JP2013143078A - Information providing device, information providing system and information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize a place where information is distributed in advance and to smoothly start providing of information to a user.SOLUTION: In an in-vehicle device 200, a positioning section positions a present position. A client information transmission section transmits client information showing an executable application and/or reproducible content type to a distribution server 300 via a road side radio device 100A for advance notice. A distribution information reception section receives distribution information for designating a distribution area and a channel to be used for distribution from the distribution server 300 via the road side radio device 100A for advance notice. A setting section sets a channel receiving content data on the basis of the distribution information. A content reception section receives content data at the set channel from a road side radio device 100B for programs. A reproduction section reproduces the received content data when the positioned present position is within the distribution area designated by the received distribution information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, and an information providing method.

  In recent years, car navigation systems and ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) systems have become widespread. In addition, various researches and developments for realizing ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) capable of integrating these and providing various services all in one are repeated.

  On the other hand, there are television broadcasting and radio broadcasting as means for widely providing information to users. In addition, with the digitization of television broadcasting, digital television broadcasting for mobile terminals, generally called “One Seg”, has become widespread. Furthermore, using this 1Seg technology, it is called “Area 1Seg”, which distributes video and data only in narrow areas such as event venues, unlike TVs that cover a wide area such as prefecture units. Attempts are also being made to provide services.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a wireless communication system that informs a user that the area where the user is located is a place where the area one-segment service is provided, and simplifies the channel setting work by the user.

JP 2010-166153 A

  However, in the prior art, it has not been easy for the user to know in advance where the broadcast targeted for distribution in a narrow area such as Area One Seg is provided and where it can be received. Further, the user has troublesome tuning for receiving a broadcast program.

  The present invention solves such a problem, an information providing apparatus, an information providing system suitable for grasping in advance a place where information is distributed and starting providing information to a user smoothly, And it aims at providing the information provision method.

In order to achieve this object, an information providing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
A client information transmission unit that transmits client information including an executable application or a reproducible content type to the distribution server via the first roadside wireless device;
A distribution information receiving unit for receiving, from the distribution server, distribution information for specifying a distribution area in which content data is distributed and a channel used for the distribution, via the first roadside wireless device;
A setting unit for setting a channel for receiving the content data based on the received distribution information;
A content receiving unit for receiving the content data on the set channel from a second roadside wireless device;
A playback unit that plays back the received content data when the current position measured by the positioning unit is within a delivery area specified by the received delivery information;
It is characterized by providing.

The distribution information may further include information designating a date and time for reproducing the content data.
Moreover, you may further provide the time measuring part which time-measures the present time.
The playback unit may play back the received content data when the measured current date and time matches the date and time specified by the received distribution information.

The distribution information may further include information indicating the content of the broadcast program based on the content data.
Moreover, you may further provide the preference information storage part which memorize | stores the preference information which shows a user's preference.
The reproducing unit may reproduce the received content data when the content of the broadcast program indicated by the received distribution information matches the stored preference information.

  The reproduction unit may reproduce the received content data when the quality of the received content data satisfies a predetermined standard.

A map data storage unit for storing map data;
Based on the stored map data and the measured current position, a navigation unit that guides a road on which a vehicle on which the information providing device is mounted,
A setting unit that sets a distribution area designated by the received distribution information as a destination or a waypoint of guidance by the navigation unit;
May be further provided.

The client information transmission unit transmits the client information when it is within a communication area of the first roadside wireless device and outside a communication area of the second roadside wireless device,
The distribution information receiving unit receives the distribution information when it is within a communication area of the first roadside wireless device and outside a communication area of the second roadside wireless device;
The setting unit sets the channel after entering the communication range of the first roadside wireless device and before entering the communication range of the second roadside wireless device,
The content receiving unit may receive the content data when it is out of a communication range of the first roadside wireless device and within a communication range of the second roadside wireless device.

An information providing system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, a distribution server, and a first roadside wireless device and a second roadside wireless device installed on a road. A system,
The in-vehicle device is
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
A client information transmission unit that transmits, to the distribution server, client information including an application that can be executed by the vehicle-mounted device or a content type that can be reproduced by the vehicle-mounted device, via the first roadside wireless device;
With
The distribution server
A storage unit that pre-stores content data to be transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device;
A client information receiving unit for receiving the client information via the first roadside wireless device;
Based on the received client information, a determination unit that determines whether the onboard device can reproduce the stored content data;
When it is determined that the on-vehicle device can reproduce the stored content data, the distribution information for specifying the distribution area to which the stored content data is distributed and the channel used for the distribution, A distribution information transmitter for transmitting to the vehicle-mounted device via the first roadside device;
A delivery unit for delivering the content data in the designated channel via the second roadside wireless device;
With
The in-vehicle device is
A distribution information receiving unit that receives the distribution information from the distribution server via the first roadside wireless device;
A setting unit for setting a channel for receiving the content data based on the received distribution information;
A content receiver that receives the content data on the set channel from the second roadside device;
A playback unit that plays back the received content data when the current position measured by the positioning unit is within a delivery area specified by the received delivery information;
Further comprising
It is characterized by that.

An information providing method according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
A positioning step to measure the current position;
A client information transmitting step of transmitting client information including an executable application or a reproducible content type to the distribution server via the first roadside wireless device;
A distribution information receiving step of receiving, from the distribution server, distribution information specifying a distribution area in which content data is distributed and a channel used for the distribution via the first roadside wireless device;
A setting step for setting a channel for receiving the content data based on the received distribution information;
A content receiving step of receiving the content data on the set channel from a second roadside wireless device;
A reproduction step of reproducing the received content data when the measured current position is within a distribution area specified by the received distribution information;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, and an information providing method suitable for grasping in advance where information is distributed and starting providing information to a user smoothly are provided. Can do.

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure of an information provision system. It is another figure for demonstrating the whole structure of an information provision system. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a delivery server. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a roadside radio | wireless apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of onboard equipment. It is a figure showing the data structure of a client information notification command. It is a figure showing the example of a structure of an application type list. It is a figure showing the correspondence of an application type, an identifier, and a value. It is a figure showing the example of a structure of a content type list. It is a figure showing the correspondence of a content type, an identifier, and a value. It is a figure showing the data structure of a push delivery command. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an information provision process.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking ITS as an example.

  First, an outline of the configuration of the ITS according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the ITS communicates between a roadside wireless device 100 arranged in the vicinity of a place where a vehicle passes, such as a road or a parking lot, and the roadside wireless device 100 mounted on the vehicle and communicates with a user ( A vehicle-mounted device 200 that provides traffic information to the driver, and a distribution server 300 that generates traffic information and distributes it to the roadside apparatus 100. The roadside apparatus 100 is generally called an ITS spot or the like.

  In addition, the ITS of this embodiment uses a so-called “One Seg” technology that is terrestrial digital broadcasting for mobile terminals, and unlike a TV station that covers a wide area, it is limited to a narrow area such as an event venue. And provide users with data distribution services. This service is generally called “Area One Seg”, “One Segment Local Service”, or the like.

  FIG. 2 shows an example configuration of an ITS that provides a user with an area one-segment service targeted for distribution on a highway service area. There are two types of roadside apparatus 100, a roadside apparatus for notification 100A and a roadside apparatus for program 100B. At the entrance of the service area, an area (distribution area) in which content data constituting the broadcast program is distributed, a date and time or a period (distribution date and time) in which the content data is distributed, a content to be distributed (distribution content), and the like are defined. The roadside radio device 100A for notice for distributing the area one seg information before the vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 200 reaches the distribution area is installed in both the upstream lane and the downstream lane. In the service area, a program roadside apparatus 100B for distributing a broadcast program to the vehicle-mounted device 200 in the distribution area by area one segment is installed in both the upstream lane and the downstream lane. The notice roadside radio apparatus 100A, the program roadside radio apparatus 100B, and the distribution server 300 are connected by a predetermined communication network (ITS communication network).

  When the in-vehicle device 200 of the vehicle entering the service area is compatible with area one seg, the area one seg information is push-distributed from the roadside radio device for prediction 100A. In push distribution, data is transmitted and received without an explicit request from the receiving side. The vehicle-mounted device 200 that has received the area one seg information prepares the user to view the one seg broadcast program before the vehicle reaches the distribution area according to the area one seg information. This preparation includes, for example, activation of a software application and channel setting for reproducing Area One Seg. Then, when the vehicle reaches the distribution area of Area One Seg, provision of information to the user by Area One Seg is started.

  Content data for a broadcast program by area one segment is pushed and distributed from the program roadside apparatus 100B to the vehicle-mounted device 200 corresponding to area one segment in the distribution area. The content data includes, for example, still image, moving image, voice, and text data such as service area guidance, highway guidance, sightseeing guidance, traffic information, weather information, and advertisements. The in-vehicle device 200 receives and reproduces the content data. The user can view a broadcast program by Area One Seg. When the vehicle leaves the distribution area, the in-vehicle device 200 ends the reproduction of the content data.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the distribution server 300 will be described. The distribution server 300 is a device that generates and distributes traffic information and the like for each roadside apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 301, the output unit 302, the communication control units 303 and 304, the storage unit 305, A control unit 306, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 307, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 308, and a system bus 309 are provided.

  The input unit 301 includes a keyboard, a mouse, an input interface, and the like, and inputs various data and instructions.

  The output unit 302 includes a display device and the like, and displays various images and text messages.

  The first communication control unit 303 transmits / receives various information to / from an external device via a general communication network NW1 such as a telephone line or the Internet.

  The second communication control unit 304 is connected to the plurality of roadside apparatus 100 via the ITS communication network NW2, and transmits traffic information and the like to each roadside apparatus 100. The second communication control unit 304 receives information obtained by the roadside apparatus 100 communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 200 via the ITS communication network NW2.

  The storage unit 305 includes a hard disk device and the like. The storage unit 305 stores in advance, in addition to the position and address of each roadside apparatus 100, geographic information in the vicinity of each roadside apparatus 100 and various content data distributed to each roadside apparatus 100. For example, the storage unit 305 stores in advance content data to be transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 200 by area one segment. The content data is updated as needed by the administrator of the area one seg service.

  The control unit 306 includes a processor and controls the operation of the distribution server 300 as a whole. In addition, the control unit 306 creates information to be distributed from the roadside wireless device 100 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 based on various information stored in the storage unit 305 for each of the roadside wireless devices 100, and performs second communication control. The unit 304 is controlled and supplied to the roadside apparatus 100 via the ITS communication network NW2.

  The ROM 307 stores an operating system (OS) and various data necessary for controlling the distribution server 300 as a whole.

  The RAM 308 functions as a work area for the control unit 306.

  A system bus 309 is a transmission path for transferring commands and data between the above-described units.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the roadside apparatus 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the roadside apparatus 100 includes a wireless communication unit 101, a communication control unit 102, a storage unit 103, a control unit 104, a ROM 105, a RAM 106, and a system bus 107.

  Each roadside apparatus 100 is arranged in the vicinity of a road, a parking lot, or the like, and transmits content data to the vehicle-mounted device 200 of a vehicle passing through the vicinity by a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) method. The content data includes data such as images, sounds, and texts.

  The wireless communication unit 101 transmits / receives data to / from the vehicle-mounted device 200 installed in a vehicle that passes nearby by a wireless signal such as an optical signal. The wireless communication unit 101 transmits traffic information and content data provided from the distribution server 300 to the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  The communication control unit 102 is connected to the distribution server 300 via the ITS communication network NW2, and receives traffic information and the like transmitted from the distribution server 300. Further, the communication control unit 102 transmits traffic information acquired by the own device to the distribution server 300.

  The storage unit 103 stores traffic information received from the distribution server 300, traffic information unique to the own device, and the like. Each roadside apparatus 100 may acquire content data to be transmitted from the distribution server 300 and store it in the storage unit 103 in advance.

  The control unit 104 includes a processor and controls the operation of the entire roadside apparatus 100. The control unit 104 transmits the traffic information stored in the storage unit 103 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 by the wireless communication unit 101, and stores the vehicle-mounted device ID and the like acquired by the wireless communication unit 101 in the storage unit 103. In addition, the control unit 104 controls the communication control unit 102 to transmit the traffic information and the like acquired by the own device stored in the storage unit 103 to the distribution server 300 via the ITS communication network NW2, and the distribution server 300 The information acquired by the communication control unit 102 is stored in the storage unit 103.

  The ROM 105 stores an operating system and various data necessary for operation control of the entire roadside apparatus 100.

  The RAM 106 functions as a work area for the control unit 104 and temporarily stores various data.

  The system bus 107 is a transmission path for transferring commands and data between the above-described units.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle-mounted device 200 includes a communication unit 201, an audio processing unit 202, an output unit 203, an operation unit 204, an I / O (Input / Output) unit 205, a storage unit 206, a control unit 207, a ROM 208, A RAM 209 and a system bus 210 are provided.

  The vehicle-mounted device 200 is installed in a vehicle and is configured integrally with a car navigation device, for example. The vehicle-mounted device 200 has a function of reproducing and notifying traffic information transmitted from the roadside apparatus 100 together with a general car navigation function. Further, the vehicle-mounted device 200 receives and reproduces content data transmitted from the roadside apparatus 100 by DSRC wireless communication.

  The communication unit 201 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 201a, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System; registered trademark) module 201b, and an ETC module 201c. The communication unit 201 transmits / receives data to / from the roadside apparatus 100 using the DSRC method.

  The GPS module 201 a receives GPS radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites and supplies them to the control unit 207. The control unit 207 controls the GPS module 201a to measure the latitude and longitude of the position where the on-vehicle device 200 exists.

  The VICS module 201b communicates with the roadside apparatus 100 by the DSRC method, and transmits and receives traffic information.

  The ETC module 201c transmits / receives data for settlement of charges with the roadside apparatus 100. The control unit 207 controls the ETC module 201c, communicates with the roadside apparatus 100 installed in a toll booth or commercial facility, and performs a process of making a payment using a credit card inserted in the in-vehicle device 200.

  The audio processing unit 202 converts the digital audio signal input from the control unit 207 into an analog audio signal by a D / A (Digital / Analog) converter (not shown), and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 222. Also, the audio processing unit 202 converts the audio input from the microphone 223 into a digital audio signal by an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter (not shown), and inputs the digital audio signal to the control unit 207. Thereby, the user can hear voices such as navigation or input voices. Furthermore, the voice processing unit 202 can synthesize and output voice using data created in a TTS (Text-to-Speech) format. The data in the TTS format may be push-distributed from the roadside apparatus 100 or stored in the storage unit 206 in advance.

  The output unit 203 includes a monitor device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays a broadcast image by area one segment, a navigation image acquired by the communication unit 201, or a map image stored in advance in the storage unit 206 or the like. To do.

  The operation unit 204 includes a touch panel type input device and the like, generates an instruction input signal based on an instruction input by a user, and inputs the instruction input signal to the control unit 207. Typically, a touch panel is arranged so as to be superimposed on the surface of the LCD, and the user touches a part on the button (software button) image displayed on the screen of the touch panel surface with his / her finger to obtain a desired one. Instructions can be entered. In the following description, a user touching a part on the button image on the surface of the touch panel with a finger is simply expressed as “the user presses the button”.

  The I / O unit 205 includes a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory) drive. The I / O unit 205 reads data from a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM containing map data and inputs the data to the control unit 207. Further, the I / O unit 205 acquires a detection signal from the sensor group 225 such as a speed sensor, a travel distance sensor, and an orientation sensor, and supplies the detection signal to the control unit 207.

  The storage unit 206 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), and includes map data, various setting information such as a vehicle-mounted device ID that is a unique number assigned in advance to the vehicle-mounted device 200, the name and position of a destination candidate used for navigation, A navigation database for storing addresses, telephone numbers, etc. is stored. The storage unit 206 may include other memories such as a flash memory card that can be attached and detached by the user. The control unit 207 may read the map data from a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM storing the map data as needed, or read the map data from the recording medium in advance and write it in the storage unit 206 (installed). You may do it. Alternatively, the map data may be stored in advance in an HDD or a flash memory card.

  The control unit 207 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the operation of the on-vehicle device 200 as a whole. For example, the control unit 207 determines the current position of the vehicle based on the GPS signal received via the GPS module 201a. The control unit 207 takes in the output of the direction sensor included in the sensor group 225 via the I / O unit 205 and determines the traveling direction of the vehicle. The control unit 207 obtains the travel distance from the output of the distance sensor. The control unit 207 also receives and reproduces traffic information from the roadside apparatus 100 via the VICS module 201b. Further, the control unit 207 reproduces the content data distributed from the roadside apparatus 100 by area one segment and provides various information to the user. Note that the control unit 207 may include a coprocessor or the like.

  The ROM 208 records an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire vehicle-mounted device 200.

  The RAM 209 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and stores data acquired by the communication unit 201, data read from a DVD-ROM, and the like. The control unit 207 uses the RAM 209 as a work memory.

  The system bus 210 is a transmission path for interconnecting the above-described units and transferring commands and data.

  Next, an information providing process executed by the ITS of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of roadside wireless devices 100 are installed in the service area of the expressway, and this information providing process allows the vehicle-mounted device 200 that is stopped or traveling in the service area. Content data is distributed by Area One Seg.

  When a vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 200 enters the communication area of the roadside radio apparatus 100A for warning, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 performs a predetermined protocol establishment process and then sends a client information notification command together with the vehicle-mounted device ID. It transmits to the roadside apparatus 100A for notice. The client information notification command is a software application (hereinafter referred to as “application”) that can be played back by the in-vehicle device 200 and / or content data that can be played back by the on-vehicle device 200. This is a command for notifying the distribution server 300 of the format (hereinafter referred to as “content type”). The distribution server 300 can determine the types of applications and contents that can be reproduced by the vehicle-mounted device 200 from the received client information notification command. The distribution server 300 can control whether or not to transmit the content data to the in-vehicle device 200 based on the determination result.

  FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show examples of the data structure of the packets constituting the client information notification command. The application type list 610 stores application types supported by the vehicle-mounted device 200 in a list format. The list length is the total number of bytes of data constituting the application type list 610. Then, after the list length, a value indicating the first application type, a value indicating the second application type, a value indicating the Nth application type (N is 1 or more) indicating an application executable by the vehicle-mounted device 200 Integer) etc. are stored. The control unit 207 determines applications that can be already installed and executed in the vehicle-mounted device 200, and creates an application type list 610 based on the determination results.

  FIG. 8 shows an application type, an identifier representing the application, and a value associated with the application type. For example, the in-vehicle device 200 can execute two applications: an application (identifier “vics”) that processes data in the VICS format and an application (identifier “area-1seg”) that reproduces content data distributed by area one segment. In some cases, the control unit 207 sets the list length to “0x03” (= 0x02 + 0x01), and arranges “0x08” representing the first application type and “0x0D” representing the second application type. The value “0x03080D” is stored in the application type list 610. The symbol “0x” represents a hexadecimal number.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the content type list 620 stores content types supported by the vehicle-mounted device 200 in a list format. The list length is the total number of bytes of data constituting the content type list 620. Then, after the list length, a value indicating the first content type, a value indicating the second content type, a value indicating the Nth content type (N is an integer of 1 or more), and the like are stored. The control unit 207 determines a content type that can be decoded by the vehicle-mounted device 200, and creates a content type list 620 based on the determination result.

  FIG. 10 shows a content type, an identifier representing the content, and a value associated with the content type. For example, the vehicle-mounted device 200 includes TTS-format audio data (identifier “text / tts”), JPEG-format image data (identifier “image / jpeg”), and area one-segment content data (identifier “dsrc / area- 1 seg ”) can be decoded, the control unit 207 sets the list length to“ 0x04 ”(= 0x03 + 0x01),“ 0x08 ”representing the first content type, and the second A value “0x0408118C” in which “0x11” representing the content type and “0x8C” representing the third content type are arranged is stored in the content type list 620.

  The vehicle-mounted device 200 of the present embodiment can execute an application for reproducing area one-segment content data, and the application type list 610 includes at least a value representing an application corresponding to the identifier “app / area-1seg”. Is included. The content type list 620 includes at least a value representing content corresponding to the identifier “dsrc / area-1seg”.

  Then, the control unit 207 transmits a client information notification command storing the application type list 610 and the content type list 620 created as described above, to the roadside radio apparatus for notice 100A. The control unit 104 of the roadside apparatus for notice 100 </ b> A receives the client information notification command from the vehicle-mounted device 200 and transfers it to the distribution server 300. The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 stores the application type list 610 and the content type list 620 in the storage unit 305 in association with the vehicle-mounted device ID. The distribution server 300 can determine which in-vehicle device 200 can execute what application and what data can be decoded.

  6 to 10 are merely examples, and other data structures may be employed, or an application type list 610 and a content type list 620 having other configurations may be used. The control unit 207 may create the application type list 610 and the content type list 620 in advance and store them in the storage unit 206, read them out as appropriate, and send a client information notification command.

  When the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 determines that the in-vehicle device 200 can reproduce the area one-segment content data, the control unit 306 includes an area including a distribution area and the like on the in-vehicle device 200 via the warning roadside device 100A. Push distribution of 1Seg information. On the other hand, when the vehicle-mounted device 200 determines that the area one-segment content data cannot be reproduced, the control unit 306 does not distribute the area one-segment information to the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  FIG. 11 shows a data structure of a packet constituting a push delivery command in which area one-segment information is stored. The push ID is an identification code given to the content data, and in this embodiment, a numerical value (for example, an integer from 0 to 255) that can be expressed by 1 byte is used. The combination of content data to be reproduced at the same time is a combination of several kinds such as moving image data, still image data, audio data, text data, and the number of data to be reproduced at the same time is usually several to several tens. . For this reason, push ID can be expressed by 1 byte by using an identification code cyclically.

  The content size is represented by the total number of packets constituting one content. For example, when certain moving image data is divided into X packets and transmitted / received, the content size is “X”. The length of the push body is the length of the push body, that is, the main body portion of the data to be transmitted. Area one-segment information is stored in this push body.

  The area one seg information includes distribution area information represented by the latitude and longitude of the center position of the distribution area defined in a circle and the length of the radius, channel information including a channel number that defines the frequency used for area one seg, and distribution The contents of the broadcast program to be played and the date and time when the program is distributed are included.

  The control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 can determine the distribution area, channel, distribution content, distribution date and time, etc. of the content data of the area one seg based on the received area one seg information before the vehicle reaches the distribution area. it can. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted device 200 can perform a preparation process for reproducing the content data of the area one segment before the vehicle reaches the distribution area by measuring the current position by the GPS, and immediately prompts the user for the area one segment. You can start providing information. Moreover, the onboard equipment 200 can provide information by Area One Seg at a predetermined place and timing.

  Next, the flow of the information provision process that the vehicle-mounted device 200, the distribution server 300, and the wireless roadside device 100 execute in cooperation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Although not explicitly described in the flowchart, the vehicle-mounted device 200 always measures the current position in the background.

  First, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 determines whether or not the vehicle-mounted device 200 has entered the communication area of the warning roadside apparatus 100A (step S1201). For example, the control unit 207 determines that it is within the communication range if the reception intensity of a radio wave having a frequency used for DSRC is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  When it is determined that the in-vehicle device 200 is not within the communication range of the roadside warning device 100A (step S1201; NO), the control unit 207 waits until the on-vehicle device 200 enters the communication range of the roadside notification device 100A. To do. When it is determined that the vehicle-mounted device 200 has entered the communication range of the roadside radio apparatus 100A for notice (step S1201; YES), the roadside wireless device 100, the vehicle-mounted device 200, and the distribution server 300 establish a process for establishing DSRC communication (DSRC connection). Process) (step S1202).

  The control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 transmits the above-described client information notification command to the distribution server 300 via the notice roadside wireless device 100A (step S1203). The control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 receives the client information notification command from the vehicle-mounted device 200 via the roadside wireless device for prediction 100A (step S1204).

  Based on the received client information notification command, the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 determines whether or not the in-vehicle device 200 can reproduce the content data of area one segment (step S1205). For example, the control unit 306 includes a value indicating an application for reproducing content data distributed by area one segment in the application type list 610, and content data for area one segment in the content type list 620. Is included, it is determined that the content data of area one seg can be reproduced. In other cases, it is determined that the content data of area one seg cannot be reproduced.

  If the in-vehicle device 200 determines that the content data of area one segment cannot be reproduced (step S1205; NO), the ITS ends the information providing process. On the other hand, when the vehicle-mounted device 200 determines that the content data of area one seg can be reproduced (step S1205; YES), the control unit 306 of the distribution server 300 sends a push distribution command storing the above-described area one seg information to the notice roadside. It transmits to onboard equipment 200 via radio equipment 100A (Step S1206). The control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 receives the push delivery command via the notice roadside wireless device 100A (step S1206).

  Based on the area one seg information included in the push delivery command, the control unit 207 of the in-vehicle device 200 prepares to reproduce the area one seg content data (step S1208). Specifically, for example, the control unit 207 activates an application for reproducing area one-segment content data, and matches the reception channel to the channel specified by the area one-segment information. Then, the control unit 207 waits until the vehicle-mounted device 200 reaches the distribution area.

  The control unit 207 determines whether or not the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 measured by GPS is within the distribution area specified by the area one-segment information (step S1209).

  If it is determined that the current position is not within the distribution area (step S1209; NO), the control unit 207 waits until the current position reaches the distribution area. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current position is within the distribution area (step S1209; YES), the control unit 207 determines that the current date and time counted by the real-time clock included in the vehicle-mounted device 200 is the distribution date and time specified by the area one-segment information. It is determined whether or not it is included (step S1210).

  When it is determined that the current date / time is not included in the delivery date / time (step S1210; NO), the ITS ends the information providing process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current date / time is included in the delivery date / time (step S1210; YES), the control unit 207 receives the area one-segment content data from the program roadside apparatus 100B and reproduces it (step S1211). Note that, within the period specified by the distribution date and time, the program roadside apparatus 100B distributes the area one-segment content data by push distribution or broadcast on a predetermined channel (predetermined frequency) specified by the area one-segment information. ing.

  After starting the reproduction of the area one-segment content data, the control unit 207 determines whether or not the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 measured by the GPS is within the distribution area specified by the area one-segment information (step S1212).

  If it is determined that the current position is within the distribution area (step S1212; YES), the control unit 207 continues to reproduce the content data of area one seg. When it is determined that the current position is not within the distribution area, that is, the vehicle-mounted device 200 has moved out of the distribution area (step S1212; YES), the control unit 207 ends the reproduction of the content data, and the information providing process by ITS is performed. finish.

  According to the present embodiment, since the vehicle-mounted device 200 can prepare for reproduction of area one-segment content data before reaching the distribution area, when the distribution area is reached, the user waits. Information provision can be started immediately. In addition, ITS can easily provide information by area one segment without requiring the user to perform channel scanning for receiving the area one segment. ITS can provide information to the user at a predetermined date and time in a predetermined distribution area.

  The above-described embodiments are merely for description, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the notice roadside radio apparatus 100A and the program roadside radio apparatus 100B are installed in the same service area, but the notice roadside radio apparatus 100A and the program roadside radio apparatus 100B are installed in different places. It may be. For example, the roadside radio device 100A for notice is installed at the entrance of a highway or a toll booth, and the roadside apparatus 100B for program is installed in a service area. Area one seg information corresponding to the service area may be collectively transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  In the above embodiment, the expressway service area is set as the delivery area, but the delivery area is not limited to the service area, toll gate, parking area, interchange, junction, bus stop, near tourist attractions, etc. But you can. In addition to highways, it may be near any facility or place such as a road station or store along a general road.

  The in-vehicle device 200 may use the received area one seg information not only for preparation for receiving the area one seg but also for setting a destination or a waypoint in the car navigation system. For example, when the control unit 207 receives the area one seg information from the roadside warning device 100A installed at the entrance of the expressway, the control unit 207 specifies the distribution area specified by the area one seg information (more specifically, the central position of the distribution area). The latitude / longitude or the latitude / longitude of an arbitrary point along the road in the distribution area) may be automatically set as a waypoint in the car navigation system. As a result, the ITS can easily guide the driver to an area where Area One Seg can be viewed.

  Alternatively, when the control unit 207 receives the area one seg information from the roadside radio device for prediction 100A installed at the entrance of the expressway, the control unit 207 sets the distribution area specified by the area one seg information as a destination or a transit point. A dialog box that allows the user to select whether to set or not may be displayed on the monitor device, and control may be performed so as to set or not set the distribution area as the destination or waypoint according to the input by the user. .

  In the above embodiment, when the control unit 207 receives the area one seg information, the control unit 207 automatically starts preparation for reproducing the content data by the area one seg, but the user is asked whether to reproduce the area one seg content data. When the selection is made and playback of the area one-segment content data is selected, preparation for playback may be started.

  In addition, the user sets in advance whether or not to automatically start preparation for playback of content data by area one segment, and the control unit 207 stores the setting content in the storage unit 206 in advance. Based on the above, it may be determined whether or not to prepare for the reproduction of the content data by area one segment.

  The in-vehicle device 200 can also determine whether or not to reproduce the content data of the area one seg based on the distribution content specified by the area one seg information and the preference information preset by the user. For example, the control unit 207 receives input from the user to instruct reproduction from predetermined items such as service area guidance, sightseeing guidance, advertisement, traffic information, weather information, disaster prevention information, and the like, and content data to be reproduced Are stored in the storage unit 206 in advance. Then, when receiving the area one seg information, the control unit 207 compares the distribution content specified in the area one seg information with the setting content stored in the storage unit 206 and reproduces only the matching content data. Thereby, the vehicle-mounted device 200 can be controlled to reproduce (or not to reproduce) a specific program according to the user's preference.

  In addition, the control unit 207 compares the distribution content specified in the area one-segment information with the setting content stored in the storage unit 206, receives only matching content data, and does not receive or discards non-matching content data. You may do it. Thereby, ITS can reduce the load of information provision processing.

  The control unit 207 may compare the distribution date and time included in the received area one seg information with the current time and date, and automatically delete the area one seg information that has passed the distribution date and time. Thereby, the onboard equipment 200 can reduce the memory area required for storing the area one-segment information, and can reduce the load of the information providing process.

  When the vehicle-mounted device 200 reaches the distribution area included in the received area one seg information and the strength of the radio wave for receiving the area one seg content data is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 207 transmits the area one seg content data. You may control to reproduce.

  Alternatively, when the vehicle-mounted device 200 reaches the distribution area included in the received area one seg information and the intensity of the radio wave for receiving the area one seg content data is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 207 You may control to start the preparation for reproduction | regeneration of data. Note that the control unit 207 omits the process of step S1208, and instead performs the same process when it is between step S1210 and step S1211 and the radio wave reception intensity is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Good.

  Instead of the radio wave reception intensity, when the error rate of the received content data is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the area one seg content data may be controlled to be reproduced. For example, one content is divided into a plurality of packets and distributed, the distribution server 300 puts a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) value in each packet, and the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 determines the value obtained by decoding. If the CRC values do not match, it is determined that the packet is in error. A checksum may be used instead of the CRC. Then, the control unit 207 may use the ratio of the number of content data in error with respect to the total number of packets as an error rate. The quality of information provided to the user can be managed by controlling whether or not reproduction is possible depending on whether or not the reception quality of content data represented by values such as radio wave reception intensity and error rate satisfies a predetermined standard.

  In the above embodiment, the distribution area is circular, but may be any shape. For example, the shape of the distribution area may be a rectangle having apexes at four positions where latitude and longitude are determined. Moreover, not only a rectangle but arbitrary shapes may be sufficient.

  In the above embodiment, ITS provides broadcast programs based on Area One Seg to users. However, the present invention is not limited to Area One Seg, and the present invention can also be applied to local FM broadcasting, mini FM broadcasting, community broadcasting, and the like.

  A computer program for operating the vehicle-mounted device 200 as a whole or a part of the apparatus is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, MO (Magneto Optical Disk), and distributed. May be installed in another computer and operated as the vehicle-mounted device 200, or a process performed by the vehicle-mounted device 200 may be executed. Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an information providing apparatus, an information providing system, and information suitable for grasping in advance the location where information is distributed and starting providing information to the user smoothly. A providing method can be realized.

100, 100A, 100B Roadside wireless device 101 Wireless communication unit 102 Communication control unit 103 Storage unit 104 Control unit 105 ROM
106 RAM
107 System Bus 200 Onboard Device 201 Communication Unit 201a GPS Module 201b VICS Module 201c ETC Module 202 Audio Processing Unit 203 Output Unit 204 Operation Unit 205 I / O Unit 206 Storage Unit 207 Control Unit 208 ROM
209 RAM
210 System bus 225 Sensor group 300 Distribution server 301 Input unit 302 Output unit 303, 304 Communication control unit 305 Storage unit 306 Control unit 307 ROM
308 RAM
309 system bus

Claims (8)

A positioning unit that measures the current position;
A client information transmission unit that transmits client information including an executable application or a reproducible content type to the distribution server via the first roadside wireless device;
A distribution information receiving unit for receiving, from the distribution server, distribution information for specifying a distribution area in which content data is distributed and a channel used for the distribution, via the first roadside wireless device;
A setting unit for setting a channel for receiving the content data based on the received distribution information;
A content receiving unit for receiving the content data on the set channel from a second roadside wireless device;
A playback unit that plays back the received content data when the current position measured by the positioning unit is within a delivery area specified by the received delivery information;
An information providing apparatus comprising: The distribution information further includes information specifying a date and time for reproducing the content data,
It further includes a timekeeping section that keeps the current time,
The playback unit plays back the received content data when the current time and date measured match the date and time specified by the received distribution information;
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1. The distribution information further includes information indicating the content of the broadcast program based on the content data,
A preference information storage unit for storing preference information indicating user preferences;
The reproduction unit reproduces the received content data when the content of the broadcast program indicated by the received distribution information matches the stored preference information;
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information providing apparatus is an information providing apparatus. The reproduction unit reproduces the received content data when the quality of the received content data satisfies a predetermined standard;
The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information providing apparatus includes: A map data storage unit for storing map data;
Based on the stored map data and the measured current position, a navigation unit that guides a road on which a vehicle on which the information providing device is mounted,
A setting unit that sets a distribution area designated by the received distribution information as a destination or a waypoint of guidance by the navigation unit;
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The client information transmission unit transmits the client information when it is within a communication area of the first roadside wireless device and outside a communication area of the second roadside wireless device,
The distribution information receiving unit receives the distribution information when it is within a communication area of the first roadside wireless device and outside a communication area of the second roadside wireless device;
The setting unit sets the channel after entering the communication range of the first roadside wireless device and before entering the communication range of the second roadside wireless device,
The content receiving unit receives the content data when it is out of a communication area of the first roadside wireless device and within a communication area of the second roadside wireless device.
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information providing apparatus is an information providing apparatus. An information providing system having an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, a distribution server, and a first roadside wireless device and a second roadside wireless device installed on a road,
The in-vehicle device is
A positioning unit that measures the current position;
A client information transmission unit that transmits, to the distribution server, client information including an application that can be executed by the vehicle-mounted device or a content type that can be reproduced by the vehicle-mounted device, via the first roadside wireless device;
With
The distribution server
A storage unit that pre-stores content data to be transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device;
A client information receiving unit for receiving the client information via the first roadside wireless device;
Based on the received client information, a determination unit that determines whether the onboard device can reproduce the stored content data;
When it is determined that the on-vehicle device can reproduce the stored content data, the distribution information for specifying the distribution area to which the stored content data is distributed and the channel used for the distribution, A distribution information transmitter for transmitting to the vehicle-mounted device via the first roadside device;
A delivery unit for delivering the content data in the designated channel via the second roadside wireless device;
With
The in-vehicle device is
A distribution information receiving unit that receives the distribution information from the distribution server via the first roadside wireless device;
A setting unit for setting a channel for receiving the content data based on the received distribution information;
A content receiver that receives the content data on the set channel from the second roadside device;
A playback unit that plays back the received content data when the current position measured by the positioning unit is within a delivery area specified by the received delivery information;
Further comprising
An information providing system characterized by that. A positioning step to measure the current position;
A client information transmitting step of transmitting client information including an executable application or a reproducible content type to the distribution server via the first roadside wireless device;
A distribution information receiving step of receiving, from the distribution server, distribution information specifying a distribution area in which content data is distributed and a channel used for the distribution via the first roadside wireless device;
A setting step for setting a channel for receiving the content data based on the received distribution information;
A content receiving step of receiving the content data on the set channel from a second roadside wireless device;
A reproduction step of reproducing the received content data when the measured current position is within a distribution area specified by the received distribution information;
An information providing method comprising:

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