WO2007083628A1

WO2007083628A1 - Communication relay device, communication terminal device, communication method, communication program, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2007083628A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/050502
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takehiko Maruyama; Ryuichi Yamada; Kie Arayama; Osamu Takagi; Jun Oosugi
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-01-17
Filing date: 2007-01-16
Publication date: 2007-07-26

Abstract

A communication system (100) includes a communication terminal device (120) for performing communication within a group formed by a plurality of predetermined communication terminal device (120) (hereinafter, referred to as an in-group communication); and a communication relay device (110) for relaying the in-group communication. A reception unit (111) of the communication relay device (110) receives start request information requesting start of the in-group communication from a communication terminal device (120) belonging to the group. According to the start request information received by the reception unit (111), a transmission unit (112) transmits participation request information requesting for participation in the in-group communication to the other communication terminal device (120) belonging to the group.

Description

Specification

Communication relay device, communication terminal device, communication method, communication program, and recording medium

Technical field

The present invention relates to a communication relay device, a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium used for transmitting / receiving information in a group formed by a plurality of predetermined communication terminal devices. However, utilization of the present invention is not limited to the above-described communication relay device, communication terminal device, communication method, communication program, and recording medium. Background art

[0002] Conventionally, in a navigation device that searches and guides a route to a destination point, a group (party) is formed by a plurality of vehicles having a common purpose, and current position information of each vehicle is shared. The point party function is known.

[0003] A navigation apparatus having such a function, for example, mediates a party about whether or not to participate in a party, and the user of each vehicle notifies the mediation server of the party. The user's navigation device indicating the intention to join the party notifies the mediation center of the current position information of the own device, and also receives a request for transmission of the current position information of other vehicles participating in the same party. . Then, the current position information of other vehicles received is displayed on the display (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). O

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-062147

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, according to the above-described prior art, in order to participate in a registered party, each participant must make settings for participating in the party at the start of the run. An example of this is the problem that there is a possibility that you may forget to set it on the day of your participation in the party.

[0006] Further, as an example, there is a problem that when a prospective participant does not participate in the party, he / she must contact other participants by means of telephone or the like. At that time, each If the participant's residence is scattered in various places, even if he or she tries to reach the same destination, the departure time will be different. Despite this, forgetting to set it, I can't know if it's powerful enough to start driving, yet it's ugly. As an example, there is a problem that communication is often complicated even when the method of contacting the prospective participant differs depending on whether or not the vehicle has started running.

Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the communication relay device according to the invention of claim 1 is a communication within a group formed by a plurality of predetermined communication terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as an intra-group communication). A communication relay device that relays communication), a communication terminal device belonging to the group mentioned above, a reception unit that receives start request information for requesting the start of intra-group communication, and the start received by the reception unit Transmission means for transmitting participation request information for requesting participation in the intra-group communication to other communication terminal devices belonging to the group based on the request information.

[0008] Further, the communication terminal device according to the invention of claim 4 is a communication terminal device that communicates with another communication terminal device belonging to a predetermined group via a communication relay device, wherein the group An instruction means for instructing the start of communication within the network (hereinafter referred to as intra-group communication) Transmitting means for transmitting request information to the communication relay device.

[0009] The communication method according to the invention of claim 6 is used in a communication relay device that relays communication within a group (hereinafter referred to as intra-group communication) formed by a plurality of predetermined communication terminal devices. A communication method comprising: a communication terminal device belonging to the group; a reception step for receiving start request information for requesting the start of intra-group communication; and the start request information received by the reception step. A transmission step of transmitting participation request information for requesting participation in the intra-group communication to another communication terminal device belonging to the group.

[0010] Further, the communication method according to the invention of claim 7 is preliminarily determined through a communication relay device. A communication method used in a communication terminal device that communicates with another communication terminal device belonging to a specified group, wherein an instruction input for instructing start of communication within the group (hereinafter referred to as intra-group communication) is input And a transmission step of transmitting start request information for requesting the start of intra-group communication to the communication relay device when the instruction input is input by the input step.

[0011] Further, a communication program according to the invention of claim 8 causes a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 6 or 7.

[0012] Further, a recording medium according to the invention of claim 9 is readable by a computer in which the communication program according to claim 8 is recorded.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a procedure of participation request information transmission processing by the communication relay device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of intra-group communication start processing by a communication terminal device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of intra-group communication processing by the navigation device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of intra-group communication processing by the navigation device.

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of intra-group communication relay processing by the management server.

[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of relay processing of intra-group communication by the management server.

Explanation of symbols

[0014] 100 communication system 110 Communication relay device

111 Receiver

112 Transmitter

113 Acquisition Department

120 Communication terminal equipment

121 Input section

122 Transmitter

123 Receiver

124 Participation response section

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a communication relay device, a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] (Embodiment)

First, a functional configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a communication relay device 110 and a communication terminal device 120. Note that there is only one communication terminal apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 1. It is assumed that the communication system 100 includes a plurality of communication terminal apparatuses 120.

[0017] The communication relay device 110 relays communication within a group (intra-group communication) formed by a plurality of communication terminal devices 120 that are determined in advance, and includes a reception unit 111, a transmission unit 112, and an acquisition unit. It is comprised by 113. The communication relay device 110 has information that allows the communication terminal device 120 belonging to a predetermined group to be identified.

[0018] Receiving section 111 receives start request information for requesting the start of intra-group communication from communication terminal apparatus 120 belonging to a predetermined group. The start request information is, for example, a message that prompts the user of the communication terminal device 120 to participate in intra-group communication. Further, the receiving unit 111 may receive designation information for designating the communication terminal device 120 that requests participation in intra-group communication among the plurality of communication terminal devices 120 together with the start request information. [0019] Based on the start request information received by receiving unit 111, transmission unit 112 transmits participation request information for requesting participation in intra-group communication to other communication terminal apparatuses 120 belonging to the group. To do. In addition, when the reception unit 111 receives the designation information, the transmission unit 112 transmits participation request information to the communication terminal device 120 designated by the designation information among the other communication terminal devices 120.

[0020] Acquisition unit 113 acquires information regarding the participation state of the plurality of communication terminal apparatuses 120 in the intra-group communication. The information on the participation state is, for example, information on whether or not the communication terminal device 120 belonging to the group is currently participating in the group. When the acquisition unit 113 acquires information related to the participation state, the transmission unit 112 transmits participation request information to the communication terminal device 120 that participates in intra-group communication.

Next, a functional configuration of communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described. The communication terminal device 120 communicates with other communication terminal devices 120 belonging to a predetermined group via the communication relay device 110, and the input unit 121, the transmission unit 122, the reception unit 123, and the participation response unit 124. It is composed by.

The input unit 121 receives an instruction input for instructing start of intra-group communication. The input unit 121 is, for example, an input key or button provided on the main body of the communication terminal device 120, a touch panel using the display of the communication terminal device 120, or the like.

[0023] When an instruction input is input from the input unit 121, the transmission unit 122 transmits start request information for requesting the start of intra-group communication to the communication relay device 110. The transmitting unit 122 may transmit the designation information for designating the communication terminal device 120 that requests participation in intra-group communication among the plurality of communication terminal devices 120 together with the start request information.

[0024] When the start of intra-group communication is requested by another communication terminal apparatus 120, the receiving unit 123 receives from the communication relay apparatus 110 participation request information requesting participation in intra-group communication.

The participation response unit 124 causes the communication relay device 110 to transmit response information for the participation request information received by the reception unit 123 via the transmission unit 122. The response information to the participation request information is, for example, information on whether or not to participate in the group. Sending information used for group participation authentication as information indicating that participation is possible As good as.

Next, intra-group communication processing by the communication system 100 will be described. In the communication system 100, the communication relay device 110 performs intra-group communication by relaying intra-group communication by the plurality of communication terminal devices 120. Hereinafter, a request for participation in intra-group communication to communication terminal apparatus 120 by communication relay apparatus 110 and start of intra-group communication by communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of participation request information transmission processing by the communication relay device. Communication relay apparatus 110 first waits until receiving section 111 receives start request information transmitted by communication terminal apparatus 120 (step S 201: No loop). When the start request information is received (step S201: Yes), it is determined whether or not the received start request information includes the specified information (step S202).

[0028] If the specified information is included (step S202: Yes), the specified communication terminal device 120 is specified (step S203). Here, specifying the communication terminal apparatus 120 means specifying an address for information transmission / reception with the communication terminal apparatus 120, for example. On the other hand, if the specified information is not included (step S202: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0029] Next, the acquisition unit 113 acquires information related to the participation status of each of the plurality of communication terminal devices 120 (step S204), and participates in intra-duplex communication based on the acquired information related to the participation status. The communication terminal device 120 that is not connected is identified (step S 205). Then, the participation request information is transmitted to the communication terminal device 120 specified in step S203 and step S205 (step S206), and the processing according to this flowchart ends.

[0030] Next, start processing of intra-group communication by communication terminal apparatus 120 will be described.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for starting communication within a group by the communication terminal device. First, communication terminal apparatus 120 determines whether or not an input of an instruction for instructing start of intra-group communication is input to input unit 121 (step S301).

[0031] When an instruction input is input (step S301: Yes), a request to start intra-group communication is transmitted to the communication relay device 110 (step S302). Then, it is determined whether or not the intra-group communication has started (step S303). If intra-group communication has started (step S303: Yes), the purpose is achieved, and the processing according to this flowchart ends. [0032] On the other hand, if intra-group communication does not start (step S303: No), and if no instruction input is input in step S301 (step S301: No), communication relay device 110 receives a group. It is determined whether or not the participation request information requesting participation in the internal communication has been received (step S304). That is, it is determined whether or not a request for starting intra-group communication has been made from another communication terminal device 120.

When the participation request information is received (step S304: Yes), the participation response information is transmitted to the communication relay device 110 (step S305), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, if the participation request information is not received (step S304: No), the process returns to step S301, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0034] As described above, according to the communication system 100 according to the embodiment, when the start request information is transmitted from the communication terminal device 120 when performing communication within the group by the plurality of communication terminal devices 120, A request to participate in intra-group communication is transmitted to the other communication terminal device 120. As a result, the user of other communication terminal apparatus 120 can be prompted to participate in intra-group communication.

[0035] Further, by transmitting participation request information from the communication relay device 110, the communication terminal device 120 can participate in intra-group communication while omitting complicated connection operations. In particular, when the communication terminal device 120 is mounted on a mobile object, it is possible to reduce the operational burden on the driver of the mobile object and encourage safe driving.

[0036] Furthermore, by transmitting participation request information based on information related to the participation state of each communication terminal apparatus 120 in intra-group communication, it is possible to efficiently request participation from other communication terminal apparatuses 120. Can be done. In addition, by specifying the communication terminal device 120 that transmits the participation request information, the participation request can be transmitted to the communication terminal device 120 intended by the user.

Example

[0037] (System configuration of communication system 400)

Next, an example of the communication system 100 that works on the above-described embodiment will be described. In the following embodiment, a case where the communication system 100 is applied to intra-group communication (point party function) between a plurality of vehicles will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. The communication system 400 according to the embodiment includes a management server 410 and a navigation device 420. The management server 410 manages the intra-group communication of the loop formed by the plurality of navigation devices 420. Note that the communication relay device 110 that is relevant to the embodiment is a management server 410.

The navigation device 420 is mounted on a vehicle 430 traveling on the road L. The management server 410 and the navigation device 420 are connected via a network 440. Note that the communication terminal device 120 that is relevant to the embodiment is a navigation device 420.

When intra-group communication is performed, the navigation device 420 constantly transmits the current position information of the own device to the management server 410. The management server 410 transmits the current position information transmitted from the navigation device 420 to other navigation devices 420 that participate in the group. Thereby, the users of the vehicles 430 participating in the group can mutually grasp the current positions of the members of the group.

[0041] In addition, a message or the like can be transmitted to members participating in the group all at once or by designating members in the group. In this way, by sharing information within a group, for example, when a plurality of vehicles 430 are driving toward the same destination point, convenience can be improved.

[0042] (Hardware configuration of navigation device 420)

Next, a hardware configuration of the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. In FIG. 5, the navigation device 420 includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM (memory) 503, magnetic disk drive 504, magnetic disk 505, optical disk drive 506, optical disk 507, and audio IZF (interface) 508. A microphone 509, a speaker 510, an input device 511, a video IZF 512, a camera 513, a display 514, a communication IZF 515, a GPS unit 516, and various sensors 517. Further, the components 501 to 517 are connected by a bus 520.

First, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the navigation device 420. ROM502 is a boot program, communication program, database creation program, data analysis program Records programs such as rams. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501.

The magnetic disk drive 504 controls reading and writing of data on the magnetic disk 505 according to the control of the CPU 501. The magnetic disk 505 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504. As the magnetic disk 505, for example, HD (node disk) or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

The optical disk drive 506 controls reading and writing of data to the optical disk 507 according to the control of the CPU 501. The optical disc 507 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 506. The optical disk 507 can also use a writable recording medium. The removable recording medium may be a power MO of the optical disc 507, a memory card, or the like.

Another example of the information recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507 is map data used for route search / route guidance. The map data has background data that represents features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road. Is drawn to. When the navigation device 420 is guiding a route, the map data and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 516 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

The audio IZF 508 is connected to an audio input microphone 509 and an audio output speaker 510. Audio received by the microphone 509 is AZD converted in the audio IZF508. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 510. Note that audio input from the microphone 509 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 as audio data.

[0048] Examples of the input device 511 include a remote controller, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel that are provided with a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. Further, the input device 511 can connect other information processing terminals such as a digital camera and a mobile phone terminal to input / output data.

The video IZF 512 is connected to a camera 513 for video input and a display 514 for video output. Video IZF512, specifically, for example, control of the entire display 514 Control that controls the display of the display 514 based on the graphic controller that performs image processing, buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and image data output from the graphic controller Consists of IC and so on.

[0050] The camera 513 captures images inside and outside the vehicle 430 and outputs them as image data. The image captured by the camera 513 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 505 or the optical disk 507 as image data. The display 514 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As this display 514, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

[0051] The communication IZF 515 is connected to the network 440 via radio and functions as an interface between the navigation device 420 and the CPU 501. The communication IZF 515 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via radio, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 501.

[0052] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks, mobile phone networks, and the like. Specifically, the communication IZF 515 is configured by, for example, a wireless communication device and receives map data (update data) distributed by the management server 410.

[0053] The GPS unit 516 receives radio waves from GPS satellites, and calculates information indicating the current location of the vehicle 430 (current location of the navigation device 420). The output information of the GPS unit 516 is used when the CPU 501 calculates the current position of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 517 described later. The information indicating the current location is information that identifies one point on the map data, such as latitude'longitude and altitude.

[0054] Various sensors 517 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle 430, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 517 are used by the CPU 501 to calculate the current location and measure the amount of change in speed and direction.

Note that the hardware configuration of the management server 10 is at least the CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM (memory) 503, and magnetic disk drive 504 (or optical disk drive 506) among the hardware configurations of the navigation device 420. And a magnetic disk 505 (or optical disk 507) and communication IZF515.

[0056] In the configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment, the reception unit 111 and the transmission unit 112 of the communication relay device 110 are configured by the communication IZF 515, and the acquisition unit 113 is configured by the CPU 501 and the communication terminal device 120. The input unit 121 realizes the respective functions by the input device 511, the transmission unit 122 and the reception unit 123 by the communication IZF 515, and the participation response unit 124 by the CPU 501.

[0057] (Communication processing within group of communication system 400)

Next, intra-group communication processing of the communication system 400 will be described. Intra-group communication by the communication system 400 is performed by intra-group communication processing by the navigation device 420 and relay processing of intra-group communication by the management server 410.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are flowcharts showing the procedure of intra-group communication processing by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the navigation apparatus 420 waits until the navigation apparatus 420 is turned on (step S601: No loop). When the power is turned on (step S601: Yes), the navigation apparatus 420 is connected to the management server 410 via the communication I ZF 514 (step S602).

[0059] In this way, by connecting to the management server 410 when the navigation device 420 is activated (when the power is turned on), the vehicle 430 on which each navigation device 420 is mounted is displayed on the management server 410. It is possible to grasp whether or not traveling has started. In consideration of the possibility that there is a navigation device 420 that is set not to connect to the management server 410 at startup, the management server 410 periodically tries to connect to the navigation device 420. It is good as well. At this time, the number and frequency of connection attempts may be arbitrarily set by the user of the navigation device 420! /.

[0060] Next, the navigation device 420 determines whether or not a notice of invitation to the group has been received (step S603). The invitation to the group is a notification transmitted from another navigation device 420 when the navigation device 420 is requested to participate in the group (login). The notice of convocation includes a message that encourages participation in the group and data describing the connection destination.

[0061] When the navigation apparatus 420 is powered off, the other navigation apparatus 4 When the invitation notice is transmitted from 20, the management server 410 waits for connection until the navigation device 420 is turned on. Then, the convocation notice is transmitted immediately after the navigation device 420 is turned on and connected.

[0062] When the invitation notice is received (step S603: Yes), the invitation notice is displayed on the display 514 (step S604), and it is determined whether or not to join (log in) the group (step S605). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the user is willing to join the group that has received the convocation notice. On the display screen of the invitation notice, there is an input button that confirms whether or not there is a willingness to join the group. When the button indicating the intention to join is pressed, the server automatically connects to the management server 410 and logs in (described later). Step S606). As a result, when joining the group, the user can join the group without performing complicated processing such as a login request to the management server 410.

[0063] On the other hand, when the convocation notice is not received (step S603: No), the process proceeds to step S605 to determine whether or not to log in to the group (step S605). In this case, it is determined whether the user has the willingness to voluntarily participate in any group.

[0064] When logging into the group (step S605: Yes), mouth-guin processing is performed with the management server 410 (step S606). The navigation device 420 can log in to the group by receiving the participation authentication from the management server 410 as well. On the other hand, if you do not log in to the loop (Step S605: No), go to Step S618 in Figure 7.

When the login process is performed in step S606, the navigation device 420 can share information within the group. If the connection status of the other navigation device 420 has been confirmed (step S607: Yes), a connection status confirmation request for the other navigation device 420 is transmitted to the management server 410 (step S608). On the other hand, when the connection status of the other navigation apparatus 420 is not confirmed (step S607: No), the process proceeds to step S615 in FIG.

Here, the connection status confirmation request is a request to transmit information indicating the connection status of the other navigation device 420 to the management server 410 (hereinafter referred to as connection status information) to the navigation device 420. Is. In addition, each navigation device 420 to the group The participation status can be known from whether or not data sharing within the group (see step S615 described later) is possible, but this information may be included in the connection status information.

[0067] When a connection status confirmation request is transmitted in step S608, navigation device 420 waits until it receives connection status information of another navigation device 420 (step S609: No loop). When the connection status information is received (step S609: Yes), the navigation device 420 displays the received connection status information (step S610), and proceeds to step S611 in FIG.

[0068] Turning to the description of Fig. 7, it is determined whether or not it is the power to send a convocation notice to another navigation device 420 as a result of displaying the connection status information of the other navigation device 420 in step S609 (step S609). S611). That is, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed to send a convocation notice to another navigation device 420.

[0069] When sending the invitation notice (step S611: Yes), specify the destination of the invitation notice.

(Step S612), the invitation notice is transmitted to the management server 410 (Step S613). As the destination of the convocation notice, the user directly inputs the address of the desired destination or designates the destination from an acquaintance list such as an address book. The contents of the address book may be managed by the management server 410 and read from the management server 410 when necessary. At this time, an icon or the like may be used to indicate whether the partner registered in the address book is connected to the management server 410, that is, whether or not traveling is started. On the other hand, if the convocation notice is not sent! (Step S611: No), the process proceeds to step S615.

[0070] Subsequently, the navigation apparatus 420 waits until the convener who has transmitted the convening notice speaks to the group (step S614: No loop). Whether or not the convener has spoken to the group is confirmed by sequentially receiving the connection status of the other navigation device 420 from the management server 410. Also, if there is a navigation device 420 that has newly joined the group, you may already be logged in to the group! /, Or notify the group member's navigation device 420! /, .

[0071] When the inviter logs in to the group (step S614: Yes), data sharing is started within the group (step S615). The data shared within the group is, for example, current position information of each navigation device 420 participating in the group. Also Even if the contributor has logged in to the group in step S614, if he / she has already logged in, he / she will start sharing data among the participants who have logged in. It ’s good.

[0072] Until the navigation device 420 logs off from the group (step S616: No), the process returns to step S615 and data sharing within the group is continued. If necessary, connection status confirmation (see step S607) and convocation notice transmission (step S611) may be performed.

When the navigation apparatus 420 logs off (step S616: Yes), logoff processing is performed with the management server 410 (step S617). Then, until the navigation device 420 is turned off (step S618: No), the process returns to step S603, and the subsequent processing is continued. The case where the power of the navigation device 420 is turned off is the case where the vehicle 430 has finished traveling.

If the navigation apparatus 420 is powered off (step S618: Yes), the connection with the management server is disconnected (step S619), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

Next, relay processing for intra-group communication by the management server 410 will be described. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts showing the relay processing procedure for intra-group communication by the management server. Note that in this flowchart, the connection start force of one navigation device 420 focuses on the processing up to the end of the connection, but the management server 410 performs this processing on a plurality of navigation devices 420 in parallel. Do it! /

In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the management server 410 first waits until the navigation device 420 is connected (step S801: No loop). When the navigation device 420 is connected (step S801: Yes), the management server 410 updates the connection status database (step S802). The connection status database is a database of the connection status of all the navigation devices 420 that may participate in the group.

[0077] If there is a login request from the navigation device 420 to request participation in the group (step S803: Yes), a login process is performed with the navigation device 420 (step S804). Relay shared data shared within a group (step S805). On the other hand, if there is no login request (step S803: No), the process proceeds to step S813 in FIG.

When the relay of the shared data is started in step S805, the management server 410 determines whether there is a request for confirming the connection status of the other navigation device 420 from the logged-in navigation device 420. (Step S806). If there is a connection status confirmation request (step S806: Yes), the connection status database is referenced (step S807), the reference result is returned to the navigation device 420 (step S808), and step S809 in FIG. 9 is performed. Migrate to. On the other hand, if there is no request for confirmation of the connection status (step S806: No), the process proceeds to step S809 in FIG.

[0079] Turning to the description of Fig. 9, the management server 410 determines whether or not the convocation notice is transmitted from the navigation device 420 to the other navigation device 420 (step S809). As shown in step S613 of FIG. 7, the convocation notice is sent to the management server 410 by the navigation device 420 specifying the destination. When the invitation notice is transmitted (step S809: Yes), the invitation notice is transmitted to the designated destination (step S810), and the process proceeds to step S811. On the other hand, when the invitation notice is not transmitted (step S809: No), the process proceeds to step S811.

Next, management server 410 determines whether or not a logoff request has been received from navigation device 420 (step S811). If there is a logoff request (step S811: Yes), logoff processing from the group is performed on the navigation device 420 (step S812). On the other hand, if there is no logoff request (step S811: No), the process returns to step S805 in FIG. 8 and the subsequent processing is continued.

[0081] When the log-off process is performed in step S812, the management server 410 determines whether or not the connection with the navigation device 420 has been disconnected due to, for example, the power to the navigation device 420 being turned off. (Step S813). If the connection with the navigation device 420 is disconnected (step S813: Yes), the connection status database is updated (step S814), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, if the connection with the navigation device 420 is not disconnected (step S813: No), the process returns to step S803 in FIG. 8, and the subsequent processing is continued. As described above, according to the communication system 400, a convocation notice is transmitted from the navigation device 420 via the management server 410 when intra-group communication is performed by the plurality of navigation devices 420. As a result, the other navigation apparatus 420 can be prompted to participate in the group (login).

[0083] Also, by sending a convocation notice from the management server 410, it is possible to omit a complicated connection operation or the like in the navigation device 420 and join the group. In particular, since the navigation device 420 is mounted on a vehicle, the operation burden on the driver can be reduced and safe driving can be encouraged.

[0084] Furthermore, by sending a convocation notice based on information on the connection status of each navigation device 420 to the management server 410 (connection status information), it is possible to participate efficiently in other navigation devices 420. You can make a request. In addition, by specifying the navigation device 420 that transmits the invitation notice, the invitation notice can be transmitted to the navigation device 420 intended by the user.

Note that the communication method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A communication relay device that relays communication within a group (hereinafter referred to as intra-group communication) formed by a plurality of communication terminal devices that have been determined.

A communication terminal apparatus power belonging to the group; a receiving means for requesting start of the intra-group communication;

Transmitting means for transmitting participation request information for requesting participation in intra-group communication to other communication terminal devices belonging to the group based on the start request information received by the receiving means;

A communication relay device comprising:

[2] The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding a participation state of the plurality of communication terminal devices in the intra-group communication,

Based on the information on the participation status acquired by the acquiring means, the transmitting means participates in the intra-group communication! /, NA! /, And sends the participation request information to the communication terminal device. The communication relay device according to claim 1, wherein the communication relay device transmits the information.

[3] The receiving means receives, together with the start request information, designation information that designates a communication terminal apparatus that requests participation in the intra-group communication among the plurality of communication terminal apparatuses, and the transmission means includes

The communication relay device according to claim 1, wherein the participation request information is transmitted to a communication terminal device designated by the designation information among the other communication terminal devices.

[4] A communication terminal device that communicates with another communication terminal device belonging to a predetermined group via a communication relay device,

Input means for inputting an instruction input for instructing start of communication within the group (hereinafter referred to as intra-group communication);

A transmission terminal device comprising: transmission means for transmitting start request information for requesting start of the intra-group communication to the communication relay device when the instruction input is input by the input means.

[5] When the start of intra-group communication is requested by the other communication terminal device, Receiving means for receiving participation request information for requesting participation in the intra-group communication from the communication relay device;

Participation response means for transmitting response information to the participation request information received by the receiving means to the communication relay device via the transmission means;

The communication terminal device according to claim 4, further comprising:

[6] A communication method used in a communication relay device that relays communication within a group (hereinafter referred to as intra-group communication) formed by a plurality of communication terminal devices that have been determined.

A communication terminal apparatus power belonging to the group; a reception step of receiving start request information for requesting start of communication within the group;

A transmission step of transmitting participation request information for requesting participation in the intra-group communication to another communication terminal device belonging to the group based on the start request information received by the reception step;

The communication method characterized by including.

[7] A communication method used in a communication terminal device that communicates with another communication terminal device belonging to a predetermined group via a communication relay device,

An input step in which an instruction input for instructing start of communication within the group (hereinafter referred to as intra-group communication) is input;

And a transmission step of transmitting, to the communication relay device, start request information for requesting the start of intra-group communication when the instruction input is input in the input step.

[8] A communication program causing a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 6 or 7.

[9] A computer-readable recording medium on which the communication program according to claim 8 is recorded.