Information output device, information output system, information output method, and program

Abstract

An information output device (1) comprises a route acquisition unit (10) and an output control unit (20). The route acquisition unit (10) acquires route information. The output control unit (20) produces an audio output of exit route information when a mobile object moves along a circular path (200). At least a part of the circular path (200) is included in the route. In the circular path (200), a plurality of branching paths (D) are connected to a circular passage (C). The exit route information relates to an exit route that is included in the route and is a branching path through which the mobile object is to exit among the plurality of branching paths. If at least one of the distance of a first section (X) between a first branching path (D1) of the circular path (200) and a second branching path (D2) adjacent to the first branching path (D1), and a time required for the mobile object to move through the first section (X) satisfy a predetermined criterion, the output control unit (20) produces an audio output of at least a part of the exit route information when the mobile object moves through the first section (X).

Description

Information output device, information output system, information output method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information output device, an information output system, an information output method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2016-8912 A) discloses a vehicle display device that can provide appropriate route guidance while driving on the circular road of a roundabout without obstructing the view of the scenery and road conditions ahead.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-8912

[0004] In Patent Document 1, when guidance is given to a driver of a mobile object that has entered a roundabout regarding an exit route for exiting the roundabout, the guidance is displayed on a head-up display.

[0005] However, when route guidance is provided by voice rather than by display, if the distance between branching roads is short, even if the driver is given route guidance regarding the exit route, the driver may not be able to recognize which branching road they should exit at, which may cause confusion for the driver.

[0006] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide voice guidance to a vehicle entering a circular road having a plurality of branching roads, guiding the driver to an exit road without confusing the driver.

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is an information output device comprising: a route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route that a moving body should take; and an output control unit that, when the moving body moves along a ring road that is at least partially included in the route and has a circular passage to which a plurality of branch roads are connected, outputs by voice exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch road from which the moving body should exit among the plurality of branch roads; and when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the ring road and a second branch road located next to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move along the first section, satisfies a predetermined standard, the output control unit outputs by voice at least a portion of the exit route information as the moving body moves along the first section.

[0008] The invention described in claim 9 is an information output system comprising a mobile body side device within a mobile body and a server, comprising: a route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route that the mobile body should take; and an output control unit that, when the mobile body moves along a circular route at least a portion of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, causes audio output of exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the mobile body should exit among the plurality of branch routes, wherein, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch route of the circular route and a second branch route located next to the first branch route, and the time required for the mobile body to move along the first section, satisfies a predetermined standard, the output control unit causes audio output of at least a portion of the exit route information when the mobile body moves along the first section.

[0009] The invention described in claim 10 is an information output method in which a computer realizing an information output device acquires route information regarding a route to be taken by a mobile body, and when the mobile body moves along a circular route at least a portion of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, outputs by voice exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the mobile body is to exit among the plurality of branch routes, and when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch route of the circular route and a second branch route located adjacent to the first branch route and the time required for the mobile body to move through the first section meets a predetermined standard, outputs by voice at least a portion of the exit route information as the mobile body moves through the first section.

[0010] The invention described in claim 11 is a program for causing a computer realizing an information output device to execute the following steps: acquiring route information regarding a route to be taken by a mobile body; when the mobile body moves along a circular route at least a portion of which is included in the route and which has a circular passage connected to it with a plurality of branch routes, outputting by voice exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the mobile body is to exit among the plurality of branch routes; and when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch route of the circular route and a second branch route located adjacent to the first branch route and the time required for the mobile body to move along the first section meets a predetermined standard, outputting by voice at least a portion of the exit route information as the mobile body moves along the first section.

[0011] The above-mentioned objects, as well as other objects, features and advantages, will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of an information output device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a loop road according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first section. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information output device. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process related to route guidance to a destination in the information output device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a process related to route guidance on a loop road in the information output device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining step S440. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the timing at which an output control unit outputs exit route information. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a loop road according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an overview of an information output device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a loop road according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an overview of an information output system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] In the following description, each component of each device represents a functional block, not a hardware configuration. Each component of each device is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered around the CPU of any computer, memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and a network connection interface. There are many variations in the realization method and device.

[0015] [First embodiment] (Information output device 1) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an information output device 1 according to a first embodiment. The information output device 1 will be described using Fig. 1. The information output device 1 according to the first embodiment is a device used to provide audio guidance on a loop road 200. The loop road 200 will be described later. In the first embodiment, the information output device 1 is provided outside a mobile object. The information output device 1 may be a so-called cloud server.

[0016] (Mobile body device 2) The mobile body is equipped with a mobile body device 2. The mobile body device 2 is located inside the mobile body. The mobile body device 2 may be brought in from outside the mobile body or may be attached to the mobile body in advance. In the first embodiment, the mobile body is a vehicle.

[0017] The mobile-side device 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the information output device 1 via a communication network 101. The communication network 101 includes, for example, communication over a 4G or 5G line. The mobile-side device 2 is configured to include an external vehicle communication unit (not shown) for configuring the communication network 101.

[0018] The mobile device 2 includes a camera unit 2a, an audio output unit 2b, an audio input unit 2c, and a position sensor unit 2d. Although not shown, the mobile device 2 may also include a display.

[0019] The camera unit 2a has an in-camera and an out-camera (not shown). The in-camera faces the interior of the vehicle, and at least the driver's seat is included in the imaging range. The in-camera images the interior of the vehicle so that the driver can be seen. The in-camera may also image the entire interior of the vehicle so that passengers (driver and passengers) can be seen. The out-camera faces outside the vehicle. The out-camera images the situation outside the vehicle.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the audio output unit 2b includes a speaker (not shown) and outputs at least one of a voice and a sound effect via the speaker.

[0021] The voice input unit 2c includes at least one microphone (not shown). Voices uttered by the passenger are input to the voice input unit 2c through the microphone.

[0022] The position sensor unit 2d acquires the position information of the mobile object, for example, by using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

[0023] (Route Acquisition Unit 10) The information output device 1 includes a route acquisition unit 10, an output control unit 20, and a position information acquisition unit 30. The route acquisition unit 10 acquires route information regarding the route that the mobile object should take. The route that the mobile object should take is, for example, a route to a destination set by the passenger. The route information includes at least information regarding the route from the current location of the mobile object to the destination set by the passenger. The route information is generated using, for example, map information. The route acquisition unit 10 may acquire the route information from, for example, a car navigation system installed in the mobile object. The route acquisition unit 10 may acquire the route information from, for example, a server external to the mobile object (which may be a so-called cloud server).

[0024] (Position Information Acquisition Unit 30) The position information acquisition unit 30 acquires the position information of the mobile object. In the first embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 30 acquires the position information of the mobile object from the position sensor unit 2d of the mobile object device 2.

[0025] (Loop 200) Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the loop 200 according to the first embodiment. The loop 200 according to the first embodiment will be described using Fig. 2. V in Fig. 2 indicates the position of the moving body. N in Fig. 2 indicates a node. Nodes N are connected by links (not shown), and route information is generated using the nodes and links.

[0026] The loop road 200 is a so-called roundabout. In the first embodiment, the loop road 200 includes a roundabout. The loop road 200 is configured by connecting a plurality of branch roads D to a loop path C. The loop road 200 is configured by providing a plurality of branch roads D radially from the path C at the center. The path C is a loop road. At least a portion of the loop road 200 is included in the route that the mobile object should take (= the route to the destination set by the passenger). In other words, the loop road 200 is located on the way to the destination set by the passenger.

[0027] The approach path D0 is a branch path among the multiple branch paths D that the moving body V takes when entering the circular path C. The approach path D0 is included in the path that the moving body should take (= the path to the destination set by the passenger). In other words, the approach path D0 is located on the way to the destination set by the passenger. The moving body V enters the path C from the approach path D0. In the first embodiment, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2 , the moving body that has entered the path C travels along the path C in a clockwise direction and exits via the exit path D100. The exit path D100 is a branch path among the multiple branch paths D that the moving body V should exit from. The exit path D100 is included in the path that the moving body should take (= the path to the destination set by the passenger). In other words, the exit path D100 is located on the way to the destination set by the passenger.

[0028] (Output control unit 20) In the first embodiment, when the mobile object V moves through a passage C (=first section X) that spans two branch roads D, the output control unit 20 causes the audio output unit 2b of the mobile object device 2 to output exit route information by voice (the first section X will be described later). The exit route information is information related to the exit route D100. The exit route information includes, for example, information indicating the ordinal number of the branch road D that the exit route D100 is, counting from the entrance road D0.

[0029] (First Section X) Figure 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first section X. Figure 3 shows a diagram of the moving object V shown in Figure 2 immediately after entering the passage C from the approach road D0 and turning left. In the loop road 200, there are multiple first sections X (X1 to X5 in Figure 3). The first section X is a part of the passage C. In the first embodiment, the first section X is an arc-shaped section.

[0030] The first section X is an arc-shaped section between a certain branch path D (first branch path D1) and an adjacent branch path D (second branch path D2). In the first embodiment, the second branch path D2 is the branch path adjacent to the first branch path D1 in the clockwise direction. The first section X is a passage connecting the first branch path D1 and the second branch path D2. For example, if the entrance path D0 is the first branch path D1, the branch path D adjacent to the entrance path D0 in the clockwise direction is the second branch path D2 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0031] When at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X satisfies a predetermined standard, the output control unit 20 outputs at least a part of the exit route information by voice when the moving body V travels through the first section X. Note that "when the moving body V travels through the first section X" may be immediately before or after the moving body V passes the start point of the first section X, or may be when the moving body V travels through the first section X after passing the start point of the first section X.

[0032] The distance of the first section X may be calculated using link information of links connecting nodes N. The distance of the first section X may be calculated using map information. The method of calculating the distance of the first section X is arbitrary. The "time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X" may be calculated by predicting it in advance, or may be calculated using the actual speed of the moving body V. The method of calculating this time is arbitrary. Examples of "satisfying a predetermined standard" include when the distance of the first section X is 200 m or more, and when the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X is 5 seconds or more.

[0033] In the first embodiment, at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X may be calculated as an object to be compared with the predetermined standard. In the first embodiment, both the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X may be calculated as an object to be compared with the predetermined standard. In the first embodiment, only one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X may be calculated as an object to be compared with the predetermined standard.

[0034] The output control unit 20 determines whether at least one of the distance and the time satisfies the predetermined criteria when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1 (see FIG. 3 ) between the first branch path D1 and the circular path C. For example, using FIG. 3 as an example, if the approach path D0 is the first branch path D1, the output control unit 20 determines whether at least one of the distance and the time satisfies the predetermined criteria when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1 between the approach path D0 (=first branch path D1) and the path C. Note that "when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1" includes immediately after the moving object has passed through the connection portion N1, when the moving object is passing through the connection portion N1, and immediately before the moving object passes through the connection portion N1.

[0035] Furthermore, the time required for the moving object to travel through the first section X may be calculated using the speed of the moving object V when it passes through the connection portion N1 between the first branch path D1 (= approach path D0) and the circular passage C, and the distance of the first section X. For example, the output control unit 20 may calculate the time required for the moving object to travel through the first section X1 using the speed of the moving object V just before it passes through the connection portion N1 in FIG. 3 and the distance of the first section X1. Note that the speed may be acquired from a speed information acquisition unit (not shown) mounted on the moving object device 2.

[0036] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information output device 1. The information output device 1 has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0037] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0038] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0039] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0040] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information output device 1 (e.g., the path acquisition unit 10 and the output control unit 20). The processor 1020 loads and executes each of these program modules into the memory 1030, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as a memory unit (not shown) connected to the information output device 1.

[0041] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information output device 1 to various input / output devices.

[0042] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information output device 1 to a network. This network is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may connect to the network wirelessly or by wire. The information output device 1 may communicate with the mobile device 2 via the network interface 1060.

[0043] (Operation Example of First Embodiment) Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of a process related to route guidance to a destination by the information output device 1 according to the first embodiment. The process related to route guidance to a destination, which is executed by the information output device 1, will be described with reference to Fig. 5 .

[0044] In step S100, a control unit (not shown) determines whether the route acquisition unit 10 has acquired route information. If the control unit determines that the route acquisition unit 10 has acquired route information (YES in step S100), the process proceeds to step S200. If the control unit determines that the route acquisition unit 10 has not acquired route information (NO in step S100), the process returns to step S100 and repeats the process of step S100.

[0045] In step S200, the output control unit 20 determines whether or not the mobile object is approaching the loop path 200. The output control unit 20 may determine whether or not the mobile object is approaching the loop path 200 using position information and route information of the mobile object. The output control unit 20 may determine that the mobile object is approaching the loop path 200 when at least one of the distance from the current location of the mobile object to the passage C of the loop path 200 and the time it takes for the mobile object to reach the passage C satisfies a predetermined criterion.

[0046] If the output control unit 20 determines that the vehicle is approaching the loop road 200 (YES in step S200), the process proceeds to step S400. Details of the process in step S400 will be described later. If the output control unit 20 determines that the vehicle is not approaching the loop road (NO in step S200), the process proceeds to step S300.

[0047] In step S300, the information output device 1 performs normal route guidance. "Normal route guidance" refers to route guidance when the mobile object is traveling on a road that is not a loop road. "Normal route guidance" refers to route guidance when the mobile object is traveling on a straight road, a curve, an intersection, a T-junction, etc. Specifically, the output control unit 20 may cause the audio output unit 2b of the mobile object device 2 to output audio route guidance such as "Go straight for the next 5 km" or "Turn left at the intersection 500 m ahead" each time the mobile object approaches a predetermined guidance point. When the route guidance processing in step S300 is completed, the process proceeds to step S500.

[0048] In step S500, the output control unit 20 determines whether the moving object has arrived at the destination. If the output control unit 20 determines that the moving object has arrived at the destination (YES in step S500), the process ends. If the output control unit 20 determines that the moving object has not arrived at the destination (NO in step S500), the process returns to step S200 and repeats the process from step S200 onwards.

[0049] (Route Guidance S400 for Loop Road 200) Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of processing related to route guidance for the loop road 200 of the information output device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 shows details of the processing of step S400 shown in Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 6, both the distance of the first section X and the time required for the mobile body V to travel through the first section X are calculated as objects to be compared with a predetermined standard.

[0050] After the mobile object approaches the loop road 200 (YES in step S200 shown in FIG. 5), in step S410, the output control unit 20 uses, for example, route information to calculate the number of branch roads D that the exit road D100 is, counting clockwise from the entry road D0. For example, in FIG. 2, the output control unit 20 calculates that the exit road D100 is the fourth branch road D, counting clockwise from the entry road D0.

[0051] 6 , in step S420, the output control unit 20 causes the voice output unit 2b to output the exit route information by voice (provide voice guidance to the driver) before entering the circular passage C. Specifically, the output control unit 20 causes the voice output unit 2b to output the exit route information as voice information, such as "You are entering the roundabout. Proceed left on the circular passage. Then, take the fourth exit."

[0052] In step S430, the output control unit 20 determines whether or not at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X satisfies a predetermined criterion. Explaining with reference to Fig. 3, the output control unit 20 first determines whether or not at least one of the distance of the first section X1 (= the first section that is closest to the current location of the moving object in the traveling direction of the moving object traveling through the passage C) and the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X1 satisfies a predetermined criterion.

[0053] Returning to Figure 6, if the output control unit 20 determines that both the distance of the first section X1 and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X1 do not meet the predetermined criteria (NO in step S430), proceed to step S460.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the output control unit 20 does not output the exit route information by voice in the first section X that does not satisfy a predetermined criterion. If both the distance of the first section X1 in FIG. 3 and the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X1 do not satisfy the predetermined criterion, the output control unit 20 does not output the exit route information by voice in the first section X1.

[0055] Returning to Fig. 6, in step S460, the output control unit 20 determines whether the next branch road D is the exit road D100. The "next branch road" is the branch road D that is closest to the current location of the mobile object in the traveling direction of the mobile object traveling along the passage C. In the example of Fig. 3, the "next branch road" is the branch road D that corresponds to the end point of the first section X1.

[0056] 6, the output control unit 20 may use the position information and route information of the mobile object to determine whether the next branch road D is the exit road D100. If the output control unit 20 determines that the next branch road D is not the exit road D100 (NO in step S460), the process returns to step S430 and repeats the processes from step S430 onwards.

[0057] A case where the process from step S430 onward is repeated will be described using the example of FIG. 3 . If the output control unit 20 determines that neither the distance of the first section X1 nor the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X meets the predetermined criteria (NO in step S430 in FIG. 6 ), the process proceeds to step S460. However, since the next branch path D is not the exit path D100, the process returns to step S430. Next, the output control unit 20 determines whether at least one of the distance of the first section X2, which is the next first section in the situation of FIG. 3 , and the time required for the moving object V to travel through the next first section X2, meets the predetermined criteria. In this manner, the output control unit 20 repeatedly determines whether the predetermined criteria are met until the moving object V reaches the exit path D100.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 6, if the output control unit 20 determines that the next branch road D is the exit road D100 (YES in step S460), the process proceeds to step S470.

[0059] In step S470, the output control unit 20 determines whether the moving body V has been able to exit the exit path D100. In the first embodiment, the output control unit 20 may use the position information and route information of the moving body V to determine whether the moving body V has been able to exit the exit path D100.

[0060] If the output control unit 20 determines that the moving object V has exited the exit path D100 (YES in step S470), the process ends (proceeds to step S500 in FIG. 5). If the output control unit 20 determines that the moving object V has not exited the exit path D100 (NO in step S470), the process proceeds to step S480.

[0061] In step S480, the output control unit 20 causes the audio output unit 2b to output failure information. The failure information includes information informing the driver that they have failed to exit from the exit route D100. Specifically, the output control unit 20 causes audio information such as "The exit is the fork in the road you just left. Please go around again before proceeding to the exit" to be output as failure information. Thereafter, the process returns to step S430, and the processes from step S430 onwards are repeated.

[0062] In step S430, if the output control unit 20 determines that at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X meets a predetermined standard (YES in step S430), the process proceeds to step S440.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining step S440. Fig. 7 shows the state after the moving object V in Fig. 3 has passed the second branch road D, counting clockwise from the entrance road D0. In step S440, the output control unit 20 calculates, using, for example, the position information and route information of the moving object, the ordinal number of the branch road D that the exit road D100 is, counting from the current location of the moving object V. For example, in Fig. 7, the output control unit 20 calculates that the exit road D100 is the second branch road D, counting clockwise from the current location of the moving object.

[0064] 6 , in step S450, the output control unit 20 causes the voice output unit 2b to output at least a part of the exit route information when the mobile object moves through the first section X. Specifically, the output control unit 20 causes the voice output unit 2b to output the exit route information as voice information such as "Please take the second exit" or "Please take the next exit." The exit route information includes information indicating the number of the branch route D that the exit route D100 is, counting from the current location of the mobile object V.

[0065] Using Figure 7 as an example, if the output control unit 20 determines that at least one of the distance of the first section X3 and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X3 meets a predetermined standard, the output control unit 20 causes the audio output unit 2b to output at least a portion of the exit route information as the moving body moves through the first section X3.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the timing at which the output control unit 20 outputs the exit route information. The horizontal axis in FIG. 8 represents time [t]. t1 in FIG. 8 represents the time at which the start point x3a of the first section X3 (see FIG. 7) is passed. t2 in FIG. 8 represents the time at which the end point x3b of the first section X1 (see FIG. 7) is passed. T1, T2, and T3 in FIG. 8 each represent the length of time from when the output control unit 20 starts to output the exit route information to when it finishes outputting it.

[0067] For example, in the case of T1, the output control unit 20 outputs the exit route information before the moving object V approaches the starting point x3a of the first section X3. Then, after passing the starting point x3a of the first section X3, the output of the exit route information is completed before the moving object V approaches the end point x3b of the first section X3. On the other hand, in the cases of T2 and T3, the output control unit 20 outputs the exit route information after the moving object V passes the starting point x3a of the first section X3, and completes the output of the exit route information before the moving object V approaches the end point x3b of the first section X3. In this way, the output control unit 20 outputs at least a portion of the exit route information by voice as the moving object V moves through the first section X3.

[0068] It is preferable that the output control unit 20 starts outputting the exit route information after passing the start point x3a of the first section X3, as in T2 and T3, and ends outputting the exit route information before approaching the end point x3b of the first section X3. This is to prevent the driver from being confused about whether to count the branch route D connected at the start point x3a of the first section X3 when counting the number of the branch route D that the exit route D100 is from the current location of the mobile body V. It is sufficient that the output control unit 20 finishes outputting the exit route information at least before approaching the end point x3b of the first section X3.

[0069] 6, after the process of step S450 is completed, the process proceeds to step S460. The process from step S460 onwards is as described above.

[0070] In the example of Figure 6, both the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X are calculated as objects to be compared with the predetermined standard, but the configuration may also be such that either the distance of the first section X or the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X is calculated as objects to be compared with the predetermined standard.

[0071] For example, in a configuration in which only the distance of the first section X is calculated as the object of comparison with a predetermined standard, when the output control unit 20 determines that the distance of the first section X satisfies the predetermined standard, the output control unit 20 causes the audio output unit 2b to output at least a portion of the exit route information as the moving object V moves through the first section X. Also, in the above case (when the configuration in which only the distance of the first section X is calculated as the object of comparison with the predetermined standard), when the output control unit 20 determines that the distance of the first section X does not satisfy the predetermined standard, the output control unit 20 does not cause the audio output of the exit route information for the first section X where the distance of the first section X does not satisfy the predetermined standard.

[0072] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the information output device 1 includes the output control unit 20. The output control unit 20 outputs at least a part of the exit route information by voice when the mobile object V moves through the first section X in at least one of the following cases: the distance of the first section X is greater than a distance threshold, which is a predetermined criterion (= the distance of the first section X satisfies the predetermined criterion), and / or the time required for the mobile object V to move through the first section X is greater than a time threshold, which is a predetermined criterion (= the time required for moving through the first section X satisfies the predetermined criterion).

[0073] If the exit route information is output as voice when the distance of the first section X is short and / or the time required for the moving body to move through the first section X is short, it may confuse the driver, causing the driver to make a sudden change of route in a panic.

[0074] According to the information output device 1 of the first embodiment, in a loop road 200 having a plurality of branch roads D, at least a part of the exit route information can be output by voice when the distance between the branch roads D (=first section X) is sufficiently large and / or the time required for the mobile body V to travel the first section X is sufficiently large. By outputting at least a part of the exit route information by voice in a section where the driver has enough time to decide which branch road D to exit from, the voice guidance on the loop road 200 can guide the driver to the exit route without confusing the driver.

[0075] Furthermore, the exit route information includes information indicating the number of the branch road D that the exit route D100 is, counting from the current location of the mobile object. This makes it easier for the driver to know which branch road D to use to exit.

[0076] Furthermore, when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1 between the first branch path D1 and the circular passage C, the output control unit 20 determines whether or not at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X satisfies a predetermined criterion. This allows the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X to be predicted with high accuracy. Therefore, the output control unit 20 can accurately determine whether or not the predetermined criterion is satisfied.

[0077] Furthermore, the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X is calculated using the speed at which the moving object passes through the connection portion N1 between the first branch path D1 and the passage C and the distance of the first section X. By using the speed at which the moving object passes through the connection portion N1, the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X can be accurately predicted. As a result, even if the distance of the first section X is short but the time required for the moving object V to travel through the first section X is long due to congestion, for example, exit route information can be output, making it possible to provide effective route guidance according to the situation.

[0078] The output control unit 20 does not output the exit route information by voice in the first section X where at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X does not satisfy a predetermined criterion. For example, in a case where both the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X are calculated as objects to be compared with the predetermined criterion, the output control unit 20 does not output the exit route information by voice in the first section X where both the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X do not satisfy the predetermined criterion. Furthermore, in a case where only the distance of the first section X is calculated as an object to be compared with the predetermined criterion, the output control unit 20 does not output the exit route information by voice in the first section X where the distance of the first section X does not satisfy the predetermined criterion.

[0079] By providing voice guidance (i.e., outputting the exit route information by voice) only when at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel the first section X is sufficiently large, the driver can be guided to the exit route without confusing him / her.

[0080] Second Embodiment Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a loop road 200 according to a second embodiment. The information output device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9 .

[0081] The output control unit 20 of the first embodiment does not output exit route information by voice in a first section X where at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X does not meet a specified standard, whereas the output control unit 20 of the second embodiment outputs at least one of omission information and sound information in a first section X where the specified standard is not met.

[0082] The abbreviated information is information in which part of the exit route information is omitted. For example, if the exit route information is "Please take the fourth exit," the abbreviated information may be, for example, "the fourth exit" or "4." The sound information includes sound effects, etc. The sound effects may be any sound, such as "beep beep" or "pong."

[0083] This makes it possible to effectively inform the driver which branch road the exit road D100 is, even if at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X is short.

[0084] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the moving object V passes through the connection portion Z between the approach path D0 and the passage C, in the second section Y, the output control unit 20 may determine whether at least one of the distance of the second section Y and the time required for the moving object to travel through the second section Y satisfies a predetermined standard. The second section Y is a section between the approach path D0 and the branch path D located next to the approach path D0 in the traveling direction of the moving object.

[0085] Then, when the output control unit 20 determines that the specified criteria are not met, the output control unit 20 may repeatedly output at least one of the omission information and the sound information for each first section until the moving body V reaches the exit route D100.

[0086] 9 , the output control unit 20 repeatedly outputs at least one of the omission information and the sound information in the second interval Y, the first interval X2, the first interval X3, the first interval X4, the first interval X5, and the first interval X6. Specifically, the output control unit 20 may output the sound information by changing the number of sounds in the separated sounds (= "beep" in the above example), such as "beep beep beep beep" in the second interval Y, "beep beep beep beep" in the first interval X2, "beep beep beep" in the first interval X3, "beep beep beep" in the first interval X4, "beep beep" in the first interval X5, and "beep" in the first interval X6. The number of divided sounds (= the number of "beep" sounds in the above example) may indicate the number of branching routes D100 is from the current location of the mobile body V (in the above example, for example, the sound information "beep beep beep" indicates that the exit route D100 is the fourth branching route D from the current location of the mobile body V).

[0087] In addition, the output control unit 20 may change the omission information according to the number of the branch road D that the exit road D100 is, counting from the current location of the mobile body V, such as "6" for the second section Y, "5" for the first section X2, "4" for the first section X3, "3" for the first section X4, "2" for the first section X5, and "1" for the first section X6.

[0088] The omission information and sound information can output a sound for a shorter time than the exit route information, so that even if there are a relatively large number of first sections X in which at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving object V to travel the first section X does not satisfy a predetermined standard, it is possible to effectively inform the driver which branch road D the exit route D100 is without confusing the driver.

[0089] [Third embodiment] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of an information output device 1 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a loop road 200 according to the third embodiment. The information output device 1 according to the third embodiment will be described using Figs. 10 and 11 .

[0090] Unlike the information output device 1 according to the first embodiment, the information output device 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a lane information acquisition unit 40. The lane information acquisition unit 40 acquires lane information. The lane information is information about a plurality of lanes L in the circular passage C. The lane information includes information about which lane L, among the plurality of lanes L, is located at the innermost radial position of the circular road 200. In the example of FIG. 11 , L1 is the lane located at the innermost radial position of the circular road 200.

[0091] In the third embodiment, the lane information is used to calculate at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X as a comparison target with a predetermined standard. More specifically, the output control unit 20 uses the information on the lane L1 to calculate at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X.

[0092] As described above, the first section X is an arc-shaped section between a certain branch road D (first branch road D1) and an adjacent branch road D (second branch road D2). When the loop road 200 (= passage C) has multiple lanes as in the third embodiment, the section that is the innermost in the radial direction of the loop road 200 (= passage C) (the section corresponding to lane L1) is defined as the first section W (see FIG. 11 ).

[0093] The output control unit 20 of the third embodiment outputs at least a portion of the exit route information as audio when the moving body moves through the first section W, if at least one of the distance of the first section W and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section W meets a predetermined standard.

[0094] In the case of a loop road 200 having a plurality of lanes L, by using information on the innermost lane L in the radial direction of the loop road 200 to calculate at least one of the distance of the first section W (see FIG. 11 ) and the time required for the moving object to travel through the first section W, it is possible to calculate at least one of the distance of the first section W and the time required for the moving object to travel through the first section W on a safe basis, thereby reducing the possibility of causing confusion to the driver.

[0095] 12 is a block diagram showing an outline of an information output system 100 according to a fourth embodiment. The information output system 100 includes a mobile-side device 2 located inside a mobile object, and a server 3. Unlike the mobile-side device 2 according to the first embodiment, the mobile-side device 2 according to the fourth embodiment further includes a route acquisition unit 10. The server 3 includes an output control unit 20 and a position information acquisition unit 30, but does not include the route acquisition unit 10.

[0096] The functions of the route acquisition unit 10, the output control unit 20, and the position information acquisition unit 30 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0097] As in the fourth embodiment, the route acquisition unit 10 and the output control unit 20 may be installed in any combination in the mobile-side device 2 and the server 3, respectively. For example, the route acquisition unit 10 and the output control unit 20 may all be installed in the mobile-side device 2. In this case, program modules that realize each function (the route acquisition unit 10 and the output control unit 20) may be stored in a storage unit possessed by the mobile-side device 2. Note that the route acquisition unit 10 and the output control unit 20 may all be installed in the server 3.

[0098] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0099] In another embodiment, the loop 200 includes a roundabout.

[0100] In Figure 3, the output control unit 20 may calculate in advance, at any timing, at least one of the distances of the first section X1, the first section X2, the first section X3, the first section X4, and the first section X5, and the time required to travel through the first section X1, the first section X2, the first section X3, the first section X4, and the first section X5, as a comparison with a predetermined standard.

[0101] The following are examples of reference forms. 1. An information output device comprising: a route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route to be taken by a mobile object; and an output control unit that, when the mobile object moves along a loop route at least a portion of which is included in the route and which has a circular passage connected to a plurality of branch routes, causes audio output of exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the mobile object is to exit among the plurality of branch routes, wherein, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch route of the loop route and a second branch route located adjacent to the first branch route and the time required for the mobile object to move along the first section meets a predetermined standard, the output control unit causes audio output of at least a portion of the exit route information as the mobile object moves along the first section. 2. The information output device described in 1., wherein the output control unit calculates the ordinal number of the branch route that the exit route is, counting from the current location of the mobile object, and the exit route information includes information regarding the ordinal number of the branch route that the exit route is, counting from the current location of the mobile object. 3. The information output device described in 1. or 2., wherein the output control unit determines whether the predetermined criterion is met when the moving object passes through the connection part between the first branch path and the circular passage. 4. The information output device described in 3., wherein the time is calculated using the speed of the moving object when passing through the connection part between the first branch path and the circular passage and the distance of the first section. 5. The information output device described in any one of 1. to 4., wherein the output control unit does not output the exit route information by sound in the first section that does not meet the predetermined criterion. 6. The information output device described in any one of 1. to 5., wherein the output control unit outputs at least one of omission information that omits part of the exit route information and sound information including sound effects in the first section that does not meet the predetermined criterion.7. The information output device described in 6., wherein, when the mobile body passes through a connection between the circular passage and an approach road that is included in the route and is one of the multiple branch roads through which the mobile body enters the circular passage, the output control unit determines whether the predetermined criterion is met in a second section between the approach road and the branch road located next to the approach road, and when the predetermined criterion is not met, the output control unit repeatedly outputs at least one of the omission information and the sound information for each first section until the mobile body reaches the exit road. 8. The information output device described in any one of 1. to 7., further comprising a lane information acquisition unit that acquires lane information regarding multiple lanes in the circular passage, and at least one of the distance and the time is calculated using the lane information. 9. An information output system comprising a mobile body side device within a mobile body and a server, comprising: a route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route that the mobile body should take; and an output control unit that, when the mobile body moves along a loop route at least a portion of which is included in the route and which has a circular passage and a plurality of branch routes connected to it, causes audio output of exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the mobile body should exit among the plurality of branch routes; when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch route of the loop route and a second branch route located adjacent to the first branch route and the time required for the mobile body to move along the first section meets a predetermined standard, the output control unit causes audio output of at least a portion of the exit route information as the mobile body moves along the first section.10. An information output method in which a computer realizing an information output device acquires route information regarding a route to be taken by a mobile object, and when the mobile object moves along a loop route at least a portion of which is included in the route and which has a circular passage connected to a plurality of branch routes, outputs by voice exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the mobile object is to exit among the plurality of branch routes, and when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch route of the loop route and a second branch route located adjacent to the first branch route and the time required for the mobile object to move along the first section meets a predetermined standard, outputs by voice at least a portion of the exit route information as the mobile object moves along the first section. A program for causing a computer that realizes an information output device to execute the following steps: acquiring route information regarding a route that a moving body should take; outputting by voice, when the moving body moves along a circular route that is at least partially included in the route and has a circular passage with a plurality of branch routes connected to it, exit route information regarding an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit among the plurality of branch routes; and outputting by voice at least a portion of the exit route information when the moving body moves along the first section, if at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch route of the circular route and a second branch route located adjacent to the first branch route, and the time required for the moving body to move along the first section, satisfies a predetermined standard.

[0102] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information output device 2 Mobile device 3 Server 10 Route acquisition unit 20 Output control unit 30 Position information acquisition unit 40 Lane information acquisition unit 100 Information output system 101 Communication network 200 Loop road C Passage D Branch road V Mobile object D0 Entrance road D100 Exit road

Claims

1. A route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route along which a moving body should travel; When the moving body moves along a circular path in which at least a part of the route is included and a plurality of branch paths are connected to the circular passage, an output control unit that outputs voice information regarding an exit path that is included in the route and is an exit path among the plurality of branch paths through which the moving body should exit; and the information output device includes: When at least one of a first distance regarding the innermost lane among the lanes included in the circular path in a first section between the first branch path of the circular path and a second branch path located adjacent to the first branch path, and a time required for the moving body to move the first distance in the first section satisfies a predetermined standard, the output control unit outputs at least a part of the exit path information as voice when the moving body moves through the first section. An information output device.

2. In the information output device according to Claim 1, The output control unit calculates which branch path the exit path is from the current location of the moving body, The exit path information includes information on which branch path the exit path is from the current location of the moving body. An information output device.

3. In the information output device according to Claim 1 or 2, The output control unit determines whether the connection portion between the first branch path and the circular passage satisfies the predetermined standard when the moving body passes through the connection portion. An information output device.

4. In the information output device according to Claim 3, The time is calculated using the speed when the moving body passes through the connection portion between the first branch path and the circular passage and the first distance in the first section. An information output device.

5. In the information output device according to Claim 1 or 2, The output control unit does not output the exit path information as voice in the first section that does not satisfy the predetermined standard. An information output device.

6. In the information output device according to Claim 1 or 2, The output control unit outputs at least one of omission information obtained by omitting a part of the exit path information and sound information including an effect sound in the first section that does not satisfy the predetermined standard. An information output device.

7. In the information output device according to Claim 6, When the moving body passes through the connection part between the access path, which is included in the path and is a branch path among the plurality of branch paths through which the moving body enters the annular passage, and the annular passage, in a second section between the access path and the branch path located adjacent to the access path, the output control unit determines whether or not the predetermined criterion is satisfied. An information output device in which, when the predetermined criterion is not satisfied, the output control unit repeatedly outputs at least one of the omission information and the sound information for each first section until the moving body reaches the exit path. **Claim 8** An information output system including a moving body side device within a moving body and a server, a path acquisition unit that acquires path information regarding a path along which the moving body should travel; and an output control unit that, when the moving body moves along an annular path in which at least a part of the path is included and a plurality of branch paths are connected to an annular passage, outputs voice information regarding an exit path that is included in the path and is a branch path among the plurality of branch paths through which the moving body should exit. An information output system in which, when at least one of a first distance regarding the innermost lane among the lanes included in the annular path in a first section between the first branch path of the annular path and the second branch path located adjacent to the first branch path, and the time required for the moving body to move the first distance in the first section satisfies a predetermined criterion, the output control unit outputs at least a part of the exit path information as voice when the moving body moves through the first section. **Claim 9** A computer that realizes an information output device, acquires path information regarding a path along which a moving body should travel, and outputs voice information regarding an exit path that is included in the path and is a branch path among the plurality of branch paths through which the moving body should exit when the moving body moves along an annular path in which at least a part of the path is included and a plurality of branch paths are connected to an annular passage. An information output method, wherein when at least one of a first distance of the innermost lane among the lanes included in the circular road in a first section between the first branch road of the circular road and the second branch road located adjacent to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move the first distance in the first section satisfies a predetermined standard, the output control unit causes at least a part of the exit road information to be output as voice when the moving body moves through the first section.

10. A computer for realizing an information output device, a procedure for acquiring route information regarding a route along which a moving body should travel, a procedure for causing voice output of exit road information regarding an exit road that is included in the route and is an exit road from among the plurality of branch roads that the moving body should exit when the moving body moves along a circular road in which at least a part of the route is included and a plurality of branch roads are connected to the circular passage, a program for causing the output control unit to output at least a part of the exit road information as voice when the moving body moves through the first section, when at least one of a first distance of the innermost lane among the lanes included in the circular road in a first section between the first branch road of the circular road and the second branch road located adjacent to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move the first distance in the first section satisfies a predetermined standard.