JP7698555B2 - Navigation system, navigation method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a navigation system, a navigation method, and a computer program.

There are known navigation systems that provide guidance on travel routes from a departure point to a destination and information related to travel routes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication navigation system that can obtain individual information about a user without each user having to register. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a navigation device that suppresses guidance on roads that the user is familiar with. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses an information processing device that notifies notification information determined according to a priority and a notification value.

JP 2003-42789 A JP 2008-64597 A JP 2019-158771 A

In recent years, the popularity of internet shopping has led to an increase in the demand for logistics services, and the number of people (hereafter referred to as "delivery people") who deliver goods and other packages to designated destinations is on the rise. From the perspective of improving work efficiency, delivery people have a predefined area of responsibility, and deliver packages to residential homes within that area. Areas with many residential homes tend to have more narrow roads and dead-end roads than normal main streets, and there is a lot of traffic of people, bicycles, and the like. For this reason, delivery people are required to have not only the delivery skills to perform delivery tasks, but also the driving skills to drive safely.

In this regard, delivery work skills and driving skills vary from one delivery person to another. For this reason, if guidance is provided without taking into account the level of proficiency in these skills, those with high proficiency may find the guidance annoying, and those with low proficiency may feel that the guidance is insufficient, resulting in a problem of reduced effectiveness of the guidance. Furthermore, there is a problem that insufficient guidance for those with low proficiency can lead to a decrease in safety. However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not take into account the level of proficiency in these skills (hereinafter also referred to as "driver level").

Note that these issues are not limited to delivery people engaged in delivery work, but are also common to workers who need to balance some kind of work skills with driving skills, and general drivers who are only required to have driving skills. Furthermore, these issues are not limited to route guidance from a departure point to a destination, but are also common when users such as delivery people are given guidance about the roads they are driving on while they are free driving on roads without relying on route guidance.

For this reason, there was a demand to provide a navigation system that could increase the effectiveness of guidance information while also contributing to improved safety.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following form: A navigation system comprising a guidance unit that acquires guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputs the guidance information, the guidance unit changing at least one of an output frequency of the guidance information and an output method of the guidance information according to a driver level of a user, the driver level including a proficiency level of the user in delivery work skills for performing delivery work. In addition, the present invention can be realized in the following form.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a navigation system is provided. The navigation system includes a guidance unit that acquires guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputs the guidance information. The guidance unit changes at least one of the frequency of outputting the guidance information and the method of outputting the guidance information according to the driver level of the user.

According to this configuration, the guidance unit changes at least one of the frequency of outputting guidance information regarding the delivery route and the method of outputting the guidance information depending on the user's driver level, thereby improving the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety.

(2) In the above-described navigation system, the guidance information may be directly or indirectly associated with a level of importance of the guidance information, and the guidance unit may be configured to change the output frequency of the guidance information depending on the driver level. When the driver level is relatively high, the output frequency of the guidance information may be reduced by not outputting the guidance information having a relatively low level of importance.
According to this configuration, since the importance of each piece of guidance information is directly or indirectly associated with the guidance information, the output frequency of the guidance information can be changed for each piece of guidance information. In addition, when the driver level is relatively high, the guidance unit reduces the output frequency of the guidance information by not outputting guidance information with a relatively low importance. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by a user with a relatively high driver level due to the output of excessive guidance information, and it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the guidance information and contribute to improving safety by outputting only guidance information with a relatively high importance. In addition, for a user with a relatively low driver level, it is possible to reduce the feeling of insufficient guidance for the user by also outputting guidance information with a relatively low importance, and therefore it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the guidance information and contribute to improving safety.

(3) In the navigation system of the above form, the guidance unit may be configured to change the method of outputting the guidance information depending on the driver level, and as the driver level becomes lower, the guidance information may be output by various means, or the amount of information contained in the guidance information may be increased, or the timing of outputting the guidance information may be advanced.
According to this configuration, as the driver level becomes lower, the guidance unit outputs the guidance information by various means, or increases the amount of information included in the guidance information, or advances the output timing of the guidance information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the feeling of insufficient guidance for users with a relatively low driver level, thereby improving the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety. In addition, by outputting guidance information to users with a relatively low driver level at an earlier timing than usual, the users can confirm the guidance information and respond with plenty of time. On the other hand, for users with a relatively high driver level, the types of output means of the guidance information and the amount of information included in the guidance information are relatively reduced, so that the annoyance felt by the users due to the output of excessive guidance information can be reduced, and as a result, the effectiveness of the guidance information can be improved and safety can be improved.

(4) In the navigation system of the above embodiment, the guidance unit may obtain the driver level of the user from another device connected via a network by transmitting an identifier for uniquely identifying the user to the other device.
According to this configuration, the guiding unit transmits an identifier for uniquely identifying the user to another device connected via the network, thereby acquiring the driver level of the user from the other device. Therefore, control can be performed while concealing the driver level of the user from the user. In addition, the driver level of the user can be centrally managed by the other device.

(5) In the navigation system of the above type, the driver level may include at least one of the user's proficiency in delivery work skills for carrying out delivery work and the user's proficiency in driving skills for safely driving.
According to this configuration, the driver level includes at least one of the user's proficiency in delivery work skills required to carry out delivery work and the user's proficiency in driving skills required to drive safely, making it possible to output guidance information that takes into account the user's delivery work skills and driving skills.

(6) In the above-described navigation system, the delivery route is a route that includes one or more delivery destinations where the user stops for the delivery of the package, and the guidance information may include at least one of traffic guidance information regarding the delivery route, baggage information regarding the package, and delivery destination information regarding the delivery destination of the package.
According to this configuration, a navigation system specialized for delivery work that delivers packages can be provided.

(7) In the navigation system of the above embodiment, the guidance information may include a specified delivery time for the package and an estimated time of arrival at the delivery destination, and the guidance unit may output a message indicating that the package will be late if the estimated time of arrival is later than the specified delivery time.
According to this configuration, if the estimated arrival time at the delivery destination is later than the specified delivery time of the package, the guidance unit outputs a message indicating that the delivery will be late, thereby improving convenience for those engaged in delivery work (delivery personnel) and reducing the possibility of delays in the delivery time of the package.

The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a device or system that changes at least one of the output frequency and output method of guidance information depending on the level of the user, a computer program for implementing the functions of this device or a system including the device, a server device for distributing the computer program, a non-transitory storage medium that stores the computer program, etc.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of guidance frequency setting. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a parcel information DB, a level information DB, and a delivery destination information DB. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of guidance method settings. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed in the navigation system. 13 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively low driver level. 13 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively high driver level. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed in a navigation system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system according to a fifth embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system 1 is a system whose users are people (hereinafter also referred to as "delivery persons") who are engaged in logistics operations, particularly the operation of delivering packages such as merchandise to designated delivery destinations. The navigation system 1 illustrated here is used to output to the users (delivery persons) guidance information including route guidance to the delivery destination of the package to be delivered (hereinafter also referred to as "package to be delivered") and information regarding the delivery destination, thereby facilitating delivery operations.

The navigation system 1 includes a route server 10, a delivery plan server 20, and a client 30. The route server 10 and the delivery plan server 20 are connected to the Internet INT by wired communication. The client 30 is connected to the Internet INT by wireless communication via a communication carrier BS. The communication carrier BS includes a transmitting/receiving antenna, a wireless base station, and a switching center. In other words, the route server 10, the delivery plan server 20, and the client 30 can communicate with each other via the Internet INT.

The route server 10 uses the delivery plan to generate the following a1 and a2.
(a1) A route (hereinafter also referred to as a "delivery route") is determined for one or more delivery destinations where a user stops for the delivery of a package, set to a destination or a waypoint in accordance with a delivery sequence in a delivery plan, and delivery route information representing this delivery route is generated.
(a2) Generate guidance information regarding a delivery route. Here, the guidance information regarding the delivery route includes the following three items a21 to a23. Details will be described later.
(a21) Traffic guidance information: Guidance information regarding a delivery route (route to a departure point or destination);
(a22) Parcel information: Guidance information regarding parcels requiring delivery;
(a23) Delivery destination information: Guidance information regarding the delivery destination of a package requiring delivery.

The route server 10 includes a CPU 110, a communication unit 120, a ROM/RAM 130, and a storage unit 140, and each unit is interconnected by a bus (not shown).

The CPU 110 controls each part of the route server 10 by expanding the computer program stored in the ROM 130 into the RAM 130 and executing it. The CPU 110 also functions as a route search part 111 and a guidance information generation part 112. The route search part 111 calculates the delivery route described in a1 above. The guidance information generation part 112 generates the guidance information described in a2 above. These will be described in detail later.

The communication unit 120 controls communication between the delivery plan server 20, the client 30, and other devices via a communication interface (not shown).

The storage unit 140 is composed of a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, etc. A map information database 141, a route information database 142, a guidance information database 143, and a guidance frequency setting 144 are pre-stored in the storage unit 140. In the following explanation, the database is also simply referred to as "DB".

Map information DB141 is a database that stores data representing map images. The data representing map images includes information necessary for map display, such as topography, buildings, and road shapes. Route information DB142 is a database that stores road network data. Road network data includes node information on "nodes" that represent the positions of intersections and landmarks such as stations, and link information on "links" that represent roads connecting nodes. Node information includes node position information, node type, node name, other node information, etc. Link information includes link cost for each mode of travel (average travel time on the road represented by the link), link type, link name, link status, other link information, etc.

The guidance information DB143 is a database that stores various information related to the roads stored in the route information DB142. The guidance information DB143 is used to generate traffic guidance information from the guidance information. The guidance information DB143 includes accident information, near-miss information, no parking zone information, no entry zone information, road inclination information, and the like for each road stored in the route information DB142. The accident information may include the location of the accident, the details of the accident, and the date and time of the accident. Similarly, the near-miss information may include the location, details, and date and time of the accident. The road inclination information may include the location where the road is inclined, the direction of the inclination, and the magnitude of the inclination.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance frequency setting 144. The guidance frequency setting 144 is a table that specifies the output frequency of guidance information to the user, and is composed of the first guidance frequency setting 1441 shown in FIG. 2(A), or the first guidance frequency setting 1441 shown in FIG. 2(A) and the second guidance frequency setting 1442 shown in FIG. 2(B). FIG. 2(A) shows the first guidance frequency setting 1441 in the case where "importance" is set for each piece of guidance information. In the first guidance frequency setting 1441 in FIG. 2(A), whether to provide guidance (circle mark) or not to provide guidance (- mark) is associated with each of the driver levels 1 to 4 for each importance of the guidance information. In this embodiment, the "driver level" means a higher-level concept that includes the following b1 and b2.
(b1) Work skill level: The user's proficiency in the delivery work skills required to carry out delivery work.
(b2) Driving skill level: The user's proficiency in driving skills required for safe driving.
The proficiency of delivery skills and the proficiency of driving skills are evaluated in advance for each user. The evaluation of the proficiency of delivery skills can be performed based on various criteria, such as, for example, the number of years of service, the amount of knowledge of delivery work, the attitude towards delivery work, the level of customer satisfaction, and an evaluation by a manager. The evaluation of the proficiency of driving skills can be performed based on various criteria, such as, for example, the color of the driver's license, the driving technique, the analysis of drive recorder images, and the analysis of digital tachograph data.

In the following description, a case will be exemplified in which the output of the guidance information is controlled using both the job skill level b1 and the driving skill level b2 of the driver level.
Controlling the output of package information and delivery destination information among the guidance information according to the business skill level b1;
The output of traffic guidance information, which is one of the guidance information, is controlled according to the driving skill level b2.
In the following description, when describing characteristics common to both the job skill level b1 and the driving skill level b2, these will be collectively referred to as the "driver level." When describing individual characteristics, they will be referred to as the job skill level b1 or the driving skill level b2. Note that the navigation system 1 may control the output of guidance information using either the job skill level b1 or the driving skill level b2.

In FIG. 2(A), driver level "1" means for those receiving training, driver level "2" means for beginners, driver level "3" means for intermediate drivers, and driver level "4" means for veterans. In other words, a user with driver level "1" has a relatively low driver level, and a user with driver level "4" has a relatively high driver level. According to the first guidance frequency setting 1441, when the driver level is relatively high (e.g., driver level 4), guidance information with a relatively low importance (e.g., medium importance, low importance) is not output. On the other hand, when the driver level is relatively low (e.g., driver level 1), guidance information with a relatively low importance (e.g., medium importance, low importance) is output.

Figure 2 (B) shows the second guidance frequency setting 1442 that is used in combination with the first guidance frequency setting 1441 when an "importance level" is set for each type of guidance information. When using the second guidance frequency setting 1442, importance levels do not need to be directly associated with each type of guidance information.

According to the example of FIG. 2(B), when the guidance information is traffic guidance information, an importance level is further associated with each item of the traffic guidance information. For example, in the case of accident information, the importance level is set to "high to medium" depending on the date and time of the accident. Specifically, if the date and time of the accident is new, the importance level is set to high, and if the date and time of the accident is old, the importance level is set to medium. For example, in the case of near-miss information, the importance level is set to "medium to low" depending on the date and time of the near-miss. For example, in the case of no-parking zone information, the importance level is set to "medium". On the other hand, according to the example of FIG. 2(B), when the guidance information is parcel information, the importance level is set to "high", and when the guidance information is delivery destination information, the importance level is set to "high". Note that, similar to the traffic guidance information, the importance level may be associated with each item of the parcel information and the delivery destination information. Also, the importance level may be associated with each item only for some of the items of the parcel information or some of the items of the delivery destination information. The items constituting the parcel information and the delivery destination information will be described later in FIG. 3. In this way, when the second notification frequency setting 1442 is used, each piece of guidance information is indirectly associated with a level of importance via the type of guidance information.

Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation will continue. The delivery plan server 20 generates a delivery plan for each delivery person for that day. The delivery plan server 20 has a CPU 210, a communication unit 220, a ROM/RAM 230, and a storage unit 240, and each unit is connected to each other by a bus (not shown).

The CPU 210 controls each part of the delivery plan server 20 by expanding the computer program stored in the ROM 230 into the RAM 230 and executing it. The CPU 210 also functions as a delivery plan generation unit 211. The delivery plan generation unit 211 uses the data stored in the parcel information DB 241 and the delivery destination information DB 243 to generate a delivery plan for that day corresponding to each delivery person. Details will be described later.

The communication unit 220 controls communication between the route server 10 and other devices such as the client 30 via a communication interface (not shown).

The storage unit 240 is composed of a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, etc. The storage unit 240 prestores a parcel information DB 241, a level information DB 242, and a delivery destination information DB 243.

Figure 3 shows an example of the parcel information DB 241, the level information DB 242, and the delivery destination information DB 243. Figure 3 (A) shows an example of the parcel information DB 241. In the parcel information DB 241, guidance information regarding parcels to be delivered is stored in advance for each parcel. In the example of Figure 3 (A), each parcel information includes a delivery destination ID for uniquely identifying each delivery destination, the delivery address of the parcel, the latitude and longitude of the delivery destination of the parcel, the time designation of the parcel, and whether or not the parcel is designated to be left at rest. Note that the "delivery order" of the parcel information is information that is assigned after the delivery plan is generated by the delivery plan server 20.

Figure 3 (B) shows an example of the level information DB 242. The level information DB 242 stores a driver ID and a driver level (driving skill level, business skill level) in association with each other. The driver ID is a unique identifier that is assigned to each user in advance. "X" in the figure represents an arbitrary character string. The driver level is associated with the business skill level b1 and the driving skill level b2 of each user identified by the driver ID.

3C shows an example of the delivery destination information DB 243. In the delivery destination information DB 243, guidance information regarding the delivery destination of the parcel is stored in advance for each delivery destination. In the example of FIG. 3C, each delivery destination information includes a delivery destination ID, the presence or absence of a home delivery box at the delivery destination, nameplate information of the delivery destination, past complaint information of the delivery destination, the location of the delivery destination at the delivery destination, and other information. The nameplate information may include the presence or absence of a nameplate, a warning when there are multiple nameplates, and a warning about the correctness of the nameplate. The location of the delivery may include, in addition to the specification of the delivery location itself, notes regarding the delivery (e.g., "not in front of the entrance, but in the passage next to the entrance"), and conditions under which the delivery may be made (e.g., "not allowed in the rain"). The other information may include additional information for identifying the delivery destination when the delivery destination is in a difficult-to-find location (e.g., "the second from the front"), and safety information (e.g., "watch out for vicious dogs"). The parcel information DB 241 in FIG. 3(A) and the delivery destination information DB 243 in FIG. 3(C) are linked by the delivery destination ID.

Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation will continue. The client 30 can be configured as any device, such as a smartphone as shown in the figure, a personal computer, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, etc. The client 30 includes a CPU 310, a communication unit 320, a ROM/RAM 330, a storage unit 340, an input/output unit 350, and a current position acquisition unit 360, and each unit is interconnected by a bus (not shown).

The CPU 310 controls each part of the client 30 by expanding the computer program stored in the ROM 330 into the RAM 330 and executing it, and also functions as a guidance unit 311. In the process described below, the guidance unit 311 cooperates with the route server 10 and the delivery plan server 20 to output guidance information according to the driver level of the user of the client 30. Details will be described later.

The communication unit 320 controls communication between other devices, such as the route server 10, via a communication interface (not shown).

The storage unit 340 is composed of a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, etc. Guidance method settings 341 are stored in advance in the storage unit 340. In addition, the storage unit 340 stores a driver level 342 and guidance information 343 acquired through processing described below.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance method setting 341. The guidance method setting 341 is a table that specifies the output method of guidance information for the user. In the guidance method setting 341 in Figure 4, the output method of the guidance information is specified for each output means of the guidance information (Figure 4: voice/display) for each of the driver levels 1 to 4. In addition, in the guidance method setting 341, the timing at which the guidance information should be output (Figure 4: distance) is specified for each of the driver levels 1 to 4. According to the guidance method setting 341, when the driver level is relatively high (for example, driver level 4), the guidance information is output by fewer means (voice) and with a relatively small amount of information (only voice alert). Also, when the driver level is relatively high (for example, driver level 4), the guidance information is output at the normal timing. On the other hand, when the driver level is relatively low (for example, driver level 1), the guidance information is output by various means (voice and display) and with a relatively large amount of information (a combination of voice alert and speech, and a combination of illustration display and text display). Also, if the driver level is relatively low (for example, driver level 1), the guidance information will be output earlier than usual.

Returning to FIG. 1, the explanation will be continued. The input/output unit 350 is a variety of interfaces used for inputting and outputting information between the client 30 and the user. For example, the input/output unit 350 may be a touch panel as an input unit, a touch panel as a display unit (output unit), or a liquid crystal panel. The current position acquisition unit 360 receives radio waves transmitted from artificial satellites constituting the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), and acquires current position information (latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the client 30. Here, since the client 30 is carried by the user, the current position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 360 can be regarded as the current position of the user.

Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed in the navigation system 1. The processing in Figure 5 is processing for outputting guidance information to a user of the client 30, and can be executed at any timing. For example, this processing may be executed in response to the start of a specific application installed in the client 30, as described below. Note that the example in Figure 5 illustrates a case where an "importance" is set for each type of guidance information, in other words, processing is performed in combination with the first guidance frequency setting 1441 and the second guidance frequency setting 1442 described in Figure 2.

In step S100, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 starts a specific application installed in the client 30. At this time, the user of the client 30 inputs the driver ID (identifier) assigned to the user. Then, in step S102, the guidance unit 311 transmits a delivery plan acquisition request to the delivery plan server 20. The delivery plan acquisition request includes the driver ID input in step S100.

In step S104, the delivery plan generating unit 211 of the delivery plan server 20 searches the level information DB 242 using the driver ID as a key, and acquires the driver level (specifically, the business skill level b1 and the driving skill level b2) of the user corresponding to the driver ID. In step S106, the delivery plan generating unit 211 generates a delivery plan for the user who sent the delivery plan acquisition request for that day. The delivery plan generating unit 211 can generate a delivery plan using any method by referring to the parcel information DB 241 and the delivery destination information DB 243. For example, the delivery plan generating unit 211 can generate a delivery plan by matching the area of responsibility assigned to the user in advance with the delivery destination address (or latitude and longitude) in the parcel information DB 241 to determine multiple parcels to be delivered, and by determining a delivery order such that the delivery destinations of these multiple parcels are traveled along an optimal route. When generating a delivery plan, the delivery plan generating unit 211 may take into account the business skill level b1 of the driver level acquired in step S104. In this case, the delivery plan generation unit 211 may assign packages with past complaint information (i.e., packages that require careful delivery) to users with a relatively high business skill level b1. Also, if there are multiple delivery personnel in the same area, the delivery plan generation unit 211 may generate a delivery plan taking into account the time specifications in the package information DB 241.

That is, the delivery plan generated by the delivery plan registration unit 211 includes the package information and "delivery order" described in FIG. 3(A) for the package assigned to the driver ID in step S100, and the delivery destination information described in FIG. 3(C). The package information and delivery order in the delivery plan correspond to the package information in the guidance information (see a22), and the delivery destination information corresponds to the delivery destination information in the guidance information (see a23). Note that a predetermined delivery order may be stored in the package information DB 241 described in FIG. 3(A). In this case, in step S106, the delivery plan registration unit 211 can generate a delivery plan using the area of responsibility previously assigned to the user, and the delivery destination address (or latitude and longitude) and delivery order in the package information DB 241.

In step S108, the delivery plan generation unit 211 of the delivery plan server 20 transmits the delivery plan generated in step S106, in other words, the package information and delivery destination information as guidance information, and the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) acquired in step S104 to the client 30. In step S110, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 stores the acquired delivery plan (package information and delivery destination information as guidance information) in guidance information 343, and stores the acquired driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) in driver level 342.

In step S120, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 transmits a delivery route information acquisition request to the route server 10. The delivery route information acquisition request includes the delivery plan stored in the guidance information 343. In step S122, the route search unit 111 of the route server 10 obtains a delivery route and generates delivery route information (see a1) that represents the delivery route. Specifically, the route search unit 111 uses the delivery plan acquired in step S120 to search for a route (i.e., a delivery route) that has one or more delivery destinations included in the delivery plan as destinations or intermediate destinations. This route search can be performed using the well-known Dijkstra algorithm or the well-known A-star search algorithm. In step S124, the route search unit 111 transmits the delivery route information generated in step S122 to the client 30. In step S126, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 stores the acquired delivery route information in the guidance information 343.

In step S120, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 may send the delivery route information acquisition request including the driving skill level b2 of the driver level. In this case, in step S122, the route search unit 111 of the route server 10 may search for a different delivery route depending on the received driving skill level b2. For example, when the driving skill level b2 is relatively high, the route search unit 111 may search for a route that passes through the shortest route. For example, when the driving skill level b2 is relatively low, the route search unit 111 may search for a route that passes through large roads or easy-to-understand roads. In this way, the route search unit 111 of the route server 10 can automatically derive a delivery route that is considered to be optimal depending on the driver level (driving skill level b2).

In step S130, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 transmits a request for obtaining guidance information to the route server 10. The request for obtaining guidance information includes the location information of the client 30 obtained by the current location acquisition unit 360 and the driving skill level b2 of the driver levels stored in the driver level 342.

In step S132, the guidance information generating unit 112 of the route server 10 generates traffic guidance information (see a21) according to the driving skill level b2 included in the guidance information acquisition request. Specifically, the guidance information generating unit 112 executes the following steps c1 to c4.
(c1) The guidance information generator 112 refers to the first guidance frequency setting 1441 and acquires the importance level according to the driving skill level b2 of the user of the client 30.
(c2) The guidance information generating unit 112 searches the guidance information DB 143 and acquires guidance information (accident information, near-miss information, no parking zone information, no entry zone information, road inclination information, etc.) about roads around the current position of the client 30. When the guidance information generating unit 112 determines from the acquired road inclination information that there is a steep downhill slope, it generates a warning to encourage early deceleration and includes it in the guidance information. When the guidance information generating unit 112 determines from the acquired road inclination information that there is a steep uphill slope, it generates a warning to encourage advance acceleration and includes it in the guidance information. Note that the guidance information generating unit 112 may generate these warnings in addition to the road inclination information only when the vehicle weight in which the user rides and the load capacity of the vehicle meet predetermined conditions.
(c3) The guidance information generator 112 refers to the second guidance frequency setting 1442 and excludes, from the guidance information acquired in step c2, guidance information that does not correspond to the importance level acquired in step c1.
(c4) The guidance information generating unit 112 sets the guidance information after the exclusion as traffic guidance information.

In step S134, the guidance information generating unit 112 of the route server 10 transmits the traffic guidance information generated in step S132 to the client 30. In step S136, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 stores the acquired guidance information (traffic guidance information as guidance information) in the guidance information 343.

Note that steps S120 to S136 may be executed as follows: d1, d2.
(d1) The delivery route information generation (see a1) described in steps S120 to S126 may be performed in a divided manner. For example, if the number of parcels to be delivered included in the delivery plan transmitted in step S120 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (i.e., if there are many delivery destinations), in step S122, the route search unit 111 may generate and transmit only a delivery route for a part of the delivery plan (e.g., parcels 1 to 10). In this case, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 may request the generation of a delivery route for the remaining part of the delivery plan by transmitting a delivery route information acquisition request to the route server 10 each time the next delivery destination (or a delivery destination a predetermined number away) is reached.
(d2) The generation and acquisition of the traffic guidance information (see a21) described in steps S130 to S136 may be executed each time the location information of the client 30 changes by a predetermined amount. In this way, traffic guidance information about roads around the current location of the client 30 can be acquired whenever the location information of the client 30 changes. This reduces the processing load required for generating the traffic guidance information (step S132).

When the parcel information and delivery destination information in the second notification frequency setting 1442 illustrated in FIG. 2(B) are associated with an importance level for each item, like the traffic information illustrated in FIG. 2(B), in step S106, the delivery plan generation unit 211 of the delivery plan server 20 performs exclusion processing according to the driver level (job skill level b1) and the importance level set in the second notification frequency setting 1442, as in steps c1 to c4 described above.

In step S140, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 searches the guidance method setting 341 using the driver level stored in the driver level 342 to obtain a guidance method according to the driver level. In step S142, the guidance unit 311 outputs the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 according to the guidance method obtained in step S140. Specifically, the guidance unit 311 outputs the package information (see a22) and the delivery destination information (see a23) of the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 according to a method according to the business skill level b1. In addition, the guidance unit 311 outputs the traffic guidance information (see a21) of the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 according to a method according to the driving skill level b2.

Figure 6 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively low driver level. Figure 6 illustrates an example of a screen W1 for a user with driver ID = XX01, whose job skill level b1 is "1" and whose driving skill level b2 is "1". Screen W1 is displayed on the input/output unit 350. Screen W1 includes a map view V1, a delivery destination list view V2, and a guidance view V3.

The map view V1 displays a map. The map displays a delivery destination symbol S1 plotted at the first delivery destination position, a delivery destination symbol S2 plotted at the second delivery destination position, a current location symbol PL, and a route RT. The delivery destination list view V2 displays the package information (see a22) of the guidance information and the delivery destination information (see a23) of the guidance information in a list format. When the current location approaches a point near the location where there is accident information (FIG. 4), the map view V1 displays a symbol AL representing the location where there is accident information and a symbol S3 for attention, and the guidance view V3 displays the traffic guidance information (see a21) of the guidance information, and further outputs an alert sound (musical note mark) and a voice to call attention to the accident information. In addition, when the current location approaches a little before the vicinity of the delivery destination 1 (FIG. 4), a symbol S4 indicating that the delivery is delayed is superimposed on the delivery destination symbol S1 in the map view V1, package information indicating that the delivery is delayed (see a22) is displayed in the guidance view V3, and an alert sound (musical note mark) and voice are output to warn that the delivery is delayed. The fact that the delivery is delayed is output when the time specification (delivery time specification) included in the package information (see a22) in the guidance information is compared with the expected arrival time at the delivery destination, and the expected arrival time is expected to be later than the time specification.

In this way, when the driver level is relatively low, guidance information is output in a variety of ways (audio in speech bubbles and displays in views V1 to V3) and with a relatively large amount of information (a combination of audio alerts and speech, and a combination of illustrations and text displays). Also, when the driver level is relatively low, audio output is output earlier than normal.

Figure 7 is an example of an output screen for a user with a relatively high driver level. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a screen W2 for a user with driver ID = XX04, whose job skill level b1 is "3" and whose driving skill level b2 is "4". Screen W2 is displayed on the input/output unit 350. Screen W2 includes a map view V1, a delivery destination list view V2, and a guidance view V3, similar to screen W1 in Figure 6.

The map view V1 displays a map. The map displays a delivery destination symbol S1 plotted at the first delivery destination position, a delivery destination symbol S2 plotted at the second delivery destination position, a current location symbol PL, and a route RT. The delivery destination list view V2 is the same as FIG. 6. When the current location approaches the vicinity of a point where there is accident information (FIG. 4), only an alert sound (musical note mark) that calls attention to the accident information is output as a sound. When the current location approaches the vicinity of delivery destination 1 (FIG. 4), package information (see a22) indicating that delivery is delayed is displayed in the guidance view V3, and an alert sound (musical note mark) and a voice are output to warn of the delay. Note that instead of displaying text or outputting an alert sound on the guidance view V3, or together with outputting the text display or the alert sound, an icon indicating that there is information may be displayed. In this case, the user may tap the icon to display details of the information.

In this way, when the driver level is relatively high, guidance information is output using fewer means (audio) and with a relatively small amount of information (without illustrations of symbols S3, S4, AL, etc.). Also, when the driver level is relatively high, audio output is output at the normal timing.

In the above example, in steps S106 and S132, guidance information according to the driver level is generated, and the output frequency of the guidance information is changed according to the driver level. In addition, in step S142, the output method of the guidance information is changed according to the driver level by following the guidance method acquired in step S140. However, the navigation system 1 may execute only one of changing the output frequency of the guidance information according to the driver level and changing the output method of the guidance information according to the driver level. Specifically, for example, in steps S106 and S132, uniform guidance information may be generated regardless of the driver level. In addition, for example, step S140 may be omitted, and a uniform output method may be adopted in step S142 regardless of the driver level.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the navigation system 1, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 changes at least one of the frequency of outputting guidance information regarding the delivery route and the method of outputting the guidance information depending on the driver level of the user, thereby improving the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety.

In addition, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance information a21 to a23 are directly or indirectly associated with the importance of the guidance information, so that the output frequency of the guidance information can be changed for each piece of guidance information. In addition, when the driver level is relatively high, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 reduces the output frequency of the guidance information by not outputting guidance information with a relatively low importance (FIG. 2: first guidance frequency setting 1441, FIG. 7). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by the user due to the output of excessive guidance information for a user with a relatively high driver level, and by outputting only guidance information with a relatively high importance, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of the guidance information and contribute to improving safety. In addition, by also outputting guidance information with a relatively low importance for a user with a relatively low driver level (FIG. 2: first guidance frequency setting 1441, FIG. 6), it is possible to reduce the feeling of insufficient guidance for the user, so that it is possible to increase the effectiveness of the guidance information and contribute to improving safety.

Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 outputs guidance information by various means, increases the amount of information contained in the guidance information, or advances the timing of outputting the guidance information as the driver level decreases (Figs. 4 and 6). This reduces the feeling of insufficient guidance for users with relatively low driver levels, thereby improving the effectiveness of the guidance information and contributing to improved safety. In addition, by outputting guidance information earlier than usual to users with relatively low driver levels, the users can check the guidance information and respond with plenty of time. On the other hand, for users with relatively high driver levels, the types of output means of the guidance information and the amount of information contained in the guidance information are relatively reduced (Figs. 4 and 7), so the annoyance felt by users due to the output of excessive guidance information can be reduced, which results in improved effectiveness of the guidance information and improved safety.

Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 transmits an identifier (driver ID) for uniquely identifying the user to another device (delivery plan server 20) connected via the network, thereby obtaining the user's driver level from the other device (FIG. 5: steps S102 to S108). This allows control while keeping the user's driver level secret from the user. In addition, the user's driver level can be centrally managed by the other device (delivery plan server 20).

Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the driver level includes at least one of the user's proficiency in the delivery work skills required to perform delivery work (see b1) and the user's proficiency in the driving skills required to drive safely (see b2). Therefore, it is possible to output guidance information that takes into account the user's work skill level b1 and driving skill level b2. Furthermore, by processing the work skill level b1 and the driving skill level b2 in combination as in the above embodiment, it is possible to set a driver level specialized for a person (delivery person) engaged in the work of delivering packages such as goods to a specified delivery destination, and to output guidance information according to this driver level. As a result, it is possible to provide a navigation system 1 specialized for delivery work that delivers packages.

Furthermore, according to the navigation system 1 of the first embodiment, the guidance unit 311 of the client 30 outputs a message indicating that the delivery will be delayed if the estimated arrival time at the delivery destination is later than the specified delivery time of the package (second guidance frequency setting 1442, Figures 6 and 7). This improves the convenience of those engaged in delivery work (delivery personnel) and reduces the possibility of delays in the delivery of the package.

B. Second embodiment:
8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1A of the second embodiment. The navigation system 1A of the second embodiment does not include the delivery plan server 20 in the configuration described in the first embodiment, and includes a client 30A instead of the client 30. In the navigation system 1A, a delivery plan is generated by the client 30A.

The CPU 310A of the client 30A further includes a delivery plan generation unit 312. The delivery plan generation unit 312 acquires a delivery plan input from the user and registers it in the delivery plan 344. That is, in the second embodiment, the package information (see a22) of the guidance information and the delivery destination information (see a23) of the guidance information are input by the user and registered in the delivery plan 344. The memory unit 140A of the client 30A prestores the driver level 342.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed in the navigation system 1A of the second embodiment. The processing in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing described in FIG. 5, except that the processing in steps S180 and S182 is executed instead of the processing in steps S102, S104, S106, S108, and S110. In step S180, the guidance unit 311 acquires the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) stored in the driver level 342A. This driver level is used in step S130. In step S182, the delivery plan generation unit 312 acquires the following inputs e1 and e2 made by the user of the client 30A, and stores e1 and e2 together in the delivery plan 344. The delivery plan generation unit 312 may display a screen for acquiring the following inputs e1 and e2 on the input/output unit 350.
(e1) Package information in the guidance information (see a22) and the delivery order of each package.
(e2) Delivery destination information of the guidance information (see a23).

In this way, the configuration of the navigation system 1A can be modified in various ways, and the delivery plan can be input by the user of the client 30A. With such a navigation system 1A of the second embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, with the navigation system 1A of the second embodiment, the delivery plan server 20 can be omitted, so the system can be constructed in a compact manner.

C. Third embodiment:
10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1B of the third embodiment. The navigation system 1B of the third embodiment does not further include the route server 10 in the configuration described in the second embodiment, and includes a client 30B instead of the client 30A. In the third embodiment, all processing is executed in the client 30B.

The CPU 310B of the client 30B further includes a route search unit 313 and a guidance information generation unit 314 in the configuration described in the second embodiment. The route search unit 313 performs the same processing as the route search unit 111 described in the first embodiment. The guidance information generation unit 314 performs the same processing as the guidance information generation unit 112 described in the first embodiment. The memory unit 340B of the client 30B further stores a map information DB 345, a route information DB 346, a guidance information DB 347, and a guidance frequency setting 348. The map information DB 345 has a configuration similar to the map information DB 141 described in the first embodiment. The route information DB 346 has a configuration similar to the route information DB 142 described in the first embodiment. The guidance information DB 347 has a configuration similar to the guidance information DB 143 described in the first embodiment. The guidance frequency setting 348 has a configuration similar to the guidance frequency setting 144 described in the first embodiment.

In this way, the configuration of the navigation system 1B can be modified in various ways, and may be configured to be able to implement the processing of FIG. 3 by the client 30B alone (without cooperating with the route server 10 and the delivery plan server 20). The navigation system 1B of this third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the navigation system 1B of the third embodiment can reduce the communication load on the client 30B.

D. Fourth embodiment:
11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1C of the fourth embodiment. The navigation system 1C of the fourth embodiment includes a client 30C instead of the client 30 in the configuration described in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, only the output frequency of guidance information is changed according to the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2).

The memory unit 340C of the client 30C does not have the guidance method setting 341 described in the first embodiment. The guidance unit 311C of the client 30C does not execute step S140 in FIG. 5. Furthermore, in step S142 in FIG. 5, the guidance unit 311C outputs the guidance information stored in the guidance information 343 in a uniform manner regardless of the driver level of the user. The navigation system 1C of this fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

E. Fifth embodiment:
12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation system 1D of the fifth embodiment. The navigation system 1D of the fifth embodiment includes a route server 10D instead of the route server 10 in the configuration described in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, only the method of outputting guidance information according to the driver level (task skill level b1, driving skill level b2) is changed.

The storage unit 140D of the route server 10D does not have the guidance frequency setting 144 (FIG. 2) described in the first embodiment. The guidance information generating unit 112D of the route server 10D generates uniform guidance information (see a21 to a23) regardless of the driver level in step S132 of FIG. 5. Specifically, the guidance information generating unit 112D does not execute steps c1 and c3 described in the first embodiment. The navigation system 1D of the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

F. Variations:
In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. In addition, the following modifications are also possible.

Variation 1:
In the above embodiment, an example of the configuration of the navigation system, the route server, the delivery plan server, and the client is shown. However, the configuration of each device can adopt any aspect. For example, at least a part of each DB of the route server, the delivery plan server, and the client may be stored in a device other than the device itself (including an external server connected via the Internet).

In the above embodiment, the navigation system is a system that provides guidance information, in other words, a system used in delivery work. However, the navigation system may be a system intended for workers who need to balance some kind of work skill with driving skills, not limited to delivery work. In this case, the navigation system may be constructed as a system that provides guidance information regarding patrol routes for sales or patrols. The navigation system may also be a system intended for general drivers who are only required to have driving skills. In this case, the navigation system may be constructed as a system that provides guidance information regarding normal route guidance.

In the above embodiment, the navigation system is a system that provides guidance information, in other words, a system that incorporates route guidance. However, the navigation system may also be a system that provides guidance information about the road on which the user is traveling while the user is traveling on the road during free driving, in which the user is traveling on the road without relying on route guidance.

Variation 2:
In the above embodiment, the processes (FIGS. 5 and 9) executed by the route server, the delivery plan server, and the client are described by way of example of the process procedure. However, these process procedures can be modified in various ways, and the process contents in each step can be added, omitted, or changed, and the execution order of each step can be changed.

For example, in step S100, the client user may input his/her driver level along with the driver ID. In this case, step S104 is not executed, and in step S110, only the delivery plan is sent from the delivery plan server.

For example, in step S106, the delivery plan registration unit 211 performs an exclusion process according to the driver level (task skill level b1) and the importance set in the second guidance frequency setting 1442, and then generates and transmits guidance information from which unnecessary guidance information has been excluded. Similarly, in step S132, the guidance information generation unit 112 performs an exclusion process according to the driver level (driving skill level b2) and the importance set in the second guidance frequency setting 1442, and then generates and transmits guidance information from which unnecessary guidance information has been excluded. However, in step S106, the delivery plan registration unit 211 may generate and transmit guidance information that does not undergo exclusion processing. Similarly, in step S132, the guidance information generation unit 112 may generate and transmit guidance information that does not undergo exclusion processing. In this case, in step S142, the guidance unit 311 may perform an exclusion process according to the driver level (task skill level b1 and driving skill level b2) and the importance set in the second guidance frequency setting 1442 on the client 30 side, and then output the guidance information.

For example, in step S140, the contents of the guidance method setting are obtained, and in step S142, guidance information is output according to this guidance method setting. Here, the output method of the guidance information stored in the guidance method setting (Figure 4) can be changed in various ways. For example, at least one of the settings related to the voice, the settings related to the display, and the settings related to the distance described in Figure 4 may be omitted. Also, the settings shown in Figure 4 (settings such as alert + speech, illustration + text, closer than normal distance, etc.) are merely examples, and various changes are possible.

For example, in step S142, various types of guidance screens can be displayed. Although examples of screens displayed in step S142 are shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, these can be modified in various ways. For example, at least some of the map view, delivery destination list view, and guidance view may be omitted. For example, there may be further views for displaying other information not shown in the examples.

Variation 3:
The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

1, 1A to 1D... Navigation system 10, 10D... Route server 20... Delivery plan server 30, 30A to 30C... Client 110... CPU
111: route search unit 112, 112D: guide information generation unit 120: communication unit 130: ROM/RAM
140, 140A, 140D... Storage unit 141... Map information DB
142...Route information DB
143...Guidance information DB
144: Guidance frequency setting 210: CPU
211: Delivery plan generation unit 220: Communication unit 230: ROM/RAM
240: Storage unit 241: Baggage information DB
242...Level information DB
243...Delivery destination information DB
310, 310A, 310B...CPU
311, 311C: Guidance section 312: Delivery plan generation section 313: Route search section 314: Guidance information generation section 320: Communication section 330: ROM/RAM
340, 340B, 340C... Storage unit 341... Guidance method setting 342, 342A... Driver level 343... Guidance information 344... Delivery plan 348... Guidance frequency setting 350... Input/output unit 360... Current position acquisition unit 1441... First guidance frequency setting 1442... Second guidance frequency setting

Claims (9)

1. A navigation system comprising:
A guidance unit that acquires guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputs the guidance information,
The guidance unit changes at least one of an output frequency of the guidance information and an output method of the guidance information according to a driver level of a user ,
A navigation system , wherein the driver level includes the user's proficiency in delivery work skills for performing delivery work . 2. The navigation system according to claim 1,
The guidance information is directly or indirectly associated with a level of importance of the guidance information;
The guide portion is
The output frequency of the guidance information is changed according to the driver level,
When the driver level is relatively high, the navigation system reduces the frequency of output of the guidance information by not outputting the guidance information whose importance is relatively low. 3. A navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising:
The guide portion is
A method of outputting the guidance information is changed according to the driver level,
A navigation system which outputs the guidance information by various means, increases the amount of information included in the guidance information, or advances the output timing of the guidance information as the driver level becomes lower. A navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A navigation system in which the guidance unit obtains the driver level of the user from another device connected via a network by transmitting an identifier for uniquely identifying the user to the other device. A navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The delivery route is a route including one or more delivery destinations where the user stops for delivery of the package,
A navigation system, wherein the guidance information includes traffic guidance information regarding the delivery route, package information regarding the package, and delivery destination information regarding a delivery destination of the package. 6. A navigation system according to claim 5,
The driver level further includes the user's proficiency in driving skills for safely driving,
The guide portion is
Controlling output of the package information and the delivery destination information according to the user's level of proficiency in the delivery business skill;
A navigation system that controls output of the traffic guidance information according to the user's level of proficiency in driving skill. A navigation system according to claim 5 or 6,
The guidance information includes a designated delivery time for the package and an estimated arrival time at the delivery destination,
The navigation system, wherein the guidance unit outputs a message indicating that the delivery will be delayed if the estimated arrival time is later than the specified delivery time. A navigation method, comprising:
A guidance step of acquiring guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputting the guidance information is performed;
In the guiding step, at least one of an output frequency of the guidance information and an output method of the guidance information is changed according to a driver level of the user ;
A navigation method , wherein the driver level includes the user's proficiency in delivery operation skills for performing a delivery operation . A computer program comprising:
A computer program for executing a guidance step of acquiring guidance information regarding a delivery route and outputting the guidance information,
In the guiding step, at least one of an output frequency of the guidance information and an output method of the guidance information is changed according to a driver level of the user ;
A computer program , wherein the driver level includes the user's proficiency in delivery work skills for performing delivery work .

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