JP2017194472A - Communication device, information notification method, and information notification program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device or the like that can prevent messages to be frequently transmitted regardless of a cycle to find out whether the communication device is inside a communication service area or outside the communication service area.SOLUTION: A communication device determines whether a communication state is changed from the inside of a communication service area to the outside of the communication service area, or a communication state is changed from the outside of the communication service area to the inside of the communication service area, and gives notice of information indicating a change in the communication state if it has determined that the communication state is changed. If it has determined that the communication state is changed although it has not been moved since it gave notice of the information indicating a change in the communication state, it does not notify a user of the information indicating a change in the communication state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present application belongs to a technical field such as a communication device capable of notifying a user of information indicating that a state within or out of communication with an external communication device has changed.

  In recent years, an information providing service using a wireless communication technology called DSRC ((registered trademark) Dedicated Short Range Communications) is known. In this information provision service, for example, from a communication device (roadside device) installed in a service area, parking area, etc., the surrounding traffic conditions and tourist information, etc. are provided with images and voices to on-board devices existing within the communication range. It is possible. The in-vehicle device detects whether or not it is within the communication range with the communication device, and when entering the communication range from outside the communication range, a message indicating that it has entered the communication range is notified to the user (for example, the message is displayed on the navigation screen). To display). As this type of technology, for example, in Patent Document 1, a user first sets two types of sound quality, vibration, and flashing display signals indicating whether or not an area is present, and the mobile station is set according to the setting. A technique for informing the user from the radio main body is disclosed. Further, for example, in Patent Document 2, when switching to either the communication range / out of service range with the base station apparatus is recognized, the user is notified by sound or vibration that the switch has been made to either the communication range / out of service range. Techniques to do this are disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-210549 JP 2000-307690 A

  By the way, since the communication range and the outside of the communication range are alternately detected at the boundary between the communication range and the non-communication range, messages are frequently notified, and as a result, inconvenience such as discomfort to the user occurs. In Patent Document 2, a timekeeping operation is performed at the time of switching to one of the communication area and the outside of the communication area, and the timekeeping operation is stopped when the time has not yet reached the set time and the original area is restored. In this way, when the radio wave state indicating the communication range / out of service area is unstable, a technique is proposed in which it is possible to prevent frequent notification of the switching between the communication range / out of service area and to eliminate discomfort felt by the user.

  However, when the radio wave condition indicating the communication range and the outside of the communication range is unstable, for example, even when the vehicle is parked, the in-vehicle device alternately detects the communication range and the outside of the communication range and notifies the message frequently. There are things to do. In the case of suppressing the notification to the user using the timekeeping time as in the technique of Patent Document 2, depending on the relationship between the detection range and the set time outside the communication range and the communication range, for example, when the vehicle is parked It can be difficult to prevent frequent message notifications.

  Therefore, the present application has been made in view of the above points, and an example of the problem is communication that can prevent frequent notifications regardless of the detection period between the communication range and the outside of the communication range. An apparatus, an information notification method, an information notification program, and a recording medium are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a determination unit that determines that a communication state has changed from a communication range to a communication range or a communication state has changed from a communication range to a communication range; A notification unit that notifies information indicating that the communication state has changed when it is determined that the communication state has changed, wherein the notification unit indicates that the communication state has changed. When it is determined that the communication state has changed although the communication device has not moved since the previous notification of information, the user is not notified of information indicating that the communication state has changed. And

  The invention according to claim 3 is an information notification method performed by a communication device, in which the determination unit of the communication device communicates from the communication area to the outside of the communication area or communicates from the outside of the communication area to the communication area. A determination step of determining that the state has changed, and a notification step of notifying information indicating that the communication state has changed when the notification unit of the communication device determines that the communication state has changed. And in the notification step, when it is determined that the communication state has changed although the communication device has not moved since the previous notification of information indicating that the communication state has changed, It is characterized in that information indicating that the state has changed is not notified to the user.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a determination unit that determines whether a communication state has changed from a communication range to a communication range or a communication state has changed from a communication range to a communication range. Functioning as notification means for notifying information indicating that the communication status has changed when it is determined that the status has changed, and the notification means has previously notified information indicating that the communication status has changed. Therefore, when it is determined that the communication state has changed even though the communication device has not moved, information indicating that the communication state has changed is not notified to the user.

(A) is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication device S1 according to the embodiment of the present application, and (B) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the navigation device S2 according to the present embodiment. (A) is a flowchart which shows the information notification process in the system control part 18 of navigation apparatus S2 in Example 1, (B) is a figure which shows an example of the communication status change message displayed on the display. (A) is a flowchart which shows the information notification process in the system control part 18 of navigation apparatus S2 in Example 2, (B) is the information notification process in the system control part 18 of navigation apparatus S2 in Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows. (A) is a flowchart which shows the information notification process in the system control part 18 of navigation apparatus S2 in Example 4, (B), (C) is a flowchart which shows an example of an area boundary attention guidance process. In Example 5, it is a flowchart which shows the information notification process in the system control part 18 of navigation apparatus S2.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the configuration and function of the communication device S1 according to the embodiment of the present application will be described. The communication device S1 can perform wireless communication with an external communication device (also referred to as a base station) installed outside the communication device S1. Such wireless communication can be performed using, for example, DSRC wireless communication technology, Bluetooth (registered trademark) wireless communication technology, or ZigBee wireless communication technology. The communication device S1 is a device capable of notifying the user of information indicating that the state has changed from the communication range with the external communication device to the outside of the communication range, or that the state has changed from the outside of the communication range to the communication range. Note that the communication device S1 is used by being incorporated in a navigation device mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle or a ship, for example. Alternatively, the communication device S1 may be used by being incorporated in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone.

  FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication device S1 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication apparatus S1 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 1, a recording unit 2, a determination unit 3, a comparison unit 4, and a notification unit 5. The acquisition unit 1 acquires position information indicating the current position of the communication device S1. For example, the acquisition unit 1 acquires position information (longitude and latitude) detected by a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The recording unit 2 records the position information of the communication device S1 when information indicating that the state has changed (hereinafter referred to as “communication state change message”) is notified from the communication device S1 to the user. The recording unit 2 may be configured to record time information indicating the time when the communication state change message is notified to the user together with the position information.

  The determination unit 3 detects whether the communication device is in a communication range with or outside the communication range with the external communication device, and the state has changed from the communication range with the external communication device to the outside of the communication range, or the communication range from the communication range to the outside communication range. It is determined whether or not the state has changed. The comparison means 4 is recorded by the recording means 2 when the position information acquired by the acquisition means 1 when the determination means 3 determines that the state has changed and when the previous communication state change message is notified to the user. Compare the position information. “Position information acquired by the acquisition unit 1 when it is determined that the state has changed” is position information indicating the current position of the communication device S1 (hereinafter referred to as “current position information”). On the other hand, the “position information recorded by the recording unit 2 when the previous communication state change message was notified to the user” refers to the position information indicating the past position of the communication device S1 (previously acquired and recorded by the acquisition unit 1). The latest (closest to the present) position information (hereinafter referred to as “past position information”) among the position information recorded by the means 2.

  The notification unit 5 notifies the user of a communication state change message based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 4. For example, the notification unit 5 determines that the position difference indicated by each position information (current position information and past position information) compared by the comparison unit 4 is not the same or the distance difference between the positions indicated by each position information is a predetermined value or less. If not, a communication status change message is notified to the user. “The positions indicated by the position information are the same” means that the distance difference between the positions is “0”, that is, the communication device S1 is not moving. Thereby, when the position shown by each position information is the same, a communication state change message can be prevented from being notified to a user. In addition, when taking into account errors and the like, the distance difference may not be “0” even when the communication device S1 is not moving, so the distance difference between the positions indicated in each position information is a predetermined value (particularly limited). The communication state change message is not notified to the user even when the value is small (for example, set to about 2 m to 10 m). Note that the notification unit 5 may notify by displaying the communication state change message on a display, or may be notified by outputting the communication state change message by voice.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the communication device S1 determines that the state has changed from the communication range to the outside communication range with the external communication device, or the state has changed from the outside communication range to the communication range. The current position information acquired in step 1 and the past position information recorded when the previous communication state change message was notified to the user are compared, and the communication state change message is notified to the user based on the comparison result. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent frequent notification of messages regardless of the detection period between the communication range and the outside of the communication range.

  Note that the notifying unit 5 determines whether or not the positions indicated by the position information compared by the comparing unit 4 are the same, or whether or not the distance difference between the positions indicated by the position information is a predetermined value or less. Regardless, while the communication state change message is displayed on the display, the notifying unit 5 determines that the position difference indicated by the position information compared by the comparison unit 4 is not the same or the distance difference between the positions indicated by the position information is different. When not below the predetermined value, the user may be notified by outputting a communication state change message by voice. In other words, the communication state change message is displayed on the display regardless of whether the positions are the same or whether the distance difference between the positions indicated in the position information is a predetermined value or less. Are the same, or when the distance difference between the positions indicated by the position information is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the communication state change message is not output by voice. In this configuration, when the user is not gazing at the display, the user does not feel uncomfortable even if the message is frequently displayed. Considering the feeling of unpleasantness. According to this configuration, when the positions indicated by the position information compared by the comparison unit 4 are the same, or when the distance difference between the positions indicated by the position information is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the communication state change message However, notification of the message by voice can be suppressed.

  Further, the notification means 5 is a case where the positions indicated by the position information compared by the comparison means 4 are the same or a case where a difference in distance between the positions indicated by the position information is a predetermined value or less, and , A predetermined time from the time indicated in the time information recorded by the recording means 2 when the previous communication state change message was notified to the user (although it is not particularly limited, for example, set to about 30 minutes to 1 hour) The communication status change message may be notified to the user when it has elapsed. In this configuration, for example, even when the communication device S1 is not moving, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous notification, it is preferable for the user to communicate the message (for example, the user is notified of the previous message). Etc.). According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of an effective message while preventing frequent notification of the message.

  In addition, the notification means 5 repeatedly changes between the communication range and the outside of the communication range within a predetermined time interval (not particularly limited, for example, set to about 2 seconds to 10 seconds). If there is, the user may be notified of information (hereinafter referred to as “communication area boundary message”) indicating that the communication area is outside the communication area. According to this configuration, the user can be alerted that the communication device S1 is at the boundary between the communication range and the outside of the communication range. In addition, when the providing information (for example, various contents such as characters and images) acquired from the external communication device is being displayed, the notification unit 5 displays a communication state change message regardless of the comparison result by the comparison unit 4. You may comprise so that the notification to the user may be suppressed. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the browsing operation from being disturbed, for example, by displaying a message while browsing the provided information.

  As described above, the information notification method in the communication device S1 is the information of the present application that causes the computer included in the communication device S1 to function as the acquisition unit 1, the recording unit 2, the determination unit 3, the comparison unit 4, the notification unit 5, and the like. It may be configured to be performed by a notification program (software), or may be performed by the acquisition unit 1, the recording unit 2, the determination unit 3, the comparison unit 4, the notification unit 5, and the like that include hardware. You may comprise. The information notification program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray Disc), or an HD (Hard Disc) so as to be readable by a computer. The recording device may be configured to be read into the communication device S1 via a drive, or may be configured to be read into the communication device S1 by being downloaded from a predetermined server connected to the network. .

  Next, an example corresponding to the above-described embodiment will be described. The embodiment described below is an embodiment in which the communication device S1 of the present application is applied to a navigation device that is mounted on a vehicle and guides the travel (movement) of the vehicle. In the embodiment described below, the navigation apparatus has a function of a DSRC on-board unit and receives a DSRC information providing service (for example, a DSRC-IP system service) and exists in a communication range. Wireless communication is performed with (an example of an external communication device).

  First, the configuration and function of the navigation device S2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the navigation device S2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1B, the navigation device S2 includes a GPS receiving unit 11, a sensor unit 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 14, a voice processing unit 15, a communication unit 16, an operation unit 17, and a system control unit 18. Etc., and these components are connected to a bus 19 for transmitting data. Here, the system control unit 18 is an example of the acquisition unit 1, the recording unit 2, the determination unit 3, the comparison unit 4, and the notification unit 5 described above.

  The GPS receiving unit 11 receives navigation radio waves output from GPS satellites arranged in the satellite orbit and orbiting the earth via an antenna (not shown), and based on the received signal, position information (longitude indicating the current position) And latitude) are output to the system control unit 18 as GPS data. The sensor unit 12 includes, for example, a speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle based on a vehicle speed pulse that includes a pulse signal that is generated along with the rotation of the wheels of the vehicle, a direction sensor (gyro sensor) that detects the traveling direction of the vehicle, It is equipped with an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, a distance sensor that detects the travel distance of the vehicle, etc., and each data detected by these sensors (speed data, bearing data, acceleration data, travel distance data, etc.) Output to the system control unit 18.

  The storage unit 13 includes, for example, a CD drive, a DVD drive, a BD drive, or an HD drive, and is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD, DVD, BD, or HD under the control of the system control unit 18. Data and programs are read and output to the system control unit 18. This program includes programs for receiving DSRC information provision services (including browser programs and the information notification program of the present application), and navigation processing (processing such as route search (route search) and route guidance (route guidance)). A program for execution is included. The various data includes, for example, map data, route guidance data, and data (for example, menu data) for prompting the user to input or select.

  The display unit 14 includes, for example, a graphic controller, a buffer memory (VRAM, etc.), a display (eg, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc.), etc., and the graphic controller is controlled by the system control unit 18 under the map. Data and image data related to route guidance are developed and drawn in a buffer memory, and then displayed on a display (for example, a map display, a route segment display, etc.). Further, the above-described communication state change message or the like is displayed on the display under the control of the system control unit 18. Thereby, a communication status change message or the like is notified to the user.

  The audio processing unit 15 includes, for example, a DAC (digital / analog signal converter), an amplifier, a speaker, and the like. The audio data output from the system control unit 18 is D / A converted by the DAC and then amplified by the amplifier. And output as sound waves from the speaker. The above-described communication state change message or the like is also notified to the user by sound output from a speaker.

  The communication unit 16 serves as an interface with the DSRC unit U mounted on the vehicle. The DSRC unit U includes a DSRC antenna, and controls wireless communication with the DSRC roadside unit R existing in the communication area in accordance with the DSRC protocol and the communication control protocol. The communication area with the DSRC roadside device R is a DSRC information connection area where a DSRC information providing service can be received. The DSRC roadside machine R is installed in, for example, a service area, a parking area, a roadside station, etc., and is connected to the DSRC server SA via the network NW. The system control unit 18 can communicate with the DSRC roadside device R via the communication unit 16 and the DSRC unit U, and can further communicate with the DSRC server SA via the network NW.

  The operation unit 17 has an operation button for receiving an instruction from the user, and outputs an instruction signal corresponding to the operation button pressed by the user to the system control unit 18. When the display of the display unit 14 is a touch panel system, the operation buttons are displayed on the display so as to be selectable.

  The system control unit 18 includes a CPU as a computer, a working RAM, a ROM that stores various data and programs, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and performs overall control of all components in the navigation device S2. The non-volatile memory includes “inside to outside” change time information indicating the time (change time) when the state changes from the communication range with the DSRC roadside device R to the outside of the communication range, and the state changes from the outside of the communication range to the communication range. The change time information of at least one of “outside → inside” change time information indicating the time (change time) at the time is recorded. Further, in the nonvolatile memory, the positional information of the navigation device S2 when the communication state change message is notified to the user through the display unit 14 or the voice processing unit 15, and the notification time information indicating the time (notification time) at this time Is recorded.

  In addition, the system control unit 18 reads and executes a program (including the information notification program of the present application) stored in the storage unit 13, for example, so that navigation such as route search and route guidance is performed according to an instruction from the user. The information notification process is performed by functioning as each means of the present application. Although details will be described later in this information notification process, the system control unit 18 acquires when the state changes from the communication range with the DSRC roadside device R to the outside of the communication range, or when the state changes from the outside of the communication range to the communication range. The current position information is compared with the past position information recorded when the previous communication state change message was notified to the user, and the communication state change message is notified to the user based on the comparison result. Therefore, it is possible to prevent frequent messages from being notified regardless of the detection period between the communication range and the outside of the communication range.

  Next, details of the information notification process in the navigation device S2 according to the present embodiment will be described separately in the first to fifth embodiments. In the following description, the system control unit 18 of the navigation device S2 detects whether it has entered the communication range with the DSRC roadside machine R via the communication unit 16 and the DSRC unit U (for example, monitoring at a predetermined cycle). ing. When entering the communication range, the system control unit 18 establishes a connection by accessing the DSRC server SA via the communication unit 16, the DSRC unit U, the DSRC roadside device R, and the network NW, for example, according to TCP / IP. To do. Thereby, page data (an example of provision information) provided (transmitted) from the DSRC server SA is acquired, and in response to an instruction (for example, a content browsing instruction) from the user via the operation unit 17, for example, by a browser function The page is displayed on the display in the display unit 14. The page data is composed of, for example, HTML document data, image data, and the like. On the page displayed on the display from the page data, content such as surrounding traffic conditions and tourist information (images, characters, etc.) are displayed. Configuration) is arranged, and various buttons and links (hyperlinks) to other pages are set.

Example 1
FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating an information notification process in the system control unit 18 of the navigation device S2 in the first embodiment. Note that the process shown in FIG. 2A is started, for example, by starting the navigation device S2 (the same applies to the second to fifth embodiments). In the process shown in FIG. 2A, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not the state has changed from outside the communication area with the DSRC roadside device R to within the communication area (step S1). Whether the state has changed from the outside of the communication area with the DSRC roadside device R to the communication area means, in other words, whether the area has been entered (has entered the DSRC information connection area). If the system control unit 18 determines that the state has not changed from outside the communication range to the communication range (step S1: NO), the system control unit 18 proceeds to step S2. In step S2, other processing, for example, navigation processing is performed in accordance with an instruction from the user. On the other hand, if the system control unit 18 determines that the state has changed from outside the communication range to the communication range (step S1: YES), the system control unit 18 proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the system control unit 18 acquires the current position information of the navigation device S2 from the GPS receiving unit 11 (GPS data), and the past position information recorded when the previous communication state change message was notified to the user. Obtain from non-volatile memory. If past position information is not yet recorded in the nonvolatile memory, the process proceeds to step S5.

  Next, the system control unit 18 compares the current position information acquired in step S3 with the past position information, and determines whether or not the distance difference between the positions indicated by the compared position information is equal to or less than a predetermined value. (Step S4). This value is set to, for example, about 0 m to 10 m. When the predetermined value is 0 m, it is determined whether or not the positions indicated by the compared position information are the same (that is, the current position and the past position are the same position). When the system control unit 18 determines that the distance difference between the positions is equal to or less than the predetermined value (step S4: YES), the system control unit 18 returns to step S1 without notifying the communication state change message.

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 18 determines that the distance difference between the positions is not less than the predetermined value (step S4: NO), the system control unit 18 displays a communication state change message on the display (step S5). FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state change message displayed on the display. In FIG. 2B, a reference numeral 51 displays a communication state change message “I entered the DSRC information connection area”. Next, for example, the system control unit 18 causes the speaker in the audio processing unit 15 to output (reproduce) a communication state change message “entering the DSRC information connection area” (step S6). Thus, the communication state change message is notified to the user. Next, the system control unit 18 acquires the position information of the navigation device S2 when the communication state change message is notified to the user from the GPS receiving unit 11 (GPS data), and stores the acquired position information in the nonvolatile memory. Record (step S7). In addition, you may comprise so that any one process of the display of the communication state change message of step S5 and the audio | voice output of the communication state change message of step S6 may be performed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the current position information and the past position information are compared, and when the distance difference between the positions indicated by the compared position information is not less than a predetermined value, the display is performed. And a communication state change message by voice is notified to the user, and if the distance difference is less than or equal to a predetermined value, it is considered that the vehicle is hardly moving and the communication state change message is not notified to the user. Regardless of the detection period between the communication area and the outside of the communication area, it is possible to prevent frequent messages from being notified. For example, in a service area on a toll road, the radio wave condition of wireless communication is unstable when the user parks the vehicle at the boundary between the communication range and the outside of the communication range, turns off the ACC, performs a toilet break, and then turns on the ACC. Even in such a case, the communication status change message is not frequently notified (that is, the communication status change message is not frequently notified even though the vehicle is parked), so that the user is not uncomfortable. can do. In particular, since the communication state change message is not frequently output by voice, the user can be prevented from feeling noisy.

(Example 2)
FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating information notification processing in the system control unit 18 of the navigation device S2 in the second embodiment. In the process shown in FIG. 3A, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not the state has changed from outside the communication area with the DSRC roadside device R to within the communication area (step S11), and determines that the state has changed. If so (step S11: YES), a communication state change message is displayed on the display (step S13). Thereafter, the system control unit 18 acquires current position information and past position information (step S14), and determines whether or not the distance difference between the positions indicated by each position information is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S15). . That is, unlike the first embodiment, the system control unit 18 displays the communication state change message on the display regardless of whether or not the distance difference between the positions indicated by the position information is a predetermined value or less. Become. If the system control unit 18 determines that the distance difference between the positions is not less than the predetermined value (step S15: NO), the communication state change message is output from the speaker as in the first embodiment (step S15: NO). S16) The position information of the navigation device S2 at this time is recorded in the nonvolatile memory (step S17).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the distance difference between the positions indicated in the compared position information is less than a predetermined value, the case where the user is not gazing at the display is considered. Thus, the communication state change message can be displayed and only the notification of the message by voice can be suppressed.

(Example 3)
FIG. 3B is a flowchart illustrating information notification processing in the system control unit 18 of the navigation device S2 in the third embodiment. In the process shown in FIG. 3B, the processes in steps S21 to S25 are the same as the processes in steps S11 to S15 shown in FIG. However, in step S25 shown in FIG. 3B, the system control unit 18 determines that the distance difference between the positions indicated in the current position information and the past position information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (step S25: YES). ), Notification time information indicating the time when the previous communication state change message was notified to the user is acquired from the nonvolatile memory (step S29). If the notification time information is not yet recorded in the nonvolatile memory, the process proceeds to step S26.

  Next, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the notification time indicated in the acquired notification time information (that is, a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous notification of the communication state change message) (step S30). . This time is set to about 30 minutes to 1 hour, for example. If the system control unit 18 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the notification time (step S30: NO), the system control unit 18 returns to step S21 without notifying the communication state change message. On the other hand, if the system control unit 18 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification time (step S30: YES), the system control unit 18 proceeds to step S26 and outputs a communication state change message from the speaker (step S26). . Next, the system control unit 18 records the position information of the navigation device S2 in the nonvolatile memory when the communication state change message is notified in step S26 (step S27). Next, the system control unit 18 records the notification time information indicating the notification time when the communication state change message is notified in step S26 in association with the position information recorded in step S27 in the nonvolatile memory (step S28). ). The time information is acquired by, for example, the clock function of the system control unit 18.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, even if the distance difference between the positions indicated in the current position information and the past position information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the previous communication state change message notification is performed. Since it is configured to notify the communication status change message when the predetermined time has passed, it is effective for the user when a little time has passed such as lunch while preventing frequent message notification. A message can be notified.

  In the third embodiment, the communication state change message is displayed on the display before determining whether or not the distance difference between the positions indicated by the position information is equal to or less than a predetermined value (regardless of the determination result). However, when the distance difference between the positions indicated in the current position information and the past position information is not less than a predetermined value, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification time as in the first embodiment, the communication state A change message may be displayed (the same applies to the fourth and fifth embodiments).

Example 4
FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating information notification processing in the system control unit 18 of the navigation device S2 in the fourth embodiment. In the process shown in FIG. 4A, the processes in steps S31, S32, and S34 are the same as the processes in steps S21 to S23 shown in FIG. In step S33 shown in FIG. 4A, the system control unit 18 stores “outside → inside” change time information indicating the change time when the state changes from outside the communication range with the DSRC roadside device R to within the communication range. Record in memory. The system control unit 18 is configured to record “inside to outside” change time information indicating a change time when the state changes from the communication range with the DSRC roadside device R to the outside of the communication range in the nonvolatile memory. Also good. The processes in steps S35 to S41 shown in FIG. 4A are the same as the processes in steps S24 to S30 shown in FIG. However, in step S41 shown in FIG. 3B, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the notification time (step S41: NO), the system control unit 18 executes the area boundary attention guidance process (step S41: NO). Step S42). The area boundary attention guidance process is a process for notifying the user of a communication area boundary message when the area between the communication area and the outside of the communication area with the DSRC roadside machine R is repeatedly changed within a predetermined time interval. .

  4B and 4C are flowcharts showing an example of the area boundary caution guidance process. Any example of the process shown in FIG. 4B and the process shown in FIG. 4C may be adopted. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, first, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not a predetermined number (plural) of change time information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory (step S421). This number is set to about 3 to 4, for example. If the system control unit 18 determines that a predetermined number of change time information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory (step S421: YES), the system control unit 18 proceeds to step S422. On the other hand, when the system control unit 18 determines that the predetermined number of change time information is not recorded in the nonvolatile memory (step S421: NO), the system control unit 18 returns to step S31. In step S422, the system control unit 18 acquires each change time information from the nonvolatile memory. The change time information acquired here includes only a plurality of “outside → inside” change time information, a plurality of “outside → outside” change time information, or a plurality of “outside → inside” change time information. There may be both of a plurality of “inside to outside” change time information.

  Next, the system control unit 18 uses the acquired change time information to determine whether or not the range between the communication range with the DSRC roadside device R and the outside of the communication range has repeatedly changed within a predetermined time interval ( Step S423). This time interval is set to, for example, about 2 seconds to 10 seconds. In step S423, for example, the system control unit 18 calculates the change time intervals indicated in each change time information in order from the present time to the past. For example, an interval T1 between the first new (current) change time and the second new change time, an interval T2 between the second new change time and the third new change time, and so on are calculated. The Subsequently, the system control unit 18 determines whether the calculated intervals T1, T2, etc. are less than or equal to a predetermined time interval. If each interval T1, T2, etc. is less than the predetermined time interval, the system controller 18 communicates with the communication area. It is determined that the area has been repeatedly changed within a predetermined time interval (step S423: YES), and the process proceeds to step S424. On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication range with and outside the communication range with the DSRC roadside machine R has not repeatedly changed within a predetermined time interval (step S423: NO), the process returns to step S31.

  In step S424, the system control unit 18 displays a communication range boundary message on the display. Next, the system control unit 18 causes the speaker to output a communication range boundary message (step S425). Thereby, a communication area boundary message is notified to the user. Note that either one of the display of the communication range boundary message in step S424 and the voice output of the communication range boundary message in step S425 may be performed. Next, for example, the system control unit 18 erases (clears) all the change time information recorded in the nonvolatile memory (step S426), and returns to step S31. By performing the process of step S426, even if the state at the boundary between the communication range and the outside of the communication range continues thereafter, the time interval until the notification of the next communication range boundary message can be set a fixed time. it can.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 4C, first, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not a communication area boundary message has already been notified within a predetermined range (for example, 5 m) from the current position (step S420). ). For example, whenever the system control unit 18 notifies a communication range boundary message, the position information at that time is recorded. The system control unit 18 then determines that the distance difference between the position indicated in the recorded position information and the position indicated in the current position information acquired in step S35 is within a predetermined value (for example, the previous time If the vehicle has not moved since the notification of the communication area boundary message), it is determined that the communication area boundary message has already been notified within the predetermined range from the current position. When it is determined that the communication area boundary message has already been notified within the predetermined range from the current position (step S420: YES), the process returns to step S31. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the communication area boundary message from being frequently notified at the same position of the vehicle. On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication area boundary message has not been notified within the predetermined range from the current position (step S420: NO), the process proceeds to step S421, and the same process as in FIG. 4B is performed.

  In step S420, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not a communication area boundary message has been notified a predetermined number of times (for example, about 10 times) within a predetermined range from the current position, and the predetermined range from the current position. If it is determined that the communication area boundary message has already been notified a predetermined number of times, the process may return to step S31 without notifying the communication area boundary message. In this case, every time the system control unit 18 notifies the communication range boundary message, the number of times is incremented and recorded.

  As another example, in step S420, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes to 1 hour) has elapsed since the notification time of the previous communication area boundary message. When it is determined that the time has elapsed (step S420: YES), the process proceeds to step S421. When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S420: NO), the process returns to step S31. In this case, every time the system control unit 18 notifies the communication area boundary message, it records time information indicating the notification time at that time.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the boundary between the communication range and the outside of the communication range is repeatedly changed between the communication range with the DSRC roadside device R and the outside of the communication range within a predetermined time interval. Since the communication area boundary message indicating that the vehicle is in the communication area is notified to the user, for example, the user can be reminded that the vehicle is at the boundary between the communication area and the outside of the communication area.

(Example 5)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an information notification process in the system control unit 18 of the navigation device S2 in the fifth embodiment. In the process shown in FIG. 5, the processes in steps S51 to S53 are the same as the processes in steps S31 to S33 shown in FIG. In step S54 shown in FIG. 4A, the system control unit 18 is displaying a page (content) related to the page data acquired from the DSRC server SA (DSRC roadside machine R) (in other words, the user views the content). It is determined whether it is in progress). For example, when a page related to page data acquired from the DSRC server SA is displayed on the display in response to a content browsing instruction or a screen switching instruction from the user via the operation unit 17, the page is being displayed. It is determined that If the system control unit 18 determines that the page is being displayed (step S54: YES), the system control unit 18 returns to step S51. On the other hand, if the system control unit 18 determines that the page is not being displayed (step S54: NO), the system control unit 18 proceeds to step S55. Note that the processing in steps S55 to S63 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the processing in steps S34 to S42 shown in FIG. Moreover, you may comprise so that the process of step S54 may be performed before step S51.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when the page acquired from the DSRC server SA (DSRC roadside machine R) is being displayed, the comparison is made between the current position information and the past position information. First, since it is configured to suppress the notification of the communication state change message to the user, it is possible to prevent the browsing operation from being disturbed, for example, by displaying the message while the user is browsing the content. In this case, for example, the user can acquire page data of another page (selection to the DSRC server SA) by selecting (pressing) a “link to another page”, “back button”, or “next page button”. By displaying an error in (Page Request), you know that you are out of communication range.

  In steps S1, S11, S21, S31, and S51 in the first to fifth embodiments, the system control unit 18 determines whether or not the state has changed from outside the communication area with the DSRC roadside device R to within the communication area. However, instead of this, it may be configured to determine whether or not the state has changed from the communication area with the DSRC roadside device R to the outside of the communication area. In this case, when the distance difference between the positions indicated in the current position information and the past position information is not less than a predetermined value, or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the notification time, the system control unit 18 may, for example, “DSRC information connection The communication status change message “I am out of the area” will be notified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Acquisition means 2 Recording means 3 Determination means 4 Comparison means 5 Notification means 11 GPS receiving part 12 Sensor part 13 Storage part 14 Display part 15 Voice processing part 16 Communication part 17 Operation part 18 System control part 19 Bus S1 Communication apparatus S2 Navigation apparatus

Claims (1)

In the communication device capable of notifying the user of information indicating that the state has changed from the communication range to the outside communication range with the external communication device or that the state has changed from outside the communication range to the communication range,
Obtaining means for obtaining position information indicating a current position of the communication device;
Recording means for recording the position information of the communication device when information indicating that the state has changed is notified to a user;
Determining means for determining whether or not the state has changed;
The position information acquired by the acquisition unit when it is determined that the state has changed, and the information recorded by the recording unit when the information indicating that the state has changed last time was notified to the user. A comparison means for comparing position information;
Notification means for notifying the user of information indicating that the state has changed based on a comparison result by the comparison means;
A communication apparatus comprising:

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