JP2008096449A - Information terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information terminal device capable of receiving the traffic information from outside of FM multiplex broadcasting area of own vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: When the traffic information of a traffic information center 300 of FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received, the traffic information can be received via the mobile communication network 250 through the portable telephone 150, the traffic information can be displayed on the monitor. Otherwise, when the destination or the via spot is outside an FM multiplex broadcasting reception area, an information distribution center 200 makes operate the route searching operation, the route guidance information is received by the portable telephone 150 and makes it display on the display monitor 119. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information terminal device mounted on a vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an in-vehicle information terminal device that obtains traffic information in the vicinity of an own vehicle position by FM multiplex broadcasting radio waves, optical beacons, and radio beacons is known. This in-vehicle information terminal device is equipped with an FM multiplex broadcast receiver, an optical beacon receiver, and a radio beacon receiver.

  FM multiplex broadcasting has a limited reception area. For example, if you try to go to Kyoto city from your home in Chiyoda Ward, you can get traffic information around your home, but it is close to your destination (Kyoto) or The traffic information on the way cannot be obtained because it is outside the broadcasting area. For this reason, it is not possible to determine the time to leave home in consideration of traffic conditions. Accordingly, in order to eliminate such inconvenience, there is room for improvement in terms of operability and usability.

  The present invention provides an information terminal device that can acquire traffic information or route guidance information by communication under conditions in which traffic information by broadcasting cannot be acquired.

(1) An information terminal device according to the invention of claim 1 has a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network, and a request to acquire traffic information in an area that cannot be received by the broadcast receiver. And an acquisition means for acquiring the traffic information of the area by communication from a base station provided with a traffic information storage device.
(2) The invention according to claim 2 is the information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means is a region where the map display on the monitor can receive the traffic information by the broadcast receiver when there is a traffic information display request. The traffic information of the area is acquired by communication when it is out of the range.
(3) An information terminal device according to the invention of claim 3 is a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network, and a destination or transit point at the time of a route search command is a broadcast receiver. An acquisition means for outputting a route search request from the departure point to the destination by communication to the base station and receiving route guidance information transmitted from the base station by communication when the information is out of an area where the information can be received; Display means for displaying a recommended route and performing route guidance based on the route guidance information.
(4) The information distribution center according to the invention of claim 4 receives a route search command from the information terminal device according to claim 3 and performs a route search calculation considering the traffic information. It transmits to an information terminal device by communication, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
(5) An information terminal device according to the invention of claim 5 is a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network, and a destination or waypoint at the time of a route search command is a broadcast receiver. When the information is out of the area where the information can be received, the acquisition means for acquiring the traffic information of the area by communication, the route search data, the traffic information received by the broadcast receiver, and the communication according to the traffic information acquisition request Storage means for storing received traffic information, and route calculation means for performing route search calculation from the departure point to the destination using route search data and traffic information stored in the storage means based on a route search command It is characterized by providing.
(6) An information terminal device according to the invention of claim 6 is a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network, when traffic information is requested, and when the traffic information by the broadcast receiver is poorly received. And an acquisition means for acquiring traffic information by communication from a base station including a traffic information storage device.
(7) The information terminal device according to the invention of claim 7 is a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network, and when the traffic information by the broadcast receiver is poorly received at the time of a route search command, Acquisition means for acquiring traffic information necessary for route search by communication; storage means for storing route search data, traffic information received by a broadcast receiver, and traffic information received by communication in response to a traffic information acquisition request; And a route calculation means for performing a route search calculation from the departure place to the destination using the route search data and traffic information stored in the storage means based on the route search command.
(8) The invention according to claim 8 is the information terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the traffic information is poorly received means that the broadcast receiver cannot receive the traffic information for a predetermined time or more. Or it is that it has occurred more than predetermined frequency.
(9) The information terminal device according to the invention of claim 9 is a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network, and when the traffic information by the broadcast receiver is poorly received at the time of a route search command, A route search request from the departure point to the destination by communication is output to the base station, and the route guidance information transmitted from the base station is received by communication, and the recommended route is displayed based on the received route guidance information And display means for performing route guidance.
(10) In the information terminal device according to claim 9, in the information terminal device according to claim 9, when the traffic information is poorly received, the state in which the broadcast receiver cannot receive the traffic information is a predetermined time or more or a predetermined frequency or more. It is a time.
(11) The information distribution center according to the invention of claim 11 receives a route search command from the information terminal device according to claim 9 or 10 and performs a route search calculation considering traffic information, and transmits the result by communication. It transmits to a terminal device, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
(12) An information terminal device according to a twelfth aspect of the invention comprises a broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network, and a base station comprising a traffic information storage device in response to power-on. Acquisition means for acquiring traffic information for a registered route through communication.
(13) In the information terminal device according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit determines whether or not to acquire the traffic information based on the time from when the power is turned off to when the power is turned on. It is characterized by that.
(14) An information terminal device according to the invention of claim 14 sends a route re-search request for a registered route by communication with a broadcast receiver that receives traffic information transmitted via a broadcast radio wave network in response to power-on. An acquisition unit that outputs to a base station and receives route guidance information transmitted from the base station by communication; and a display unit that displays a recommended route and performs route guidance based on the received route guidance information. Features.
(15) The invention of claim 15 is the information terminal device according to claim 14, wherein the acquisition means determines whether or not to output a route re-search request based on a time from when the power is turned off to when the power is turned on. It is characterized by determining.
(16) The invention of claim 16 is an information terminal device comprising receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information, and communication means for communicating with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information. When the traffic information of the map area displayed in is not acquired for a predetermined time or more, the desired traffic information is acquired from the information distribution center by the communication means and output to the user.
(17) The invention of claim 17 is an information terminal device comprising a receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information and a communication means with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information, wherein the route search If there is a request, if the receiving means cannot obtain traffic information near the destination or waypoint within a given time, whether the communication means obtains the desired traffic information from the information distribution center and performs route search , Requesting a route search from the information distribution center.
(18) The invention of claim 18 is an information terminal device comprising a receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information and a communication means with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information, the route being In a registered state, when a predetermined time elapses after the power is turned off and the power is turned on again, the desired traffic information is acquired from the information distribution center by the communication means and the route search is performed, or , Requesting a route search from the information distribution center.

  According to the present invention, traffic information and route guidance information can be acquired by communication under various conditions in which traffic information by broadcasting is not received. As a result, it is possible to provide an information terminal device that is easy to use and easy to use.

-First embodiment-
A first embodiment in which an information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. A receiving device 130 and a mobile phone 150 are connected to the in-vehicle device 100. The receiving apparatus 130 includes an optical beacon receiver, a radio beacon receiver, and an FM multiplex broadcast receiver. The in-vehicle device 100 acquires nationwide traffic information from the traffic information center 300 via the following media (1) to (3).
(1) Information in the vicinity of the current vehicle position is received by the receiving device 130 via the media center 350 via an optical beacon transmitter or a radio beacon transmitter.
(2) The traffic information in the reception area is received by the receiving device 130 via the FM multiplex broadcasting network 360.
(3) The mobile phone 150 receives traffic information in any area in the country via the mobile communication network 250. Instead of the mobile phone 150, an in-vehicle phone or a communication device of a communication LAN may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle device 100. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 111 denotes a current position detection device that detects the current position of the vehicle. For example, a direction sensor 111a that detects the traveling direction of the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor 111b that detects the vehicle speed, and a GPS sensor 111c that detects a GPS signal from a GPS satellite. Etc. A storage device 112 stores nationwide road map data, and includes a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, HDD, semiconductor memory, and the like. A control circuit 114 controls the entire apparatus and includes a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits. The control circuit 114 executes a control program stored in the ROM 116 using the RAM 115 as a work area to perform various controls described later.

  Reference numeral 117 denotes an input device having various switches for inputting a destination of the vehicle. The input device 117 also functions as an input switch when a user requests a route search calculation or the like. Reference numeral 118 denotes an image memory for storing image data to be displayed on the display monitor 119. This image data is created from road map drawing data and various graphic data. The image data stored in the image memory 118 is appropriately read and displayed on the display monitor 119. On the display monitor 119, traffic information and recommended routes are displayed together with a road map.

  The vehicle-mounted device 100 configured as described above performs various navigations based on the vehicle position information acquired by the current location detection device 111 and the road map data and route search data stored in the storage device 112. For example, a road map in the vicinity of the vehicle position and the vehicle position are displayed on the display monitor 119, and the driver is guided by route guidance data obtained by the route search process. Further, as will be described later, arbitrary traffic information in the whole country can be received from the information distribution center 200 and superimposed on the road map and displayed on the display monitor 119. For example, a road map near the location of the vehicle is displayed, and the congestion information is displayed in red, the congestion road is yellow, and the smooth road that is not congested is displayed in green. To do. Of course, similar traffic information can be received and displayed from the traffic information center 300 via the media center 350 via the optical beacon transmitter or radio beacon transmitter, or via the FM multiplex broadcast network 360.

  FIG. 3 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of the information distribution center 200. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes a request reception server that receives vehicle position information and a map / route delivery request from the in-vehicle device 100 and executes the request. 202 is a map / POI server, which stores detailed road maps and POI information (Point of Interest sightseeing spots and various facilities information) nationwide, and requests data from the request reception server 201. To 201. A search / guidance server 203 performs computations for route search and guidance in response to a request from the request reception server 201, and outputs a calculation result to the request reception server 201. 204 is a traffic information server, which stores road traffic information of the whole country sent at regular intervals from a traffic information center connected online, and accepts various traffic information as requested by the request accepting server 201 Output to the server 201. Reference numeral 205 denotes a customer DB server. The map / POI data requested by the in-vehicle device 100, the route search / guidance calculation results, and various traffic information are once stored in the customer DB server 205 for each in-vehicle device 100, and then distributed to the in-vehicle device 100 through the request reception server 201. Is done. The in-vehicle device 100 is previously given an identification ID for identifying the vehicle, and the customer DB server 205 stores various types of information in a storage area assigned to the identification ID.

  FIG. 4 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of the traffic information center 300. The traffic information data provided by the traffic information center 300 includes traffic jam information, traffic regulation information such as accidents / construction, required time information, entrance closure information on urban expressways, SA / PA and parking lot locations, For example, empty car information. The area for providing road traffic information data provided by the traffic information center 300 is the whole country except for some prefectures. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 301 denotes a receiving server that receives road traffic information data nationwide. A processing system server 302 executes various processes for sending road traffic information data received by the reception system server 301 to the transmission system server 303. Reference numeral 303 denotes a transmission system server that distributes traffic information to the information distribution center 200 and each consumer nationwide. The transmission system server 303 and the traffic information server 204 of the information distribution center 200 are connected online.

  As described above, the road traffic information from the traffic information center 300 is provided from the media center 350 to the receiving device 130 mounted on the mobile body via the optical beacon and the radio wave beacon, and also by the FM multiplex broadcasting network 360. Is provided. In addition, the traffic information that can be received by the receiving device 130 is in a limited geographical area based on the vehicle position. The FM multiplex method has a limited broadcast area, and can receive FM multiplex broadcast of the frequency provided in the area where the traveling vehicle is located. Therefore, a vehicle traveling in Tokyo cannot receive FM multiplex broadcasting provided in Kyoto.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of map display data displayed on the in-vehicle device 100. FIG. In the map display data, link string data is classified and stored in units of mesh areas together with mesh codes. The link string data is a data structure in which one road is defined as a node such as an intersection and a link between the nodes. The mesh area refers to each divided area when the road map is divided into predetermined ranges. The mesh code storage area 401 stores a number for identifying the mesh area. In the link string data storage area 402, as shown in FIG. 5B, the position coordinates X and Y of the nodes, the link numbers between the nodes, and the position coordinates X and Y of the interpolation points that further divide the links. Are stored in the respective areas. These position coordinates are used as shape data for display.

  The route search data and route guidance data have the same data structure, but the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of traffic information data transmitted from the traffic information center 300 to the information distribution center 200 and the vehicle-mounted device 100. In the traffic information data transmitted from the traffic information center 300, traffic jam information and restriction information classified in units of links existing in the mesh region are classified and stored together with the mesh code in units of mesh region. The mesh code and the link number of the traffic information data transmitted from the traffic information center 300 are used in association with the mesh code and the link number of the display data handled by the in-vehicle device 100.

  According to the above configuration, of the latest national road traffic information provided by the traffic information center 300, any road traffic information requested by the in-vehicle device 100 is distributed through the mobile phone 150 and the mobile communication network 250. It can be transmitted from the center 200 to the in-vehicle device 100. The information distribution center 200 can transmit arbitrary road traffic information throughout the country.

――― Data flow at the information distribution center 200 ―――
FIG. 7 is a sequence chart illustrating a process in which the information distribution center 200 that has received a traffic information distribution request from the in-vehicle device 100 transmits the traffic information to the in-vehicle device 100. When the traffic information distribution request command 101 is received by the request reception server 201 of the information distribution center 200 from the in-vehicle device 100, the request reception server 201 sends the request reception parameter 103 to the customer DB server 205, and the traffic information server 204 An information request command 105 is transmitted. The traffic information server 204 transmits traffic information to the request reception server 201 as indicated by reference numeral 107 based on the request command 105 from the request reception server 201. The request reception server 201 once transmits the traffic information received from the traffic information server 204 to the customer DB server 205 as indicated by reference numeral 109. The customer DB server 205 once stores the traffic information received from the request reception server 201 and then transmits the traffic information to the in-vehicle device 100 via the request reception server 201 as indicated by reference numerals 111 and 113. The in-vehicle device 100 displays the received traffic information 113 on the display monitor 119 as indicated by reference numeral 115.

  The request command flow and the calculation result flow at the time of route search calculation request are the same. The recommended route and guidance information, which are the calculation results, are temporarily stored in the customer DB server 205 and transmitted via the request reception server 201 to the in-vehicle device 100 which is an information terminal device by communication.

――― Operation of in-vehicle device 100 ―――
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the in-vehicle device 100. When the accessory key is turned on by the ignition key (ACC ON), the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on and a program for performing the processing shown in FIG. 8 is started. The program in FIG. 8 is executed by the control circuit 114.

  In step S11, a map centered on the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display monitor 119, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether or not there is a traffic information display request. For example, the determination can be made based on whether the user has selected the traffic information display mode from the input device 117. If there is no traffic information display request, step S12 is denied and this processing is terminated. If it is determined in step S12 that there is a traffic information display request, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is determined in step S13 that the traffic information of the area requested to be displayed has not been received, the process proceeds to step S14. The case where it is determined that the traffic information has not been received will be described later. In step S14, the mobile phone 150 establishes a communication line with the information distribution center 200, calculates a mesh code assigned to an unreceived area, and requests the information distribution center 200 to distribute traffic information of the mesh.

  When the traffic information distribution request transmitted by the in-vehicle device 100 in step S14 is received by the information distribution center 200, the information distribution center 200 receives the traffic information requested by the in-vehicle device 100 in units of meshes as described above. Are stored in the customer DB server 205 once. The stored traffic information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100.

  After requesting traffic information distribution to the information distribution center 200 in step S14, the process proceeds to step S15, and it is determined whether the traffic information of all meshes requested to the information distribution center 200 has been received. If it is determined that not all mesh traffic information has been received, the process waits in step S15. If it is determined in step S15 that all traffic information has been received, the process proceeds to step S16 to disconnect communication. In step S17, the received traffic information is stored in the RAM 115 or the storage device 112. In step 18, the traffic information stored in step S17 is displayed superimposed on the map displayed on the display monitor 119, and this process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S13 that the traffic information of the area requested to be displayed has not been received, that is, if it is determined that the traffic information of the area requested to be displayed has been received, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the received traffic information is read out, and the process proceeds to step S18 to superimpose the traffic information on the map of the display monitor 119.

  A display example of traffic information is shown in FIG. The display monitor 119 displays a vehicle position mark 501 on a road map near the vehicle position, and traffic information 503 is superimposed on the road 502. A thick line 504 represents a recommended route.

Typical examples in the case where it is determined in step S13 that traffic information has not been received are the following (1) and (2).
(1) When FM multiplex broadcasting radio waves cannot be received by the vehicle receiver 113. For example, when a vehicle is located behind an underground parking lot or a building. In the present invention, it is a condition that communication by a communication device such as a mobile phone is possible even in an environment where FM multiplex broadcasting radio waves cannot be received. For example, in an underground parking lot, a mobile phone antenna may be installed.
(2) When the FM multiplex broadcast radio wave can be received by the vehicle receiver 113, but the area to be obtained is outside the FM multiplex broadcast radio wave arrival area at the vehicle position. For example, when the vehicle position is Chiyoda-ku, the map is scrolled to display a map of Kyoto city on the display monitor 119.

  Accordingly, the in-vehicle device 100 includes tables of FM multiplex broadcasting stations and broadcasting areas in various places throughout the country, and determines that traffic information has not been received by the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, when the process proceeds from step S12 to step S131 in FIG. 8, the FM broadcast station corresponding to the area displayed on the map on the monitor is specified. In step S132, the FM broadcast station currently being received is determined. If it is determined in step S133 that the FM broadcast station identified in step S131 matches the FM broadcast station determined in step S132, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. If it is determined in step S133 that they do not match, it is determined in step S134 whether a predetermined time has passed since it was determined that they did not match. If step S133 is negative, the process returns to step S131. If step S133 is affirmed, that is, if the broadcast radio wave of the FM broadcast station corresponding to the area displayed on the map has not been received for a predetermined time or longer, it is assumed that the broadcast radio wave has not been received in step S135. Then, it progresses to step S14 of FIG.

  As described above, in the information terminal device according to the first embodiment, when traffic information display is requested from the occupant, it is determined that traffic information is not received as in (1) and (2) above. In such a case, traffic information is acquired by communication via the mobile communication network 250 by the mobile phone 150. Therefore, the map can be scrolled to display any point in the country, and the traffic information at the display point can be superimposed on the display monitor even when the point is outside the FM multiplex broadcast area of the host vehicle.

  Second to fourth embodiments of the information terminal device according to the present invention will be described below. The configuration from FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 is common to these embodiments, and the difference is the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the processing procedure of each embodiment will be specifically described below.

-Second Embodiment-
A second embodiment in which the information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the in-vehicle device 100. When the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on, the program is activated, and a map centered on the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display monitor 119 in step S21. In step S22, it is determined whether or not there is a route search request. For example, it can be determined whether or not the user has selected a route search from the input device 117. If there is no route search request, step S22 is denied and this process is terminated. If it is determined in step S22 that there is a route search request, the process proceeds to step S23. If it is determined in step S23 that the traffic information of the area from the current location to the waypoint or destination has not been received, the process proceeds to step S24.

  The non-reception determination in step S23 can be processed in the same manner as in step S13. That is, in step S131 in FIG. 10, when an FM broadcast station in the area from the waypoint to the destination is specified, and the state where the specified FM broadcast station does not match the received FM broadcast station continues for a predetermined time or longer, In step S135 in FIG. 10, no reception is performed, and the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG.

  In step S24, a communication line is established with the information distribution center 200 by the mobile phone 150. In step S25, a request for searching for a route from the current location to the destination via the transit location and a distribution request for route guidance information as a search result are received. Transmit to distribution center 200.

  When the route search request and the route guidance information delivery request transmitted by the in-vehicle device 100 in step S25 are received by the information delivery center 200, the information delivery center 200 passes through the request receiving server 201, The destination, presence / absence of toll road travel, and the like are sent to the search guidance server 203. The search guidance server 203 executes a route search calculation from the departure point to the destination passing through the waypoint. The route search calculation is well known and will not be described in detail. However, if toll roads are prioritized, the toll road must be used. Then, the recommended route is searched. The route search result, that is, route guidance information, is read from the search guidance server 203 and temporarily stored in the customer DB server 205. The stored route guidance information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100.

  After the route search request is transmitted to the information distribution center 200 in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether route guidance information is received from the information distribution center 200. If it is determined that not all route guidance information has been received, the process waits in step S26. If it is determined in step S26 that all recommended route guidance information has been received, the process proceeds to step S27 and communication is disconnected. In step S28, the received route guidance information is stored in the RAM 115 or the storage device 112. In step 29, the route guidance information stored in step S28 is superimposed on the map displayed on the display monitor 119 and displayed. In step S30, route guidance is started based on the stored route guidance information.

  If it is determined in step S23 that the traffic information of the area reaching the waypoint or the destination is not yet received, that is, if it is determined that the traffic information of the area reaching the waypoint or the destination is received, the step Proceed to S31. This can also be processed in the same manner as the non-reception process in FIG. That is, the FM broadcast station in the area from the waypoint to the destination is specified, and if the specified FM broadcast station matches the FM broadcast station being received, the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG. In step S31, a route search calculation from the departure point to the destination via the waypoint is executed, and the process proceeds to step S29.

  As described above, the case where it is determined that the traffic information of the area reaching the waypoint or the destination is not received is a case where those points are outside the reception area of the FM multiplex broadcast receiver of the own vehicle. Therefore, as described above, the in-vehicle device 100 includes FM multiplex broadcast stations and broadcast area tables throughout the country.

  As described above, in the information terminal device according to the second embodiment, when it is determined that traffic information has not been received at the time of a route search request (command), the information distribution center 200 via the mobile communication network 250. A route search request is sent to the user to perform a route search, and route guidance information is acquired through communication. Therefore, even when the waypoint or destination is in an area that cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting received at the position of the host vehicle, a recommended route that takes traffic information into account is searched, and guidance information is superimposed on the display monitor. Can be guided. In this case, the traffic information on the recommended route used for the route search calculation may be displayed at the same time.

The second embodiment may be modified as follows.
(1) When traffic information is not received in step S23, traffic information for all areas between the departure point and the destination may be obtained from the information distribution center 200, and a route search calculation may be performed by the in-vehicle device 100. .
(2) When the vehicle is located in an underground parking lot and FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received, traffic information for all areas between the departure point and the destination is obtained from the information distribution center 200, and the obtained traffic information is In addition, the route search calculation may be performed by the in-vehicle device 100. In this case, the in-vehicle device 100 includes a storage device that stores route search data, traffic information received by the broadcast receiver, and traffic information acquired through communication, and is stored in the storage device based on the route search request. The route search calculation from the departure point to the destination is performed using the route search data and traffic information.
(3) At the time of a route search command, when FM multiplex broadcasting is poorly received at the vehicle position, a route search request is transmitted to the information distribution center 200 via the mobile phone 150 and the mobile communication network 250 to be searched. The route guidance information may be received and route guidance may be performed. In this case, reception failure means not only when FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received at the time of a search command, but also when FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received a plurality of times just before the search command or when the frequency of reception failures increases. Means.

  In the case of (1) and (2), when the departure point and the destination are far from each other, the area for acquiring traffic information is wide, and it takes time to exchange data by communication. Accordingly, it is preferable to cause the information distribution center 200 to calculate the route search as in (3) and transmit only the route guidance information as the calculation result to the in-vehicle device 100.

-Third embodiment-
With reference to FIG. 12, a third embodiment in which the information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the in-vehicle device 100. When the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on, the program is activated, and a map centered on the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display monitor 119 in step S31. In step S32, it is determined whether a route is registered. If the route is not registered, step S32 is denied and the process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S32 that a route is registered, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, it is determined whether the time from the previous power-off to the current power-on has exceeded a predetermined time. Although not shown in order to make this determination, the control circuit 114 includes a timer that counts from power-off to on.

  If step S33 is positive, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the mobile phone 150 establishes a communication line with the information distribution center 200. In step S35, a traffic information distribution request on the registered route, that is, the route from the waypoint to the destination, is transmitted to the information distribution center 200. To do.

  When the traffic information distribution request transmitted by the in-vehicle device 100 in step S35 is received by the information distribution center 200, the information distribution center 200 receives the traffic information requested by the in-vehicle device 100 in units of meshes as described above. Are stored in the customer DB server 205 once. The stored traffic information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 100.

  After the traffic information distribution request on the registered route is transmitted to the information distribution center 200 in step S35, the process proceeds to step S36, and it is determined whether or not the traffic information on the route is received from the information distribution center 200. If it is determined that all traffic information has not been received, the process waits in step S36. If it is determined in step S36 that all traffic information has been received, the process proceeds to step S37 to disconnect communication. In step S38, the received traffic information is stored in the RAM 115 or the storage device 112. In step 39, the traffic information stored in step S38 is superimposed on the map displayed on the display monitor 119 and displayed.

  If it is determined in step S33 that the time from the previous power-off to the current power-on has not exceeded a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the traffic information stored immediately before the power is turned off is read, and the process proceeds to step S39.

  As described above, in the information terminal device according to the third embodiment, when a route is registered, if the time from when the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned off to when it is turned on is long, the information is recorded when the power is turned off. Since the reliability of the traffic information that has been provided is low, the latest traffic information is acquired from the information distribution center 200 via the mobile communication network 250. Therefore, the latest traffic information can be acquired and the traffic information on the registered route can be displayed on the display monitor 119.

  Regardless of whether or not a route is registered, the latest traffic information may be acquired from the information distribution center 200 via the mobile communication network 250 whenever the vehicle-mounted device 100 is powered on.

  The route registration can be performed as follows. In the navigation device, a recommended route is calculated when a route search is performed by inputting a destination. This recommended route can be registered as it is, or the recommended route calculated by adding a waypoint can be edited and registered.

-Fourth embodiment-
A fourth embodiment in which the information terminal device according to the present invention is applied to a car navigation device (hereinafter referred to as an in-vehicle device) 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the in-vehicle device 100. When the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned on, the program is activated. Steps S41 to S44 are the same as those in FIG. In step S45, a request for re-searching the route from the current location to the destination through the waypoint is transmitted to the information distribution center 200. Then, the process proceeds to step S46, and the route guidance information that is the result of the re-search operation from the information distribution center 200. Is received. If it is determined that not all route guidance information has been received, the process waits in step S46. The process proceeds to step S47 where it is determined that all route guidance information has been received. The processing from step S47 to step S50 is the same as the processing from step S27 to step S30 in FIG. In step S50, the route guidance is started based on the route guidance information which is the re-search result.

  If it is determined in step S43 that the time from the previous power-off to the current power-on has not exceeded a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the route guidance information stored in the storage device 112 or the like is read when the power is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S49.

  As described above, in the information terminal device according to the fourth embodiment, when the route is registered, if the time from when the vehicle-mounted device 100 is turned off to when it is turned on is long, the information is recorded when the power is turned off. Since the reliability of the traffic information used for the recommended route calculation that has been performed is low, the information distribution center 200 is instructed to perform a re-search operation via the mobile communication network, and based on the latest traffic information. To get recommended route guidance information. Therefore, route guidance based on the latest traffic information can be performed immediately after the power is turned on.

  Since traffic jam information and traffic regulation information are taken into account when searching for a route, the traffic information becomes old with time. Therefore, as described above, it is desirable to re-search for a route using the latest traffic information when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the information distribution center 200 may always be requested to perform a reroute calculation on the registered route, and the reroute calculation result may be acquired to update the registered route. When the power is turned on after a break during route guidance, the recalculation result may be displayed on the monitor to resume route guidance. When there are a plurality of registered routes, all routes may be recalculated and updated.

  The route search may be performed again when the registered route is read and route guidance is started. Also in this case, as described above, when the transit point or destination is outside the FM multiplex broadcast reception area at the vehicle position, traffic information is acquired by communication via the mobile communication network 250, and the in-vehicle device 100 searches. An operation may be performed, or the information distribution center 200 may perform a search operation.

Overall configuration diagram showing an information terminal device, an information distribution center, and a traffic information center according to the present invention The system block diagram of the information terminal device by this invention The system block diagram of the information distribution center which transmits information to the information terminal device by this invention The system block diagram of the traffic information center which transmits information to the information terminal device by this invention It is the figure which showed the structure of the map display data displayed with the information terminal device by this invention. The figure which showed the data structure of the traffic information transmitted to the information delivery center from the traffic information center of FIG. The sequence chart which showed the process in which the information distribution center which received the traffic information distribution request from the information terminal device by this invention transmits traffic information to an information terminal device The flowchart by 1st Embodiment in operation | movement of the information terminal device by this invention It is a figure which shows the display monitor of the information terminal device by this invention, and the road map, the recommended route, and traffic information are displayed. The flowchart which shows the process which determines FM broadcast radio wave non-reception The flowchart by 2nd Embodiment in operation | movement of the information terminal device by this invention The flowchart by 3rd Embodiment in operation | movement of the information terminal device by this invention The flowchart by 4th Embodiment in operation | movement of the information terminal device by this invention

Explanation of symbols

100 In-vehicle device 112 Memory card 114 Control circuit 115 RAM
116 ROM 130 Receiver 150 Mobile Phone 200 Information Distribution Center 250 Mobile Communication Network 300 Traffic Information Center 350 Media Center 360 FM Multiplex Broadcasting Network

Claims (18)

A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
When there is a request for acquiring traffic information of an area that cannot be received by the broadcast receiver, the mobile station includes an acquisition unit that acquires the traffic information of the area by communication from a base station including the storage device for the traffic information. Information terminal device. The information terminal device according to claim 1,
The acquisition means is characterized in that, when there is a traffic information display request, when the map display on the monitor is out of an area where the broadcast receiver can receive the traffic information, the traffic information of the area is acquired by communication. Information terminal device. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
When the destination or transit point at the time of the route search command is out of the area where traffic information can be received by the broadcast receiver, a route search request from the departure point to the destination is output to the base station by communication, and the base Obtaining means for receiving route guidance information transmitted from the station by communication;
An information terminal device comprising: display means for displaying a recommended route based on the received route guidance information and performing route guidance.   It receives the route search command from the information terminal device according to claim 3, performs route search calculation considering traffic information, and transmits the route guidance information as a result to the information terminal device by communication. Information distribution center to do. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
When the destination at the time of the route search command or the waypoint is out of the area where traffic information can be received by the broadcast receiver, acquisition means for acquiring traffic information of the area by communication;
Storage means for storing route search data, traffic information received by the broadcast receiver, and traffic information received by communication in response to the traffic information acquisition request;
Information comprising: route calculation means for performing route search calculation from a departure place to a destination using route search data and traffic information stored in the storage means based on the route search instruction Terminal device. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
An information terminal device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring traffic information by communication from a base station having a storage device for the traffic information when the traffic information is poorly received by the broadcast receiver at the time of traffic information request . A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
When the traffic information by the broadcast receiver is poorly received at the time of a route search command, an acquisition means for acquiring traffic information necessary for the route search by the communication;
Storage means for storing route search data, traffic information received by the broadcast receiver, and traffic information received by communication in response to the traffic information acquisition request;
Information comprising: route calculation means for performing route search calculation from a departure place to a destination using route search data and traffic information stored in the storage means based on the route search instruction Terminal device. In the information terminal device according to claim 7,
When the traffic information is poorly received, the state in which the traffic information cannot be received by the broadcast receiver has continued for a predetermined time or more, or has occurred at a predetermined frequency or more. Terminal device. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
When traffic information from the broadcast receiver is poorly received at the time of a route search command, a route search request from the departure point to the destination is output to the base station via communication, and route guidance information transmitted from the base station is received via communication. Acquisition means to
An information terminal device comprising: display means for displaying a recommended route based on the received route guidance information and performing route guidance. In the information terminal device according to claim 9,
When the traffic information is poorly received, the state in which the traffic information cannot be received by the broadcast receiver has continued for a predetermined time or more, or has occurred at a predetermined frequency or more. Terminal device.   An information distribution comprising: receiving the route search command from the information terminal device according to claim 9 or 10; performing a route search calculation considering traffic information; and transmitting the result to the information terminal device by communication. Center. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
An information terminal device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires traffic information related to a registered route by communication from a base station including the traffic information storage device in response to power-on. The information terminal device according to claim 12,
The information terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit determines whether or not to acquire the traffic information based on a time from when the power is turned off until the power is turned on. A broadcast receiver for receiving traffic information transmitted via the broadcast radio network;
An acquisition means for outputting a route re-search request for a registered route by communication in response to power-on to the base station and receiving route guidance information transmitted from the base station by communication;
An information terminal device comprising: display means for displaying a recommended route based on the received route guidance information and performing route guidance. The information terminal device according to claim 14,
The information terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit determines whether or not to output the route re-search request based on a time from when the power is turned off to when the power is turned on. An information terminal device having receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information and communication means with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information,
When the traffic information of the map area displayed by the receiving means cannot be acquired for a predetermined time or more, the communication means acquires desired traffic information from the information distribution center and outputs it to the user. Information terminal device. An information terminal device having receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information and communication means with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information,
If there is a route search request, if the receiving means cannot obtain traffic information near the destination or waypoint within a predetermined time, the communication means obtains desired traffic information from the information distribution center. An information terminal device that performs a route search or requests the information distribution center for a route search. An information terminal device having receiving means for receiving broadcast data including traffic information and communication means with an information distribution center for distributing information such as traffic information,
In a state where the route is registered, when a predetermined time elapses after the power is turned off and the power is turned on again, the communication means obtains desired traffic information from the information distribution center and searches for the route. An information terminal device that performs or requests a route search to the information distribution center.

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