JP4735243B2 - Vehicle information provision system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing system that acquires information related to a vehicle or the vicinity of the vehicle and transmits the acquired information to an information center, and in particular, receives information from a vehicle traveling to a predetermined destination. The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing system in which the number of communication between the vehicle and the information center is reduced by transmitting to the center, and the burden on communication processing is reduced.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a navigation device is often mounted on a vehicle that provides vehicle travel guidance so that a driver can easily arrive at a desired destination. Here, the navigation device detects the current position of the vehicle by a GPS receiver or the like, acquires map data corresponding to the current position through a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM or HDD or a network, and displays it on a liquid crystal monitor. It is a device that can do. Furthermore, such a navigation device has a route search function for searching for the optimum route from the vehicle position to the destination when a desired destination is input, and displays the guidance route on the display screen and approaches the intersection. In such a case, the driver is surely guided to a desired destination by providing voice guidance.

  In addition, in the conventional navigation device, when searching for the above route, for example, a road type such as an expressway, a toll road, a national road, a main local road, a prefectural road, a narrow street, a right / left turn prohibition, a one-way traffic, etc. Various costs are set between the links or between the links (nodes) depending on whether there is a restriction, the length of the link, that is, the length of the link, the width of the road, the number of lanes, and the like. When searching for the optimum route from the vehicle position to the destination, the route is searched from the departure side and the destination side along the link stored in the map data, and the search from the departure side is performed. In the overlapping part of the search from the destination side, a value obtained by adding the cost accumulated from the departure side and the cost accumulated from the destination side, that is, a cost addition value is calculated. As a result, a route that minimizes the calculated cost addition value is set as the guidance route.

Here, actual traffic information (congestion information, etc.) that cannot be determined only by the length or type of link is one of the factors used to set the travel time required to pass the link and the cost used for the route search described above. Necessary. Conventionally, such traffic information is collected using a sensor or the like installed on the roadside, as represented by a road traffic information system (VICS). In addition, a mechanism for collecting traffic information from a vehicle that actually travels on a road surface called a probe car has been introduced.
Here, especially when collecting traffic information using probe cars, information was collected from all probe cars traveling throughout the country at predetermined time intervals (for example, every minute). The load on communication processing of probe cars and information centers has become very high. In view of this, the publication No. 2004-287724 describes a traffic information transmission system in which the fluctuation rate of the traffic state around the probe car is calculated and the communication interval between the probe car and the information center is changed according to the value of the fluctuation rate of the traffic state. ing.
JP 2004-287724 A (pages 5 to 9, FIGS. 2 to 3)

However, in the traffic information transmission system described in Patent Document 1, although the communication interval can be changed, the transmission interval is changed based on the content of information transmitted from the probe car to the information center. I couldn't. That is, the information transmitted from the probe car to the information center includes a lot of information that is not necessary for other vehicles, and such information can be transmitted to the information center uniformly. Still, the load on the communication processing of the probe car and the information center is still very high.
Furthermore, in the traffic information transmission system described in Patent Document 1, the communication interval for the information required for other vehicles also becomes longer depending on the fluctuation rate of the traffic state, so that newer and more accurate information is provided. I couldn't.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems. By transmitting information from a vehicle having information required for another vehicle to the information center, the vehicle and the information center are An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle information providing system in which the number of communications is reduced and the burden on communication processing is reduced.

In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle information providing system (1) according to claim 1 of the present application includes information acquisition means (30, 31, 34) for acquiring information related to the vehicle (2) or the surroundings of the vehicle, and the information. In the vehicle information providing system having the information transmitting means (5) for transmitting the information acquired by the acquiring means to the information center (3), the time specifying means (23) for specifying the current time and the time specifying means Correspondence point determination means (23) for determining whether or not the vehicle is located in the vicinity of the corresponding point or the corresponding point associated with the identified time, and the information transmission means determines the corresponding point The information acquired by the information acquisition means is transmitted to the information center from the vehicle determined to be located at or around the corresponding point by the means .

A vehicle information providing system (1) according to claim 2 stores a vehicle (2) provided with an information acquisition means for acquiring information related to the vehicle or its surroundings, and information acquired by the vehicle. And an information center (3) provided with a distribution means for distributing traffic information created based on information accumulated together to other vehicles, wherein the vehicle detects the current position of the vehicle. A vehicle position detecting means (21) for receiving, a corresponding point information receiving means (5) for receiving information on the corresponding point transmitted from the information center, a time specifying means (23) for specifying the current time, Correspondence point determination means (23) for determining whether or not the vehicle is located in the vicinity of the corresponding point or the corresponding point associated with the time specified by the time specifying means, and the corresponding point by the corresponding point determination means Or an information transmission means (5) for transmitting information acquired by the information acquisition means to the information center when it is determined that the vehicle is located around the corresponding point, Map data storage means (16) for storing map data, time correspondence means (18) for associating a time with each point of the map data, and information on the corresponding point to which the time is associated by the time correspondence means is transmitted. Corresponding point information transmitting means (6) .

In the vehicle information providing system according to claim 1 having the above-described configuration, the information acquired by the vehicle from the corresponding point corresponding to the current time and the vehicle located around the corresponding point is transmitted to the information center. The information center can collect information by selecting vehicles having information required for other vehicles in consideration of the above. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden of communication processing by reducing the number of communications between the vehicle and the information center while securing a sufficient number of communications and traffic for the required information.

Further, in the vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, information acquired by the vehicle is transmitted to the information center from the vehicle corresponding to the time and the vehicle located around the point. The information center can collect information by selecting a vehicle having information required for the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden of communication processing by reducing the number of communications between the vehicle and the information center while securing a sufficient number of communications and traffic for the required information.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle information providing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on first to third embodiments embodied.

(First embodiment)
First, a schematic configuration of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of probe cars (vehicles) 2 that travel on a road surface and acquire probe information, and probe information transmitted from the probe car 2. Is received and stored, and a probe information center (information center) 3 that creates traffic information from the stored probe information, and a terminal vehicle (vehicle) that is a user terminal that uses the traffic information distributed from the probe information center 3 ) 4 basically.
The probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 are connected to a communication device (information transmission means, destination transmission means, transmission instruction reception means, corresponding point information reception means) 5 provided in the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3. Information communication with each other is possible by the provided center side communication device (distribution means, destination reception means, transmission instruction transmission means, corresponding point information transmission means) 6. The probe information center 3 and the terminal vehicle 4 can communicate with each other by the center side communication device 6 and the terminal communication device 7 provided in the terminal vehicle 4.

Here, the communication device 5 is a communication means for transmitting probe information to the probe information center 3 via the communication network 10 (see FIG. 2), such as a radio beacon device, an optical beacon device, etc. disposed along the road. It is a beacon receiver which receives as an electric wave beacon, an optical beacon, etc. via. The communication device 5 is a network that enables communication in a communication system such as a LAN, WAN, intranet, mobile phone network, telephone network, public communication network, dedicated communication network, or communication network such as the Internet. It may be a device.
The probe information acquired by the probe car 2 and transmitted via the communication device 5 includes, for example, the current position of the host vehicle, the destination set by the navigation device, the position of the shift lever, the steering angle, the accelerator Opening degree, brake pressure, remaining amount of engine oil, remaining amount of fuel, seat belt wearing situation, speed of own vehicle, traveling direction of own vehicle, mileage of own vehicle, operating status of wiper, blinker state, There is current time etc. The probe information may be information that can be acquired by the vehicle as well as information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle in addition to the information of the vehicle itself. For example, an image captured by a camera installed in front of or behind the vehicle, Information on the distance to the preceding vehicle detected by the wave radar and the vehicle speed of the preceding vehicle can also be included.

  Further, the center side communication device 6 receives probe information from the probe car 2 via the communication network 10 (see FIG. 2), and transmits the traffic information created from the accumulated probe information to the terminal vehicle 4. Means.

  Further, the terminal communication device 7 is a communication means for receiving necessary traffic information transmitted from the probe information center 3 to the terminal vehicle 4 via the communication network 10 (see FIG. 2).

  In the first embodiment, the probe car 2 and the terminal vehicle 4 are separately described as different types of vehicles. However, the terminal vehicle 4 can also be used as the probe car 2, and the probe car 2 2 can also be used as the terminal vehicle 4. Furthermore, an information terminal such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a personal computer can be used in place of the terminal vehicle 4.

  Next, a specific configuration of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the probe information center 3 of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the probe car 2 of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment. It is the block diagram shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle information providing system 1 includes a probe car 2, a probe information center 3, a terminal vehicle 4, and a communication network 10. The probe car 2, the probe information center 3, and the terminal vehicle 4 are configured to be able to transmit and receive various types of information via the communication network 10.

  Here, a navigation device 8 having a navigation ECU (destination setting means) 9 for controlling the terminal communication device 7 and the navigation device 8 is installed in the terminal vehicle 4, and the traffic information transmitted from the probe information center 3 is received. The navigation ECU 9 uses the route search and the like. Thereby, it is possible to search for a route based on more accurate traffic information. Note that the configuration of the navigation device 8 mounted on the terminal vehicle 4 is basically the same as that of the navigation device 20 mounted on the probe car 2 described later, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

  The probe information center 3 includes a center side communication device 6, a server (destination determination means) 11, a probe information DB 15 as an information recording unit connected to the server 11, and a center map information DB (map data storage means). ) 16 and a user destination DB 17. Further, the server 11 includes an arithmetic device that controls the entire server 11, a CPU 12 as a control device, and a RAM 13 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 12 performs various arithmetic processes, and the probe car 2 to a predetermined destination. When the vehicle is traveling, the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program (see FIG. 6) that instructs the probe information center 3 to transmit probe information and the probe car 2 are associated with coordinates and time. A time-dependent probe information transmission determination program (see FIG. 7) for transmitting the point-time correspondence data 18, a traffic information distribution processing program (see FIG. 9) for transmitting traffic information created based on a request from the terminal vehicle 4, etc. An internal storage device such as a ROM 14 in which various control programs for controlling the server 11 are recorded. That. Further, an MPU or the like can be used in place of the CPU 12.

  In addition, the probe information DB 15 accumulates probe information transmitted from the probe car 2 that satisfies the conditions described later among the probe cars 2 traveling throughout the country through the communication network 10 at a predetermined time interval (for example, one minute interval). It is a memory | storage means to memorize | store. In the first embodiment, a hard disk is used as a storage medium for the probe information DB 15, but a magnetic disk, memory card, magnetic tape, magnetic drum, CD, MD, DVD, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card. Etc. can also be used as an external storage device.

  The center map information DB 16 is storage means in which map data necessary for specifying the probe car 2 to which a probe information transmission instruction is to be transmitted is recorded. Here, the map data is, for example, map display data for displaying a map, intersection data regarding each intersection, link data regarding roads (links), node data regarding node points, facility data regarding facilities, time and points (position coordinates) Is composed of point time correspondence data (time correspondence means) 18 and the like.

  Here, as the map display data constituting the map data, map drawing information for performing map display according to the map data of each level hierarchy is stored.

  Link data includes the width of the road to which the link belongs, the gradient, the cant, the bank, the road surface condition, the number of lanes on the road, the number of lanes decreasing, and the width of the link data. The data indicating the radius, crossing, T-junction, corner entrance and exit, etc. with respect to the corner, data representing the downhill road, uphill road, etc. In addition to roads such as national roads, prefectural roads, and narrow streets, data representing toll roads such as national highways, roads dedicated to automobiles, city highways, general toll roads, and toll bridges are recorded. In addition, regarding toll roads, data relating to entrance roads (rampways), toll gates (interchanges) and the like of toll roads are recorded.

  The node data includes road branch points (including intersections and T-junctions), node point coordinates (positions) set for each road according to the radius of curvature, etc., and nodes at intersections. A node attribute indicating whether the node corresponds to the node, a connection link number list which is a list of link numbers of links connected to the node, an adjacent node number list which is a list of node numbers of nodes adjacent to the node via the link Data relating to the height (altitude) of each node point is recorded.

  In addition, as facility data, data related to buildings such as hotels, hospitals, gas stations, parking lots, tourist facilities, interchanges, restaurants, service areas, and the like in each region are recorded together with facility IDs that identify the buildings.

In addition, the point time correspondence data 18 includes the time (spring “March to May”, summer “June to August”, autumn “September to November”, winter “ December to February ”and five types of year-round“ January to December ”). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the point time correspondence data 18 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the point time correspondence data 18 is composed of coordinates and the time associated with the coordinates. For example, in the point time correspondence data 18 shown in FIG. 4, the coordinates (x1, y1) Is associated with “spring”, coordinates (x2, y2) are associated with “summer”, coordinates (x3, y3) are associated with “summer”, and coordinates (x4, y4) are associated with “autumn”. Corresponding, “winter” is associated with the coordinates (x5, y5), and “year-round” is associated with the coordinates (x6, y6).
Then, when there is a request from the probe car 2 as will be described later, the server 11 transmits the point time correspondence data 18 to the probe car 2 (S113 in FIG. 7), and the transmitted probe car 2 is currently It is determined whether or not it is located at the corresponding point corresponding to this time and its surroundings (S15 in FIG. 7), and it is determined whether or not to transmit the probe information.
In the point time correspondence data 18, a facility name (for example, XX ski resort, XX land) or a facility ID may be associated with the time instead of coordinates. In addition, the genre of the facility (for example, a beach or a golf course) may be associated with the time. In addition, when a genre is matched, it is desirable to transmit probe information from the probe car 2 determined to be located in all the facilities corresponding to the genre corresponding to the time and its surroundings.
Furthermore, as a time of associating with a point, in addition to “Golden Week” and “Obon”, a specific date may be used.

The user destination DB 17 is a storage unit that cumulatively stores destinations set as destinations by the navigation device 8 of the terminal vehicle 4. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a storage area of the user destination DB 17 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the user destination DB 17 stores an identification ID that identifies the terminal vehicle 4 and a facility name set as the destination by the navigation device 8 of the terminal vehicle 4. In addition, when the terminal vehicle 4 sets a destination by the navigation device 8, these pieces of information are transmitted to the probe information center 3 by the terminal communication device 7 as an identification ID for identifying the terminal vehicle 4 and information regarding the set destination. Is memorized. Further, when the terminal vehicle 4 arrives at the set destination, the identification ID and the fact that the terminal vehicle 4 has arrived are transmitted to the probe information center 3 by the terminal communication device 7, whereby the information corresponding to the same facility ID is obtained. It is deleted from DB17.
Then, the server 11 transmits a transmission instruction so as to transmit probe information to the probe information center 3 to the probe car 2 traveling to one of the destinations stored in the user destination DB 17 as will be described later. (S103 in FIG. 6). As the destination, facility IDs and coordinates may be stored instead of facility names.

Next, the configuration of the probe car 2 constituting the vehicle information providing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The probe car 2 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a navigation device 20 having a communication device 5.
As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation device 20 includes a current location detection processing unit 21 that detects the current position of the host vehicle, a data recording unit 22 in which various types of data are recorded, and various calculations based on the input information. A navigation ECU (corresponding point determination means, time specifying means) 23 that performs processing, an operation unit 24 that receives an operation from an operator, a liquid crystal display 25 that displays information such as a map to the operator, and route guidance A speaker 26 that outputs voice guidance and a terminal communication device 7 that communicates with an information center such as a probe information center 3 or a traffic information center are configured. The navigation ECU 23 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor (information acquisition means) 30 that detects the traveling speed of the host vehicle.

Below, each component which comprises the navigation apparatus 20 is demonstrated.
The current location detection processing unit 21 includes a GPS (information acquisition unit, own vehicle position detection unit) 31, a geomagnetic sensor 32, a distance sensor 33, a steering sensor (information acquisition unit) 34, a gyro sensor 35 as a direction detection unit, and an altimeter (see FIG. It is possible to detect the current position, direction, distance to a target (for example, an intersection), and the like.

  Specifically, the GPS 31 detects the current location and current time of the vehicle on the earth by receiving radio waves generated by artificial satellites, and the geomagnetic sensor 32 measures the direction of the vehicle by measuring the geomagnetism. The distance sensor 33 detects a distance between predetermined positions on the road. Here, as the distance sensor 33, for example, the rotational speed of a wheel (not shown) of the vehicle is measured, a sensor that detects the distance based on the measured rotational speed, the acceleration is measured, and the measured acceleration is 2 A sensor that integrates the times and detects the distance can be used.

  The steering sensor 34 detects the rudder angle of the host vehicle. Here, as the steering sensor 34, for example, an optical rotation sensor attached to a rotating portion of a steering wheel (not shown), a rotation resistance sensor, an angle sensor attached to a wheel, or the like is used.

  And the gyro sensor 35 detects the turning angle of the own vehicle. Here, as the gyro sensor 35, for example, a gas rate gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like is used. Further, by integrating the turning angle detected by the gyro sensor 35, the vehicle direction can be detected.

  The data recording unit 22 reads an external storage device and a hard disk (not shown) as a recording medium, a map information DB 28, a navigation probe information DB 29, a predetermined program, and the like recorded on the hard disk, and stores a predetermined program on the hard disk. And a recording head (not shown) which is a driver for writing data. In the first embodiment, a hard disk is used as the external storage device and storage medium of the data recording unit 22, but a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk can be used as the external storage device in addition to the hard disk. Also, a memory card, magnetic tape, magnetic drum, CD, MD, DVD, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, etc. can be used as an external storage device.

  The navigation side probe information DB 29 stores probe information acquired by the probe car 2 using various sensors such as the vehicle speed sensor 30, the GPS 31, and the steering sensor 34. The probe information includes, for example, the current position of the host vehicle, the destination set by the navigation device, the position of the shift lever, the steering angle, the accelerator opening, the brake pressure, the remaining amount of engine oil, the remaining fuel. Amount, seat belt wearing situation, speed of own vehicle, traveling direction of own vehicle, traveling distance of own vehicle, operating condition of wiper, blinker state, current time, and the like.

  The map information DB 28 stores map data necessary for route guidance and map display. In the first embodiment, the map data is hierarchized into three layers according to the information amount of the road network as described above, and the map data of each layer includes, for example, map display data for displaying a map, each intersection Intersection data, road data (link), node data about node points, search data for searching for routes, facility data about facilities, search data for searching points, and the like.

Here, as the search data, the data used when searching and displaying the route to the destination set in the map data of each level hierarchy is recorded, and the cost when passing through the node (hereinafter referred to as the search data) , Node cost) and cost data used to calculate the search cost consisting of the cost of the link that constitutes the road (hereinafter referred to as link cost), travel time required to pass the link, and route search. Route display data for displaying the route on the map of the liquid crystal display 25 and the like.
Here, the node cost is basically set for the node corresponding to the intersection, and in the navigation device 20 according to the first embodiment, the presence or absence of a signal and the travel route of the own vehicle when passing the intersection (that is, The value is determined by the type of straight, right turn and left turn).
The link cost is calculated using data relating to road attributes, road types, road widths, number of lanes, link length, travel time, traffic jam information, and the like constituting the link. Furthermore, in the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the travel time and the link cost of the link are adjusted according to the traffic information distributed from the probe information center 3 (S25 in FIG. 9).

  In addition to the search data, the intersection data, link data, and node data constituting the map data have the same contents as those stored in the center map information DB 16 (see FIG. 2) of the probe information center 3 already described. The description is omitted here.

In the case of a route search in which the distance from the current location (departure location) to the destination is a short distance (for example, about 3 km), the navigation ECU 23 determines the level 1 map data that is the lowest level map data around the current location. Search for a route using only the mesh.
In addition, in the case of a route search where the distance from the current location to the destination is a medium distance (for example, about 50 km), a mesh of level 1 map data that is the lowest level map data is used for the current location and the vicinity of the destination. The area adjacent to the mesh of the level 1 map data is searched for a route using the mesh of the level 2 map data which is the map data of the intermediate layer.
Furthermore, in the case of a route search where the distance from the current location to the destination is a long distance (for example, about 300 km), a mesh of level 1 map data which is the map data of the lowest layer around the current location and the destination is used. The area adjacent to the mesh of level 1 map data uses a mesh of level 2 map data which is map data of the middle layer, and the area adjacent to the mesh of level 2 map data is map data of the top layer. A route is searched using a mesh of certain level 3 map data. As a result, the amount of calculation for searching for a route can be suppressed, and the time required for the route search can be shortened.

  When the navigation ECU 23 searches for a route, the road data in the search data in the map data is examined, and the search cost (node cost and node cost) for the road (link and node) included in the mesh used for the search is checked. (Link cost) is calculated and a route is searched. Specifically, the route search is performed from the departure side and the destination side, and the search cost and purpose accumulated from the departure side are overlapped in the overlap between the search from the departure side and the search from the destination side. A value obtained by adding the search costs accumulated from the ground side, that is, a cost addition value is calculated. As a result, a plurality of routes (for example, three routes) are selected in ascending order of cost, and the route with the smallest cost addition value or the route selected by the user is set as the guidance route.

  The contents of the map information DB 28 can be obtained by transferring information from a recording medium such as a DVD or an externally connected memory card, or by downloading information from a specific information center or the like via the terminal communication device 7. Updated.

  Further, the navigation ECU 23 is used as a working memory when the CPU 41 performs various kinds of arithmetic processing as an arithmetic device that controls the entire navigation device 20 and the CPU 41 as a control device, and a route when the route is searched. In addition to the RAM 42 in which data and the like are stored, a control program, a destination-specific probe information transmission determination program that transmits probe information to the probe information center 3 based on a transmission instruction from the probe information center 3 (see FIG. 6) ) And the point information corresponding to the current time transmitted from the probe information center 3, the probe information is sent to the probe information center 3 when it is determined that the vehicle is located at and around the point associated with the current time. Probe information transmission judgment program (Figure (Refer to FIG. 9), a traffic information distribution processing program (see FIG. 9) for receiving traffic information distributed from the probe information center 3 and searching for a route to the destination is recorded, and a flash recording the program read from the ROM 43. An internal storage device such as a memory 44 is provided. As the RAM 42, ROM 43, flash memory 44, etc., a semiconductor memory, a magnetic core or the like is used. As the arithmetic device and the control device, an MPU or the like can be used instead of the CPU 41.

  In the first embodiment, various programs are recorded in the ROM 43, and various data are recorded in the data recording unit 22. However, the programs, data, and the like are stored in the same external storage device, memory, and the like. It is also possible to read a program, data, etc. from a card or the like and write it into the flash memory 44. Further, the program, data, etc. can be updated by exchanging a memory card or the like.

  Furthermore, the navigation ECU 23 is electrically connected to the operation unit 24, the liquid crystal display 25, the speaker 26, and peripheral devices (actuators) of the terminal communication device 7.

  The operation unit 24 is operated when inputting a departure point as a guidance start point and a destination point as a guidance end point, and includes a plurality of operation switches (not shown) such as various keys and buttons. Then, the navigation ECU 23 performs control to execute various corresponding operations based on switch signals output by pressing the switches. As the operation unit 24, a keyboard, a mouse, a barcode reader, a remote control device for remote operation, a joystick, a light pen, a stylus pen, or the like can be used. Furthermore, it can also be configured by a touch panel provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 25.

  The liquid crystal display 25 also has operation guidance, operation menu, key guidance, guidance route from the current location to the destination, guidance information along the guidance route, traffic information, news, weather forecast, time, mail, TV program, etc. Is displayed. Instead of the liquid crystal display 25, it is also possible to use a CRT display, a plasma display, or the like, or a hologram device that projects a hologram on the windshield of a vehicle.

  In addition, the speaker 26 outputs voice guidance for guiding traveling along the guidance route based on an instruction from the navigation ECU 23. Here, examples of the voice guidance to be guided include “the intersection is 300 m ahead in the right direction” and “the next national highway No. XX is congested”. Note that as the sound output from the speaker 26, in addition to the synthesized sound, various sound effects and various guidance information recorded in advance on a tape, a memory or the like can be output.

  The communication device 5 transmits the probe information acquired by various sensors such as the vehicle speed sensor 30, the GPS 31, and the steering sensor 34 to the probe information center 3 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. , VICS (Registered Trademark: Vehicle Information and Communication System) center, etc., traffic information consisting of information such as traffic jam information, regulation information, parking lot information, traffic accident information, etc. A beacon receiver that receives a radio beacon, an optical beacon, or the like via a beacon device, an optical beacon device, or the like. Further, the terminal communication device 7 enables communication in a communication system such as a LAN, WAN, intranet, cellular phone network, telephone network, public communication network, dedicated communication network, or communication network such as the Internet. It may be a network device. Further, the terminal communication device 7 includes an FM receiver that receives FM multiplex information including information such as news and weather forecast as FM multiplex broadcast via an FM broadcast station in addition to the information from the information center. The beacon receiver and the FM receiver are unitized and arranged as a VICS receiver, but can be arranged separately.

  Next, a destination-specific probe information transmission determination program executed by the navigation ECU 23 of the probe car 2 and the server 11 of the probe information center 3 in the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program in the vehicle information providing system according to the first embodiment. Here, the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program determines whether or not the probe car 2 is a vehicle heading to the same destination set by any one of the terminal vehicles 4, and heads to the same destination. This is a program for transmitting probe information from only the probe car 2 to the probe information center 3. 6 is stored in the RAM 42 and ROM 43 provided in the navigation device 20 or the RAM 13 and ROM 14 provided in the server 11, and is stored at a predetermined interval (for example, 4 ms) by the CPU 41 or CPU 12. Every).

  First, the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the CPU 41 sets or changes the destination. Is determined based on the operation of the operation unit 24.

  As a result, if it is determined that the destination has been set or changed (S1: YES), the CPU 41 uploads the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 to the probe information center 3 in S2. An upload condition acquisition request is transmitted to the probe information center 3. Simultaneously with the acquisition request, information on the current position of the host vehicle (probe car 2) and the destination set by the navigation device 20 mounted on the probe car 2 is transmitted. On the other hand, when it is determined that the destination is not set or changed (S1: NO), the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  In S <b> 3, the CPU 41 receives the probe information transmission instruction transmitted from the probe information center 3 by the communication device 5. Subsequently, in S4, it is determined whether or not it is time to transmit the probe information to the probe information center 3. Here, the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to transmit probe information newly acquired by the probe car 2 to the probe information center 3 at intervals of 1 minute.

  If it is determined that it is time to transmit the probe information (S4: YES), the communication device 5 transmits the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 to the probe information center 3 (S5). ). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the timing to transmit the probe information (S4: NO), it waits until the timing to transmit is reached.

  Next, in S6, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the host vehicle has arrived at the destination based on the host vehicle position detected by the GPS 31 and the set coordinates of the destination. If it is determined that the destination has not been reached (S6: NO), the process returns to S4, and it is determined again whether or not it is the transmission timing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the destination has been reached (S6: YES), the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  Next, the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 12 of the server 11 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in S101, the CPU 12 receives the information on the current position of the probe car 2 and the destination set in the navigation device 20 transmitted from the probe car 2 in S2 by the center side communication device 6.

  Next, in S102, the CPU 12 receives any traffic information based on the destination set by the navigation device 20 of the probe car 2 received in S101 and the user destination DB 17 (see FIG. 5). It is determined whether there is a vehicle in which the same destination as the probe car 2 is set among the vehicles 4. Specifically, the destination of the probe car 2 received in S101 is one of the destinations recorded in the user destination DB 17 (in FIG. 5, “XX department store”, “ΔΔ station”, “XX competition”). Field, "□□ golf course", "△ ○ department store"), it is determined that there is a terminal vehicle 4 having the same destination. Note that S102 corresponds to the processing of the destination determination means.

  If it is determined that there is a terminal vehicle 4 having the same destination set (S102: YES), the probe information center 3 is instructed to upload the probe information acquired by the probe car 2. A transmission instruction is transmitted to the probe car 2 (S103). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no terminal vehicle 4 that sets the same destination (S102: NO), the information acquired by the probe car 2 is considered to be information that is not required for other vehicles, The destination-specific probe information transmission determination program is terminated without sending a transmission instruction.

  Next, in S104, the CPU 12 receives the probe information transmitted from the probe car 2 in S5. Thereafter, in S105, the probe information received in S104 is stored in the probe information DB 15. Traffic information is created from the stored probe information, and the created traffic information is transmitted based on a request from the terminal vehicle 4 as described later (S122, S123 in FIG. 9).

  Next, a time-dependent probe information transmission determination program executed by the navigation ECU 23 of the probe car 2 and the server 11 of the probe information center 3 in the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the timing-specific probe information transmission determination program in the vehicle information providing system according to the first embodiment. Here, the time-specific probe information transmission determination program determines whether or not the probe car 2 is located at or around the corresponding point associated with the current time, and only from the probe car 2 determined to be located. This is a program for transmitting probe information to the probe information center 3. 7 is stored in the RAM 42 or ROM 43 provided in the navigation device 20 or the RAM 13 or ROM 14 provided in the server 11, and is stored at a predetermined interval (for example, 4 ms) by the CPU 41 or CPU 12. Every).

  First, the time-dependent probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In S11, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the ignition of the host vehicle is turned on.

  As a result, if it is determined that the ignition is turned on (S11: YES), in S12, the CPU 41 obtains an upload condition acquisition request for uploading the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 to the probe information center 3. Is transmitted to the probe information center 3 by the communication device 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ignition is not ON (S11: NO), the time-dependent probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  In S <b> 13, the CPU 41 receives the point time correspondence data (see FIG. 4) transmitted from the probe information center 3 by the communication device 5. Subsequently, in S14, based on the current date and time detected by the GPS 31, the current time is set to "Spring (March to May)", "Summer (June to August)", "Autumn (September to November). ) ”,“ Winter (December to February) ”, and“ year-round (January to December) ”. For example, when the current date and time detected by the GPS 31 is 12:00 on December 14, “winter” and “all year” are specified as the current time. Note that S13 corresponds to the processing of the time specifying means.

  Next, in S15, the CPU 41 detects the current position of the host vehicle by the GPS 31, performs map matching, and associates the current time among the points in the point time correspondence data 18 (see FIG. 4) received in S13. It is determined whether or not the host vehicle is located within the corresponding point and the vicinity of the corresponding point (for example, within a radius of 2 km).

  Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific area when the point 51 is specified as the corresponding point corresponding to the current time. In FIG. 8, the probe located in the specific area 52 within a radius of 2 km of the point 51 is shown. It is determined that the car 2 is located in the corresponding point and the vicinity of the corresponding point in the determination process of S15. Note that S15 corresponds to the processing of the corresponding point determination means.

  If it is determined that the host vehicle is located within the corresponding point and the vicinity of the corresponding point (for example, within a radius of 2 km) (S15: YES), is the timing for transmitting the probe information to the probe information center 3? It is determined whether or not (S16). Here, the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to transmit probe information newly acquired by the probe car 2 to the probe information center 3 at intervals of 1 minute.

  If it is determined that it is time to transmit the probe information (S16: YES), the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 is transmitted to the probe information center 3 by the communication device 5 (S17). ). On the other hand, if it is determined that the host vehicle is not located within the corresponding point and the vicinity of the corresponding point (S15: NO), and if it is determined that it is not time to transmit the probe information (S16: NO), the process proceeds to S15. Then, based on the newly detected own vehicle position, it is determined whether or not the own vehicle is located within the corresponding point and the vicinity of the corresponding point.

  Further, in S18, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the ignition of the host vehicle is turned off. If it is determined that the ignition is not turned off (S18: NO), the process returns to S15, and whether or not the own vehicle is located around the corresponding point and the corresponding point based on the newly detected own vehicle position. Determine whether. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ignition is turned off (S18: YES), the time-dependent probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  Next, a time-dependent probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 12 of the server 11 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in S111, the CPU 12 receives the upload condition acquisition request transmitted from the probe car 2 in S12.

  Thereafter, in S112, the point time correspondence data 18 is acquired from the center map information DB 16 based on the reception of the acquisition request. Instead of storing the point time correspondence data 18 in advance as part of the map data, the point time correspondence data 18 may be created in the process of S112.

  In S113, the point time correspondence data 18 acquired or created in S112 is transmitted to the probe car 2. Then, as described above, the probe car 2 determines whether or not the current position of the own vehicle is located at or near the corresponding point corresponding to the time.

  Next, in S114, the CPU 12 receives the probe information transmitted from the probe car 2 in S17. Thereafter, in S115, the probe information received in S114 is stored in the probe information DB 15. Traffic information is created from the stored probe information, and the created traffic information is transmitted based on a request from the terminal vehicle 4 as described later (S122, S123 in FIG. 9).

  Next, a traffic information distribution processing program executed by the navigation ECU 9 that controls the navigation device 8 mounted on the terminal vehicle 4 and the server 11 of the probe information center 3 in the vehicle information providing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the traffic information distribution processing program in the vehicle information providing system according to the first embodiment. Here, the traffic information distribution processing program is a program that transmits the traffic information created in the probe information center 3 based on a request from the terminal vehicle 4.

  First, a traffic information distribution processing program executed by the navigation ECU 9 of the navigation device 8 of the terminal vehicle 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In S21, the navigation ECU 9 sets the destination based on the operation of the user's operation unit.

  Next, in S22, the current position of the host vehicle (terminal vehicle 4) is detected. Thereafter, in S23, information related to the destination set in S21 (specifically, the ID and position coordinates of the facility serving as the destination) and information related to the current position of the vehicle detected in S22 (specifically, the position) Coordinates) is transmitted to the probe information center 3 by the terminal communication device 7.

In S24, the traffic information transmitted from the probe information center 3 is received by the terminal communication device 7. In S25, the route to the destination is searched using the traffic information received in S24.
Specifically, the route search processing by the navigation ECU 9 will be described. First, the road data in the search data in the map data is examined, and the search cost (road and node) included in the mesh used for the search ( Node cost and link cost) are calculated using the traffic information received in S24. Then, in the overlapping part of the search from the departure side and the search from the destination side, a value obtained by adding the search cost accumulated from the departure side and the search cost accumulated from the destination side, that is, cost addition A value is calculated. As a result, the route with the lowest cost is selected.

  In S26, the navigation ECU 9 sets the route searched in S25 as a guidance route. Then, various travel guidance using a liquid crystal display and a speaker is performed according to the set guidance route (S27).

  Next, a travel prediction processing program executed by the server 11 will be described based on FIG. First, in S121, the server 11 receives the information on the current position of the terminal vehicle 4 and the set destination transmitted from the terminal vehicle 4 in S23 by the center side communication device 6.

  Subsequently, in S122, the user destination DB 17 (see FIG. 5) is updated based on the information regarding the destination set by the navigation device 8 of the terminal vehicle 4 received in S121. Specifically, an identification ID for specifying the terminal vehicle 4 and a destination are newly added to the user destination DB 17. The added identification ID and destination are deleted after the corresponding terminal vehicle 4 arrives at the destination.

  Next, in S123, the server 11 creates traffic information according to the current position of the terminal vehicle 4 received in S121 and the set destination. Specifically, the traffic information (congestion information, average vehicle speed, etc.) in the area related in the search for the route from the current position of the terminal vehicle 4 to the destination is probe information stored in the probe information DB 15 in S105 and S115. Create from.

  In S124, the traffic information created in S122 is transmitted to the terminal vehicle 4 by the center side communication device 6.

As described above in detail, in the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment, after setting or changing the destination in the probe car 2, the information on the destination set in the probe car 2 is obtained as probe information. When it is determined that there is a terminal vehicle 4 that sets the same destination as the destination of the transmitted probe car 2 (S102: YES), the probe information center 3 transmits to the center 3 (S2). A probe information transmission instruction is transmitted to the probe car 2 (S103), and the probe car 2 to which the transmission instruction is transmitted transmits probe information to the probe information center 3 in accordance with the transmitted transmission instruction (S5). Therefore, only the probe car 2 having information necessary for the other terminal vehicles 4 is selected in consideration of the traveling state of the probe cars 2 and the terminal vehicles 4. , Information probing center 3 is able to collect information. Therefore, for the required information, the number of communications between the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 is reduced while securing a sufficient number of communications and traffic, and the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 communicate with each other. The burden on processing can be reduced.
Further, after an upload condition acquisition request is made from the probe car 2, the probe information center 3 transmits the point time correspondence data 18 in which the time and the point are associated to the probe car 2 (S113), and the probe car 2 Transmits the probe information to the probe information center 3 when it is determined that the current vehicle position is at the corresponding point associated with the current time and around the corresponding point (S15: YES) (S17). Therefore, the probe information center 3 can collect information by selecting only the probe cars 2 having information required for the other terminal vehicles 4 in consideration of the current time. Therefore, for the required information, the number of communications between the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 is reduced while securing a sufficient number of communications and traffic, and the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 communicate with each other. The burden on processing can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the vehicle information provision system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 9 are the same as or equivalent to those of the vehicle information providing system according to the first embodiment. The part is shown.

The schematic configuration of the vehicle information providing system according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are also substantially the same as the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment has the same purpose as the destination set in the navigation device 20 of the probe car 2 on the probe information center 3 side in the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program of FIG. While it is determined whether there is another vehicle set on the ground (S102), in the vehicle information providing system according to the second embodiment, the navigation device 20 of the probe car 2 is connected to the probe car 2 side. It differs from the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is determined whether or not there is another vehicle set at the same destination as the set destination.

  Hereinafter, the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program executed by the navigation ECU 23 of the probe car 2 and the server 11 of the probe information center 3 in the vehicle information providing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program in the vehicle information providing system according to the second embodiment.

  First, the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In S31, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the destination has been set or changed by operating the operation unit 24. Determine based on.

  As a result, if it is determined that the destination has been set or changed (S31: YES), the CPU 41 uploads the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 to the probe information center 3 in S32. An upload condition acquisition request is transmitted to the probe information center 3 by the communication device 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the destination is not set or changed (S31: NO), the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  In S <b> 33, the CPU 41 receives the user destination data transmitted from the probe information center 3 through the communication device 5. Here, the user destination data corresponds to data related to the destination set in each terminal vehicle 4 recorded in the user destination DB 17 (see FIG. 5).

  Subsequently, in S34, based on the user destination data received in S33, whether any of the terminal vehicles 4 that receive the traffic information has the same destination set as the own vehicle. Determine whether.

  As a result, when it is determined that there is a vehicle in which the same destination as the host vehicle is set (S34: YES), the process proceeds to S35. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no vehicle in which the same destination as the host vehicle is set (S34: NO), the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  In S35, it is determined whether or not it is time to transmit the probe information to the probe information center 3. Here, the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the second embodiment is configured to transmit probe information newly acquired by the probe car 2 to the probe information center 3 at intervals of 1 minute.

  If it is determined that it is time to transmit the probe information (S35: YES), the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 is transmitted to the probe information center 3 by the communication device 5 (S36). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the timing to transmit the probe information (S35: NO), it waits until the timing to transmit is reached.

  Next, in S37, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the host vehicle has arrived at the destination based on the host vehicle position detected by the GPS 31 and the set coordinates of the destination. If it is determined that the destination has not been reached (S37: NO), the process returns to S35, and it is determined again whether or not it is the transmission timing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the destination has been reached (S37: YES), the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  Next, the destination-specific probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 12 of the server 11 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in S131, the CPU 12 receives the upload condition acquisition request transmitted from the probe car 2 in S32.

  Thereafter, in S132, user destination data is acquired from the user destination DB 17 based on the reception of the acquisition request.

  In step S133, the user destination data acquired in step S132 is transmitted to the probe car 2. Then, the probe car 2 determines whether there is another vehicle in which the same destination is set as described above.

  Next, in S134, the CPU 12 receives the probe information transmitted from the probe car 2 in S36. Thereafter, in S135, the probe information received in S134 is stored in the probe information DB 15. In addition, traffic information is created from the stored probe information, and the created traffic information is transmitted based on a request from the terminal vehicle 4 as described later.

  As described above in detail, in the vehicle information providing system according to the second embodiment, after the destination is set or changed in the probe car 2, the probe information center 3 is set to the destination set in each terminal vehicle 4. Is transmitted to the probe car 2 (S133), and the probe car 2 determines that there is a terminal vehicle 4 that sets the same destination as the destination of the host vehicle (S34: YES), since probe information is transmitted to the probe information center 3 (S36), the probe car having information required for the other terminal vehicles 4 in consideration of the traveling conditions of the probe cars 2 and the terminal vehicles 4 Only 2 can be selected and the probe information center 3 can collect information. Therefore, for the required information, the number of communications between the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 is reduced while securing a sufficient number of communications and traffic, and the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 communicate with each other. The burden on processing can be reduced.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the vehicle information provision system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 9 are the same as or equivalent to those of the vehicle information providing system according to the first embodiment. The part is shown.

The schematic configuration of the vehicle information providing system according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are also substantially the same as the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, whether the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment is located at or around the corresponding point corresponding to the current time on the probe car 2 side in the time-dependent probe information transmission determination program of FIG. On the other hand, in the vehicle information providing system according to the third embodiment, whether the probe car 2 is located at or around the corresponding point corresponding to the current time on the probe information center 3 side. This is different from the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is determined whether or not.

  A time-dependent probe information transmission determination program executed by the navigation ECU 23 of the probe car 2 and the server 11 of the probe information center 3 in the vehicle information providing system according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the probe information transmission determination program classified by time in the vehicle information provision system according to the third embodiment.

  First, the time-dependent probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 41 of the navigation device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In S41, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the ignition of the host vehicle is turned on.

  As a result, if it is determined that the ignition is turned on (S41: YES), the CPU 41 uploads the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 to the probe information center 3 in S42, and acquires an upload condition acquisition request. Is transmitted to the probe information center 3. Simultaneously with the acquisition request, information on the current position of the host vehicle (probe car 2) and the destination set by the navigation device 20 mounted on the probe car 2 is transmitted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ignition is not ON (S41: NO), the time-dependent probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  In S43, the CPU 41 receives the probe information transmission instruction transmitted from the probe information center 3 by the communication device 5. Subsequently, in S44, it is determined whether or not it is time to transmit the probe information to the probe information center 3. Here, the vehicle information providing system 1 according to the third embodiment is configured to transmit probe information newly acquired by the probe car 2 to the probe information center 3 at intervals of 1 minute.

  If it is determined that it is time to transmit the probe information (S44: YES), the communication device 5 transmits the probe information stored in the navigation probe information DB 29 to the probe information center 3 (S45). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the timing to transmit the probe information (S44: NO), it waits until the timing to transmit is reached.

  Further, in S46, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the ignition of the host vehicle is turned off. When it is determined that the ignition is not turned off (S46: NO), the process returns to S44, and it is determined again whether or not it is the probe information transmission timing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ignition is turned off (S46: YES), the time-dependent probe information transmission determination program is terminated.

  Next, a time-dependent probe information transmission determination program executed by the CPU 12 of the server 11 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in S141, the CPU 12 receives information on the current position of the probe car 2 and the destination set in the navigation device 20 transmitted from the probe car 2 in S42 by the center side communication device 6.

  Next, in S142, the CPU 12 acquires the point time correspondence data 18 from the center map information DB 16. Instead of storing the spot time correspondence data 18 in advance as part of the map data, the spot time correspondence data 18 may be created in the process of S142.

  Subsequently, in S143, the CPU 12 sets the current time to “spring (March to May)”, “summer (June to August)”, “autumn” by using a timer (not shown) provided in the server 11 or the like. (September to November) "," Winter (December to February) ", or" Full year (January to December) ". For example, if the current date and time is 12:00 on December 14, “winter” and “year-round” are specified as the current time.

  Next, in S144, the CPU 12 performs map matching on the current position of the probe car 2 received in S141, and the current time corresponds among the points in the point time correspondence data 18 (see FIG. 4) created in S142. It is determined whether or not the probe car 2 is located within the attached corresponding point and the periphery of the corresponding point (for example, within a radius of 2 km).

  If it is determined that the probe car 2 is located within the corresponding point and the vicinity of the corresponding point (S144: YES), the probe information acquired by the probe car 2 is uploaded to the probe information center 3. A transmission instruction to instruct is transmitted to the probe car 2 (S145). On the other hand, if it is determined that the probe car 2 is not located within the corresponding point and the vicinity of the corresponding point (S144: NO), the information acquired by the probe car 2 is information that is not required for other vehicles. The timing-specific probe information transmission determination program is terminated without sending a transmission instruction.

  Next, in S146, the CPU 12 receives the probe information transmitted from the probe car 2 in S45. Thereafter, in S147, the probe information received in S146 is stored in the probe information DB 15. In addition, traffic information is created from the stored probe information, and the created traffic information is transmitted based on a request from the terminal vehicle 4 as described later.

  As described above in detail, in the vehicle information providing system according to the third embodiment, after the acquisition request for the upload condition from the probe car 2 is made, the probe information center 3 responds to the point time corresponding to the time and the point. Based on the data 18, it is determined whether or not the probe car 2 is in the corresponding point associated with the current time and the vicinity of the corresponding point (S 144: YES), and the corresponding point associated with the current time and When it is determined to be in the vicinity of the corresponding point, a probe information transmission instruction is transmitted to the probe car 2 (S145), and the probe car 2 to which the transmission instruction has been transmitted is probed according to the transmitted transmission instruction. Since the information is transmitted to the probe information center 3 (S46), the information necessary for the other terminal vehicle 4 is present in consideration of the current time. That only the probe vehicle 2 to be sorted, the information probing center 3 is able to collect information. Therefore, for the required information, the number of communications between the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 is reduced while securing a sufficient number of communications and traffic, and the probe car 2 and the probe information center 3 communicate with each other. The burden on processing can be reduced.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the first to third embodiments, the probe information is transmitted to the probe information center 3 only from the probe car 2 that has the same destination as that of the other vehicle. To areas where it is known in advance (for example, concert venues, baseball stadiums, event halls, etc.) or areas where many people are known to gather on weekends (for example, parks, theme parks, etc.) The probe information may be transmitted to the probe information center 3 from the probe car 2 in which the destination is set.
Probe information is also sent to the probe information center 3 from a probe car 2 located in an area where an event or the like is known in advance, an area where a large number of people are gathered on weekends, or the like. May be configured to transmit.

  Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the probe information is transmitted to the probe information center 3 only from the corresponding time point associated with the time by the point time corresponding data 18 and the probe car 2 located in the vicinity thereof. However, the probe information may be transmitted to the probe information center 3 also from the probe car 2 located in the vicinity of the point where the target setting is large at the same time before the previous year.

  Also, the timing at which the probe car 2 transmits the current position and current time of the vehicle to the probe information center 3 is not a predetermined time interval (1 minute interval in the first to third embodiments) but a predetermined distance interval (for example, (100 m interval). Furthermore, it is good also as transmitting every time it passes a node.

It is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about the structure of the probe information center especially of the vehicle information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about especially the structure of the probe car of the vehicle information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the point time corresponding | compatible data which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the storage area of user destination DB which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the probe information transmission determination program classified by destination in the vehicle information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the probe information transmission determination program classified by time in the vehicle information provision system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is the figure which showed the specific area when a predetermined point is detected as a corresponding point. It is a flowchart of the traffic information delivery process program in the vehicle information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the probe information transmission determination program classified by destination in the vehicle information provision system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the probe information transmission judgment program classified by time in the vehicle information provision system concerning a 3rd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle information provision system 2 Probe car 3 Probe information center 4 Terminal vehicle 6 Center side communication apparatus 11 Server 12 CPU
13 RAM
14 ROM
15 Probe information DB
16 Center map information DB
17 User Destination DB
18 Location data 21 Location detection processing unit 23 Navigation ECU
31 GPS
41 CPU
42 RAM
43 ROM

Claims (2)

Information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the vehicle or the periphery of the vehicle;
In a vehicle information providing system comprising: information transmitting means for transmitting information acquired by the information acquiring means to an information center;
A time identification means to identify the current time,
Correspondence point determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle is located in the vicinity of the corresponding point or the corresponding point associated with the time specified by the time specifying means,
The information transmitting unit transmits information acquired by the information acquiring unit from the vehicle determined to be located at or around the corresponding point by the corresponding point determining unit to the information center. . A vehicle equipped with information acquisition means for acquiring information related to the vehicle or its surroundings;
In a vehicle information providing system having an information center that stores information acquired by the vehicle and distributes traffic information created based on the stored information to other vehicles,
The vehicle is
Own vehicle position detecting means for detecting the current position of the own vehicle;
Corresponding point information receiving means for receiving information about the corresponding point transmitted from the information center;
A time identification means to identify the current time,
Corresponding point determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle is located in the vicinity of the corresponding point or the corresponding point associated with the time specified by the time specifying unit;
An information transmission means for transmitting the information acquired by the information acquisition means to an information center when the corresponding point determination means determines that the vehicle is located at or near the corresponding point;
Have
The information center
Map data storage means for storing map data;
Time correspondence means for associating the time with each point of the map data;
Corresponding point information transmitting means for transmitting information on the corresponding point associated with the time by the time corresponding means;
A vehicle information providing system comprising:

Images