Route generation system, route generation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for a route generation system that can provide accurate guidance to the vicinity of the entrance to a destination.SOLUTION: A route generation system includes: a storage unit for storing road network data indicating connection states of roads and a plurality of entrance data being set in advance as entrance positions of features; a route generation unit that generates route data representing a route from a departure point to a destination using the road network data and the plurality of entrance data; and a route guidance unit that provides route guidance using the generated route data. The route generation unit extracts a nearest entrance to a set destination from the entrance data, generates route data to the nearest entrance if a distance between the set destination and the extracted nearest entrance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, or generates route data to the set destination if the distance is greater than the threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a route generation system, a route generation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation device that displays an enlarged view of the vicinity of a destination when a large facility having a plurality of facilities and a plurality of parking lots is set as the destination, and allows a user to set which of the plurality of facilities and the plurality of parking lots included in the large facility is the destination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, for example, when a user wants to enter a building as a destination, the user may manually set a parking lot near the entrance of the building as an alternative destination. However, when the position of the entrance of the building is not clear, the set parking lot may not be close to the entrance of the building. Therefore, a technology that can guide to near the entrance of the destination with high accuracy is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a route generation system is provided. This route generation system includes a storage unit that stores road network data indicating the road connectivity status and a plurality of entrance data set in advance as the locations of entrances to features; a route generation unit that generates route data representing a route from a starting point to a destination using the road network data and the plurality of entrance data; and a route guidance unit that guides a user along a route using the generated route data. The route generation unit extracts the nearest entrance to a set destination from the entrance data, and if the distance between the set destination and the extracted nearest entrance is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it generates route data to the nearest entrance. If the distance is greater than the threshold, it generates route data to the set destination. This type of route generation system allows for accurate guidance to the vicinity of the destination entrance by using entrance data. Furthermore, if the correlation between the destination and the extracted nearest entrance is deemed low, the system can guide the user to the destination instead of the extracted entrance, preventing or mitigating the problem of providing route guidance to an entrance coordinate far from the set destination. (2) In the route generation system of the above form, the threshold may be set to a different value for each type of destination set. This type of route generation system allows for the determination of the appropriateness of entry data for each type of destination, enabling more accurate route guidance. (3) In the route generation system of the above form, the route guidance unit may display a registration screen for additionally registering the entry data if the distance is greater than the threshold. This type of route generation system allows for the expansion of entry point data by encouraging users to add entry point data. (4) In the above-described route generation system, the route guidance unit may, after generating route data to the nearest entrance, further display an evaluation screen that allows the user to evaluate the relationship between the set destination and the nearest entrance. This type of route generation system makes it easy to extract entry point data that needs correction based on the user's evaluation results. (5) In the route generation system of the above form, if the route guidance unit evaluates that the nearest entrance is highly relevant, it may store the nearest entrance as entrance data associated with the set destination. According to this type of route generation system, the next time the same destination is set, it can provide route guidance to an entry point tailored to the user's needs. This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than the route generation system described above. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a route generation device, a route guidance device, a route generation method executed by a computer, a computer program for generating routes, or a tangible recording medium that does not have a temporary recording medium on which the computer program is stored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the route generation system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A flowchart of the route generation process performed by the route generation system. [Figure 3] A first explanatory diagram showing an example of the route generation process according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing an example of an evaluation screen. [Figure 5] A second explanatory diagram showing an example of the route generation process according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a registration screen operated manually. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the route generation system 10 in the first embodiment. The route generation system 10 is used, for example, in delivery operations that mainly deliver goods to building entrances and the like using a delivery vehicle 50. The route generation system 10 comprises a route guidance device 100 and a route generation server 200. The route guidance device 100 can be used, for example, mounted on a vehicle, and can also be used while walking.

[0009] The route guidance device 100 is comprised of, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The route guidance device 100 can access a route generation server 200 connected to the Internet 80 via a communication carrier 70 which includes a transmitting and receiving antenna, a wireless base station, and a switching station. The route guidance device 100 includes a CPU 110 as a central processing unit, a storage unit 120 such as ROM or RAM, a communication unit 102, a touch panel 124, a display unit 126, and a positioning unit 122. These are connected to each other via internal buses and interface circuits.

[0010] The communication unit 102 is a circuit for data communication with the route generation server 200 via the communication carrier 70, or for wireless LAN communication. The communication unit 102 functions as a data acquisition unit for obtaining data from the route generation server 200 to guide the user on a route. "Data to guide the user on a route" means route data. Route data is data that represents the route from the starting point to the destination. The data to guide the user on a route may also include, for example, map data and guidance data. Map data is data that represents the shapes of roads and features. Guidance data is data that includes images of guide signs and intersections around the route represented by the route data, images of interchange entrances and exits, etc. The data acquired by the communication unit 102 is stored in the storage unit 120.

[0011] The display unit 126 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor, and is a device that displays various information such as routes. The touch panel 124 is superimposed on the display unit 126 and accepts touch operations from the user using a finger or pen. The positioning unit 122 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and determines the latitude and longitude of the current position of the route guidance device 100 based on radio waves received from artificial satellites that constitute the GNSS. The route guidance device 100 is not limited to the touch panel 124, but may also be equipped with other input devices such as various buttons, joysticks, or touchpads.

[0012] The CPU 110 controls all parts of the route guidance device 100. The memory unit 120 stores programs for providing each of the functions provided in this embodiment. By the CPU 110 executing the programs stored in the memory unit 120, some or all of the functions of the route guidance unit 112 and other components are realized.

[0013] The route guidance unit 112 acquires map data, route data, and guidance data from the route generation server 200 during the route guidance processing described later. For example, the route guidance unit 112 acquires map data of the area around the current location in units of parcels divided into a mesh. The route guidance unit 112 acquires guidance data every time a predetermined distance is traveled along the route. The route guidance unit 112 acquires route data for example during route generation or rerouting. Rerouting means the process of setting a new route when the current location deviates from the route. In this embodiment, route generation and rerouting are performed by the route generation server 200. However, this is not limited to this, and route generation and rerouting may be performed by either the route generation server 200 or the route guidance device 100.

[0014] The route guidance unit 112 controls the display unit 126 based on various data received from the route generation server 200 and the current position acquired by the positioning unit 122 to perform route guidance. Specifically, the route guidance unit 112 acquires map data around the current position from the route generation server 200 and displays the map on the display unit 126, and displays the route represented by the route data acquired from the route generation server 200 on the map. Further, using the guidance data 224 acquired from the route generation server 200, an image representing a point of turning right or left, an interchange for boarding or alighting, etc. is displayed based on the relationship between the route and the current position. In addition, the route guidance unit 112 can perform control to display on the display unit 126 a registration screen, an evaluation screen, etc. which will be described later.

[0015] The route generation server 200 includes a CPU 210 as a central processing unit, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 202, and these are interconnected via a bus, an interface circuit, etc. The communication unit 202 is a circuit for communicating with the route guidance device 100 via the Internet 80.

[0016] The storage unit 220 is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a hard disk drive (HDD). Various programs for realizing the functions provided in the present embodiment are stored in the HDD or the ROM. When the computer program stored in the storage unit 220 is executed by the CPU 210, the CPU 210 functions as a route generation unit 212. The map data 222, the guidance data 224, the entrance data 226, and the road network data 228 are stored in the readable / writable area of the storage unit 220.

[0017] The map data 222 is data representing the type, position, shape, etc. of ground features. A ground feature refers to anything that occupies land, regardless of whether it is natural or artificial, and means things that exist in the real world such as rivers, mountains, plants, bridges, railways, buildings, etc. In the map data 222, for example, information representing the latitude and longitude of the ground feature is registered in association with the type of the ground feature. The road network data 228 is data representing the connection state of roads by link data representing roads and node data representing intersections, bend points, dead ends, etc. The node data includes information representing latitude and longitude. The link data includes information indicating the nodes constituting the link data and cost information representing the travel time required to pass through the road. The guidance data 224 represents, for example, images of guide signs, intersections, and entrances and exits of interchanges. The guidance data 224 is associated with the node data or the link data.

[0018] The entrance data 226 is data indicating the position of the entrance of a ground feature, and for example, includes information representing latitude and longitude. The entrance data 226 is preset for the convenience of route guidance. The entrance data 226 can be registered manually, for example, according to the position of the entrance of the ground feature. At the time of route guidance, by guiding to the coordinates indicated by the entrance data 226 instead of the coordinates of the set destination, it is possible to guide the route to the vicinity of the entrance of the destination, and it may be easier to deliver luggage to the destination or enter the destination compared to the case of guiding to the destination itself. Note that the entrance data 226 is not registered in association with the ground feature in the initial state when the entrance data 226 is generated. Thereby, the initial registration of the entrance data 226 can be easily performed. The entrance data 226 can also be additionally registered, for example, at regular intervals or at the timing of adding ground features.

[0019] The route generation unit 212 can perform route generation processing to generate a route according to a route generation request or rerouting request received from the route guidance device 100 via the communication unit 202. In this embodiment, when the route generation unit 212 receives a destination specified by the route generation request or rerouting request from the route guidance device 100, it searches for a route to the specified destination, or a route from the specified destination to the nearest entrance data 226, using the road network data 228, and generates route data. As the algorithm used for route generation, well-known algorithms such as Dijkstra's algorithm or A-Star algorithm can be used. The route generation unit 212 transmits the generated route data, along with map data 222 and guidance data 224, to the route guidance device 100 via the communication unit 202.

[0020] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the route generation process performed by the route generation system 10 according to this embodiment. This process is executed, for example, when an operation is performed on the route guidance device 100 to start route guidance.

[0021] In step S10, the route guidance unit 112 of the route guidance device 100 receives the user's specification of the starting point and destination. The route guidance unit 112 acquires the starting point and destination as coordinate information indicating latitude and longitude, or as an address. If the starting point and destination are acquired as an address, they may be converted into coordinate information by the route guidance unit 112 or the route generation server 200. The route guidance unit 112 requests the route generation server 200 to generate a route from the acquired starting point to the destination. If no starting point is specified, the route guidance unit 112 may use the current position determined by the positioning unit 122 as the starting point. The route generation unit 212 of the route generation server 200 starts generating a route using map data 222, entrance data 226, and road network data 228 in accordance with the route generation request received from the route guidance device 100.

[0022] In step S20, the route generation unit 212 extracts the entry data 226 closest to the acquired destination by using the coordinate information contained in the entry data 226. In step S30, the route generation unit 212 calculates the distance between the acquired destination and the extracted entry data 226. In this embodiment, the straight-line distance between the destination and the entry data 226 is calculated. However, it is not limited to the straight-line distance, but may also be the distance along the path from the destination to the entry data 226. The route generation unit 212 compares the calculated straight-line distance with a threshold value pre-stored in the storage unit 220. If the calculated straight-line distance is shorter than the threshold value (S30: NO), the route generation unit 212 proceeds to step S100.

[0023] The threshold is used to determine whether the extracted entry data 226 corresponds to the entry data 226 of the set destination. For example, if the distance is excessively long, it can be expected that the extracted entry data 226 has little correlation with the entry point of the destination.

[0024] The threshold can be set using any distance, such as 100 meters. Preferably, the threshold is a value sufficient to determine the appropriateness of the entrance data 226. The threshold can be set using, for example, the general distance from the registered coordinates or center coordinates of the feature to the road near the entrance of the feature. Generally, the distance from a feature to the road near its entrance varies depending on the type and size of the feature. Therefore, it is more preferable to set the threshold to a value appropriate for each type of feature. For example, for a typical house, it is preferable to set it in the range of 5 meters to 20 meters; for apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings, it is preferable to set it in the range of 100 meters to 200 meters; and for amusement parks and other entertainment facilities, and large commercial facilities such as shopping malls, it is preferable to set it in the range of 500 meters to 2000 meters. The threshold may also be set using information about the terrain and road conditions between the feature and the road near the entrance of the feature, such as the presence or absence of unpaved roads, stairs, and the presence and magnitude of slopes. For example, if a destination has an entrance for delivery companies, the threshold may be set using information about the goods to be delivered, such as the type, weight, and number of items. However, the threshold is not limited to this, and may be set to a uniform value regardless of the type of destination. In this embodiment, the route generation unit 212 extracts the type of destination by referring to the map data 222 and uses the threshold set for each type of destination.

[0025] In step S100, the route generation unit 212 generates route data with the extracted entry data 226 as the destination. The route generation unit 212 transmits the generated route data to the route guidance device 100. The route guidance unit 112 requests the route generation server 200 to transmit the guidance data 224 and obtains the guidance data 224. Immediately after the execution of the route guidance process, the route guidance unit 112 obtains guidance data 224 for a distance of 15 km along the route from the current location, for example. The route guidance unit 112 also requests and obtains map data 222 of the area around the current location in parcel units from the route generation server 200. In step S100, the route generation unit 212 may also generate route data from the entry data 226 to the destination, using the entry data 226 as an intermediate point. When the route generation system 10 is used for delivery services, as in this embodiment, the route data from the entry data 226 to the destination is preferably walking route data. Furthermore, if the destination is not located on the road network, the route generation unit 212 may generate a route that connects the entrance to the destination in a straight line.

[0026] In step S110, the route guidance unit 112 uses the acquired route data, guidance data 224, and map data 222 to control the display unit 126 and provide route guidance. Specifically, it draws the map represented by the map data 222 on the display unit 126 and then draws the route represented by the route data on top of that map. When the current location arrives at a location corresponding to the guidance data 224, it uses the guidance data 224 to display images representing intersections, traffic signs, interchange entrances and exits, etc. The route guidance unit 112 may also provide guidance by emitting voice rather than just images.

[0027] In step S120, the route guidance unit 112 displays an evaluation screen on the display unit 126 for the user to evaluate the relationship between the set destination and the designated entrance data 226. The relationship between the destination and the entrance data 226 can be evaluated, for example, by the user assigning a score to determine whether the guided entrance data 226 is close to or far from the destination entrance, or whether the guided entrance data 226 is appropriate as a location near the destination entrance.

[0028] In step S130, the route guidance unit 112 accepts user evaluation input via the touch panel 124. If the entry data 226 is appropriate (S130: YES), the route guidance unit 112 proceeds to step S140. In step S140, the route guidance unit 112 stores the newly set entry data 226 in association with the map data 222 and terminates processing. This configuration allows the entry data 226 and the map data 222 to be appropriately associated based on the user's evaluation. If the evaluation result of the entry data 226 is not appropriate (S130: NO), the route guidance unit 112 terminates processing. In this case, the system administrator may be notified to encourage improvement of the entry data 226. Steps S120 to S140 may be omitted if the positional accuracy of the entry data 226 is sufficient, or if improving the efficiency of the user's delivery work takes precedence over improving the entry data 226.

[0029] In step S30, if the straight-line distance is greater than or equal to a threshold (S30: YES), the route generation unit 212 proceeds to step S200. In step S200, the route generation unit 212 generates route data to the destination set by the user. If the destination is a building or other location inaccessible by vehicle, the route generation unit 212 generates route data to the coordinates on the road that represent the shortest distance from the destination. In step S210, the route guidance unit 112 provides route guidance to the destination in the same manner as in step S110 described above.

[0030] In step S220, the route guidance unit 112 displays a registration screen for adding entrance data 226 on the display unit 126. In step S230, the user's operation of the touch panel 124 determines whether or not to add entrance data 226. If entrance data 226 is not added (S230: NO), the process ends. If entrance data 226 is added (S230: YES), the process moves to step S240. In step S240, similar to step S140, the route guidance unit 112 stores the coordinates of the destination set this time as entrance data 226, associating it with the map data 222, and then ends the process. This configuration allows for the addition of appropriate entrance data 226 based on the user's evaluation. Note that if the positional accuracy of the entrance data 226 is sufficient, or if improving the efficiency of the user's delivery work takes precedence over improving the entrance data 226, steps S220 to S240 may be omitted.

[0031] Figure 3 is a first explanatory diagram showing an example of the route generation process according to this embodiment. Figure 3, and Figures 4 to 6 described later, schematically show the display screen DP on the display unit 126 of the route guidance device 100. As shown in Figure 3, the display screen DP is composed of, for example, a window W1 that shows route guidance and a window W2 that shows the user input section, etc.

[0032] Figure 3 shows buildings B1, B2, and B3 as examples of geographic features. For ease of explanation, Figure 3 also shows the entrances BE1, BE2, and BE3 for buildings B1, B2, and B3, respectively, and coordinates EP1 and EP2 set near entrances BE1 and BE2 as an example of entrance data 226. Entrances BE1, BE2, BE3 and coordinates EP1 and EP2 are illustrated for explanatory purposes and do not necessarily need to be displayed on the display screen DP.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the route guidance when a user at current location AL sets building B1 as their destination. The route generation unit 212, in accordance with the route generation request from the route guidance unit 112, which sets current location AL as the starting point SP and building B1 as the destination G1, extracts the entrance data 226 of coordinate EP1 that is closest to the destination G1.

[0034] The route generation unit 212 calculates the distance D1 between the destination G1 and coordinate EP1. In the example in Figure 3, the distance D1 is smaller than the threshold. Therefore, the route generation unit 212 generates route data showing the route RT1 to coordinate EP1 and transmits it to the route guidance device 100.

[0035] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an evaluation screen. As shown in Figure 4, once the route guidance to destination G1 is complete, the route guidance unit 112 displays an evaluation screen in window W2 for the user to evaluate the relationship between destination G1 and coordinate EP1. In the example in Figure 4, the user can input an evaluation of the proximity of the distance from the entrance BE1 of destination G1 to coordinate EP1. If the user selects "close," the system determines that the relationship between building B1 and entrance data 226 is appropriate, and the route generation unit 212 associates and stores the entrance data 226 of coordinate EP1 with the map data 222 of building B1.

[0036] Figure 5 is a second explanatory diagram showing an example of the route generation process according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows an example of route guidance displayed when a user at the current location AL sets building B3 as the destination. The route generation unit 212 extracts the entrance data 226 closest to the destination G2 in accordance with the route generation request from the route guidance unit 112, which sets the current location AL as the departure point SP and building B3 as the destination G2. In the example in Figure 5, no entrance data 226 is registered around building B3. The route generation unit 212 extracts the coordinate EP1, which is the shortest distance from the destination G2, as the entrance data 226. Possible reasons why no entrance data 226 corresponding to building B3 is registered include the fact that building B3 was constructed after the registration or update period of the entrance data 226.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the route generation unit 212 calculates the distance D2 between the destination G2 and coordinate EP1. In the example in Figure 5, the distance D2 is greater than or equal to the threshold. Therefore, the route generation unit 212 generates route data to destination G2 instead of coordinate EP1. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to prevent or suppress the problem of providing route guidance to coordinate EP1, which is far from destination G2, when building B3 is set as destination G2. In the example in Figure 5, since destination G2 is a place that cannot be accessed by vehicle, route data is generated that shows a route RT2 with destination GP being the coordinate on the road that is the shortest distance from destination G2.

[0038] When the route guidance unit 112 has finished guiding the route to the destination GP, ​​it displays a registration screen in window W2 for adding entry data 226. Methods for adding data include registering the destination GP as entry data 226, as shown in the example in Figure 5, or registering an arbitrary location manually by the user.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the user inputs a response to message M1, which indicates whether or not to register the destination, by operating the touch panel 124. When the route guidance unit 112 receives the operation of button BT1 indicating "YES", the route generation unit 212 associates the destination GP with the building B3 information as entrance data 226 and stores it. If button BT2 indicating "NO" is operated, the route generation unit 212 terminates the process without registering the association. If button BT3 prompting manual registration is operated, the route guidance unit 112 displays a manual registration screen.

[0040] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a registration screen performed manually. As shown in Figure 6, the user, for example, touches the touch panel 124 with their finger HD to specify an arbitrary coordinate EP3 on the window W1, and registers the coordinate EP3 as new entry data 226. Here, if the entry data 226 is not used as a destination in the route generation process, it is possible that the entry data 226 corresponding to the set destination is not registered. Therefore, the user can register new entry data 226, and an appropriate location based on the user's evaluation can be registered as entry data 226.

[0041] As described above, according to the route generation system 10 of this embodiment, the route generation unit 212 extracts the coordinates EP1 of the nearest entrance to the set destination G1 from the entrance data 226, and if the distance D1 between the set destination G1 and the extracted nearest entrance coordinates EP1 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, route data is generated up to the nearest entrance coordinates EP1. If the distance is greater than the threshold, route data is generated up to the set destination. According to the route generation system 10 of this embodiment, by using entrance data, it is possible to guide the user to the vicinity of the entrance of a feature with high accuracy. Furthermore, if it is assumed that there is little correlation between the destination and the extracted entrance data 226, the system can guide the user to the destination instead of the extracted entrance, thereby preventing or suppressing the problem of providing route guidance to an entrance coordinate far from the set destination.

[0042] According to the route generation system 10 of this embodiment, the threshold is set to a different value for each type of destination. The relationship between the destination and the extracted entry data 226 can be evaluated for each type of destination. Therefore, the appropriateness of the entry data 226 can be determined for each type of destination, enabling more appropriate route guidance.

[0043] According to the route generation system 10 of this embodiment, the route guidance unit 112 is configured to display a registration screen for additionally registering entrance data 226 when the distance between the destination and the nearest entrance is greater than a threshold. Here, if the distance between the destination and the extracted entrance data 226 is greater than a threshold, it is highly likely that the entrance data 226 corresponding to the set destination has not yet been registered. Therefore, by prompting the user to add the entrance data 226, the unregistered entrance data 226 can be resolved. Furthermore, by allowing the user to add the data, appropriate route guidance can be provided based on the user's evaluation.

[0044] According to the route generation system 10 of this embodiment, the route guidance unit 112 generates route data to the nearest entrance, and then displays an evaluation screen that allows the user to evaluate the relationship between the set destination and the nearest entrance from the destination. Therefore, based on the user's evaluation results, the entrance data 226 that should be corrected can be easily extracted.

[0045] According to the route generation system 10 of this embodiment, if the route guidance unit 112 evaluates that the destination and the nearest entrance are highly related, it stores the nearest entrance as entrance data 226 associated with the set destination. This allows the destination and the entrance data 226 to be appropriately associated based on the user's evaluation. Therefore, the next time the same destination is set, route guidance to the entrance can be performed in accordance with the user's needs. Specifically, when the same destination is set again, the route generation unit 212 extracts the entrance data 226 associated with the acquired destination instead of step S20 and proceeds to step S100. Therefore, steps S30 and steps S200 to S240 can be omitted, and a route to the entrance data 226 can be generated with simplified processing.

[0046] B. Other embodiments: (B1) In the above embodiment, the route guidance device 100 was shown to be configured as a smartphone. In contrast, the route guidance device 100 may be configured as a car navigation system, a tablet, a personal computer, a game console, or other device.

[0047] (B2) In the above embodiment, the route generation system 10 was shown as being used in delivery operations using a delivery vehicle 50, but its use is not limited to delivery operations and may be used for the driving of various general vehicles or when walking.

[0048] (B3) In the above embodiment, step S240 shows an example in which the route guidance unit 112 stores the coordinates of the set destination as entrance data 226 in association with the map data 222. In contrast, in step S240, only the registration of new entrance data 226 is performed, and the association with the map data 222 does not need to be performed. In this case, additional entrance data 226 can be registered without increasing the capacity of the map data 222.

[0049] (B4) The functions of the route generation server 200 may also be provided in the route guidance device 100. In other words, the route generation system 10 may consist of the route guidance device 100 alone.

[0050] (B5) Each piece of data stored in the memory unit 220 may also be stored in other devices or equipment connected to the route generation server 200 via a network.

[0051] The control and methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control and methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0052] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 10…Route generation system, 50…Delivery vehicle, 70…Communication carrier, 80…Internet, 100…Route guidance device, 102…Communication unit, 110…CPU, 112…Route guidance unit, 120…Storage unit, 122…Positioning unit, 124…Touch panel, 126…Display unit, 200…Route generation server, 202…Communication unit, 210…CPU, 212…Route generation unit, 220…Storage unit, 222…Map data, 224…Guidance data, 226…Entrance data, 228…Road network data, AL…Current location, B1,B2,B3…Building, BE1,BE2,BE3…Entrance, BT1,BT2,BT3…Button, DP…Display screen, G1,G2,GP…Destination, HD…Finger, RT1,RT2…Route, SP…Departure point, W1,W2…Window

Claims

1. A route generation system, A storage unit that stores road network data indicating the road connectivity status and multiple entrance data sets that are pre-set as the entrance locations of features, A route generation unit generates route data representing a route from a starting point to a destination using the aforementioned road network data and the aforementioned multiple entry point data. The system includes a route guidance unit that uses the generated route data to guide the user along a route, The aforementioned path generation unit, The nearest entrance to the set destination is extracted from the aforementioned multiple entrance data. If the distance between the set destination and the extracted nearest entrance is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, route data to the nearest entrance is generated. If the distance is greater than the threshold, route data to the set destination is generated. Route generation system.

2. The route generation system according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is set to a different value for each type of destination set.

3. The route generation system according to claim 1, wherein the route guidance unit displays a registration screen for additionally registering the entry data when the distance is greater than the threshold.

4. The route generation system according to claim 1, wherein the route guidance unit generates route data to the nearest entrance and then displays an evaluation screen that allows the user to evaluate the relationship between the set destination and the nearest entrance.

5. The route generation system according to claim 4, wherein the route guidance unit, when it evaluates that the nearest entrance is highly relevant, stores the nearest entrance as entrance data associated with the set destination.

6. A method for generating a route, The computer refers to a memory unit that stores multiple entrance data sets, which are pre-set as the entrance locations of features, and extracts the nearest entrance data to the set destination. If the computer determines that the distance between the set destination and the extracted nearest entrance is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it generates route data to the nearest entrance. If the distance is greater than the threshold, the computer generates route data to the set destination. Route generation method.

7. It is a program, The system has a function that retrieves the nearest entrance data to a set destination by referring to a memory unit that stores multiple entrance data sets that are pre-set as the entrance locations of a feature, If the distance between the set destination and the extracted nearest entrance is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the system has a function to generate route data to the nearest entrance. If the distance is greater than the threshold, the computer is given the function to generate route data to the set destination. program.

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