Presentation device, presentation method, and presentation program

Abstract

The ability to provide guidance routes that take into account the type of event. [Solution] The system includes an acquisition unit 101 that acquires event information including the type of event, the event's scope, and the event's time slot; a route determination unit 102 that determines, depending on the type of event included in the event information, whether to present a route that avoids at least the event's scope during the event's time slot, or to present a route searched without considering the event information during the event's time slot; and a presentation unit 103 that presents the determined route.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a presentation device, a presentation method, and a presentation program for presenting a route during an event. However, the use of this invention is not limited to the presentation device, the presentation method, and the presentation program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for generating an avoidance area for searching for a route to avoid an event holding area during the event holding period has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As an example of the type of event, in the case of a sports event, for example, during the game, the number of cars on the road decreases, and even within the influence area of the event, it becomes easier for cars to pass. However, in the above prior art, regardless of the type of event, within the event holding period, in order to avoid the event holding range, in fact, even though the user can pass through the influence area of the event without congestion, a detoured route that avoids this range is presented to the user. This is an example of the problem.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the presentation device according to claim 1 is characterized by comprising: acquisition means for acquiring event information including the type of event, the scope and time of the event; route determination means for determining whether to present a route that avoids at least the scope of the event during the time of the event as a guided route, or a route searched without considering the event information during the time of the event as a guided route, depending on the type of event included in the event information; and presentation means for presenting the determined guided route.

[0006] Furthermore, the presentation method according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in a presentation method implemented by a presentation device, it includes an acquisition step of acquiring event information including the type of event, the scope of the event, and the time period of the event; a route determination step of determining whether to present a route that avoids at least the scope of the event during the time period of the event as a guided route, or a route that was searched without considering the event information during the time period of the event as a guided route, depending on the type of event included in the event information; and a presentation step of presenting the determined guided route.

[0007] Furthermore, the presentation program according to claim 6 is characterized by causing a computer to execute the presentation method described in claim 5. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a presentation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the presentation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the navigation device in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server in the embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of participant behavior prediction information held by the server in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the process of presenting guidance information by a system consisting of a server and a navigation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the guidance information presentation process performed by the server in the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of how guidance information is presented according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows another example of how guidance information is presented according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Embodiment) Preferred embodiments of the presentation device, presentation method, and presentation program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a presentation device according to an embodiment. The presentation device 100 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101, a route determination unit 102, and a presentation unit 103. In this embodiment, a single server has each of these functions. As will be described later, it is also possible to use multiple servers distributed according to each function in Figure 1, or to configure a single client (terminal) to have the functions of the presentation device 100 without using a server.

[0011] The acquisition unit 101 acquires event information, including the type of event, the scope of the event (the scope that affects route search determination), and the time period. Examples of event types include fireworks displays and international soccer matches. The scope of the event is set by, for example, latitude and longitude, administrative districts, etc., and the event organizer sets the scope centered on the event location and announces it in advance in order to regulate road traffic, etc. The time period of the event consists of a date and time, for example, a year, month, and day and a time (for example, 16:00 to 18:00).

[0012] The acquisition unit 101 acquires this event information via a network such as the Internet. For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires event information distributed by VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System: registered trademark).

[0013] The route determination unit 102 has a route search function that generates a guided route. For example, based on information such as the user's current location and destination entered when a route search request is made from the user's terminal, it searches for a route (road) from the current location to the destination by referring to map information (map database). In this case, it searches for a route with a low search cost (a route that can be reached in a short amount of time or distance) based on the cost, such as travel time or travel distance. In this case, multiple routes can be output as candidates in order of search cost.

[0014] The route determination unit 102 then modifies the content of the guided route according to the type of event if part of the route searched passes through roads (evaluated roads) within the event area within the event date and time (event time). For example, for one type of event, the guided route is determined to be a route searched within the event area during the event time, with the cost of the evaluated roads increased. For another type of event, the guided route is determined to be a route searched during the event time without considering event information.

[0015] The route determination unit 102 stores participant behavior prediction information that associates the event information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 with the congestion status of roads (roads to be evaluated) within the event area for each event. The participant behavior prediction information is, for example, a list of the congestion status of roads (roads to be evaluated) within the event area during and outside of the event time for each event.

[0016] The route determination unit 102 modifies the guidance route content when passing through roads within the event area (evaluated roads) both inside and outside the event time period, based on participant behavior prediction information including event information (details will be described later).

[0017] Here, it will be explained that due to different event types, the congestion states within and outside the holding time zone in the holding range are different.

[0018] First, it will be explained that depending on the event type, there are cases where it is possible to pass through the holding range without congestion even within the holding time zone and cases where it is not possible. For example, when the event type is a fireworks display, during the holding time zone, participants are watching the fireworks, and the movement of participants (vehicles) within the holding range is few and the congestion within the holding range is small (corresponding to participant behavior prediction information). Therefore, the route determination unit 102 determines the route searched without considering the event information during the holding time zone as the guidance route.

[0019] On the other hand, outside the holding time zone (referring to a predetermined period before the start time and a predetermined period after the end time), there is a lot of movement of participants (vehicles) entering or leaving the holding range (participant behavior prediction information). Therefore, the route determination unit 102 determines the route that at least avoids the holding range outside this holding time zone as the guidance route.

[0020] Similarly, when the event type is an international soccer match, during the holding time zone, participants are watching the game inside the stadium, and the movement of participants (vehicles) within the holding range is few and the congestion within the holding range is small (participant behavior prediction information). Therefore, the route determination unit 102 determines the route searched without considering the event information during the holding time zone as the guidance route.

[0021] On the other hand, outside the holding time zone (a predetermined period before the start time and a predetermined period after the end time), there is a lot of movement of participants (vehicles) entering or leaving the holding range (participant behavior prediction information). Therefore, the route determination unit 102 determines the route that at least avoids the holding range during the holding time zone as the guidance route.

[0022] Furthermore, in the case of a sports team's victory parade, there is a large amount of movement of participants (vehicles) that enters or leaves the event area both during and outside the event period (a predetermined period before the start time and a predetermined period after the end time) (participant behavior prediction information). Therefore, the route determination unit 102 determines a route that avoids the event area both during and outside the event period as the guided route.

[0023] When the route determination unit 102 determines a route to pass through or avoid the event area outside the event time (a predetermined period before the start time and a predetermined period after the end time) as a guided route, it divides the period before and after the start time into multiple time stages (referred to as outside time stages) relative to the start time, and can change the content of the guided route when passing through roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) based on the congestion (participant behavior prediction information) for each stage of the outside time stage for each type of event.

[0024] For example, the route determination unit 102 changes the content of the guidance route when passing through roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) during each of the following time slots: heavy congestion in the pre-start time slot 1 (less than 1 hour before the start), light congestion in the pre-start time slot 2 (1 hour or more but less than 2 hours before the start), and no congestion (smooth running) in the pre-start time slot 3 (2 hours or more before the start).

[0025] Furthermore, the route determination unit 102 uses a setting (participant behavior prediction information) to uniformly increase the passage cost (degree of ease of passage) for all roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated). Depending on the type of event, the amount of increase in passage cost may be set differently for the central and peripheral areas of the event area. For example, in the case of a fireworks display, the central area of ​​the event area is more difficult to pass through because participants are densely concentrated there, so the passage cost is increased more, while the peripheral areas are easier to pass through, so the passage cost is increased less.

[0026] Furthermore, the route determination unit 102 can also change the size of the event area depending on the type of event. For example, in the case of a fireworks display, participants are watching the fireworks during the event time, and there is little movement of participants (vehicles) within the event area, resulting in little congestion within the event area (participant behavior prediction information). Therefore, the size of the event area is not changed during the event time.

[0027] On the other hand, outside of the event hours (a predetermined period before the start time and a predetermined period after the end time), there is a lot of movement of participants (vehicles) entering or leaving the event area. Therefore, during the predetermined period outside of the event hours, the event area is modified (referred to as the area of ​​influence) to expand (for example, by predetermined blocks outwards). If there is a change in the event area, the route determination unit 102 takes the modified event area (area of ​​influence) into consideration and determines whether or not to pass through the area of ​​influence as the guided route.

[0028] This scope of influence is not limited to increasing or decreasing the area (scope) based on the event area; it may also include roads (links) leading to specific main roads or expressways that connect to the event area.

[0029] Furthermore, the route determination unit 102 may set entry costs (degree of ease of entry and exit) for each direction of entry into and exit from the event area, based on the event time period for which the guidance route has been changed. For example, during a predetermined period before the start time of the event, it is difficult to enter the event area, so the entry cost in the direction of entry is set high, and it is easy to leave the event area, so the entry cost in the direction of exit is set low (participant behavior prediction information). During a predetermined period after the end of the event time period, the costs are set in the opposite direction to those before the start time.

[0030] Furthermore, the route determination unit 102 may not only determine the guidance route from among multiple route candidates initially explored in the route search, taking into account the event area and various costs (participant behavior prediction information) (including or excluding passage through roads under evaluation), as described above, but may also perform a route search while taking the event area and various costs into consideration.

[0031] The display unit 103 displays the guidance route determined by the route determination unit 102. For example, the guidance route can be displayed or voiced to the user. In addition, the result (guided route) determined by the route determination unit 102 based on the route search request is transmitted to the user's terminal via a network such as the Internet, and the terminal can then display or voice the guidance route to the user.

[0032] In the above example configuration, the presentation device 100 is configured by a server and transmits the guidance route to the user. However, each component of the presentation device 100 may also be provided by the user's terminal.

[0033] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the presentation device according to the embodiment. It shows an example of the processing that the presentation device 100 executes when a route search is requested from the user's terminal.

[0034] First, the presentation device 100 acquires event information, including the type of event, the scope of the event, and the time period during which the event will be held (step S201).

[0035] Next, the display device 100 searches for a route (road) from the current location to the destination by referring to map information (map database) based on information such as the user's current location and destination that is entered from the user's terminal when a route search request is made.

[0036] Then, if part of the route searched by the presentation device 100 passes through roads within the event area (evaluated roads) during the event's operating hours, the presentation device 100 changes the content of the guided route according to the type of event (step S202). Case 1 is when congestion is small when passing through roads within the event area (evaluated roads) during the event's operating hours. In this case (step S202: Case 1), the presentation device 100 decides the route searched without considering event information as the guided route (step S203).

[0037] Case 2 is when traffic congestion occurs when passing through roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) during the event hours. In this case (Step S202: Case 2), the display device 100 determines a route that avoids the event area as the guided route (Step S204).

[0038] Subsequently, the display device 100 presents the guidance route determined in step S203 or step S204 to the user by display or other means (step S205).

[0039] Furthermore, although not shown in the processing example in Figure 2, the display device 100 also performs processing to change the size of the event's scope depending on the type of event. For example, in the case of a spectator / viewing event during the event hours, there is little movement of participants (vehicles) within the affected area and therefore little congestion within the affected area, so the size of the affected area is not changed during the event hours. On the other hand, outside of the event hours (a predetermined period before the start time and a predetermined period after the end time), there is a lot of movement of participants (vehicles) entering or leaving the affected area, so during the predetermined period outside of the event hours, the affected area is changed to expand (for example, by predetermined blocks outwards).

[0040] According to the above embodiment, if a portion of the route obtained by route search based on a user request passes through roads within the event area during the event's operating hours, the system will either present a route that passes through the roads within the event area or a route that avoids the roads within the event area, depending on the type of event. Furthermore, not only during the event's operating hours but also outside of it (a predetermined period before the start time and a predetermined period after the end time), the system can present a route that passes through the roads within the event area or a route that avoids the roads within the event area, depending on the type of event. This enables route search tailored to the type of event and allows the system to present users with routes that are appropriate to the traffic congestion on the roads within the event area during the event.

[0041] For example, if the roads within the event area are easily passable during the event period, the system can provide a route that passes through the event area and does not suggest routes that avoid it. As a result, users can reach their destination in less time and distance simply by following the searched route. This improves the reliability of the searched route presented to the user.

[0042] Furthermore, the size of the event area can be changed according to the type of event and the time of day, allowing for the presentation of routes that take into account different event areas within (and outside) the event time for each type of event. Moreover, routes can be presented that take into account the ease of passage between the central and peripheral areas of the event area, depending on the type of event. Routes can also be presented that take into account the ease of entry and exit from different directions, depending on the type of event and the time of day. These improvements will further enhance the reliability of the searched routes. [Examples]

[0043] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a navigation device 300 is installed in the user's vehicle, the navigation device 300 requests a route search from a server 400 having the functions of the presentation device 100 described above, and in response to this route search, the server 400 presents the guided route to the navigation device 300.

[0044] (Hardware configuration of navigation device 300) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the navigation device of the embodiment. In Figure 3, the navigation device 300 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk drive 304, magnetic disk 305, optical disk drive 306, optical disk 307, audio interface 308, microphone 309, speaker 310, input device 311, video interface 312, display 313, communication interface 314, GPS unit 315, various sensors 316, and camera 317. Each component 301 to 317 is connected by a bus 320.

[0045] The CPU 301 controls the entire navigation device 300. The ROM 302 stores the boot program and the display program. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301. In other words, the CPU 301 controls the entire navigation device 300 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 302 while using the RAM 303 as its work area.

[0046] The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading and writing of data to the magnetic disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The magnetic disk 305 records the data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. For example, the magnetic disk 305 can be an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk).

[0047] Furthermore, the optical disc drive 306 controls the reading and writing of data to the optical disc 307 according to the control of the CPU 301. The optical disc 307 is a removable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 306. The optical disc 307 can also use a writable recording medium. In addition to the optical disc 307, MO disks, memory cards, etc. can be used as removable recording media.

[0048] Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 and optical disk 307 include map data, vehicle information, road information, and driving history. Map data is used in car navigation systems when searching for routes and is vector data that includes background data representing features such as buildings, rivers, ground surfaces, and energy supply facilities, and road shape data representing the shape of roads with links and nodes.

[0049] The audio interface 308 is connected to a microphone 309 for audio input and a speaker 310 for audio output. The audio received by the microphone 309 is converted from analog to digital within the audio interface 308. The microphone 309 can be installed, for example, on the dashboard of a vehicle, and there may be one or more of them. The speaker 310 outputs audio that has been converted from a predetermined audio signal within the audio interface 308.

[0050] The input device 311 may include a remote control, keyboard, or touch panel equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The input device 311 may be implemented in any one form of a remote control, keyboard, or touch panel, but it can also be implemented in multiple forms.

[0051] The video interface 312 is connected to the display 313. Specifically, the video interface 312 consists of, for example, a graphics controller that controls the entire display 313, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image information that can be displayed immediately, and a control IC that controls the display 313 based on the image data output from the graphics controller.

[0052] The display 313 displays various data such as icons, cursors, menus, windows, text, and images. For example, the display 313 can be a TFT liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0053] Camera 317 captures images including the road outside the vehicle. The images can be either still images or videos. For example, camera 317 can capture images of the area outside the vehicle, and the captured images can be analyzed by the CPU 301 or output to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 305 or an optical disk 307 via the video interface 312.

[0054] The communication interface 314 is connected to the network wirelessly and functions as an interface for the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. Communication networks that function as networks include in-vehicle communication networks such as CAN and LIN (Local Interconnect Network), as well as public telephone networks, mobile phone networks, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), LAN, and WAN. Examples of communication interfaces 314 include public telephone network connection modules, ETC (Nonstop Automatic Toll Payment System, registered trademark) units, FM tuners, and VICS / beacon receivers.

[0055] The GPS unit 315 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the vehicle's current position. The output information from the GPS unit 315, along with the output values ​​from the various sensors 316 described later, is used by the CPU 301 to calculate the vehicle's current position. The information indicating the current position is, for example, information that identifies a specific point on map data, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0056] The various sensors 316, such as a vehicle speed sensor, acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, and tilt sensor, output information to determine the vehicle's position and behavior. The output values ​​of the various sensors 316 are used by the CPU 301 to calculate the vehicle's current position and the amount of change in speed and direction.

[0057] The CPU 301 executes a predetermined program using the programs and data recorded in the ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk 305, optical disk 307, etc., as shown in Figure 3, thereby realizing the functions necessary for the operation of the navigation device. In addition, some of the functions of the presentation unit 103 in Figure 1 (the function of presenting the guidance route received from the server to the user) can be realized using the speaker 310, display 313, and communication I / F 314 shown in Figure 3.

[0058] (Hardware configuration of Server 400) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server in the embodiment. When the server 400 is used as the presentation device 100, the server 400 has a configuration that is almost the same as that in Figure 3. In this case, the server does not require the GPS unit 315, various sensors 316, camera 317, etc., as described in Figure 3.

[0059] The CPU 401 executes a predetermined program using the programs and data recorded in the ROM 402, RAM 403, magnetic disk 405, optical disk 407, etc., as shown in Figure 4, thereby realizing the functions of the acquisition unit 101 and route determination unit 102 in Figure 1. Furthermore, using the communication interface 414 in Figure 4, a part of the function of the presentation unit 103 in Figure 1 (the function of transmitting the guidance route to the user's navigation device 300) can be realized.

[0060] In the configuration shown in Figure 4, where the server 400 transmits the guidance route to the navigation device 300 in Figure 3, for example, the navigation device 300 may have no route search function and only a simplified function that transmits route search requests such as the current location and destination necessary for route search to the server 400, and a function that displays (presents) the event-dependent guidance route received from the server 400. Furthermore, even in the configuration where the navigation device 300 performs processing related to normal route search, it is possible to receive and display (present) the event-dependent guidance route without adding any hardware or other special measures.

[0061] (Example of presentation processing by a presentation device) Next, we will describe an example of a process in which a server 400 is used as the presentation device 100, and the server 400 transmits the above-mentioned guidance route to the user (navigation device 300).

[0062] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of participant behavior prediction information held by the server in the embodiment. When searching for a route, the route determination unit 102 refers to the participant behavior prediction information 500 shown in Figure 5 to determine the guided route described above. For example, it searches for a route based on the current location and destination, but if there is a route on the searched route that passes through the event area during the event period, it refers to the participant behavior prediction information 500 to decide whether or not to guide the user along this route.

[0063] The participant behavior prediction information 500 stored by the route determination unit 102 includes event type 501, which is event information obtained from VICS, etc., and supplementary information 502. The supplementary information 502 includes the date and time of the event and road restriction information (road closures, etc.) within the event area.

[0064] In the participant behavior prediction information 500 shown in the example in Figure 5, pre-start prediction information 511, in-event prediction information 512, and post-event prediction information 513, each generated based on the event type 501 and associated information 502, are associated with each event. The route determination unit 102 stores and maintains this participant behavior prediction information 500.

[0065] The participant behavior prediction information 500 consists of pre-event prediction information 511, in-event prediction information 512, and post-event prediction information 513, which respectively indicate the congestion status of roads (roads under evaluation) within the event area during the event date and time (event time) for each event type, consisting of event type 501 and associated information 502.

[0066] For example, for event type 501 "Festival," the pre-start forecast information 511 indicates that congestion within the event area before the start time (a predetermined period before the start time) will be "smooth (no congestion)." The in-event forecast information 512 indicates that congestion within the event area during the event time will be "congested." The post-event forecast information 513 indicates that congestion within the event area after the end time (a predetermined period after the end time) will be "congested."

[0067] The pre-event prediction information 511, in-event prediction information 512, and post-event prediction information 513 of this participant behavior prediction information 500 represent the current congestion status according to the time period during which the event is held. The route determination unit 102 generates this information by acquiring road congestion status transmitted from vehicles (for example, a navigation device 300 acting as a probe vehicle) traveling within the event area during the event period (including before and after).

[0068] Then, when a user requests a route search, the route determination unit 102, based on the participant behavior prediction information 500, and based on the event information (event type 501 and associated information 502) and one of the pre-start prediction information 511, in-event prediction information 512, or post-end prediction information 513, decides whether or not to include the event area in the guided route presented to the user (i.e., whether to avoid it) if a part of the searched route passes through the event area during the event's operating hours. To determine.

[0069] Furthermore, the route determination unit 102 may refer to past event information and generate pre-event prediction information 511 "e.g., smooth," in-event prediction information 512 "congested," and post-event prediction information 513 "congested" based on matching attributes of event type 501 (e.g., similar event type 501).

[0070] Furthermore, for each event information (event type) 501, the congestion time after the event starts can be determined based on the size of the event area, and the duration of pre-event prediction information 511 and post-event prediction information 513 can be generated for each event type (for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour).

[0071] Furthermore, although not shown in the participant behavior prediction information 500 in Figure 5, this participant behavior prediction information 500 may also hold congestion prediction information for multiple time periods (outside time periods) before and after the start of the event. In addition, for roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated), information may be held for each type of event, such as information where the passage cost (degree of ease of passage) is set to be uniform for all roads (roads to be evaluated) or information where the passage cost differs between the central and peripheral areas of the event area. Furthermore, information on the affected area, where the size of the event area is changed according to the type of event, may be held. Furthermore, information on the entry cost (degree of ease of entry and exit) for each direction of entry and exit to the event area may be held for each time period of the event.

[0072] (Server-based information display process) Figure 6 illustrates the process of presenting guidance information by a system consisting of a server and a navigation device according to the embodiment. Server 400 collects event information held in each region A to n. The size of each region A to n is set according to the scope of the event, and is set to be at least larger than the event scope Sa.

[0073] The acquisition unit 101 of the server 400 acquires, for example, the road congestion status at the time each event is held from the navigation devices 300 installed in the vehicles 602 located within the event range Sa to Sn of each region A to n. The vehicles 602 transmit their location and congestion status (e.g., driving speed) to the server 400 over time (functioning as probe vehicles that transmit information to the server 400).

[0074] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 101 of the server 400 communicates with VICS (Vehicle Information Center) 601, etc., to acquire event information.

[0075] The route determination unit 102 of the server 400 has a database 102a, which collects congestion information for each region A to n obtained from each vehicle 602 for each event period and stores it in the database 102a. Then, the server 400 generates the above participant behavior prediction information 500 based on the event information for each event and the congestion information for each region A to n, and stores it in the database 102a.

[0076] As a result, database 102a stores and maintains participant behavior prediction information 500 for each past event, and also stores participant behavior prediction information 500 for currently held events that reflect the latest congestion status.

[0077] Suppose a user of a vehicle 612 (navigation device 300) requests route guidance from the server 400. This vehicle 612 transmits location information such as its current location and destination to the server 400. Based on this, the route determination unit 102 of the server 400 searches for a route for the vehicle 612.

[0078] Then, when the route determination unit 102 searches for a route, if part of the vehicle 612's route passes through an event (in the example of Figure 6, the event area Sb in region B), the route determination unit 102 refers to the participant behavior prediction information 500 to determine a guided route R to present to the vehicle 612 and transmits it to the vehicle 612's navigation device 300. As described above, this guided route R may be a route that passes through the event area or a route that avoids it.

[0079] The navigation system 300 of vehicle 612 displays the guidance route R transmitted from server 400 to the user. This allows the user to travel to their destination without being affected by traffic congestion caused by the event, simply by following the guidance route R provided by server 400, without having to consider the event's scope or timing when requesting a route search.

[0080] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the guidance information presentation process performed by the server in the embodiment. First, when a route search request including the current location and destination is made from the user's device (e.g., navigation device 300) to the server 400, the server 400 starts the route search process (step S701).

[0081] During route searching, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) obtains road congestion information within the event area from VICS (Vehicle Information Center) 601 and vehicles near the event area, and generates participant behavior prediction information 500 for the relevant event. Based on this participant behavior prediction information 500, the server 400 determines the congestion status of roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) when passing through the searched route. In the example in Figure 7, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) refers to the participant behavior prediction information 500 to determine whether the roads to be evaluated within the event area are outside the congestion range or outside the congestion time (step S702).

[0082] Note that when a user searches for a route, their vehicle has not actually reached the event area. Server 400 determines the time when the user's vehicle passes near the event area during route searching. Then, Server 400 determines the congestion status of the roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) at this time (step S703).

[0083] In step S703, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) determines whether the roads within the event range at the time of passage (roads to be evaluated) are not congested (step S703: Yes) or congested (step S703: No). For example, if the roads to be evaluated are outside the congested range or outside the congested time period, it is determined that they are not congested (step S703: Yes). Conversely, if the roads to be evaluated are within the congested range or within the congested time period, it is determined that they are congested (step S703: No).

[0084] Then, if the result of the decision in step S703 is Yes, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) does not need to consider the impact of congestion when passing through the event area, and therefore performs route searching without changing the cost of the roads to be evaluated due to the event (step S704).

[0085] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S703 is No, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) needs to consider the impact of congestion when passing through the event area, so it increases the cost of the roads under evaluation in accordance with the degree of congestion associated with the event (step S705), and performs the route search in step S704, including this change in the cost increase for the roads under evaluation.

[0086] The process up to step S704 involves checking the route from the user's current location to the destination. This process is executed for each link, and the server 400 (route determination unit 102) determines whether the explored route has reached the destination (step S706).

[0087] If the searched route reaches the destination (Step S706: Yes), the server 400 (route determination unit 102) evaluates the cost of the entire searched route (Step S708) and terminates the route search (Step S709). Based on the above, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) presents the searched route to the user as the guided route R. At this time, the server 400 transmits the guided route R to the user's navigation device 300 via communication, and the navigation device 300 presents the received guided route R to the user by displaying it or otherwise. If the searched route does not reach the destination (Step S706: No), the next road (link) to be evaluated is obtained from the map DB (Step S707), and the process returns to Step S703.

[0088] The guidance route R presented to the user includes multiple route candidates based on time and distance, based on the cost evaluated in step S708, and the user can select a guidance route R from among the route candidates based on time and distance.

[0089] (Example of display for guidance route R) Figure 8 shows an example of how guidance information is presented according to an embodiment. The guidance information shown in Figure 8 is a map screen of the area around the event location displayed on the user's navigation device 300. As shown in the figure, the event location Sb is displayed on the map screen along with the roads, and the guidance route R received from the server is displayed. Information about the type of event, etc., may also be displayed in text or other format.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 8, the guidance route R passes through the event area during the event period. The event type is "Viewing / Watching" as shown in Figure 5, and the congestion status indicated by the event prediction information 512 is "Smooth," so the route passes through the event area Sb of the event that is in progress at 19:00. Note that even within the event period, as shown in the participant behavior prediction information 500 in Figure 5, the congestion status within the event area during the event period differs depending on the type of event, so the guidance route R will differ depending on the type of event.

[0091] As a result, while previously routes avoiding the event's area Sb were provided during the event period, now, as shown in Figure 8, a route that passes through the event's area Sb during the event period can be presented to the user as the guided route R, based on the event's timing and passing time. In this case, the user can reach their destination efficiently, saving time and distance without having to take unnecessary detours.

[0092] Furthermore, not limited to the above example, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) can determine the guidance route R in more detail using other information stored in the participant behavior prediction information 500. For example, if the participant behavior prediction information 500 also contains information such as heavy congestion in the pre-event time zone 1 (less than 1 hour before the start), light congestion in the pre-event time zone 2 (1 hour or more but less than 2 hours before the start), and no congestion (smooth) in the pre-event time zone 3 (more than 2 hours before the start), the server 400 can refer to this information and change the content of the guidance route R when passing through roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) in each pre-event time zone.

[0093] Furthermore, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) can modify the content of the guidance route R when passing through roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) by referring to settings such as setting all roads within the event area (roads to be evaluated) to have a uniform passage cost for each event type, or setting different passage costs for the central and peripheral areas of the event area, as other information stored in the participant behavior prediction information 500.

[0094] Figure 9 shows another example of how guidance information is presented according to the embodiment. In the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 8, the event area is presented to the user using the event area obtained directly from VICS (Vehicle Information Center) 601, etc. In the example shown in Figure 9, not only the event area Sb but also the affected area Sba, which is the predicted congestion area that changes depending on the time of the event, is displayed. For example, the event area Sb and the affected area Sba may be displayed simultaneously by using different display colors or changing the transparency of the display.

[0095] Based on the event's duration, the predicted congestion area Sba changes depending on the number of participants entering and leaving the event's range Sb. In the example shown in Figure 9, the current time (16:10) is immediately after the event's start time (end time 16:00). At this time, immediately after the event ends, a large number of event participants move out of the event's range Sb. In such cases, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) designates an area extending a predetermined block (for example, 1 block) beyond the event's range Sb as the predicted congestion area Sba.

[0096] Server 400 stores this information on the affected area as supplementary information for the relevant event type "Parade" among the participant behavior prediction information 500 shown in Figure 5. Then, when searching for a route, Server 400 (route determination unit 102) searches for a route using the affected area Sba of the event as the road to be evaluated. Conventionally, this would guide a route that avoided only the event's holding area Sb, but according to the embodiment, based on the event's holding period and passing time, it is determined whether or not to pass through a route that is included in the affected area Sba before and after the event period, as shown in the example in Figure 9.

[0097] Furthermore, based on the event start time, many participants enter the event area Sb before the start, and many participants leave the event area Sb after the end. For example, before the start of the event, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) increases the entry cost (difficult to enter) for roads (links) in the direction of entering the influence area Sba, and decreases the entry cost (easy to exit) for roads (links) in the direction of exiting the influence area Sba, and searches for a route. Similarly, after the end of the event, the server 400 (route determination unit 102) decreases the entry cost (easy to enter) for roads (links) in the direction of entering the influence area Sba, and increases the entry cost (difficult to exit) for roads (links) in the direction of exiting the influence area Sba, and searches for a route. These entry costs can be included in and stored in the participant behavior prediction information 500.

[0098] Based on the above, it becomes possible to suggest routes that take into account the movement of event participants during and outside the event period, such as before and after the event, as the affected area of ​​the event will be larger than the event area. This will allow users to reach their destination efficiently, saving time and distance, even when passing near the event area around the event time.

[0099] As described above, this invention makes it possible to present a guided route that takes into account the duration and scope of an event, based on the type of event. As a result, if it is possible to pass through the event's scope without congestion, the user can be presented with a route that does not avoid the event's scope.

[0100] Furthermore, it will be possible to suggest routes that take into account the movement of event participants before and after the event, which may result in the event's impact area being larger than the event's actual location.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user receives guidance information from the server using a navigation device, but guidance information can also be received using other devices such as smartphones. Furthermore, although the embodiment is configured so that the server performs route search and guidance information generation, it is also possible to configure the navigation device to have the functions of the server described above, without providing a server, and the navigation device performs route search, guidance information generation, and presentation to the user.

[0102] The presentation method described in this embodiment can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. This program may also be transmitted via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 100 presentation device 101 Acquisition Department 102 Route determination unit 102a Database 103 Presentation section 300 Navigation System 400 servers 500 participant behavior prediction information

Claims

[Claim 1] A means of obtaining event information, including the type of event, the scope of the event, and the time slots of the event. Route determination means that determines, depending on the type of event included in the event information, whether to present a route that avoids at least the event area during the event's duration as a guided route, or to present a route searched without considering the event information during the event's duration as a guided route, A means of presenting the determined route, A presentation device characterized by comprising the following features.

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