Control system and program

Abstract

To provide a route guide system and the like that can perform proper guidance.SOLUTION: A control system includes a control unit. The control unit specifies a first point P1 satisfying a search condition, from among entrances / exits of a traffic facility, on the basis of link information in which information of prescribed entrances / exits of a traffic facility having a plurality of entrances / exits and information of entrances / exits of another traffic facility are associated with each other. Then, the control unit specifies entrances / exits of a traffic facility associated with the first point P1 according to the link information, as a second point P2, in generating route information of a route including the first point P1 and the second point P2, as guide information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a route guidance device that generates guidance information for a movement route from a departure point to a destination while changing a means of movement at a traffic node.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a control system and a program capable of performing appropriate route guidance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a control system according to a first aspect of the present invention identifies a first point that satisfies a search condition from the entrances and exits of the traffic facility based on link information in which information on a predetermined entrance and exit of a traffic facility having a plurality of entrances and exits is associated with information on entrances and exits of other traffic facilities, identifies an entrance and exit of the traffic facility associated with the first point by the link information as a second point, and includes a control unit that generates route information of a route including the first point and the second point as guidance information 、 The control unit, It is possible to access pedestrian network information, which shows information on the sidewalk network accessible to pedestrians, and road network information, which shows information on the road network accessible to vehicles and covers a wider area than the pedestrian network information. The means of travel between the first point and the second point is walking, and for the first section of the route between the first point and the second point that is included in the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, the pedestrian network information is searched to generate route information for the first section. If the route between the first point and the second point includes a second section outside the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, and the first situation is such that it is appropriate to guide the second section using the road network information, then the road network information is searched to generate route information for the second section. If the second section is in a second state different from the first state, the line segment of the second section is not displayed, and guidance information is generated in which both endpoints of the second section are displayed as points. .

[0007] A program relating to the third aspect of the present invention is: Computers, A control unit that, based on link information which is a mutual association between information on predetermined entrances and exits of a transportation facility having multiple entrances and exits and information on entrances and exits of other transportation facilities, identifies a first point that satisfies the search conditions from among the entrances and exits of the transportation facility, identifies the entrance and exit of the transportation facility associated with the first point by the link information as a second point, and generates route information for a route including the first point and the second point as guidance information. To function as 、 The control unit, It is possible to access pedestrian network information, which shows information on the sidewalk network accessible to pedestrians, and road network information, which shows information on the road network accessible to vehicles and covers a wider area than the pedestrian network information. The means of travel between the first point and the second point is walking, and for the first section of the route between the first point and the second point that is included in the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, the pedestrian network information is searched to generate route information for the first section. If the route between the first point and the second point includes a second section outside the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, and the first situation is such that it is appropriate to guide the second section using the road network information, then the road network information is searched to generate route information for the second section. If the second section is in a second state different from the first state, the line segment of the second section is not displayed, and guidance information is generated in which both endpoints of the second section are displayed as points. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system including a network according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a travel route that includes a transportation hub where the mode of transport is changed. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a route at a transportation hub. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the route guidance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a table showing the contents stored in the facility information storage unit. [Figure 6] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating the process of identifying the first and second locations based on the search conditions. [Figure 7] (A) is a diagram showing how off-site route information is generated by connecting the first and second points with the pedestrian network routes. (B) is a diagram showing an example of on-site route information. [Figure 8](A) is a diagram showing an example of a map based on map information. (B) is a diagram showing an example of a display image based on guidance information with route information superimposed on the map based on map information. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server computer. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of traffic node guidance processing. [Figure 11] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing a first example of the relationship between a search condition and a specified entrance / exit. [Figure 12] (A) to (C) are diagrams showing a second example of the relationship between a search condition and a specified entrance / exit. [Figure 13] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing a third example of the relationship between a search condition and a specified entrance / exit. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart of location information acquisition processing. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart of first location information acquisition processing. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart of narrowing-down processing. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart of second location information acquisition processing. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart of route information generation processing. [Figure 19] (A) to (C) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between a walking section and the area of a walking network. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart of off-site route information generation processing. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart of on-site route information generation processing. [Figure 22] (A) is a diagram showing a second example of the display pattern of guidance information with route information superimposed on the map based on map information. (B) is a diagram showing a third example of the display pattern of guidance information with route information superimposed on the map based on map information. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart of guidance information generation processing. [Figure 24](A) is a schematic diagram showing the first example of a display image based on the guidance information. (B) is a table showing the state of narrowing down the first location in the first example. [Figure 25] (A) is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a display image based on guidance information. (B) is a table showing the state of narrowing down the first location in the second example. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a display image based on guidance information. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of a display image based on guidance information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0011] The control system according to this embodiment is a computer system that searches for a travel route from a starting point to a destination and provides the user with guidance information for that travel route. As shown in Figure 1, the control system 1 is built on a server computer 3 that is connected to a user terminal 2 via a communication network. The communication network is, for example, the Internet.

[0012] On user terminal 2, the user specifies the departure point and destination. The specified departure point and destination information is sent from user terminal 2 to server computer 3. The control system 1, built on server computer 3, searches for a travel route from the departure point to the destination, for example, as shown in Figure 2, based on the departure point and destination information sent from user terminal 2. The control system 1 generates guidance information for the searched travel route and sends it to user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 displays the travel route guidance information. The user, upon seeing this display, travels from the departure point to the destination according to the guidance information.

[0013] In the travel route shown in Figure 2, the mode of transportation changes along the way. The mode of transportation from the starting point to A1 is walking, the mode of transportation from A1 to A2 is a bus, the mode of transportation from A2 to A3 is a train, and the mode of transportation from A3 to the destination is a taxi. The points A1 to A3 where the mode of transportation changes along the travel route are called transportation hubs. As shown in Figure 2, the control system 1 generates a travel route from the starting point to the destination by connecting the routes using each mode of transportation at transportation hubs A1 to A3. To generate the travel route, the control system 1 can access the railway network system 4, bus network system 5, road network system 6, pedestrian network system 7, and map database system 8 via a communication network, as shown in Figure 1.

[0014] The railway network system 4 is a system that implements railway network information, which is information representing the railway network. The railway network information is composed of stations as nodes and lines connecting stations as links. The railway network system 4 is configured to receive a station name and then return the location information of that station. In this embodiment, the location information is assumed to be longitude and latitude, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the railway network system 4 is configured to receive information on the departure station and destination station and then return railway route information from the departure station to the destination station.

[0015] The bus network system 5 is a system that implements bus network information showing the bus route network. The bus network information is composed of bus stops as nodes and bus routes connecting the bus stops as links. The bus network system 5 is configured to receive information about the name of a bus stop and return the location of that bus stop. In addition, the bus network system 5 receives information about the departure bus stop and the destination bus stop and returns route information for the bus route from the departure bus stop to the destination bus stop.

[0016] The road network system 6 is a system that implements road network information, which shows information about the road network on which vehicles travel. The road network information is composed of nodes, which are branching points such as intersections, and links, which are roads that vehicles can travel on. When the road network system 6 receives location information for a certain point, it returns the location information for the point on the road indicated by the road network information closest to that point. When the road network system 6 receives location information for two points on a road, it returns the road route information indicated by the road network information between the two points.

[0017] The pedestrian network system 7 is a system that implements pedestrian network information, which indicates information about the network of sidewalks that pedestrians can use. The pedestrian network information is composed of sidewalk junctions as nodes and sidewalks as links. When the pedestrian network system 7 receives location information for a certain point, it returns the location information of the point on the sidewalk indicated by the pedestrian network information closest to that point. When it receives information for two points on the pedestrian network, the pedestrian network system 7 returns the sidewalk route information indicated by the pedestrian network information between those two points.

[0018] The map database system 8 is a system capable of providing map information to the control system 1 via a communication network. Map information is information that constitutes a map image obtained by scaling down the shapes and positional relationships of multiple fixed structures that actually exist on the ground, as viewed from a certain direction. The map database system 8 transmits map information for a specified area.

[0019] The map information includes on-site maps, which are maps of the premises of large-scale transportation facilities such as train stations in major cities. On-site maps include location information for entrances and exits, ticket gates, stairs, elevators, escalators, and facilities for each line, as well as route information between them.

[0020] In addition to address information, the map information also includes details about the names, locations, and attributes of roads, buildings, facilities, and equipment at that location. For example, it includes information about transportation facilities such as train stations, bus stops, taxi stands, parking lots, bicycle parking areas, sharing ports, rental bicycle and car rental offices, as well as their entrances and exits, nearby police boxes, post offices, banks, commercial facilities, or landmarks, and equipment such as stairs, elevators, escalators, barrier-free facilities, coin lockers, or vending machines.

[0021] When the control system 1 searches for a travel route, for example, as shown in Figure 2, it selects a departure station close to the origin and a destination station close to the destination for railways, which are defined as primary transport, and selects the route connecting the departure station and the destination station. Furthermore, the control system 1 finds other routes using means of transport defined as secondary transport, such as buses and taxis. Finally, the control system 1 connects the routes found for each means of transport and generates a travel route from the origin to the destination, passing through transport hubs A1, A2, and A3.

[0022] In reality, as shown in Figure 3, when changing modes of transportation at transportation hub A2, the user gets off the bus at bus stop D1, walks towards station B1, enters through entrance C1, proceeds through the station B1 premises, passes through the ticket gate to the departure platform, and boards the train from the platform. In Figure 3, bus stop D1, station B1 entrances C1 and C2, and departure platforms are shown as dots, and the routes between them are shown as solid lines (walking) or dotted lines (bus, train). Furthermore, large-scale transportation facilities such as station B1 are shown as a circle. The area inside the circle represents the inside of the transportation facility, and the area outside the circle represents the outside of the transportation facility. In the following, transportation hubs will be explained using this type of diagram as appropriate. In Figure 3, bus stop D1 is designated as the first point P1, and station B1 entrance C1 is designated as the second point P2.

[0023] Large-scale transportation facilities have multiple entrances and exits, and the routes between these facilities can sometimes be confusing. Therefore, providing detailed route guidance information at transportation hubs An (where n is a natural number) improves user convenience. The control system 1 provides the user with detailed route guidance information at transportation hubs according to the search conditions sent from the user terminal 2.

[0024] The timing of when search conditions are sent from user terminal 2 can be broadly divided into the following two categories. (A) When user terminal 2 has obtained guidance information for a travel route from the departure point to the destination, for example as shown in Figure 2, and the user confirms the route guidance information at transportation hub An along that travel route: (B) When, on user terminal 2, a travel route from the departure point to the destination has not yet been determined, and the user is checking the optimal travel route from the departure point or to the destination. In case (A), the user terminal 2 may be configured to automatically send the transportation facilities at transportation hub An as search conditions when the user has started moving along the travel route, and the user approaches the transportation hub An. Alternatively, the user may manually specify the transportation facilities as search conditions. Upon receiving the respective search conditions from the user terminal 2 at the timings described above, the control system 1 generates detailed route guidance information at transportation hub An according to the search conditions.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the control system 1 includes a control unit 20. Based on link information, which is a correlation between information about predetermined entrances and exits of a transportation facility having multiple entrances and exits and information about entrances and exits of other transportation facilities, the control unit 20 identifies a first point P1 (see Figure 3) that satisfies the search conditions from among the entrances and exits of the transportation facility. Furthermore, the control unit 20 identifies the entrance and exit of the transportation facility linked to the first point P1 by the link information as the second point P2 (see Figure 3). The second point P2 may also be specified as the departure point or destination as a search condition. Furthermore, the control unit 20 generates route information for the route including the first point P1 and the second point P2 as guidance information.

[0026] The control unit 20 includes a facility information storage unit 10, a search condition input unit 11, a location information acquisition unit 12, a route information generation unit 13, a guidance information generation unit 14, an overall route information holding unit 15, and an output unit 16. Note that the internal configuration of this control unit 20 is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0027] [Facility Information Storage Unit] The facility information storage unit 10 stores information on multiple transportation facilities such as train stations and bus stops. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the facility information storage unit 10 stores information on a train station, which is one of the transportation facilities. The stored station information includes the station name, entrance / exit name, location information, route information, and time of day information.

[0028] Location information consists, for example, of the latitude and longitude coordinates of an entrance / exit. If there are multiple entrances / exits, location information is stored for each entrance / exit. The route indicates the route that can be used with that entrance / exit. The facility information storage unit 10 stores the routes that can be used with an entrance / exit, associating them with the entrance / exit. In addition, the facility information storage unit 10 stores the time periods during which an entrance / exit can be used, associating them with that entrance / exit. If a station has multiple entrances / exits, an identification number (ID), which is identification information, is assigned to each entrance / exit and stored in association with the above information. The ID is unique information for all entrances / exits of a transportation facility.

[0029] Furthermore, information about these stations is stored in association with the type of transportation, namely "railway," in order to distinguish it from other modes of transport.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the facility information storage unit 10 stores information about bus stops, which are transportation facilities, for buses, one of the means of transportation. Similar to the case of railways, bus stop information, entrance / exit names, location information, route information, and time zone information are stored in association with each other. Time zone information can include the time from the first departure to the last departure. Note that bus stops often have no actual entrances or exits. In this case, the entrance / exit name of the bus stop is unnecessary, and the location information of the entrance / exit is set to the location information of the bus stop itself. For a bus center, the names, location information, route information, and time zone information for each of the multiple entrances / exits are stored. This bus stop information is also stored in association with the type of transportation, i.e., "bus," to distinguish it from other means of transportation.

[0031] In addition, for transportation facilities such as taxi stands, rental car and bicycle rental offices, sharing ports, bicycle parking areas, and parking lots, the type of mode of transport and the aforementioned information, including location information, are stored in association with each other, similar to railways and buses.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, at transportation hub A2, transfers take place at entrance / exit C1 and bus stop D1. The facility information storage unit 10 stores the ID of entrance / exit C1 and the ID of bus stop D1 in association with each other. The information of the pair of IDs stored in association is called link information. Link information indicates the connection relationship between entrances / exits of transportation facilities at transportation hub An, and is information in which the information of a predetermined entrance / exit among multiple entrances / exits of a transportation facility is associated with the information of entrances / exits of other transportation facilities. It is possible to refer to the ID of the other entrance / exit that allows transfers using the ID of one entrance / exit as a key. Note that since the distance between entrance / exit C2 and bus stop D1 is too great for a transfer, there is no connection relationship between the ID of entrance / exit C2 and the ID of bus stop D1. The control system 1 generates route information for transportation hub An, for example, by setting bus stop D1 as the first point P1 and entrance / exit C1 as the second point P2. The first point P1 and the second point P2 are reference points for determining the route at the transportation hub An. In the link information of the facility information storage unit 10, they are either entrances / exits of transportation facilities that are linked to each other, or an entrance / exit of a transportation facility and a departure point or destination. As shown in Figure 6(A), when a certain transportation facility is specified, as a rule, its entrance / exit becomes the first point P1, and the entrance / exit of a transportation facility linked to the first point P1 by link information, or a separately specified departure point or destination, becomes the second point P2. Note that the travel route is not always from the first point P1 to the second point P2; it may also be from the second point P2 to the first point P1. The first point P1 and the second point P2 are the order in which those transportation facilities, departure points, or destinations are searched according to the search conditions, and do not indicate the direction of travel.

[0033] [Search Condition Input Section] Returning to Figure 4, the search condition input unit 11 inputs search conditions to search for the entrance / exit of a transportation facility that will be the first point P1. As shown in Figure 6(A), the name of the transportation facility can be specified as a search condition. In this case, the entrance / exit of the specified transportation facility will be searched for as the first point P1. Also, as shown in Figure 6(B), location information of the departure point or destination can be specified as a search condition. In this case, the entrance / exit of a transportation facility close to the departure point or destination will be searched for as the first point P1.

[0034] [Location Information Acquisition Unit] Returning to Figure 4, the location information acquisition unit 12 identifies a first location P1 that satisfies the search conditions from among the entrances and exits of transportation facilities stored in the facility information storage unit 10. As shown in Figure 6(A), if the name of a transportation facility is specified as a search condition, the location information acquisition unit 12 acquires information on the entrances and exits of the transportation facilities associated with that name from among the transportation facilities stored in the facility information storage unit 10 as candidate information for the first location P1. Also, as shown in Figure 6(B), if location information of the departure point or destination is specified, the location information acquisition unit 12 acquires information on the entrances and exits of transportation facilities close to the departure point or destination, based on the location information of the transportation facilities stored in the facility information storage unit 10, as candidate information for the first location P1. Proximity to the destination or departure point is determined by whether the distance between the destination or departure point and the transportation facility, determined from their respective location information, is below a threshold. As shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), multiple candidates for the first location P1 may be selected.

[0035] If other conditions are specified in the search conditions, the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 according to those conditions and finally identifies the first location P1. This narrowing down process will be described later.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the second point P2 can be either an entrance / exit of a transportation facility linked to the first point P1 by link information, or a departure point or destination. The second point P2 can be a departure point or destination only when a transportation facility is specified in the search conditions, as shown in Figure 6(A), and the location information of the departure point or destination is also specified in the search conditions. In the case of the route shown in Figure 6(B), the second point P2 can only be an entrance / exit linked to the first point P1 by link information.

[0037] In this way, the location information acquisition unit 12 refers to the contents of the facility information storage unit 10 according to the search conditions to identify the first location P1 and the second location P2, and acquires the location information of the first location P1 and the second location P2.

[0038] [Route Information Generation Unit] Returning to Figure 4, the route information generation unit 13 generates route information for the route at the traffic hub An, which includes the first point P1 and the second point P2, based on the location information of the first point P1 and the second point P2. The route including the first point P1 and the second point P2 is divided into an off-site route between the entrances and exits of the traffic facilities between the first point P1 and the second point P2, an on-site route of the traffic facilities related to the first point P1, and an on-site route of the traffic facilities related to the second point P2. The route information generation unit 13 generates the off-site route and the on-site route separately and then connects the generated routes. Note that in the case of a traffic facility where the location information of the facility itself and the location information of the entrances and exits match, the route information generation unit 13 does not generate route information for the on-site route for that traffic facility.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the route information generation unit 13 has access to the road network system 6 and the pedestrian network system 7. The route information generation unit 13 searches the pedestrian network system 7 or the road network system 6 and generates off-site route information, which is the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7(A), it is assumed that the first point P1 and the second point P2 are not actually located on the pedestrian network route. In this case, the route information generation unit 13 obtains the location information of points P1' and P2' on the pedestrian network route closest to the first point P1 and the second point P2, respectively, from the pedestrian network information. Based on this location information of points P1' and P2', the route information generation unit 13 searches the pedestrian network information and generates route information for the route between points P1' and P2'. The same applies when searching for road network information. For the first point P1 and point P1', and the second point P2 and point P2', information that associates them in advance may be stored. For example, the facility information storage unit 10 may store the location information of entrances and exits in association with the location information of the pedestrian network closest to that location, and the location information of points P1' and P2' may be read from the facility information storage unit 10.

[0041] The route information generation unit 13 has access to the map database system 8. If the map database system 8 contains on-site map information for the transportation facility that is either the first point P1 or the second point P2, the route information generation unit 13 acquires that on-site map information. Based on the acquired on-site map information, the route information generation unit 13 generates on-site route information for the transportation facility. The facility information storage unit 10 stores location information for entrances and exits and route information. Based on the route information, the route information generation unit 13 searches the on-site map information to identify the location information for the departure and arrival platforms of that route. Furthermore, the route information generation unit 13 searches the on-site map information to generate on-site route information, which is the route between the entrance / exit and the departure / arrival platforms. The generated on-site route information includes, for example, the location information and passing order of departure / arrival platforms, escalators, ticket gates, and entrance / exit C1, as shown in Figure 7(B). The information shown in Figure 7(B) indicates a route that passes through the locations of the departure / arrival platform (XH, YH), the escalator (XS, YS), the west ticket gate (XT, YT), and the entrance / exit C1 (XD, YD) in that order.

[0042] If the map database system 8 does not contain registered on-site map information for a transportation facility, the route information generation unit 13 determines a representative point for that transportation facility and uses the location information of the representative point and entrances / exits as the on-site route information for that transportation facility. For example, the center point of the transportation facility in the map information can be used as the representative point.

[0043] [Information Generation Unit] Returning to Figure 4, the guidance information generation unit 14 obtains map information corresponding to the route based on the route information from the map database system 8. For example, as shown in Figure 8(A), if location information for the station entrance / exit identified as the first point P1 and the taxi stand identified as the second point P2 is obtained, the guidance information generation unit 14 obtains map information for an area where the entire route information can be displayed based on that location information. Note that although the first point P1 and the second point P2 are shown in Figure 8(A), it is not necessary to display (P1) and (P2) on the map based on the actual map information.

[0044] The guidance information generation unit 14 generates guidance information in which route information is superimposed on a map based on map information, for example. For example, if the route information generation unit 13 generates the route information shown in Figure 7(B), then, as shown in Figure 8(B), guidance information is generated in which route information consisting of in-station route information from Platform 1 → escalator → west ticket gate → exit C1 (first point P1) and out-of-station route information from exit C1 → taxi stand (second point P2) is superimposed on a map based on map information.

[0045] [Overall route information storage unit] Returning to Figure 4, the overall route information storage unit 15 stores, for example, route information for each mode of transportation along the overall route from the departure point to the destination in the travel route shown in Figure 2. The route information for each mode of transportation is stored by the overall route information storage unit 15 when the overall travel route shown in Figure 2 is generated. This route information includes information such as the type of transportation and the route between transportation hubs An.

[0046] The guidance information generation unit 14 can read route information for each mode of transport held in the overall route information holding unit 15. The operation of the guidance information generation unit 14 after reading the route information will be described later.

[0047] [Output section] Returning to Figure 4, the output unit 16 outputs guidance information. The guidance information output from the output unit 16 is sent to the user terminal 2 via the communication network.

[0048] [Hardware configuration] The functions of each of the above-mentioned components of the control system 1 shown in Figure 4 are realized, for example, by the hardware configuration of the server computer 3 shown in Figure 9. The server computer 3 comprises one or more processors 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication interface 104, and input / output interface 105. The processor 101 executes the operating system and application programs. The storage 103 consists of a storage medium such as a hard disk, non-volatile semiconductor memory, or removable magnetic disk or optical disk, and stores the operating system and application programs. The memory 102 temporarily stores programs loaded from the storage 103 or calculation results by the processor 101. The processor 101 realizes the functions of the above-mentioned components by executing programs in cooperation with the memory 102. The communication interface 104 performs data communication with the user terminal 2 or other systems via a communication network according to commands from the processor 101. The input / output interface 105 performs input and output of electrical signals with input / output devices such as keyboards, mice, monitors, and touch panels according to commands from the processor 101. Note that the hardware configuration of server computer 3 is not limited to that shown in Figure 9. Server computer 3 only needs to have a hardware configuration capable of executing a program that functions as the facility information storage unit 10, search condition input unit 11, location information acquisition unit 12, route information generation unit 13, guidance information generation unit 14, overall route information holding unit 15, and output unit 16 shown in Figure 4.

[0049] Next, the operation of the control unit 20 in the control system 1 according to this embodiment, that is, the process of guiding the route of the traffic hub An performed by the control unit 20, will be described.

[0050] [Transportation hub guidance processing] First, let's explain the traffic hub guidance processing, which is the main processing of the control unit 20. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 20 waits for search condition input in the search condition input unit 11 (step S1; No). As mentioned above, the search condition is either a traffic facility (facility name) as shown in Figure 6(A) or location information of the departure point or destination as shown in Figure 6(B).

[0051] When search conditions are entered (Step S1; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 of the control unit 20 identifies the first location P1 and the second location P2 based on the entered search conditions and performs location information acquisition processing to acquire the location information of the first location P1 and the second location P2 (Step S2). The location information acquisition unit 12 refers to the facility information storage unit 10 and executes the location information acquisition processing to obtain the location information of the first location P1 and the second location P2 as shown in Figure 6(A) or Figure 6(B).

[0052] After location information processing is complete, the location information acquisition unit 12 determines whether or not it was able to acquire the location information of the first location P1 and the second location P2 (step S3). If the location information of the first location P1 and the second location P2 cannot be acquired (step S3; No), the output unit 16 returns error information to the user terminal 2 indicating that it was not possible to acquire location information according to the search conditions (step S4), and terminates the main processing.

[0053] On the other hand, if location information for the first point P1 and the second point P2 can be obtained (step S3; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 performs route information generation processing to generate route information including the first point P1 and the second point P2 based on the obtained location information (step S5). The generated route information will be information that combines, for example, the off-site route information shown in Figure 7(A) and the on-site route information shown in Figure 7(B).

[0054] Next, the guidance information generation unit 14 performs a guidance information generation process to generate guidance information in which route information is superimposed on a map based on map information (step S6). Here, the map information shown in Figure 8(A) is acquired, and guidance information is generated in which route information is superimposed on a map based on map information, as shown in Figure 8(B).

[0055] Next, the output unit 16 outputs the guidance information generated in the guidance information generation process (step S7), and then waits again for search condition input (step S1; No). The output guidance information is sent back to the user terminal 2 via the communication network.

[0056] The following describes in detail the subroutines of the transportation hub guidance process: location information acquisition process (step S2), route information generation process (step S5), and guidance information generation process (step S6).

[0057] [Location information acquisition process] If a transportation facility is specified as a search condition, the location information acquisition unit 12 refers to the facility information storage unit 10 and identifies all entrances and exits of the specified transportation facility as candidates for the first location P1. In particular, if no other conditions are specified as search conditions besides a transportation facility, the location information acquisition unit 12 refers to the facility information storage unit 10 and identifies all entrances and exits of the specified transportation facility as the first location P1, and identifies all entrances and exits of transportation facilities linked to the first location P1 by link information as the second location P2. For example, as shown in Figure 11(A), if the search condition is only station B1 and no conditions are specified to narrow down the first location P1, entrances and exits C1 to C3 of station B1 are identified as the first location P1, and all transportation facilities linked to entrances and exits C1 to C3 by link information are identified as the second location P2. In Figures 11(A) to 13(B), the locations identified as the first location P1 and the second location P2 are shown as black dots, and the others are shown as white dots.

[0058] It is also possible to include additional limiting conditions in the search conditions. For example, if an entrance / exit of a transportation facility is specified as a limiting condition, the location information acquisition unit 12 refers to the facility information storage unit 10 and narrows down the specified entrance / exit as a candidate for the first location P1. As shown in Figure 11(B), if station B1 and entrance / exit C1 are specified as search conditions, the facility information storage unit 10 narrows down the entrance / exit C1 as a candidate for the first location P1.

[0059] Furthermore, the limiting conditions may include the routes on which the entrance / exit can be used, the time periods during which the entrance / exit can be used, and the types of means of transportation arriving at or departing from the transportation facility related to the second location P2. If these limiting conditions are specified, the location information acquisition unit 12 refers to the facility information storage unit 10 and narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 to those entrances / exits of the specified transportation facility that satisfy the limiting conditions.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 12(A), if route BC1 is specified as a limiting condition, entrances C2 and C4 associated with route BC1 are narrowed down as the first location P1. Also, as shown in Figure 12(B), if the usage time 23:30 is specified as a limiting condition, entrance C2, which is available at that time, is narrowed down as a candidate for the first location P1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 12(C), if location information (X,Y) of the departure point or destination is specified as a limiting condition, the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 to the nearest entrance / exit C1 from the departure point or destination based on the specified location information of the departure point or destination. Alternatively, the candidates for the first location P1 may be narrowed down to entrances / exits whose distance from the departure point or destination is within a threshold.

[0062] As shown in Figure 13(A), if a bus, which is the type of means of transportation at the second location P2, is specified as a limiting condition, the link information in the facility information storage unit 10 is referenced, and entrances C1 and C2 associated with the bus stop that will become the second location P2 are narrowed down as the first location P1.

[0063] As shown in Figure 13(B), when location information of a departure point or destination is specified as the primary search condition, the location information acquisition unit 12 selects a candidate transportation facility for the first location P1 from among the transportation facilities stored in the facility information storage unit 10, based on the specified location information of the departure point or destination. For example, the location information acquisition unit 12 extracts transportation facilities whose distance from the specified departure point or destination is less than or equal to a threshold as candidates for the first location P1. This threshold differs for each mode of transportation and is proportional to the speed of travel for each mode of transportation. For walking, the threshold is small, and for vehicles, the threshold is larger than for walking.

[0064] Furthermore, if the type of mode of transport is specified as an additional limiting condition to the search conditions, the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 to the entrances and exits of transportation facilities corresponding to the specified type of mode of transport. For example, as shown in Figure 13(B), if the location information of the destination (X,Y) and a taxi are specified, the taxi stand closest to the destination (X,Y) is narrowed down to the first location P1, and stations B1 and B3 connected to the taxi stand are identified as the second location P2.

[0065] In the location information acquisition process of step S2 in Figure 10, the first location P1 and the second location P2 are narrowed down as described above. First, as shown in Figure 14, the location information acquisition unit 12 performs a first location information acquisition process to acquire information about the first location P1 (step S10). Next, the location information acquisition unit 12 performs a process to narrow down the candidates for the first location P1 (step S11). Next, the location information acquisition unit 12 performs a second location information acquisition process to acquire information about the second location (step S12).

[0066] [First location information acquisition process] In the first location information acquisition process of step S10 in Figure 14, as shown in Figure 15, the location information acquisition unit 12 determines whether or not a transportation facility is specified in the search conditions (step S20). If a transportation facility is specified (step S20; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 acquires information on the entrance and exit of the specified transportation facility from the facility information storage unit 10 as candidate information for the first location P1 (step S21). As a result, for example as shown in Figure 6(A), information on the entrance and exit of the transportation facility specified in the search conditions is acquired from the facility information storage unit 10 as a candidate for the first location P1.

[0067] If no transportation facility is specified in the search conditions (Step S20; No), the location information acquisition unit 12 determines whether location information for the departure point or destination is specified in the search conditions (Step S22). If location information for the departure point or destination is specified in the search conditions (Step S22; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 searches for transportation facilities near the departure point or destination based on the specified location information (Step S23), and acquires the location information of the searched transportation facilities as candidate information for the first location P1 (Step S24). As a result, for example as shown in Figure 6(B), information on entrances and exits of transportation facilities whose distance from the departure point or destination is less than or equal to a threshold set for each mode of transport is acquired as candidate information for the first location P1.

[0068] After steps S21 and S24 are completed, the location information acquisition unit 12 terminates the first location information acquisition process and returns to the location information acquisition process shown in Figure 14. At this stage, a candidate for the first location P1 corresponding to the search conditions has been selected. On the other hand, if location information for the departure point or destination is not specified in the search conditions (step S22; No), the location information acquisition unit 12 terminates the first location information acquisition process without acquiring information for the candidate for the first location P1, returns to the location information acquisition process shown in Figure 14, and executes the narrowing process (step S11).

[0069] [Filtering process] In the location narrowing process of step S11 in Figure 14, as shown in Figure 16, if an entrance / exit is specified as a search condition (step S30; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 to the specified entrance / exit (step S31). For example, as shown in Figure 11(B), if entrance / exit C1 is specified, entrance / exit C1 is narrowed down to the candidate for the first location P1 from among entrances / exits C1 to C3 of station B1. If no entrance / exit is specified as a search condition (step S30; No), the location information acquisition unit 12 does not execute step S31.

[0070] Next, if a route is specified as a search condition (step S32; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 based on the route (step S33). For example, as shown in Figure 12(A), if route BC1 is specified, entrances C2 and C4 associated with route BC1 are selected from among the entrances C1 to C4 of station B2 as candidates for the first location P1. If a route is not specified as a search condition (step S32; No), the location information acquisition unit 12 does not execute step S33.

[0071] Next, if a time period is specified as a search condition (step S34; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 based on the time period (step S35). For example, as shown in Figure 12(B), if the time 23:30 is specified, entrance C2, which is available all day, is selected from among the entrances C1 to C3 of station B1 as a candidate for the first location P1. If a time period is not specified as a search condition (step S34; No), the location information acquisition unit 12 does not execute step S35.

[0072] Next, if the type of means of transportation at the first location P1 is specified as a search condition (step S36; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the first location P1 based on the type of means of transportation at the first location P1 (step S37). If the type of means of transportation at the first location P1 is not specified as a search condition (step S36; No), the location information acquisition unit 12 does not execute step S37. For example, this narrowing down occurs in the case shown in Figure 13(B), and if the search condition is set to transportation facilities as shown in Figure 13(A), for example, the process in step S37 is not performed.

[0073] Subsequently, the location information acquisition unit 12 completes the filtering process shown in Figure 16, returns to the location information acquisition process shown in Figure 14, and executes the second location information acquisition process (step S12). At this stage, the first location P1 has been filtered as shown in Figures 11(B), 12(A) to 12(C), and 13(B).

[0074] [Second location information acquisition process] The second location information acquisition process in step S12 of Figure 14 is a process that narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 based on limiting conditions related to the information of the second location P2. As shown in Figure 17, the location information acquisition unit 12 determines whether or not transportation facilities and location information of the departure point or destination are specified as search conditions (step S40). If transportation facilities and location information of the departure point or destination are specified (step S40; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 sets the departure point or destination to the second location P2 (step S41). Subsequently, the location information acquisition unit 12 performs narrowing down based on the departure point or destination (step S42).

[0075] On the other hand, if the location information of the transportation facility and the departure or destination is not specified (step S40; No), the location information acquisition unit 12 acquires information on the second location P2 that corresponds to the candidate for the first location P1 based on the link information (step S43).

[0076] At the end of step S42 or step S43, information for the second location P2 has been acquired. The location information acquisition unit 12 determines whether the type of means of transportation for the second location P2 is specified in the search conditions (step S44). If the type of means of transportation for the second location P2 is specified (step S44; Yes), the location information acquisition unit 12 narrows down the candidates for the first location P1 and the second location P2 based on the type of means of transportation for the second location P2 (step S45). As shown in Figure 13(A), if a bus is specified as the type of means of transportation for the second location P2, entrances C1 and C2 are narrowed down as candidates for the first location P1.

[0077] If the type of means of transportation for the second location P2 is not specified as a search condition (step S44; No), or after step S44 is completed, the location information acquisition unit 12 terminates the second location information acquisition process and ends the location information acquisition process shown in Figure 14. At this stage, the candidates for the first location P1 have been narrowed down based on all search conditions, and information including the location information of the first location P1 and the second location P2 has been acquired.

[0078] [Route information generation process] Returning to Figure 10, after the location information acquisition process in step S2 is completed, if location information has been acquired (step S3; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 performs the route information generation process (step S5). In the route information generation process, as shown in Figure 18, the route information generation unit 13 first performs an off-site route information generation process to generate off-site route information for the transportation facility (step S50). Subsequently, if there is an on-site route (step S51; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 performs an on-site route information generation process to generate on-site route information (step S52), and then connects the off-site route information and the on-site route information to generate the final route information at the transportation hub An (step S53).

[0079] [External Route Information Generation Process] If the section between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is a walking section, the route information generation unit 13 basically searches the pedestrian network information of the pedestrian network system 7 to generate a route between the first point P1 and the second point P2. In this case, the start and end points of the walking section will be point P1' near the first point P1 and point P2' near the second point P2 (see Figure 7(A)). If the means of transportation is other than walking, the route information generation unit 13 searches the road network information of the road network system 6 to generate a route between point P1' near the first point P1 and point P2' near the second point P2.

[0080] However, while the road network information of the road network system 6 covers roads nationwide, the area covered by the pedestrian network information provided by the pedestrian network system 7 is smaller. Therefore, it is possible that the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 may include a route that cannot be searched using the pedestrian network information. As shown in Figure 19(A), the route information generation unit 13 searches the pedestrian network information for the first section M1 of the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2, which is included in the area searchable using the pedestrian network information, and generates route information for the first section M1. Figure 19(A) shows the case where the entire section between the first point P1 and the second point P2 corresponds to the first section M1. However, this is not the only way; even if a portion of the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is included in the first section M1 which is searchable using pedestrian network information, the pedestrian network information is searched for that first section M1 and route information for the first section M1 is generated.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19(B), if the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 includes a second section M2 that is outside the area searchable using pedestrian network information, and the second section M2 is in the first situation, in this case, if the distance of the second section M2 exceeds a threshold L, the route information generation unit 13 searches the road network information and generates route information for the second section M2. Figure 19(B) shows the case where the entire section between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is the second section M2. However, it is not limited to this, and even if part of the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is the second section M2 that is outside the area searchable using pedestrian network information, if the second section M2 is in the first situation, the route information generation unit 13 searches the road network information and generates route information for the first section M1.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19(C), the route information generation unit 13 does not generate route information for the second section M2 if the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 includes a second section M2 that is outside the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, and the second section M2 is in a second situation different from the first situation described above, that is, if the distance between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is less than or equal to the threshold L. Instead, the route information for the section between them consists only of the position information of both endpoints of the second section M2. Figure 19(C) shows the case where the entire section between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is the second section M2. In this case, the endpoints of the second section M2 are the first point P1 and the second point P2. However, this is not the only case; even if a part of the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is the second section M2 that is outside the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, if the second section M2 is in the second situation, only the information of both endpoints of the second section M2 is generated as route information.

[0083] If the first section M1 and the second section M2 are mixed between the first point P1 and the second point P2, the route information generation unit 13 generates route information for each section that matches the conditions (whether it is within an area searchable by the sidewalk network information, whether it is the first situation or the second situation), and integrates the generated information to generate route information between the first point P1 and the second point P2.

[0084] In the off-site route information generation process of step S50 in Figure 18, as shown in Figure 20, the route information generation unit 13 determines whether the means of travel is walking or not (step S60). If the means of travel is walking (step S60; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 determines whether there is a first section M1 in the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 that is included in the area searchable by pedestrian network information (step S61). If there is a first section M1 (step S61; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 searches the pedestrian network information and generates route information for the route of the first section M1 (step S62). If there is no first section M1 (step S61; No), the route information generation unit 13 does not execute step S62.

[0085] Next, the route information generation unit 13 determines whether the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2 includes a second section M2 that is outside the area searchable using pedestrian network information (step S63). If there is a second section M2 (step S63; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 determines whether the second section M2 is in the first condition (distance > threshold or greater) (step S64). If the second section M2 is in the first condition (step S64; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 searches the road network information and generates route information for the second section M2 (step S65). If the second section M2 is not in the first condition (step S64; No), the route information generation unit 13 outputs a command to the guidance information generation unit 14 to display only the endpoints of the second section M2 as points, without displaying a line indicating the second section M2 (step S66).

[0086] As a result, for example, for short distances between entrances and exits of transportation facilities, guidance is provided only by indicating the points between the first point P1 and the second point P2. For long distances between entrances and exits of transportation facilities and the starting point or destination, since sidewalks and roadways often coincide, route information for the first section M1 can be generated by searching road network information.

[0087] On the other hand, if the means of transportation is not walking (step S60; No), the route information generation unit 13 searches road network information and generates route information between the first point P1 and the second point P2 (step S65). After step S65 or step S66, if route information for both the first section M1 and the second section M2 has been generated, the route information generation unit 13 integrates that route information (step S67).

[0088] If there is no second section M2 (step S63; No) or after step S67 is completed, the route information generation unit 13 terminates the off-site route information generation process. After that, the route information generation unit 13 returns to step S51 in Figure 18.

[0089] [Campus Route Information Generation Process] In the on-site route information generation process of step S52 in Figure 18, as shown in Figure 21, the route information generation unit 13 determines whether or not on-site map information for the transportation facility that is the first point P1 or the second point P2 exists in the map database system 8 (step S70). If on-site map information exists in the map database system 8 (step S70; Yes), the route information generation unit 13 obtains the on-site map information from the map database system 8 (step S71). Subsequently, the route information generation unit 13 generates on-site route information based on the location information of the entrances and exits of the transportation facility stored in the facility information storage unit 10 and the location information of the departure and arrival platforms based on the routes associated with the entrances and exits, while referring to the on-site map information (step S72).

[0090] On the other hand, if the map database system 8 does not contain site map information (step S70; No), the route information generation unit 13 sets a representative point within the site (step S73). The representative point can be set in various ways. For example, the position that is the average of the location information of multiple entrances and exits of the transportation facility can be set as the representative point. Alternatively, the location information of the transportation facility included in the map information of the map database system 8 can be set as the representative point. When a representative point is set, the route within the transportation facility will be a route that connects the representative point and the first point P1, which is entrance / exit C1, with a straight line, as shown in Figure 22(A), for example.

[0091] After step S71 or step S72 is completed, the route information generation unit 13 terminates the in-site route information generation process. Returning to Figure 18, the route information generation unit 13 connects the in-site route information generated in the in-site route information generation process with the off-site route information generated in the off-site route information generation process to form the overall route information (step S53). After that, the route information generation unit 13 terminates the route information generation process and proceeds to step S6 in Figure 10.

[0092] [Information generation process] In the guidance information generation process of step S6 in Figure 10, as shown in Figure 23, the guidance information generation unit 14 obtains map information for an area where route information can be displayed from the map database system 8 (step S80).

[0093] Next, the guidance information generation unit 14 determines whether or not there is a display section in which the route is displayed using route lines, which are line segments along the route (step S81). Whether or not to display route lines for the entire route can be set in advance. If the route lines are not displayed (step S81; No), the guidance information will be displayed as points only, without connecting the first point P1, the second point P2, and each point of the in-site route information generated by the route information generation unit 13 with route lines, as shown in Figure 22(B), for example.

[0094] Furthermore, if the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2, as shown in Figure 19(C), includes a second section M2 that is outside the area searchable by the pedestrian network, and the distance of the second section M2 is shorter than the threshold L, the route information generation unit 13 instructs that the second section M2 not be connected by a route line, and only the endpoints of the second section M2 be displayed as points. The guidance information generation unit 14 does not generate a route line for the second section M2. On the other hand, for other display sections, the guidance information generation unit 14 can display sections with route lines. The guidance information generation unit 14 can mix sections where the route is represented by a route line and sections where the route is represented only by points within the route.

[0095] If there is a section to be displayed by a route line (step S81; Yes), the guidance information generation unit 14 connects the endpoints of that section to form a route line (step S82).

[0096] Next, the guidance information generation unit 14 determines whether or not to display auxiliary information (step S83). Auxiliary information is information included in the map information provided by the map database, and is obtained from information on the names, locations, and functions of fixed structures on the map, and is information about the area around the entrance identified as the first point P1 or the second point P2. The auxiliary information includes information about at least one of the facilities, equipment, and area around the identified first point P1 or second point P2. For example, auxiliary information includes transportation facilities such as train stations, bus stops, taxi stands, parking lots, sharing ports, and rental car offices; equipment such as stairs, escalators, elevators, and coin lockers; barrier-free facilities; the names of facility entrances; nearby police boxes, post offices, banks, commercial facilities, or landmarks; and information indicating the address of the surrounding area. Whether or not to acquire auxiliary information is predetermined.

[0097] Returning to Figure 23, if auxiliary information is to be displayed (step S83; Yes), the guidance information generation unit 14 obtains auxiliary information associated with the first location P1 or the second location P2 from the facility information storage unit 10 (step S84). If auxiliary information is not to be displayed (step S83; No), the guidance information generation unit 14 does not execute step S84.

[0098] Next, the guidance information generation unit 14 determines whether or not to display the preceding and succeeding route information (step S85). The preceding and succeeding route information is at least one of the route information of means of transport that departs from and arrives at the first point P1, which is an entrance / exit transportation facility, and the route information of means of transport that departs from and arrives at the second point P2, which is an entrance / exit transportation facility, out of the overall route. In addition to the route information generated by the route information generation unit 13, the guidance information generation unit 14 can also display the preceding and succeeding route information by overlaying it on a map based on map information. Whether or not to display the preceding and succeeding route information is predetermined. If the preceding and succeeding route information is to be displayed (step S85; Yes), the guidance information generation unit 14 obtains the preceding and succeeding route information from the overall route information holding unit 15 (step S86). If the preceding and succeeding route information is not to be displayed (step S85; No), the guidance information generation unit 14 does not execute step S86.

[0099] Next, the guidance information generation unit 14 generates guidance information in which the guidance information is superimposed on a map based on the map information (step S87). Here, processing may be applied to highlight the route line or the destination transportation facility along the route so that the route being guided on the map stands out.

[0100] Returning to Figure 10, the output unit 16 returns the guidance information to the user terminal 2 (step S7), and the process ends. Subsequently, a map reflecting the guidance information is displayed on the user terminal 2. The user relies on this guidance information to travel from the starting point to the destination, including travel at transportation hub An.

[0101] Figures 24(A) to 27 show examples of display images illustrating the guidance information generated by this control system 1.

[0102] In the examples shown in Figures 24(A) and 24(B), route information is displayed when the entrance / exit of Station B1 is designated as the first point P1 and the destination is designated as the second point P2. Since entrances / exits C1 to C5 of Station B1 satisfy the conditions for the line and time of day, as a result, entrance / exit C5, which is closest to the destination, is identified as the first point P1. In this display image, the route information to Station B1 (line BC1), which is the route before and after the destination, is also displayed.

[0103] In the examples shown in Figures 25(A) and 25(B), route information is displayed when the entrance / exit of station B1 is designated as the first point P1 and the destination is designated as the second point P2. As shown in Figure 25(B), of the entrances / exits C1 to C5 of station B1, only entrances / exits C3 and C4 satisfy the conditions for the line and time of day, and of these, entrance / exit C4, which is closest to the destination, is identified as the first point P1. As shown in Figure 25(A), this display image also shows the route to station B1 (line BC2).

[0104] In the example shown in Figure 26, the entrance / exit of station B2 is selected as the candidate for the first point P1, and route information is shown when bus, taxi, and bicycle sharing are selected as the type of transportation from the second point P2. In this case, entrance / exit C3, which is close to the bus stop, and entrance / exit C1, which is close to the taxi stand and the sharing port, are identified as the first point P1, and the bus stop, taxi stand, and sharing port are identified as the second point P2. In this display image, the travel circuit is shown as route information before and after the bus stop, taxi stand, and sharing port. By looking at this display image, you can select multiple modes of transportation and check the entrance / exit and travel route corresponding to each mode of transportation.

[0105] In the example shown in Figure 27, the station's B1 south exit is designated as point 1, P1, and the bus stop at the south exit is designated as point 2, with both the in-station and out-of-station routes displayed. In addition, the displayed image shows the route BC1, the means of transportation to station B1, and the route of the bus to be boarded at point 2, P2, as route information. Furthermore, the displayed image shows symbols for various facilities such as stairs, escalators, elevators, bus stops, taxi stands, and coin lockers, corresponding to their locations on the map. In particular, the symbols for facilities on the route information are highlighted by being larger than other symbols. Highlighting methods can include changing the color, flashing, or other techniques. For coin lockers, the size and number of lockers are also displayed.

[0106] Furthermore, the name of the entrance / exit along the route, "Station B1 South Exit," and the name of the passageway along the route, "Station B1 South Exit Underpass," are also displayed. Information about landmarks associated with that entrance / exit is also displayed. Displaying information about surrounding facilities, equipment, and the area along with route information makes it easier for users to understand the route and the surrounding environment.

[0107] As described in detail above, according to the control system 1 of this embodiment, detailed route guidance information at the transportation hub An where the mode of transportation is changed is provided to the user visually, for example, as shown in Figures 24(A) to 27. This allows the user to change their mode of transportation without getting lost by following this guidance information. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

[0108] This control system 1 can be used for Mobility as a Service (MaaS). For example, it can be used in a service that optimizes travel routes when using multiple modes of transportation and allows for a single payment of fares. However, the use of the control system 1 is not limited to this, and it can be used for a variety of purposes.

[0109] The control system 1 is particularly useful when the user is actually traveling along a route. For example, when the user has reached the vicinity of a certain transportation hub An, specifying the transportation facilities at that transportation hub An as a search condition will allow the system to display route guidance information for that transportation hub An on the user terminal, enabling the user to quickly change their mode of transportation at that transportation hub An. Furthermore, this process can be performed automatically when the current location of the user terminal 2 is detected and the distance between that location and the transportation hub An falls below a threshold.

[0110] In control system 1, in addition to the conditions for searching for the entrance / exit of the traffic facility which will be the first point P1, the first point P1 can be further narrowed down by various limiting conditions, making it possible to select a route that is suitable for the situation.

[0111] Control system 1 generates guidance information that displays a route connecting a representative point of the transportation facility and its entrance / exit in a straight line, even if map information of the facility's premises is unavailable. By viewing this display, users can understand the direction they should be heading within the facility.

[0112] The control system 1 guides the user along a route using information displayed on the screen of the user terminal 2. In addition, a function to provide voice guidance along the route can also be added. For example, the system can detect the current location of the user terminal 2 and provide voice guidance when the user approaches a point where the route makes a large turn.

[0113] Control system 1 integrates network information from different modes of transportation, including railway network information, bus network information, road network information, and pedestrian network information, to generate overall route guidance information. It can also provide route guidance information to the user for walking sections that occur when changing modes of transportation. This improves user convenience.

[0114] Furthermore, even if the walking section of the route is in an area that cannot be searched using pedestrian network information, the system can, for example, search road network information to provide guidance for the walking section. Note that the control system 1 generates route information by searching the road network when the distance of the walking section exceeds a threshold L, but it is not limited to this. For example, the system may perform a search for road network information when the first point P1 or the second point P2 is the starting point or destination, considering this as the first situation.

[0115] Furthermore, the following may be adopted as the first situation used in the determination in step S64 of Figure 20. For example, the first situation can be when the walking section (travel between the first point P1 and the second point P2) is not travel within the transportation hub An (at least one of the first point P1 and the second point P2 is not within the transportation hub An). Specifically, this is travel between a transportation facility (first point P1) such as one of the multiple entrances / exits of a station, a bus stop, a port, an airport, a rental car office, a sharing port, a parking lot, a bicycle parking area, etc., and a starting point or destination (second point P2) such as a home or commercial facility (both the first point P1 and the second point P2 are not within the transportation hub An). do not have The first situation is defined as the case where ) is not met. In this case, the route information generation unit 13 searches for road network information and generates route information.

[0116] Furthermore, the second situation can be defined as a situation where the walking section (travel between the first point P1 and the second point P2) is travel within a transportation hub An. Specifically, the second situation can be defined as travel between one of the multiple entrances / exits of a station (first point P1) and another transportation facility such as a bus stop, taxi stand, port, airport, rental car office, sharing port, parking lot, or bicycle parking area (second point P2) where passengers transfer from the train, or travel between one of the multiple entrances / exits of a station on a certain line (first point P1) and one of the multiple entrances / exits of a station on another line where passengers transfer (second point P2). In this case, the guidance information generation unit 14 does not display a line indicating the route between the first point P1 and the second point P2, but instead displays the first point P1 and the second point P2 as points.

[0117] Thus, various conditions can be set for the first and second situations. In addition to whether the distance of the above-mentioned section is within the threshold L and whether the movement is within a traffic hub An, if it is possible to obtain from road network information whether the pedestrian section is a roadway with sidewalks on both sides, the route information generation unit 13 may determine that a roadway with sidewalks on both sides is the first situation and that a roadway without sidewalks is the second situation, and generate route information accordingly.

[0118] From a different perspective, the control system 1 can be seen as comprising a control unit 20 which includes a route information generation unit 13 that generates route information including walking sections based on pedestrian network information or road network information, and a guidance information generation unit 14 that acquires map information corresponding to the route information from a map database and generates guidance information by superimposing the route information on a map based on the map information. The route information generation unit 13 of the control unit 20 searches the pedestrian network information and generates route information for walking sections if the area is searchable using the pedestrian network information. If the walking section is outside the area searchable using the pedestrian network information and the walking section is in a first situation, the route information generation unit 13 searches the road network information and generates route information for walking sections. If the walking section is outside the area searchable using the pedestrian network information and the walking section is in a second situation different from the first situation, the guidance information generation unit 14 generates guidance information in which the start and end points of the walking section are displayed on the map information, but the route between them is not displayed as a line segment. Furthermore, if the walking section spans both inside and outside the area searchable by pedestrian network information, route information is generated separately for the inside and outside the area, and the generated route information is integrated as described above.

[0119] The control system 1 can generate guidance information that displays the route to be guided in various ways, such as lines or point clouds. This allows for display tailored to the user's preferences.

[0120] Control system 1 displays the route along with auxiliary information about surrounding facilities, equipment, and the area overlaid on the map. Displaying the route and surrounding information together makes the route easier to understand intuitively, and improves convenience by allowing users to grasp the surrounding information while traveling along the route.

[0121] The control system 1 can display the routes of means of transportation arriving at or departing from a transportation facility having an entrance / exit at either the first point P1 or the second point P2, by linking them to a route that includes both the first point P1 and the second point P2. By displaying the entire travel route as much as possible, it is possible to get an overview of the routes near the transportation hub.

[0122] The information on transportation facilities stored in the facility information storage unit 10 is not limited to that of this embodiment. Various types of information can be added and deleted as needed. However, at a minimum, the facility information storage unit 10 must contain identification information such as the transportation facility's ID and location information.

[0123] In this embodiment, the means of transportation is the means used for the user's movement. The means of transportation is not limited to those using a moving object, but also includes methods that do not use a moving object, such as walking. The means of transportation may be public transport or a moving object operated by the user. The means of transportation may be a moving object on land or underground, an aerial moving object, or a moving object on water or underwater. Examples of means of transportation include walking, cycling, motorcycling, private cars, taxis, buses, trains, aircraft, drones, and ferries. However, the means of transportation are not limited to these.

[0124] In this embodiment, the control system 1 is connected to the railway network system 4, the bus network system 5, the road network system 6, the pedestrian network system 7, and the map database system 8 via a communication network. However, the control system 1 may also be configured to connect to these systems without using a communication network.

[0125] A transportation facility refers to a facility used by users to change their mode of transportation. Transportation facilities are processed by control system 1 as elements constituting a transportation hub. A transportation facility can be a type of node. Examples of transportation facilities include, but are not limited to, train stations, bus stops, taxi stands, ports, airports, rental car offices, sharing ports, parking lots, and bicycle parking areas.

[0126] A transportation hub is a place where modes of transportation change. More specifically, a transportation hub is a place where multiple modes of transportation, whether of the same or different types, are connected. A transportation hub includes at least one transportation facility.

[0127] Map information refers to information used to display various buildings, roads, road signs, etc. In this embodiment, the map information is associated with road link information included in the map represented by the map information, and at least some of the map information includes feature information (i.e., road feature information included in the map represented by the map information).

[0128] A geographical feature is any tangible or intangible object that exists on the ground. Geographical features can be natural or man-made. For example, geographical features may include mountains, farmland, residential areas, vacant lots, rivers, lakes, seas, tourist spots, roads, railways, buildings, parks, towers, traffic lights, railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges, buoys, etc. Examples of intangible geographical features include areas designated for any purpose (e.g., no-photography zones, temporary no-entry zones, etc.), areas where events are held, meeting places, and photography spots. Naturally, the types of geographical features are not limited to these.

[0129] Public transportation refers to transportation that operates on fixed routes and schedules and is used jointly by the general public. Examples of public transportation include railways (including subways and monorails), trams, buses, airplanes, and ferries, but the definition of public transportation is not limited to these.

[0130] Furthermore, the hardware and software configurations of control system 1 are merely examples and can be changed and modified as needed.

[0131] The program for causing the server computer 3 to function as the control system 1 includes program code for causing the server computer 3 to function as a facility information storage unit 10, a search condition input unit 11, a location information acquisition unit 12, a route information generation unit 13, a guidance information generation unit 14, an overall route information holding unit 15, and an output unit 16.

[0132] The core part of the control system 1 that performs the processing can be implemented using a standard computer system, rather than a dedicated system. For example, the control system 1 that performs the processing may be configured by distributing a computer program for executing the aforementioned operations on a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium (flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.) and installing the computer program on a computer. Alternatively, the computer program may be stored on a storage device of a server on a communication network such as the Internet, and the control system 1 may be configured by a standard computer system downloading it.

[0133] When the functions of control system 1 are realized through a division of labor between the OS (operating system) and application programs, or through collaboration between the OS and application programs, only the application program portion may be stored on a recording medium or storage device.

[0134] It is also possible to superimpose a computer program onto a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, a computer program could be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication network and distributed via the network. This computer program could then be launched and executed under the control of the OS, similar to other application programs, thereby enabling the aforementioned processing.

[0135] Furthermore, in the route guidance device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user is likely to get lost in the route where the means of transportation is changed at the transportation hub An. In addition, the generated guidance information does not include detailed route guidance information at the transportation hub An. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 Control system, 2 User terminal, 3 Server computer, 4 Railway network system, 5 Bus network system, 6 Road network system, 7 Pedestrian network system, 8 Map database system, 10 Facility information storage unit, 11 Search condition input unit, 12 Location information acquisition unit, 13 Route information generation unit, 14 Guidance information generation unit, 15 Overall route information storage unit, 16 Output unit, 20 Control unit, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Storage, 104 Communication interface (I / F), 105 Input / Output interface (I / F)

Claims

1. The control unit includes a control unit that, based on link information which is a relationship between information on predetermined entrances and exits of a transportation facility having multiple entrances and exits and information on entrances and exits of other transportation facilities, identifies a first point that satisfies the search conditions from among the entrances and exits of the transportation facility, identifies the entrance and exit of the transportation facility associated with the first point by the link information as a second point, and generates route information of a route including the first point and the second point as guidance information. The control unit, It is possible to access pedestrian network information, which shows information on the sidewalk network accessible to pedestrians, and road network information, which shows information on the road network accessible to vehicles and covers a wider area than the pedestrian network information. The means of transportation between the first point and the second point is walking, and for the first section of the route between the first point and the second point that is included in the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, the pedestrian network information is searched to generate route information for the first section. If the route between the first point and the second point includes a second section outside the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, and the first situation is such that it is appropriate to guide the second section using the road network information, then the road network information is searched to generate route information for the second section. If the second section is in a second state different from the first state, the line segment of the second section is not displayed, and guidance information is generated in which both endpoints of the second section are displayed as points. Control system.

2. The control unit, based on information relating the location information of the entrance and exit of the transportation facility and the type of transportation means arriving at or departing from the transportation facility, If the search conditions specify the type of means of transportation that departs from or arrives at the transportation facility having an entrance / exit that is a candidate for the first location, The candidates for the first location are narrowed down to the entrances and exits of the transportation facility where the specified type of transportation arrives and departs. The control system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, based on information relating the location information of the entrance and exit of the transportation facility and the route information of the means of transport arriving at and departing from the transportation facility, If the map information includes on-site map information of a transportation facility having an entrance / exit identified as the first or second point, the on-site map information is searched to generate on-site route information between the departure / arrival platform of the means of transport route at the identified transportation facility and the identified entrance / exit. If the map information does not include the site map information, route information within the site of the transportation facility is generated based on the location information of a representative point of the transportation facility having the specified entrance and the location information of the specified entrance. The control system according to claim 1.

4. If the map information includes auxiliary information relating to the area around the entrance / exit identified as the first or second point, The control unit extracts the auxiliary information from the map information and generates the guidance information by superimposing a display based on the auxiliary information onto the map based on the map information. The aforementioned auxiliary information includes information relating to at least one of the facilities, equipment, and areas surrounding the identified first or second location. The control system according to claim 1.

5. Computers, A control unit that, based on link information which is a relationship between information on predetermined entrances and exits of a transportation facility having multiple entrances and exits and information on entrances and exits of other transportation facilities, identifies a first point that satisfies the search conditions from among the entrances and exits of the transportation facility, identifies the entrance and exit of the transportation facility that is linked to the first point by the link information as a second point, and generates route information of a route including the first point and the second point as guidance information. To make it function as, The control unit, It is possible to access pedestrian network information, which shows information on the sidewalk network accessible to pedestrians, and road network information, which shows information on the road network accessible to vehicles and covers a wider area than the pedestrian network information. The means of transportation between the first point and the second point is walking, and for the first section of the route between the first point and the second point that is included in the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, the pedestrian network information is searched to generate route information for the first section. If the route between the first point and the second point includes a second section outside the area searchable by the pedestrian network information, and the first situation is such that it is appropriate to guide the second section using the road network information, then the road network information is searched to generate route information for the second section. If the second section is in a second state different from the first state, the line segment of the second section is not displayed, and guidance information is generated in which both endpoints of the second section are displayed as points. program.

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