Navigation control device and navigation method

Abstract

To appropriately propose a recommended destination such as a store according to a driver of a movable body.SOLUTION: A navigation control device 20 comprises: a store information acquisition unit 24 that acquires store information; a history information acquisition unit 31 that acquires, for a driver of a movable body, consumption history information including at least one of purchase history information and search history information on a predetermined commodity; an estimation unit 33 that, based on the consumption history information, estimates a behavior of the driver related to the purchase of the commodity; an extraction unit 34 that, based on a result of estimation made by the estimation unit 33 and the store information, extracts stores where the commodity can be purchased as recommended destinations; and a proposal unit 35 that, based on a result of extraction made by the extraction unit 34, proposes, as the recommended destination, a store where the commodity can be purchased, the commodity estimated to have the high possibility that the driver takes an action for purchase.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a navigation control device and a navigation method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for predicting a vehicle's destination when it is determined from a driving history that a vehicle user's days off have a periodicity (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-167466 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable for a navigation system to suggest appropriate destinations according to the vehicle's occupants. However, when suggesting destinations based on the vehicle's driving history, places that have not been visited by the vehicle are not suggested as destinations. In addition, methods of consumption are diversifying, such as using electronic payments when purchasing goods or eating and drinking, and purchasing goods using websites. Therefore, it is desirable to more appropriately suggest recommended destinations such as stores according to the vehicle's occupants.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to more appropriately suggest recommended destinations such as stores depending on passengers of a moving body such as a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the navigation control device of the present invention comprises a store information acquisition unit that acquires store information for each store, including at least one of name information, location information, and product information of products sold; a history information acquisition unit that acquires consumption history information of a passenger of a mobile body, including at least one of purchase history information and search history information regarding a specified product; an estimation unit that estimates the passenger's behavior regarding purchasing the product based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit; an extraction unit that extracts, as recommended destinations, stores where the product that is estimated to be highly likely to be purchased by the passenger is available, based on the estimation result of the estimation unit and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit; and a suggestion unit that suggests stores where the product is available as recommended destinations based on the extraction result of the extraction unit.

[0007] The navigation control device of the present invention comprises a store information acquisition unit that acquires store information for each store, including at least one of name information, location information, and food and beverage information on the food and beverages offered; a history information acquisition unit that acquires consumption history information of a passenger of a mobile body, including at least one of eating and drinking history information and search history information regarding specified food and beverages; an estimation unit that estimates the passenger's behavior regarding eating and drinking the food and beverages based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit; an extraction unit that extracts as recommended destinations stores where the food and beverages are available and which are estimated to be likely to be consumed by the passenger based on the estimation result of the estimation unit and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit; and a suggestion unit that suggests stores where the food and beverages are available as recommended destinations based on the extraction result of the extraction unit.

[0008] The navigation method of the present invention includes a store information acquisition step of acquiring store information for each store, the store including at least one of name information, location information, and product information of products sold therein; a history information acquisition step of acquiring consumption history information for a passenger of a mobile body, the consumption history information including at least one of purchase history information and search history information regarding a specified product; an estimation step of estimating the passenger's behavior regarding the purchase of the product based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition step; an extraction step of extracting, as recommended destinations, stores where the product that is estimated to be highly likely to be purchased by the passenger can be purchased based on the estimation result of the estimation step and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition step; and a proposal step of proposing stores where the product can be purchased as recommended destinations based on the extraction result of the extraction step. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately suggest recommended destinations such as stores depending on passengers of a moving body such as a vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a navigation control device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the navigation control device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of proposing recommended destinations in the navigation control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the navigation control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a navigation control device and a navigation method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0012] [First embodiment] <Navigation system> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a navigation control device 20 according to the first embodiment. The navigation system 1 appropriately suggests recommended destinations such as stores according to passengers including at least one of a driver and a passenger of a moving object such as a vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship. In this embodiment, the moving object is a vehicle, and the passenger of the vehicle is a single driver. The navigation system 1 may be mounted on the vehicle, or may be portable and carried into the vehicle. The navigation system 1 may be configured as a portable terminal, a device installed in the vehicle, or a combination of several devices. In this embodiment, a case where a store selling a product is set as a recommended destination will be described. The navigation system 1 includes a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiving unit 11, an operation unit 12, a map information storage unit 13, a store information storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, a display unit 16, a notification unit 17, and a navigation control device 20.

[0013] The GNSS receiving unit 11 is configured with a GNSS receiver that receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites, etc. The GNSS receiving unit 11 outputs the received GNSS signals to a current position information acquiring unit 21 of the navigation control device 20.

[0014] The operation unit 12 can accept various operations for the navigation system 1. The operation unit 12 is configured, for example, by a physical operating means for the navigation system 1, or a touch panel arranged on the display unit 16. For example, the operation unit 12 can accept an operation to input a destination. For example, the operation unit 12 can accept an operation to select a destination or a recommended destination. For example, the operation unit 12 can accept an operation to start route guidance. The operation unit 12 outputs operation information to the operation acceptance control unit 22 of the navigation control device 20.

[0015] The map information storage unit 13 stores map information. The map information is, for example, a road map including intersections. The map information storage unit 13 outputs the stored map information to a map information acquisition unit 23 of the navigation control device 20. The map information storage unit 13 may be a storage device such as an external server that acquires map information via a communication function.

[0016] The store information storage unit 14 stores store information about stores that sell products. The store information includes, for example, at least one of name information, location information, and product information about products sold at each store. The product information includes, for example, at least one of product name information, which is the name of the product, product number information, which identifies the product, and genre information by which the product can be classified. The product information may include price information about the product. The store information may include business hours information and congestion information. The congestion information may be current congestion information or congestion information predicted from past congestion information. The store information storage unit 14 outputs the stored store information to the store information acquisition unit 24 of the navigation control device 20. The store information storage unit 14 may be a storage device such as an external server that acquires store information via a communication function.

[0017] The communication unit 15 is a communication unit that may perform communication via any method, such as the Internet or a mobile phone line.

[0018] The display unit 16 is, for example, a display device specific to the navigation system 1, or a display device shared with other systems including a car audio system. The display unit 16 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. In this embodiment, the display unit 16 is a touch panel display. In other words, the display unit 16 functions as the operation unit 12 and is capable of inputting various operations. When the navigation system 1 is installed in a vehicle, the display unit 16 is disposed in front of the driver of the vehicle on a dashboard, an instrument panel, a center console, or the like. The display unit 16 displays an image of a destination setting screen based on a video signal output from a display control unit 28 of the navigation control device 20. The display unit 16 displays candidates for recommended destinations based on a video signal output from the display control unit 28 of the navigation control device 20. The display unit 16 displays an image of route guidance based on a video signal output from the display control unit 28 of the navigation control device 20.

[0019] The notification unit 17 is, for example, an audio output device specific to the navigation system 1, or an audio output device shared with other systems including car audio. The notification unit 17 is, for example, a speaker. The notification unit 17 notifies by voice that a candidate for a recommended destination has been extracted based on a voice signal output from the notification control unit 29 of the navigation control device 20. The notification unit 17 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED, which is the display unit 16, and may notify by image or light that a candidate for a recommended destination has been extracted based on a signal output from the notification control unit 29 of the navigation control device 20.

[0020] <Navigation control device> The navigation control device 20 may be implemented as one of the functions of a navigation system for a vehicle. In this embodiment, the navigation control device 20 is implemented as a function of a navigation system mounted on a vehicle. The navigation control device 20 is, for example, an arithmetic processing device configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The navigation control device 20 executes instructions included in a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The navigation control device 20 proposes recommended destinations such as stores according to passengers. The navigation control device 20 has a current position information acquisition unit 21, an operation reception control unit 22, a map information acquisition unit 23, a store information acquisition unit 24, a communication control unit 25, a route search unit 26, a route guidance unit 27, a display control unit 28, a notification control unit 29, a history information acquisition unit 31, an analysis unit 32, an estimation unit 33, an extraction unit 34, and a proposal unit 35, all of which are connected to the bus 20X.

[0021] The current position information acquisition unit 21 acquires current position information indicating the current position of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the current position information acquisition unit 21 acquires the current position information of the vehicle based on the GNSS signal acquired by the GNSS receiver 11.

[0022] The operation reception control unit 22 acquires operation information of an operation accepted by the operation unit 12. For example, the operation reception control unit 22 acquires destination input operation information indicating an operation of inputting a destination, and outputs a control signal. For example, the operation reception control unit 22 acquires selection operation information indicating an operation of selecting a candidate destination or a candidate recommended destination, and outputs a control signal. For example, the operation reception control unit 22 acquires selection operation information indicating an operation of selecting a candidate of a searched route, and outputs a control signal. For example, the operation reception control unit 22 acquires guidance start operation information indicating an operation of starting route guidance, and outputs a control signal.

[0023] The map information acquisition unit 23 acquires map information from the map information storage unit 13. More specifically, based on the current position of the vehicle and the position information of the destination acquired by the current position information acquisition unit 21, the map information acquisition unit 23 acquires map information relating to from the current position of the vehicle to the destination or the recommended destination from the map information storage unit 13.

[0024] The store information acquisition unit 24 acquires store information from the store information storage unit 14. More specifically, the store information acquisition unit 24 acquires store information of a store that handles a predetermined product. The store information acquisition unit 24 acquires store information of a store extracted as a recommended destination by the extraction unit 34 from the store information storage unit 14.

[0025] The communication control unit 25 controls the communication in the communication unit 15 .

[0026] The route search unit 26 searches for a route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination or a recommended destination. The route search unit 26 presents the searched route to the passenger. The method of searching for the route can be any known route search method and is not limited to this method.

[0027] The route guidance unit 27 provides route guidance from the current position of the vehicle to the destination or a recommended destination. More specifically, the route guidance unit 27 provides route guidance along a searched route. The method of providing route guidance can be any known route guidance method and is not limited to this method.

[0028] The display control unit 28 displays route candidates searched by the route search unit 26 on the display unit 16. The display control unit 28 displays the route candidates, for example, as a list or by superimposing them on a map image. The passenger can select a route from the route candidates displayed on the display unit 16.

[0029] The display control unit 28 displays the route guided by the route guidance unit 27. The display control unit 28 causes the display unit 16 to display an image of route guidance along the route guided by the route guidance unit 27.

[0030] The display control unit 28 causes the display unit 16 to display the recommended destination candidates based on a control signal from the suggestion unit 35. The display control unit 28 causes the recommended destination candidates to be displayed in a list, for example. The display control unit 28 may add the list of recommended destination candidates to the list of destination candidates while the destination setting screen is being displayed. The display control unit 28 may cause the recommended destination candidates to be displayed in a pop-up while the destination setting screen is being displayed. The passenger can select a recommended destination from the recommended destination candidates displayed on the display unit 16.

[0031] The notification control unit 29, based on a control signal from the suggestion unit 35, causes the notification unit 17 to output a voice indicating that there is a candidate for a recommended destination.

[0032] The history information acquisition unit 31 acquires consumption history information including at least one of purchase history information and search history information regarding products for each passenger of the mobile object from outside the navigation system 1 via the communication unit 15. The history information acquisition unit 31 may acquire the above-mentioned consumption history information from outside the navigation system 1 via a storage medium or a wired cable.

[0033] The outside of the navigation system 1 refers to an external device capable of acquiring consumption history information associated with a vehicle occupant. More specifically, the outside of the navigation system 1 refers to, for example, electronic devices used by the occupant, management devices for various services such as a membership information management service, an electronic payment service, or a search service. The electronic devices used by the occupant include, for example, portable electronic devices used by the occupant and non-portable electronic devices used by the occupant at home. The electronic devices used by the occupant are, for example, electronic devices brought into the vehicle by the occupant and connected to the vehicle so as to be able to send and receive data. The electronic devices used by the occupant are, for example, electronic devices linked to the occupant's account information stored for each occupant in the navigation system 1.

[0034] The purchase history information is, for example, information indicating the purchase history of products on a website for each passenger. More specifically, the purchase history information may include, for each passenger, website information of the website where a specific product was purchased, date and time information, product number information identifying the product, and purchase price information. The specific product may be classified by product name such as laundry detergent, shampoo, milk, etc., or may be classified by individual product name such as XX shampoo, XX milk, or by product number set for each product. It may also be classified by product type such as vegetables or fish, or by variety such as carrots or cabbage.

[0035] The purchase history information is, for example, information indicating the purchase history of electronic payments made at the time of purchasing a product. More specifically, the purchase history information may include, for each passenger, website information of the website where the electronic payment was made, date and time information, product number information identifying the product, and purchase price information. The purchase history information may include, for each passenger, store information of the store where the electronic payment was made in-store, date and time information, product number information, and purchase price information.

[0036] The purchase history information may further include category information indicating the category of the purchased item, such as food, beverages, daily necessities, and clothing.

[0037] It is preferable to obtain purchase history information limited to products that are purchased periodically, such as consumables. In this case, for example, the information may be obtained by limiting the information to genre information, or by limiting the information to products purchased at a price equal to or lower than a threshold price.

[0038] The search history information is information indicating a search history of products, stores, etc. on a website. The search history information includes, for each passenger, result information indicating the search results and information on the date and time when the search was performed. The search history information includes, for example, information on products or stores obtained as search results and information on the date and time when the search was performed. The search history information may further include genre information indicating the genre of the searched product or store.

[0039] The history information acquisition unit 31 may acquire the information from, for example, an electronic device used by the passenger. For example, the history information may be acquired from purchase history information, electronic payment information, search history information, and the like stored in the electronic device. In this case, it is assumed that the electronic device and the vehicle are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

[0040] The history information acquisition unit 31 may acquire consumption history information that can be acquired in association with an account from an external server device, for example, from an account used by a passenger when using a service provided via the Internet. In this case, it is assumed that the account information of the passenger of the vehicle is stored in a storage unit, not shown, or the like. The history information acquisition unit 31 may acquire consumption history information that can be acquired in association with an electronic device, for example, from an electronic device used by the passenger. It may acquire consumption history information that can be acquired in association with an account used when using the electronic device, from an electronic device used by the passenger.

[0041] In this embodiment, the history information acquisition unit 31 acquires consumption history information of the driver who is a passenger.

[0042] The analysis unit 32 analyzes the tendency of purchasing products for each passenger based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit 31. For example, the analysis unit 32 may analyze the average purchase interval for each product based on the consumption history information. For example, the analysis unit 32 analyzes the average purchase interval for a product to be the purchase of one box of drinking water every 20 days.

[0043] The estimation unit 33 estimates the passenger's behavior regarding the purchase of a product based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit 31. More specifically, the estimation unit 33 estimates the passenger's behavior regarding the purchase of a specific product based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 32 and the current date and time. For example, if a period close to the average purchase interval of a specific product has passed since the last purchase, or a period longer than the average has passed, the estimation unit 33 estimates that the passenger is likely to take the action of purchasing the product. For example, if the analysis result indicates that drinking water is purchased every 20 days and 18 days have passed since the last purchase date, the estimation unit 33 estimates that the passenger is likely to take the action of purchasing drinking water. In this way, the estimation unit 33 estimates a specific product that the passenger is likely to take the action of purchasing. The estimation unit 33 may estimate the behavior regarding the store where the passenger purchases the product. For example, if the analysis result indicates that there is a tendency to purchase products at a supermarket during lunch time on the first Saturday, and the day is the first Saturday, the estimation unit 33 estimates that the passenger is likely to take the action of purchasing the product at the supermarket.

[0044] The extraction unit 34 extracts recommended destinations based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 33 and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit 24. In this embodiment, the extraction unit 34 extracts recommended destinations based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 33, the map information acquired by the map information acquisition unit 23, and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit 24. For example, when the estimation result indicates that the passenger is likely to take action to purchase a specific product, the extraction unit 34 acquires store information of a store that handles the product. The extraction unit 34 may acquire store information of a store that handles a product with the same product number, or a store that handles a similar product based on the genre information. The extraction unit 34 extracts one or more recommended destinations. In this way, the extraction unit 34 extracts a store where a specific product that is likely to be purchased by the passenger can be purchased as a recommended destination.

[0045] The extraction unit 34 may extract a store close to the current position of the vehicle as a recommended destination. When a destination is set in the navigation system 1, the extraction unit 34 may extract a store close to the destination or a store located along the route as a recommended destination.

[0046] The extraction unit 34 may acquire store information including business hours information and congestion information. The extraction unit 34 may extract stores that are open at the current time or the expected arrival time as recommended destinations. The extraction unit 34 may extract stores that are not crowded at the current time or the expected arrival time as recommended destinations. The congestion information may be predicted information on the degree of congestion estimated from the congestion history of the store by day of the week or time of day, or may be real-time information on the real-time congestion information of the store acquired from the store's website, etc.

[0047] The suggestion unit 35 suggests stores where the products can be purchased as candidates for recommended destinations based on the extraction result of the extraction unit 34. More specifically, the suggestion unit 35 makes a list of the candidates for recommended destinations and causes the display control unit 28 to display the list. When a destination setting screen of the navigation system 1 is displayed on the display unit 16, the suggestion unit 35 may cause the candidates for recommended destinations to be displayed on the destination setting screen. In this way, the suggestion unit 35 suggests, as recommended destinations, stores where predetermined products that are likely to cause the passenger to take purchasing action can be purchased.

[0048] The suggestion unit 35 may present business hours and congestion information together with the recommended destination candidates.

[0049] The suggestion unit 35 may sort and present the recommended destination candidates. For example, the sorting may be in order of proximity to the current location or the destination. For example, the sorting may be in order of least crowdedness.

[0050] <Processing in the navigation control device> Next, information processing in the navigation system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the navigation control device 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for proposing recommended destinations in the navigation control device 20 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 2 is executed at any timing, such as when the vehicle engine is started, when the navigation system 1 is booted, or when the passenger operates to start processing.

[0051] The navigation control device 20 acquires historical information by the historical information acquisition unit 31 (step S101). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 acquires consumption historical information of the vehicle occupants from outside the navigation system 1 via the communication unit 15 by the historical information acquisition unit 31. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S102.

[0052] The navigation control device 20 analyzes the consumption history using the analysis unit 32 (step S102). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 analyzes the product purchasing tendency for each passenger using the analysis unit 32 based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit 31. The navigation control device 20 analyzes, for example, the purchase interval for each product using the analysis unit 32. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S103.

[0053] The navigation control device 20 estimates the purchasing behavior of each passenger by the estimation unit 33 (step S103). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 estimates the passenger's behavior regarding product purchases by the estimation unit 33 based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 32 and the current date and time. For example, the navigation control device 20 estimates by the estimation unit 33 that the passenger is likely to take action to purchase a product if a period close to the average interval between product purchases has passed since the last purchase, or if a period longer than the average has passed. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S104.

[0054] The navigation control device 20 extracts stores as recommended destinations by the extraction unit 34 (step S104). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 extracts recommended destinations by the extraction unit 34 based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 33, the map information acquired by the map information acquisition unit 23, and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit 24. For example, when the estimation result indicates that the passenger is highly likely to take action to purchase a specific product by the extraction unit 34, the navigation control device 20 acquires store information of a store that handles the product. One or more recommended destinations are extracted. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S105.

[0055] The navigation control device 20 determines whether or not there is a recommended destination (step S105). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 determines whether or not there is a recommended destination depending on whether or not a recommended destination has been extracted based on the extraction result of the extraction unit 34. If the extraction unit 34 extracts a recommended destination and it is determined that there is a recommended destination (Yes in step S105), the navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S106. If the extraction unit 34 does not extract a recommended destination and it is determined that there is no recommended destination (No in step S105), the navigation control device 20 ends the process.

[0056] If it is determined that there is a recommended destination (Yes in step S105), the navigation control device 20 executes a process of proposing a recommended destination by the proposing unit 35 (step S106). The process of proposing a recommended destination is a process of a flowchart shown in Fig. 3, which will be described later. After the process of proposing a recommended destination is completed, the navigation control device 20 ends the process.

[0057] Next, the process of proposing recommended destinations will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] The navigation control device 20 determines whether the navigation system 1 is displaying a destination setting screen (step S111). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 determines whether the display control unit 28 is causing the display unit 16 to display the destination setting screen. If the navigation control device 20 determines that the destination setting screen is being displayed (Yes in step S111), the navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S114. If the navigation control device 20 determines that the destination setting screen is not being displayed (No in step S111), the navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S112.

[0059] If it is determined that the destination setting screen is not being displayed (No in step S111), the navigation control device 20 notifies the passengers that there are candidates for recommended destinations via the notification control unit 29 (step S112). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 causes the notification unit 17 to output a voice indicating that there are candidates for recommended destinations based on a control signal from the suggestion unit 35. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S113.

[0060] The navigation control device 20 transitions the display screen of the navigation system 1 to a destination setting screen (step S113). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 causes the display control unit 28 to display the destination setting screen on the display unit 16. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S114.

[0061] The navigation control device 20 displays the recommended destination candidates on the destination setting screen of the navigation system 1 (step S114). The navigation control device 20 causes the display control unit 28 to display the destination setting screen including the recommended destination candidates on the display unit 16. The navigation control device 20 may, for example, cause the display control unit 28 to add the list of recommended destination candidates to the list of destination candidates and display them. The navigation control device 20 may, for example, cause the display control unit 28 to display the recommended destination candidates in a pop-up. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S115.

[0062] The navigation control device 20 determines whether a destination setting operation for setting a destination or a recommended destination has been detected (step S115). More specifically, if the operation reception control unit 22 has acquired operation information indicating that a destination setting operation has been performed (Yes in step S115), the process proceeds to step S116. If the operation reception control unit 22 has not acquired operation information indicating that a destination setting operation has been performed (No in step S115), the navigation control device 20 ends the process.

[0063] If a destination setting operation is detected (Yes in step S115), the navigation control device 20 searches for a route to the destination or a recommended destination (step S116). More specifically, the route search unit 26 searches for a normal route from the current vehicle position to the destination based on the current vehicle position information and the destination position information. If a destination is selected from among the recommended destination candidates, the route search unit 26 searches for a normal route from the current vehicle position to the recommended destination based on the current vehicle position information and the recommended destination position information. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S117.

[0064] The navigation control device 20 provides route guidance (step S117). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 provides route guidance using the route guidance unit 27. The navigation control device 20 ends the process.

[0065] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the behavior of the passenger regarding purchasing of products is estimated based on consumption history information acquired from outside the navigation system 1 via the communication unit 15. In this embodiment, stores where the products can be purchased are extracted as recommended destinations based on the estimation result and store information. In this embodiment, stores where the products can be purchased are suggested as recommended destinations based on the extraction result of the extraction unit 34. According to this embodiment, recommended destinations such as stores can be more appropriately suggested according to the passenger of the vehicle based on the consumption history information.

[0066] In this embodiment, business hours and congestion information may be presented together with the recommended destination candidates. According to this embodiment, it is possible to move according to business hours and visit while avoiding congestion. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a user from abandoning the use of a store because the user finds out that the store is closed or crowded after actually visiting the store.

[0067] This embodiment can analyze the product purchasing tendencies of passengers and prevent them from forgetting to buy products.

[0068] In this manner, the present embodiment can assist in setting a destination so as to facilitate smooth shopping.

[0069] [Second embodiment] The navigation control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the navigation control device 20 according to the second embodiment. The basic configuration of the navigation control device 20 is similar to that of the navigation control device 20 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, components similar to those of the navigation control device 20 are given the same or corresponding reference symbols, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which restaurants are proposed as recommended destinations.

[0070] The store information storage unit 14 stores store information of restaurants. The store information includes, for example, at least one of name information, location information, and food and drink information on the food and drink provided for each store. The food and drink information includes, for example, at least one of food and drink name information, which is the name of the food and drink, and genre information, which allows the restaurant to be classified into genres. The food and drink information may include price information of the food and drink.

[0071] The history information acquisition unit 31 acquires, for each passenger, consumption history information including at least one of eating and drinking history information and search history information relating to eating and drinking from outside the navigation system 1 via the communication unit 15.

[0072] The eating and drinking history information is information indicating the eating and drinking history at restaurants for each passenger. The eating and drinking history information is, for example, payment information when electronic payment is made when paying the fee. The eating and drinking history information is, for example, order information or reservation information when ordering specific food and drink at a restaurant or making a reservation to visit a restaurant on a website. The eating and drinking history information includes restaurant usage date and time information, food and drink information, and price information for each passenger. The specific food and drink may be classified by product name such as hamburger, steak, coffee, etc., or by individual product name such as XX hamburger from XX chain or △△ coffee from □□ store. It may also be classified by product type such as cheeseburger or fish burger.

[0073] The eating and drinking history information may further include genre information indicating the genre of the restaurant, such as fast food, family restaurant, set meal restaurant, and the like.

[0074] The search history information is information indicating a search history of restaurants on a website where restaurants can be searched for. The search history information includes, for example, information on restaurants obtained as search results and information on the date and time of the search.

[0075] The analysis unit 32 analyzes eating and drinking tendencies for each passenger based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit 31. For example, the analysis unit 32 may analyze the average eating and drinking interval for each food and drink, genre, or restaurant based on the consumption history information. The analysis unit 32 may analyze the eating and drinking tendencies for each food and drink, for example, "hamburgers." The analysis unit 32 may analyze the eating and drinking tendencies for each genre, for example, "fast food." For example, the analysis unit 32 may analyze the relationship with the day of the week based on the consumption history information. For example, the analysis unit 32 may analyze that there is a tendency to eat fast food at lunchtime on the first Saturday of each month.

[0076] The estimation unit 33 estimates the passenger's behavior regarding eating and drinking of food and drink based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit 31. More specifically, the estimation unit 33 estimates the passenger's behavior regarding eating and drinking based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 32 and the current date and time. More specifically, for example, if a period close to the average interval between eating and drinking has passed since the last time the passenger ate a certain food or drink, or a period longer than the average has passed, the estimation unit 33 estimates that the passenger is likely to take the behavior of eating and drinking the food or drink. For example, if the analysis result indicates that there is a tendency to eat fast food at lunchtime on the first Saturday, and the day is the first Saturday, the estimation unit 33 estimates that the passenger is likely to take the behavior of eating and drinking fast food. In this way, the estimation unit 33 estimates the food and drink and genre that the passenger is likely to take the behavior of eating and drinking. The estimation unit 33 may estimate the behavior regarding the restaurant where the passenger eats. For example, if the analysis results indicate that there is a tendency to eat and drink at a fast food restaurant during lunch time on the first Saturday of each month, and the current day is the first Saturday of each month, the estimation unit 33 estimates that the passenger is likely to take the action of eating and drinking at a fast food restaurant.

[0077] The estimation unit 33 may estimate the eating and drinking behavior for each food and drink, or may estimate the eating and drinking behavior for each genre. The estimation unit 33 may estimate the eating and drinking behavior for each food and drink, for example, "hamburger". The estimation unit 33 may estimate the eating and drinking behavior for each genre, for example, "fast food".

[0078] The estimation unit 33 may estimate the eating and drinking behavior of the passenger assuming that the passenger eats and drinks in a balanced manner. For example, when it is determined from the consumption history information that there is a bias in the foods and drinks or the genres, the estimation unit 33 may estimate that the passenger desires to eat a balanced diet.

[0079] When the passenger has irregular meal times, the estimation unit 33 may estimate the behavior related to eating and drinking so that the passenger can eat regularly. For example, when the passenger has irregular meal times, the estimation unit 33 may estimate that the passenger wants to have regular meal times.

[0080] The extraction unit 34 extracts a store where food and drink can be eaten as a recommended destination based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 33 and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit 24. In this embodiment, the extraction unit 34 extracts a recommended destination based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 33, the map information acquired by the map information acquisition unit 23, and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit 24. For example, when the estimation result indicates that the passenger is likely to take the action of eating and drinking a specific food and drink, the extraction unit 34 acquires store information of a restaurant where the food and drink can be eaten. For example, when the estimation result indicates that the passenger is likely to take the action of eating and drinking at a restaurant of a specific genre, the extraction unit 34 acquires store information of a restaurant of the genre. For example, in the case of "hamburger", the extraction unit 34 may extract stores limited to fast food restaurants of the same chain, or may extract stores without distinguishing between fast food restaurants of different chains.

[0081] The suggestion unit 35 suggests stores where food and drink are available as candidates for recommended destinations based on the extraction result by the extraction unit 34.

[0082] Next, information processing in the navigation system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 is executed at any timing, such as when the vehicle engine is started, when the navigation system 1 is started, when the current time is a meal time, or when the passenger starts the processing. The processing of steps S121, S124 to S126 shown in Fig. 4 is the same as that of steps S101, S104 to S106 shown in Fig. 2.

[0083] The navigation control device 20 analyzes the eating and drinking tendency of each passenger by the analysis unit 32 based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit 31 (step S122). The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S123.

[0084] The navigation control device 20 estimates the eating and drinking behavior of each passenger by the estimation unit 33 (step S123). More specifically, the navigation control device 20 estimates the eating and drinking behavior of each passenger by the estimation unit 33 based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 32 and the current date and time. The navigation control device 20 proceeds to step S124.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the eating and drinking behavior of the passenger is estimated based on consumption history information acquired from outside the navigation system 1 via the communication unit 15. In this embodiment, stores that serve food and drink are extracted as recommended destinations based on the estimation result and store information. In this embodiment, stores that serve food and drink are suggested as recommended destinations based on the extraction result of the extraction unit 34. According to this embodiment, recommended destinations such as stores can be more appropriately suggested according to the passengers of the vehicle based on the consumption history information.

[0086] This embodiment can analyze the eating and drinking habits of passengers and suggest restaurants where passengers can eat and drink at an appropriate time if they are in the mood to eat and drink. This embodiment can help passengers avoid eating too unbalanced meals.

[0087] [Third embodiment] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the store information stored in the store information storage unit 14 includes advertisement information.

[0088] The store information includes, for example, advertising information such as electronic advertisements for each store. The store information includes sales price information of products advertised in the store's electronic advertisements. More specifically, the advertising information includes product number information and sales price information of the advertised products. The advertising information may further include advertisement validity period information.

[0089] The extraction unit 34 extracts stores by comparing sales price information in the store information with purchase price information in the purchase history information. More specifically, when the estimation result indicates that the passenger is highly likely to take action to purchase a specific product, the extraction unit 34 acquires store information of a store that sells the product and has a low price. The extraction unit 34 may compare the consumption history information with the store information and extract, as a recommended destination, a store whose price in the store information is lower than the price in the product's purchase history.

[0090] The suggestion unit 35 may present price information together with the recommended destination candidates. The suggestion unit 35 may present the recommended destination candidates sorted in ascending order of price. For example, the suggestion unit 35 may present to the passenger that the ticket can be purchased at a lower price than if it were purchased on a website.

[0091] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to more appropriately suggest recommended destinations such as shops according to prices.

[0092] [Fourth embodiment] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which discount information is included in the store information stored in the store information storage unit 14.

[0093] The store information includes, for example, discount information such as electronic discount coupons for each store. The discount information includes product number information of the listed product and the discount information. The discount information may further include information on the validity period of the discount.

[0094] The extraction unit 34 extracts stores based on the presence or absence of discount information on the electronic discount coupon of the store. For example, when the estimation result indicates that the passenger is likely to take action to purchase a specific product, the extraction unit 34 acquires store information of stores that handle the product and have discount information.

[0095] The suggestion unit 35 may present discount information together with the recommended destination candidates. The suggestion unit 35 may present the recommended destination candidates by sorting them according to whether or not they have discount information.

[0096] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to more appropriately suggest recommended destinations such as stores depending on the presence or absence of discount information.

[0097] Each component of the illustrated navigation system 1 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of the devices may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on the processing load and usage status of each device.

[0098] The configuration of the navigation system 1 is realized, for example, as software by a program loaded into a memory. In the above embodiment, the functional blocks are described as being realized by the cooperation of these hardware and software. In other words, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by only hardware, only software, or a combination of both.

[0099] The components described above include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described above can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0100] In the above description, the vehicle occupant is a single driver, but this is not limited to the above. If there are multiple occupants, consumption history information may be acquired collectively for multiple occupants who frequently ride in the vehicle, such as family members or housemates. Then, a store that can purchase a product that one of the occupants is motivated to purchase is suggested as a recommended destination. In this case, consumption history information may be acquired only for products in a category such as daily necessities that are shared by family members or housemates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Navigation system 11 GNSS receiver 12 Control section 13 Map information storage unit 14 Store information storage unit 15 Communications Department 16 Display section 17 Notification Department 20 Navigation control device 21 Current location information acquisition unit 22 Operation reception control unit 23 Map information acquisition section 24 Store Information Acquisition Department 25 Communication control section 26 Route Search Unit 27 Route Guidance Section 28 Display control section 29 Notification control section 31 History information acquisition unit 32 Analysis Department 33 Estimation part 34 Extraction part 35 Proposal Department

Claims

1. a store information acquisition unit that acquires store information including at least one of name information, location information, and product information of products sold at each store; a history information acquiring unit that acquires consumption history information including at least one of purchase history information and search history information regarding a predetermined product from a passenger of the vehicle; an estimation unit that estimates a behavior of the passenger regarding the purchase of the product based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit; an extraction unit that extracts, as a recommended destination, a store that can purchase the product that is estimated to be highly likely to be purchased by the passenger based on the estimation result of the estimation unit and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit, is open at the scheduled arrival time of the mobile object, and has a degree of congestion at the scheduled arrival time that is less than a predetermined value; a suggestion unit that suggests a store where the product can be purchased as a recommended destination based on the extraction result of the extraction unit; A navigation control device comprising:

2. a store information acquiring unit that acquires store information including at least one of name information, location information, and information on food and drink provided by each store; a history information acquisition unit that acquires consumption history information including at least one of eating and drinking history information and search history information regarding predetermined food and drink of a passenger of the moving body; an estimation unit that estimates the passenger's behavior regarding consumption of the food and drink based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition unit; an extraction unit that extracts, based on the estimation result of the estimation unit and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition unit, stores that serve the food and drink that is estimated to be consumed by the passenger with high probability, are open at the scheduled arrival time of the moving body, and have a degree of congestion at the scheduled arrival time that is less than a predetermined value, as recommended destinations; a suggestion unit that suggests, as a recommended destination, a store where the food and drink can be consumed, based on an extraction result by the extraction unit; A navigation control device comprising:

3. The consumption history information is search history information, the history information acquisition unit acquires the consumption history information from an external device which is at least one of an electronic device used by the passenger, a member information management service, an electronic payment service, and a management device for a search service; 3. A navigation control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a store information acquisition step of acquiring store information including at least one of name information, location information, and product information of products sold at each store; a history information acquiring step of acquiring consumption history information including at least one of purchase history information and search history information regarding a predetermined product for a passenger of the vehicle; an estimation step of estimating the passenger's behavior regarding the purchase of the product based on the consumption history information acquired by the history information acquisition step; an extraction step of extracting, as a recommended destination, a store where the product estimated to be highly likely to be purchased by the passenger can be purchased based on the estimation result of the estimation step and the store information acquired by the store information acquisition step, the store is open at the scheduled arrival time of the mobile body, and the degree of congestion at the scheduled arrival time is less than a predetermined value; a suggestion step of suggesting, as a recommended destination, a store where the product can be purchased, based on the extraction result of the extraction step; A navigation method including:

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