JP2001227963A - On-vehicle navigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To immediately make good use of the newest traffic information to calculate a route at the beginning of use of an no-vehicle navigation system. SOLUTION: In this no-vehicle navigation system, a reception processing means 3 receives and decodes traffic information broadcast at prescribed time intervals even if a vehicle accessory power supply is turned off. The received traffic information is stored in a storage means 4. As soon as the accessory power supply is turned on to allow a start of the navigation system, the route is calculated by use of the traffic information stored in the storage means 4. When the traffic information broadcast cannot be received, the traffic information can be acquired by a portable telephone.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an on-vehicle navigation system, and more particularly to an on-vehicle navigation system for guiding a vehicle by utilizing broadcasted traffic information and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional car navigation system, when a user starts up the system and sets a destination, an arithmetic circuit calculates a static first route. Subsequently, by acquiring traffic information and the like and evaluating them, a second dynamic route in consideration of the traffic information is calculated.
When calculating the second dynamic route in consideration of traffic information, the user operates the navigation system after getting into the vehicle, turning on the engine or turning on the accessory power linked to the start key of the car, etc. Then, the acquisition of traffic information that affects driving such as traffic jams, accidents, and weather has begun.

[0003] An example of such a vehicle-mounted navigation system is "a navigation system and a vehicle provided with the same" disclosed in JP-A-10-132599. This system, as shown in FIG.
Evaluate received traffic information and take into account traffic information
It calculates a route and a second route in consideration of traffic information. The position of the vehicle is determined from the sensor signal, and information for selecting the first route or the second route is displayed on the output device. After outputting the selection information, the arithmetic circuit generates and displays route information of the selected first or second route.

[0004]

However, the conventional in-vehicle navigation system has a problem that it takes time to obtain necessary information, and it is not possible to use real-time traffic information immediately.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems and to make it possible to immediately utilize the latest traffic information for route calculation when the use of a car navigation system is started.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle navigation system comprising:
Reception processing means for receiving and decoding the broadcast traffic information, storage means for storing traffic information, and reception processing means and storage means for a predetermined time at predetermined time intervals even when the accessory power supply of the vehicle is off. Means for intermittent operation,
Means for outputting the traffic information stored in the storage means to the route calculation operation circuit immediately after the start of the navigation system. With this configuration, the latest traffic information can be used for route calculation immediately after the navigation system is activated.

Further, there are provided a remaining battery level monitoring means for monitoring the remaining battery capacity of the vehicle, and a means for intermittently operating the reception processing means and the storage means only when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold value. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the danger that the vehicle will run out of battery power.

Further, a first method for setting a traffic information broadcasting source is provided.
And a means for receiving the set traffic information broadcast source. With this configuration, traffic information can be acquired from the most efficient source according to the broadcast coverage and the electric field strength at the vehicle parking position.

[0009] Further, there is provided a wireless transmitting / receiving means for acquiring traffic information and other information by wireless communication from a provider to which the user has previously contracted. With this configuration, even if you cannot receive a traffic information broadcast outside the range of an underground parking lot or broadcast coverage, if you can use a mobile phone, you can obtain traffic information through a provider that the user has a contract with. can do.

[0010] Further, there are provided second condition input means for inputting the area and category condition of the traffic information obtained through the wireless transmitting / receiving means, and means for obtaining the traffic information by the wireless transmitting / receiving means according to the conditions. With this configuration,
Through a provider with which the user has contracted, it is possible to obtain filtered information on a specific area that is not broadcasted and accompanying information on POIs other than traffic information.

[0011] Further, there are provided a timer means for managing a time for intermittently operating the reception processing means and the storage means, and an operation time setting means for setting an operation time and an operation timing in the timer means. With this configuration, the user can set an arbitrary time or timing to perform the intermittent operation instead of acquiring traffic information at predetermined time intervals,
It is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the vehicle and efficiently acquire information desired by the user.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention operates a circuit necessary for acquiring traffic information at predetermined time intervals even when an accessory power supply of a vehicle is turned off. This is an in-vehicle navigation system that acquires the latest broadcast traffic information and stores it in a memory.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an antenna 1 is an antenna installed outside a vehicle for receiving an FM broadcast. The antenna 1 may be combined with an antenna for GPS, digital broadcasting, a mobile phone, or the like. Front end 2 is FM
Tuner. The reception processing means 3 includes the front end 2
Is a means for decoding data multiplexed in the intermediate frequency signal output from, and assembling traffic information.
The storage means 4 includes a nonvolatile memory, a hard disk, a DV
It is a storage device such as a D-RAM. The control means 5 operates the antenna 1, the front end 2, the reception processing means 3, and the storage means 4 for a predetermined time at predetermined time intervals even when the accessory power supply of the vehicle is turned off. This is an apparatus including means for processing decoded and assembled traffic information and a tuner microcomputer. The arithmetic circuit 6 is a route calculation circuit that operates only when the accessory power is on.

The operation of the on-vehicle navigation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Even when the vehicle is parked and stopped and the accessory power supply is off, the control means 5 controls the antenna 1, the front end 2, the reception processing means 3,
Is supplied to the storage means 4 for a predetermined time at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the latest traffic information can be obtained at predetermined time intervals.

The traffic information decoded and assembled by the reception processing means 3 is processed by the control means 5 and stored in the storage means 4 together with necessary management information. The traffic information stored in the storage unit 4 is compared with the version number by the control unit 5 every time the traffic information is acquired, and is constantly updated to the latest content, and is also unnecessary information due to expiration or the like. Is deleted.

When the navigation system is started by turning on the engine or turning on the accessory power supply, the control means 5 immediately reads out the latest traffic information stored in the storage means 4 and calculates the navigation route. And outputs the result to the arithmetic circuit 6.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the on-vehicle navigation system is provided with a circuit required for acquiring traffic information at a predetermined time interval even when the accessory power supply of the vehicle is off. The latest traffic information being broadcast is acquired and stored in the memory, so that when the navigation system is activated and the route is calculated, the latest traffic information can be used immediately. .

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention monitors the remaining battery level of a vehicle and acquires traffic information only when the remaining battery level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. This is an in-vehicle navigation system that operates the circuits necessary for the operation.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a battery remaining amount monitoring unit is provided. In FIG. 2, a battery remaining amount monitoring unit 7 is a monitoring unit that monitors the capacity of the battery and operates the receiving circuit intermittently only when the battery remaining amount is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value.

The operation of the vehicle-mounted navigation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Even when the vehicle is parked and stopped and the accessory power supply is off, the remaining battery level of the vehicle is monitored by the remaining battery level monitoring means 7. When the remaining battery level of the vehicle is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the control unit 5 operates the battery remaining level monitoring unit 7 to operate the antenna 1, the front end 2, the reception processing unit 3, and the storage unit 4.
The battery is supplied for a predetermined time at a longer time interval as the remaining battery power is smaller, based on the remaining battery power signal from.
Therefore, the latest traffic information can be obtained at appropriate time intervals. Subsequent operations are the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the on-vehicle navigation system monitors the remaining battery power of the vehicle, and operates only when the remaining battery power is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. Since the circuit necessary to acquire the information is operated, it is possible to avoid the danger that the vehicle will run out of battery power.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention is an in-vehicle navigation system in which a user arbitrarily selects a traffic information source from FM broadcast or digital broadcast.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that a first condition input unit is provided. In FIG. 3, a first condition input unit 8 is a user interface for allowing a user to arbitrarily select and set an FM broadcast or digital broadcast station as a source of traffic information.

The operation of the vehicle-mounted navigation system according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Before parking and stopping the vehicle and turning off the accessory power source, the first input means 8 is used to set a source of traffic information to be acquired while the accessory power source is off and a broadcasting station as required. After completing the settings, turn off the accessory power.

Even when the accessory power is off,
The remaining battery level monitoring means 7 monitors the remaining battery level of the vehicle. When the remaining battery level of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 5 sets the
Power is supplied to operate the antenna 1, the front end 2, the reception processing unit 3, and the storage unit 4. Therefore, the latest traffic information can be acquired from the source set by the user at predetermined time intervals. Subsequent operations are the same as in the second embodiment.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the on-vehicle navigation system is configured such that the user can arbitrarily select a traffic information source from FM broadcast or digital broadcast. Traffic information can be acquired from the most efficient source according to the coverage and the electric field situation at the vehicle parking position.

(Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention is an in-vehicle navigation system for acquiring traffic information from a provider to which a user has previously contracted via a mobile phone.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a wireless transmission / reception processing unit is provided. In FIG. 4, a wireless transmission / reception processing unit 9 includes a mobile phone module and is a unit that assembles traffic information and other information from data acquired via wireless communication.

The operation of the vehicle-mounted navigation system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Before parking and stopping the vehicle and turning off the accessory power source, the first input means 8 is used to set a source of traffic information to be acquired while the accessory power source is off and a broadcasting station as required. After completing the settings, turn off the accessory power.

Even when the accessory power is off,
The remaining battery level monitoring means 7 monitors the remaining battery level of the vehicle. When the battery level of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control means 5 operates the antenna 1, the front end 2, the reception processing means 3, the storage means 4, and the wireless transmission / reception processing means 9 at predetermined intervals for a predetermined time. Supply power to make it work. Therefore, at predetermined time intervals, the latest traffic information can be obtained from the source set by the user.

The traffic information decoded and assembled by the reception processing means 3 is processed by the control means 5 and stored in the storage means 4 together with necessary management information. However, when the vehicle is parked and stopped outside the multi-story parking lot or the broadcast coverage, there is a possibility that the traffic information cannot be obtained via the broadcast. Therefore, the electric field intensity value obtained by the reception processing means 3 is monitored by the control means 5. If the broadcast cannot be received, traffic information and other information are obtained by wireless communication with a contracted provider via wireless communication using a mobile phone. Information obtained via wireless communication is stored in the storage unit 4 by the control unit 5. Subsequent operations are the same as in the third embodiment.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle-mounted navigation system acquires traffic information and other information from a provider to which a user has previously contracted via a mobile phone. With this configuration, even if the vehicle is parked or the electric field strength of FM broadcast or digital broadcast is low due to the coverage of the broadcast and traffic information etc. cannot be obtained, if the traffic is within the mobile phone call area, Information can be obtained.

(Fifth Embodiment) In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, only information narrowed down to an arbitrary area or category desired by the user is contracted by the user in advance via a mobile phone. This is an in-vehicle navigation system that is obtained from a provider.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that a second condition input unit is provided. In FIG. 5, the second condition input means 10 obtains only the information narrowed down to a desired area or category according to the situation when acquiring traffic information and other information via a mobile phone. This is a user interface for setting conditions so that it can be acquired.

The operation of the navigation system mounted on the vehicle according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Before parking and stopping the vehicle and turning off the accessory power source, the first input means 8 is used to access the source of traffic information acquired via broadcasting and broadcast as necessary while the accessory power source is turned off. Set the station. Further, using the second input means 10, conditions such as a desired area and a category of information of the information acquired via the mobile phone are set. After completing the settings, turn off the accessory power. Subsequent operations are the same as in the fourth embodiment.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, only information obtained by narrowing down the in-vehicle navigation system to an arbitrary region or category desired by the user is previously used via the mobile phone. The communication cost of the mobile phone can be reduced because the configuration is obtained from the provider contracted by the user.

(Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment of the present invention is an in-vehicle navigation system for acquiring traffic information and other information at a time or timing set by a user.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an in-vehicle navigation system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment. The sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that a timing unit and an operation time setting unit are provided. In FIG. 6, a timing unit 11 manages the operation timing of the control unit 5. Operating time setting means 12
Is a user interface for setting the operation timing of the control means 5 to the time keeping means 11.

The operation of the vehicle-mounted navigation system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Before parking and stopping the vehicle and turning off the accessory power source, the first input means 8 is used to obtain a source of traffic information obtained via broadcasting while the accessory power source is turned off and, if necessary, a broadcasting station. Set. Further, using the second input means 10,
Conditions such as a desired area and a category of information of information acquired via a mobile phone are set. In addition, the operation time setting means 12 is used to set the time and timing for intermittently operating the receiving circuit. After completing the settings, turn off the accessory power.

Even when the accessory power is off,
The remaining battery level monitoring means 7 monitors the remaining battery level of the vehicle. When the remaining battery level of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 5 transmits the antenna 1, the front end 2, the reception processing unit 3, the storage unit 4, and the wireless transmission / reception processing unit 9 at the timing set by the timing unit 11. Power supply to operate. Therefore, the latest traffic information can be acquired from the source set by the user at the time interval set by the user. Subsequent operations are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the on-vehicle navigation system is configured to acquire traffic information and other information at the time or timing set by the user. Battery consumption can be suppressed, and information desired by the user can be efficiently obtained.

[0043]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the in-vehicle navigation system is provided with a reception processing means for receiving and decoding broadcast traffic information, a storage means for storing traffic information, and a vehicle. Means for intermittently operating the reception processing means and the storage means for a predetermined time at a predetermined time interval even when the accessory power supply is turned off, and a route calculation operation circuit for storing the traffic information stored in the storage means immediately after the navigation system is started. Therefore, the latest traffic information can be used for route calculation immediately after the navigation system is activated.

[0044] Also, the battery level monitoring means for monitoring the battery level of the vehicle and the means for intermittently operating the reception processing means and the storage means only when the battery level is equal to or higher than the threshold value are provided. This has the effect of avoiding the danger of running out of battery power.

[0045] Also, a first method for setting a traffic information broadcasting source is described.
Condition input means and means for receiving the set traffic information broadcast source, so that traffic information can be obtained from the most efficient source according to the broadcast coverage and the electric field strength at the vehicle parking position. Is obtained.

In addition, since the wireless transmission / reception means for acquiring traffic information and other information by wireless communication from a provider to which the user has contracted in advance is provided, traffic information broadcasting can be performed outside the range of an underground parking lot or broadcast coverage. Even when reception is not possible, when the mobile phone is usable, the effect is obtained that the traffic information can be obtained through the provider contracted by the user.

[0047] Further, there are provided second condition input means for inputting the area and category conditions of traffic information obtained through the wireless transmitting / receiving means, and means for obtaining traffic information by the wireless transmitting / receiving means in accordance with the conditions. Users can obtain filtered information about specific areas that are not broadcasted and additional information other than traffic information through providers with which they subscribe, and reduce mobile phone communication costs. The effect is obtained.

Further, since the timer means for managing the time for intermittently operating the reception processing means and the storage means and the operation time setting means for setting the operation time and operation timing are provided in the time measurement means, traffic at predetermined time intervals is provided. Instead of acquiring the information, the user can set an arbitrary time or timing to perform the intermittent operation, thereby reducing the battery consumption of the vehicle and efficiently acquiring the information desired by the user. Is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an in-vehicle navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an in-vehicle navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-mounted navigation system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a conventional in-vehicle navigation system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Antenna 2 Front end 3 Reception processing means 4 Storage means 5 Control means 6 Arithmetic circuit 7 Battery level monitoring means 8 First condition input means 9 Wireless transmission / reception means 10 Second condition input means 11 Clocking means 12 Operating time setting means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09B 29/00 G09B 29/00 F 29/10 29/10 A

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A reception processing means for receiving and decoding broadcast traffic information, a storage means for storing the traffic information, and the reception for a predetermined time at a predetermined time interval even when an accessory power supply of a vehicle is off. A vehicle navigation system comprising: a processing unit, a unit for intermittently operating the storage unit, and a unit for outputting traffic information stored in the storage unit to a route calculation operation circuit immediately after the start of a navigation system. system. 2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: a battery remaining amount monitoring means for monitoring a battery remaining amount of the vehicle; and a means for intermittently operating the reception processing means and the storage means only when the battery remaining amount is equal to or more than a threshold value. The in-vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The in-vehicle navigation system according to claim 2, further comprising means for changing a time interval of the intermittent operation in accordance with the remaining amount of the battery. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: first condition input means for setting a traffic information broadcast source; and means for receiving the set traffic information broadcast source. Car navigation system. 5. The in-vehicle vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless transmission / reception unit for acquiring traffic information and other information by wireless communication from a provider to which the user has previously contracted. Navigation system. 6. A second condition input means for inputting an area or a category condition of traffic information obtained through said wireless transmitting / receiving means, and means for obtaining traffic information by said wireless transmitting / receiving means in accordance with said condition. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein
In-vehicle navigation system as described. 7. A time-measuring means for managing a time for intermittently operating the reception processing means and the storage means, and an operation time setting means for setting an operation time and an operation timing in the time-measuring means. An in-vehicle navigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.