JP2004080489A - Location guiding method, location guiding program, telephone answering system, search program, and retrieval server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a location guiding service for guiding a pathway to the destination, regardless of the types of telephone including a general portable telephone without a function of Internet connection. <P>SOLUTION: The location guiding method with a telephone answering system for carrying out an answer-back operation to a telephone connected through a telephone line network includes a step of receiving an operation signal from a telephone, a step of connecting with a WWW server which stores pathway guide information data to the destination through a communication network, a step of obtaining the pathway guide information from the WWW server, a step of generating a voice signal for each path in which the pathway to the destination is separated one or more paths on the basis of the pathway guide information data, and a step of transmitting the voice signal to the telephone. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a location guidance method, a location guidance program, a telephone answering device, a search program, and a search server.
[0002]
[Prior art]
If you want to go to a certain place, for example, a famous restaurant, but have never been in the past, you will have trouble finding that restaurant among many shops.
In such a case, it may be possible to reach the destination to some extent with the map, but the target restaurant may not be on the map. In addition, maps are often quickly rendered obsolete due to the replacement of stores, which is useless. In most cases, people don't know when they ask for directions. Furthermore, even if you call the restaurant directly and ask for directions, you will have to end up on an unknown route to the restaurant, unless a restaurant clerk will meet you.
[0003]
On the other hand, in recent years, mobile phones that can be connected to the Internet have become widespread, and it has become possible to easily receive a map display service. According to this, the latest map can be displayed on the display screen of the portable telephone. In particular, in the case of a service where a specific store is displayed on the map in advance, if the target store is displayed on the map, check the current position on the map as needed to reach the target store It is possible to get there.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the map display service provided by the portable telephone is used, the route from the current position to the destination is not guided one by one, and the road may be mistaken or overrun on the way.
In order to use the services provided by the portable telephone, the portable telephone must be connectable to the Internet. Alternatively, it must be at least a portable telephone capable of displaying a map on a display screen. For the visually impaired, it is impossible to use a location guidance service using a map.
In addition, it is necessary to store a large amount of map information data in an application server that provides map information, and it is not easy to manage the map information data to always keep it up to date.
Further, the data transmitted from the application server to the portable telephone at the time of using the map display service is image data, so that the data transfer amount is large. Although the data compression technology has been advanced, the communication load is large as compared with the transfer of text data.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention provides a location guidance service that can guide a route to a destination and arrive at the destination regardless of the type of telephone, including a general portable telephone without an Internet connection function. Main purpose.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A location guidance method by a telephone answering device for executing a response process to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network, the method including receiving an operation signal from the telephone, and storing route guidance information data to a destination. Connecting via a communication network to the WWW server that is performing, obtaining the route guidance information data from the WWW server, and determining at least one route to the destination based on the route guidance information data. Generating an audio signal for each of the divided steps; and transmitting the audio signal to the telephone.
In addition, the problems disclosed by the present application and the solution thereof will be clarified by the columns of the embodiments of the invention, the columns of the examples, and the drawings.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
At least the following will be made clear by the description in this specification.
One aspect of the present invention is a location guidance method by a telephone answering device that executes a response process to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network, the method comprising: receiving an operation signal from the telephone; Connecting to a WWW server that stores route guidance information data via a communication network; acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server; and reaching the destination based on the route guidance information data. Generating an audio signal for each of the steps in which the path is divided into at least one path, and transmitting the audio signal to the telephone.
According to such an aspect, even if a portable telephone of any type is used, including a portable telephone without a map data display function, a GPS function, and an Internet connection function, the user can follow the instructions while listening to the voice guide provided by the telephone. Thereby, the service user can be guided to the destination. Further, it is possible to provide a location guidance service using a voice guide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without employing a dedicated telephone operator.
[0008]
In one aspect of the present invention, the route guidance information data is described in a markup language.
According to such an embodiment, the route guidance information on the WWW server can be easily rewritten, and various modes of services can be easily provided only by rewriting the HTML file. Further, since image data such as a map does not flow on the communication network, a navigation function can be provided while suppressing a communication load. Further, since the guide text can be easily changed only by updating the HTML file on the WWW server, it is possible for the business owners of each store or the like to provide a service such as providing a guide text according to the season. It becomes. In addition, even if a store is moved, a new guide text can be immediately replaced.
[0009]
Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the step of obtaining the route guidance information data from the WWW server, a called number from the telephone and a URL of the route guidance information data are stored in association with each other. The route guidance information data is obtained from the WWW server based on the URL read from the correspondence table.
According to such an aspect, it is not necessary to collectively store the route guidance information data on the same server. The route guidance information data is appropriately created by a person in charge of each company or facility, and can be stored in its own server.
[0010]
Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, prior to the step of connecting to the WWW server, a search server storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated with each other Connecting through the communication network, transmitting a predetermined attribute relating to the destination input from the telephone to the search server, and reading the attribute URL from the attribute URL correspondence table by the search server. Acquiring the URL of the guidance information data from the search server; and, in the step of acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server, the step of acquiring the route guidance information data based on the URL acquired from the search server. It is obtained from the WWW server.
In this way, even if the user forgets the telephone number for the location guidance service of the destination company or the like, and the destination store or the like is not specified, the guidance service that can search for the destination is provided. , And by inputting the conditions of the destination company or store in accordance with the voice guide, it is possible to receive the location guidance service of the destination company or store.
[0011]
One embodiment of the present invention is a location guidance method using a search server and a WWW server connected to a telephone via a communication network, wherein the WWW server stores route guidance information data to a destination, The search server stores an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute related to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated with each other, and the search server stores the attribute in the predetermined attribute received from the telephone. Transmitting the URL read from the attribute URL correspondence table to the telephone based on the attribute URL correspondence table, and displaying the route guidance sentence for each of the at least one or more routes to the destination on the telephone. The WWW server sends the route guidance information data to the telephone based on the URL received from Characterized in that it comprises a step.
According to such an embodiment, when a route guidance service is provided using a telephone that can be connected to the Internet, it is possible to receive the service by displaying the route guidance as characters on the screen of the telephone. This makes it possible to receive the route guidance service, for example, even when the voice of the telephone is difficult to hear due to intense noise.
[0012]
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a step of receiving an operation signal from a telephone set is provided to a telephone answering apparatus that executes a response process to a telephone set connected via a telephone communication network; Connecting via a communication network to a WWW server storing the route guidance information data from the WWW server; and determining at least one route to the destination based on the route guidance information data. The present invention relates to a program for executing the steps of generating an audio signal for each of the steps divided as described above, and transmitting the audio signal to the telephone.
[0013]
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a program, wherein the route guidance information data is described in a markup language.
[0014]
Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the step of obtaining the route guidance information data from the WWW server, a called number from the telephone and a URL of the route guidance information data are stored in association with each other. A program for acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server based on the URL read from the correspondence table.
[0015]
Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, prior to the step of connecting to the WWW server, a search server storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated with each other Connecting via the communication network, and transmitting a predetermined attribute related to the destination input from the telephone to the search server, and the search server reads out the attribute URL correspondence table from the attribute URL correspondence table. Acquiring the URL of the route guidance information data from the search server; and, in the step of acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server, based on the URL acquired from the search server. From the WWW server.
[0016]
Another embodiment of the present invention is a telephone answering apparatus for providing a location guidance service to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network, wherein: a means for receiving an operation signal from the telephone; and a route to a destination. Means for connecting via a communication network to a WWW server storing guidance information data, means for acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server, and a route to the destination based on the route guidance information data The present invention relates to a telephone answering apparatus, comprising: means for generating an audio signal for each of at least one or more steps, and means for transmitting the audio signal to the telephone.
[0017]
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telephone answering device, wherein the route guidance information data is described in a markup language.
[0018]
According to another aspect of the present invention, in the means for acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server, a destination number from the telephone and a URL of the route guidance information data are stored in association with each other. The present invention relates to a telephone answering device, wherein the route guidance information data is obtained from the WWW server based on the URL read from the correspondence table.
[0019]
Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a connection is established via the communication network to a search server storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated. Means for transmitting a predetermined attribute relating to the destination input from the telephone to the search server, and the search server reads the URL of the route guidance information data read from the attribute URL correspondence table by the search server. Means for acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server, wherein the route guidance information data is acquired from the WWW server based on the URL acquired from the search server. Telephone answering device.
[0020]
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a telephone answering apparatus for providing a location guidance service to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network by a voice signal for each step in which a route to a destination is divided into at least one or more routes. A search server for searching the URL of the route guidance information data to the destination stored by the WWW server connected via the communication network stores a predetermined attribute relating to the destination and the URL of the route guidance information data. Storing an associated attribute URL correspondence table; connecting to the telephone answering apparatus via a communication network; and storing a predetermined attribute relating to the destination transmitted from the telephone to the telephone answering apparatus to the telephone. Receiving from a response device, and based on the received predetermined attribute, from the attribute URL correspondence table, A step of reading the RL, a program for executing and sending the URL to the telephone answering device.
[0021]
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a telephone answering apparatus for providing a location guidance service to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network by a voice signal for each step in which a route to a destination is divided into at least one or more routes. What is claimed is: 1. A search server for searching a URL of route guidance information data to a destination stored in a WWW server connected via a communication network, comprising: a predetermined attribute relating to the destination; and a URL of the route guidance information data. Means for storing an attribute URL correspondence table associated with the information processing means, means for connecting the telephone answering apparatus to the telephone answering apparatus via a communication network, and a predetermined attribute relating to the destination transmitted from the telephone to the telephone answering apparatus. Means for receiving from the telephone answering device, and the URL from the attribute URL correspondence table based on the received predetermined attribute. Means for reading, for the search server characterized in that it comprises means for transmitting the URL to the telephone answering device.
[0022]
Another aspect of the present invention is a WWW server for providing a location guidance service for displaying a route guidance message for each process in which a route to a destination is divided into at least one route on a telephone connected via a communication network. And a search server for searching for the URL of the route guidance information data to the destination stored in the storage unit stores an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute related to the destination is associated with the URL of the route guidance information data. , Connecting to the telephone via a communication network, reading the URL from the attribute URL correspondence table based on the predetermined attribute received from the telephone, and transmitting the URL to the telephone. And a program for executing the program.
[0023]
Another aspect of the present invention is a WWW server for providing a location guidance service for displaying a route guidance message for each process in which a route to a destination is divided into at least one route on a telephone connected via a communication network. Is a search server for searching for a URL of the route guidance information data to the destination stored in the attribute URL correspondence table, wherein a predetermined attribute related to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated with each other. Means for connecting to the telephone via a communication network; means for reading the URL from the attribute URL correspondence table based on the predetermined attribute received from the telephone; and transmitting the URL to the telephone. And a search server.
[0024]
【Example】
<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the entire system according to the first embodiment. This block diagram is merely an example, and the design can be appropriately changed as needed.
As shown in FIG. 1, the telephone answering apparatus 100 is connected to a portable telephone 200 through a telephone network 500 and to a WWW (World Wide Web) server 300 through a communication network 400 such as the Internet.
The WWW server 300 stores various HTML documents 301 (route guidance information) described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) in an electronic data format.
[0025]
The telephone answering apparatus 100 includes a central control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a decoding unit 103, a telephone control unit 104, a storage unit 105, and the like that operate in accordance with instructions from the central control unit 101 as appropriate. The telephone answering apparatus 100 includes a dial circuit for simultaneously answering telephone calls with a large number of portable telephones 200, accommodates a large number of telephone lines, and has a large number of dial-in numbers (called numbers).
[0026]
The central control unit 101 is constituted by a CPU, and is connected to a RAM, a ROM, and the like (not shown), and appropriately controls the entire operation of each unit. The communication unit 102 is appropriately formed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, has an interface represented by a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) so as to be connectable to a communication network 400 such as the Internet, The communication operation is performed by an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) request. The decryption unit 103 is appropriately composed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The decryption unit 103 decrypts the HTML document 301 passed from the communication unit 102 and passes a telephone control execution command to the telephone control unit 104. That is, in the present invention, a markup language for describing an instruction to display a homepage or the like on a browser is used for describing a telephone response procedure.
[0027]
The telephone control unit 104 is appropriately composed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, has a dial circuit, and connects a telephone line to the telephone line network 500 as appropriate. The telephone control unit 104 executes the telephone control command decrypted by the decryption unit 103 to control the telephone line, and converts the text into a voice signal so as to transmit a voice signal to the connected telephone line when answering the telephone. It has a speech synthesis circuit (not shown) for conversion.
[0028]
The storage unit 105 stores a program for controlling the telephone answering apparatus 100 and an incoming call number URL correspondence table 106 to be described later. The central control unit 101 reads a program from the storage unit 105, and controls the telephone answering apparatus 100 by the read program.
[0029]
Next, the flow of the location guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is an example of a voice guide that can be heard by a user when the location guidance service is used from the mobile phone 200.
[0030]
First, a voice guide shown in step S2000 flows, and the input of the current position is prompted. The input of the current position is performed by pressing a numeric button of the mobile phone 200. If you are currently at Myogadani Station, press "No. 1". If you are at Gokokuji Station, press "No. 2". If you are not at either station, move to the nearest station, Myogadani Station or Gokokuji Station, and use the location guidance service. Until "No. 1" or "No. 2" is pressed, the voice guide shown in step S2000 is repeatedly played.
[0031]
If you are currently at Myogadani Station, press "No. 1". Then, the display switches to the voice guide shown in step S2001. In step 2001, the route from Myogadani Station to the destination, XX Tokyo Head Office, is guided collectively.
When the voice guide in step S2001 ends, the process switches to the voice guide in step S2002. Here, we will guide you through the process of leaving the station and crossing the crosswalk. Press "No. 1" when you have completed the crosswalk. If you want to start over, press "2".
In the same manner, the vehicle travels along the route according to the audio guide. Each time "No. 1" is pressed, the voice guide is switched to the next one (steps S2003 to S2005).
After listening to the voice guide in step S2005, the user can arrive at the destination.
[0032]
As described above, in the location guidance service according to the present embodiment, the route to the destination is divided into several small steps. A route guide is issued for each short stroke, and an operation input signal from the user is received each time the short stroke ends, and the process proceeds to the next short stroke. In this way, reliable guidance to the destination, which cannot be achieved by the conventional simple map display service, can be realized. Further, the mobile phone 200 does not need to be provided with an expensive device such as a GPS (Global Positioning System).
[0033]
Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the location guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The user dials a predetermined telephone number from the portable telephone 200 and makes a call to the telephone answering apparatus 100 (step S3000). The predetermined telephone number is determined in advance according to the destination, and the telephone answering apparatus 100 accepts incoming calls of a plurality of telephone numbers calling for each destination. Upon detecting the incoming call, the telephone answering apparatus 100 refers to the incoming call number URL correspondence table 106 provided in the storage unit 105 and reads out the URL corresponding to the incoming call number. The read URL is notified to the communication unit 102. In the incoming call number URL correspondence table 106, for example, “03: // 5978-XXXX” as the dial-in number and “http://www.GF.net.ne.jp/OO.html/” as the URL are displayed as the URL. Corresponding.
It should be noted that only one telephone answering device 100 may be provided, or the telephone answering device 100 may be installed for each region, for example, for each prefecture.
[0034]
The communication unit 102 connects to the WWW server 300 specified by the URL via the communication network 400, and acquires the HTML document 301 stored in the WWW server 300 (step S3001 → step S3002). The HTML document 301 is stored in the WWW server 300 by the creator of the HTML document 301.
[0035]
In the acquired HTML document 301, a unique route guidance sentence is described in a format according to a predetermined rule. The acquired HTML document 301 is delivered to the decryption unit 103. The decryption unit 103 decrypts the HTML language, converts it into a series of commands for telephone response, and delivers it to the telephone control unit 104. The telephone control unit 104 transmits a telephone response message to the portable telephone 200 connected to the telephone line (during a call) in accordance with the received instruction (step S3003). Specifically, of the commands received from the decoding unit 103, the text sentence decoded by the HTML document 301 is converted into voice by a voice synthesis circuit of the telephone control unit 104, and the voice signal is transmitted to the telephone line. I do. The reproduced sound is, for example, the sound shown in step S2000 of FIG.
[0036]
The user operates the dial push button according to the voice guide (step S3004). Specifically, in step S2000 in FIG. 2, if the user is currently at Myogadani Station, "No. 1" is pressed. Then, portable telephone 200 transmits a DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency) signal corresponding to “No. 1” (step 3005). When the telephone answering apparatus 100 detects that “No. 1” is selected, the telephone answering apparatus 100 again reads the destination number URL correspondence table 106, and reads the URL (for example, “”) of the HTML document 301 in which the route guidance sentence for the next step is described. http: //www.GF.net.ne.jp/OOOO.html/ ") is searched (step S3006). The telephone answering apparatus 100 acquires the HTML document 301 from the WWW server 300 and reproduces it (step S3007 → step S3009). The audio guide reproduced in step S3009 corresponds to step S2001 in FIG. Hereinafter, the location guidance service can be processed by repeating the same procedure.
[0037]
Here, the generation of the audio signal transmitted to the mobile phone 200 is not limited to synthesizing a voice from a text sentence, but also, for example, when obtaining an HTML document 301 from the WWW server 300, a The telephone answering apparatus 100 may acquire the data as a file (wav file) in a format and reproduce the wav data. The update of the route guidance sentence can be performed by replacing the wav file stored in the WWW server 300 with a new wav file.
[0038]
Next, an example of a location guidance service according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
FIG. 4 is an example of a location guidance service for visually impaired persons. By simply rewriting the HTML document 301 stored in the WWW server 300, a location guidance service for visually impaired can be provided. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily provide various types of services simply by rewriting the HTML document 301.
[0039]
The service provider can set the telephone number of the location guidance service for the general public and the telephone number of the location guidance service for the visually impaired to different telephone numbers or the same telephone number. If the same phone number is used, the user must first listen to a common voice guide for the general public and the visually impaired, and then press the dial button according to the voice guide to determine which service to receive. Will be selected.
[0040]
5 and 6 show examples of providing a location guidance service in an event facility or the like. First, a facility guide sign 600 as shown in FIG. 5 is set in a predetermined place in the facility in advance. When the facility user who looks at the facility information sign 600 calls the telephone number written on the facility information sign 600, the telephone answering apparatus 100 plays a voice guide shown in FIG. When the current position and the destination are input according to the voice guide, the telephone answering apparatus 100 searches the destination number URL correspondence table 106 and acquires the URL of the corresponding HTML document. Subsequently, the HTML document 301 is obtained from the WWW server 300, and route guidance is started. This allows the event facility user to reach the destination without getting lost in the facility.
[0041]
7 and 8 show examples of providing a location guidance service at a tourist spot. First, a tourist information sign 700 as shown in FIG. 7 is set in a predetermined place in advance. When a tourist who sees the tourist information sign 700 calls the telephone number described on the tourist information sign 700, the telephone answering device 100 plays a voice guide shown in FIG. When the current position and the destination are input according to the voice guide, the telephone answering apparatus 100 searches the destination number URL correspondence table 106 and acquires the URL of the corresponding HTML document. Subsequently, the HTML document 301 is obtained from the WWW server 300, and route guidance is started. Thus, the tourist can reach a place to go without hesitation.
[0042]
9 and 10 show examples of providing a location guidance service in a station yard. First, a station information sign 800 as shown in FIG. 9 is installed in a predetermined place in the station premises in advance. When a station user who looks at the station information sign 800 calls the telephone number written on the station information sign 800, the telephone answering apparatus 100 plays a voice guide shown in FIG. When the current position and the destination are input according to the voice guide, the telephone answering apparatus 100 searches the destination number URL correspondence table 106 and acquires the URL of the corresponding HTML document. Subsequently, the HTML document 301 is obtained from the WWW server 300, and route guidance is started. This allows the station user to reach the place he wants to go without hesitation.
[0043]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily reach the destination by following the instruction while listening to the voice guide by telephone.
As a result, the service user can be guided to the destination using any type of portable telephone, including a portable telephone without a map data display function, a GPS function, and an Internet connection function. Become.
[0044]
The guide text is described in an HTML file in a markup language. The telephone answering apparatus obtains an HTML file from a WWW server registered in advance according to the destination, and reproduces the HTML file using an automatic speech synthesis function. This makes it possible to easily provide various modes of service simply by rewriting the HTML file on the WWW server. Further, since image data such as a map does not flow on the communication network, a navigation function can be provided while suppressing a communication load.
[0045]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to synthesizing voices, but it is also possible to acquire guidance text as wav data and reproduce it, for example, when acquiring an HTML document. According to this, the recorded voice of a person can be reproduced.
[0046]
Further, since the guide text can be easily changed only by updating the HTML file on the WWW server, it is possible for the business owners of each store or the like to provide a service such as providing a guide text according to the season. It becomes. In addition, even if a store is moved, a new guide text can be immediately replaced. In addition, a 24-hour 365-day guidance service can be provided without employing a dedicated operator.
[0047]
<Second embodiment>
Next, an outline of the entire system according to the second embodiment is shown in a block diagram of FIG. This block diagram is merely an example, and the design can be changed as needed.
[0048]
The difference from the first embodiment is that the search server 900 is connected to the telephone answering apparatus 100 through the communication network 400. The search server 900 stores an attribute URL correspondence table 901, has a function of receiving a request from the telephone response device 100, searching the URL by the attribute URL correspondence table 901, and returning a search result to the telephone response device 100. .
[0049]
A user of the location guidance service makes a call from the portable telephone 200 to a predetermined telephone number. Then, the telephone answering apparatus 100 receives the incoming call, and specifies the URL of the search server 900 from the incoming call number URL correspondence table 106 stored in the storage unit 105. The communication unit 102 establishes communication with the search server 900, and the telephone answering apparatus 100 provides a predetermined location guidance service. First, the telephone answering device 100 guides the user to input a telephone number of a place to go to by a voice guide. When the user inputs the telephone number of the place where he / she wants to go by operating the dial button, the telephone answering apparatus 100 transmits the input telephone number to the search server 900. The search server 900 searches the attribute URL correspondence table 901 using the telephone number as a search key, and reads out the URL. The read URL is transmitted to the telephone answering apparatus 100, and the telephone answering apparatus 100 acquires an HTML document 301 describing a location guidance guide from the WWW server 300 specified by the URL, and sends an audio guide to the portable telephone 200. Shed.
[0050]
FIG. 12 shows a specific flow of the location guidance service.
First, the user calls "03-5062-XXX". Then, the user is connected to the telephone answering apparatus 100, and a voice guide is played (step S12000). Follow the audio guide and enter the phone number of the place you want to go. For example, "03-5978-xxx" is input. Then, a location guidance guide for a place to go to is started (step S12001). If you follow the instructions while listening to the guide, you can arrive at the place you want to go.
[0051]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing the location guidance service according to the second embodiment.
The user dials a predetermined telephone number from the portable telephone 200 and makes a call to the telephone answering apparatus 100 (step S13000). Upon detecting the incoming call, the telephone answering apparatus 100 refers to the incoming call number URL correspondence table 106 provided in the storage unit 105 and reads out the URL corresponding to the incoming call number. The read URL is notified to the communication unit 102.
[0052]
The communication unit 102 connects to the search server 900 specified by the URL via the communication network 400, and acquires the HTML document 301 stored in the search server 900 (step S13001 → step S13002).
[0053]
The acquired HTML document 301 is delivered to the decryption unit 103. The decryption unit 103 decrypts the HTML language, converts it into a series of commands for telephone response, and delivers it to the telephone control unit 104. The telephone control unit 104 transmits a telephone response message to the portable telephone 200 connected to the telephone line (during a call) in accordance with the received instruction (step S13003). Specifically, of the commands received from the decoding unit 103, the text sentence decoded by the HTML document 301 is converted into voice by a voice synthesis circuit of the telephone control unit 104, and the voice signal is transmitted to the telephone line. I do. The reproduced sound is, for example, the sound shown in step S12000 of FIG.
[0054]
The user operates the dial push button according to the voice guide and inputs a telephone number of a place to go to (step S13004). Then, portable telephone 200 transmits a DTMF signal of a number corresponding to the input telephone number (step 13005). The telephone answering apparatus 100 transmits the input telephone number to the search server 900 via the communication network 400 (Step S13006). The search server 900 searches the attribute URL correspondence table 901 using the telephone number as a search key, and reads out the URL (step S13007). The read URL is transmitted to the telephone answering apparatus 100 (step S13008), and the telephone answering apparatus 100 connects to the WWW server 300 specified by the URL. The telephone answering apparatus 100 acquires the HTML document 301 in which the location guidance guide is described from the connected WWW server 300, and outputs a voice guide to the portable telephone 200 (step S13009 → step S13011). The audio reproduced here is, for example, the one shown in step S12001 of FIG. Subsequent procedures are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0055]
In steps S13006 to S13008, the telephone answering apparatus 100 acquires the URL corresponding to the input telephone number from the search server 900. However, a mode in which the telephone answering apparatus 100 itself retrieves and acquires the URL is also considered. Can be In such a case, the attribute URL correspondence table 901 is stored in the telephone answering apparatus 100. For example, it is stored in the storage unit 105 of the telephone answering apparatus 100.
[0056]
Further, in generating a voice signal to be transmitted to the mobile phone 200, not only a voice is synthesized from a text but also, for example, when the HTML document 301 is obtained from the WWW server 300, the route guidance text is converted into a wave sound format. , And the telephone answering apparatus 100 may reproduce the wav data. The update of the route guidance sentence can be performed by replacing the wav file stored in the WWW server 300 with a new wav file.
[0057]
Next, FIG. 14 shows an example of a location guidance service according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an example of a location guidance service for finding a cake shop in a desired area and selling a desired kind of cake from cake shops nationwide in Japan and providing directions to the cake shop. is there.
[0058]
First, a voice guide shown in step S14000 is played, and input of the current position is prompted (corresponding to step S13003 in FIG. 13). The input of the current position is performed by pressing a numeric button of the mobile phone 200. If the user is currently in the Kanto region, "No. 3" is pressed (corresponding to step S13004 in FIG. 13). Then, the voice guide is switched to the voice guide shown in step S14001 (corresponding to step S13011 in FIG. 13). If the user is currently in Tokyo, "No. 1" is pressed (corresponding to step S13004 in FIG. 13). When searching for a cake shop near Toshima-ku in the voice guide shown in step 14002, the user presses "No. 2" (corresponding to step S13004 in FIG. 13). Subsequently, in step S14003, a desired cake type is selected. If a mini cake is desired, "No. 1" is pressed (corresponding to step S13004 in FIG. 13). Then, in step S14004, guidance of the cake shop that meets your wishes starts (corresponding to step S13011 in FIG. 13). When a cake shop is specified by pressing a number according to the voice guide (corresponding to step S13004 in FIG. 13), location guidance of the cake shop starts (corresponding to step S13011 in FIG. 13).
[0059]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to search for a destination even when the telephone number for the location guidance service of the company or the like as the destination is forgotten or the store or the like as the destination is not specified. By making a telephone call to a suitable guidance service and inputting the conditions of the destination company or store according to the voice guide, it is possible to receive the location guidance service of the destination company or store.
[0060]
Thus, no matter what type of mobile phone is used, including a mobile phone without a map data display function, a GPS function, and an Internet connection function, the user can follow the instructions while listening to the voice guidance provided by the phone. The service user can be guided to the destination.
[0061]
The guide text is described in an HTML file in a markup language. The telephone answering apparatus obtains an HTML file from a WWW server registered in advance according to the destination, and reproduces the HTML file using an automatic speech synthesis function. This makes it possible to easily provide various modes of service simply by rewriting the HTML file on the WWW server. Further, since image data such as a map does not flow on the communication network, a navigation function can be provided while suppressing a communication load.
[0062]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to synthesizing voices, but it is also possible to acquire guidance text as wav data and reproduce it, for example, when acquiring an HTML document. According to this, the recorded voice of a person can be reproduced.
[0063]
Further, since the guide text can be easily changed only by updating the HTML file on the WWW server, it is possible for the business owners of each store or the like to provide a service such as providing a guide text according to the season. It becomes. In addition, even if a store is moved, a new guide text can be immediately replaced. In addition, a 24-hour 365-day guidance service can be provided without employing a dedicated operator.
[0064]
<Third embodiment>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire system according to the third embodiment. This block diagram is merely an example, and the design can be changed as needed.
The difference from the first embodiment is that the mobile phone 200 is provided with an Internet connection function, and can be connected to the search server 900 from the mobile phone 200. The search server 900 stores an attribute telephone number correspondence table 902, receives a request from the portable telephone 200, searches the attribute telephone number correspondence table 902 for a telephone number, and returns a search result to the portable telephone 200. Is provided.
[0065]
The user of the location guidance service accesses the search server 900 from the mobile phone 200 via the Internet. When the information about the place to be visited is input, the search server 900 searches the attribute telephone number correspondence table 902 and reads out the telephone number. The information about the place to go to is, for example, the name of a facility or a company name. You can also enter the phone number of the place you want to go. The telephone number read by search server 900 is transmitted to portable telephone 200, and portable telephone 200 makes a call to the telephone number. Then, the telephone answering apparatus 100 receives the incoming call, and specifies the URL of the WWW server 300 from the incoming call number URL correspondence table 106 stored in the storage unit 105. The communication unit 102 establishes communication with the WWW server 300, and the telephone answering apparatus 100 provides a predetermined location guidance service.
[0066]
FIG. 16 shows a specific flow of the location guidance service.
First, the user connects to the location guidance search site via the Internet (step S16000). The display screen of the location guidance search site has a telephone number input field 1000 and a company name input field 1001. When the telephone number of the place to go to is entered in the telephone number input field 1000, a telephone call is automatically made to the location guidance guide of the place to go, and a voice guide starts (step S16003). On the other hand, when a company name, an event facility name, a station name and the like of a place to be visited are inputted in a company name etc. input column 1001 and a search button 1002 is selected (step S16001), a search result is displayed on a screen (step S16002). When a place to go to is selected, a telephone call is automatically made to the location guide of the place to go to and a voice guide starts (step S16003). By proceeding while performing an operation input in accordance with the voice instruction, the user can arrive at a desired place.
[0067]
Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing a location guidance service according to the third embodiment.
The user connects to the location guidance search site from the mobile phone 200 via the communication network 400 (step S17000 → step S17001). Next, a search key, for example, a company name, is input from the display screen of the search site (step S17002). Upon receiving the search key, the search server 900 refers to the attribute telephone number correspondence table 902 (step S17003), and transmits a company name or a facility name having the same attribute as the input company name or the like to the mobile phone 200. (Step S17004). The user selects a desired name from the list of company names and facility names displayed on the screen (step S17005). Then, search server 900 transmits predetermined data to mobile phone 200. This data is an HTML document. In this HTML document, a telephone number for the portable telephone 200 to call the telephone answering apparatus 100 is anchored in a format such as <A href="tel:XXX...">. When the built-in browser detects the command “tel:” in the anchor tag <>, the portable telephone 200 starts a script (program) for automatic dialing, and executes the automatic dialing. , Or immediately in response to a user's operation input, a call is immediately made to the telephone number indicated by "XXX ...". At this time, usually, the communication with the search server 900 is disconnected at the same time as the outgoing call (step S17006 → step S17008).
[0068]
Next, when the telephone answering apparatus 100 receives a call from the portable telephone 200, the telephone number corresponding to the called number is read by referring to the called number correspondence table 106 provided in the storage unit 105 in the telephone answering apparatus 100. The read URL is notified to the communication unit 102.
[0069]
The communication unit 102 connects to the WWW server 300 specified by the URL via the communication network 400, and acquires the HTML document 301 stored in the WWW server 300 (step S17009 → step S17010).
[0070]
The acquired HTML document 301 is delivered to the decryption unit 103. The decryption unit 103 decrypts the HTML language, converts it into a series of commands for telephone response, and delivers it to the telephone control unit 104. In accordance with the received instruction, the telephone control unit 104 outputs a voice guide to the portable telephone 200 connected to the telephone line (during a call) (step S17011).
[0071]
Here, the generation of the audio signal transmitted to the mobile phone 200 is not limited to synthesizing a voice from a text sentence, but also, for example, when obtaining an HTML document 301 from the WWW server 300, a The telephone answering apparatus 100 may acquire the data as a file (wav file) in a format and reproduce the wav data. The update of the route guidance sentence can be performed by replacing the wav file stored in the WWW server 300 with a new wav file.
[0072]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the user forgets the telephone number for the location guidance service of the company or the like as the destination, the destination can be searched by using a telephone that can be connected to the Internet. It is possible to receive the provision of the location guidance service of a company, a store, or the like by a voice guide.
[0073]
<Fourth embodiment>
An outline of the whole system according to the fourth embodiment is shown in a block diagram of FIG. This block diagram is merely an example, and the design can be changed as needed.
As shown in FIG. 18, a mobile phone 200 is connected to a WWW server 300 and a search server 900 via a communication network 400.
The WWW server 300 stores various HTML documents 301 (route guidance information) described in HTML in an electronic data format. The search server 900 stores an attribute URL correspondence table 901, has a function of receiving a request from the portable telephone 200, searching the attribute URL correspondence table 901 for a URL, and returning a search result to the portable telephone 200.
[0074]
The user of the location guidance service accesses the search server 900 from the mobile phone 200 via the Internet. When the information about the place to go is input, the search server 900 searches the attribute URL correspondence table 901 and reads out the URL of the HTML document in which the route guidance information of the place to go is described. The information about the place to go to is, for example, the name of a facility or a company name. You can also enter the phone number of the place you want to go. The URL read by the search server 900 is transmitted to the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 acquires the HTML document 301 from the WWW server 300 specified by the URL, and provides a predetermined location guidance service.
[0075]
FIG. 19 shows a specific flow of the location guidance service.
First, the user connects to a location guidance search site via the Internet (step S19000). The display screen of the location guidance search site has a telephone number input field 1000 and a company name input field 1001. When the telephone number of the place to be visited is entered in the telephone number entry field 1000, a location guide of the place to be visited is displayed on the screen (step S16003). On the other hand, when a company name, an event facility name, a station name and the like of a place to be visited are inputted in a company name etc. input column 1001 and a search button 1002 is selected (step S16001), a search result is displayed on a screen (step S16002). When a place to go is selected, a location guidance guide for the place to go is displayed on the screen (step S16003). When the user proceeds while performing an operation input according to the screen instructions, the user can arrive at a desired place.
[0076]
Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing a location guidance service according to the fourth embodiment.
The user connects from the mobile phone 200 to the location guidance search site via the communication network 400 (step S20000 → step S20001). Next, a search key, for example, a company name, is input from the display screen of the search site (step S20002). Upon receiving the search key, search server 900 refers to attribute URL correspondence table 901 (step S20003), and transmits a company name or a facility name having the same attribute as the input company name or the like to portable telephone 200 (step S20003). Step S20004). The user selects a desired name from the list of company names and facility names displayed on the screen (step S20005). Then, the search server 900 transmits the URL of the route guidance information data of the selected destination to the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 communicates with the WWW server 300 specified by the URL via the communication network 400. To connect and obtain the HTML document 301 stored in the WWW server 300 (step S20006 → step S20008). The acquired HTML document 301 is displayed on a display screen by a built-in browser of the mobile phone 200, and a location guidance service is provided. Thereafter, the portable telephone 200 transmits the input signal to the WWW server 300 every time a predetermined operation input from the user is received, thereby receiving the HTML document 301 of the next process and displaying it on the display screen. .
[0077]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the route guidance service is provided using a telephone that can be connected to the Internet, the service is provided by the voice guide as shown in the first to third embodiments. In addition to receiving the service, it is possible to receive the service by displaying the route guidance as characters on the display screen of the telephone. This makes it possible to receive the route guidance service, for example, even when the voice of the telephone is difficult to hear due to intense noise.
[0078]
The embodiments according to the present embodiment have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
Using a telephone, a route to a destination can be guided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a location guidance system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of a location guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a location guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of a location guidance service for a visually impaired person according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an event facility guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an event facility guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a tourist destination guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a tourist spot guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a station facility guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a station facility guidance service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a location guidance system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of a location guidance service according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a location guidance service according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of a location guidance service according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a location guidance system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flow of a location guidance service according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing of a location guidance service according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a location guidance system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of a location guidance service according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a location guidance service according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Telephone answering machine
101 Central control unit
102 Communication unit
103 Decryption unit
104 telephone control unit
105 storage unit
106 Incoming number URL correspondence table
200 mobile phone
300 WWW server
301 HTML document
400 communication network
500 telephone network
600 Facility Information Sign
700 tourist information signboard
800 Station Information Sign
900 search server
901 Attribute URL correspondence table
902 Attribute telephone number correspondence table
1000 Phone number input field
1001 Company name input field
1002 Search button

Claims (17)

A location guidance method by a telephone answering device that executes a response process to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network,
Receiving an operation signal from the telephone;
Connecting via a communication network to a WWW server storing route guidance information data to the destination;
Obtaining the route guidance information data from the WWW server;
Generating an audio signal for each of the steps in which the route to the destination is divided into at least one or more routes based on the route guidance information data;
Transmitting the audio signal to the telephone;
A location guidance method, comprising: The location guidance method according to claim 1, wherein the route guidance information data is described in a markup language. In the step of acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server,
Acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server based on the URL read from the destination number URL correspondence table in which the called number from the telephone and the URL of the route guidance information data are stored in association with each other. The location guidance method according to claim 1, wherein: Prior to the step of connecting to the WWW server,
Connecting via the communication network to a search server storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination is associated with a URL of the route guidance information data;
A predetermined attribute related to the destination input from the telephone is transmitted to the search server, and the URL of the route guidance information data read from the attribute URL correspondence table by the search server is acquired from the search server. And steps,
In the step of acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server,
The location guidance method according to claim 1, wherein the route guidance information data is acquired from the WWW server based on the URL acquired from the search server. A location guidance method using a search server and a WWW server connected to a telephone via a communication network,
The WWW server stores route guidance information data to a destination,
The search server stores an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute related to the destination is associated with a URL of the route guidance information data,
Transmitting the URL read from the attribute URL correspondence table to the telephone based on the predetermined attribute received by the search server from the telephone;
On the basis of the URL received from the telephone, the WWW server sends the route guidance information data to the telephone so that the telephone displays a route guidance sentence for each step in which the route to the destination is divided into at least one. And transmitting to the location guidance method. A telephone answering device that executes a response process to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network,
Receiving an operation signal from the telephone;
Connecting via a communication network to a WWW server storing route guidance information data to the destination;
Obtaining the route guidance information data from the WWW server;
Generating an audio signal for each of the steps in which the route to the destination is divided into at least one or more routes based on the route guidance information data;
Transmitting the audio signal to the telephone;
The program to execute. The program according to claim 6, wherein the route guidance information data is described in a markup language. In the step of acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server,
Acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server based on the URL read from the destination number URL correspondence table in which the called number from the telephone and the URL of the route guidance information data are stored in association with each other. The program according to claim 6, wherein: Prior to the step of connecting to the WWW server,
Connecting via the communication network to a search server storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination is associated with a URL of the route guidance information data;
A predetermined attribute related to the destination input from the telephone is transmitted to the search server, and the URL of the route guidance information data read from the attribute URL correspondence table by the search server is obtained from the search server. And the step of
In the step of acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server,
The program according to claim 6, wherein the route guidance information data is acquired from the WWW server based on the URL acquired from the search server. A telephone answering apparatus for providing a location guidance service to a telephone connected via a telephone communication network,
Means for receiving an operation signal from the telephone;
Means for connecting via a communication network to a WWW server storing route guidance information data to the destination;
Means for acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server;
Means for generating an audio signal for each step in which a route to the destination is divided into at least one or more routes based on the route guidance information data;
Means for transmitting the audio signal to the telephone,
A telephone answering device comprising: The telephone answering device according to claim 10, wherein the route guidance information data is described in a markup language. Means for acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server,
Acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server based on the URL read from the destination number URL correspondence table in which the called number from the telephone and the URL of the route guidance information data are stored in association with each other. The telephone answering device according to claim 10, wherein: Means for connecting, via the communication network, to a search server storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated with each other;
A predetermined attribute related to the destination input from the telephone is transmitted to the search server, and the URL of the route guidance information data read from the attribute URL correspondence table by the search server is acquired from the search server. Means,
Means for acquiring the route guidance information data from the WWW server,
The telephone answering device according to claim 10, wherein the route guidance information data is obtained from the WWW server based on the URL obtained from the search server. A telephone set connected via a telephone communication network is connected via a communication network to a telephone answering apparatus for providing a location guidance service based on a voice signal for each step in which a route to a destination is divided into at least one or more routes. A search server for searching the URL of the route guidance information data to the destination stored in the WWW server,
Storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which predetermined attributes relating to the destination are associated with URLs of the route guidance information data;
Connecting to the telephone answering device via a communication network;
Receiving a predetermined attribute related to the destination transmitted from the telephone to the telephone answering device from the telephone answering device;
Reading the URL from the attribute URL correspondence table based on the received predetermined attribute;
Transmitting the URL to the telephone answering device;
The program to execute. A telephone set connected via a telephone communication network is connected via a communication network to a telephone answering apparatus for providing a location guidance service based on a voice signal for each step in which a route to a destination is divided into at least one or more routes. A search server for searching a URL of route guidance information data to said destination stored in a WWW server,
Means for storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated with each other;
Means for connecting to the telephone answering device via a communication network;
Means for receiving, from the telephone answering device, a predetermined attribute related to the destination transmitted from the telephone to the telephone answering device;
Means for reading the URL from the attribute URL correspondence table based on the received predetermined attribute;
Means for transmitting the URL to the telephone answering device;
A search server comprising: A WWW server for providing a location guidance service for displaying, on a telephone connected via a communication network, a route guidance sentence for each of at least one route to a destination is stored. A search server for searching the URL of the route guidance information data,
Storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which predetermined attributes relating to the destination are associated with URLs of the route guidance information data;
Connecting to the telephone via a communication network;
Reading the URL from the attribute URL correspondence table based on the predetermined attribute received from the telephone;
Transmitting the URL to the telephone;
The program to execute. A WWW server for providing a location guidance service for displaying, on a telephone connected via a communication network, a route guidance sentence for at least one or more routes to a destination for each of the routes to the destination is stored. A search server for searching a URL of route guidance information data,
Means for storing an attribute URL correspondence table in which a predetermined attribute relating to the destination and a URL of the route guidance information data are associated with each other;
Means for connecting to the telephone via a communication network;
Means for reading the URL from the attribute URL correspondence table based on the predetermined attribute received from the telephone;
Means for transmitting the URL to the telephone;
A search server comprising:

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