JP2012141270A - Navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device capable of flexible routing depending on an actual transfer state in guiding a route to a destination common to a plurality of vehicles.SOLUTION: A navigation device comprises a paring processing part 13, 23 that establishes communication between an external device and the navigation device via a communication part 11, 21, and sets the navigation device as a master navigation device for notifying the external device of a route to a destination, or a slave navigation device for giving route guidance using the route notified of from the master navigation device, based on instructions received at an operation part 15, 26.

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device that provides route guidance while sharing a route through mutual communication with an external device.

  For example, Patent Document 1 collects request information related to a destination and a route from individual members by inter-vehicle communication via a server between a plurality of automobiles, and based on the collected request information, the destination and route are A navigation system that determines according to a preset arbitration rule is disclosed.

JP 2004-132873 A

  In the conventional technique represented by Patent Document 1, a server provided in advance, rather than a navigation device mounted on a vehicle that is actually traveling, collects request information about destinations and routes from members. The route is determined based on the collected request information and notified to the member navigation device. For this reason, there existed a subject that flexible route guidance according to the actual run condition of vehicles was not made.

  For example, if any of the vehicles that were moving at the same time are separated, request information from the separated vehicles is also collected, so even if there are only a few separated vehicles, the route of the entire group for that vehicle May be changed and a roundabout route may be determined. Even if the specific person priority rule that narrows down the destination with priority given to the request information collected from members registered in advance as a specific leader is applied, the same problem occurs if the leader is lost.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in guiding a route to a common destination among a plurality of mobile bodies on which a navigation device is mounted or held, according to an actual movement situation. An object of the present invention is to obtain a navigation device that can flexibly set a route.

  The navigation device according to the present invention establishes communication between the external device and the navigation device via the communication unit, and notifies the external device of the route to the destination based on the instruction received by the operation unit. The apparatus includes a pairing processing unit that is set in a slave navigation device that performs route guidance using a route notified from the device or the master navigation device.

  According to the present invention, in guiding a route to a common destination among a plurality of mobile bodies that carry or hold a navigation device, there is an effect that a route can be flexibly set according to an actual movement situation. is there.

It is a figure which shows typically the direct communication in the navigation system using the navigation apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a use / non-use determination process of the communication method of the navigation device according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the usable range in the various communication systems which communicate directly. It is a figure which shows typically the initial pairing process in the communication between vehicles of the navigation apparatus by Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of initial pairing processing by the navigation device of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the route information sharing process of the navigation apparatus by Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the route search and route information sharing process by a master navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the route information sharing process by a slave navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the information sharing process during the driving | running | working of the own vehicle by a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the determination process of the available communication system by a master navigation apparatus.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing direct communication in a navigation system using a navigation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The navigation devices a, b, and c according to the first embodiment each include a communication unit that can perform mutual communication without using a server. As the navigation devices a, b, and c, for example, a navigation device that uses map data stored in a built-in hard disk drive device, and map data stored in an external storage medium such as a DVD is reproduced on the disk device. There are navigation devices to be used, PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices) that can be taken out of the vehicle as appropriate. An example of PND is a memory type navigation device in which map data is stored in a flash memory or the like.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the navigation device a is mounted on the vehicle A, the navigation device b is mounted on the vehicle B, the navigation device c is mounted on the vehicle C, and a server is interposed between the navigation devices a, b, and c. There is no direct communication. Communication methods for direct communication include short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark, not described below), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and telephone communication using a mobile phone. Communication method (1) and communication, respectively. System (2) and communication system (3) are assumed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment. The navigation system using the navigation device of the present invention performs so-called group navigation that guides a route to a common destination among the navigation devices mounted on a plurality of vehicles. In constructing the navigation system, each navigation device is set as the master navigation device 1 or the slave navigation device 2. The master navigation device 1 is a navigation device that notifies the slave navigation device 2 of a route for route guidance. The slave navigation device 2 is a navigation device that performs route guidance using the route notified from the master navigation device 1.

The master navigation device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a communication method storage unit 12, a pairing processing unit 13, a route search unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a storage unit 17, a traffic information reception unit 18, and a vehicle position calculation. Part 19. In FIG. 2, the device is set as the master navigation device 1, but via the operation unit 15 of the own device 1 or the operation unit 26 of the external navigation devices 2, 2a, 2b,. In response to the instruction, the pairing processing unit 13 or the pairing processing unit 23 may set the device as a slave navigation device.
The communication unit 11 is a component that directly communicates with one or more slave navigation devices 2, 2a, 2b,. The communication method of the communication unit 11 includes, for example, the communication method (1), the communication method (2), and the communication method (3) shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, one communication unit 11 is simply described, but a plurality of communication units corresponding to each communication method may be provided. In this case, the communication unit selected based on a preset condition may perform direct communication between the navigation devices, determine communication methods that can be used when the device is activated, and use the corresponding communication unit. Also good.
The communication method storage unit 12 is a storage unit that stores a communication method in which the communication unit 11 can directly communicate with the communication unit 21 of the navigation device of another vehicle that performs group navigation. A communication method capable of direct communication is determined by determining whether or not the communication method can be used, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

The pairing processing unit 13 performs mutual authentication processing with an external navigation device via the communication unit 11 to establish mutual communication, and receives an instruction received by the operation unit 15 or the operation unit 26 of the external navigation device. Based on the above, either the own device or the external navigation device that has established mutual communication via the communication unit 11 is set as the master navigation device that notifies the slave navigation device of the route to the destination, and the rest is set as the master navigation device. It is a component set in the slave navigation device that performs route guidance using the route notified from the navigation device.
In the example of FIG. 2, among the plurality of navigation devices that perform group navigation, the navigation device having the route search unit 14 and the traffic information reception unit 18 is set as the master navigation device 1, and the other navigation devices are the slave navigation devices 2 and 2. 2a, 2b,..., 2n.
As described above, the master navigation device and the slave navigation device are not fixedly set by the pairing processing unit 13 but can be switched appropriately according to the traveling state of the vehicle by group navigation. For example, the navigation device set as the master navigation device 1 in FIG. 2 may be set as the slave navigation device depending on the situation of the group navigation processing, and conversely, the slave navigation devices 2, 2a, 2b,. Any one of the navigation devices set to 2n may be set as the master navigation device.

  The route search unit 14 is a component that searches for a route to a destination specified by group navigation while referring to traffic information based on the map data and the current position of the host vehicle. The operation unit 15 is a configuration unit that receives an operation input by a user, and is, for example, a user interface including a display unit 16 and a touch panel provided on the screen. The display unit 16 is a display unit that displays information to be presented to the user in the navigation process, and displays a route search result and route information. In addition, a password input screen is displayed during mutual authentication. The storage unit 17 is a storage unit that stores map data used for route search and route guidance by the route search unit 14, and includes the external storage media such as HDD and DVD shown in FIG. 1, flash memory, and the like.

  The traffic information receiving unit 18 is a component that receives traffic information from the outside. For example, the traffic information receiving unit 18 receives VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System (registered trademark)) information, extracts traffic information such as traffic jam information, and the route search unit. 14 to output. The own vehicle position calculation unit 19 determines the current position of the own vehicle based on the information on the movement status of the own vehicle detected by the vehicle sensor provided in the vehicle on which the own device 1 is mounted and the GPS information received from the GPS receiver. Is a component that calculates

Next, the configuration of the slave navigation device 2 will be described.
The slave navigation device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a communication method storage unit 22, a pairing processing unit 23, a host vehicle position calculation unit 24, a fuel remaining amount calculation unit 25, an operation unit 26, a display unit 27, and a storage unit 28. In FIG. 2, the device is set as the slave navigation device 2, but an instruction is given via the operation unit 26 of the own device 2 or the operation units of the external navigation devices 1, 2a, 2b,. Accordingly, the pairing processing unit 23 or the pairing processing unit 13 may set the device as a master navigation device.
The communication unit 21 is a component that performs direct communication with the communication unit 11 of the master navigation device 1. As with the communication unit 11, the communication method of the communication unit 21 includes, for example, the communication method (1), the communication method (2), and the communication method (3) illustrated in FIG. In addition, although the one communication part 21 was described simply in FIG. 2, you may provide the some communication part corresponding to each communication system. In this case, the communication unit selected based on a preset condition may perform direct communication between the navigation devices, determine communication methods that can be used when the device is activated, and use the corresponding communication unit. Also good.
The communication method storage unit 22 is a storage unit that stores a communication method in which the communication unit 21 can directly communicate with the communication unit 11 of the navigation device of another vehicle that performs group navigation. A communication method capable of direct communication is determined by determining whether or not the communication method can be used, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

The pairing processing unit 23 performs mutual authentication processing with an external navigation device via the communication unit 21 to establish mutual communication, and accepts it by the operation unit 26 or the operation units 15 and 26 of the external navigation device. On the basis of the received instruction, either the own device or the external navigation device that has established mutual communication via the communication unit 21 is set as the master navigation device that notifies the slave navigation device of the route to the destination, and the rest It is a component set in the slave navigation device that performs route guidance on the route notified from the master navigation device.
In the example of FIG. 2, among the plurality of navigation devices that perform group navigation, the navigation device that does not have the route search unit 14 and the traffic information reception unit 18 is set as the slave navigation devices 2, 2a, 2b,. Has been.
Depending on the situation of the group navigation processing, any of the navigation devices set in the slave navigation devices 2, 2a, 2b,..., 2n may be set as the master navigation device.

The own vehicle position calculation unit 24 determines the current position of the own vehicle based on the information on the movement status of the own vehicle detected by the vehicle sensor provided in the vehicle on which the own device 2 is mounted and the GPS information received from the GPS receiver. It is a component to calculate.
The remaining fuel amount calculating unit 25 is a component that calculates the current remaining fuel amount of the vehicle by monitoring the amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle on which the device 2 is mounted. When the host vehicle is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 25 monitors the amount of battery power consumed by the vehicle and calculates the current remaining power amount of the vehicle. You may comprise. Further, the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 25 acquires the amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle (power consumption amount) from the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle via the in-vehicle LAN, for example.

The operation unit 26 is a configuration unit that receives an operation input by a user, and is, for example, a user interface including a display unit 27 and a touch panel provided on the screen. The display unit 27 is a display unit that displays information to be presented to the user in the navigation process, and displays a route search result and route information. In addition, a password input screen is displayed during mutual authentication. The storage unit 28 is a storage unit that stores map data used for route guidance, and includes the external storage media such as HDD and DVD, flash memory, and the like shown in FIG.
In addition, the structure of the slave navigation apparatus 2 mentioned above is abbreviate | omitted or added suitably according to the form of a navigation apparatus. That is, when the navigation device is built in a mobile phone like the slave navigation device 2b shown in FIG. 2, the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 25 is omitted. Further, in the slave navigation device 2a in which the navigation device is constructed in the communication device, when the communication device has an interface with the ECU of the vehicle and can monitor the fuel consumption, the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 25 is provided. Also good.

Next, the determination of availability of the communication method when the apparatus is activated will be described.
Since the master navigation device and the slave navigation device are not set when the device is activated, the following description will be made by referring to the navigation device as a representative.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of the availability determination process of the communication method of the navigation device according to the first embodiment. When the navigation device is activated (step ST1), the communication units 11 and 21 determine whether or not the communication method can be used in a predetermined order, and store the determination results in the communication method storage units 12 and 22 (from step ST2 to step ST4). ).
The determination of availability is made by, for example, transmitting a session start request in the communication method to be determined and determining whether or not there is a response to the request. The determination result of availability can be indicated by using, for example, a flag, and “1” is set in the flag when the flag is usable, and “0” is set in the flag when the flag is not usable. The order of determining the availability is, for example, first determined for Bluetooth, similarly, the availability is determined in the order of wireless LAN and mobile phone, and the determination result is stored in the communication method storage units 12 and 22.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the usable range in various communication methods for direct communication. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication distance allowed in each communication method becomes longer in the order of Bluetooth as the communication method (1), wireless LAN as the communication method (2), and mobile phone as the communication method (3). . In selecting a data communication method, although not shown in FIG. 3, the determination is made in consideration of radio wave quality (radio wave condition), communication speed, or communication fee. Use the most economical communication method according to the signal quality, use the highest quality communication method, or use the most economical and high-speed communication method in consideration of the signal quality, communication speed or communication charge. The communication method that satisfies the reception setting is selected. For example, when selecting the communication method “(1) fast communication speed, (2) low communication fee, (3) radio wave quality is unlikely to deteriorate” in the priority order of (1), (2), and (3) May select a communication method in the order of wireless LAN> Bluetooth> cellular phone. Note that the distance between navigation devices may be taken into account in selecting the communication method. The distance between navigation devices can be confirmed based on radio wave conditions.

Next, an initial pairing process between navigation devices will be described.
Since the master navigation device and the slave navigation device are not set at the start of the pairing process, the following description will be made by referring to the navigation device as a representative. Further, processing after the master navigation device and the slave navigation device are set will be described as the master navigation device 1 and the slave navigation device 2.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an initial pairing process in the inter-vehicle communication of the navigation device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of the initial pairing process. The users of the vehicles A, B, and C who are going to perform group navigation input a search instruction for a navigation device that can be paired to the pairing processing units 13 and 23 using the operation units 15 and 26 (steps). ST11). The search instruction is made, for example, by displaying a search button on the screen of the display unit 16 or 27 and pressing the button using the operation unit 15 or 26.

When a search instruction is executed using the operation units 15 and 26, the pairing processing units 13 and 23, according to this, a search instruction signal indicating that the search button has been pressed via the communication units 11 and 21. Send. This search instruction signal corresponds to a request (request) for starting a communication session. The communication units 11 and 21 transmit a search instruction signal using an available communication method read from the communication method storage units 12 and 22, and the pairing processing units 13 and 23 search from other devices using the same communication method. Depending on whether or not an instruction signal is transmitted, a paired navigation device (including an external device having a navigation function such as a mobile phone or a communication device) is searched (step ST12).
Here, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 perform the search in step ST12 for a preset time, and determine whether or not a paired navigation device can be searched within the time (step ST13). For example, when a search instruction signal is transmitted from another navigation device using the same communication method, the communication units 11 and 21 receive this and again transmit a signal indicating that pairing is possible. The signal indicating that pairing is possible corresponds to a response (response) to a request (request) for starting a communication session. When the communication units 11 and 21 receive a signal indicating that pairing is possible from another navigation device, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 determine that there is a pairable navigation device (step ST13). ; YES). If there is no pairable navigation device (step ST13; NO), it is determined that there is no partner for group navigation, and the process is terminated.

When it is determined in step ST13 that there is a pairable navigation device, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 display information indicating the pairable navigation device on the display units 16 and 27 (step ST14). . As information indicating a pairable navigation device, for example, a serial number assigned to a device searched as a pairable navigation device is displayed as an identification number of each device.
The user refers to the information displayed in step ST14 and uses the operation units 15 and 26 to select a navigation device for pairing (step ST15). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the navigation device “a” of the vehicle A selects the navigation devices “b” and “c” of the vehicle “B” and the vehicle “C” as the pairing targets. The navigation device a of the vehicle A is selected as a pairing target.

Next, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 output a pairing request to the paired navigation device via the communication units 11 and 21. The pairing processing units 13 and 23 of the navigation device to be paired display an authentication screen on the display units 16 and 27 when the communication units 11 and 21 receive the pairing request (step ST16). The authentication screen is a screen for requesting input of authentication information such as a password, for example.
The user inputs authentication information using the operation units 15 and 26 based on the authentication screen (step ST17). The authentication information is registered in advance by the user who performs the group navigation service. The authentication information is not limited to the password, and the PIN code such as a mutual PIN code is used in common, or the key is stored in a USB memory or the like. The mutual authentication may be performed according to the above.

When the authentication information is input using the operation units 15 and 26, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 in the pairing target navigation device use the communication units 11 and 21 to transmit the authentication information to the navigation requesting the pairing request source. Send to device. When the pairing processing units 13 and 23 of the navigation device that is the source of the pairing request receive the authentication information via the communication units 11 and 21, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 collate with the authentication information stored in the storage units 17 and 28 and perform group navigation. It is determined whether or not the user is to perform. As a result, when the navigation device of the pairing request destination is authenticated, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 of the navigation device further transmit their own authentication information via the communication units 11 and 21. Send to navigation device. When the pairing processing units 13 and 23 of the pairing request destination navigation device receive the authentication information from the pairing request source navigation device via the communication units 11 and 21, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 are stored in their own storage units 17 and 28. It is determined whether or not the user should perform group navigation. Thereby, mutual authentication is performed between the pairing request destination and the navigation device of the pairing request source (step ST18).
The navigation device that is the pairing request source may be, for example, a device that has one pairing target device preferentially as the pairing request source, and the device that has the largest number of pairing target devices. May send a pairing request in a broadcast manner.

  When mutual authentication is established between the pairing request source and the pairing request destination navigation device and mutual communication is established, the master navigation device 1 and the slave navigation device 2 are set (step ST19). That is, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 display information indicating the own device and the partner device with which mutual communication with the own device has been established on the screens of the display units 16 and 27, and the user refers to the screen. The operation units 15 and 26 are used to instruct which device is set as the master navigation device and the slave navigation device. Based on the instructions received by the operation units 15 and 26, the pairing processing units 13 and 23 master the master device that has established mutual communication via the communication units 11 and 21 and the navigation device of the pairing partner. The navigation device is set, and the rest is set as the slave navigation device.

For example, the following method can be used to set the master navigation device and the slave navigation device in the initial pairing process.
(1) A navigation device having a higher function than other devices, such as being capable of receiving traffic information, is set as a master navigation device, and the other devices are set as slave navigation devices.
In other words, identification information for identifying the own device and information indicating its own function are exchanged between the devices that have established mutual communication, and when the own device has established mutual communication with a plurality of devices, The identification information received from one of the plurality of devices and the information indicating the function of the device are transmitted to other devices of the plurality of devices. In this way, by exchanging the function and identification information of the own device with each of a plurality of devices performing group navigation, the most sophisticated device among the plurality of devices is recognized among all the devices. At this time, by displaying the information indicating the most sophisticated device on the display screen of each device with a highlight, the user refers to the screen and uses the operation unit to select the most sophisticated device. The master navigation device is instructed to set, and further, another device that performs group navigation is instructed to be set to the slave navigation device. Each of a plurality of devices that perform group navigation has established mutual communication with any of the devices, and includes not only a one-to-one pair but also a one-to-multiple pair. It is assumed that communication can be performed directly or indirectly between a plurality of devices that perform navigation.
(2) A device having the largest number of partner devices that have established mutual communication is set as a master navigation device, and another device is set as a slave navigation device.
For example, among the plurality of devices that perform group navigation by exchanging identification information for identifying the own device between devices that have established mutual communication and information indicating the number of counterpart devices with which the own device has established mutual communication. The device with the largest number of partner devices that have established mutual communication is recognized among all the devices. At this time, on the display screen of each device, for example, by highlighting information indicating the device with the largest number of partner devices that have established mutual communication, the user refers to the screen and uses the operation unit. Thus, the master navigation device is instructed to set the device with the largest number of partner devices that have established mutual communication, and the other device that performs group navigation is instructed to be set as the slave navigation device. Since the device with the largest number of partner devices that have established mutual communication is a device that directly communicates with the communication method most used by a plurality of devices that perform group navigation, master navigation that notifies the route searched by itself The device can be a suitable device. When there are a plurality of devices having the same number of counterpart devices with which mutual communication has been established, the functions of the devices are compared and a high-function device is set as the master navigation device.

  Further, when the master navigation device and the slave navigation device are set, among the devices set as the slave navigation device, devices that have not established mutual communication with the master navigation device are step ST16 to step ST18. By performing the above processes, mutual communication is established with the master navigation device. Thereby, all the slave navigation devices can communicate with each other by direct communication with the master navigation device.

When a plurality of devices are set as the master navigation device, a device having a high function required for navigation processing, such as having the route search unit 14 and the traffic information receiving unit 18, is set as the master navigation device with priority. Alternatively, the master navigation device may be set according to a predetermined priority order.
In addition, even if there is no device set as a master navigation device among a plurality of devices that have established mutual communication, a device having a high function required for navigation processing is selected from a plurality of devices set as slave navigation devices. The master navigation device may be set with priority, or the master navigation device may be set according to a predetermined priority order.

In the example of FIG. 5, the navigation device a of the vehicle A is set as the master navigation device 1, and the navigation devices b and c of the vehicles B and C are set as the slave navigation devices 2 and 2 ′.
The operation unit 15 of the master navigation device 1 (vehicle A) accepts a setting related to the next junction when the vehicle A, the vehicle B, and the vehicle C are separated, and stores them in the storage unit 17 via the pairing processing unit 13. (Step ST20). Here, the setting of the merge point can be variously set such as updating each time based on the current position, setting the destination at the time of initial route setting, and setting the next merge point when the distance is more than XX km. Further, the operation unit 15 accepts the setting of the communication cycle between the traveling master navigation device 1 and the slave navigation devices 2 and 2 ', and stores it in the storage unit 17 via the pairing processing unit 13 (step ST21). The initial pairing process is terminated.

Next, route search and sharing of searched route information will be described.
7 is a diagram schematically showing route information sharing processing of the navigation device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of route search and route information sharing processing by the master navigation device, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the route information sharing process by a slave navigation apparatus.
The route search is performed by the master navigation device 1, and the searched route information is shared between the master navigation device 1 and the slave navigation device 2. Here, the description will be divided into processing by the master navigation device 1 and processing by the slave navigation devices 2 and 2 ′.

First, route search and route information sharing processing in the master navigation device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
When the operation unit 15 receives the destination and arrival time setting and the input of the route search instruction (step ST31), the route search unit 14 searches for a route based on the input information of step ST31 (step ST32). That is, the route search unit 14 searches for a route to the destination designated by the group navigation while referring to the traffic information based on the map data and the current position of the host vehicle.
Next, the route search unit 14 establishes mutual communication with the communication unit 21 of one of the slave navigation devices via the communication unit 11, and notifies the route of the search result (step ST33). Thereafter, the route search unit 14 determines whether or not there is a slave navigation device that shares the route, that is, whether or not all slave navigation devices have been notified of the route of the search result (step ST34). Here, if there is a slave navigation device whose search result route is not notified (step ST34; YES), the process returns to step ST33 to notify the search result route and slave search device whose search result route is not notified. If there is no device (step ST34; NO), the process is terminated.

Next, route information sharing processing in the slave navigation device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.
The pairing processing unit 23 of the slave navigation device 2 determines whether route information is input from the master navigation device 1 via the communication unit 21 (step ST41). When it is determined in step ST41 that the route information is input, the route information is acquired (step ST42), and the current position information and fuel acquired from the vehicle position calculation unit 24 and the remaining fuel amount calculation unit 25 are acquired. The remaining amount information is transmitted to the master navigation device 1 side (step ST43).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST41 that route information has not been input, the pairing processing unit 23 determines whether or not a user's route information read operation has been accepted by the operation unit 26 (step ST44). Here, when the route information reading operation is performed by the user (step ST44; YES), the pairing processing unit 23 is already notified of the route information from the master navigation device 1, and stores the information in the storage unit 28. The route information is read from the storage unit 28 (step ST45), and the process is terminated.
If it is determined in step ST44 that the reading operation by the user has not been input, the process returns to the determination process in step ST41.

Next, processing during traveling of a vehicle that performs group navigation will be described.
When the route information is shared between the master navigation device 1 and the slave navigation device 2 in the processes of FIGS. 8 and 9, the master navigation device 1 and the slave navigation device 2 perform route guidance of the route indicated by the route information. During travel of a vehicle equipped with each device, the master navigation device 1 acquires traffic information, updates route information, monitors the current position and fuel remaining amount of the slave navigation device 2, and monitors data communication.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of information sharing processing during traveling of the host vehicle by the navigation device of the first embodiment.
The traffic information receiving unit 18 of the master navigation device 1 receives the traffic information at a predetermined interval and outputs it to the route search unit 14 (step ST51). The route search unit 14 updates the route information as necessary based on the traffic information input in step ST51. In other words, when new traffic information is input, the route search unit 14 determines whether to update the route information (step ST52). When it is determined that the route information is updated (step ST52; YES), the route search unit 14 performs a route search considering new traffic information, and obtains the route information indicating the route of the search result and the new traffic information. Then, the slave navigation device 2 is notified via the communication unit 11 (step ST53).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST52 that the route information is not updated (step ST52; NO), the route search unit 14 uses a time measuring unit (not shown) such as a timer for a predetermined time after receiving new traffic information. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed (step ST54). When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step ST54; NO), the process returns to step ST51. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step ST54; YES), the route search unit 14 sends the current route information and the traffic information newly received in step ST51 to the slave navigation device via the communication unit 11. Notification is made (step ST55). In response to the information notification in step ST53 and step ST55, the slave navigation device acquires at least one of the current position information of the own device or the fuel remaining amount information of the vehicle on which the own device is mounted, and uses the acquired information as a master navigation. A response is made to the apparatus (step ST56).

The route search unit 14 refers to the current position of the device received from the slave navigation device in step ST56 or the fuel remaining amount information of the vehicle on which the device is mounted, and determines whether or not to set a new merge point ( Step ST57). For example, a new junction point should be set based on whether the vehicle can reach the current junction point from the current position of the slave navigation device, the fuel remaining amount information of the vehicle on which the device is mounted, and map data. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step ST57 that it is not necessary to set a new meeting point (step ST57; NO), the process returns to step ST51 to continue route guidance on the current route.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST57 that a new junction point needs to be set (step ST57; YES), the route search unit 14 determines the current position of the slave navigation device and the remaining fuel information of the vehicle on which the device is mounted. Then, the route search is performed again with reference to the map data, a new junction point and new route information are set, and the slave navigation device is notified (step ST58). After that, the flow returns to the process of step ST51 and repeats the above process.

Next, data communication processing when a vehicle equipped with the navigation device according to Embodiment 1 is traveling according to route guidance will be described.
The communication unit 11 of the master navigation device 1 determines whether a predetermined communication cycle read from the storage unit 17 via the pairing processing unit 14 has elapsed. Here, the predetermined communication cycle is the communication cycle set in step ST21 of the flowchart of FIG. If the predetermined communication cycle has not been reached, the process returns to the determination process again.
When it is determined that a predetermined communication cycle has elapsed, data communication is performed with respect to the communication unit 21 of the slave navigation device 2 to determine whether communication is possible using a predetermined communication method. At this time, if it is determined that communication is possible, the process returns to the determination process of whether or not the predetermined communication cycle has been reached, and monitoring of the communication state described above is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined that communication is not possible, it is further determined whether or not data communication has failed a certain number of times during traveling. When it is determined that the number of data communication failures is less than the predetermined number of times, the process returns to the determination process of whether or not the predetermined communication cycle has been reached, and the monitoring of the communication state is continued.
In addition, when it is determined that the number of data communication failures is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times in all communication methods, guidance to the set junction is started.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of determination processing of an available communication method by the master navigation device according to the first embodiment.
The communication unit 11 of the master navigation device 1 determines whether or not communication is possible by executing Bluetooth communication with the slave navigation device 2 (step ST61). Even if it is determined in step ST61 that communication is initially impossible, the communication is retried a predetermined number of times (in the example of FIG. 11, five times). When it is determined in step ST61 that communication is possible (step ST61; YES), Bluetooth data communication is performed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST61 that communication is not possible (step ST61; NO), it is determined whether communication using a wireless LAN of a different communication method is possible (step ST62). Even if it is determined in step ST62 that communication is initially impossible, communication is retried a predetermined number of times (in the example of FIG. 11, five times).
If communication is possible in step ST62 (step ST62; YES), data communication is performed using a wireless LAN. If communication is not possible, it is determined whether communication using a mobile phone is possible (step ST62). ST63). Even if it is determined in step ST62 that communication is initially impossible, communication is retried a predetermined number of times (in the example of FIG. 11, five times).
If communication is possible in step ST63 (step ST63; YES), data communication is performed using a mobile phone, and the route search unit 14 performs the above-described setting of the junction and search for a route passing through this, and the mobile phone. The route of the search result is notified to the slave navigation device 2 via data communication (step ST64).

  In addition, when communication with a mobile phone is also impossible (step ST63; NO), the above-described master navigation device 1 and slave navigation device 2 provide route guidance along a route that passes through the previously set junction. continue.

  In the example of FIG. 11, an example in which communication determination processing is performed in the order of Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and mobile phone is shown. However, the order of communication methods is not limited to this, for example, the communication speed is the fastest and the communication charge is A communication determination process may be performed in the order of wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and mobile phone based on the setting that priority is given to the selection of a communication method that is free and whose radio quality is unlikely to deteriorate.

  In addition, the communication status is constantly monitored by the communication units 11 and 21, and information indicating the communication status is exchanged between the master navigation device and the slave navigation device. When it is determined that the communication level has deteriorated so that the mutual communication between the current master navigation device and the slave navigation device interferes with navigation based on the information indicating the communication status, the master navigation device and the slave navigation device May be reset. In this case, for example, a device at the best communication level with another device at that time is set as the master navigation device.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operation units 15 and 26 that receive external operation inputs, the vehicle position calculation units 19 and 24 that calculate the current position, and communication that communicates with external devices. Based on the instructions received by the units 11 and 21 and the operation units 15 and 26, the slave unit is notified of the route to the destination of the own device that has established mutual communication with the external device via the communication units 11 and 21. And pairing processing units 13 and 23 set in the slave navigation device that performs route guidance using the route notified from the master navigation device or the master navigation device. With this configuration, when guiding a route to a common destination among a plurality of vehicles equipped with a navigation device, the route can be set flexibly according to the actual movement situation.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, a plurality of communication units 11 and 21 having a communication method capable of direct communication with an external device, and a communication method storage unit that stores the communication methods of the plurality of communication units 11 and 21. Among the plurality of communication units, a communication unit that matches a preset condition communicates directly with the external device. In this way, by configuring a plurality of navigation devices to be directly paired using a communication method such as Bluetooth, wireless LAN, or mobile phone, it is not necessary to share information via the server, and server opening costs and maintenance Costs are not required, and the maintenance cost of a navigation system composed of a plurality of devices that perform group navigation can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to this Embodiment 1, since it comprised so that the setting regarding the next confluence | merging point at the time of an initial pairing may be received, a confluence | merging point can be shared at the time of pairing, and a navigation apparatus is carried. Each vehicle can be prevented from coming off.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the traffic information received by the traffic information receiving unit 18 at a predetermined interval in the master navigation device 1 is monitored by the route search unit 14 and updated as necessary. Since the route information is output to the slave navigation device 2, even when the vehicle is traveling toward the destination with a plurality of vehicles, the vehicle can travel based on the route information in consideration of the traffic information. Even if the slave navigation device 2 does not have a function of acquiring traffic information, the traffic information acquired by the master navigation device 1 can be used.

  Furthermore, according to this Embodiment 1, since it comprised so that at least one of the present position information of the slave navigation apparatus 2 or fuel residual amount information might be transmitted to the master navigation apparatus 1, the master navigation apparatus 1 and the slave navigation apparatus 2 are comprised. Vehicles equipped with can be prevented from being separated from each other. In addition, the next refueling point or meeting point can be shared.

  In Embodiment 1 mentioned above, although the master navigation apparatus 1 showed the structure which has the route search part 14 and the traffic information receiving part 18, it does not have the route search part 14 and the traffic information receiving part 18, but a route search part. The route is searched from the current position and destination of the master navigation device 1 by an external device (external device) having a traffic information receiving unit, and the master navigation device 1 receives the result and notifies the slave navigation device 2 of the result. It may be a configuration.

  In the first embodiment described above, the configuration in which the fuel remaining amount calculation unit 25 that calculates the fuel remaining amount of the slave navigation device 2 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to the fuel, and movement such as calculating the remaining amount of charge is performed. It can be appropriately changed according to the type of body.

  The master navigation device 1 and the slave navigation device 2 according to the first embodiment described above are additionally provided with a voice input unit and a voice playback unit, and configured to enable voice calls when the communication status between the navigation devices is good. May be.

  In Embodiment 1 described above, the navigation apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied not only to a vehicle-mounted navigation device but also to a mobile phone terminal or a personal digital assistant (PDA). Moreover, you may apply to PND etc. which a person carries and uses in moving bodies, such as a vehicle, a railroad, a ship, or an aircraft.

  In the present invention, any constituent element of the embodiment can be modified or any constituent element of the embodiment can be omitted within the scope of the invention.

  1 Master navigation device, 2, 2 ', 2a, 2b, 2n Slave navigation device, 11, 21 Communication unit, 12, 22 Communication method storage unit, 13, 23 Pairing processing unit, 14 Route search unit, 15, 26 Operation Unit, 16, 27 display unit, 17, 28 storage unit, 18 traffic information receiving unit, 19, 24 own vehicle position calculation unit, 25 fuel remaining amount calculation unit, A, B, C vehicle.

Claims (6)

An operation unit for receiving operation inputs;
A current position calculator for calculating the current position;
In a navigation device comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external device,
A pairing processing unit for establishing communication between the external device and the navigation device via the communication unit;
The pairing processing unit is configured to provide route guidance using a master navigation device that notifies the external device of a route to a destination based on an instruction received by the operation unit for the navigation device or a route notified from the master navigation device. A navigation device set in the slave navigation device to be performed. It has a route search unit that searches for a route to the destination,
The navigation device according to claim 1, wherein when the master navigation device is set by the pairing processing unit, the route searched by the route search unit is notified to the slave navigation device via the communication unit. . It has a traffic information receiver that receives traffic information.
The navigation device according to claim 2, wherein the route search unit searches for a route to a destination with reference to the traffic information received by the traffic information receiving unit. A plurality of communication units capable of direct communication with the external device, and a communication method storage unit that stores each communication method of the plurality of communication units,
The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a communication unit that matches a preset condition among the plurality of communication units directly communicates with the external device.   When the navigation device is set as a master navigation device by the pairing processing unit, the route search unit receives the current position of the slave navigation device received from the slave navigation device via the communication unit, the slave navigation device Based on at least one of the remaining amount of fuel of the mobile body equipped with the traffic information and the traffic information received by the traffic information receiving unit, the route through the new junction is searched again, and the route as a result of the re-search The navigation device according to claim 3, wherein the slave navigation device is notified.   6. The navigation device according to claim 5, wherein when the pairing processing unit sets the slave navigation device, at least one of a current position and a fuel remaining amount is transmitted to the master navigation device via the communication unit. .

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