Notification device, notification method, and notification program

Abstract

For example, the invention provides a notification device that allows drivers to take necessary preparations, such as mental preparation, when leaving a parking lot and entering the road ahead, and that enables them to enter the road safely. [Solution] The system includes an interface 1 that acquires signal information indicating the operating status of a traffic signal that controls the entry of other vehicles to an entry point into which a vehicle intends to enter, and a voice guidance unit 2 that, based on the acquired signal information, notifies the vehicle by sound of the timing when entry into the entry point becomes possible because there is no longer any movement of other vehicles at the entry point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of notification devices, notification methods, and notification programs. More specifically, it belongs to the technical field of notification devices and notification methods for performing notifications in moving bodies such as vehicles, and notification programs used in such notification devices.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, navigation devices mounted on vehicles and guiding the movement of the vehicle to its passengers by voice have become widespread. At this time, the above guidance may be required not only when the vehicle is moving on the road but also, for example, when entering the road from a private or public parking lot. As a prior art document disclosing an example of a conventional technique for meeting such a requirement, there is, for example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] This Patent Document 1 discloses a driving support device aimed at notifying support information for the vehicle to easily enter the road from an alley or a parking lot. The driving support control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 provides driving support information when entering a road connecting a plurality of intersections where traffic lights are installed, and includes an intersection distance calculation unit that calculates the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the intersection, a lighting time calculation unit that acquires the time when the traffic light turns red, and an entry timing calculation unit that calculates the timing for the vehicle to enter the road based on the time until the traffic light turns red and the distance to the intersection.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the case of entering a road from the aforementioned parking lot, visibility to the left and right of the road to be entered may be poor from within the parking lot at the exit. In such cases, if the road to be entered is, for example, a main road, the traffic volume will be high, and therefore, it is often difficult to determine the right timing to safely enter the road. Under these circumstances, if the driver of a vehicle attempting to enter the road from the parking lot is inexperienced or elderly, they may have difficulty entering the road. In such cases, it is necessary to provide accurate guidance on the timing of entering the road.

[0006] Therefore, this application has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems and requirements. One example of the problems addressed is to provide a notification device, a notification method, and a notification program used in said notification device that can enable drivers and passengers to make necessary preparations, such as mental preparation when leaving a parking lot and entering the road ahead, and to enable safe entry to the entry point on the road. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 includes: a signal information acquisition means for acquiring signal information indicating the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving bodies to an entry point into which an approaching moving body is to enter; a means for acquiring other moving body information for acquiring information relating to the movement of the other moving body; and a notification means for notifying by sound the timing at which the approaching moving body can enter the entry point when the movement of the other moving body at the entry point ceases, based on the acquired signal information and the information relating to the movement of the other moving body.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 7 includes: a signal information acquisition means for acquiring signal information indicating the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving bodies to an entry point into which an approaching moving body is to enter; a final passing moving body information acquisition means for acquiring information on the movement of the final passing moving body, which is the last other moving body that has passed the location of the signaling device and entered the movement path before the entry of the other moving body to the movement path where the entry point is located is prohibited by the signaling device; and a notification means for notifying by sound the timing at which the approaching moving body can enter when the final passing moving body has completed passing the entry point.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 8 includes: a signal information acquisition means for acquiring information on the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving bodies to an entry point into which an approaching moving body is to enter; a means for acquiring information on the movement of the other moving body; and a notification means for notifying by sound the timing at which the approaching moving body can enter the entry point when the movement of the other moving body at the entry point ceases, based on the information on the operating status of the signaling device and the information on the movement of the other moving body.

[0010] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 9 is a notification method to be performed in a notification device comprising signal information acquisition means, other mobile body information acquisition means, and notification means, the method comprising: a signal information acquisition step of acquiring signal information by the signal information acquisition means that indicates the operating status of a signal device that controls the entry of other mobile bodies to an entry point into which an approaching mobile body is to enter; an other mobile body information acquisition step of acquiring information relating to the movement of the other mobile body by the other mobile body information acquisition means; and a notification step of using the notification means to notify by sound the timing at which the movement of the other mobile body at the entry point ceases, thereby enabling the approaching mobile body to enter the entry point, based on the acquired signal information and the information relating to the movement of the other mobile body.

[0011] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 10 makes the computer function as a signal information acquisition means for acquiring signal information indicating the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other mobile bodies to an entry point into which an invading mobile body is about to enter; other mobile body information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the movement of the other mobile body; and notification means for notifying by sound the timing at which the entry of the invading mobile body becomes possible when the movement of the other mobile body at the entry point ceases, based on the acquired signal information and the information relating to the movement of the other mobile body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the outline configuration of the notification device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the navigation device in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the entry timing notification process in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram (I) showing the entry timing notification process of the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram (II) showing the entry timing notification process of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the notification device of the embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the notification device S of the embodiment is configured to include a signal information acquisition means 1 and a notification means 2.

[0015] In this configuration, the signal information acquisition means 1 acquires signal information indicating the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving objects to the entry point that an approaching moving object is attempting to enter.

[0016] Then, based on the signal information acquired by the signal information acquisition means 1, the notification means 2 notifies by sound the timing at which the entry of the entry mobile body into the entry point becomes possible due to the disappearance of the movement of other mobile bodies at the entry point.

[0017] As described above, according to the operation of the notification device S of the embodiment and according to the invention described in claim 1, based on the operating status of the signal device, the timing at which the entry of the entry mobile body into the entry point becomes possible due to the disappearance of the movement of other mobile bodies at the entry point is notified by sound.

[0018] Therefore, it is possible to cause the necessary preparations such as being prepared for the entry into the entry point, and it is possible to safely perform the entry into the entry point.

Example

[0019] Next, specific examples corresponding to the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. The examples described below are examples when the present application is applied to the notification process in a navigation device that notifies by voice the movement of a vehicle as an example of the mobile body of the embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the navigation device of the example, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the entry timing notification process of the example, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams showing the entry timing notification process, respectively. At this time, in FIG. 2, for each component of the example corresponding to each component of the notification device S of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the same component numbers as those of each component in the notification device S are used.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device T of the embodiment mounted on the vehicle includes an interface 1, a processing unit 10 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., a non-volatile recording unit 11 composed of an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., an operation unit 12 composed of an operation button or a remote control, etc., a camera 13 composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) imaging device, etc., a sensor unit 14 constituting a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) system or an autonomous navigation system, etc., a display 15 composed of a liquid crystal display, etc., and a speaker 16.

[0022] The processing unit 10 is further composed of a timing detection unit 20, a voice guidance unit 2, and a guidance control unit 21. At this time, the timing detection unit 20, the voice guidance unit 2, and the guidance control unit 21 may be realized by a hardware logic circuit constituting the processing unit 10, or may be realized software-wise by reading out and executing a program corresponding to a flowchart showing the entry timing notification process of the embodiment described later from the recording unit 11. The interface 1 corresponds to an example of the signal information acquisition means 1 of the embodiment and an example of the "specific information acquisition means", "speed information acquisition means", and "distance information acquisition means" of the present application, respectively. The voice guidance unit 2 corresponds to an example of the notification means 2 of the embodiment, and the camera 13 corresponds to an example of the "state detection means" of the present application. Also, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2, the interface 1 and the voice guidance unit 2 constitute an example of the notification device S of the embodiment.

[0023] In the above configuration, the recording unit 11 non-volatilely records the above-mentioned program, map data, or audio data necessary for the timing notification processing of the embodiment, and reads it out by the processing unit 10 as needed. The camera 13, under the control of the processing unit 10, sets the imaging range to the front, rear, or interior of the vehicle on which the navigation device T is installed, and outputs image data corresponding to the imaging result to the processing unit 10. Furthermore, the sensor unit 14, under the control of the processing unit 10, uses the above-mentioned GNSS or the like to detect the current position, speed, and direction of travel of the vehicle on which the navigation device T is installed, as well as the operating status of the turn signals equipped on the vehicle, and generates detection data indicating the detection result and outputs it to the processing unit 10.

[0024] Meanwhile, under the control of the processing unit 10, the speaker 16 emits audio such as time announcements according to the embodiment into the vehicle equipped with the navigation device T, and the display 15, under the control of the processing unit 10, displays maps and other information necessary for vehicle guidance processing, including the entry timing announcement processing according to the embodiment. Furthermore, under the control of the processing unit 10, the interface 1 controls the exchange of identification data, position data, and speed data of other vehicles necessary for the entry timing announcement processing according to the embodiment between the interface 1 and the server device included in the information provision system of the embodiment described later. Through these means, the processing unit 10 controls each component such as the recording unit 11 that constitutes the navigation device T, and comprehensively executes the processing as a navigation device T, including the entry timing announcement processing according to the embodiment.

[0025] Here, the entry timing notification process in this embodiment is a process that notifies the driver or other occupant of a vehicle, such as a vehicle attempting to enter the road in front of a parking lot from the parking lot, a vehicle attempting to start moving from the roadside where it has stopped, or a vehicle attempting to enter an intersection without traffic lights, of the timing at which they can safely enter or start. For this purpose, if there is another vehicle approaching the entry point that the vehicle is attempting to enter, interface 1 acquires the above identification data, the above position data, and the above speed data, etc., corresponding to that other vehicle from the server device, for example wirelessly, and outputs them to processing unit 10. In this case, the entry point is a point on the road in front of the parking lot in the case of a vehicle attempting to enter the road in front of the parking lot, a point on the road to the side and in front of the vehicle in the case of a vehicle attempting to start moving from the roadside, and the intersection in the case of a vehicle attempting to enter an intersection without traffic lights. In the following description, a vehicle equipped with the navigation device T of the embodiment and that is about to enter the above-mentioned entry point (i.e., a vehicle that is subject to the entry timing notification process of the embodiment) will simply be referred to as the "target vehicle".

[0026] The timing detection unit 20 then uses the identification data acquired via interface 1, the current position data from sensor unit 14 indicating the current position of the target vehicle, the detection data including the operating status of the target vehicle (e.g., turn signal status), and the image data from camera 13 to detect the entry timing at which the target vehicle can enter the entry point when there is no movement of other vehicles at the entry point. The voice guidance unit 2 then notifies the occupants of the target vehicle of the entry timing detected by the timing detection unit 20 by emitting a sound, such as a corresponding voice, through speaker 16. In addition, the processing unit 10 and the guidance control unit 21 guide the target vehicle along a predetermined route after it has entered the road where the entry point is located, by emitting sound through speaker 16 or displaying a map on display 15.

[0027] Next, the entry timing notification process according to an embodiment centered on the processing unit 10 will be specifically explained using Figures 2 to 5.

[0028] First, we will specifically explain, using Figure 4, an information provision system in an embodiment that provides the above-mentioned identification data, etc., to the navigation device T installed in the target vehicle.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 4, the information provision system SS in this embodiment is centered around a server device SV. The server device SV acquires traffic light status data, indicating the operating status (i.e., which color is lit, etc.) of each traffic light SG1, etc., from traffic lights SG1 to SG4 installed at intersection P1 where two roads, R1 and R2, each having one lane in each direction, intersect, while identifying each traffic light SG1, etc. The server device SV also acquires traffic light image data captured by cameras CM installed at each traffic light SG1, etc., while identifying each traffic light SG1, etc. At this time, each camera CM generates the above traffic light image data, which allows for the identification of the body color, shape, and registration number (license plate number) of vehicles C2 traveling on road R2 through intersection P1, and vehicles C11 and C12 traveling on road R1 through intersection P1, etc., and transmits it to the server device SV. Furthermore, the server device SV also wirelessly acquires location data and speed data for each vehicle C2, etc., from terminal devices (not shown) provided for each vehicle C2, etc., while identifying the vehicle C2, etc. Then, in response to requests from each terminal device, etc. and the navigation device T of the target vehicle MC, the server device SV wirelessly transmits (distributes) the acquired signal status data, identification data, location data, etc. to the terminal device, etc. that made the request. With the information provision system SS configured in the above embodiment, the navigation device T of the target vehicle acquires the signal status data, etc., necessary to execute the entry timing notification process of the embodiment from the server device SV.

[0030] Next, we will specifically describe the entry timing notification process of the embodiment that utilizes the information provision system SS of the embodiment described above. In this case, the target vehicle MC, which is equipped with the navigation device T of the embodiment, is parked in a parking lot PK facing road R1, as illustrated in Figure 4, and enters the entry point on road R1 in front of parking lot PK in accordance with the entry timing notified by the entry timing notification process of the embodiment.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in the corresponding flowchart in Figure 3, the entry timing notification process according to the embodiment is started when, for example, a route to a destination that the target vehicle MC should reach is set in advance, and the movement of the target vehicle MC from the parking lot PK toward the destination begins. At the start of this movement, the timing detection unit 20 monitors whether the target vehicle MC is exiting the parking lot PK, for example, by starting the engine of the target vehicle MC or by activating the turn signals of the target vehicle MC, based on the above detection data from the sensor unit 14 (step S1, step S1:NO).

[0032] In the monitoring of step S1, when it is detected that the target vehicle MC is leaving the parking lot (step S1: YES), the timing detection unit 20 then detects the current position of the target vehicle MC based on the detection data from the sensor unit 14, for example (step S2). Furthermore, the timing detection unit 20 detects the direction of departure that the target vehicle MC will take after leaving the parking lot PK (i.e., whether it will proceed to the right or to the left after leaving the parking lot) based on the detection data, etc. (step S3). This determination in step S3 is made based on the positional relationship between the route that the target vehicle MC is scheduled to take and the parking lot PK, for example.

[0033] Next, the timing detection unit 20, based on the exit direction of the target vehicle MC detected in step S3, uses identification data, position data, and speed data of other vehicles obtained from the server device SV to determine whether or not another vehicle C11 or vehicle C12 is present in the lane of road R1 corresponding to the exit direction (step S4). At this time, the lane of road R1 corresponding to the exit direction is the left-bound lane (the lane in which vehicle C11 is moving in Figures 4 and 5) when exiting from parking lot PK to the left (downward in Figures 4 and 5 as illustrated), and the right-bound lane (the lane in which vehicle C12 is moving in Figures 4 and 5) when exiting from parking lot PK to the right (upward in Figures 4 and 5 as illustrated).

[0034] In the determination of step S4, if there are no other vehicles C11 or C12 in the lane of road R1 corresponding to the exit direction (step S4: NO), the processing unit 10 and the guidance control unit 21 return to the guidance processing as a navigation device T in order to provide guidance to the target vehicle MC after exiting the parking lot along the above route. On the other hand, in the determination of step S4, if there are other vehicles C11 or C12 in the lane of road R1 corresponding to the exit direction (step S4: NO), the timing detection unit 20 obtains the above traffic signal status data and the above traffic signal image data from the server device SV that correspond to the traffic signal that is closest to the parking lot PK in the lane where the other vehicles C11 or C12 are located and that restricts (i.e. controls) the movement of vehicles C11 or C12 on road R1 where the parking lot PK is located (step S5). At this time, if vehicle C11 is present, the timing detection unit 20 obtains the above traffic signal status data and the above traffic signal image data corresponding to traffic signal SG1. On the other hand, if vehicle C12 is present, the timing detection unit 20 acquires the above-mentioned traffic signal status data and traffic signal image data corresponding to the traffic signals (not shown in Figures 4 and 5) that restrict the movement of vehicle C12 in the right-bound lane of road R1 as viewed from parking lot PK. Subsequently, the timing detection unit 20 uses the data acquired in steps S2 to S5 to detect the time from the current time until the entry timing (the time when entry becomes possible) in which the target vehicle MC can enter the entry point of road R1 when there is no movement (traffic) of other vehicles C11 or C12 at the entry point of the lane that the target vehicle MC is trying to enter from parking lot PK (step S6).

[0035] Here, we will specifically explain an example of step S6 when the target vehicle MC exits parking lot PK and moves to the left, using Figures 4 and 5.

[0036] (I) First detection method As the first detection method in step S6, (i) First, the timing detection unit 20 detects that the traffic light SG1 (see Figure 4) has turned "red" based on the traffic light status data corresponding to the traffic light SG1. (ii) Next, the timing detection unit 20 temporarily records in the recording unit 11 the traffic light image data captured by the camera CM of the traffic light SG1 of the vehicle C1X (see Figures 4 and 5) that has passed through intersection P1 and is moving along road R1 just before the traffic light SG1 turns red (i.e., at the very end before it turns red). (iii) Next, the timing detection unit 20 acquires speed data indicating the speed of the vehicle C1X from the server device SV and temporarily records it in the recording unit 11. (iv) Based on these, the timing detection unit 20 calculates the time T (see Figure 4) required for the vehicle C1X, which was the last vehicle to pass through intersection P1 where the traffic light SG1 is installed, to move to the position of road R1 in front of parking lot PK after passing through intersection P1.

[0037] (II) Second detection method As a second detection method in step S6, if it is possible to exchange location data, etc., between another vehicle C11 and the navigation device T installed in the target vehicle MC via so-called vehicle-to-vehicle communication, (i) The timing detection unit 20 detects that the traffic light SG1 has turned "red" based on the traffic light status data corresponding to the traffic light SG1. (ii) Next, the timing detection unit 20 obtains identification data from the server device SV to identify the vehicle C1X (see Figures 4 and 5) that is moving along road R1 after passing through intersection P1 just before the traffic light SG1 turns red (i.e., at the very end before the light turns red). (iii) Next, the timing detection unit 20 obtains speed data indicating the speed of the vehicle C1X from the vehicle C1X through the vehicle-to-vehicle communication with the vehicle C1X identified by the acquired identification data, and temporarily records it in the recording unit 11. (iv) Based on these, the timing detection unit 20 calculates the time T (see Figure 4) required for the vehicle C1X, which was the last vehicle to pass through intersection P1 where the traffic light SG1 is installed, to move to the position of road R1 in front of parking lot PK after passing through intersection P1.

[0038] The time T calculated by the first or second detection method described above corresponds to the entry timing as the detection result of step S6. Subsequently, the voice guidance unit 2 emits a timing voice (e.g., 20 seconds) indicating the time T calculated in step S6 (for example, 20 seconds) at least once through the speaker 16 as the time from the current time until the entry timing arrives (step S7). In step S7, as illustrated in Figure 4, a timing voice is emitted into the target vehicle MC waiting to exit the parking lot PK, for example, with the content "Please wait, as the traffic volume will decrease in about 20 minutes," and with a calm pitch or speaking speed that will calm the driver of the target vehicle MC so as not to rush (not make them panic) to exit the parking lot. The voice data for emitting this timing voice can be those that have been previously recorded in the recording unit 11. In response to this timing voice, the occupants, including the driver of vehicle C, can calmly prepare themselves mentally for exiting the parking lot PK (see Figure 4).

[0039] Subsequently, the voice guidance unit 2 continuously emits a single tone (for example, a single tone that counts down) through the speaker 16, with a gradually changing rhythm, to remind the driver that the entry timing is approaching (step S8). The voice guidance unit 2 then determines whether or not the entry timing has actually arrived (step S9). If it has not arrived (step S9: NO), it returns to step S8 and repeats emitting the single tone. In this case, the voice guidance unit 2 emits the single tone with a continuous change in rhythm from the start of its emission. Furthermore, whether or not the entry timing has actually arrived and the target vehicle MC can enter road R1 as shown in Figure 5 can be determined, for example, by the passage of time T. Alternatively, the system may compare the traffic signal image data captured by the camera CM of the traffic signal SG1 with the condition of the road R1 ahead captured by the camera 13 of the navigation device T, and determine that the entry timing has arrived when it detects the actual passage of vehicle C1X on the road R1 ahead. Subsequently, the processing unit 10 and the guidance control unit 21 return to the guidance processing as the navigation device T in order to provide guidance to the target vehicle MC after it has left the depot, following a predetermined route.

[0040] As explained above, according to the entry timing notification process of the navigation device T in the embodiment, based on the operating status of the traffic signal SG1, etc., the timing of the target vehicle MC's entry into the entry point is notified by sound when the movement of other vehicles C11 on the road R1 ceases. This allows the driver or other passengers to make necessary preparations, such as mentally preparing for entry into the entry point, and enables them to enter the entry point safely.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the first detection method in step S6 described above, the vehicle C1X that last passed the position of the traffic light SG1, etc. before it turned red is identified, and based on the distance from the position of the traffic light SG1, etc. to the entry point and the speed of vehicle C1X, the time when the target vehicle MC can enter the entry point is announced by sound, so that the entry timing can be accurately announced.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the second detection method in step S6 described above, the distance from the position of vehicle C1X to the entry point and the speed of vehicle C1X are detected through vehicle-to-vehicle communication with the vehicle C1X, and the time when the target vehicle MC can enter the entry point is announced by sound, so that the entry timing can be accurately announced.

[0043] Furthermore, in step S8 described above, the entry timing corresponding to the time T (see Figure 4) until the target vehicle MC can enter the entry point is announced by a single tone with a changing rhythm, making it easy to understand the entry timing.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the target vehicle MC exits the parking lot PK by turning left was explained. However, in addition to this, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, when the target vehicle MC exits the parking lot PK by turning right, that is, when it is necessary to cross at least one lane (the lane in which vehicle C11 is moving in the example in Figures 4 and 5) when entering the entry point (the entry point in the lane in which vehicle C12 is moving in the example in Figures 4 and 5) from the location of the parking lot PK, it is preferable to acquire signal status data for both the lane to be crossed and the lane in which the entry point is located, and to notify the vehicle by sound at the timing when vehicle C11 stops moving in the lane to be crossed and the target vehicle MC can enter the entry point. In this case, even when it is necessary to cross a lane to enter the entry point, the entry can be carried out more safely.

[0045] Furthermore, in the entry timing notification process of the embodiment, when the target vehicle MC exits the parking lot, the system may be configured to detect, for example, the state of the driver or passenger of the vehicle C, and to determine or change whether or not to perform the entry timing notification process of the embodiment, and if so, the content of the entry timing notification process (the content of the timing voice) based on the detection result.

[0046] More specifically, the processing unit 10 detects the driver's state (psychological state) based on, for example, the driver's facial expression captured by the camera 13 or the driver's heart rate detected through the hands gripping the steering wheel. The voice guidance unit 2 is preferably configured to execute the entry timing notification process of the embodiment when it detects that the driver is anxious, thereby ensuring a safe entry to the entry point. On the other hand, the system may be configured not to perform the entry timing notification process of the embodiment when it detects that the driver is calm. In this case, for example, when it is detected that the driver of the target vehicle MC is tense and anxious, the timing for entering the entry point is notified, which helps to calm the anxiety of the driver and other passengers and ensure a safe entry to the entry point.

[0047] In addition, the above-described embodiment explains a case in which timing sounds are emitted from speaker 16 to calm the driver, etc., but it is also possible to configure the system to notify the driver by displaying the same content as the timing sounds using display 15.

[0048] Furthermore, the entry timing notification process of the embodiment can be similarly applied to both cases: when a target vehicle is about to start moving from the roadside where it has stopped, and the entry point is a point on the road to the side and in front of that vehicle; and when a target vehicle is about to enter an intersection without traffic lights, and the entry point is the intersection itself.

[0049] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains the case where the moving object of the embodiment is a vehicle (four-wheeled automobile), it is also possible to apply the entry timing notification process of the embodiment to the guidance process of movement of a motorcycle or bicycle by a navigation device mounted on the motorcycle or bicycle.

[0050] Furthermore, the guidance processing (including the entry timing notification processing in the embodiment) as the processing unit 10 in the above-described embodiment may also be executed on a server device (for example, the server device SV in the embodiment) connected to the navigation device installed in each vehicle via a network such as the Internet. In this case, it is preferable to transmit the detection data from the sensor unit provided in the navigation device of each vehicle and the signal status data from each signal SG1 to the server device for use in the guidance processing, and to configure each navigation device to emit a maintenance sound based on control from the server device.

[0051] Furthermore, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in Figure 3 can be recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disc or hard disk, or obtained via a network such as the Internet, and then read and executed by a general-purpose microcomputer, thereby allowing the microcomputer to function as the processing unit 10 according to the embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1. Signal information acquisition means (interface) 2. Notification means (voice guidance unit) 10 Processing Unit 16 speakers S Notification device T Navigation System P1 Intersection C11, C12, C2, C1X vehicles Vehicles subject to MC PK Parking

Claims

1. A signal information acquisition means that acquires signal information indicating the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving objects to an entry point that an approaching moving object is attempting to enter, Other moving body information acquisition means for acquiring information about the movement of the other moving body, A notification means that, based on the acquired signal information and information regarding the movement of the other moving body, notifies by sound the timing at which the movement of the other moving body at the entry point ceases, thereby enabling the entry of the entering moving body to the entry point. A notification device characterized by comprising the following:

2. In the notification device according to claim 1, A means for acquiring specific information to identify the last passing moving body, which is the last other moving body that passed the location of the signaling device and entered the moving path before the entry of the other moving body into the moving path where the entry point is located was prohibited by the signaling device, based on the acquired signaling information; A speed information acquisition means for acquiring speed information indicating the speed of the last moving object identified, Distance information acquisition means for acquiring distance information indicating the distance from the location of the signal device to the entry point, Furthermore, The notification means is characterized by notifying by sound the time, based on the acquired specific information, speed information, and distance information, from the completion of the final passing moving body's passage through the entry point until the approaching moving body can enter, with the timing being the sound notification means.

3. In the notification device according to claim 1, A means for acquiring specific information to identify the last passing moving body, which is the last other moving body that passed the location of the signaling device and entered the moving path before the entry of the other moving body into the moving path where the entry point is located was prohibited by the signaling device, based on the acquired signaling information; A speed information acquisition means that acquires speed information indicating the speed of the identified last passing moving object through inter-moving object communication with the last passing moving object, Distance information acquisition means for acquiring distance information indicating the distance from the position of the last passing moving body to the entry point via inter-moving body communication, Furthermore, The notification means is characterized by notifying by sound the time, based on the acquired specific information, speed information, and distance information, from the completion of the final passing moving body's passage through the entry point until the approaching moving body can enter, with the timing being the sound notification means.

4. In the notification device according to claim 2 or claim 3, The notification means is characterized by notifying the timing corresponding to the time by a change in the rhythm of a single tone in the sound.

5. In the notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The system further comprises a state detection means for detecting the state of the occupants of the approaching moving body, The notification means is a notification device characterized by notifying the timing when it is detected that the passenger is in a state of tension.

6. In the notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, When the approaching moving body needs to cross at least one travel path to enter the entry point from its current position, the signal information acquisition means acquires the signal information for each of the travel paths to be crossed and the travel path in which the entry point is located. When it is necessary to cross at least one of the aforementioned movement paths, the means for acquiring information on other moving objects acquires information on the movement of the other moving object for each of the movement paths to be crossed and the movement path in which the entry point is located. In cases where it is necessary to cross at least one of the aforementioned movement paths, the notification means is characterized by notifying by sound the timing at which the movement of the other moving body ceases to move in the movement path to be crossed and the approaching moving body can enter the approach point.

7. A signal information acquisition means that acquires signal information indicating the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving objects to an entry point that an approaching moving object is attempting to enter, A means for acquiring information on a final passing moving body, which is the last other moving body that passed the location of the signaling device and entered the moving path before the entry of the other moving body into the moving path where the entry point is located is prohibited by the signaling device, Based on the acquired signal information and information regarding the movement of the last passing mobile body, a notification means provides a sound to notify the timing at which the entry mobile body can enter the entry point when the last passing mobile body has completed passing the entry point. A notification device characterized by comprising the following:

8. A signal information acquisition means that acquires information regarding the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving objects to an entry point that an approaching moving object is attempting to enter, Other moving body information acquisition means for acquiring information about the movement of the other moving body, A notification means that, based on information regarding the operating status of the signaling device and information regarding the movement of the other moving body, notifies by sound the timing at which the movement of the other moving body at the entry point ceases, thereby enabling the entry of the approaching moving body to the entry point. A notification device characterized by comprising the following:

9. A notification method performed in a notification device comprising a signal information acquisition means, a means for acquiring information on other mobile objects, and a notification means, A signal information acquisition step involves acquiring signal information using the signal information acquisition means that indicates the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving objects to an entry point into which an approaching moving object is about to enter, A process for acquiring information about the movement of the other moving body, which involves acquiring information about the movement of the other moving body using the other moving body information acquisition means, The notification means provides a notification step in which, based on the acquired signal information and information regarding the movement of the other moving body, it provides a notification by sound at the timing when the movement of the other moving body at the entry point ceases, thereby enabling the entry of the approaching moving body to the entry point. A notification method characterized by including

10. Computers, Signal information acquisition means for acquiring signal information indicating the operating status of a signaling device that controls the entry of other moving objects to an entry point that an approaching moving object is attempting to enter. Other moving body information acquisition means for acquiring information about the movement of the other moving body, and A notification means that, based on the acquired signal information and information regarding the movement of the other moving body, notifies by sound the timing at which the movement of the other moving body at the entry point ceases, thereby enabling the entry of the entering moving body to the entry point. A notification program characterized by functioning as such.

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