JP2008116999A - Server apparatus, communication apparatus, communication system and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server apparatus that can provide the latest information without user access. <P>SOLUTION: The server apparatus 100 communicates with a navigation apparatus 200 mounted on a vehicle M to provide information to be delivered to the vehicle M in real time in a virtual constant connection state. The server apparatus 100 comprises a server control part 104 for performing communication processing for communication with the navigation apparatus 200, and a storage part 102 for storing the information to be delivered to the vehicle M. The communication processing in the server control part 104 includes the processing of transmitting a trigger signal prompting information reception to the navigation apparatus 200 when the latest information is stored in the storage part 102 and transmitting the latest information when an information request is received from the navigation apparatus 200 in response to the trigger signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server device that provides information to a communication device mounted on a mobile body, a communication device that receives information from such a server device, a vehicle equipped with the communication device, and the communication device and server device. It is related with the communication system containing these.

Conventionally, as a communication system for providing information stored in a server device to a navigation device (hereinafter referred to as a navigation device) mounted on a moving body such as an automobile, information such as road traffic stored in a basic database is provided. What is stored in a network-type knowledge representation form that can be used for external access is known (see Patent Document 1). This communication system is configured so that information stored in a database can be easily used when there is an external access.
JP 2005-107761 A

  However, in such a communication system, even if the information in the database is updated, the latest information cannot be obtained unless the user accesses the communication system. Furthermore, in order for the user to acquire the latest information sequentially, it is necessary to frequently access the communication system, which is complicated.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a server device that can provide the latest information without the access of an information request from the user side, a communication device that receives provision of information, and a communication system that includes the server device and the communication device. For the purpose.

  The server device of the present invention is a server device that provides information to be distributed to a mobile body in real time in a virtual always-connected state by communication with a communication device provided in the mobile body, A server control unit that performs a communication process for communicating with the mobile unit, and a storage unit that stores information to be distributed to the mobile body, and the communication process in the server control unit stores the latest information in the storage unit. Including a process of transmitting a trigger signal that prompts the communication device to receive information, and transmitting the latest information when an information request corresponding to the trigger signal is received from the communication device. And

  In the present invention, the virtual always-on connection state is a state in which a connection for communicating with a communication destination can be established at any time, a connection with the communication destination is established as necessary, and the connection is blocked after the communication is completed. This means a state maintained so that a connection can be established. In such a virtual always-connected state, when there is the latest information in the information stored in the storage unit, the server control unit transmits a trigger signal for prompting reception of the latest information to the communication device. In response to an information request response corresponding to the trigger signal from the communication device, the latest information is transmitted to the communication device. Thereby, the latest information can be provided to the mobile body without waiting for an access of an information request from the mobile body side to the server device.

  The communication processing in the server control unit receives route information including the current position or departure position of the moving body and a target position from the communication device, and transmits the latest information related to the route information to the communication device. It is preferable to include a treatment. Thereby, for example, the latest information related to the route, such as an accident or a change in weather on the route on which the moving body is scheduled to pass, can be sequentially provided to the moving body.

  Further, the communication processing in the server device processing unit identifies the communication device or the mobile body based on the identification information of the communication device or the mobile body received from the communication device, and the communication device or the mobile device. It is preferable that the process which transmits the newest information according to a body is included. Thus, for example, information necessary only for a specific communication device or mobile object, such as maintenance information, can be sequentially provided to the specific communication device or mobile object.

  The server control unit is configured to be connected to the communication device at any time when the communication device is operated at regular time, activation of the communication device, or operation of the communication device by a user. Is preferably established. According to such a server control unit, a state (virtual constant connection state) in which a connection for communicating with the communication device can be established is established at a predetermined timing. Thereby, for example, the server apparatus and the communication apparatus are maintained in a state in which communication is possible via the network, such as data communication by the packet communication method, and the server control unit can provide the latest information in real time. .

  In the server device of the present invention, specifically, it is preferable that the moving body is a vehicle and the communication device is a navigation device mounted on the vehicle.

Next, the communication device of the present invention is a communication device provided in a mobile body that receives, in real time in a virtual always-connected state, provision of information distributed from the server device by communication with the server device, A communication control unit that performs communication processing for communicating with the server device; and a notification unit that notifies information distributed from the server device. The communication processing in the communication control unit is performed on the server device. The present invention includes a process of receiving a trigger signal transmitted from the server device to the communication device when the latest information is stored, and transmitting an information request according to the trigger signal. According to the communication apparatus, when the communication control unit receives a trigger signal that prompts reception of information from the server apparatus in the virtual always-connected state, the communication control unit requests an information request corresponding to the trigger signal. To the device. When the latest information is provided from the server device in response to the information request, the latest information can be notified via the notification means. Thereby, the mobile body can use the latest information by receiving provision of the latest information without accessing from the mobile body side.

  It is preferable that the communication process in the communication control unit includes a process of determining whether or not to transmit an information request from index information regarding the latest information included in the trigger signal. Thereby, the communication device can carefully acquire only the latest information required by the communication device or its user, and can prevent unnecessary latest information from being transmitted in advance.

  In addition, the communication control unit may be connected to the server device at any time during a regular time, activation of the communication device, or operation of the communication device by a user. It is preferable to establish a connection state. According to such a communication control unit, a state (virtual constant connection state) in which a connection for communicating with the server device can be established is established at a predetermined timing. Thereby, the communication control unit can receive the latest information in real time.

  Next, according to this invention, the vehicle carrying the said communication apparatus is provided. In such a vehicle, the latest information can be used in the vehicle when the communication device receives provision of the latest information from the server device.

  Furthermore, a communication system according to the present invention includes a communication device provided in a mobile body and a communication device provided with a server device that provides information to be distributed to the mobile body in real time in a virtual always-connected state by communication with the communication device. In the system, the server device includes a server control unit that performs communication processing for communication with the communication device, and a storage unit that stores information to be distributed to the mobile body. Includes a communication control unit that performs communication processing for communication with the server device, and a notification unit that notifies the information distributed from the server device, and between the server control unit and the communication control unit The communication process performed in the process includes transmitting a trigger signal for prompting the communication apparatus to receive information from the server apparatus when the latest information is stored in the storage unit, and the trigger signal In response, a process of transmitting an information request from the communication device to the server device, in response to the information request, characterized in that it comprises a process for transmitting the latest information from the server device to the communication device.

  According to the communication system of the present invention, the server control unit is configured to prompt reception of the latest information when there is the latest information in the information stored in the storage unit in the virtual always connected state. A trigger signal is transmitted to the communication device. On the other hand, when the communication control unit receives a trigger signal from the server device, the communication control unit transmits an information request corresponding to the trigger signal to the server device. In response to this information request, the latest information is provided from the server device to the communication device, and the latest information can be notified via the notification means. Accordingly, the latest information can be sequentially provided from the server apparatus to the mobile body for use without waiting for access from the mobile body side to the server apparatus.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the structure of the navigation apparatus 200 as a communication apparatus mounted in the vehicle M of the server apparatus 100 and an example of a moving body is demonstrated using FIG.

  The server device 100 is connected to a first storage unit 101 that stores user information and the like, a second storage unit 102 that stores information to be provided to the navigation device 200, a protocol server 103 that can be connected to the network NW, and the like. A server control unit 104.

  The first storage unit 101 includes a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a memory, and the like, route information including a current position or a departure position and a destination position of the vehicle M transmitted from the navigation device 200 to the server device 100, or registered in advance. The user information such as the identification information of the navigation device or the moving body indicating that the user is a registered user is stored.

  The second storage unit 102 includes a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, and a memory. For example, the second storage unit 102 stores information such as VICS information and weather information acquired from an external information source such as a VICS center, and an update program for a navigation device. Remember.

  The protocol server 103 performs access in network communication with the navigation device 200, and as the protocol, for example, a protocol such as TCP / IP, XNS, IPX, OSI, or a newly defined protocol can be used.

  The server control unit 104 is an arithmetic processing unit configured by a CPU or the like, and performs communication control of the packet communication method via the protocol server device 103 and data stored in the first and second storage units 101 and 102. Perform management.

  On the other hand, the navigation device 200 of the vehicle M includes an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as an I / F unit) 201 that can be connected to the network NW, a display panel 202 that visually displays images, operation methods, and the like to the user. A speaker 203 that audibly informs the user of guidance and operation methods, and a navigation control unit 204 connected thereto are provided.

  The I / F unit 201 performs access in the network communication with the server apparatus 100, and as a protocol, for example, a protocol such as TCP / IP, XNS, IPX, OSI or a newly defined protocol can be used. .

  The navigation control unit 204 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and has functions such as route guidance to a destination possessed by a normal navigation device, and also performs packet communication communication control via the I / F unit 201. Then, output control to the display panel 202 and the speaker 203 is performed.

  Next, operations of the server device 100 and the navigation device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the navigation apparatus 200 is activated when the vehicle M is turned on (S201), the navigation apparatus 200 connects to the network NW via the I / F unit 201 and transmits identification information to the server apparatus 100 (S202).

  When the server control unit 104 of the server device 100 receives the identification information transmitted from the navigation device 200 via the network NW, the server control unit 104 collates the identification information with the user information (registration information) stored in the first storage unit 101. To do. When it is confirmed that the user is a registered user, a session for the navigation device 200 is established (S101). As a result, the data communication supporting the protocol such as TCP / IP can be established between the server apparatus 100 and the navigation apparatus 200 via the network NW in a virtual always-on state (a connection for communicating with a communication destination at any time). This is possible in a state where a connection with a communication destination is established as necessary, and the connection is interrupted after the communication is completed, so that the connection can be established.

  When the session is established, the server control unit 104 monitors information stored in the second storage unit 102 at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 3 minutes). If the latest information is stored in the information (S102), the attribute of the latest information is determined (S103).

  Here, the attribute of the information is determined based on the attribute label added to the information when the information is stored in the second storage unit 102. For example, different attribute labels are added to VICS information and other traffic information, weather information, navigation device update programs, dealer (sales shop) information, and the like according to the respective categories.

  The server control unit 104 determines the provision destination and provision time of the latest information based on the discrimination of the attribute label (S104). That is, it is determined at what timing the latest information is transmitted to the navigation apparatus in which the current session is established. For example, VICS information and other traffic information, weather information, navigation device update programs, etc. need to be sequentially provided to a navigation device suitable for providing such information. Sent to. On the other hand, dealer information or the like is not information that needs to be provided to a specific navigation device as soon as possible, and is therefore transmitted at the start or end of a session.

  When the destination navigation device 200 is specified and it is determined that the latest information is to be transmitted immediately, the server control unit 104 transmits a trigger signal that prompts the navigation device 200 to receive information via the network NW (S104). ). The trigger signal is information that informs the navigation device 200 of the presence of the latest information, and index information indicating the attribute, data structure, etc. of the latest information is added.

  In the navigation apparatus 100, when the trigger signal is received, the navigation control unit 204 recognizes the presence of the latest information and the attribute / data structure of the latest information from the trigger signal (S203).

  Next, the navigation control unit 204 transmits a signal requesting information (hereinafter referred to as an information request) to the server device 100 in accordance with the trigger signal (S204: download). Here, the navigation control unit 204 may have a function of selecting whether or not to transmit an information request based on the attribute / data structure of the latest information. For example, when it is determined that the data structure of the latest information is not suitable for use in the navigation device 200, the information request may not be transmitted. In addition, the user may be allowed to select whether to transmit the information request. For example, the attribute or data capacity of the latest information may be displayed on the display panel so that the user can select whether or not to acquire the latest information.

  In server device 100, when an information request is received from navigation device 200, server control unit 104 transmits the latest information to navigation device 200 (S105).

  On the other hand, in the navigation device 200, when the latest information is received from the server device 100, the navigation control unit 204 displays the content of the latest information on the display panel 202 and guides with the voice from the speaker 203 (S205). Accordingly, the latest information is sequentially provided from the server device 100 to the navigation device 200 of the vehicle M without waiting for the access of the information request from the vehicle M side to the server device 100, and the latest information is guided and used. Can do.

  Next, another embodiment will be described.

  First, in a state where a session for the navigation device 200 is established in the server device 100 (S101 in FIG. 2), the user operates the navigation device 200 as shown in FIG. When the route to the ground is set (S211), the navigation control unit 204 transmits the set route information to the server device 100.

  In the server device 100, when the server control unit 104 receives the route information transmitted from the navigation device 200 via the network NW, the route information is stored in the first storage unit 101 and stored in the second storage unit 102. Is monitored at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 3 minutes), and the presence or absence of the latest information related to the route information is confirmed (S111). Here, the information related to the route information includes, for example, VICS information and other traffic information and weather information on the route or in the vicinity thereof.

  Then, when the latest information related to the route information is stored in the second storage unit 102, the server control unit 104 transmits a trigger signal that prompts reception of the latest information (S112). This trigger signal is information that informs the navigation device 200 of the presence of the latest information, and index information indicating position information (latitude / longitude information) on the map related to the latest information is added.

  In the navigation apparatus 100, when the trigger signal is received, the navigation control unit 204 recognizes the presence of the latest information from the trigger signal and the position information related to the latest information (S212).

  Next, the navigation control unit 204 transmits a signal (information request) for requesting information in response to the trigger signal to the server device 100 (S213). Here, the navigation control unit 204 selects whether to transmit an information request based on position information (latitude / longitude information) on a map related to the latest information. For example, based on the current position of the vehicle M recognized from a function such as GPS, if the position related to the latest information is a point that has already passed on the route, there is little need to obtain the latest information, so an information request Do not send. Further, even when the position related to the latest information is a predetermined distance or more away from the current position of the vehicle M, the information request is not transmitted. In this case, even if the latest information is acquired, there is a possibility that the moving body may be updated while traveling to the position related to the latest information.

  In the server device 100, when the server control unit 104 receives an information request from the navigation device 200, the server control unit 104 transmits the latest information to the navigation device 200 (S113).

  On the other hand, in the navigation device 200, when the navigation control unit 204 receives the latest information from the server device 100, the navigation control unit 204 displays the content of the latest information on the display panel 202 and guides with voice from the speaker 203 (S214). Here, the navigation control unit 204 does not immediately display or guide the latest information, but temporarily stores the latest information in a storage unit (not shown), and the distance between the position related to the latest information and the vehicle M. When the distance becomes less than a predetermined distance, the latest information may be displayed or guided.

  The processing units 101 to 104 and 201 to 204 are configured by hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. However, these processing units may be configured by common hardware. A part or all of each processing unit may be configured by different hardware. Moreover, although the 1st and 2nd memory | storage parts 101 and 102 are comprised in the server apparatus 100, it is not limited to this, From the external server apparatus (not shown) as an information source, the internet etc. It may be a system transmitted to the server apparatus 100 through a network.

  In the present embodiment, the “moving body” is a vehicle (four wheel, two wheel) such as a passenger car, and the “communication device” is a navigation device mounted on the vehicle, but is not limited thereto. Instead, the “moving object” may be, for example, a bicycle or a person carrying a navigation device. In this case, the “communication device” may be a mobile terminal, a wireless communication device, or the like having a communication function included in these mobile objects.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the server control unit of the server device establishes a state in which a session can be established and communicated with the navigation device when the navigation device is activated by turning on the vehicle IG, However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a session may be established at regular time intervals or at a predetermined timing such as when the user operates the server device.

The figure which shows the structure of the server apparatus and navigation apparatus as one Embodiment of this invention. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the server apparatus and navigation apparatus as one Embodiment of this invention. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the server apparatus and navigation apparatus as other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Server apparatus, 101 ... 1st memory | storage part, 102 ... 2nd memory | storage part, 103 ... Protocol server apparatus, 104 ... Server control part, 200 ... Navi apparatus, 201 ... I / F part, 202 ... Display panel, 203 ... Speaker, 204 ... navigation control unit, M ... vehicle, NW ... network.

Claims (10)

A server device that provides information to be distributed to a mobile body in real time in a virtual always-connected state by communication with a communication device provided in the mobile body,
A server control unit that performs communication processing for communicating with the communication device;
A storage unit for storing information to be distributed to the mobile body,
When the latest information is stored in the storage unit, the communication processing in the server control unit transmits a trigger signal that prompts the communication device to receive information, and responds to the trigger signal from the communication device. The server apparatus characterized by including the process which transmits the said latest information, when an information request is received. The server device according to claim 1,
The communication processing in the server control unit receives route information including the current position or departure position of the moving body and a target position from the communication device, and transmits the latest information related to the route information to the communication device. The server apparatus characterized by including a process. The server apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The communication processing in the server device processing unit identifies the communication device or the mobile body based on the identification information of the communication device or the mobile body received from the communication device, and the communication device or the mobile body The server apparatus characterized by including the process which transmits the newest information according to it. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The server control unit is configured to be connected to the communication device at any time when the communication device is operated at regular time, activation of the communication device, or operation of the communication device by a user. Server apparatus characterized by establishing. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The server device, wherein the mobile body is a vehicle, and the communication device is a navigation device mounted on the vehicle. A communication device provided in a mobile body that receives information delivered from the server device in real time in a virtual always-connected state by communication with the server device,
A communication control unit for performing communication processing for communicating with the server device;
An informing means for informing information distributed from the server device,
The communication processing in the communication control unit receives a trigger signal transmitted from the server device to the communication device when the latest information is stored in the server device, and requests information according to the trigger signal. The communication apparatus characterized by including the process which transmits. The communication device according to claim 6.
The communication processing in the communication control unit includes processing for determining whether or not to transmit an information request from index information regarding the latest information included in the trigger signal. The communication device according to claim 6 or 7,
The communication control unit is configured to be connected to the server device in the virtual always-on state when the communication control unit is in a period of time, when the communication device is started, or when the user operates the communication device. Establishing a communication device.   A vehicle comprising the communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 8. A communication system provided with a communication device provided in a mobile body and a server device that provides information to be distributed to the mobile body in real time in a virtual always-connected state by communication with the communication device,
The server device includes a server control unit that performs communication processing for communicating with the communication device, and a storage unit that stores information to be distributed to the mobile body.
The communication device includes a communication control unit that performs communication processing for communicating with the server device;
An informing means for informing information distributed from the server device,
Communication processing performed between the server control unit and the communication control unit is as follows.
When the latest information is stored in the storage unit, a process of transmitting a trigger signal for prompting reception of information from the server device to the communication device;
A process of transmitting an information request from the communication device to the server device in response to the trigger signal;
And a process of transmitting the latest information from the server device to the communication device in response to the information request.

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