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

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can set intersections on a road map. [Solution] The information processing device includes: an identification unit that identifies the intersection of the double-lane road and the access road; an acquisition unit that acquires traffic regulation information for the access road and the double-lane road in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the identification unit; a determination unit that determines, based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the acquisition unit, whether it is possible to cross a first road link that runs in one direction from the access road to one of the multiple road links representing the double-lane road, and further cross or enter a second road link that runs in the opposite direction to the other of the multiple road links from the access road; and a setting unit that, if the determination unit determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, sets up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an apparatus for generating intersection information. When newly adding an intersection, if the road forming the intersection is one of the upper and lower separated roads, the intersection with the other separated road is also set as an intersection, and an in-intersection link connecting the intersections is formed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, there may be a median strip arranged between one road and the other road of the upper and lower separated roads. When a median strip is arranged, vehicles cannot pass from one road to the other road. Conventionally, depending on the presence or absence of a median strip, etc., the determination of whether vehicles can pass from one road to the other road has been manually performed by employees of a map-making company, etc. For this reason, conventionally, when newly setting an intersection, the man-hours are relatively large and the lead time is also relatively long.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of setting an intersection on a road map.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One embodiment of the information processing device includes: an identification unit that identifies the intersection of a double-lane road, represented by a node and multiple road links, and an access road connected to the double-lane road; an acquisition unit that acquires traffic regulation information for the access road and the double-lane road in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the identification unit; a determination unit that determines, based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the acquisition unit, whether it is possible to cross a first road link that travels in one direction among the multiple road links representing the double-lane road from the access road, and further cross or enter a second road link that travels in the opposite direction to the other of the multiple road links from the access road; and a setting unit that, if the determination unit determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, sets up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program disclosed herein can set intersections on a road map. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram (schematic diagram) illustrating an information processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an access road and a two-lane road. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates an example of an intersection between an access road and a double-lane road. (A) shows an example where there is a node at the intersection of an access road and a double-lane road, and (B) shows an example where there is a node at the intersection of a single-lane road (representing the same road as the double-lane road) and an access road. [Figure 5]This diagram illustrates an example of how to determine whether it is possible to reach the second road link from the access road based on traffic regulation information. (A) is a diagram illustrating the first determination example, (B) is a diagram illustrating the second determination example, and (C) is a diagram illustrating the third determination example. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an integrated intersection. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment will be described below.

[0010] [Overview of Information Processing Device 100] First, an overview of the information processing device 100 according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0011] The information processing device 100 may be configured, for example, as a determination device that determines whether a median strip (landform) exists between one road link (first road link 202a) and the other road link (second road link 202b) of a double-lane road 202. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may be configured, for example, as a determination device that determines whether a vehicle traveling on an access road 201 connected to the double-lane road 202 can cross the first road link 202a and then further cross the second road link 202b, or enter the second road link 202b. The information processing device 100 may also be configured, for example, as a setting device that sets an integrated intersection 210 on a road map. The information processing device 100 is not limited to the example device described above, but may consist of various other devices. The information processing device 100 may be a computer such as a server, desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

[0012] The information processing device 100 may store, for example, a road map (map information). For example, the road map may be a map of dual-lane roads represented by nodes and multiple road links, and a map of single-lane roads represented by nodes and one road link. That is, the road map may be a map in which a layer showing dual-lane roads and a layer showing single-lane roads are stacked.

[0013] The information processing device 100 identifies the intersection point P1 of the double-lane road 202 and the access road 201 connected to the double-lane road 202 on the road map. That is, the information processing device 100 identifies the intersection point P1 of the road links 202a and 202b of the double-lane road 202 and the road link 201a of the access road 201. The information processing device 100 may also identify the intersection point P1 of one of the multiple road links constituting the double-lane road 202, for example, one of the road links for the up and down lanes (for example, the up lane or the down lane), and the road link 201a of the access road 201. Access road 201 may be a single-lane road or a double-lane road.

[0014] The information processing device 100 acquires information on the traffic regulations (traffic regulation information) for the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202 in the vicinity of the intersection P1, that is, for example, within a predetermined distance from the intersection P1 in the area P2 of the intersection P1 (area P2 including the intersection P1). The traffic regulations may be, for example, road signs installed on the road, road markings painted on the road surface, and instructions from traffic signals, etc.

[0015] Based on the traffic regulation information described above, the information processing device 100 determines whether it is possible to cross a first road link 202a (for example, the uphill lane (or downhill lane)) that runs in one direction from the approach road 201, and then cross (see arrow R1 in Figure 1) or enter (see arrow R2 in Figure 1) a second road link 202b (for example, the downhill lane (or uphill lane)) that runs in the opposite direction to the first of the multiple road links representing the two-lane road 202, from the approach road 201, and then enter (see arrow R2 in Figure 1) a second road link 202b (for example, the downhill lane (or uphill lane)) that runs in the opposite direction to the first of the multiple road links. The information processing device 100 may determine whether it is possible to cross the first road link 202a from the access road 201 and then enter or cross the second road link 202b by combining one or more of the various traffic regulations on the one or more access roads 201 and the various traffic regulations on the dualized road 202.

[0016] When the information processing device 100 determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201 as described above, an integrated intersection 210 is set between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b of the dualized road 202 at the intersection P1. That is, the information processing device 100 may set nodes (for example, two (or more) nodes N1, N2, etc.) at the intersections of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a and the intersections of the access road 201 and the second road link 202b, and may set an in-intersection link 211 that connects the two nodes N1, N2. The information processing device 100 may set it as an integrated intersection 210 that groups the two nodes N1, N2 and the in-intersection link 211.

[0017] [Details of the information processing device 100] Next, the information processing device 100 according to an embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the information processing device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0018] The information processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a display unit 123, a control unit 110, and the like. The communication unit 121, the storage unit 122, and the display unit 123 may be an embodiment of an output unit. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an identification unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a determination unit 113, a setting unit 114, a guidance unit 115, and the like. The control unit 110 may be constituted by, for example, an arithmetic processing unit of the information processing apparatus 100. The control unit 110 (for example, an arithmetic processing unit or the like) may realize the functions of each unit (for example, the identification unit 111, the acquisition unit 112, the determination unit 113, the setting unit 114, the guidance unit 115, and the like) by appropriately reading and executing various programs and the like stored in the storage unit 122 and the like. That is, the functions of each unit may be realized by computer implementation.

[0019] The communication unit 121 is, for example, a communication interface capable of transmitting and receiving various information to and from a device (external device) (not shown) outside the information processing apparatus 100. The external device may be, for example, a server, a user terminal, an in-vehicle navigation device, or the like. The user terminal is a terminal used by the user. An example of the user terminal may be a portable terminal such as a laptop, a tablet, and a smartphone, or a stationary terminal such as a desktop.

[0020] The storage unit 122 may store, for example, various information and programs. An example of the storage unit 122 may be a memory, a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, or the like. Note that the storage unit 122 may be, for example, a storage area and a server on the cloud.

[0021] The storage unit 122 may store, for example, a road map (map information). As an example, the road map may be a map of a two-lane road represented by nodes and a plurality of road links, and a one-lane road represented by a node and a single road link. That is, the road map may be, for example, a map in which a layer on which a two-lane road is described and a layer on which a one-lane road is described are stacked. A two-lane road may be, for example, a road in which both the up and down lanes of a single road are represented by road links (and nodes), or a road in which one or more lanes are each represented by road links (and nodes). A single-lane road may also be represented on a road map where the northbound and southbound lanes of a single road are combined into a single road link (and node).

[0022] The memory unit 122 stores traffic regulation information about traffic regulations set on roads. Traffic regulation information may be traffic regulation information that has been pre-recorded on a road map (map information). Furthermore, the information processing device 100 (control unit 110) may generate traffic regulation information (traffic regulation information) extracted by performing image recognition on image information (images) that record traffic regulations, obtained, for example, during an on-site survey of traffic regulations, or on image information (images) that record traffic regulations and are generated by an in-vehicle camera (drive recorder), and store it in the storage unit 122. Traffic regulations may include, for example, road signs installed on roads, road markings painted on the road surface, and instructions given by traffic signals, etc.

[0023] Traffic regulations (traffic regulation information) may be recorded and integrated with the road map (map information), or they may be stored separately in the storage unit 122.

[0024] The display unit 123 is a display capable of displaying various characters, symbols, images, etc.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an access road 201 and a double-lane road 202.

[0026] The identification unit 111 identifies the intersection point P1 between the double-lane road 202, which is represented by nodes and multiple road links, and the access road 201 connected to the double-lane road 202. The identification unit 111 identifies the intersection point P1 between the double-lane road 202 and the access road 201 connected to the double-lane road 202 in the road map. That is, the identification unit 111 identifies the intersection point P1 between the road links 202a and 202b of the double-lane road 202 and the road link 201a of the access road 201. The identification unit 111 may also identify the intersection point P1 between one of the multiple road links constituting the double-lane road 202, for example, one of the road links for the up and down lanes (for example, the up lane or the down lane), and the road link 201a of the access road 201. Access road 201 may be a single-lane road or a double-lane road.

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the intersection P1 between access road 201 and double-lane road 202. Figure 4(A) shows an example where node N1 is located at the intersection P1 of access road 201 and double-lane road 202, and Figure 4(B) shows an example where node N3 is located at the intersection P1 of a single-lane road representing the same road as double-lane road 202 and access road 201.

[0028] The identification unit 111 may identify a point where there is a node at the intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202, or it may identify a point where there is no node at the intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202. As illustrated in Figure 4(A), the identification unit 111 may identify a point where a node (first node N1) is located at the intersection of the road link 201a of the access road 201 and a road link of the double-lane road 202 that travels in one direction (or the other direction). As a more specific example, the identification unit 111 may identify a point where a node (first node N1) is located at the intersection of the road link 201a of the access road 201 and the road link (first road link 202a) of the double-lane road 202 that is closer to the access road 201. In other words, the identification unit 111 may identify a point where the first node N1 is located at the intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a of the double-lane road 202. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 4(B), the identification unit 111 may estimate (identify) a node N3 at the intersection of a single-lane road 202c (one of the single-lane roads 202(202a,202b) and single-lane roads 202c that represent the same road as the double-lane road 202 on the road map) and an access road 201, if there is a node N3 at the intersection of the double-lane road 202 that overlaps with the single-lane road 202c and the access road 201.

[0029] The acquisition unit 112 acquires traffic regulation information (details of traffic regulations) for the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202 in the area P2 (see Figure 3) of the intersection P1 identified by the identification unit 111. The acquisition unit 112 may acquire traffic regulation information for the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202 near the intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202, that is, for example, in the area P2 of the intersection P1 that is within a predetermined distance from the intersection P1. The predetermined distance may be various distances, such as 15m, 25m, 50m, and 100m.

[0030] The acquisition unit 112 may, for example, acquire traffic regulation information (details of traffic regulations) in the area P2 of the intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202, obtained by the following steps (i) and (ii). (i) Acquire image information generated by imaging the region P2 at intersection P1. (ii) By recognizing the subject recorded in the image information of (i) above, the contents of road signs and road markings in area P2 of intersection P1 are obtained, and traffic regulation information for area P2 of intersection P1 of access road 201 and double-lane road 202 is generated based on that contents. For example, the control unit 110 may generate traffic regulation information (traffic regulation information) extracted by performing image recognition on image information (images) that record traffic regulations, obtained during on-site surveys of traffic regulations, or on image information (images) that record traffic regulations and are generated by an in-vehicle camera (drive recorder). Traffic regulations may include, for example, the content of road signs and road markings. In other words, traffic regulations may include, for example, road signs installed on roads, road markings painted on the road surface, and traffic signals. As a specific example, traffic regulations may include various types of traffic regulations such as arrow signals on traffic lights, no entry in directions other than designated, no crossing, no U-turns, one-way streets, and lane divisions by direction of travel (including arrow paint). Images may include, for example, still images and videos. Image recognition may include, for example, pattern matching and AI-based image recognition.

[0031] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 112 may use the traffic regulation information stored in the storage unit 122 to acquire traffic regulation information (content of traffic regulations) in the area P2 of intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202. The traffic regulation information here may be information on the content of traffic regulations that has been prepared in advance by an employee of a mapmaking company or the like who has conducted an on-site survey of traffic regulations. In other words, the traffic regulation information here may be, for example, information that has been prepared together with map information (traffic regulations recorded on a road map).

[0032] The determination unit 113 determines whether a median strip or the like exists between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b of the double-lane road 202 at the intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202. For example, if there is traffic regulation in the area P2 of the intersection P1 that allows (or prevents) a vehicle traveling on the access road 201 or a vehicle traveling in the lane corresponding to the first road link 202a to reach (cross over or enter) the lane corresponding to the second road link 202b, then the determination unit 113 can determine that there is no median strip between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b.

[0033] In other words, the determination unit 113 determines, based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the acquisition unit 112, whether it is possible to cross the first road link 202a, which runs in one direction among the multiple road links representing the double-lane road 202, from the approach road 201 (see arrows R1 and R2 in Figure 3), and further cross (see arrow R1 in Figure 3) or enter (see arrow R2 in Figure 3) the second road link 202b, which runs in the opposite direction to the other of the multiple road links, from the approach road 201. In this case, first, the determination unit 113 determines, based on the traffic regulations in the area P2 of intersection P1 recorded in the traffic regulation information, whether a vehicle traveling on the approach road 201 can cross the first road link 202a (the lane corresponding to the first road link 202a of the two-lane road 202) which is on the approach road 201 side. Next, the determination unit 113 determines, based on the traffic regulations in the area P2 of intersection P1, whether a vehicle traveling on the access road 201 is able to cross the first road link 202a, and whether it is possible for that vehicle to enter the second road link 202b (the lane corresponding to the second road link 202b, which is different from the first road link 202a in the two-lane road 202) located further back from the access road 201 and travel on the second road link 202b, or whether it is possible for the vehicle to cross the second road link 202b (the lane corresponding to the second road link 202b).

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates an example of how to determine whether it is possible to proceed from access road 201 to the second road link 202b based on traffic regulation information. Figure 5(A) illustrates the first determination example, Figure 5(B) illustrates the second determination example, and Figure 5(C) illustrates the third determination example.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 5(A), the determination unit 113 determines that if the traffic regulation T1 on the access road 201 allows straight ahead or left turns toward the first road link 202a (allowing the vehicle to reach the second road link 202b when going straight), then there is a road connecting the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b. In this case, the determination unit 113 determines that a vehicle traveling on the access road 201 can cross the first road link 202a, enter the second road link 202b, and also cross the second road link 202b.

[0036] As illustrated in Figure 5(A), the determination unit 113 determines that if the traffic regulation for the first road link 202a is a traffic regulation T2 (arrow on the traffic signal) or T3 (right-turn lane and road marking) that allows a right turn from the first road link 202a, then there is a road connecting the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b. In this case, the determination unit 113 determines that a vehicle traveling on the access road 201 that connects to the first road link 202a from the left side relative to the direction of travel (direction of travel) of the first road link 202a (a vehicle traveling from the access road 201 in the direction of the first road link 202a) can cross the first road link 202a and cross the second road link 202b, or can enter the second road link 202b.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 5(B), the determination unit 113 determines that if the traffic regulations on the first road link 202a are traffic regulations T4 and T5 which prohibit right turns and U-turns from the first road link 202a, then a road exists connecting the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b, and it is possible to reach the second road link 202b from the access road 201.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 5(C), the determination unit 113 determines that a road exists connecting the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b if there is a one-way traffic regulation T6 on the road (road link) connecting the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b in the direction from the first road link 202a to the second road link 202b. In this case, the determination unit 113 determines that a vehicle traveling on the access road 201 that connects to the first road link 202a from the left side with respect to the direction of travel of the first road link 202a (a vehicle traveling from the access road 201 in the direction of the first road link 202a) can cross the first road link 202a and cross the second road link 202b, or enter the second road link 202b.

[0039] Furthermore, the determination unit 113 may, not limited to the example described above, refer to one or more of the various traffic regulations in the area P2 of intersection P1 and determine whether there is a road 203 connecting the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b, that is, whether there are any features such as a median strip between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b. In other words, the determination unit 113 may, refer to one or more of the various traffic regulations in the area P2 of intersection P1 and determine whether a vehicle traveling on the access road 201 can cross the first road link 202a (the lane corresponding to the first road link 202a) and further enter the second road link 202b (the lane corresponding to the first road link 202a), or whether a vehicle can cross the second road link 202b (the lane corresponding to the first road link 202a).

[0040] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an integrated intersection 210.

[0041] If the determination unit 113 determines that there are no geographical features such as a median strip between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b, the setting unit 114 sets up an integrated intersection 210 between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b. In other words, if the determination unit 113 determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201, the setting unit 114 sets up an integrated intersection 210 between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b of the double-lane road 202 at intersection P1. If the setting unit 114 determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201 as described above, it sets up an integrated intersection 210 for the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b of the double-lane road 202 at intersection P1. In other words, the information processing device 100 may set nodes (for example, two or more nodes N1, N2, etc.) at the intersection of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a, and at the intersection of the access road 201 and the second road link 202b, and set an intersection link 211 connecting the two nodes N1, N2. The information processing device 100 may also group the two nodes N1, N2 and the intersection link 211 and set them as an integrated intersection 210.

[0042] If the determination unit 113 determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201, the setting unit 114 may set a second node N2 as a node at the intersection of the access road 201 and the second road link 202b of the double-lane road 202, and generate an intersection link 211 connecting the first node N1 and the second node N2. The first node N1 is a node at the intersection of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a of the double-lane road 202. The first node N1 may be identified, for example, by the identification unit 111 as a node at the intersection of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a. The setting unit 114 may also set an integrated intersection 210 including the first node N1, the second node N2 and the intersection link 211.

[0043] When the setting unit 114 sets up the integrated intersection 210 as described above, it may register the integrated intersection 210, which is a group of the first node N1, the second node N2, and the intersection link 211, in the road map (map information). Here, the setting unit 114 may control the output unit to output the road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection 210 is registered. The output unit may be, for example, a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a display unit 123, etc. In other words, the setting unit 114 may, for example, control the communication unit 121 to transmit a road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection 210 is registered to an external device (not shown). The external device here may be a server or a navigation device (in-vehicle navigation device) installed in a vehicle. The setting unit 114 may, for example, control the storage unit 122 to store a road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection 210 is registered. The setting unit 114 may, for example, control the display unit 123 to display a road map in which the integrated intersection 210 is registered.

[0044] On the other hand, if the setting unit 114 determines by the determination unit 113 that it is not possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201, it may choose not to set up an integrated intersection between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b of the doubled road 202 at intersection P1. In other words, in this case, the setting unit 114 may not set up an integrated intersection by not generating the second node and the links within the intersection.

[0045] The guidance unit 115 may refer to a road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection 210 has been set by the setting unit 114 and provide various guidance, including route search and route guidance. When a user terminal (not shown) is connected via the communication unit 121, the guidance unit 115 may refer to the road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection 210 has been set and provide various guidance, including route search and route guidance, to the user terminal. Alternatively, the guidance unit 115 may be mounted on an in-vehicle navigation system (not shown). In this case, the guidance unit 115 (in-vehicle navigation system) may connect to the storage unit 122 via the communication unit 121 and refer to the road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection 210 is set, which is stored in the storage unit 122, to perform various guidance, including route search and route guidance. Alternatively, the guidance unit 115 (in-vehicle navigation system) may obtain the road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection 210 is registered from the information processing device 100 and refer to the road map (map information) to perform various guidance, including route search and route guidance.

[0046] [Information Processing Methods] Next, an information processing method according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to one embodiment.

[0047] In step ST101, the identification unit 111 identifies the intersection point P1 between the double-lane road 202, which is represented by a node and multiple road links, and the access road 201 connected to the double-lane road 202. The identification unit 111 may identify a point where there is a node at the intersection point P1 between the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202, or it may identify a point where there is no node at the intersection point P1 between the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202. As an example, the identification unit 111 may identify a point where there is a first node N1 as a node at the intersection of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a of the double-lane road 202.

[0048] In step ST102, the acquisition unit 112 acquires the details of traffic regulations (traffic regulation information) for the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202 in the area P2 of the intersection P1 identified in step ST101.

[0049] The acquisition unit 112 may acquire traffic regulation information obtained by, for example, the following steps (i) and (ii). (i) Acquire image information generated by imaging the region P2 at intersection P1. (ii) By recognizing the subject recorded in the image information of (i) above, the contents of road signs and road markings in area P2 of intersection P1 are obtained, and traffic regulation information for area P2 of intersection P1 of access road 201 and double-lane road 202 is generated based on that contents.

[0050] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 112 may use the traffic regulation information stored in the storage unit 122 to acquire traffic regulation information in the area P2 at the intersection P1 of the access road 201 and the double-lane road 202.

[0051] In step ST103, the determination unit 113 determines, based on the traffic regulation information acquired in step ST102, whether it is possible to cross the first road link 202a, which runs in one direction among the multiple road links representing the double-lane road 202, from the entry road 201, and to cross or enter the second road link 202b, which runs in the opposite direction to the first of the multiple road links, from the entry road 201. If it is possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b (if there are no features between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b (Yes)), the process proceeds to step ST104. On the other hand, if it is not possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b (if there are features between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b (No)), the process proceeds to step ST105.

[0052] In step ST104, if the setting unit 114 determines in step ST103 that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201 (Yes), it sets up an integrated intersection 210 between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b of the double-lane road 202 at intersection P1. If the setting unit 114 determines in step ST103 that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201 (Yes), it may set a second node N2 as a node at the intersection of the access road 201 and the second road link 202b of the double-lane road 202, and generate an intersection link 211 connecting the first node N1 and the second node N2. The first node N1 is a node at the intersection of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a of the double-lane road 202. The first node N1 may be identified, for example, in step ST101 as a node at the intersection of the access road 201 and the first road link 202a. The setting unit 114 may also set up an integrated intersection 210 including the first node N1, the second node N2 and the intersection link 211.

[0053] In step ST105, if the setting unit 114 determines in step ST103 that it is not possible to cross or enter the second road link 202b from the access road 201 (No), it does not set up an integrated intersection between the first road link 202a and the second road link 202b of the double-lane road 202 at intersection P1.

[0054] [Regarding functions and circuitry] Next, the functions and circuitry of the information processing device 100 described above will be explained. Each part of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a function of a computer's arithmetic processing unit or the like. The information processing device 100 may, for example, implement the functions of the identification unit 111, acquisition unit 112, determination unit 113, setting unit 114, and guidance unit 115 with a single control unit 110 (e.g., an arithmetic processing unit, etc.), or it may implement the functions of the identification unit 111, acquisition unit 112, determination unit 113, setting unit 114, and guidance unit 115 in a distributed manner with multiple different control units 110 (e.g., arithmetic processing units, etc.). The identification unit 111, acquisition unit 112, determination unit 113, setting unit 114, and guidance unit 115 (control unit 110) of the information processing device 100 described above may be implemented as identification function, acquisition function, determination function, setting function, and guidance function (control function), respectively, by a computer's arithmetic processing unit or the like. The information processing program can enable a computer to implement each of the functions described above. The information processing program may be recorded on a computer-readable, non-temporary, tangible recording medium such as memory, a solid-state drive, a hard disk drive, or an optical disc. The storage medium may be rephrased as, for example, a non-temporary, tangible, computer-readable medium for storing the information processing program. The information processing program may also be transmitted online. The information processing program can be implemented into a product (computer program product) by the control unit 110 (for example, an arithmetic processing unit). Furthermore, as described above, each part of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a computer's arithmetic processing unit or the like. This arithmetic processing unit or the like is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit. For this reason, each part of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a circuit that constitutes an arithmetic processing unit or the like. That is, the identification unit 111, acquisition unit 112, determination unit 113, setting unit 114, and guidance unit 115 (control unit 110) of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as an identification circuit, acquisition circuit, determination circuit, setting circuit, and guidance circuit (control circuit) that constitute an arithmetic processing unit or the like of a computer. Furthermore, the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, and display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a communication function, storage function, and display function (output function) that includes the functions of an arithmetic processing unit, for example. Also, the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, and display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a communication circuit, storage circuit, and display circuit (output circuit) by being composed of an integrated circuit, for example. Furthermore, the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, and display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing device 100 may be configured as a communication device, storage device, and display device (output device) by being composed of a plurality of devices, for example.

[0055] The information processing device 100 can be configured to combine one or any multiple of the above-described parts. In this disclosure, the term "information" is used, but the term "information" can be replaced with "data," and the term "data" can be replaced with "information."

[0056] [Aspects and Effects of This Embodiment] Next, an embodiment of this model and the effects of each embodiment will be described. Note that the embodiments described below are examples as of the time of filing, and this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described below. In other words, this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described below, and may be realized by appropriately combining the parts described above. Furthermore, lower-level embodiments may be referenced in any of the higher-level embodiments. Furthermore, the effects of this embodiment described below are merely examples, and the effects achieved by each embodiment are not limited to those described below. Also, each embodiment may achieve, for example, at least one of the effects described below.

[0057] (Aspect 1) One embodiment of the information processing device includes: an identification unit that identifies the intersection of a double-lane road, represented by a node and multiple road links, and an access road connected to the double-lane road; an acquisition unit that acquires traffic regulation information for the access road and the double-lane road in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the identification unit; a determination unit that determines, based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the acquisition unit, whether it is possible to cross a first road link that travels in one direction among the multiple road links representing the double-lane road from the access road, and further cross or enter a second road link that travels in the opposite direction to the other of the multiple road links from the access road; and a setting unit that, if the determination unit determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, sets up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection. This allows the information processing device to estimate whether a vehicle can travel on the double-lane road based on traffic regulation information in the area where the access road and the double-lane road intersect, thereby enabling the establishment of an integrated intersection on the double-lane road. If the information processing device acquires the traffic regulation information, it can estimate whether or not there is a median between the first road link and the second road link, that is, whether or not it is possible for a vehicle to reach the second road link from the entry road. In other words, if there is a traffic regulation in the intersection area that allows a vehicle to reach the second road link via the first road link from the entry road, the information processing device can estimate that there is no median between the first road link and the second road link. The information processing device can automatically determine whether a median strip exists between the first road link and the second road link, saving time for mapmaking company employees and reducing the man-hours and lead time required to set up integrated intersections compared to conventional methods. An information processing device can treat an integrated intersection as a single intersection by setting (registering) it in a road map (map information). When the information processing device refers to the road map (map information) in which the integrated intersection is set and provides various guidance (e.g., route search and route guidance), it can avoid adding excessive costs when calculating route costs and avoid complicated guidance.

[0058] (Aspect 2) In one embodiment of the information processing device, if the setting unit determines that it is not possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, it may choose not to set up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection. As a result, the information processing device can automatically determine whether a median strip exists between the first road link and the second road link based on the traffic regulations in the intersection area, and if a median strip exists, it can automatically determine that a unified intersection should not be set up.

[0059] (Aspect 3) In one embodiment of the information processing device, the identification unit may identify a point where a node is located at the intersection of an access road and a double-lane road. This allows the information processing device to identify the intersections of roads where an integrated intersection is to be established.

[0060] (Aspect 4) In one embodiment of the information processing device, the identification unit identifies a point where a first node exists as a node at the intersection of the access road and the first road link of the double-lane road, and the setting unit, if the determination unit determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, sets a second node as a node at the intersection of the access road and the second road link of the double-lane road, generates an intersection link connecting the first node and the second node, and sets an integrated intersection including the first node, the second node and the intersection link. This allows the information processing device to set up an integrated intersection on the double-lane road at the point where the access road and the double-lane road intersect.

[0061] (Appendix 5) In one embodiment of the information processing device, the acquisition unit may acquire image information generated by imaging the intersection area, recognize the subject recorded in the image information to acquire the content of road signs and road markings in the intersection area, and acquire traffic regulation information in the intersection area of ​​the access road and the double-lane road based on that content. This allows the information processing device to acquire the details of traffic regulations in the intersection area and determine whether a median strip exists on the two-lane road based on the details of those traffic regulations.

[0062] (Aspect 6) One embodiment of the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores traffic regulation information regarding traffic regulations set on roads, and an acquisition unit may use the traffic regulation information stored in the storage unit to acquire traffic regulation information in the area of ​​the intersection of an access road and a double-lane road. This allows the information processing device to determine whether a median strip exists on a two-lane road, based on the pre-established traffic regulations in the intersection area.

[0063] (Aspect 7) In one embodiment of the information processing method, a computer performs the following steps: an identification step of identifying an intersection point between a double-lane road, represented by nodes and multiple road links, and an access road connected to the double-lane road; an acquisition step of acquiring traffic regulation information for the access road and the double-lane road in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the identification step; a determination step of determining, based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the acquisition step, whether it is possible to cross a first road link, which travels in one direction among the multiple road links representing the double-lane road, from the access road, and further cross or enter a second road link, which travels in the opposite direction to the other of the multiple road links; and, if the determination step determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, a setting step of setting up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection. As a result, the information processing method can achieve the same effects as the information processing apparatus of the above-described embodiment.

[0064] (Pattern 8) One embodiment of an information processing program enables a computer to implement: an identification function that identifies the intersection of a double-lane road, represented by nodes and multiple road links, and an access road connected to the double-lane road; an acquisition function that acquires traffic regulation information for the access road and the double-lane road in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the identification function; a determination function that determines, based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the acquisition function, whether it is possible to cross a first road link, which travels in one direction among the multiple road links representing the double-lane road, from the access road, and further cross or enter a second road link, which travels in the opposite direction to the other of the multiple road links; and a setting function that, if the determination function determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, sets up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection. As a result, the information processing program can achieve the same effects as the information processing apparatus of the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Control Unit 111 Specific section 112 Acquisition Department 113 Judgment section 114 Settings Section 115 Information Department 121 Communications Department 122 Storage section 123 Display section 201 Approach road 201a Access road road link 202 Two-way road 202a First Road Link 202b Second Road Link 203 Road connecting the first road link and the second road link 210 Integrated Intersection 211 Intersection Link P1 intersection P2 Intersection region (region containing the intersection) N1 First Node N2 Second Node

Claims

1. A specific section that identifies the intersection of a double-lane road, represented by nodes and multiple road links, and an access road connected to said double-lane road, An acquisition unit that acquires traffic regulation information for access roads and double-lane roads in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the identification unit, Based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the acquisition unit, a determination unit determines whether it is possible to cross a first road link, which runs in one direction from the approach road, among multiple road links representing a double-lane road, and further cross or enter a second road link, which runs in the opposite direction from the first road link, among the multiple road links, from the approach road. If the determination unit determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, the setting unit sets up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. If the setting unit determines, based on the determination unit, that it is not possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, it will not set up a combined intersection between the first and second road links of the double-lane road at the intersection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned identification unit identifies a point where a node exists at the intersection of the access road and the double-lane road. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The specified part identifies a point where the first node is located at the intersection of the access road and the first road link of the double-lane road. If the determination unit determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, the setting unit sets a second node as a node at the intersection of the access road and the second road link of the double-lane road, generates an intersection link connecting the first node and the second node, and sets an integrated intersection including the first node, the second node and the intersection link. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition unit is, By imaging the region of the aforementioned intersection, image information generated is acquired. By recognizing the subject recorded in the aforementioned image information, the contents of road signs and road markings in the intersection area are obtained, and traffic regulation information for the intersection area of ​​the access road and the double-lane road is obtained based on that contents. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. It is equipped with a memory unit that stores traffic regulation information about traffic regulations set on roads, The acquisition unit uses the traffic regulation information stored in the storage unit to acquire traffic regulation information in the area of ​​the intersection of the access road and the double-lane road. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. Computers A identifying step to identify the intersection of a double-lane road, represented by nodes and multiple road links, and an access road connected to said double-lane road, An acquisition step to acquire traffic regulation information for access roads and double-lane roads in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the aforementioned identification step, A determination step is made to determine whether it is possible to cross a first road link, which runs in one direction from one of the multiple road links representing a double-lane road, from the entry road, and to cross or enter a second road link, which runs in the opposite direction from the first of the multiple road links, from the entry road, based on the traffic regulation information obtained in the acquisition step described above. If the determination step determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, the setting step involves setting an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the doubled road at the intersection, An information processing method that performs the following.

8. On the computer, A function to identify the intersection of a double-lane road, represented by nodes and multiple road links, and an access road connected to said double-lane road, An acquisition function that acquires traffic regulation information for access roads and double-lane roads in the area of ​​the intersection identified by the aforementioned specific function, Based on the traffic regulation information acquired by the aforementioned acquisition function, a determination function determines whether it is possible to cross a first road link, which runs in one direction from the entry road, among multiple road links representing a double-lane road, and further cross or enter a second road link, which runs in the opposite direction from the aforementioned first road link, among the multiple road links, from the entry road. If the aforementioned determination function determines that it is possible to cross or enter the second road link from the access road, a setting function is provided to set up an integrated intersection between the first road link and the second road link of the double-lane road at the intersection. An information processing program that makes this possible.

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