WO2024111052A1

WO2024111052A1 - Information output device, information output system, information output method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2024111052A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/043182
Authority: WO
Inventors: 陽平藤野; 将太和泉; 洋平大沼
Original assignee: パイオニア株式会社
Priority date: 2022-11-22
Filing date: 2022-11-22
Publication date: 2024-05-30

Abstract

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

Description

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

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

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

JP 2016-8912 A

In Patent Document 1, when a driver is given guidance on the exit route for a moving object that has entered a roundabout to exit, the guidance is displayed on a head-up display.

However, when route guidance is provided by voice rather than by display, if the distance between adjacent roads is short, even if the driver is given route guidance regarding an exit route, the driver may not be able to recognize which road to exit at, which can lead to confusion for the driver.

One example of the problem that this invention aims to solve is how to provide voice guidance to a vehicle entering a circular road with multiple branching roads, guiding the driver to an exit road without confusing the driver.

The invention described in claim 1 is
A route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route along which a moving object should proceed;
an output control unit that outputs, when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, by voice, exit route information relating to an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit out of the plurality of branch routes;
The output control unit is an information output device that, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch of the circular road and a second branch located next to the first branch, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion, outputs at least a part of the exit route information by voice as the moving body moves through the first section.

The invention described in claim 9 is
An information output system including a mobile device in a mobile device and a server,
a route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route along which the moving object should proceed;
an output control unit that outputs, when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, by voice, exit route information relating to an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit out of the plurality of branch routes;
The information output system is configured such that, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch of the circular road and a second branch located adjacent to the first branch, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion, the output control unit outputs at least a portion of the exit route information by voice as the moving body moves through the first section.

The invention described in claim 10 is
A computer realizing an information output device,
Obtaining route information regarding a route that the mobile unit should take;
when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, outputting by voice exit route information relating to an exit route which is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit among the plurality of branch routes;
The information output method outputs at least a portion of the exit route information by voice when the moving body moves through the first section, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch of the circular road and a second branch located adjacent to the first branch, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion.

The invention described in claim 11 is
A computer that realizes an information output device,
A procedure for acquiring route information regarding a route to be taken by a mobile unit;
a step of outputting, when the moving object moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, exit route information relating to an exit route which is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving object is to exit among the plurality of branch routes;
A program for executing a procedure for outputting at least a portion of the exit route information by voice when the moving body moves through the first section, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located adjacent to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion.

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

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an information output device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a loop road according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first section. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information output device. 4 is a flowchart of a process related to route guidance to a destination in the information output device according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for route guidance on a circular road in the information output device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining step S440. 11 is a diagram for explaining the timing at which an output control unit outputs exit route information. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a loop road according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an outline of an information output device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a circular road according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an outline of an information output system according to a fourth embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

In the following explanation, each component of each device is shown as a functional block, not a hardware configuration. Each component of each device is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered on the CPU of any computer, memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and an interface for network connection. There are many variations in the methods and devices for realizing this.

[First embodiment]
(Information Output Device 1)
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an information output device 1 according to the first embodiment. The information output device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information output device 1 according to the first embodiment is a device used for providing voice guidance on a circular road 200. The circular road 200 will be described later. In the first embodiment, the information output device 1 is provided outside a moving object. The information output device 1 may be a so-called cloud server.

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

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

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

The camera unit 2a has an inner camera and an outer camera (not shown). The inner camera faces the interior of the vehicle, and at least the driver's seat is included in the shooting range. The inner camera shoots the interior of the vehicle so that the driver can be seen. The inner camera may also shoot the entire interior of the vehicle so that passengers (driver and passengers) can be seen. The outer camera faces outside the vehicle. The outer camera shoots the situation outside the vehicle.

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

The voice input unit 2c includes at least one microphone (not shown). Voice spoken by the passenger is input to the voice input unit 2c through the microphone.

The position sensor unit 2d acquires the position information of the moving object, for example, using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

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

(Location information acquisition unit 30)
The position information acquiring unit 30 acquires the position information of the moving object. In the first embodiment, the position information acquiring unit 30 acquires the position information of the moving object from the position sensor unit 2 d of the moving object side device 2 .

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

The circular road 200 is a so-called roundabout. In the first embodiment, the circular road 200 includes a roundabout. The circular road 200 is configured by connecting a circular passage C with a plurality of branching roads D. The circular road 200 is configured by arranging a plurality of branching roads D radially from the passage C at the center. The passage C is a circular road. At least a portion of the circular road 200 is included in the route that the mobile object should take (= the route to the destination set by the passenger). In other words, the circular road 200 exists on the way to the destination set by the passenger.

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

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

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

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

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

The distance of the first section X may be calculated using link information of the links connecting the nodes N. The distance of the first section X may be calculated using map information. The method of calculating the distance of the first section X is arbitrary. "The time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X" may be calculated by predicting it in advance, or may be calculated using the actual speed of the moving body V. The method of calculating the time is arbitrary. "The case where a specified standard is satisfied" refers to, for example, the case where the distance of the first section X is 200 m or more, and the case where the time required for the moving body V to travel through the first section X is 5 seconds or more.

In the first embodiment, at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X may be calculated as a comparison target with a predetermined standard. In the first embodiment, both the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X may be calculated as a comparison target with a predetermined standard. In the first embodiment, only one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X may be calculated as a comparison target with a predetermined standard.

The output control unit 20 judges whether or not at least one of the above distance and the above time meets the above specified criteria when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1 (see FIG. 3) between the first branch path D1 and the circular passage C. For example, taking FIG. 3 as an example, if the approach path D0 is the first branch path D1, the output control unit 20 judges whether or not at least one of the above distance and the above time meets the above specified criteria when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1 between the approach path D0 (= first branch path D1) and the passage C. Note that "when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1" includes immediately after the moving object passes through the connection portion N1, when the moving object passes through the connection portion N1, and immediately before the moving object passes through the connection portion N1.

The time required for the moving body to move through the first section X may be calculated using the speed of the moving body V when it passes through the connection portion N1 between the first branch road D1 (=entrance road D0) and the circular passage C, and the distance of the first section X. For example, the output control unit 20 may calculate the time required for the moving body to move through the first section X1 using the speed of the moving body V just before it passes through the connection portion N1 in FIG. 3, and the distance of the first section X1. The speed may be obtained from a speed information acquisition unit (not shown) mounted on the moving body device 2.

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

The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input/output interface 1050, and network interface 1060 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and other components to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

The processor 1020 is a processor realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.

Memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a removable medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information output device 1 (e.g., the path acquisition unit 10 and the output control unit 20). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as a memory unit (not shown) connected to the information output device 1.

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

The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information output device 1 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. The information output device 1 may communicate with the mobile device 2 via the network interface 1060.

(Operation example of the first embodiment)
5 is a flow diagram of a process related to route guidance to a destination by the information output device 1 according to the first embodiment. The process related to route guidance to a destination executed by the information output device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

In step S200, the output control unit 20 determines whether the moving object is approaching the circular path 200. The output control unit 20 may determine whether the moving object is approaching the circular path 200 using the position information and route information of the moving object. The output control unit 20 may determine that the moving object is approaching the circular path 200 when at least one of the distance from the current location of the moving object to passage C of the circular path 200 and the time it takes for the moving object to reach passage C meets a predetermined criterion.

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

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

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

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

After the moving body approaches the circular road 200 (YES in step S200 shown in FIG. 5), in step S410, the output control unit 20 calculates, for example, using route information, which branch road D the exit road D100 is, counting clockwise from the entry road D0. For example, in FIG. 2, the output control unit 20 calculates that the exit road D100 is the fourth branch road D, counting clockwise from the entry road D0.

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

In step S430, the output control unit 20 determines whether or not at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X meets a predetermined criterion. Explaining with reference to FIG. 3, the output control unit 20 first determines whether or not at least one of the distance of the first section X1 (= the first section closest to the current location of the moving body in the traveling direction of the moving body traveling through passage C) and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X1 meets a predetermined criterion.

Returning to FIG. 6, if the output control unit 20 determines that both the distance of the first section X1 and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X1 do not satisfy the predetermined criteria (NO in step S430), the process proceeds to step S460.

In the first embodiment, the output control unit 20 does not output the exit route information by voice in the first section X that does not meet the predetermined criteria. If both the distance of the first section X1 in FIG. 3 and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X1 do not meet the predetermined criteria, the output control unit 20 does not output the exit route information by voice in the first section X1.

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

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

The case where the process from step S430 onwards is repeated will be explained using the example of FIG. 3. If the output control unit 20 determines that both the distance of the first section X1 and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X do not meet the predetermined criteria (NO in step S430 in FIG. 6), the process proceeds to step S460, but since the next branch road D is not the exit road D100, the process returns to step S430 again. Next, the output control unit 20 determines whether or not at least one of the distance of the first section X2, which is the next first section in the situation in FIG. 3, and the time required for the moving body V to move through the next first section X2, meets the predetermined criteria. In this way, the output control unit 20 repeats its determination of whether or not the predetermined criteria are met until the moving body V reaches the exit road D100.

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

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

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

In step S480, the output control unit 20 causes the voice output unit 2b to output failure information. The failure information includes information informing the driver that they have failed to exit from the exit route D100. Specifically, the output control unit 20 causes voice output, as failure information, such as "The exit was the current fork in the road. Please go around again before proceeding to the exit." After that, the process returns to step S430, and the process from step S430 onwards is repeated again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Returning to FIG. 6, once the processing of step S450 is completed, the process proceeds to step S460. The processing from step S460 onwards is as described above.

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

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

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

When the distance of the first section X is small and/or the time required for the moving body to travel the first section X is small, outputting the exit route information by voice may confuse the driver, causing the driver to panic and make sudden lane changes.

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

Furthermore, the exit route information includes information indicating which branch route D the exit route D100 is, counting from the current location of the mobile body. This makes it easier for the driver to know which branch route D to exit at.

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

Furthermore, the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X is calculated using the speed at which the moving body passes through the connection N1 between the first branch road D1 and the passage C, and the distance of the first section X. By using the speed at which the moving body passes through the connection N1, the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X can be predicted with high accuracy. As a result, even if, for example, the distance of the first section X is short but the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X is large due to congestion, it is possible to output exit route information, making it possible to provide effective route guidance according to the situation.

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

By providing voice guidance (=outputting exit route information by voice) only when at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to travel the first section X is sufficiently large, it is possible to guide the driver to the exit route without confusing him/her.

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

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

Omission information is information in which part of the exit route information is omitted. For example, if the exit route information is "Please take the fourth exit," the omission information is, for example, "the fourth exit" or "4." Sound information includes sound effects, etc. Sound effects can be any sound, such as "beep beep" or "pong."

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

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the moving body V passes through the connection portion Z between the approach road D0 and the passage C, in the second section Y, the output control unit 20 may determine whether or not at least one of the distance of the second section Y and the time required for the moving body to move through the second section Y meets a predetermined standard. The second section Y is the section between the approach road D0 and the branch road D located next to the approach road D0 in the traveling direction of the moving body.

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

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

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

The omission information and sound information can shorten the sound output time compared to the exit route information. This makes it possible to effectively inform the driver which branch route D the exit route D100 is, without confusing the driver, even if there are a relatively large number of first sections X in which at least one of the distance of the first section X and the time required for the moving body V to move through the first section X does not meet a predetermined standard.

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

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

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

As described above, the first section X is an arc-shaped section between a certain branch road D (first branch road D1) and the adjacent branch road D (second branch road D2). When there are multiple lanes on the circular road 200 (= passage C) as in the third embodiment, the section that is radially innermost on the circular road 200 (= passage C) (= the section corresponding to lane L1) among the arc-shaped sections is defined as the first section W (see FIG. 11).

The output control unit 20 according to the third embodiment outputs at least a portion of the exit route information by voice when the moving body moves through the first section W if at least one of the distance of the first section W and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section W meets a predetermined criterion.

In the case of a circular road 200 having multiple lanes L, by using information on the innermost lane L in the radial direction of the circular road 200 to calculate at least one of the distance of the first section W (see FIG. 11) and the time required for a moving object to move through the first section W, it is possible to calculate at least one of the distance of the first section and the time required for a moving object to move through the first section W on a safe basis. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of causing confusion to the driver.

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

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

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

The above describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

In another embodiment, the loop 200 includes a roundabout.

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

Below, examples of reference forms are given.
1. A route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route along which a moving object should proceed;
an output control unit that outputs, when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, by voice, exit route information relating to an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit out of the plurality of branch routes;
When at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located next to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion, the output control unit outputs at least a part of the exit route information by voice as the moving body moves through the first section.
2. In the information output device according to 1.,
The output control unit calculates an ordinal number of the branch road from a current location of the moving object to the exit road,
An information output device, wherein the exit route information includes information indicating the number of the branch road that the exit route is, counting from the current location of the mobile body.
3. In the information output device according to 1 or 2,
The output control unit determines whether the predetermined criterion is satisfied when the moving object passes through a connection portion between the first branch path and the circular passage.
4. In the information output device according to 3.,
An information output device, wherein the time is calculated using a speed at which the moving object passes through a connection portion between the first branch path and the circular passage and the distance of the first section.
5. In the information output device according to any one of 1 to 4,
The output control unit is configured to not output the exit route information by voice in the first section that does not satisfy the specified criterion.
6. In the information output device according to any one of 1 to 5,
The output control unit outputs at least one of omission information that omits part of the exit route information and sound information that includes sound effects for the first section that does not satisfy the specified criterion.
7. In the information output device according to 6.,
when the moving body passes through a connection portion between an approach road, which is included in the route and is a branch road through which the moving body enters the annular passage among the plurality of branch roads, and the annular passage, the output control unit determines whether or not the predetermined criterion is satisfied in a second section between the approach road and the branch road located next to the approach road;
When the predetermined criterion is not satisfied, the output control unit repeatedly outputs at least one of the omission information and the sound information for each of the first sections until the moving body reaches the exit road.
8. In the information output device according to any one of 1 to 7,
A lane information acquisition unit that acquires lane information regarding a plurality of lanes in the circular passage,
An information output device, wherein at least one of the distance and the time is calculated using the lane information.
9. An information output system including a mobile device in a mobile device and a server,
a route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route along which the moving object should proceed;
an output control unit that outputs, when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, by voice, exit route information relating to an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit out of the plurality of branch routes;
An information output system, wherein when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located next to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to travel the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion, the output control unit outputs at least a portion of the exit route information by voice as the moving body travels the first section.
10. A computer that realizes an information output device,
Obtaining route information regarding a route that the mobile unit should take;
when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, outputting by voice exit route information relating to an exit route which is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit among the plurality of branch routes;
An information output method, comprising: when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located adjacent to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to travel through the first section, outputting at least a portion of the exit route information by voice as the moving body travels through the first section.
11. A computer that realizes an information output device,
A procedure for acquiring route information regarding a route to be taken by a mobile unit;
a step of outputting, when the moving object moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, exit route information relating to an exit route which is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving object is to exit among the plurality of branch routes;
A program for executing a procedure for outputting at least a portion of the exit route information by voice when the moving body moves through the first section, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located adjacent to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion.

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

Claims

A route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route to be taken by a moving object;
an output control unit that outputs, when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, by voice, exit route information relating to an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit out of the plurality of branch routes;
When at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located next to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion, the output control unit outputs at least a part of the exit route information by voice as the moving body moves through the first section.
2. The information output device according to claim 1,
The output control unit calculates an ordinal number of the branch road from a current location of the moving object to the exit road,
An information output device, wherein the exit route information includes information indicating the number of the branch road that the exit route is, counting from the current location of the mobile body.
3. The information output device according to claim 1,
The output control unit determines whether the predetermined criterion is satisfied when the moving object passes through a connection portion between the first branch path and the circular passage.
4. The information output device according to claim 3,
An information output device, wherein the time is calculated using a speed at which the moving object passes through a connection portion between the first branch path and the circular passage and the distance of the first section.
3. The information output device according to claim 1,
The output control unit is configured to not output the exit route information by voice in the first section that does not satisfy the specified criterion.
3. The information output device according to claim 1,
The output control unit outputs at least one of omission information that omits part of the exit route information and sound information that includes sound effects for the first section that does not satisfy the specified criterion.
7. The information output device according to claim 6,
when the moving body passes through a connection portion between an approach road, which is included in the route and is a branch road through which the moving body enters the annular passage among the plurality of branch roads, and the annular passage, the output control unit determines whether or not the predetermined criterion is satisfied in a second section between the approach road and the branch road located next to the approach road;
When the predetermined criterion is not satisfied, the output control unit repeatedly outputs at least one of the omission information and the sound information for each of the first sections until the moving body reaches the exit road.
3. The information output device according to claim 1,
A lane information acquisition unit that acquires lane information regarding a plurality of lanes in the circular passage,
An information output device, wherein at least one of the distance and the time is calculated using the lane information.
An information output system including a mobile device in a mobile device and a server,
a route acquisition unit that acquires route information regarding a route along which the moving object should proceed;
an output control unit that outputs, when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, by voice, exit route information relating to an exit route that is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit out of the plurality of branch routes;
An information output system, wherein when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located next to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to travel the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion, the output control unit outputs at least a portion of the exit route information by voice as the moving body travels the first section.
A computer realizing an information output device,
Obtaining route information regarding a route that the mobile unit should take;
when the moving body moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, outputting by voice exit route information relating to an exit route which is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving body should exit among the plurality of branch routes;
An information output method, comprising: when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located adjacent to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to travel through the first section, outputting at least a portion of the exit route information by voice as the moving body travels through the first section.
A computer that realizes an information output device,
A procedure for acquiring route information regarding a route to be taken by a mobile unit;
a step of outputting, when the moving object moves along a circular route at least a part of which is included in the route and in which a plurality of branch routes are connected to a circular passage, exit route information relating to an exit route which is included in the route and is a branch route from which the moving object is to exit among the plurality of branch routes;
A program for executing a procedure for outputting at least a portion of the exit route information by voice when the moving body moves through the first section, when at least one of the distance of a first section between a first branch road of the circular road and a second branch road located adjacent to the first branch road, and the time required for the moving body to move through the first section, satisfies a predetermined criterion.