JP2006234418A - Vehicle position guidance apparatus and system and automatic remote-control apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle position guidance apparatus and a system and an automatic remote-control apparatus and a system for avoiding floor mistakes in a multi-level car parking tower and inappropriate operations of an automatic remote control associated with this. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicle position guidance system for guiding a vehicle user on the position of a vehicle includes both a vehicle-mounted device mounted to the vehicle and a communication terminal device carried by the vehicle user. The vehicle-mounted device has a vehicle position/altitude detection means for detecting the position and altitude of the vehicle. The communication terminal device comprises a user position/altitude detection means for detecting the position and altitude of the communication terminal device; an acquisition means for acquiring position and altitude information of the vehicle from the vehicle-mounted device; and a route retrieval/guidance means for collating the position and altitude of the communication terminal device detected by the user position/altitude detection means and the position and altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquisition means to three-dimensional map information, retrieving a three-dimensional route to the position and altitude of the vehicle on the basis of the position and altitude of the communication terminal device, and guiding the vehicle user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a vehicle position guidance system for guiding a vehicle user to a vehicle position, and an automatic remote control device and system for causing a vehicle to automatically perform a remote operation. The present invention relates to a vehicle position guide device and system and an automatic remote control device and system that avoid inappropriate operation of auto remote control.

  Conventionally, a system for guiding the position of a vehicle parked by a vehicle user is known, and in particular, an apparatus / system for guiding the number of floors in which a vehicle is parked to a vehicle user in a three-dimensional parking lot has been proposed ( For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Conventionally, there has been known an auto remote control (automatic remote control) system in which a vehicle door is automatically unlocked / locked only by a vehicle user carrying a small wireless communication terminal device and approaching / separating the vehicle. (For example, see Patent Documents 3 to 5).

Further, in the auto remote control system, when the vehicle user carrying the wireless communication terminal device approaches within a predetermined range from the vehicle, the hazard lamp blinks at a predetermined period for a predetermined period to notify the vehicle user of the position of the vehicle. A device having a so-called car finder function has also been proposed.
JP-A-4-270499 JP 2003-77097 A JP 2002-129794 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-227481 JP 2003-269023 A

  However, the conventional apparatus / system as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot be said to be sufficient guidance for the user and easy to use.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 proposes a method for obtaining the number of floors in which a vehicle is parked in a multilevel parking lot by using an altimeter mounted on the vehicle and displaying this on a remote control key for keyless entry. (Third embodiment; paragraphs [0030] to [0047]), when the vehicle user does not know the number of floors at which the vehicle user is currently located, or when the vehicle user is connected to the multi-story parking lot via a communication passage. The vehicle user knows how to reach the vehicle position only by displaying the number of floors when the building and the number of floors of the multilevel parking lot do not correspond (match). I can't.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a system that guides the route of a vehicle user to the position of the parked vehicle has been proposed. However, route search / guidance is limited to a two-dimensional plane, and the vehicle becomes a three-dimensional parking lot. When the car is parked, the number of floors in the multi-story parking lot is only displayed as a numerical value (paragraph [0121] and FIG. 12). Therefore, it can be said that this system also includes the same problem as the apparatus of Patent Document 1 described above.

  Thus, the conventional apparatus / system for guiding the vehicle position does not guide the specific vehicle position in the three-dimensional parking lot three-dimensionally or three-dimensionally, but the vehicle user mistakes the floor (number of floors) There is a possibility that the vehicle is searched for on a floor different from the floor where the vehicle is parked.

  If such a mistake occurs when a vehicle user searches for his / her own vehicle in the multi-story parking lot, there is a risk that the above-described auto remote control may be used inappropriately. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which a vehicle user 102 carrying a wireless communication terminal device 101 for automatic remote control is searching for his / her vehicle 103 in a multi-story parking lot. A circle C in the figure indicates an area where the auto remote control system mounted on the vehicle 103 is activated. When the vehicle user 102 carrying the wireless communication terminal device 101 enters the area C as in the position A, It is set in advance so that the door of the vehicle 103 is unlocked or the hazard lamp blinks.

  However, in the conventional auto remote control systems as described in Patent Documents 3 to 5, the positional relationship between the vehicle and the vehicle user in the height direction is not taken into consideration, so that the vehicle user 102 is three-dimensionally like the position B. Even if you are on a different floor in the parking lot, if you happen to be located almost directly above your vehicle 103, the distance from the vehicle 103 will be within a predetermined distance, and auto remote control will be activated to unlock the door. There is a risk that the hazard lamp blinks. Naturally, unlocking the door while the vehicle user 102 is on a different floor from the vehicle 103 is a security problem, and it is meaningless for the hazard lamp to blink.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and provides a vehicle position guide device and system and an automatic remote control device and system for avoiding a floor error in a multi-story parking lot and an inappropriate operation of auto remote control associated therewith. The main purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a vehicle position guidance system for guiding the position of a vehicle to a vehicle user, which is mounted on the vehicle and carried by the vehicle user. The vehicle-mounted device includes vehicle position / altitude detection means for detecting the position and altitude of the vehicle, and the communication terminal device is a user position for detecting the position and altitude of the communication terminal device. Altitude detection means, acquisition means for acquiring the position and altitude information of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device, and the position and altitude of the communication terminal device detected by the user position / altitude detection means and the acquisition means. A three-dimensional route from the position and altitude of the communication terminal device to the position and altitude of the vehicle is searched by comparing the position and altitude of the vehicle with the three-dimensional map information. And a route search, guidance means for guiding to The a vehicle position guidance system.

  In this first aspect, the “vehicle position / altitude detecting means” and the “user position / altitude detecting means” detect the position and altitude using, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System). From the viewpoint of accurately detecting the position and altitude, it is preferable to use an apparatus with the highest possible accuracy (resolution).

  In the first aspect, the “communication terminal device” is, for example, a mobile phone (in particular, a mobile phone with a GPS function).

  In this first aspect, the “vehicle position / altitude detection means” detects the position and altitude of the host vehicle when the vehicle is parked, and uploads it to a communication station such as a center. It is useful to be able to acquire vehicle position and altitude information at any time from the communication station even if the means does not communicate directly or indirectly with the in-vehicle device each time.

  In the first aspect, the “three-dimensional map information” refers to map information that includes altitude information and also includes floor information for a building such as a multilevel parking lot. Further, the “three-dimensional route” refers to a three-dimensional route including ascending / descending on a staircase or an elevator (that is, movement in the vertical direction). The “three-dimensional map information” may be stored in advance in a storage medium in the communication terminal apparatus, or may be appropriately acquired from an external database using communication.

  In the first aspect, the “route search / guidance means” provides route guidance to the vehicle user by visually displaying, for example, a three-dimensional route on a display screen provided in the communication terminal device. Voice guidance may be accompanied.

  According to the first aspect, since the vehicle can be guided or time to be reached After moving the vehicle user how including floor moves to the vehicle position that has been parked in parking garages, vehicle user However, it is possible to greatly reduce the occurrence of a situation where a vehicle is searched for on a floor different from the floor where the vehicle is parked by mistake. In addition, by reducing the occurrence of floor mistakes, inappropriate operation of auto remote control, such as the door being unlocked and the hazard lamp lit (flashing) even when the vehicle user is on a different floor, has occurred. The possibility of doing so is greatly reduced.

  It should be noted that in this first mode, when the three-dimensional route is guided as described above, the vehicle user makes a mistake in the floor or when the vehicle user does not follow the guided three-dimensional route. The aim is to eliminate the possibility of improper operation of the remote control, and to enable auto remote control to be executed only when the vehicle user enters a predetermined range from the vehicle on the same floor as the vehicle. The vehicle-mounted device further includes operation execution means for executing a predetermined vehicle operation when the communication terminal device enters a predetermined range from the vehicle, and the communication terminal device includes the user position / altitude The altitude of the communication terminal device detected by the detecting means and the altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquiring means are compared, and the vehicle and the communication terminal Determining means for determining whether or not the device is located on the same floor (floor), and the vehicle and the communication terminal device are placed on the same floor by the determining means. When it is determined that the communication terminal device is not located (there is a difference between the altitudes so that it can be determined), even if the communication terminal device enters the predetermined range from the vehicle, It is preferable to further include automatic remote operation execution prohibiting means that does not execute the operation.

  A second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is a vehicle position guidance device that is carried by a vehicle user and guides the vehicle position to the vehicle user, the position and altitude of the vehicle position guidance device being determined. User position / altitude detection means for detecting, acquisition means for acquiring the position and altitude information of the vehicle, and the position and altitude of the vehicle position guidance device detected by the user position / altitude detection means, and acquisition by the acquisition means A route search / guidance for searching the vehicle user for a 3D route from the vehicle user's position and altitude to the vehicle location and altitude by comparing the vehicle position and altitude with the 3D map information. And a vehicle position guide device.

  In this second aspect, the “user position / altitude detecting means” detects the position and altitude using, for example, GPS. From the viewpoint of accurately detecting the position and altitude, it is preferable to use an apparatus with the highest possible accuracy (resolution).

  In the second aspect, the “vehicle position guide device” is, for example, a mobile phone (in particular, a mobile phone with a GPS function).

  In the second aspect, the “acquiring unit” acquires, for example, the position and altitude of the vehicle detected in the vehicle using communication. When the vehicle is parked, the position and altitude of the host vehicle are detected and uploaded to a communication station such as a center, so that the acquisition means of the vehicle position guidance device does not communicate directly or indirectly with the vehicle every time. However, it is useful to be able to acquire vehicle position and altitude information from the communication station at any time.

  Moreover, in this second aspect, “three-dimensional map information” refers to map information including altitude information and also including floor information for buildings such as multistory parking lots. Further, the “three-dimensional route” refers to a three-dimensional route including ascending / descending on a staircase or an elevator (that is, movement in the vertical direction). The “three-dimensional map information” may be stored in advance in a storage medium in the vehicle position guide device, or may be appropriately acquired from an external database using communication.

  In the second aspect, the “route search / guidance means” provides route guidance to the vehicle user by visually displaying, for example, a three-dimensional route on a display screen provided in the vehicle position guidance device. . Voice guidance may be accompanied.

  According to the second aspect, since the vehicle can be guided or time to be reached After moving the vehicle user how including floor moves to the vehicle position that has been parked in parking garages, vehicle user However, it is possible to greatly reduce the occurrence of a situation where a vehicle is searched for on a floor different from the floor where the vehicle is parked by mistake. In addition, by reducing the occurrence of floor mistakes, inappropriate operation of auto remote control, such as the door being unlocked and the hazard lamp lit (flashing) even when the vehicle user is on a different floor, has occurred. The possibility of doing so is greatly reduced.

  In order to achieve the above object, a third aspect of the present invention provides an automatic remote that causes a vehicle to execute a predetermined vehicle operation when a communication terminal device carried by a vehicle user enters a predetermined range from the vehicle. An operation (auto remote control) system, wherein the vehicle includes an in-vehicle device, and the in-vehicle device detects vehicle altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the vehicle, and the communication terminal device is within a predetermined range from the vehicle. Operation executing means for executing a predetermined vehicle operation when entering the vehicle, the communication terminal device includes user altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the communication terminal device, and the vehicle altitude from the in-vehicle device. An acquisition means for acquiring information, an altitude of the communication terminal device detected by the user altitude detection means and an altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquisition means are compared, and the vehicle A determination means for determining whether or not the communication terminal apparatus is located on the same floor (which can be said to be substantially the same altitude that it can be determined), and the vehicle and the communication terminal apparatus are determined by the determination means. When it is determined that they are not located on the same floor (there is a difference between the two altitudes so that it can be determined), even if the communication terminal device enters the predetermined range from the vehicle, the operation execution means The automatic remote operation system further includes an automatic remote operation execution prohibiting unit that does not execute a predetermined vehicle operation.

  In this third aspect, the “vehicle altitude detecting means” and the “user altitude detecting means” detect the altitude using, for example, GPS. From the viewpoint of accurately detecting the altitude, it is preferable to use an apparatus with the highest possible accuracy (resolution).

  In the third aspect, the “communication terminal device” is, for example, a mobile phone (in particular, a mobile phone with a GPS function).

  Further, in the third aspect, the “determination means” stores, for example, a numerical value of the ceiling height of one floor of an average multilevel parking lot in advance, and uses it for determining whether or not the floors are the same. It is more preferable if specific numerical values of individual multistory parking lots are stored and stored or can be acquired by communication or the like.

  According to this third aspect, when the vehicle is parked in the multi-story parking lot, the vehicle user mistakenly searches for a vehicle on a floor different from the floor on which the vehicle is parked, Or even if it passes almost directly below, the operation of auto remote control such as the door being unlocked or the hazard lamp lighting (flashing) is not executed, so the security of the vehicle is improved or unnecessary hazard lamp lighting ( Flashing) is prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fourth aspect of the present invention is an automatic remote that causes a vehicle to execute a predetermined vehicle operation when a communication terminal device carried by a vehicle user enters a predetermined range from the vehicle. An operation device, the vehicle altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the vehicle, the user altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the vehicle user, the altitude of the vehicle user detected by the user altitude detecting means and the acquisition Determination of comparing whether the vehicle and the vehicle user acquired by the means are located on the same floor (which can be said to be substantially the same altitude so that it can be determined) And the determination means determine that the vehicle and the vehicle user are not located on the same floor (there is a difference between the altitudes of the two so that it can be determined). There also come within a predetermined range from the vehicle does not perform the predetermined vehicle operation, an automatic remote control device.

  In the fourth aspect, the “vehicle altitude detecting means” and the “user altitude detecting means” detect the altitude using, for example, GPS. From the viewpoint of accurately detecting the altitude, it is preferable to use an apparatus with the highest possible accuracy (resolution).

  In the fourth aspect, the “communication terminal device” is, for example, a mobile phone (particularly a mobile phone with a GPS function), and the “automatic remote control device” is, for example, both a communication terminal device and a vehicle. A communication station such as a communication center.

  In the fourth aspect, the “determination means” stores, for example, a numerical value of the ceiling height of one floor of an average multilevel parking garage in advance and uses it to determine whether or not the floors are the same. It is more preferable if specific numerical values of individual multistory parking lots are stored and stored or can be acquired by communication or the like.

  According to the fourth aspect, when the vehicle is parked in the multi-story parking lot, the vehicle user mistakenly searches for a vehicle on a floor different from the floor on which the vehicle is parked, Or even if it passes almost directly below, the operation of auto remote control such as the door being unlocked or the hazard lamp lighting (flashing) is not executed, so the security of the vehicle is improved or unnecessary hazard lamp lighting ( Flashing) is prevented.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the vehicle position guidance apparatus and system and automatic remote control apparatus and system which avoid the floor mistake in a multi-story parking lot and the improper operation | movement of the automatic remote control accompanying it can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The basic concept of an auto remote control system in which operations such as unlocking / locking a door and lighting (flashing) of a hazard lamp are automatically performed when a user carries a wireless terminal and approaches / separates the vehicle. Since a main hardware configuration, an operation principle, a basic control method, and the like are known to those skilled in the art, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, a system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The system according to the present embodiment includes a side surface as a vehicle position guidance system that guides the position of the vehicle to the vehicle user, and the communication terminal device carried by the vehicle user when the vehicle enters a predetermined range from the vehicle. It also has a side as an auto remote control (automatic remote control) system that allows a predetermined vehicle operation to be executed.

  FIG. 2 shows an outline of the entire system 200 according to the present embodiment. The system 200 according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle 201 that is an object of automatic remote operation, a center (communication station) 202 that is managed and operated by a vehicle manufacturer, an automobile retailer, or a specialist, for example, and a vehicle user ( Communication terminal device 203 held by the owner.

  In terms of the aspect of auto remote control, in this system 200, when the communication terminal device 203 enters a predetermined range from the vehicle 201, as in the case of the conventional auto remote control, the door unlock and the hazard lamp lights (flashes). Vehicle operation is executed in the vehicle 201.

  In the present embodiment, the altitudes of the vehicle 201 and the communication terminal device 203 are also taken into consideration, and even if the communication terminal device 203 enters the predetermined range from the vehicle 201, both of them are on different floors (floors) of the multilevel parking lot. When it is determined to be located, auto remote control is not performed.

  In terms of the navigation function, in this system 200, the communication terminal device 203 uses the vehicle position / altitude acquired through the center 202 and the position / altitude of the own device detected by the own device. A three-dimensional (stereoscopic) route from the current position / altitude to the current position / altitude of the vehicle 201 is searched and guided to the vehicle user.

  Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of each apparatus will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the in-vehicle device 201 ′ mounted on the vehicle 201. The in-vehicle device 201 ′ includes a transmission / reception unit 301 for transmitting / receiving information to / from the center 202, and a control unit 302 for controlling each unit of the in-vehicle device 201 ′.

  The in-vehicle device 201 ′ further includes a current position / altitude detection unit 303 that detects the current position and altitude of the vehicle 201 using, for example, GPS. From the viewpoint of accurately detecting the current position and altitude of the vehicle 201, the current position / altitude detection unit 303 preferably includes a detection device with high detection accuracy (for example, a resolution of about 1 meter).

  When the vehicle 201 is equipped with a navigation system, the current position / altitude detection unit 303 may be shared with the system, or the current position / altitude detection unit 303 may be omitted from the system. You may be asked to provide current location and altitude information.

  The in-vehicle device 201 ′ further includes an operation execution unit 304 that can execute a predetermined vehicle operation such as unlocking a door or lighting (flashing) a hazard lamp by automatic remote control. The operation type (door unlock, hazard lamp lighting (flashing), etc.) and the operation content (for example, when the hazard lamp is lit (flashing), the flashing period, the flashing cycle, etc.) executed by the operation execution unit 304 by auto remote control are The vehicle user can arbitrarily set and change via the center 202 by communication using the communication terminal device 203.

  In the in-vehicle device 201 ′ having such a configuration, when the vehicle 201 is turned off, the control unit 302 causes the current position / altitude detection unit 303 to detect the position and altitude of the vehicle 201, and the detection result is transmitted through the transmission / reception unit 301. Upload to the center 202.

  Further, when an auto remote control command for instructing execution of auto remote control is received from the center 202 through the transmission / reception unit 301, the control unit 302 causes the operation execution unit 304 to execute a predetermined vehicle operation set in advance.

  FIG. 4 illustrates communication between the in-vehicle device 201 ′ and the communication terminal device 203 carried by the vehicle user, and the center (automatic remote operation device) 202, which is a communication station that causes the in-vehicle device 201 ′ to execute automatic remote operation. A schematic configuration is shown.

  The center 202 includes a transmission / reception unit 401 for transmitting / receiving information between the in-vehicle device 201 ′ and the communication terminal device 203, and a control unit 402 for controlling each unit of the center 202.

  The center 202 further includes a storage unit 403 that stores and holds predetermined data in a database format. The storage unit 403 may be an arbitrary storage medium.

  In the center 202 having such a configuration, when the current position and altitude information of the vehicle 201 is received from the in-vehicle device 201 ′ through the transmission / reception unit 401, the control unit 402 stores the current position and altitude information in association with the vehicle 201. Store in the unit 403.

  Further, when the auto remote control notification is received from the communication terminal device 203 through the transmission / reception unit 401, the control unit 402 transmits an auto remote control command to the vehicle 201 (the in-vehicle device 201 ′) through the transmission / reception unit 401, thereby Make the operation execute. In this sense, the center 202 is an automatic remote control device that executes automatic remote control.

  FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a communication terminal device 203 that is carried by the user (owner) of the vehicle 201 and communicates with the center 202. In this embodiment, the communication terminal device 203 is, for example, a mobile phone with a GPS function. In addition to the mobile phone, for example, a mobile device such as a PDA or a notebook PC may be used.

  The communication terminal device 203 includes a transmission / reception unit 501 for transmitting / receiving information to / from the center 202 and a control unit 502 for controlling each unit of the communication terminal device 203. In the present embodiment, the control unit 502 holds and executes auto remote control software and navigation software for guiding a vehicle user to the position of the vehicle 201.

  The communication terminal device 203 further includes a user input unit 503 for the vehicle user to input an arbitrary character string to the communication terminal device 203 and to select / determine a menu item. In this embodiment, the user input unit 503 is, for example, a keypad.

  The communication terminal device 203 further includes a map database (DB) 504 that stores and holds three-dimensional map information. Here, the three-dimensional map information is three-dimensional map information including information in the height direction in addition to information on the two-dimensional plane. This three-dimensional map information preferably includes floor information for a building such as a multilevel parking lot, and more preferably includes a route from floor to floor such as stairs and elevators. .

  The communication terminal device 203 further includes a display unit 505 that visually presents a selectable menu item and a route (described later) to the searched position of the vehicle 201 to the vehicle user. In the present embodiment, the display unit 505 includes, for example, a small LCD (liquid crystal display). Alternatively, as an alternative example, the user input unit 503 and the display unit 505 may be integrated and realized as a touch panel.

  The communication terminal apparatus 203 further includes a current position / altitude detection unit 506 that detects the current position and altitude of the communication terminal apparatus 203 using, for example, GPS. From the viewpoint of accurately detecting the current position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203, the current position / altitude detection unit 506 preferably includes a detection device with high detection accuracy (for example, a resolution of about 1 meter).

  In the communication terminal device 203 having such a configuration, the control unit 502, for example, from the center 202 through the current position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203 detected by the current position / altitude detection unit 506 and the transmission / reception unit 501 at regular intervals. From the current position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203 (= the current position and altitude of the vehicle user) in the light of the acquired current (parking) position and altitude of the vehicle 201 in the light of the 3D map information stored in the map database 504. A three-dimensional route to the parking position and altitude of the vehicle 201 is searched, and the vehicle user is guided using the display unit 505. In this sense, the communication terminal device 203 is a vehicle position guide device.

  Further, in the communication terminal device 203 having such a configuration, the control unit 502 performs centering via the current position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203 detected by the current position / altitude detection unit 506 and the transmission / reception unit 501, for example, at regular intervals. When the communication terminal device 203 is located on the same floor as the vehicle 201 and enters a predetermined range with respect to the horizontal distance by comparing the current (parking) position and altitude of the vehicle 201 acquired from 202, the transmission / reception unit 501 An automatic remote control notification is transmitted to the center 202 through

  Hereinafter, the processing of the control unit 502 of the communication terminal device 203 in a situation where the vehicle user carrying the communication terminal device 203 is looking for the vehicle 201 parked in the multi-story parking lot will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of the communication terminal device 203 according to the present embodiment.

  First, the control unit 502 accesses the center 202 through the transmission / reception unit 501, and uploads the position and altitude information of the vehicle 201 that is uploaded to the center 202 and stored in the storage unit 403 when the vehicle 201 is turned off. Obtain (S601).

  Next, the control unit 502 causes the current position / altitude detection unit 506 to detect the current position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203 (S602).

  Next, the control unit 502 compares the acquired position and altitude of the vehicle 201 with the detected position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203, and determines the distance, relative direction, and the distance between the vehicle 201 and the communication terminal device 203. The altitude difference is calculated and displayed on the display unit 505 (S603).

  Here, the calculated altitude difference is displayed by referring to the floor difference (specifically, the height of one floor) stored in the map database 504 and stored in the map database 504. It is preferable to do. That is, instead of displaying “how many meters above / below”, it is preferable to display “how many floors above / below” for convenience of the vehicle user.

  Therefore, in S603, for example, a message such as “the parking position of the vehicle is XX meters ahead / downward in the XX direction” is presented to the vehicle user by the display unit 505.

  Here, the distance, direction, and altitude difference (floor difference) do not necessarily have to be displayed, and any one may be used. When only one is displayed, it is preferable that only the rank difference is displayed. In this case, the vehicle user can grasp how many floors to go up or down to the floor where the vehicle 201 is parked.

  Next, the control unit 502 controls the display unit 505 by the function of the navigation software to display a message asking whether or not to perform a route search to the vehicle user, and waits for the vehicle user to determine (S604). The vehicle user responds through the user input unit 503.

  When the vehicle user does not request a route search (“NO” in S604), the route search and guidance from the position / altitude of the communication terminal device 203 to the parking position / altitude of the vehicle 201 are not executed, and the process proceeds to S606.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle user requests a route search (“YES” in S604), the control unit 502 displays the acquired current (parking) position / altitude of the vehicle 201 and the detected current position / altitude of the communication terminal device 203. In light of the three-dimensional map information stored and held in the map database 504, a route search is executed using the acquired current (parking) position / altitude of the vehicle 201 as a destination, and the result is displayed on the display unit 505 (S605).

  Here, the three-dimensional route refers to a three-dimensional route including ascent and descent (that is, movement in the vertical direction) on stairs and elevators. For example, when the vehicle user carrying the communication terminal device 203 is located on the first floor of the multistory parking lot and the vehicle 201 is parked on the third floor of the multistory parking lot, the three-dimensional route obtained as a search result is a) Planar route on the first floor from the current position of the communication terminal device 203 to the third floor that can be used to move from the current floor to the third floor, and b) Upward movement from the first floor to the third floor by the stairs or elevator, etc. The route is composed of three sections: a route, and a planar route on the third floor from the staircase or the elevator to the parking position of the vehicle 201.

  From this, the vehicle user does not know where he / she is in the multistory parking lot, or the location of the moving means to other floors such as stairs or elevators, or on the floor where the vehicle 201 is parked When the route guidance to the parking position of the vehicle 201 is desired, the route from the current position to the vehicle parking position can be obtained, so that it is possible to go to the floor / position where the vehicle 201 is parked without making a mistake in the floor. .

  Detection of the current position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203 by the current position / altitude detection unit 506 is executed at regular intervals, for example, and the searched route is updated every time the current position and altitude of the communication terminal device 203 are updated. The This is the same processing as in a conventional car navigation system.

  Next, the control unit 502 determines whether or not the floor on which the vehicle 201 is parked and the floor on which the communication terminal device 203 is located are the same floor in the multi-story parking lot by the function of the auto remote control software (S606). . This determination is performed by comparing the acquired altitude information of the vehicle 201 with the detected altitude information of the communication terminal device 203, and in light of the height of one floor of the multilevel parking lot stored and held in the map database 504. This is done by determining whether or not the altitude difference between the two is a difference that can be said to be located on the same floor.

  If it is determined that the user is on the same floor (“YES” in S606), then the control unit 502 determines whether or not the communication terminal device 203 has entered a predetermined range from the vehicle 201 for starting auto remote control. Is determined (S607). This determination is performed by comparing the acquired position information of the vehicle 201 with the detected position information of the communication terminal device 203 and calculating an interval between them.

  When it is determined that the communication terminal device 203 has entered the predetermined range from the vehicle 201 (“YES” in S607), the control unit 502 transmits an auto remote control notification to the center 202 through the transmission / reception unit 501, and the above-described description. In such a procedure, the in-vehicle device 201 ′ of the vehicle 201 is caused to execute a predetermined vehicle operation via the center 202 (S608).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication terminal device 203 is not located on the same floor as the vehicle 201 (“NO” in S606), the interval between the communication terminal device 203 and the vehicle 201 is not determined (without proceeding to S607). , Return to S602. In addition, even if the communication terminal device 203 is not yet within the predetermined range from the vehicle 201 even if it is located on the same floor ("NO" in S607), the auto remote control is not executed as usual, Return to S602.

  In other words, only when both of the two conditions that the vehicle 201 and the communication terminal device 203 are located on the same floor and that the communication terminal device 203 is located within a predetermined range from the vehicle 201 are satisfied. Then, an automatic remote control notification is issued from the communication terminal device 203, and automatic remote control such as unlocking a door and lighting (flashing) a hazard lamp is executed.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, since the floor difference or the three-dimensional route from the current position to the vehicle parking position is presented to the vehicle user, the vehicle user can determine the floor configuration in the multilevel parking lot and his current position. Even if it is unclear, the vehicle user can easily reach the floor or parking position where the vehicle is parked.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle user and the vehicle are not located on the same floor, even if the vehicle user enters the predetermined range set for starting the automatic remote control from the vehicle, Since the control is prevented from being activated, even if the vehicle user makes a mistake in the floor, the auto remote control will not operate inappropriately.

  In addition, the said one Example is only an example at the time of implementing the system which concerns on this invention, and this invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above embodiment, from the viewpoint of reducing communication traffic, the communication terminal device 203 includes the map database (504). However, this is only an example, and the center 202 includes the map database. Is also possible. In this case, the center 202 appropriately extracts map information required by the communication terminal device 203 and transmits it to the communication terminal device 203. For example, when transmitting the current (parking) position and altitude information of the vehicle 201 to the communication terminal device 203, the floor information in the multilevel parking lot where the vehicle is parked may be transmitted together. In this case, since the map database is on the center 202 side, the map information can be easily updated.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the communication terminal device 203 first presents at least one of the distance between the vehicle 201 and the vehicle user, the relative direction, and the altitude difference (floor difference) to the vehicle user. In addition, the three-dimensional route search is executed in response to a request from the vehicle user and the result is displayed. However, this is only an example, and the navigation software of the control unit 502 is not waiting for the user request. When the current position / altitude of the vehicle 201 is acquired, it can be automatically set as the destination, and the route search can be immediately executed.

  In addition, the setting contents of the auto remote control in the above-described embodiment are merely examples. The horizontal distance and vertical distance at which auto remote control is started, the target operations of auto remote control (for example, door unlock, hazard lamp lighting (flashing), horn sounding, etc.), and target operations of auto remote control are It is preferable that the vehicle user can arbitrarily set the number of flashes and the period when the hazard lamp is lit (flashing).

  In the above embodiment, the auto remote control when the vehicle user approaches the vehicle has been described. However, the auto remote control when the vehicle user goes away from the vehicle (for example, door lock, window closing, hazard lamp OFF) , Etc.) is not necessarily limited by the positional relationship between the vehicle user and the vehicle in the height direction as in the above embodiment. For example, the auto remote control at the time of separation may be activated even when the vehicle user moves up and down from the floor on a staircase or an elevator near the parked vehicle and leaves the vehicle.

  The present invention can be used for a vehicle position guidance system and an automatic remote control system. Applicable vehicle appearance, weight, size, running performance, etc. are not limited.

It is a figure which shows roughly an example of the condition where the conventional auto remote control can operate | move improperly in a multilevel parking lot. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention mounted in the vehicle for automatic remote operation. It is a schematic block diagram of the center (automatic remote control device) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the communication terminal device (vehicle position guidance apparatus) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the communication terminal device (vehicle position guidance apparatus) which concerns on one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

200 Vehicle Position Guidance System / Auto Remote Control (Automatic Remote Operation) System 201 Vehicle 201 ′ In-vehicle Device 202 Center (Communication Station)
203 Communication Terminals 301, 401, 501 Transmission / Reception Units 302, 402, 502 Control Units 303, 506 Current Position / Altitude Detection Unit 304 Operation Execution Unit 403 Storage Unit 503 User Input Unit 504 Map Database (DB)
505 display

Claims (5)

A vehicle position guidance system for guiding the position of a vehicle to a vehicle user,
An in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle;
Including a communication terminal device carried by the vehicle user,
The in-vehicle device is
Vehicle position / altitude detection means for detecting the position and altitude of the vehicle;
The communication terminal device
User position / altitude detection means for detecting the position and altitude of the communication terminal device;
Obtaining means for obtaining the position and altitude information of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device;
The position and altitude of the communication terminal apparatus in light of the three-dimensional map information on the position and altitude of the communication terminal apparatus detected by the user position / altitude detection means and the position and altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquisition means A vehicle position guidance system comprising: a route search / guidance means for searching for a three-dimensional route from the vehicle to the position and altitude of the vehicle and guiding the vehicle user. The vehicle position guidance system according to claim 1,
The in-vehicle device is
An operation executing means for executing a predetermined vehicle operation when the communication terminal device enters the predetermined range from the vehicle;
The communication terminal device
The altitude of the communication terminal apparatus detected by the user position / altitude detection means is compared with the altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquisition means, and whether or not the vehicle and the communication terminal apparatus are located on the same floor Determination means for determining whether or not
When the determination means determines that the vehicle and the communication terminal device are not located on the same floor, even if the communication terminal device enters the predetermined range from the vehicle, A vehicle position guidance system further comprising automatic remote operation execution prohibiting means for preventing vehicle operation from being executed. A vehicle position guidance device that is carried by a vehicle user and guides the position of the vehicle to the vehicle user,
User position / altitude detecting means for detecting the position and altitude of the vehicle position guidance device;
Obtaining means for obtaining the position and altitude information of the vehicle;
The position and altitude of the vehicle user in light of the three-dimensional map information on the position and altitude of the vehicle position guidance device detected by the user position / altitude detecting means and the position and altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquiring means. And a route search / guidance means for searching for a three-dimensional route from the vehicle to the position and altitude of the vehicle and guiding the vehicle user. An automatic remote control system for causing a vehicle to execute a predetermined vehicle operation when a communication terminal device carried by a vehicle user enters a predetermined range from the vehicle,
The vehicle includes an in-vehicle device,
The in-vehicle device is
Vehicle altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the vehicle;
Operation execution means for executing a predetermined vehicle operation when the communication terminal device enters a predetermined range from the vehicle;
The communication terminal device
User altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the communication terminal device;
Obtaining means for obtaining altitude information of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device;
The altitude of the communication terminal apparatus detected by the user altitude detecting means is compared with the altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquiring means, and it is determined whether or not the vehicle and the communication terminal apparatus are located on the same floor. Determination means for determining;
When the determination means determines that the vehicle and the communication terminal device are not located on the same floor, even if the communication terminal device enters the predetermined range from the vehicle, An automatic remote operation system further comprising automatic remote operation execution prohibiting means for preventing vehicle operation from being executed. An automatic remote control device for causing a vehicle to execute a predetermined vehicle operation when a communication terminal device carried by a vehicle user enters a predetermined range from the vehicle,
Vehicle altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the vehicle;
User altitude detecting means for detecting the altitude of the vehicle user;
The altitude of the vehicle user detected by the user altitude detecting means is compared with the altitude of the vehicle acquired by the acquiring means to determine whether the vehicle and the vehicle user are located on the same floor. A determination means;
When the determination means determines that the vehicle and the vehicle user are not located on the same floor, the communication terminal device does not execute the predetermined vehicle operation even if the communication terminal device enters a predetermined range from the vehicle. An automatic remote control device characterized by that.

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