control device

Abstract

Improve route guidance technology. [Solution] The control device 20 is used for navigation in the vehicle VH1. When setting information indicating a destination set by user U1 is input to the control device, it acquires history information indicating route guidance to the destination and records of the actions of one or more third parties other than user U1 that have been given in the past, and based on the history information, it determines whether the destination meets predetermined conditions, and if it determines that the predetermined conditions are met, it includes a control unit that presents destination information related to the destination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for setting a provision timing for providing information in consideration of a user's movement pattern to a destination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the route to the destination is complicated or the user is not familiar with the destination, even if following the route guidance by car navigation etc., the user may get lost and have difficulty reaching the destination. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the route guidance technology.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to improve the route guidance technology.

[0006] A control device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is a control device used for navigation in a vehicle, when setting information indicating a destination set by a user is input, it acquires history information showing past route guidance to the destination performed for one or more third parties different from the user and records of the actions of the third parties, determines whether the destination satisfies a predetermined condition based on the history information, and includes a control unit that presents destination information related to the destination when it is determined that the destination satisfies the predetermined condition.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, route guidance technology will be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0010] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0012] The system 10 comprises at least one control device 20 and at least one server device 30.

[0013] The control device 20 can communicate with the server device 30 via the network 40.

[0014] The control device 20 is a terminal device installed in the vehicle VH1. The control device 20 may be, for example, a car navigation system, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0015] Vehicle VH1 may be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline car, diesel car, EV, HV, PHV, or FCV. "EV" is an abbreviation for electric vehicle. "HV" is an abbreviation for hybrid vehicle. "PHV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid vehicle. "FCV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell vehicle. In this embodiment, vehicle VH1 is driven by user U1, but the driving may be automated to any level.

[0016] The server device 30 is a computer, such as a server, belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system, installed in a facility such as a data center.

[0017] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network.

[0018] The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0019] Sometimes, even with car navigation systems, users may not be able to reach their destination or find parking. This is especially true for users unfamiliar with the area, who may get lost and become flustered. Car navigation systems are required to provide accurate information to help users reach their destinations, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience even in unfamiliar places.

[0020] The control device 20 according to this embodiment is used for navigation in the vehicle VH1. The user U1 inputs setting information D1 indicating a desired destination P to the control device 20. When the setting information D1 is input, the control device 20 acquires history information D2 indicating past route guidance to the destination P and the actions of one or more third parties Ui different from the user U1. In this embodiment, the history information D2 is acquired from the server device 30. The control device 20 determines whether the destination P satisfies a predetermined condition based on the history information D2. Specifically, the control device 20 determines whether the destination P is at a location that is difficult to find and prone to getting lost. When the control device 20 determines that the destination P satisfies the predetermined condition, it presents destination information D3 related to the destination P.

[0021] According to this embodiment, when the location set as the destination P is a location prone to getting lost, the destination information D3 related to the destination P is presented. For example, as the destination information D3, a parking lot around the destination P is notified. Thus, the user U1 can park appropriately. As a result, the driving guidance to the destination P can be performed appropriately. Therefore, the technology of route guidance to the destination is improved.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0023] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0024] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof, and executes predetermined processing.

[0025] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or at least two combinations thereof. The storage unit 22 stores data used for the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0026] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the control device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 20. In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 communicates with the server device 30.

[0027] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. In this embodiment, the input unit 24 is a touchscreen. The input interface may be, for example, a voice sensor. The input unit 24 accepts operations to input data used for the operation of the control device 20.

[0028] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. In this embodiment, the output unit 25 is a display. The output interface may be, for example, a speaker. It outputs data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0029] The functions of the control device 20 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 21. In other words, the functions of the control device 20 are realized by software.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, the operation of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described. This operation corresponds to the control method according to this embodiment. That is, the control method according to this embodiment includes steps S1 to S6 shown in Figure 3. Hereinafter, each step in the flowchart will be identified by S and a number.

[0031] In S1, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives setting information D1 indicating the destination P set by user U1. User U1 inputs the destination P using the touchscreen, which serves as the input unit 24 of the control device 20. The destination P can be entered as an address, a facility name, or a point on a map.

[0032] In S2, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires history information D2. In this embodiment, history information D2 is acquired from the server device 30. History information D2 is information that shows the past route guidance to destination P and the actions of one or more third-party Ui other than user U1. Specifically, the server device 30 records the result of determining whether the third-party Ui's vehicle VHi got lost in the vicinity of destination P as history information D2 for each vehicle VHi.

[0033] Whether a third-party user's vehicle VHi is lost can be determined by any procedure. In this embodiment, the determination is made by the server device 30. When the control device 20i installed in the third-party user's vehicle VHi, which has set the same destination (destination P in this embodiment) as set by user U1, completes route guidance, the behavior of the vehicle VHi around destination P after the completion of route guidance is uploaded to the data center. Specifically, the time from the end of route guidance until the third-party user resets destination P to the control device 20i, the distance from destination P to the point where the reset occurred, and / or the time from when the vehicle VHi's ignition was turned off until it was turned on again are uploaded. For example, if the third-party user resets destination P to the control device 20i within X minutes after the completion of route guidance, or if the distance from destination P to the point where the reset occurred is within Y meters, the vehicle VHi is determined to be lost. Alternatively, suppose that after route guidance ends and the vehicle VHi's ignition is turned off, the time until the ignition is turned on again is within Z minutes. In this case as well, the vehicle VHi is determined to be lost. Note that each constant X, Y, Z, etc. can be set arbitrarily. This is because if the destination P is immediately reset to the control device 20i without much time or distance passing after the route guidance by the control device 20i has ended, or if the vehicle VHi's ignition is turned off near the destination P but then immediately turned on again, then even though the route guidance has ended, the third party Ui is considered to have not reached the destination P and is still searching for the destination P.

[0034] The procedure for determining whether a third-party user's vehicle (VHi) is lost is not limited to this, and the following procedure can also be adopted. For example, the location information of the vehicle (VHi) after the end of route guidance can be analyzed in real time, and it may be determined that the vehicle (VHi) is lost if, for example, it is repeatedly driving near the destination (P), frequently changing direction, or if the vehicle's driving path deviates significantly from the set route.

[0035] In S3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether the destination P meets predetermined conditions based on the history information D2 acquired in S2. Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether the destination P is a place where it is easy to get lost. As described above, the history information D2 records the results of determining whether a third-party Ui's vehicle VHi got lost around the destination P, for each vehicle. The control unit 21 refers to the history information D2 and determines that the destination P meets predetermined conditions if the ratio of the number of vehicles VHi' that have been recorded as getting lost to the total number of vehicles VHi that have provided route guidance in the past exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold can be set arbitrarily, but for example, in general traffic management systems, it is often set in the range of 5% to 10%. A provisional threshold may be set as an initial setting and adjusted based on actual operational data. In S3, if it is determined that the destination P meets the conditions, that is, if it is determined that the destination P is a place where it is easy to get lost, the process in S4 is performed. In S3, if it is determined that destination P does not meet the conditions, i.e., that it is not a place where it is easy to get lost, this process will terminate.

[0036] In S4, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 presents destination information D3 related to destination P. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires parking data indicating the location of parking lots within a predetermined distance from destination P, and presents the acquired parking data as destination information D3. The control unit 21 presents data indicating the location of parking lots within a radius r [m] of destination P. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may present guidance about the area around destination P as destination information D3. Specifically, the control unit 21 may present a visual guide such as a photograph or video of the area around destination P.

[0037] According to this embodiment, if the destination P is a place where it is easy to get lost, informing user U1 of parking lots around destination P enables user U1 to park appropriately. Furthermore, by presenting a visual guide around destination P, it is believed that confusion at the site can be reduced. As a result, appropriate driving guidance to the destination can be provided. Consequently, information that is more in line with reality can be provided. In addition, user U1 can concentrate more on driving without having to make a detailed plan before driving. Thus, the technology for route guidance to the destination is improved.

[0038] In this embodiment, destination information D3 may include a reminder R indicating that destination P is a difficult-to-find location. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 may present the reminder R to user U1 one or more times between the start and end of route guidance to destination P. Specifically, the control unit 21 may further perform the processes S5 and S6 shown below. Here, the following are some possible specific methods and timings for presenting the reminder R. For example, when vehicle VH1 approaches the vicinity of destination P, the reminder R may include a message such as, "The destination ahead is a difficult-to-find location," which may be notified by voice or on the screen. Alternatively, if it is detected that user U1 is lost in the vicinity of destination P, the reminder R may include a specific explanation such as, "The destination is next to the building with the red roof."

[0039] In S5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines one or more timings Ti to present a reminder R. Specifically, the control unit 21 determines the timings Ti based on the behavior and / or position of the vehicle VH. As an example, the control unit 21 will describe a case in which it determines the timings Ti as follows: the timing T1 when the vehicle VH stops temporarily for a break or the like during route guidance and then starts driving again; the timing T2 when the vehicle is approaching the destination; and the timing T3 when it detects that the vehicle VH1 is wandering around the vicinity of the destination P. Note that this example is provided to aid in understanding this disclosure and does not limit this embodiment. In this example, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines the timing T1 as the time when it detects that the ignition of the vehicle VH1 has been turned off and then on again during route guidance. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may determine the timing T1 as the time when the vehicle VH1 has been stopped for V seconds or more. The control unit 21 determines the timing T2 as the time when the distance to the destination P is less than W meters or the time required is less than W minutes. The control unit 21 analyzes the position information of the vehicle VH1 in the vicinity of the destination P in real time and determines timing T3 when it detects, for example, that the vehicle VH is repeatedly driving near the destination P, frequently changing direction, or that the vehicle VH's driving path has deviated significantly from the set route.

[0040] In S6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 presents a reminder R at each timing Ti determined in S5. For example, in the above example, at timing T1 or timing T2, the control unit 21 displays the message "The destination ahead is in a difficult-to-find location" on the display, which is the output unit 25. Also, at timing T3, the control unit 21 displays the message "The destination is next to the building with the red roof." Each message may also be output as an audible message.

[0041] In this way, by reminding user U1 that destination P is a difficult-to-find location, the risk of user U1 getting lost around destination P can be reduced. Furthermore, by avoiding unnecessary driving and sudden turns caused by getting lost, the risk of traffic accidents can be reduced. Therefore, route guidance technology is improved.

[0042] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or a single block may be divided. Instead of executing multiple steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 10 Systems 20 Control device 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Input section 25 Output section 30 Server Devices 40 Networks U1 User VH1 Vehicle

Claims

1. A control device used for navigation in a vehicle, A control device comprising a control unit that, upon input of setting information indicating a destination set by a user, acquires historical information indicating past route guidance to the destination and records of the actions of one or more third parties other than the user, determines whether the destination meets predetermined conditions based on the historical information, and if it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met, presents destination information related to the destination.

2. The aforementioned history information includes, for each vehicle, the result of determining whether the third party's vehicle got lost in the vicinity of the destination. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the destination satisfies a predetermined condition when the proportion of the total number of vehicles that have been given route guidance and for which it is recorded that the vehicle got lost exceeds a predetermined threshold.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the determination of whether the third party's vehicle has gotten lost is made based on the time from the end of route guidance to the third party until the destination is reset to the third party's control device, the distance from the destination to the point where the reset was made, and / or the time from when the vehicle's ignition was turned off until it was turned on again.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the destination satisfies the predetermined conditions, it acquires parking data indicating the location of a parking lot within a predetermined distance from the destination, and presents the acquired parking data as destination information.

5. The aforementioned destination information includes a reminder that the destination is a difficult-to-find location. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines one or more timings for presenting the reminder based on the behavior and / or position of the vehicle from the time the user starts providing route guidance to the destination until the route guidance is terminated.

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