JP2001102946A - Information receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information receiver with good operability for a guide system which provides service information unique to an area for a vehicle which is traveling. SOLUTION: The information receiver which receives service information provided by a service providing source and sent by a base station is equipped with a detecting means which detects the service information can be received and a notification means which gives notice of the receivable state of the service information in such a case.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information receiver for providing local service information to a traveling vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method of providing service information of a service provider such as a restaurant to a vehicle, a broadcast wave such as a radio is generally used. On the vehicle side, the radio receiver obtains service information based on broadcast waves and uses the service information to determine a destination.

[0003]

In the conventional service information providing method, even if an attempt is made to go to the service provider in the middle of a drive, the location of the service provider is not linked to the navigation system. Has to be specified and the destination setting and the like must be performed manually. In addition, it was necessary to manually determine whether or not service information could be received and to manually switch between general radio programs and traffic information.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information receiver having good operability in a guide system for providing local service information to a traveling vehicle.

[0005]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information receiver for receiving service information transmitted from a base station transmitting service information provided by a service provider. It is characterized by comprising a detecting means for detecting whether the information is in a receivable state, and a notifying means for notifying when the service information is in a receivable state.

Further, the notifying means is for notifying a receiving frequency for receiving the service information.

[0007] Further, the notifying means is for notifying the outline of the service information.

[0008] The present invention is characterized in that a route search and guidance means for searching for and guiding a route to the service provider based on the position information of the service provider included in the service information being received is provided.

The traffic information receiving means for receiving the traffic information, the traffic information detecting means for detecting whether or not the traffic information is in a receivable state, and the traffic information being receivable while the service information is being received. In some cases, the vehicle is provided with a traffic information notifying means for notifying that fact.

[0010] In addition, there is provided reception processing means for processing so that the traffic information can be received when the traffic information can be received while the service information is being received. .

[0011] Further, there is provided voice output means for outputting the received information as voice, and image output means for outputting the received information as characters or images, wherein the reception processing means outputs the traffic information to the voice output means or the image. The service information is output to one of the output means, and the service information is processed to be output to the other output means different from the traffic information.

[0012]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings.

A base station 1 transmits service information and traffic information to a mobile station 2 such as a vehicle. The service information transmitter 11 transmits service information provided by a service provider such as a restaurant. It comprises a traffic information transmitter 12 for transmitting traffic information such as information. The service information transmitter 11 can be configured in various ways, and a transmitter is provided for each facility such as a restaurant or for each of a plurality of facilities (for example, a shopping street), and information on the facility is transmitted in a small area using a low-power radio wave. (AM and FM are possible). In this case, it is preferable that the broadcast frequency is common (same).
It is also possible to use the same frequency (1620 kHz or the like) as the traffic information broadcast. Existing radio broadcasting (AM, FM)
, And multiplexes audio, character data, and image data into a normal broadcast audio signal and sends it (in this case, since the broadcast area is large, the information is used to determine whether or not received data is needed. Type data is added and transmitted). In addition, the traffic information receiver 12 transmits (1) a specific broadcast wave provided at a specific point along a main road.
620 kHz or 1602 kHz) low power transmitter (current road traffic information broadcasting), using existing radio broadcasting (AM, FM), traffic information is transmitted as voice or text data, and image data as ordinary broadcast audio signal (A dedicated broadcast for traffic information is also possible) and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a mobile station installed in a vehicle or the like for receiving service information and traffic information. The mobile station 2 receives a radio wave from an artificial satellite (GPS satellite) and detects the position of the vehicle.
1. CD-ROM or DVD on which map information is recorded
(Digital Video Disk) and a map database 22 composed of a reading device and the like.
A for receiving service information, traffic information and radio broadcast transmitted by M broadcast wave, FM multiplex broadcast wave and beacon wave
A receiver 23 including an M, FM receiver, and an FM multiplex receiver (a decoder that separates multiplexed service information and traffic information from a received FM broadcast wave and converts them into characters, etc.), a GPS receiver A process for specifying the position of the vehicle based on the radio wave received at 21 and the map database 22, a route search process for searching for a travel route to a destination, a route guidance process for guiding a vehicle along the searched route, and service information , A control unit 24 configured by a microcomputer or the like that performs reception processing of traffic information, a display unit 25 configured by a liquid crystal display panel or the like that displays map information, service information, and traffic information based on a signal from the control unit 24, A voice for driving guidance, service information, and traffic information is synthesized based on an instruction from the control unit 24, and a voice output unit 26 for performing voice guidance with a speaker or the like is provided. An input unit 27 including operation switches for performing processing, destination setting, and the like; a lamp for turning on a lamp to notify a user that service information and traffic information can be received; and a beeping sound with a buzzer or the like. And a notification unit 28 that issues

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of service information receiving processing performed by the control unit 24 of the information receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings. This process is repeatedly executed from the time when the power of the mobile station 2 is turned on.

In step S11, it is determined whether or not the service information has been received. If the service information can be received, the process proceeds to step S12. If the service information cannot be received, the process proceeds to step S20. If the service information is broadcast at a specific frequency, the reception frequency of a search tuner different from the reception tuner is changed to the broadcast frequency of the service information, or if one tuner is used, the search frequency is changed. The frequency is switched to the specific frequency for a short time, and it is determined whether or not the electric field strength of the received radio wave is equal to or more than a predetermined value. In the case of multiplex broadcasting, the multiplex signal is separated after detection, and a determination is made based on whether or not the received information includes a code indicating service information. In addition, when it corresponds to the service information in the multiplex broadcasting of the frequency other than the frequency being received, the reception frequency of the search tuner different from the reception tuner is scanned, the reception frequency is tuned to another broadcast wave, and the reception is performed. Judge by code.

In step S12, a notification that the service information can be received is made, and the process proceeds to step S13. That is, in order to notify the user that service information can be received in this area, the lamp of the notification unit 28 is turned on or a beep is emitted. Alternatively, the voice output unit 26 gives a guidance such as “Regional service information can be received” by voice synthesis. The reception frequency at which the service information can be obtained may be displayed, or the outline of the service information may be displayed in characters.

In step S13, it is determined whether or not the service information is set to be automatically received. If the service information is set to be automatically received, the process proceeds to step S14, where the service information can be automatically received. If not, the process proceeds to step S19. In other words, when the service information can be received while the broadcast program is being received, the service information is preferentially received, and this determination is made based on the state of the input unit 27 set by the user in advance.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not a display device is provided. If a display device is provided, the process proceeds to step S15. If no display device is provided, the process proceeds to step S18. That is, the determination is made based on whether or not a device having a display unit 25 capable of displaying character information or image information such as a navigation device, a television, or an audio device having a display device such as a character is connected. The display unit 25 may be capable of displaying characters as well as displaying images such as a navigation or a television.

In step S15, the character information and the image information of the service information are displayed on the display unit 25, the audio information is output to the audio output unit 26, and the process proceeds to step S16. For example,
When the service information is an FM multiplex broadcast, the service information included in the multiplex signal is decoded, the character and image information in the service information is displayed on the display unit 25, and the audio information is output to the audio output unit 26.
Output to Further, when the service information is broadcast in a normal sound, for example, when the service information is broadcast as a normal sound signal (analog) of an AM broadcast wave, the service information has only a sound signal. And the like to the audio output unit 26.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not there is a route search instruction.
Then, if there is no route search instruction, the process ends. This judgment is instructed (operated) by the user while receiving the service information.
It is performed depending on whether there is.

In step S17, a route search / guidance is performed, and the process ends. In other words, by the navigation function,
Based on the location information (latitude and longitude) of the service provider or the address information included in the received service information, a route from the current location to the service provider is searched, and the display unit 25
And displays route guidance.

In step S18, the audio information of the service information is output to the audio output unit 26, and the process is completed. For example, when the service information is the FM multiplex broadcast, the service information included in the multiplex signal is decoded, and the audio information is output to the audio output unit 26. Also, when the service information is broadcast in a normal voice, for example, when broadcasted by a normal audio signal (analog) of an AM broadcast wave, and when broadcasted by an AM wave, the service information is included in the service information. Contains only an audio signal, and outputs the output to an audio output unit 26 such as a speaker.

In step S19, it is determined whether or not switching has been made to receive service information, and if it has been switched to receive service information, step S14 is performed.
Then, if it is not switched to receive the service information, the process moves to step S20. This determination is made in step S12
In step (3), whether the user has manually performed the reception switching operation while seeing a lamp display or the like that notifies that the service information can be received is performed.

In step S20, the current reception frequency is continuously received, and the process ends. That is, the reception of the currently received audio program, traffic information, and the like is continued.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, if the service information unique to the region can be received while the vehicle is running, the fact is notified or the service information in the region is automatically updated. It is possible to receive and obtain useful local information for mobile vehicles.

Next, a process at the time of receiving traffic information will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the traffic information receiving process performed by the control unit 24. This process is repeatedly executed together with other processes during the operation of the mobile station.

In step S21, it is determined whether or not traffic information can be received. If traffic information can be received, the process proceeds to step S22.
Move to 32. For example, when traffic information is broadcasted by a normal audio signal of an AM broadcast wave, the reception frequency of a search tuner different from the normal reception tuner is set to a traffic information provision frequency (a common setting for the whole country). 16 at the frequency
20 kHz), or switching between the receiving frequency and the traffic information frequency in a time-division manner with a single tuner to determine whether the electric field strength of the received radio wave is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. In the case of FM multiplex broadcasting, the multiplexed signal is separated and decoded after detection, and determination is made based on whether or not the decoded received information includes a code indicating traffic information.

In step S22, a notification that traffic information is receivable is provided, and the flow advances to step S23. That is,
In order to notify the user that traffic information can be received in this area, the lamp of the notification unit 28 is turned on or a beep is emitted. Alternatively, the voice output unit 26 provides voice guidance such as “reception of traffic information is possible”.

In step S23, it is determined whether or not the traffic information is set to be preferentially received. If the traffic information is set to be preferentially received, the process proceeds to step S24, where the traffic information is set. If it is not set so that can be preferentially received, the process proceeds to step S27. This determination is made based on the state of the input unit 27 that has been previously set and operated by the user.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not the mobile station has a display device. If the mobile station has a display device, the process proceeds to step S25.
Move to 26.

In step S25, the character information and the image information of the traffic information are displayed on the display unit 25, and the voice information is output to the voice output unit 26, thus ending the processing. For example, when the traffic information is an FM multiplex broadcast, the traffic information included in the multiplex signal is extracted and decoded, and characters and image information are displayed on the display unit 25.
The audio information is output to the audio output unit 26. Further, when the traffic information is broadcasted by a normal audio signal of the AM broadcast wave, the traffic information includes only the audio signal, so that whether or not the electric field intensity of the received radio wave in the receiver 22 is equal to or more than a predetermined value is determined. Judgment is made, and if it is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the output is output to the audio output unit 26 such as a speaker.

In step S26, the voice information of the traffic information is output to the voice output unit 26, and the process ends. That is, since there is no display unit 25, traffic information is output only by voice.

In step S27, it is determined whether or not switching has been made to receive traffic information, and if it has been switched to receive traffic information, the flow proceeds to step S28.
If it is not switched to receive the traffic information, the process proceeds to step S32. This determination is made based on whether or not a switching operation has been performed manually so that the user receives traffic information in advance.

In step S28, it is determined whether or not the service information is being received. If the service information is being received, the process proceeds to step S29. If the service information is not being received, the process proceeds to step S24. That is, it is determined whether or not the traffic information can be received while the service information is being received.

In step S29, it is determined whether or not a display device is provided. If a display device is provided, the process proceeds to step S30. If no display device is provided, the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S30, characters and image information of the traffic information are displayed on the display unit 25, and the currently received service information is output to the audio output unit 26, and the process is terminated. For example, when the traffic information is an FM multiplex broadcast, the traffic information included in the multiplex signal is extracted and decoded, the character and image information are displayed on the display unit 25, and no audio information is output. Then, it extracts and decodes service information included in the multiplexed signal, outputs audio information to the audio output unit 26, and does not display character and image information.

In step S31, the voice information of the traffic information is output to the voice output unit 26, and the process ends. That is, since there is no display unit 25, the traffic information instructed manually is given priority, and the traffic information is output by voice.

In step S32, the frequency being received is continuously received, and the process is terminated. That is, the reception of the currently received audio program, service information, and the like is continued.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, if traffic information and service information of the area can be received while the vehicle is running, the information can be automatically received in accordance with the priority order. There is no danger of overlooking traffic information such as regulatory information.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, if the service information unique to a region can be received while the vehicle is running, the service information in that region can be automatically received. You can get useful information about the area inside.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a service information receiving process performed by a control unit 24.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a traffic information receiving process performed by a control unit 24;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ····· Base station, 23 ···· Receiver, 11 ···· Service information transmitter, 24 ···
..Control unit, 12, traffic information transmitter, 2
5 ... display unit, 2 ... mobile station,
26: Voice output unit, 21: GPS receiver, 27: Input unit, 22: Map database, 28: Notification unit.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An information receiver for receiving service information transmitted from a base station transmitting service information provided by a service provider, a detecting unit for detecting whether the service information is in a receivable state, and the service An information receiver, comprising: a notifying means for notifying when information is ready to be received. 2. The information receiver according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies a receiving frequency for receiving the service information. 3. The information receiver according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies an outline of the service information. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising route search and guidance means for searching for and guiding a route to the service provider based on the location information of the service provider included in the service information being received. Information receiver. 5. A traffic information receiving means for receiving traffic information; a traffic information detecting means for detecting whether the traffic information is in a receivable state; and a state in which the traffic information can be received while the service information is being received. 2. The information receiver according to claim 1, further comprising a traffic information notifying unit for notifying at that time. 6. A reception processing means for processing so that the traffic information can be received when the traffic information can be received while the service information is being received. Information receiver described. 7. An audio output unit for outputting received information as audio, and an image output unit for outputting received information as characters or images, wherein the reception processing unit outputs the traffic information as the audio output unit or the image. 7. The information receiver according to claim 6, wherein the information is output to any one of the output means, and the service information is output to the other output means different from the traffic information. .