JPH1063728A - Method and device for linking up with operation schedule by portable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To calculate correct required time linked up with data for indicating the actual state of transport facilities and to improve the efficiency of the execution of an operation schedule by predicting the schedule time of the operation schedule, referring to traffic information obtained by a communication function further and correcting the schedule time in real time. SOLUTION: To a scheduler 1051, a departure point and a destination, etc., are specified and the departure schedule time is inputted. Then, a commendable route is displayed, the required time of respective roads is predicted and a time schedule to the destination is displayed. A portable information terminal (PDA) 1050 bidirectionally performs communication with the office 1001 of a user and an information station 1004 for originating the information of traffic conditions, etc., by using a portable telephone line 1020 through a general telephone line 1000. Further, the PDA 1050 obtains the present position of the user by using a present position obtaining means such as a GPS 1030 and monitors the difference of a movement schedule written in the scheduler 1051 and actual movement at all times.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable information terminal having a communication function, and more particularly, to assisting operation in a schedule specified by a user by mounting on a vehicle, and obtaining necessary information in accordance with the schedule. In addition, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooperating with a terminal for assisting necessary communication with the outside.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For managing a user's schedule, in the past, starting from a paper notebook, schedule management software for a personal computer that operates alone, furthermore, management of schedule data through a network, and personal management. Has schedule management software installed on a small computer such as an electronic organizer.

[0003] Separately, as a support method especially when the user goes out, especially when taking an outside action such as travel by car or business activity, the user listens to traffic jam information in a regular radio broadcast. There is a method in which the state of the road is predicted and the user himself / herself calculates the arrival time and selects an avoidance route.

[0004] In order to support this, there is a system in which traffic congestion information, especially in traffic in the Tokyo metropolitan area, is sequentially transmitted to drivers by installing a large display along major roads in the Tokyo metropolitan area and along the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway. Further, at present, each vehicle obtains traffic information provided from the Japan Road Traffic Information Center by a mobile phone system using a map output by a navigation system (self-route management computer) individually provided for each vehicle, and displays the on-vehicle display. ATIS (Ad) as a method of displaying traffic congestion information and construction information
A system called vanced Traffic Information Service) has been proposed.

[0005]

A user who actually goes out of the office, such as a travel or business activity, using these, always listens to traffic information such as radio and ATIS while watching his / her own schedule. It is necessary to correct the operation schedule based on the information obtained in step 1 and, in some cases, to notify the destination of the visit about delay or cancellation (action). These actions require the user to plan himself and take the necessary actions.

An object of the present invention is to provide such an action plan,
An object of the present invention is to enable a schedule management function and a traffic information acquisition function to be automatically performed in cooperation with each other and presented to a user. Specifically, it is recommended that the user make an automatic or telephone call to the user's destination, the transportation system used, the meal, and the place where he / she takes a break, as described in the operation schedule. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation schedule cooperation method and apparatus using a portable information terminal that can notify information in advance and cooperate with a user and a destination behavior.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A portable information terminal carried by a user can obtain traffic information by a communication function. In addition, this portable information terminal is capable of writing an operation schedule such as a travel schedule of the user therein, predicting the scheduled time of the operation schedule before the action including the travel time, and further, The scheduled time is corrected in real time with reference to the traffic information obtained by the communication function. Then, the occurrence of the correction of the scheduled time and the result thereof are presented to the user, and it is automatically or recommended that the user make a call to the visited place, and not only the user,
Be able to assist in coordinating behavior with the places visited.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a system for executing an operation schedule linking method by a portable information terminal according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for executing an operation schedule linking method by a portable information terminal according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, a portable information terminal (hereinafter, abbreviated as PDA: Personal Digital Assistant)
1050 is mounted on an automobile 1040 and includes a scheduler 1051, a map function 1052, and a route database 1053 therein. And PDA1050
Is an information station that transmits information such as a user's office 1001, a visit destination 1002, a home 1003, a traffic situation and a tourist destination of an operation route via a general telephone line 1000 using a mobile telephone line 1020. 1004 so that it can communicate bi-directionally. Also, PDA1050
Although not shown here, it is possible to communicate using a general telephone line 1000 with a transportation facility such as a rest station, a restaurant, a car ferry, etc. in the middle of an operation route, which will be described later. Information transmitted from the information bureau 1004 is
FM text multiplex broadcast 101 via FM broadcast station 1005
The information can be received as unidirectional information such as 0 or for unspecified majority. Further, the PDA 1050 obtains the current position of the user by using a current position obtaining unit such as the GPS 1030, so that the difference between the action schedule described in the scheduler 1051 and the actual action can be constantly monitored.

In the following description, the embodiments will be described basically on the premise that the terminal is mounted on a car and used. Even when the user himself uses the portable device, the same configuration operates and the same effect can be obtained.

FIG. 2 is an example of an action map for briefly explaining the operation of the system when the user actually moves to the destination by the operation schedule cooperation system using the portable information terminal according to the present invention. The user travels from the starting point 2000 to the destination 2040 along the illustrated route. On the way, we will use the car ferry 2020 to stop by the restaurant 2010 at mealtime and cross the sea 2030.
This schedule is created in advance in the scheduler 1051 of the PDA 1050 in FIG.
2 and the route database 1053, the approximate scheduled time (time) is calculated. If a reservation is necessary for boarding the car ferry 2020, the reservation is made by calling the ferry landing 2050 at the time when the estimated time is calculated. A user who has departed from the starting point 2000 may have a restaurant 20 at a place where the user passes near the scheduled time of eating.
10 lists to the map function 1052 of the PDA 1050
Information database 10 by way database 1053, communication function
If it is better to make a reservation in advance by selecting from the restaurant list obtained from 04 and making a reservation in advance, the reservation is made by telephone call before arrival. Next, when boarding the car ferry 2020, the user, while traveling on the road to the ferry landing 2050, checks the traffic situation on the way along the PDA 10 by communication means.
50, the schedule is recalculated from the delay time due to road congestion, and the scheduled time is corrected. If the arrival at the car ferry landing 2050 is delayed and it is not possible to board the scheduled car ferry 2020, the latest timetable of the car ferry 2020, which may change depending on the weather, is transmitted to the PDA 1 via the communication means.
Obtain at 050 and decide on a new car ferry service. If necessary, call the car ferry landing 2050 to make a reservation for boarding. Then, destination 204
Going to 0, but as in the case of boarding a car ferry, the change in expected arrival time is notified to the destination 2040 in advance as necessary, and changes such as a meeting time with the customer or a delay in the arrival time to the inn are changed Can be contacted. Here, the contact to the restaurant 2010, the contact to the car ferry depot 2050, the contact to the destination 2040, and the like are made by a schedule system terminal (PDA) similar to a contact, in addition to a regular telephone conversation. ) Allows automatic communication by data communication. Also, in the case of conversation communication, the user can not only converse himself / herself but also automatically transmit the time change to the other party by means such as voice synthesis of the PDA 1050. In addition to voice and data,
Automatic transmission by fax or pager is also possible.

FIG. 3 shows a portable information terminal (PDA 1050).
1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an operation schedule cooperation system according to the present invention, which is implemented and configured in FIG. The PDA 1050 is mainly configured by a CPU 3300, and various components are connected to the CPU 3300 via a bus 3350.
3300. The memory 3310 stores an operation schedule 3311 of the user, a map 3312 indicating map information, and a route database (DB) 3313 in which data of various operation routes and required time is described. An example of the data content of the operation schedule 3311 will be described later with reference to FIG. The content of the map information of the map 3312 is, for example, map data according to the “Navi Lab” unified standard. The data content of the route DB 3313 will be described later with reference to FIG.

A display 3320 is a display device of the PDA 1050 constituted by a liquid crystal panel or the like. A touch panel (not shown) is provided, and as input means to the PDA 1050, input can be made to the PDA 1050 by touching the display with a pen or the like.

The remote controller I / F 3330 is provided with the PDA 1
050 is an input means for use in a vehicle, and is similar to a remote control used in a general car navigation system. The connection in the remote controller I / F 3330 may be wired or wireless by infrared rays or ultrasonic waves.

[0016] The IC card I / F 3340 uses this PDA.
This PDA 1 is provided by an interface card or a flash memory card for performing an external I / F with the 1050.
050 is used to exchange data with another computer or on-board computer.

The FM receiver 3371 is the FM receiver shown in FIG.
This is a receiver for receiving teletext broadcasting, and the received signal is converted into a bus signal by a demodulation circuit 3370. Also,
The demodulation circuit 3370 notifies the CPU 3300 of the occurrence of reception by the FM receiver 3371 through an interrupt 3360, so that the CPU 3300 can perform processing such as reception and display with priority given to data generated by FM text multiplex broadcasting. To Although not shown, the reception from the pager is also a unidirectional information transmission method similar to the FM broadcast, and is received by the same configuration as the FM text multiplex broadcast reception.

The communication means 3381 is a communication means using a telephone line such as a cellular radio, a car telephone, a PHS, and a facsimile. This is a two-way communication, and the information to be handled involves both modulation and demodulation functions.
The communication information is converted into a bus signal by the demodulation circuit 3380 and processed by the CPU 3300.

The position detecting means 3390 has a GPS 3391
Information by radio waves from artificial satellites like Gyro 3
392 relative position detecting means, not shown,
The current position of the PDA 1050 is calculated based on information obtained from the relative position detecting means obtained from the odometer of the automobile.

The CPU 3300 has a position detecting means 3390
Is displayed on the display 3320 together with the current position information calculated in step 3 and the information of the map 3312.

Although the configuration of the car navigation system has been described so far, the CPU 3300 further corrects the operation schedule 3311 based on the current position information and the current time from a clock (not shown) as described above. The result of the operation schedule correction is presented to the user on the display 3320 if necessary, and the user is advised to contact the destination as necessary, or the communication means 33
Automatically contact the destination via 81.

When the car navigation system itself has the function aimed at by the present invention, the block diagram of FIG. 3 can be regarded as a block diagram of the car navigation system itself.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an operation schedule cooperation system constituted by a portable information terminal and an on-vehicle car navigation system. In this embodiment,
Although the concept was also explained in FIG. 3, the PDA carried by the user
4040 can be connected to a car navigation system and a PDA docking station 4 for this connection
050 is provided. The car navigation system body 4020 already exists in the car,
This car navigation system body 4020 is a GP
Information from the satellite received by the S antenna 4030,
The current position is calculated from mileage information of a gyro or a car (not shown), and the current position is superimposed on the map and displayed to the user using the navigation monitor 4000.
The operation of the car navigation system main body 4020 (zoom, scroll, etc. of the map) is performed using the remote controller 4010. In this embodiment, the PDA docking station 4050 is connected to the car navigation system main body 4020.
Connect to PD that has an operation schedule here
A4040 is connected to construct a system that performs the same operation as the system shown in FIG. 3 as a whole.

Since the PDA 4040 can be separated from the car navigation system main body 4020, the user can carry the PDA alone and perform data communication with a server or a personal computer communication host (not shown) using a portable telephone or the like connected to the PDA 4040. Can be. Therefore, the schedule input setting can be performed not in a car but in an environment where the PDA 4040 is carried around (free places such as offices, homes, and visiting places). When the PDA alone has the system configuration shown in FIG. 3, it is not necessary to cooperate with the car navigation system. However, the navigation monitor 4000 installed at a position where the user can most easily see when the user drives the car. , The visibility of the information can be improved, and the GPS antenna 3391 that cannot be received in the vehicle can also use the GPS antenna 4030 of the car navigation system to obtain information on the current position. Further, by obtaining the power supply of the PDA 4040 from the PDA docking station 4050, a large-capacity battery originally mounted on the vehicle can be used as a power supply, and it is not necessary to pay attention to the capacity of the built-in power supply of the PDA 4040. It is also possible to charge the built-in power supply itself.

When the car navigation system and the PDA are separately constructed and connected to each other by using the docking station, the components in the block diagram shown in FIG. It may be installed either in the main body 4020 or in the PDA 4040 and shared for use using a dedicated interface, or installed in common for both.

FIG. 5 is an example of operation schedule data in the operation schedule cooperation system by the portable information terminal according to the present invention. Here, a schedule when a user goes on a trip from home is illustrated. STEP # is
This is a sequential number indicating the order of the current operation schedule. By placing this STEP # at the beginning of each record,
The records of the operation schedule do not necessarily have to be arranged in the memory. In this case, address information indicating the location of the record next to each record (not shown) may be provided in each record. The scheduled time is a predicted calculated value of the time to reach each location calculated in advance according to the operation schedule. The actual time is the time when the vehicle arrives at each place during traveling, and the difference from the scheduled time obtained by using the actual time is used as delay information. The location indicates the location of each STEP # in the operation schedule. This is not necessarily a place, but also a periodic recalculation of the scheduled time is included in the STEP #, for example, as in STEP # 3, and the definition of each STEP # includes information on the place and the time in a fixed period unit. . The situation is applicable
It shows what state the user (car in this embodiment) is in during execution of STEP #. The operation contents are
The operation of the PDA in STEP # will be described. The automatic operation procedure indicates a procedure performed automatically by the PDA using communication according to this operation.

In STEP # 1, the user checks the schedule again before departure. The schedule time described in advance is described later with reference to FIG. 13. The schedule is created based on a database of the estimated time of passage on each road for each day and time. A telephone call is made to the station to obtain the latest traffic congestion information of the day (including the effect of a sudden accident or the like), and to recalculate the scheduled time using the information to rewrite the scheduled time table. In STEP # 2, the user leaves home. Write this actual time to the table. Here, the start is 4
Minute delay. In STEP # 3, since there is no recalculation due to passing the checkpoint in the middle, the same operation as STEP # 1 is performed according to the scheduled time recalculation procedure that is automatically performed every about 30 minutes, Information such as a delay from the scheduled time up to that time is presented to the user, and the scheduled time table is rewritten. Next, in STEP # 4, an actual time is acquired and recorded at a checkpoint called an entrance of an expressway. In STEP # 5, while driving on the highway, the information (meal details and detailed places, etc.) of the restaurants existing at the places where the meals pass during the meal time set beforehand between 12:00 and 13:00 is stored in the map in the self-memory. Obtained from a database or sightseeing information obtained by communication, etc., and presented to the user in the form of a list. The user selects a place to eat from this list, and if necessary, places an order for a meal at a restaurant in advance using the operation procedure described later with reference to FIG. 11 in STEP # 6. Next, in STEP # 7, rest places such as a service area passing near a time corresponding to a break time designated in advance as every hour are displayed in a list form, and a break is recommended. Here, the list of resting places shows the service areas described in the map database, but a restaurant obtained by the same procedure as in STEP # 5 may be displayed to recommend a break. STEP # 8 repeats this hourly rest cycle. In STEP # 9, the same operation as in STEP # 4 is performed to obtain the actual time at the exit of the expressway, The information is presented to the user, and the scheduled time table is rewritten. In STEP # 10, the actual time is acquired at checkpoints such as a break every hour or a turning point specified in the route setting, and if there is no checkpoint, the scheduled time is recalculated every 30 minutes. Take a break at the restaurant in STEP # 11 and depart in STEP # 14. At this time, the scheduled time is recalculated using the coordinates of the restaurant. STEP # 13
Predict the estimated time of arrival at the ferry landing used on the way and call the ferry landing. Determine the ship to board based on the ferry timetable and make a reservation if necessary. This operation by the user will be described later with reference to FIG. At STEP # 14, the passenger arrives at the ferry landing and gets on board. At STEP # 15, when he / she disembarks from the ferry landing, the scheduled time is recalculated in the same manner as STEP # 1. STEP # 1
The operation at 5 may be performed on the ferry instead of after disembarking the ferry. Next, in STEP # 16, the arrival time at the destination is predicted, and the destination (here, the dormitory for the day) is notified of the estimated arrival time by telephone. Then, the user arrives at the dormitory in STEP # 17 and records the arrival time. The result of this recording is
Save it as a trip record.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation schedule cooperation system by the portable information terminal according to the present invention described with reference to the operation schedule data of FIG. First, basic data of an operation schedule is input (6000). This is for designating a starting point, a destination, a place to be dropped in on the way and a stay time, and inputting a scheduled departure time.

Next, until the editing is completed (6010), a recommended route for realizing the input basic data is displayed (6011). Next, the required time is predicted using the ATIS and the passage time of each day and time of each road described later with reference to FIG. If this data does not exist, provisional calculation is performed using the speed limit or the standard speed (for example, time limit × 80%) of the road (6012). from this result,
The operation schedule shown in FIG. 5 is created, and the time schedule to the destination is displayed. If there is any dissatisfaction, the route is corrected in detail (6013), and the user makes a fine correction to the recommended route calculated as a standard. Specifically, in the normal recommended route, the route is specified so as to connect a certain wide road or national road, but the prediction of the time when using the so-called back road discovered when looking at the details of the map is performed And decide the final route.
An example of this specific PDA operation will be described later with reference to FIG. For items that require advance reservation in the middle of the route, it is recommended that an automatic reservation be made using e-mail or FAX, or that the user make a reservation call (60).
14). The determination as to whether an advance reservation is necessary is made based on the information in the map information in advance and the sightseeing information obtained from the information station shown in FIG.

Next, at the time of departure, the route and the required time are confirmed again (6020). The procedure is as described above 6011-601
Same as 4. This corresponds to STEP # 1 in FIG.

Then, departure and arrival at the destination (60
The following six operations are repeated by 30). First, the latest road conditions are obtained by ATIS at regular time intervals, and the required time is predicted and the scheduled data is corrected (6031). This corresponds to STEP # 3 in FIG. The second is an operation (6032) for displaying, selecting, making a reservation, canceling a change in schedule, and the like, of a list of restaurants that pass at the designated time. These correspond to STEP # 5 in FIG. The third is a procedure for receiving the operation / congestion status from the ferry landing, calculating the boarding time from the arrival / departure arrival time, and making a reservation (6033). This corresponds to STEP # 13 in FIG. Fourth,
This is a procedure of recommending a break at regular intervals and displaying a list of places available for breaks passing near the designated time (6034). This corresponds to STEP # 7 in FIG. Fifth,
Although not shown in FIG. 5, as a solution to the problem peculiar to an automobile, a place where the remaining amount of fuel obtained from the traveling distance managed by the navigation system becomes a certain amount or less on a future traveling route is predicted. And recommend refueling. A list of gas stations in the vicinity is displayed (6035). The sixth predicts the arrival time at the destination, and transmits the time to the destination in advance as necessary (6036). This corresponds to STEP # 16 in FIG. The first (6031) to sixth (6036) operations are repeated until arrival at the destination (6030), thereby dynamically managing the operation schedule. The first to sixth procedures include, in addition to those shown here, a program for, for example, placing a passenger at a specific place or joining another vehicle at a specific place and time. Basically, a schedule is set so that the user arrives at a specific place at a certain time within a certain range, and the schedule is constantly monitored. This can be achieved in one step.

FIG. 7 shows a procedure in which a salesperson who patrols several places to visit, for example, performs a business in cooperation with an office using an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal according to the present invention. It is an example. This embodiment is based on the premise that the means of transportation of the user need not be limited to an automobile but travel by train, bus, or foot.
Further, it is assumed that the office has a server that manages business results as minutes, and that the person in charge of the office is prepared to take necessary actions according to the contents of the server. Here, the user is a salesman and needs to make 10 visits on this day.

Therefore, first, the visit order is determined (700).
Perform 0). Here, the coordinates are calculated based on the address of each visit (7001), and then a visit route that minimizes the travel distance between the visits (minimizes the travel time) is determined. (7002). At this time, a provisional draft of the visit time is calculated using the route database described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG.

Next, visit reservation and correction are performed (701).
0). First, a call is made to each visit destination in the order of visit, and a reservation is made to the other party to visit at the previously designated visit time (701).
1). Here, if the reservation is not possible due to the inconvenience of the other party, the visitor is exchanged with the next visitor (or a route that minimizes the travel time after the first set route in the order after this visit). To restructure the visit order)
A reservation is made again (7012). If a reservation cannot be made even after repeating this procedure, give up the visit on this day and add this visit to the visit schedule for the next day and thereafter.

Then, the patrol visit is actually started (70).
20). First, immediately before departure, the visit time is corrected again using the road database described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and the information indicating the road situation such as ATIS, and the result is too different from the original schedule. In the case where an important road is blocked by an accident, for example, the patrol route is reviewed again and the visitor is notified of the correction (7021). Next, when the user visits each of the destinations, a minutes form in the form of a standard document is called on the PDA carried by the user (7022), and the address and the business address of the destination determined when the route is set in advance are set. Is automatically filled in (7023). During the meeting at the visit or at the end of the visit, the minutes are entered, and necessary corrections are made to the automatically entered items (for example, the visitor was a different person) (7024). Then, the urgent visit result is immediately transmitted to the office using a mobile phone or the like (7025). The transmitted minutes are checked by the person in office and necessary actions are taken.

When all patrols have been completed, the user performs processing after returning to the office (7030). This need not necessarily be performed after returning to the office, but may be performed directly by returning home and using a computer at home. First,
Edit the minutes created during the visit as necessary (see 70
31). Next, a future policy is determined based on the business results on this day, and a schedule for adding a necessary visit to the next day's visit list is set (7032). And finally,
The minutes are submitted to the superior via the server, and the business on this day is completed. Of course, at the time of determining the future policy in 7032, once the minutes are submitted to the supervisor, a meeting may be held to determine the future policy. Submission of minutes using a telephone line or other network to the office (7
033) can be performed.

FIG. 8 is an example of a screen of a PDA or a computer showing a specific operation procedure for setting an operation route in the operation schedule linking system using the portable information terminal according to the present invention. This screen will be described as a PDA screen, but it may be a screen of a personal computer installed in an office or home, or a screen of a car navigation system installed in an automobile.

FIG. 8A shows a screen 80 for setting a route.
00. A starting point and a destination are set first, and a detailed turn in the middle is automatically determined as a recommended route as described (6011) with reference to FIG. As shown in this figure, each turn or check point is displayed in a form surrounded by a circle, and when one of them is selected, a detailed view 8010 of the turn is displayed. This screen can be referred to at any time even during actual driving.

FIG. 8B shows the estimated arrival time at the destination and each checkpoint according to the set route.
Is a screen for predictive calculation using a route database described later with reference to FIG. On the screen, the calculation results of each checkpoint and the estimated arrival time are displayed in the order of calculation. By displaying the message 8020 during the DB access, it is shown that the route database is accessed and the estimated time is predicted based on the information. If there are many checkpoints on the way, scroll bar 8
030 allows scrolling up and down. Also at this time, only the starting point (here, Totsuka), the location and the time of the destination are always displayed without being scrolled out.

FIG. 8C shows a screen of a route file operation menu. By pressing the message button 8040, the route data composed of the route and the scheduled time created and edited in FIGS.
D or an external storage device such as a flash memory. By pressing the message button 8041, the already created route data is loaded into the memory so that it can be referenced and edited. By pressing the message button 8042, the route data can be transferred from the PDA to another PDA in this case. This is, for example, a button for editing a route on a computer in an office or home and transmitting the edited route to the portable information terminal. Specifically, a method of transferring data by connecting to a mobile phone of a partner PDA by telephone and a method of transferring data to a nearby PDA by a wireless communication means such as wired, infrared, or weak radio waves are used. Further, after saving to the flash memory card using the message button 8040, the transfer method by loading the route data by inserting the flash memory card into another PDA and pressing the message button 8041 can be selected. The message button 8043 is a button for direct transfer from a personal computer in an office or home to a car navigation system mounted on an automobile.

FIG. 8D shows the next screen when this button 8043 is pressed. The destination car is registered in a table 8050 in which the name of the owner and the name of the car are paired, such as a telephone directory. Here, by selecting “Murakami: Ferrari”, the message 8051 being transferred is registered. When the distance from the mobile phone mounted on the car or the office or home to the car is short, the route data is transferred by wireless communication using a specific low-power radio wave used for wireless phones. I do. The name of this owner and the name of the car
It is built by the user himself, and may be a nickname or the like that the user himself can surely understand instead of the official vehicle name or registration number.

FIG. 9 is an example of a screen for finely modifying the scheduled route in the operation schedule linking system using the portable information terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 9A shows FIG.
This is a screen for predicting and calculating a destination and an estimated time of arrival at each checkpoint, as in (b). Here, not only the information of the route database on the day of departure but also the latest traffic information of the day is obtained by communication and the predicted time is calculated. Here, a message 9000 indicating that ATIS is being accessed is displayed, traffic information based on ATIS is received, and the predicted time is recalculated using this information.

FIG. 9B shows a screen for finely modifying the route when the calculated predicted time is not satisfactory. When passing through a certain intersection, a route 9030 which is set in advance and where a delay due to traffic congestion is severe is proposed as shown in FIG. In this example, the passage completion time is 9:10 in the preset route 9030, whereas the passage completion time is 8:42 by using the avoidance route 9020, so that the time can be reduced. However, the avoidance route usually has information about the avoidance route 9040 when there is a reason such as a narrow road or danger.
Is presented to the user, and a guide as to which way to select is presented to the user. For this information, basic data is stored in the map information and route database, and A
Necessary information can be presented to a user by adding information on a change in traffic volume due to an accident or the like based on the latest information such as TIS.

FIG. 10 is an example showing a screen of a message shown to the user in the operation schedule cooperation system using the portable information terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a screen for recommending the user to take a break at regular intervals, as described in STEP # 7 in FIG. When the time near which a break is required approaches, the location of the service area or parking area in the vicinity is indicated, the arrival time there is also indicated, and the user is advised to take a break.
FIG. 10B is a screen showing information on the car ferry to be used, described in STEP # 13 in FIG.
An estimated time of arrival at a ferry landing and a list 10000 of available ferries after the estimated time of arrival are shown. . Multiple lists are displayed, scroll bar 1002
By scrolling by designating 0, all can be seen. Thus, for example, even if the user arrives at the ferry landing, the user does not immediately take a flight and can make time for buying souvenirs. When the ferry to be boarded is determined, when the ferry is selected, a reservation button 10010 is pressed to call the ferry landing and make a reservation for boarding. The boarding reservation by telephone can be made by dialing this portable information terminal automatically, recommending that the user conduct a telephone conversation, and making a reservation directly, or by facsimile or e-mail at the ferry landing. A method of automatically sending a reservation message can be adopted.

FIG. 11 is an example showing a screen of a message informing a user of an event to be performed at a specific time in the operation schedule cooperation system using the portable information terminal according to the present invention. Here, STEP # 5, ST # 5 in FIG.
The following is an example of a recommendation on a meal equivalent to EP # 6.

FIG. 11 (a) shows the operation shown in STEP # 5 in FIG. 5, in which a recommendation that a meal time will come soon and a menu of a restaurant existing at a place where the user will pass at the scheduled time are displayed. doing. The list of restaurants is displayed based on the tourist information described in the map information and the latest tourist information transmitted from the information bureau described with reference to FIG. Here, when the user selects △△ restaurant and presses the reservation button,
A screen as shown in FIG. 11B is displayed.

On the screen of FIG. 11B, a menu 11000 of this restaurant is displayed. By selecting the menu, confirming the date and time 11010 and pressing the reservation button, the car menu shown in FIG. Reservation is made in the same procedure as ferry reservation. When setting the date and time, the current estimated arrival time is automatically displayed.If the user has another desire, for example, to visit a nearby souvenir shop, set a time shifted from the scheduled time. Be able to make reservations. In this example, by selecting the part that indicates "minute" in the time, the display of "minute" is shaded, and you can change the "minute" by pressing the up and down keys I do. When the setting is completed, the reservation operation is started by pressing the reservation button.

FIG. 12 shows an operation screen for transmitting the estimated arrival time to the destination when there is a delay in the arrival time at the destination in the operation schedule cooperation system using the portable information terminal according to the present invention. It is an example.

FIG. 12 (a) corresponds to STEP # 16 in FIG. 5, in which the arrival time at the destination is recalculated and the expected arrival time is delayed by a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) or more. Is generated, the user is notified of the delay of the scheduled arrival time at the destination, and the user is allowed to select whether to notify the destination of the delay. When contacting the destination, pressing the delay contact button 12000 causes a transition to the contact screen of FIG. 12B. The user decides whether to notify the delay, for example, even if the delay occurs immediately after starting in the morning, there is no need to immediately notify the destination of the delay in the evening arrival time, for example, in the afternoon It is only necessary to notify the destination for the first time at the time when the preparation of the meal at the destination is affected, and it is not always necessary to automatically notify the destination. Of course,
If a program is programmed in advance, it is possible to automatically notify the delay.

FIG. 12B is a screen for notifying a delay to a destination. The display method is to display a scheduled arrival time due to the delay, and as a communication method, a telephone call by a telephone button 12010 and an e-mail by a communication button 12020 Alternatively, it is possible to select communication communication by facsimile. Here, two buttons 12010, 1202
When any one of 0 is selected, a dial button 12030 appears, and when this button is pressed, automatic dialing is performed. In the case of telephone, the subsequent conversation is performed by the user directly by telephone, and in the case of communication, it is automatically performed. This screen displays F instead of the communication button.
There may be an AX button or an e-mail button, and the screen may be changed to a screen for selecting FAX or e-mail by pressing the communication button. In addition, the notification of the change of the reservation described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and the like can be made on the same screen as this screen.

FIG. 13 shows a first example of a specific format of the route database in the operation schedule cooperation system by the portable information terminal according to the present invention. The road database stores the degree of congestion of each road for each day and time, and is created based on past statistical information. Each terminal may be created using information accumulated on the basis of road information such as ATIS or data of actual travel, or the route database information itself is supplied from a road management organization as information on roads. You may do it. The database is constructed as a relationship between the roads divided at appropriate intervals and the time required for passing through the roads,
For the road, the coordinates of the start point and the end point, the name of the road, and the transit time are converted into data by day and time. The same road has an outbound route and a return route, but this is described as another record in which the start point coordinates and the end point coordinates are exchanged.

FIG. 14 is a second example of a specific format of the route database in the operation schedule linking system by the portable information terminal according to the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in that an image of the end of each road is stored in the database in addition to the passage time of the road. In FIG. 14A, for example, when going from a starting point 14040 to a destination 14000, a turning corner 140 on the way is shown.
In addition to the map display by car navigation, if there is an image that includes the scenery around the corner (such as the name of a building) in the case of a small road that is particularly difficult to understand,
The existence of a corner is easy to understand, and the mistake of making a mistake on the road is reduced. Here, the coordinates 14 corresponding to the corner are
Image 1406 is stored in the road database ending at 050
Add 0 and save. When referring to this, together with the map, an image 14060 and an arrow 1407 indicating a turning direction are displayed.
0 is superimposed and displayed.

Here, for example, the user sets the starting point 1404.
When visiting the destination 14000 from 0, the destination 1
4000 has a recommended route (less crowded, easy to understand, less dangerous, etc.) for its location as a database, and has an image here. By transmitting this to the visitor, the visitor can follow arrows 14030, 14020,
By proceeding to 14010, it is possible to reach the destination. Of course, in this case, there is no need to have an image.However, compared to acquiring image data of all roads at the nationwide level, a specific company can use the image of a road that is easy to make mistakes in the route to the company. Companies that are much easier to convert, especially those who have a lot of visits, can reduce the burden on visitors to their company and make it easier for them to visit. . In addition, by specifying routes that reduce the burden on general traffic routes,
This can help solve problems such as traffic congestion.

FIG. 14B shows an example of a route database to which image data has been added. Each section managed by the route number has end point coordinates and start point coordinates, day of the week, time, and required time data. Then, the file name of the image obtained by viewing the end point coordinates from the start point coordinate side is attached. By searching this database from the coordinate values, an image of the end point coordinates can be obtained from the corresponding route #.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to calculate an accurate required time for an operation schedule that a user intends to execute, in cooperation with data indicating the actual state of transportation. The efficiency of schedule execution can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes a cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an action map that briefly explains the operation of the system when a user actually moves to a destination using an operation schedule cooperation system by a portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a portable information terminal that executes a cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a device configuration when an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention is docked and used in a car navigation system of an automobile.

FIG. 5 is an example of operation schedule data included in an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation schedule cooperation system by the portable information terminal for executing the cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a procedure in which a salesperson performs an operation of patroling several places to visit in cooperation with an office using an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes a cooperation method according to the present invention. It is an example.

FIG. 8 is a PDA showing a specific operation procedure when setting an operation route in an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention.
And an example of a computer screen.

FIG. 9 is an example of a screen for finely modifying a scheduled route in an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an example showing a screen of a message shown to a user in an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an example showing a screen of a message notifying a user of an event to be performed at a specific time in an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an operation screen for transmitting the estimated arrival time to the destination when a delay occurs in the arrival time at the destination in the operation schedule cooperation system by the portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention. This is the example shown.

FIG. 13 is a first example of a specific format of a route database in an operation schedule cooperation system using a portable information terminal that executes a cooperation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a second example of a specific format of the route database in the operation schedule cooperation system by the portable information terminal that executes the cooperation method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1050: PDA, 1000: General telephone line, 1020
... mobile phone line, 1010 ... FM teletext, 103
0: GPS, 2000: Starting point, 2040: Destination, 4
020: Car navigation system, 4050: PD
A docking station.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Sada Kuwahara 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Pref. Multimedia Systems Development Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Michihiro Mase Yoshida, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 292, Hitachi, Ltd. Multimedia System Development Division, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (33)

[Claims] A travel time is designated by referring to schedule management data for managing travel schedules and information indicating the status of a travel route, and each travel point to be traveled is calculated. The operation schedule linkage method by the portable information terminal to be performed. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the status of the travel route is calculated by calculating the time required for travel using a database of the portable terminal, and based on the result, the user can modify the operation schedule. An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, characterized in that the method is enabled. 3. A portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein said portable information terminal is provided with a communication means, and said information indicating the state of the travel route is issued to a service system for grasping and managing traffic conditions. Receiving the information using the means, calculating the time required for the movement using the information, and enabling the user to modify the operation schedule based on the calculation result; Method. 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the operation of designating each passing point uses information from a database, and information obtained from a service system for grasping and managing the traffic condition immediately before the operation is used. An operation schedule cooperation method using a portable information terminal, wherein the operation schedule is recalculated and necessary correction is performed using the operation schedule. 5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the database is
An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, wherein information obtained by a user of the portable information terminal while moving is accumulated and constructed as statistical information. 6. A portable information terminal according to claim 2, wherein said portable information terminal is provided with communication means, said database is constructed by accumulating information grasped by a service system for grasping and managing traffic conditions as statistical information, and Receiving an operation schedule using the communication means. 7. The system according to claim 2, wherein the database is
An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, comprising start point coordinates, end point coordinates of a road, and time data required for passing between the coordinates for each day of the week and time. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the database is:
An operation schedule cooperation method by a portable information terminal, comprising image data obtained by photographing a state near an end point coordinate from a start point coordinate to an end point coordinate direction. 9. The operation schedule cooperation method according to claim 3, wherein the operation schedule data can be subjected to the calculation at predetermined time intervals to make necessary corrections. 10. The operation schedule cooperation by a portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the operation schedule data is recalculated using the passing time every time the vehicle passes each passing point scheduled to move, and time management of the entire operation schedule is performed. Method. 11. A method according to claim 3, wherein a delay time of arrival time at a destination is calculated. 12. The operation by a portable information terminal according to claim 11, wherein a communication means is provided in the portable information terminal, and a delay time of the arrival time at the destination is transmitted to the destination using said communication means. Schedule linkage method. 13. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of displaying an action option at the destination according to the delay time. 14. The operation schedule linking method according to claim 13, wherein a communication means is provided in the portable information terminal, and a result selected from options is transmitted to a destination using said communication means. 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein
An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, wherein the transmission is automatically performed. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the transmission is performed by facsimile.
Alternatively, an operation schedule linkage method using a portable information terminal, which is performed by e-mail. 17. The method according to claim 12, wherein
An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, wherein the transmission is performed by a user having a conversation with a transmission partner by telephone, and the telephone is automatically dialed. 18. The operation schedule according to claim 1, wherein the operation schedule includes a program for performing a specific action at regular time intervals or at or after a designated time, and at regular time intervals or before the designated time during operation. An operation schedule linkage method using a portable information terminal, which recommends a user to perform a specific action in the vicinity. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein information and operation procedures necessary for said action are presented to a user or executed. 20. The operation schedule method according to claim 1, wherein the operation schedule is in a form of traveling around a plurality of destinations. 21. A portable information terminal according to claim 20, further comprising: a communication means provided in said portable information terminal, wherein arrival times are presented to a plurality of destinations described in an operation schedule in a traveling order, and said portable information terminal utilizes said communication means. An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, wherein an arrival reservation is made at a location. 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein a recording paper format used at said plurality of destinations is automatically generated and presented to a user. 23. The recording medium according to claim 22, wherein the recording paper format is transmitted to a place different from the patrol route of the user using the communication means after the preparation of the recording paper at the destination is completed. An operation schedule linkage method using a portable information terminal. 24. A method according to claim 1, wherein a detailed route of each step of the operation schedule is corrected with reference to the calculated time of the entire operation schedule. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the correcting operation includes:
An operation schedule cooperation method using a portable information terminal, wherein the operation is performed by a desktop or notebook-shaped personal computer installed in a fixed or semi-fixed state. 26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the correcting operation includes:
An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, which is performed by a portable information terminal. 27. The method according to claim 25, wherein
An operation schedule linking method using a portable information terminal, wherein the operation schedule data obtained by the correction work is transmitted to the portable information terminal or a car navigation system mounted on a vehicle by communication. 28. A method according to claim 26, wherein said portable information terminal is connected to a car navigation system mounted on a vehicle. 29. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein a communication means is provided in the portable information terminal, and a computer and a communication device at the destination use the communication means to set an operation schedule indicating a route from the position of the user to the destination and a required time. And transmitting the data to the mobile information terminal by using the mobile information terminal. 30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the operation schedule transmitted by the destination computer and the communication device includes an image. 31. A memory which stores a map showing an operation schedule and map information and a route database in which various operation routes and required time data are stored in a portable information terminal;
The current position detecting means is provided, and the time required for the movement is calculated by referring to the schedule management data for managing the movement schedule of each passing point of the specified movement and the information indicating the state of the movement route, and the time of the entire operation schedule is calculated. An operation schedule linking device using a portable information terminal, wherein the operation schedule is linked. 32. A portable information terminal according to claim 31, wherein said portable information terminal is provided with a communication means, and receives information indicating a state of a moving route from a service system for grasping and managing traffic conditions. Operation schedule linking device using information terminal. 33. A portable information terminal having a memory storing a map showing an operation schedule and map information, and a route database in which various operation routes and required time data are described, and a car navigation system having a current position detecting means. The time required for the movement is calculated by referring to schedule management data for managing the movement schedule of each passing point of the specified movement and information indicating the state of the movement route, and time management of the entire operation schedule is performed. An operation schedule linking device using a portable information terminal, wherein: