Abstract: Route search is performed considering the fact that traffic conditions differ according to lane even for the same road. A navigation device performs route search, using link costs (link travel times) classified by lane. For example, the navigation device searches for a route having the lowest total cost to the destination, using link data that determine cost for each lane of a component link of a road on a map. A cost of a lane on which a vehicle runs to move to a next link, being the cost of any lane of the link, is used as a cost of a link on a route.

Abstract: A technique which enables a navigation system mounted on a vehicle or the like to be connected with an information providing device by utilizing a short range base station. In cases where a recommended route passes through a communication spot, which is an area enabled for communication by the short range base station, the navigation system is connected with the information providing device through the base station, after moving as far as the communication spot, and in cases where the recommended route does not pass through the communication spot, the system is connected with the information providing device through a public network by a communication terminal.

Abstract: A technique which enables a navigation system mounted on a vehicle or the like to be connected with an information providing device by utilizing a short range base station. In cases where a recommended route passes through a communication spot, which is an area enabled for communication by the short range base station, the navigation system is connected with the information providing device through the base station, after moving as far as the communication spot, and in cases where the recommended route does not pass through the communication spot, the system is connected with the information providing device through a public network by a communication terminal.

Abstract: Route search is performed considering the fact that traffic conditions differ according to lane even for the same road. A navigation device performs route search, using link costs (link travel times) classified by lane. For example, the navigation device searches for a route having the lowest total cost to the destination, using link data that determine cost for each lane of a component link of a road on a map. A cost of a lane on which a vehicle runs to move to a next link, being the cost of any lane of the link, is used as a cost of a link on a route.