JP2002319090A - System for method for providing information, device for providing information used for the system or the method, program for controlling the information providing device, and storage medium stored with the program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate assignment for a date and a time zone to enhance convenience for a user, while providing instantaneously traffic information on the date and in the time zone desired by the user, when the traffic information in the future is provided from an information center 1 to a user terminal 2. SOLUTION: The information center 1 transmits a matrix assigning screen 41 using the dates and the time zones as axes to the user terminal 2, and the traffic information on the date and in the time zone assigned by the matrix assigning screen 41 is provided to the user terminal 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information providing system and an information providing method for providing traffic information from an information center to a user terminal, an information providing apparatus used in the system or the method, and a program for controlling the information providing apparatus. And a storage medium storing the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-1342
As shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 93, a vehicle navigation device obtains operation management data of a vehicle moving according to a predetermined schedule of a public transportation or a transportation company from an information center by communication, and It is known to predict a future traffic congestion state based on a traffic jam.

[0003]

When predicting traffic information such as traffic congestion in the future, it may be performed based on past statistical data or an operation schedule as in the above-described conventional example. It is conceivable that prediction of traffic information is performed at an information center, and the predicted traffic information is provided to a user terminal such as a vehicle navigation device connected to the information center via a network.

[0004] However, since future traffic information differs depending on the date and time zone, providing all these different traffic information to the user terminal would increase the amount of communication and increase the traffic volume.
The information processing becomes complicated even in the user terminal provided with the traffic information, and the user cannot immediately obtain the traffic information on the desired date and time zone.

On the other hand, if only the traffic information of the date and time zone desired by the user is provided to the user terminal, the traffic information can be provided immediately, but the date and time zone cannot be specified. In such a case, the configuration in which the date and time zone are specified by a pull-down menu, numerical input, or the like at this time is extremely inconvenient.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide future traffic information from an information center to a user terminal when a user desires a date or time zone. It is an object of the present invention to improve the convenience of a user by making it easy to specify a date and a time zone while providing traffic information immediately.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an information center transmits a matrix designation screen centering on a date and a time zone to a user terminal, and The traffic information on the date and time zone specified on the matrix specification screen is provided to the user terminal.

More specifically, the present invention includes an information center and a user terminal connected to the information center via a network, and the information center transmits traffic information in response to a request from the user terminal. An information providing system configured to provide the user terminal is provided.

[0009] The information center transmits to the user terminal a matrix designation screen centered on the date and time zone for designating the date and time zone by the user terminal, and the user terminal transmits the matrix designation screen to the user terminal. It is assumed that, when a date and a time zone designated on the matrix designation screen are received, traffic information on the date and the time zone is provided to the user terminal.

With the above arrangement, the matrix designation screen is transmitted from the information center to the user terminal, and the user terminal specifies the date and time zone on the matrix designation screen, and the information center receives the specified date and time zone. Then, traffic information (congestion status) in the date and the time zone is provided to the user terminal. As a result, the traffic information of the date and time zone desired by the user can be immediately provided, and at the time of specifying the date and time zone, the user moves the designated pointer or the like on the matrix designation screen (for example, By simply performing a joystick operation, a trackball operation, or the like, the date and time zone can be easily input. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the information center is configured to transmit the matrix designation screen to the user terminal in a state where a date and a time zone where no traffic information exists can be identified. It is assumed that

Thus, the date and time zone in which no traffic information exists can be known at a glance, and the needless operation of designating such a date and time zone can be avoided. Therefore, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, it is assumed that a date and a time zone in which no traffic information exists on the matrix designation screen cannot be designated.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously specifying a date and a time zone in which no traffic information exists, thereby improving usability.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the information center according to the second or third aspect, wherein the traffic information of the designated area designated by the user terminal is selected from the traffic information on the date and time designated by the matrix designation screen. The information is provided to the user terminal, and the matrix designation screen is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where the date and time zone where the traffic information of the designated area does not exist can be identified, and the traffic information of the designated area is When traffic information exists in an area near the designated area in a non-existent date and time zone, the information is provided to the user terminal to that effect.

[0016] Thus, the amount of information provided to the user is further reduced, and even if traffic information does not exist in the designated area, it can be seen at a glance that traffic information exists in an area near the periphery of the designated area. Thus, the convenience of the user can be improved. On the other hand, if the area is designated as a map range or the like displayed on the display of the user terminal, the area can be easily designated.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the designation of the date and time zone by the user terminal is performed by moving the designated pointer on the matrix designation screen in the date axis direction and the time zone axis direction. , And the movement of the designated pointer in an oblique direction with respect to the two axes is prohibited.

[0018] With this, the traffic information changes without abrupt change by the movement of the designated pointer in the date axis direction or the time zone axis direction, and particularly changes smoothly in the time zone axis direction. If the length of the traffic jam is graphically displayed on the map displayed in FIG.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the information center designates a subdivided time zone by subdividing the date and time zone designated on the matrix designation screen. It is configured to transmit the screen to the user terminal, and to provide the user terminal with the date specified on the matrix specifying screen and the traffic information on the time zone specified on the subdivision time zone specifying screen. .

That is, if the time zone is subdivided on the matrix designation screen, the matrix designation screen becomes considerably large, and the designation of the time zone becomes inconvenient. However, according to the present invention, detailed traffic information for each subdivided time zone can be obtained while reducing the size of the matrix designation screen.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information center, and a user terminal connected to the information center via a network, wherein the information center transmits traffic information to the user in response to a request from the user terminal. An information providing system configured to provide to a terminal is targeted.

[0022] The information center transmits to the user terminal a designation screen having a time zone as an axis for designating a time zone by the user terminal, and the information center is designated on the designation screen by the user terminal. When receiving the time zone, the traffic information in the time zone is provided to the user terminal, and the designated screen is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where the time zone where no traffic information exists can be identified. It is assumed that

Thus, the designated screen is transmitted from the information center to the user terminal, a time zone is designated on the designated screen at the user terminal, and when the designated time zone is received by the information center, the traffic in the time zone is transmitted. Information is provided to the user terminal. Then, the designation screen is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved as in the first and second aspects of the invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is assumed that a time zone in which no traffic information exists on the designated screen cannot be designated. By doing so, the same operation and effect as the third aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh or eighth aspect, the information center transmits traffic information of a designated area designated by the user terminal among traffic information in a time zone designated on the designated screen. Provide to the user terminal, and, while transmitting the specified screen to the user terminal in a state where the time zone where the traffic information of the specified area does not exist can be identified, and in the time zone where the traffic information of the specified area does not exist, When traffic information is present in an area near the specified area, it is assumed that the information is provided to the user terminal to that effect. As a result, claim 4
The same operation and effect as those of the invention are obtained.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the information center transmits a subdivision time zone designation screen obtained by subdividing the time zone designated by the designation screen to the user terminal. At the same time, it is assumed that the traffic information in the time zone designated on the segmentation time zone designation screen is provided to the user terminal. Thus, the same function and effect as the sixth aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a communication is performed between an information center and a user terminal connected to the information center via a network, so that traffic from the information center is made in response to a request from the user terminal. It is an invention of an information providing method for providing information to a user terminal, and in the present invention, from the information center to the user terminal, for specifying a date and a time zone by the user terminal, a date and a time zone as an axis Transmitting a matrix designation screen to the user terminal to the information center, transmitting the date and time zone designated by the user terminal in the matrix designation screen, from the information center to the user terminal, Providing traffic information on the specified date and time zone. According to the present invention, the same function and effect as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the information center includes:
By performing communication between the information center and a user terminal connected via a network, an information providing method for providing traffic information to the user terminal from the information center in response to a request from the user terminal, Transmitting, from the information center to the user terminal, a designation screen having a time zone as an axis for designating a time zone by the user terminal; and transmitting the designation screen from the user terminal to the information center by the user terminal. Transmitting a time zone specified on a screen, and providing traffic information in the specified time zone from the information center to the user terminal, transmitting the specified screen, The screen is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. Thus, the same function and effect as the seventh aspect of the invention can be obtained.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. The information providing apparatus transmits to the user terminal a matrix designation screen centered on the date and time zone for designating the date and time zone by the user terminal, and the user terminal specifies the matrix designation screen. It is assumed that when a date and a time zone specified on the screen are received, traffic information on the date and the time zone is provided to the user terminal. According to this invention, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

[0030] The invention of claim 14 is directed to an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. The information providing apparatus transmits a time-axis designation screen to the user terminal for specifying a time zone by the user terminal, and
From the user terminal, when receiving the time zone specified in the specified screen, the traffic information in the time zone is provided to the user terminal, and the specified screen can be identified in a time zone in which no traffic information exists. It is assumed that it is configured to transmit to the user terminal in the state. By doing so, the same operation and effect as the invention of claim 7 can be obtained.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing apparatus which is connected to a user terminal via a network and is configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. The present invention is directed to a program for transmitting a matrix designation screen for specifying a date and a time zone by the user terminal to the user terminal. Further, it is assumed that when a date and a time zone designated on the matrix designation screen are received, the traffic information on the date and the time zone is provided to the user terminal. According to this invention, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

[0032] According to the invention of claim 16, the information providing apparatus is connected to the user terminal via a network and is configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. This program is intended to specify a time zone by the user terminal, and transmits a designation screen with a time zone as an axis to the user terminal, and, from the user terminal, the designation screen. When a designated time zone is received, traffic information in the time zone is provided to the user terminal, and the designated screen is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. Suppose there is. Thus, the same function and effect as the seventh aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network, wherein the information providing apparatus is configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. The present invention is directed to a storage medium storing a program for executing a matrix specifying screen on a date and time zone axis for specifying a date and a time zone by the user terminal. It is assumed that the terminal is to be transmitted and, when the date and time zone designated on the matrix designation screen are received from the user terminal, the traffic information on the date and time zone is provided to the user terminal. According to this invention, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal is controlled. Targeting a storage medium storing a program for performing the above, the program, for specifying the time zone by the user terminal, to transmit a designation screen around the time zone to the user terminal, and from the user terminal Receiving a time zone specified on the specified screen, providing the user terminal with traffic information in the time zone, and displaying the specified screen on the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. Is transmitted. Thus, the same function and effect as the seventh aspect of the invention can be obtained.

[0035]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall configuration of an information providing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A user terminal 2 connected via the Internet 10 (network); and the information center 1 provides traffic information to the user terminal 2 in response to a request from the user terminal 2. . That is, the information center 1 constitutes an information providing device, and the user terminal 2 constitutes an information provided device. FIG.
Among them, 11 is a server of a provider and the like, and 12 is an exchange of a central office.

The user terminal 2 includes a navigation device 4 mounted on a vehicle 3 driven by the user, a mobile phone 5 and a personal digital assistant 6 (PDA) carried by the user, a personal computer 7 for home use, and the like. The navigation device 4, the mobile phone 5, and the mobile information terminal 6 transmit and receive signals by wireless communication with a telephone antenna 9 connected to the information center 1 via the Internet 10. Hereinafter, the user terminal 2 is described as the navigation device 4 of the vehicle 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information center 1 includes a CPU 21 for controlling various signals. The CPU 21 includes a communication interface 22 for communicating with the user terminal 2 and a communication interface 22 to be described later. ROM 23 (storage medium) storing a matrix designation screen 41, a subdivision time zone designation screen 42, a control program, a map, etc.
And a RAM 24 for temporarily storing various information and the like, and a traffic information database 25 storing traffic information are connected so as to be able to exchange signals.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 2 has a CPU 31 for controlling various signals. The CPU 31 receives a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS artificial satellite, 3, a current position measurement sensor 32 for detecting the current position, a display 33 for displaying various information on a display screen, a designation pointer 41a on a matrix designation screen 41 or a subdivision time zone designation screen 42, which includes a joystick, a trackball switch, and the like. , 42a
An operation switch 34 including a designation switch for moving (scrolling) the information, a communication device 35 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the communication interface 22 of the information center 1, a control program and a map (the map is the information center 1).
ROM 3 which stores the information.
6 (storage medium) and RA for temporarily storing various information, etc.
M37 is connected so that signals can be exchanged.

The information center 1 is connected to the user terminal 2
Screen 41 for specifying the date (here, day of the week) and time zone by using the date and time zone as axes
To the user terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the matrix designation screen 41 has a date on the vertical axis and a time zone every hour on the horizontal axis.

The user terminal 2 is connected to the information center 1
When the matrix designation screen 41 is received from
As shown in (2), the matrix designation screen 41 is displayed on the left part of the display screen of the display 33 of the user terminal 2 divided into two parts.

A designation pointer 41a is displayed on the matrix designation screen 41.
The date and time zone can be specified by moving a in the date axis direction and the time zone axis direction by the above-mentioned designation switch. This designated pointer 4
The movement of 1a in an oblique direction with respect to both axes is prohibited, and the date and time zone cannot be changed at the same time. Then, the user terminal 2 displays the date and time zone designated on the matrix designation screen 41 (date and time zone corresponding to the display position of the designation pointer 41a).
Is transmitted to the information center 1.

The information center 1 is connected to the user terminal 2
When receiving the date and time zone transmitted from, the user terminal 2 is provided with the traffic information of the designated area in the date and time zone (the time zone is subdivided as described later). Has become. This designated area is designated by the user terminal 2 in advance, and is selected by the user from a map range currently being displayed, a current location surrounding range, a destination surrounding range, a range including the current location and the destination, and an arbitrary range. It can be specified as. still,
Hereinafter, the map range corresponding to the designated area is referred to as a target map range.

The traffic information provided from the information center 1 to the user terminal 2 includes the current actual traffic when the date and time zone specified on the matrix specification screen 41 of the user terminal 2 include the current date and time. While information,
When the specified date and time zone does not include the current date and time, it is the predicted traffic information in the date and time zone. That is, the traffic information database 25 of the information center 1 accumulates data (we can also consider the weather) obtained by predicting the congestion point and the congestion distance for each time zone for each day of the week based on past data and the like. (Updated appropriately taking into account the latest data), and when the specified date and time zone includes the current date and time, the current actual traffic information (current The point at which traffic congestion occurs and the traffic congestion distance) are provided to the user terminal 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 2 having received the traffic information of the target map range (designated area) from the information center 1 displays the traffic information on the right-hand half of the display screen of the display 33. The information is displayed together with the map (the current position of the vehicle 3 is also displayed (a triangular mark in FIG. 5)). That is, the congested portion is graphically displayed in a conspicuous color, a bold line, or the like (indicated by a bold line in FIG. 5), so that the congested point and the congestion distance (the length of the bold line) can be understood at a glance. Has become.

The information center 1 displays the matrix designation screen 41 on the user terminal 2 in a state where the date and time zone in which no traffic information exists (no traffic congestion) exists in the target map area can be identified. It is configured to transmit (the traffic information does not exist on the date and time zone shaded in FIG. 4), and the date and time zone on which no traffic information exists on the matrix designation screen 41 is designated by the user terminal 2. Disabled. Then, when there is traffic information in an area near the periphery of the target map range on a date and a time zone where the traffic information does not exist, information to that effect is provided to the user terminal 2 (FIG. 4). Indicates that in the date and time zone where the arrow is displayed, there is traffic information in the vicinity area in the direction of the arrow).

Further, the information center 1 displays a subdivision time zone specification screen 42 (see FIG. 4) obtained by subdividing the time zone of the date and time zone specified on the matrix specification screen 41 every 5 minutes. This is transmitted to the user terminal 2 together with the designation screen 41. The user terminal 2 receives the segmentation time zone designation screen 42 and
3 is displayed at the lower position of the matrix designation screen 41 in the left portion of the display screen. At this time, in order to easily understand which time zone is subdivided in the matrix designation screen 41, the lower end of the vertical line on both sides of the time zone extends to both ends in the time zone axis direction of the subdivision time zone designation screen 42. Two lines 42b, 42b are displayed.

A designation pointer 42a is also displayed on the subdivision time period designation screen 42 in the same manner as the matrix designation screen 41, and the designated pointer 42a is moved to a designation switch (by moving the designated pointer 41a on the matrix designation screen 41). Time zone (subdivided time zone)
Is specified. In the subdivision time zone designation screen 42, similarly to the matrix designation screen 41, a time zone in which no traffic information exists in the target map range can be identified. When traffic information exists in an area near the periphery of the user terminal, information to that effect is provided to the user terminal 2.

The information center 1 actually provides the user terminal 2 with the date specified on the matrix specifying screen 41 and the traffic information on the time zone specified on the subdivision time zone specifying screen 42. It is configured. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the designation pointer 41a on the matrix designation screen 41 is on Thursday and 13:00, and the designation pointer 42 on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42
When a is at 13:25, the traffic information in the time zone of 13:25 on Thursday is provided to the user terminal 2.

The designated pointer 42a on the subdivided time zone designation screen 42 does not move even if the designated pointer 41a on the matrix designation screen 41 is moved in the date axis direction or the time axis direction. That is, for example, the designation pointer 41a on the matrix designation screen 41 is
Is moved to Thursday and 14:00 from the position, the designation pointer 42a on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42 becomes 1
It is located at 4:25. When the designation pointer 41 on the matrix designation screen 41 moves, the designation pointer 42a on the segmentation time zone designation screen 42 may be moved to a preset initial position (for example, a time zone of 00 minutes). .

In the information center 1, as described above, the date and time zone (subdivided time zone) specified on the matrix specifying screen 41 (subdivided time zone specifying screen 42) include the current date and time. Sometimes, the current actual traffic information is provided to the user terminal 2, but the matrix designation screen 41
In the case where the difference (congestion distance difference) between the current actual traffic information and the traffic information in the date and time zone near the date and time zone including the current date and time is equal to or more than a predetermined value, At least one of them is corrected in a direction approaching the other (so as to reduce the difference in the congestion distance).

Regarding the above-mentioned correction method, the first method will be described later.
There are examples to third examples. In the first example, the current actual traffic information and the date and time zone including the current date and time near the time zone axis direction (within a predetermined time from the current date and time) are included. When the difference between the predicted traffic information in the date and the time zone is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the two traffic information are corrected (the correction amount of the predicted traffic information is the correction of the current actual traffic information). Greater than the amount).

In the second example, the matrix designation screen 4
1, when the designated pointer 41a moves between the date and time zone including the current date and time and the date and time zone near the date and time zone, the traffic of the date and time zone after the movement. Correct the information. At this time, the correction amount of the predicted traffic information is larger than the correction amount of the current actual traffic information, and the correction amount when changing in the time zone axis direction is
It is larger than the correction amount when changing in the date axis direction.

Further, in the third example, the traffic information of the time zone including the current time and the vicinity of the time zone including the current time (within a predetermined time from the current time) are displayed on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42.
When the difference between the predicted traffic information and the predicted traffic information in the time zone is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the two traffic information are corrected (the predicted traffic information correction amount is the current actual traffic information correction amount). Greater than).

In order to receive the provision of traffic information as described above, a screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display screen of the display 33 of the user terminal 2, and the "designated point" in the screen is displayed. Traffic conditions ". Then, FIG.
The screen is switched to a screen as shown in FIG. 9. When "condition" is selected on this screen, the screen is switched to a screen as shown in FIG. On this screen, "map display scale" and "weather" (when "reference" is selected, a weather forecast is displayed) can be input. After selecting "OK" on the screen of FIG. 9, "return" When the is selected, the conditions are set and the screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed again. In this screen, the target map range is “map range currently being displayed”, “current surrounding area (scale)”, “destination surrounding area (scale)”. , "A range including the current position and the destination" and "arbitrary range".

When "OK" is selected on the screen of FIG. 8, the selected target map range and various conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information center 1 together with the first request signal. From the information center 1 to the user terminal 2
The matrix designation screen 41 and traffic information are transmitted to the display screen of the display 33 of the user terminal 2 as shown in FIG.
Screen will be displayed.

Further, the information center 1 provides not only the traffic information as described above but also at least the traveling start time (departure time) of the mobile body (here, the vehicle 3 driven by the user) from the user terminal 2. The mobile terminal is configured to receive mobile traveling information including a departure place and a destination or a traveling route, and provide the user terminal 2 with traffic information corresponding to the mobile traveling information and information in which the traffic information is added. And providing the user terminal 2 with traffic information related to the traveling of the moving object, a traveling point of the moving object at predetermined time intervals, or a traveling time of the moving object at predetermined distances, etc., predicted based on the traffic information. A running simulation can be performed.

Specifically, the information center 1 sets the travel route of the traveling information of the mobile unit received from the user terminal 2 or the one set from the departure point and the destination between the departure point and the destination of the mobile unit. Along one or a plurality of traveling routes, the traveling speed of the moving object is predicted based on the traffic information, and the traveling point of the traveling object and the traveling time of the point are sequentially obtained from the traveling speed, and traveling is performed for each traveling route. The point and the traveling time are provided to the user terminal 2 as information in which traffic information is added.

The user terminal 2 receiving the traffic information and the information in consideration of the traffic information, as shown in FIG.
A map including the traveling point of the moving object provided from the information center 1 is displayed on the display screen of the display 33, and the traveling point of the moving object is displayed on the map. Specifically, a time zone designation screen 43 (stored in the ROM of the information center 1 and transmitted from the information center 1) is displayed below the map on the display screen of the display 33. Band designation screen 4
The travel point (indicated by a triangular mark in FIG. 6) at which the moving object is predicted to be located in the time zone designated by the designated pointer 43a on 3 is displayed on the map (the time zone). Predicted traffic information at or near the driving point in the city (traffic information according to the traveling information of the moving body)
Is also displayed). Then, the user moves the designation pointer 43a of the time zone designation screen 43,
An arbitrary time zone from the traveling start time of the moving body to the estimated arrival time of the destination can be designated.

The display range of the map on which the traveling point of the moving object is displayed is changed according to the traveling point of the moving object. In other words, the map is not a map on which a departure place and a destination are displayed, but a map on which a part thereof is displayed.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 45 denotes an automatic reproduction switch, and reference numeral 46 denotes a stop switch. When the automatic reproduction switch 45 is operated, automatic reproduction is performed, and the traveling points of the moving object at predetermined time intervals are automatically and sequentially displayed without specifying the time period on the time period designation screen 43 ( The designation pointer 43a on the time zone designation screen 43 automatically moves), so that the moving object appears to be running. When the stop switch 46 is operated during the automatic reproduction,
The moving body remains stopped at the traveling point when the stop switch 46 is operated.

Further, by moving the designation pointer 43a on the time zone designation screen 43 in the backward direction, it is possible to return the time relating to the traveling of the moving body (at this time, the time trace signal is transmitted to the user terminal). 2 is transmitted to the information center 1), and a path change signal (not shown) is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information center 1 by operating a path change switch (not shown). The simulation can also be performed by changing the traveling route of the moving body from the traveling point when the change switch is operated). If the automatic route change is enabled as described later, the travel route of the moving object is automatically changed in accordance with the traffic information (change to the travel route bypassing the traffic congestion point).

When the running simulation of the moving body is to be performed as described above, "traffic information simulation" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. Then, the screen is switched to a screen as shown in FIG. 10, and when "condition" is selected on this screen, the screen is switched to a screen as shown in FIG. In this screen, "Departure time" (If you do not enter it will be the current time)
“Display scale”, “whether automatic route change”, “whether route order change” and “weather” (we select “reference” to display the weather forecast) can be entered. If "Return" is selected after selecting "OK", the conditions are set and the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed again. On this screen, the current route guidance path (currently the navigation device 4) ), “Current destination / stop” (currently set in navigation device 4), “arbitrary route guidance route” and “arbitrary destination / stop” 1 ("Any route guideway" or "Any destination / stop")
If is selected, the user sets the route guidance route and the destination / intermediate point). If "current destination / stop" or "arbitrary destination / stop" is selected, the information center sets a travel route based on the destination / stop.

When "OK" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 10, the traveling start time (here, the current time) of the moving object and the departure place (here, the current position measurement sensor) are detected together with the second request signal. And the mobile object traveling information including the destination or the traveling route is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information center 1, and the information center 1 transmits the user terminal information to the user terminal as described above. 2
The traffic information corresponding to the moving object traveling information and the information considering the traffic information are transmitted to the display 3 of the user terminal 2.
6 is displayed on the display screen 3.

The CPU 21 of the information center 1
The following processing operation is performed by the control program stored in M23. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first step SA1, it is determined whether or not a connection operation has been performed from the user terminal 2 (or a connection is being made). This step SA1
If the determination in step SA1 is YES, the process proceeds to step SA2 to execute a traffic information calculation / transmission routine to be described later. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SA3. If the determination in step SA1 is NO, the process directly proceeds to step SA3. In step SA3, a normal information center control routine is executed and the routine returns.

On the other hand, the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2
The following processing operation is performed by the control program stored in the ROM 36. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, in the first step SB1, it is determined whether or not a connection operation to the information center 1 has been performed (or is being connected). If the determination in step SB1 is YES, step SB2
To execute the information provision request condition setting routine, which will be described later, and then proceed to step SB3. In this step SB3, it is determined whether or not the traffic information has been received from the information center 1 (or whether it is being received). If the determination in this step SB3 is YES, the process proceeds to step SB4 and the display / condition A setting routine is executed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SB5. On the other hand, step SB
1 is NO, or in step SB3
If the determination in step SB5 is NO, step SB5
Proceed to. In step SB5, a normal user terminal control routine is executed and the routine returns.

In the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2, if the determination in step SB1 is NO, the process proceeds to step SB5. However, after performing the connection operation to the information center 1, the connection is cut off. However, when the traffic information is to be received, when the determination in step SB1 is NO, step SB3 is performed.
You may make it go to.

Next, the traffic information calculation / transmission routine of step SA2 in the processing operation of the CPU 21 of the information center 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

That is, in the first step SC1, various menus (FIGS. 7 to 11) are selected according to various menu selection operations.
8 etc.), and in the next step SC2, FIG.
It is determined whether the first request signal transmitted from the user terminal 2 has been received when “OK” is selected on the screen of “1”. If the determination in step SC2 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC3, whereas if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step SC16.

In step SC3, the matrix designation screen 41 and the subdivision time zone designation screen 42 are read (when the map is distributed to the user terminal 2, the map is also read). In the next step SC4, the matrix designation screen 41 is read. On the (segmentation time zone designation screen 42), a date and a time zone (segmented time zone) in which no traffic information exists in the target map range can be identified. At this time, when there is traffic information in an area near the periphery of the target map range on a date and time zone where no traffic information exists,
Make that direction identifiable.

In the next step SC5, the initial position of the designation pointer 41a on the matrix designation screen 41 is set to the date and time zone including the current date and time (the initial position of the designation pointer 42a on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42). Is the time zone including the current time), and the next step SC6
Then, the current traffic information in the range corresponding to the target map range is read, and in the next step SC7, the read traffic information is superimposed on the map (or displayed on the display screen of the display 33 of the user terminal 2). Is set so that it can be overlaid on a map).

In the next step SC8, various kinds of information (the traffic information, the map, the matrix designation screen 41, etc.) are transmitted to the user terminal 2 as the first display signal.
9, the designated pointers 41a, 41a,
It is determined whether or not a change signal has been received due to the movement of 42a.

If the determination in step SC9 is YES, the flow advances to step SC10 to prohibit the movement of the designation pointer 41a in the matrix designation screen 41 in the oblique direction with respect to the date axis direction and the time zone axis direction. At SC11, the designation pointer 41a is displayed on the matrix designation screen 41 (the subdivision time zone designation screen 42).
(42a) prohibits movement from a date and time zone where traffic information exists (subdivided time zone) to a date and time zone where traffic information does not exist (subdivided time zone), and thereafter, step SC12 Proceed to. Note that the above step S
Instead of providing C10 and SC11, the same may be executed by downloading a program.

At step SC12, the traffic information (predicted) of the changed date and time zone is read (or calculated) in the range corresponding to the target map range, and at the next step SC13, as described above. Traffic information correction processing routine that corrects traffic information at a later time (details will be described later)
Is performed, and in the next step SC14, the traffic information after the correction processing is superimposed on the map (or the user terminal 2).
Is set so that it can be superimposed on the map displayed on the display screen of the display 33), and thereafter, step SC15
Proceed to.

If the determination in step SC9 is NO, the process directly proceeds to step SC15, where various information (traffic information after the above-described correction processing) is transmitted to the user terminal 2 as the first display signal. finish.

In step SC16, which proceeds when the determination in step SC2 is NO, whether or not the second request signal transmitted from the user terminal 2 when "OK" is selected on the screen of FIG. 10 is determined. Is determined. If the determination in step SC16 is NO, the process ends as it is, while if the determination is YES, step SC16
In step SC18, the time zone designation screen 43 is read (when the map is distributed to the user terminal 2, the map is also read). In the next step SC18, the mobile object traveling information received together with the second request signal includes It is determined whether the destination is included in the ground and the travel route.

If the determination in step SC18 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC19, in which one or a plurality of travel routes are determined from the departure place and the destination included in the moving body travel information received together with the second request signal. While the selection is made and the process proceeds to step SC20, if the determination in step SC18 is NO, the process proceeds to step SC20.
Proceed to.

In step SC20, a running simulation is executed from the departure point along the running route while considering traffic information corresponding to the moving body running information. That is,
The traveling speed of the moving body is predicted along each traveling route based on the traffic information, and the traveling point of the moving body and the traveling time of the point are sequentially obtained from the traveling speed.

In the next step SC21, it is determined whether or not "whether or not automatic route change" is set to "permitted" on the screen shown in FIG. The determination in step SC21 is YES
In step SC22, the process proceeds to step SC22, and when the vehicle enters a congested point, the traveling route is changed back to a traveling route that does not enter the congested point, and a traveling simulation is executed. When the determination is NO, the process directly proceeds to Step SC23.

In step SC23, it is determined whether or not "change of route order" is set to "permitted" on the screen of FIG. If the determination in step SC23 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC24, and travels in a plurality of route orders (such as when going to a destination through a set waypoint, or going to a waypoint through a destination). The simulation is performed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SC25. On the other hand, when the determination in step SC23 is NO,
Proceed directly to step SC25.

In step SC25, the user terminal 2
It is determined whether or not the time-return signal transmitted from is received. If the determination in step SC25 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC26 to continue the running simulation retroactively to the designated time zone (stops when the stop signal is received), and then returns to step SC27.
On the other hand, if the determination in step SC25 is NO, the process directly proceeds to step SC27.

In step SC27, the user terminal 2
It is determined whether or not the route change signal transmitted from is received. If the determination in step SC27 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC28, in which the traveling route is changed and the simulation is continued.
On the other hand, if the determination in step SC27 is NO, the process directly proceeds to step SC29. The changed new traveling route may be automatically set in the information center 1 or the user terminal 2 or may be set by the user.

At step SC29, various kinds of simulated information (traffic information according to the traveling information of the moving body, information (traveling point and traveling time of the moving body) in consideration of the traffic information), time zone designation screen 43, map, etc. ) Is transmitted to the user terminal 2 as the second display signal, and the processing ends.

Here, first to third examples of the traffic information correction processing routine in step SC13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(First Example) As shown in FIG. 16, in the first step SC41, whether the changed date and time zone includes the current date and time, or a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours) (in the matrix designation screen 41, the vicinity of the date and time zone including the current date and time in the time zone axis direction (for example, one to two hours).
The next time zone), and in the subdivision time zone specification screen 42, it is the entire time zone in the subdivision time zone specification screen 42 having the time zone including the current time) or other Is determined.

If it is determined in step SC41 that the current date and time are included, step SC4
Proceeding to step 2, the current actual traffic information is the predicted traffic information on the date and time zone near the date and time zone including the current date and time on the matrix designation screen 41 (adjacent date and time zone, etc.). Whether or not there is a difference equal to or more than a predetermined value (whether there is a difference
Alternatively, it is determined whether the traffic information is different from the predicted traffic information in a time zone near the time zone including the current time (adjacent time zone or the like) on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42 by a predetermined value or more.

If the determination in step SC42 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC43, in which the current actual traffic information is slightly corrected in a direction approaching the predicted traffic information, and the processing ends. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to Step SC46.

If it is determined in step SC41 that the current date and time are within a predetermined period of time, the process proceeds to step SC44, in which the predicted traffic information in the changed date and time zone is replaced with the current actual traffic information. It is determined whether the traffic information differs from the traffic information by a predetermined value or more.

If the determination in step SC44 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC45, in which the predicted traffic information is shifted to a certain extent in a direction approaching the current actual traffic information (greater than the correction amount in step SC43). If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step SC46.

If it is determined in step SC41 that the traffic information is other than the above, the process proceeds to step SC46, where the actual or predicted traffic information is left as it is without correction and the process ends.

When it is determined in step SC41 that the current date and time are included, regardless of the difference between the current actual traffic information and the predicted traffic information,
The process may always proceed to step SC46 (the current actual traffic information is not corrected, but only the predicted traffic information in the date and time zone near the date and time zone including the current date and time zone is corrected).

(Second example) As shown in FIG. 17, in the first step SC51, the change form of the date and time zone by the designation pointer 41a on the matrix designation screen 41 is changed to the date and time including the current date and time. A change from the date and time zone near the zone to the date and time zone including the current date and time, or from the date and time zone including the current date and time to the date and time zone near the date and time zone It is determined whether or not the change is other than the above.

If it is determined in step SC51 that the change is from a date and time zone near the date and time zone including the current date and time to a date and time zone including the current date and time zone, the process proceeds to step SC52. To determine whether the current actual traffic information differs from the predicted traffic information in the date and time zone near the date and time zone including the current date and time by a predetermined value or more.

If the determination in step SC52 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC53, in which the current actual traffic information is slightly corrected in a direction approaching the predicted traffic information, and the processing ends. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to Step SC56.

When it is determined in step SC51 that the date and time zone including the current date and time is changed to a date and time zone near the date and time zone,
Proceeding to step SC54, it is determined whether or not the predicted traffic information on the changed date and time zone differs from the current actual traffic information by a predetermined value or more.

If the determination in step SC54 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC55, in which the predicted traffic information is shifted to some extent in the direction approaching the current actual traffic information (the amount is larger than the correction amount in step SC53). If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step SC56.

If it is determined in step SC51 that the change is other than the above, the process proceeds to step SC56, and in this step SC56, the actual or predicted traffic information is left as it is without correction and the process ends.

In the correction in steps SC53 and SC55, the correction amount when changing in the time axis direction is larger than the correction amount in changing in the date axis direction.

If it is determined in step SC51 that the change is from a date and time zone that includes the current date and time to a date and time zone that includes the current date and time, a change is made from the date and time zone that includes the current date and time. Similarly, the process may always proceed to step SC56 irrespective of the difference between the current actual traffic information and the predicted traffic information.

(Third Example) As shown in FIG. 18, in the first step SC61, whether the time zone changed on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42 includes the current time or a predetermined time from the current time (for example, 10 minutes) or not.

When it is determined in step SC61 that the current time is included, the flow advances to step SC62 to display the current actual traffic information on the subdivision time zone designation screen 4.
In 2, it is determined whether or not the traffic information is different from predicted traffic information in a time zone near the time zone including the current time (adjacent time zone or the like) by a predetermined value or more.

If the determination in step SC62 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC63, in which the current actual traffic information is slightly corrected in a direction approaching the predicted traffic information, and the process ends. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to Step SC65.

If it is determined in step SC61 that the current time is within the predetermined time from the current time, the flow advances to step SC64 to make the predicted traffic information in the changed time zone match the current actual traffic information with the predetermined traffic information. It is determined whether or not the difference is greater than or equal to the value.

If the determination in step SC64 is YES, the process proceeds to step SC65, in which the predicted traffic information is adjusted to some extent in the direction approaching the current actual traffic information (greater than the correction amount in step SC63). If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step SC66.

If it is determined in step SC61 that the traffic information is other than the above, the flow advances to step SC66. In step SC66, the actual or predicted traffic information is left as it is without correction and the process is ended.

When it is determined in step SC61 that the changed time zone includes the current time, similarly to the first and second examples, the current actual traffic information and the predicted traffic information are used. Regardless of the difference from the information, the process may always proceed to step SC66.

Next, the information provision request condition setting routine of step SB2 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

That is, in the first step SD1, the menu transmitted from the information center 1 is displayed on the display 33.
Is displayed on the display screen, and the contents of the menu selection operation are transmitted to the information center 1. In the next step SD2, FIG.
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not “OK” is selected on the screen of FIG.

When the determination in step SD2 is NO, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SD3.

At step SD3, it is determined whether "OK" is selected from the designated point menu (the screen in FIG. 8) or the simulation menu (the screen in FIG. 10). If it is determined in step SD3 that the menu is the designated point menu, the process proceeds to step SD4, in which the target map range and various conditions are transmitted to the information center 1 together with the first request signal. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step SD5, and the traveling start time (current time) of the moving object is added together with the second request signal.
The travel information, scale, various conditions, etc., including the starting point (current location), the traveling route or the destination (the route guidance route or the destination set on the screen in FIG. 10) are transmitted to the information center 1, and the processing is terminated. I do.

Next, the display / condition resetting routine of step SB4 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

That is, in the first step SE1, it is determined whether or not the first display signal transmitted from the information center 1 is being received. If the determination in step SE1 is YES, the process proceeds to step SE2, while the process proceeds to step SE2. When the determination in SE1 is NO, the process proceeds to Step SE9.

In step SE2, the contents of the first display signal are displayed on the display screen of the display 33. In the next step SE3, the designation pointers 41a and 42a move on the matrix designation screen 41 or the subdivision time zone designation screen. It is determined whether or not it has been performed.

If the determination in step SE3 is NO, the flow advances to step SE4 to prohibit the movement of the designation pointer 41a in the matrix designation screen 41 in the oblique direction with respect to the date axis direction and the time zone axis direction. At SE5, the designation pointer 41a (42) is displayed on the matrix designation screen 41 (subdivision time zone designation screen 42).
a) prohibits movement from a date and time zone where traffic information exists (subdivided time zone) to a date and time zone where traffic information does not exist (subdivided time zone), and then returns to step SE6. move on. Instead of providing steps SE4 and SE5, the same may be executed by downloading a program. As described above, the same processing is performed in the information center 1 (see steps SC10 and SC11). Therefore, these processes may be omitted in the user terminal 2 (of course, the process in the information center 1 may be omitted).

In step SE6, a change signal indicating the designated date and time zone (subdivided time zone) is transmitted to the information center 1, and thereafter, the flow proceeds to step SE7.

If the determination in step SE3 is NO, the process directly proceeds to step SE7, and in this step SE7, it is determined whether or not a condition changing operation such as a target map range has been performed.

If the determination in step SE7 is YES, the process proceeds to step SE8, in which the target map range, various conditions, and the like are retransmitted to the information center 1 together with the first request signal. Is NO, the process ends.

In step SE9, which proceeds when the determination in step SE1 is NO, it is determined whether the second display signal is being received. When the determination in step SE9 is YES, the process proceeds to step SE10, while Judgment is NO
If so, the process ends.

In step SE10, the contents of the second display signal are displayed on the display screen of the display 33, and in the next step SE11, it is determined whether or not there is an operation to return the time on the time zone designation screen 43.

If the determination in step SE11 is YES, the flow advances to step SE12 to transmit to the information center 1 a time trace signal and a time zone signal indicating the time zone designated by the operation of returning the time (step SE12). When the stop switch 46 is operated, a stop signal is also transmitted), and then the process proceeds to step SE13. On the other hand, if the determination in step SE11 is NO, the process directly proceeds to step SE13.

In step SE13, it is determined whether or not a route change operation has been performed by the route change switch. If the determination in step SE13 is YES, the process proceeds to step SE14, where a route change signal is transmitted (new route change signal). When the user sets a traveling route, a new waypoint, a traveling route, and the like are also transmitted), and the process ends. On the other hand, step S
If the determination in E13 is NO, the process ends.

Next, the operation of the processing operations by the CPUs 21 and 31 of the information center 1 and the user terminal 2 will be described. First, a case where the user selects “traffic situation at the designated point” on the screen of FIG. 7 will be described.
When the user sets the target map range and conditions on the screen and selects "OK" on the screen of FIG. 8, the user terminal 2 transmits the target map range and various conditions together with the first request signal to the information center 1.

Subsequently, when the information center 1 receives the first request signal, the information center 1 displays the matrix designation screen 41 and the subdivision time zone designation screen 42 on the date and time zone (traffic information) where no traffic information exists in the target map range. (Segmented time zone) is transmitted to the user terminal 2 in an identifiable state. At this time, the initial position of the designation pointer 41a on the matrix designation screen 41 is a date and time zone including the current date and time, and
The initial position of the designation pointer 42a on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42 is set as a time zone including the current time. Then, the current actual traffic information in the range corresponding to the target map range, the matrix designation screen 41, and the map (including the map when distributing the map) are transmitted to the user terminal 2 as the first display signal.

Next, while receiving the first display signal, the user terminal 2 displays a matrix designation screen 41 and a subdivision time zone designation screen 42 on the left side of the display screen and a map and traffic information on the right side. It is displayed (see FIG. 5).

Thereafter, the designated pointers 41 a and 42 on the matrix designation screen 41 or the subdivision time zone designation screen 42 are displayed.
When the moving operation a is performed, the traffic information displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 2 is changed to the date and time zone (subdivided time zone) corresponding to the position after the movement. At this time, the designation pointer 41 on the matrix designation screen 41
The movement of a in the oblique direction with respect to the date axis direction and the time zone axis direction is prohibited, and the date and the time zone cannot be changed at the same time.

The first of the traffic information correction processing routines
According to an example, when the difference between the current actual traffic information and the predicted traffic information in the date and time zone near the date axis direction of the date and time zone including the current date and time is equal to or more than a predetermined value, The traffic information is corrected. At this time, the predicted traffic information correction amount is larger than the current actual traffic information correction amount. Instead of correcting both traffic information, only one of them may be corrected (the predicted traffic information is better).

In the second example, the matrix designation screen 4
1, when the designated pointer 41a moves between the date and time zone including the current date and time and the date and time zone near the date and time zone, the traffic of the date and time zone after the movement. The information is corrected. At this time, the predicted traffic information correction amount is larger than the current actual traffic information correction amount. Further, the correction amount when changing in the time zone axis direction is larger than the correction amount when changing in the date axis direction.

Further, in the third example, the difference between the traffic information of the time zone including the current time and the predicted traffic information in the time zone near the time zone including the current time is displayed on the subdivision time zone designation screen 42. Is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the traffic information is corrected. At this time, the predicted traffic information correction amount is larger than the current actual traffic information correction amount. Note that, similarly to the first example, without correcting both traffic information, only one of them may be corrected (the predicted traffic information is better).

Therefore, the traffic information on the date and time zone desired by the user can be immediately provided, and
At the time of specifying the date and time zone, the user only has to perform an operation of moving the specified pointer 41a (42a) on the matrix specifying screen 41 (subdivided time zone specifying screen 42) with a specifying switch such as a joystick or a trackball. , Date and time zone (subdivided time zone) can be easily input, and user convenience can be improved.

Further, by correcting the traffic information, it is possible to suppress a sudden change in the traffic information when the designation is changed between the date and time zone including the current date and time and the date and time zone near the date and time zone. It is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable while providing the current actual traffic information.

Next, the case where the user selects “traffic information simulation” on the screen of FIG. 7 will be described. Moving object traveling information and conditions are set on the screens of FIGS. 11 and 12, and “OK” on the screen of FIG. 11 is set. Is selected, the mobile terminal travel information and various conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information center 1 together with the second request signal.

Subsequently, when the information center 1 receives the second request signal, the information center 1 considers the traffic information corresponding to the moving body traveling information and considers the travel route (the destination and the destination Is received by the information center 1, and when the travel route is received, the travel simulation is executed along the route transmitted from the user terminal 2).

In the traveling simulation, the traveling speed of the moving body is predicted based on the traffic information, and the traveling point of the moving body and the traveling time of the point are sequentially obtained from the traveling speed. Then, if “automatic route change is permitted” is set to “permitted” on the screen of FIG. 11, when the vehicle enters a congested point, the vehicle travels backward by changing to a traveling route that does not enter the congested point. Run a simulation. FIG.
If “change of route order” is set to “permitted” on the screen 1, the traveling simulation is executed for a plurality of route orders.

Next, the information center 1 performs various kinds of information (traffic information corresponding to the traveling information of the moving body, information (traveling point and traveling time of the moving body) in consideration of the traffic information), and a time zone designation screen. 43) is transmitted to the user terminal 2 as a second display signal.

While receiving the second display signal, the user terminal 2 displays the map, the traffic information, and the traveling point of the moving object on its display screen (the display range of the map depends on the traveling point of the moving object). The time zone designation screen 43 is displayed below the time zone, and the traveling time corresponding to the traveling point is indicated on the time zone designation screen 43 by the designation pointer 43a.

If the user operates the automatic reproduction switch, the traveling points of the moving body at predetermined time intervals are automatically displayed in sequence, and if the stop switch is operated during the automatic reproduction,
The moving body remains stopped at the traveling point when the stop switch is operated. When the user moves the designation pointer 43a on the time period designation screen 43 in a direction to return the time, the traveling simulation is continued to the designated time period, and when the route change switch is operated, the return is performed. The simulation is performed by changing the traveling route of the moving body from the position corresponding to the time point (when the path change switch is operated before returning the time, the operation time point).

Therefore, the user can obtain appropriate traffic information in consideration of the travel time of the moving body (the vehicle 3 driven by the user), and can easily determine when to arrive at the destination and the like. it can. In addition, since the travel route can be freely changed by returning the time relating to the travel of the moving body, it is easy to elaborate the optimal travel route for the user. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 21 to 25 show Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which a running simulation of a moving object can be performed in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 described above. 1 sequentially transmits the mobile object travel information (in this second embodiment, at least includes the travel point of the mobile object and the travel time of the point), and transmits the mobile object travel information from the information center 1 every time the transmission is performed. Receiving the traffic information and displaying the traffic information and information in consideration of the traffic information on a map on the display screen of the display 33 (the display range of the map is changed according to the traveling point of the moving object).
It is like that.

That is, in the second embodiment, the user terminal 2 predicts the traveling speed of the moving object on the basis of the traffic information received from the information center 1 and selects one or a preset one from the traveling speed. Along with determining a new traveling point of the moving body and a traveling time of the point along a plurality of traveling routes,
A new traveling point and traveling time for each traveling route,
It is configured to be transmitted to the information center 1 as moving body traveling information and displayed on the display screen of the display 33 as information in which traffic information is added. Also, the user terminal 2
Changes the traveling route according to the traffic information received from the information center 1 and the user's operation (operation of the route change switch). Along with the user's operation (operation of moving the designated pointer 43a on the time zone designation screen 43) together with the user's operation (in the case of being set to "permitted"), changing the travel route of the movable body by returning the time related to the travel of the movable body Is configured to be possible.

The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a traffic information calculation / transmission routine, an information provision request condition setting routine, and a display / condition reset routine described below. Is omitted.

The traffic information calculation / transmission routine of step SA2 in the processing operation of the CPU 21 of the information center 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

That is, in steps SF1 to SF16,
The same processing operations as those in steps SC1 to SC16 of the traffic information calculation / transmission routine in the first embodiment are performed, and when the determination in step SF16 is NO (second
In step SF17, which proceeds to (when a request signal is received),
The traffic information according to the moving body traveling information is read, and in the next step SF18, various information (the traffic information, the map (when distributing to the user terminal 2), etc.) is transmitted to the user terminal 2 as a second display signal, It ends after a while.

Next, an information provision request condition setting routine in step SB2 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

That is, in steps SG1 to SG4, the same processing operations as those in steps SD1 to SD4 of the information provision request condition setting routine in the first embodiment are performed. In the next step SG5, together with the second request signal, the mobile unit travel information including the travel point (current location) and the travel time (current time) of the mobile body, the scale, various conditions, and the like are transmitted to the information center 1 (at this time, If a traveling route has not been set, one or more of the traveling routes are set), and the process ends thereafter.

Next, the display / condition resetting routine of step SB4 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

That is, in steps SH1 to SH9, the same processing operation as the display / condition resetting routine in the first embodiment is performed, and the determination in step SH9 is YES.
In step SG10, which proceeds to the case of ES (when the second display signal is being received), the time zone designation screen 43 (which is different from the first embodiment and is stored in the ROM of the user terminal 2) is read (step SG10). When the map is not distributed from the information center 1, the map at the designated scale near the departure point is also read).

In the next step SH11, the contents of the first display signal and the various information read out are displayed on the display screen of the display 33. In the next step SH12,
It is determined whether “automatic route change permission” is set to “permitted” on the screen of FIG.

When the determination in step SH12 is YES, the process proceeds to step SH13, and when the vehicle enters a traffic congestion point, the travel route is changed retroactively to a traveling route that does not enter the traffic congestion point (the current traveling point and traveling time are changed). (Replace with the traveling point and traveling time before the change) and execute step S
On the other hand, if the determination in Step SH12 is NO, the process directly proceeds to Step SH14.

In step SH14, it is determined whether or not there has been an operation to return the time on the time zone designation screen 43. If the determination in step SH14 is YES, the process proceeds to step SH15, in which the travel point is traced back together with the travel time (stopping the trace at that time if the stop switch is operated), and then the process proceeds to step SH16. ,
If the determination in step SH14 is NO, the process directly proceeds to step SH16.

In step SH16, it is determined whether or not a path change operation has been performed by the path change switch. If the determination in step SH16 is YES, the process proceeds to step SH17, in which the travel route is changed (the current travel point and travel time are replaced with the travel point and travel time immediately before the route change), and thereafter, step SH19 is performed. Proceed to. On the other hand, if the determination in step SH16 is NO, the process proceeds to step SH18, in which the traveling point and traveling time after traveling for a predetermined time or a predetermined distance are determined according to the traffic information (considering the traveling direction) of the traveling point and the traveling route. The calculation is performed, and the calculation result is displayed on the map on the display screen, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SH19.

In step SH19, a new travel point and a new travel time are transmitted to the information center 1 together with the second request signal, and the process ends.

Next, the operation of the processing operations by the CPUs 21 and 31 of the information center 1 and the user terminal 2 will be described. In addition, the user can use the screen shown in FIG.
Is selected in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

When the user selects “traffic information simulation” on the screen shown in FIG. 7, the mobile object traveling information and conditions are set on the screens shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and “O” is displayed on the screen shown in FIG.
When "K" is selected, the mobile terminal travel information and various conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information center 1 together with the second request signal.

Subsequently, when the information center 1 receives the second request signal, the information center 1 transmits traffic information corresponding to the moving body traveling information to the user terminal 2 as a second display signal.

Next, while receiving the second display signal, the user terminal 2 displays a map, traffic information, and a traveling point of the moving object on the display screen of the display 33,
A time zone designation screen 43 is displayed below the screen, and the travel time corresponding to the travel point is indicated on the time zone designation screen 43 by a designation pointer 43a.

Then, the user terminal 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
The traveling simulation similar to that of the information center 1 is performed to obtain a new traveling point of the moving body and the traveling time of the point.
The information is transmitted to the information center 1 as moving body traveling information and displayed on the display screen of the display 33. In addition, similarly to the information center 1 in the first embodiment, the user terminal 2 changes the traveling route according to the traffic information received from the information center 1 and the user operation, and sets the time related to the traveling of the moving body by the user operation. Return to change the traveling route of the moving body.

Therefore, the second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment except that the user terminal 2 performs the traveling simulation of the moving body instead of the information center 1, and the first embodiment is not for the user. The same information can be obtained. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the convenience for the user can be improved.

In the first and second embodiments, the user terminal 2 is described as being the navigation device 4 of the vehicle 3. However, the user terminal 2 may be a mobile phone 5, a mobile information terminal 6, a home personal computer 7, or the like. Good. In this case, the traveling start time and the departure place of the moving object do not need to be the current time and the current location, respectively, and may be arbitrarily set by the user. In this case, the traveling simulation is performed outside the vehicle 3 in advance. be able to.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the vertical axis of the matrix designation screen 41 is the day of the week, but may be the day.

Further, the matrix designation screen 4 is not necessarily required.
It is not necessary to make it possible to identify a time zone in which no traffic information exists in 1. On the other hand, when it is possible to identify a time zone in which no traffic information exists, it is not always necessary to use the matrix designation screen 41, and a designation screen having only a time zone axis may be used.

[0160]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The information center transmits a matrix designation screen centered on the date and time zone to the user terminal, and provides the user terminal with traffic information on the date and time zone designated by the matrix designation screen, Alternatively, the information center transmits a designated screen with a time zone as an axis to the user terminal, and provides the user terminal with traffic information in the time zone designated by the designated screen, and displays the designated screen with the traffic information. Is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where the time zone in which the user does not exist can be identified, so that the traffic information desired by the user can be immediately obtained with a simple operation, and the convenience of the user can be improved. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information center.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a matrix designation screen and a subdivision time zone designation screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display of a user terminal that has been provided with traffic information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display of a user terminal which has been provided with traffic information and information in consideration of the traffic information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen for selecting “traffic situation at a designated point” or “traffic information simulation”.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a target map range.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen for setting conditions such as weather.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a traveling route of a moving object.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen for setting conditions for a traveling simulation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a main routine performed by a CPU of the information center.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a main routine performed by a CPU of the user terminal.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing operation of a traffic information calculation / transmission routine (subroutine).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing operation of a traffic information calculation / transmission routine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a processing operation of a traffic information correction routine (subroutine).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the processing operation of the traffic information correction routine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a third example of the processing operation of the traffic information correction routine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of an information provision request condition setting routine (subroutine).

FIG. 20 is a display / condition resetting routine (subroutine).
5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a processing operation of a traffic information calculation / transmission routine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a processing operation of a traffic information calculation / transmission routine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of an information provision request condition setting routine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a processing operation of a display / condition resetting routine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a processing operation of a display / condition resetting routine according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 information center (information providing device) 2 user terminal 10 internet (network) 23, 36 ROM (storage medium) 41 matrix designation screen 41 a designation pointer 42 subdivision time zone designation screen

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 326 G06F 17/60 326 G08G 1/00 G08G 1/00 A // G01C 21/00 G01C 21 / 00 A

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An information center, comprising: a user terminal connected to the information center via a network, wherein the information center provides traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. In the information providing system configured in the above, the information center, for specifying the date and time zone by the user terminal, and transmits to the user terminal a matrix designation screen based on the date and time zone, Providing information on traffic on the date and time zone to the user terminal when the date and time zone specified on the matrix specification screen are received from the user terminal; system. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information center is configured to transmit the matrix designation screen to the user terminal in a state where a date and a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. An information providing system, characterized in that: 3. The information providing system according to claim 2, wherein a date and a time zone in which no traffic information exists on the matrix designation screen cannot be designated. 4. The information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the information center transmits traffic information of a designated area designated by the user terminal among traffic information on a date and a time zone designated on the matrix designation screen. Provided to the user terminal, and transmits the matrix designation screen to the user terminal in a state where the date and time zone where the traffic information of the designated area does not exist can be identified, and the traffic information of the designated area does not exist. An information providing system characterized in that when traffic information is present in an area near the designated area in a date and time zone, information to that effect is provided to the user terminal. 5. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the designation of the date and time zone by the user terminal is performed by moving a designated pointer on the matrix designation screen in the date axis direction and the time zone axis direction. An information providing system configured to move each of the specified pointers, and to prohibit the specified pointer from moving in a diagonal direction with respect to the two axes. 6. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information center further subdivides the time zone of the date and time zone specified on the matrix specifying screen. To the user terminal, and configured to provide to the user terminal the traffic information in the date specified in the matrix specification screen and the time zone specified in the subdivision time zone specification screen. Information providing system. 7. An information center, comprising: a user terminal connected to the information center via a network, wherein the information center provides traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. In the information providing system configured in the above, the information center, for specifying a time zone by the user terminal, transmits a designation screen around a time zone to the user terminal, and, from the user terminal, When receiving the time zone specified on the specified screen, the traffic information in the time zone is provided to the user terminal, and the specified screen is displayed on the user terminal in a state where the time zone where no traffic information exists can be identified. An information providing system configured to transmit. 8. The information providing system according to claim 7, wherein a time zone in which no traffic information exists on the designated screen cannot be designated. 9. The information providing system according to claim 7, wherein the information center transmits traffic information of a designated area designated by the user terminal among traffic information in a time zone designated on the designated screen. And transmitting the designated screen to the user terminal in a state where the time zone where the traffic information of the designated area does not exist can be identified, and the designated screen is transmitted in the time zone where the traffic information of the designated area does not exist. When traffic information exists in an area near the periphery of the area,
An information providing system configured to provide information to that effect to a user terminal. 10. The information providing system according to claim 7, wherein the information center transmits a subdivision time zone designation screen obtained by subdividing a time zone designated by the designation screen to the user terminal. An information providing system configured to provide traffic information in a time zone designated on the segmentation time zone designation screen to the user terminal. 11. Communication between an information center and a user terminal connected to the information center via a network allows traffic information from the information center to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. An information providing method for providing, from the information center to the user terminal, for specifying a date and time zone by the user terminal, transmitting a matrix designation screen with date and time zone as an axis, Transmitting from the user terminal to the information center a date and time zone specified by the user terminal on the matrix specification screen; and transmitting traffic from the information center to the user terminal on the specified date and time zone. Providing information. 12. Communication between an information center and a user terminal connected to the information center via a network allows traffic information to be transmitted from the information center to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. An information providing method for providing, from the information center to the user terminal, a step of transmitting a designation screen with a time zone as an axis for designating a time zone by the user terminal; Transmitting, to the center, a time zone designated on the designation screen by the user terminal; and providing traffic information in the designated time zone from the information center to the user terminal; In the step of transmitting a screen, the designated screen is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. Information providing method characterized by Shin. 13. An information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal, wherein the information providing device comprises: To specify a date and a time zone, a matrix designation screen centered on the date and the time zone is transmitted to the user terminal, and the date and time designated on the matrix designation screen are received from the user terminal. An information providing apparatus configured to provide the user terminal with traffic information on the date and time. 14. An information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal, the information providing apparatus comprising: When a designation screen having a time zone as an axis for designating a time zone is transmitted to the user terminal, and when the time zone specified on the designation screen is received from the user terminal, traffic in the time zone is determined. An information providing apparatus configured to provide information to a user terminal and to transmit the designated screen to the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. 15. A program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. The user terminal transmits a matrix designation screen with the date and time zone as axes for designating the date and time zone by the user terminal, and the user terminal specifies the matrix and the time zone designated on the matrix designation screen. A program for causing a user terminal to provide traffic information in a date and time zone when a date and time zone are received. 16. A program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. And when the user terminal transmits a time-axis designated screen for designating a time zone by the user terminal to the user terminal, and receives the time zone designated on the designated screen from the user terminal. A program for causing the user terminal to provide traffic information in the time zone and transmitting the designated screen to the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. 17. A program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. A storage medium storing the program, wherein the program causes the user terminal to transmit a matrix designation screen centered on a date and a time zone for specifying a date and a time zone by the user terminal. A storage medium for causing a user terminal to provide traffic information on the date and time zone when the date and time zone specified on the matrix specifying screen are received. 18. A program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide traffic information to the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. A storage medium storing the program, wherein the program causes the user terminal to transmit a designation screen having a time zone as an axis for designating a time zone by the user terminal, and When a designated time zone is received, traffic information in the time zone is provided to the user terminal, and the designated screen is transmitted to the user terminal in a state where a time zone in which no traffic information exists can be identified. A storage medium characterized by the following.