JP2011186952A - In-vehicle device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an in-vehicle device capable of more improving the comfortability and convenience of a user when road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcast cannot be received. <P>SOLUTION: The information of an receiving area where FM multiplex broadcast can be received and the information of an off-the-air time zone at each receiving area are made available beforehand in an external memory 18. Then, it is determined whether an own vehicle is located within the receiving area on the basis of the information of an receiving area stored in the external memory 18 and the information of the present position of the own vehicle detected by a position detector 11, it is determined whether the present time is the off-the-air time zone of the receiving area on the basis of the information of the off-the-air time zone stored in the external memory 18 and the information of the present time detected by a GPS receiver 15, and a cause that traffic information cannot be received is determined on the basis of the determination results. The determined cause is presented by a display device 19 and a sound output device 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted device capable of receiving road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting.

  Conventionally, FM multiplex broadcasting that multiplexes and transmits information such as characters and graphics on FM broadcast waves is known. A receiving apparatus that receives information transmitted in FM multiplex broadcasting (hereinafter, FM multiplex information) is also known.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 informs whether reception of FM multiplex information is in progress when FM multiplex information is not immediately displayed even if an operation to start reception of FM multiplex broadcast is performed. An FM multiplex broadcast receiving apparatus is disclosed that gives a sense of security to the user when reception is possible and informs the user that reception is not possible even if the reception is impossible.

  In recent years, road traffic information is transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting in a system that provides road traffic information such as VICS (registered trademark), RTIC, and RDS-TMC. In addition, the road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting is received by the FM antenna of a vehicle, for example, and is displayed on the display of the navigation apparatus mounted in the said vehicle. The vehicle driver selects a route that can quickly move to the destination by referring to the road traffic information displayed on the display of the navigation device, or travels avoiding a traffic jam location. For example, it is possible to travel more comfortably.

JP-A-8-265191

  The reason why FM multiplex information cannot be received is that it is within the FM multiplex broadcast reception area but cannot be received by a shield, etc., because it is outside the FM multiplex broadcast reception area, and when FM multiplex broadcast maintenance, etc. There are various causes such as a case where the FM broadcast wave is stopped and cannot be received.

  Also, when FM multiplexed information cannot be received by a shield or the like, the cause may be resolved by moving a little, whereas FM broadcast waves are stopped, so FM multiplexed broadcast cannot be received. There is a difference in the difficulty of eliminating the cause depending on the reason that the FM multiplexed information cannot be received, such as the cause is not resolved until the end of the wave stop. Therefore, the measures for enabling the reception of the FM multiplex information may differ depending on the cause of the failure to receive the FM multiplex information.

  However, although the conventional technique can notify the user of whether or not FM multiplex information can be received, it cannot know the reason why FM multiplex information cannot be received. Therefore, there are problems such as lack of comfort and convenience for the user, such as a point in which the user feels anxiety and a difficulty in taking measures for enabling reception of FM multiplexed information.

  For example, in the current service for providing road traffic information in FM multiplex broadcasting in China, there is an FM broadcast station antenna in the center of a big city, so there are frequent situations where road traffic information cannot be received when going to the suburbs. . In addition, because of the dawn of the service start, road traffic information in FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received in many cities. Furthermore, in China, FM broadcast stations are being maintained, and during the maintenance period (for example, about 3 to 5 hours in the daytime), FM broadcast waves stop, so it is not possible to receive road traffic information in FM multiplex broadcasting. There is a belt. Therefore, this problem is particularly noticeable in China.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and its purpose is to further improve comfort and convenience for the user when road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received. It is providing the vehicle equipment which makes it possible to make it.

  According to the vehicle-mounted device of claim 1, when the road traffic information cannot be received by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means, the determination result as to whether or not there is a vehicle in the reception area that is an area where FM multiplex broadcast can be received. Based on this, the cause of failure to receive road traffic information is determined. Therefore, it can be at least determined that the fact that the vehicle is outside the reception area is the cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the fact that there is a vehicle outside the reception area can be presented at least to the user as a cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information.

  If the user can know the cause of the failure to receive the road traffic information using the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means, the user can feel uneasy or take measures to enable the road traffic information to be received. As a result, according to the above configuration, it is possible to further improve the comfort and convenience for the user when the road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information, the determination result as to whether or not there is a vehicle in the reception area that is an area where the FM multiplex broadcast can be received. In addition, the cause of the failure to receive road traffic information is determined based on the determination result of whether or not the reception area is in the stop time zone. Therefore, the fact that there is a vehicle outside the reception area is the reason that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information, and that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means indicates that the road traffic information cannot be received by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means. It is possible to at least determine that it is the cause that cannot be received.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, at least present to the user that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information that there is a vehicle outside the reception area and that the reception area is in the stop time zone. can do. That is, the user can know in detail the reason why the road traffic information cannot be received by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means. Then, if the user can know in detail the cause of the failure to receive road traffic information with the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means, the user can take more measures to make the user feel less anxious or receive the road traffic information. It becomes easy to take. As a result, according to the above configuration, it is possible to further improve the comfort and convenience for the user when the road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received.

  Moreover, it is good also as an aspect provided with the bidirectional | two-way communication means which can receive road traffic information by bidirectional | two-way communication like Claim 3.

  In the prior art, when the road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received, the cause cannot be known, so it is difficult for the user to take measures for enabling the FM multiplex information to be received. However, there was a problem that the acquisition of road traffic information was delayed and the convenience was lacking.

  On the other hand, according to the configuration of claim 4, based on the determination result of the cause determination means, the reception of the road traffic information by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means to the reception of the road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means. Since the receiving means for automatic switching is automatically switched, road traffic information can be quickly obtained by bidirectional communication even when road traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting.

  For example, when the cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information cannot be resolved immediately, the receiving means is automatically switched, and the road traffic information can be quickly obtained by the two-way communication. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  Here, as a mode for performing automatic switching of the receiving unit based on the determination result of the cause determining unit, for example, there are modes of claims 5 to 7.

  In addition, when the vehicle outside the reception area is the cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information, it is highly likely that this cause cannot be resolved immediately.

  Therefore, as described in claim 5, when the cause determining means determines that the vehicle is out of the receiving area and the cause is not received, the receiving means may be automatically switched. According to this, when there is a high possibility that the cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information is not immediately solved, the road traffic information can be quickly obtained by the two-way communication.

  In addition, when it is a cause which cannot receive road traffic information by FM multiplex broadcast receiving means that it is a stop time zone of a receiving area, it is considered that this cause is not likely to be solved immediately.

  Therefore, as described in claim 6, when the cause of the road traffic information not being received and the cause determination means determine that it is the stop time zone of the reception area, the reception means may be automatically switched. According to this, when there is a high possibility that the cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information is not immediately solved, the road traffic information can be quickly obtained by the two-way communication.

  If the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive road traffic information when there is a vehicle in the reception area and it is not in a stationary time zone, the road traffic information is received because the received radio wave condition is bad due to the presence of a shield or the like. It is likely that this is not possible. In addition, when the poor reception radio wave condition is the cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information, this cause can be resolved immediately, for example, it can be resolved by moving the vehicle a little. There is.

  Therefore, as described in claim 7, as a mode of performing automatic switching of receiving means when a state in which the cause of the road traffic information is not received and the cause determining means continues for a predetermined time or more because the reception radio wave condition is bad. Also good. According to this, when there is a high possibility that the cause of the failure to receive the road traffic information by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means is not immediately resolved, the road traffic information can be quickly obtained by the two-way communication. When the cause of the failure to receive road traffic information by the receiving means is resolved immediately, it is not necessary to switch to receiving road traffic information by two-way communication.

  Unlike the reception of road traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting, the reception of road traffic information by two-way communication generally requires the user to bear the communication cost for each communication. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the cause of the failure to receive the road traffic information by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means is not likely to be solved immediately, the road traffic information is quickly obtained by bidirectional communication at a cost. On the other hand, when the cause that the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means cannot receive the road traffic information is solved immediately, the road traffic information can be obtained by FM multiplex broadcasting without incurring communication costs. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the cost burden on the user can be further suppressed while the delay in obtaining road traffic information is further reduced.

  As described above, the reception of road traffic information by two-way communication is generally different from the reception of road traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting, and it is generally necessary for the user to bear the communication cost for each communication. .

  According to the configuration of claim 8, before the automatic switching of the receiving means, the user is inquired about whether or not the automatic switching of the receiving means is possible, and the input from the user to permit the automatic switching of the receiving means is accepted by the acceptability accepting means. In this case, the receiving means automatic switching is performed, while the receiving means automatic switching is not performed when an input from the user not permitting the receiving means automatic switching is accepted. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the user's cost burden by not performing automatic switching of receiving means according to the user's request, such as when the user does not need road traffic information immediately even if communication cost is spent become.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the road traffic information is received by the two-way communication means, the road traffic information is received at a frequency according to the reception frequency received from the user by the reception frequency setting accepting means. Therefore, it becomes possible to obtain road traffic information by two-way communication at a reception frequency according to the user's request. For example, if the user wants to reduce the cost burden due to two-way communication, it is possible to reduce the frequency of receiving road traffic information by two-way communication means by setting the reception frequency low, thereby further reducing the cost burden become.

  According to the configuration of claim 10, when the request input receiving means receives an input from the user requesting reception of the road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means, the road traffic by the bidirectional communication means. While receiving information, if the input from the user requesting reception of road traffic information by the two-way communication means is not accepted, the road traffic information is not received by the two-way communication means. It is possible to manually switch from reception of road traffic information by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means to reception of road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means.

  Therefore, the user confirms the cause of failure to receive the road traffic information presented by the cause presenting means, and then determines whether the cause of failure to receive the road traffic information can be resolved immediately. It is possible to select whether to obtain road traffic information by communication or to obtain road traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting according to the user's request.

  Further, according to the configuration of claim 11, when the elapsed time after the reception of the road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means once reaches a predetermined threshold, a new road traffic by the bidirectional communication means When the user is inquired about the necessity of receiving information and the request input accepting unit accepts an input from the user requesting reception of road traffic information by the two-way communication unit, a new one in the two-way communication unit When the road traffic information is received, but the input from the user requesting the reception of the road traffic information is not accepted, new road traffic information is not received.

  The new road traffic information is likely to be road traffic information having higher reliability than the already obtained road traffic information. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the freshness of the already obtained road traffic information is reduced, if the user needs new road traffic information by the two-way communication means, the reliability can be improved. It makes it possible to obtain higher road traffic information. On the other hand, if the user does not need new road traffic information, such as when new road traffic information is not required even if communication costs are spent, the new road traffic information can be received by the two-way communication means. By not doing so, it is possible to further reduce the cost burden on the user. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to consider the reliability of road traffic information while further reducing the cost burden on the user.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, whether there is a vehicle in the service target area, which is an area where road traffic information can be received by at least two-way communication of FM multiplex broadcasting and two-way communication. Therefore, it is possible to know whether or not the user can receive road traffic information in the area. Therefore, according to the above configuration, convenience for the user is improved.

  Moreover, it is good also as an aspect which is a navigation apparatus with which onboard equipment is mounted in a vehicle like Claim 13.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation device 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of reception-related processing in the navigation device 1.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a navigation device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a navigation apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a position detector 11, a map data input device 16, a storage medium 17, an external memory 18, a display device 19, an audio output device 20, an operation switch group 21, a remote control terminal (hereinafter referred to as a remote control). ) 22, a remote control sensor 23, a broadcast receiving unit 24, a communication receiving unit 25, and a control device 26. The navigation device 1 corresponds to the vehicle-mounted device in the claims.

  The position detector 11 includes an acceleration sensor 12 that detects the acceleration of the host vehicle, a gyroscope 13 that detects an angular velocity around the vertical direction of the host vehicle, and a wheel speed sensor 14 that detects the speed of the host vehicle from the rotational speed of each rolling wheel. , And a GPS receiver 15 for GPS (Global Positioning System) that detects the current position of the own vehicle based on radio waves from the artificial satellite, and periodically detects the current position and the traveling direction of the own vehicle. I do. The GPS receiver 15 also detects the current time. The current time may include, for example, date, day of the week, and time. Further, the position detector 11 corresponds to the position detection means in the claims, and the GPS receiver 15 corresponds to the current time detection means.

  In addition, each of these sensors 12 to 15 has an error having a different property, and is configured to be used while being complemented by a plurality of sensors. Depending on the accuracy of each sensor, the position detector 11 may be configured as a part of the above-described ones, and a geomagnetic sensor, a steering rotation sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, or the like (not shown) may be used.

  The map data input device 16 is loaded with a storage medium 17 and inputs various data including so-called map matching data, map data, and landmark data for improving the accuracy of position detection stored in the storage medium 17. It is a device for. The map data includes road data, background data, character data, and the like. As the storage medium 17, a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, a memory card, an HDD, or the like is used.

  The road data includes link data indicating a road and node data. A link is a link between nodes when the roads on the map are divided by a plurality of nodes such as intersections, branches, and merge points, and roads are configured by connecting the links. .

  The link data includes a unique number (link ID) for identifying the link, a link length indicating the link length, link shape information, a segment length indicating the segment length, and link start and end node coordinates (latitude / longitude). Road name, road type, road width, number of lanes, presence / absence of right / left turn dedicated lane, number of dedicated lanes, speed limit, etc.

  On the other hand, the node data is data such as a node ID given a unique number for each node on the map, node coordinates, node name, a connection link ID describing a link ID of a link connected to the node, and an intersection type. Consists of

  The background data is data in which each facility or terrain on the map is associated with the corresponding coordinates on the map. In addition, regarding the facility, the types, names, and address data of various facilities are included. The character data is data for displaying a place name, a facility name, a road name, etc. on a map, and is associated with coordinate data corresponding to the position to be displayed.

  The external memory 18 is a mass storage device such as a writable HDD. The external memory 18 stores a large amount of data and data that should not be erased even when the power is turned off, and frequently used data is copied from the map data input device 16 and used. . The external memory 18 may be a removable memory having a relatively small storage capacity.

  The external memory 18 stores (that is, stores in advance) service target area information, FM multiplex reception area information, wave stop information, and the like. The service target area information here refers to an area (hereinafter referred to as service target) that provides road traffic information (hereinafter referred to as traffic information) through at least two-way communication among FM multiplex broadcasting and two-way communication described later. Area) information. Note that the area (area) here refers to a range having a certain spread, such as an administrative area such as a city, a municipality, or a region, or a range within a predetermined distance centered on a certain position.

  The FM multiplex reception area information refers to information on an area (hereinafter referred to as a reception area) in which traffic information broadcast by FM multiplex broadcast from a traffic information broadcast station can be received. In addition, the area (area) mentioned here also refers to a range having a certain spread, such as an administrative area such as a city, a municipality, or a region, or a range within a predetermined distance centered on a certain position. Further, the stop information refers to information on a stop time zone such as a day of the week and a time of stop of FM multiplex broadcasting for each reception area. The stop time zone thus corresponds to the external memory 18 serving as service target area information storage means, reception area information storage means, and stop time zone information storage means.

  The display device 19 displays a map for guiding driving of the vehicle, a destination selection screen, and the like, and is capable of full color display, for example, using a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, or the like. Can be configured. The voice output device 20 is composed of a speaker or the like, and outputs a guidance voice at the time of route guidance based on an instruction from the control device 26.

  For example, a touch switch or a mechanical switch integrated with the display device 19 is used as the operation switch group 21, and an operation instruction for various functions is given to the control device 26 by the switch operation. The operation switch group 21 includes switches for setting a departure place and a destination. By operating the switch, the user (that is, the occupant of the host vehicle) can set the departure point and the destination from the registered points, facility names, telephone numbers, addresses, and the like.

  The remote controller 22 is provided with a plurality of operation switches (not shown). By inputting various command signals to the control device 26 via the remote control sensor 23 by the switch operation, the same functions as the operation switch group 21 are provided. Can be executed.

  The broadcast system receiving unit 24 receives traffic information broadcast by FM multiplex broadcasting from a traffic information broadcasting station. Therefore, the broadcast system receiving unit 24 corresponds to the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means in the claims. The broadcast receiving unit 24 may be configured to use a VICS receiver for VICS, a receiver for RTIC, a TMC receiver for RDS-TMC, or the like. FM multiplex broadcasting is broadcast to a specific area from each transmission antenna of a traffic information broadcasting station.

  The traffic information is information related to road traffic such as traffic jam information, traffic regulation information, and required time information. The traffic information may be provided as a type of data that can be superimposed on the electronic map, or may be provided as data in a format for displaying the traffic information as text or a deformed diagram. Alternatively, the traffic information may be provided as a type of data that can be output as a voice, or a combination thereof.

  The communication system receiving unit 25 performs two-way communication with a traffic information broadcasting station server via a communication network such as a network or a cellular phone network. The traffic information to be distributed is acquired. Therefore, the communication system receiving unit 25 corresponds to the bidirectional communication means in the claims. As the communication system receiving unit 25, for example, an in-vehicle communication module used for telematics communication such as DCM (data communication module) mounted on a vehicle, a mobile phone connected by Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wireless LAN, or the like is used. What is necessary is just to be the structure to do. It is good also as a structure connected to a network through. Note that the communication system receiving unit 25 may perform two-way communication with the server of the traffic information broadcasting station without going through the communication network.

  The control device 26 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a well-known CPU, a memory such as a ROM, EEPROM, and RAM, a timer circuit, an I / O, and a bus line that connects these configurations (not shown). ) Is provided. The control device 26 navigates based on various information input from the position detector 11, the map data input device 16, the external memory 18, the operation switch group 21, the remote control sensor 23, the broadcast receiver 24, and the communication receiver 25. Processing as functions (for example, map scale change processing, menu display selection processing, destination setting processing, route search execution processing, route guidance start processing, current position correction processing, display screen change processing, volume adjustment processing, etc.), traffic information Processing related to the determination of the cause in case of reception failure, processing to switch from reception of traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting to reception of traffic information by bidirectional communication, processing related to display of traffic information (display related processing), etc. Execute.

  For example, in the display-related processing, when the control device 26 receives traffic information received by the broadcast system receiving unit 24 or the communication system receiving unit 25, traffic information, traffic regulation information, or required time information is based on the traffic information. Such information is displayed on the display device 19 or output from the audio output device 20 as audio. In addition, when the traffic information is a type of data that can be superimposed on the electronic map, the traffic information may be superimposed and displayed on the guidance route obtained by the route search execution process or the electronic map. .

  The processing related to the determination of the cause when traffic information cannot be received and the processing for switching from receiving traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting to receiving traffic information by bidirectional communication will be described later. This will be described in detail together with a description of processing related to reception of information (hereinafter referred to as reception-related processing).

  Next, the flow of reception related processing in the navigation device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of reception-related processing in the navigation device 1. This flow is started when, for example, the ACC switch of the host vehicle is turned on and the power of the navigation apparatus 1 is turned on.

  First, in step S1, whether or not the host vehicle is in the service target area is controlled based on the current position information of the host vehicle obtained from the position detector 11 and the service target area information read from the external memory 18. The device 26 determines. When the area is a city, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a city corresponding to the service target area. And when it determines with existing in a service object area (it is YES at Step S1), it moves to Step S3. If it is not determined that the user is within the service target area (NO in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. Therefore, the control device 26 corresponds to the service target area inside / outside determination means in the claims.

  In step S2, the control device 26 performs a first message display process, and proceeds to step S15. In the first message display process, for example, whether or not the host vehicle is in the service target area by causing the display device 19 to display a message such as “traffic information cannot be received because it is outside the service target area”. Information about is presented to the user. Therefore, the control device 26 also corresponds to the service target area inside / outside presentation means in the claims. It should be noted that the presentation of information about whether or not the host vehicle is in the service target area may be configured by voice output from the voice output device 20, or display on the display device 19 and voice from the voice output device 20. It is good also as a structure performed by an output.

  In step S3, the broadcast receiving unit 24 attempts to receive traffic information (that is, data reception) broadcast from the traffic information broadcasting station by FM multiplex broadcasting. In step S4, the control device 26 determines whether or not the traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting can be received by the broadcast receiving unit 24. When the reception of traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting in the broadcast system receiving unit 24 is proceeding (YES in step S4), the control device 26 determines that the traffic information can be received (that is, data can be received). Determination is made and the process proceeds to step S14. In addition, when the reception of traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting in the broadcast system receiving unit 24 is not in progress (NO in step S4), control is performed that traffic information cannot be received (that is, data cannot be received). The apparatus 26 determines and moves to step S5.

  In step S5, the control device 26 determines whether or not it is necessary to present the cause of the failure to receive traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting (that is, whether or not cause presentation is necessary). For example, it is assumed that the cause presentation necessity is set in the control device 26 in accordance with an input for setting the cause presentation necessity from the user via the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22. In this case, the control device 26 may be configured to determine whether the cause presentation is necessary according to this setting. If the cause presentation is required and the control device 26 determines (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6. Moreover, when the cause presentation necessity and the control apparatus 26 have not determined (NO in step S5), the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S6, based on the current position information of the host vehicle obtained from the position detector 11 and the FM multiplex reception area information read from the external memory 18, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle is in the reception area. Judgment. When the area is a city, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a city corresponding to the reception area. And when it determines with existing in a receiving area (it is YES at step S6), it moves to step S7. If it is not determined that the user is within the reception area (NO in step S6), the process proceeds to step S8. Therefore, the control device 26 also corresponds to the reception area inside / outside determination means in the claims.

  In step S7, based on the current time information obtained from the GPS receiver 15 and the stop information read from the external memory 18, the current stop time period of the reception area determined in step S6 that the host vehicle is present. The control device 26 determines whether or not. And when it determines with it being a stop time zone (it is YES at step S7), it moves to step S9. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it is a stoppage time zone (NO in step S7), the process proceeds to step S10. Therefore, the control device 26 also corresponds to a stop time zone determination unit in the claims.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the current time information is obtained from the GPS receiver 15 is shown, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, it is good also as a structure which acquires the information of the present | current time from the timer circuit of the control apparatus 26, or the time measuring means of the other apparatus mounted in the own vehicle.

  In step S8, the control device 26 determines that the fact that the vehicle is outside the reception area is a cause of failure to receive traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting, performs a second message display process, and proceeds to step S11. In the second message display process, for example, the control device 26 causes the display device 19 to display a message such as “traffic information cannot be received because it is out of the reception area”, so that traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting. Present the cause to the user. Therefore, the control device 26 also corresponds to a cause determination unit in the claims.

  In step S9, the control device 26 determines that it is the cause that the traffic information cannot be received because it is in the reception time zone of the reception area where the own vehicle is present, performs the third message display process, and proceeds to step S11. . In the third message display process, for example, the control device 26 causes the display device 19 to display a message such as “Traffic information cannot be received because it is out of service time. Service time is from XX hours XX minutes to XX hours XX minutes”. Thus, the cause of failure to receive traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting is presented to the user.

  If traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received when there is a vehicle in the reception area and it is not in a stoppage time zone, it is highly possible that traffic information cannot be received because the reception radio wave condition is bad due to the presence of a shield or the like. Conceivable. Therefore, in step S10, the control device 26 determines that the bad reception radio wave condition is the cause of failure to receive traffic information, performs the fourth message display process, and proceeds to step S11. In the fourth message display process, for example, the control device 26 causes the display device 19 to display a message such as “the reception radio wave condition is bad so that traffic information cannot be received”, whereby traffic information can be received by FM multiplex broadcasting. Present the cause to the user.

  The presentation of the cause of the failure to receive traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting in step S8 to step S10 may be performed by audio output from the audio output device 20, or display on the display device 19 and audio It is good also as a structure performed by the audio | voice output from the output device 20. FIG. Therefore, the display device 19 and the audio output device 20 correspond to the cause presenting means in the claims.

  In step S11, the reception of traffic information by the broadcast receiving unit 24 (that is, reception of traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting) to the reception of traffic information by the communication system receiving unit 25 (that is, reception of traffic information by two-way communication). The control device 26 determines whether or not the automatic switching of the receiving means is permitted. When the control device 26 determines that the automatic switching of the receiving means is permitted (YES in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the control device 26 does not determine that the automatic reception means switching is permitted (NO in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

  For example, in step S11, the control device 26 causes the display device 19 to display a message asking the user whether or not automatic switching of the receiving means is possible, or sends a voice output to the voice output device 20 asking the user whether or not automatic switching of the receiving means is possible. I will let you. Subsequently, in response to this inquiry, an input for instructing whether or not automatic switching of receiving means is input by the user is received by the operation switch group 21 and the remote controller 22 and sent to the control device 26. When receiving an input from the user to permit the automatic switching of the receiving means, the control device 26 determines that the automatic switching of the receiving means is permitted. On the other hand, from the user to the effect that the automatic switching of the receiving means is not permitted. When the input is accepted, the control device 26 may not determine that the automatic switching of the receiving means is permitted. Therefore, the control device 26 corresponds to the possibility inquiry means in the claims, and the operation switch group 21 and the remote controller 22 correspond to the availability input reception means in the claims.

  In step S12, the control device 26 performs automatic switching of the receiving means, and switches from receiving traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting to receiving traffic information by bidirectional communication. And the communication system receiving part 25 receives the traffic information (namely, data reception) by bidirectional | two-way communication from the server of a traffic information broadcasting station, and moves to step S14. Therefore, the control device 26 corresponds to automatic switching means in claims.

  In step S13, the broadcast receiving unit 24 continues to receive traffic information (that is, data reception) broadcast by FM multiplex broadcasting from the traffic information broadcasting station, and proceeds to step S14. For example, when the reception of traffic information is in progress at the broadcast system receiving unit 24, the configuration may be such that the process proceeds to step S14 after the reception of the traffic information is completed. If the traffic information has not progressed, it may be configured to move to step S14 after attempting to receive traffic information for a certain period of time, for example, about several minutes.

  In step S14, when the navigation apparatus 1 is powered off (YES in step S14), the flow is terminated. If the navigation apparatus 1 is not turned off (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S1 and the flow is repeated.

  According to the above configuration, the reason why traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting is that the vehicle is outside the reception area, that it is in the reception area, and that the reception radio wave condition is bad. Can be presented. That is, the user can know in detail the reason why the traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting. If the user can know in detail the reason why the traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting, the user can feel more secure and take measures to enable the traffic information to be received. Or As a result, according to the above configuration, it is possible to further improve the comfort and convenience for the user when the traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received.

  In China, there is only an FM broadcasting station antenna in the center of a large city, and FM multiplex broadcasting cannot be received in the suburbs. In addition, because of the dawn of traffic information providing services using FM multiplex broadcasting, it is still impossible to receive traffic information using FM multiplex broadcasting in many cities. Therefore, in China, when traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting, presenting that a vehicle is outside the reception area greatly improves the comfort and convenience for the user.

  Further, in China, maintenance of FM broadcast stations is carried out every week, and the maintenance period is stopped (for example, it is stopped for about 3 to 5 hours in the daytime). The stoppage due to maintenance of this FM broadcast station is different for each city on the day of the week and the time zone, but even if it is a citizen, there are many people who do not know the stop time zone, and people from other cities also stop. It is common not to know the wave time zone. Therefore, in China, when it is impossible to receive traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting, presenting that the reception area is in a stop time period greatly improves the comfort and convenience for the user.

  Also, according to the above configuration, from the reception of traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting to the reception of traffic information by two-way communication based on the determination result in the control device 26 that is why the traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting. Since the receiving means for automatic switching is switched, traffic information can be quickly obtained by bidirectional communication even when traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  Note that the traffic information provided by two-way communication is generally traffic information to which future traffic volume prediction is added while taking into account the current traffic information. Compared to the traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting, This makes it possible to calculate the optimum route to the ground and the estimated arrival time more accurately. On the other hand, the reception of traffic information by two-way communication, unlike the reception of traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting, generally requires the user to bear the communication cost for each communication.

  On the other hand, according to the above configuration, before performing the automatic switching of the receiving means, the user is inquired of whether or not the automatic switching of the receiving means is possible, and the user is allowed to permit the automatic switching of the receiving means by the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22. On the other hand, the receiving means automatic switching is performed when the input from the receiver is accepted, while the receiving means automatic switching is not performed when the input from the user not permitting the receiving means automatic switching is accepted. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the user's cost burden by not performing automatic switching of receiving means according to the user's request, such as when the user does not need traffic information immediately even if communication cost is spent Become.

  In addition, according to the above configuration, since information about whether or not there is a vehicle in the service target area is presented, it becomes possible for the user to know whether or not traffic information can be received in that area. Convenience for the user is improved.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which can set the receiving frequency in the case of receiving traffic information by two-way communication. Specifically, the setting of the reception frequency of traffic information by two-way communication is received from the user by the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22, the reception frequency is set by the control device 26 according to the received setting, and the set reception frequency is set. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure which receives the traffic information by bidirectional communication with the frequency according to. Therefore, the operation switch group 21 and the remote controller 22 correspond to the reception frequency setting receiving means in the claims.

  According to this, when traffic information is received by two-way communication, traffic information is received at a frequency in accordance with the reception frequency received from the user. It is possible to obtain traffic information by communication. For example, when the user wants to reduce the cost burden due to two-way communication, the frequency of receiving traffic information by two-way communication can be reduced and the cost burden can be further reduced by setting the reception frequency low. .

  In the above-described embodiment, in step S11, the control device 26 determines whether or not automatic reception means switching is permitted. If the control device 26 determines that the reception means automatic switching is permitted, the control device 26 performs automatic reception means switching. Although the structure which performs is shown, it does not necessarily restrict to this. For example, the control device 26 may determine whether to permit automatic switching of the reception means, and the control device 26 may perform automatic switching of the reception means when the traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting.

  Further, in this case, the control device 26 does not automatically switch the reception means until the state determined by the control device 26 that the traffic information cannot be received due to the poor reception radio wave condition continues for a predetermined time or more. The control device 26 may be configured to perform automatic switching of the receiving means when it continues for a predetermined time or longer. Note that the predetermined time referred to here is a value that can be arbitrarily set, and can be, for example, 10 minutes. In addition, when the received radio wave condition is a cause that traffic information cannot be received by FM multiplex broadcasting, this cause may be resolved immediately, for example, the problem is solved by moving the vehicle a little. is there.

  According to the above configuration, when there is a high possibility that the cause of the failure to receive traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting is not immediately solved, traffic information can be quickly obtained by two-way communication. When the cause of the inability to receive traffic information is resolved immediately, it is not necessary to switch to receiving traffic information by bidirectional communication.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, if the cause of the failure to receive the traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting is not likely to be solved immediately, the traffic information is quickly obtained by the two-way communication at the expense of the communication cost. If the cause of the inability to receive traffic information by multiplex broadcasting is immediately resolved, it becomes possible to obtain traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting without incurring communication costs. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to further reduce the cost burden on the user while keeping the delay in obtaining traffic information smaller.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the control device 26 performs the automatic switching of the reception unit has been described. However, the configuration is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, when the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22 receives an input from a user requesting reception of traffic information by bidirectional communication, the control device 26 receives the traffic information by bidirectional communication. On the other hand, if the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22 does not accept an input from the user requesting the reception of traffic information by two-way communication, the control device 26 determines the traffic information by two-way communication. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure which does not perform reception to the communication type | system | group receiving part 25. FIG. Therefore, the operation switch group 21 and the remote controller 22 correspond to request input receiving means.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to manually switch from receiving traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting to receiving traffic information by bidirectional communication. Therefore, after the user confirms the cause of the failure to receive the traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting presented by the display device 19 or the audio output device 20, the cause of the failure to receive the traffic information can be solved immediately. It is possible to determine whether or not to obtain traffic information through two-way communication or to obtain traffic information through FM multiplex broadcasting according to the user's request.

  In this case, the elapsed time after the traffic information is received once by bidirectional communication is measured by, for example, the timer circuit of the control device 26, and when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined threshold value, The control device 26 may be configured to cause the display device 19 or the voice output device 20 to perform display or voice output for inquiring of the user whether or not new traffic information needs to be received by bidirectional communication. Note that the predetermined threshold here is a value that can be arbitrarily set, and may be, for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

  When the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22 receives an input from the user requesting reception of traffic information by bidirectional communication, the control device 26 receives new traffic information by bidirectional communication. On the other hand, if the control unit 26 does not accept an input from the user requesting the reception of traffic information by bidirectional communication with the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22 while the control unit 26 does not accept the new information by the bidirectional communication. It is good also as a structure which does not make the communication type | system | group receiving part 25 perform reception of a traffic information. Therefore, the control device 26 corresponds to elapsed time measuring means and necessity inquiry means.

  It is highly likely that the new traffic information is highly reliable traffic information compared to the already acquired traffic information. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the freshness of already acquired traffic information falls, if the user needs it, new traffic information is received by two-way communication, so that traffic with higher reliability can be obtained. It makes it possible to obtain information. On the other hand, when the user does not need new traffic information, such as when new traffic information is not required even if communication costs are spent, by not receiving new traffic information through two-way communication The cost burden on the user can be further suppressed. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to consider the reliability of road traffic information while further reducing the cost burden on the user.

  In addition, the navigation device 1 manually switches from receiving traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting to receiving traffic information by bidirectional communication (hereinafter referred to as manual mode) and the mode in which the control device 26 performs automatic switching of receiving means (hereinafter referred to as manual mode). The automatic mode may be configured so that the setting of the manual mode and the automatic mode can be switched. In this case, each setting of the manual mode and the automatic mode may be configured to be received from the user by the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22.

  In the above-described embodiment, traffic information can be received by FM multiplex broadcasting based on the determination result of whether or not the host vehicle is in the reception area and the determination result of whether or not the vehicle is in the reception area. There are three possible causes: “the vehicle is outside the reception area”, “the vehicle is in the reception area where the vehicle is located”, and “the reception radio wave condition is bad”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, based on only the determination result of whether or not the host vehicle is in the reception area, only “the host vehicle is outside the reception area” is determined as the cause of the failure to receive traffic information by FM multiplex broadcasting. It is good also as a composition to present.

  Furthermore, when the frequency of FM multiplex broadcasting is different from the reception frequency of the broadcast receiving unit 24, when the equipment used for the broadcast receiving unit 24 is turned off, the broadcast receiving unit 24 and the navigation device 1 When the control device 26 can determine the cause of the failure to receive traffic information by M multiplex broadcasting using the diagnosis code of the navigation device 1 such as when an abnormality occurs due to wiring abnormality or failure. It is good also as a structure which the control apparatus 26 shows the cause on the display apparatus 19 or the audio | voice output apparatus 20. FIG.

  The service target area information, FM multiplex reception area information, and wave stop information stored in the external memory 18 may be rewritten. For example, when service target area information for update, FM multiplex reception area information, and stop wave information are transmitted in FM multiplex broadcasting, control is performed based on the update data received by the broadcast system receiver 24. The device 26 may be configured to rewrite the service target area information, FM multiplex reception area information, and wave stop information stored in the external memory 18. In addition, when service target area information for update, FM multiplex reception area information, and stop wave information are transmitted by two-way communication, control is performed based on the data for update received by the communication system receiver 25. The device 26 may be configured to rewrite the service target area information, FM multiplex reception area information, and wave stop information stored in the external memory 18. Furthermore, when the service target area information, the FM multiplex reception area information, and the wave stop information can be input by the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22, the control device 26 is based on the input to the operation switch group 21 or the remote controller 22. The service target area information, FM multiplex reception area information, and stop wave information stored in the external memory 18 may be rewritten.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the service target city information, the FM multiplex reception area information, and the wave stop information are stored in the external memory 18 is shown, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the service target city information, the FM multiplex reception area information, and the wave stop information may be stored in the storage medium 17 or may be stored in a memory such as an EEPROM of the control device 26. .

  When the navigation device 1 includes a voice input device, the voice input device may be handled in the same manner as the operation switch group 21 and the remote controller 22.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a navigation apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to a vehicle-mounted device that is independent from the navigation device.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the technical means disclosed in different embodiments can be appropriately combined. Such embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Navigation apparatus (vehicle equipment), 11 Position detector (position detection means), 12 Acceleration sensor, 13 Gyroscope, 14 Wheel speed sensor 14, 15 GPS receiver (current time detection means), 16 Map data input device, 17 Storage medium, 18 External memory (service area information storage means, reception area information storage means, stop time information storage means), 19 display device (cause presentation means), 20 audio output device (cause presentation means), 21 operation Switch group (reception frequency setting reception means, request input reception means), 22 remote control (reception frequency setting reception means, request input reception means), 23 remote control sensor, 24 broadcast system reception unit, 25 communication system reception unit, 26 control device ( Service target area inside / outside determination means, service target area inside / outside presentation means, elapsed time measurement Inquiry means for necessity)

Claims (13)

Mounted on the vehicle,
FM multiplex broadcast receiving means for receiving road traffic information transmitted by FM multiplex broadcast;
A vehicle-mounted device comprising position detecting means for sequentially detecting the current position of the vehicle,
Reception area information storage means for storing in advance information on a reception area that is an area where FM multiplex broadcasting can be received;
Reception for determining whether or not the vehicle is in the reception area based on the information on the reception area stored in the reception area information storage means and the information on the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection means. Area inside / outside determination means,
If the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means is not able to receive the road traffic information, a cause determining means for determining the reason why the road traffic information cannot be received based on a determination result of the reception area inside / outside determining means;
And a cause presenting means for presenting the cause determined by the cause determining means. In claim 1,
Current time detection means for detecting the current time;
Wave-stopping time zone information storing means for storing in advance information on a wave-stopping time zone, which is a time-zone at which FM multiplex broadcasting for each reception area stops.
When it is determined by the reception area inside / outside determination means that the vehicle is in the reception area, information on the stop time zone stored in the stop time zone information storage means and the current time detected by the current time detection means Based on the time information, a stop time zone determination means for determining whether or not the current stop time zone of the reception area,
The cause determination means determines the cause of failure to receive the road traffic information based on the determination result of the stop time zone determination means in addition to the determination result of the reception area inside / outside determination means vessel. In claim 1 or 2,
A vehicle-mounted device comprising a two-way communication means capable of receiving the road traffic information by two-way communication. In claim 3,
Based on the determination result of the cause determination means, automatic switching of receiving means for automatically switching from reception of the road traffic information by the FM multiplex broadcast receiving means to reception of the road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means. A vehicle-mounted device comprising an automatic switching means for performing. In claim 4,
The cause determining means determines that the road traffic information is not received based on determining that the vehicle is not in the receiving area by the receiving area inside / outside determining means,
The vehicle-mounted device, wherein the automatic switching means performs the automatic switching of the receiving means when the cause determining means determines that the road traffic information cannot be received because it is outside the reception area. In claim 4 or 5,
The current time detection means, the stop time zone information storage means, and the stop time zone determination means,
The cause determination means determines that the vehicle is in the reception area by the reception area inside / outside determination means, and determines that the current time is the stop time zone of the reception area by the stop time period determination means. Based on that, it is determined that the road traffic information is not received because it is a stoppage time zone of the reception area,
The automatic switching means performs the receiving means automatic switching when it is determined by the cause determining means that the road traffic information is not received because it is a stop time zone of a reception area. Onboard equipment. In any one of Claims 4-6,
The current time detection means, the stop time zone information storage means, and the stop time zone determination means,
The cause determination means determines that the vehicle is in the reception area by the reception area inside / outside determination means, and determines that the current time is not the stop time zone of the reception area by the stop time period determination means. Based on the above, it is determined that the reception radio wave condition is bad that the road traffic information cannot be received,
The automatic switching unit performs the automatic switching of the receiving unit when the cause determining unit determines that the poor reception radio wave condition is a cause of failure to receive the road traffic information for a predetermined time or longer. In-vehicle device characterized by. In any one of Claims 4-7,
Before performing the receiving means automatic switching by the automatic switching means, availability inquiry means for inquiring the user about whether or not the receiving means automatic switching,
An acceptability input accepting means for accepting an input from a user for instructing whether or not to automatically switch the receiving means,
When the user input indicating that the reception means automatic switching is permitted is accepted by the availability input acceptance means, the automatic switching means performs the reception means automatic switching, while the availability input acceptance means automatically performs the reception means automatic switching. The vehicle-mounted device wherein the automatic switching means does not perform the automatic switching of the receiving means when an input from a user not permitting switching is received. In any one of Claims 4-8,
A reception frequency setting receiving means for receiving a setting of the reception frequency of the road traffic information in the two-way communication means from a user;
When the two-way communication means receives the road traffic information, the two-way communication means receives the road traffic information at a frequency according to the reception frequency accepted by the reception frequency setting acceptance means. In-vehicle device characterized by that. In claim 3,
Request input receiving means for receiving an input from a user requesting reception of the road traffic information in the bidirectional communication means,
When the request input accepting unit accepts an input from a user requesting reception of the road traffic information by the bidirectional communication unit, the bidirectional communication unit receives the road traffic information. If the request input receiving means does not accept an input from the user requesting reception of the road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means, the road traffic information is received by the bidirectional communication means. In-vehicle device characterized by not performing. In claim 10,
An elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time after the reception of the road traffic information in the bidirectional communication means;
When the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means reaches a predetermined threshold, the necessity inquiry means for inquiring the user whether or not it is necessary to receive new road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means,
When the request input receiving means receives an input from a user requesting reception of the road traffic information by the bidirectional communication means, the bidirectional communication means receives the new road traffic information. On the other hand, if the request input receiving means does not accept an input from the user requesting reception of the road traffic information at the bidirectional communication means, the new road at the bidirectional communication means A vehicle-mounted device that does not receive traffic information. In any one of Claims 3-11,
Service target area information storage means for storing in advance information on a service target area that is an area where the road traffic information can be received by at least the two-way communication of the FM multiplex broadcasting and the two-way communication; ,
Whether or not the vehicle is in the service target area based on the service target area information stored in the service target area information storage means and the current position information of the vehicle detected by the position detection means. A service target area inside / outside determination means for determining, and a service target area inside / outside presentation means for presenting information on whether or not the vehicle is in the service target area based on a determination result in the service target area inside / outside determination means, An in-vehicle device characterized by comprising. In any one of Claims 1-12,
A vehicle-mounted device that is a navigation device mounted on the vehicle.

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