WO2008059590A1

WO2008059590A1 - Search device, search method, search program, and computer readable recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2008059590A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/323006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takeshi Kodaka
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-11-17
Filing date: 2006-11-17
Publication date: 2008-05-22

Abstract

A detection section (101) detects the remaining amount of fuel in a mobile body. When the remaining amount not more than a specified value is detected by the detection section (101), a search section (102) searches for a refueling facility present in a predetermined distance from the mobile body. An acquisition section (103) acquires information on fuel prices at the refueling facility searched by the search section (102). An output section (104) outputs in an associated manner the refueling facility searched by the search section (102) and the price information acquired by the acquisition section (103).

Description

Specification

SEARCH DEVICE, SEARCH METHOD, SEARCH PROGRAM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM

Technical field

The present invention relates to a search device that guides a route in a moving body, a search method, a search program, and a computer-readable recording medium. However, use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described search device, search method, search program, and computer-readable recording medium.

Background art

Conventionally, a car navigation device that guides a vehicle to a destination point searches for an optimum route from the current point to the destination point, and the driver finds the route by a means such as map display or voice guidance. The vehicle is guided to the destination point by guiding to.

[0003] For example, in a route search performed by a car navigation device or the like, information on the current position and information on each point stored in advance (for example, road distance, road width, traffic jam information, etc.) are used. And evaluate various routes from the current location to the destination location. A proposal has been made to select a route having the best evaluation among these routes as an optimum route and to display the selected optimum route as a traveling route (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-309595

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, since the above-described conventional technology does not consider the amount of fuel required for traveling to the destination point, the occupant always needs to know the distance to the destination point and the remaining amount of fuel. You must drive while checking and. Therefore, the passenger takes time and effort to confirm the remaining amount of fuel, and if the remaining amount of fuel is not confirmed, even if it is necessary to refuel, the vehicle will continue to run without refueling. One problem that would be impossible Take as an example.

[0006] On the other hand, when the remaining amount of fuel has been confirmed, if refueling is required during driving, the fuel replenishment facility around the point where fuel refueling is required is searched and the retrieved fuel replenishment is performed. An example is the problem of having to refuel at a point.

[0007] Furthermore, even if the fuel price of a fuel supply facility near the point where fuel supply is required during driving is high, the passenger must supply high fuel without any choice. As an example. In other words, with the above-described conventional technology, it is not possible to search for a refueling facility in consideration of price information, and the passenger may not be able to select a refueling facility according to the fuel price, resulting in increased fuel costs. There is. Even if the fuel price is taken into account, if there is no fuel supply facility with a low fuel price that is reachable by the remaining amount of fuel at the point where fuel supply is required, high fuel will eventually be supplied. It will be.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the search device according to the invention of claim 1 includes a detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of fuel in the moving body, and a remaining value equal to or less than a specified value by the detecting means. When the amount is detected, search means for searching for a fuel supply facility existing within a predetermined range from the mobile body, and acquisition means for acquiring price information regarding the fuel price at the fuel supply facility searched by the search means And a refueling facility searched by the searching means and an output means for outputting the price information acquired by the acquiring means in association with each other.

[0009] Further, the search method according to the invention of claim 7 includes a detection step of detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the moving body, and when the remaining amount of a specified value or less is detected by the detection step, the moving body A search process for searching for a refueling facility existing within a predetermined range from the above, an acquisition process for acquiring price information regarding the fuel price at the fuel supply facility searched by the search process, and a fuel searched by the search process It includes a supply facility and an output step of outputting the price information acquired in the acquisition step in association with each other.

[0010] Further, a search program according to the invention of claim 8 is a copy of the search method according to claim 7. Computer.

[0011] A computer-readable recording medium according to the invention of claim 9 records the search program according to claim 8.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a search device that works according to the present embodiment.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the search device that works on this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of price information of a gas station according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the display of the gas station according to the first embodiment.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the navigation device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the navigation device according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

[0013] 100 search device

101 detector

102 Search part

103 Acquisition Department

104 Output section

105 Route search unit

106 Estimator

107 Specific part

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a search device, a search method, a search program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] (Embodiment)

(Functional configuration of search device)

The functional configuration of the search device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a search device that works according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a search device 100 includes a detection unit 101, a search unit 102, an acquisition unit 103, an output unit 104, a route search unit 105, an estimation unit 106, a specification unit 107, and a force. Has been.

[0017] The detection unit 101 detects the remaining amount of fuel in the moving body. The fuel is, for example, a material that is a source of movement of the moving body by combustion, and may be an energy source such as fossil fuel such as gasoline or natural gas. For example, the remaining amount can be detected by detecting the amount of fuel that is moving from a full tank or the amount of fuel at any point in time.

[0018] When the detection unit 101 detects a remaining amount equal to or less than a specified value, the search unit 102 searches for a fuel supply facility that exists within a predetermined range of the mobile force. The specified value may be, for example, a configuration that can be set in advance, or a capacity at a predetermined ratio with respect to the full tank capacity. For example, the predetermined range may be configured so that it can be set by force. Further, the predetermined range may be a range in which the mobile body can move from the point where the remaining amount equal to or less than the specified value is detected, according to the detected remaining amount.

[0019] In addition, the search unit 102 exists on the route searched by the route search unit 105 (to be described later) when the remaining power detected by the detection unit 101 is less than the fuel consumption estimated by the estimation unit 106 (to be described later). It is good also as searching the fuel supply facility to perform. Here, the route may include, for example, a point that is a predetermined distance away from the route.

The acquisition unit 103 acquires price information regarding the fuel price at the fuel supply facility searched by the search unit 102. For example, the fuel price may be acquired from a predetermined server via a network or the like by a communication unit (not shown). Also, the fuel price For example, after obtaining price information in a wide range of refueling facilities, the case may be obtained by extracting price information in the refueling facility searched by the search unit 102.

The output unit 104 outputs the fuel supply facility searched by the search unit 102 and the price information acquired by the acquisition unit 103 in association with each other. For example, the output unit 104 may be configured to output a fuel supply facility and price information by display or voice. Further, the output unit 104 may be configured to output the facility specified by the specifying unit 107 (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as “specific fuel supply facility”) and price information of the specific fuel supply facility in association with each other.

[0022] The route search unit 105 searches for a route to a destination point in the moving object. The destination point may be, for example, a plurality of points such as a stopover point or a waypoint.

[0023] The estimation unit 106 estimates the amount of fuel used until the mobile object reaches the destination point based on the route searched by the route search unit 105. The amount of fuel used may be estimated using, for example, the distance that can be traveled for a predetermined unit fuel amount and the distance traveled to the destination point. For example, the distance that can be traveled for a predetermined unit fuel amount may be different depending on the type of road on the route, the presence or absence of traffic jams, the type of vehicle, and the like.

Specifically, for example, the distance that can be traveled with respect to a predetermined unit fuel amount may be a long distance on an expressway and may be a short distance if there is a traffic jam. Also, the distance that can be traveled for a given unit fuel amount can be calculated, for example, while the moving body is moving.

[0025] Further, the estimation unit 106 may estimate the amount of fuel used by the mobile body for a round trip to the destination point based on the route searched by the route search unit 105. Estimating the amount of fuel used for round trips is useful, for example, when planning a round trip to the destination.

[0026] The specifying unit 107 specifies a facility (specific fuel supply facility) where the fuel price is low among the fuel supply facilities searched by the search unit 102. Specifically, for example, the specific fuel supply facility is specified by referring to the price information regarding the fuel price at the fuel supply facility acquired by the acquisition unit 103.

[0027] In addition, the specifying unit 107 uses the fuel supply facility searched by the search unit 102 for use. It is good also as specifying the facility where a predetermined privilege is provided. Predetermined benefits can be, for example, special offers such as discounts for mobile passengers or gift information.

[0028] Further, the identifying unit 107 may identify, among the fuel supply facilities searched by the searching unit 102, a frequently used facility based on the usage history of the moving object. The facility with high usage frequency may be, for example, a predetermined type of fuel supply facility.

[0029] (Contents of search device processing)

Next, the contents of the processing of the search device 100 that is useful for the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing performed by the search device according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, with respect to the remaining amount of fuel in the moving body, the detection unit 101 determines whether or not a remaining amount equal to or less than a specified value has been detected (step S201).

[0030] In step S201, the detection unit 102 waits until a remaining amount equal to or less than the predetermined value is detected (step S201: Yes), and the search unit 102 supplies the fuel that exists within a predetermined range from the mobile unit. A facility is searched (step S202).

[0031] Although description is omitted in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the search for the fuel supply facility is performed by, for example, the remaining power detected by the detection unit 101, depending on the route to the destination in the moving body. If the amount of fuel used is less than the amount of fuel used before reaching, the fuel supply facility existing on the route may be searched.

Next, the acquisition unit 103 acquires price information related to the fuel price at the fuel supply facility searched in step S202 (step S203). In the flow chart of FIG. 2, the price information at the searched bunkering facility is obtained as a configuration, but the price information at the bunkering facility searched after obtaining price information at a wide range of bunkering facilities. Information may be extracted.

[0033] Then, the output unit 104 outputs the fuel supply facility and the price information (step S204), and the series of processing ends. Note that power fuel supply facilities that are not described in the flowchart in FIG. 2 and price information are output by associating the specific fuel supply facility specified by the specifying unit 107 with the price information of the specific fuel supply facility. The structure to do may be sufficient.

[0034] In addition, the force output in step S204 is omitted in the flowchart of FIG. In response to the refueling facility and the price information, the setting of the refueling facility to be refueled by the moving body is received from the passenger, and the route search unit 105 As a search for a route.

[0035] As described above, according to the search device, search method, search program, and computer-readable recording medium according to the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of fuel falls below a specified value, fuel supply Because facilities can be searched, passengers can avoid unintentional fuel shortages by reliably refueling while avoiding the trouble of checking the remaining fuel level.

[0036] Further, since it is possible to search for a fuel supply facility with a low fuel price, it is possible to suppress fuel costs. In addition, since it is possible to search for a refueling facility on the route to the destination point, it is possible to perform planned refueling and to select an optimal refueling facility.

Example 1

[0037] Examples of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, an example in which the search device according to the present invention is implemented by a navigation device mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle) will be described.

[0038] (Hardware configuration of navigation device)

The hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 3, a navigation device 300 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disk drive 306, and the like. , Optical disk 307, audio I / F (interface) 308, speaker 309, human power device 310, video I / F 311, display 312, communication I / F 313, GPS unit 314, various sensors 315, , Ready. In addition, each of the components 3 301 to 315 is connected by a bus 320.

First, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. ROM302 is a boot program, current location calculation program, route search program, route guidance product Various programs such as programs, voice generation programs, and map information display programs are recorded. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

[0041] The current location calculation program, for example, calculates the current location of the vehicle (the current location of the navigation device 300) based on output information from a GPS unit 314 and various sensors 315 described later.

The route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point using map information or the like recorded on a magnetic disk 305 described later. Here, the optimum route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. The guidance route searched by executing the route search program is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301.

[0043] The route guidance program is read from the guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, the current location information of the vehicle calculated by executing the current location calculation program, and a magnetic disk 305 described later. Real-time route guidance information is generated based on the map information. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 308 and the video I / F 311 via the CPU 301.

The voice generation program generates tone and voice information corresponding to the pattern. In other words, based on the route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program, the virtual sound source corresponding to the guidance point is set and the voice guidance information is generated. The generated voice guidance information is output to the voice I / F 308 via the CPU 301.

[0045] The map information display program determines the display format of the map information displayed on the display 312 by the video I / F 311 and displays the map information on the display 312 according to the determined display format.

[0046] Examples of other various programs include a facility search program. The facility search program searches various facilities using map information recorded on a magnetic disk 305, which will be described later. Specifically, for example, a facility search is performed around the vehicle when the remaining amount of gasoline is below a specified value by various sensors 315 described later. For example, searching for a gas station. Further, when searching for a gas station, a configuration in which price information of a gas station acquired by communication I / F 313 described later is referred to may be used.

[0047] More specifically, for example, a search for a gas station is a gas station near the vehicle where the price per unit of gasoline (gasoline price) is low, or a card discount or membership price when using it. You can also search for gas stations and certain types of gasoline stations, where applicable. In this way, even if the remaining amount of gasoline is low, it is possible to replenish gasoline at the gas station that is most suitable for the user.

[0048] When searching for a gas station using the facility search program, if the optimal route is searched by the route search program, it is estimated whether or not the optimal route will run out of gasoline. If it runs out, you may search for a gas station on the optimal route. In this way, it is possible to supply cheaper gasoline at a gas station suitable for the drive plan.

The magnetic disk drive 304 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The magnetic disk 305 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, HD (hard disk) or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

[0050] One example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 is map information used for route search and route guidance. The map information includes background data that represents features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road, and is displayed in 2D or 3D on the display screen of the display 312. Drawn on.

[0051] The road shape data further includes traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, the presence / absence of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings for each node, the presence / absence of highway entrances and junctions, the length (distance) for each link, road width, direction of travel, and road type (high speed). Roads, toll roads, general roads, etc.) and usage charges on toll roads.

[0052] In addition, the traffic condition data is stored with the past traffic information obtained by statistically processing the past traffic information based on the season, day of the week and large consecutive holidays' time. The navigation device 300 Information on traffic jams currently occurring is obtained from road traffic information received by communication I / F 313, which will be described later, but it is possible to predict traffic jam conditions at specified times using past traffic jam information.

In this embodiment, the map information is recorded on the magnetic disk 305. However, the map information may be recorded on an optical disk 307 described later. Further, the map information may be provided outside the navigation device 300, not limited to the information recorded on the navigation device 300 and the hardware integrated with the hardware of the navigation device 300. In this case, the navigation device 300 acquires map information via the network through, for example, the communication I / F 313. The acquired map information is stored in the RAM 303 or the like.

The optical disc drive 306 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disc 307 according to the control of the CPU 301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disk 307, a writable recording medium can be used. Further, the removable recording medium may be the power of the optical disk 307, M0, a memory card, or the like.

The audio I / F 308 is connected to an audio output speaker 309, and audio is output from the speaker 309.

[0056] Examples of the input device 310 include a remote controller, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel that are provided with a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like.

The video IZF 311 is connected to the display 312. Specifically, the video IZF 311 is output from the graphic controller, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 312, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and the like. It consists of a control IC that controls the display of the display 312 based on image data.

[0058] The display 312 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As this display 312, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted. A plurality of displays 312 may be provided in the vehicle, for example, for the driver and for a passenger seated in the rear seat. Communication IZF 313 is connected to a network via radio and functions as an interface between navigation device 300 and CPU 301. The communication IZF 313 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless communication, and serves as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301.

[0060] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks, mobile phone networks, and the like. Specifically, the communication IZF313 is composed of, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) Z beacon resino, no line navigation device, and other navigation devices, and is distributed from the VICS center. Obtain road traffic information such as traffic jams and traffic regulations. VICS is a registered trademark.

[0061] The communication I / F 313 may acquire fuel price information distributed from a server (not shown). The power price information described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 may be information including, for example, the position information of a gas station where fuel can be refueled around an arbitrary point, the price per unit gasoline amount, and additional information. Details will be described with reference to FIG. 5. By displaying map information with reference to this price information, it is possible to present an appropriate gasoline stand to the passenger.

[0062] The 0-3 unit 314 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current location of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 314 is used when the CPU 301 calculates the current location of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 315 described later. Information indicating the current location is information that identifies one point on the map information, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0063] The various sensors 315 include a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and the like. The output values of the various sensors 315 are used for the calculation of the current position of the vehicle by the CPU 301 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction. Be done.

[0064] The various sensors 315 may be fuel sensors that detect the capacity of a gasoline tank that stores gasoline, which is fuel for the vehicle. Specifically, for example, the fuel sensor may detect a decrease in the gasoline amount of the vehicle from a full tank or the amount of gasoline at any point in time.

[0065] Of the functional configuration of the search device 100 that is relevant to the embodiment, the detection unit 101 has various types. By the sensor 315, the search unit 102, the route search unit 105, the estimation unit 106, and the identification unit 107 cause the CPU 301 to execute various programs recorded on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 305 and the optical disk 307, so that the acquisition unit 103 With the communication IZF 313, the output unit 104 realizes its function with the speaker 309 and the display 312.

[0066] (Summary of price information)

Here, the outline of the price information of the gas station according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of price information of the gas station according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 4, price information 400 is stored in an external server (not shown), and can be obtained by accessing a predetermined address on the Internet. The price information 400 is shown, for example, in order of price power S per unit gasoline amount of a gas station within a predetermined range from the periphery of the vehicle (navigation device 300), in ascending order.

[0068] Further, the price information 400 is information collected from a plurality of users, including information such as a gas station series (store type), a card, and a price category. That is, information that changes in real time according to information from multiple users and is constantly updated.

[0069] (Gas station display overview)

Next, the outline of the gas station display according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the display of the gas station according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 5, a display screen 500 is a screen displayed on the display 312 and displays map information around the current location of the vehicle. Around the current location, for example, multiple gas stations A, B, C, D, E, F and the cheapest information 501 at gas stations A, B, C, D, E, F are shown. ing.

[0071] Cheapest information 501 refers to the price information shown in FIG. 4 and is information indicating the gas station A having the lowest gas price among the gas stations A, B, C, D, E, and F. This shows that the gasoline price H of high-octane soline is 130 yen and the gasoline price of regular gasoline is 120 yen. Further, the power display screen 500, which is not described in FIG. 5, may be configured to display other price information such as a discount by referring to the price information shown in FIG. 4 instead of the cheapest information 501. Les. Then, the passenger can check the display screen 500 displayed as shown in FIG. 5 and select the optimum gas station.

[0073] (Contents of processing of navigation device 300)

Next, the contents of processing of the navigation device 300 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, it is determined by the various sensors 315 whether or not the gasoline amount has fallen below a specified value (step S601). The specified value may be detected, for example, that an empty lamp (not shown) of the vehicle is turned on at a predetermined ratio of the capacity of the gasoline tank.

[0074] In step S601, waiting for the gasoline amount to fall below the specified value, and if it falls below the specified value (step S601: Yes), the CPU 301 searches for a gasoline stand around the current location of the vehicle. (Step S602). The surrounding gas stations may be, for example, a range that can be reached with the specified amount of gasoline used in the determination in step S601, which may be a gas station located in a predetermined range.

[0075] Next, the latest price information stored in an external server (not shown) or the like is acquired by the communication I / F 313 (step S603), and the acquired price is recorded using a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. Save the information (step S604).

[0076] Then, the CPU 301 refers to the price information stored in step S604, and displays the center, the cheapest store and price information of the gas station around the vehicle searched in step S602 (step S605). The cheapest store and price information may be displayed on the display screen 500 shown in FIG. 5, for example.

[0077] Note that, in step S605, instead of displaying the cheapest store and price information, other price information such as a nearby gas station stand and discount may be displayed. It is also possible to display price information for all nearby gas stations in the cheapest store.

[0078] Next, whether or not the input station 310 has accepted selection of a gas station is determined. Judgment is made (step S606). The selection of the gas station may be, for example, a configuration that the passenger selects according to the display in step S605. This allows the passenger to select the optimal gas station for fuel supply. In this way, the occupant can refer to a lot of information and select a gas station for refueling appropriately.

[0079] When selection of a gas station is accepted in step S606 (step S606:

In Yes), the CPU 301 sets the route to the gas station selected in step S606 (step S607), and ends the series of processes.

[0080] If the selection of the gas station is not accepted in step S606 (step S606: No), the series of processing ends.

[0081] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the amount of gasoline falls below the specified value, the passenger searches for and displays a gas station for refueling. It is possible to refuel appropriately without paying attention to the remaining amount of fuel.

[0082] Further, since the price information at the searched gas station can be displayed together, the passenger can select the optimum gas station. In other words, the passenger can control the cost of gasoline and benefit from the benefits.

Example 2

[0083] Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which a route to a destination point is set by the navigation device 300 described in the first embodiment.

[0084] Note that the hardware configuration of the navigation device 300 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 3, the price information is shown in Fig. 4, and the display outline of the gas station is almost the same as in Fig. 5. To do.

[0085] (Contents of processing of navigation device 300)

Next, the contents of processing of the navigation apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, first, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a route to the destination point has been set (step S701).

[0086] In step S701, the process waits until the route to the destination is set. If the vehicle travels to the destination point by the route set in step S701 (step S701: Yes), the CPU 301 determines whether the gasoline stored in the gasoline tank is sufficient (step S702).

Specifically, for example, the determination of the gasoline amount may be estimated using a predetermined fuel consumption and a travel distance to the destination point. The predetermined fuel consumption is the distance that can be traveled per unit gasoline amount, for example, depending on the type of road on the route, the presence or absence of traffic congestion, and the vehicle type. In addition, the distance to the destination point may be the round trip distance from the departure point.

In step S702, if the gasoline is sufficient (step S702: Yes), the series of processing is ended as it is.

[0089] If there is not enough gasoline in step S702 (step S702: No), the CPU 301 searches the gasoline station on the route set in step S701 (step S703). Here, the term “on the route” may include, for example, a point including a point away from the route by a predetermined distance.

[0090] Next, the latest price information stored in an external server (not shown) or the like is acquired by the communication I / F 313 (step S704), and the acquired price is recorded using a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307. Save the information (step S705).

[0091] Then, the CPU 301 refers to the price information stored in step S705, and extracts a gas station with benefits from the gas stations searched in step S703 (step S706). The gas station with benefits may be, for example, a gas station with a present for refueling or a gas station with a member discount.

Then, CPU 301 displays the cheapest store and price information from the gas stations extracted in step S706 (step S707). For example, the display of the cheapest store and price information may be the display screen 500 shown in FIG.

[0093] In step S707, instead of displaying the cheapest store and price information, it is also possible to display a list of gas station benefits.

[0094] Next, whether or not the input station 310 accepts the selection of the gas station is determined. Judgment is made (step S708). The selection of the gas station may be, for example, a configuration in which the passenger selects according to the display in step S707, so that the passenger can select the optimal gas station for fuel supply. In this way, the occupant can refer to a lot of information and select a gas station for refueling appropriately.

[0095] When selection of a gas station is accepted in step S708 (step S708:

If yes, the CPU 301 resets the route to the gas station selected in step S708 (step S709), and ends the series of processing.

[0096] If the selection of the gas station is not accepted in step S708 (step S708: No), the series of processing ends.

[0097] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when there is not enough gasoline on the route to the destination point, the gas station on the route can be searched, so the optimum gasoline stand is selected, It is possible to refuel in a planned manner.

In the above description, the configurations of the first embodiment and the second embodiment have been described separately. However, the search device 100 according to the present invention has the configurations of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. A combined configuration may be used. Specifically, for example, when the route is set by combining the configurations of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the system performs planned refueling and the fuel is insufficient. You can select the most suitable gas station at any time.

Note that the search method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM, M0, or DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] detection means for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the moving body;

Search means for searching for a fuel supply facility existing within a predetermined range from the moving body when a remaining amount equal to or less than a predetermined value is detected by the detection means;

Obtaining means for obtaining price information relating to a fuel price at the fuel supply facility searched by the search means;

An output means for outputting the fuel supply facility searched by the search means in association with the price information acquired by the acquisition means;

A search device comprising:

[2] route search means for searching for a route to the destination point in the mobile body;

Estimation means for estimating the amount of fuel used until the mobile body reaches the destination by the route searched by the route search means;

The search means includes

The refueling facility existing on the route is searched when the remaining amount detected by the detecting means is less than the amount of fuel used estimated by the estimating means. Search device.

[3] The estimation means includes

The search device according to claim 2, wherein the amount of fuel used by the mobile body for a round trip to the destination point is estimated based on a route searched by the route search means.

[4] The fuel supply facility searched by the search means further comprises a specifying means for specifying a facility where the fuel price is low,

The output means includes

The search device according to claim 1, wherein the facility specified by the specifying means (hereinafter referred to as "specific fuel supply facility") and the price information of the specific fuel supply facility are output in association with each other. .

[5] The specifying means includes:

Among the fuel supply facilities searched by the search means, a predetermined privilege for use 5. The search device according to claim 4, wherein a facility to which is assigned is specified.

[6] The specifying means includes:

6. The search device according to claim 4, wherein, among the fuel supply facilities searched by the search means, a facility with a high use frequency is specified based on a use history of the mobile object.

[7] A detection process for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the moving body;

A search step of searching for a fuel supply facility existing in a predetermined range from the moving body when a remaining amount equal to or less than a specified value is detected by the detection step;

An acquisition step of acquiring price information relating to a fuel price at the fuel supply facility searched by the search step;

An output step of associating and outputting the fuel supply facility searched by the search step and the price information acquired by the acquisition step;

The search method characterized by including.

[8] A search program characterized by causing a computer to execute the search method according to claim 7.

[9] A computer-readable recording medium in which the search program according to claim 8 is recorded.