JP3805779B2 - Navigation system with wireless communication function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation system using wireless communication.

  Navigation systems represented by car navigation are rapidly spreading. Along with this, development of a road traffic information communication system (VICS: Vehicle Information and Communication System) is being promoted as one of ITS (Intelligent Transfer System). The road traffic information communication system is a digital data communication that quickly sends information that meets the driver's needs, such as traffic jam information, regulation information, road guidance, and parking lot information, to the car navigation system using beacons and FM multiplex broadcasting installed on the road. System.

  As a specific information transmission method, first, only necessary information on a road in a traveling direction from a location to a user's vehicle is sent in detail, and information on a wide area is covered by FM multiplex broadcasting. However, VICS is a one-way communication from road beacons and FM multiplex broadcasts to car navigation, and the information provided is basically road traffic information, so various information desired by users can be obtained. It was difficult to do.

  By the way, an asymmetric wireless communication system called AWL (Asymmetric Wireless Link) is attracting attention as a wireless communication system capable of providing information services. AWL is a mobile communication system having a high-speed downlink channel, and can receive a large amount of information instantaneously (see, for example, Patent Document 1). If this AWL system is applied to a car navigation system, various information desired by the user can be instantaneously provided even during driving. However, AWL has a problem that the service area capable of high-speed transmission is limited to a very narrow area. In addition, not only AWL but generally high speed transmission is inevitably used, and as a result, the service area becomes very narrow.

In addition, since base stations using high frequencies are expensive, it is not economically preferable to install a large number of base stations and expand their service areas. Therefore, the service area capable of high-speed transmission must be spotted. Therefore, when performing high-speed data communication during driving, the user has to find a spot service area and move to that spot. This is very inconvenient for the user and it is dangerous to do such work while driving the car.
JP-A-8-274701

  As described above, when the AWL system is applied to a car navigation system, it takes time and effort to move to a spot-like service area, and it is dangerous for driving a car.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to save the troublesome work of a user and to provide a service safely.

  In addition, when another user wants to send a large amount of information to a user who is driving, he / she does not even know whether the user who is driving passes through a service area capable of high-speed transmission. Even if that was not possible. Therefore, an object is to provide information to such a user as soon as possible.

  Furthermore, even if it passes through the service area, there is a possibility that communication is not completed in a very short time for a vehicle that moves at high speed. Therefore, the object is to notify that the user has entered the service area by combining one or more of voice, image, and control information, and to prevent undelivered information.

  In addition, since the present invention can also be notified by a control signal, it can cope with automatic traveling in ITS.

  Also, in the conventional navigation system, since the terminal itself selects the route and was unable to notify it, the route that the car will take will not be sufficiently predicted, and the prediction of appropriate traffic information There was a problem that the traffic flow could not be adjusted.

  Then, it aims at grasping traffic flow by notifying the latest route information. If the traffic flow can be grasped, appropriate traffic information can be provided and the traffic flow can be adjusted.

The navigation system of the present invention includes a first communication unit that transmits and receives a signal of the first communication method, and a second signal that receives a signal of the second communication method having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. A wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information relating to navigation, an identification means for identifying information relating to the location of a route through the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means, and the identification means Route setting means for setting a route based on the information, and a service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than a service area covered by the first communication method and is set by the route setting means. The route is a navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by at least one second communication method. The navigation system further includes a recognizing unit for recognizing that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method, and the navigation system responds to the recognizing unit in response to the second communication. method characterized in that it comprises a notification means for notifying the user through voice information indicating that it has entered the service area covered. The navigation system of the present invention also includes a first communication means for transmitting / receiving a signal of the first communication method and a second communication method signal having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. And a communication means for transmitting and receiving information relating to navigation, an identification means for identifying information relating to the location of a route through the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means, and identification by the identification means And a route setting unit configured to set a route based on the information, the service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than the service area covered by the first communication method, and is set by the route setting unit. The route is a navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by at least one second communication method. Thus, the navigation system further recognizes that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method, and in response to the recognition means, the navigation system performs the second operation. And a notification means for notifying the user of information indicating that it has entered the service area covered by the communication method.

Further, the navigation system of the present invention receives a first communication means for transmitting and receiving a signal of the first communication method and a signal of the second communication method having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. And a communication means for transmitting and receiving information relating to navigation, an identification means for identifying information relating to the location of a route through the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means, and identification by the identification means And a route setting unit configured to set a route based on the information, the service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than the service area covered by the first communication method, and is set by the route setting unit. The navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by at least one or more of the second communication schemes, The navigation system further includes recognition means for recognizing that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method, and in response to the recognition means, the navigation system receives the second information. information indicating that the communication system enters the service area covered by, and means for supplying to the control means for controlling the travel of the vehicle in which the navigation system is mounted, you comprising the.

Further, the navigation system of the present invention receives a first communication means for transmitting and receiving a signal of the first communication method and a signal of the second communication method having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. And a communication means for transmitting and receiving information relating to navigation, an identification means for identifying information relating to the location of a route through the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means, and identification by the identification means And a route setting unit configured to set a route based on the information, the service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than the service area covered by the first communication method, and is set by the route setting unit. The navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by at least one or more of the second communication schemes, The information on the set route is transmitted to the first base station and the network via the first base station that performs communication using the first communication method by the first communication unit. notified by it to the connection information providing unit through you characterized.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reset the route by identifying specific control information at the time of outgoing or incoming call, and to set an appropriate route without disturbing the user. You can choose.

  The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

  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 a separate body.

  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 the final destination that the user wants to go to. Here, the user designates a place (route point) where he / she wants to go via the input unit 3 and notifies the base station side of this by using the wireless communication function. For example, a restaurant reservation is made. If a reservation is made, this is notified from the base station to the car navigation system via radio.

  At that time, the car navigation system resets a preset route so that it can pass through the target store and reach the final destination (FIG. 2).

  Another service image will be described. The user orders his / her desired item (information request) using the wireless communication function. For example, a burger is ordered from a fast food store or a book is ordered from a bookstore. If it is a fast food restaurant, hamburger cooking, packaging, calculation of total amount and tax etc., if it is a bookstore, find the book ordered, packaging, calculation of total amount and tax etc., When the user visits the store, the product should be delivered and cleared promptly.

  On the other hand, when the car navigation system transmits an information request signal, the car navigation system resets a route that has been set in advance so as to pass through the target store and reach the final destination.

  The example described above is for when a user makes a call. Next, an example of incoming calls will be described. For example, when a book that the user has reserved has arrived, the bookstore notifies the user using the wireless communication function. The car navigation system having the wireless communication function that has received the notification resets a route that has been set in advance so as to pass through the bookstore and reach the final destination.

  FIG. 3 shows an algorithm for realizing the above-described service. In STEP 11, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included in outgoing / incoming calls. If specific identification information is included, the location information of the destination (second destination) through which it is routed is searched (STEP 12). As a search method, for example, the navigation system main body has a correspondence table of the telephone number of the second destination and the position information, and uses this to search the position information, or a response signal from the second destination. In some cases, information on the position is included and used.

  Then, in STEP13, a route that goes to the final destination via the second destination is reset. Thereby, the user can reduce troublesome troubles during driving and can receive the service safely. In addition, when the second destination is included in the route set in advance, the route need not be reset.

  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 destination is included in the preset route. If the second destination is included, the route is not reset, but if not, the second destination is searched (selected) in STEP 33. Thereafter, in STEP 34, a route that goes to the destination is reset via the second destination.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system showing a second 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, and a control unit 4. The first and second wireless communication units 51 and 52 may be included in the car navigation body or may be separate. The first and second wireless communication units 51 and 52 are different communication methods, and the second communication method that communicates with the second wireless communication unit 52 is the first communication that communicates with the first wireless communication unit 51. Information transmission is performed at a higher speed than the system.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the system configuration of 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 installed in a car. 62 is a base station for the first communication system (first base station), 63 is a second base station for the communication system (second base station), 64 is a server that provides various information services, 65 Is a network and connects the first base station 62, the second base station 63, and the server 64.

  First, a service image when this embodiment is applied will be described. The user uses the first communication method to request information he desires. For example, while driving in the suburbs, request information on events currently being held in the city, restaurant information and play spot information in the city. At that time, the navigation system 61 resets the route so that it can go to the final destination via the service area of the second base station 63. Thereby, the user can reduce troublesome trouble during driving and can receive the information providing service safely.

  The example described above is for when a user makes a call. Next, an example of incoming calls will be described. For example, there is a user (herein referred to as user B) who wants to transmit a large amount of information to a user (herein referred to as user A) riding in a car equipped with the navigation system 61 relating 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 the user A passes through the area. Therefore, user B notifies that he wants to send information using the first communication method. Upon receiving the notification, the car navigation system 61 having the wireless communication function resets the route to reach the destination via the service area of the second communication method (in the following specific example, when an incoming call is received) Is omitted).

  FIG. 7 shows an algorithm for realizing this service. In STEP 71, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included when information is transmitted / received in the first communication method. If specific identification information is included, the second base station is searched (selected) in STEP 72. In this case, the second number of base stations may be plural. In STEP 73, the route to the destination is reset via the service area of the second base station.

  Further, when the route set in advance includes the service area of the second base station, it is not necessary to reset the route. FIG. 8 shows another algorithm for realizing this service. In STEP 81, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included when information is transmitted / received in the first communication method. 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. If not, the second base station is searched (selected) in STEP 83. In STEP 84, a route that goes to the destination is reset through a part of the service area of the second base station.

  Next, another service image when this embodiment is applied will be described. The user uses the first communication method to request information he desires. For example, while driving in the suburbs, request information on events currently being held in the city, restaurant information and play spot information in the city. 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 that provides the information requested by the user to the navigation system 61 via the first base station 62. The navigation system 61 resets a route that has been set in advance so that the user can go to the final destination via the second base station 63 designated by the server 64.

  On the other hand, the server 64 delivers information desired by the user to the designated second base station 63 via the network 65. 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 that passes through, the advantage that the traffic flow such as traffic congestion can be adjusted and the second base station 63 that is not recorded in the navigation system are also available. The advantage that desired information can be obtained also arises.

  FIG. 9 shows a signal flow for realizing the service in the present embodiment. First, the navigation system 61 requests information using the first communication method. The first base station 62 that has received the notification notifies the server 64 of the request signal. The server 64 selects the second base station that provides the 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 to the destination via the service area of the second base station 63 notified via the first base station. When the user enters the service area of the second base station 63, the desired information is downloaded.

  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 reconfiguration can be performed with little significant route change. Moreover, you may add the function which transmits the signal of a 2nd communication system to the 2nd communication means of the car navigation system in connection with this Embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system showing 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 units 51 and 52 may be included in the car navigation body or may be separate. The first and second wireless communication units 51 and 52 are different communication methods, and the second communication method that communicates with the second wireless communication unit 52 is the first communication that communicates with the first wireless communication unit 51. Information transmission is performed at a higher speed than the system.

  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 information early or obtain information with the shortest route change. The algorithm changing unit 101 changes the algorithm for resetting the route according to the quality information. For example, when there is a request to receive information quickly or to send information quickly (to a user who uses the car navigation system according to the present invention), the algorithm 1 uses the first item closest to the user's current location. If there is a request to re-establish the route so as to pass through the service area of the base station 2 and obtain information with the shortest route change, the algorithm 2 sets the route on the route with the least route change. The route is reset so that the service area of the two base stations is included (FIG. 11). FIG. 12 shows an algorithm for realizing this service. This algorithm is used to select a route resetting method when there are two types of quality requests: an algorithm for early reception and an algorithm for reception by the shortest route change. In STEP 121, it is recognized whether or not specific identification information is included in the information transmitted and received by the first communication method. If specific identification information is included, the presence or absence of a quality request is confirmed in STEP122. If there is a quality requirement, an algorithm corresponding to the quality requirement is selected in STEP123. Then, the second base station is searched (selected) using the algorithm selected in STEP124. In STEP125, the route to the destination is reset through the service area of the selected second base station.

(Fourth embodiment)
Even when the above-described embodiment is applied and the route is reset, the user may not pass the route indicated by the navigation system 61. In such a case, the service area of the second base station 63 may not be passed. 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. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unreception of information due to the non-passage of the service area of the second base station 63.

  FIG. 13 shows an algorithm for realizing the service in the present embodiment. In STEP 131, it is determined whether the route indicated by the navigation system 61 is being taken. When the route is deviated, in STEP 132, the point (A point) where it started is confirmed. In STEP 133, it is determined whether or not the route has been returned to the designated route. When returning to the instructed route, the point (point B) returned in STEP 134 is confirmed. 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 points A and B. If the service area of the second base station 63 is included, the route in which the second base station 63 is searched again in STEP 136 and the service area of the second base station 63 is passed in STEP 137. Set up. On the other hand, if the service area of the second base station 63 is not included between the points A and B in STEP 135, the service area of the second base station 63 must be passed through the currently set route. Can not be reset.

  However, in the above algorithm, while deviating the designated route, it passes through the service area of the second base station other than the second base station 63 designated by the navigation system 61 and receives desired information. Is also possible. In that case, it is not necessary to reset the route that passes through the second base station 63 again. Therefore, STEP 148 for determining whether or not desired information is received is provided before STEP 136 (FIG. 14). If the desired information is not received in STEP 148, STEP 136 and STEP 137 are executed. If the desired information is received, the route is not reset.

(Fifth embodiment)
Usually, the car is moving at a high speed of several tens of kilometers per hour, and the service area of the second base station 63 forms a spot service area, so that the service area of the second base station 63 is Even if it passes, the area stay time is short (as a result, the communication time is short), and all information may not be received. Therefore, when the above-described embodiment is applied, when the user enters the service area of the second base station 63, the fact is notified by voice, image, control signal, or the like. For example, when a notification is given by voice or image, the user can recognize that he / she is within the service area of the second base station, so the speed can be reduced or the car can be stopped until the information has been received. can do.

  On the other hand, the notification by the control signal can cause the vehicle control unit to recognize that it is within the service area of the second base station 113. This makes it possible to automatically control the vehicle to run at low speed or stop until information is received during automatic driving of the car.

  FIG. 15 shows an algorithm for realizing the service in the present embodiment. In STEP 151, the navigation system 61 determines whether or not the second base station 63 is within the service area. If it is within the area, notification is made by a combination of one or more of voice, image, and control signal (STEP 152).

  Here, in each of the above-described embodiments, a method for determining that the mobile station has entered the service area of the second base station 63 has not been specifically described. 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 own position by using a GPS (Global Positioning System), an autonomous traveling system, or the like. If the location information of the second base station 63 is recorded in advance in the navigation system 61, it can be determined whether or not the user is located within the service area of the second base station 63.

  As another method, since the navigation system 61 can communicate with the second base station 63, whether or not the reception level of the signal transmitted from the second base station 63 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. It can be determined that the mobile terminal is located within the service area of the second base station 63.

(Sixth embodiment)
The navigation system 61 notifies the server 64 or the center station managing the road traffic information via the first base station 62 not only when the route is initially set but also when the route is reset. This center station is connected via a network 65 (not shown). When this embodiment is applied, the server 64 or the center station can grasp that the route through which the user passes has changed. That is, since the server 64 can recognize the second base station 63 that the user plans to pass through, as shown in the second specific example, the information is delivered to the second base station 63 in advance. Therefore, the user can download the information immediately after entering the service area of the second base station 63. On the other hand, if it is a center station, the center station can always predict the traffic flow based on the latest information. Therefore, in a system that can make an appropriate traffic jam prediction or the center station can adjust the traffic flow. In addition, since it is possible to indicate an appropriate route with no bias in the traffic flow, it is also effective for an automatic traveling system or the like.

1 is a configuration diagram of a car navigation system showing a first embodiment. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 1st Embodiment. It is algorithm explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 1st Embodiment. It is another algorithm explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the car navigation system which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is algorithm explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is another algorithm explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the signal transmission procedure of the car navigation system which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the car navigation system which shows 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 4th Embodiment. It is algorithm explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 4th Embodiment. It is another algorithm explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 4th Embodiment. It is algorithm explanatory drawing of the car navigation system which shows 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Wireless communication part 2 ... Information display part 3 ... Input part 4 ... Control part

Claims (4)

A first communication means for transmitting and receiving a signal of the first communication method; and a second communication means for receiving a signal of the second communication method having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. Wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information about navigation;
Identification means for identifying information related to the location of the route from the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means;
A route setting unit configured to set a route based on the information identified by the identification unit;
The service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than the service area covered by the first communication method, and the route set by the route setting means is at least one of the second communication methods. A navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by
The navigation system further includes:
Recognition means for recognizing that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method;
In response to the recognition means, notification means for notifying the user by voice information indicating that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method;
A navigation system having a wireless communication function. A first communication means for transmitting and receiving a signal of the first communication method; and a second communication means for receiving a signal of the second communication method having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. Wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information about navigation;
Identification means for identifying information related to the location of the route from the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means;
A route setting unit configured to set a route based on the information identified by the identification unit;
The service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than the service area covered by the first communication method, and the route set by the route setting means is at least one of the second communication methods. A navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by
The navigation system further includes:
Recognition means for recognizing that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method;
In response to the recognition unit, information indicating that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method is supplied to a control unit that controls traveling of the vehicle on which the navigation system is mounted. Means,
A navigation system characterized by comprising: A first communication means for transmitting and receiving a signal of the first communication method; and a second communication means for receiving a signal of the second communication method having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. Wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information about navigation;
Identification means for identifying information related to the location of the route from the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means;
A route setting unit configured to set a route based on the information identified by the identification unit;
The service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than the service area covered by the first communication method, and the route set by the route setting means is at least one second communication method. A navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by
The information on the set route is connected to the first base station through the network by the first communication means via the first base station that performs communication using the first communication method. A navigation system provided with a wireless communication function, which is notified to the information providing means.   A first communication means for transmitting and receiving a signal of the first communication method; and a second communication means for receiving a signal of the second communication method having a higher transmission speed than the first communication method. Wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information about navigation;
  Identification means for identifying information related to the location of the route from the information transmitted and received by the wireless communication means;
  A route setting unit configured to set a route based on the information identified by the identification unit;
  The service area covered by the second communication method is narrower than the service area covered by the first communication method, and the route set by the route setting means is at least one of the second communication methods. A navigation system having a wireless communication function including a service area covered by
  The navigation system further includes:
    Recognition means for recognizing that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method;
    In response to the recognition means, a notification means for notifying the user of information indicating that the navigation system has entered a service area covered by the second communication method by an image;
A navigation system having a wireless communication function.

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