Information processing device, information processing method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and the like capable of easily grasping a required time on a planned travel route when a plurality of scheduled departure times belong to different time zones.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a calculation unit and a presentation control unit. The calculation unit calculates a first predicted required time including a time width predicted to be necessary to travel the entire route for each of a plurality of scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure place to a destination. The presentation control unit causes the presentation of the first predicted required times corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for predicting the time required for a moving object to travel. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques have been proposed for predicting the time required for a moving object to travel.

[0003] Specifically, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a perspective in which, in a route search using search conditions including a departure point, a destination, an acceptable traffic congestion time, and a desired departure time or a desired arrival time, a recommended route and a recommended departure time that satisfy the acceptable traffic congestion time are provided to the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-192356 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 poses a problem in that, for example, when multiple scheduled departure times fall within different time zones, it is difficult to ascertain the required time for a planned travel route.

[0006] In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the main objective of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device that can easily determine the required time for a planned travel route when multiple scheduled departure times fall within different time zones. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in the claims is an information processing device that includes a calculation unit that calculates a first predicted travel time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route for each of multiple scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, and a presentation control unit that presents the first predicted travel time corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times.

[0008] The claimed invention is an information processing device that includes a calculation unit that calculates a predicted travel time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route for each time included in the range of two scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, a setting unit that sets the time included in the range of the two scheduled departure times as a recommended departure time, which is the time at which the time range of the predicted travel time is the smallest, and a presentation control unit that displays the predicted travel time corresponding to the recommended departure time.

[0009] The invention described in the claims is an information processing method executed by a computer, which includes a calculation step of calculating a first predicted travel time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route for each of multiple scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, and a presentation control step of presenting the first predicted travel time corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times.

[0010] The claimed invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: a calculation step of calculating a predicted travel time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route for each time included in a range of two scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination; a setting step of setting the time included in the range of the two scheduled departure times as a recommended departure time, which is the time at which the time range of the predicted travel time is the smallest; and a presentation control step of presenting the predicted travel time corresponding to the recommended departure time.

[0011] The invention described in the claims is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to function as a calculation unit that calculates a first predicted travel time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route for each of multiple scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, and a presentation control unit that presents the first predicted travel time corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times.

[0012] The claimed invention is a program executed by a computer, which causes the computer to function as a calculation unit that calculates a predicted travel time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route for each time included in the range of two scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, a setting unit that sets the time included in the range of the two scheduled departure times as the recommended departure time, which is the time at which the time range of the predicted travel time is the smallest, and a presentation control unit that presents the predicted travel time corresponding to the recommended departure time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a guidance system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a planned travel route including n links. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time distribution of the time required to pass through a link. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information corresponding to each of a plurality of scheduled departure times. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an information processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information corresponding to each of a plurality of scheduled departure times and information corresponding to a recommended departure time. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of information corresponding to a recommended scheduled time. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart showing another example of processing performed by the information processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a guidance system according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, an information processing device includes a calculation unit that calculates a first predicted travel time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route for each of a plurality of scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, and a presentation control unit that presents the first predicted travel time corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times.

[0015] The information processing device includes a calculation unit and a presentation control unit. The calculation unit calculates a first predicted required time for each of a plurality of scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, the first predicted required time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route. The presentation control unit causes the first predicted required time corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times to be presented. This allows the user to easily grasp the required time for a planned travel route when the plurality of scheduled departure times fall within different time zones.

[0016] In one aspect of the above information processing device, the device further includes an extraction unit that extracts, from each link included in the route, a congestion prediction link where congestion is predicted to occur at each of the multiple scheduled departure times, and the calculation unit calculates a second predicted travel time having a time width predicted to be required to pass through the congestion prediction link, and the presentation control unit presents, for each of the multiple scheduled departure times, the first predicted travel time, the second predicted travel time, and location information indicating the location of the congestion prediction link.

[0017] In one aspect of the above-mentioned information processing device, when the congestion predicted link is not extracted, the presentation control unit presents information indicating that there will be little delay when traveling along the route, instead of the location information and the second predicted travel time.

[0018] In one aspect of the above information processing device, the device further includes a setting unit that sets the time within the range of the multiple scheduled departure times at which the time width of the first predicted required time is the smallest as the recommended departure time, the calculation unit calculates a third predicted required time for the recommended departure time, having a time width predicted to be required to travel the entire route, and the presentation control unit presents the first predicted required time corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times and the third predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an information processing device includes: a calculation unit that calculates a predicted required time for travelling through the entire route from a departure point to a destination for each time within a range of two scheduled departure times; a setting unit that sets, among each time within the range of the two scheduled departure times, a time at which the time range of the predicted required time is shortest as a recommended departure time; and a display control unit that displays the predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time. This allows a user to easily grasp the required time for a planned travel route when multiple scheduled departure times fall within different time periods.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an information processing method executed by a computer includes a calculation step of calculating a first predicted required time for travelling through an entire route from a departure point to a destination for each of a plurality of scheduled departure times set for the route, and a presentation control step of presenting the first predicted required time for travelling through the entire route for each of the plurality of scheduled departure times. This allows a user to easily grasp the required time for travelling along a planned travel route when the plurality of scheduled departure times fall within different time zones.

[0021] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer-executed information processing method includes: a calculation step of calculating, for each time within a range of two scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, a predicted required time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route; a setting step of setting, among each time within the range of the two scheduled departure times, a time at which the time range of the predicted required time is shortest as a recommended departure time; and a presentation control step of presenting the predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time. This makes it possible to easily grasp the required time for a planned travel route when multiple scheduled departure times fall in different time zones.

[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a program executed by a computer causes the computer to function as a calculation unit that calculates, for each of multiple scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, a first predicted required time, which has a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route, and a presentation control unit that presents the first predicted required time corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times. By executing this program on a computer, the above-mentioned information processing device can be realized. This program can be stored and used in a storage medium. This makes it possible to easily grasp the required time for a planned travel route when multiple scheduled departure times fall in different time zones.

[0023] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a program executed by a computer causes the computer to function as: a calculation unit that calculates, for each time within a range of two scheduled departure times set for a route from a departure point to a destination, a predicted required time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route; a setting unit that sets, among each time within the range of the two scheduled departure times, a time at which the time range of the predicted required time is shortest as a recommended departure time; and a presentation control unit that presents the predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time. By executing this program on a computer, the above-mentioned information processing device can be realized. This program can be stored and used in a storage medium. This makes it possible to easily grasp the required time for a planned travel route when multiple scheduled departure times fall within different time zones. [Example]

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] [System Configuration] (Overall composition) 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a guidance system according to an embodiment. The guidance system 100 includes an information processing device 1 that moves together with a vehicle Ve in which a user rides. The vehicle Ve can be treated as an example of a moving object.

[0026] (Information processing device) The information processing device 1 can provide a user with, for example, information related to the route from the departure point of the vehicle Ve to the destination, and information related to the time required to travel the entire route. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can provide route guidance to a user, who is a passenger of the vehicle Ve, to a spot designated by the user. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can provide route guidance so that the vehicle Ve travels along the guidance route. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can output various information related to the driving of the vehicle Ve by voice and / or image. For example, the information processing device 1 can output information related to guidance points corresponding to points on the route where guidance is required. Here, guidance points correspond to, for example, intersections where the vehicle Ve must turn right or left, and other important passing points for the vehicle Ve to travel along the guidance route. The information processing device 1 can provide guidance related to guidance points, such as the distance from the vehicle Ve to the next guidance point and the direction of travel at the guidance point.

[0027] The information processing device 1 may be a navigation device installed in a vehicle Ve and providing route guidance to a set destination, or may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by a user. The information processing device 1 may also be incorporated into the vehicle Ve.

[0028] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a control unit 14, a sensor group 15, a display unit 16, a sound collection unit 17, a sound output unit 18, and an in-vehicle image capture unit 19. The elements of the information processing device 1 are connected to each other via a bus line 10.

[0029] The communication unit 11 performs data communication with an external device under the control of the control unit 14. The communication unit 11 can also acquire driving data indicating the driving conditions and / or driving history of multiple vehicles, such as probe data, from the external device. The communication unit 11 can also acquire data used for route guidance, such as map data, road data, and spot data, from the external device. In this embodiment, the driving conditions of the vehicle may be read as the movement conditions of the mobile object. In this embodiment, the driving history of the vehicle may be read as the movement history of the mobile object.

[0030] The storage unit 12 is configured with various storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and non-volatile memory (including a hard disk drive, a flash memory, etc.). The storage unit 12 also stores programs for the information processing device 1 to execute predetermined processes. The storage unit 12 is also used as a working memory for the control unit 14. The programs executed by the information processing device 1 may be stored in a storage medium other than the storage unit 12.

[0031] The storage unit 12 stores a map DB (DataBase) 4, a spot information DB 5, and a travel DB 6.

[0032] The map DB4 includes map data and road data obtained by the communication unit 11. The map data includes, for example, data necessary for displaying a map based on a predetermined position, such as the current location of the vehicle Ve. The road data includes, for example, data representing a road network using a combination of nodes and links. The road data also includes, for example, data indicating the link length and attributes of each link constituting the road network. The data indicating the road attributes may include, for example, the road type, facilities on the road, and the road name. The map data and road data included in the map DB4 may be updated to the latest data, for example, at regular intervals, under the control of the control unit 14. Note that, in this embodiment, links can be set as sections obtained by dividing the road network in any manner. For example, in this embodiment, links can be set as sections having any length and / or any shape. In this embodiment, links can be set as sections including nodes, or as sections not including nodes.

[0033] The spot information DB5 includes spot data obtained by the communication unit 11. The spot data includes data for each spot that can be set as a destination for the vehicle Ve. Specifically, the spot data includes, for example, data indicating the name of the spot, data indicating the type (category) of the spot, and data indicating an evaluation of the spot. The spot data included in the spot information DB5 can be updated to the latest data, for example, at regular intervals, under the control of the control unit 14.

[0034] The travel DB 6 includes travel data obtained by the communication unit 11. The travel data includes, for example, data related to the vehicle speed for each link that makes up the road network. The travel data included in the travel DB 6 can be updated to the latest data, for example, at regular intervals, under the control of the control unit 14.

[0035] The storage unit 12 stores driving condition data 7, which is data indicating the current driving condition of the vehicle Ve, and driving history data 8, which is data indicating the past driving conditions of the vehicle Ve.

[0036] The driving condition data 7 includes, as data related to the current driving of the vehicle Ve, data indicating the departure point of the vehicle Ve, the departure date and time when the vehicle Ve departed from the departure point, and the destination of the vehicle Ve. The driving condition data 7 also includes, as data related to the current driving of the vehicle Ve, data indicating the speed of the vehicle Ve for each link constituting the road network.

[0037] The driving history data 8 includes data recorded for each driving session as data related to past driving sessions of the vehicle Ve. Each piece of driving history data 8 also includes, as information related to each past driving session of the vehicle Ve, data indicating, for example, the departure point of the vehicle Ve, the departure date and time when the vehicle Ve departed from the departure point, the destination of the vehicle Ve, and the route from the departure point to the destination. The driving history data 8 also includes, as data related to each past driving session of the vehicle Ve, data indicating, for example, the speed of the vehicle Ve for each link constituting the road network.

[0038] The input unit 13 has a user interface that accepts user input. The input unit 13 may include at least one user interface, such as a button, a touch panel, or a remote controller. The display unit 16 displays information under the control of the control unit 14. The display unit 16 may include at least one device, such as a display or a projector. The sound collection unit 17 collects sounds inside the vehicle Ve, particularly the driver's speech. The sound collection unit 17 may include a device, such as a microphone. The sound output unit 18 outputs sounds under the control of the control unit 14. The sound output unit 18 may include a device, such as a speaker. The interior capture unit 19 has at least one camera for capturing images of the interior of the vehicle Ve. It is also desirable that the interior capture unit 19 has a camera installed in a position that can capture images of at least the area around the driver's seat.

[0039] The sensor group 15 includes various sensors that perform sensing of the state of the vehicle Ve or the environment outside the vehicle. The sensor group 15 has an external sensor 20 and an internal sensor 21. The external sensor 20 is one or more sensors for recognizing the environment surrounding the vehicle Ve, such as a lidar, radar, ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor, sonar, or camera. The internal sensor 21 is a sensor that performs vehicle positioning, such as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, a gyro sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), a vehicle speed sensor, or a combination thereof. Note that the sensor group 15 may include any sensor that allows the control unit 14 to directly or indirectly (i.e., by performing estimation processing) derive the position of the vehicle Ve from the output of the sensor group 15.

[0040] The control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., and controls the entire information processing device 1. For example, the control unit 14 estimates the position (including the direction of travel) of the vehicle Ve based on the output of one or more sensors in the sensor group 15. When a destination is specified by the input unit 13 or the sound collection unit 17, the control unit 14 generates route information indicating a guide route to the destination, and provides route guidance based on the route information, the estimated position information of the vehicle Ve, and the map DB 4. In this case, the control unit 14 outputs audio related to the guidance for the guide route from the sound output unit 18. The control unit 14 controls the display unit 16 to display information about music being played, video content, a map of the area around the current location, etc. The control unit 14 can be treated as an example of a computer. The control unit 14 also functions as a calculation unit. The control unit 14 also functions as a presentation control unit. The control unit 14 also functions as an extraction unit. The control unit 14 also functions as a setting unit.

[0041] The processing performed by the control unit 14 is not limited to being realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. The processing performed by the control unit 14 may also be realized by a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a microcomputer. In this case, the program executed by the control unit 14 in this embodiment may be realized by using this integrated circuit. Thus, the control unit 14 may be realized by hardware other than a processor.

[0042] The configuration of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and various modifications may be made to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. For example, instead of the memory unit 12 storing the map DB 4 and the spot information DB 5, the control unit 14 may receive information corresponding to the map DB 4 and the spot information DB 5 from a map management server (not shown) via the communication unit 11. In another example, at least one of the input unit 13, the display unit 16, and the sound output unit 18 may be provided in the target vehicle as an external device of the information processing device 1 and supply the generated signal to the information processing device 1. Furthermore, at least some of the sensors in the sensor group 15 may be sensors provided in the vehicle Ve. In this case, the information processing device 1 may acquire information output by the sensors provided in the vehicle Ve from the vehicle Ve based on a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0043] [Specific example] Next, a description will be given of a specific example of processing performed by the information processing device 1. In the following description of the specific example, a specific description of parts to which the above-described processing and the like can be applied will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] (First specific example) For example, before starting to drive the vehicle Ve, the user sets the departure point SS and destination point DS for the current trip. According to this specific example, the control unit 14 may set the current location of the vehicle Ve at the time the destination point DS is set as the departure point SS based on the output of the sensor group 15, etc. Furthermore, the user sets, for example, multiple scheduled departure times TD belonging to different time periods as the scheduled departure times for the current trip. Specifically, the user sets, for example, 4:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 11:00 AM as the multiple scheduled departure times TD. Note that, in this specific example, it is desirable that the multiple scheduled departure times TD be set at times that are spaced apart by one hour or more from each other.

[0045] When the departure point SS and destination point DS are set, the control unit 14 sets a planned driving route DR from the departure point SS to the destination point DS using data read from the map DB 4 and the spot information DB 5. In this embodiment, the "planned driving route" may be read as a "planned movement route" or a "guidance route." In the following, an example will be described in which a planned driving route DR including n (n≧2) links L1 to Ln is set, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a planned driving route including n links.

[0046] The control unit 14 acquires road data corresponding to each of the n links included in the planned driving route DR from each piece of data included in the map DB4. The control unit 14 also extracts driving data corresponding to each of the n links included in the planned driving route DR and corresponding to the time zone TZ to which the planned departure time TD belongs from each piece of data included in the driving DB6. The control unit 14 can set the time zone TZ as a time range obtained by dividing a day into predetermined intervals. Specifically, the control unit 14 can set the time zone TZ as a time range obtained by dividing a day into hourly intervals. With this setting, for example, if the planned departure time TD is set to 4:00 AM, the control unit 14 can extract driving data corresponding to the time zone TZ from 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM from each piece of data included in the driving DB6. With the above setting, for example, if the planned departure time TD is set to 8:00 AM, the control unit 14 can extract driving data corresponding to the time zone TZ from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM from each piece of data included in the driving DB6. Furthermore, according to the above-described settings, for example, if the scheduled departure time TD is set to 11:00 AM, the control unit 14 can extract driving data corresponding to the time slot TZ from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM from the data included in the driving DB 6. Note that the control unit 14 is not limited to setting the time slot TZ as described above, and may set the time slot TZ as a predetermined time range based on the scheduled departure time TD, such as one hour before or after the scheduled departure time TD. Furthermore, it is desirable for the control unit 14 to extract data for the most recent day or multiple days from the driving DB 6 as the driving data corresponding to the time slot TZ.

[0047] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the control unit 14 extracts road data DDj from the map DB 4 as data corresponding to link Lj (1≦j≦n). Also, hereinafter, an example will be described in which the control unit 14 extracts driving data RDj from the driving DB 6 as data corresponding to link Lj and time period TZ.

[0048] The control unit 14 acquires a time distribution DTj of the time required to pass through the link Lj and a speed distribution DVj of the passing speed when passing through the link Lj, based on the road data DDj and the travel data RDj.

[0049] The control unit 14 uses the time distribution DTj to calculate a required time TSj corresponding to an expected value in the time distribution DTj (see FIG. 4). The control unit 14 also acquires two required times TLj and TUj corresponding to two predetermined percentile values ​​of the time distribution DTj (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the control unit 14 acquires, for example, the required time corresponding to the 16th percentile of the time distribution DTj as the required time TLj. The control unit 14 also acquires, for example, the required time corresponding to the 84th percentile of the time distribution DTj as the required time TUj. Note that, according to this specific example, the control unit 14 may set the predetermined two percentile values ​​as desired values ​​set by the user and acquire two required times TLj and TUj according to the desired values. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time distribution of the required time required to pass through a link.

[0050] The control unit 14 uses the speed distribution DVj to calculate an average value VAj of the passing speed in the speed distribution DVj. The control unit 14 also uses the speed distribution DVj to calculate a variance σj of the passing speed in the speed distribution DVj.

[0051] The control unit 14 acquires the link length Kj corresponding to the distance of the link Lj from the road data DDj.

[0052] The control unit 14 calculates a predicted required time SLj corresponding to the required time TLj by applying the required time TLj, the link length Kj, the average value VAj, and the variance σj to the following mathematical formula (1). "f(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (1) represents a mathematical model used to correct the required time TLj. Specifically, the mathematical model corresponding to "f(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (1) can be constructed as a function including the link length Kj, the average value VAj, and the variance σj as variables. Furthermore, it is desirable that the mathematical model corresponding to "f(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (1) be constructed as a mathematical model different from "g(Kj, VAj, σj)" described below. Furthermore, it is desirable that "f(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (1) be constructed as a mathematical model in which parameters are adjusted to satisfy SLj≦TLj. Furthermore, the value obtained as a calculation result of "f(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following formula (1) can be treated as a correction coefficient for correcting the required time TLj.

[0053]

number

[0054] The control unit 14 calculates a predicted required time SUj corresponding to the required time TUj by applying the required time TUj, the link length Kj, the average value VAj, and the variance σj to the following mathematical formula (2). "g(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (2) represents a mathematical model used to correct the required time TUj. Specifically, the mathematical model corresponding to "g(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (2) can be constructed as a function including the link length Kj, the average value VAj, and the variance σj as variables. It is preferable that the mathematical model corresponding to "g(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (2) be constructed as a mathematical model different from the aforementioned "f(Kj, VAj, σj)." The value obtained as a calculation result of "g(Kj, VAj, σj)" in the following mathematical formula (2) can be used as a correction coefficient for correcting the required time TUj.

[0055]

number

[0056] The control unit 14 applies the required time TSj and the predicted required time SLj to the following equation (3) to calculate the predicted required time RLT, which corresponds to the shortest time predicted to be required to pass through the links L1 to Ln.

[0057]

number

[0058] "TSj+SLj" in the above formula (3) represents the predicted required time RLj, which corresponds to the shortest time predicted to be required to pass through link Lj. Therefore, by performing processing using the above formula (3), the control unit 14 can obtain the predicted required time RLT corresponding to the entire planned traveling route DR and the predicted required times RL1-RLn corresponding to each of links L1-Ln.

[0059] The control unit 14 applies the required time TSj and the predicted required time SUj to the following equation (4) to calculate the predicted required time RUT, which corresponds to the longest time predicted to be required to pass through the links L1 to Ln.

[0060]

number

[0061] "TSj+SUj" in the above formula (4) represents the predicted required time RUj, which corresponds to the longest time predicted to be required to pass through link Lj. Therefore, by performing processing using the above formula (4), the control unit 14 can obtain the predicted required time RUT corresponding to the entire planned traveling route DR and the predicted required times RU1-RUn corresponding to each of links L1-Ln.

[0062] According to the above-described process, the control unit 14 can correct the time width WTj from the required time TLj to the required time TUj to the time width WSj from the required time SLj to the required time SUj for each of the links L1 to Ln included in the planned traveling route DR using the link length Kj, average value VAj, and variance σj. The control unit 14 can also obtain a predicted time width WLj predicted to be required to travel each of the links L1 to Ln included in the planned traveling route DR by applying the time width WSj to the required time TSj. The control unit 14 can also obtain the time width from the predicted required time RLj to the predicted required time RUj as the predicted time width WLj. The control unit 14 can also calculate the sum of the predicted time widths WLj of the links L1 to Ln as a total predicted time width WRT predicted to be required to travel the entire planned traveling route DR. The control unit 14 can also obtain the time span from the predicted required time RLT to the predicted required time RUT as a total predicted time span WRT. The control unit 14 can also calculate an estimated arrival time having the total predicted time span WRT by applying the total predicted time span WRT to the time when the departure point SS and the destination point DS are set, for example.

[0063] The control unit 14 extracts congestion prediction links LJY in which congestion is predicted to occur from among the links L1 to Ln included in the planned traveling route DR based on at least one of the required time TSj, the predicted required time RLj, and the predicted required time RUj. Specifically, the control unit 14 extracts, for example, from among the links L1 to Ln included in the planned traveling route DR, links whose required time TSj is equal to or greater than a predetermined time as congestion prediction links LJY. Furthermore, the control unit 14 extracts, for example, from among the links L1 to Ln included in the planned traveling route DR, links whose predicted required time RLj or predicted required time RUj is equal to or greater than a predetermined time as congestion prediction links LJY.

[0064] The control unit 14 calculates a total predicted time width WRT corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD by repeatedly performing at least a portion of the processes described above. The control unit 14 also extracts a congestion predicted link LJY corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD by repeatedly performing at least a portion of the processes described above. The control unit 14 also generates display information HJA including information corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD and information indicating the planned driving route DR, and displays the generated display information HJA on the display unit 16. According to this process, the control unit 14 can display, for example, the display information HJA shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 16. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times.

[0065] The display information HJA in FIG. 5 includes information indicating a planned driving route DR from the departure point SS to the destination DS. Note that in FIG. 5, for convenience of illustration, a portion of the planned driving route DR is omitted. The display information HJA in FIG. 5 also includes prediction result information YJA corresponding to "4:00 AM" set as one scheduled departure time TDA of the multiple scheduled departure times TD. The display information HJA in FIG. 5 also includes prediction result information YJB corresponding to "8:00 AM" set as one scheduled departure time TDB of the multiple scheduled departure times TD. The display information HJA in FIG. 5 also includes prediction result information YJC corresponding to "11:00 AM" set as one scheduled departure time TDC of the multiple scheduled departure times TD.

[0066] The prediction result information YJA includes a character string representing the scheduled departure time TDA. The prediction result information YJA also includes a character string, "Predicted travel time: 2 hours 11 minutes to 2 hours 22 minutes," as a character string indicating the calculation result of the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDA. The prediction result information YJA also includes a character string, "Relatively little delay," as a character string indicating the extraction result of the congestion prediction link LJY corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDA. In other words, the control unit 14 can generate display information HJA including the character string, "Relatively little delay," as information indicating the extraction result when the congestion prediction link LJY corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDA cannot be extracted.

[0067] The prediction result information YJB includes a character string representing the scheduled departure time TDB. The prediction result information YJB also includes a character string, "Predicted travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 00 minutes," as a character string indicating the calculation result of the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDB. The prediction result information YJB also includes character strings, "xa intersection: 5 minutes to 10 minutes" and "near xb junction: 7 minutes to 15 minutes," as character strings indicating the extraction result of the congestion prediction link LJY corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDB. That is, the control unit 14 can generate display information HJA including a character string, "xa intersection: 5 minutes to 10 minutes," as information indicating one congestion prediction link LJYA included in the extraction result when two congestion prediction links LJY corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDB are extracted. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can generate display information HJA including the character string "near xb junction: 7 minutes to 15 minutes" as information indicating one congestion prediction link LJYB included in the extraction result when two congestion prediction links LJY corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDB are extracted. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can identify that the congestion prediction link LJYA is a link including "xa intersection" and that the congestion prediction link LJYB is a link including "xb junction" by, for example, referring to data read from the map DB4. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can display the calculation result of the predicted time width WLj corresponding to the congestion prediction link LJYA as the character string "5 minutes to 10 minutes." Furthermore, the control unit 14 can display the calculation result of the predicted time width WLj corresponding to the congestion prediction link LJYB as the character string "7 minutes to 15 minutes."

[0068] The prediction result information YJC includes a character string representing the scheduled departure time TDC. The prediction result information YJC also includes a character string, "Predicted travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 53 minutes," as a character string indicating the calculation result of the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDC. The prediction result information YJC also includes a character string, "Near the ya service area: 8 minutes to 12 minutes," as a character string indicating the extraction result of the congestion prediction link LJY corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDB. That is, the control unit 14 can generate display information HJA including the character string, "Near the ya service area: 8 minutes to 12 minutes," as information indicating the congestion prediction link LJYC included in the extraction result when one congestion prediction link LJY corresponding to the scheduled departure time TDC is extracted. The control unit 14 can also identify that the congestion prediction link LJYC is a link including the "ya service area" by, for example, referring to data read from the map DB 4. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can display the calculation result of the predicted time width WLj corresponding to the congestion predicted link LJYC as a character string of "8 minutes to 12 minutes."

[0069] According to the above-described process, the control unit 14 can calculate a total predicted time width WRT predicted to be required to travel the entire planned travel route DR for each of multiple scheduled departure times TD set for the planned travel route DR from the departure point SS to the destination DS. The control unit 14 can also display the total predicted time width WRT corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD. The control unit 14 can also extract, from each link included in the planned travel route DR, a congestion prediction link LJY where congestion is predicted to occur at each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD. The control unit 14 can also calculate a predicted time width WLj predicted to be required to travel the congestion prediction link LJY. The control unit 14 can also display, for each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD, the total predicted time width WRT corresponding to the planned travel route DR, the predicted time width WLj corresponding to the congestion prediction link LJY, and information indicating the location of the congestion prediction link LJY. If the control unit 14 is unable to extract a congestion prediction link LJY, the control unit 14 can also display information indicating that there will be little delay when traveling along the planned travel route DR.

[0070] (Processing flow of the first specific example) Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing according to this specific example, which is performed by the information processing device 1. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device.

[0071] First, the information processing device 1 sets a planned driving route DR from the departure point SS to the destination point DS using data read from the map DB 4 and the spot information DB 5 (step S11).

[0072] Next, the information processing device 1 calculates a total predicted time width WRT corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times TD for the planned driving route DR set in step S11 (step S12).

[0073] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 extracts, for the planned driving route DR set in step S11, a congestion predicted link LJY corresponding to each of the plurality of planned departure times TD (step S13).

[0074] Next, the information processing device 1 displays information corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD on the display unit 16 based on the processing results of steps S12 and S13 (step S14). The information displayed by the processing of step S14 may include information related to the calculation results of the total predicted time width WRT corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD and information related to the extraction results of the congestion predicted links LJY corresponding to each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD.

[0075] According to this specific example, the control unit 14 can set, for example, the time that has the smallest overall predicted time range WRT among the times included in the range of multiple scheduled departure times set by the user as the recommended departure time TSA. Also, according to this specific example, the control unit 14 can cause the display unit 16 to display information corresponding to the recommended departure time TSA set as described above.

[0076] Specifically, for example, when the scheduled departure times set by the user are 4:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 11:00 AM, the control unit 14 can set the recommended departure time TSA to the time within the range from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM that has the smallest overall predicted time range WRT. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can generate display information HJB by adding information corresponding to the recommended departure time TSA to the display information HJA, and display the generated display information HJB on the display unit 16. According to this processing, the control unit 14 can display, for example, the display information HJB shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 16. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information corresponding to each of a plurality of scheduled departure times and information corresponding to the recommended departure time.

[0077] The display information HJB in Fig. 7 includes information similar to that included in the display information HJA. In addition, the display information HJB in Fig. 7 includes recommended time information SJA corresponding to "5:00 AM" that has been set as the recommended departure time TSA.

[0078] The recommended time information SJA includes a character string representing the recommended departure time TSA. The recommended time information SJA also includes a character string "Predicted travel time: 2 hours 14 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes" as a character string indicating the calculation result of the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the recommended departure time TSA. The recommended time information SJA also includes a character string "Minimum delay" as a character string indicating that the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the recommended departure time TSA is the smallest among the total predicted time ranges WRT corresponding to each time included in the range from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM. In other words, the control unit 14 can generate display information HJA including the character string "Minimum delay" as information corresponding to the recommended departure time TSA.

[0079] (Second specific example) For example, before starting to drive the vehicle Ve, the user sets the starting point SS and the destination DS of the current trip.

[0080] The user sets, for example, two scheduled departure times TE that belong to different time periods as scheduled departure times for the current trip. Specifically, the user sets, for example, 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM as the two scheduled departure times TE.

[0081] When the departure point SS and destination point DS are set, the control unit 14 sets a planned driving route DR from the departure point SS to the destination DS using data read from the map DB4 and the spot information DB5. The control unit 14 also calculates a total predicted time range WRT corresponding to each time included in the range between the two scheduled departure times TE by performing the same processing as in the first specific example using driving data etc. acquired from the driving DB6. Specifically, for example, if the two scheduled departure times TE are 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the control unit 14 calculates a total predicted time range WRT corresponding to each time included in the range between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM.

[0082] The control unit 14 sets the recommended departure time TSB as the time at which the overall predicted time width WRT is smallest among the times included in the ranges of the two scheduled departure times TE. The control unit 14 also generates display information HJC including information corresponding to the recommended departure time TSB and information indicating the planned driving route DR, and causes the display unit 16 to display the generated display information HJC. According to this processing, the control unit 14 can display, for example, the display information HJC as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 16. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of display of information corresponding to the recommended scheduled times.

[0083] The display information HJC in Fig. 8 includes information indicating a planned driving route DR from the departure point SS to the destination DS. Note that for convenience of illustration, part of the planned driving route DR is omitted in Fig. 8. The display information HJC in Fig. 8 also includes recommended time information SJB corresponding to "6:00 AM" that has been set as the recommended departure time TSB.

[0084] The recommended time information SJB includes a character string representing the recommended departure time TSB. The recommended time information SJB also includes a character string "Predicted travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 33 minutes" as a character string indicating the calculation result of the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the recommended departure time TSB. The recommended time information SJA also includes a character string "Minimum delay" as a character string indicating that the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the recommended departure time TSB is the smallest among the total predicted time ranges WRT corresponding to each time included in the range from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. In other words, the control unit 14 can generate display information HJC including the character string "Minimum delay" as information corresponding to the recommended departure time TSB.

[0085] (Processing flow of the second specific example) Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing according to this example, which is performed by the information processing device 1. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of processing performed by the information processing device.

[0086] First, the information processing device 1 sets a planned driving route DR from the departure point SS to the destination DS using data read from the map DB 4 and the spot information DB 5 (step S21).

[0087] Next, the information processing device 1 calculates a total predicted time width WRT corresponding to each time included in the range of the two scheduled departure times TE for the planned driving route DR set in step S21 (step S22).

[0088] Next, the information processing device 1 sets, among the times included in the range of the two scheduled departure times TE, the time at which the total predicted time width WRT calculated in step S22 is the smallest as the recommended departure time TSB (step S23).

[0089] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 displays information corresponding to the recommended departure time TSB set in step S23 on the display unit 16 (step S24). The information displayed by the processing in step S24 may include information related to the calculation result of the total predicted time width WRT corresponding to the recommended departure time TSB.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to display information related to the calculation result of the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to each of a plurality of scheduled departure times TD. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to display information related to the calculation result of the total predicted time range WRT corresponding to the recommended departure time TSB included in the range of two scheduled departure times TE. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when a plurality of scheduled departure times belong to different time zones, it is possible to easily grasp the required time for the planned travel route.

[0091] <Modification> Next, a preferred modification of the above-described embodiment will be described. For simplicity, specific descriptions of parts to which the above-described processes can be applied will be omitted.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment, at least a part of the processes performed by the information processing device 1 may be performed by a server device that performs data communication with the information processing device 1.

[0093] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a guidance system according to a modified example. Guidance system 100A includes information processing device 1A and server device 200. Information processing device 1A and server device 200 perform data communication via network 150.

[0094] The information processing device 1A has the same configuration as the information processing device 1 described in the above embodiment (see FIG. 2). Note that, when the server device 200 performs processing based on data stored in the map DB 4, the spot information DB 5, and the travel DB 6, the information processing device 1A does not need to store the data. Furthermore, the information processing device 1A transmits information input via the input unit 13, information obtained by the sensor group 15, and the like to the server device 200.

[0095] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server device according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 11, server device 200 includes a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a control unit 304. Communication unit 301, storage unit 302, and control unit 304 are connected to each other via a bus line 300.

[0096] The communication unit 301 transmits and receives various data via the network 150 under the control of the control unit 304. The storage unit 302 is configured with, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 302 also stores data necessary for calculating the total predicted time width WRT, such as a map DB4, a spot information DB5, and a driving DB6. The control unit 304 has memories such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and performs overall control of the server device 200 by executing programs stored in the memory. The control unit 304 can also be considered as an example of a computer.

[0097] According to the configuration described above, the control unit 304 can set the planned driving route DR based on the information on the departure point SS and the destination DS received from the information processing device 1A. The control unit 304 can also calculate a total predicted time width WRT predicted to be required to travel the entire planned driving route DR for each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD received from the information processing device 1A. The control unit 304 can also extract, from among the links included in the planned driving route DR, a congestion prediction link LJY where congestion is predicted to occur at each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD. The control unit 304 can also calculate a predicted time width WLj predicted to be required to travel the congestion prediction link LJY. The control unit 304 can also transmit, for each of the multiple scheduled departure times TD, the calculation results of the total predicted time width WRT corresponding to the planned driving route DR, the calculation results of the predicted time width WLj corresponding to the congestion prediction link LJY, and information indicating the position of the congestion prediction link LJY to the information processing device 1A. Furthermore, when the control unit 304 is unable to extract the congestion predicted link LJY, it can transmit information indicating that there will be little delay in moving along the planned traveling route DR to the information processing device 1A.

[0098] According to this modification, the same processing as that performed in the server device 200 may be performed in a server system having a plurality of server devices.

[0099] In each of the above-described embodiments, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and supplied to a control unit, such as a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media (tangible storage media). Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory).

[0100] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications within the scope of the present invention that would be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible for those skilled in the art based on the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical ideas. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited patent documents and other documents are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1, 1A Information processing equipment 11, 301 Communications Department 12, 302 Storage section 13 Input section 14, 304 Control section 15 Sensors 16 Display section

Claims

1. a calculation unit that calculates a first predicted required time, which has a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route from the departure point to the destination, for each of a plurality of scheduled departure times set for the route; a presentation control unit that presents the first predicted required time corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times; An information processing device having the above.

2. an extraction unit that extracts, from among the links included in the route, a congestion predicted link in which congestion is predicted to occur at each of the plurality of scheduled departure times; the calculation unit calculates a second predicted required time having a time width predicted to be required to pass through the congestion predicted link; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the presentation control unit presents, for each of the plurality of scheduled departure times, the first predicted travel time, the second predicted travel time, and location information indicating the location of the congestion predicted link.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the presentation control unit, when the congestion prediction link is not extracted, presents information indicating that there will be little delay when traveling along the route instead of the location information and the second predicted travel time.

4. a setting unit that sets, as a recommended departure time, a time at which the time width of the first predicted required time is shortest among the times included in the range of the plurality of scheduled departure times; the calculation unit calculates a third predicted required time for the recommended departure time, the third predicted required time having a time width predicted to be required to travel the entire route; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the presentation control unit causes the first predicted required time corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times and the third predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time to be presented.

5. a calculation unit that calculates a predicted required time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route from the departure point to the destination for each time included in a range of two scheduled departure times set for the route from the departure point to the destination; a setting unit that sets, as a recommended departure time, a time at which the time width of the predicted required time is shortest among the times included in the range of the two scheduled departure times; a presentation control unit that presents the predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time; An information processing device having the above.

6. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a calculation step of calculating a first predicted required time, which has a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route from the departure point to the destination, for each of a plurality of scheduled departure times set for the route from the departure point to the destination; a presentation control step of presenting the first predicted required time corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times; An information processing method comprising:

7. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a calculation step of calculating a predicted required time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route from the departure point to the destination for each time included in a range of two scheduled departure times set for the route from the departure point to the destination; a setting step of setting, as a recommended departure time, a time at which the time width of the predicted required time is shortest among the times included in the range of the two scheduled departure times; a presentation control step of presenting the predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time; An information processing method comprising:

8. A program executed by a computer, a calculation unit that calculates a first predicted required time, which has a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route from the departure point to the destination, for each of a plurality of scheduled departure times set for the route; and a program that causes the computer to function as a presentation control unit that presents the first predicted required time corresponding to each of the plurality of scheduled departure times;

9. A program executed by a computer, a calculation unit that calculates a predicted required time having a time range predicted to be required to travel the entire route from the departure point to the destination for each time included in a range of two scheduled departure times set for the route from the departure point to the destination; a setting unit that sets, as a recommended departure time, a time at which the time width of the predicted required time is shortest among the times included in the range of the two scheduled departure times; and a program that causes the computer to function as a presentation control unit that presents the predicted required time corresponding to the recommended departure time;

10. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 8 or 9.

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