JP2009002753A - Information output device, information output method, information output program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information on features in the periphery of a moving body to a user. <P>SOLUTION: An information output device 100 is loaded on the moving body. A discrimination part 101 discriminates the attribute of a feature positioned on the periphery of the moving body. An acquisition part 102 acquires the output information, relating to the attribute discriminated by the discrimination part 101. An output part 103 outputs the output information acquired by the acquisition part 102. An output information setting part 104 correlates the output information with the attribute. An attribute setting part 105 sets the attribute to an optional feature. A transmission part 106 transmits information on the feature utilization state of by user of the moving body to an information control center 110. A receiving part 107 receives the information on the feature utilization state by a user of another moving body from the information control center 110. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information output device, an information output method, an information output program, and a recording medium that are mounted on a mobile body and output information related to features around the mobile body. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the information output device, the information output method, the information output program, and the recording medium described above.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a drive memo function that associates a registration point with audio data and outputs the associated audio data when approaching the registration point is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In a navigation device equipped with a drive memo function, a voice uttered by a user is recorded as a memo (voice data). More specifically, the navigation device reads the current position of the vehicle when instructed to create a memo. Next, the navigation device sets a predetermined point on the travel route of the vehicle and before the utterance point as a registration point of the drive memo. The navigation device records the registration point of the drive memo and the voice data uttered by the user in association with each other. When the vehicle reaches the registration point from the next time onward, the navigation device outputs voice data associated with the registration point.

JP 2004-198233 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, the registration point and the output data can be associated only one-to-one. For this reason, for example, when approaching a feature having a certain attribute, there is a problem that common processing (reproduction of common guidance, etc.) cannot be performed. In the above-described conventional technology, when it is desired to associate all the features having a predetermined attribute with the output data, the feature needs to be associated with the data for each feature, and the problem that the user's work becomes complicated is an example. Can be mentioned.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an information output device according to the invention of claim 1 is an information output device mounted on a moving body, and is an attribute of a feature located around the moving body. Discriminating means for discriminating, acquiring means for acquiring output information associated with the attribute discriminated by the discriminating means, and output means for outputting the output information acquired by the acquiring means Features.

  An information output method according to the invention of claim 9 is an information output method used in an information output device mounted on a mobile object, and a determination step of determining attributes of features located around the mobile object And an acquisition step of acquiring output information associated with the attribute determined in the determination step, and an output step of outputting the output information acquired in the acquisition step.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an information output program causes a computer to execute the information output method according to the ninth aspect.

  A recording medium according to the invention of claim 11 is readable by a computer in which the information output program of claim 10 is written.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information output apparatus, an information output method, an information output program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the information output apparatus according to the embodiment. The information output apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is mounted on a mobile body, and includes a determination unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, an output unit 103, an output information setting unit 104, an attribute setting unit 105, a transmission unit 106, and a reception unit 107. Composed.

  The discriminating unit 101 discriminates the attribute of the feature located around the moving body on which the information output device 100 is mounted. A feature attribute is a grouping of features according to a predetermined classification. For example, if the feature is a commercial facility, its attributes are categorized by the goods or services provided by the feature. More specifically, there are attributes such as “convenience store”, “gas station” and “family restaurant”. For example, the determination unit 101 acquires the current position information of the moving object from a position calculation unit (not shown), and extracts features around the current position of the moving object with reference to map information recorded in a recording unit (not shown). . The attribute of the feature around the current position of the moving object is determined with reference to the map data.

  The acquisition unit 102 acquires output information associated with the attribute determined by the determination unit 101. For example, the acquisition unit 102 acquires output information with reference to a database that is recorded in a recording unit (not shown) and associates attributes with output information. Further, for example, output information may be received by connecting to a server (for example, the information management center 110) (not shown) via a network. The output information acquired by the acquisition unit 102 is information that prompts the user of the moving body to use the feature, for example. The output information may be in any format such as audio data, text data, or image data.

  The output unit 103 outputs the output information acquired by the acquisition unit 102. The output unit 103 gives priority to output information related to a feature having a short distance to the moving object (close to the moving object), for example, when a plurality of features are located around the moving object, that is, when there are a plurality of pieces of output information. Output. Similarly, when there are a plurality of pieces of output information, the output unit 103 may output the output information based on the priority order set for the attribute.

  The output information setting unit 104 associates output information with attributes. For example, the output information setting unit 104 allows the user of the moving body to input output information associated with the attribute. Information input from the user is recorded in a recording unit (not shown) as a database. In this case, the acquisition unit 102 acquires output information based on the association by the output information setting unit 104.

  The attribute setting unit 105 sets an attribute for an arbitrary feature. For example, the attribute setting unit 105 causes the user of the moving body to select an arbitrary feature and input an attribute to be set for the feature. Information input from the user is recorded in a recording unit (not shown) as a database. In this case, the determination unit 101 determines the attribute set by the attribute setting unit 105.

  The transmission unit 106 transmits information regarding the use status of the feature of the user of the mobile object to the information management center 110. The transmission unit 106 transmits, for example, information such as the frequency and frequency of use of the feature by the user (stopped around the feature for a predetermined time or more) and an impression of the user's use of the feature to the information management center 110. The information management center 110 statistically processes the information regarding the usage status of the features transmitted from the plurality of information output devices 100 and distributes the information to the mobile object.

  The receiving unit 107 receives information on the usage status of the features of other mobile users from the information management center 110. Information regarding the usage status received by the receiving unit 107 is output by the output unit 103.

  Next, information output processing by the information output apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information output processing by the information output apparatus. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the attribute setting unit 105 of the information output device 100 sets an attribute at an arbitrary point based on, for example, an input from the user (step S201). Next, the output information setting unit 104 associates the output information with the attribute based on, for example, an input from the user (step S202).

  Subsequently, the determination unit 101 determines the attributes of the features around the moving body (step S203). The acquisition unit 102 acquires output information associated with the attribute determined in step S203 (step S204). Then, output information is output by the output unit 103 (step S205), and the processing according to this flowchart ends.

  As described above, according to the information output apparatus 100, the output information associated with the attribute of the feature located around the moving body is output. Thereby, the information according to the attribute of the surrounding feature can be provided to the user. Further, according to the information output device 100, output information can be associated with an arbitrary attribute, so that the processing load of association can be reduced as compared with the case where output information is associated with each feature.

  Further, according to the information output apparatus 100, since an attribute can be set for an arbitrary feature, the output information can be associated by grouping the arbitrary feature. In addition, by transmitting / receiving information regarding the use status of the feature to / from the information management center 110, it is possible to provide useful information when the user selects a feature to be used.

  Next, an example of the information output apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. In the following example, an example in which the information output device 100 according to the embodiment is applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle will be described.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 300)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. The navigation device 300 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM (memory) 303, magnetic disk drive 304, magnetic disk 305, optical disk drive 306, optical disk 307, audio I / F (interface) 308, microphone 309, speaker 310, input device 311, A video I / F 312, a camera 313, a display 314, a communication I / F 315, a GPS unit 316, and various sensors 317 are provided. Each component 301 to 317 is connected by a bus 320.

  The CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device 300. The ROM 302 records programs such as a boot program, a communication program, a database creation program, and a data analysis program. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to control of CPU301. The magnetic disk 305 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to control of CPU301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disc 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  Another example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 is map data used for route search / route guidance. The map data includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. The map data can be displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 314. Drawn. When the navigation device 300 is guiding a route, the map data and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 316 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a microphone 309 for audio input and a speaker 310 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 309 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 308. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 310. Note that the sound input from the microphone 309 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as sound data.

  Examples of the input device 311 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Further, the input device 311 can be connected to another information processing terminal such as a digital camera or a mobile phone terminal to input / output data.

  The video I / F 312 is connected to a camera 313 for video input and a display 314 for video output. Specifically, the video I / F 312 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 314, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 314 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The camera 313 captures images inside and outside the vehicle and outputs them as image data. An image captured by the camera 313 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as image data. The display 314 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 314, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 315 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 315 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301. Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks.

  The GPS unit 316 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates information indicating the current position of the vehicle (current position of the navigation device 300). The output information of the GPS unit 316 is used when the CPU 301 calculates the current position of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 317 are, for example, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and the like, and detect the moving state of the vehicle. The output signals from the various sensors 317 are used for the calculation of the current location by the CPU 301 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction.

  In the configuration of the information output apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the determination unit 101 and the acquisition unit 102 are provided by the CPU 301, the output unit 103 is provided by the speaker 310 and the display 314, and the output information setting unit 104 and the attribute setting unit 105 are provided by the CPU 301. In addition, the transmission unit 106 and the reception unit 107 implement their functions by the communication I / F 315 by the input device 311.

(Information output processing by the navigation device 300)
Next, information output processing by the navigation device 300 will be described. The navigation device 300 displays various guidance voices and messages while the vehicle is traveling. Among them, the navigation apparatus 300 can associate common output information with a predetermined attribute, and output the output information associated around the feature having the attribute. Here, the attribute is a grouping of features according to their properties. When the feature is a commercial facility, it can be grouped according to goods or services provided by the feature, such as “convenience store”, “gas station”, “family restaurant”. Such attributes are included in the map data recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307.

  Moreover, you may enable it for a user to set arbitrary attributes with respect to arbitrary features. In this case, the user designates an arbitrary feature and designates an attribute to be set for the feature. For example, the same attribute can be set for the current residence and the home, or the same attribute can be set for an elementary school where the eldest son attends and a kindergarten where the second son attends. In this case, for example, separately from the map information described above, registered feature data in which registered feature name information, position information, and attribute information are recorded is recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disc 307.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a feature registration process by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 first waits until the user instructs the registration of the feature (step S <b> 401: No loop). The registration of the feature is not limited to the user's voluntary instruction. For example, immediately after using the feature, the navigation device 300 outputs a voice such as “Do you want to register this feature?” You may ask for instructions.

  When a feature registration is instructed (step S401: Yes), the CPU 301 displays a feature registration screen on the display 314 (step S402). The registration screen displays an input form for inputting feature names, position information, and attributes. The CPU 301 waits until the input to the input form is completed (step S403: No loop). When the input is completed (step S403: Yes), the registered feature data recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 is stored. Is changed (step S404), and the processing according to this flowchart ends.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of registered feature data recorded in the navigation device. The registered feature data 500 includes registered feature name information 501, position information 502, and attribute information 503. The name information 501 is, for example, an identifier for identifying a feature such as “home”, “home of XX”, “ΔΔ kindergarten”, “□□ elementary school”, and is information such as the name and name of the feature. The position information 502 is, for example, latitude / longitude information or address information of a representative point of a feature. The attribute information 503 is an attribute set for each feature such as “Home” and “Children's school”.

  Here, the navigation device 300 has attributes defined in the map information (such as “dealer” and “gas station”) and features arbitrarily set by the user (such as “home” and “children's school”). When approaching, information corresponding to the attribute of each feature is output. For this reason, the navigation apparatus 300 holds output information data in which output information to be output when each attribute and the feature of the attribute are approached is recorded.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of attribute-specific output information data recorded in the navigation device. The attribute-specific output information data 600 includes attribute information 601, output information 602, and distance information 603. The attribute information 601 is an identifier for identifying a feature such as attribute name information (see 503 in FIG. 5). Note that the output information 602 need not be set for all attributes set for the feature. That is, there may be an attribute not registered in the attribute-specific output information data 600 or an attribute registered in the attribute-specific output information data 600 but not associated with the output information 602.

  The output information 602 is information that is output when a feature having the attribute indicated in the attribute information 601 approaches a predetermined distance. For example, “refueling guidance” is output when an attribute approaches a feature of “gas station”. “Refueling guidance” is, for example, voice information or text information that prompts the user to refuel at a gas station. Further, for example, when the attribute approaches the feature of “dealer”, “maintenance guidance” is output. “Maintenance guidance” is, for example, voice information or text information for guiding the time of vehicle inspection or periodic inspection to the user. Further, for example, when the attribute approaches a “home” feature, “return home guidance” is output. The “return home guidance” is, for example, voice information such as “Return home” or “Do you have anything left behind?”. Further, as “home guidance”, a message notifying that the user is coming home may be transmitted to the family waiting for the user to go home at “home”.

  For attributes such as “parking lot”, “restaurant”, and “convenience store”, information on the number of times the user has used the feature (stopped at that point) may be output. Thereby, the user can determine whether or not to use the feature by grasping his / her own usage status of the feature. Although details will be described later, the usage status of the feature itself may be transmitted to the information management center and the usage status data of other users may be received. In the information management center, the usage status transmitted from each user is statistically processed and distributed to other users. Thereby, the user can determine whether or not to use the feature by grasping the usage status of others of the feature. Further, for an attribute such as “hospital” or “movie theater”, a message instructing to turn off the mobile phone may be output.

  The output information 602 is not limited to fixed information. For example, if it is “refueling information”, the gasoline remaining amount of the vehicle is detected and fueling is prompted according to the remaining gasoline amount, or a gas station is placed on the traveling route. It may be information that changes depending on the situation, such as prompting for early refueling by referring to whether there is.

  The actual data of the output information 602 (sound data and text data to be actually output) is stored in the attribute-specific output information data 600, and other locations (for example, the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307, the communication I / O). F315 may be stored in another information terminal device connected by F315. In this case, storage location information indicating the storage location of actual data is recorded in the attribute-specific output information data 600, and the CPU 301 reads the actual data of the output information 602 with reference to the storage location information. For example, in the case of a feature having the attribute “supermarket”, the output information 602 is set to be downloaded from a server installed in each supermarket. Each supermarket server stores the latest sale information as output information 602. As described above, by using the information that is sequentially updated as the output information 602, more useful information can be provided to the user.

  The distance information 603 is information indicating how much the output information 602 is output when approaching the feature having the attribute indicated in the attribute information 601. In the example of FIG. 6, for example, for a feature whose attribute is “gas station”, the output information is output when approaching within 300 m. Further, for example, for a feature whose attribute is “home”, output information is output when the feature approaches within 500 m. The distance information 603 may be added with a setting such that the output information 602 is output only when the feature with the attribute is on the currently traveling road (or on the set route).

  The output information 602 and the distance information 603 are associated with the attribute by the user of the navigation device 300, for example. In this case, when the user instructs to register output information for the attribute, the CPU 301 displays an output information registration screen on the display 314. On the registration screen, an attribute name, contents of output information 602, an input form for inputting distance information 603, and the like are displayed. When the input to the input form is completed, the CPU 301 rewrites the attribute-specific output information data 600. Further, basic attribute-specific output information data 600 may be incorporated in the navigation device 300 in advance so that it can be changed as appropriate by the user.

  Next, information output processing of the navigation device 300 during traveling will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information output processing of the navigation device during traveling. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 waits until the vehicle starts running (step S <b> 701: No loop). When the vehicle starts traveling (step S701: Yes), the CPU 301 determines whether there is a registered feature around the current position of the vehicle (step S702). The determination in step S702 is performed, for example, by comparing the current position information of the vehicle calculated using the GPS signal output from the GPS unit 316 and the position information 502 of the registered feature data 500 shown in FIG. . When there is a registered feature around the current position of the vehicle (step S702: Yes), the process proceeds to step S704.

  On the other hand, if there is no registered feature around the current position of the vehicle (step S702: No), the CPU 301 determines whether there is a feature with a predetermined attribute around the current position of the vehicle (step S703). . The predetermined attribute is an attribute registered in the attribute-specific output information data 600 shown in FIG. 6 and associated with the output information 602. For example, the CPU 301 refers to map data around the current position of the vehicle and determines whether or not a feature having a predetermined attribute is located. When there is no feature with the predetermined attribute (step S703: No), the process proceeds to step S706.

  When there is a feature having a predetermined attribute around the current position of the vehicle (step S703: Yes), or when there is a registered feature (step S702: Yes), the CPU 301 uses the attribute-specific output information data 600 shown in FIG. The output information 602 is read with reference to (step S704). Then, the CPU 301 outputs information using the speaker 310 and the display 314 (step S705).

  The CPU 301 returns to step S702 and repeats the subsequent processes until the vehicle finishes traveling (step S706: No). And if a vehicle complete | finishes driving | running | working (step S706: Yes), the process by this flowchart will be complete | finished.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information output in step S705 of FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen when “refueling guidance” is output around the feature of the attribute “gas station”. In FIG. 8, the display 314 displays a current position icon S indicating the current position of the vehicle on the map data MP around the current position of the vehicle. In addition, a gas station icon G indicating a gas station located around the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the map data MP.

  Also, at the bottom of the display 314, a message L indicating “There is no 30km gas station in the future. We recommend refueling early.” Is displayed. Since the navigation device 300 performs route guidance along the route to the destination point input by the user, the navigation device 300 knows the route that the vehicle will travel from now on. For this reason, refueling guidance can be performed based on the installation situation of the gas station on the route ahead.

  Further, as described above, the navigation apparatus 300 may transmit the usage status of the user with respect to the feature having the predetermined attribute to the information management center and receive the usage status data of other users. Thereby, the user can determine whether or not to use the feature by grasping the usage status of others of the feature.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of data transmission processing of the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 waits until the vehicle starts running (step S901: No loop). When the vehicle starts traveling (step S901: Yes), the CPU 301 determines whether or not the vehicle has stopped around the feature (step S902). The vicinity of a feature is a parking lot for the feature. Further, the case where the vehicle stops around the feature is not a case where the vehicle stops, but a case where the user stops for a long time to the extent that it is considered that the user has used the feature.

  When the vehicle stops around the feature (step S902: Yes), the CPU 301 determines whether an upload attribute is set for the feature (step S903). The upload attribute is a feature that is set to transmit the usage status of the feature to the information management center. For example, a feature for which “send usage status” is set as the output information 602 in FIG. It is.

  When the upload attribute is set for the stopped feature (step S903: Yes), the CPU 301 edits the provided information to be transmitted to the information management center (step S904). The provided information includes, for example, the number of times the feature is used, the date and time of use, the user's impression, and the like. On the other hand, when the upload attribute is not set for the stopped feature (step S903: No), or when the vehicle does not stop around the feature (step S902: No), the process proceeds to step S907.

  When the provided information is edited in step S904, the CPU 301 determines whether uploading of the provided information is permitted (step S905). In general, when data is transmitted to the information management center, the transmission source navigation device 300 is specified. For this reason, the navigation apparatus 300 allows the user to set whether or not the provided information can be uploaded in consideration of the privacy of the user. Note that the order of step S904 and step S905 may be interchanged. In step S905, it may be determined whether the current position of the vehicle is within the communicable area of the communication I / F 315 (not out of the communication range).

  When the upload is permitted (step S905: Yes), the CPU 301 transmits the provision information to the information management center via the communication I / F 315 (step S906). On the other hand, if uploading is not permitted (step S905: NO), the process returns to step S902, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  The CPU 301 returns to step S902 and repeats the subsequent processes until the vehicle finishes traveling (step S907: No). And if a vehicle complete | finishes driving | running | working (step S907: Yes), the process by this flowchart will be complete | finished. The provided information transmitted in this way is statistically processed in the information management center and distributed to the navigation devices 300 of other users.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the data reception process of the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, the CPU 301 of the navigation device 300 waits until the vehicle starts running (step S1001: No loop). When the vehicle starts traveling (step S1001: Yes), the CPU 301 determines whether or not the user has instructed reception of information distributed from the information management center (step S1002). At this time, the type of information received from the information management center (for example, information about restaurants or information about parking areas) may be selected.

  When receiving information is instructed (step S1002: Yes), the CPU 301 receives information distributed from the information management center via the communication I / F 315 (step S1003), and the received information is displayed on the display 314 or the speaker. The data is output from 310 (step S1004). On the other hand, if reception of information is not instructed in step S1002 (step S1002: No), the process proceeds to step S1005. The CPU 301 returns to step S1002 and repeats the subsequent processes until the vehicle finishes traveling (step S1005: No). And if a vehicle complete | finishes driving | running | working (step S1005: Yes), the process by this flowchart will be complete | finished.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information output in step S1004 of FIG. FIG. 11 shows an example of a display screen for information on surrounding “restaurants”. In FIG. 11, the display 314 displays the restaurant usage rate ranking R around the current position of the vehicle. In this ranking, the information management center statistically processes provided information transmitted from other users who use nearby restaurants. With reference to this ranking, the user can decide a restaurant to eat around. Also, the user can get a chance to visit a store that has never been used.

  In addition, for example, registered features registered by each user may be uploaded, and the information may be statistically processed and provided to other users. Whether or not a certain user registers a feature is likely to be related to the degree of satisfaction when using the feature. For example, even if a feature has a large number of users, if the number of users registered as registered features is small, there may be a problem with the service. By providing the registered feature information of other users, it is possible to provide the user with a wider range of judgment materials when selecting features.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 300, the output information associated with the attribute of the feature located around the vehicle is output. Thereby, the information according to the attribute of the surrounding feature can be provided to the user. Moreover, according to the navigation apparatus 300, since output information can be associated with an arbitrary attribute, the processing load of association can be reduced as compared with the case where output information is associated with each feature.

  Moreover, according to the navigation apparatus 300, since an attribute can be set with respect to arbitrary features, arbitrary features can be grouped and output information can be associated. In addition, by transmitting / receiving information regarding the usage status of the feature to / from the information management center, it is possible to provide useful information when the user selects a feature to be used.

  The information output method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the information output device concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the information output process by an information output device. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the registration process of the feature by a navigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the registered feature data currently recorded on the navigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the output information data classified by attribute recorded on the navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the information output process of the navigation apparatus in driving | running | working. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information output by step S705 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the data transmission process of a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the data reception process of a navigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information output by step S1004 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information output device 101 Discriminating part 102 Acquisition part 103 Output part 104 Output information setting part 105 Attribute setting part 106 Transmission part 107 Reception part 110 Information management center

Claims (11)

An information output device mounted on a moving body,
A discriminating means for discriminating attributes of features located around the moving body;
Obtaining means for obtaining output information associated with the attribute determined by the determining means;
Output means for outputting the output information acquired by the acquisition means;
An information output device comprising:   The information output device according to claim 1, further comprising output information setting means for associating the output information with the attribute. Attribute setting means for setting an attribute for any feature,
The information output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines an attribute set by the attribute setting unit.   The information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the feature is a commercial facility, the attribute is classified according to a product or a service provided by the feature. .   The information output device according to claim 1, wherein the output information is information that prompts a user of the moving body to use the feature. Transmitting means for transmitting information about the use status of the feature of the user of the mobile body to an information management center;
Receiving means for receiving from the information management center information relating to the use status of the features of other mobile users;
With
The information output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs information on the usage status received by the receiving unit.   The said output means preferentially outputs the said output information regarding the feature with a short distance with the said mobile body, when several features are located around the said mobile body, The output information is characterized by the above-mentioned. The information output device according to any one of the above.   The said output means outputs the said output information based on the priority set with respect to the said attribute, when a some feature is located in the circumference | surroundings of the said mobile body, The output information is characterized by the above-mentioned. The information output device according to any one of the above. An information output method used in an information output device mounted on a mobile object,
A determination step of determining an attribute of a feature located around the moving body;
An acquisition step of acquiring output information associated with the attribute determined in the determination step;
An output step of outputting the output information acquired in the acquisition step;
The information output method characterized by including.   An information output program for causing a computer to execute the information output method according to claim 9.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the information output program according to claim 10 is written.

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