Traffic information generation method, traffic information generation device, and navigation system

A traffic information generation device for generating traffic information for each link, the device comprising:

• a vehicle speed sensor that detects a vehicle speed at predetermined distance intervals or at predetermined time intervals;
• and
• traffic jam degree detection means for referring to a specified speed and a specified distance prescribed in association with a traffic jam degree representing a level of a traffic jam and a connection determination distance prescribed in accordance with a road type to detect the traffic jam degree corresponding to the vehicle speed;
• wherein,
• when a link length falls within a predetermined range, information on the traffic jam degree corresponding to a fastest vehicle speed within a prescribed starting point distance from a beginning of the link is allocated to the link.

A navigation system comprising:

• a traffic information generation unit for generating traffic information for each link, the traffic information generation unit including a vehicle speed sensor that detects a vehicle speed at predetermined distance intervals or at predetermined time intervals and traffic jam degree detection means for referring to a specified speed and a specified distance prescribed in association with a traffic jam degree representing a level of a traffic jam and a connection determination distance prescribed in accordance with a road type to detect the traffic jam degree corresponding to the vehicle speed,
• map data storage means for storing a road map of a road where a vehicle runs;
• and
• a positioning unit that positions a position of the vehicle using electrical waves transmitted from a satellite;
• wherein,
• when a link length falls within a predetermined range, the traffic information generation unit allocates information on the traffic jam degree corresponding to a fastest vehicle speed within a prescribed starting point distance from a beginning of the link to the link.