JP2019168362A - Map information creating device, map information creating method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a map information creating device, etc., with which it is possible to appropriately notify a user about branching.SOLUTION: A map information creating device in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a preservation unit for preserving map information in which a network structure of roads is constituted by a link and a node; a reception unit for receiving, from each of a plurality of vehicles, probe information including information that indicates whether or not a direction indicator is used in the vehicle; a specification unit for specifying, on the basis of the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles, a prescribed link, among a plurality of links included in the map information, which the vehicles pass through without using a direction indicator; and a guidance unit for determining the necessity of route guidance for a vehicle that travels the prescribed link.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a map information creation device, a map information creation method, a program, and a recording medium that can guide a route.

  Conventionally, a technology for guiding a branch point has been developed in a navigation device capable of guiding a route. For example, in Patent Document 1, if there is a plurality of gates ahead of the host vehicle and the vehicle approaches a place where there is a road branch ahead of the plurality of gates, the lane leading to the road to the destination It is disclosed that an installed gate is identified and the identified gate is guided in front of the gate.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, the route of the lane that the host vehicle should travel from the travel lane is set as the planned travel lane, and based on the road shape, the difficulty of driving operation, the skill and travel history of the driver, traffic information, It is disclosed to control the content and timing of route guidance for the travel lane.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, when a route having a plurality of lanes is included between the guidance branch point and the vehicle position, a recommended travel lane that can appropriately travel to the guidance target branch destination is It is disclosed to set continuously up to the present location. Specifically, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, when there are a plurality of branch points between the guide branch point and the vehicle position, the guidance is performed without entering an incorrect branch at the plurality of branch points. The recommended travel lane is guided so that the branch can be appropriately entered at the branch point.

JP 2006-220593 A JP 2006-184007 A JP 2000-018956 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, guidance is not sufficient for branching because there is no guidance even if there is a branch unless there are a plurality of gates ahead of the host vehicle. In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is not sufficient as branch guidance because route guidance for the traveling lane may not be performed depending on the difficulty of driving operation and the skill of the driver. Furthermore, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, if there are no plurality of branch points between the guide branch point and the vehicle position, the recommended travel lane is not guided, so that it is still insufficient as a branch guide.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a map information creation device, a map information creation method, a program, and a recording medium capable of appropriately performing branch guidance for a user. To do.

  A map information creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores map information in which a network structure of a road is configured by links and nodes, and whether or not a direction indicator is used in each of a plurality of vehicles. Based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of links included in the map information and the receiving unit that receives the probe information including the information indicating that the vehicle does not use the direction indicator A specifying unit that specifies a predetermined link that passes through and a determination unit that determines whether route guidance is required for a vehicle traveling on the predetermined link.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the specifying unit is configured such that the vehicle has a turn indicator based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of branches included in the map information. A predetermined branch that passes without being used may be specified, and the storage unit may add the fact that the predetermined branch is specified by the specifying unit to the map information.

  In the map information creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a distribution unit that searches for a route to a destination and distributes the map information to an information processing terminal that provides route guidance along the searched route. In addition, the information processing terminal is necessary for branching along the searched route before the predetermined branch when the searched route includes the predetermined branch. It is good also as performing guidance.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the specific unit, in each of the plurality of exit links included in the branch, when the vehicle exits from the exit link without using the direction indicator, The branch may be specified as the predetermined branch.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the specifying unit may specify, as the predetermined branch, a branch in which the vehicle travels straight to a branch point among the plurality of branches.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the identifying unit includes, among the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles, probe information of a vehicle whose lane has been changed within a predetermined range from a branch point. It may be characterized by not being used to specify the branch of

  In the map information creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the specific unit is an additional link added within a predetermined distance from the branch point among the plurality of input links included in the branch, The branch may not be specified as the predetermined branch.

  In the map information creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the specifying unit includes a change in the gradient of one exit link compared to a change in the gradient of another exit link among the plurality of exit links included in the branch. When it is larger, the branch may be specified as the predetermined branch.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the specifying unit is configured to calculate a vehicle speed on one exit link and a vehicle speed on another exit link among a plurality of exit links included in the branch. When the difference is within a predetermined value, the branch may be specified as the predetermined branch.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the receiving unit receives the probe information at a plurality of points in time from a specific vehicle among the plurality of vehicles, and the specifying unit is included in a branch. In each of the plurality of exit links, when the specific vehicle passes without using the direction indicator, the branch may be specified as the predetermined branch.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the receiving unit receives the probe information at a plurality of points in time from a specific vehicle among the plurality of vehicles, and the specifying unit is configured to perform the predetermined branching. If the specific vehicle that passes without using the direction indicator in one branch specified as follows passes without using the direction indicator in another branch, the other branch passes through the predetermined branch. It may be characterized by specifying a branch.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the receiving unit receives the probe information at a plurality of points in time from a specific vehicle among the plurality of vehicles, and the specifying unit includes the plurality of branches. Among these, when the specific vehicle passes without using the direction indicator in a branch where the specific vehicle passes for the first time, the branch may be specified as the predetermined branch.

  In the map information creation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the specifying unit includes the branching unit in which the vehicle of the plurality of vehicles passes without using a direction indicator. When another vehicle is traveling behind one vehicle, the branch may be identified as the predetermined branch.

  In the map information creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the specifying unit includes a branch through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator in the case of predetermined weather or at night among the plurality of branches. May be specified as the predetermined branch.

  A map information creation method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reception step of receiving probe information including information indicating whether or not a direction indicator is used in a plurality of vehicles, and a plurality of maps included in the map information. A specific step of identifying a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles, and a vehicle traveling on the predetermined link A determination step for determining whether or not route guidance is necessary.

  A program according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reception function for receiving probe information including information indicating whether or not a turn indicator is used in each vehicle from a plurality of vehicles, and a plurality of programs included in map information. A specific function for identifying a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles, and a vehicle traveling on the predetermined link And a determination function for determining whether or not route guidance is necessary.

  The storage medium according to the embodiment of the present invention is included in the map information and a reception function for receiving probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle from each of the plurality of vehicles. Based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of links, a specific function for identifying a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator, and a vehicle that travels through the predetermined link And a determination function for determining whether or not route guidance is necessary.

  The map information creation device, map information creation method, program, and recording medium of the present invention can appropriately guide branching to the user.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an example of a predetermined branch in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the map information creation system in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the map information preparation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. In one Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure for demonstrating the other example of a predetermined branch. In one Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the example of the said branch in case one input road (input link) is an additional lane among the several input roads (link) contained in a branch. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the vehicle terminal in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the map information creation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the vehicle terminal in one Embodiment of this invention.

<One Embodiment>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In a predetermined branch among a plurality of branches included in the map information, it may be desirable to perform predetermined guidance to the driver in route guidance such as a car navigation system.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a predetermined branch where it is desirable to perform predetermined guidance. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the predetermined branch has an angle θ between a road A ′ (exit link A ′) exiting from the predetermined road and a road B ′ (exit link B ′) exiting. Below a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be any angle, for example, 30 degrees. In addition, the road to exit (exit link) is each of the plurality of roads (a plurality of links) after the branch when a certain road branches into a plurality at the branch point.

  Here, the link constitutes a road network structure in the map information. In the map information, the road network structure is composed of links and nodes. For example, a road is represented by a plurality of links, and an intersection where the road and the road intersect is represented by a node.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, in such a predetermined branch C, if the vehicle is in the right lane B (or left lane A) before the branch, the road B ′ (or left road) is naturally left. It is possible to branch to A ′). In other words, it is possible to enter one of natural and branch roads by simply following the road.

  Therefore, in the predetermined branch C, in the route guidance, it is desirable to guide “rightward (or leftward)” rather than “rightward (or leftward)”. In the predetermined branch C, the vehicle does not turn right (or turn left), but can enter any one of the branch roads by simply turning the lane to the right (or left). Nevertheless, guiding “right (or left)” may mislead the driver that he / she needs to turn right (or turn left) on the fork. .

  Note that such guidance (that is, guidance “rightward (or leftward)”) is described as “bi-facility guidance”, and a predetermined branch where the bi-directional guidance should be performed is “bi-directional guidance target intersection”. May be described.

  Conventionally, such a predetermined branch has been identified using a plurality of predetermined conditions from a plurality of branches included in the map information. Specifically, among a plurality of branches included in the map information, a branch that matches all or a part of a plurality of predetermined conditions is specified, and the specified branch is a branch that performs predetermined guidance. It was decided. The predetermined conditions include, for example, that the angle θ of the two exit links is equal to or less than a predetermined angle.

  However, in the method of specifying a predetermined branch based on a plurality of predetermined conditions, it is not desirable to meet a plurality of predetermined conditions even though it is a branch where it is originally desirable to perform predetermined guidance. Therefore, there is a case where it is not specified as a predetermined branch. As a result, problems such as “right direction (or left direction)” guidance and no guidance have occurred in such a branch.

  Therefore, in the map information creation system of the present invention, paying attention to the presence / absence of use of a direction indicator in the vehicle, the branch through which the vehicle passes without using the direction indicator is specified as a bifurcation guidance target intersection. If the vehicle has passed a branch without using a turn indicator, the branch will naturally go to the right road (or left road) if it is in the right lane (or left lane). Since it means that it was possible to branch, there is a high possibility that it is a bifurcation guidance target intersection. Therefore, by specifying a branch through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator as an intersection for bifurcation guidance, even if the branch does not meet a plurality of predetermined conditions, bifurcation guidance is provided at the branch. It can be performed.

  In the map information creation system of the present invention, not only a branch but a link through which a vehicle passes without using a direction indicator may be specified as a link on which predetermined guidance is to be performed. For example, in the map information creation system of the present invention, a predetermined guidance indicating that the vehicle is a “road” is provided, for example, through a link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator among a plurality of links constituting the road. You may specify as a link to perform.

(Configuration example of map information creation system)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the map information creation system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the map information creation system 1 includes a map information creation device 2, a vehicle terminal 3, and an NW (Network) 4. The vehicle terminal 3 may be described as an information processing terminal.

  The map information creation device 2 has a function of creating map information for distribution to the vehicle terminal 3. The map information creation device 2 creates map information based on data (for example, probe information) collected from the vehicle terminal 3. In addition, the map information creation device 2 may have a function of performing route guidance for the vehicle terminal 3 based on the created map information. In this case, for example, in response to a request from the vehicle terminal 3, the map information creation device 2 searches for a route from the current position of the vehicle terminal 3 to the destination, and performs route guidance along the searched route.

  The vehicle terminal 3 may search for a route from the current position to the destination based on the map information distributed from the map information creation device 2, and may provide route guidance along the searched route. For example, the map information distributed from the map information creation device 2 is added with information indicating that the link or node included in the map information is a link or node that is a target for predetermined guidance. It may be. In this case, the vehicle terminal 3 can perform route guidance based on information indicating that the vehicle terminal 3 is a target for performing predetermined guidance added to the map information.

  Below, the case where the vehicle terminal 3 searches for a route based on the map information distributed by the map information creation device 2 and performs route guidance along the route will be described as an example.

  The map information creation device 2 is, for example, a server device, a computer (for example, desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a server device distributed on the cloud, or the like. In addition, in one Embodiment of this invention, the map information creation apparatus 2 is not limited to these.

  The vehicle terminal 3 is a device that moves together with various vehicles such as cars, buses, and trucks. The vehicle terminal 3 may be a device that moves with a motorcycle or a bicycle. The vehicle terminal 3 may be installed in the vehicle, for example, or may be a terminal held by a user who drives the vehicle. The vehicle terminal 3 has a function of searching for a route from the current position of the vehicle terminal 3 to the destination based on the map information distributed from the map information creation device 2, and executing route guidance along the searched route. Have.

  The vehicle terminal 3 is, for example, a device (car navigation device) that can provide a service related to a car navigation system. Further, the vehicle terminal 3 is not limited to a car navigation device, and for example, a smart phone, a mobile phone (for example, a feature phone), a computer (for example, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, etc.), a PDA (personal digital assistant), a wearable terminal, or the like. It may be. In the embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle terminal 3 is not limited to these.

  The NW 4 is a communication network for connecting the map information creation device 2 and the vehicle terminal 3. The map information creation device 2 distributes map information and route guidance information to the vehicle terminal 3 via the NW 4. Moreover, the vehicle terminal 3 transmits predetermined information (for example, probe information) to the map information creation device 2 via the NW 4. NW4 is, for example, a wired network or a wireless network. Specifically, NW4 is a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (integrated service digital networks), wireless LANs, LTE (long term evolution de DMA), and LTE (long term evolution) DMAC. access). The NW 4 is not limited to these examples, and may be, for example, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), satellite communication, or the like. NW4 is not limited to these examples, and may be, for example, an NW used in vehicle-to-vehicle communication or vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

(Configuration example of map information creation device)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the map information creation device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the map information creation device 2 includes a communication unit 20, a probe information storage unit 21, a map information storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

  The communication unit 20 is a communication interface for connecting to the vehicle terminal 3. The map information creation device 2 transmits map information and information regarding route guidance to the vehicle terminal 3 via the communication unit 20. Further, the map information creation device 2 receives predetermined information (for example, probe information) via the communication unit 20. The communication executed by the communication unit 20 may be either wired or wireless communication, and may use any communication protocol.

  The communication unit 20 receives probe information from the vehicle terminal 3. The probe information is information indicating a travel locus of the vehicle. Specifically, the probe information is, for example, a plurality of pieces of information in which position information indicating the position of the vehicle is associated with the time when the vehicle is present at the position.

  The probe information may be a travel locus of the vehicle obtained based on the vehicle position information and time. In addition, the traveling locus of the vehicle can be obtained from the position information of the vehicle terminal 3 and the like. The position information of the vehicle terminal 3 can be grasped by, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System).

  The probe information may include information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle. In the probe information, information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used may be associated with each of the plurality of links included in the probe information.

  Furthermore, the probe information may include a predetermined attribute. The predetermined attribute is, for example, an attribute of a user who operates the vehicle or the specific vehicle (for example, age or gender) and a vehicle type of the vehicle or the specific vehicle (automobile, bus, truck, etc.). The predetermined attribute may be, for example, the size or weight of a vehicle or a specific vehicle.

  Note that the map information creation device 2 may receive probe information from all or some of the plurality of vehicle terminals 3. Further, the map information creation device 2 may receive probe information from a probe car that is a specific automobile for collecting probe information. In addition, the map information creation device 2 may receive probe information from another system that provides probe information or from another server device (not shown).

  The probe information storage unit 21 stores the probe information of the vehicle terminal 3 received via the communication unit 20. The probe information storage unit 21 stores probe information of a plurality of vehicle terminals 3. The probe information storage unit 21 may store probe information for each of the plurality of vehicle terminals 3.

  The map information storage unit 22 stores map information. The map information storage unit 22 stores, for example, map information of a specific region such as a specific country, prefecture, or state. Further, the map information storage unit 22 stores, for example, mesh-shaped map information having a hierarchical structure for a specific area. The map information is parcel data, which is map information for display, and region data for route calculation. Further, the map information may be configured of a road network structure with links and nodes.

  The map information stored in the map information storage unit 22 may be updated to the latest map information at a predetermined timing, for example. The predetermined timing may be any timing such as when the latest map information is created or a predetermined cycle.

  The control unit 23 is provided with a function for executing a predetermined function by a code or an instruction in the program, and is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit). The control unit 23 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), or an FPGA (field programmed gate array). In the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 23 is not limited to these.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 23 includes a storage unit 231, a reception unit 232, a specification unit 233, a determination unit 234, and a distribution unit 235.

  The storage unit 231 executes processing for storing map information in which the road network structure is configured by links and nodes in the map information storage unit 22. Further, the storage unit 231 may add information indicating that it is a route guidance target to each of the links and nodes included in the map information stored in the map information storage unit 22. For example, the storage unit 231 adds information indicating that it is a target of route guidance to a link or node corresponding to a predetermined branch for which route guidance is determined to be necessary by the determination unit 234. For example, the storage unit 231 adds information indicating that the target is a bifurcation guide to a link or node corresponding to a predetermined branch.

  The receiving unit 232 executes processing for receiving probe information from each of the plurality of vehicles. The receiving unit 232 may receive probe information from a specific vehicle among a plurality of vehicles. The receiving unit 232 may receive probe information at a plurality of points in time from each or some of the plurality of vehicles.

  For example, the receiving unit 232 receives probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle from each of the plurality of vehicles. The probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used includes, for example, information regarding whether or not the direction indicator is used in the link or node for each link or node included in the probe information.

  Note that the probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used may add information indicating that the direction indicator is used to a link or node using the direction indicator. In this case, it is possible to determine that the vehicle has passed without using the direction indicator at a link or node to which information indicating that the direction indicator has been used is not added.

  The specifying unit 233 specifies a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using the direction indicator, based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of links included in the map information. For example, the specifying unit 233 specifies a predetermined branch through which the vehicle passes without using the direction indicator, based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of branches included in the map information. A bifurcation that passes without using a direction indicator can naturally branch to the right (or left) road if it is in the right (or left) lane. Is likely. Therefore, such a branch is specified as a predetermined branch (that is, a bifurcation guidance target intersection).

  For example, when the vehicle exits from the exit link without using a direction indicator in each of the plurality of exit links included in the branch based on the received probe information, the specifying unit 233 determines the branch as a predetermined number. Identifies as a branch. In each of a plurality of exit links included in the branch, if the vehicle can exit from the exit link without using a direction indicator, if it is in the right (or left) lane, it will naturally go to the right (or It is possible to branch to the road on the left side, and there is a high possibility that it is a bifurcation guidance target intersection. Therefore, such a branch is specified as a predetermined branch (that is, a bifurcation guidance target intersection).

  For example, the specifying unit 233 may specify a branch where the vehicle has traveled straight to the branch point as a predetermined branch based on the received probe information. Referring to FIG. 1 as an example, for example, when a vehicle goes straight on a lane B (or lane A) to a branch point and enters the right road B ′ (left road A ′) as it is, the vehicle Go straight to C. In such a case, the vehicle can pass the branch along the road, and if it is in the right lane (or left lane), it naturally branches to the right road (or left road). Therefore, there is a high possibility that the intersection is the target for bi-directional guidance. Therefore, such a branch is specified as a predetermined branch (that is, a bifurcation guidance target intersection).

  Further, for example, based on the received probe information, the specifying unit 233 may change the slope of one exit road (exit link) among the plurality of exit links included in the branch of another road (exit link). If the gradient is larger than the change in gradient, the branch may be specified as a predetermined branch.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined branch (that is, an intersection for bifurcation guidance). As shown in FIG. 4, at a predetermined branch C, if it is in the lower lane B (or the upper lane A) before the branch, the lower road B ′ (or the upper road A ′) is naturally. ). In other words, it is possible to enter one of natural and branch roads by simply following the road.

  As shown in FIG. 4, one exit road A ′ (exit link A ′) crosses another exit road B ′ (exit link B ′) after branching. In the example of FIG. 4, one exit road A ′ is going uphill from the branch point C to the point D, and the point D intersects the other exit road B ′. That is, when one exit road A '(exit link A') is an uphill, the change in the gradient becomes large. Therefore, the change in the gradient of one exit road A '(exit link A') is larger than the change in the gradient of another exit road B '(exit link B'). Such a branch is, as a rule of thumb, often a predetermined branch (ie, a bifurcation guidance target intersection). However, if a plurality of predetermined conditions are used, there is a possibility that the predetermined branch cannot be specified. Therefore, when the change in the gradient of one exit road (exit link) is larger than the change in the gradient of another exit road (exit link), the specifying unit 233 identifies the branch as a predetermined branch.

  Further, for example, based on the received probe information, the specifying unit 233 determines the difference between the speed of the vehicle on one exit link and the speed of the vehicle on another exit link among the plurality of exit links included in the branch. Is within a predetermined value, the branch may be specified as the predetermined branch. The fact that the speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined value in each of the plurality of exit links after branching means that the vehicle passes along the road without making a right or left turn at any exit link. Become. Since such a branch is highly likely to be a bifurcation guidance target intersection, it is specified as a predetermined branch (that is, a bifurcation guidance target intersection). The predetermined value is, for example, 30 [km / h], but is merely an example, and may be set to any value.

  Further, the specifying unit 233 may specify a predetermined branch by paying attention to probe information of a specific vehicle. That is, for example, when the specific vehicle passes through each of the plurality of exit links included in the branch based on the probe information of the specific vehicle without using the direction indicator, It may be specified as a predetermined branch. There is a high possibility that the probe information of a specific vehicle is a travel locus by a specific driver. And if a specific driver (the same driver) does not use a turn signal on any of the multiple exit links, such a branch may be a predetermined branch (ie, a bifurcation guidance intersection) Is expensive. Therefore, such a branch is identified as a predetermined branch. Further, by paying attention to the traveling locus of a specific driver, the specifying unit 233 can reduce “blur” due to a difference in the driver in specifying a predetermined branch.

  In addition, for example, based on the probe information of a specific vehicle, the specifying unit 233 may pass a specific vehicle that passes without using a direction indicator in one branch specified as a predetermined branch in another branch. When passing without using the direction indicator, the other branch may be specified as a predetermined branch. If a particular driver passes through a branch that has already been identified as a given branch (ie, a bifurcation guidance intersection) without using a direction indicator, the particular driver It means that the driver does not use the instrument. When such a driver passes through another branch without using a direction indicator, the other branch is also likely to be a predetermined branch (that is, a bifurcation guidance target intersection). Therefore, such a branch is identified as a predetermined branch.

  In addition, for example, when the specific vehicle passes without using the direction indicator in a branch where the specific vehicle passes for the first time based on the probe information of the specific vehicle, the specifying unit 233 determines the predetermined branch. May be specified as a branch. If it is a branch that has passed many times, you are accustomed to passing the branch, and it is possible that you did not use the turn signal because of the familiarity. Therefore, paying attention to the branch that the driver passes for the first time and passing without using the direction indicator in spite of being the first branch that passes, such a branch is a predetermined branch (that is, It is highly likely that this is a bi-facility guidance target intersection). Therefore, such a branch is identified as a predetermined branch.

  Further, the specifying unit 233, for example, in a branch where one of a plurality of vehicles passes without using a direction indicator, when another vehicle is running behind the one vehicle, The branch is identified as a predetermined branch. A branch that can be passed without using a direction indicator even though another vehicle is traveling behind is a branch that can be passed along a road. ). Therefore, such a branch is identified as a predetermined branch.

  The specifying unit 233 may specify, for example, a branch that the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator as a predetermined branch in the case of predetermined weather or nighttime. The predetermined weather is, for example, rain, snow, fog, etc., and there is a case where it is necessary to drive carefully, such as when visibility is poor compared to clear weather. Nighttime is a case where visibility is worse than daytime, and may include the morning and evening. A branch that can be passed without using a turn signal in spite of the prescribed weather or at night, if you are in the right lane (or the left lane), naturally the right road ( Alternatively, it is possible to branch to the left road), and there is a high possibility that it is a predetermined branch (that is, a bifurcation guidance target intersection). Therefore, such a branch is identified as a predetermined branch.

  The identifying unit 233 does not use probe information of a vehicle whose lane has been changed within a predetermined range from the branch point among the probe information received from a plurality of vehicles for identifying the predetermined branch. When the vehicle changes lanes within a predetermined range from the branch point, the vehicle does not travel on the road and naturally enters one of the branch roads at the branch. Therefore, the specifying unit 233 does not use such vehicle probe information for specifying a predetermined branch. The predetermined range is, for example, within 100 [m] or 150 [m] from the branch point, but is merely an example and may be any range.

  Further, when one input road (input link) is an additional lane (additional road, additional link) among a plurality of input roads (input links) included in the branch, the specifying unit 233 determines that the branch is a predetermined branch. It is not specified as (that is, the intersection for bifurcation guidance). The additional lane is a lane added by widening the road within a predetermined distance L before the branch point. The predetermined distance L is, for example, 300 [m] or 500 [m] from the branch point, but is merely an example and may be any distance.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a branch when one input road (input link) is an additional lane among a plurality of input roads (input links) included in the branch. As illustrated in FIG. 5, among the plurality of input roads (input links) A and B input to the branch C, one input road (input link) B is within a predetermined distance L before the branch point C. The other input road (input link) A is a road that has been widened and added, and is an additional road.

  In FIG. 5, at the branch point C, the vehicle naturally follows the road and can naturally enter either the branch road (exit road) A ′ or B ′ (that is, it can branch without using a direction indicator). However, in order to enter the exit road (exit link B ′), it is necessary to change the lane from the input road A to the input road B that is an additional road. In such a branch, it is necessary to urge the driver of the vehicle entering the exit road B 'to change the lane in the right direction (that is, from the input road A to the input road B). In particular, when it is necessary to change the lane to the input road B within a predetermined distance L from the branch point C, it is necessary to strongly urge the driver to change the lane in the right direction. In order to prompt the driver to change lanes, it is desirable to provide guidance “right (or left)” rather than “right (or left)”.

  Therefore, when one input road (input link) is an additional lane (additional road, additional link) among a plurality of input roads (input links) included in the branch, the specifying unit 233 determines that the branch is a predetermined branch. It is not specified as (that is, the intersection for bifurcation guidance). For example, when the one input road is an additional lane added within a predetermined distance from the branch point, the specifying unit 233 may not specify the branch as the predetermined branch. As a result, the branch point C in FIG. 5 is not specified as a bifurcation guidance target intersection, and the driver can be guided “right direction (or left direction)” before the branch point C. It becomes like this.

  The determination unit 234 determines whether or not route guidance is necessary for a vehicle traveling on a predetermined link. For example, the determination unit 234 determines that route guidance is necessary for a vehicle that enters a predetermined branch (that is, a bifurcation guidance target intersection) specified by the specification unit 233. In this case, the storage unit 231 provides a route to a link or node corresponding to a predetermined branch in the map information stored in the map information storage unit 22 that has been determined by the determining unit 234 that route guidance is necessary. You may add the information which shows that it is the object of guidance.

  Note that the determination unit 234 may determine that route guidance is not required for a vehicle traveling on a predetermined link specified by the specifying unit 233, for example. For example, the determination unit 234 determines that route guidance on the predetermined link is unnecessary when a vehicle traveling on the predetermined link travels along the road after the predetermined link. In this case, the storage unit 231 indicates that the map information stored in the map information storage unit 22 is not subject to route guidance for a predetermined link for which the route guidance is determined to be unnecessary by the determination unit 234. Information to be shown may be added.

  The distribution unit 235 searches for a route to the destination, and executes a process of distributing map information to the vehicle terminal 3 that performs route guidance along the searched route. The distribution unit 235 distributes, for example, map information including a predetermined link to which information indicating that it is a route guidance target (or not a route guidance target) added to the vehicle terminal 3.

(Configuration example of vehicle terminal)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the vehicle terminal 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the vehicle terminal 3 may be described as an information processing terminal. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle terminal 3 includes a communication unit 30, an input / output unit 31, a display unit 32, a microphone / speaker 33, a GPS 34, a storage unit 35, and a control unit 36.

  The communication unit 30 is a communication interface for connecting to the map information creation device 2. The vehicle terminal 3 receives map information from the map information creation device 2 via the communication unit 30. The map information creation device 2 transmits probe information to the map information creation device 2 via the communication unit 30. For example, the communication unit 30 transmits vehicle probe information to the map information creation device 2 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be any timing such as a predetermined cycle or an arbitrary timing. The communication executed by the communication unit 30 may be either wired or wireless communication, and may use any communication protocol.

  The input / output unit 31 includes a function of inputting various operations on the vehicle terminal 3 and a function of outputting a processing result processed by the vehicle terminal 3. The input / output unit 31 is, for example, a touch panel, and can detect contact with a pointing tool such as a user's finger or stylus and the contact position. Further, the input / output unit 31 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse, a device capable of operating input by voice, or the like. The input / output unit 31 is a sound output device such as a speaker, a 3D (three dimensions) output device, a hologram output device, or the like, and includes a function of outputting a processing result. The input / output unit 31 is not limited to these and may be any device.

  The display unit 32 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display or an OELD (Organic Electroluminescence Display). The display unit 32 may be realized by a device that can display an image, text information, or the like in a space, such as a head-mounted display, projection mapping, or hologram. The display unit 32 displays a screen display for displaying a map based on the map information created by the map information creation device 2.

  The microphone / speaker 33 is a device capable of voice input and voice output. The user of the vehicle terminal 3 performs voice input / output using the microphone / speaker 33.

  The GPS 34 has a function for collecting the current position of the vehicle terminal 3. For example, the GPS 34 collects the current position of the vehicle terminal 3 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be any timing such as a predetermined cycle or an arbitrary timing. The GPS 34 stores the collected current position of the vehicle terminal 3 in the storage unit 35 as probe information together with the time when the current position is acquired. In addition, the GPS 34 may transmit the collected current position of the vehicle terminal 3 to the map information creation device 2 through the communication unit 30 together with the time when the current position is acquired.

  The storage unit 35 includes a function of storing various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the vehicle terminal 3. The storage unit 35 is realized by various storage media such as an HDD, an SSD, and a flash memory. The storage unit 35 stores the map information distributed from the map information creation device 2.

  The storage unit 35 may store probe information of the vehicle terminal 3. The memory | storage part 35 memorize | stores the probe information which matched the present position of the own terminal collected by GPS34, and the time which acquired the said present position, for example. Moreover, the memory | storage part 35 may memorize | store the traveling locus of the said vehicle calculated | required based on the positional information and time of a vehicle as probe information. The probe information stored in the storage unit 35 may include information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle. The probe information stored in the storage unit 35 may include a predetermined attribute. The probe information stored in the storage unit 35 is transmitted to the map information creation device 2 at a predetermined timing.

  The control unit 36 includes a function for executing a predetermined function by a code or an instruction in the program, and is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 36 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a multiprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 36 is not limited to these.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 36 includes a search unit 361, a determination unit 362, a guide unit 363, and a display processing unit 364.

  The search unit 361 executes a process of searching for a route from the current position of the vehicle specified by the GPS 34 to the destination input from the input / output unit 31 based on the map information stored in the storage unit 35. For the route search, for example, the Dijkstra method or the like can be used. The route search by the search unit 361 may be executed in consideration of traffic congestion information on the road.

  Based on the map information stored in the storage unit 35, the determination unit 362 executes a process of determining whether or not a predetermined link is included in the route searched by the search unit 361. For example, the determination unit 362 determines whether or not a predetermined branch is included in the searched route based on the map information stored in the storage unit 35.

  The guide unit 363 executes processing for performing route guidance along the searched route. Further, when a predetermined branch is included in the searched route, the guide unit 363 performs predetermined guidance necessary for branching along the searched route before the predetermined branch. The predetermined guidance is, for example, a bifurcation guidance. Specifically, the guide unit 363 guides “rightward (or leftward)” before a predetermined branch.

  In addition, when a predetermined link is included in the searched route, the guide unit 363 may perform a predetermined guidance indicating that “the road is a road” before the predetermined link. The route guidance performed by the guide unit 363 may be any route.

  The display processing unit 364 creates display data for displaying a map including the current position of the vehicle terminal 3 on the display unit 32 based on the map data stored in the storage unit 35, and displays the display data on the display unit 32. It has a function. Further, the display processing unit 364 may create display data for displaying a map including a route from the current position of the vehicle terminal 3 to the destination, and display the display data on the display unit 32. In addition to the map, the display processing unit 364 may create display data for displaying traffic jam information and the like on the map and display the display data on the display unit 32. The display processing unit 364 may create display data for displaying various information on the display unit 32 in addition to the map, and display the display data on the display unit 32.

(Operation example of map information creation device)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the map information creation device 2 when creating and distributing map information in one embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the reception unit 232 of the map information creation device 2 receives probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle (S101).

  Subsequently, the specifying unit 233 specifies a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using the direction indicator, based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of links included in the map information ( S102). For example, the specifying unit 233 specifies a predetermined branch through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator.

  And the determination part 234 determines the necessity of the route guidance with respect to the vehicle which drive | works a predetermined link (S103). For example, the determination unit 234 determines whether or not route guidance is necessary for a predetermined branch through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator.

  Thereafter, when the determination unit 234 determines that route guidance is necessary (YES in S103), the storage unit 231 indicates that the predetermined link included in the map information is subject to route guidance. Is added (S104). If the determination unit 234 determines that route guidance is not necessary (NO in S103), the process proceeds to S105 without executing the process in S104.

  The distribution unit 235 distributes the map information to the vehicle terminal 3 at a predetermined timing (S105).

(Operation example of vehicle terminal)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the vehicle terminal 3 when performing route guidance in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The input / output unit 31 of the vehicle terminal 3 receives information about the destination from the user (S201).

  The search unit 361 searches for a route from the current position of the vehicle specified by the GPS 34 to the destination input from the input / output unit 31 based on the map information stored in the storage unit 35 (S202).

  Subsequently, the determination unit 362 determines whether or not a predetermined link is included in the route searched by the search unit 361 based on the map information stored in the storage unit 35 (S203). The predetermined link is, for example, a predetermined branch.

  When it is determined that the predetermined route is included in the searched route (YES in S203), the guide unit 363 is necessary for branching along the searched route before the predetermined link. Predetermined guidance is performed (S204). The predetermined guidance is, for example, a bifurcation guidance. Specifically, the guide unit 363 guides “rightward (or leftward)” before a predetermined branch (predetermined link). If the determination unit 362 determines that the predetermined link is not included (NO in S203), the process proceeds to S205 without executing the process in S204.

  The display processing unit 364 creates display data for displaying a map including the current position of the vehicle terminal 3 on the display unit 32 according to the route guidance by the guide unit 363, and displays the display data on the display unit 32 (S205).

  As described above, the map information creation device or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention pays attention to whether or not a direction indicator is used in the vehicle, and bifurcation guides a branch that the vehicle passes without using the direction indicator. Identifies as an intersection. Therefore, even for a branch that does not meet a plurality of predetermined conditions, bifurcation guidance can be provided at the branch.

  Moreover, the map information creation apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention may identify not only a branch but the link which a vehicle passes without using a direction indicator as a link which should perform predetermined guidance. As a result, among the plurality of links included in the map information, for example, a predetermined guidance indicating that the vehicle is “a way” can be performed on a link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so that there is no logical contradiction, and a plurality of means, steps, etc. can be combined or divided into one. . The structures described in the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Map information creation system 2 Map information creation apparatus 20 Communication part, 21 Probe information storage part, 22 Map information storage part, 23 Control part 231 Storage part, 232 Receiving part, 233 Identification part, 234 Determination part, 235 Distribution part 3 Vehicle Terminal 30 Communication unit, 31 Input / output unit, 32 Display unit, 33 Microphone / speaker, 34 GPS, 35 Storage unit, 36 Control unit 361 Search unit, 362 Judgment unit, 363 Guide unit, 364 Display processing unit 4 NW

Claims (17)

A storage unit for storing map information composed of links and nodes in the network structure of the road;
A receiving unit that receives probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle from each of the plurality of vehicles;
Based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of links included in the map information, a specifying unit that specifies a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator;
A map information creating apparatus including: a determination unit that determines whether or not route guidance is required for a vehicle traveling on the predetermined link; The specifying unit specifies a predetermined branch through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator, based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of branches included in the map information,
The map information according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit adds information indicating that it is a target of route guidance to a link or a node corresponding to the predetermined branch specified by the specifying unit. Creation device. A distribution unit that searches for a route to the destination and distributes the map information to an information processing terminal that performs route guidance along the searched route,
In the case where the predetermined branch is included in the searched route, the information processing terminal performs guidance necessary for branching along the searched route before the predetermined branch. The map information creation device according to claim 2 characterized by things.   In the plurality of exit links included in the branch, the specifying unit specifies the branch as the predetermined branch when the vehicle exits from the exit link without using the direction indicator. The map information creation device according to claim 2 or 3.   5. The map information creation according to claim 2, wherein the specifying unit specifies, as the predetermined branch, a branch in which the vehicle travels straight to a branch point among the plurality of branches. apparatus.   The said specific | specification part does not use the probe information of the vehicle which changed the lane within the predetermined range from the branch point among the said probe information received from the said several vehicle for the said specific branch identification. Item 6. The map information creation device according to any one of Items 2 to 5.   The specifying unit does not specify the branch as the predetermined branch when one of the plurality of input links included in the branch is an additional link added within a predetermined distance from the branch point. The map information creation device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.   The identification unit identifies the branch as the predetermined branch when a change in the gradient of one outgoing link is larger than a change in the gradient of another outgoing link among a plurality of outgoing links included in the branch. The map information creation device according to claim 2, wherein the map information creation device is a map information creation device.   The identifying unit, when the difference between the vehicle speed in one exit link and the speed of the vehicle in another exit link among a plurality of exit links included in the branch is within a predetermined value, The map information creating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the map information is specified as the predetermined branch. The receiving unit receives the probe information at a plurality of points in time from a specific vehicle among the plurality of vehicles,
The specifying unit specifies the branch as the predetermined branch when the specific vehicle passes through each of the plurality of exit links included in the branch without using the direction indicator. The map information creation device according to any one of claims 2 to 9. The receiving unit receives the probe information at a plurality of points in time from a specific vehicle among the plurality of vehicles,
When the specific vehicle that passes without using the direction indicator in one branch specified as the predetermined branch passes through the other branch without using the direction indicator in the other branch The map information creating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the other branch is identified as the predetermined branch. The receiving unit receives the probe information at a plurality of points in time from a specific vehicle among the plurality of vehicles,
In the branch where the specific vehicle passes for the first time among the plurality of branches, the specifying unit specifies the branch as the predetermined branch when the specific vehicle passes without using the direction indicator. The map information creating device according to claim 2, wherein the map information creating device is a map information creating device.   In the branch in which one of the plurality of vehicles passes without using a direction indicator among the plurality of branches, another vehicle travels behind the one vehicle. The map information creating device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the map is specified as the predetermined branch when the map is present.   The identifying unit identifies, as the predetermined branch, a branch through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator in the case of predetermined weather or nighttime among the plurality of branches. The map information creation device according to any one of claims 2 to 13. Receiving from each of the plurality of vehicles probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle;
A specific step of identifying a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator, based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of links included in the map information;
A map information creating method comprising: determining whether route guidance is necessary for a vehicle traveling on the predetermined link. On the computer,
A receiving function for receiving probe information including information indicating whether or not the direction indicator is used in the vehicle from each of the plurality of vehicles;
Based on the probe information received from the plurality of vehicles among the plurality of links included in the map information, a specific function for identifying a predetermined link through which the vehicle passes without using a direction indicator,
And a determination function for determining the necessity of route guidance for a vehicle traveling on the predetermined link.   A recording medium on which the program according to claim 16 is recorded.

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