JP2013097387A - Portable terminal device, program and notification control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable terminal device, a program and a notification control method which enable a user crossing a crosswalk to be guided successfully.SOLUTION: A portable telephone 1 includes an infrared port 23 having directivity, a vibrator 14 and a speaker 13, and a CPU 100. When the infrared port 23 receives infrared radio signals transmitted from an infrared transmission port 44 located on one side of a crosswalk to the other side, the CPU 100 controls the vibrator 14 and the speaker 13 to provide a notification of the travel direction in the crosswalk.

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a tablet PC (Tablet PC), and a program suitable for use in the mobile terminal device and a notification control method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a terminal device having a function of assisting a pedestrian who is difficult to visually recognize the state of a pedestrian traffic light (hereinafter simply referred to as “traffic light”) has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration for notifying a pedestrian via a mobile terminal device of a message related to a lighting state of a traffic light. In this configuration, in addition to the mobile terminal device, a transmitter for transmitting a message and a loop antenna for designating an area for providing the message are used. A loop antenna is laid around the braille block in front of the pedestrian crossing. When a pedestrian with the portable terminal device stands on the loop antenna, the portable terminal device receives a signal from the transmitter and reproduces a message.

JP 2002-109680 A

  However, in the portable terminal device of Patent Literature 1, when the pedestrian is crossing a pedestrian crossing, the traveling direction cannot be notified to the pedestrian. Therefore, it is difficult to satisfactorily guide a pedestrian who is difficult to visually recognize the surrounding environment.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal device, a program, and a notification control method that can favorably guide a user who crosses a pedestrian crossing.

  A 1st aspect of this invention is related with a portable terminal device. The mobile terminal device according to this aspect has directivity, a reception unit that receives a radio signal, a notification unit, and the reception unit transmits from the transmission unit arranged on one end side of the pedestrian crossing to the other end side. A notification control unit that controls the notification unit so as to notify the traveling direction of the pedestrian crossing when the received wireless signal is received.

  In the mobile terminal device according to this aspect, the wireless signal may include information for notifying a lighting state of a traffic light installed for a pedestrian to cross the pedestrian crossing from the other end side to the one end side. . In this case, the notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify the lighting state when the reception unit receives the wireless signal.

  In addition, the mobile terminal device according to this aspect includes a receiving unit that receives an input of a destination, an azimuth acquiring unit that acquires an azimuth to the transmitting unit, and an azimuth to the transmitting unit in a traveling direction to the destination And a determination unit that determines whether or not there is. In this case, when the direction to the transmission unit is not the traveling direction, the notification control unit stops the notification by the notification unit.

In addition, the mobile terminal device according to this aspect includes a receiving unit that receives an input of a destination, an azimuth acquiring unit that acquires an azimuth to the transmitting unit, and an azimuth to the transmitting unit in a traveling direction to the destination And a determination unit that determines whether or not there is. In this case, when the receiving unit receives the radio signal, the notification control unit is configured such that when the direction to the transmitting unit is not the traveling direction, the direction to the transmitting unit is not the traveling direction to the destination. The notification unit is controlled so as to notify the above.

  In addition, the mobile terminal device according to this aspect may further include a position detection unit that detects the current position. In this case, the determination unit acquires the direction to the destination based on the current position and the destination, and further, the direction to the transmission unit is the traveling direction based on the direction to the destination. It is determined whether or not.

  Further, in the mobile terminal device according to this aspect, the wireless signal includes the position of the traffic light, the position of the pedestrian crossing, and the pedestrian crossing until the traffic light transitions from a predetermined lighting state to a next lighting state. Information for notifying at least one notification item may be included among the direction to cross, the position of the intersection formed by the pedestrian crossing, and the name of the intersection formed by the pedestrian crossing. In this case, the notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify the notification matter when the reception unit receives the radio signal.

  Furthermore, in the mobile terminal device according to this aspect, the notification unit may include at least one of a vibration generation unit and an audio output unit.

  The second aspect of the present invention relates to a program. A program according to this aspect is directed to a computer of a mobile terminal device having directivity and receiving a radio signal, and a notification unit, and the other end side from a transmission unit arranged on one end side of a pedestrian crossing When the receiving unit receives the radio signal transmitted to, the function of controlling the notifying unit to notify the traveling direction at the pedestrian crossing is given.

  A 3rd aspect of this invention is related with the notification control method of a portable terminal device which has directivity and is provided with the receiving part which receives a radio signal, and a notification part. In the notification control method according to this aspect, when the reception unit receives a radio signal transmitted from the transmission unit arranged on one end side of the pedestrian crossing to the other end side, the notification unit notifies the traveling direction on the pedestrian crossing. Controlling the notification unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the portable terminal device, program, and notification control method which can guide the user who crosses a pedestrian crossing favorably can be provided.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the following embodiment is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the mobile telephone based on Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the infrared port which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the mobile telephone based on Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the signal apparatus and infrared signal transmitter which concern on embodiment. It is the table | surface for demonstrating the process for the transmission of an infrared signal based on Example 1, and the lighting state of a signal apparatus. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the environment around the intersection containing a traffic light and a pedestrian crossing based on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the receivable range which the mobile telephone based on Example 1 can receive an infrared signal. It is a flowchart which shows the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction based on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction performed when a user walks the intersection based on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction performed when a user walks the intersection based on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction performed when a user walks the intersection based on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction performed when a user walks the intersection based on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction performed when a user walks the intersection based on Example 1. FIG. It is the table and graph for demonstrating the process for notifying the lighting state of the traffic light based on Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed from the time of a user's start of movement until it arrives at the destination based on Example 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for notifying an appropriate traveling direction according to the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction performed when a user walks the intersection based on Example 2. FIG. The flowchart which shows the process for transmission of an infrared signal which concerns on the example 1 of a change, the table for demonstrating the information contained in an infrared signal, and the audio | voice data produced | generated according to the traffic signal information contained in an infrared signal are demonstrated. It is a table to do. It is a flowchart which shows the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction based on the modification 1. It is a flowchart which shows the process for notifying the suitable advancing direction based on the example 2 of a change. It is the table and graph for demonstrating the process for notifying the lighting state of the traffic light based on the example 2 of a change.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an external configuration of the mobile phone 1 in a state where the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 are arranged and opened. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an external configuration of the mobile phone 1 in a state where the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 are overlapped and closed. FIG. 1C is a rear view of the first cabinet 10.

  The mobile phone 1 has a first cabinet 10 and a second cabinet 20. The second cabinet 20 is rotatably connected to the first cabinet 10 by a hinge part 30.

  On the front surface of the first cabinet 10, a key operation unit 11 including a plurality of keys and a microphone 12 are provided. A speaker 13 is disposed on the back surface of the first cabinet 10.

  The speaker 13 outputs sound. For example, when the user holds the mobile phone 1 around the height of the chest of the user, sound is output from the speaker 13, so that the user can output the mobile phone 1 without bringing the mobile phone 1 close to the user's face. Can listen to the sound.

  A vibrator 14 is built in the first cabinet 10. For example, the vibrator 14 includes a small motor with an eccentric weight. When the vibrator 14 vibrates, various notifications such as an incoming e-mail and an incoming voice call are made.

  On the front surface of the second cabinet 20, a liquid crystal panel 21 a constituting the display 21 and a speaker 22 are provided. The surface of the liquid crystal panel 21 a is the display surface 21 b of the display 21. A panel backlight 21c constituting the display 21 is disposed behind the liquid crystal panel 21a. The panel backlight 21c includes an LED serving as a light source, and supplies light to the liquid crystal panel 21a.

  The display 21 displays a screen on the display surface 21b by driving the liquid crystal panel 21a and the panel backlight 21c based on control by the CPU 100 (FIG. 3).

  The speaker 22 outputs sound. For example, when the mobile phone 1 is used with the front upper portion of the second cabinet 20 being in contact with the user's ear, such as during a call, the user can listen to the sound output from the speaker 22. .

  The hinge part 30 includes a pair of rotating shafts 31 and a pair of bearing parts 32. The rotating shaft 31 extends from the connection side end of the second cabinet 20 to the left and right. The bearing portion 32 is formed at the connection side end portion of the first cabinet 10 and receives the rotation shaft 31.

  FIG. 2A is a top view of the second cabinet 20. On the upper surface side of the second cabinet 20, an infrared port 23 for performing infrared communication with an external communication device is arranged. A window 24 is provided above the infrared port 23 to allow an infrared radio signal (hereinafter referred to as “infrared signal”) to enter the infrared port 23 or to exit the mobile phone 1 from the infrared port 23. It has been.

  The infrared port 23 contains a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The light emitting element is an element that emits infrared rays, and a digital infrared signal is transmitted from the infrared port 23. A light emitting element is comprised by infrared LED, an infrared laser, etc., for example. The light receiving element is an element that receives infrared rays, such as a photodiode.

  The infrared port 23 is configured to have directivity with respect to reception of infrared signals, that is, to limit the angle at which infrared rays forming the infrared signal can enter the infrared port 23 from the outside of the mobile phone 1 within a predetermined range. . For example, the light receiving element is disposed on the bottom surface of the concave portion provided to open upward in the second cabinet 20 in the infrared port 23.

  The infrared port 23 is within a receivable range B that falls within a predetermined angle θ (for example, about 10 to 80 degrees) about the axis A1 that faces the upward direction (Y-axis positive direction) of the second cabinet 20 from the window 24. Infrared signal (see white arrow) incident from is received. The receivable range B is a region that spreads radially upward from the second cabinet 20 with the position of the light receiving element as a vertex. In FIG. 2B, the boundary of the receivable range B is schematically shown by two auxiliary lines A2. The cross-sectional shape of the receivable range B may be various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rectangle.

  The predetermined angle θ is set to a value at which the traveling direction is easily specified by receiving an infrared signal from an infrared transmission port (described later) disposed on a traffic light for crossing a pedestrian crossing, and at an intersection. The value is set such that unnecessary infrared signals such as infrared signals from other infrared transmission ports arranged in other traffic lights are not received.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the mobile phone 1.

  In addition to the above-described components, the cellular phone 1 includes a CPU 100, a memory 101, a communication module 102, a key input circuit 103, an audio encoder 104, a backlight drive circuit 105, a video decoder 106, an audio decoder 107, a vibrator drive circuit 108, A GPS module 109, an orientation sensor 110, and an acceleration sensor 111 are provided.

  Based on control by the CPU 100, the communication module 102 transmits a signal for a call, a signal including data related to execution of an application program (hereinafter referred to as “application”), and the like via a built-in antenna. Send and receive to and from.

  The key input circuit 103 outputs an input signal corresponding to each key to the CPU 100 when each key of the key operation unit 11 is operated.

  The audio encoder 104 converts the electrical signal generated by the microphone 12 based on the collected audio into a digital audio signal and outputs the digital audio signal to the CPU 100.

  The backlight drive circuit 105 supplies a voltage signal to the panel backlight 21c in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 100. The panel backlight 21 c is turned on and off based on the voltage signal from the backlight drive circuit 105.

  The video decoder 106 converts the video signal from the CPU 100 into an analog or digital video signal that can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 21a, and outputs it to the liquid crystal panel 21a. The liquid crystal panel 21a displays an image corresponding to the video signal on the display surface 21b.

  The audio decoder 107 performs a decoding process on the audio signal from the CPU 100, further converts the audio signal into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal to one or both of the speakers 13 and 22. The speakers 13 and 22 output audio to the outside of the mobile phone 1 based on the audio signal from the audio decoder 107.

  The vibrator drive circuit 108 supplies power for driving the vibrator 14 to the vibrator 14 based on a control signal from the CPU 100. Vibrator 14 generates vibration when it receives power from vibrator drive circuit 108.

  The vibrator 14 generates vibrations according to a plurality of vibration patterns (see FIG. 14B). The vibrator driving circuit 108 receives a control signal based on a predetermined vibration pattern from the CPU 100, and thereby drives (ON) and stops (OFF) the vibrator 14 at a timing according to the vibration pattern. The user can recognize not only the presence / absence of notification by vibration, but also the type of notification by the vibration pattern.

  The GPS module 109 detects the current position of the mobile phone 1 based on a signal received from a GPS satellite and outputs a signal corresponding to the current position to the CPU 100. Note that the current position may be appropriately corrected by using position information of the base station as auxiliary information.

  The direction sensor 110 includes a magnetic sensor that detects the direction of geomagnetism. The azimuth sensor 110 detects the current azimuth, that is, the angle formed by the north direction and the direction in which the mobile phone 1 faces (the Y-axis positive direction) based on the geomagnetic direction detected by the magnetic sensor. The direction sensor 110 outputs a direction signal corresponding to the current direction to the CPU 100.

  Note that the orientation may be appropriately corrected by using an acceleration sensor 111 (described later) or a gyro sensor that detects an angular velocity.

  The acceleration sensor 111 detects acceleration applied to the mobile phone 1. The acceleration sensor 111 is constituted by a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects acceleration generated in the three directions of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction in FIG. The acceleration sensor 111 outputs an acceleration signal corresponding to the detected acceleration to the CPU 100. Based on the acceleration signal from the acceleration sensor 111, the CPU 100 detects whether the mobile phone 1 is in a horizontal or vertical posture with respect to the ground. As the acceleration sensor 111, various types of acceleration sensors such as a biaxial acceleration sensor may be used.

  The memory 101 is a storage unit including a ROM and a RAM. The memory 101 stores various applications such as a control program for giving a control function to the CPU 100, route guidance, and voice reproduction.

  The memory 101 is also used as a working memory for the CPU 100. That is, the memory 101 stores data that is temporarily used or generated when various application programs are executed.

  The memory 101 also stores an application that assists the user in crossing the pedestrian crossing.

  The memory 101 stores an application for reading out text and voice data used for the application (see FIGS. 14A and 18C described later). Based on the application, the CPU 100 generates voice data corresponding to the given text using the voice data stored in the memory 101. As a result, various voice notifications are made when an application that assists in crossing the pedestrian crossing is executed.

  The CPU 100 controls each part of the mobile phone 1 such as the communication module 102, the audio encoder 104, the backlight drive circuit 105, the video decoder 106, the audio decoder 107, and the vibrator drive circuit 108 according to the control program and application.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic external view of the traffic signal 40. FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the traffic light 40 and the infrared signal transmission device 400 disposed in the traffic light 40. The traffic signal 40 is installed on the side of the road near the end of the pedestrian crossing and toward the pedestrian crossing.

  The traffic light 40 includes a signal lamp 41, a column 42, a signal lamp 43, an infrared transmission port 44, a signal lamp control circuit 45, and a transmission control circuit 46. The infrared transmission port 44 and the transmission control circuit 46 constitute an infrared signal transmission device 400.

  The signal lamp 41 is attached to the column 42. A signal lamp 43 including a red signal lamp 43R that turns on red light and a blue signal lamp 43B that turns on blue light is provided on the front surface of the signal lamp 41. The red signal lamp 43R is arranged on the upper side of the green signal lamp 43B. Below the signal lamp 41, an infrared transmission port 44 for transmitting an infrared signal to the front of the traffic light 40 is disposed.

When the lighting state of the traffic light 40 is “red”, it means that only the red signal lamp 43R is lit, and represents prohibition of a pedestrian crossing the road. The lighting state “blue” means a state in which only the green signal lamp 43B is lit, and represents that a pedestrian can cross the road. The lighting state “flashing” means a state where the green signal lamp 43B flashes and the red signal lamp 43R is turned off, and indicates that the pedestrian should not start crossing the road.

  The signal lamp control circuit 45 controls the signal lamp 43 so that the lighting state circulates and transitions in the order of “red”, “blue”, and “flashing” at predetermined time intervals. In addition, the signal lamp control circuit 45 transmits a signal indicating the current lighting state to the transmission control circuit 46. The signal lamp control circuit 45 is housed in a control panel 47 provided at the bottom of the support column 42.

  The infrared transmission port 44 incorporates a light emitting element that emits infrared rays, such as an infrared LED and an infrared laser. The infrared element need not be limited to these elements as long as it can be used for transmitting infrared signals.

  Based on the signal indicating the current lighting state received from the signal lamp control circuit 45, the transmission control circuit 46 controls the infrared transmission port 44 so as to transmit an infrared signal including information for notifying the lighting state.

<Example 1>
FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing processing for transmitting an infrared signal, which is executed by the transmission control circuit 46. FIG. 5B is a table for explaining information included in the infrared signal. As shown in FIG. 5B, the infrared signal includes lighting state information.

  For example, the transmission control circuit 46 associates the blue, blinking, and red lighting states with the values 1, 2 and 3 of the variable s, respectively.

  In the process of FIG. 5A, the transmission control circuit 46 first acquires the current lighting state (value of the variable s) of the traffic light 40 from the signal lamp control circuit 45 as described above (S101). And the transmission control circuit 46 transmits the infrared signal containing the information of the said lighting state from the infrared transmission port 44 (S102). Thereafter, during the operation of the traffic signal 40, the processes of steps S101 and S102 are repeatedly executed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a surrounding environment when the mobile phone 1 and the traffic signal 40 are used. In FIG. 6, the periphery of the intersection 50 is shown. At the intersection 50, a road 51 running in the north-south direction intersects with a road 52 running in the east-west direction. On the north side, east side, south side, and west side of the intersection, pedestrian crossings 53N, 53E, 53S, and 53W are provided, respectively. Sidewalks 54a to 54d are respectively provided on the side of the roads 51 and 52, that is, on the southwest side, northwest side, northeast side, and southeast side of the intersection.

  Since the pedestrian moves from one sidewalk to another sidewalk among the sidewalks 54a to 54d, the pedestrian can cross the road 51 or 52 along the pedestrian crossings 53N, 53E, 53S, 53W.

  A total of eight traffic lights are arranged on the sidewalks 54a to 54d in order to cross pedestrians in both directions at each of the four pedestrian crossings 53N, 53E, 53S, and 53W. The traffic signal is the same type as the traffic signal 40 described above. In FIG. 6, for convenience, only a traffic light 40 a for a pedestrian to cross the west pedestrian crossing 53 </ b> W to the north is schematically shown, and other traffic lights are not illustrated in FIG. 6 (FIG. 9). (See traffic lights 40b to 40d).

The infrared transmission port 44a of the traffic light 40a transmits an infrared signal toward the pedestrian crossing 53W based on the processing of FIG. In FIG. 6, a region D1 surrounded by the auxiliary line C1 schematically shows a region where the mobile phone 1 can receive an infrared signal transmitted from the traffic light 40a.

  As for the output sensitivity of the infrared signal from the infrared transmission port 44a and the reception sensitivity of the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1, the region D1 has a width (east-west width) and depth (width in the north-south direction), for example, several meters to tens or more. It is configured to be about a meter.

  Braille blocks 55 are provided on the sidewalks 54a to 54d for assisting the visually impaired in walking. For the sake of simplicity, only the Braille blocks 55 on the sidewalk 54a are illustrated, and the Braille blocks 55 on the other sidewalks 54b to 54d are omitted. The region D1 covers the braille block 55 in the vicinity of the south end of the pedestrian crossing 53W.

  The mobile phone 1 can receive an infrared signal from the infrared transmission port 44a in the area D1. However, as described with reference to FIG. 2B, since the infrared port 23 is a receiving unit having directivity, whether or not an infrared signal can actually be received depends on the direction of the mobile phone 1.

  Hereinafter, when the configuration of the traffic signals 40a to 40d is described, when the configuration common to the traffic signals 40a to 40d is described, the traffic signal 40 may be used for the sake of simplicity. For example, in FIG. 7, the relationship between the orientation of the mobile phone 1 and the reception state of the infrared signal is described using the traffic signal 40 and its infrared transmission port 44. In this case, the relationship between the reception state of the infrared signals from the mobile phone 1 and the infrared transmission ports 44a to 44d of the respective traffic signals 40a to 40d is the same as in the case of FIG.

  7A to 7C are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the orientation of the mobile phone 1 with respect to the infrared transmission port 44 arranged in the traffic light 40 and the state of reception of the infrared signal by the mobile phone 1. .

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the mobile phone 1 is turned to the left side from the infrared transmission port 44 and the infrared transmission port 44 is on the right side from the receivable range B, the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1 The infrared signal transmitted from the transmission port 44 is not received. In the case of FIG. 7A, the mobile phone 1 cannot receive the infrared signal, and cannot acquire the lighting state of the traffic light 40 (in the case of FIG. 7B, the lighting state is “blue” (s = 1)).

  As shown in FIG. 7B, when the mobile phone 1 faces the infrared transmission port 44 so that the infrared transmission port 44 falls within the receivable range B, the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1 transmits from the infrared transmission port 44. The received infrared signal is received. In the case of FIG. 7B, the mobile phone 1 can acquire the lighting state “blue” (s = 1) of the traffic light 40 from the infrared signal.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, when the mobile phone 1 is directed to the right side of the infrared transmission port 44, the mobile phone 1 cannot acquire the lighting state of the traffic light 40 as in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying the direction to go (the direction of the infrared transmission port 44) using the infrared signal transmitted from the infrared transmission port 44.

  9-13 is a figure for demonstrating the notification of the advancing direction made | formed by the process of FIG. 8 when a user crosses the intersection 50. FIG. 9 to 13 show examples in which the user moves from the sidewalk 54a to reach the sidewalk 54c via the pedestrian crossing 53W, the sidewalk 54b, and the pedestrian crossing 53N, as indicated by the white arrows in FIG. Has been.

In the process of FIG. 8, for example, a user having the mobile phone 1 performs a predetermined start operation (for example, an operation on the key operation unit 11) in front of a pedestrian crossing on a road that wants to cross the pedestrian crossing. Is started. 8 is terminated by performing a predetermined end operation (for example, an operation on the key operation unit 11) when the user has finished crossing the pedestrian crossing (see S202). The CPU 100 starts the operation of the infrared port 23 in response to the start of execution of the process of FIG.

  When the processing of FIG. 8 is started, the CPU 100 of the mobile phone 1 determines whether or not the infrared port 23 is currently receiving an infrared signal (S201). Thereafter, while the user does not perform an operation for ending the process of FIG. 8 (S202: NO), the CPU 100 repeats the process of determining whether or not an infrared signal is received (S201), and the infrared signal is received. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S203.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the process of FIG. 8 is started by the user's start operation when mobile phone 1 is on sidewalk 54a, for example, as shown in FIG. Of the above eight traffic lights arranged around the intersection 50, four traffic lights 40a to 40d face the mobile phone 1 (that is, the signal lights 43 of the traffic lights 40a to 40d are visually recognized from the position of the mobile phone 1). Possible), the remaining four traffic lights (not shown) do not face the mobile phone 1. Similar to the traffic signal 40a, the traffic signals 40b to 40d have the same configuration as the traffic signal 40 described above.

  The traffic lights 40b, 40c and 40d are installed on the sidewalks 54c and 54d so as to face the pedestrian crossings 53N, 53E and 53S, respectively.

  Regions D2 to D4 shown in FIG. 9 indicate regions where the mobile phone 1 can receive infrared signals transmitted from the traffic lights 40b to 40d, respectively. Regions D2 to D4 are regions corresponding to the region D1 of the traffic light 40a.

  In FIG. 9, since the mobile phone 1 is in the area D1 and the area D4, it can receive infrared signals from the traffic lights 40a and 40d. However, the infrared transmission ports 44 a and 44 d of the traffic lights 40 a and 40 d are outside the receivable range B of the mobile phone 1. For this reason, the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1 does not receive the infrared signal from the infrared transmission ports 44a and 44d.

  Here, for example, by changing the orientation of the cellular phone 1 that the user has in his hand, the infrared transmission port 44a of the traffic light 40a can be within the receivable range B of the cellular phone 1, as shown in FIG. In this case, the CPU 100 determines that the infrared port 23 has received an infrared signal (S201: YES).

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 8, in step S <b> 203, the CPU 100 obtains the current lighting state (value of variable s; see FIG. 5B) from the infrared signal received as described above (S <b> 203).

  Further, the CPU 100 executes one of the processes of steps S205 to S207 according to the acquired lighting state (S204). When the lighting state is “blue” (s = 1), the CPU 100 executes “notification processing (blue)” (S205), and when the lighting state is “flashing” (s = 2), “notification processing”. (Blinking) ”is executed (S206), and when the lighting state is“ red ”(s = 3),“ notification processing (red) ”is executed (S207).

FIG. 14A is a table for explaining the contents of notification processing (blue), notification processing (flashing), and notification processing (red). FIG. 14B shows a vibration pattern (pattern 1) generated by the vibrator 14 when the notification process (blue), the notification process (flashing), and the notification process (red) are executed.
It is a graph which shows ~ 3). In the graph shown in FIG. 14B, the horizontal axis is the time axis, and the vertical axis represents ON / OFF of the drive of the vibrator 14.

  The notification process (blue) (S205) is a process for generating the vibration of pattern 1 from the vibrator 14 and reproducing the sound “blue” for notifying the current lighting state from the speaker 13. The notification process (flashing) (S206) is a process for generating the vibration of the pattern 2 from the vibrator 14 and reproducing the voice “soon to be red” for notifying the current lighting state from the speaker 13. is there. The notification process (red) (S207) is a process for generating the vibration of pattern 3 from the vibrator 14 and reproducing the sound “red” for notifying the current lighting state from the speaker 13.

  The three vibration patterns (patterns 1 to 3) shown in the graph of FIG. 14B are different from each other so that the user can recognize the lighting state by vibration. The vibration patterns 1 to 3 have the same period, but as shown in the graph, the ratios of the time lengths of the ON state and the OFF state are different from each other.

  Note that the audio data used for reproducing the audio is generated by executing an application for reading out the audio text described above. The audio data need not be generated by executing the application. For example, the audio data stored in advance in the memory 101 may be read and reproduced as necessary. Good.

  If an operation for termination is performed after any of the processes of steps S205 to S207 is performed (S202: YES), the process of FIG. 8 ends. If no operation for termination is performed (S202: NO), the process returns to step S201 as described above.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the wireless signal (lighting state “red” (s = 3)) is continuously received (S204: 3), the notification process (red) in step S205 is repeatedly executed. .

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined that the lighting state of the traffic light 40a transitions from red to blue, and accordingly, the lighting state is “blue” (S204: 1), and notification processing (blue). (S205) is executed. The user can cross the pedestrian crossing 53W while recognizing that the current pedestrian crossing 40a can be crossed and the direction of the traffic light 40a (see the white arrow in FIG. 11). That is, the user can cross the road 51 by walking in the direction notified by vibration.

  When the mobile phone 1 is in the middle of crossing the road 51, for example, at the position shown in FIG. 12, the lighting state of the traffic light 40a may change from “blue” to “flashing”. Accordingly, it is determined that the lighting state is “flashing” (S204: 2), and notification processing (flashing) (S206) is executed. The user can cross the pedestrian crossing 53W while recognizing that the lighting state will soon change to “red” and the direction of the traffic light 40a (see the white arrow in FIG. 11).

  In the sidewalk 54b, as shown in FIG. 13, when the orientation of the mobile phone 1 is changed so as to face substantially west, the infrared transmission port 44b of the traffic light 40b on the northeast side of the intersection 50 is included in the receivable range B of the mobile phone 1. It is. Thereby, the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1 can receive the infrared signal from the infrared transmission port 44b of the traffic light 40b.

Similarly to the case of crossing the pedestrian crossing 53W described above, the user can cross the pedestrian crossing 53N when the current lighting state is notified (S205) (S white in FIG. 13). See arrow).

  In this way, the user completes the movement from the sidewalk 54a to the target sidewalk 54c. Thereafter, when a predetermined operation for termination is performed by the user (S102: YES), the processing in FIG. 8 is terminated.

  In addition, when the direction of the mobile phone 1 changes during the crossing of the pedestrian crossing, the infrared transmission ports (44a, 44b) of the target traffic light (40a, 40b) may be out of the receivable range B. At this time, by changing the direction of the mobile phone 1, the user can specify the direction of the target infrared transmission port (44a, 44b) again.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1 receives the infrared signal from the infrared transmission port (44a, 44b) in the region (D1, D2) that substantially covers the pedestrian crossing. Here, the infrared port 23 of the cellular phone 1 has directivity (see FIG. 2B), and when the orientation of the cellular phone 1 is determined so that the infrared transmission port 44 is accommodated in the receivable area B, the infrared Port 23 can receive infrared signals. When the infrared port 23 receives the infrared signal, notification processing (S205 to S207) is executed so as to notify that the direction in which the mobile phone 1 is directed is an appropriate traveling direction. When the user is notified at the pedestrian crossing (53W, 53N) or the vicinity thereof (in front of the pedestrian crossing or the like), the user is directed to the pedestrian crossing (53W, 53N). Thus, according to the present embodiment, the user is notified of the direction of travel when crossing the pedestrian crossing, and thus the user walking on the pedestrian crossing can be assisted well.

<Example 2>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting a destination and notifying a direction. The process of FIG. 15 is executed when the user starts moving from a certain point to the destination. The processing of FIG. 15 is started based on a predetermined start operation at, for example, the start point (P0).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart specifically showing the direction notification processing routine in step S213 of FIG. 15 according to the present embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 16 inserts the processes of steps S221 to S227 before the process of step S201 of FIG. 8, inserts the processes of steps S228 and S229 before the process of step S203 of FIG. The process of S202 is deleted.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining the direction notification process executed at each intersection when the user moves from the start point (P0) to the destination (P7).

  17A and 17B show intersections 50a to 50c similar to the intersection 50 in FIG. Although not shown for convenience in FIGS. 17A and 17B, to each pedestrian crossing (north side, south side, east side, west side) near each end of each pedestrian crossing (north side, south side, east side, west side) It is assumed that a traffic signal 40 provided with an infrared transmission port 44 for transmitting a wireless signal is installed.

  In FIG. 17A, points P0 to P7 represent passing points when the user moves from the start point (P0) to the destination (P7). The solid line arrow schematically represents the traveling direction to reach the destination (P7) (described later). The traveling direction is notified to the user based on the processing of FIG. 16 when crossing the pedestrian crossing.

  Also, a broken line arrow (for example, a broken line arrow from the point P0 to the point P1) represents a movement route by walking along the sidewalk along the road.

  In FIG. 17B, an arrow with a symbol “x” schematically represents a direction not notified to the user by vibration based on the processing of FIG. The direction of the arrow is an undesired traveling direction for reaching the destination (P7) (described later).

  When the process of FIG. 15 is started, the CPU 100 first receives a destination setting input by the user (S211). The destination setting input includes, for example, input of the name of the destination, input of geographic coordinates, input for specifying the destination using the map displayed on the display surface 21b, and the like. The CPU 100 sets the destination (P7) designated in the setting input so that it can be used as the destination in the processing of FIGS. 15 and 16 (S212). Thereafter, the CPU 100 repeatedly executes the process of step S213, that is, the process of FIG. 16, until reaching the set destination (S214: YES).

  Here, in the process of determining whether or not the destination has been reached (S226), the distance between the detected current position (described later, see S213 and S221 in FIG. 16) and the position of the destination is less than a predetermined value (for example, several Or less).

  In the process of FIG. 16, the CPU 100 first detects the current position by the GPS module 109 (S221). Next, the CPU 100 calculates a direction from the current position to the destination based on the current position and the position of the destination (S222). The direction to the destination is calculated as an angle between the north direction and the direction to the destination.

  Next, the CPU 100 acquires position information for specifying the position of a traffic light installed in a predetermined range (for example, a range of about several meters to several hundred meters) centered on the current position (S223). The position information is acquired from a server or the like connected via the communication module 102 and stored in the memory 101 as appropriate.

  The acquired position information is used in the determination process (S224) of the presence or absence of a traffic signal near the current position, which will be described later. When the position information necessary for the determination process in step S224 is not stored in the memory 101, the process in step S223 is executed. However, when the position information necessary for the determination process of step S224 is stored in the memory 101 by the execution of the process of step S223 executed previously, the process of step S223 is unnecessary and is skipped.

  The position information of the traffic light 40 need not be limited to the configuration acquired from the server as described above. For example, the position information of the traffic signal 40 may be stored in the memory 101 in advance.

  With reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17A, the CPU 100 determines the presence / absence of a traffic signal within a predetermined distance (for example, several meters to several tens of meters) around the current position (P0). When there is no traffic signal within the range (S224: NO), the CPU 100 stops the infrared port 23 when it is operating (S225), and ends the process of FIG. When the process of FIG. 16 (S213) is completed, the CPU 100 proceeds to the process of step S214 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17A, when the user moves from the start point P0 to the point P1, the CPU 100 determines that the traffic signal 40 installed at the intersection 50a is within the predetermined distance (S224: YES). . In this case, the CPU 100 determines whether the user, that is, the mobile phone 1 has reached the destination in the same manner as in the process of step S214 described above (S226). If the destination has not reached the destination (S226: NO) ), The process proceeds to the next step S227.

  In step S227, if the infrared port 23 is currently stopped, the CPU 100 starts the operation of the infrared port 23 (S227). Since the infrared port 23 was stopped when the mobile phone 1 was at the point P0, when the process of step S227 is executed by proceeding to the point P1, the operation of the stopped infrared port 23 is started. .

  The mobile phone 1 at the point P1 is distributed to the infrared signal transmitted from the infrared transmission port 44 disposed at the traffic light 40 installed westward at the point P2 and the signal 40 disposed southward at the point Q1. Infrared signals transmitted from the transmitted infrared transmission port 44 can be received (see regions D1 and D4 in FIG. 9). As described with reference to FIG. 9, whether or not the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1 actually receives an infrared signal depends on the orientation of the mobile phone 1.

  In step S201, the CPU 100 determines whether an infrared signal is currently received (S201). CPU100 returns to the process of step S221, when an infrared signal is not detected (S201: NO).

  When the infrared signal is detected (S201: YES), the CPU 100 acquires the current direction to which the cellular phone 1 is directed by the direction sensor 110, that is, the direction to the infrared transmission port 44 (S228). Since the current direction is detected when an infrared signal is received (S201: YES), it can be considered that the mobile phone 1 crosses the pedestrian crossing in the direction from the point P1 to the point P2. it can.

  The CPU 100 further determines whether or not the current direction is an appropriate traveling direction in order to reach the destination (S229). Specifically, when the current azimuth and the azimuth to the destination form an acute angle (less than 90 degrees), the CPU 100 determines that the current azimuth is an appropriate traveling direction in order to reach the destination ( S229: YES). On the other hand, when the current direction and the direction to the destination form a right angle or an obtuse angle (90 degrees or more), the CPU 100 determines that the current direction is not an appropriate traveling direction in order to reach the destination (S229: NO).

  For example, when the mobile phone 1 at the point P1 is directed to the point P2, the point P2 falls within the receivable range B. In this state, the infrared port 23 receives the infrared signal from the infrared transmission port 44 arranged in the traffic light 40 installed westward at the point P2 (S201: YES). At this time, the direction to the destination (calculated in S222) is substantially northeast (about 45 degrees. Refer to the dashed line arrow in FIG. 17A), and the current direction is about east (about 90 degrees, P1. To P2). Therefore, since the azimuth to the destination and the current azimuth are an angle of about 45 degrees and less than the predetermined angle of 90 degrees, YES is determined in step S229 (S229: YES). Thereby, CPU100 performs the process of above-mentioned step S203-S207 (refer Example 1), and returns to the process of step S221.

  That is, as long as the mobile phone 1 at the point P1 is moving westward on the pedestrian crossing on the south side of the intersection 50a, as long as it receives an infrared signal from the point P2 (S201: YES, S229: YES), the traffic light Notification processing (for example, notification processing (blue) S205) corresponding to the lighting state of 40 is executed. The user can reach the point P2 from the point P1 by proceeding in the notified direction.

  When the mobile phone 1 at the point P1 is pointed to the point Q1, the direction to the destination is approximately northeast (about 45 degrees), and the current direction is approximately north (about 90 degrees. P1). To Q1). Also in this case, since the azimuth to the destination and the current azimuth form an acute angle (about 45 degrees), YES is determined in step S229 (S229: YES), and notification processing according to the lighting state of the traffic light 40 is executed. Is done.

  Now, when the mobile phone 1 at the point P2 is pointed to the point P3, the current direction is substantially north (about 0 degrees), and the direction to the destination (about 40 degrees) and the current direction are acute angles (about 40). (S229: YES), notification processing (any one of S205 to S207) is executed as described above.

  On the other hand, when the mobile phone 1 at the point P2 is pointed at the point P1 (see the arrow from P2 to P1 in FIG. 17B), the current direction (about −90 degrees) and the direction to the destination ( About 40 degrees) is an obtuse angle (about 130 degrees) (S229: NO). For this reason, although the infrared port 23 receives the infrared signal (S201: YES), it is determined that the current direction is not an appropriate traveling direction in order to reach the destination (S229: NO), so the notification process (S205) To S207) are not executed.

  That is, the user can recognize that it is better to proceed northward in order to smoothly head to the destination among the two directions (north and west) that can proceed for crossing the pedestrian crossing at the point P2.

  Similarly, if the mobile phone 1 is directed southward (direction toward the point P2) or westward (direction toward the point Q1) after the mobile phone 1 reaches the point P3, these two directions are directed to the destination. Therefore, the notification process (S205 to S207) is not executed.

  After reaching the point P3, while the user is moving from the point P3 to the point P4 in order to reach the destination, it can be determined that there is no traffic signal within the predetermined distance with the current position as the center (S224: NO). In this case, the operating infrared port 23 is stopped (S225), and the process of FIG. 16 is temporarily terminated.

  Thereafter, when the user further approaches the point P4, the CPU 100 determines YES again in the determination process of step S224.

  Thereafter, similarly, while the user moves to the points P4 to P7, as described above, the processes of FIGS. 15 and 16 are executed.

  That is, when the mobile phone 1 faces east (direction facing the point P5) at the point P4 and when facing the north (direction facing the point P7) at the point P6, that is, when facing the direction approaching the destination, In step S229, it is determined that the traveling direction is appropriate, and the notification process in any one of steps S205 to S207 is executed (see the arrow in FIG. 17A).

  Further, when the mobile phone 1 faces south (direction facing the point Q2) at the point P4, when facing the south (direction facing the point Q3) or the west (direction facing the point P4) at the point P5, and at the point P6. When facing in the west direction (direction facing the point Q4), that is, when facing away from the destination, it is determined in step S229 that the traveling direction is not appropriate, and the notification process (S205 to S207) is not executed (FIG. 17). (See arrow with symbol “x” in (b)).

  Thus, when the mobile phone 1 approaches the destination (P7), the processing in FIGS. 15 and 16 ends. Even if the mobile phone 1 is in the vicinity of the traffic signal 40 (S224: YES), even if the destination is reached in the determination process of step S226 (S226: YES), the process of FIG. ) After. Further, in the determination process S214 of FIG. 15 that is subsequently executed, the destination of the destination is reached (S214: YES), and the process of FIG.

  In addition, before the process of FIG. 15 is complete | finished, the process for notifying a user by vibration, an audio | voice, etc. that it reached | attained the destination may be performed.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, when an infrared signal is received from the infrared transmission port 44, it is determined whether or not the current direction is an appropriate traveling direction for reaching the destination. . If the current direction is an appropriate traveling direction to reach the destination, a notification process corresponding to the blinking state of the traffic light 40 is executed. If the current direction is not an appropriate traveling direction, the notification process is executed. Not.

  Therefore, the user can recognize that the current direction when the notification process is executed (that is, the direction in which the mobile phone 1 faces) is an appropriate traveling direction for reaching the destination.

  In this embodiment, the current direction is detected by the direction sensor 110. However, the configuration is not limited to the configuration using the direction sensor 110. For example, a configuration in which the infrared signal includes information on the current direction and the current direction is acquired from the information may be adopted.

  Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the determination process (S229) for determining whether or not the traveling direction is appropriate is executed without using the current position detected by the GPS module 109. For example, the infrared signal transmitted from the infrared transmission port 44 further includes position information (for example, geographical coordinates) of an intersection or the traffic light 40, and the mobile phone 1 can receive the infrared signal. In this case, the determination process in step S229 is executed based on the direction to the destination based on the position information.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, the content notified by voice or vibration is the lighting state of the traffic signal 40 (S205 to S207). It is done.

  FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing processing for transmitting an infrared signal, which is executed by the transmission control circuit 46 of the traffic light 40 according to the present modification. FIG. 18B is a table for explaining information included in the infrared signal.

  The flowchart in FIG. 18A is obtained by replacing the process in step S102 in FIG. 5 with the process in step S111. In step S111, the transmission control circuit 46 causes the infrared transmission port 44 to transmit an infrared signal including signal information in addition to the lighting state of the traffic signal 40.

  The table in FIG. 18B includes signal information in addition to the lighting state of the signal 40 shown in the table in FIG. The traffic signal information includes an intersection name, arrangement information, and direction information.

Here, the intersection name M is a character string representing the name of the intersection where the traffic signal 40 is installed (
For example, “ABC intersection”). The arrangement information (variable u) is information indicating the position of the pedestrian crossing corresponding to the traffic signal 40, that is, in which direction the pedestrian crossing is located with respect to the intersection. The direction information (variable v) is information indicating the direction of crossing the pedestrian crossing corresponding to the traffic signal 40, that is, the direction in which the pedestrian is to walk on the pedestrian crossing. The arrangement information u and the orientation information v are set to any one of integers 1 to 4 corresponding to four directions (north, east, south, west), respectively.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying the direction to go (the direction of the infrared transmission port 44) using the infrared signal transmitted from the infrared transmission port 44 according to this modification.

  The flowchart of FIG. 19 is obtained by adding steps S231 and S232 to the previous stage of step S203 of the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 231, the CPU 100 acquires traffic signal information from an infrared signal transmitted from the infrared transmission port 44 of the traffic signal 40. In step S232, the CPU 100 notifies the user of the traffic signal information by playing back sound.

  FIG. 18C is a diagram for explaining the reproduced sound for notifying the user of the traffic signal information.

  When reproducing the voice, the CPU 100 completes the voice data “Advancing in the <v> direction at the <u> side intersection of <M>” by executing the above-described application for reading out the text. . Here, <M>, <u>, and <v> mean sounds that read out the intersection name M, the arrangement information u, and the orientation information v, respectively, generated by executing an application for reading out text.

  For example, the infrared signal transmitted from the infrared transmission port 44 arranged in the traffic signal 40a shown in FIG. 12 is an intersection name “ABC intersection”, arrangement information (u = 4 (west)), and direction information (v = 1 (north)). )including. When the infrared port 23 of the mobile phone 1 receives the infrared signal, a sound “going north at the intersection on the west side of the ABC intersection” is reproduced from the speaker 13.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present modification, the infrared signal includes the intersection name, the arrangement information, and the orientation information in addition to the information on the lighting state. When such an infrared signal is received by the infrared port 23, sound is reproduced from the speaker 13, whereby the above-described various information is notified to the user. Therefore, the user can obtain information regarding the intersection and pedestrian crossing that are currently crossing.

  The infrared signal is not limited to the above-mentioned various information, but includes information such as the time until the next lighting state (from “red” to “blue”), the traffic light, the geographical coordinates of the pedestrian crossing or intersection, etc. It may be included. By notifying various information contained in the infrared signal by voice or vibration, the user can easily obtain information on the current pedestrian crossing, and can easily make decisions regarding his / her own walking, etc. .

<Modification 2>
In the said Example 2, when it determines with the advancing direction not being correct (S229: NO), the notification (S205-S207) by vibration or an audio | voice is not made at all. On the other hand, the second modification employs a configuration in which processing for notifying that the traveling direction is incorrect is executed.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart specifically showing the direction notification process in step S213 of FIG. 15 in the present modification. The flowchart of FIG. 20 is obtained by adding the processes of steps S241 to S244 executed after NO is determined in step S229 of the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S229 that the traveling direction is not appropriate, the CPU 100 acquires the current lighting state (value of variable s; see FIG. 5B) from the received infrared signal, similarly to the processing in step S203 (S241). ).

  When the lighting state is “blue” (s = 1) or “flashing” (s = 2) (S242: YES), the CPU 100 executes the retrograde notification process A (S243) and the lighting state is “red”. In the case of (s = 3) (S242: NO), the retrograde notification process B (S244) is executed.

  FIG. 21A is a table for explaining the contents of the retrograde notification process A and the retrograde notification process B. FIG. 21B is a graph showing a vibration pattern (pattern 4) generated by the vibrator 14 when the retrograde notification process A and the retrograde notification process B are executed. In the graph shown in FIG. 21B, the horizontal axis is the time axis, and the vertical axis represents the driving state (ON, OFF) of the vibrator 14.

  Here, the vibration pattern (pattern 4) shown in FIG. 21B is the vibration of patterns 1 to 3 (see FIG. 14B) so that the user can recognize the state of going backward in the traveling direction due to the vibration. Different from the pattern. The period of the vibration pattern of the pattern 4 is shorter than the period of the vibration patterns of the patterns 1 to 3.

  The retrograde notification process A (S243) is a process for reproducing the voice “This is retrograde” for notifying the speaker 13 that the current traveling direction is not correct at the same time as the vibration of the pattern 4 is generated from the vibrator 14. .

  The retrograde notification process B (S244) generates vibration of the pattern 4 from the vibrator 14 and simultaneously notifies the speaker 13 that the current traveling direction is not correct and that the current lighting state is “red”. This is a process for playing the voice “Red!

  That is, for example, in the case of the example using FIGS. 17A and 17B, when the mobile phone 1 is directed in the direction corresponding to the arrow with the “x” symbol shown in FIG. The retrograde notification process A or the retrograde notification process B is executed according to the lighting state. For example, when the mobile phone 1 is at the point P2 and the mobile phone 1 is pointed at the point P3 or the point P1, the voice “Reverse” or “Red! Reverse” is reproduced.

  By such notification, the user can recognize that the current traveling direction or the direction of traveling is the direction away from the destination.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the current direction is not an appropriate traveling direction, it is notified by vibration and voice that the current direction is not an appropriate traveling direction. Therefore, by recognizing the content of the notification, the user can proceed more easily in a direction where the destination can be reached.

<Others>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above can be made to the embodiments of the present invention. .

  In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modifications, the vibrator 14 and the speaker 13 that perform non-visual notification are used to notify that the current direction is an appropriate traveling direction. Does not exclude the inclusion of a configuration for visual notification. For example, a configuration in which information related to crossing a pedestrian crossing is appropriately displayed on the display surface 21b of the mobile phone 1 at the same time as notification by vibration or voice may be adopted. Or when the light emission part is distribute | arranged to a part of 1st cabinet 10 or the 2nd cabinet 20, the structure which the information regarding the crossing of a pedestrian crossing is displayed suitably by the said light emission part light-emitting. May be taken.

  In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modified examples 1 and 2, in each notification process (S205 to S207), notification by vibration and voice is performed. However, notification by one of vibration and voice may be performed. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which which of vibration and sound is used can be switched according to the use, purpose, and the like.

  In Examples 1 and 2 and Modifications 1 and 2, for convenience, the crossing direction of the pedestrian crossing is one of four directions (north, east, south, west). There are no restrictions on the direction of the. For example, in the first modification, the four directions are notified by the arrangement information and the direction information indicating the azimuth, but a configuration may be adopted in which the directions are notified in more detail, such as eight directions and sixteen directions.

  In the second embodiment and the second modification, the direction from the current position to the destination is used for the determination process (S229) as to whether or not the traveling direction is correct. However, it is only necessary to determine the traveling direction in order to reach the destination by the determination process (S229). For example, a route guidance program or the like may be used for the determination process. In this case, for example, when it is determined whether or not the current direction obtained on or near the pedestrian crossing substantially matches the traveling direction of the route proposed by the route guidance program. Notification processing (any of S205 to S207) is executed.

  In the second embodiment and the second modification, when the mobile phone 1 approaches the traffic light 40, the operation of the infrared port 23 is started (S224, S227). As a result, power consumption can be reduced. However, the infrared port 23 can be always operated. As a result, for example, even when the intersection and the mobile phone 1 are separated from each other, as long as the mobile phone 1 is in an area where infrared signals can be received, there is an opportunity to recognize the direction and lighting state that can cross the pedestrian crossing. Increases convenience.

  In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modification examples, the cellular phone 1 generates voice data of voice that is reproduced when the lighting state of the traffic light is notified. However, the audio data may be previously included in the infrared signal. In this case, for example, audio data (such as “blue”) for notifying the current lighting state is embedded in the infrared signal in a predetermined format. The CPU 100 extracts audio data from the received infrared signal and reproduces the audio through the speaker 13.

  The voice and vibration patterns described in the first and second embodiments and the first and second modification examples are only examples. The process for notifying to a user may be performed by various voices and vibration patterns.

  For example, when the infrared signal is configured to include information on the time until the lighting state of the traffic light 40 transitions to the next lighting state (for example, from “red” to “blue”), “the remaining XX seconds” The notification may be given by voice or vibration that changes according to time.

  In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modifications, the reception of the infrared signal is determined in the determination process in step S201. When the mobile phone 1 has a configuration capable of detecting the intensity of the received radio signal, a configuration in which YES is determined in the determination process in step S201 only when an infrared signal having a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined strength is received. May be.

  In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modifications, when the infrared signal is received by the infrared port 23, it is notified that the current direction (the direction in which the mobile phone 1 is directed) is an appropriate traveling direction. However, the current orientation when the infrared signal is received is temporarily stored in the memory 101 in a predetermined format (for example, data of numerical values 0 to 359 representing an angle with respect to the north direction). be able to. In this case, when the mobile phone 1 is directed to the infrared transmission port 44, the CPU 100 detects the direction detected by the direction sensor 110 without receiving an infrared signal temporarily due to an obstacle or the like. A notification process (any one of S205 to S207) is executed based on an acute angle with the stored orientation.

  Further, when the mobile phone 1 has a configuration capable of detecting the intensity of the infrared signal received, a configuration may be adopted in which the azimuth in which the infrared signal having a predetermined intensity or higher is received is stored in the memory 101. .

  The first and second embodiments and the first and second modification examples 1 and 2 can be appropriately combined with each other. For example, a configuration in which the configurations of Modification Example 1 and Modification Example 2 are combined can be employed. In this case, a configuration is possible in which the processing in steps S231 and S232 in the flowchart of FIG. 19 is inserted after the step S201 in the flowchart in FIG.

  In Embodiments 1 and 2 and Modifications 1 and 2 of the above embodiment, a configuration in which one infrared transmission port 44 is arranged for one traffic light 40 is employed. A plurality of infrared transmission ports 44 may be arranged. In addition, the infrared transmission port 44 is not necessarily arranged in the traffic signal 40, and the infrared transmission port 44 may be arranged in a position different from the traffic signal 40.

  Further, the cellular phone 1 of the above-described embodiment may be used for guidance to a destination, route guidance, and the like in places other than a pedestrian crossing such as a sidewalk or an indoor corridor. For example, the configuration in which the infrared port 23 receives a radio signal transmitted from a transmission unit arranged indoors or indoors, so that the traveling direction is notified based on the radio signal and information included in the radio signal. May be taken.

  In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modifications, a wireless signal using infrared rays is used as a wireless signal. However, an electromagnetic wave including a visible light frequency band or an ultrasonic wireless signal may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a foldable mobile phone. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to other types of mobile phones such as a straight type, a slide type, and a smartphone type.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone, and can be applied to various communication devices including a mobile terminal device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet PC (Tablet PC), and an electronic book terminal.

  In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

1 Mobile phone (mobile terminal device)
13 Speaker (Notification unit, audio output unit)
14 Vibrator (notification part, vibration generation part)
23 Infrared port (receiver)
40, 40a-40d Traffic light
44, 44a to 44d Infrared transmission port (transmitter)
100 CPU (notification control unit, reception unit, bearing acquisition unit, determination unit)
109 GPS module (position detector)
110 Direction sensor (Direction acquisition unit)

Claims (9)

In a mobile terminal device,
A receiving unit having directivity and receiving a radio signal;
A notification unit;
A notification control unit that controls the notification unit to notify the traveling direction in the pedestrian crossing when the reception unit receives a radio signal transmitted from the transmission unit disposed on one end side of the pedestrian crossing to the other end side. And comprising
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1,
The wireless signal includes information for notifying a lighting state of a traffic light installed for a pedestrian to cross the pedestrian crossing from the other end side to the one end side,
The notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify the lighting state when the reception unit receives the wireless signal.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1 or 2,
A reception unit that accepts input of a destination;
An azimuth acquisition unit for acquiring an azimuth to the transmission unit;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the direction to the transmission unit is a direction of travel to the destination,
The notification control unit, when the direction to the transmission unit is not the traveling direction, to stop the notification by the notification unit;
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The portable terminal device according to claim 1 or 2,
A reception unit that accepts input of a destination;
An azimuth acquisition unit for acquiring an azimuth to the transmission unit;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the direction to the transmission unit is a direction of travel to the destination,
When the receiving unit receives the wireless signal, the notification control unit notifies that the direction to the transmitting unit is not the traveling direction to the destination when the direction to the transmitting unit is not the traveling direction. Controlling the notification unit to
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 3 or 4,
It further includes a position detection unit that detects the current position,
The determination unit obtains a direction to the destination based on the current position and the destination, and further determines whether the direction to the transmission unit is the traveling direction based on the direction to the destination. Determine
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. In the portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The wireless signal includes the position of the traffic light, the position of the pedestrian crossing, the azimuth crossing the pedestrian crossing, and the intersection formed by the pedestrian crossing until the traffic light transitions from a predetermined lighting state to the next lighting state. Information for notifying at least one notification item of the position of the intersection and the name of the intersection formed by the pedestrian crossing,
The notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify the notification matter when the reception unit receives the wireless signal.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The notification unit includes at least one of a vibration generation unit and an audio output unit.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. A receiving unit having directivity and receiving a radio signal;
A computer of a mobile terminal device comprising a notification unit,
When the receiving unit receives a radio signal transmitted from the transmitting unit arranged on one end side of the pedestrian crossing to the other end side, the function of controlling the notifying unit to notify the traveling direction on the pedestrian crossing is added. To
A program characterized by that. A receiving unit having directivity and receiving a radio signal;
A notification control method of a mobile terminal device comprising a notification unit,
Including a step of controlling the notifying unit so as to notify a traveling direction in the pedestrian crossing when the receiving unit receives a radio signal transmitted from the transmitting unit arranged on one end side of the pedestrian crossing to the other end side. ,
The notification control method characterized by the above-mentioned.

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