JP2014029267A - Information providing device and information providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information useful for a user without burdening the user.SOLUTION: An information providing system 10 includes: an information management center 300 as an information providing device for providing a user with information; and an in-vehicle communication device 200 as an information communication device which is connected to the information management center 300 via a communication line 400 so as to enable information communication. The information management center 300 accumulates first location information on input locations where each of users inputs destination information in association with the destination information, and distributes the destination information corresponding to the first location information relating to a predetermined condition to the in-vehicle communication device 200 via the communication line 400 when the predetermined condition is satisfied between the accumulated first location information and second location information relating to the current place of an arbitrary user. The in-vehicle communication device 200 outputs the destination information distributed from the information management center 300 via the communication line 400.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for providing information to a user.

  Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an advertisement information distribution system for distributing advertisement information to a user. In this advertisement information distribution system, advertisement information corresponding to the advertisement type desired by the user is selected from the advertisement information list stored in the advertisement database based on personal setting information preset by the user. This makes it possible to distribute useful advertising information that reflects the personal preferences of the user.

JP 2009-080337 A

  By the way, in the advertisement information distribution system described in the cited document 1, the user needs to register personal setting information (hobbies, preferences, etc.) in advance in a distribution apparatus that distributes advertisement information. Therefore, when this advertisement information distribution system is used, the user can obtain useful advertisement information, but has a burden for registering personal setting information. Moreover, when designing this type of system that provides useful information for users as well as such advertising information, it is required to reduce the burden on the users.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and one of its purposes is to realize a technique effective for providing information useful to a user without burdening the user. It is.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information providing apparatus according to the present invention stores first position information related to an input point when destination information is input by each of a plurality of users in association with the destination information. . The “destination information” here includes information on the destination (position coordinates (latitude, longitude), name, genre, address, telephone number, postal code, etc.) of the destination. Typically, the destination information is input when a plurality of users set or search for a destination. Examples of the first position information include information (position coordinates (latitude, longitude), name, address, telephone number, postal code, etc.) that can specify an input point. Thereby, the 1st position information and destination information about a plurality of users can be accumulated beforehand. In this case, it is highly possible that the accumulated information reflects the actions of a plurality of users.

  The information providing apparatus further includes a first position related to establishment of the predetermined condition when the predetermined condition is satisfied between the accumulated first position information and the second position information regarding the current location of any user. Outputs destination information corresponding to the information. The first position information may be output together with the destination information. The second position information includes information (position coordinates (latitude, longitude), name, address, telephone number, postal code, etc.) that can specify the current location of any user. Therefore, for example, when the input point and the current location are close in distance or time, or when the name, address, telephone number, postal code, etc. match or are similar, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. it can. In this case, the destination information related to the establishment of the predetermined condition may be useful information for any user among the information reflecting the actions of a plurality of users. In this case, an arbitrary user may be included in a plurality of users, or may not be included in a plurality of users. Moreover, about the output of destination information, the aspect which displays display information on a screen, and the aspect which outputs audio | voice information are mentioned.

  According to the information providing apparatus, it is possible to provide information useful for an arbitrary user without placing a burden on the arbitrary user. For example, when the current location of an arbitrary user is in the vicinity of an input point registered in advance by a plurality of other users, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user. Therefore, an arbitrary user can obtain useful destination information for the arbitrary user without previously registering information such as personal hobbies and preferences.

  An information providing apparatus according to the present invention is connected to an information communication apparatus having an information output unit for outputting destination information so as to enable information communication via a communication line, and includes an information storage unit, a control unit, and an information distribution unit Is preferred. As the “communication line”, a line using at least one of a wireless connection and a wired connection can be used. About an information output part, an information output part can be comprised by at least one of the display part which can display display information on a screen, and the audio | voice output part which can output audio | voice information. The information storage unit (information storage means) fulfills the function of storing the first position information in association with the destination information. The control unit (control unit) compares the first position information and the second position information stored in the information storage unit, and there is a predetermined condition between the first position information and the second position information. It fulfills the function of determining whether or not it has been established. When it is determined by the control unit that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the information distribution unit (information distribution unit) acquires destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition from the information storage unit. The function of distributing to the information communication apparatus via the communication line is achieved. Thereby, the structure of the information providing apparatus can be realized.

  In the information providing apparatus according to the present invention, the information storage unit preferably stores a database that stores the first position information in association with the destination information. In this case, both the first position information and the destination information are accumulated using the database. Thereby, the destination information can be easily extracted and acquired from the database of the information storage unit.

  In the information providing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the information communication apparatus is configured as an in-vehicle communication device mounted on a vehicle on which a plurality of users get on. The first position information is position information related to an input point when destination information is input in the in-vehicle communication device, and the second position information is information on a vehicle on which an arbitrary user gets. Preferably, the location information is related to the current location. In this case, a typical example of the in-vehicle communication device is a navigation device that performs vehicle route guidance. Thus, for example, when the current location of a vehicle on which an arbitrary user gets is in the vicinity of an input point registered in advance by another user, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user. it can.

  In the information providing apparatus according to the present invention, when the distance between the input point corresponding to the first position information and the current location corresponding to the second position information is below a preset threshold, That is, it is preferable to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the input point and the current location are close in distance. Thereby, for example, when the current location of an arbitrary user is within a predetermined distance from an input point registered in advance, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user.

  In the information providing apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit has a time required for movement from the input point corresponding to the first position information to the current location corresponding to the second position information is less than a preset threshold. In other words, it is preferable to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the input point and the current location are close in time. Thereby, for example, when there is a current location of an arbitrary user within a required time from an input point registered in advance, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user.

  The information providing apparatus according to the present invention preferably outputs advertisement information for advertising a destination related to the destination information when the destination information is output. The “advertisement information” here includes information for advertising the destination itself, information for advertising products and services related to the destination, and the like. Thereby, for example, when the destination is a store (including a collection of a plurality of stores in the shopping mall), it is possible to provide the user with store information, which is useful information for the user, together with store information. .

  An information providing system according to the present invention includes an information providing apparatus for providing information to a user, and an information communication apparatus connected to the information providing apparatus via a communication line so that information communication is possible. The information providing apparatus accumulates first position information related to an input point when destination information is input by each of a plurality of users in association with the destination information. The information providing apparatus also includes a first position related to establishment of the predetermined condition when the predetermined condition is satisfied between the accumulated first position information and the second position information regarding the current location of any user. Destination information corresponding to the information is distributed to the information communication device via the communication line. The information communication device outputs the destination information distributed from the information providing device via the communication line.

  According to the information providing system, information useful for an arbitrary user can be provided without placing a burden on the arbitrary user by organically combining the information providing apparatus and the information communication apparatus. For example, when the current location of an arbitrary user is in the vicinity of an input point registered in advance by a plurality of other users, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user. Therefore, an arbitrary user can obtain useful destination information for the arbitrary user without previously registering information such as personal hobbies and preferences.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the information communication device preferably includes an information input unit, an information transmission unit, and an information output unit. Destination information is input in the information input unit (information input means). The information transmission unit (information transmission unit) acquires first location information regarding the input point when the destination information is input in the information input unit together with the destination information, and transmits the first location information to the information providing device via the communication line. Further, the second position information is acquired and transmitted to the information providing apparatus via the communication line. The information output unit (information output unit) functions to output information distributed from the information providing apparatus via the communication line. The information providing apparatus preferably includes an information storage unit, a control unit, and an information distribution unit. The information storage unit (information storage unit) performs a function of storing the first position information transmitted from the information transmission unit of the information communication apparatus in association with the destination information. The control unit (control unit) compares the first position information stored in the information storage unit with the second position information transmitted from the information transmission unit of the information communication device, and compares the first position information with the first position information. It fulfills the function of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is established between the two pieces of position information. When it is determined by the control unit that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the information distribution unit (information distribution unit) acquires destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition from the information storage unit. The function of distributing to the information communication apparatus via the communication line is achieved. Thereby, each structure of an information provision apparatus and an information communication apparatus can be embodied in an information provision system.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the information storage unit of the information providing apparatus preferably stores a database that stores the first position information in association with the destination information. Thereby, the destination information can be easily extracted and acquired from the database of the information storage unit of the information providing apparatus.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the information communication device is configured as an in-vehicle communication device mounted on a vehicle on which a plurality of users get on, respectively, and the information providing device manages information outside the vehicle. Preferably, the information management center is used. The first position information is position information related to an input point when destination information is input in the in-vehicle communication device, and the second position information is information on a vehicle on which an arbitrary user gets. Preferably, the location information is related to the current location. Thus, for example, when the current location of a vehicle on which an arbitrary user gets is in the vicinity of an input point registered in advance by another user, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user. it can.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, when the distance between the input point corresponding to the first position information and the current location corresponding to the second position information falls below a preset threshold, That is, it is preferable to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the input point and the current location are close in distance. Thereby, for example, when the current location of an arbitrary user is within a predetermined distance from an input point registered in advance, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the control unit has a time required for movement from the input point corresponding to the first position information to the current location corresponding to the second position information is less than a preset threshold. In other words, it is preferable to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the input point and the current location are close in time. Thereby, for example, when there is a current location of an arbitrary user within a required time from an input point registered in advance, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the information output unit of the information communication device advertises the destination related to the destination information when outputting the destination information distributed from the information distribution unit of the information providing device. It is preferable to output advertisement information. Thereby, for example, when the destination is a store, the store advertisement information, which is information useful to the user, can be provided to the user together with the store information.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the information providing apparatus includes an advertisement information receiving unit. This advertisement information receiving unit (advertisement information receiving means) is connected to an information terminal capable of inputting advertisement information so as to be able to communicate information via a communication line, and has a function of receiving advertisement information input at the information terminal. The information storage unit stores the advertisement information received by the advertisement information reception unit, and the information distribution unit distributes the advertisement information stored in the information storage unit to the information communication device when the destination information is output. preferable. In this case, typical examples of the information terminal include a portable mobile phone (including a smart phone), a tablet information terminal, and a notebook personal computer. Thereby, the advertising information registered by the information terminal can be provided to an arbitrary user together with the destination information.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information providing system 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of information transmission processing by the in-vehicle communication device 200 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of information distribution processing by the information management center 300 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table stored in the information storage unit 320 of the information management center 300.

  Hereinafter, an information providing apparatus and an information providing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The information providing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes, as its components, an in-vehicle communication device 200 mounted on each of the vehicles 101, 102, and 103, and an information management center 300 provided outside the vehicles 101, 102, and 103. A communication line 400 that connects the in-vehicle communication device 200 and the information management center 300 to enable information communication, a plurality (three in FIG. 1) of information terminals 500, and information communication between the information terminals 500 and the information management center 300. And a communication line 600 that can be connected. As the communication lines 400 and 600, a line (for example, the Internet) using at least one of a wireless connection and a wired connection can be used. In the information providing system 10, additional components may be added to the above components as necessary. In addition, the vehicles 101, 102, and 103 including the in-vehicle communication device 200 can be a constituent element of the information providing system 10. This information providing system 10 corresponds to the “information providing system” of the present invention.

  The information providing system 10 can provide information to a vehicle user who gets on each vehicle. Since the configuration of each vehicle is the same, in the following embodiment, only the case of providing information to a predetermined vehicle user who gets on the vehicle 101 among the vehicles 101 to 103 will be described. In this case, a driver or a passenger can be cited as a vehicle user (hereinafter also simply referred to as “user”) who gets on each vehicle.

  The vehicle 101 includes a GPS unit (also simply referred to as “GPS”) 110. The GPS unit 110 may be a component of the in-vehicle communication device 200 or may be a separate element from the in-vehicle communication device 200.

  The GPS unit 110 has a function of detecting position information of the vehicle 101 (also position information of a vehicle user who gets on the vehicle 101) based on radio waves from GPS satellites. The position information detected by the GPS unit 110 is transmitted to the control unit 210 described later in the in-vehicle communication device 200 and then stored in the information storage unit 220.

  The in-vehicle communication device 200 is a device mounted on the vehicle 101, and includes a control unit 210, an information storage unit 220, an information transmission unit 230, an information reception unit 240, an information input unit 250, and a display unit 260 as its components. . In the in-vehicle communication device 200, further components may be added to the above-described components as necessary, or one or more components are omitted from the above-described components as necessary. Also good. The in-vehicle communication device 200 is configured, for example, as a navigation device dedicated to the vehicle 101 or as a navigation device that is also used for a plurality of vehicles. This in-vehicle communication device 200 corresponds to the “information communication device” of the present invention.

  The control unit 210 is controllably connected to the information storage unit 220, the information transmission unit 230, the information reception unit 240, the information input unit 250, and the display unit 260. The control unit 210 is further connected to the GPS unit 110 so as to be able to communicate information. The control unit 210 is configured using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing device.

  The information storage unit 220 includes position information detected by the GPS unit 110, destination information input by an input operation of the information input unit 250, and an information reception unit 240 from an information distribution unit 330 described later of the information management center 300. It fulfills the function of accumulating received information.

  The information transmission unit 230 sends the vehicle information including the position information detected by the GPS unit 110 and the destination information input by the input operation of the information input unit 250 to the information management center 300 (a vehicle information reception unit 350 described later). It fulfills the function of sending. This information transmission unit 230 corresponds to the “information transmission unit” of the present invention.

  The information receiving unit 240 functions to receive information distributed from the information management center 300 (an information distribution unit 330 described later).

  The information input unit 250 is input by the vehicle user when the vehicle user inputs the destination information, specifically, when setting the destination or searching for the destination. In this case, the “destination information” includes information on the destination (position coordinates (latitude, longitude), name, genre, address, telephone number, postal code, etc.) of the destination. The information input unit 250 may be configured by a part (for example, a touch panel) that can be operated on the screen by the user, or by a hardware button or an input key that can be physically or mechanically operated by the user. It may be configured.

  In accordance with a control signal from the control unit 210, the display unit 260 displays the position information detected by the GPS unit 110, the destination information input by the information input unit 250, and the information receiving unit 240 from the information management center 300 side. It functions to display received information. The display unit 260 can be configured by a display device (display) of a navigation device that performs route guidance of the vehicle 101, a display device on the instrument panel of the vehicle 101, or the like. The display unit 260 corresponds to the “information output unit” of the present invention.

  The information management center 300 stores information transmitted from the in-vehicle communication device 200 mounted in each of the vehicles 101 to 103 and information transmitted from each information terminal 500, and stores the stored information in each in-vehicle communication. It performs the function of delivering to the device 200. The information management center 300 includes a control unit 310, an information storage unit 320, an information distribution unit 330, an advertisement information reception unit 340, and a vehicle information reception unit 350 as its constituent elements. In the information management center 300, further components may be added to the above components as necessary, or one or more components may be omitted from the above components as necessary. Also good. This information management center 300 corresponds to the “information management center” of the present invention.

  Control unit 310 is controllably connected to each of information storage unit 320, information distribution unit 330, advertisement information reception unit 340, and vehicle information reception unit 350. Similar to the control unit 210, the control unit 310 is configured using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing unit. The control unit 310 corresponds to the “control unit” of the present invention.

  The information storage unit 320 functions to store information received by the advertisement information receiving unit 340 from each information terminal 500 (advertiser) and information received by the vehicle information receiving unit 350 from the in-vehicle communication device 200 of the vehicle 101. This information storage unit 320 corresponds to the “information storage unit” of the present invention.

  The information distribution unit 330 functions to distribute the information stored in the information storage unit 320 to the in-vehicle communication device 200 of the vehicle 101, for example. This information distribution unit 330 corresponds to the “information distribution unit” of the present invention.

  The advertisement information receiving unit 340 has a function of receiving advertisement information transmitted from each information terminal 500. Examples of the advertising information include information for advertising the destination that is the advertising target, information for advertising products and services related to the destination, and the like. This advertisement information receiving unit 340 corresponds to the “advertisement information receiving unit” of the present invention.

  The vehicle information reception unit 350 has a function of receiving vehicle information transmitted from the information transmission unit 230 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 mounted on each of the vehicles 101 to 103, for example, position information and destination information of the vehicles 101 to 103. Fulfill.

  The information terminal 500 is configured by a desktop personal computer or a mobile device (typically, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet information terminal, a notebook personal computer, or the like). For example, each of the advertisers A to C can input advertisement information from the information terminal 500 managed by each advertiser and transmit the advertisement information to the information management center 300. The advertisement information transmitted from each information terminal 500 to the information management center 300 is accumulated (also referred to as “save” or “registration”) in the information accumulation unit 320 via the advertisement information reception unit 340 and the control unit 310. In this case, the information storage unit 320 of the information management center 300 functions to store the advertisement information received from the information terminal 500 by the advertisement information receiving unit 340. This information terminal 500 corresponds to the “information terminal” of the present invention.

  Here, the information provision processing by the information provision system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. The information providing process includes an “information transmission process” performed by the control unit 210 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 as a control subject and an “information distribution process” performed by the control unit 310 of the information management center 300 as a control subject. Is included. When executing this information providing process, it is assumed that advertisement information transmitted from the information terminal 500 to the information management center 300 via the communication line 600 by the advertiser is registered in the information storage unit 320 in advance. In this case, the “information providing apparatus” of the present invention is configured by the information management center 300 that executes the information distribution processing described above.

  The information transmission process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is a process for transmitting information from the in-vehicle communication devices 200 of a plurality of vehicles to the information management center 300. In this case, all the vehicle users of the vehicles 101 to 103 in FIG. 1 may be involved in the information transmission process, or only the vehicle users of the vehicles 101 and 102 may be involved in the information transmission process. Good. A vehicle user involved in this information transmission process inputs destination information at the information input unit 250 of the in-vehicle communication device 200.

  This information transmission processing includes the processing from step S101 to step S103. For example, the information transmission process is started when the in-vehicle communication devices 200 of the vehicles 101 to 103 are activated. First, in the process of step S101, the control unit 210 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 determines whether or not the destination setting has been completed. In this case, when it is detected that the vehicle user has performed a destination setting input operation in the information input unit 250, it is determined that the destination setting has been completed. If the condition in step S101 is not satisfied (No in step S101), that is, if the destination setting is not completed, the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the condition in step S101 is satisfied (Yes in step S101), that is, if the destination setting is completed, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In the process of step S102, the control unit 210 determines whether or not a destination has been searched. In this case, the vehicle user uses the information input unit 250 to search information (for example, the name, genre, address (position), telephone number, etc.) of a store (including a collection of a plurality of stores such as a shopping mall). When it is detected that an input operation has been performed, it is determined that a destination has been searched. If the condition of step S102 is satisfied (Yes in step S102), that is, if the destination is searched, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the condition of step S102 is not satisfied (No in step S102), that is, if the destination is not searched, the information transmission process is terminated as it is. In this case, information is not transmitted to the information management center 300.

  In relation to the above steps S101 and S102, the vehicle user executes an input operation for destination setting or destination search in the information input unit 250, and destination information is input by this input operation. Here, specific examples of the “destination information” include the position coordinates (latitude, longitude), name, genre, address, telephone number, and postal code of the destination. At this time, the control unit 210 acquires position information related to the input point when the destination information is input from the GPS unit 110. Here, as the “location information regarding the input point”, information capable of specifying the input point can be used, and specifically, the position coordinates (latitude, longitude), name, address, telephone number of the input point. , Postal code, etc. This position information corresponds to “first position information” of the present invention. The information storage unit 220 stores the first position information in association with the destination information prior to step S103.

  In the process of step S103, the control unit 210 reads information already stored in the information storage unit 220 (that is, first position information and destination information for a plurality of vehicles), and uses the information as an information transmission unit. A process of transmitting from 230 to the vehicle information receiving unit 350 of the information management center 300 via the communication line 400 is performed. In this case, the information transmission unit 230 acquires the first position information regarding the input point when the destination information is input in the information input unit 250 together with the destination information, and sends it to the information management center 300 via the communication line 400. It fulfills the function of sending. The first location information and destination information may be temporarily stored in the information storage unit 220 and then transmitted to the information management center 300, or may be stored in the information management center 220 without being stored in the information storage unit 220. 300 may be transmitted.

  On the other hand, in the information management center 300, the information storage unit 320 stores the information received by the vehicle information reception unit 350. In this case, the information storage unit 320 has a function of storing the first position information transmitted from the information transmission unit 230 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 in association with the destination information.

  The information transmission process from step S101 to step S103 is performed for a plurality of vehicles. Thereby, in the following information distribution process, the 1st position information and destination information about a some vehicle are prepared.

  The information distribution process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is a process for distributing information from the information management center 300 to the in-vehicle communication device 200 of a vehicle on which an arbitrary user gets. In this case, all the vehicle users of the vehicles 101 to 103 in FIG. 1 can be arbitrary users. Hereinafter, a case where the vehicle user of the vehicle 101 is an arbitrary user and information is distributed from the information management center 300 to the in-vehicle communication device 200 of the vehicle 101 will be described.

  This information distribution process includes the processes from step S201 to step S204. First, in step S <b> 201, the control unit 310 acquires position information regarding the current location of the vehicle 101 (which is also the current location of the vehicle user of the vehicle 101). Specifically, the control unit 310 uses the information transmission unit 230, the communication line 400, and the vehicle information reception unit 350 to obtain position information regarding the current location of the vehicle 101 acquired from the GPS unit 110 by the control unit 210 of the in-vehicle communication device 200. Receive via. In this case, the information transmission unit 230 performs a function of acquiring position information regarding the current location of the vehicle 101 and transmitting it to the information management center 300 via the communication line 400. Here, information that can identify the current location can be used as the “location information regarding the current location”. Specifically, the location coordinates (latitude, longitude) of the current location, the name of the store, address, telephone number, mail Number etc. are mentioned. This position information corresponds to “second position information” of the present invention. This position information may be acquired before being stored in the information storage unit 220, may be acquired after being temporarily stored in the information storage unit 220, or may be acquired in the information storage unit 220. They may be acquired concurrently.

  In the process of step S202, the control unit 310 acquires the position information (second position information) related to the current location of the vehicle 101 acquired in the process of step S201, from the plurality of position information ( 1st position information). In this case, position information about the vehicle 101 may be included in the plurality of first position information.

  In the process of step S203, the control unit 310 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied as a result of the comparison in the process of step S202. In this case, the control unit 310 compares the first position information stored in the information storage unit 320 with the second position information transmitted from the information transmission unit 230 of the in-vehicle communication device 200, and compares the first position information with the first position information. It fulfills the function of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied between the information and the second position information. For example, when the separation distance between the input point related to the first position information and the current location related to the second position information is below a preset threshold (for example, the separation distance is below OOm (threshold)) That is, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the input point and the current location are close in distance. Alternatively, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the separation distance reaches a preset threshold value (for example, the separation distance becomes OOm (threshold value)). If the condition in step S203 is satisfied (Yes in step S203), that is, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the condition in step S203 is not satisfied (No in step S203), that is, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the information distribution process is terminated as it is. In this case, information is not distributed to the vehicle user of the vehicle 101.

  In the process of step S <b> 204, the control unit 310 performs a process of distributing information to the in-vehicle communication device 200 of the vehicle 101, that is, the vehicle user of the vehicle 101. In this processing, the control unit 310 includes first position information related to the establishment of a predetermined condition from the accumulated information already accumulated in the information accumulation unit 320 (that is, first position information satisfying the condition of step S203). ). Then, the control unit 310 acquires the destination information stored in the information storage unit 320 in association with the extracted first position information from the information storage unit 320, and acquires the acquired destination information from the information distribution unit 330. The information is distributed to the information receiving unit 240 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 via the communication line 400. In this case, when it is determined by the control unit 310 that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the information distribution unit 330 acquires the destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition from the information storage unit 320. Thus, the function of delivering to the information receiving unit 240 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 via the communication line 400 is achieved. As a result, the destination information distributed from the information distribution unit 330 is displayed on the display unit 260 via the control unit 210. Therefore, the vehicle user of the vehicle 101 can visually recognize the destination information displayed on the display unit 260. In this case, in addition to the destination information, the first position information corresponding to the destination information can be displayed on the display unit 260. In addition to or instead of the display unit 260, an audio output device that outputs destination information and first position information as audio information may be provided.

  Here, a specific example of the stored information stored in the information storage unit 320 in the comparison process in step S202 will be described with reference to FIG. According to FIG. 4, the stored information of the information storage unit 320 includes a data table for each of a plurality of destinations (for example, the data tables 321 to 323 in FIG. 4). For example, in the data table 321, search items and registration information when “gas station” is the destination are stored together with the position coordinates (x0, y0) of the destination and the position coordinates (x1, y1) at the time of search. ing. That is, a plurality of data tables including these data tables 321 to 323 constitute a database for storing the first position information in association with the destination information, and this database is stored in the information storage unit 320. . Thereby, the destination information can be easily extracted from the database of the information storage unit 320 and acquired.

  In this case, in the process of step S203, the first position coordinates (first position information) satisfying a predetermined condition with the second position coordinates (second position information) related to the current location of the vehicle 101 are determined. Then, it is determined whether or not it exists in the “position coordinates at the time of search” of a plurality of data tables including the data tables 321 to 323. For example, “position coordinates at the time of search” in the data table 321 is the position coordinates of the input point when the information input unit 250 is input at the time of searching for a gas station (destination) named “XX Land”. If there is a position coordinate that satisfies the predetermined condition among the plurality of “position coordinates at the time of search”, the destination information corresponding to the position coordinate is acquired in the process of step S204. . For example, when the “position coordinates at the time of search” in the data table 321 is close in distance from the position coordinates of the current location of the vehicle 101, the name, telephone number, address, position coordinates, etc. of the gas station are acquired as the destination information. The This destination information may be useful information for any vehicle user among the information reflecting the actions of a plurality of vehicle users.

  As another form, in the processing of step S203 described above, information (first position) that matches or is similar to the name, address, telephone number, postal code, etc. (second position information) regarding the current location of the vehicle 101 It is also possible to determine whether or not (information) exists in the data table 321, for example. In this case, if there is first position information that matches or resembles the second position information, destination information including the position coordinates is acquired in the process of step S204.

  In relation to the processing in step S204 described above, the information distribution unit 330 of the information management center 300 advertises the destination related to the destination information when distributing the destination information to the in-vehicle communication device 200 of the vehicle 101. Advertising information can be distributed together. In this case, the information distribution unit 330 functions to distribute the advertisement information stored in the information storage unit 320 to the in-vehicle communication device 200 when the destination information is output. And the display part 260 of the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus 200 can output the destination information and advertisement information relevant to each other. In this case, the display unit 260 functions to output advertisement information when the destination information distributed from the information distribution unit 330 is output. As the advertisement information, the advertisement information described above transmitted from each information terminal 500 to the advertisement information receiving unit 340 via the communication line 600 and accumulated in the information accumulation unit 320 can be used. Thereby, for example, when the destination is a predetermined store, advertisement information of the store, which is useful information for the vehicle user, can be provided to the vehicle user together with the store information.

  According to the information providing process described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, information (destination information and advertisement information) useful for the vehicle user of the vehicle 101 can be provided without imposing a burden on the vehicle user. . For example, when the current location of the vehicle 101 is in the vicinity of an input point registered in advance by another vehicle user, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the vehicle user of the vehicle 101. Therefore, the vehicle user of the vehicle 101 can obtain useful information for the vehicle user without registering in advance information related to personal hobbies and preferences. Further, by organically combining both the in-vehicle communication device 200 and the information management center 300, the information providing system 10 for providing useful information to any vehicle user can be constructed.

  In connection with the processing of step S203 described above, when there are a plurality of destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the establishment of the predetermined condition when the predetermined condition is satisfied, On the condition that there are a predetermined number or more of the same destination information, the destination information and advertisement information related thereto can be displayed on the display unit 260 of the in-vehicle communication device 200. For example, when a plurality of users are searching for the same shopping mall (an aggregate of a plurality of stores) at a position close to the current location of any user, this shopping mall may be a popular place in the vicinity. high. Therefore, by distributing store information and advertisement information of this shopping mall to the user, such information can be useful information for the user.

  The present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiment, and various applications and modifications are possible. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied can be implemented.

  As a modification of the determination process in step S203 of the above embodiment, the control unit 310 determines that the time required for movement from the input point to the current location is below a preset threshold, that is, the input point and the current location are temporal. It is also possible to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when Thereby, for example, when there is a current location of an arbitrary user within a required time from an input point registered in advance, the destination information input at this input point can be provided to the arbitrary user.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the destination information is input or output in the navigation device which is the in-vehicle communication device 200 has been described. However, not only the information communication device that can be mounted on the vehicle but also the information communication that cannot be mounted on the vehicle. The present invention can be applied to an apparatus. For example, instead of a navigation device, a mobile device (typically a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet information terminal, and a notebook type) that performs a navigation function by a navigation application software (also referred to as “navigation app”) or a communication contract A personal computer or the like) can also be used. Furthermore, a desktop personal computer set in a home or a company can be used. In this case, as position information (second position information) regarding the current location of an arbitrary user, virtual position information can be used instead of actual position information detected when the user moves.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the information providing apparatus for providing information to the vehicle user is mainly configured by the information management center 300 is described. However, in the present invention, the information communication apparatus corresponding to the in-vehicle communication apparatus 200 is described. It is also possible to construct an information providing apparatus mainly using In this case, the information storage unit 220 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 stores in advance the first position information related to the input point when the destination information is input by each of the plurality of vehicle users in association with the destination information. Can do. At this time, the first location information and the destination information may be acquired from the information management center 300 or may be acquired by logging in to a network service such as a social networking service (SNS). Good. As a result, the control unit 210 of the in-vehicle communication device 200 compares the first position information stored in the information storage unit 220 with the second position information regarding the current location of any vehicle user acquired from the GPS unit 110. It is possible to determine whether or not a predetermined condition is established between the first position information and the second position information. Then, the display unit 260 can read out the destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the establishment of the predetermined condition from the information storage unit 220 and display it.

  In the above embodiment, the case where information communication is performed between a plurality of vehicles each mounting the in-vehicle communication device 200 and the information management center 300 has been described, but in the present invention, wireless communication between a plurality of vehicles, Information communication can also be performed using so-called “vehicle-to-vehicle communication” or wireless communication between the vehicle and the roadside device, so-called “road-to-vehicle communication”. When the inter-vehicle communication is employed, each of the plurality of vehicles is configured as an information providing device corresponding to the information management center 300, and an arbitrary vehicle is configured as an information communication device corresponding to the in-vehicle communication device 200. . When the road-to-vehicle communication is employed, the roadside device is configured as an information providing device corresponding to the information management center 300, and any vehicle is configured as an information communication device corresponding to the in-vehicle communication device 200.

  In the above embodiment, the case where information is provided to a vehicle user who gets on the vehicle has been described. However, the user who provides the information is not limited to the vehicle user, and provides information to various users accompanying movement. The present invention can be applied to a system that does this.

  When based on description of said embodiment and various modifications, this invention can take the following each aspects (aspect).

In the present invention,
“An information provision method for providing information to users,
The first position information related to the input point when the destination information is input by a plurality of users is stored in association with the destination information, and the stored first position information and the current location of an arbitrary user are stored. The second position information is compared to determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied between the first position information and the second position information, and the predetermined condition is satisfied when the predetermined condition is satisfied. An information providing method for outputting the destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the establishment of. "
The mode (mode 1) can be taken.

In the present invention,
“The information providing method according to aspect 1,
The first position information is position information related to an input point when the destination information is input in an in-vehicle communication device mounted on a vehicle on which each of the plurality of users gets, and the second position information Is an information providing method which is position information regarding the current location of the vehicle on which the arbitrary user gets. "
(Mode 2) can be adopted.

In the present invention,
“The information providing method according to aspect 1 or 2,
Information that determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a separation distance between the input point corresponding to the first position information and the current location corresponding to the second position information reaches a preset threshold value How to provide. "
(Mode 3) can be adopted.

In the present invention,
“The information providing method according to aspect 1 or 2,
It is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a time required for movement from the input point corresponding to the first position information to the current location corresponding to the second position information is less than a preset threshold value. To provide information. "
(Aspect 4) can be taken.

In the present invention,
“The information providing method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4,
An information providing method for outputting advertisement information for advertising a destination related to the destination information when the destination information is output. "
(Embodiment 5) can be adopted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information provision system, 101, 102, 103 ... Vehicle, 110 ... GPS unit, 200 ... In-vehicle communication device, 210 ... Control part, 220 ... Information storage part, 230 ... Information transmission part, 240 ... Information reception part, 250 ... Information input unit 260 ... Display unit 300 ... Information management center 310 ... Control unit 320 ... Information storage unit 321, 322, 323 ... Data table 330 ... Information distribution unit 340 ... Advertisement information reception unit 350 ... Vehicle information receiving unit, 400 ... communication line, 500 ... information terminal, 600 ... communication line

Claims (15)

An information providing apparatus for providing information to a user,
First location information related to an input point when destination information is input by each of a plurality of users is stored in association with the destination information, and the stored first location information and any user's An information providing apparatus that outputs the destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the establishment of the predetermined condition when a predetermined condition is satisfied with the second position information regarding the current location. The information providing device according to claim 1,
It is connected to an information communication device having an information output unit for outputting the destination information through a communication line so that information communication is possible.
An information storage unit that stores the first position information in association with the destination information;
Whether the predetermined condition is satisfied between the first position information and the second position information by comparing the first position information and the second position information stored in the information storage unit. A control unit for determining whether or not
When the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition is acquired from the information storage unit, and the communication line is An information delivery unit for delivering to the information communication device via
An information providing device. The information providing device according to claim 2,
The information storage device stores a database that stores the first position information in association with the destination information. The information providing device according to claim 2 or 3,
The information communication device is configured as an in-vehicle communication device mounted on a vehicle on which each of the plurality of users gets, and the first position information is input when the destination information is input in the in-vehicle communication device. An information providing apparatus that is position information related to a point, and wherein the second position information is position information related to a current location of a vehicle on which the arbitrary user gets. The information providing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The control unit satisfies the predetermined condition when a separation distance between the input point corresponding to the first position information and the current location corresponding to the second position information is less than a preset threshold. An information providing apparatus that determines that The information providing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
When the time required for movement from the input point corresponding to the first position information to the current location corresponding to the second position information is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit An information providing apparatus that determines that is established. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An information providing apparatus that outputs advertisement information for advertising a destination related to the destination information when the destination information is output. An information providing system comprising: an information providing apparatus for providing information to a user; and an information communication apparatus connected to the information providing apparatus via a communication line so that information communication is possible,
The information providing apparatus stores first position information related to an input point when destination information is input by each of a plurality of users in association with the destination information, and stores the first position information stored And when the predetermined condition is established between the second position information relating to the current location of the arbitrary user, the destination information corresponding to the first position information relating to the establishment of the predetermined condition is transmitted via the communication line. Delivering to the information communication device;
The information communication device outputs the destination information distributed from the information providing device via the communication line;
Information provision system. The information providing system according to claim 8,
The information communication device includes:
An information input unit for inputting the destination information;
The first position information related to an input point when the destination information is input in the information input unit is acquired together with the destination information, and is transmitted to the information providing device via the communication line. An information transmission unit that acquires the position information of 2 and transmits the position information to the information providing apparatus via the communication line;
An information output unit for outputting information distributed from the information providing apparatus via the communication line;
Including
The information providing device includes:
An information storage unit that stores the first location information transmitted from the information transmission unit of the information communication device in association with the destination information;
The first position information stored in the information storage unit and the second position information transmitted from the information transmission unit of the information communication apparatus are compared to compare the first position information and the second position information. A control unit for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied with the information;
When the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the destination information corresponding to the first position information related to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition is acquired from the information storage unit, and the communication line is An information delivery unit for delivering to the information communication device via
including,
Information provision system. The information providing system according to claim 9,
The information providing system, wherein the information storage unit of the information providing apparatus stores a database that stores the first position information in association with the destination information. The information providing system according to claim 9 or 10,
The information communication device is configured as an in-vehicle communication device mounted on a vehicle on which each of the plurality of users gets, and the information providing device is configured by an information management center that manages information outside the vehicle,
The first position information is position information related to an input point when the destination information is input in the in-vehicle communication device, and the second position information is related to a current position of a vehicle on which an arbitrary user gets on. An information provision system that is location information. The information providing system according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
The control unit satisfies the predetermined condition when a separation distance between the input point corresponding to the first position information and the current location corresponding to the second position information is less than a preset threshold. Information providing system that determines The information providing system according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
When the time required for movement from the input point corresponding to the first position information to the current location corresponding to the second position information is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit An information provision system that determines that is established. An information providing system according to any one of claims 9 to 13,
The information output unit of the information communication device outputs advertisement information for advertising a destination related to the destination information when outputting the destination information distributed from the information distribution unit of the information providing device. Information provision system. The information providing system according to claim 14,
The information providing apparatus includes an advertisement information receiving unit that is connected to an information terminal capable of inputting the advertisement information through a communication line so as to be able to communicate information and receives the advertisement information input in the information terminal,
The information storage unit stores the advertisement information received by the advertisement information reception unit, and the information distribution unit outputs the advertisement information stored in the information storage unit when the destination information is output. An information provision system that distributes to devices.

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