Route guidance system, route guidance device, and route guidance method

Abstract

To provide appropriate route information by estimating the degree of influence of passage inhibition due to a stop on a road accompanying the work of a specific vehicle.SOLUTION: A route guidance system includes a server 3, and a vehicle 1 equipped with a route generation unit 11 that generates a route of a vehicle 1, a camera 12, an image analyzing unit 13 that analyzes the acquired image of the camera 12, a communication unit 14 that acquires a route of vehicle 2 located in front and the traffic condition information from the server 3 based on the analyzed information on the vehicle 2 located in front, and a calculation unit 15. The calculation unit determines whether or not the route of the vehicle 2 located in front and the route of the vehicle 1 overlap with each other by comparing the acquired route of the vehicle 2 located in front and the route of the vehicle 1 generated by the route generation unit 11, and determines whether or not to update the route of the vehicle 1 according to the information of a traffic condition in a case where the routes overlap with each other. The route generation unit 11 is configured to generate a new route of the vehicle 1 in which an overlap between the route of the vehicle 2 located in front and the route of the vehicle 1 is reduced when the calculation unit 15 determines to update the route of the vehicle 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a route guidance system, a route guidance device, and a route guidance method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, automobiles have been equipped with and use car navigation systems (hereinafter referred to as "car navigation systems") that can search for routes to destinations. In addition, drive recorders have become increasingly popular, and it is now common to record images of the surrounding area, such as the area in front of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-38625 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-189269 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-126433 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-197268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when searching for a route using a car navigation system, bus routes are not taken into consideration, so if the route overlaps with a regular bus service, you may have to wait to board or disembark, and you may not arrive on schedule.

[0005] For example, Patent Publication No. 2010-38625 (Patent Document 1) discloses a route search device that can take into account the route to the destination based on the bus timetable when providing route guidance, but there is a problem in that it is not possible to select a route that takes into account real-time operating conditions.

[0006] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-189269 (Patent Document 2) discloses a route search device that can avoid traveling the same route as a specific vehicle by obtaining information about the route of the vehicle designated as a specific vehicle type by a vehicle type designation means.However, since the degree of impact of the road obstruction on the vehicle changes depending on the operating conditions of the specific vehicle, changing the route may not always be appropriate.

[0007] In addition, Patent Publication No. 2020-126433 (Patent Document 3) describes an automatic driving device that creates an avoidance route to be used by following vehicles approaching the vehicle based on a GPS device that acquires the vehicle's position information and a sensor that detects surrounding environmental information, and causes the following vehicles to take evasive action.

[0008] In addition, Patent Publication No. 2019-197268 (Patent Document 4) describes a prediction device that predicts the number of people who will disembark from a bus at a bus stop based on information about the current number of passengers on the bus and the number of passengers who have disembarked at the bus stop in the past, and also predicts the number of people who will board based on the number of people waiting at the bus stop, thereby predicting the duration of the bus stop.

[0009] The present disclosure estimates the degree of impact of traffic obstruction caused by a specific vehicle being stopped on the road for business purposes, and provides appropriate route information according to the degree of impact of the traffic obstruction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The route guidance system according to the present disclosure includes a server that stores route information of a preceding vehicle and information on the operation status of the vehicle, a route creation unit that creates a route to the destination of the vehicle, and a camera that captures images of the preceding vehicle. a vehicle comprising: an image analysis unit that analyzes images acquired by the camera; a communication unit that transmits information about the vehicle ahead acquired from the images through analysis by the image analysis unit to the server and acquires the route of the vehicle ahead and information about the operating conditions from the server; and a calculation unit that compares the route of the vehicle ahead acquired via the communication unit with the route of the vehicle itself created by the route creation unit to determine whether the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the vehicle itself overlap, and if the routes overlap, decides whether to update the route of the vehicle itself depending on the information about the operating conditions; and when the calculation unit determines that the route of the vehicle itself should be updated, the route creation unit creates a new route for the vehicle itself that reduces overlap between the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the vehicle itself. This allows the vehicle to set a route to the destination that is different from that of the vehicle ahead.

[0011] The route guidance device according to the present disclosure comprises a route creation unit that creates a route to the destination of the host vehicle, a camera that photographs a vehicle ahead, an image analysis unit that analyzes the image acquired by the camera, a communication unit that acquires the route of the vehicle ahead and information on its operating status from a server based on information about the vehicle ahead acquired from the image through analysis by the image analysis unit, a memory unit that stores information about the route of the vehicle ahead and the information on the operating status, and reads out information about the route of the vehicle ahead based on information about the vehicle ahead acquired from the image through analysis by the image analysis unit, and a calculation unit that compares the route of the vehicle ahead acquired from the memory unit with the route of the host vehicle created by the route creation unit to determine whether the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the host vehicle overlap, and when it is determined by the calculation unit that the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the host vehicle created by the route creation unit overlap, the route creation unit creates a new route for the host vehicle that reduces the overlap between the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the host vehicle. This allows the vehicle to set a route to the destination that is different from the route taken by the vehicle ahead.

[0012] The route guidance method according to the present disclosure includes the steps of creating a route to a destination for the vehicle, photographing a vehicle ahead with a camera, analyzing the image acquired by the camera, transmitting information about the vehicle ahead obtained from the image by the analysis to a server and acquiring information about the route of the vehicle ahead from the server, comparing the route of the vehicle ahead acquired from the server with the route of the vehicle ahead to the destination created by a route creation unit to determine whether the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the vehicle ahead overlap, and, if it is determined that the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the vehicle ahead created by the route creation unit overlap, creating a new route for the vehicle ahead that reduces the overlap between the route of the vehicle ahead and the route of the vehicle ahead. This allows the vehicle to set a route to the destination that is different from the route taken by the vehicle ahead. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to estimate the degree of impact of traffic obstruction caused by a specific vehicle being stopped on the road for business purposes, and to provide appropriate route information according to the degree of impact of traffic obstruction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a route guidance system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between a first vehicle and a second vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the route guidance system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the route guidance system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a route guidance device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A route guidance system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a route guidance system 100. The route guidance system 100 includes a first vehicle 1, a second vehicle 2 traveling ahead of the first vehicle 1, and a server 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2, and the first vehicle 1 is described as the subject vehicle, and the second vehicle 2 is described as a bus unless otherwise specified. In the following description, the second vehicle 2 traveling ahead of the first vehicle 1 may be referred to as the leading vehicle.

[0016] 1, the first vehicle 1 is a vehicle equipped with a car navigation system. The first vehicle 1 includes a route generation unit 11, a camera 12, an image analysis unit 13 that analyzes images acquired by the camera 12, a communication unit 14, a calculation unit 15, a notification unit 16, and a control unit (not shown).

[0017] The second vehicle 2 is typically a bus that displays destinations on the outside in multiple locations so that the destination can be confirmed from outside. In particular, the second vehicle 2 is assumed here to have a display unit 21 at the rear. The display unit 21 displays destinations so that they can be acquired by a camera 12 provided on the first vehicle 1 traveling behind the second vehicle 2.

[0018] The server 3 stores route information for the second vehicle 2. Typically, the server 3 stores the route information for the second vehicle 2 in a database. The server 3 can provide the route information for the second vehicle 2 to the first vehicle 1 through communication with the first vehicle 1. The server 3 also stores operation information for the second vehicle 2. Here, operation information refers to information that includes at least information about the planned stops of the second vehicle 2 along the route, such as the number of passengers boarding and alighting at each stop if the second vehicle 2 is a bus, the quantity of luggage and collection and delivery work time if the second vehicle 2 is a cargo truck, and whether or not wheelchair users are on board if the second vehicle 2 is a taxi, and is particularly information about the second vehicle 2 and its surroundings. The server 3 can update this information in real time. When acquiring operation information for the second vehicle 2, if the second vehicle 2 is a bus, information regarding stop times at each stop and passenger boarding and disembarking status may be acquired by, for example, using the latest operation information service provided by the bus company, data acquired from passenger transportation IC cards managed by the bus company, or data acquired from cameras installed on the bus or disembarking buttons. If the second vehicle 2 is a taxi, information regarding stop locations and stop times for passengers to board and disembark may be acquired by, for example, using the latest vehicle operation status data and dispatch reservation data managed by a taxi company. If the second vehicle 2 is a cargo truck, information regarding stop locations and stop times for delivery may be acquired by, for example, using the latest vehicle operation status and delivery status data managed by a cargo transportation company, or data such as the delivery person's walking time estimated based on the distance from the vehicle's stop location to the delivery location of the package, or the work time for loading and unloading the package estimated based on the quantity of package.

[0019] Here, real time refers to a predetermined short period of time, and for example, real time updates refer to information updates every few minutes, but are not limited to this. Furthermore, the information on the second vehicle 2 held by the server 3 can be information that is changed as appropriate depending on the second vehicle 2 that is actually traveling, and for example, if the second vehicle 2 is a bus, information actually obtained from the second vehicle 2 can be used instead of information on a bus timetable.

[0020] Furthermore, in the server 3, the administrator can manually update the information, or the information can be updated based on images captured by cameras installed in other traveling vehicles, bus stops, etc. In the following, the information will be described as "operation status information," which is information on operation on the route including the stopping status of the second vehicle 2. In the server 3, this information can be updated in real time.

[0021] The route creation unit 11 is typically a part of the function of a car navigation system installed in the first vehicle 1. The route creation unit 11 can create a route from the current location of the first vehicle 1, which is acquired by GPS or the like, to the destination in response to a destination input by a passenger of the first vehicle 1.

[0022] As will be described later, when the route creation unit 11 acquires information about a bus route via the communication unit 14, the calculation unit 15 can compare this bus route with a route for the first vehicle 1 that has already been created and determine the result, and create a new route to the destination based on the result.

[0023] Camera 12 is a camera that captures images of the surroundings of first vehicle 1, and in particular, the area ahead of first vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 2, camera 12 can capture an image of the destination displayed on the rear of second vehicle 2. Camera 12 also captures images with a predetermined viewing angle so that it can acquire information about the surroundings of second vehicle 2, such as the number of lanes the vehicle is traveling on, the width of the lanes, and the state of oncoming lanes. Note that the images captured by camera 12 can be either videos or still images.

[0024] Image analysis unit 13 is typically configured by a combination of a storage device such as a memory, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. Image analysis unit 13 analyzes the image acquired by camera 12. Here, when second vehicle 2 acquired by camera 12 is a bus, image analysis unit 13 is capable of analyzing the characters of the destination display displayed on the display unit at the rear of the bus.

[0025] In addition, when the second vehicle 2 captured by the camera 12 is a bus, a taxi, a cargo truck, or the like, the image analysis unit 13 can appropriately analyze information that can be read by being displayed on the rear of the vehicle. For example, the image analysis unit 13 can analyze and acquire information such as information on the company to which the second vehicle 2 belongs (such as the company name or logo displayed around the vehicle body), the license plate, etc.

[0026] As another example, if the second vehicle 2 photographed by the camera 12 is a taxi, the image analysis unit 13 can analyze whether it is a large vehicle that can carry a wheelchair or the like, and if it is a large vehicle, it can make an inquiry to the server 3 about the route of the second vehicle 2, but if it is a small vehicle, it can be changed so that no inquiry is made.

[0027] The communication unit 14 queries the server 3 about the information acquired by the image analysis unit 13 through image analysis. That is, the communication unit 14 transmits destination information of the bus, which is the second vehicle 2, to the server 3 via the image analysis unit 13. This allows the first vehicle 1 to acquire bus route information from the server 3 via the communication unit 14.

[0028] Furthermore, the first vehicle 1 can acquire operation information of the second vehicle 2 from the server 3 via the communication unit 14.

[0029] The calculation unit 15 is typically configured by a combination of a storage device such as a memory, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The calculation unit 15 compares the route of the vehicle that has already been created by the route creation unit 11 with the bus route acquired from the server 3 via the communication unit 14, and if these routes overlap, it can determine that it is appropriate to change the route of the vehicle.

[0030] The calculation unit 15 can also estimate the stopping position and stopping time of the second vehicle 2 based on the operation information acquired from the server 3 via the communication unit 14. Furthermore, the calculation unit 15 can determine whether the first vehicle 1 can overtake the second vehicle 2 when the second vehicle 2 is stopped based on the estimated stopping time and the surrounding conditions such as the road width at the stopping position of the second vehicle 2 and the conditions of other vehicles in front of and behind the second vehicle 2. The road width at the stopping position of the second vehicle 2 may be calculated from an image captured by the camera 12.

[0031] The notification unit 16 can use a display or speaker provided in the car navigation system. Based on the calculation result by the calculation unit 15, the notification unit 16 can notify the second vehicle 2 traveling ahead whether it is possible to overtake the vehicle on the route of the vehicle, or if overtaking is not possible, can notify the vehicle of a recommendation to change the route of the vehicle. Note that the notifications made by the notification unit 16 are not limited to these, and if overtaking is not possible, the notification unit 16 can also notify the vehicle of a future position where overtaking is possible, a detour route, a waiting time, etc.

[0032] The control unit can control the operations of the camera 12, image analysis unit 13, communication unit 14, calculation unit 15, and notification unit 16. For example, the control unit is configured by a combination of a storage device such as a memory and a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and can control each unit by executing a predetermined program. Note that the image analysis unit 13, calculation unit 15, and control unit may share the same memory, CPU, etc. In other words, the actual components that make up each unit can be shared as appropriate.

[0033] Next, the operation of the route guidance system 100 will be described. Figures 3 and 4 show an example of the operation flow of the route guidance system 100. Here, the explanation will be given assuming that the second vehicle 2 is a bus. Note that in each flow of Figures 3 and 4, each operation is controlled by a control unit.

[0034] First, an example of route change determination for the second vehicle 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] First, it is assumed that a route to the destination has been created by the route creation unit 11 in the first vehicle 1. The route created by the route creation unit 11 is displayed on the display used as the notification unit 16.

[0036] The first vehicle 1 captures an image of the area ahead using the camera 12 and detects a bus (step S1). If a bus is detected (Yes in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. If a bus is not detected (No in step S1), the process is repeated until a bus is detected.

[0037] The camera 12 captures an image of the destination sign displayed on the rear side of the bus (step S2).

[0038] The image analysis unit 13 analyzes the destination from the image captured by the camera 12 (step S3).

[0039] The first vehicle 1 transmits the bus destination information analyzed by the image analysis unit 13 to the server 3 via the communication unit 14, and acquires bus route information from the server 3 (step S4). At this time, the first vehicle 1 can simultaneously acquire real-time operating status information from the server 3.

[0040] The calculation unit 15 compares the route of the vehicle to the destination created by the route creation unit 11 with the bus route information acquired from the server 3, and determines whether the routes overlap (step S5). If the routes overlap (Yes in step S5), the calculation unit 15 proceeds to step S6.

[0041] If the routes do not overlap (No in step S5), the process ends and returns to step S1.

[0042] The route creation unit 11 creates a new route for the vehicle that avoids the bus route (step S6). For example, the control unit can control the route creation unit 11 to create a new route for the vehicle based on the calculation result by the calculation unit 15. Ideally, the new route for the vehicle does not overlap with the bus route, but it is sufficient if the new route overlaps with the bus route less than the initially set route for the vehicle.

[0043] Here, in steps S5 and S6, it is possible to determine whether or not to create a new route for the first vehicle 1 by using other information in addition to determining whether the bus route and the route of the first vehicle 1 overlap. For example, since the server 3 acquires real-time information on the operation status, the calculation unit 15 can use this real-time information on the operation status to determine whether or not to change the route of the first vehicle 1. For example, if the operation information predicts that the bus will stop for a long time because of a large number of passengers getting on and off at a bus stop, it may be determined that the impact of traffic obstruction on the first vehicle 1 is significant, and it may be determined that the route of the first vehicle 1 should be changed.

[0044] The notification unit 16 notifies the new route of the first vehicle 1 created by the route creation unit 11 (step S7).

[0045] As a result, if the route traveled by the first vehicle 1 overlaps with the route of a bus traveling ahead of the first vehicle 1, it is possible to determine that the impact of traffic obstruction due to passengers boarding and disembarking at each bus stop is significant, and to change the route of the first vehicle 1.

[0046] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a case will be described in which the operation information of the second vehicle 2 is used to determine whether overtaking is possible, thereby determining whether a route change for the first vehicle 1 is to be made.

[0047] Here, the processing from step S1 to step S5 in the flow shown in FIG. 4 is the same as step S1 to step S3 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] The first vehicle 1 transmits the bus destination information analyzed by the image analysis unit 13 to the server 3 via the communication unit 14, and acquires bus route information from the server 3 (step S4). At this time, the first vehicle 1 simultaneously acquires bus operation information such as the number of passengers getting on and off at each bus stop and estimated stop times, as well as operation information such as information about the surrounding area of ​​the stop locations, from the server 3. Here, the first vehicle 1 can acquire real-time operation status information.

[0049] The calculation unit 15 compares the route of the vehicle to the destination created by the route creation unit 11 with the bus route information acquired from the server 3, and determines whether the routes overlap (step S5). If the routes overlap in step S5 (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0050] The calculation unit 15 determines whether or not it is possible to overtake a bus based on the bus operation information acquired from the server 3 (step S11). If the calculation unit 15 determines that overtaking is easily possible ("easily possible" in step S11), the route of the first vehicle 1 is not changed. In this case, the notification unit 16 displays the time required for overtaking (step S12) and ends the process. For example, if the stopping time of the second vehicle 2 is sufficiently longer than the time required for the first vehicle 1 to overtake, the width of the road at the stopping position of the second vehicle 2 is sufficiently longer than the width of the first vehicle 1, and there are no other vehicles in front of or behind the second vehicle 2, it is determined that overtaking is easily possible.

[0051] If the calculation unit 15 determines that overtaking is possible under certain conditions, such as when overtaking is possible at a specific location ("Conditionally possible" in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13 without changing the route of the first vehicle 1. In this case, the notification unit 16 notifies the first vehicle 1 of conditions such as future overtaking positions (step S13) and ends the process. For example, if the stopping time of the second vehicle 2 is slightly longer than the time required for the first vehicle 1 to overtake, if the width of the road at the stopping position of the second vehicle 2 is slightly longer than the width of the first vehicle 1, or if there are other vehicles in front of and behind the second vehicle 2 but they can pass if they are careful, the calculation unit 15 determines that overtaking is possible under certain conditions (such as driving precautions) depending on the situation.

[0052] If the calculation unit 15 determines that overtaking is impossible or that it would be better to change the route of the first vehicle 1 because it would take a long time to overtake the bus ("Not possible" in step S11), the calculation unit 15 proceeds to step S6. For example, if the stopping time of the second vehicle 2 is shorter than the time required for the first vehicle 1 to overtake, if the width of the road at the stopping position of the second vehicle 2 is shorter than the width of the first vehicle 1, or if there are other vehicles in front of and behind the second vehicle 2 that obstruct passage, the calculation unit 15 determines that overtaking is impossible. For example, if the number of overtaking attempts on the route of the first vehicle 1 is large and the time required for overtaking at each stop is long, the calculation unit 15 determines that it would take a long time to overtake the bus.

[0053] These determinations in step S11 can be changed as appropriate; in other words, the calculation unit 15 can determine whether or not to create a new route for the first vehicle 1 depending on at least one of whether or not it is possible to overtake the vehicle ahead, the difficulty of overtaking, or a comparison of the time required to overtake with or without overtaking.

[0054] The route creation unit 11 creates a new route for the vehicle that avoids the bus route (step S6). The notification unit 16 notifies the vehicle of the new route for the vehicle created by the route creation unit 11 (step S7).

[0055] In addition, in the case where step S11 is "easily possible" and "conditionally possible," the subsequent processing is described as being performed as separate steps S12 and S13, but the same processing may also be performed.

[0056] As a result, when the second vehicle 2, which has a high impact on traffic obstruction, is traveling ahead of the first vehicle 1, the first vehicle 1 can obtain information on whether the travel route of the second vehicle 2 overlaps with its own planned travel route, and change its own route if the routes overlap. This makes it possible, for example, if the second vehicle 2 is a bus, to avoid getting caught in traffic while waiting to get on and off.

[0057] Furthermore, the first vehicle 1 can estimate the stopping position and stopping time based on the operation information of the second vehicle in addition to the information on the route of the second vehicle 2, and can also use information on the surrounding conditions at the stopping position. This allows the first vehicle 1 to determine whether it is possible to properly overtake the second vehicle 2 without changing the route, and whether it is more appropriate to change the route without overtaking, and provide route guidance accordingly.

[0058] In other words, the route guidance system 100 can estimate the degree of impact of traffic obstruction caused by a specific vehicle traveling ahead stopping on the road for business purposes, and provide appropriate route information according to the degree of impact of traffic obstruction.

[0059] In this way, by configuring the first vehicle 1 to obtain route and operation information of the second vehicle 2 from the server 3, route guidance can be performed using the latest route information and operation information of the second vehicle 2 as a basis for making decisions.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In other words, the above description has been omitted or simplified as appropriate for the sake of clarity, and a person skilled in the art can easily modify, add, or convert each element of the embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] For example, in the route guidance system 100, the server 3 stores route information and operation information for the second vehicle 2, and the first vehicle 1 is described as acquiring information from the server 3 via the communication unit 14, but this is not limited to this.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a route guidance device 200 having a storage unit 17 in which information on the route of the second vehicle 2, operation information, and the like are stored.

[0063] In the route guidance device 200, the first vehicle 4 includes a route creation unit 11, a camera 12, an image analysis unit 13 that analyzes images acquired by the camera 12, a communication unit 14, a calculation unit 15, a notification unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a control unit (not shown). Components that are the same as those in the route guidance system 100 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0064] The memory unit 17 stores route information and operation information of the second vehicle 2. The memory unit 17 can read out the stored route information and operation information of the second vehicle according to information about the preceding vehicle acquired by analyzing the image by the image analysis unit 13. As an example of this case, when the route creation unit 11 creates a route before the first vehicle 1 starts traveling to the destination, the memory unit 17 can acquire and store route information and operation information about a bus traveling so as to overlap with the route of the first vehicle from the server 3. Note that, if a vehicle not stored in the memory unit 17 is captured by the camera 12 while the first vehicle 1 is traveling, the first vehicle 1 can communicate with the server 3 and update the information stored in the memory unit 17.

[0065] The calculation unit 15 compares the route of the vehicle already created by the route creation unit 11 with the bus route stored in the memory unit 17, and if these routes overlap, it can determine that it is appropriate to change the route of the vehicle. Similarly, the calculation unit 15 can also perform calculations on operation information using information acquired from the memory unit 17.

[0066] In this way, by having the storage unit 17 in which information on the route of the second vehicle 2, operation information, etc., is stored in the route guidance device 200, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which information on the second vehicle 2 acquired by the camera 12 is acquired from the server 3. This makes it possible to reduce the increase in communication capacity caused by communicating with the server 3 as needed, and the occurrence of problems due to communication errors, etc.

[0067] In the route guidance system 100, the first vehicle 1 has been described as communicating only with the server 3, but it is also possible for the first vehicle 1 to obtain information by communicating with other vehicles that are using the route guidance system 100 in the same way as the first vehicle 1.

[0068] Furthermore, in the route guidance system 100, if the second vehicle 2 is a bus, it is possible to obtain information such as the number of people waiting to board using a camera installed at the bus stop, and similarly, information obtained by a surveillance camera installed at the edge of the road and filming the road can also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. First vehicle 2 Second vehicle 3 Server 11 Route Creation Section 12 Camera 13 Image analysis unit 14 Communications Department 15 Arithmetic section 16 Notification Department 17 Memory section 21 Display section 100 Route Guidance System 200 Route guidance device

Claims

1. a server that stores route information of a preceding vehicle and information on its operating status; a route creation unit that creates a route to a destination of the host vehicle; A camera that photographs the vehicle ahead, an image analysis unit that analyzes the image acquired by the camera; a communication unit that transmits information about the vehicle ahead acquired from the image by analysis by the image analysis unit to the server, and acquires information about the route of the vehicle ahead and the driving status from the server; a vehicle including a calculation unit that compares the route of the preceding vehicle acquired via the communication unit with the route of the host vehicle created by the route creation unit to determine whether the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle overlap, and if the routes overlap, determines whether to update the route of the host vehicle according to information on the operating status; The path creation unit When the calculation unit determines that the route of the host vehicle should be updated, the calculation unit creates a new route of the host vehicle that reduces overlap between the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle. Route guidance system.

2. The communication unit Acquires operation information from the server, the operation information including information on when the preceding vehicle is scheduled to stop on the route of the host vehicle; The calculation unit determining whether to create a new route for the host vehicle based on the operation information of the preceding vehicle acquired via the communication unit, in accordance with at least one of whether it is possible to overtake the preceding vehicle, the difficulty of overtaking, or a comparison of the time required to overtake and not overtake; The path creation unit When it is determined by the calculation unit that a new route for the host vehicle is to be created, the calculation unit creates a new route for the host vehicle that reduces overlap between the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle. The route guidance system according to claim 1 .

3. a route creation unit that creates a route to a destination of the host vehicle; A camera that photographs the vehicle ahead, an image analysis unit that analyzes the image acquired by the camera; a communication unit that acquires information about the route and driving status of the vehicle ahead from a server based on the information about the vehicle ahead acquired from the image by analysis by the image analysis unit; a storage unit that stores information about the route of the preceding vehicle and information about the driving situation, and from which the information about the route of the preceding vehicle is read based on the information about the preceding vehicle acquired from the image by analysis by the image analysis unit; a calculation unit that compares the route of the preceding vehicle acquired from the storage unit with the route of the host vehicle created by the route creation unit, and determines whether the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle overlap, The path creation unit When it is determined by the calculation unit that the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle created by the route creation unit overlap, a new route of the host vehicle is created that reduces the overlap between the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle. Route guidance device.

4. The calculation unit determining whether to create a new route for the host vehicle based on at least one of whether it is possible to overtake the vehicle ahead, the difficulty of overtaking, or a comparison of the time required to overtake and not overtake, in accordance with operation information including information on when the vehicle ahead is scheduled to stop on the route of the host vehicle acquired from the storage unit; The path creation unit When it is determined by the calculation unit that a new route for the host vehicle is to be created, the calculation unit creates a new route for the host vehicle that reduces overlap between the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle. The route guidance device according to claim 3 .

5. creating a route to a destination for the vehicle; Taking an image of a vehicle ahead using a camera; analyzing the images captured by the camera; transmitting the information of the forward vehicle obtained from the image by the analysis to a server, and obtaining information of the route of the forward vehicle from the server; a step of comparing the route of the preceding vehicle acquired from the server with the route of the host vehicle to the destination created by a route creation unit, and determining whether or not the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle overlap; and when it is determined that the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle created by the route creation unit overlap, creating a new route for the host vehicle that reduces the overlap between the route of the preceding vehicle and the route of the host vehicle. Route guidance methods.

Images