JP2012145376A - Navigation device, navigation method and information management server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device, a navigation method and an information management server capable of presenting useful information for driving a vehicle to a crew member thereof by effectively utilizing an information terminal that the crew member brings in the vehicle.SOLUTION: A navigation control section of a navigation device determines, when a mobile phone is installed at a prescribed position inside a vehicle, whether or not an imaging section of the mobile phone is capable of imaging an outside of the vehicle (a step S12), and if the outside of the vehicle can be imaged (the step S12: YES), sets the mobile phone to a traffic information acquisition mode (the step S14). In contrast, if the outside of the vehicle cannot be imaged (the step S12: NO), the navigation control section sets the mobile phone to an auxiliary information display mode (the step S13).

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device capable of communicating with an information terminal owned by a vehicle occupant and a navigation method using the navigation device. The present invention also relates to an information management server that manages information necessary for processing in a navigation device.

  Conventionally, a road traffic information transmitting / receiving device described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed as a navigation device for guiding a route to a destination to a driver. This road traffic information transmitting / receiving device transmits road traffic information based on the imaging data to other vehicles when acquiring imaging data related to an image captured by an imaging means such as a digital camera. As a result, an occupant of another vehicle that has received the road traffic information can know in detail the traffic jam and the traffic accident situation.

  By the way, in recent years, information terminals such as mobile phones having an imaging function have been widely used, and development of technology for supporting driving of a vehicle by a driver by linking the information terminal and a navigation device is in progress. . For example, when an information terminal is used with the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to use the imaging function of the information terminal, that is, imaging application software, as the imaging means.

JP 2003-187386 A

  Incidentally, various other application software is installed in the information terminal in addition to the application software for imaging. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the information terminal is simply used as an imaging unit, and it cannot be said that various application software installed in the information terminal can be effectively used.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to effectively utilize an information terminal brought into the vehicle by the occupant and provide useful information to the occupant of the vehicle during driving of the vehicle. The present invention provides a navigation device, a navigation method, and an information management server.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is capable of communicating with an information terminal having an image pickup means for picking up an image and a display means for displaying an image, and navigation processing for guiding a route to the destination. An imaging determination unit that determines whether or not imaging outside the vehicle by the imaging unit of the information terminal is possible when the information terminal is installed at a specified position in the vehicle. When the imaging determination unit determines that the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit, the information terminal causes the imaging unit to image the outside of the vehicle and causes the image data based on the imaging to be acquired as traffic information. When it is determined that the outside of the vehicle cannot be imaged by the first setting means for setting the traffic information acquisition mode and the imaging means, the information terminal is moved to the navigation process. A second setting means for setting the auxiliary information display mode for causing the display means a display process based on the auxiliary information for assisting and summarized in that comprises a.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined that the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging means of the information terminal installed at the specified position in the vehicle, the information terminal is set to the traffic information acquisition mode. Then, when the outside of the vehicle is imaged by the imaging means of the information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode, imaging data based on the imaging is acquired as traffic information. On the other hand, when it is determined that the outside of the vehicle cannot be imaged by the imaging means of the information terminal, the information terminal is set to the auxiliary information display mode. In the display means of the information terminal set in the auxiliary information display mode, display processing for assisting navigation processing in the navigation device is performed. That is, the function to be executed by the information terminal can be used properly depending on whether the outside of the vehicle can be imaged from the inside of the vehicle by the imaging means. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the information terminal brought into the vehicle by the occupant and provide useful information to the occupant of the vehicle during driving of the vehicle.

  In the navigation device of the present invention, the imaging determination means can image the outside of the vehicle by the imaging means of the information terminal when the information terminal is arranged at a position set above the dashboard of the vehicle inside the vehicle. Judge that there is.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit depending on the installation position of the information terminal in the vehicle.
The navigation device of the present invention includes a transmission control unit that causes the information management server to transmit traffic information including imaging data acquired by the information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode, and after the transmission of the traffic information by the transmission control unit. And a notification control means for receiving traffic information acquired by another vehicle from the information management server and performing information notification processing based on the traffic information.

  According to the above configuration, when the outside of the vehicle is imaged by the imaging means of the information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode, traffic information including imaging data based on the imaging is transmitted to the information management server. Then, at least one of the navigation device and the information terminal receives the traffic information acquired by the other vehicle from the information management server. And the information alerting | reporting process based on the received traffic information is performed. For this reason, it is possible to notify useful information to the occupant of the host vehicle by an information notification process based on traffic information acquired by another vehicle.

  The navigation device of the present invention specifies a position acquisition unit that acquires position information for specifying the position of the host vehicle, and an imaging time required for imaging by the imaging unit of the information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode. Imaging time acquisition means for acquiring imaging time information for performing, the transmission control means is acquired by the imaging data acquired by the information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode, and each acquisition means The information management server transmits the traffic information including the positional information and the imaging time information that has been transmitted, and the notification control unit includes the position and imaging time information indicated by the positional information included in the traffic information transmitted by the transmission control unit. When the traffic information selected by the information management server based on the imaging time indicated by is received, an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is received. The performing the information notification processing for displaying on the display unit of the information terminal.

  According to the above configuration, when the traffic information is transmitted to the information management server, the information management server receives the traffic information based on the position indicated by the position information included in the received traffic information and the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information. The traffic information is selected and transmitted to the vehicle side. Then, an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is displayed on the display means of the information terminal. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately select traffic information acquired by other vehicles and provide a useful image to the vehicle occupant.

  An information management server according to the present invention includes a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, communication means capable of communicating with the navigation device and communicating with at least one of information terminals having an imaging function, and received by the communication means. It is traffic information and image data acquired by imaging the outside of the vehicle from the inside of the vehicle with the information terminal, position information for specifying the imaged position, and an imaging time required for imaging A traffic information storage means for storing traffic information including imaging time information; a position indicated by the position information included in the traffic information when the traffic information is received by the communication means; an imaging time indicated by the imaging time information; Based on the traffic information selection means for selecting at least one traffic information from the plurality of traffic information stored in the traffic information storage means. And server control means for causing the communication means to transmit at least one of a navigation device mounted on the vehicle and an information terminal communicable with the navigation device, the traffic information selected by the traffic information selection means, It is a summary to provide.

  According to the above configuration, when traffic information from one vehicle is received, traffic information based on the position indicated by the position information included in the traffic information and the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information is managed in the traffic information storage means. Selected from a plurality of traffic information. The selected traffic information is transmitted to at least one of a navigation device mounted on the vehicle and an information terminal communicable with the navigation device. Then, information notification processing based on the received traffic information is performed on the vehicle side. Therefore, it is possible to provide useful information during driving of the vehicle to the vehicle occupant who has transmitted the traffic information.

  In the information management server of the present invention, the traffic information selection unit selects traffic information including imaging data whose imaging time is equal to or less than the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information included in the traffic information received by the communication unit. .

  According to the above configuration, when traffic information from one vehicle is received, imaging data that satisfies the condition that the imaging time is equal to or less than the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information included in the traffic information from the one vehicle The traffic information including is selected. Then, the selected traffic information is transmitted to one vehicle side. Then, in one vehicle, an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is provided to the occupant. Therefore, in order to receive traffic information including imaging data having a longer imaging time, it is necessary to acquire imaging data having a longer imaging time on the vehicle side. Therefore, the information management server can acquire traffic information including imaging data having a longer imaging time.

In the information management server of the present invention, the traffic information selection means selects traffic information including imaging data based on imaging in a road section where traffic congestion occurs.
According to the above configuration, the traffic information including the imaging data acquired in the road section where the traffic jam occurs is selected for the one vehicle side that has transmitted the traffic information. Such traffic information is transmitted to one vehicle side. Then, in one vehicle, an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is provided to the occupant. Therefore, a specific situation of traffic congestion can be notified to an occupant of one vehicle by an image.

  The present invention relates to a navigation method for causing a vehicle-mounted navigation device that communicates with an information terminal having an imaging means for capturing an image and a display means for displaying an image to perform a navigation process. When the information terminal is installed in the camera, the imaging means can determine whether or not imaging outside the vehicle by the imaging means of the information terminal is possible, and the imaging means can capture the outside of the vehicle A first setting step of setting the information terminal to a traffic information acquisition mode for causing the imaging means to image the outside of the vehicle and acquiring image data based on the imaging as traffic information. In the imaging determination step, when it is determined that the outside of the vehicle cannot be imaged by the imaging means, the information terminal is guided to the route to the destination. Navigation method for a second setting step of setting an auxiliary information display mode for performing display processing based on the auxiliary information for assisting the navigation process, to have a a gist.

  According to the said structure, the effect | action and effect equivalent to the said navigation apparatus can be acquired.

The block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the navigation apparatus of this invention, and an information management server. The top view explaining schematic structure of a mobile telephone. The top view which shows typically a mode that the display apparatus of the navigation apparatus was embedded in the dashboard. The top view which shows typically a mode that the mobile telephone was installed in the position which can image the vehicle exterior. The top view which shows typically a mode that the mobile telephone was installed in the position which cannot image the exterior of a vehicle. The flowchart explaining an information provision process routine. The flowchart explaining the traffic information acquisition process routine (first half part). The flowchart explaining the traffic information acquisition processing routine (second half part). The top view which shows typically the display mode in each display at the time of receiving the information regarding the traffic information acquired with the other vehicle from the information management server. The top view which shows typically a mode that the information alerting | reporting process based on the traffic information acquired with the other vehicle was performed. The top view which shows typically the case where the display apparatus of a navigation apparatus is installed on the dashboard.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system 11 of the present embodiment includes a mobile phone 20 as an example of an information terminal brought into the vehicle, a vehicle navigation device 30, and an information management server 50 installed outside the vehicle. I have. In the navigation system 11, useful information is provided to the driver when driving the vehicle by the cooperation of the mobile phone 20, the navigation device 30, and the information management server 50.

The configuration of the mobile phone 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The mobile phone 20 can execute not only a call function with another mobile phone 20 or a fixed phone, but also various functions (imaging function, display function). As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 20 includes a terminal control unit 21, a terminal memory 22, an imaging unit 23 as an example of an imaging unit, a terminal display 24 and an operation unit 25 as an example of a display unit. Yes. Further, the mobile phone 20 is provided with a terminal connection unit 26 for transmitting / receiving various kinds of information to / from the navigation device 30 and a terminal communication unit 27 for communicating with the information management server 50.

  The terminal control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a nonvolatile memory, a RAM, and the like (not shown). Various programs executed by the CPU are stored in the ROM and the nonvolatile memory. In particular, the nonvolatile memory stores application software for executing various functions such as an imaging function for causing the imaging unit 23 to capture an image and a display function for displaying an image on the terminal display 24. In addition, a work area of the CPU is formed in the RAM. And the terminal control part 21 controls the mobile phone 20 whole.

  The imaging unit 23 includes an optical system (not shown) configured with a lens and the like, and an imaging element (not shown) that captures a subject image formed by the optical system. Imaging data based on the imaging by the imaging unit 23 is stored in the terminal memory 22. 2, the optical system (not shown) of the imaging unit 23 is disposed on the first surface 201 side of the main body case 200 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view of the mobile phone 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an image based on a command from the terminal control unit 21 is displayed on the terminal display 24. For example, the terminal display 24 displays an image (including “moving image”) indicated by the imaging data stored in the terminal memory 22 based on a command from the terminal control unit 21. On the terminal display 24, when an image is picked up by the image pickup unit 23, an image being picked up by the image pickup unit 23 (a so-called through image) is displayed. The terminal display 24 is arranged on the second surface 202 side of the main body case 200 of the mobile phone 20, that is, on the opposite side of the imaging unit 23. In addition, an operation unit 25 including a liquid crystal touch panel is disposed in front of the terminal display 24. When the user operates the operation unit 25, a signal based on the operation is output to the terminal control unit 21. And the terminal control part 21 performs the process based on the signal input from the operation part 25. FIG.

Next, the configuration of the navigation device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.
As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 30 includes a display device 31 and a control device 41 that controls the display device 31. The display device 31 includes a navigation display 32 that provides various information to a vehicle occupant (user) in a visible state, a liquid crystal touch panel disposed on the front surface of the navigation display 32, and the navigation display 32 side. An input unit 33 composed of a plurality of types of operation buttons arranged in the direction is provided. When the display device 31 accepts an operation of the input unit 33 by a passenger, the display device 31 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation content to the control device 41. When image data is input from the control device 41 as a response to the output signal, the display device 31 causes the navigation display 32 to display an image based on the image data. In the present embodiment, the display device 31 is embedded in the dashboard 60 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 41 includes a navigation control unit 42, a position detection unit 43, a navigation information storage device 44, a clock 45, a navigation connection unit 46, a navigation communication unit 47, and a navigation memory 48. . The navigation control unit 42 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an image processing processor (not shown). The ROM stores a program executed by the CPU when searching for a route to the destination and performing guidance, a program executed by the CPU when performing driving support in cooperation with the mobile phone 20, and the like. The RAM is formed with a storage area for storing a work area of the CPU, a searched route, and the like. The image processor generates various image data to be displayed on the navigation display 32, and outputs the generated image data to the display device 31.

  The position detector 43 is provided with a GPS receiver, a vehicle speed sensor, and a gyro sensor (not shown). Such a position detector 43 outputs the GPS signal received by the GPS receiver and detection signals from the vehicle speed sensor and the gyro sensor to the navigation controller 42. And the navigation control part 42 detects absolute positions, such as latitude and longitude, by radio wave navigation based on the GPS signal received by the GPS receiving part. The navigation control unit 42 calculates a relative position from the reference position using autonomous navigation based on detection signals from the vehicle speed sensor and the gyro sensor. Then, the navigation control unit 42 identifies the current location of the host vehicle by combining the detected absolute position and the calculated relative position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 and the position detection unit 43 constitute position acquisition means for acquiring position information for specifying the position of the host vehicle. GPS is an abbreviation for “Global Positioning System”.

  The navigation information storage device 44 is an external storage medium such as a hard disk or an optical disk. In the navigation information storage device 44, a map data storage unit, a search data storage unit, and a facility data storage unit (not shown) are formed. The map data storage unit stores map data such as road maps, house maps, and building shape maps. The search data storage unit stores data relating to various road information such as a road (also referred to as a “link”) between predetermined points (also referred to as “nodes”), traffic regulation information of the road, and distance of the road. is doing. The facility data storage unit stores various facilities such as a ward office, a hospital, a station, and a restaurant, and data such as addresses and telephone numbers of the various facilities.

  When time information is requested from the navigation control unit 42, the clock 45 outputs time information for specifying the time at the requested time to the navigation control unit 42. The clock 45 also functions as a timer in response to a command from the navigation control unit 42. In this case, when the time measurement ends, the clock 45 outputs information for specifying the measured time to the navigation control unit 42.

  The navigation connection unit 46 transmits / receives various information to / from the mobile phone 20. The navigation communication unit 47 communicates with the information management server 50. The navigation memory 48 stores information received from the mobile phone 20 and the information management server 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation connection unit 46 is provided with a plurality of (three in this embodiment) connection terminals 46 </ b> A, 46 </ b> B, 46 </ b> C to which the mobile phone 20 is communicably connected. Among the connection terminals 46A, 46B, and 46C, the first connection terminal 46A is installed on the dashboard 60. The mobile phone 20 connected to the first connection terminal 46A is positioned between the dashboard 60 and the room mirror 61 of the vehicle in the direction of gravity. In this case, the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 can image the front of the vehicle. Moreover, the optical system (not shown) of the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 connected to the first connection terminal 46 </ b> A is located above the dashboard 60. Therefore, the bonnet of the host vehicle is not shown in the image captured by the mobile phone 20. Even if the bonnet is captured, the bonnet is only slightly captured in the image captured by the mobile phone 20. That is, the mobile phone 20 connected to the first connection terminal 46 </ b> A can acquire traffic information (traffic jam etc.) outside the vehicle of the host vehicle by imaging by the imaging unit 23.

  On the other hand, the second and third connection terminals 46 </ b> B and 46 </ b> C are installed on the side of the display device 31. Therefore, the mobile phone 20 connected to the second and third connection terminals 46B and 46C cannot image the front of the vehicle. Therefore, the positions connected to the first, second, and third connection terminals 46A, 46B, and 46C correspond to the specified positions where the mobile phone 20 is installed in the vehicle. Of the positions connected to each of the connection terminals 46A, 46B, 46C, the position connected to the first connection terminal 46A is an imageable position where the outside of the vehicle (specifically, the front of the vehicle) can be imaged. The position that is P1 and is connected to the second and third connection terminals 46B and 46C is an imaging impossible position P2 that cannot image the front of the vehicle.

Next, the configuration of the information management server 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the information management server 50 includes a server control unit 51 as an example of a server control unit, a server communication unit 52 as an example of a communication unit, an information storage unit 53 as an example of a traffic information storage unit, A map database 54 and a traffic information acquisition unit 55 are provided. The server control unit 51 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). The ROM stores a program executed by the CPU when selecting information to be transmitted to the navigation device 30 or the mobile phone 20 linked to the navigation device 30. A work area for the CPU is formed in the RAM.

  The server communication unit 52 communicates with the navigation device 30 and the mobile phone 20 that cooperates with the navigation device 30. The traffic information received from the mobile phone 20 by the server communication unit 52 is stored (registered) in the information storage unit 53. Further, the server communication unit 52 transmits the information selected by the server control unit 51 to the navigation device 30 that cooperates with the mobile phone 20 that has transmitted the information.

The map database 54 stores map data such as road maps, house maps, and building shape maps. Such map data is appropriately read by the server control unit 51.
The traffic information acquisition unit 55 acquires road traffic information from the outside based on a command from the server control unit 51, and outputs the acquired information to the server control unit 51. The road traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit 55 includes traffic information related to traffic jams on the road, traffic fault information related to accidents and construction, and traffic regulation information related to travel restrictions such as traffic closures and speed restrictions. Examples of such road traffic information include VICS (registered trademark) information. “VICS (registered trademark)” is an abbreviation for “Vehicle Information and Communication”.

Next, navigation processing performed by the navigation control unit 42 of the navigation device 30 will be described.
The navigation process is a process for guiding the route from the current position of the host vehicle to the destination. That is, when the navigation control unit 42 receives an operation of the input unit 33 by the occupant, the navigation control unit 42 reads a point that matches the condition based on the operation from the facility data storage unit (not shown) of the navigation information storage device 44 as a destination candidate. Are displayed on the navigation display 32. When any one of the displayed points is selected by the occupant as a destination, the navigation control unit 42 includes a map data storage unit (not shown) and a search data storage unit (not shown) of the navigation information storage device 44. ) To find a route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination. Subsequently, the navigation control unit 42 causes the navigation display 32 to guide and display the searched route. The navigation process also includes a process of displaying a map around the current position of the host vehicle when the destination is not set.

  The navigation device 30 according to this embodiment supports driving of a vehicle by a driver in cooperation with the mobile phone 20 connected to the navigation device 30 and the information management server 50 installed outside the vehicle. Specifically, the navigation device 30 selects the type of application software to be activated on the mobile phone 20 connected in a communicable state with the navigation device 30 based on the installation position of the mobile phone 20.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the mobile phone 20 is connected to the first connection terminal 46 </ b> A, the navigation device 30 permits activation of application software including imaging by the imaging unit 23. Then, the mobile phone 20 is set to the traffic information acquisition mode. In this state, when a recording start instruction is transmitted to the mobile phone 20 by operating the input unit 33 of the navigation device 30, the mobile phone 20 starts imaging by the imaging unit 23. That is, the mobile phone 20 images the front of the host vehicle. When the imaging is completed, imaging data acquired by imaging is acquired, and traffic information including the imaging data is transmitted to the information management server 50. Then, as a return of the transmitted traffic information, traffic information acquired by another vehicle is received by the navigation device 30 and the mobile phone 20. And the information alerting | reporting process which displays the image based on the imaging data contained in the received traffic information on the display 24 for terminals of the mobile telephone 20 is performed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the mobile phone 20 is connected to the second connection terminal 46 </ b> B (or the third connection terminal 46 </ b> C), the navigation device 30 assists the navigation processing in the navigation device 30. Activation of application software for causing the mobile phone 20 to perform display processing based on the auxiliary information for this is permitted. When this application software is activated, the mobile phone 20 is set to the auxiliary information display mode. Then, the map information for causing the terminal display 24 to display a map continuous with the map displayed on the navigation display 32 is transmitted from the navigation device 30 to the mobile phone 20. As a result, the navigation display 32 and the terminal display 24 provide a wide range of maps to the vehicle occupants.

  In the present embodiment, the mode of driving support varies depending on the installation position of the mobile phone 20. Then, next, the information provision process routine performed when performing the driving assistance cooperated with the mobile telephone 20 among the various process routines which the navigation apparatus 30 of this embodiment performs is demonstrated with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. To do.

  Now, the information provision processing routine is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, every 0.1 second). In the information provision processing routine, the navigation control unit 42 determines whether or not the mobile phone 20 is connected to any one of the connection terminals 46A to 46C (step S10). If it is determined that the mobile phone 20 is not connected (step S10: NO), the navigation control unit 42 determines that driving support in cooperation with the mobile phone 20 is not possible, and once ends the information provision processing routine. On the other hand, when it determines with the mobile telephone 20 having been connected (step S10: YES), the navigation control part 42 acquires the installation position of the mobile telephone 20 (step S11). That is, the navigation control unit 42 acquires to which of the connection terminals 46A to 46C the mobile phone 20 is connected.

  And the navigation control part 42 determines whether the vehicle front can be imaged with the connected mobile telephone 20 (step S12). Specifically, the navigation control unit 42 determines whether or not the mobile phone 20 is connected to the first connection terminal 46A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 also functions as an imaging determination unit. Step S12 corresponds to an imaging determination step. When the mobile phone 20 is connected to the second connection terminal 46B or the third connection terminal 46C (step S12: NO), the navigation control unit 42 determines that imaging outside the vehicle by the mobile phone 20 is impossible. Then, map display processing is performed (step S13). In the map display process, the navigation control unit 42 sets the mobile phone 20 to the auxiliary information display mode.

  The terminal control unit 21 of the mobile phone 20 set to the auxiliary information display mode performs a preparation process for displaying a map on the terminal display 24. And the terminal control part 21 will request | require map information with respect to the navigation control part 42, if a preparation process is completed. Upon receiving this request, the navigation control unit 42 generates map information for causing the terminal display 24 to display a map continuous with the map displayed on the navigation display 32, and carries the map information from the navigation connection unit 46. Send to phone 20. And the terminal control part 21 displays the map based on the map information received via the terminal connection part 26 on the display 24 for terminals (refer FIG. 5).

  The cooperation between the navigation control unit 42 and the terminal control unit 21 is continued while the mobile phone 20 is connected to the second connection terminal 46B (or the third connection terminal 46C). When the mobile phone 20 is removed from the second connection terminal 46B (or the third connection terminal 46C), the navigation control unit 42 ends the map display process, and then ends the information provision process routine once. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 also functions as a second setting unit and a display control unit. Step S13 corresponds to a second permission step.

  On the other hand, when the mobile phone 20 is connected to the first connection terminal 46A (step S12: YES), the navigation control unit 42 performs a traffic information acquisition process detailed in FIGS. 7 and 8 (step S14). ). In this traffic information acquisition process, the navigation control unit 42 sets the mobile phone 20 to the traffic information acquisition mode. And when the mobile telephone 20 is removed from the 1st connection terminal 46A, the navigation control part 42 complete | finishes a traffic information acquisition process, and once complete | finishes an information provision process routine after that. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 also functions as the first setting unit. Step S14 corresponds to a first permission step.

  Next, the traffic information acquisition process (traffic information acquisition process routine) in step S14 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS.

  In the traffic information acquisition processing routine, the navigation device 30, the mobile phone 20, and the information management server 50 cooperate. In step S <b> 20, the navigation control unit 42 of the navigation device 30 causes the mobile phone 20 to transmit an imaging / display instruction from the navigation connection unit 46. In the next step S <b> 21, the terminal control unit 21 of the mobile phone 20 receives an imaging / display instruction from the navigation device 30 via the terminal connection unit 26. Subsequently, in step S <b> 22, the terminal control unit 21 performs a through display process in which a so-called through image captured by the imaging unit 23 is displayed on the terminal display 24 while being set in the traffic information acquisition mode.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 23, the navigation control unit 42 of the navigation device 30 determines whether or not a command for starting recording with the mobile phone 20 is input from the input unit 33. When the recording start command is not input (step S23: NO), the navigation control unit 42 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S23 until the recording start command is input. On the other hand, when a recording start command is input (step S23: YES), in step S24, the navigation control unit 42 causes the mobile phone 20 to transmit a recording start instruction from the navigation connection unit 46.

  In the next step S <b> 25, the terminal control unit 21 of the mobile phone 20 receives a recording start instruction from the navigation device 30 via the terminal connection unit 26. Subsequently, in step S <b> 26, the terminal control unit 21 starts recording an image captured by the imaging unit 23. That is, the terminal control unit 21 starts acquisition of imaging data.

  In the navigation device 30, in step S <b> 27, the navigation control unit 42 acquires position information for specifying the current position of the host vehicle based on the GPS signal and the detection signal from the position detection unit 43 and is recorded by the mobile phone 20. Time information for specifying the time at which the start of the operation is specified is acquired from the clock 45. At this time, the navigation control unit 42 instructs the clock 45 to measure the imaging time by the mobile phone 20. Subsequently, in step S <b> 28, the navigation control unit 42 determines whether or not a command for ending recording on the mobile phone 20 has been input from the input unit 33. When the recording end command is not input (step S28: NO), the navigation control unit 42 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S28 until the recording end command is input. On the other hand, if a recording end command is input (step S28: YES), the navigation control unit 42 causes the mobile phone 20 to transmit a recording end instruction from the navigation connection unit 46 in step S29.

  In the next step S <b> 30, the navigation control unit 42 causes the clock 45 to acquire an imaging time Ts that is a time required for imaging by the mobile phone 20. The navigation control unit 42 is input with imaging time information for specifying the imaging time Ts acquired by the clock 45. Therefore, in this embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 and the clock 45 constitute an imaging time acquisition unit. Subsequently, in step S31, the navigation control unit 42 causes the mobile phone 20 to transmit the position information, time information, and imaging time information acquired in steps S27 and S30 from the navigation connection unit 46. At this time, the navigation control unit 42 also transmits traveling direction information for specifying the traveling direction of the host vehicle to the mobile phone 20 side.

  On the other hand, when the recording end instruction is transmitted from the navigation device 30, the terminal control unit 21 of the mobile phone 20 receives the recording end instruction from the navigation device 30 via the terminal connection unit 26 in step S32. Subsequently, in step S <b> 33, the terminal control unit 21 ends the recording of the image captured by the imaging unit 23. That is, the terminal control unit 21 ends the acquisition of imaging data.

  In the next step S <b> 34, the terminal control unit 21 receives position information, time information, imaging time information, and traveling direction information from the navigation device 30 via the terminal connection unit 26. Subsequently, in step S35, the terminal control unit 21 generates traffic information including imaging data acquired by itself, position information received in step S34, time information, imaging time information, and traveling direction information. In step S <b> 36, the terminal control unit 21 causes the information management server 50 to transmit the generated traffic information from the terminal communication unit 27. In other words, in the present embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 of the navigation device 30 transmits the position information, time information, imaging time information, and traveling direction information to the mobile phone 20 to manage traffic information from the mobile phone 20. The data is transmitted to the server 50. Therefore, in this embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 of the navigation device 30 serves as a transmission control unit that causes the information management server 50 to transmit traffic information including imaging data acquired by the mobile phone 20 set in the traffic information acquisition mode. Also works. Further, step S31 executed by the navigation device 30 corresponds to a transmission step.

  In the next step S <b> 37, the server control unit 51 of the information management server 50 receives the traffic information transmitted from the mobile phone 20 linked to the navigation device 30 via the server communication unit 52. Subsequently, in step S38, the server control unit 51, based on the received traffic information, the position (latitude / longitude) of the vehicle from which the imaging data included in the traffic information is acquired, the time of imaging, and the imaging time Ts and the traveling direction of the vehicle are acquired. In the next step S39, the server control unit 51 causes the information storage unit 53 to store the received traffic information. Subsequently, in step S <b> 40, the server control unit 51 requests the traffic information acquisition unit 55 for the road traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit 55, and acquires the road traffic information from the traffic information acquisition unit 55. For example, the server control unit 51 predicts a future course of the vehicle based on the traveling direction of the vehicle acquired in step S38, and acquires road traffic information on the predicted path or a road connected to the path. And the server control part 51 determines whether the traffic congestion has generate | occur | produced in the road area of the advancing direction of the vehicle (1st vehicle) which transmitted traffic information, or a planned traveling direction.

In the next step S41, when the server control unit 51 determines in step S40 that a traffic jam has occurred, the server control unit 51 satisfies the following five conditions among the traffic information stored in the information storage unit 53: Select and read out traffic information that matches all conditions. On the other hand, if the server control unit 51 determines in step S40 that no traffic jam has occurred, the server control unit 51 matches the other conditions except for (condition 3) among the traffic information stored in the information storage unit 53. Select traffic information to be read. Therefore, in this embodiment, the server control unit 51 selects at least one piece of traffic information based on the position indicated by the position information included in the received traffic information, the time indicated by the time information, and the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information. It also functions as a traffic information selection means.
(Condition 1) Traffic information transmitted from another vehicle different from the vehicle that transmitted the traffic information.
(Condition 2) Traffic information including imaging data based on imaging in an imaging area including the front in the traveling direction or planned traveling direction of the vehicle that has transmitted the traffic information.
(Condition 3) Traffic information including imaging data based on imaging in a road section where traffic congestion occurs in the imaging area.
(Condition 4) Traffic information including imaging data based on imaging after a time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) set in advance from the current time (for example, the time when acquisition of imaging data is started). thing.
(Condition 5) Traffic information including imaging data whose imaging time Ts is equal to or shorter than the imaging time Ts acquired in step S38.

Note that the front in the traveling direction or the planned traveling direction of the vehicle includes a road on which the vehicle travels or is scheduled to travel from the current position and a road that intersects the road.
Subsequently, in step S42, the server control unit 51 causes the server communication unit 52 to transmit information related to the selected traffic information to the navigation device 30. The information transmitted here includes the number of traffic information selected in step S41, the acquisition position of the traffic information (that is, the acquisition position of the imaging data), the time when the imaging data was acquired, the imaging time Ts of the imaging data, and the imaging The traveling direction of other vehicles when the data is acquired is included.

  In the navigation device 30, in step S <b> 43, the navigation control unit 42 receives information regarding the traffic information selected by the server control unit 51 of the information management server 50 via the navigation communication unit 47. In the next step S44, the navigation control unit 42 performs a guidance process for guiding the information received in step S43 to the vehicle occupant. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the navigation control unit 42 causes the navigation display 32 to display imaging data that can be reproduced by the mobile phone 20. At this time, the navigation control unit 42 acquires the position at which imaging data that can be reproduced by the mobile phone 20 is acquired, the time at which acquisition of imaging data was started, the imaging time Ts, and the direction in which another vehicle traveled when acquiring imaging data. (For example, □ × street east) will be guided individually.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 45, the navigation control unit 42 determines whether imaging data to be reproduced by the mobile phone 20 has been selected. When the imaging data is not selected (step S45: NO), the navigation control unit 42 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S45 until the imaging data is selected. On the other hand, when imaging data is selected (step S45: YES), in step S46, the navigation control unit 42 requests the information management server 50 for traffic information including the imaging data selected by the occupant.

  In the information management server 50 that has received the request, in step S47, the server control unit 51 transmits the requested traffic information to the navigation device 30 and the mobile phone 20 that cooperates with the navigation device 30, and then performs a processing routine. finish.

  In the navigation device 30, in step S <b> 48, the navigation control unit 42 receives traffic information from the information management server 50 via the navigation communication unit 47. In next step S <b> 49, the navigation control unit 42 transmits a display start instruction from the navigation connection unit 46 to the mobile phone 20. Subsequently, in step S50, the navigation control unit 42 performs a navigation side display process in conjunction with a terminal side display process on the mobile phone 20 described later. When the navigation side display process ends, in step S51, the navigation control unit 42 determines whether or not the mobile phone 20 has been removed from the first connection terminal 46A. When the mobile phone 20 is not removed from the first connection terminal 46A (step S51: NO), the navigation control unit 42 shifts the process to the above-described step S20. That is, the navigation control unit 42 continues the traffic information acquisition mode of the mobile phone 20. On the other hand, when the mobile phone 20 is removed from the first connection terminal 46A (step S51: YES), the navigation control unit 42 ends the traffic information acquisition processing routine. In this case, the traffic information acquisition mode of the mobile phone 20 is automatically canceled.

  In the mobile phone 20, in step S 52, the terminal control unit 21 receives traffic information from the information management server 50 via the terminal communication unit 27. In next step S <b> 53, the terminal control unit 21 receives a display start instruction from the navigation device 30 via the terminal connection unit 26. Subsequently, in step S54, the terminal control unit 21 performs terminal-side display processing for causing the terminal display 24 to display an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information received in step S52. That is, when the display start instruction from the navigation control unit 42 of the navigation device 30 is received by the mobile phone 20, information notification processing based on imaging data acquired by another vehicle is performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the navigation control unit 42 that transmits a display start instruction to the mobile phone 20 in order to cause the mobile phone 20 to reproduce the imaging data also functions as a notification control unit. Further, step S49 executed by the navigation device 30 corresponds to a display step of displaying an image based on the imaging data acquired by another vehicle on the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20. And the terminal control part 21 will complete | finish a processing routine, if the display of the image based on imaging data is complete | finished.

  As described above, the navigation-side display process in the navigation device 30 and the terminal-side display process in the mobile phone 20 are linked to each other, and as shown in FIG. An image based on the imaging data received by the telephone 20 is displayed. At this time, in the navigation display 32 of the navigation device 30, the arrow 70 displayed on the navigation display 32 functions as an indicator. Therefore, the vehicle occupant can visually recognize how long the reproduction time of the imaging data on the mobile phone 20 remains.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) If the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 determines that the outside of the vehicle can be imaged, the mobile phone 20 is set to the traffic information acquisition mode. Then, when the outside of the vehicle is imaged by the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 set to the traffic information acquisition mode, traffic information including imaging data based on the imaging is transmitted to the information management server 50. Then, the traffic information acquired by another vehicle is transmitted from the information management server 50. And if traffic information is received by the vehicle side, the information alerting | reporting process based on this traffic information will be performed. On the other hand, when it is determined by the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 that the outside of the vehicle cannot be imaged, the mobile phone 20 is set to the auxiliary information display mode. Then, in the mobile phone 20 set to the auxiliary information display mode, the display process based on the auxiliary information is performed on the navigation process in the navigation device 30. That is, in this embodiment, the function to be executed by the mobile phone 20 is selectively used depending on the installation position of the mobile phone 20 in the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the mobile phone 20 brought into the vehicle by the occupant and provide useful information to the occupant of the vehicle during driving of the vehicle.

  (2) When the traffic information is transmitted to the information management server 50, the traffic information satisfying the above (condition 1), (condition 2), and (condition 4) is selected by the information management server 50, and the traffic information is Received. Then, an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is displayed on the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20. Therefore, it is possible to make the vehicle occupant visually recognize the traffic information of the area where he / she is going. That is, traffic information acquired by other vehicles is appropriately selected, and image data included in the appropriately selected traffic information can be provided to the occupant.

  (3) When the traffic information is transmitted to the information management server 50, the traffic information satisfying the above (condition 5) is selected by the information management server 50, and the traffic information is received on the vehicle side. Then, an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is displayed on the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20. That is, when it is desired to receive imaging data having a longer imaging time Ts, it is necessary to acquire imaging data having a longer imaging time Ts and transmit traffic information including the imaging data to the information management server 50. For this reason, as the imaging time Ts required for imaging is longer, the information management server 50 can take an image with a longer imaging time Ts. Traffic information including data can be acquired. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of traffic information that can be provided to the vehicle occupant who has transmitted the traffic information.

  (4) When traffic congestion occurs in the traveling direction or planned traveling direction of a vehicle (one vehicle), when traffic information is transmitted to the information management server 50, traffic information that satisfies the above (condition 3) is information managed. Selected by the server 50, the traffic information is received on the vehicle side. Then, an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is displayed on the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20. Therefore, it is possible for the vehicle occupant to visually recognize the specific situation (for example, the degree of traffic jam) of the traffic jam occurring in the traveling direction or the planned traveling direction.

  (5) When the traffic information is transmitted to the information management server 50, the information management server 50 transmits information for identifying what kind of traffic information is provided to the navigation device 30 side. Then, on the navigation display 32 of the navigation device 30, image data that can be reproduced by the mobile phone 20 is displayed. When imaging data is selected by a vehicle occupant, traffic information including the imaging data is received from the information management server 50 to the vehicle side. As a result, the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20 displays an image based on the imaging data selected by the vehicle occupant. That is, in the present embodiment, among the imaging data that can be provided from the information management server 50, the imaging data desired by the occupant is reproduced, while the reproduction of imaging data not desired by the occupant is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the mobile phone 20 from unnecessarily reproducing imaging data that is not desired by the vehicle occupant.

  (6) As a method for determining whether or not the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20, the captured image is obtained by causing the mobile phone 20 to capture an image and analyzing the image based on the captured image. A method for determining whether the scene is outside the vehicle can be considered. In this case, the processing required for determining whether or not the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 becomes very complicated. In this regard, in the present embodiment, whether or not the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20 by specifying the connection terminals 46A to 46C to which the mobile phone 20 is connected, that is, the installation position of the mobile phone 20 is specified. Is determined. Therefore, it can be easily determined whether or not the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit 23 of the mobile phone 20.

  (7) When the mobile phone 20 is set to the auxiliary information display mode, map information for causing the terminal display 24 to display a map continuous with the map displayed on the navigation display 32 is transmitted to the mobile phone 20. As a result, a map continuous with the map displayed on the navigation display 32 is displayed on the terminal display 24. That is, a wider range of maps can be provided to the vehicle occupant without changing the scale of the map displayed on the navigation display 32.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment into another embodiment as follows.
In the embodiment, the mobile phone 20 set in the auxiliary information display mode may transmit map information for causing the terminal display 24 to display a map having a wider range than the map displayed on the navigation display 32. Good.

  In the embodiment, information other than the map information may be transmitted to the mobile phone 20 set to the auxiliary information display mode as long as the information is related to an image for assisting the navigation process. For example, auxiliary information for specifying an estimated amount of energy consumption from the current position of the host vehicle to the destination may be transmitted from the navigation device 30 to the mobile phone 20. In this case, the estimated energy consumption value is displayed on the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20. Here, the energy corresponds to “fossil fuel” in the case of a vehicle that travels using fossil fuel such as gasoline, and corresponds to “electric power” in the case of an electric vehicle.

  Further, for example, when a toll road is used up to a destination, auxiliary information for specifying a toll road usage fee may be transmitted from the navigation device 30 to the mobile phone 20. In this case, the usage fee for the toll road is displayed on the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20.

  In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the navigation device 30 may be a so-called on-board type navigation device in which the display device 31 is installed on the dashboard 60. In this case, the imageable position P1 is on the display device 31. Further, the imaging impossible position P2 is set to the side of the display device 31. When the mobile phone 20 is installed at the imaging impossible position P2, even if the front of the vehicle is imaged, most of the image captured by the mobile phone 20 becomes the hood of the host vehicle.

In the embodiment, the first connection terminal 46 </ b> A may be installed below the room mirror 61.
-In embodiment, if the imaging possible position P1 is a position which can image the front of a vehicle, it will not be above the display apparatus 31, but other arbitrary positions (for example, position closer to a passenger seat than the display apparatus 31) ). However, the imageable position P1 is preferably a position where an image displayed on the terminal display 24 of the mobile phone 20 installed at the imageable position P1 can be visually recognized by a vehicle occupant.

In the embodiment, the communication between the navigation device 30 and the mobile phone 20 may be wired or wireless.
-In embodiment, when the navigation apparatus 30 receives that it can provide several traffic information, each traffic information is received and each imaging data contained in each traffic information is reproduced | regenerated in order with the mobile telephone 20 You may let them.

  In the embodiment, the traffic information may have a data configuration that does not include imaging time information for specifying the imaging time Ts required for imaging. In this case, the vehicle that has transmitted the traffic information to the information management server 50 receives, from the information management server 50, the imaging data that required the imaging time longer than the imaging time Ts of the imaging data captured by itself. Will be able to. Moreover, in the information management server 50, when selecting the traffic information transmitted to the vehicle which transmitted the traffic information, (condition 5) may be excluded from the above (condition 1) to (condition 5).

  In the embodiment, the imaging time information may be acquired by the mobile phone 20 instead of the navigation device 30. In this case, when the traffic information including the imaging data acquired by the mobile phone 20 is transmitted to the information management server 50, the imaging time information may not be transmitted from the navigation device 30 to the mobile phone 20.

  In the embodiment, the information management server 50 may be configured not to include the traffic information acquisition unit 55. In this case, the information management server 50 selects traffic information satisfying the above (condition 1) (condition 2) (condition 4) (condition 5) when selecting the traffic information to be transmitted to the vehicle that has transmitted the traffic information. Is done.

  In the embodiment, when the mobile phone 20 can acquire location information for specifying the current location, the navigation device 30 may not transmit the location information to the mobile phone 20. In this case, the position information constituting the traffic information transmitted to the information management server 50 is information acquired by the mobile phone 20.

  In the embodiment, the time information may be acquired by the mobile phone 20 instead of the navigation device 30. In this case, when the traffic information including the imaging data acquired by the mobile phone 20 is transmitted to the information management server 50, the time information may not be transmitted from the navigation device 30 to the mobile phone 20.

  -In embodiment, the structure which does not include time information may be sufficient as the traffic information transmitted to the information management server 50 from the vehicle side. In this case, the information management server 50 selects the traffic information transmitted from another vehicle after the time obtained by subtracting the specified time from the time when the traffic information is received, and transmits the traffic information to the own vehicle.

  -In embodiment, when imaging data is acquired with the mobile telephone 20 set to traffic information acquisition mode, the navigation apparatus 30 may request | require imaging data with respect to the mobile telephone 20. FIG. Then, the navigation device 30 may generate traffic information including imaging data received from the mobile phone 20 and transmit the traffic information to the information management server 50.

  In the embodiment, the information management server 50 transmits the imaging data of the selected traffic information to the mobile phone 20, and transmits other information (position information, time information, imaging time information, etc.) other than the imaging data to the navigation device 30. You may make it transmit to.

  In the embodiment, the information management server 50 does not need to transmit the selected traffic information to the navigation device 30 while transmitting it to the mobile phone 20. In this case, the navigation device 30 transmits imaging data included in the received traffic information to the mobile phone 20. Then, the mobile phone 20 reproduces the image data received from the navigation device 30.

  In the embodiment, the navigation device 30 may display an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information received from the information management server 50 on the navigation display 32. In this case, the information management server 50 does not have to transmit traffic information to the mobile phone 20.

  In the embodiment, when the route to the destination has been searched by the navigation device 30, the traffic information transmitted from the vehicle side to the information management server 50 may include route information for specifying the route. Good. In this case, the information management server 50 can easily estimate the traveling direction or planned traveling direction of the vehicle that has transmitted the traffic information. As a result, there is a high probability that the vehicle driver can be provided with information useful for driving to the destination.

  In the embodiment, the information management server 50 does not need to transmit the selected traffic information to the mobile phone 20 but to the navigation device 30. In this case, when the mobile phone 20 receives the traffic information, the mobile phone 20 transmits a message to that effect to the navigation device 30. Thereby, the navigation apparatus 30 can recognize that the reception of traffic information is completed by the mobile phone 20. Then, the mobile phone 20 reproduces the imaging data included in the traffic information. Note that the navigation device 30 may be used to start the reproduction of image data on the mobile phone 20.

  In the embodiment, the imaging time Ts required for imaging with the mobile phone 20 set in the traffic information acquisition mode may be a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) set in advance. In this case, when the elapsed time from the start of imaging with the mobile phone 20 reaches a predetermined time, the imaging with the mobile phone 20 is automatically terminated.

In the embodiment, the mobile phone 20 set in the traffic information acquisition mode may acquire imaging data based on a still image instead of a moving image.
In the embodiment, the mobile phone 20 set in the traffic information acquisition mode may start recording and end recording in response to an occupant's operation at the operation unit 25 of the mobile phone 20.

  In the embodiment, the first mobile phone is connected to the first connection terminal 46A, and the second mobile phone is connected to the second connection terminal 46B (or the third connection terminal 46C). is there. In this case, the first mobile phone may be set in the traffic information acquisition mode, and the second mobile phone may be set in the auxiliary information display mode. Then, the traffic information may be transmitted to the information management server 50 in cooperation with the first mobile phone, and the traffic information acquired by another vehicle may be received from the information management server 50. At the same time, the map information may be transmitted to the second mobile phone so that the map is displayed on the terminal display 24 of the second mobile phone.

  When the traffic information stored in the information storage unit 53 is selected by a vehicle occupant, the information management server 50 counts the number of times the traffic information has been selected for each vehicle transmitted to the information management server 50. Also good. Then, it may be transmitted to the vehicle that the number of times exceeds the reference number (for example, 10 times) that the traffic information can be provided even at the timing when the traffic information has not been transmitted.

  If comprised in this way, more traffic information can be provided with respect to the vehicle which provided much traffic information useful for another vehicle. Therefore, a crew member who wants to provide more useful traffic information from the information management server 50 transmits more traffic information to the information management server 50. As a result, more traffic information is stored in the information storage unit 53 of the information management server 50. Therefore, the choice of traffic information that can be provided to the vehicle occupant can be increased.

  Application software installed on the mobile phone 20 includes lane keep application software for assisting the vehicle to travel in the center of the lane (lane) based on an image of the front of the vehicle. In the mobile phone 20 in which such application software is installed, the lane keep application software may be activated when the traffic information acquisition mode is set. In this case, it is possible to provide useful information during driving to the driver who drives the vehicle without linking with the information management server 50.

  -In embodiment, if a portable information terminal is a terminal which has an imaging function and a display function and can communicate with the navigation apparatus 30, it may be other information terminals (for example, electronic cameras) other than a mobile telephone. Good.

In the embodiment, the imaging unit may be an in-vehicle camera provided in advance in the vehicle.
Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another embodiment will be added below.
(A) A vehicle navigation apparatus that performs navigation processing for guiding a route to a destination,
A transmission control unit that transmits traffic information including imaging data based on an image captured by the imaging unit to an information management server outside the vehicle when the outside of the vehicle is captured by the imaging unit;
After the traffic information is transmitted by the transmission control means, notification control means for receiving traffic information including imaging data acquired by the other vehicle from the information management server and performing information notification processing based on the traffic information; A navigation device comprising:

(B) A navigation method for causing an in-vehicle navigation device to perform a navigation process for guiding a route to a destination,
A step of transmitting traffic information including imaging data based on an image captured by the imaging unit to an information management server outside the vehicle when the outside of the vehicle is imaged by the imaging unit;
When the traffic information including imaging data acquired by another vehicle is received from the information management server after the traffic information is transmitted, the imaging data included in the traffic information is reproduced. How to navigate.

(C) a display device that displays a map including a route to the destination;
Map information for displaying on the display means a map continuous with the map displayed on the display device is transmitted to the information terminal set in the auxiliary information display mode, and the map is displayed on the display means. And a display control means.

(D) a transmission step of causing the information management server to transmit traffic information including imaging data acquired by the information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode in the first setting step;
After the transmission step, traffic information including imaging data acquired by another vehicle is received from the information management server, and an image based on the imaging data included in the traffic information is displayed on the display device of the navigation device and the information And a display step of displaying on at least one of the display means of the terminal.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Mobile phone as an example of information terminal, 23 ... Imaging unit as an example of imaging means, 24 ... Display for terminal as an example of display means, 30 ... Navigation device, 31 ... Display device, 42 ... Position acquisition means, Navigation control unit constituting imaging time acquisition means (imaging determination means, first setting means, second setting means, transmission control means, notification control means, display control means), 43... Position detection constituting position acquisition means 50: Information management server 51: Traffic information selection means, server control section as an example of server control means 52: Server communication section as an example of communication means 53: Information as an example of traffic information storage means Storage unit, 60 ... dashboard, Ts ... imaging time.

Claims (8)

A vehicle navigation apparatus capable of communicating with an information terminal having an image pickup means for picking up an image and a display means for displaying an image and performing a navigation process for guiding a route to a destination,
When an information terminal is installed at a prescribed position in the vehicle, an imaging determination unit that determines whether or not imaging outside the vehicle by the imaging unit of the information terminal is possible;
When the imaging determination unit determines that the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit, the information terminal causes the imaging unit to image the outside of the vehicle and causes the image data based on the imaging to be acquired as traffic information. A first setting means for setting the traffic information acquisition mode;
Auxiliary information display mode for causing the display means to perform display processing based on auxiliary information for assisting the navigation process when the image capturing unit determines that the outside of the vehicle cannot be imaged. And a second setting means for setting to the navigation device.   The imaging determination unit determines that the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit of the information terminal when the information terminal is arranged at a position set above the dashboard of the vehicle in the vehicle. The navigation device according to claim 1. Transmission control means for causing the information management server to transmit traffic information including imaging data acquired by an information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode;
After the traffic information is transmitted by the transmission control means, the information management server receives traffic information acquired by another vehicle from the information management server, and includes a notification control means for performing an information notification process based on the traffic information. The navigation device according to claim 1 or 2. Position acquisition means for acquiring position information for specifying the position of the host vehicle;
Imaging time acquisition means for acquiring imaging time information for specifying imaging time required for imaging of the imaging means of the information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode,
The transmission control means sends traffic information including imaging data acquired by an information terminal set in the traffic information acquisition mode, and position information and imaging time information acquired by each acquisition means to the information management server. Send
When the traffic information selected by the information management server is received based on the position indicated by the position information included in the traffic information transmitted by the transmission control means and the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information, the notification control means 4. The navigation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information notification process for displaying an image based on imaging data included in the traffic information on the display unit of the information terminal is performed. A navigation device mounted on a vehicle, and a communication means capable of communicating with the navigation device and communicating with at least one of information terminals having an imaging function;
The traffic information received by the communication means, and the image data acquired by imaging the outside of the vehicle from the inside of the vehicle with the information terminal, the position information for specifying the taken position, and the imaging Traffic information storage means for storing traffic information including imaging time information for specifying imaging time;
When traffic information is received by the communication means, a plurality of traffic stored in the traffic information storage means based on the position indicated by the position information included in the traffic information and the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information Traffic information selection means for selecting at least one traffic information from the information;
Server control means for causing the communication means to transmit the traffic information selected by the traffic information selection means to at least one of a navigation device mounted on the vehicle and an information terminal communicable with the navigation device; An information management server characterized by   6. The traffic information selecting unit selects traffic information including imaging data whose imaging time is equal to or less than the imaging time indicated by the imaging time information included in the traffic information received by the communication unit. Information management server described in 1.   The information management server according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the traffic information selection means selects traffic information including imaging data based on imaging in a road section where traffic congestion occurs. A navigation method for causing a vehicle-mounted navigation device that communicates with an information terminal having an imaging means for capturing an image and a display means for displaying an image to perform navigation processing,
An imaging determination step for determining whether or not imaging outside the vehicle by the imaging means of the information terminal is possible when the information terminal is installed at a prescribed position in the vehicle;
In the imaging determination step, when it is determined that the outside of the vehicle can be imaged by the imaging unit, the information terminal causes the imaging unit to image the outside of the vehicle and obtains image data based on the imaging as traffic information. A first setting step for setting the traffic information acquisition mode;
In the imaging determination step, when it is determined that the outside of the vehicle cannot be imaged by the imaging means, the information terminal performs display processing based on auxiliary information for assisting navigation processing for guiding a route to the destination. And a second setting step for setting to an auxiliary information display mode for performing the navigation method.

Images