JP2002350152A - Information display method, information providing device and information display device used therefor, program for controlling information providing device or information display device, and recording medium recording the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of user and entertainment properties in the case of displaying information on a display 33 of a user terminal 2 connected to an information center 1 via a network 10. SOLUTION: Fuel consumption information of a motor vehicle 3 is stored in relation to each point or route of map information. The fuel consumption information of the points or route specified by the user terminal 2 is read from among the stored fuel consumption information. The read fuel consumption information in a state superposed on the map information is displayed on the display 33 of the user terminal 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information display method for displaying information on a display of an information display device, an information providing device and an information display device used for the method, and an information providing device or an information display device for controlling the information providing device or the information display device. The program, and
It belongs to the technical field related to a storage medium storing the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-58, it has a navigation device installed on a moving body, a travel data editing device provided outside the moving body, and information storage means. It has been known that a travel support server (information center) for communication is provided, and information is shared between the two devices by storing information in an information storage unit of the travel support server.

[0003]

By the way, an information center is installed as in the above-mentioned conventional example, and various information is transmitted from this information center to a navigation device or the like connected to the information center via a network. If the information is displayed on the display of the user terminal, the convenience for the user is improved. In this case, if the type of information and the method of displaying the information are devised, the convenience for the user can be improved and the entertainment property can be improved.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to display information on a display of an information display device such as a user terminal connected to an information center via a network. In this case, the object is to improve user convenience and entertainment.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to an information display method for displaying information on a display of an information display device, wherein fuel efficiency information of a vehicle is represented by map information. A reading step of reading fuel efficiency information of a point or a line designated by the information display device from among the fuel efficiency information stored in the storing step, A display step of displaying the fuel efficiency information read in the step on the display of the information display device in a state of being superimposed on the map information.

[0006] As a result, the fuel efficiency information of the point or the line designated by the information display device is displayed on the display of the information display device in a state of being superimposed on the map information. The useful information described above is obtained, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, a user who is particularly interested in fuel efficiency can enjoy various analyzes related to fuel efficiency information, and can also improve entertainment. The storing step and the reading step may be performed at the information center or the information display device (user terminal) itself.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored for each same vehicle or the same vehicle type, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the vehicle or the vehicle type specified by the information display device is stored. Read the information.

[0008] Thus, fuel efficiency information on the vehicle itself driven by the user or the same vehicle type as the vehicle can be displayed, and fuel efficiency information suitable for the vehicle driven by the user can be obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the information display device is mounted on a vehicle.
In the displaying step, a result of comparison between the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle currently running and the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step is displayed on a display of the information display device.

This makes it possible to easily determine whether the current fuel efficiency of the vehicle is better or worse than the past fuel efficiency of the vehicle or the fuel efficiency of another vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a correction step for correcting the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step in accordance with a predetermined condition, and in the display step, the fuel efficiency corrected in the correction step is provided. The information is displayed on the display of the information display device in a state where the information is superimposed on the map information.

Thus, the fuel efficiency information can be corrected according to the vehicle running conditions such as the presence or absence of traffic congestion, the vehicle speed, the weather, the operation of the air conditioner, etc., and more accurate fuel efficiency information can be obtained.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored together with the time, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the time specified by the information display device is read.

By doing so, even at the same point or route, the fuel efficiency may differ depending on the time of day due to the occurrence of traffic congestion or the like, so that more accurate fuel efficiency information can be obtained according to the time.

[0015] The invention according to claim 6 is directed to an information display method for displaying information on a display of an information display device, and a storage step of storing fuel efficiency information of a vehicle in association with each point or route of map information. A reading step of reading, from the fuel efficiency information stored in the storage step, fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in a route specified by the information display device or in a route between the plurality of points set from a plurality of specified points. Calculating the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption of the route based on the fuel consumption information read in the reading step; and displaying the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption information obtained in the calculation step in the information display. And a display step of displaying on a display of the apparatus.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain total fuel consumption or total fuel consumption information when the vehicle travels along a route specified by the information display device or a set route between a plurality of specified points, and obtains information from the departure point to the destination. The required fuel amount to the ground can be easily understood. As a result, the convenience of the user can be improved, and the user who is highly interested in fuel efficiency can enjoy the analysis of fuel efficiency for many routes even when the user does not actually drive. Therefore, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored for each same vehicle or the same vehicle type, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the vehicle or the vehicle type specified by the information display device is stored. Read the information.

Thus, the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption can be calculated based on the fuel consumption information relating to the vehicle itself driven by the user or the same vehicle type as the vehicle, similarly to the second aspect of the invention. The amount of fuel required for the driving vehicle can be easily obtained.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a correction step for correcting the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step in accordance with a predetermined condition, and in the calculation step, the fuel efficiency corrected in the correction step is provided. The total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption of the route is calculated based on the information. By doing so, more accurate total fuel consumption or total fuel consumption information can be obtained as in the fourth aspect of the present invention.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored together with the time, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the time specified by the information display device is read. Thus, similar to the invention of claim 5, more accurate total fuel consumption or total fuel consumption information can be obtained according to the time.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an information display method for displaying information on a display of an information display device is provided.
A storage step of storing fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information; and a path setting step of setting a plurality of routes between the plurality of points from a plurality of points designated by the information display device. A reading step of reading, for each route set in the route setting step, fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route from the fuel efficiency information stored in the storing step; and a fuel efficiency information read in the reading step. Based on the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes, and based on the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes obtained in the calculation step, at least one of the plurality of routes. A route selecting step of selecting one, and a display step of displaying the route information selected in the route selecting step on a display of the information display device. Tsu is intended to include and-flops.

According to the present invention, of a plurality of routes, for example, a route that requires a relatively small amount of fuel for traveling from the departure point to the destination can be selectively displayed, and the user can determine the traveling route. Very useful information can be obtained.
Further, a user who is particularly interested in fuel efficiency can enjoy the analysis of fuel efficiency. Therefore, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the invention, in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored for each same vehicle or the same vehicle type, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the vehicle or the vehicle type specified by the information display device is stored. Read the information. This makes it possible to easily obtain a route suitable for the vehicle driven by the user, as in the second aspect of the invention.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a correction step for correcting the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step in accordance with a predetermined condition. Based on the information, the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption of the plurality of routes is calculated. By doing so, the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption information can be calculated more accurately, and a more appropriate route can be selected and displayed, similarly to the invention of the fourth aspect.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the fuel efficiency information is stored together with the time in the storing step, and the fuel efficiency information relating to the time specified by the information display device is read in the reading step. Thus, a more accurate route can be selected and displayed according to the time, as in the invention of the fifth aspect.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal.
This information providing device stores the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information, and, from the stored fuel efficiency information, the fuel efficiency information of the point or route specified by the user terminal. , And the read fuel efficiency information is provided to the user terminal in a state of being superimposed on the map information.

According to the present invention, an information providing apparatus is provided according to claim 1
Since the storing step and the reading step in the invention of the first aspect are performed, the same operation and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained by performing the display step by the user terminal as the information display device.

[0028] The invention according to claim 15 is directed to an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal.
This information providing device stores the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information, and, from the stored fuel efficiency information, in the route specified by the user terminal or specified by the user terminal. The fuel efficiency information of points or routes in the route between the plurality of points set from the plurality of points is read, and the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of the route is calculated based on the read fuel efficiency information. It is configured to provide the total fuel efficiency or total fuel consumption information to the user terminal. Thus, the same function and effect as the sixth aspect of the invention can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 16 is directed to an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal.
This information providing device stores the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information and sets a plurality of routes between the plurality of points from a plurality of points designated by the user terminal. Therefore, for each set route,
From the stored fuel efficiency information, the fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route is read, and based on the read fuel efficiency information, the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes is calculated. The system is configured to select at least one of the plurality of routes based on the obtained total fuel consumption or total fuel consumption of each route, and to provide the selected route information to the user terminal. I do. Thus, the same function and effect as the tenth aspect can be obtained.

[0030] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle is mounted on a vehicle and connected to an information center via a network.
The present invention is directed to an information display device configured to display information provided from the information center on a display, and the information display device measures the fuel efficiency of the vehicle when the vehicle is running, and calculates the fuel efficiency information. The information is transmitted to the information center in association with the information on the measured position, and the fuel efficiency or information considering the fuel efficiency is received from the information center and displayed on the display.

According to the present invention, the actual fuel efficiency during the running of the vehicle is transmitted to the information center in association with the position information, so that the information center stores these fuel efficiency and position information. The information display method according to the first, sixth, or tenth aspect can be realized. Therefore, the same function and effect as those of the first, sixth or tenth invention can be obtained.

The invention of claim 18 is an invention of a program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, The program causes the information providing device to store the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information, and specifies the fuel efficiency information from the stored fuel efficiency information by the user terminal. It is assumed that fuel efficiency information of a point or a route that has been read is read, and the user terminal is provided with the read fuel efficiency information superimposed on map information. According to this invention, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

The invention of claim 19 is directed to a program for controlling an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal. The program causes the information providing device to store the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information and, from the stored fuel efficiency information, specify the fuel efficiency information specified by the user terminal. Reads the fuel efficiency information of points or routes within the route or between the plurality of points set from the designated plurality of points, and based on the read fuel efficiency information, the total fuel efficiency of the route or the total fuel efficiency. It is assumed that the fuel consumption is calculated, and the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption information obtained by the calculation is provided to the user terminal. Thus, the same function and effect as the sixth aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal. The program causes the information providing device to store fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information, and to store a plurality of points between the plurality of points from the plurality of points designated by the user terminal. And for each set route, the fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route is read from the stored fuel efficiency information, and based on the read fuel efficiency information, Calculating the total fuel efficiency or total fuel consumption of each of the routes, and based on the total fuel economy or total fuel consumption of each route obtained by the calculation, at least one of the plurality of routes. To select one, and the routing information said selected those that provided the user terminal.
By doing so, the same function and effect as the tenth aspect can be obtained.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information display device mounted on a vehicle and connected to an information center via a network, and configured to display information provided from the information center on a display. This program is intended to control a program for controlling the information display device so that the information display device measures the fuel efficiency of the vehicle when the vehicle is running, and associates the fuel efficiency information with the information of the position where the fuel efficiency is measured. In addition to transmitting the information to the information center, the fuel efficiency or information considering the fuel efficiency is received from the information center and displayed on the display. Thus, the same function and effect as the first, sixth, or tenth invention can be obtained.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a storage medium storing a program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal. The program stores the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in the information providing device in association with each point or route of the map information and stores the user's fuel efficiency information from the stored fuel efficiency information. It is assumed that fuel efficiency information of a point or a route designated by the terminal is read, and the read fuel efficiency information is provided to the user terminal in a state of being superimposed on the map information. According to this invention, the same function and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, a storage medium storing a program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal. The program stores the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in the information providing device in association with each point or route of the map information and stores the user's fuel efficiency information from the stored fuel efficiency information. The fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route specified by the terminal or in the route between the plurality of points set from the specified plurality of points is read, and the route is determined based on the read fuel efficiency information. Is calculated, and the total fuel efficiency or total fuel consumption information obtained by the calculation is provided to the user terminal. Thus, the same function and effect as the sixth aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a storage medium storing a program for controlling an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal. The above-mentioned program causes the information providing device to store the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information and store the fuel efficiency information from a plurality of points designated by the user terminal. A plurality of routes between a plurality of points are set, and for each of the set routes, fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route is read from the stored fuel efficiency information, and the readout is performed. Based on the obtained fuel efficiency information, the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes is calculated, and based on the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of each route obtained by the calculation, the plurality of To select at least one of the, and the routing information said selected those that provided the user terminal. By doing so, claim 1
The same operation and effect as those of the invention can be obtained.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information display device mounted on a vehicle, connected to an information center via a network, and configured to display information provided from the information center on a display. Targeting a storage medium storing a program for controlling, the program causes the information display device to measure the fuel efficiency of the vehicle while traveling, and the fuel efficiency information is displayed at the position where the fuel efficiency is measured. It is assumed that the information center is transmitted to the information center in association with the information, and the fuel efficiency or information in consideration of the fuel efficiency is received from the information center and displayed on the display. Thereby, Claims 1 and 6
Alternatively, the same function and effect as those of the tenth aspect can be obtained.

[0040]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a connection configuration of an information center 1 and a user terminal 2 used in an information display method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information center 1 and the user terminal 2 are connected via the Internet 10 (network). In addition, the information center 1 provides the user terminal 2 with fuel efficiency information or information in consideration of the fuel efficiency (total fuel efficiency and total fuel consumption information or route information), while the user terminal 2
Receives the fuel efficiency information from the information center 1 and displays the information on the display 33 (see FIG. 3). That is, the information center 1 constitutes an information providing device, and the user terminal 2 constitutes an information display device.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a server of a provider and the like.
Is the central office exchange.

The user terminal 2 includes a navigation device 4 mounted on a vehicle 3 driven by the user, a mobile phone 5 and a personal digital assistant 6 (PDA) carried by the user, a personal computer 7 for home use, and the like. The navigation device 4, the mobile phone 5, and the mobile information terminal 6 transmit and receive signals by wireless communication with a telephone antenna 9 connected to the information center 1 via the Internet 10. Hereinafter, the user terminal 2 is described as the navigation device 4 of the vehicle 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information center 1 has a CPU 21 for controlling various signals. The CPU 21 has a communication interface 22 for communicating with the user terminal 2 and a control interface 22. ROM 23 (storage medium) storing programs, maps, etc., RAM 24 temporarily storing various information, etc., and user terminal 2
Is connected to an information database 25 storing fuel efficiency information and the like transmitted from the server.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 2 has a CPU 31 for controlling various signals. The CPU 31 receives a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS artificial satellite, 3, a current position measurement sensor 32 for detecting the current position, a display 33 for displaying various information, a speaker 34 for guiding the traveling route and the like by voice, and a user selecting a menu or the like displayed on the display 33. , An input mechanism 35 for designating a point where fuel efficiency information is desired to be viewed, a fuel injection device 36 for injecting fuel to the engine of the vehicle 3, and the communication interface 22 of the information center 1. , A communication program 37 for transmitting and receiving signals, a control program and a map (the map is basically distributed from the information center 1,
RO that stores once delivered)
M38 (storage medium), RAM 39 for temporarily storing various information and the like, traveling distance detecting mechanism 40 for detecting the traveling distance of vehicle 3, and vehicle speed sensor 41 for detecting the vehicle speed of vehicle 3
Are connected so that signals can be exchanged.

The user terminal 2 is connected to the fuel injection device 3
6 and the travel distance detection mechanism 40
The fuel efficiency during the running of the vehicle 3 is measured for a predetermined time or for each predetermined distance from the running distance detected by the vehicle, and the fuel efficiency information is associated with the information of the position (including the running direction) and the time at which the fuel efficiency is measured. And once stored in the RAM 24,
The stored fuel efficiency information is transmitted to the information center 1 by operating the user terminal 2 or at a predetermined cycle (a time interval equal to or longer than the predetermined time of the fuel efficiency measurement) (the identification ID provided for each vehicle 3 and the vehicle type provided for each vehicle type). ID is also transmitted at the same time). Note that, instead of the fuel efficiency, the fuel consumption amount during traveling a predetermined distance may be transmitted to the information center 1.

The information center 1 stores the fuel efficiency information transmitted from the user terminals 2 (plural) in the information database 25 in correspondence with each point of the map information. Further, the fuel efficiency information includes time, identification I
It is stored together with D and the vehicle type ID. That is, the fuel efficiency information is stored for the same vehicle (the one having the same identification ID) and the same vehicle type (the one having the same vehicle type ID). still,
In this embodiment, the information center 1 corrects the fuel efficiency information in accordance with the driving conditions of the vehicle 3 (traffic information (presence or absence of traffic congestion), weather, vehicle speed, and whether or not the air conditioner is operating). Is stored.

The user terminal 2 displays a menu screen as shown in FIG. 4 on its display 33 by a predetermined operation. When the user selects “registration of fuel efficiency information” on this menu screen, as described above,
The measured fuel efficiency information is transmitted to the information center 1. Further, even if the user does not select “registration of fuel efficiency information”, the fuel efficiency information is transmitted to the information center 1 at a predetermined cycle.

When "Browse fuel efficiency map" is selected on the menu screen, the screen is switched to a condition setting screen as shown in FIG. On this screen, the user can specify a point (center position and range) at which the user wants to view fuel efficiency information, a time, a vehicle type ID, and an identification ID (the time, the vehicle type ID, and the identification ID do not have to be specified. ID and identification ID
Can be specified for only one of them). In the illustrated example, a designated point (hereinafter, also referred to as a designated position)
With the current position detected by the current position measurement sensor 32 as the center, the point is included in a range that can be displayed at the display scale of the map currently displayed on the display 33 for navigation. In this embodiment, a plurality of points are specified by specifying the range. However, only one point may be specified. Information Center 1
May store the fuel efficiency information in association with each route of the map information, and the user may designate a route for which the user wants to view the fuel efficiency information.

When "Browse" is selected on the screen of FIG. 5, browsing of fuel efficiency information becomes possible. That is, by the selection operation, the information on the designated position and the like are transmitted to the information center 1 together with the fuel efficiency map browsing request signal (“Browsing”).
, The fuel efficiency map browsing request signal or the like may be transmitted in the set cycle), the information center 1
Receives the fuel efficiency map browsing request signal, from the fuel efficiency information stored in the information database 25, the fuel efficiency information of the specified position (when the time, vehicle type ID or identification ID is also specified, The fuel efficiency information is read, and the read fuel efficiency information (when there is a plurality of fuel efficiency information at the same point, an average value thereof is taken) is superimposed on the map and transmitted to the user terminal 2. In this embodiment, the information center 1 corrects the read fuel efficiency information according to the latest traffic information and weather information, and transmits the corrected fuel efficiency information to the user terminal 2.

The user terminal 2 receiving the fuel efficiency information,
The fuel efficiency information is displayed on the display 33 while being superimposed on the map information. FIG. 10 shows a display example of this fuel efficiency information. In this display example, the mileage of each point is distinguished by the traveling direction (up and down line), and the distance between adjacent points is relatively short and displayed continuously. The vehicle 3 is classified into three stages of “good” (white portion), “middle” (hatched portion), and “bad” (black portion). (In FIG. 10, reference numeral 51 denotes a vehicle 3).
Is your current location mark).

The display 33 shows the vehicle 3
The result of comparison between the fuel efficiency information of the current running and the fuel efficiency information superimposed on the map information (that is, the fuel efficiency information read from the fuel efficiency information stored in the information database 25) is also displayed. That is, by moving the black inverted triangle-shaped superiority / inferiority indication mark 52 to the “good” side or the “bad” side with respect to the reference position, the fuel efficiency during the current traveling is superimposed on the map information at the traveling point. The difference from the reference position indicates the difference between the two fuel consumptions. In this display example, since the superiority / inferior instruction mark 52 is located on the “good” side, the fuel efficiency during the current traveling is better.

When "fuel efficiency information download" is selected on the menu screen, the screen is switched to a condition setting screen as shown in FIG. Also on this screen, similarly to the screen of FIG. 5, the user can specify a point where the user wants to download the fuel efficiency information, and if necessary, the time, the vehicle type ID and the identification ID (the vehicle type ID and the identification ID).
Can be specified).

On the screen shown in FIG.
Is selected, the fuel efficiency information is downloaded from the information center 1 to the user terminal 2. That is, by the selection operation, information on the designated point (designated position) and the like are transmitted to the information center 1 together with the fuel efficiency information download request signal. When the information center 1 receives the fuel efficiency information download request signal, the information center 25
Out of the fuel efficiency information stored in the above, when the fuel efficiency information (time, vehicle type ID or identification ID is also specified at the specified position,
The fuel efficiency information relating to the designated item is read out, and the read fuel efficiency information (corrected according to the latest traffic information and weather information as in the fuel efficiency browsing operation) is transmitted to the user terminal 2 (downloaded). ) The user terminal 2 receiving the fuel efficiency information stores the fuel efficiency information in the ROM 37.

When "present fuel consumption / fuel consumption" is selected on the menu screen, the screen is switched to a condition setting screen as shown in FIG. On this screen, the user can designate a traveling route (including a traveling direction) for which presentation of the total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption information is desired. It should be noted that the user does not directly specify the traveling route, but to a plurality of points (departure point,
(A destination, a transit point, etc.) may be designated, and the information center 1 or the user terminal 2 may automatically set a traveling route between the designated points from the designated points. Further, on the screen of FIG. 7, it is also possible to specify the desire to present the gas station information, the departure time, the vehicle type ID, and the identification ID (only one of the vehicle type ID and the identification ID can be specified).

When "determination" is selected on the screen of FIG. 7, the total fuel consumption and total fuel consumption information of the specified traveling route is presented. That is, by the selection operation, information on the designated driving route and the like is transmitted to the information center 1 together with the fuel consumption / fuel consumption presentation request signal,
When the information center 1 receives the fuel efficiency / fuel consumption amount presentation request signal, the information center 1 selects fuel efficiency information (departure time, vehicle type ID or identification) of each point in the designated traveling route from the fuel efficiency information stored in the information database 25. When the ID is also specified, the fuel efficiency information on the specified item is read out, and based on the read out fuel efficiency information (corrected in accordance with the latest traffic information and weather information), the specified travel route is specified. Calculate the total fuel consumption and total fuel consumption,
The total fuel consumption and total fuel consumption information obtained by this calculation are transmitted to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 that has received the total fuel efficiency and total fuel consumption information
Is to numerically display the total fuel consumption and total fuel consumption information on the display 33. If the user wants to present the gas station information on the screen of FIG. 7, the gas station information is transmitted from the information center 1 to the user terminal 2, and the number, the position, and the business The time and the like are also displayed on the display 33. Further, the fuel efficiency information of each point in the designated (or automatically set) travel route is displayed in a state of being superimposed on the map, as in the case of the fuel efficiency map browsing operation, and the vehicle 3 Of the fuel efficiency during the current running of the vehicle relative to the fuel efficiency superimposed on the map information at the running point is also displayed.

It is to be noted that it is not necessary to display both the information on the total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption, and only one of them may be displayed. Further, the remaining fuel amount may be transmitted to the information center 1, and the information center 1 may automatically transmit the gas station information to the user terminal 2 according to the remaining fuel amount.

When "route presentation" is selected on the menu screen, the screen is switched to a condition setting screen as shown in FIG. On this screen, the user can designate a plurality of points (in this case, a departure place and a destination) necessary for determining a traveling route that the user wants to present, and if necessary, departure time and vehicle type ID And an identification ID (only one of the vehicle type ID and the identification ID can be specified).

Then, on the screen of FIG.
When is selected, the screen is switched to a screen for setting detailed conditions as shown in FIG. On this screen, a weighting ratio of distance, time, and cost (hereinafter, also referred to as a route selection condition), a desire to present gas station information, and the number of route presentations can be designated. The weighting ratio indicates which and how much of the travel distance, travel time, and cost (economical efficiency including fuel efficiency and toll road toll) are emphasized when selecting a travel route. Weight is placed in order of travel distance, cost, and travel time. The travel distance is relatively short and the cost is not so high, but the travel time may be slightly longer.

When "determination" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 8, a travel route that meets the user's route selection conditions is presented. That is, the information of the designated departure point and destination is transmitted to the information center 1 together with the route presentation request signal by the selection operation, and the information center 1 receives the route presentation request signal and receives the designated departure request signal. From the ground and the destination, a plurality of travel routes between the two points are set, and for each of the set travel routes,
From the fuel efficiency information stored in the information database 25, the fuel efficiency information of each point in the travel route (when the departure time, the vehicle type ID or the identification ID is also designated, the fuel efficiency information relating to the designated item) is read out. Read fuel efficiency information (corrected according to the latest traffic information and weather information)
Based on the above, the total fuel efficiency and the total fuel consumption (only one of them may be used) of each traveling route are calculated, and the total fuel efficiency and the total fuel consumption obtained by the calculation and the route selection specified on the screen of FIG. 9 are calculated. Based on the conditions, the same number (at least one) of travel routes as the number of route presentations specified on the screen of FIG. 9 is selected from the plurality of travel routes, and the selected travel route information is stored in the user terminal 2. To be sent to. The user terminal 2 that has received the travel route information displays the travel route information on the display 33 (highlighted with a color or a bold line that stands out on the map). At this time, if it is desired to present the gas station information on the screen of FIG. 9, the number of gas stations existing on the traveling route, their positions, business hours, and the like are also displayed. In this embodiment, the information center 1 selects the same number of traveling routes as the number of route presentations from a plurality of traveling routes, but this selection may be performed by the user terminal 2.

When “Fuel efficiency information processing” is selected on the menu screen, “Fuel efficiency map browsing”, “Fuel efficiency /
It becomes possible to select "consumption presentation" and "route presentation", and the same information as described above is displayed on the display 33 of the user terminal 2 according to the respective selections. However, in this case, the user terminal 2 itself uses the downloaded fuel efficiency information in place of the information center 1 on the assumption that the fuel efficiency information is downloaded by selecting “fuel efficiency information download”. The fuel efficiency information of the designated point is superimposed on the map, the total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption of the designated traveling route are presented, and the traveling route that meets the designated route selection condition is presented. Has become.

The CPU 21 of the information center 1
The following processing operation is performed by the control program stored in M23. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in the first step SA1, it is determined whether or not the user terminal 2 is in a connected state capable of transmitting and receiving fuel efficiency information and the like. If the determination in step SA1 is NO, the process proceeds to step SA9, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SA9.
2 and the fuel efficiency information and the position information transmitted from the user terminal 2 (as described later, the user terminal 2 determines the position information, time information, identification ID, vehicle type ID, fuel efficiency information for each position, vehicle speed information, It is determined whether or not high-load operation information (transmitting or not operating the air conditioner to the information center 1) has been received.

When the determination in step SA2 is NO, the process proceeds to step SA5, and when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SA3 to receive the received position information, time information, vehicle speed information, and high load operation information. The traffic information (congestion point and its congestion distance: including the information predicted for each time zone and the current actual data) obtained separately from these information and stored in the information database 25, and the latest data The fuel efficiency information at each position is corrected in accordance with the weather information, and the process proceeds to step SA4.

The correction of the fuel efficiency information according to the traffic information and the weather information in step SA3 is performed by correcting the fuel efficiency information in accordance with the latest traffic information and the weather information in each routine of steps SA5 to SA8 described later. To do
It may be omitted. In addition, if the user terminal 2 corrects the fuel efficiency information according to the vehicle speed information and the high load operation information, and transmits the corrected fuel efficiency information to the information center 1,
The correction of the fuel efficiency information according to the vehicle speed information and the high-load operation information in step SA3 can also be omitted.

In step SA4, the corrected fuel efficiency information, traffic information, time information, identification ID, and vehicle type ID are stored in the information database 25.
Proceed to A5. In step SA4, when the number of storages reaches the predetermined number, the storage is deleted if the storage time is the longest, or the storage is deleted if the set time has elapsed after the storage.

In step SA5, a map browsing routine 1 (details will be described later) is executed in which fuel efficiency information of a point designated by the user terminal 2 is superimposed on a map and transmitted to the user terminal 2, and the next step SA6 Then user terminal 2
A fuel efficiency information download routine 1 (details will be described later) for downloading the fuel efficiency information at the point designated by the user to the user terminal 2 is executed. Then, in the next step SA7, a fuel efficiency / fuel consumption presenting routine 1 (details will be described later) for transmitting the total fuel efficiency and total fuel consumption information of the travel route specified by the user terminal 2 to the user terminal 2 is executed. In the next step SA8, a route presentation routine 1 (details will be described later) for presenting a travel route from the departure point and the destination designated by the user terminal 2 is executed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SA10.

In step SA9, to which the procedure proceeds when the determination in step SA1 is NO, the normal connection control with the user terminal 2 is executed, and thereafter, the procedure proceeds to step SA10.

In step SA10, the user terminal 2
The normal information transmission / reception control (control of various types of information search, mail transmission / reception, etc.) is executed, and then the process proceeds to step SA11.

In step SA11, it is determined whether or not new traffic information has been obtained. If the determination in step SA11 is YES, the flow advances to step SA12 to associate the traffic information with time and position. Then, the information is stored in the information database 25 (at this time, the one before the set time is deleted), and thereafter, the process returns. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA11 is NO, the process returns.

On the other hand, the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2
The following processing operation is performed by the control program stored in the ROM 38. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first step SB1, it is determined whether or not the information center 1 is in a connected state capable of transmitting and receiving fuel efficiency information and the like. If the determination in step SB1 is NO, step S
On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SB2, and the process proceeds to step SB2 to determine whether a fuel efficiency information registration operation (selection of “fuel efficiency information registration” on the menu screen of FIG. 4) has been performed or the previous fuel efficiency information etc. It is determined whether a predetermined period has elapsed from the transmission.

If the determination in step SB2 is NO, the process proceeds to step SB4, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SB3 to obtain position information, time information, identification ID, vehicle type ID, fuel efficiency for each position. The information, the vehicle speed information, and the high-load operation information are transmitted to the information center 1, and thereafter, the process proceeds to Step SB4.

In step SB4, a map browsing routine 2 (details will be described later) corresponding to the map browsing routine 1 performed by the CPU 21 of the information center 1 is executed. In the next step SB5, the fuel efficiency information downloading routine 1 is executed. The corresponding fuel efficiency information download routine 2 (details will be described later) is executed. In the next step SB6, a fuel efficiency / fuel consumption presenting routine 2 (details will be described later) corresponding to the fuel efficiency / fuel consumption presenting routine 1 is executed, and in the next step SB7, the route presenting routine 1 is executed.
And the corresponding route presentation routine 2 (details will be described later). Subsequently, in the next step SB8, the user terminal 2 itself executes a fuel economy processing routine (details will be described later) for performing the above-described processing operations (map browsing routine 1 and the like) in place of the information center 1, and then proceeds to step SB10. move on.

In step SB9, which is performed when the determination in step SB1 is NO, normal connection control with the information center 1 is performed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SB10.

In step SB10, normal information transmission / reception control with the information center 1 (control of various information retrieval, mail transmission / reception, etc.) is executed, and thereafter, step SB11
Proceed to.

In step SB11, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the measured fuel efficiency information was stored in the RAM 24, or whether the vehicle traveled a predetermined distance. If the determination in step SB11 is YES, step SB11
In step 12, the position information, time information, and fuel efficiency information at that time are stored in the RAM 24, and thereafter, the process returns.
On the other hand, when the determination in step SB11 is NO,
Return as it is.

In step SB12, when a predetermined operation of the user terminal 2 is performed, the fuel efficiency information at the time or position designated by the selection operation is not stored or is transmitted to the information center 1 even if it is stored. To erase. That is, for example, fuel efficiency information at the time of abnormality such as when the vehicle is stopped for a long time or when tires are bursting is not transmitted to the information center 1.

Next, the map browsing routine 1 of step SA5 in the processing operation of the CPU 21 of the information center 1 is described.
Will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

That is, in the first step SC1, it is determined whether or not a fuel efficiency map browsing request signal from the user terminal 2 has been received. When the determination in step SC1 is NO, the process ends as it is, while the determination is YES. If it is, the process proceeds to step SC2.

In step SC2, the target road for displaying the fuel efficiency information (the road not displayed due to the size of the display scale is the target road) based on the relationship between the designated position and the display scale transmitted from the user terminal 2 together with the fuel efficiency map browsing request signal. Is calculated, and in the next step SC3, the fuel efficiency information of each point on the target road (when the time, the vehicle type ID or the identification ID is received, the fuel efficiency information relating to the received item) is calculated. And read
When a plurality of pieces of fuel efficiency information are read for each point (when a plurality of data are present at the same point), the average value is calculated. Then, in the next step SC4, the fuel efficiency information for each point (when the average value is calculated, the average value is corrected) according to the traffic information and the weather information, and the next step SC5
Then, the corrected fuel efficiency information is transmitted to the user terminal 2 in a state of being superimposed on the map, and the processing ends.

On the other hand, in the map browsing routine 2 of step SB4 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 14, in the first step SD1, the fuel economy map browsing operation (" Browse "
Is determined). This step SD
If the determination of NO. 1 is NO, the process proceeds to step SD3, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SD2, where the fuel efficiency map browsing request signal, the designated position and the display scale (when designated, the time, vehicle type ID or vehicle I
D) is transmitted to the information center 1, and thereafter the process proceeds to step SD3.

In step SD3, the information center 1
It is determined whether or not the fuel efficiency information (map information) has been received from the controller. If the determination in step SD3 is NO,
On the other hand, if the determination is YES,
Proceeding to step SD4, the received fuel efficiency information is displayed on the display 33 in a state of being superimposed on the map information,
If the vehicle 3 is currently running, the display also indicates whether the fuel economy currently running is superior to the fuel economy superimposed on the map information at the traveling point (see FIG. 10), and the process is thereafter terminated.

Subsequently, the CPU 21 of the information center 1
The fuel efficiency information download routine 1 in step SA6 in the processing operation of the above will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

That is, in the first step SE1, it is determined whether or not a fuel efficiency information download request signal has been received from the user terminal 2. If the determination in step SE1 is NO, the process is terminated, while the determination is Y.
If it is ES, the process proceeds to step SE2.

In step SE2, the target road is calculated from the relationship between the designated position transmitted from the user terminal 2 and the display scale. In the next step SE3, the fuel efficiency of each point on the target road obtained by the calculation is calculated. Information (time, vehicle type ID
Alternatively, when the identification ID is received, the fuel efficiency information relating to the received item is read, and when a plurality of fuel efficiency information is read for each point, the average value is calculated. Then, in the next step SE4, the fuel efficiency information for each point (when the average value is calculated, both the average value and the value before calculation) are corrected according to the traffic information and the weather information,
In the next step SE5, the corrected fuel efficiency information and position information for each point are transmitted to the user terminal 2 and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, in the fuel efficiency information download routine 2 of step SB5 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 16, in the first step SF1, the user performs the fuel efficiency information download operation (the screen shown in FIG. 6). It is determined whether or not “download” has been selected). If the determination in step SF1 is NO, the process proceeds to step SF3, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SF2, where the fuel consumption information download request signal, the designated position, and the display scale (when designated, time, vehicle type ID Or the vehicle ID is included) to the information center 1, and then the process proceeds to step SF3.

In step SF3, the information center 1
It is determined whether or not the fuel efficiency information has been received (downloaded) from the controller. If this determination is NO, the process is terminated, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SF4.
Then, the received fuel efficiency information is stored in the ROM 37 (or may be a dedicated ROM for storing the fuel efficiency information), and the processing ends.

Next, the CPU 21 of the information center 1
The fuel efficiency / fuel consumption amount presentation routine 1 in step SA7 in the processing operation of the above will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

That is, in the first step SG1, it is determined whether or not a fuel consumption / fuel consumption presentation request signal has been received from the user terminal 2. If the determination in step SG1 is NO, the process is terminated. Judgment is Y
If it is ES, the process proceeds to step SG2.

In step SG2, the traveling route and traveling direction transmitted together with the fuel consumption / fuel consumption presentation request signal from the user terminal 2 are detected, and the next step SG3
In the detected traveling route (including the traveling direction), the fuel efficiency information of each point (when the departure time is received, the fuel efficiency information relating to the time estimated to travel at the point,
When the vehicle type ID or the identification ID is received, the information is fuel efficiency information relating to the received item), and an average value is calculated for each point when a plurality of fuel efficiency information is read. Then, in the next step SG4, the fuel efficiency information for each point (when the average value is calculated, the average value is corrected) according to the traffic information and the weather information, and in the next step SG5, the corrected each point Based on the fuel efficiency information for each, the overall fuel efficiency of the travel route (the average value of the fuel efficiency at all points in the travel route) and the total fuel consumption (total fuel consumed when traveling the entire travel route) are calculated. I do. Subsequently, in the next step SG6, the corrected fuel efficiency information and position information for each point, the total fuel efficiency and total fuel consumption information obtained by the above calculation, the gas station information, and the like are transmitted to the user terminal 2 and the process is terminated. .

On the other hand, in the fuel consumption / fuel consumption presenting routine 2 in step SB6 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not “selection” on the screen of FIG. 7 has been selected. When the determination in step SH1 is NO,
While the process proceeds to step SH3, if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SH2 in which the fuel consumption / fuel consumption request signal, the traveling route, the traveling direction, and the like (when specified, include the time, vehicle type ID, or vehicle ID). The data is transmitted to the center 1 and then the process proceeds to step SH3.

At step SH3, the information center 1
Various information from information (total fuel efficiency and total fuel consumption information, etc.)
Is determined. If the determination in step SH3 is NO, the process is terminated. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SH4, where the received various information is displayed on the display 33 and , If the vehicle 3 is currently traveling,
At the traveling point, the superiority to the fuel efficiency superimposed on the map information is also displayed, and thereafter, the process ends.

Next, the route presentation routine 1 of step SA8 in the processing operation of the CPU 21 of the information center 1
Will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

That is, in the first step SI1, it is determined whether or not a route presentation request signal from the user terminal 2 has been received. If the determination in this step SI1 is NO, the process ends as it is, while the determination is YES. When there is, the process proceeds to step SI2.

In step SI2, a predetermined number of travel routes between the two points are selected from the departure point and the destination transmitted together with the route presentation request signal from the user terminal 2 (from the number designated as the route presentation number in FIG. 9). Is also a large number). It should be noted that the set traveling route is estimated to be relatively short in traveling distance and traveling time.

Then, in the next step SI3, the required distance (traveling distance) of each traveling route is calculated, and in the next step SI3
In 4, the required travel time (travel time) of each travel route is calculated based on the traffic information (traffic information of the travel point and travel time estimated from the departure time and the departure place), and in the next step SI5, Fuel efficiency information of each point in the travel route (when the departure time is received, the fuel efficiency information is for the time estimated to travel at that point; when the vehicle type ID or identification ID is received, the fuel efficiency information is for the received item. Is read), and when a plurality of pieces of fuel efficiency information are read for each point, the average value is calculated.

Subsequently, in the next step SI6, the fuel efficiency information for each point (when the average value is calculated, the average value is corrected) according to the traffic information and the weather information, and the next step S6.
At I7, based on the corrected fuel efficiency information for each point,
The total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption of each traveling route are calculated.

In the next step SI8, the travel distance
The total performance of each travel route is calculated based on the travel time, the total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption, and the route selection condition transmitted from the user terminal 2 together with the route presentation request signal. That is, for each traveling route, the number of points is assigned to the traveling distance, the traveling time, and the cost (the smaller the traveling distance, the traveling time, and the cost, the greater the number of points). The total number of points is calculated by multiplying each of the travel routes, the travel time, and the cost by multiplying each of the travel routes by the weight ratio. This total number of points is the total performance, and the larger this point is, the more the user meets the route selection condition.

In the next step SI9, a plurality of routes (the same number as the number of route presentations designated by the user) are selected in order from the traveling route having the highest total performance (the total number of points is large) (the number of route presentations is 1). In some cases, only one having the highest total performance is selected), and the selected travel route information is used as information on travel time, travel distance, total fuel consumption and total fuel consumption of the travel route,
The information is transmitted to the user terminal 2 together with the gas station information and the like, and the processing ends.

On the other hand, in the route presentation routine 2 of step SB7 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 20, in the first step SJ1, the route presentation operation of the user ("OK" on the screen of FIG. Is selected). When the determination in step SJ1 is NO, the process proceeds to step SJ3, while when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SJ2 to provide a route presentation request signal, a departure place, a destination, a route selection condition, etc. (when designated, Departure time, vehicle type ID
Or the vehicle ID is included) to the information center 1, and then the process proceeds to step SJ3.

In the step SJ3, the information center 1
It is determined whether or not various information (running route information, etc.) has been received from the user. When the determination in step SJ3 is NO, the process ends as it is, while when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SJ4 to receive Displayed information (running route information, gas station information, etc.) on display 3
3 and the process ends.

In the fuel consumption information processing routine of step SB8 in the processing operation of the CPU 31 of the user terminal 2,
As shown in FIG. 21, in the first step SK1, the user operates the fuel efficiency information processing operation ("fuel efficiency information processing" on the menu screen).
Is determined). This step SK
If the determination of No. 1 is NO, the process is terminated as it is, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step SK2, where a routine for performing the map browsing routine 1 and the map browsing routine 2 is executed. In the next step SK3, the fuel consumption / fuel consumption amount presentation routine 1 is performed.
And the fuel consumption / fuel consumption amount presentation routine 2 is executed by itself, and in the next step SK4, the routine for carrying out the above-mentioned route presentation routine 1 and the above-mentioned route presentation routine 2 is executed and ended.

Next, the operation of the processing operations by the CPUs 21 and 31 of the information center 1 and the user terminal 2 will be described.

The user terminal 2 associates the measured fuel efficiency information with the information of the position (including the running direction) and the time at which the fuel efficiency was measured, by the user's fuel efficiency information registration operation or in a predetermined cycle, to the information center 1. Send.

Subsequently, the information center 1 associates the fuel efficiency information transmitted from the plurality of user terminals 2 with each point of the map information and associates the information with the time, the identification ID and the vehicle type ID in the information database 25. Remember.

When the user performs a fuel consumption browsing operation,
The user terminal 2 transmits information such as a designated position and a display scale to the information center 1 together with a fuel efficiency map browsing request signal. In response to this, the information center 1 determines, from the fuel efficiency information stored in the information database 25, the fuel efficiency information of the specified position (when the time, the vehicle type ID or the identification ID is also specified, the fuel efficiency information relating to the specified item). ) Is read, and the read fuel efficiency information (when a plurality of fuel efficiency information is read at the same point, an average of them)
Is corrected in accordance with traffic information and weather information, and then superimposed on a map and transmitted to the user terminal 2.

The user terminal 2 having received the fuel efficiency information,
The fuel efficiency information is displayed on the display 33 in a state where the fuel efficiency information is superimposed on the map information, and if the vehicle 3 is currently traveling, the fuel efficiency during the current traveling is compared with the fuel efficiency superimposed on the map information at the traveling point. Also shows the superiority.

Therefore, the user can go to the destination through a point (travel route) having relatively good fuel efficiency from the fuel efficiency information superimposed and displayed on the map information, and obtain information useful for determining the travel route. At the same time, the fuel efficiency information is superimposed and displayed on the map information, which makes it very easy to see. Also,
If the user designates the same vehicle type (grade) as the vehicle type ID as the vehicle type ID, it is possible to compare the current fuel efficiency of the own vehicle 3 with the currently running vehicle and the average fuel efficiency of the same vehicle type. Furthermore, if the user designates the same ID as the own vehicle 3 as the identification ID, it is possible to compare the fuel efficiency of the current running of the own vehicle 3 with the fuel efficiency of the past running.

When the user performs a fuel efficiency information download operation, the user terminal 2 transmits information such as a designated position and a display scale to the information center 1 together with a fuel efficiency information download request signal. As a result, the information center 1
When the fuel efficiency information at the specified position is read, and when a plurality of fuel efficiency information is read for each point, the average value is calculated. After that, the fuel efficiency information for each point (when the average value is calculated, both the average value and the value before the calculation) are corrected according to the traffic information and the weather information, and then transmitted to the user terminal 2.

The user terminal 2 receiving the fuel efficiency information,
By storing the fuel efficiency information in the ROM 37, the download of the fuel efficiency information is completed. By downloading the fuel efficiency information in this way, a user who is particularly interested in fuel efficiency can freely process and enjoy the fuel efficiency information.

Further, when the user performs a fuel economy / fuel consumption presentation operation, the user terminal 2 transmits information such as a traveling route and a traveling direction to the information center 1 together with a fuel economy / fuel consumption presentation request signal. As a result, the information center 1
Reads the fuel efficiency information of each point in the travel route (including the traveling direction), and calculates an average value of the plurality of fuel efficiency information for each point when the plurality of pieces of fuel efficiency information are read. Then, the fuel efficiency information at each point (when the average value is calculated, the average value) is corrected according to the traffic information and the weather information, and the travel route of the traveling route is corrected based on the corrected fuel efficiency information at each point. Calculate total fuel consumption and total fuel consumption. After that, the total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption information are transmitted to the user terminal 2. In addition, when the user desires to present the gas station information, the gas station information existing in the traveling route is also transmitted to the user terminal 2.

[0109] The user terminal that has received the total fuel consumption and total fuel consumption information displays the information on the display 33 numerically. When the gas station information is received, the number of gas stations, their positions, business hours, and the like are displayed on the display 33. As a result, the user can easily know the required amount of fuel from the departure place to the destination, and can determine the fuel supply point in advance.

When the user performs a route presentation operation, the user terminal 2 sends the route presentation request signal together with the departure place,
The destination, route selection conditions, and the like are transmitted to the information center 1.
As a result, the information center 1 sets a predetermined number of travel routes, reads out the fuel efficiency information of points in the travel route for each set travel route, and reads a plurality of fuel efficiency information for each location. If issued, calculate the average value.
Then, the fuel efficiency information at each point (when the average value is calculated, the average value) is corrected according to the latest traffic information and weather information, and based on the corrected fuel efficiency information at each point,
The total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption of each traveling route are calculated. Thereafter, the total performance of each traveling route is calculated based on the traveling distance, the traveling time, the total fuel consumption and the total fuel consumption, and the route selection condition, and the traveling route having the higher total performance is selected. The traveling route information is transmitted to the user terminal 2. If the user desires to present the gas station information, the gas station information existing in the selected traveling route is also transmitted to the user terminal 2.

The user terminal 2 that has received the traveling route information
Displays the travel route information on the display 33, and when the gas station information is received, displays the number of gas stations, their positions, business hours, and the like on the display 33. As a result, a traveling route that meets the route selection condition specified by the user is displayed, and information that is very useful for the user to determine the traveling route can be obtained.

Further, when the user performs a fuel efficiency processing operation, the user can select "browse fuel efficiency map", "present fuel efficiency / consumption", and "present route". , The user terminal 2 itself is the information center 1
Instead of using the fuel efficiency information downloaded to the user terminal 2, the fuel efficiency information of the specified point is superimposed on the map, or the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of the specified travel route is presented or traveled. For example, a route is presented.

Accordingly, in the above embodiment, the fuel efficiency information is obtained in a state of being superimposed on the map, and the total fuel efficiency and the total fuel consumption of the designated traveling route and the traveling route that meets the designated route selection condition are provided. Can be obtained, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, a user who is particularly interested in fuel efficiency can enjoy various analyzes related to the fuel efficiency information, and can also improve entertainment.

In the above embodiment, the user terminal 2 is described as the navigation device 4 of the vehicle 3, but may be the mobile phone 5, the mobile information terminal 6, the home personal computer 7, or the like. In this case, although the fuel efficiency cannot be actually measured, the fuel efficiency information can be received and browsed from the information center 1, or the fuel efficiency information can be downloaded and analyzed with respect to the fuel efficiency information. Further, the fuel efficiency information input by the user as a numerical value may be transmitted to the information center 1 and stored.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information center 1 stores and reads the fuel efficiency information.
The user terminal 2 may perform it. In this case, the user terminal 2 that stores and reads the fuel efficiency information is different from the one that displays the information (for example, the home personal computer 7 stores and reads the fuel efficiency information, and the navigation device 4). May perform the information display), or may be the same (a single user terminal 2 independently performs a series of processing operations, similarly to the fuel efficiency information processing operation in the above embodiment).

[0116]

As described above, in the first invention,
The fuel efficiency information of the vehicle is stored in association with each point or route of the map information, and from the stored fuel efficiency information, the fuel efficiency information of the point or the route designated by the information display device is read out. The fuel efficiency information is displayed on the display of the information display device in a state of being superimposed on the map information. Further, in the second invention, the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle is stored in association with each point or route of the map information, and the stored fuel efficiency information is stored in a route designated by the information display device or designated. The fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route between the plurality of points set from the plurality of points is read out, and the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of the route is calculated based on the read fuel efficiency information. The obtained total fuel consumption or total fuel consumption information is displayed on the display of the information display device. Furthermore, in the third invention, the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle is stored in association with each point or route of the map information, and from a plurality of points designated by the information display device,
A plurality of routes between the plurality of points are set, and for each of the set routes, fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route is read from the stored fuel efficiency information, and based on the read fuel efficiency information, Calculating the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes, and selecting at least one from the plurality of routes based on the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes obtained by this calculation; The selected route information is displayed on the display of the information display device. Therefore, according to these inventions, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user by providing useful information to the user, and the user who is particularly interested in the fuel efficiency can enjoy various analyzes on the fuel efficiency information. It is possible to improve entertainment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration of an information center and a user terminal used for an information display method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information center.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a menu screen displayed on a display of a user terminal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a condition setting screen displayed on a display when “view fuel consumption map” is selected on the menu screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a condition setting screen displayed on the display when “fuel efficiency information download” is selected on the menu screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a condition setting screen displayed on the display when “present fuel consumption / fuel consumption amount” is selected on the menu screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a condition setting screen displayed on the display when “route presentation” is selected on the menu screen.

9 is a diagram showing a detailed condition setting screen displayed on the display when “condition setting” is selected on the screen of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of fuel efficiency information.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a main routine performed by a CPU of the information center.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a main routine performed by a CPU of the user terminal.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a map browsing routine 1 (subroutine).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a map browsing routine 2 (subroutine).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a fuel efficiency information download routine 1 (subroutine).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a fuel efficiency information download routine 2 (subroutine).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a fuel consumption / fuel consumption amount presentation routine 1 (subroutine).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a fuel consumption / fuel consumption amount presentation routine 2 (subroutine).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a route presentation routine 1 (subroutine).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a route presentation routine 2 (subroutine).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a fuel efficiency information processing routine (subroutine).

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information center (information provision apparatus) 2 User terminal (information display apparatus) 10 Internet (network) 23, 38 ROM (storage medium) 33 Display

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2F029 AA02 AB07 AC02 AC06 AC13 AC18 3D044 BA26 BA27 BA30 BB01 BD01

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. An information display method for displaying information on a display of an information display device, comprising: a storage step of storing fuel efficiency information of a vehicle in association with each point or route of map information; A reading step of reading the fuel efficiency information of the point or the route designated by the information display device from the stored fuel efficiency information, and displaying the information in a state where the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step is superimposed on the map information. Displaying the information on a display of the apparatus. 2. The information display method according to claim 1, wherein in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored for each same vehicle or the same vehicle type, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the vehicle or the vehicle type specified by the information display device is stored. An information display method characterized by reading. 3. The information display method according to claim 1, wherein the information display device is mounted on a vehicle, and in a display step, information on fuel efficiency of the vehicle currently traveling is displayed on a display of the information display device. Displaying a comparison result between the information and the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step. 4. The information display method according to claim 1, further comprising a correction step of correcting the fuel efficiency information read in the read step in accordance with a predetermined condition, wherein the display step includes the step of displaying the fuel efficiency information corrected in the correction step. An information display method, wherein the information is displayed on a display of the information display device in a state of being superimposed on map information. 5. The information display method according to claim 1, wherein in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored together with the time, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the time specified by the information display device is read. Display method. 6. An information display method for displaying information on a display of an information display device, comprising: a storage step of storing fuel efficiency information of a vehicle in association with each point or route of map information; A reading step of reading, from the stored fuel efficiency information, fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in a route specified by the information display device or in a route between the plurality of points set from a plurality of specified points; Calculating the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of the route based on the fuel efficiency information read in the step; and displaying the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption information obtained in the calculation step on the display of the information display device. And displaying the information. 7. The information display method according to claim 6, wherein in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored for each of the same vehicle or the same vehicle type, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the vehicle or the vehicle type specified by the information display device is stored. An information display method characterized by reading. 8. The information display method according to claim 6, further comprising a correction step of correcting the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step in accordance with a predetermined condition, wherein in the calculation step, the fuel efficiency information corrected in the correction step is added. An information display method for calculating a total fuel consumption or a total fuel consumption of a route based on the information. 9. The information display method according to claim 6, wherein in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored together with the time, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the time specified by the information display device is read. Display method. 10. An information display method for displaying information on a display of an information display device, comprising: a storage step of storing fuel efficiency information of a vehicle in association with each point or route of map information; A route setting step of setting a plurality of routes between the plurality of locations from a plurality of locations designated by the following. For each route set in the route setting step, the route is selected from the fuel efficiency information stored in the storage step. A reading step of reading fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the vehicle; a calculating step of calculating a total fuel efficiency or a total fuel consumption of each route based on the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step; A route selecting step of selecting at least one of the plurality of routes based on a total fuel consumption or a total fuel consumption of each route; Displaying the route information selected in the road selecting step on a display of the information display device. 11. The information display method according to claim 10, wherein in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored for each of the same vehicle or the same vehicle type, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the vehicle or the vehicle type specified by the information display device is stored. An information display method characterized by reading. 12. The information display method according to claim 10, further comprising a correction step of correcting the fuel efficiency information read in the reading step in accordance with a predetermined condition, wherein in the calculation step, the fuel efficiency information corrected in the correction step is added. An information display method comprising calculating a total fuel consumption or a total fuel consumption of a plurality of routes based on the information. 13. The information display method according to claim 10, wherein in the storing step, the fuel efficiency information is stored together with the time, and in the reading step, the fuel efficiency information relating to the time specified by the information display device is read. Display method. 14. An information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, the information providing device comprising: Each of them is stored in association with each other, and from the stored fuel efficiency information,
Information provision characterized in that fuel efficiency information of a point or a route designated by the user terminal is read, and the read fuel efficiency information is provided to the user terminal in a state of being superimposed on map information. apparatus. 15. An information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, the information providing apparatus comprising: Each of them is stored in association with each other, and from the stored fuel efficiency information,
Reads fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in a route specified by the user terminal or in a route between the plurality of points set from a plurality of designated points, and, based on the read fuel efficiency information, an overall fuel efficiency of the route. Alternatively, the information providing device is configured to calculate a total fuel consumption and provide the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption information obtained by the calculation to the user terminal. 16. An information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, the information providing apparatus comprising: In addition to storing in association with each other, from a plurality of points designated by the user terminal, a plurality of routes between the plurality of points are set, and for each of the set routes, from the stored fuel efficiency information, The fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route is read, and the total fuel efficiency or total fuel consumption of each route is calculated based on the read fuel efficiency information. Based on fuel consumption,
An information providing apparatus configured to select at least one of the plurality of routes and provide the selected route information to the user terminal. 17. An information display device mounted on a vehicle, connected to an information center via a network, and configured to display information provided from the information center on a display, the information display device comprising: Measure the fuel efficiency during traveling and transmit the fuel efficiency information to the information center in association with the information of the position where the fuel efficiency is measured, and receive the fuel efficiency or the information considering the fuel efficiency from the information center. An information display device configured to display the information on the display. 18. A program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, the program comprising: In addition to storing the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information,
From the stored fuel efficiency information, the fuel efficiency information of the point or the route designated by the user terminal is read, and the read fuel efficiency information is provided to the user terminal in a state of being superimposed on the map information. A program characterized by causing 19. A program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, the program comprising: In addition to storing the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information,
From the stored fuel efficiency information, the fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route specified by the user terminal or in the route between the plurality of points set from the specified plurality of points is read, A program for causing the user terminal to calculate the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption of the route based on the read fuel efficiency information and to provide the total fuel efficiency or the total fuel consumption information obtained by the calculation to the user terminal. . 20. A program for controlling an information providing apparatus connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, the program comprising: In addition to storing the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information,
From a plurality of points designated by the user terminal, a plurality of routes between the plurality of points are set, and for each of the set routes, a point or a route in the route from the stored fuel efficiency information. Is calculated, and based on the read fuel efficiency information, the total fuel efficiency or total fuel consumption of each route is calculated, and the total fuel efficiency or total fuel consumption of each route obtained by the calculation is calculated. And causing the user terminal to provide at least one of the plurality of routes based on the selected route information. 21. A program for controlling an information display device mounted on a vehicle and connected to an information center via a network and configured to display information provided from the information center on a display. And causing the information display device to measure the fuel consumption of the vehicle while traveling, transmitting the fuel consumption information to the information center in association with the information of the position where the fuel consumption was measured, and A program for receiving the fuel efficiency or information in consideration of the fuel efficiency from an information center and displaying the information on the display. 22. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, the storage medium comprising: The program causes the information providing device to store the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information and, from the stored fuel efficiency information, specify the fuel efficiency information specified by the user terminal. A storage medium for reading fuel efficiency information of a point or a route and providing the read fuel efficiency information to the user terminal in a state of being superimposed on map information. 23. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, wherein: The program causes the information providing device to store the fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information and, from the stored fuel efficiency information, specify the fuel efficiency information specified by the user terminal. Reads the fuel efficiency information of points or routes within the route or between the plurality of points set from the designated plurality of points, and based on the read fuel efficiency information, the total fuel efficiency of the route or the total fuel efficiency. A storage medium for calculating a fuel consumption amount and providing the user terminal with the total fuel consumption or total fuel consumption amount information obtained by the calculation. 24. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an information providing device connected to a user terminal via a network and configured to provide information to the user terminal, wherein: The program causes the information providing device to store fuel efficiency information of the vehicle in association with each point or route of the map information, and to store a plurality of points between the plurality of points from the plurality of points designated by the user terminal. And for each set route, the fuel efficiency information of a point or a route in the route is read from the stored fuel efficiency information, and based on the read fuel efficiency information, Calculating the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes, and based on the total fuel consumption or the total fuel consumption of each of the routes obtained by the calculation, at least one of the plurality of routes. One was selected, a storage medium, characterized in that the routing information said selected those that provided the user terminal. 25. A program for controlling an information display device mounted on a vehicle, connected to an information center via a network, and configured to display information provided from the information center on a display. Wherein the program causes the information display device to measure fuel efficiency during travel of the vehicle, and associates the fuel efficiency information with information of a position at which the fuel efficiency is measured. A storage medium that transmits the information to the information center and receives the fuel efficiency or information in consideration of the fuel efficiency from the information center and displays the information on the display.