Navigation system

Abstract

The present invention provides driving assistance in accordance with cognitive ability. This navigation system is provided with: a cognitive ability assessment unit; a map information database; and a route search unit. The cognitive ability assessment unit assesses the cognitive ability, of a driver, involved in driving. The map information database stores map information for use in a route search. The route search unit searches for a route from the position of a vehicle to a destination position by using the start position for the route search, the destination position of the route search, and the map information. The map information database has, as the map information, first map information including, as elements, at least a plurality of roads for use in the route search, and second map information including cognitive ability weight information that is set for each of the elements of the first map information on the basis of the cognitive ability. The route search unit searches for the route on the basis of the first map information and the second map information.

Description

Navigation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a navigation system that provides driving support according to the cognitive ability of a driver.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a navigation device that monitors the driver's behavior and accumulates the results of this behavior monitoring.

[0003] The navigation device of Patent Document 1 uses the accumulated behavior monitoring results to provide a route guidance service that is tailored to the driver's behavioral tendencies and personality.

[0004] Patent Literature 2 describes a method for estimating awareness. The method detects a decline in awareness while driving. The method uses the detected decline in awareness while driving for driving assistance.

[0005] JP 2008-058193 A JP 2015-080549 A

[0006] Currently, traffic accidents involving elderly drivers are becoming a problem. One of the causes of these accidents is that drivers with impaired cognitive abilities are driving.

[0007] However, the navigation device of Patent Document 1 and the cognitive ability estimation method of Patent Document 2 do not use cognitive ability for driving assistance.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide driving assistance according to cognitive ability.

[0009] A navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cognitive ability assessment unit, a map information database, and a route search unit. The cognitive ability assessment unit assesses a driver's cognitive ability related to driving. The map information database stores map information used for route search. The route search unit searches for a route from the vehicle's location to the destination location using a starting location for route search, a destination location for route search, and the map information.

[0010] The map information database has, as map information, first map information that includes at least a plurality of roads used in route search as components, and second map information that includes cognitive ability-specific weighting information set for the plurality of components of the first map information based on cognitive ability.

[0011] The route search unit performs a route search based on the first map information and the second map information.

[0012] In this configuration, routes are explored according to cognitive ability.

[0013] According to the present invention, driving assistance can be provided according to cognitive ability.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a table showing an example of setting cognitive ability levels, FIG. 2B is a table showing an example of setting weighting coefficients for each cognitive ability, and FIG. 2C is a table showing an example of setting cognitive ability levels and weighting coefficients for each road. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a cognitive ability assessment unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first example of a navigation method performed by the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second example of a navigation method performed by the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device of a navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first example of an information feedback method performed by the navigation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second example of an information feedback method performed by the navigation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third example of an information feedback method performed by the navigation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] First Embodiment A navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (System Configuration) Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the navigation system 10 includes a system control unit 20, a cognitive ability assessment unit 30, and a navigation device 40.

[0017] The system control unit 20, the cognitive ability assessment unit 30, and the navigation device 40 are connected via an information and communication network such as the Internet.

[0018] The system control unit 20 is provided in a device connectable to an information communication network, or on a cloud such as a cloud server.

[0019] The cognitive ability assessment unit 30 is provided in a device worn by the driver. The driver here primarily refers to a person before driving a vehicle. However, the driver may also include a person currently driving.

[0020] The navigation device 40 is installed in a vehicle driven by a driver.

[0021] The navigation system 10 generally performs the following process.

[0022] Before performing a route search, the cognitive ability assessment unit 30 observes the driver's brain waves and generates cognitive ability assessment data. The cognitive ability assessment data is data for assessing the driver's cognitive abilities (particularly latent cognitive abilities) related to driving. The cognitive ability assessment unit 30 outputs the cognitive ability assessment data to the system control unit 20.

[0023] The system control unit 20 pre-stores map information (first map information) used for general route searches and map information (second map information) including cognitive ability weighting information according to cognitive ability levels.

[0024] The system control unit 20 uses the cognitive ability assessment data to assess the driver's cognitive ability related to driving and generate a cognitive ability level.

[0025] The system control unit 20 receives the starting position, the destination position, and the driver's identification information from the navigation device 40. The system control unit 20 detects the driver's cognitive ability level from the driver's identification information based on various information from the navigation device 40. The system control unit 20 provides the navigation device 40 with second map information and first map information according to the detected cognitive ability level.

[0026] The navigation device 40 uses the information provided by the system control unit 20 to perform a route search according to the cognitive ability.

[0027] This allows the navigation system 10 to provide driving assistance according to the driver's cognitive ability.

[0028] 1 , the system control unit 20 includes a cognitive ability data generation unit 21, a navigation-related information communication unit 22, a cognitive ability level database (cognitive ability level DB) 210, a first map information database (first map information DB) 221, and a second map information database (second map information DB) 222. The first map information database 221 and the second map information database 222 are provided separately. In other words, the navigation-related information communication unit 22 can access the first map information database 221 and the second map information database 222 independently.

[0029] Figure 2(A) is a table showing an example of setting cognitive ability levels, Figure 2(B) is a table showing an example of setting weighting coefficients for each cognitive ability, and Figure 2(C) is a table showing an example of setting cognitive ability levels and weighting coefficients for each road.

[0030] The cognitive ability data generation unit 21 acquires cognitive ability evaluation data from the cognitive ability assessment unit 30. The cognitive ability data generation unit 21 estimates the cognitive ability level of the driver using the cognitive ability evaluation data. The cognitive ability data generation unit 21 estimates the cognitive ability level at a plurality of discrete levels. For example, the cognitive ability data generation unit 21 estimates the cognitive ability level at five levels and sets a plurality of cognitive ability levels L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. Here, as an example, as shown in FIG. 2A , the plurality of cognitive ability levels L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are set such that the larger the subscript to L, the higher the cognitive ability. In other words, the plurality of cognitive ability levels L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are set such that the smaller the subscript to L, the more severe the decline in cognitive ability.

[0031] The cognitive ability data generation unit 21 generates cognitive ability data by associating the cognitive ability level with the driver (driver ID) whose cognitive ability level is to be estimated. The cognitive ability data generation unit 21 stores the cognitive ability data in the cognitive ability level database 210.

[0032] The estimation of the cognitive ability level of the driver and the generation of the cognitive ability data are performed at a predetermined cycle (e.g., every six months, every year, etc.) Every time new cognitive ability data is generated, the cognitive ability data generation unit 21 updates and stores the cognitive ability data in the cognitive ability level database 210.

[0033] The cognitive ability level database 210 stores cognitive ability data for each driver.

[0034] The first map information database 221 stores first map information used for general route searches. The first map information includes, as first components, a plurality of roads and junctions between the plurality of roads. Furthermore, the first map information includes, as first components, for example, distances between the plurality of roads, types of the plurality of roads (general roads or toll roads), information on intersections where the plurality of roads intersect (priority roads, etc.), widths of the plurality of roads, congestion information, and traffic information (congestion information, speed limits, etc.). The first components correspond to "external attention information."

[0035] The first map information may include at least a plurality of roads and junctions between the plurality of roads, and may include other components as appropriate according to the specifications required for route search.

[0036] The first map information sets an index value for route search for each first component such as a road. For example, in the case of road distance, the index value for route search is set so that the shorter the road distance, the higher the index value for route search.

[0037] The second map information database 222 stores second map information that reflects cognitive abilities. The second map information includes cognitive ability-specific weighting information that is set for each of a plurality of roads and junctions of the plurality of roads based on the cognitive ability level.

[0038] The cognitive ability-based weighting information is information that sets the priority of road selection in route search according to cognitive ability. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second map information database 222 sets weighting coefficients kw1, kw2, kw3, kw4, and kw5 according to the driving difficulty of multiple roads. The weighting coefficients kw1, kw2, kw3, kw4, and kw5 are set so that the higher the driving difficulty of the road, the higher the weighting coefficient, and the larger the subscript to kw (kw1<kw2<kw3<kw4<kw5). The weighting coefficients are set, for example, as positive values.

[0039] The driving difficulty level is set based on, for example, the following items, and is set higher as the following items are included.

[0040] 2C, for example, the second map information database 222 sets weighting coefficients for each of a plurality of roads for each of cognitive ability levels L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. The weighting coefficients set for each road according to the cognitive ability level are the cognitive ability-specific weighting coefficients.

[0041] For example, in the case of Figure 2(C), the road LD1 connecting points P1 and P2 has the lowest driving difficulty for drivers of all cognitive ability levels (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5). Therefore, a weighting coefficient kw1 is set for all cognitive ability levels (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5).

[0042] On the other hand, road LD2 connecting points P1 and P2 has the highest driving difficulty for drivers with cognitive ability level L1. Therefore, a weighting coefficient kw5 is set for cognitive ability level L1. On road LD2, the driving difficulty is medium for drivers with cognitive ability levels L2 and L3. Therefore, a weighting coefficient kw3 is set for cognitive ability levels L2 and L3. On road LD2, the driving difficulty is low for drivers with cognitive ability levels L4 and L5. Therefore, a weighting coefficient kw1 is set for cognitive ability levels L4 and L5.

[0043] The method for setting the weighting coefficient according to the cognitive ability level is not limited to the above method, but may be set in any way so that roads with high driving difficulty are not selected for people with low cognitive ability levels.

[0044] The navigation-related information communication unit 22 receives the starting position, the destination position, and the driver's identification information from the navigation device 40. The navigation-related information communication unit 22 detects the driver's cognitive ability level based on the driver's identification information by referring to the cognitive ability level database 210. The navigation-related information communication unit 22 provides the navigation device 40 with first map information based on the starting position and the destination position, and second map information based on the first map information and the cognitive ability level.

[0045] This allows the navigation-related information communication unit 22 to provide the navigation device 40 with map information for route search in accordance with the driver's cognitive ability regarding driving.

[0046] 3 is a functional block diagram of the cognitive ability assessment unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The cognitive ability assessment unit 30 includes a stimulus presentation unit 31, a brain signal detection unit 32, a response detection unit 33, an event-related potential detection unit 34, a readiness potential detection unit 35, a response speed detection unit 36, and a communication unit 37.

[0047] The cognitive ability assessment unit 30 generates cognitive ability assessment data as follows before the driver drives, in other words, before performing a route search.

[0048] The stimulus presentation unit 31 presents stimuli to the driver whose cognitive ability is to be evaluated. The stimuli are, for example, stimuli that simulate images or sounds related to dangers while driving.

[0049] The brain signal detector 32 is, for example, a wearable device that is worn by a driver whose cognitive ability is to be evaluated. The brain signal detector 32 detects the brain signals of the driver. The brain signal detector 32 outputs the brain signals to the event-related potential detector 34 and the readiness potential detector 35.

[0050] The event-related potential detection unit 34 detects event-related potentials (such as P300) from brain signals. If the stimulus is visual, the event-related potential is a visual event-related potential (e.g., P300), and if the stimulus is auditory, the event-related potential is an auditory event-related potential (e.g., MMN). The event-related potential detection unit 34 outputs the detection results of the event-related potential (presence or absence of an event-related potential, etc.) to the communication unit 37.

[0051] The readiness potential detection unit 35 detects the readiness potential from the brain signal and outputs the detection result of the readiness potential (presence or absence of the readiness potential, the time from the presentation of a stimulus to the occurrence of the readiness potential, etc.) to the communication unit 37.

[0052] The response detection unit 33 is a device that detects a response operation of the driver whose cognitive ability is to be evaluated in response to a stimulus, such as a simulated steering wheel, simulated pedals, or operation buttons. The response detection unit 33 detects the response operation of the driver whose cognitive ability is to be evaluated and generates a response signal. The response detection unit 33 outputs the response signal to the response speed detection unit 36.

[0053] The response speed detection unit 36 ​​detects the response speed from the time difference between the timing of presentation of the stimulus and the timing of detection of the response signal, and outputs the response speed to the communication unit 37.

[0054] The communication unit 37 generates cognitive ability assessment data including at least one of the event-related potential detection result, the readiness potential detection result, and the response speed. The communication unit 37 associates the cognitive ability assessment data with the driver ID (identification information of the driver) of the evaluated person, and transmits the data to the cognitive ability data generation unit 21 of the system control unit 20.

[0055] Although the above example shows a case where a visual stimulus is used, an auditory stimulus may also be used, or both a visual stimulus and an auditory stimulus may also be used.

[0056] In this way, the cognitive ability evaluation data is based on event-related potentials or driving readiness potentials using brain signals (electroencephalograms) in response to visual or auditory stimuli. Therefore, the navigation system 10 can evaluate the driver's cognitive ability for driving with high accuracy. Furthermore, the cognitive ability evaluation data is based on response speed. Therefore, the navigation system 10 can evaluate the driver's cognitive ability for driving with high accuracy.

[0057] (Navigation Device 40) Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the navigation device 40 includes a navigation control unit 41, a position detection sensor 42, an operation unit 43, a display unit 44, a communication unit 49, and a map information storage unit 401. The navigation control unit 41 includes a route search unit 411 and a destination setting unit 412.

[0058] The communication unit 49 communicates information with devices external to the navigation device 40 including the system control unit 20 .

[0059] The map information storage unit 401 stores map information for displaying the current position of the vehicle, the starting position, the destination position, and the route search results on the display unit 44. The map information in the map information storage unit 401 and the first map information are linked with each other in terms of road identification information and the like.

[0060] The position detection sensor 42 is realized by, for example, a GPS positioning sensor, and detects the current position of the vehicle. The position detection sensor 42 outputs the detected current position to the navigation control unit 41.

[0061] The operation unit 43 receives operation input for route search. The operation unit 43 is realized by, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 44.

[0062] The display unit 44 displays the map stored in the map information storage unit 401. The display unit 44 also displays the current position of the vehicle. The display unit 44 also displays navigation information. The navigation information includes a recommended route obtained as a result of the route search performed by the navigation control unit 41.

[0063] The destination setting unit 412 of the navigation control unit 41 sets a destination position for route search based on, for example, the result of operation input from the operation unit 43 .

[0064] The route search unit 411 of the navigation control unit 41 acquires the current position of the vehicle from the position detection sensor 42, and acquires the destination position for route search from the destination setting unit 412. If a departure position is specified using, for example, the operation unit 43, the route search unit 411 acquires the departure position.

[0065] The route search unit 411 also acquires identification information of the driver currently driving the vehicle. There are various methods for acquiring the driver's identification information, and examples of the method include operation input by the operation unit 43, a contact-type target detection sensor, etc.

[0066] The route search unit 411 transmits the starting position of the route search (or the current position of the vehicle), the destination position of the route search, and the driver's identification information to the navigation-related information communication unit 22 of the system control unit 20 via the communication unit 49 .

[0067] As described above, the navigation-related information communication unit 22 provides the route search unit 411 with the first map information and the second map information to be used for the route search based on the starting position of the route search (or the current position of the vehicle), the destination position of the route search, and the driver's identification information.

[0068] The route search unit 411 performs a route search using the first map information and the second map information. For example, the route search unit 411 performs a route search using Dijkstra's algorithm or a search method equivalent thereto. In this case, the route search unit 411 acquires index values ​​for first components such as roads (edges) and intersections (nodes) from the first map information. The route search unit 411 acquires weighting coefficients (cognitive ability-specific weighting information) according to the cognitive ability level for the roads (edges) and intersections (nodes).

[0069] For example, the route search unit 411 multiplies the index value by a weighting coefficient and performs a route search using the multiplication result.

[0070] By performing such processing, the navigation system 10 can search for a route that corresponds to the cognitive ability of the driver. Specifically, for example, for a person with low cognitive ability, the navigation system 10 can select a route with a lower driving difficulty level even if there is a route that is prioritized in a normal route search. On the other hand, for a person with high cognitive ability, the navigation system 10 can select a route that is prioritized in a normal route search.

[0071] In the above configuration, the functional unit that performs the route search (route search unit 411) is provided in the navigation device 40. However, the functional unit that performs the route search (route search unit) may be provided in the system control unit 20.

[0072] In this case, the navigation device 40 transmits the current vehicle position and the destination position of the route search to the system control unit 20. The route search unit of the system control unit 20 performs a route search in the same manner as the above-described route search unit 411, using the current vehicle position and the destination position of the route search from the navigation device 40. The system control unit 20 then transmits the results of the route search to the navigation device 40.

[0073] (Navigation Method 1) Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a first example of a navigation method performed by the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the details of each process have been described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

[0074] The navigation system 10 acquires the cognitive ability level of the driver (S101). At this time, the navigation system 10 acquires the cognitive ability level before the driver starts driving, in other words, before performing a route search.

[0075] The navigation system 10 acquires the starting position of the route search and the destination position of the route search (S102).

[0076] The navigation system 10 sets a plurality of waypoints between the departure position and the destination position (S103).

[0077] The navigation system 10 performs a route search using Dijkstra's algorithm or a search method equivalent thereto. Specifically, the navigation system 10 conceptually performs the following individual processes.

[0078] The navigation system 10 sets one or more road candidates (S104). If there are multiple road candidates, the navigation system 10 selects one road candidate and performs correction according to the cognitive ability level (correction using a cognitive ability-specific weighting coefficient). If the selected corrected road candidate is the highest priority road (S105: YES), the navigation system 10 confirms this road candidate as the road to be selected (S106). Note that if the selected corrected road candidate is not the highest priority road (S105: NO), the navigation system 10 selects a different road and performs the same process.

[0079] If the destination position has not been reached (S107: NO), the navigation system 10 sets the next waypoint and continues the process of determining the road to be selected.

[0080] When the navigation system 10 reaches the destination position (S107: YES), the navigation system 10 notifies the user (e.g., the driver) of a recommended route from the departure position to the destination (S108). As the notification, the navigation system 10 performs processing to add the recommended route to the map displayed on the display unit 44, for example.

[0081] Although the above method shows a case where cognitive ability is evaluated before a route search is performed, it is also possible to perform a route search based on the cognitive ability evaluated after the route search.

[0082] For example, the cognitive ability assessment unit 30 assesses cognitive ability after route search, the map information database updates the second map information based on the cognitive ability assessed after route search, and the route search unit 411 performs a route search based on the updated second map information.

[0083] This allows the navigation system 10 to perform route searches according to the latest cognitive abilities.

[0084] (Navigation Method 2) FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second example of the navigation method performed by the navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The second example is an example of the case where there are multiple highest priority roads when correction based on cognitive ability level is made in the first example.

[0086] The navigation system 10 acquires the cognitive ability level of the driver (S201). At this time, the navigation system 10 acquires the cognitive ability level before the driver starts driving, in other words, before performing a route search.

[0087] The navigation system 10 acquires the starting position of the route search and the destination position of the route search (S202).

[0088] The navigation system 10 sets a plurality of waypoints between the departure position and the destination position (S203).

[0089] The navigation system 10 sets one or more road candidates (S204). If there are multiple road candidates (S205: YES), the navigation system 10 selects a road candidate and performs correction according to the cognitive ability level (correction using a cognitive ability-specific weighting coefficient). If the selected corrected road candidate is the highest priority road, in other words, if there are no multiple highest priority roads (S207: NO), the navigation system 10 confirms this road candidate as the road to be selected (S209).

[0090] If there are multiple top priority roads (S207: YES), the navigation system 10 selects the top priority road based on additional factors (S208). Additional factors include, for example, road surface conditions due to weather, traffic congestion information, etc.

[0091] If the destination position has not been reached (S210: NO), the navigation system 10 sets the next waypoint and continues the process of determining the road to be selected.

[0092] When the navigation system 10 reaches the destination position (S210: YES), it notifies the user (for example, the driver) of a recommended route from the departure position to the destination (S211).

[0093] The additional elements may be included in the first map information in advance. In this case, the navigation system 10 may select one of the multiple highest priority roads as appropriate, or may select the next road after the multiple highest priority roads based on the evaluation results.

[0094] [Second Embodiment] A navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The navigation system according to the second embodiment differs from the navigation system according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the navigation device and the processing of the system control unit. Other configurations and processing of the navigation system according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the navigation system 10 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions of similar parts will be omitted.

[0095] 7 is a functional block diagram of a navigation device of a navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the navigation device 40A differs from the navigation device 40 in that it includes a navigation control unit 41A and a driving state detection unit 45. The navigation control unit 41A differs from the navigation control unit 41 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a feedback information generation unit 413.

[0096] The driving state detection unit 45 detects the driving state of the driver. The driving state includes at least one of dangerous driving and deviation from the route. Dangerous driving includes at least one of sudden acceleration of the vehicle, sudden steering, sudden stopping, wrong-way driving, and failure to stop. Deviation from the route is when the recommended route (recommended route) presented to the driver by route search differs from the actual route of the vehicle based on the current position of the vehicle.

[0097] The driving condition detection unit 45 outputs the detected driving condition to the feedback information generation unit 413 in the navigation control unit 41A.

[0098] In the case of dangerous driving, the feedback information generating unit 413 generates feedback information including the type of dangerous driving, the location of the dangerous driving, and the cognitive ability level of the driver.In the case of route deviation, the feedback information generating unit 413 generates feedback information including the location of the route deviation, the state of the route deviation (in which direction the deviation occurred), and the cognitive ability level of the driver.

[0099] The feedback information generating unit 413 transmits the feedback information to the navigation-related information communicating unit 22 of the system control unit 20 .

[0100] The navigation-related information communication unit 22 analyzes the feedback information and updates the second map information. Specifically, in the case of dangerous driving, the navigation-related information communication unit 22 extracts the type and location of the dangerous driving from the feedback information and updates the driving difficulty level of the road according to the location. In addition, the navigation-related information communication unit 22 updates the weighting coefficient (cognitive ability-specific weight information) according to the cognitive ability level of the second map information based on the cognitive ability level extracted from the feedback information and the cognitive ability level already stored in the second map information.

[0101] With this configuration and processing, the navigation system can more accurately adapt the second map information to the cognitive ability level, and weighting coefficients that more accurately reflect the cognitive ability level are set in the second map information.

[0102] Therefore, the navigation system can provide more appropriate driving assistance by taking cognitive ability into account.

[0103] (Information Feedback Method 1) Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a first example of an information feedback method performed in a navigation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows a first example of a method for feedback of information based on dangerous driving.

[0104] The navigation system stores a driving route (S301) and detects dangerous driving (S311). If the navigation system detects dangerous driving (S311: YES), it stores the location of the dangerous driving (S312).

[0105] The navigation system repeats the above process until the destination position is reached (S313: NO).

[0106] When the navigation system arrives at the destination location (S313: YES), the navigation system generates feedback information using the reckless driving detection result and the location of the reckless driving, and updates and sets the second map information based on the feedback information (S302).

[0107] (Information Feedback Method 2) Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a second example of an information feedback method performed in a navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 shows a second example of a method for feedback of information based on dangerous driving. The second example differs from the first example in that the cognitive ability level of the driver is confirmed each time dangerous driving is detected.

[0108] The navigation system detects dangerous driving while storing a driving route (S301) (S311). When the driving state detection unit 45 detects dangerous driving (S311: YES), the navigation control unit 41A (corresponding to the "driving cognitive ability detection unit") of the navigation device 40A detects the driver's cognitive ability level. For example, the navigation control unit 41A acquires the driver's cognitive ability level from the cognitive ability level DB 210 of the system control unit 20. When the navigation system detects that the driver is a person with reduced cognitive ability (a person whose cognitive ability level is reduced) (S315: YES), it acquires the stored cognitive ability level of the driver (S316). Note that, at this time, if electroencephalogram observation is possible to evaluate the driver's cognitive ability level, the navigation control unit 41A may detect the driver's cognitive ability level while driving and use the detected cognitive ability level.

[0109] If the driver has reduced cognitive ability, the navigation system stores the detection result of dangerous driving, the location of the dangerous driving, and the cognitive ability level in association with each other (S312A).

[0110] If the navigation system detects that the person is not cognitively impaired (S315: NO), it does not store the location of the dangerous driving.

[0111] The navigation system repeats the above processes until the destination position is reached (S313: NO).

[0112] When the navigation system arrives at the destination location (S313: YES), the navigation system generates feedback information using the detection result of the reckless driving, the location of the reckless driving, and the cognitive ability level, and updates and sets the second map information based on the feedback information (S302).

[0113] (Information Feedback Method 3) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a third example of the information feedback method performed in the navigation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows an example of a method for feeding back information based on deviation from a route.

[0114] The navigation system stores the driving route (S301) and detects deviation from the route (S321). When the navigation system detects deviation from the route (S321: YES), it stores the deviation location and the deviation route (the road traveled by mistake) (S322).

[0115] The navigation system repeats the above process until the destination position is reached (S323: NO).

[0116] When the navigation system arrives at the destination location (S323: YES), the navigation system generates feedback information using the deviation detection result, the deviation location, and the deviation route, and updates the second map information based on the feedback information (S302).

[0117] In each of the above-described embodiments, the navigation system may issue a warning notification when approaching a road or intersection with a high driving difficulty level. In this case, the navigation system may select whether or not to issue a warning notification depending on the cognitive ability level. For example, the navigation system may select whether or not to issue a warning notification, such as issuing a warning notification only when the cognitive ability level is equal to or lower than a predetermined level, and not issuing a warning notification when the cognitive ability level exceeds the predetermined level.

[0118] <1> A navigation system comprising: a cognitive ability evaluation unit that evaluates a driver's cognitive ability related to driving; a map information database that stores map information used for route search; and a route search unit that performs the route search from the departure position to the destination position using a starting position of the route search, a destination position of the route search, and the map information, wherein the map information database has, as the map information, first map information that includes at least a plurality of roads used in the route search, each of which includes, as components, second map information that includes cognitive ability-specific weighting information that is set for the plurality of components of the first map information based on the cognitive ability, and wherein the route search unit performs the route search based on the first map information and the second map information.

[0119] <2> The navigation system of <1>, wherein the map information database includes external attention information for driving in the first map information, and the route search unit performs the route search using the first map information including the external attention information.

[0120] <3> The navigation system of <1> or <2>, wherein the map information database is provided in a system control unit on a cloud, the route search unit is mounted on a vehicle driven by a driver, and the route search unit acquires the first map information and a portion of the second map information from the map information database to perform the route search.

[0121] <4> The navigation system of <1> or <2>, wherein the map information database and the route search unit are provided in a system control unit on a cloud, and the route search unit acquires a current vehicle position and a destination position for route search from a vehicle driven by a driver and performs the route search.

[0122] <5> The navigation system according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the map information database comprises: a first map information database that stores the first map information; and a second map information database that stores the second map information, and the first map information database and the second map information database are provided separately.

[0123] <6> The navigation system of any of <1> to <5>, comprising: a driving state detection unit that detects the driving state; and a feedback information generation unit, wherein when the driving state detection unit detects dangerous driving of the vehicle as the driving state, it outputs the same to the feedback information generation unit, and the feedback information generation unit generates feedback information including a location where the dangerous driving occurred and the cognitive ability of the driver, and outputs the feedback information to the map information database, and the map database updates the cognitive ability-specific weight information based on the cognitive ability of the driver included in the feedback information and a cognitive ability level already stored in the second map information.

[0124] <7> The navigation system of <6>, wherein the feedback information includes at least one of sudden acceleration, sudden steering, sudden stopping, wrong-way driving, and failure to stop the vehicle.

[0125] <8> A navigation system according to any one of <1> to <7>, further comprising a feedback information generation unit, wherein the route search unit outputs to the feedback information generation unit, when a route presented to the driver by the route search differs from an actual route of the vehicle based on the current position of the vehicle, the feedback information generation unit generates feedback information including a result of the deviation from the route and the cognitive ability of the driver, and outputs the feedback information to the map information database, and the map information database updates the cognitive ability-specific weight information based on the cognitive ability of the driver included in the feedback information and a cognitive ability level already stored in the second map information.

[0126] <9> The navigation system of any one of <1> to <8>, further comprising an in-driving cognitive ability detection unit that detects the cognitive ability of the driver while driving, wherein the route search unit further uses the in-driving cognitive ability to perform route search.

[0127] <10> The navigation system according to <6> or <7>, further comprising an in-driving cognitive ability detection unit that detects the driver's cognitive ability while driving, wherein the route search unit further includes the in-driving cognitive ability in the dangerous driving information.

[0128] <11> The navigation system according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein the cognitive ability assessment unit assesses the cognitive ability before the route search.

[0129] <12> The navigation system according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the cognitive ability assessment unit assesses the cognitive ability after the route search; the map information database updates the second map information based on the cognitive ability assessed after the route search; and the route search unit performs a route search based on the updated second map information.

[0130] <13> The navigation system according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein the cognitive ability assessment unit includes: a brain signal detection unit that detects a brain signal in response to a visual stimulus or an auditory stimulus; and an event-related potential detection unit that detects an event-related potential using the brain signal; and the cognitive ability is assessed using the event-related potential.

[0131] <14> The navigation system of <13>, wherein the cognitive ability assessment unit further includes a readiness potential detection unit that detects a readiness potential using the brain signal, and the cognitive ability is assessed using the event-related potential and the readiness potential.

[0132] <15> The navigation system according to <13> or <14>, wherein the cognitive ability assessment unit further includes a response speed detection unit that detects a response speed to a visual stimulus or an auditory stimulus, and the cognitive ability is assessed using the event-related potential, the readiness potential, and the response speed.

[0133] 10: Navigation system 20: System control unit 21: Cognitive ability data generation unit 22: Navigation-related information communication unit 30: Cognitive ability evaluation unit 31: Stimulus presentation unit 32: Brain signal detection unit 33: Response detection unit 34: Event-related potential detection unit 35: Motor readiness potential detection unit 36: Response speed detection unit 37: Communication unit 40, 40A: Navigation device 41, 41A: Navigation control unit 42: Position detection sensor 43: Operation unit 44: Display unit 45: Driving state detection unit 49: Communication unit 210: Cognitive ability level database 221: First map information database 222: Second map information database 401: Map information storage unit 411: Route search unit 412: Destination setting unit 413: Feedback information generation unit

Claims

1. A cognitive ability evaluation unit that evaluates the cognitive ability related to the driving of a vehicle by a driver, A map information database that stores map information used for route search, A route search unit that performs the route search from the departure position to the destination position using the departure position of the route search, the destination position of the route search, and the map information, Comprising, The map information database, As the map information, First map information including at least a plurality of roads used for the route search as constituent elements respectively, Second map information including cognitive ability-based weight information set based on the cognitive ability for a plurality of constituent elements of the first map information, Having, The route search unit performs the route search based on the first map information and the second map information, Navigation system.

2. The map information database includes external attention information during driving in the first map information, The route search unit performs the route search using the first map information including the external attention information, The navigation system according to claim 1.

3. The map information database is provided in a system control unit on the cloud, The route search unit is mounted on a vehicle driven by a driver, The route search unit acquires a part of the first map information and the second map information from the map information database and performs the route search, The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The map information database and the route search unit are provided in a system control unit on the cloud, The route search unit acquires the current vehicle position and the destination position of the route search from the vehicle driven by the driver and performs the route search, The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The map information database, A first map information database that stores the first map information, A second map information database that stores the second map information, Comprising, The first map information database and the second map information database are provided individually, The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. A driving state detection unit that detects the state of the driving, A feedback information generation unit, Comprising, When the driving state detection unit detects dangerous driving of the vehicle as the state of the driving, it outputs to the feedback information generation unit, The feedback information generation unit generates feedback information including the location where the dangerous driving occurred and the driver's cognitive ability, and outputs it to the map information database. The map information database updates the weight information for each cognitive ability based on the driver's cognitive ability included in the feedback information and the cognitive ability level already stored in the second map information. The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The dangerous driving includes at least one of sudden acceleration, sudden steering, sudden stop, reverse driving, and failure to stop once of the vehicle. The navigation system according to claim 6.

8. Equipped with a feedback information generation unit. The route search unit. When the route presented to the driver by the route search is different from the actual route of the vehicle based on the current position of the vehicle, it outputs to the feedback information generation unit. The feedback information generation unit generates feedback information including the result of deviation from the route and the driver's cognitive ability, and outputs the feedback information to the map information database. The map information database updates the weight information for each cognitive ability based on the driver's cognitive ability included in the feedback information and the cognitive ability level already stored in the second map information. The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. Equipped with a driving-in cognitive ability detection unit that detects the driver's cognitive ability during driving. The route search unit performs route search using the cognitive ability during driving. The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. Equipped with a driving-in cognitive ability detection unit that detects the driver's cognitive ability during driving. The route search unit further includes the cognitive ability during driving in the dangerous driving. The navigation system according to claim 6.

11. The cognitive ability evaluation unit evaluates the cognitive ability before the route search. The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

12. The cognitive ability evaluation unit evaluates the cognitive ability after the route search. The map information database updates the second map information based on the cognitive ability evaluated after the route search. The route search unit performs route search based on the updated second map information. The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

13. The cognitive ability evaluation unit includes a brain signal detection unit that detects brain signals in response to visual or auditory stimuli, and an event-related potential detection unit that detects event-related potentials using the brain signals, and evaluates the cognitive ability using the event-related potentials, The navigation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

14. The cognitive ability evaluation unit further includes a movement preparation potential detection unit that detects movement preparation potentials using the brain signals, and evaluates the cognitive ability using the event-related potentials and the movement preparation potentials, The navigation system according to claim 13.

15. The cognitive ability evaluation unit further includes a response speed detection unit that detects the response speed to visual or auditory stimuli, and evaluates the cognitive ability using the event-related potentials, the movement preparation potentials, and the response speed, The navigation system according to claim 14.