navigation system wherein the guidance unit changes at least one of the frequency of outputting the guidance information and the method of outputting the guidance information according to a driver level of the user.

2. 2. The navigation system of claim 1, The guidance information is directly or indirectly associated with a level of importance of the guidance information; The guide unit is The output frequency of the guidance information is changed according to the driver level, When the driver level is relatively high, the navigation system reduces the frequency of output of the guidance information by not outputting the guidance information whose importance is relatively low.

3. 3. The navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, The guide unit is The method of outputting the guidance information is changed according to the driver level, A navigation system that outputs the guidance information by various means, increases the amount of information included in the guidance information, or advances the timing of outputting the guidance information as the driver level decreases.

4. 4. A navigation system according to claim 1, wherein: A navigation system in which the guidance unit obtains the driver level of the user from another device connected via a network by transmitting an identifier for uniquely identifying the user to the other device.

5. 5. A navigation system according to claim 1, wherein: The driver level is The user's proficiency in delivery skills required to perform delivery work; and the user's proficiency in driving skills for safe driving.

6. 6. A navigation system according to claim 1, the delivery route is a route including one or more delivery destinations where the user stops for delivery of the package, A navigation system, wherein the guidance information includes at least one of traffic guidance information regarding the delivery route, package information regarding the package, and delivery destination information regarding the delivery destination of the package.

7. 7. The navigation system according to claim 6, The guidance information includes a specified delivery time for the package and an estimated time of arrival at the delivery destination, The navigation system wherein the guidance unit outputs a message indicating that delivery will be delayed if the estimated arrival time is later than the specified delivery time.

8. A navigation method, comprising: a guidance step of acquiring guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputting the guidance information; The navigation method, wherein the guiding step changes at least one of an output frequency of the guidance information and an output method of the guidance information according to a driver level of the user.

9. A computer program for an information processing device, A computer program that executes a guidance step of acquiring guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputting the guidance information, The computer program, in the guiding step, changes at least one of an output frequency of the guidance information and an output method of the guidance information according to a driver level of the user.

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