Travel route generation device, travel route generation method, and travel route generation program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of allowing a user who uses mobility for sightseeing to enjoy sightseeing without getting off from the mobility.SOLUTION: A disclosed driving route generation device is configured to execute: a series of processing of acquiring specified points; a series of processing of acquiring specification conditions for the generated driving route; a series of processing of selecting one or more specified spots out of the multiple spots on the basis of location information on the multiple spots and specification conditions; and a series of processing of generating a circular route starting from a specified point and returning to the specified point via one or more specified spots as the driving route.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing tourism services, and in particular to a technology for generating mobility travel routes. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an information processing device having a control unit that identifies facilities that correspond to user attributes including the user's needs, preferences, or characteristics, and outputs information on unvisited facilities from the identified facilities to the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-134953 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, when sightseeing using mobility such as a bus, taxi, or private car, users typically travel to a specific spot and then get off the vehicle to enjoy sightseeing. This type of sightseeing may be undesirable for users who are hesitant to get off the vehicle to sightsee due to social conditions or for users who find it difficult to get on and off the vehicle frequently.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that allows users to enjoy sightseeing without getting off their mobility vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a driving route generation device that generates a driving route for mobility.

[0007] The driving route generation device according to the first aspect is characterized in that it is configured to execute a first process of acquiring designated points, a second process of acquiring designated conditions for the driving route to be generated, a third process of selecting one or more specific spots from a plurality of spots based on location information for the plurality of spots and the designated conditions, and a fourth process of generating, as a driving route, a circular route that starts from the designated point, passes through one or more specific spots, and returns to the designated point.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a driving route generation method for generating a mobility driving route by a computer.

[0009] A driving route generation method according to a second aspect includes the steps of acquiring designated points, acquiring designated conditions for the driving route to be generated, selecting one or more specific spots from the plurality of spots based on the location information for the plurality of spots and the designated conditions, and generating a circular route as a driving route that starts from the designated point, passes through the one or more specific spots, and returns to the designated point.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a driving route generation program that causes a computer to execute a process of generating a driving route for a mobility vehicle.

[0011] A driving route generation program according to a third aspect is characterized in that it is configured to cause a computer to execute a first process of acquiring designated points, a second process of acquiring designated conditions for the driving route to be generated, a third process of selecting one or more specific spots from a plurality of spots based on location information for the plurality of spots and the designated conditions, and a fourth process of generating a circular route as a driving route that starts from the designated point, passes through one or more specific spots, and returns to the designated point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, one or more specific spots are selected from the plurality of spots based on the location information for the plurality of spots and the specified conditions. Then, a circular route starting from the specified point, passing through one or more specific spots, and returning to the specified point is generated as a travel route. Here, each of the plurality of spots can be a location that the user of the mobility vehicle can enjoy without getting off the mobility vehicle. As a result, by having the mobility vehicle travel along the generated travel route, the user can enjoy sightseeing without getting off the mobility vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database that manages position information about a plurality of spots. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a driving route generated by a driving route generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a driving route generated by a driving route generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred example of the configuration of a driving route generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an autonomously driven vehicle to which a driving route generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the driving route generation device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the driving route generation device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1. Overview Hereinafter, an overview of the functions provided by the driving route generation device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The driving route generation device according to this embodiment provides a function for generating a driving route for a mobility (hereinafter also referred to as a "driving route generation function"). Here, a mobility is a vehicle capable of transporting people or objects, and the type of the mobility is not particularly limited. Examples of mobility include passenger cars, buses, small electric vehicles, and stand-up vehicles. The generated driving route is typically given as a route on a map. The map to which the driving route is given may be one that is suitable depending on the type of mobility. In the following description, the mobility is assumed to be a passenger car, and the map to which the driving route is given is assumed to be a general road map.

[0016] The driving route generation device according to this embodiment is configured to connect to a database that manages location information for a plurality of spots (hereinafter also referred to as a "location information database"). Alternatively, the driving route generation device according to this embodiment is configured to hold the location information database. For example, the driving route generation device is configured to be able to communicate with a data server that stores the location information database. Alternatively, the driving route generation device includes a storage device that stores the location information database.

[0017] The location information database manages at least the location on a map for each of a plurality of spots. FIG. 1 shows an example of the location information database. In FIG. 1, the location on a map for each of a plurality of spots is managed by address. The location information database may manage the location on a map in other formats. For example, the location information database may be configured to manage the location on a map by coordinates.

[0018] Here, each of the multiple spots managed by the location information database is a location that a mobility user can enjoy without getting off the mobility. Typically, each of the multiple spots is a scenic spot. In this case, the location on the map managed by the location information database may be a pass-through point from which the corresponding spot can be well viewed. Furthermore, the location information database may be configured to manage specific conditions for each of the multiple spots. For example, the location information database may be configured to manage times and periods when the view is good for a spot whose scenery varies depending on the time or season. Additionally, the location information database may be configured to manage classifications for each of the multiple spots. For example, the location information database may be configured to manage tags such as nature, historical buildings, landmarks, and events for each of the multiple spots.

[0019] In the driving route generation function, the driving route generation device acquires designated points and designated conditions for the driving route to be generated. Then, the driving route generation device selects one or more specific spots from multiple spots based on the location information database and the designated conditions. The driving route generation device then generates a circular route as a driving route that starts from the designated point, passes through the selected one or more specific spots, and returns to the designated point. Here, the designated point may be a point on a map designated by the user, or may be the current location of the mobility. The designated conditions may include, for example, a condition related to the time required for the driving route to be generated (a required time condition), a range on a map that defines the positions of the selected specific spots, a condition related to the number of selected specific spots, a condition related to the classification of the selected specific spots, etc.

[0020] An example of a driving route generated by the driving route generation device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 show a plurality of spots 10a, 10b, 10c, ... in a certain area, whose location information is managed by a location information database.

[0021] 2 and 3, the travel route generation device acquires the current location of mobility 1 as designated point 20. Also, FIGS. 2 and 3 show a case where the travel route generation device selects spots 10a, 10b, and 10c as specific spots. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the travel route generation device generates a circular route 2 as a travel route, starting from designated point 20 and returning to designated point 20 via spots 10a, 10b, and 10c. The order of passing through the designated points may be determined using the required travel time or the like as an indicator.

[0022] Here, the selection of one or more specific spots can be performed using a suitable method depending on the specified conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, if the travel route generation device acquires a map area 30 as a specified condition, the travel route generation device may be configured to select spots 10a, 10b, and 10c as specific spots because they are included in the map area 30. Alternatively, if the travel route generation device acquires a condition related to the classification of the specific spots to be selected as a specified condition, the travel route generation device may select one or more specific spots from among the multiple spots that fall into the specified classification. These specified conditions may be combined. Furthermore, if the location information database manages specific conditions for each of the multiple spots, the selection of one or more specific spots may be configured to be selected from multiple spots that satisfy the specific conditions.

[0023] In particular, when the driving route generation device acquires a required time condition (e.g., 60 minutes) as a specified condition, the driving route generation device can be configured to select one or more specific spots from a plurality of spots as follows.

[0024] First, the travel route generation device calculates a distance (set distance) according to the acquired required time condition. Here, the set distance may be determined in advance according to the required time condition. For example, the set distances are determined to be 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km for required time conditions of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes, respectively. This can be achieved by using a table or map that provides set distances for required time conditions. Next, the travel route generation device selects, as specific spots, spots from among the multiple spots whose straight-line distance from the designated point 20 is less than the calculated set distance. For example, in the case shown in Figure 2, the travel route generation device selects, as specific spots, spots 10a, 10b, and 10c that are included in a circular range 30 determined by the set distance.

[0025] In most cases, the length of the route of the circular route 2 that passes through one or more specific spots correlates with the size of the area enclosed by the circular route 2. Therefore, by selecting as specific spots spots that are within a certain range of straight-line distance from the designated point 20, it is expected that the time required for the circular route 2 will be limited to a certain time. Therefore, by configuring the driving route generation device as described above, it is possible to select one or more specific spots that are expected to satisfy the circular route's required time condition through simple processing. This in turn reduces processing costs when the required time condition is acquired as a specified condition.

[0026] If the required time for the circular route exceeds the required time condition, the travel route generation device may be configured to reduce the number of selected specific spots. The travel route generation device may be configured to assign a priority to each of the selected one or more specific spots. The travel route generation device may then reduce the number of selected specific spots based on the priority. For example, the travel route generation device may exclude spots with lower priorities from the selected one or more specific spots until the required time for the circular route satisfies the required time condition. This configuration ensures that the required time condition is met, thereby improving usability. The priority may be assigned based on various indices. For example, the distance from the specified point 20 or a pre-aggregated score (e.g., user evaluation of the scenery) may be used as an index.

[0027] As described above, the driving route generation device according to this embodiment is connected to or holds a location information database that manages location information for multiple spots. Here, each of the multiple spots managed by the location information database is a location where the user of mobility 1 can enjoy themselves without getting off mobility 1. Furthermore, according to the driving route generation device according to this embodiment, one or more specific spots are selected from the multiple spots based on the location information database and the specified conditions. Then, a circular route 2 that starts from designated point 20, passes through one or more specific spots, and returns to designated point 20 is generated as the driving route. As a result, mobility 1 travels according to the generated driving route, allowing the user to enjoy sightseeing without getting off mobility 1.

[0028] 2. Configuration The configuration of the driving route generation device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a preferred example of the configuration of the driving route generation device 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 4, the driving route generation device 100 includes a communication device 110, an HMI 120, and a processing unit 130. The processing unit 130 is configured to be able to transmit information to and from the communication device 110 and the HMI 120. For example, the processing unit 130 is electrically connected to the communication device 110 and the HMI 120 via cables.

[0030] The communication device 110 communicates with devices external to the driving route generation device 100 to transmit and receive information. In particular, the communication device 110 includes a device for communicating with the data server 200 that stores the position information database 210. For example, the communication device 110 includes a device for connecting to and communicating with a communication network (typically the Internet) to which the data server 200 is connected. In other words, the communication device 110 is configured to enable the driving route generation device 100 to connect to the position information database 210. Information acquired by the communication device 110 through communication is transmitted to the processing unit 130.

[0031] The HMI 120 is a device that provides a user with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) function. Examples of the HMI 120 include a display, a speaker, a touch panel, a switch, an indicator, and an operation panel. In particular, the HMI 120 is configured to allow a user to input a designated point 20 and designated conditions through operation. That is, the traveling route generation device 100 acquires the designated point 20 and designated conditions via the HMI 120. However, the traveling route generation device 100 may also be configured to acquire the current location of the mobility 1 as the designated point 20. In this case, the traveling route generation device 100 acquires the current location of the mobility 1 via, for example, the communication device 110. The information input in the HMI 120 is transmitted to the processing unit 130.

[0032] Furthermore, the HMI 120 may be configured to allow the user to check the driving route generated by the driving route generation device 100. For example, the HMI 120 displays a map and the driving route on the map on a display.

[0033] The processing unit 130 executes processing related to the driving route generation function. The processing unit 130 is a computer including a memory 131 and a processor 135.

[0034] The memory 131 is coupled to the processor 135 and stores a plurality of instructions 133 executable by the processor 135, and various data 134 required for executing the processing. Here, the plurality of instructions 133 are provided by a computer program 132 (a travel route generation program). Examples of the various data 134 include information related to the location information database 210 transmitted from the communication device 110, and tables and maps that provide set distances for specified points 20, specified conditions, and required time conditions transmitted from the HMI 120.

[0035] The instructions 133 are configured to cause the processor 135 to execute processing related to the travel route generation function. In particular, the processor 135 operates in accordance with the instructions 133 to realize the processing related to the travel route generation function.

[0036] The processing unit 130 outputs the driving route generated by executing the processing related to the driving route generation function. The driving route generation device 100 may be configured to transmit the driving route output by the processing unit 130 to an external device via the communication unit 110, or may be configured to present the driving route to a user via the HMI 120. Alternatively, it may be configured to perform both of these.

[0037] As described above, the driving route generation device 100 according to this embodiment can be configured. Note that the driving route generation device 100 can also be configured to hold the position information database 210 as data 134 stored in the memory 131.

[0038] As another example of the configuration, it is also possible to configure a computer that partially functions as the driving route generation device 100. For example, when the mobility 1 is an autonomous driving vehicle, an example of a computer that partially functions as the driving route generation device 100 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that is provided in the autonomous driving vehicle and executes processing related to the autonomous driving function.

[0039] 5 shows an example of a configuration in which the mobility 1 is an autonomously driven vehicle 1 and the EUC 300 partially functions as the driving route generation device 100. In FIG. 5, the autonomously driven vehicle 1 includes an ECU 300, a communication device 310, an HMI 320, a sensor 330, and an actuator 340. The ECU 300 is configured to be able to exchange information with the communication device 310, the HMI 320, the sensor 330, and the actuator 340. For example, each device is connected to an in-vehicle network configured by a CAN (Control Area Network) or the like.

[0040] The communication device 310 communicates with devices external to the autonomously driven vehicle 1 to transmit and receive information. In particular, the communication device 310 includes a device for communicating with the data server 200 that stores the location information database 210. The information acquired by the communication device 310 through communication is transmitted to the ECU 300. In other words, the communication device 310 is configured to enable the ECU 300 to connect to the location information database 210. Other examples of information transmitted from the communication device 310 to the ECU 300 include map information, road traffic information, GPS location information, etc.

[0041] HMI 320 is a device that provides HMI functions to the user of autonomously driven vehicle 1. In particular, HMI 320 is configured to allow the user to input designated location 20 and designated conditions through operation. The information input in HMI 320 is then transmitted to ECU 300. In other words, ECU 300 is configured to be able to acquire designated location 20 and designated conditions via HMI 320. However, ECU 300 may also be configured to acquire designated location 20 as the current location of autonomously driven vehicle 1. In this case, ECU 300 acquires, for example, GPS location information acquired from communication device 310 as designated location 20.

[0042] The sensor 330 detects information related to the driving environment of the autonomously driven vehicle 1. Examples of the sensor 330 include a sensor that detects the surrounding environment of the autonomously driven vehicle 1 (preceding vehicle, white lines, obstacles, etc.) and a sensor that detects the driving state of the autonomously driven vehicle 1 (vehicle speed, acceleration, yaw rate, etc.). Sensors that detect the surrounding environment of the autonomously driven vehicle 1 include, for example, a camera, millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), etc. Sensors that detect the driving state of the autonomously driven vehicle 1 include, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, a G sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. Information detected by the sensor 330 is transmitted to the ECU 300.

[0043] The ECU 300 executes processing related to the autonomous driving function based on the acquired information. In particular, the ECU 300 is configured to execute a driving route generation process P100 and a driving control process P110 as processing related to the autonomous driving function. The ECU 300 is typically a computer including a memory and a processor. That is, in the ECU 300, the processor operates in accordance with a plurality of instructions stored in the memory, thereby realizing the execution of the driving route generation process P100 and the driving control process P110.

[0044] The travel route generation process P100 is a process related to the travel route generation function, and execution of the travel route generation process P100 generates a travel route for the autonomously driven vehicle 1. In other words, when the ECU 300 executes the travel route generation process P100, the ECU 300 functions as the travel route generation device 100.

[0045] The driving control process P110 is a process for controlling the driving of the autonomously driven vehicle 1 so that the autonomously driven vehicle 1 drives according to the generated driving route. By executing the driving control process P110, a control signal for driving the autonomously driven vehicle 1 according to the generated driving route is generated. The generated control signal is transmitted to the actuator 340.

[0046] Actuator 340 operates in accordance with a control signal transmitted from ECU 300. Examples of actuator 340 include an actuator related to the operation of a power unit (internal combustion engine, electric motor, etc.), an actuator related to the operation of a brake mechanism, an actuator related to the operation of a steering mechanism, etc. Actuator 340 operates in accordance with a control signal, thereby realizing the traveling of autonomous vehicle 1 according to the generated traveling route, and ultimately the autonomous driving of autonomous vehicle 1.

[0047] In this way, it is possible to configure a computer that partially functions as the driving route generation device 100. Furthermore, by configuring the mobility 1 (autonomously driven vehicle 1) in this way, it is possible to realize a mobility 1 that allows the user to enjoy sightseeing without getting off the mobility 1.

[0048] 3. Processing Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given of processing related to the driving route generation function executed by the driving route generation device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the travel route generation device 100. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 starts, for example, when the travel route generation device 100 is started.

[0050] In step S100 (first process), the travel route generation device 100 accepts input of the designated point 20 via the HMI 120 (HMI 320). However, if the designated point 20 is set as the current location of the mobility 1, the travel route generation device 100 may be configured to acquire the current location of the mobility 1. After step S100, the process proceeds to step S200.

[0051] In step S200 (second process), the travel route generation device 100 accepts input of specified conditions via the HMI 120 (HMI 320). After step S200, the process proceeds to step S300.

[0052] In step S300 (third process), traveling route generation device 100 selects one or more specific spots from the multiple spots based on location information database 210 and the specified conditions received in step S200. After step S300, the process proceeds to step S400.

[0053] In step S400 (fourth process), the driving route generation device 100 generates, as a driving route, a circular route 2 that starts from the specified point 20 accepted in step S100, passes through one or more specific spots selected in step S300 (third process), and returns to the specified point 20. After step S400, the processing ends. Note that after step S400, the driving route generation device 100 may further execute a process of presenting the generated driving route to the user of the mobility 1.

[0054] Here, when the travel route generation device 100 acquires the current location of the mobility 1 as the specified point 20 and acquires the required time condition as the specified condition, the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 can be given more specifically as an example of processing related to the travel route generation function executed by the travel route generation device 100. The flowchart shown in Fig. 7 will be described below.

[0055] In step S201, the travel route generation device 100 accepts input of a required time condition via the HMI 120 (HMI 320). After step S201, the process proceeds to step S301.

[0056] In step S301, the travel route generation device 100 calculates a set distance in accordance with the required time condition received in step S201. After step S301, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0057] In step S302, the traveling route generation device 100 selects, from among the multiple spots, spots whose straight-line distance from the current location of the mobility 1 is equal to or less than the set distance calculated in step S301, as one or more specific spots. After step S302, the process proceeds to step S401.

[0058] In step S401, the travel route generation device 100 generates a circular route that passes through one or more selected specific spots. Then, the travel route generation device 100 determines whether the required time for the generated circular route is equal to or less than the required time condition (step S402).

[0059] If the required time for the generated circular route is equal to or less than the required time condition (step S402; Yes), the travel route generation device 100 sets the generated circular route as the travel route (step S404), and then the process ends.

[0060] If the required time for the generated circular route exceeds the required time condition (step S402; No), the travel route generation device 100 assigns a priority to each of the one or more selected specific spots and excludes one specific spot with a lower priority from the selection (step S403). After that, the process returns to step S401 and repeats the process.

[0061] As described above, the processing is executed by the travel route generation device 100. Alternatively, a computer program 132 (travel route generation program) that causes the travel route generation device 100 to execute the processing is realized in this manner. Furthermore, the travel route generation device 100 realizes a travel route generation method that generates a travel route for the mobility 1 in this manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Mobility 2. Circulation Route 10a Spot 20 Designated Location 100 Driving route generation device 210 Location Database

Claims

1. A driving route generation device that generates a driving route for mobility, a first process of acquiring a designated point; A second process of acquiring specified conditions for the travel route to be generated; a third process of selecting one or more specific spots from the plurality of spots based on location information about the plurality of spots that the user of the mobility can visit without getting off the mobility and the specified conditions; a fourth process of generating, as the travel route, a circular route that starts from the designated point, passes through the one or more specific spots, and returns to the designated point; configured to run the specified conditions include a required time condition for the travel route to be generated, The third process includes: calculating a set distance according to the required time condition; selecting, from the plurality of spots, spots whose straight-line distance from the designated point is equal to or less than the set distance as the one or more specific spots; Including, The fourth process is assigning a priority to each of the one or more identified spots; generating a first circular route without taking the priority into consideration; generating a second circular route in which the one or more specific spots are reduced based on the priority when the required time of the first circular route exceeds the required time condition; Contains A driving route generation device characterized by:

2. A travel route generation method for generating a travel route for a mobility vehicle by a computer, comprising: Obtaining a designated location; Obtaining specified conditions for the travel route to be generated; selecting one or more specific spots from a plurality of spots that the user of the mobility can visit without getting off the mobility based on location information about the plurality of spots and the specified conditions; generating, as the travel route, a circular route that starts from the specified point, passes through the one or more specific spots, and returns to the specified point; Including, the specified conditions include a required time condition for the travel route to be generated, Selecting the one or more specific spots includes: calculating a set distance according to the required time condition; selecting, from the plurality of spots, spots whose straight-line distance from the designated point is equal to or less than the set distance as the one or more specific spots; Including, The generating of the circular route includes: assigning a priority to each of the one or more identified spots; generating a first circular route without taking the priority into consideration; generating a second circular route in which the one or more specific spots are reduced based on the priority when the required time of the first circular route exceeds the required time condition; Contains A driving route generation method comprising:

3. A travel route generation program that causes a computer to execute a process of generating a travel route for a mobility vehicle, a first process of acquiring a designated point; A second process of acquiring specified conditions for the travel route to be generated; a third process of selecting one or more specific spots from the plurality of spots based on location information about the plurality of spots that the user of the mobility can visit without getting off the mobility and the specified conditions; a fourth process of generating, as the travel route, a circular route that starts from the designated point, passes through the one or more specific spots, and returns to the designated point; The computer is configured to execute the specified conditions include a required time condition for the travel route to be generated, The third process includes: calculating a set distance according to the required time condition; selecting, from the plurality of spots, spots whose straight-line distance from the designated point is equal to or less than the set distance as the one or more specific spots; Including, The fourth process is assigning a priority to each of the one or more identified spots; generating a first circular route without taking the priority into consideration; generating a second circular route in which the one or more specific spots are reduced based on the priority when the required time of the first circular route exceeds the required time condition; Contains A driving route generation program characterized by:

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