Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

A server device 10: provides a user with a driving plan indicating a route of travel from a first location to a second location; receives a search word indicating a feature of a stopover location desired by the user; searches for a stopover location having the feature in a search range within a predetermined distance from a predetermined location on the route; selects, if two or more stopover locations are found on the basis of the search word, one or more stopover locations to be proposed to the user on the basis of a plurality of search words; and generates a driving plan including the selected stopover locations.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

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

[0002] A technology is known that provides a driving plan including route guidance between an input starting point and a destination to a driver (referred to as a "user") of a vehicle. Also known is a technology that searches for stopovers between multiple destinations based on the driver's desired genre in the driving plan provided to the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-265551

[0004] However, the above-described conventional technology has room for improvement in providing a driving plan. For example, the above-described conventional technology has difficulty in integrating multiple stopovers that each satisfy multiple categories desired by a driver.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that are capable of providing a flexible driving plan.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device that provides a user with a drive plan indicating a route for traveling from a first point to a second point, and is characterized by comprising: a receiving unit that receives search words that indicate the characteristics of a stopover desired by the user; a search unit that searches for a stopover having the characteristics within a search range within a specified distance from a specified point on the route; and a generation unit that, when two or more stopovers are searched for using the search words, selects one or more stopovers to suggest to the user based on the multiple search words, and generates the drive plan including the selected stopovers.

[0007] In addition, the information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device that provides a user with a drive plan indicating a route to travel from a first point to a second point, and is characterized by including: a receiving process of receiving search words that indicate the characteristics of a stop-off point desired by the user; and, if two or more stop-off points are searched for using the search words within a search range within a specified distance from a specified point on the route, a generating process of selecting one or more stop-off points to be suggested to the user based on the plurality of search words, and generating the drive plan including the selected stop-off points.

[0008] In addition, the information processing program of the present invention is an information processing program executed by an information processing device that provides a user with a drive plan indicating a route to travel from a first point to a second point, and is characterized in that it causes the information processing device to execute the following steps: a receiving procedure for receiving search words that indicate the characteristics of a stopover desired by the user; a search procedure for searching for a stopover having the characteristics within a search range within a specified distance from a specified point on the route; and, if two or more stopovers are searched for using the search words, a generation procedure for selecting one or more stopovers to be suggested to the user based on multiple of the search words, and generating the drive plan including the selected stopovers.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and processing of a drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of each device in the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information storage unit of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search word storage unit of the server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search result storage unit of the server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive plan storage unit of the server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 1 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 2 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 3 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 4 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 5 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 6 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 7 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a specific example 8 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example 9 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow of the drive plan providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example and a process example of a drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a specific example 1 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a specific example 2 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific example 3 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a specific example 4 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a specific example 5 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment.FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a specific example 6 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a specific example 7 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a specific example 8 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a specific example 9 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a specific example 10 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a specific example 11 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a specific example 12 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a specific example 13 of each process of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes of the drive plan providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 33 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the server device according to the first and second embodiments.

[0010] Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described below.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] Below, the configuration and processing of a drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1, the configuration and processing of each device in the drive plan providing system 100-1, specific examples of each process in the drive plan providing system 100-1, the processing flow of the drive plan providing system 100-1, and the effects of embodiment 1 will be described.

[0012] [Configuration and Processing of Drive Plan Providing System 100-1] The configuration and processing of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and processing of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1. Below, an example of the overall configuration of the drive plan providing system 100-1, an example of the processing of the drive plan providing system 100-1, and the effects of the drive plan providing system 100-1 will be described.

[0013] (1. Example of configuration of drive plan providing system 100-1) The drive plan providing system 100-1 shown in FIG. 1 has a server device 10, a driver DR, and a vehicle VE. The drive plan providing system 100-1 may include multiple server devices 10. The drive plan providing system 100-1 may also include multiple drivers DR and multiple vehicles VE. The vehicle VE also has an on-board device 20 (not shown), which will be described later.

[0014] Here, the server device 10 is an information processing device that performs information provision, etc., to a driver DR (a passenger of the vehicle VE) of a vehicle VE, which is an example of a mobile body, and is realized, for example, by a cloud system, an on-premise system, an edge system, etc. Note that, although an example in which the mobile body is a vehicle will be described below, the mobile body is not limited to a vehicle. Furthermore, the technology related to the drive plan providing system 100-1 can be applied to various products. For example, the technology related to the drive plan providing system 100-1 may be realized as a device mounted on any type of mobile body, such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, personal mobility, an airplane, a drone, a ship, or a robot.

[0015] (2. Example of Processing in the Drive Plan Providing System 100-1) First, the driver DR operates the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE to input an ambiguous search word (appropriately, an "ambiguous search word") (step S1). Here, the ambiguous search word is a search word that indicates the characteristics of a stopover desired by the driver DR, such as the characteristics of the facilities, equipment, or area of ​​the stopover (e.g., parking area, service area, roadside station, hotel, art museum, ranch, park, observation deck, restaurant, coffee shop, amusement park), the characteristics of the products or services provided at the facilities, equipment, or area of ​​the stopover (e.g., food, dessert, ramen, sightseeing, restroom, rest area, accommodation, art), or the characteristics of impressions or reviews posted about the facilities, equipment, or area of ​​the stopover (e.g., fun for the family, good for a date, low cost, large parking lot, popular with locals, hot topic this year, highly rated on a review site).

[0016] Second, the server device 10 receives the fuzzy search words from the vehicle VE (step S2). At this time, the server device 10 may receive one fuzzy search word or two or more fuzzy search words.

[0017] Third, the server device 10 searches for stopovers based on the fuzzy search words (step S3). For example, the server device 10 searches for stopovers that have the characteristics indicated by the fuzzy search words within a search range along a route from the departure point to the destination of the drive plan. In this case, the server device 10 may output two or more stopovers that have the characteristics indicated by one fuzzy search word as search results, or may output stopovers that have the characteristics indicated by two or more fuzzy search words one by one as search results.

[0018] Fourth, the server device 10 predicts the travel time to the searched stop-off location (step S4). For example, the server device 10 predicts the travel time required to travel from the current location to the searched stop-off location.

[0019] Fifth, the server device 10 generates a driving plan including the integrated stopovers (step S5). For example, if the first fuzzy search term "ranch" outputs search results such as "N North Ranch," "N South Ranch," and so on, and the second fuzzy search term "dessert" outputs search results such as "N South Ranch," "NS Highlands Roadside Station," and so on, the server device 10 generates a driving plan integrating two or more stopovers by selecting "N South Ranch," which satisfies both "ranch" and "dessert." At this time, the server device 10 may determine whether to integrate two or more stopovers based on the estimated travel time and the driver DR's desired arrival time at the destination. The server device 10 may also determine whether to integrate multiple stopovers based on the driver DR's driving history and interests, etc., as indicated by the driver DR's user information. The server device 10 may also generate a driving plan based on stopovers included in previously proposed driving plans for the same destination or recommended stopovers registered in advance.

[0020] Sixth, the server device 10 transmits the drive plan to the vehicle VE (step S6). At this time, the server device 10 may transmit one drive plan to the vehicle VE, or may transmit two or more drive plans to the vehicle VE.

[0021] Seventh, the vehicle VE provides the driving plan to the driver DR (step S7). For example, the vehicle VE displays the driving plan approved by the driver DR through operation of the in-vehicle device 20 on a monitor and performs route guidance (navigation) including stopovers.

[0022] (3. Effects of the drive plan providing system 100-1) As described above, the drive plan providing system 100-1 executes the following processes. First, the driver DR operates the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE to input fuzzy search words. Second, the server device 10 receives the fuzzy search words from the vehicle VE. Third, the server device 10 searches for stop-off locations using the fuzzy search words. Fourth, the server device 10 predicts the travel time to the searched stop-off locations. Fifth, the server device 10 generates a drive plan that includes the integrated stop-off locations. Sixth, the server device 10 transmits the drive plan to the vehicle VE. Seventh, the vehicle VE provides the drive plan to the driver DR.

[0023] Therefore, the drive plan providing system 100-1 has the following advantages. First, the drive plan providing system 100-1 allows a user to search for stopovers along the way, taking into account time schedules and geographical locations, even when the user has already decided on a specific departure point and destination and wants to search for stopovers along the way, but has not yet clearly decided on the stopovers, despite having desired activities. Second, the drive plan providing system 100-1 can determine whether to combine two or more stopovers, thereby enabling the generation of flexible drive plans.

[0024] 2 to 7, the configuration and processing of each device in the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1 will be described. Below, an example of the overall configuration of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1 will be described, followed by an example of the configuration and processing of the server device 10 and an example of the configuration and processing of the in-vehicle device 20 according to embodiment 1.

[0025] (1. Example of the overall configuration of the drive plan providing system 100-1) An example of the overall configuration of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information providing system 100 has a server device 10 installed in a cloud system C and an on-board device 20 mounted in a vehicle VE. The server device 10 is communicably connected to the on-board device 20 via a predetermined communication network N. Note that the predetermined communication network N can be any of various communication networks such as the Internet or a dedicated line.

[0026] (2. Configuration Example and Processing Example of Server Device 10) Using FIG. 3, a configuration example and processing example of the server device 10, which is an information processing device, will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing configuration examples of each device of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. The server device 10 is an information processing device that provides a drive plan indicating a route for traveling from a first point to a second point to a driver DR, who is a user. For example, the server device 10 is an information processing device that provides a drive plan indicating a route for traveling from a departure point designated by the driver DR as the first point to a destination designated by the driver DR as the second point to the driver DR.

[0027] 3, the server device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The server device 10 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the server device 10, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0028] (2-1. Communication Unit 11) The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 11 is connected to a predetermined communication network via wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from various devices.

[0029] (2-2. Storage Unit 12) The storage unit 12 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 12 according to the first embodiment has a user information storage unit 12a, a search word storage unit 12b, a search result storage unit 12c, and a drive plan storage unit 12d. The storage unit 12 stores various pieces of information referenced when the control unit 13 operates and various pieces of information acquired when the control unit 13 operates.

[0030] (2-2-1. User information storage unit 12a) The user information storage unit 12a stores user information received by the receiving unit 13a, which will be described later. Here, an example of information stored in the user information storage unit 12a will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information storage unit 12a of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the user information storage unit 12a has items such as "user ID," "user attributes," "history information," and "location information."

[0031] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying the driver DR. "User attributes" is information that contributes to classifying the pre-registered driver DR, and includes, for example, the driver DR's name, gender, age, generation, occupation, annual income, place of residence, marital status, whether or not the driver has children, video images of the driver DR, and categories in which the driver DR is interested. "History information" is information such as search history, browsing history, purchase history, movement history, and communication history. "Location information" is information that indicates the current location, movement speed, means of transportation, etc. of the driver DR received from the on-board device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example in which user information for a driver DR identified by a user ID "UID#1" is stored in the user information storage unit 12a, with the user attribute being "user attribute #1", the history information being "history information #1", and the location information being "location information #1".

[0033] (2-2-2. Search word storage unit 12b) The search word storage unit 12b stores search words received by the receiving unit 13a, which will be described later. Here, an example of information stored in the search word storage unit 12b will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the search word storage unit 12b of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, the search word storage unit 12b has items such as "user ID" and "search word."

[0034] The "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying the driver DR. The "search word" is a unique search word that includes unique information, such as a facility name or address, as unique information of a facility, equipment, or area at a stopover location. The "search word" is also an ambiguous search word that does not include unique information, such as a parking area, service area, roadside station, hotel, art museum, ranch, park, observation deck, restaurant, coffee shop, amusement park, characteristics of products and services provided at the facility, equipment, or area at a stopover location (e.g., food, dessert, ramen, sightseeing, restroom, break, accommodation, art), or characteristics of impressions and reviews posted about the facility, equipment, or area at a stopover location (e.g., fun for the family, good for a date, low cost, large parking lot, popular with locals, hot topic this year, high rating on a review site), etc.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an example in which the search words "search word #1," "search word #2," "search word #3," etc. are stored in the search word memory unit 12b for a driver DR identified by a user ID "UID #1."

[0036] (2-2-3. Search result storage unit 12c) The search result storage unit 12c stores the search results output by the search unit 13c, which will be described later. Here, an example of information stored in the search result storage unit 12c will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the search result storage unit 12c of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the search result storage unit 12c has items such as "user ID" and "search result."

[0037] The "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying the driver DR. The "search results" are information searched using search words, such as the names and addresses of facilities, equipment, and areas at stopover locations searched using specific search words or fuzzy search words.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example in which search results for a driver DR identified by a user ID "UID#1" are stored in the search result memory unit 12c, where "Search result 1" corresponding to the first search word is "Search result #1-1," "Search result #1-2," "Search result #1-3," etc., and "Search result 2" corresponding to the second search word is "Search result #2-1," "Search result #2-2," "Search result #2-3," etc.

[0039] (2-2-4. Drive plan storage unit 12d) The drive plan storage unit 12d stores a drive plan generated by the generation unit 13e, which will be described later. An example of information stored in the drive plan storage unit 12d will now be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the drive plan storage unit 12d of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7, the drive plan storage unit 12d has items such as "user ID" and "drive plan."

[0040] The "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying the driver DR. The "drive plan" indicates a route from a first point to a second point proposed to the driver DR, and is data used for route guidance including, for example, a route from a departure point to a destination via a stopover point, an estimated arrival time, etc.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an example in which drive plans including "Drive Plan #1," "Drive Plan #2," "Drive Plan #3," etc. are stored in the drive plan memory unit 12d for a driver DR identified by a user ID "UID #1."

[0042] (2-3. Control Unit 13) The control unit 13 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the server device 10 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 13 is also realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 13 has a receiving unit 13a, a setting unit 13b, a searching unit 13c, a predicting unit 13d, a generating unit 13e, and a transmitting unit 13f, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 13 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the processing units of the control unit 13 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Fig. 3, and may be other connection relationships.

[0044] (2-3-1. Receiving Unit 13a) The receiving unit 13a receives various types of information. The receiving unit 13a stores the received various types of information in the storage unit 12.

[0045] The receiving unit 13a receives search words that identify a stopover location designated by the driver DR, who is the user, i.e., unique search words. For example, the receiving unit 13a receives facility names, addresses, etc. that identify facilities, equipment, or areas at the stopover location as unique search words, and stores them in the search word storage unit 12b. The receiving unit 13a also receives search words that indicate the characteristics of the stopover location desired by the driver DR, i.e., ambiguous search words. For example, the receiving unit 13a receives, as ambiguous search words, characteristics of facilities, equipment, or areas at the stopover location, characteristics of products or services offered at the facilities, equipment, or areas at the stopover location, characteristics of impressions and reviews posted about the facilities, equipment, or areas at the stopover location, etc., and stores them in the search word storage unit 12b. The receiving unit 13a also receives user information related to the driver DR. For example, the receiving unit 13a receives, as user information, categories that the driver DR is interested in, etc., and stores them in the user information storage unit 12a.

[0046] (2-3-2. Setting Unit 13b) The setting unit 13b sets various types of information. The setting unit 13b stores the set various types of information in the storage unit 12. The setting unit 13b also refers to the various types of information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0047] The setting unit 13b sets a search range for searching for a stop-off point when traveling from the first point to the second point. Details of the processing by the setting unit 13b will be described in the second embodiment.

[0048] (2-3-3. Search Unit 13c) The search unit 13c outputs the search results. The search unit 13c stores the output search results in the storage unit 12. The search unit 13c also refers to various types of information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0049] The search unit 13c searches for a stop-off location having characteristics of a stop-off location desired by the driver DR within a search range within a predetermined distance from a predetermined point on the route traveling from the first point to the second point. For example, the search unit 13c searches for a stop-off location having the characteristics within a search range within a predetermined distance from a midpoint between the first point and the second point on the route. The search unit 13c also references search words stored in the search word storage unit 12b. The search unit 13c also stores the output search results in the search result storage unit 12c. Details of the processing of the search unit 13c will be described in [Specific examples of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1].

[0050] (2-3-4. Prediction Unit 13d) The prediction unit 13d predicts various pieces of information. The prediction unit 13d stores the predicted various pieces of information in the storage unit 12. The prediction unit 13d also refers to the various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0051] The prediction unit 13d predicts the time required to travel from the current location of the driver DR to two or more searched stop-off locations. For example, the prediction unit 13d identifies the current location of the driver DR, identifies the address and route of each searched stop-off location, and predicts the travel time required to travel from the current location to each stop-off location.

[0052] (2-3-5. Generator 13e) The generator 13e generates various types of information. The generator 13e stores the generated various types of information in the storage unit 12. The generator 13e also refers to the various types of information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0053] When two or more stopover locations are searched for using search words that indicate characteristics of the stopover location desired by the driver DR, the generation unit 13e selects one or more stopover locations to propose to the driver DR based on the search words and generates a drive plan including the selected stopover locations. For example, the generation unit 13e selects one stopover location that includes two or more of the characteristics from the two or more searched stopover locations. The generation unit 13e also selects one or more stopover locations to propose to the driver DR using information about stopover locations included in previously proposed drive plans, i.e., stopover location history. The generation unit 13e also selects one or more stopover locations to propose to the driver DR using information about recommended stopover locations, i.e., recommendation information. The generation unit 13e also selects one or more stopover locations to propose to the driver DR using a predicted required time and a desired arrival time at a second location specified by the driver DR. The generation unit 13e also uses user information about the driver DR to select one or more stopover locations to be proposed to the driver DR. The generation unit 13e also stores the generated drive plan in the drive plan storage unit 12d. Details of the processing by the generation unit 13e will be described in [Specific examples of processes in the drive plan providing system 100-1].

[0054] (2-3-6. Transmitting Unit 13f) The transmitting unit 13f transmits various types of information. The transmitting unit 13f refers to the various types of information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0055] The transmitter 13f transmits the generated drive plan to the vehicle VE. For example, the transmitter 13f transmits a drive plan including one stop-off location that has two or more characteristics of the stop-off location desired by the driver DR to the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR. The transmitter 13f also refers to the drive plan stored in the drive plan storage unit 12d.

[0056] (3. Configuration Example and Processing Example of In-Vehicle Device 20) A configuration example and processing example of the in-vehicle device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the in-vehicle device 20 may have an input unit (e.g., a touch panel, etc.) that accepts various operations from the driver DR, etc., and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0057] The in-vehicle device 20 is a dedicated navigation device built into or mounted on the vehicle VE. For example, the in-vehicle device 20 is composed of a navigation device and a recording device (drive recorder). As one example, the in-vehicle device 20 may be a composite device in which a navigation device and a recording device that are independent from each other are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. As another example, the in-vehicle device 20 may be a single device that has both a navigation function and a recording function.

[0058] The in-vehicle device 20 may also include various sensors, such as a camera, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, and an air pressure sensor.

[0059] The in-vehicle device 20 transmits the unique search words, fuzzy search words, user information, etc. input by the driver DR to the server device 10. The in-vehicle device 20 also receives drive plans generated by the server device 10. The in-vehicle device 20 also provides the drive plans to the driver DR by displaying or playing back the drive plans approved by the driver DR from among the drive plans received from the server device 10.

[0060] 8 to 16, a specific example of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Below, a specific example of the process of providing a drive plan using an ambiguous search word of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] (1. Specific Example 1) Specific example 1 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing specific example 1 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1. Below, as specific example 1, an overview of the process of providing a drive plan using fuzzy search words will be described.

[0062] 8(1), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR displays a drive plan creation screen including a pre-specified starting point "Home" ("S City"), a stopover point "Old House Cafe XXX" ("N Town"), and a destination point "N Hotel Mountain" ("N Town"). Here, the driver DR can receive suggestions for new stopover points desired by the driver DR by inputting fuzzy search words such as "toilet" and "ranch."

[0063] As shown in FIG. 8 (2), when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "toilet" to request a toilet break between "Home" and "Old Folk House Cafe XXX", the server device 10 searches for information about stopovers containing "toilet" in the section "Search Section 1 (S City to N Town)" and generates a drive plan that includes "△△ PA (outbound)" ("T City") as a new stopover. Also, when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "ranch" to request a visit to a ranch between "Old Folk House Cafe XXX" and "N Hotel Mountain", the server device 10 searches for information about stopovers containing "ranch" in the section "Search Section 2 (N Town to N Town)" and generates a drive plan that includes "N North Ranch" ("S Village") as a new stopover.

[0064] As described above, the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment can suggest stopover points that take into account time schedules and geographical locations, even if a user has desired things to do but has not yet decided on specific stopover points.

[0065] (2. Specific Example 2) Specific example 2 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing specific example 2 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Below, as specific example 2, a process of pre-inputting unique search words in a process of providing a drive plan using fuzzy search words will be described.

[0066] 9(1), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR displays a destination input screen. At this time, the driver DR taps “16:00” on the input screen to specify a desired time of arrival at the destination.

[0067] 9(2), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE displays a search word input screen for searching for a destination. At this time, the driver DR inputs the unique search word for the destination, "N Hotel," and the planned stay time, "13:30," and instructs the start of a search for destination candidates.

[0068] 9(3), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE displays a selection screen on which the driver DR can select "N Hotel Mountain" or "N Highland Hotel," which are candidates searched for using the unique search words for the destination. At this time, the driver DR selects "N Hotel Mountain" and taps the "Save" button to instruct saving of the destination search results.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 9(4), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE completes the advance input of the drive plan including the departure point and destination.

[0070] (3. Specific Example 3) Specific Example 3 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing Specific Example 3 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Below, as Specific Example 3, a pre-input process of fuzzy search words in a process of providing a drive plan using fuzzy search words, which is executed after Specific Example 2 above, will be described.

[0071] 10(1), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR displays an input screen for a stopover point. At this time, the driver DR can specify a desired arrival time at the stopover point by tapping “14:00” on the input screen.

[0072] 10(2), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE displays a search word input screen for searching for a stopover location. At this time, the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word for the stopover location, "ranch," and also inputs "1:00" as the planned stay time.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10(3), the driver DR taps the "Save" button to instruct saving of the search details of the stop-off places.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10(4), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE completes the advance input of the drive plan including the departure point, stopover points, and destination.

[0075] (4. Specific Example 4) Specific Example 1 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing Specific Example 4 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Below, as Specific Example 4, a search section extraction process in the drive plan providing process using fuzzy search words, which is executed after the above Specific Example 3, will be described.

[0076] 11(1), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR displays a drive plan creation screen including a pre-specified starting point "Home" ("S City"), a stopover point "Old House Cafe XXX" ("N Town"), and a destination point "N Hotel Mountain" ("N Town"). Here, the driver DR can receive suggestions for new stopover points desired by the driver DR by inputting fuzzy search words "toilet" and "ranch."

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11 (2), when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "toilet" to request a toilet break between "home" and "Old Folk House Cafe XXX", the server device 10 extracts the section "search section 1 (S city to N town)" as a search section for information about stopovers that includes "toilet". Also, when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "ranch" to request a visit to a ranch between "Old Folk House Cafe XXX" and "N Hotel Mountain", the server device 10 extracts the section "search section 2 (N town to N town)" as a search section for information about stopovers that includes "ranch".

[0078] (5. Specific Example 5) Specific example 5 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing specific example 5 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1. Below, as specific example 5, a process of selecting a stop-off point in the process of providing a drive plan using fuzzy search words will be described.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 12(1), the server device 10 selects a POI (Point of Interest) with a high "popularity," which indicates the level of ratings on past driving plans and posting sites, within a circular search range that includes the pre-specified stopover "Old House Cafe XXX" (see "1" in FIG. 12(1)) and the destination "N Hotel Mountain" (see "G" in FIG. 12(1)), and outputs the new stopover (see "2" in FIG. 12(1)) as a search result. At this time, if no specific search range setting is specified, the server device 10 sets a circular search range centered on the midpoint of the search section. In the example of FIG. 12(1), the server device 10 sets the search range to a circle of a predetermined distance centered on the midpoint on the route between the pre-specified stopover "Old House Cafe XXX" and the destination "N Hotel Mountain."

[0080] As shown in Figure 12 (2), the server device 10 predicts the travel time from the departure point (see "S" in Figure 12 (2)) to the first stop, "Old House Cafe ○○○" (see "1" in Figure 12 (2)), predicts the travel time from the first stop, "Old House Cafe ○○○", to "N Kita Ranch" (see "2" in Figure 12 (2)), which is output as the second stop, predicts the travel time from "N Kita Ranch", which is output as the second stop, to the destination (see "G" in Figure 12 (2)), and further takes into account the planned stay time at each stop, thereby confirming that the planned arrival time at the destination will be in time for the desired arrival time specified by the driver DR.

[0081] (6. Specific Example 6) Specific example 6 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing specific example 6 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1. Below, as specific example 6, a process of integrating stop-off places in the process of providing a drive plan using fuzzy search words will be described.

[0082] 13(1), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR displays a drive plan creation screen including a pre-specified starting point "Home" ("S City"), a stopover point "Old House Cafe XXX" ("N Town"), and a destination point "N Hotel Mountain" ("N Town"). Here, the driver DR can receive suggestions for new stopover points desired by the driver DR by inputting fuzzy search words such as "toilet," "ranch," and "dessert."

[0083] As shown in FIG. 13(2), when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "toilet" to request a restroom break between "Home" and "Old Folk House Cafe XXX", the server device 10 searches for information about stopovers containing "toilet" in the "Search Section 1 (S City to N Town)" section and generates a driving plan that includes "△△ PA (outbound)" ("T City") as a new stopover. Also, when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "ranch" to request a ranch tour between "Old Folk House Cafe XXX" and "N Mountain Hotel", or when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "dessert" to request a dessert, the server device 10 searches for information about stopovers containing "ranch" and "dessert" in the "Search Section 2 (N Town to N Town)". In the example of FIG. 13(2), the server device 10 generates a driving plan that includes "N South Ranch" ("N Town"), a stopover containing both "ranch" and "dessert", as a new stopover.

[0084] At this time, the server device 10 can also determine whether to combine two or more stop-off locations, taking into consideration the predicted travel time and the driver DR's desired arrival time at the destination. For example, the server device 10 takes into consideration the predicted travel time and the driver DR's desired arrival time at the destination, and determines to combine two or more stop-off locations regardless of the "popularity" of the stop-off locations if the desired arrival time at the destination will not be met if the driver DR stops at each of the two or more searched stop-off locations.

[0085] The server device 10 can also determine whether to combine multiple stopover locations, taking into account the driving history, interests, and the like of the driver DR indicated in the user information of the driver DR. For example, the server device 10 considers the driving history of the driver DR and determines to combine two or more stopover locations regardless of the "popularity" of the stopover locations if stopping at each of the two or more searched stopover locations would result in not making it to the destination in time for the desired arrival. The server device 10 also considers the interests of the driver DR and determines not to combine two or more stopover locations regardless of the "popularity" of the stopover locations if both of the searched two or more stopover locations are in categories that the driver DR is interested in.

[0086] As described above, the drive plan providing system 100-1 of embodiment 1 is capable of proposing a flexible drive plan that integrates two or more stopover points by selecting stopover points that satisfy two or more fuzzy search words.

[0087] (7. Specific Example 7) Specific Example 7 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing Specific Example 7 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Below, as Specific Example 7, an outline 1 of the process of providing a drive plan that does not use some fuzzy search words will be described.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 14(1), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR displays a drive plan creation screen including the pre-specified starting point "Home" ("S City"), the stopover "Old House Cafe XXX" ("N Town"), and the destination "N Hotel Mountain" ("N Town"). Here, the driver DR can receive suggestions for new stopovers desired by the driver DR by entering the fuzzy search term "toilet." Furthermore, if the driver DR does not know where to go but would like to receive suggestions for about two stopovers, the driver DR can receive suggestions for new stopovers by specifying the desired stopover section and duration without entering a search term.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 14 (2), when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search word "toilet" to request a toilet break between "Home" and "Old Folk House Cafe XXX", the server device 10 searches for information about stopovers containing "toilet" in the "Search Section 1 (S City to N Town)" section and generates a driving plan that includes "△△ PA (outbound)" ("T City") as a new stopover. Furthermore, when the driver DR inputs only the stay times "2:00" and "1:00" without inputting a search word between "Old Folk House Cafe XXX" and "N Mountain Hotel", the server device 10 references information about stopovers (stopover history) included in previously proposed driving plans in the "Search Section 2 (N Town to N Town)" section. At this time, the server device 10 generates a driving plan that includes "N Minami Ranch" ("N Town") and "NS Kogen Roadside Station" ("N Town") as new stopovers by referring to previously proposed driving plans that include "Old House Cafe XXX" or "N Hotel Mountain."

[0090] As described above, the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment can suggest popular stopovers that are often visited by users with the same destination, even if the user does not have any particular desire to do something.

[0091] (8. Specific Example 8) Specific Example 8 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing Specific Example 8 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to embodiment 1. Below, as Specific Example 8, a stopover history used in the drive plan providing process of Specific Example 6 and Specific Example 7 above will be described.

[0092] The stopover history is information about stopovers included in drive plans that the server device 10 has previously proposed to users other than the driver DR. As shown in Fig. 15, the stopover history includes the following: [Name: "Old Folk House Cafe XXX" / Address: "**, N Town, N County, T Prefecture" / History 1: "N North Ranch, {ranch, sightseeing, dessert}, 1:00" / History 2: "N South Ranch, {ranch, sightseeing, dessert}, 2:00" / History 3: "NS Highlands Roadside Station, {roadside station, meal}, 1:00" / History 4: "□□ Taro, {dessert}, 0:45" / History 5: "N Antique Museum, {sightseeing, art}, 1: 00"], [Name: "N Hotel Mountain" / Address: "***, N Town, N County, T Prefecture" / History 1: "N North Ranch, {ranch, sightseeing, dessert}, 1:00" / History 2: "N South Ranch, {ranch, sightseeing, dessert}, 2:00" / History 3: "N Antique Museum, {sightseeing, art}, 1:00" / History 4: "N South Ranch, {ranch, sightseeing, dessert}, 2:00" / History 5: "N Ramen, {ramen}, 0:30"] and the like.

[0093] In the process of providing the driving plan in the above-mentioned specific example 6, the server device 10 refers to the driving plan stored in association with the stopover point "Old House Cafe XXX" and the destination "N Hotel Mountain," and suggests "N Minami Ranch," which includes both "ranch" and "dessert" as fuzzy search words and has a stay time of "2:00," as a new stopover point, taking into consideration the time schedule and geographical location.

[0094] Furthermore, in the process of providing the driving plan in the above-mentioned specific example 7, the server device 10 refers to the driving plan stored in association with the stopover point "Old House Cafe XXX" and the destination "N Hotel Mountain," and suggests "N Minami Ranch," which has a stay time of "2:00," and "Roadside Station NS Kogen," which has a stay time of "1:00," as new stopover points, taking into consideration the time schedule and geographical location.

[0095] The server device 10 can also execute a process for providing a drive plan using recommendation information that has been previously registered in the server device 10. For example, the server device 10 can use recommendation information in which the date and time of an event are registered to provide a drive plan that includes an event venue as a stopover.

[0096] The server device 10 can also execute the process of providing a drive plan by using user information of the driver DR that has been registered in advance in the server device 10. For example, the server device 10 can provide a drive plan that includes stopovers that are of interest to the driver DR by using user information in which categories of interest to the driver DR are registered and inputting the categories as fuzzy search words.

[0097] (9. Specific Example 9) Specific Example 9 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing Specific Example 9 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Below, as Specific Example 9, an outline 2 of the process of providing a drive plan that does not use some fuzzy search words will be described.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 16(1), the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE driven by the driver DR displays a drive plan creation screen including a pre-specified starting point "Home" ("S City"), a stopover "Old House Cafe XXX" ("N Town"), and a destination "N Hotel Mountain" ("N Town"). Here, the driver DR can search for a new stopover desired by the driver DR by entering the fuzzy search term "toilet." Furthermore, if the driver DR does not know where to go and does not care about the number of stops, he or she can receive suggestions for new stopovers without entering a search term and without specifying the desired stopover section and duration.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 16 (2), when the driver DR inputs the fuzzy search term "toilet" to request a restroom break between "Home" and "Old House Cafe XXX", the server device 10 searches for information about stopovers containing "toilet" in the "Search Section 1 (S City to N Town)" section and generates a drive plan that includes "△△ PA (outbound)" ("T City") as a new stopover. Furthermore, when the server device 10 does not input a search term or a stay time, the server device 10 references the stopover history in the "Search Section 2 (N Town to N Town)" section, which has time until the desired arrival time at "N Hotel Mountain" of 5:00 PM. At this time, the server device 10 references previously proposed drive plans that include "Old House Cafe XXX" or "N Hotel Mountain" to provide a drive plan that includes "N Minami Ranch" ("N Town") and "Roadside Station NS Kogen" ("N Town") as new stopovers.

[0100] The server device 10 can also execute the process of providing the drive plan by using recommendation information that has been registered in advance in the server device 10. The server device 10 can also execute the process of providing the drive plan by using user information of the driver DR that has been registered in advance in the server device 10.

[0101] As described above, the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment can suggest popular stopovers that are frequently visited by users with the same destination, even if the user does not have any particular preferences for what to do or the section or number of stopovers.

[0102] [Processing Flow of the Drive Plan Providing System 100-1] The processing flow of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the processing of the following steps S101 to S107 may be executed in a different order. Furthermore, some of the processing of the following steps S101 to S107 may be omitted.

[0103] (1. Search Word Input Process) First, the driver DR executes a search word input process (step S101). For example, the driver DR operates the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE to input a fuzzy search word.

[0104] (2. Search Word Receiving Process) Second, the server device 10 executes a search word receiving process (step S102). For example, the server device 10 receives one or more fuzzy search words from the vehicle VE.

[0105] (3. Stopover place search process) Third, the server device 10 executes a stopover place search process (step S103). For example, the server device 10 searches for a stopover place having the characteristics indicated by the fuzzy search word within a search range along a route from the departure point to the destination of the drive plan.

[0106] (4. Travel Time Prediction Process) Fourth, the server device 10 executes a travel time prediction process (step S104). For example, the server device 10 predicts the travel time required to travel from the current location to the searched stop-off location.

[0107] (5. Drive Plan Generation Process) Fifth, the server device 10 executes a drive plan generation process (step S105). For example, when two or more stopover locations are found, the server device 10 determines whether to combine the stopover locations and generates a drive plan that includes the selected stopover locations.

[0108] (6. Drive Plan Transmission Process) Sixth, the server device 10 executes a drive plan transmission process (step S106). For example, the server device 10 transmits one or more generated drive plans to the vehicle VE.

[0109] (7. Drive Plan Providing Process) Seventh, the vehicle VE executes a drive plan providing process (step S107). For example, the vehicle VE displays on the monitor the drive plan approved by the driver DR through operation of the in-vehicle device 20, and provides route guidance including stopover points.

[0110] [Advantages of First Embodiment] The advantages of the first embodiment will be described below. The following describes advantages 1 to 8 corresponding to the processes according to the first embodiment.

[0111] (1. Effect 1) First, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the server device 10 is an information processing device that provides the driver DR with a drive plan indicating a route from a first location to a second location. The server device 10 receives search terms that indicate characteristics of desired stopovers from the driver DR, searches for stopovers having those characteristics within a search range within a predetermined distance from a predetermined location on the route, and if two or more stopovers are found using the search terms, selects one or more stopovers to be suggested to the driver DR based on the search terms, and generates a drive plan that includes the selected stopovers. Therefore, in this process, by searching for stopovers using ambiguous search terms, a flexible drive plan can be provided.

[0112] (2. Effect 2) Secondly, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the server device 10 selects one stop-off location that includes two or more characteristics of the stop-off location desired by the driver DR from two or more searched stop-off locations. Therefore, in this process, by integrating two or more stop-off locations searched for using fuzzy search words, it is possible to provide a flexible driving plan.

[0113] (3. Effect 3) Third, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the server device 10 searches for a stop-off point that has the characteristics of a stop-off point desired by the driver DR within a search range that is within a predetermined distance from a midpoint between the first and second points on the route of the drive plan. Therefore, in this process, a flexible drive plan can be provided by searching for a stop-off point within a search range defined by an ambiguous search word.

[0114] (4. Effect 4) Fourth, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the server device 10 selects one or more stop-off locations to propose to the driver DR using information about stop-off locations included in previously proposed drive plans. Therefore, in this process, by selecting stop-off locations based on the stop-off location history, a flexible drive plan can be provided.

[0115] (5. Effect 5) Fifth, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the server device 10 uses information about recommended stop-off locations to select one or more stop-off locations to suggest to the driver DR. Therefore, in this process, by selecting stop-off locations based on the recommendation information, it is possible to provide a flexible driving plan.

[0116] (6. Effect 6) Sixth, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the server device 10 predicts the travel time from the current location of the driver DR to the two or more searched stop-off locations, and selects one or more stop-off locations to be proposed to the driver DR using the predicted travel time and the desired time of arrival at the second location specified by the driver DR. Therefore, in this process, a flexible driving plan can be provided by selecting stop-off locations taking into account the driver's scheduled time.

[0117] (7. Effect 7) Seventh, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the server device 10 receives user information about the driver DR and uses the user information to select one or more stopover locations to propose to the driver DR. Therefore, in this process, a flexible driving plan can be provided by selecting stopover locations taking into consideration the individual circumstances of the driver DR.

[0118] (8. Effect 8) Eighth, in the process according to the first embodiment described above, the first location is the departure point designated by the driver DR, and the second location is the destination designated by the driver DR. Therefore, in this process, a flexible driving plan can be provided by selecting stopover points taking into consideration the geographical locations.

[0119] [Embodiment 2] The following describes the configuration and processing of a drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2, the configuration and processing of each device in the drive plan providing system 100-2, specific examples of each process in the drive plan providing system 100-2, the processing flow of the drive plan providing system 100-2, and the effects of embodiment 2. Note that descriptions of configurations and processes common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0120] [Configuration and Processing of Drive Plan Providing System 100-2] The configuration and processing of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and processing of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, an example of the overall configuration of the drive plan providing system 100-2, an example of the processing of the drive plan providing system 100-2, and the effects of the drive plan providing system 100-2 will be described.

[0121] (1. Example of configuration of drive plan providing system 100-2) The drive plan providing system 100-2 shown in FIG. 18 has a server device 10, a driver DR, and a vehicle VE. The drive plan providing system 100-2 may include multiple server devices 10. The drive plan providing system 100-2 may also include multiple drivers DR and multiple vehicles VE. The vehicle VE also has the on-board device 20 (not shown) described above in embodiment 1.

[0122] Here, the server device 10 is an information processing device that performs information provision and the like to a driver DR of a vehicle VE, which is an example of a moving body, and is realized by, for example, a cloud system, an on-premise system, an edge system, or the like.

[0123] (2. Example of Processing in the Drive Plan Providing System 100-2) First, the server device 10 sets a search range for stopovers based on the positional relationship between the home, departure point, and destination (step S11). For example, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the shorter the distance between the home and departure point (stopover), the closer the center of the range circle of the search range to the destination. Furthermore, the longer the distance between the home and departure point (stopover), the closer the center of the range circle of the search range to the midpoint between the departure point (stopover) and the destination. Furthermore, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the shorter the distance between the home and departure point (stopover), the shorter the radius of the range circle that is further away from the route of the drive plan. Furthermore, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the longer the distance between the home and departure point (stopover), the longer the radius of the range circle that is further away from the route of the drive plan. In addition, the server device 10 sets the search range to change the radial distance in the direction of the short side of the range circle that deviates from the route of the drive plan, depending on the predicted travel time from the current location of the driver DR to the destination and the margin time calculated based on the desired time of arrival at the destination specified by the driver DR.

[0124] Second, the driver DR operates the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE to input the fuzzy search words (step S12). Note that the details of the fuzzy search words are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0125] Third, the server device 10 receives the fuzzy search words from the vehicle VE (step S13). At this time, the server device 10 may receive one fuzzy search word or two or more fuzzy search words.

[0126] Fourth, the server device 10 searches for stopovers based on the fuzzy search words (step S14). For example, the server device 10 searches for stopovers that have the characteristics indicated by the fuzzy search words within a search range set based on the positional relationship between the home, the departure point, and the destination. In this case, the server device 10 may output two or more stopovers that have the characteristics indicated by one fuzzy search word as search results, or may output stopovers that have the characteristics indicated by two or more fuzzy search words one by one as search results.

[0127] Fifth, the server device 10 generates a drive plan including the searched stop-off points (step S15). For example, if "N Kita Ranch" is output as a search result from the fuzzy search word "ranch" within the set search range, the server device 10 generates a drive plan including "N Kita Ranch" as a stop-off point.

[0128] Sixth, the server device 10 transmits the drive plan to the vehicle VE (step S16). At this time, the server device 10 may transmit one drive plan or two or more drive plans.

[0129] Seventh, the vehicle VE provides the driving plan to the driver DR (step S17). For example, the vehicle VE displays the driving plan approved by the driver DR through operation of the in-vehicle device 20 on the monitor and performs route guidance including stopovers.

[0130] (3. Effects of the drive plan providing system 100-2) As described above, the drive plan providing system 100-2 executes the following processes. First, the server device 10 sets a search range for stop-off locations based on the positional relationship between the driver's home, the departure point, and the destination. Second, the driver DR operates the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE to input fuzzy search words. Third, the server device 10 receives the fuzzy search words from the vehicle VE. Fourth, the server device 10 searches for stop-off locations using the fuzzy search words within the set search range. Fifth, the server device 10 generates a drive plan that includes the searched stop-off locations. Sixth, the server device 10 transmits the drive plan to the vehicle VE. Seventh, the vehicle VE provides the drive plan to the driver DR.

[0131] For this reason, the drive plan providing system 100-2 has the following advantages. First, in the drive plan providing system 100-2, when searching for stopovers after a destination has been determined, there is a trade-off between narrowing the search range too much and not finding any spots, and widening the search range too much increases the search load. However, the drive plan providing system 100-2 makes it possible to determine an appropriate search range based on the positional relationship between the driver's home, departure point, and destination. Second, the drive plan providing system 100-2 satisfies the driver DR's desire to go to an unknown location, such as a travel destination, rather than a known location near the driver's home, and makes it possible to generate an effective drive plan that suits the driving style.

[0132] [Configuration and Processing of Each Device in the Drive Plan Providing System 100-2] The configuration and processing of each device in the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration example of each device in the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment is common to the configuration example of each device in the drive plan providing system 100-1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Below, a configuration example and processing example of the server device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration example of the entire drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment and the configuration example and processing example of the in-vehicle device 20 are common to the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] (1. Configuration and Processing Examples of Server Device 10) Using FIG. 3, a configuration and processing example of server device 10, which is an information processing device, will be described. Server device 10 is an information processing device that provides a driving plan indicating a route for traveling from a first point to a second point to a driver DR, who is a user. For example, server device 10 is an information processing device that provides a driving plan to driver DR, which indicates a route for traveling from a departure point or a stopover point designated by driver DR as a first point to a destination designated by driver DR as a second point, and which indicates the driver DR's home as a third point. Note that configuration and processing examples of communication unit 11 and memory unit 12 are the same as those in embodiment 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] (1-1. Control Unit 13) The control unit 13 is realized, for example, by a CPU, an MPU, or the like, by using RAM as a work area to execute various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the server device 10. The control unit 13 is also realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0135] 3, the control unit 13 has a receiving unit 13a, a setting unit 13b, a searching unit 13c, a predicting unit 13d, a generating unit 13e, and a transmitting unit 13f, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that configuration examples and processing examples of the receiving unit 13a, the predicting unit 13d, the generating unit 13e, and the transmitting unit 13f are the same as those in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] (1-1-1. Setting Unit 13b) The setting unit 13b sets various types of information. The setting unit 13b stores the set various types of information in the storage unit 12. The setting unit 13b also refers to the various types of information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0137] The setting unit 13b sets a search range for searching for stopovers when traveling from the first point to the second point, based on the distance between the first point and a third point included in the living area of ​​the driver DR who is the user. Here, the living area is an area closely related to the user's daily life, such as an area including bases for residence, commuting, school, shopping, medical care, and entertainment. The third point is a base used by the driver DR in his or her daily life, such as the driver's home, a contracted parking lot, a place to work or school, a commercial facility, a hospital, or an entertainment facility. When the living area is displayed as a map area, the third point may be a representative point within the living area or an end point of the living area that is close to the first point.

[0138] For example, the setting unit 13b sets the search range so that the shorter the distance between the third point and the first point, the closer the center of the search range is to the second point. Furthermore, the longer the distance between the third point and the first point, the closer the center of the search range is to the midpoint between the first point and the second point. Furthermore, the setting unit 13b sets the search range so that the shorter the distance between the third point and the first point, the shorter the distance from the route traveling from the first point to the second point. Furthermore, the setting unit 13b sets the search range so that the longer the distance between the third point and the first point, the longer the distance from the route traveling from the first point to the second point. Furthermore, the setting unit 13b sets the search range so that the distance from the route traveling from the first point to the second point changes depending on the margin calculated using the estimated time required to arrive at the second point from the current location of the driver DR and the desired time of arrival at the second point specified by the driver DR. Details of the processing of the search unit 13c will be explained in [Specific examples of processing of the drive plan providing system 100-2].

[0139] (1-1-2. Search Unit 13c) The search unit 13c outputs the search results. The search unit 13c stores the output search results in the storage unit 12. The search unit 13c also refers to various types of information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0140] The search unit 13c searches for a stop-off location that has the characteristics of the stop-off location desired by the driver DR within the search range set by the setting unit 13b. The search unit 13c also refers to the search words stored in the search word storage unit 12b. The search unit 13c also stores the output search results in the search result storage unit 12c. Details of the processing by the search unit 13c will be described in [Specific examples of each processing of the drive plan providing system 100-2].

[0141] 19 to 31, a specific example of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment will be described. A specific example of the basic search range setting process will be described below, followed by a specific example of the stop-off point search range setting process of the drive plan providing system 100-2. In the following specific example, the third point is shown as the home.

[0142] (1. Specific Example 1) Specific example 1 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing specific example 1 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 1, a specific example of a basic search range setting process will be described.

[0143] The server device 10 can suggest a stopover point when there is a difference between the desired arrival time and the predicted arrival time at the destination and there is time to spare. Here, in order to suggest a stopover point without exceeding the desired arrival time, the server device 10 needs to take into account the travel time to the suggested stopover point and the stay time at the stopover point.

[0144] 19(1), the server device 10 calculates a margin of time of "2 hours and 30 minutes" based on the desired arrival time at the destination specified by the driver DR of "16:00," the current time at the departure point of "13:00," and the travel time from the departure point to the destination of "30 minutes." In this case, if the stay time at the stop-off point specified by the driver DR is 1 hour, the server device 10 calculates the total travel time (travel time from the departure point to the destination + travel time to the stop-off point + travel time to the destination) to be 2 hours.

[0145] 19(2), when a comprehensive search for stopover locations is desired, the server device 10 can search for POIs (see lightly shaded circles) that can be visited within the calculated travel time range, one by one, starting from the nearest location along the route of the drive plan. However, considering the search load, an appropriate search range setting is required.

[0146] 19(3), the server device 10 can set a rectangular search range of about 100 m along the route of the drive plan to reduce the processing load of searching for stopover points. In this case, it is possible to search for POIs within the search range (see lightly shaded circles), but there is a problem in that it is not possible to search for POIs outside the search range (see open circles).

[0147] 19(4), the server device 10 can set a circular search range a predetermined distance from the midpoint of the route of the drive plan to reduce the processing load of searching for stopover points. In this case, it is possible to search for POIs within the search range (see lightly shaded circles), but there is a problem in that it is not possible to search for POIs outside the search range (see open circles).

[0148] (2. Specific Example 2) Specific example 2 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing specific example 2 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 2, an outline of the process of specifying the positional relationship between each point and the process of setting a search range will be described.

[0149] In the above-described specific example 1, the server device 10 can set the search range from, for example, a midpoint between the departure point and the destination. Meanwhile, the server device 10 can also suggest different stopover points to the driver DR depending on the purpose of the drive, such as whether it is a daily drive nearby or a long-distance drive. In other words, the server device 10 can set the position and size of the search range for stopover points while taking into consideration the relationship with the driver's home, and can suggest stopover points so as not to delay the desired arrival time at the destination.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 20(1), the server device 10 identifies the positional relationship between the driver DR's home, departure point, and destination, and sets a circular search range, i.e., the position of the center coordinate of the search circle. The example in FIG. 20(1) indicates that the coordinate "0.0" of the center coordinate of the search circle is the coordinate of the destination, the coordinate "0.5" is the midpoint between the destination and departure point, and the coordinate "1.0" is the coordinate of the destination. The departure point may be a designated stop-off point. If there is no designated stop-off point, the departure point is the location of the driver DR's home.

[0151] As shown in Figure 20 (2), the server device 10 sets the position of the center coordinates of the search circle as the position of the search range. The server device 10 also sets the length of the short side (the radius in the direction perpendicular to the line connecting the departure point and the destination) of the search circle (for example, an ellipse) as the size of the search range. At this time, the server device 10 sets the length of the long side of the search circle as the size of the search range so that it is along the straight line from the departure point to the destination. The example in Figure 20 (2) shows that the position of the center coordinates of the search circle is coordinate "0.3".

[0152] (3. Specific Example 3) Specific example 3 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing specific example 3 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 3, a process of setting the size of a search range will be described.

[0153] 21, the server device 10 sets a search range [km] (see black circle), which is the radius distance of the short side of the search circle, according to the estimated travel time [minutes] from home to the departure point. That is, if the distance from home to the departure point is long, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the size of the short side of the search circle, i.e., the distance away from the route, increases.

[0154] 21, the server device 10 sets the search range [km] (see white circle), which is the radius distance of the long side of the search circle, regardless of the estimated travel time [minutes] from home to the departure point. That is, the server device 10 sets the size of the long side of the search circle, i.e., the distance along the route, to a specified value regardless of the distance from home to the departure point.

[0155] (4. Specific Example 4) Specific example 4 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing specific example 4 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 4, a process of setting the position of a search range will be described.

[0156] 22, the server device 10 sets the center coordinates of the search circle according to the estimated travel time (minutes) from home to the departure point. That is, if the distance from home to the departure point is long, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the center of the search circle is closer to the midpoint between the destination and the departure point.

[0157] (5. Specific Example 5) Specific Example 5 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing Specific Example 5 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as Specific Example 5, a search range setting process corresponding to Specific Examples 3 and 4 above will be described.

[0158] Figure 23 shows an example in which the estimated travel time from the departure point to the destination is 60 minutes, and the margin time from the departure point to the destination is 120 minutes. Note that in Figures 23(1) to 23(3), since the margin time is constant, the size of the long side of the search circle is constant.

[0159] 23(1), when the distance from home to the departure point is 0, i.e., when home and departure point are the same, the server device 10 keeps the size of the search circle constant along the long side, reduces the size of the search circle along the short side, and sets the search range so that the center of the search circle is closer to the destination. In other words, when the distance between the departure point and the destination is close and the departure point is the home, the server device 10 considers the driving purpose to be a daily use, and sets the search range to an area close to the destination so as to avoid unnecessary travel (to stay close to the destination).

[0160] As shown in Fig. 23(2), when the distance from home to the departure point is short, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the size of the search circle in the long direction remains constant, the size of the search circle in the short direction is larger than in Fig. 23(1), and the center of the search circle is farther from the destination than in Fig. 23(1). In other words, when the distance between the departure point and the destination is close but the departure point is a stopover, the driving purpose is likely not for daily living purposes, so the server device 10 sets the search range to the area between the departure point and the destination.

[0161] As shown in Figure 23 (3), when the distance from home to the departure point is long, the server device 10 keeps the size of the long side of the search circle constant, increases the size of the short side of the search circle from Figure 23 (2), and sets the search range so that the center of the search circle is farther from the destination and closer to the midpoint between the destination and the departure point from Figure 23 (2). In other words, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the farther the distance to the destination, the more likely the drive is to be for sightseeing and the more likely it is that a wide area will be explored, so it can search a wide area even in directions other than the destination.

[0162] Furthermore, the server device 10 may limit the number of stops based on the results of searching for a route from home along the destination. For example, if the search range is on a highway, the server device 10 may limit the search range to the highway because it is difficult to deviate from the road.

[0163] The server device 10 can set a rectangular search range in addition to the circular search range described above. Furthermore, the server device 10 can set the search range as a circle, a rectangle, or the like, and then divide it into smaller areas in consideration of search efficiency.

[0164] As described above in Examples 3 to 5, the drive plan providing system 100-2 makes it possible to determine an appropriate search range based on the relative positions of the home, departure point, and destination. Also, the drive plan providing system 100-2 makes it possible to generate an effective drive plan according to the type of drive.

[0165] (6. Specific Example 6) Specific example 6 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing specific example 6 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, an overview of case 1 will be described as specific example 6.

[0166] Case 1 is an example of a driving plan that includes one stopover, where the driver DR wants to make one more stop before checking into the hotel at the destination, "N Plateau," at 16:00.

[0167] In Case 1, as shown in Figure 24 (1), the server device 10 proposes a driving plan that includes the registered home location as the starting point (see "S" in Figure 24 (1)), the previously specified stopover location "Old House Cafe ○○○" (see "1" in Figure 24 (1)), and the destination "N Hotel Mountain" (see "G" in Figure 24 (1)).

[0168] In Case 1, as shown in Figure 24 (2), the server device 10 proposes a driving plan that includes one stopover with a stay time of one hour in the section between "Destination 1" "Old House Cafe ○○○" (see Figure 24 (2) "1") and "Destination 2" "N Hotel Mountain" (see Figure 24 (2) "G").

[0169] (7. Specific Example 7) Specific example 7 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing specific example 7 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 7, the process of setting the search range in case 1 will be described.

[0170] In Case 1, the server device 10 sets a search range as shown in Fig. 25. Below, the process of calculating the predicted travel time from home to the departure point, the process of calculating the predicted travel time from the departure point to the destination, the process of calculating the predicted margin of time from home to the destination, the process of calculating the radius of the long side of the search circle, the process of calculating the sense of distance from home to the departure point, the process of calculating the radius of the short side of the search circle, and the process of calculating the center of the search circle will be described.

[0171] First, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating a predicted travel time from home to the departure point (stopover point). In the example of Fig. 25, the server device 10 calculates "139" as the predicted travel time [minutes] from home to the departure point.

[0172] Second, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating a predicted travel time from the departure point (stop-off point) to the destination. In the example of Fig. 25, the server device 10 calculates "11" as the predicted travel time [minutes] from the departure point (stop-off point) to the destination.

[0173] Third, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating a predicted margin time from the departure point (stop-by point) to the destination. In the example of Fig. 25, the server device 10 calculates "101" as the predicted margin time [minutes] from the departure point (stop-by point) to the destination.

[0174] Fourth, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating the radius of the long side of the search circle. In the example of Fig. 25, the server device 10 calculates the radius distance of the long side of the search circle using the following formula (1).

[0175] Radius of the long side of the search circle = Estimated travel time from the departure point to the destination × Target search range adjustment magnification (1)

[0176] In the example of Figure 25, using the above formula (1), 139 minutes (estimated travel time from the departure point to the destination) x 0.085 km / minute (target search range adjustment magnification: fixed value) = 11.8 km (radius of the long side of the search circle) is calculated.

[0177] Fifth, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating the perceived distance from home to the departure point. In the example of Fig. 25, the perceived distance from home to the departure point is calculated using the following equation (2).

[0178] Distance from home to departure point = Estimated travel time from home to departure point / (Estimated travel time from home to departure point + Estimated travel time from departure point to destination) (2)

[0179] In the example of Figure 25, using the above formula (2), 139 [minutes] (estimated travel time from the departure point to the destination) / (139 [minutes] (estimated travel time from the departure point to the destination) + 11 [minutes] (estimated travel time from the departure point to the destination)) = 0.93 (perceived distance from home to the departure point) is calculated.

[0180] Sixth, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating the radius of the short side of the search circle. In the example of Fig. 25, the server device 10 calculates the radius distance of the short side of the search circle using the following equation (3).

[0181] Radius of the short side of the search circle = Radius of the long side of the search circle × (distance from home to the starting point × coefficient A + (1 - coefficient A)) (3)

[0182] In the example of Figure 25, using the above formula (3), 11.8 [km] (radius of the long side of the search circle) x (0.93 (perceived distance from home to the starting point) x 0.486 (coefficient A) + (1 - 0.486 (coefficient A))) = 11.4 [km] (radius of the short side of the search circle).

[0183] Seventh, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating the center of the search circle. In the example of Fig. 25, the server device 10 calculates the center coordinates of the search circle using the following equation (4).

[0184] Center of search circle = (distance from home to starting point × coefficient B + (1 - coefficient B)) / 2 (4)

[0185] In the example of Figure 25, using the above formula (4), (0.93 (perceived distance from home to departure point) x 0.6 (coefficient B) + (1 - 0.6 (coefficient B))) / 2 = 0.5 (center of search circle) is calculated.

[0186] (8. Specific Example 8) Specific example 8 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing specific example 8 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 8, the process of searching for a stop-off point and the process of selecting a stop-off point in case 1 will be described.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 26(1), the server device 10 selects POIs with high "popularity," which indicates the level of ratings on past driving plans and posting sites, within a search range that includes the previously specified stopover location "Old House Cafe XXX" (see "1" in FIG. 26(1)) and the destination location "N Mountain Hotel" (see "G" in FIG. 26(1)), and outputs a new stopover location (see "2" in FIG. 26(1)) as a search result. In the example of FIG. 26(1), because there is a distance between the home and the departure location (stopover location) as shown in Specific Example 7 above, the server device 10 sets the search range to a wide circle with its center close to the midpoint between the departure location (stopover location) "Old House Cafe XXX" and the destination location "N Mountain Hotel."

[0188] As shown in Figure 26 (2), the server device 10 predicts the travel time from the departure point (see "S" in Figure 26 (2)) to the first stop, "Old House Cafe ○○○" (see "1" in Figure 26 (2)), predicts the travel time from the first stop, "Old House Cafe ○○○" to "N Kita Ranch" (see "2" in Figure 26 (2)), which is output as the second stop, predicts the travel time from "N Kita Ranch", which is output as the second stop, to the destination (see "G" in Figure 26 (2)), and further takes into account the planned stay time at each stop, thereby confirming that the planned arrival time at the destination will be in time for the desired arrival time specified by the driver DR.

[0189] As described above in specific examples 6 to 8 related to Case 1, the drive plan providing system 100-2 of embodiment 2 recognizes that travel far from the home location is for sightseeing, and if there is a departure from a stopover point, the farther the location is, the more likely it is that a wider area will be toured, depending on the travel time from home to the departure point, and it becomes possible to search a wide range even in directions other than the destination direction.

[0190] (9. Specific Example 9) Specific Example 9 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing Specific Example 9 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment. Below, an overview of Case 2 will be described as Specific Example 9.

[0191] Case 2 is an example in which the driver DR wants to stop somewhere before checking into the destination hotel "N Plateau" at 16:00 on a driving plan that does not include any stops from home.

[0192] In Case 2, as shown in Figure 27 (1), the server device 10 proposes a driving plan that includes the registered home location (see "S" in Figure 27 (1)) as the starting point and "N Hotel Mountain" (see "G" in Figure 27 (1)) as the destination.

[0193] In Case 2, as shown in Figure 27 (2), the server device 10 proposes a driving plan that includes one stopover location with a stay time of one hour in the section between the registered home location (see "S" in Figure 27 (2)), which is the starting point, and the destination "N Hotel Mountain" (see "G" in Figure 27 (2)).

[0194] (10. Specific Example 10) Specific example 10 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing specific example 10 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 10, the process of setting the search range in case 2 will be described.

[0195] In Case 2, the server device 10 sets a search range as shown in Fig. 28. Below, a process for calculating a predicted travel time from home to the departure point, a process for calculating a predicted travel time from the departure point to the destination, a process for calculating a predicted margin of time from the departure point to the destination, a process for calculating the radius of the long side of the search circle, a process for calculating the radius of the short side of the search circle, and a process for calculating the center of the search circle will be described.

[0196] First, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating a predicted travel time from home to the departure point. In the example of Fig. 28, the server device 10 calculates "0" as the predicted travel time [minutes] from home to the departure point.

[0197] Second, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating a predicted travel time from the departure point to the destination. In the example of Fig. 28, the server device 10 calculates "148" as the predicted travel time [minutes] from the departure point to the destination.

[0198] Third, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating a predicted margin time from the departure point to the destination. In the example of Fig. 28, the server device 10 calculates "300" as the predicted margin time [minutes] from the departure point to the destination.

[0199] Fourth, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating the radius of the long side of the search circle. In the example of Fig. 28, the server device 10 calculates "35.0" as the radius distance [km] of the long side of the search circle.

[0200] Fifth, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating the radius of the short side of the search circle. In the example of Fig. 28, the server device 10 calculates "17.9" ​​as the radius distance [km] of the short side of the search circle.

[0201] Sixth, the server device 10 executes a process of calculating the center of the search circle. In the example of Fig. 28, the server device 10 calculates "0.2" as the center coordinate of the search circle.

[0202] (11. Specific Example 11) Specific example 11 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a diagram showing specific example 11 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 11, the stop-off place search process and stop-off place selection process in case 2 will be described.

[0203] As shown in Figure 29(1), the server device 10 selects POIs with high "popularity," which indicates the high ratings of past driving plans and posting sites, within a search range that includes the destination "N Hotel Mountain" (see "G" in Figure 29(1)), and outputs stopover points (see "1" in Figure 29(1)) as search results. In the example of Figure 29(1), because the home and the departure point are the same as shown in Specific Example 10 above, the server device 10 sets the search range to a narrow circle with a center close to the destination "N Hotel Mountain."

[0204] As shown in Figure 29 (2), the server device 10 predicts the travel time from the departure point (see "S" in Figure 29 (2)) to "****, O City, T Prefecture" (see "1" in Figure 29 (2)), which has been output as a stopover point, and predicts the travel time from "****, O City, T Prefecture" (see "G" in Figure 29 (2)), which has been output as a stopover point, to the destination, "N Hotel Mountain" (see "G" in Figure 29 (2)).Furthermore, by taking into account the planned stay time at the stopover point, the server device 10 confirms that the planned arrival time at the destination will be in time for the desired arrival time specified by the driver DR.

[0205] As described above in specific examples 9 to 11 related to Case 2, the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment detects that travel far from the home location is for sightseeing, and when the departure point is the home, it is possible to limit the search range in directions other than the destination direction so that the arrival time at the planned destination is not delayed by deviating from the destination direction and making a stop.

[0206] (12. Specific Example 12) Specific example 12 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing specific example 12 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 12, the stop-off place search process and stop-off place selection process in case 3 will be described.

[0207] Case 3 is an example in which, in a driving plan that starts from home and passes through a stopover point, the driver DR wants to stop at one location before arriving at a destination close to home.

[0208] In Case 3, as shown in Figure 30 (1), the server device 10 proposes a driving plan that includes the registered home location as the starting point (see "S" in Figure 30 (1)), a pre-specified stopover point (see "1" in Figure 30 (1)), and a destination (see "G" in Figure 30 (1)).

[0209] In this case, the server device 10 calculates a predicted travel time of 20 minutes from home to the departure point (stop-off point), a predicted travel time of 20 minutes from the departure point (stop-off point) to the destination, and a predicted margin of time of 120 minutes from the departure point (stop-off point) to the destination. That is, the server device 10 searches for a new stop-off point between the pre-specified stop-off point and the destination where the total travel time and stay time is 120 minutes or less.

[0210] In Case 3, as shown in Figure 30(2), the server device 10 selects a POI within a search range that includes the destination (see "G" in Figure 30(2)) based on information registered in a geohash that includes the search range, and outputs a new stop-off point as a search result. In the example of Figure 30(2), because there is a distance from the home (see "S" in Figure 30(2)) to the departure point (stop-off point) (see "1" in Figure 30(2)), the server device 10 sets the search range to a wide circle with a center close to the midpoint between the departure point (stop-off point) and the destination, and selects a POI based on information registered in a geohash (see rectangle in Figure 30(2)) that includes the set search range.

[0211] As described above in Specific Example 12 related to Case 3, the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment can infer that travel from the home location to nearby areas is for daily use, and if a stopover point is decided, can infer that there is business related to the stopover point or the area around the destination, and can perform a wide range of searches in directions other than the destination. Furthermore, the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment can use information registered in a geohash that includes the search range, thereby eliminating the need to access a database in which nationwide information is registered, thereby enabling high-speed selection of POIs and shortening search time.

[0212] (13. Specific Example 13) Specific example 13 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing specific example 13 of each process of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to embodiment 2. Below, as specific example 13, the stop-off place search process and stop-off place selection process in case 4 will be described.

[0213] Case 4 is an example in which the driver DR wants to stop at one location before arriving at a destination close to his / her home in a driving plan that does not include any stops from his / her home.

[0214] In Case 4, as shown in Figure 31 (1), the server device 10 proposes a driving plan that includes the registered home location as the starting point (see "S" in Figure 31 (1)) and the destination (see "G" in Figure 31 (1)).

[0215] In this case, the server device 10 calculates a predicted travel time from home to the departure point of 0 minutes, a predicted travel time from the departure point to the destination of 30 minutes, and a predicted margin of time from the departure point to the destination of 120 minutes. In other words, the server device 10 searches for a stopover point between home and the destination where the total travel time and stay time is 120 minutes or less.

[0216] In Case 4, as shown in Figure 31 (2), the server device 10 selects POIs within a search range that includes the destination (see "G" in Figure 31 (2)) based on information registered in a geohash that includes the search range, and outputs stopovers as search results. In the example of Figure 31 (2), since the home (see "S" in Figure 31 (2)) and the departure point are the same, the server device 10 sets a narrow circular shape that is close to the destination in center as the search range, and selects POIs based on information registered in a geohash that includes the set search range (see rectangle in Figure 31 (2)).

[0217] As described above in Specific Example 13 relating to Case 4, the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment recognizes that travel near the home location is for daily use, and when the destination is fixed and there are no stops, it is possible to limit the search range for directions other than the destination direction so as to avoid unnecessary travel (only travel near the destination). Furthermore, the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment uses information registered in a geohash that includes the search range, thereby eliminating the need to access a database in which nationwide information is registered, making it possible to select POIs quickly and shorten search times.

[0218] [Processing Flow of Drive Plan Providing System 100-2] The processing flow of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the drive plan providing system 100-2 according to the second embodiment. Note that the processing of steps S201 to S207 below can also be executed in a different order. Furthermore, some of the processing of steps S201 to S207 below may be omitted.

[0219] (1. Search Range Setting Process) First, the server device 10 executes a search range setting process (step S201). For example, the server device 10 sets a search range for stop-off points based on the positional relationship between the home, departure point, and destination.

[0220] (2. Search Word Input Process) Second, the driver DR executes a search word input process (step S201). For example, the driver DR operates the in-vehicle device 20 of the vehicle VE to input a fuzzy search word.

[0221] (3. Search Word Receiving Process) Third, the server device 10 executes a search word receiving process (step S203). For example, the server device 10 receives one or more fuzzy search words from the vehicle VE.

[0222] (4. Stopover place search process) Fourth, the server device 10 executes a stopover place search process (step S204). For example, the server device 10 searches for a stopover place having the characteristics indicated by the fuzzy search word within a search range set based on the positional relationship between the home, the departure point, and the destination.

[0223] (5. Drive Plan Generation Process) Fifth, the server device 10 executes a drive plan generation process (step S205). For example, the server device 10 generates a drive plan including stop-off locations searched for based on the fuzzy search word.

[0224] (6. Drive Plan Transmission Process) Sixth, the server device 10 executes a drive plan transmission process (step S206). For example, the server device 10 transmits one or more generated drive plans to the vehicle VE.

[0225] (7. Drive Plan Providing Process) Seventh, the vehicle VE executes a drive plan providing process (step S207). For example, the vehicle VE displays on the monitor the drive plan approved by the driver DR through operation of the in-vehicle device 20, and provides route guidance including stopover points.

[0226] [Effects of Second Embodiment] The effects of the second embodiment will be described below. Effects 1 to 8 corresponding to the processes according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0227] (1. Effect 1) First, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the server device 10 is an information processing device that provides the driver DR with a drive plan indicating a route for traveling from a first point to a second point, and sets a search range for searching for stop-off points when traveling from the first point to the second point based on the distance between a third point specified by the driver DR and the first point. Therefore, in this process, by setting the search range for stop-off points based on the positional relationship of the specified points, it is possible to provide an effective drive plan that suits the type of driving.

[0228] (2. Effect 2) Second, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the shorter the distance between the third point and the first point, the closer the center of the search range is to the second point. Therefore, in this process, by setting the center of the search range for stopover points near the destination on the route of the drive plan, it is possible to provide an effective drive plan according to the type of drive.

[0229] (3. Effect 3) Third, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the longer the distance between the third point and the first point, the closer the center of the search range is to the midpoint between the first point and the second point. Therefore, in this process, by setting the center of the search range for stopover points near the midpoint between the departure point and the destination on the route of the drive plan, it is possible to provide an effective drive plan according to the type of drive.

[0230] (4. Effect 4) Fourth, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the distance from the route of the drive plan decreases as the distance between the third point and the first point decreases. Therefore, in this process, by setting a narrow search range for stopover points on the route of the drive plan, it is possible to provide an effective drive plan according to the type of drive.

[0231] (5. Effect 5) Fifth, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the server device 10 sets the search range so that the greater the distance between the third point and the first point, the greater the distance from the route of the drive plan. Therefore, in this process, by setting a wide search range for stopover locations on the route of the drive plan, it is possible to provide an effective drive plan that suits the type of drive.

[0232] (6. Effect 6) Sixth, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the server device 10 sets the search range so as to change the distance from the route of the drive plan in accordance with the margin calculated using the estimated time required to arrive at the second point from the current location of the driver DR and the desired time of arrival at the second point specified by the driver DR. Therefore, in this process, by setting the search range for stopover points in consideration of the time schedule, it is possible to provide an effective drive plan according to the type of drive.

[0233] (7. Effect 7) Seventh, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the server device 10 receives search words indicating characteristics of the stop-off points desired by the driver DR, searches for stop-off points having those characteristics within a set search range on the route of the drive plan, and if two or more stop-off points having those characteristics are found, selects one or more stop-off points to be suggested to the driver DR and generates a drive plan including the selected stop-off points. Therefore, in this process, by setting the search range for stop-off points based on the positional relationship of the specified points, it is possible to provide an effective drive plan according to the type of drive, and by searching for stop-off points using ambiguous search words, it is possible to provide a flexible drive plan.

[0234] (8. Effect 8) Eighth, in the process according to the second embodiment described above, the first point is a departure point or a stopover point designated by the driver DR, the second point is a destination point designated by the driver DR, and the third point is the residence of the driver DR. Therefore, in this process, by setting the search range for stopover points in consideration of the geographical location of the living area, it is possible to provide an effective driving plan according to the type of driving.

[0235] [Hardware Configuration] The server device 10 according to the first and second embodiments described above is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 33. The following description will be given taking the server device 10 as an example. Fig. 33 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the server devices according to the first and second embodiments. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, a HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0236] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0237] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0238] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0239] Media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides it to CPU 1100 via RAM 1200. CPU 1100 loads the program or data from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1200 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0240] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the server device 10 according to the first and second embodiments, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes programs loaded onto the RAM 1200 to implement the functions of the control unit 13. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0241] [Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in each of the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0242] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0243] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0244] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include the embodiments described in the Disclosure of the Invention section and that have been modified and improved in various ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0245] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a receiving section can be read as receiving means or receiving circuit.

[0246] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Server device 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 12a User information storage unit 12b Search word storage unit 12c Search result storage unit 12d Drive plan storage unit 13 Control unit 13a Receiving unit 13b Setting unit 13c Search unit 13d Prediction unit 13e Generation unit 13f Transmission unit 20 In-vehicle device 100-1, 100-2 Drive plan providing system

Claims

1. An information processing device that provides a user with a driving plan showing a route from a first point to a second point, comprising: a receiving unit that receives search words that indicate characteristics of a stop-off point desired by the user; a search unit that searches for stop-off points having the characteristics within a search range within a specified distance from a specified point on the route; and a generation unit that, when two or more stop-off points are found using the search words, selects one or more stop-off points to be suggested to the user based on the multiple search words, and generates the driving plan including the selected stop-off points.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation unit selects one stop-off location that includes two or more of the characteristics from the two or more searched stop-off locations.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the search unit searches for stopover points having the characteristics within the search range within a predetermined distance from a midpoint between the first point and the second point on the route.

4. The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the generation unit selects one or more stopovers to suggest to the user using information about stopovers included in previously proposed driving plans.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation unit uses information regarding recommended stop-off places to select one or more stop-off places to suggest to the user.

6. An information processing device as described in claim 1, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts the required time from the user's current location to the two or more stop-off locations searched for, wherein the generation unit selects one or more stop-off locations to suggest to the user using the predicted required time and the desired time of arrival at the second location specified by the user.

7. The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the receiving unit receives user information regarding the user, and the generating unit uses the user information to select one or more stopover locations to suggest to the user.

8. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first location is a departure point designated by the user, and the second location is a destination designated by the user.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that provides a user with a driving plan indicating a route to travel from a first point to a second point, comprising: a receiving step of receiving search words indicating characteristics of a stop-off point desired by the user; a search step of searching for a stop-off point having the characteristics within a search range within a specified distance from a specified point on the route; and a generation step of, if two or more stop-off points are found using the search words, selecting one or more stop-off points to be suggested to the user based on the plurality of search words, and generating the driving plan including the selected stop-off points.

10. An information processing program to be executed by an information processing device that provides a user with a driving plan showing a route from a first point to a second point, the information processing program causing the information processing device to execute the following steps: a receiving step of receiving search words that show characteristics of a stop-off point desired by the user; a search step of searching for a stop-off point having the characteristics within a search range within a specified distance from a specified point on the route; and a generation step of, if two or more stop-off points are found using the search words, selecting one or more stop-off points to be suggested to the user based on the multiple search words and generating the driving plan including the selected stop-off points.

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