JP3587430B2 - Navigation system with wireless communication function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a navigation system using wireless communication.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Navigation systems represented by car navigation are rapidly spreading. Along with this, as one of ITS (Intelligent Transfer System), development of a road traffic information communication system (VICS: Vehicle Information and Communication System) has been promoted. Road traffic information communication system is a digital data communication system that uses beacons and FM multiplex broadcasting installed on the road to quickly send information that meets the driver's needs, such as traffic congestion information, regulation information, road guidance, and parking lot information, to car navigation systems. System.
[0003]
As a specific information transmission method, first, only necessary information on a road in a traveling direction is finely transmitted from a beacon on a road to a user's car from the place, and further, information over a wide area is covered by FM multiplex broadcasting. However, VICS is a one-way communication from beacons and FM multiplex broadcasting on the road to car navigation, and the information provided is basically road traffic information, so various information desired by the user can be obtained. It was difficult to do.
[0004]
By the way, an asymmetric wireless communication system called AWL (Asymmetric Wireless Link) attracts attention as a wireless communication system capable of providing an information providing service. AWL is a mobile communication system having a high-speed downlink channel, and can receive a large amount of information instantaneously. If this AWL system is applied to a car navigation system, various information desired by the user can be provided instantaneously even during driving. However, the AWL has a problem that the service area where high-speed transmission is possible is limited to a very small area. Also, in general, when realizing high-speed transmission, not limited to AWL, a high frequency must be used, and as a result, its service area becomes very narrow.
[0005]
In addition, since a base station using a high frequency is expensive, it is not economically preferable to install a very large number of base stations and expand the service area in terms of area. Therefore, the service area where high-speed transmission is possible must be spot-like. Therefore, when high-speed data communication is performed during driving, it is necessary for the user to search for a spot-like service area and move to that spot. This is very inconvenient for the user, and it is dangerous to perform such work while driving a car.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, when the AWL system is applied to a car navigation system, moving to a spot-like service area requires troublesome work and is dangerous for driving a car.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to eliminate troublesome work of a user and to provide a service safely.
Also, when another user wants to send a large amount of information to a driving user, he / she does not know whether the driving user passes through a high-speed transmission service area. Even if that was not possible. Therefore, it is an object to provide information to such a user as soon as possible.
[0008]
Furthermore, even if the vehicle passes through the service area, there is a possibility that communication with a car moving at high speed may not be completed in a very short time. Therefore, an object is to notify that the user has entered the service area by using at least one of voice, image, and control information in combination, thereby preventing undelivered information.
[0009]
Further, the present invention can also be notified by a control signal, so that it can cope with automatic driving in ITS.
In addition, in the conventional navigation system, the terminal itself could not select a route and could not be informed of the route selection. There was a problem that it was not possible or that the traffic flow could not be adjusted.
[0010]
Therefore, an object is to be able to grasp the traffic flow by notifying the latest route information. If traffic flow can be grasped, appropriate traffic information can be provided and traffic flow can be adjusted.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention,A first communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal of a first communication system, and a second communication unit for receiving a signal of a second communication system having a higher transmission speed than the first communication system; Wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information related to navigation, identification means for identifying information on the location of a place to be passed from information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means, and setting of a route based on the information identified by the identification means A service area covered by the second communication method is smaller than a service area covered by the first communication method, and the path set by the path setting means is at least one. It is characterized by including service areas covered by one or more of the second communication schemes.
[0012]
Furthermore, in the present invention,A service area covered by the second communication method is included in the middle of a first point and a second point different from the first point on the route set by the route setting means, When moving between the first point and the second point without passing through a service area covered by a second communication method, the route is reset.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
【Example】
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]
The car navigation system according to the present embodiment includes a wireless communication unit 1, an information display unit 2, an input unit 3, and a control unit 4. The wireless communication unit may be provided in the car navigation body or may be separate.
[0019]
First, a service image when the present invention is applied will be described. The information display unit 2 of the car navigation system displays a route to a final destination that the user wants to go to. Here, the user specifies a place (route point) that he / she wants to go to via the input unit 3 and notifies the base station side of it using a wireless communication function. For example, a restaurant reservation is made. If a reservation can be made, the base station notifies the car navigation system via radio.
[0020]
At that time, the car navigation system resets a route that has been set in advance so that the vehicle can pass through the target store and reach the final destination (FIG. 2).
Another service image will be described. The user uses the wireless communication function to place an order (information request) for what he wants. For example, order a hamburger from a fast food restaurant or order a book from a bookstore. If it is a fast food store, it will cook and package hamburgers, calculate the total amount and taxes, etc.If it is a bookstore, search for the ordered book, calculate the packaging, calculate the total amount and taxes, etc. When the user comes to the store, the goods can be promptly delivered and cleared.
[0021]
On the other hand, when transmitting the information request signal, the car navigation system resets a route that has been set in advance so that the vehicle can pass through the target store and go to the final destination.
The example described above is when the user makes a call. Next, an example of an incoming call will be described. For example, when a book reserved by the user arrives, the bookstore notifies the user of the arrival using a wireless communication function.
The car navigation system having the wireless communication function that has received the notification resets a route set in advance so that the car navigation system can pass through the bookstore and reach the final destination.
[0022]
FIG. 3 shows an algorithm for realizing the service described above. In STEP 11, at the time of outgoing / incoming call, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included. If the specific identification information is included, the location information of the destination (second destination) to go through is searched (STEP 12). The search method includes, for example, a method in which the navigation system main body has a correspondence table between the telephone number of the second destination and the position information and uses the table to search for the position information, and a response signal from the second destination. Contains information on the position, and there are cases where the information is used.
[0023]
Then, in STEP 13, the route is reset so as to go to the final destination via the second destination. As a result, the user can reduce troublesome work during driving and can receive a service safely. In addition, when the second destination is included in the preset route, the route need not be reset.
[0024]
FIG. 4 shows another algorithm for realizing this service. In step 31, when information is transmitted / received, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included. If the specific identification information is included, it is checked in STEP 32 whether or not the second route is included in the preset route. If the second destination is included, the route is not reset, but if not, a search (selection) of the second destination is performed in STEP33. Then, in STEP 34, a route is set again to go to the destination via the second destination.
[0025]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]
The car navigation system according to the present embodiment includes a first wireless communication unit 51, a second wireless communication unit 52, an information display unit 2, an input unit 3, and a control unit 4. The first and second wireless communication sections 51 and 52 may be provided in the car navigation body or may be separate bodies. The first and second wireless communication units 51 and 52 are respectively different communication systems, and the second communication system that communicates with the second wireless communication unit 52 is the first communication system that communicates with the first wireless communication unit 51. The information transmission is faster than the system.
[0027]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a system configuration according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 61 denotes a navigation system having a wireless communication function according to the present embodiment, which is mounted on a vehicle. 62 is a base station for the first communication system (first base station); 63 is a base station for the second communication system (second base station); 64 is a server that provides various information services; Is a network, which connects a first base station 62, a second base station 63, and a server 64.
[0028]
First, a service image when the present embodiment is applied will be described. The user uses the first communication method to request information desired by the user. For example, during a drive in a suburb, a request is made for event information currently being held in the city, restaurant information in the city, and play spot information. At that time, the navigation system 61 resets the route so that the user can go to the final destination via the service area of the second base station 63. As a result, the user can reduce troublesome driving while driving and can receive the information providing service safely.
[0029]
The example described above is when the user makes a call. Next, an example of an incoming call will be described. For example, there is a user (here, called user B) who wants to transmit a large amount of information to a user (here, called user A) in a car equipped with the navigation system 61 according to the present embodiment. The information that the user B wants to send can be sent only by the second communication method because of the large capacity. However, since the service area of the second communication method is spot-like, it is not known whether user A passes through the area. Therefore, the user B notifies that he wants to send information by the first communication method. The car navigation system 61 having the wireless communication function receiving the notification resets the route to the destination via the service area of the second communication method (in the following specific example, when a call arrives, Is omitted).
[0030]
FIG. 7 shows an algorithm for realizing this service. In step 71, when transmitting / receiving information by the first communication method, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included. If the specific identification information is included, a search (selection) of the second base station is performed in STEP72. In this case, the number of second base stations may be plural. Then, in STEP 73, a route is set again to go to the destination via the service area of the second base station.
[0031]
In addition, when the previously set route includes the service area of the second base station, the route need not be reset.
FIG. 8 shows another algorithm for realizing this service. In STEP 81, when transmitting / receiving information in the first communication method, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included. If the specific identification information is included, it is checked in STEP 82 whether or not the service area of the second base station is included in the preset route.
If the service area of the second base station is included, the route is not reset, but if not, the search (selection) of the second base station is performed in STEP83. Then, in STEP 84, a route is reset to go to the destination via a part of the service area of the second base station.
[0032]
Next, another service image when the present embodiment is applied will be described. The user uses the first communication method to request information desired by the user. For example, during a drive in a suburb, a request is made for event information currently being held in the city, restaurant information in the city, and play spot information. Upon receiving this request, the first base station 62 transmits the request signal to the server 64 via the network 65. The server 64 transmits the position information of the second base station 63 providing the information requested by the user to the navigation system 61 via the first base station 62. The navigation system 61 resets a preset route so that the user can go to the final destination via the second base station 63 designated by the server 64.
[0033]
On the other hand, the server 64 delivers information desired by the user to the designated second base station 63 via the network 65 in advance. Thereby, when the user enters the service area of the second base station, desired information can be received promptly. In addition, since the server 64 indicates the service area of the second base station 63 to be passed, there is an advantage that it is possible to adjust the traffic flow such as traffic congestion,Navigation systemThere is also an advantage that it is possible to obtain desired information from the second base station 63 that is not recorded in the second base station.
[0034]
FIG. 9 shows a signal flow for realizing a service in the present embodiment. First, the navigation system 61 requests information by the first communication method. The first base station 62 having received the notification notifies the server 64 of the request signal. The server 64 selects a second base station that provides a service requested by the user, and notifies the location information via the first base station. Regarding the selection of the second base station 63, as an example of the simplest method, the server 64 selects, for example, the second base station 63 in the service area of the first base station 62 where the user is located. . At the same time, the server 64 delivers the information requested by the user to the selected second base station 63. The navigation system 61 resets the route notified to the destination via the service area of the second base station 63 via the first base station. Then, when the user enters the service area of the second base station 63, the user downloads desired information.
[0035]
Further, when the navigation system 61 notifies the server 64 of the route to the final destination, the server 64 can select the second base station 63 in consideration of the route. On the other hand, there is an advantage that resetting can be performed with less significant route change.
Further, a function of transmitting a signal of the second communication method may be added to the second communication means of the car navigation system according to the present embodiment.
[0036]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
The car navigation system according to the present embodiment includes a first wireless communication unit 51, a second wireless communication unit 52, an information display unit 2, an input unit 3, a control unit 4, and an algorithm change unit 101. The first and second wireless communication sections 51 and 52 may be provided in the car navigation body or may be separate bodies. The first and second wireless communication units 51 and 52 are respectively different communication systems, and the second communication system that communicates with the second wireless communication unit 52 is the first communication system that communicates with the first wireless communication unit 51. The information transmission is faster than the system.
[0037]
In the car navigation system according to the present embodiment, in addition to the second embodiment, the user's request includes quality information indicating whether the user wants to receive the information early or obtains the information with the shortest route change. The algorithm of the route resetting is changed by the algorithm changing unit 101 according to the quality information. For example, if there is a request for early reception or a request for early delivery of information (for a user using the car navigation system according to the present invention), the algorithm 1 uses the nearest 2. If there is a request to re-establish the route so as to pass through the service area of the base station No. 2 and obtain the information by the shortest route change, the algorithm 2 uses the second route on the route with the least route change. The route is reset so as to include the service area of the base station No. 2 (FIG. 11).
FIG. 12 shows an algorithm for realizing this service. This algorithm is for selecting a route resetting method when there are two types of quality requirements: an algorithm for early reception and an algorithm for reception by the shortest route change. In STEP 121, it is recognized whether or not the information transmitted and received by the first communication method includes specific identification information. If specific identification information is included, it is checked in STEP 122 whether there is a quality request. If there is a quality request, an algorithm according to the quality request is selected in STEP123. Then, a search (selection) of the second base station is performed using the algorithm selected in STEP124. In STEP 125, a route is reset to go to the destination via the service area of the selected second base station.
[0038]
(Fourth embodiment)
Even when the above-described embodiment is applied and the route is reset, the user may not pass through the route specified by the navigation system 61 in some cases. In such a case, it may not pass through the service area of the second base station 63. Therefore, when returning to the original route without passing through the service area of the second base station 63, the route is reset so as to pass through the service area of the second base station 63 again. As a result, it is possible to prevent information not being received due to the non-passing of the service area of the second base station 63.
[0039]
FIG. 13 shows an algorithm for realizing the service in the present embodiment. In STEP 131, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is on the route specified by the navigation system 61. When the route is deviated, the point (point A) at which the route started is confirmed in STEP132. Then, in STEP 133, it is determined whether or not the route has returned to the designated route. When returning to the instructed route, the return point (point B) is confirmed in STEP134. Then, in STEP 135, it is determined whether or not the service area of the second base station 63 is included on the original route between the point A and the point B. If the service area of the second base station 63 is included, a search for the second base station 63 is performed again in STEP 136, and a route that passes through the service area of the second base station 63 in STEP 137. Make the settings for On the other hand, if the service area of the second base station 63 is not included between the point A and the point B in STEP 135, the current route may pass through the service area of the second base station 63. Do not reset.
[0040]
However, in the above algorithm, it is necessary to pass through the service area of the second base station other than the second base station 63 indicated by the navigation system 61 and receive desired information while deviating from the indicated route. Is also conceivable. In that case, it is not necessary to reset the route so as to pass through the second base station 63 again. Therefore, before STEP 136, STEP 148 for determining whether desired information is received is provided (FIG. 14). If the desired information has not been received in STEP 148, STEP 136,STEP137And if the desired information has been received, the route is not reset.
[0041]
(Fifth embodiment)
Usually, a car moves at high speed of several tens of kilometers per hour, and the service area of the second base station 63 forms a spot-like service area. Even after passing through the service area, there is a possibility that all information cannot be received because the area staying time is short (as a result, the communication time is short). Thus, when the above-described embodiment is applied, if the user enters the service area of the second base station 63, the user is notified by voice, image, control signal, or the like. For example, if a notification is given by voice or image, the user can recognize that he / she is in the service area of the second base station, so that the user slows down or stops the vehicle until reception of the information is completed. can do.
[0042]
On the other hand, the notification by the control signal can cause the control unit of the vehicle to recognize that the vehicle is in the service area of the second base station 113. This makes it possible to perform automatic control such as running at a low speed or stopping the vehicle until information is received during automatic travel of the vehicle.
[0043]
FIG. 15 shows an algorithm for realizing the service in the present embodiment. In STEP 151, the navigation system61Determines whether the second base station 63 is within the service area. If it is within the area, the notification is made by a combination of any one or more of voice, image, and control signal (STEP 152).
[0044]
In each of the above-described embodiments, a method of determining that the mobile station has entered the service area of the second base station 63 has not been particularly described, and an example of the determination method will be described here. There are roughly two judgment methods. One is a method in which the navigation system 61 determines from route information. The navigation system 61 can know its position using a GPS (Global Positioning System), an autonomous driving system, or the like. If the position information of the second base station 63 is recorded in the navigation system 61 in advance, it can be determined whether or not the user is located in the service area of the second base station 63.
[0045]
As another method, since the navigation system 61 can communicate with the second base station 63, it is determined whether the reception level of the signal transmitted from the second base station 63 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. , Can be determined to be located within the service area of the second base station 63.
[0046]
(Sixth embodiment)
The navigation system 61 notifies the server 64 or the center station managing road traffic information via the first base station 62 not only at the time of initial setting of the route but also at the time of resetting. This center station is connected via a network 65 (not shown). By applying the present embodiment, the server 64 or the center station can recognize that the route that the user has passed has changed. That is, since the server 64 can recognize the second base station 63 that the user is going to pass, information is delivered to the second base station 63 in advance as shown in the second specific example. Since the user can enter the service area of the second base station 63, the user can immediately download the information. On the other hand, if it is a center station, the center station can always predict traffic flow based on the latest information, so a system that can appropriately predict traffic congestion or a system where the center station can adjust traffic flow Therefore, it is possible to instruct an appropriate route without bias in traffic flow, which is also effective for an automatic driving system and the like.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a route can be reset by identifying specific control information at the time of outgoing or incoming call, and an appropriate route can be set without bothering the user. You can choose.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a car navigation system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a first fruitOutIt is an algorithm explanatory view of the car navigation system which shows the form.
FIG. 4 shows a first fruitOutFIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another algorithm of the car navigation system showing the mode of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a car navigation system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7: Second fruitOutAlgorithm of Car Navigation System Showing the Form of
FIG.
FIG. 8: Second fruitOutFIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another algorithm of the car navigation system showing the mode of FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a signal transmission procedure of the car navigation system according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a car navigation system according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a car navigation system according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 13 shows a fourth fruitOutIt is an algorithm explanatory view of the car navigation system which shows the form.
FIG. 14 shows a fourth fruitOutFIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another algorithm of the car navigation system showing the mode of FIG.
FIG. 15: Fifth fruitOutIt is an algorithm explanatory view of the car navigation system which shows the form.

Claims (2)

A first communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal of a first communication system, and a second communication unit for receiving a signal of a second communication system having a higher transmission speed than the first communication system; Wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information related to navigation,
From information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means, identification means for identifying information on the location of the place to go through,
Route setting means for setting a route based on the information identified by the identification means,
The service area covered by the second communication method is smaller than the service area covered by the first communication method, and the path set by the path setting means is at least one of the second communication methods. A navigation system having a wireless communication function, which includes a service area covered by a navigation system. A service area covered by the second communication method is included in the middle of a first point and a second point different from the first point on the route set by the route setting means, The method according to claim 1, wherein the route is reset when the user moves between the first point and the second point without passing through a service area covered by a second communication method. Navigation system with wireless communication function.

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