Information provision device, information provision method, information provision system, and display program

Abstract

This technology makes it easier for visitors to an event venue to appropriately determine their route using secondary transportation to get to the venue. [Solution] The information provider estimates the level of congestion on the secondary transportation route from the car to the event venue, based on event information, before the car arrives at the parking lot, and provides this information to the navigation system. In addition, the information provider provides congestion data corresponding to the current time, as well as congestion data corresponding to the scheduled end time of the event, which may be included in the event information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for providing information associated with route guidance.

Background Art

[0002] When an event is held at an event venue, in order to alleviate congestion and secure a parking lot, there has been a conventional service that guides and induces visitors to the event venue to park their cars in front of the event venue and use secondary transportation such as trains and buses. Conventionally, various methods have been devised for providing information about the event itself (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when there are obstacles to movement by secondary transportation such as the occurrence of congestion, there has been a problem that the dissatisfaction of users with respect to secondary transportation and guidance on the use (recommendation) of secondary transportation increases.

[0005] In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it easier for visitors to an event venue to appropriately determine a route or the like using secondary transportation to the event venue.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary information providing apparatus of the present invention generates and provides congestion degree information in a secondary transportation route in which a car is parked in a parking lot and then transfers to secondary transportation from the car and heads to an event venue, based on event information.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to an exemplary version of the present invention, congestion information for secondary transportation routes is provided, allowing visitors to the event venue to decide whether to choose a secondary transportation route while considering the congestion information for those routes. In other words, it becomes easier for visitors to the event venue to decide on an appropriate route using secondary transportation to get to the event venue. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of an information provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Diagram showing the configuration of the navigation system. [Figure 3] Diagram showing the configuration of the congestion level information server. [Figure 4] Diagram showing congestion information for the first event venue. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the structure of congestion data [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of road congestion data. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of parking lot congestion data. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of public transport congestion data. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of pedestrian congestion data. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device [Figure 11] Diagram showing the display screen of a video output device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Configuration of the information provision system> Figure 1 shows the configuration of the information provision system SYS1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] The information providing system SYS1 includes a congestion information server SV1 and a navigation device 1.

[0012] The congestion information server SV1 is arranged outside the automobile V1 (for example, in a building such as a congestion information providing service center). The congestion information server SV1 may be a physical server or a virtual server. The congestion information server SV1 may be constituted by one server or a plurality of servers.

[0013] The navigation device 1 is a terminal that displays information (congestion information) provided from the congestion information server SV1. The navigation device 1 is mounted on the automobile V1.

[0014] The congestion information server SV1 and the navigation device 1 communicate with each other via a network. The congestion information server SV1 communicates with an event server SV2, a road information center server SV3, a transportation server SV4, and a parking lot server SV5 respectively via a network.

[0015] The event server SV2 provides event information to the congestion information server SV1. The road information center server SV3 provides road information such as traffic jam information to the congestion information server SV1. The transportation server SV4 provides congestion information of secondary transportation to the congestion information server SV1. The parking lot server SV5 provides congestion information of the parking lot to the congestion information server SV1. Each of the event server SV2, the road information center server SV3, the transportation server SV4, and the parking lot server SV5 may be a physical server or a virtual server. Each of the event server SV2, the road information center server SV3, the transportation server SV4, and the parking lot server SV5 may be constituted by one server or a plurality of servers.

[0016] <Configuration of the Navigation Device> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the navigation device 1. The navigation device 1 includes a controller 2, a memory 3, and a communication unit 4.

[0017] The controller 2 includes a processor that performs arithmetic processing and the like. The processor may be configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 2 may be constituted by one processor or may be constituted by a plurality of processors. When constituted by a plurality of processors, those processors may be connected to each other so as to be communicable. Further, the controller 2 includes computer components such as memory (such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.) necessary for program execution.

[0018] As its functions, the controller 2 includes an information acquisition unit 21, a destination setting unit 22, a route search unit 23, a timing unit 24, a route guidance unit 25, and an output control unit 26.

[0019] Further, each of the functional units 21 to 26 may be realized by the processor executing arithmetic processing according to one program. However, for example, it may be a configuration realized by the processor executing arithmetic processing according to separate programs for each functional unit. Also, each of the functional units 21 to 26 may be realized by causing the processor to execute a program as described above, that is, by software, but may also be realized by other methods. At least a part of each of the functional units 21 to 26 may be realized using, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. That is, each of the functional units 21 to 26 may be realized by hardware using a dedicated IC or the like. Also, each of the functional units 21 to 26 may be realized by using software and hardware in combination. Also, each of the functional units 21 to 26 is a conceptual component. The functions performed by one component may be distributed among a plurality of components. Also, the functions of a plurality of components may be integrated into one component.

[0020] The information acquisition unit 21 acquires various types of information. For example, the information acquisition unit 21 acquires map information 32 from memory 3. For example, the information acquisition unit 21 acquires information input and selected by the user from the operating device 6. For example, the information acquisition unit 21 acquires location information indicating the current location of the navigation device 1 from the location information acquisition device 5. For example, the information acquisition unit 21 acquires congestion level information provided by the congestion level information server SV1 via the communication unit 4.

[0021] The destination setting unit 22 sets the destination for route guidance. Specifically, for example, the destination setting unit 22 extracts candidate destinations that match the destination search criteria entered by the user via the operating device 6. Furthermore, the destination setting unit 22 sets the destination selected by the user via the operating device 6.

[0022] The route search unit 23 searches for a route from the starting point (the current position of the navigation device 1 at the time of route search) to the destination. Specifically, for example, the route search unit 23 searches for a route from the starting point to the destination using the destination set by the destination setting unit 22, the location information indicating the current position of the navigation device 1 acquired by the location information acquisition device 5, and the map information 32 stored in the memory 3.

[0023] The timing unit 24 measures time information indicating the current time. For example, the timing unit 24 measures time using time data included in GPS information received by a GPS receiver (described later), or using a timer that counts clock signals used by a computer. Furthermore, the timing unit 24 calculates the time required to arrive at the destination from the starting point. Specifically, for example, the timing unit 24 calculates the time required to arrive at the destination from the starting point based on information such as the distance of the route from the starting point to the destination based on map data, and the legal speed limits of each road link along the route.

[0024] The route guidance unit 25 guides the user on the route from the starting point to the destination. Specifically, for example, the route guidance unit 25, via the output control unit 26, displays an image on the video output device 7 in which the guidance route is superimposed on a map image of the vicinity of the navigation device 1's current location. It also outputs voice guidance related to route guidance, such as right turn instructions and left turn instructions, to the voice output device 8 when turning right or left, thereby guiding the user on the route from the starting point to the destination.

[0025] The output control unit 26 controls the output from the video output device 7 (video output) and the output from the audio output device 8 (audio output).

[0026] Memory 3 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory or a hard disk drive. Memory 3 stores various programs 31 and map information 32. Part or all of Memory 3 may be composed of a portable recording medium and be detachable from the main body of the navigation device 1.

[0027] In addition to a general navigation program, Program 31 also includes a display program that functions as a device to display congestion information on the secondary transportation route from where the vehicle V1 is parked in the parking lot to where it will transfer to secondary transportation to reach the event venue, before the vehicle V1 arrives at the parking lot. Generally, the program is written to memory 3 at the factory or elsewhere during the manufacturing of the navigation device 1, but it is also possible to download the program from a server that provides programs and write it to memory 3, or to have the navigation device 1 read a storage medium such as an optical disc or memory card on which the program is written and have the navigation device 1 write it to memory 3, or to use a data writer that reads the program from these storage media and writes it to the memory 3 of the navigation device 1.

[0028] Map information 32 is map-related data used for route guidance, etc., and includes road information, facility information, etc. Road information includes various information about each road (each link: unit road), such as distance of the road link, legal speed limit, road type, etc. Facility information includes event venue information. The map data is divided into predetermined areas called meshes (for example, 100m square), and each mesh is filed separately. Map data for the area used for processing, etc., is selected from map information 32 and used. In addition, map information 32 includes route data and timetable data for public transportation such as railways and buses that may be used as secondary transportation, and route searches using railways, buses, etc. are also possible.

[0029] The communication unit 4 transmits and receives arbitrary signals with the congestion information server SV1. Although the controller 2 can transmit and receive arbitrary information with the congestion information server SV1 using the communication unit 4, the description of the communication unit 4 may be omitted below.

[0030] The location information acquisition device 5 acquires location information indicating the current location of the navigation device 1. For example, a GPS receiver can be used as the location information acquisition device 5, which receives GPS (Global Positioning System) signals and generates location information. The location information includes, for example, latitude and longitude information.

[0031] The operating device 6 is a device that allows the user to input commands, information, etc., to operate the navigation device 1. For example, the operating device 6 can be a touch panel, mechanical buttons, etc. The operating device 6 may be configured by placing a touch panel on the screen of the video output device 7. Alternatively, the operating device 6 may be configured by arranging mechanical buttons around the screen of the video output device 7.

[0032] The video output device 7 is a display device that outputs video based on video signals sent from the output control unit 26, and its screen faces the interior of the vehicle. Examples of video output devices 7 include liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, and head-up displays that project images onto the vehicle's windshield. The navigation device 1 can display, for example, maps, road information, and the vehicle's location on the screen of the video output device 7. Note that the video output device 7 is not limited to a device installed in the vehicle. For example, the navigation device 1 may have wireless communication capabilities such as Wi-Fi® communication or Bluetooth® communication, and may communicate wirelessly with a portable device brought into the vehicle, with the display unit of the portable device being used as the video output device 7.

[0033] The audio output device 8 is a device that outputs audio based on an audio signal sent from the output control unit 26, and faces the vehicle interior. For example, a speaker can be used as the audio output device 8. The navigation device 1 can provide audio information such as maps, road information, and the vehicle's location from the audio output device 8. Note that the audio output device 8 is not limited to a device installed in the vehicle. For example, the navigation device 1 may have wireless communication capabilities such as Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth communication, and the navigation device 1 may communicate wirelessly with a portable device brought into the vehicle interior, and the audio output unit of the portable device may be used as the audio output device 8.

[0034] <Configuration of the congestion information server> Figure 3 shows the configuration of the congestion information server SV1. The congestion information server SV1 comprises a controller 100, a memory 200, and a communication unit 300.

[0035] The controller 100 includes a processor that performs calculations and other processing. The processor may include, for example, a CPU. The controller 100 may consist of one processor or multiple processors. If it consists of multiple processors, they just need to be connected to each other so that they can communicate with one another. The controller 100 also includes computer components such as memory (RAM, ROM, etc.) necessary for program execution.

[0036] The controller 100 includes, as its functions, an information acquisition unit 101, an information generation unit 102, and an information provision unit 103.

[0037] Furthermore, each functional unit 101 to 103 may be implemented by the processor executing arithmetic processing according to a single program, but it may also be implemented by the processor executing arithmetic processing according to separate programs for each functional unit. Also, each functional unit 101 to 103 may be implemented by having the processor execute a program, i.e., by software, as described above, but it may also be implemented by other methods. At least a part of each functional unit 101 to 103 may be implemented using, for example, an ASIC, FPGA, etc. That is, each functional unit 101 to 102 may be implemented by hardware using a dedicated IC, etc. Also, each functional unit 101 to 102 may be implemented using a combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, each functional unit 101 to 103 is a conceptual component. The function performed by one component may be distributed among multiple components. Also, the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component.

[0038] The information acquisition unit 101 acquires information about the event venue the user plans to visit from the navigation device 1 via the communication unit 300. The information about the event venue the user plans to visit (hereinafter referred to as the target event venue) can be estimated (generated) based on destination setting information set in the navigation device 1, user input information, or the user's schedule data entered into the user's mobile terminal (acquired by the navigation device 1 wirelessly from the mobile terminal, etc.). The information acquisition unit 101 also acquires various information from servers SV2 to SV5 via the communication unit 300. Information acquired from event server SV2 includes event information such as the event venue, event time, and event scale. Information acquired from road information center server SV3, transportation server SV4, and parking server SV5 includes information on past congestion records when events were actually held.

[0039] The information generation unit 102 generates congestion level information 202 based on various information regarding past congestion records obtained from each server SV2 to SV5, and stores it in memory 200. For example, congestion level information 202 can be generated (predicted) using an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model that has learned from data such as event data from many past events (date and time of event, facility size (capacity), number of event participants, etc.), venue surrounding map data, and congestion data (congestion level at various points around the venue at each time on a time axis based on the event time). In addition, if each server SV2 to SV5 provides a service that provides congestion prediction data, for example, a service that provides congestion prediction data for each section of each train, that congestion prediction data may be obtained and used.

[0040] The information provision unit 103 provides congestion data corresponding to the information of the target event venue obtained from the navigation device 1 to the navigation device 1 via the communication unit 300.

[0041] The memory 200 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory or a hard disk drive. The memory 200 stores various programs 201 and congestion level information 202 for each event venue. Part or all of the memory 200 may be composed of a portable recording medium and be detachable from the main body of the congestion level information server SV1. The program 201 includes a program for providing congestion data to the navigation device 1.

[0042] As mentioned above, congestion level information 202 is information specific to each event venue. Figure 4 shows the congestion level information 202 for the first event venue. As shown in Figure 4, congestion data is uniquely determined by the number of event participants and the elapsed time since the event started. Note that congestion data can be determined (estimated) using the AI ​​model method described above, or various other methods. Each congestion data has the same structure, with only the data values ​​differing. In the congestion data, for example, a higher congestion level value indicates greater congestion.

[0043] Figure 5 shows the structure of the congestion data 11. The congestion data 11 includes road congestion data D1, parking lot congestion data D2, public transport congestion data D3, and pedestrian congestion data D4. Note that this congestion data 11 is data at various time intervals, but here we show the data for a single time. In this example, congestion is represented by a congestion level (numerical value) indicating the degree of congestion, but various values ​​that are appropriate for representing congestion, such as travel time, population density, and speed of movement (road congestion, parking lot congestion, etc.), can also be used.

[0044] Road congestion data D1 is data that shows the degree of road congestion (congestion for vehicle travel (road congestion)) around the event venue (for example, an area with a radius of 10 km centered on the event venue). Road congestion data D1 includes, for example, map data D1_1 that shows the degree of road congestion on a mesh basis for travel to the event venue, and map data D1_2 that shows the degree of road congestion on a mesh basis for travel away from the event venue, as shown in Figure 6. Note that the degree of road congestion may be expressed on a road link basis instead of on a mesh basis.

[0045] Parking lot congestion data D2 is data that shows the level of congestion in parking lots where a vehicle V1 might be parked when heading to the primary event venue using secondary transportation. As shown in Figure 7, for example, parking lot congestion data D2 shows the level of congestion by integrating multiple parking lots based on the nearest station / bus stop, and includes congestion at the time of entry (e.g., waiting time to enter) and congestion at the time of exit (e.g., waiting time to exit).

[0046] The transportation congestion data D3 is data that shows the level of congestion of secondary transportation. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the transportation congestion data D3 shows the level of congestion at stations and bus stops of secondary transportation (stations and bus stops near parking lots and event venues) and the level of congestion inside secondary transportation vehicles (inside vehicles traveling between parking lots and stations and bus stops near event venues).

[0047] Pedestrian congestion data D4 is data that shows the degree of road congestion (the degree of congestion in relation to people's movement (sidewalk congestion)) in the vicinity of the event venue (for example, an area with a radius of 1 km centered on the event venue). Pedestrian congestion data D4 includes, for example, map data D4_1 that shows the degree of congestion of sidewalks used for movement toward the event venue in mesh units, and map data D4_2 that shows the degree of congestion of sidewalks used for movement away from the event venue in mesh units, as shown in Figure 9. Note that the degree of congestion of sidewalks may be expressed in terms of sidewalk links rather than in terms of mesh units.

[0048] The communication unit 300 transmits and receives arbitrary signals between the navigation device 1 or each server SV2 to SV5. The controller 100 can transmit and receive arbitrary information between the navigation device 1 or each server SV2 to SV5 using the communication unit 300, but the description of the communication unit 300 may be omitted below.

[0049] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device 1 (processing performed by the controller 2). When the destination setting unit 22 sets the event venue as the destination and the route guidance unit 25 starts route guidance from the starting point to the destination, the navigation device 1 starts the flow operation shown in Figure 10.

[0050] In step S10, the route guidance unit 25 checks whether the current location of the vehicle V1 has entered the vicinity of the destination event venue (for example, an area with a radius of 10 km centered on the event venue). If the current location of the vehicle V1 has entered the vicinity of the event venue, the process proceeds to step S20; otherwise, it returns to step S10.

[0051] In step S20, the route search unit 23 searches for route candidates using secondary transportation from the current location of the vehicle V1 to the destination. Once the search for route candidates is complete, the process proceeds to step S30. The route candidates are selected in a predetermined number of search routes, for example, in order of the shortest estimated travel time to the event venue.

[0052] In step S30, the information acquisition unit 21 sends information about the destination event venue to the congestion information server SV1, acquires congestion data corresponding to the event information of the destination event venue, and proceeds to step S40. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 21 sends data about the event venue the user is heading to (data about the event the user is participating in) to the congestion information server SV1 along with congestion information request data. Upon receiving this event venue data and congestion information request data, the congestion information server SV1 generates congestion data for the area around the event venue (an area that affects movement to or from the event venue, with an appropriate area set in advance) and sends it to the navigation device 1. The information acquisition unit 21 of the navigation device 1 acquires this congestion data for the area around the event venue and generates route candidate-related congestion data for the route candidates searched based on the acquired congestion data for the area around the event venue. Furthermore, the congestion information server SV1, in order to provide congestion data around the event venue, continuously collects congestion-related data from servers SV2 to SV5, etc., in the area around the event venue (an appropriate range for which congestion information should be provided) during the event period and the periods immediately before and after, and generates congestion data for the area around the event venue (or the data provision service area).

[0053] Furthermore, the congestion information server SV1, in order to provide congestion data for each route candidate, continuously collects congestion-related data from servers SV2 to SV5, etc., in the area around the event venue (an appropriate range for which congestion information should be provided) during the event period and the periods immediately before and after, and generates congestion data.

[0054] As a result, the congestion information server SV1 will estimate and provide the congestion level on the secondary transportation route from where car V1 parks in the parking lot to where it transfers to secondary transportation to head to the event venue, based on event information, before car V1 arrives at the parking lot. The congestion information server SV1 sends not only congestion data corresponding to the current time, but also congestion data corresponding to the scheduled end time of the event, which may be included in the event information, to the navigation device 1. In other words, the congestion information server SV1 will also estimate and provide the congestion level on the return route based on event information before car V1 arrives at the parking lot.

[0055] In step S30, the information acquisition unit 21 sends information about the destination event venue to the congestion information server SV1 and acquires congestion data corresponding to the event information of the destination event venue. Alternatively, it may send information about routes using secondary transportation to the congestion information server SV1, and then extract data related to routes using secondary transportation from the congestion data corresponding to the event information of the destination event venue and send it to the navigation device 1. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 21 sends the route data for each candidate route using secondary transportation from the current position of the vehicle V1 to the destination (event venue), which has been searched by the route search unit 23, to the congestion information server SV1 along with the congestion information request data. When the congestion information server SV1 receives the route data and congestion information request data for each candidate route, it generates route candidate-related congestion data for each candidate route and sends it to the navigation device 1. The navigation device 1 information acquisition unit 21 acquires the route candidate-related congestion data for each candidate route.

[0056] In the above example, the navigation device 1 searched for route candidates using secondary transportation from the current location of the vehicle V1 to the destination (event venue). However, the congestion information server SV1 may also search for route candidates based on the event information (event venue) received from the navigation device 1 and the current location of the vehicle V1.

[0057] In step S40, the output control unit 21 displays route candidates using secondary transportation, including their congestion levels, on the video output device 7. At this time, the display screen 71 of the video output device 7 will look like Figure 11, for example. The display screen 71 shown in Figure 11 displays the message M1, "We will inform you of routes using secondary transportation," the question message M2, "Do you want to change to guidance for route candidates using secondary transportation?", the selection key K1 for "Yes" and the selection key K2 for "No" in response to the question message M2, the question message M3, "Do you want to change to displaying the next route candidate using secondary transportation?", the selection key K3 for "Yes" in response to the question message M3, and the route candidate information image R1 related to the route candidate using secondary transportation. Note that operating the selection keys K1 to K3 will perform a screen transition operation corresponding to the operated selection key K1 to K3. The road congestion level from the current location of the car V1 to the parking lot, the congestion level of the parking lot, and the congestion level on the secondary transportation route are displayed in a pop-up. Instead of a pop-up display, the degree of congestion may be indicated by, for example, color, line thickness, etc. Furthermore, this information is displayed not only for the outbound journey but also for the return journey.

[0058] This allows users to decide whether to choose a secondary transportation route while considering the level of congestion on that route. In other words, it makes it easier for visitors to an event venue to decide on a route using secondary transportation to get to the event venue. Furthermore, users can decide whether to choose a secondary transportation route while considering the level of congestion on the return route. In other words, it makes it even easier for visitors to an event venue to decide on a route using secondary transportation to get to the event venue more appropriately.

[0059] The level of congestion on secondary transportation routes includes the level of congestion at a specific point within the route (e.g., a train station). This allows users to understand the level of congestion at points where pedestrian flow is likely to stagnate, i.e., points that are most likely to be congested.

[0060] Furthermore, since the congestion level of parking lots is displayed in addition to the congestion level of secondary transportation routes, users can understand whether the transfer from car V1 to secondary transportation will be smooth.

[0061] The congestion data provided from the congestion information server SV1 to the navigation device 1 may include not only the congestion level but also the travel time required for secondary transportation routes, which can be calculated based on the congestion level. This allows the user to understand the travel time when traveling via secondary transportation routes. As for the method of calculating the travel time, for example, if the congestion level at the station or inside the train is high, it may be possible to calculate the travel time under the assumption that the next train will not be available and the user will have to take the second train.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 11, there is only one route using secondary transportation. However, the route search unit 23 may search for multiple routes using secondary transportation, and for example, multiple routes may be displayed in a list. When one route is selected from the list of routes, the selected route may be displayed, including its congestion level.

[0063] When the display screen 71 of the video output device 7 is the screen shown in Figure 11, the controller 2 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to change the guidance route based on the output of the operating device 7 (step S50). If the user touches the "Yes" selection key K1 displayed on the display screen 71 of the video output device 7, the controller 2 determines that there has been an instruction to change the guidance route. On the other hand, if the user touches the "No" selection key K2 displayed on the display screen 71 of the video output device 7, the controller 2 determines that there has been no instruction to change the guidance route. If neither the selection key K1 nor the selection key K2 is touched for a certain period of time after the display screen 71 of the video output device 7 has become the screen shown in Figure 11, for example, the controller 2 may determine that there has been no instruction to change the guidance route. If the user touches the "Yes" selection key K3 in response to the question message M3, "Do you want to change to displaying the next route candidate using secondary transportation?", the controller 2 changes to the display screen 71 for the next route candidate and continues the process in step S50.

[0064] If there is an instruction to change the guided route (YES in step S50), the route guidance unit 25 will provide guidance using the new route, i.e., a route that utilizes secondary transportation (step S60). On the other hand, if there is no instruction to change the guided route (NO in step S50), the route guidance unit 25 will provide guidance using the original route, i.e., a route that does not utilize secondary transportation (step S70).

[0065] Then, when the power to the navigation device 1 is shut down, or when the vehicle V1 arrives at its destination, the navigation device 1 terminates the flow operation shown in Figure 10.

[0066] When the route guidance unit 25 provides guidance using a new route, i.e., a route utilizing secondary transportation, when the vehicle V1 arrives at the parking lot according to the guidance, the power to the navigation device 1 is shut down, and the user leaves the vehicle V1 and proceeds to the destination. Therefore, the user may instruct the operation unit 7 to execute the route information transfer process while the process in step S60 is being performed, causing the navigation device 1 to execute the route information transfer process.

[0067] When the navigation device 1 performs the route information transfer process, it transmits information about the route using secondary transportation to the user's mobile terminal, which is connected to the navigation device 1 via short-range wireless communication. The navigation application program installed on the user's mobile terminal then utilizes this information about the route using secondary transportation, allowing the user to travel from the parking lot to their destination following the guidance provided by the navigation application program on their mobile terminal.

[0068] <Notes, etc.> The various technical features disclosed in the embodiments for carrying out the invention as described herein can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. Furthermore, the multiple embodiments and modifications disclosed in the embodiments for carrying out the invention as described herein may be combined to the extent possible.

[0069] For example, when the event venue is set as the destination in the navigation device 1, route guidance using secondary transportation may be presented to the user.

[0070] The congestion information provided by the congestion information server SV1 may be the sum of the congestion information during normal times (when no events are being held at the event venue) and the congestion information based on event information.

[0071] Congestion information based on event details can be obtained by inputting information such as event details, venue, time, one or more nearest train stations / bus stops, walking time from the nearest train station / bus stop to the event venue, preferred nearest train station / bus stop, and estimated number of attendees into a congestion estimation model (an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model that estimates congestion).

[0072] Event details, location, and time can be obtained, for example, from a website or social networking service (SNS) post announcing the event. The estimated number of participants may be estimated, for example, from the response to the event's promotion on SNS (number of posts about the event), or the number of people who have registered to participate may be considered as the estimated number of participants. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Navigation system SV1...Congestion level information server SYS1... Information Provision System V1... Automobile

Claims

1. An information providing device that generates and provides congestion information for secondary transportation routes, based on event information, from parking a car in a parking lot to transferring from the car to secondary transportation and heading to the event venue.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the congestion information in the secondary traffic route includes the congestion level at at least one point in the secondary traffic route.

3. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the congestion information on the secondary transportation route includes the time required to travel on the secondary transportation route.

4. The information providing device according to claim 1, which also generates and provides congestion information for the return route from the event venue back to the parking lot, based on the event information.

5. The information providing device according to claim 4, wherein the congestion information on the return route includes the congestion level at at least one point along the return route.

6. The information providing device according to claim 4, wherein the congestion information on the return route includes the time required for travel along the return route.

7. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the congestion level information of the aforementioned parking lot is also generated and provided based on the event information.

8. An information provision method comprising a device that generates and provides congestion information for secondary transportation routes, based on event information, for routes from which a vehicle is parked in a parking lot and then transferred to secondary transportation to reach an event venue.

9. An information provision system comprising an information provision device and a terminal that displays information provided by the information provision device, The aforementioned information provision device is an information provision system that generates and provides congestion level information for secondary transportation routes, where a car is parked in a parking lot and then transferred to secondary transportation to reach the event venue, based on event information.

10. The congestion level information provided by the information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is acquired, The acquired congestion level information is displayed on the display device. A display program executed by a computer installed in a car.

Images