JP5223286B2 - Information providing apparatus, information providing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and a program suitable for enabling content to be reproduced at a timing suitable for the data receiving side.

Services such as car navigation systems that distribute various types of content such as moving images, still images, audio, and character information are widespread. The data distribution side that provides the content has a mechanism that can efficiently and effectively provide the content to the user on the data reception side (car navigation in-vehicle device side), such as a car navigation system as in Patent Document 1. Looking for.
JP 2005-345325 A

  In particular, in the so-called push distribution in which information is automatically sent from the data distribution side to the data reception side without the user pulling (pulling) the information, the various types of content described above are combined. It is important for the data distribution side to allow the user who changes his / her position every moment to view the composite content at a timing that the data distribution side intends.

  However, even if the data receiving side wants to play the content when it reaches a predetermined location, the data receiving side cannot interrupt and play the content because it is in the middle of the route guidance by the car navigation system. In some cases, the content could not be played because it was passing. For this reason, the content may not be provided to the user as intended by the data distribution side.

  The present invention solves such a problem, and provides an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and a program suitable for enabling content to be reproduced at a timing suitable for the data receiving side. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve this object, an information providing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information providing apparatus that reproduces content data and provides information to a user.
From the distribution device that distributes the content data including the priority of reproduction and the first reproduction condition and the second reproduction condition that specify the position or area of the information providing device that reproduces the content data; Data acquisition means for acquiring data;
Data storage means for storing the content data acquired by the data acquisition means;
Data reproducing means for reproducing the content data stored in the data storage means;
Position measuring means for measuring a current position of the information providing device;
Position determining means for determining whether or not the current position measured by the position measuring means is included in the position or area indicated by the first reproduction condition or the position or area indicated by the second reproduction condition;
With
The data reproduction means is determined by the position determination means when the current position measured by the position measurement means is included in a position or region indicated by the first reproduction condition or the second reproduction condition, and
(X) If the priority content data which is other content data having a higher priority than the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is not reproduced, the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is reproduced,
(Y) In the case where connected content data that is consistent information is being reproduced by reproducing a part at the second position and then reproducing another part at the second position, the data acquisition means acquires Continuing to play the connected content data in preference to the content data
It is characterized by that.

The data reproduction means is a case where the priority content data is not reproduced, and
(A) wherein the position measuring means has measured current position, if it is determined by the position determination means to be included in the location or area of the first regeneration condition is shown, the content data by the data acquisition means acquires Play and
(B) the current position the position measuring means is measured is the second reproduction condition is determined by the position determining means and included in the position or region indicated by, and, at a position where the first reproduction condition is shown If not, play the content data acquired by the data acquisition means ,
The current position (c) the position measuring means is measured is the second reproduction condition is determined by the position determining means and included in the position or region indicated by, and, at a position where the first reproduction condition is shown When played back, the content data acquired by the data acquisition means is not played back.
It is good as well.

In the case where the data acquisition means acquires the first content data and the second content data,
The first content data and the second content data, respectively, the first specifies the priority of the reproduction, the position of the information providing apparatus for reproducing the first content data or said second content data wherein the first reproduction condition and the second regeneration conditions, and
The current position the position measuring means is measured is the second reproduction condition of the first content data included in the position indicated by, and the position indicated by the first regeneration conditions of the second content data If included, as discriminated by said position discriminating means, said data reproducing means may reproduce the second content data.

Content data distributed from the distribution device comprises a connecting flag indicating whether or not the a concatenated content data,
The data reproduction means may determine whether the content data acquired by the data acquisition means is the connected content data based on the connection flag.

The content data, the location or area the current position indicated by the first regeneration conditions or, predetermined to play when included in either one of the position or region and the second reproduction condition is shown It includes the common data,
Said data reproducing means, the common case where data is reproduced, said common data may not play when filled with the second reproduction condition when filled with the first reproduction condition.

An information providing method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:
A data acquisition step of acquiring the content data including a playback priority, and a first playback condition and a second playback condition for designating a position or region of an information providing apparatus for playing back the content data;
A data storage step of storing the content data acquired in the data acquisition step in a memory;
A data reproduction step of reproducing the content data stored in the memory;
A position measurement step for measuring the current position of the self;
A position determination step for determining whether or not the current position measured in the position measurement step is included in the position or area indicated by the first reproduction condition or the position or area indicated by the second reproduction condition; ,
With
In the data reproduction step, the position determination step determines that the current position measured in the position measurement step is included in a position or region indicated by the first reproduction condition or the second reproduction condition; and ,
(X) If the priority content data which is other content data having a higher priority than the content data acquired in the data acquisition step is not reproduced, the content data acquired in the data acquisition step is reproduced.
(Y) In the case where connected content data that is consistent information is being played back by playing back a part at the second position after a part is played at the first position, it is acquired in the data acquisition step. Continuing to play the connected content data in preference to the content data
It is characterized by that.

A program according to a third aspect of the present invention provides a computer that reproduces content data and provides information to a user.
The content data is distributed from a distribution device that distributes the content data including a reproduction priority and a first reproduction condition and a second reproduction condition that specify a position or area of the computer that reproduces the content data. Data acquisition means to acquire,
Data storage means for storing the content data acquired by the data acquisition means;
Data reproducing means for reproducing the content data stored in the data storage means;
Position measuring means for measuring the current position of the computer;
Position determining means for determining whether or not the current position measured by the position measuring means is included in the position or area indicated by the first reproduction condition or the position or area indicated by the second reproduction condition;
Function as
The data reproduction means is determined by the position determination means when the current position measured by the position measurement means is included in a position or region indicated by the first reproduction condition or the second reproduction condition, and
(X) If the priority content data which is other content data having a higher priority than the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is not reproduced, the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is reproduced,
(Y) In the case where connected content data that is consistent information is being reproduced by reproducing a part at the second position and then reproducing another part at the second position, the data acquisition means acquires Continuing to play the connected content data in preference to the content data
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce content at a timing suitable for the data receiving side.

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

( Reference embodiment )
As shown in FIG. 1, the ITS communicates between a roadside wireless device 100 disposed in the vicinity of a place such as a road or a parking lot where vehicles pass, and the roadside wireless device 100 mounted on the vehicle and communicates with the user. The vehicle-mounted device 200 that provides traffic information and the like to the (vehicle passenger) and the traffic information distribution server 300 that generates various information such as traffic information and supplies the information to the roadside apparatus 100 are provided. A communication method between the vehicle-mounted device 200 and the roadside apparatus 100 is a DSRC (Dedicated) generally used in push distribution.
Short Range Communication).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the traffic information distribution server 300 includes an input unit 301, an output unit 302, a first communication control unit 303, a second communication control unit 304, a storage device 305, a control unit 306, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 307, RAM (Random Access Memory) 308, and system bus 309.

  The input unit 301 includes a keyboard, a mouse, an input interface, and the like. The input unit 301 receives an instruction input from the server administrator, an input of various data, and the like and inputs them to the control unit 306.

  The output unit 302 includes a display device and displays image data and message data.

  The first communication control unit 303 communicates with an external device via a general communication network NW1 such as a telephone line or the Internet, and transmits and receives various information.

  The second communication control unit 304 is connected to each roadside apparatus 100 via the ITS communication network NW2, and transmits traffic information and the like to the roadside apparatus 100. In addition, the second communication control unit 304 receives information obtained by each roadside apparatus 100 through communication with the vehicle-mounted device 200 via the ITS communication network NW2. For example, information received from the vehicle-mounted device 200 is used to generate traffic information.

  The storage device 305 includes a hard disk device or the like, and stores image data, audio data, text data, and the like indicating traffic information and advertisements. Further, the storage device 305 stores geographical information of the vicinity of each roadside apparatus 100 in addition to the position and address of each roadside apparatus 100.

  The control unit 306 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls the operation of the traffic information distribution server 300 as a whole. Further, the control unit 306 creates content data to be distributed to each roadside apparatus 100 based on various information stored in the storage device 305, and controls the second communication control unit 304 to set up the ITS communication network NW2. To each roadside apparatus 100. The configuration of content data generated and transmitted by the control unit 306 will be described later.

  The ROM 307 stores an operating system (OS), a program, and the like necessary for operation control of the entire traffic information distribution server 300.

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

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

  Next, the configuration of the roadside apparatus 100 will be described. The roadside apparatus 100 typically includes a transceiver such as a beacon (radiowave beacon, optical beacon, etc.) installed on a road or in a parking lot. The roadside apparatus 100 transmits content data such as traffic information and advertisements from the beacon to the surroundings. The roadside apparatus 100 does not pull out (pull) information from the user, but distributes information by so-called push distribution in which information is automatically sent from the content providing side to the client without the user's operation. The roadside apparatus 100 receives the content data to be transmitted from the traffic information distribution server 300, stores it, and wirelessly transmits it. The vehicle-mounted device 200 of the vehicle passing near the roadside apparatus 100 receives content data from the roadside apparatus 100.

  Here, the content data includes data for instructing a reproduction condition for reproducing the content data (for example, a geographical position where the reproduction of the content data is started). Details will be described later.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the roadside apparatus 100 includes a wireless communication unit 101, a communication control unit 102, a storage device 103, a control unit 104, a ROM 105, a RAM 106, and a system bus 107.

  The wireless communication unit 101 communicates information with the vehicle-mounted device 200 installed in a vehicle that passes in the vicinity of the roadside apparatus 100 by a radio signal such as a radio wave signal or an optical signal. For example, the wireless communication unit 101 transmits the traffic information provided from the traffic information distribution server 300 to the vehicle-mounted device 200. In addition, the wireless communication unit 101 receives information such as a vehicle ID transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 200.

  The communication control unit 102 is connected to the traffic information distribution server 300 via the ITS communication network NW2, receives content data such as traffic information and advertisements transmitted from the traffic information distribution server 300, and stores them in the storage device 103. In addition, the information acquired from the vehicle-mounted device 200 is transmitted to the traffic information distribution server 300.

  The storage device 103 stores traffic information and advertisements received from the traffic information distribution server 300.

  The control unit 104 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the operation of the entire roadside apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 104 pushes and distributes traffic information and advertisements stored in the storage device 103 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 by controlling the wireless communication unit 101. The control unit 104 stores information acquired from the vehicle-mounted device 200 by the wireless communication unit 101 in the storage device 103. In addition, the control unit 104 generates traffic information around the roadside apparatus 100 using a traffic counter (not shown), stores the traffic information in the storage device 103, and stores the traffic information in the traffic information distribution server 300 via the ITS communication network NW2. It can also be sent.

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

  The RAM 106 functions as a work area for the control unit 104.

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

  Next, the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200 will be described. The vehicle-mounted device 200 is installed in an automobile. In the present embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device 200 is configured integrally with a general car navigation device, and includes a car navigation function and a function of reproducing content data pushed and distributed from the roadside apparatus 100. However, an embodiment without a car navigation function may be employed.

  The vehicle-mounted device 200 determines its own position and receives content data that is push-distributed from the roadside apparatus 100. For example, the vehicle-mounted device 200 reproduces the content data when the measured position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 matches the geographical position for reproduction (hereinafter referred to as “reproduction position”) included in the received content data. To do. This will be described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle-mounted device 200 includes a communication unit 201, an audio processing unit 202, an output unit 203, an operation unit 204, an I / O (Input / Output) device 205, a storage device 206, a control unit 207, a ROM 208, A RAM 209 and a system bus 210 are provided.

  The communication unit 201 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 201a and a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) module 201b.

  The GPS module 201 a receives GPS radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites and supplies them to the control unit 207. The control unit 207 can acquire the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 by controlling the GPS module 201a.

  The DSRC module 201b communicates with the roadside apparatus 100 using the DSRC method.

  The audio processing unit 202 converts the digital audio signal input from the control unit 207 into an analog audio signal using a D / A converter (not shown), and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 222. Also, the voice processing unit 202 converts the voice input from the microphone 223 into a digital audio signal by an A / D converter (not shown), and inputs the digital audio signal to the control unit 207. The digital audio signal input to the control unit 207 is subjected to voice recognition processing by a known voice recognition technique. Thereby, the user can listen to the navigation voice or can give a predetermined instruction by inputting the voice to the navigation.

  The output unit 203 includes a monitor, and displays content data such as navigation images acquired by the communication unit 201, a television image, a map image stored in advance in the storage device 206, and the like.

  The operation unit 204 includes a touch panel type input device and the like, generates an instruction input signal based on an instruction input by the user, and inputs the instruction input signal to the control unit 207.

  The I / O device 205 includes a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory) drive, reads data from a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM storing predetermined map information (map data), and the like, and controls the control unit 207. To enter. Further, the I / O device 205 acquires a detection signal of a sensor group 225 such as a speed sensor, a travel distance sensor, a direction sensor, and a brake sensor, and supplies the detection signal to the control unit 207.

  The storage device 206 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) and stores predetermined map information and various setting information. Note that the storage device 206 may include another memory such as a memory card. The control unit 207 may read the map information from a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM storing the map information as needed, or read the map information from the recording medium in advance and write it in the storage device 206 (installed). You may do it.

The control unit 207 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the operation of the on-vehicle device 200 as a whole. For example, the control unit 207 determines the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 (own vehicle) based on the GPS signal received via the GPS module 201a. In addition, the control unit 207 takes in the output of the direction sensor included in the sensor group 225 via the I / O device 205 and determines the current traveling direction of the host vehicle. In addition, the control unit 207 obtains the travel distance of the own vehicle from the output of the distance sensor. In addition, the control unit 207 receives content data such as traffic information from the roadside apparatus 100 via the VICS (registered trademark) module 201b, and based on data designating the reproduction condition included in the received content data. Reproduce. Note that the control unit 207 may include a coprocessor or the like.

  The ROM 208 stores an operating system (OS), programs, and various data necessary for operation control of the entire vehicle-mounted device 200.

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

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

  Next, a functional configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle-mounted device 200 includes a data acquisition unit 251, a data reproduction unit 253, a self-position detection unit 254, a position matching determination unit 255, a traveling direction detection unit 256, a direction matching determination unit 257, and a road type detection unit. 258 and a road type determination unit 259.

  The data acquisition unit 251 receives and acquires one or more pieces of content data to be reproduced from the roadside apparatus 100. The control unit 207, the communication unit 201, and the storage device 206 cooperate to function as the data acquisition unit 251.

  The content data is, for example, moving image data such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format, still image data such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, audio data in TTS (Text-to-Speech) format, text information, etc. Contains text data. One content data is composed of one or more of these data. Details will be described later.

  These data are not only specified to be reproduced alone, but also specified to be reproduced simultaneously with or in parallel with other data. For example, it is a combination of map image data of a certain area and sound data explaining sightseeing information of the area. Here, “simultaneous” does not require that the times coincide completely, and it is only necessary that the reproduction timings partially overlap.

  In general, a content providing side (data distribution side) composed of an image and audio produces image data and audio data on the assumption that these are reproduced simultaneously. In the present embodiment, when there is content data to be reproduced at the same time, the roadside apparatus 100 stores information specifying them and distributes the content data. The in-vehicle device 200 can simultaneously reproduce the content according to this information. As a result, the content can be reproduced as intended by the content provider.

  The data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit 251. More specifically, the data reproduction unit 253 includes a position determination result by a position match determination unit 255 described later, a determination result of a traveling direction of the vehicle-mounted device 200 (own vehicle) by a direction match determination unit 257, and a road type determination unit. 259 based on the determination result of the type of road on which the vehicle is currently traveling, it is determined whether or not a predetermined reproduction condition designated for each content data is satisfied, and if the reproduction condition is satisfied Play content data. The control unit 207, the storage device 206, the voice processing unit 202, and the output unit 203 cooperate to function as the data acquisition unit 251.

  The self-position detecting unit 254 processes the GPS signal acquired by the GPS module 201a and detects the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200. The communication unit 201 and the control unit 207 cooperate to function as a self-position detection unit 254.

  The position coincidence determination unit 255 collates the reproduction position included in the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit 251 with the self position detected by the self position detection unit 254, and when they match, the data reproduction unit 253 performs data reproduction. Give permission. Here, the term “match” refers to being within a predetermined error, and does not necessarily indicate complete match. The control unit 207 functions as the position match determination unit 255.

  The traveling direction detection unit 256 detects the traveling direction of the vehicle-mounted device 200 (own vehicle). The control unit 207, the I / O device 205, and the direction sensor cooperate to function as the traveling direction detection unit 256.

  The direction coincidence determination unit 257 compares the reproduction direction included in the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit 251 with the traveling direction of the vehicle-mounted device 200 (own vehicle), and when they match (when they are within a predetermined error) ), The data reproduction unit 253 is permitted to reproduce data. The control unit 207 functions as the direction coincidence determination unit 257.

  The road type detection unit 258 detects the type of road on which the vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted device 200 is mounted is currently traveling based on the map information of the navigation device and the current position detected by the self-position detection unit 254. The control unit 207 functions as the road type detection unit 258.

  The road type discriminating unit 259 compares the road type specified in the content data reproduction condition with the road type detected by the road type detecting unit 258, and if the two match, the data reproduction unit 253 is permitted to reproduce the data. put out. For example, if it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling on a road classified as a road type specified in the reproduction condition, the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces content data. The control unit 207 functions as the road type determination unit 259.

Next, the configuration of content data will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of content data push-distributed from the roadside apparatus 100. In the content data, in addition to still image data, moving image data, audio data, text data, and the like constituting the content, reproduction conditions for these data, information attached to the content data, and the like are recorded. This will be described in detail below.

  As shown in the figure, the content data includes provider information 401, information provider information 402, target point information 403, actual data portion 404, and priority designation information 405.

  First, the provider information 401 includes a provider code for specifying a service provider, monitor display text data designated in advance for each service provider, and the like.

  Next, the information provider information 402 includes an information provider code for identifying the information provider (typically a service provider managed by the advertiser), and a monitor display text designated in advance for each information provider. Data, an information code for identifying the content, an expiration date of the content data, an identifier for designating whether the content data received by the vehicle-mounted device 200 is to be reproduced or stored promptly.

  The information provider code is information for specifying the content data provider, that is, the data distribution side. For example, the control unit 207 of the vehicle-mounted device 200 can permit or disallow the reception of content data provided from a specific provider based on the information provider code. For example, when a minor is in a car on which the vehicle-mounted device 200 is mounted, the driver does not display on the monitor the content delivered from the data distribution side that handles content that is not appropriate for the minor. Etc. can be set. Based on the provider code of the content data acquired by push distribution and the information provider code list (not shown) stored in advance in the storage device 206, the control unit 207 transfers the content data to a monitor or speaker. It can be determined whether or not to output.

  The information code for identifying the content is, for example, an advertising company ID for specifying an advertising company (sponsor) on the data providing side, or the data distribution side intends to guide a user (mainly a driver in this embodiment). The material ID indicates the material of the product handled at the service provider, the product ID of the product handled at the service provider, and the like. As with the information provider code, the user can use the information code for content selection (filtering). For example, when the driver is looking for a canteen that provides noodles, the vehicle-mounted device 200 excludes stores that provide bread and rice based on the information code, and monitors only the data distributed by the canteen that provides noodles. It can be displayed on the screen.

  A category ID having a tree structure can be used as the information code. For example, “living information”, “shop information”, “roadside service”, etc. are prepared as items, and a category ID is assigned to each item. In addition, “medical / hospital” and “news from the government” are prepared as sub-items of “living information”, and a category ID is assigned to each. In addition, items such as “Today's on-duty doctor” and “Notice of medical expenses” are prepared as sub-items of “Medical / Hospital”, and a category ID is assigned to each item.

  In addition, the information code is used to notify customers of discount sales limited to a specified time period at service providers, and to distribute coupons, discount coupons, special coupons, various tickets, etc. for products or services. It may be used. In this case, the information code stores a code indicating that discount sales are performed, and a code indicating that a coupon is attached. In addition to those described here, various information can be included in the classification code.

  Next, the target spot information 403 includes target spot coordinates 411, provision time information 412, reproduction detailed setting information 413, target spot icon information 414, and information provision start information 415, as shown in FIG.

  The target point coordinates 411 are coordinates designated in advance by the information provider, and are expressed using latitude / longitude. The vehicle-mounted device 200 according to the present embodiment receives an instruction input from the user indicating whether or not the position designated by the target point coordinates 411 is designated as the destination or waypoint of the route guidance by the car navigation system when reproducing the content data. It can be set as a reception, destination or waypoint.

  The provision time information 412 designates the time for reproducing the content data and providing it to the user. For example, the business hours of a service provider managed by the information provider side are specified. The data reproduction unit 253 of the in-vehicle device 200 reproduces content data when the current time is included in the time zone indicated by the provision time information 412 of the received content data.

  For example, the provision time information includes an information valid period start time and an information valid period end time. The information valid period is a period during which content data is provided to the user, such as a period in which a limited-time discount campaign is continued. If the content data is played back only during the information validity period, the driver who arrives at the service provider for the purpose of the discount campaign will be disappointed without receiving the benefit because the campaign has already ended. Such a trouble can be eliminated, and the disadvantage of image down on the data distribution side can be prevented. The start and end times of the information valid period are expressed using the date, time, day of the week, or a combination thereof. Further, only when the information validity period starts or when the information validity period ends may be provided. For example, “after XX month and XX day” or “until XX month and XX day” may be used.

  The reproduction detailed setting information 413 satisfies the reproduction condition when the reproduction condition cannot be reproduced for some reason when the reproduction condition is satisfied (for example, the vehicle-mounted device 200 is reproducing the route guidance by the car navigation system and cannot reproduce it). This is information for setting whether or not the content data is to be reproduced when it becomes reproducible.

  The target point icon information 414 is information such as an image displayed at a position corresponding to the target point coordinates 411 on the map displayed on the monitor.

  The information provision start information 415 includes reproduction conditions for starting provision of information to the user by reproducing content data that is distributed by push, and data that is reproduced when the reproduction conditions are met (reproduction data). And including. The reproduction data includes still image data, moving image data, audio data, and audio data in TTS (text-to-speech) format. It is preferable. The reproduction data included in the information provision start information 415 can be broadly classified into “individual data” and “common data”, and details will be described later.

  The reproduction condition is set using the information provision start position. The information provision start position is a geographical position (point) set by the data distribution side, and is specified by, for example, a combination of latitude and longitude. A predetermined distance (for example, 10 m) may be set following the latitude / longitude information. In this case, an area included in a circle centered on latitude / longitude and having a radius of a predetermined distance is the information provision start position. For example, it is preferable that the data distribution side sets an information provision start position between a position where the service provider exists and a parking lot in the vicinity where the roadside apparatus 100 is installed. After the push distribution is performed to the vehicle-mounted device 200 mounted on the car that has entered the parking lot for the driver's break and the content data is stored in the storage device 206, the driver is about to the direction of the service provider. If a car is approaching the information start position and the advertisement of the service provider is displayed on the monitor, the driver is likely to stop by the service provider before going to the original destination. Because.

  The information provision start position is not limited to one. For example, a plurality of information provision positions may be set so as to surround the service provision place. In this way, the driver can be guided to the service provider from all directions.

  The reproduction condition may be set using the information provision start distance. This is to make it possible to reproduce data when the automobile travels the information provision start distance after receiving push distribution from the roadside apparatus 100. In the above example, if, for example, half of the road between the parking lot where the roadside apparatus 100 is installed and the service provider is set as the information provision start distance, the content can be viewed by the driver at an advantageous timing for the data distribution side. There is a possibility that you can be asked. When a car travels in the opposite direction from the service provider after leaving the parking lot, the service provider side has less merit than using the above information provision start position as a data reproduction start trigger. However, there is an advantage that the data size is smaller than that of specifying coordinates.

  The reproduction condition may be set using the information provision direction. When the data distribution side sets only the information provision start position so as to surround the service provider as described above, for example, the service provider has already received the service and is away from the service provider (that is, away from the service provider). Even when the car moves in the direction, the reproduction of the content data by the vehicle-mounted device 200 may be started. The same applies when the driver is not willing to receive service and moves away from the service provider. In such a case, if the reproduction of the content data starts, the driver may feel annoyed and may have an unpleasant impression on the data distribution side. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the information provision start position, the information provision direction can be designated. The information providing direction may be a direction expressed using latitude, longitude, or the like, or may be rough information of about east, west, south, or north, or about 16 directions. The data distribution side preferably specifies the direction from the information provision start point to the service provider as the information provision direction. The vehicle-mounted device 200 does not give permission for data reproduction to the data reproduction unit 253 only by determining that the position match determination unit 255 matches its own position with the information provision start position. Furthermore, it is preferable that the data reproduction unit 253 start data reproduction after obtaining a determination result that the self-traveling direction matches the information providing direction. In addition to the above, the information providing direction may be, for example, a direction expressed by going up and down, a direction in which the road extends (for example, a rough direction using a place name or proper noun such as “Shibuya”), and the like.

  The reproduction condition may be set using a road type. There are many ways to use this information. For example, if information about a one-way road is described, if the information provision start position is set to a road that can only travel in a direction away from the service provider, the data reproduction unit 253 The content data can be prevented from being reproduced even if the information provision start position is reached. Even if the content data is reproduced in a car that is away from the service provider, it may not be profitable for the data distribution side. In addition to the above, the road type may be, for example, a general road, an expressway, a toll road, a bypass, a national / prefectural / municipal road, a tunnel, a bridge, and the like. In addition, the number of lanes (for example, two lanes on one side), width, traffic restrictions (for example, speed, lane, time, season, vehicle type, width, height, weight, etc.), pavement, traffic (for example, It is also possible to distinguish between roads that are statistically prone to traffic jams), uphill / downhill / flatness, and the frequency of traffic accidents. Furthermore, the road may be a rough road, a road with many curves, a road closest to the coastline, etc., and the data distribution side (content data providing side) can also set it freely.

  The reproduction condition may be set using the target point position. The target point position is typically the geographical position (point) of the service provider. The target point position is represented by a combination of latitude and longitude, for example. For example, if the distance is continuously recorded, data is reproduced at the timing when the vehicle-mounted device 200 reaches the circumference of a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the position of the service provider (the target point position). Can be. The position coincidence determining unit 255 may determine whether or not the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 is a place away from the target point position by the distance indicated by this radius. Thereby, the trouble of determining the above-mentioned information provision start position one by one can be saved. For example, instead of individually specifying a plurality of information provision start positions, it can be specified as “positions that are X meters away from the target point position”, and a large number of reproduction start positions can be specified with a small amount of data. In other words, if a single target point position is designated, a plurality of information provision start positions can be substantially designated. As described above, if the target point position is used, the amount of data necessary for describing the reproduction condition can be reduced, and the effect becomes larger when it is desired to provide more reproduction start positions. If the radius length is set to a fixed value, there is no need to provide a data area for designating the radius length, so that the playback start position can be designated more efficiently.

  As an application example, a change amount of the position per unit time (threshold change amount) can be further stored as a reproduction condition. That is, the position matching determination unit 255 calculates the amount of change in the position detected by the self-position detection unit 254 (the position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 at the first time and the position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 at the second time). Further, the position matching determination unit 255 is a place where the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 is separated from the target point position by the distance indicated by the radius, and the calculated change amount of the position is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold change amount. Whether or not (or below). If the calculated position change amount is equal to or greater than (or less than) the threshold change amount, the data reproduction unit 253 starts reproduction of the content data. In this way, it is possible to control the content data to be reproduced (not made) depending not only on whether the positions coincide with each other but also on how fast the reproduction start position is reached. For example, an automobile equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 200 is reaching a place away from the shopping center located at the target point coordinates 411 by the radius (that is, a position where reproduction should be started), but unfortunately gets stuck in traffic. If the driver arrives with “slow driving”, the content data that guides the “passage” in consideration of traffic jams is provided to the in-vehicle device 200, or the content data such as music and video that relaxes the driver is provided. can do. In this way, by using the threshold change amount, it is possible to reproduce content data suitable for the situation where the user is placed.

  There are various variations in how to define the playback conditions as exemplified below.

  (1) Using the information provision start position. That is, the reproduction condition “the current position of the vehicle matches (does not match) the information provision start position”. For example, “pass the XX intersection”.

  (2) Using information provision start distance. That is, the playback condition “the vehicle travels the information provision start distance after receiving the content data (does not travel)” or “the vehicle travels the information provision start distance from the location where the content data was received. while". For example, “the vehicle travels X meters after passing the XX intersection”, “until the vehicle travels X meters from the XX intersection”, and the like. The unit of distance is arbitrary.

(3) Using information provision direction. That is, the reproduction condition “the moving direction of the own vehicle matches (does not match) the information providing direction”. For example, “Your vehicle is heading in the direction of the XX department store” or “Your vehicle is moving away from the city center”. The direction may be an accurate azimuth or a rough direction such as east, west, south, and north. However, in this embodiment, the direction is 16 azimuths as in the general specification of VICS (registered trademark) . If the moving direction of the own vehicle is included in a direction within a predetermined angle range centered on the information providing direction, these may be regarded as matching.

  (4) A road type is used. That is, the regeneration condition “the road on which the vehicle is traveling is a road designated by the road type (not a road)”. For example, “the vehicle is traveling on a general road”, “the vehicle is not traveling on a highway”, etc.

  (5) Using the target location. That is, the reproduction condition “the current position of the host vehicle is a predetermined distance away from the target point position (not separated)” or “the position of the host vehicle is closer to the target point position by a predetermined distance (moves away)”. For example, “the vehicle is at least X meters away from the XX department store”, “the vehicle is approaching the XX service area at a speed of more than X kilometers”, and so on.

  (6) Using the information effective period start and / or information effective period end. In other words, the reproduction condition “current date and time is (not) within the information validity period”. For example, “Today is the year, month, and month of the year when the department store is newly opened”, “Today is the first day of the three-day holiday”, “Currently late night discount hours (○ hours ○ minutes to × hours × minutes) Etc. "

  (7) Using business days and / or business hours. That is, the reproduction condition “current date and time is (not) a business day and / or business time”. For example, “Today is a holiday of XX department store”, “Currently X minutes before the opening time of XX department store”. A date may be used instead of the day of the week.

  Any of these may be adopted as the reproduction condition, or any combination thereof may be defined.

  As described above, the reproduction data included in the information provision start information 415 includes “individual data” that is reproduced only when a condition using the information provision start position or the like is met, and a plurality of information provision start positions. It can be roughly divided into “common data” that is reproduced in common. Both the individual data and the common data are data for the data reproduction unit 253 to pop up on the monitor when the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 reaches the information provision start position.

  The common data is data when a plurality of information provision start positions are set and the data reproduced at the plurality of information provision start positions is the same. The individual data is data set to be reproduced for each information provision start position. For example, it is assumed that three points P1, P2, and P3 are set as information provision start position information for certain service target point information. The data reproduced at P1 is D1, the data reproduced at P2 is D2, and when the data reproduced at P3 is D2, D1 is called individual data, and D2 is the same data at P2 and P3. This is called common data. As for the common data, the data may be individually stored at each point of the information provision start information 415, or the data is stored at a certain point (for example, P2) and at another point (for example, P3). Data stored at a certain point may be referred to.

  The information provision start information 415 stores at least one of text data, still image data, audio data, and TTS data. Information that specifies which of the common data and individual data is to be reproduced when the reproduction condition is satisfied, or which data is to be reproduced when a plurality of common data or a plurality of individual data is included Are stored in advance in the information provision start information 415, and the data reproducing unit 253 selects data to be reproduced according to this information. Note that the reproduction data included in the information provision start information 415 is mainly used for pop-up display, and is assumed to be output while the host vehicle is running (that is, during driving). The moving image data that needs to be watched is not included.

  The display time information 416 is information indicating a time for displaying the content data reproduction screen on the output unit 203. For example, an integer of 0 to 255 is set in the display time information 416, and the unit is “seconds”. Display time = “0” is reserved for future use reservation. Display time = “255” indicates that the display is continued until the next push distribution or until an operation instruction is input to the operation unit 204.

  As a method for specifying the display time information 416, the display time itself may be specified. Moreover, the instruction | indication which leaves to the specification of the onboard equipment 200 may be sufficient. Alternatively, for example, when the content data is text and at the same time the audio content data is intended to be played back, the playback time of the other content data is set so that the text is displayed until the end of the voice utterance. The display time may be determined as the predetermined function used.

  Here, it is assumed that the content data is image data or text data. However, in the case of audio data, it may be used as a playback time instead of a display time.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the actual data portion 404 includes display text information 421, display still image information 422, display moving image information 423, reproduction audio file information 424, and speech TTS file information 425. Including. The reproduction data stored in the actual data portion 404 is mainly data that is reproduced after the user is requested to reproduce more detailed information after pop-up display.

  The display text information 421 is character data to be displayed on the monitor. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of characters of the character data specified by the display text information 421 is 31 full-width characters when the vehicle is running. However, the upper limit number of characters can be changed as appropriate. The display text information 421 further includes information for designating data to be displayed during traveling or data to be displayed while the vehicle is stopped, and the data reproduction unit 253 displays during traveling when the host vehicle is traveling. Only the data designated to be played may be reproduced, and if the vehicle is stopped, only the data designated to be displayed while the vehicle is stopped may be reproduced.

  The display still image information 422 is still image data to be displayed on the monitor, and for example, a data format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is used.

  The display moving image information 423 is moving image data to be displayed on the monitor, and a data format such as MPEG-4 (Joint Photographic Experts Group-Layer 4) is used.

  The reproduction audio file information 424 is audio data to be output from the speaker, and a data format such as AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is used, for example.

  The TTS file information for utterance 425 is audio data output from a speaker and is TTS format data. The data reproducing unit 253 converts the text into sound and reproduces it.

  The actual data portion 404 stores data having a larger amount of information than the reproduction data stored in the information provision start information 415. This is because the reproduction data included in the information provision start information 415 is data having a relatively small capacity on the assumption that the reproduction data is reproduced during traveling, but is stored in the actual data portion 404. This is because the reproduction data is assumed to be reproduced when the vehicle is stopped, such as a parking lot.

  Next, the priority designation information 405 is information for classifying the content data according to the importance level of the content, and is set in advance by the data distribution side. For example, the content data is classified into (1) top priority information (2) priority information (3) selectable information in the order of priority reproduction.

  The highest priority information is content data that is displayed and uttered immediately after the processing is interrupted even when the route guidance by the car navigation system is being reproduced. For example, it is desirable that the data reproduction unit 253 displays and utters a dedicated alarm sound within one second after completion of reception. The highest priority information needs to be interrupted and reproduced promptly even when priority information and selectable information having a lower priority than this are being displayed / spoken. When other top-priority information is being reproduced, the data reproduction unit 253 displays and speaks in the order of reception in principle. For example, the highest priority information includes an emergency message and safe driving support information.

  The priority information is content data that is always displayed and uttered, although it is not specified whether or not the processing is interrupted when the route guidance by the car navigation system is being reproduced. When other priority information or selectable information is being displayed / speaked, whether or not the process is interrupted is not defined, but is always guided to the user. That is, the data reproducing unit 253 reproduces as soon as it becomes reproducible if it cannot be reproduced immediately after the reception is satisfied when the reproduction condition is satisfied.

  The selectable information is reproduced after the end of the display / utterance without interrupting the process when the route guidance by the car navigation system is being reproduced or when other selectable information is being displayed / uttered. If the content data classified as selectable information is set not to be automatically played back, the user may not be aware that the content data has been received. It is desirable to display a screen.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the reproduction operation of the vehicle-mounted device 200 according to the present embodiment, push delivery by the data delivery side, and service provision at the service provider serving as the base.

  For example, it is assumed that the driver puts the automobile 501 in a parking lot (indicated by white P) where the roadside wireless device 511 is installed for rest or the like. Then, content data is push-distributed from the roadside apparatus 511 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 mounted on the automobile 501. The content that is distributed by push is typically advertising content that is created with the intention that the data distribution side guides the automobile 501 to the service provider 521 and receives the service provided by the service provider 523 of the service provider. is there.

  Even if the car 501 leaves the parking lot, the content data that has been push-distributed is not immediately reproduced. For the data distribution side, it is desirable that the advertisement content be viewed at the timing that is most likely to guide the driver. Therefore, the data distribution side presets a point A indicated by a star between the parking lot where the roadside wireless device 511 is installed and the service provider 521 as an information provision start point. Then, if the car 501 turns left after leaving the parking lot, it will soon reach point A. And the onboard equipment 200 starts reproduction | regeneration of content data at the timing when the motor vehicle 501 approached A point. This is an opportunity to make the driver recognize that the service provider 521 exists in the direction of his / her own travel and to come to the service provider even if he was originally driving for another purpose. It is very effective. That is, it can be said that data reproduction is performed in accordance with the intention of the data distribution side.

  Note that, as described above, the data delivery side may indicate the information provision start distance instead of the information provision start position so that the vehicle-mounted device 200 reproduces the content data at a suitable timing. In this figure, the distance from the parking lot where the roadside apparatus 511 is installed to the point A is measured in advance, and the distance is set as the information provision start distance. This is simpler than determining the information provision start position by a coordinate axis or the like. On the other hand, if the car 501 turns right after it leaves the parking lot, data reproduction starts at point B which is the same distance as point A. Even if the data reproduction is started at the point B and the advertisement of the service provider 521 is provided to the driver, the driver has to turn back the car in order to go to the service provider 521. Therefore, the guidance force to the service provider 521 is reduced compared to the case where the reproduction is started at the point A. That is, the effect as an advertisement may be reduced.

  For example, it is assumed that the car 503 enters the parking lot of the service provider 521 that is the advertiser as a result of the driver being guided by the advertisement. Here, the driver receives the service provided by the service providing device 523 and pays the price. In other words, it brings benefits to the data distribution side. A roadside wireless device 513 is also provided in the parking lot of the service provider 521. When the content data is pushed and delivered from the roadside apparatus 513 to the vehicle-mounted device 200 mounted on the automobile 503, a predetermined flag is set in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 206 of the vehicle-mounted device 200. The predetermined flag is used to indicate that the same content data need not be reproduced because the automobile 503 has already stopped at the service provider 521. When the vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted device 200 with such a predetermined flag is mounted is left at the point A after leaving the service provider 521, the same content data can be prevented from being reproduced again. If playback is repeated, the driver may have an unpleasant impression of “persistent”, and it may happen that the service provider never stops again. It can be said that

  Note that content data can be reproduced at a more suitable timing by using the information provision direction as the reproduction condition. For example, after a car 501 passes through a road where the information provision start position is not set and reaches the vicinity of the service providing place 521, the road where the point A in the figure is set is moved in a direction from the point A to the point B. When it has advanced (that is, when it has moved away from the service provider 521), the content data is not reproduced. If replayed, the driver feels forced to make a U-turn and may have an unpleasant impression on the service provider 521, which may not benefit the data distribution side. The information provision direction makes it possible to reproduce data in accordance with the intention of the data distribution side in terms of preventing such a situation.

  The specifications of the service providing device 523 (for example, the types of services that can be provided, the benefits of being discounted for a specific period, and the operating date and time) are determined by the commercial data creation device 525 managed by the data distribution side as needed. Be investigated. The commercial data creation device 525 creates content data based on the result of the investigation and transmits the content data to the roadside wireless devices 511 and 513 so that the optimum and latest information is push-distributed.

  The information provision start position need not be limited to one point A. As already described, it is more advantageous to install a large number so as to surround the service providing place 521 because the driver can be guided to the service providing place 521 from all directions.

  If it is cumbersome to specify a large number of information provision start positions one by one, draw a circle with a predetermined radius (2000 m in this example) centering on the service provider 521. It is also possible to regard the intersection as the information provision start position. As described above, the information provision start distance can be recorded in association with the target point position (the position of the service provider 521), for example.

  However, with this method, for example, if the intersection happens to be near the intersection (point C in the figure), inconvenience may occur for the data distribution side. In the vicinity of the intersection, there is a high probability that non-commercial content data (typically, route guidance) to be reproduced with the highest priority by the vehicle-mounted device 200 equipped with the car navigation function is reproduced. For example, when the non-commercial data creation device 531 created content data indicating traffic safety precautions at an intersection is pushed and delivered to the vehicle-mounted device 200 by the roadside wireless device 515, the attention is given when the vehicle approaches the intersection. The matter content data is preferentially reproduced. As a result, the advertisement content of the service provider 521 remains unplayed.

  Therefore, the commercial data creation device 525 checks the specifications of the non-commercial data creation device 531 and creates commercial data based on the result. Specifically, for example, if it is known that the non-commercial data creation device 531 creates non-commercial data with the vicinity of the C point where the intersection is located as the information provision start position, the commercial data creation device 525 What is necessary is just to produce commercial data which makes the point D away from the information provision start position.

  The service providing device 523, the commercial data creation device 525, and the non-commercial data creation device 531 have been described as devices that automatically create and distribute content data. However, some or all of these are tasks performed by humans. May be.

(Reproduction processing)
Next, an embodiment of content data reproduction processing by the vehicle-mounted device 200 will be described. As described above, when content data is reproduced based on the reproduction conditions set in the content data, the reproduction may not be possible for some reason when the reproduction conditions are satisfied. For example, the vehicle-mounted device 200 may not be able to reproduce content such as advertisements during the course guidance by car navigation. In addition, when an automobile equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 200 is traveling in a place where special attention should be paid to driving such as an intersection, it may be better to refrain from reproducing advertisements. In the present embodiment, the content data can be reproduced as intended by the data distribution side while taking into consideration the case where the reproduction cannot be performed according to the preset reproduction condition (not reproduced). It is. This will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200 of the present embodiment. The vehicle-mounted device 200 further includes a data storage unit 260, a map storage unit 261, and a route search unit 262.

  The data storage unit 260 stores the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit 251 by push delivery. In the present embodiment, the data storage unit 260 temporarily stores all the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit 251. The storage device 206 functions as the data storage unit 260.

  The map storage unit 261 stores in advance map information (map data) used by the route search unit 262 to search for a route. The map information includes the position and shape of roads, buildings, etc., topography, place names, and the like. The storage device 206 functions as the map storage unit 261.

  The route search unit 262 sequentially reads the map information stored in the map storage unit 261 and searches for a movement route from the departure point to the destination / intermediate point (stop-by place). Since the vehicle-mounted device 200 of the present embodiment is equipped with a car navigation system, the user sets arbitrary locations (points / regions) on the map as departure points, destinations, and waypoints, and provides directions to the vehicle-mounted device 200. Can be made. The control unit 207 and the storage device 206 cooperate to function as the route search unit 262.

  The data reproduction unit 253 is based on the determination result of the position and direction of the vehicle-mounted device 200 and the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling by the position match determination unit 255, the direction match determination unit 257, and the road type determination unit 259. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined reproduction condition is satisfied. If the reproduction condition is satisfied, the content data is reproduced. In addition to the information provision start position and the information provision direction described above, the reproduction condition includes a condition such as “the vehicle is not currently near a predetermined traffic point such as an intersection”. The details will be described later. To do.

  In addition, the position coincidence determination unit 255, the direction coincidence determination unit 257, and the road type determination unit 259 do not reproduce the content data for some reason when the predetermined reproduction condition is satisfied (cannot be reproduced). It is determined whether or not the second reproduction condition as an alternative is satisfied, and if the second reproduction condition is satisfied, the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data.

  This second playback condition is also stored in the information provision start information 415 of the content data in the same manner as the above-described reproduction conditions, and information provision start position, information provision start distance, information provision direction, road type, target point position, etc. Defined using.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted device 200 is mounted is traveling on a road while performing road guidance using a car navigation system, and the road where the service provider 602 faces from the current position 601 of the vehicle. It is assumed that the vehicle is traveling in the arrow Y1 direction at the upper position 603 (that is, the destination). When the data acquisition unit 251 acquires content data for which the position 604 is designated as the information provision start position from the roadside apparatus 100, the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data when the current position 601 matches the position 604. . However, at the position 604, the vehicle-mounted device 200 is reproducing a road guidance screen or sound having a higher priority than the content data, and the content data may not be reproduced. Therefore, the data distribution side designates the candidate position 605 next to the information provision start position as the second reproduction condition. The data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data at the position 605 when the content data is not reproduced at the position 604.

  Alternatively, when proceeding in the direction of the arrow Y2, the data reproducing unit 253 may reproduce the content data when the other high-priority content data is not reproduced between the intersection 606 and the position 603. . That is, the route search unit 262 searches for another route in which the host vehicle travels from the current position 601 to the position 603 and does not pass the position 605. If there is no other route as a result of the search, the route search unit 262 starts from the intersection 606. The content data is played back up to 603 when other high-priority content data is not played back.

  In the content data information provision start information 415, if the in-vehicle device 200 does not reproduce when the predetermined reproduction condition is satisfied, it is specified whether or not the reproduction is performed when the second reproduction condition is satisfied instead. The redisplay flag to be stored is stored. The redisplay flag is set in advance by the data distribution side. The data reproduction unit 253 refers to the redisplay flag stored in the content data that has not been reproduced when a predetermined reproduction condition is satisfied. If the re-display flag is “ON” (that is, re-display is performed under the second reproduction condition), the data reproduction unit 253 continues the second reproduction condition as the position coincidence determination unit, the direction coincidence determination unit, and the road type determination unit. Wait for playback until 259 is satisfied. On the other hand, if the redisplay flag is “OFF” (that is, not redisplayed under the second reproduction condition), the reproduction process is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the reproduction process performed by each unit of the present embodiment.

  First, the data acquisition unit 251 acquires content data from the roadside apparatus 100 by push distribution, and stores the content data in the data storage unit 260 (step S201).

  The position match determination unit 255, the direction match determination unit 257, and the road type determination unit 259 each determine whether or not the first reproduction condition specified in the reproduction condition is satisfied (step S202). The position matching determination unit 255 determines whether or not the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 acquired by the self-position detection unit 254 matches the information provision start position indicated in the reproduction condition. As described above, when the information provision start position is expressed using the latitude / longitude of the center of the circle and the distance from the center of the circle (the radius of the circle), the position matching determination unit 255 When the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 200 is included in this circle, it is determined that the current position matches the information provision start position. The direction coincidence determining unit 257 determines whether or not the moving direction of the vehicle-mounted device 200 acquired by the traveling direction detecting unit 256 matches the information provision start direction indicated in the reproduction condition. The road type determination unit 259 determines whether or not the type of the road on which the current vehicle travels acquired by the road type detection unit 258 matches the road type indicated in the reproduction condition. That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has passed the information provision start position of the target road toward the target point position. This process is repeated until the determination result of step S202 becomes YES.

  When it is determined that the first reproduction condition is satisfied (step S202; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether to reproduce the content data received by push distribution (step S203). Specifically, the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether or not other content data to be reproduced with priority over the received content data is currently being reproduced based on the content data priority designation information 405. To determine whether or not to reproduce. The other content data to be reproduced with priority is, for example, content data having a higher priority than the received content data, car navigation route guidance screen data, or the like.

  Further, the data reproducing unit 253 determines whether or not to reproduce by determining whether or not the timing is appropriate for reproducing the content data received by push distribution. For example, when the own vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 200 is passing an intersection, or when the own vehicle is traveling on a road within a predetermined distance before and after the intersection, the data reproducing unit 253 receives the received content data It is determined that the timing is not suitable for reproducing the received content data, and the received content data is not reproduced. This is because if the content data is immediately reproduced while the vehicle is passing the intersection (or the vicinity thereof), the driver may not be able to concentrate on driving. Note that the data reproducing unit 253 determines that the received content data is not at a suitable timing for reproducing the received content data when the own vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the predetermined traffic point, not limited to the intersection. Do not play data. For example, road junctions, branch points, railroad crossings, points that need to be temporarily stopped, destinations and waypoints set by the user in the navigation system, and the like can be adopted as predetermined traffic points.

  When it is determined that the content data is to be reproduced (step S203; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data (step S204).

  On the other hand, when it is determined not to reproduce the content data (step S203; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether or not the redisplay flag is set to ON, that is, when the second reproduction condition is satisfied. It is determined whether or not the content data is to be reproduced (step S205).

  If the redisplay flag is not set to ON (step S205; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process. That is, the content data is not reproduced.

  On the other hand, when the re-display flag is set to ON (step S205; YES), the position coincidence determination unit 255, the direction coincidence determination unit 257, and the road type determination unit 259 perform the second reproduction condition specified in the reproduction condition. It is determined whether or not each is satisfied (step S206). This process is repeated until the determination result of step S206 becomes YES.

  When it is determined that the second reproduction condition is satisfied (step S206; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether to reproduce the content data that has not been reproduced in step S203 (step S207).

  For example, when it is determined that the second playback condition is satisfied, when other content data with high priority is being played back, the data playback unit 253 determines that the content data is not played back.

  For example, when the second playback condition of the content data X1 matches the first playback condition of the other content data X2, the data playback unit 253 gives priority to playback of the other content data X2, and the content data X1 Is determined not to be played.

  When it is determined not to reproduce the content data (step S207; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the content data is to be reproduced (step S207; YES), the data reproducing unit 253 reproduces the content data (step S204).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device 200 also has the second designated instead when the content data is not reproduced when the first reproduction condition designated in the reproduction condition is satisfied. The content data is reproduced when the reproduction condition is satisfied. Even if it is not reproduced, the content data is stored in the data storage unit 260, so that the user can view the content that has not been reproduced later. For example, when the reproduction condition is satisfied and the route guidance by the car navigation system is being reproduced, the data reproduction unit 253 does not reproduce the received content data but continuously reproduces the route guidance. Therefore, the user can continue to view the route guidance without interruption, and can view the content data later. Since the second reproduction condition is also set by the data distribution side, the content data is reproduced as intended by the data distribution side.

(Embodiment 1 )
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the content produced by the data distribution side, the first (first page) screen was displayed at the first location, and then the second (second page) screen was displayed at the second location. Some of them (hereinafter referred to as “connection content”) are also available. If the second page is not reproduced after the first page of the concatenated content is reproduced, the consistency of the content is lost and sufficient information cannot be provided to the user. This embodiment is suitable for dealing with such a problem. This will be described in detail below.

  The content data information provision start information 415 further stores a connection flag indicating whether the content is a connection content. The connection flag is set in advance by the data distribution side. When the connection flag is “ON”, the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the first page, the second page, the third page,. When the connection flag is “OFF”, the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces one content data and ends the reproduction process.

  The data playback unit 253 determines whether or not currently connected content is being played back. Here, “reproducing connected content” means that the connected content is composed of n pages (n is an integer equal to or larger than 2), and the data reproducing unit 253 reproduces the first page, This indicates a state before the nth page is reproduced. When the connected content is not being played back, the same playback process as in the above-described embodiment is executed. When the connected content is being played back, the playback process of this embodiment is executed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the reproduction processing of this embodiment.
First, the data acquisition unit 251 acquires new content data X3 from the roadside apparatus 100 by push delivery and stores it in the data storage unit 260 (step S301).

  The data reproduction unit 253 determines whether or not the reproduction condition of the connected content data X4 being reproduced matches the first reproduction condition of the newly received content data X3 (step S302).

  If they match (step S302; YES), the data reproducing unit 253 proceeds to step S307 described later.

  If they do not match (step S302; NO), does the position match determination unit 255, the direction match determination unit 257, and the road type determination unit 259 satisfy the first reproduction condition specified in the information provision start information 416 of the content data X3? It is determined whether or not (step S303).

  When it is determined that the first reproduction condition is satisfied (step S303; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether to reproduce the content data X3 (step S304). For example, the data playback unit 253 determines, based on the priority designation information 405 of the content data X3, whether other content data to be played back with priority over the received content data X3 is currently being played back. It is determined whether or not to reproduce. Further, the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether or not to reproduce by determining whether or not the timing is appropriate for reproducing the content data X3 received by push distribution.

  When it is determined that the content data X3 is to be reproduced (step S304; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data X3 (step S305).

  On the other hand, when it is determined not to reproduce the content data X3 (step S304; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether or not the redisplay flag is set to ON, that is, the second reproduction condition is satisfied. In some cases, it is determined whether or not to reproduce the content data X3 (step S306).

  If the redisplay flag is not set to ON (step S306; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process. That is, the content data X3 is not reproduced.

  On the other hand, when the redisplay flag is set to ON (step S306; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether the reproduction condition for the concatenated content data X4 being reproduced and the second reproduction condition for the content data X3 are It is determined whether or not they match (step S307).

  If they match (step S307; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process. In this case, the content data X3 is not reproduced.

  If they do not match (step S307; NO), does the position match determination unit 255, the direction match determination unit 257, and the road type determination unit 259 satisfy the second reproduction condition specified in the information provision start information 416 of the content data X3? Whether or not is determined (step S308).

  When it is determined that the second reproduction condition is satisfied (step S308; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether to reproduce the content data X3 that has not been reproduced in step S304 (step S309).

  When it is determined not to reproduce the content data X3 (step S309; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 waits until the second reproduction condition is satisfied. This process is repeated until the determination result of step S309 becomes YES.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the content data X3 is to be reproduced (step S309; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data X3 (step S305).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the first or second playback condition of a certain content X3 matches the playback condition of the connection content X4, the data playback unit 253 already has the connection content X4. If the playback of the connection content X4 is started, the playback of the connection content X4 is continued. If the playback of the connection content X4 is not started, the content X3 is played back. That is, when the concatenated content X4 to be reproduced consistently is being reproduced, it is reproduced with priority over the other content X3, and if the first page is reproduced, the subsequent pages and subsequent ones are also reproduced. Since the other content X3 is played back when the second playback condition is satisfied even if it is not played back because the connection content X4 is being played back when the first playback condition is satisfied, data distribution is performed. It will be played back as intended.

(Embodiment 2 )
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. Some contents produced by the data distribution side are intended to be displayed in either the first place or the second place (hereinafter referred to as “selection contents”). If the same content is played again after the selection content has been played once, the load on the playback process may increase and the user may feel uncomfortable. This embodiment is suitable for dealing with such a problem. This will be described in detail below.

  The content data information provision start information 415 further stores a selection flag indicating whether the content is for selection. The selection flag is set in advance by the data distribution side. When the selection flag is “ON”, the data reproducing unit 253 reproduces either when the first reproduction condition is satisfied or when the second reproduction condition is satisfied. When the selection flag is “OFF”, the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data both when the first reproduction condition is satisfied and when the second reproduction condition is satisfied.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the reproduction processing of this embodiment.
First, the data acquisition unit 251 acquires content data from the roadside apparatus 100 by push delivery, and stores the content data in the data storage unit 260 (step S401).

  The position coincidence determining unit 255, the direction coincidence determining unit 257, and the road type determining unit 259 each determine whether or not the first reproduction condition specified in the reproduction condition is satisfied (step S402). This process is repeated until the determination result of step S402 becomes YES.

  When it is determined that the first reproduction condition is satisfied (step S402; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether to reproduce the content data received by push distribution (step S403). For example, the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether or not other content data to be reproduced with priority over the received content data is currently being reproduced based on the priority designation information 405 of the content data. It is determined whether or not to do so. Further, the data reproducing unit 253 determines whether or not to reproduce by determining whether or not the timing is appropriate for reproducing the content data received by push distribution.

  When it is determined that the content data is to be reproduced (step S403; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data (step S404).

  Then, the data reproducing unit 253 reproduces the content data whether or not the selection flag is set to ON, that is, both when the first reproduction condition is satisfied and when the second reproduction condition is satisfied. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S405).

  When the selection flag is ON (step S405; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that the content data is not reproduced (step S403; NO), or if the selection flag is not ON in step S404 (step S405; NO), the position match determination unit 255 and the direction match determination are performed. The unit 257 and the road type determination unit 259 each determine whether or not the second reproduction condition specified in the reproduction condition is satisfied (step S406). This process is repeated until the determination result of step S406 becomes YES.

  When it is determined that the second playback condition is satisfied (step S406; YES), the data playback unit 253 determines whether to play back the content data (step S407).

  If it is determined not to reproduce the content data (step S407; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the content data is to be reproduced (step S407; YES), the data reproducing unit 253 reproduces the content data (step S408).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces if the first reproduction condition of the selection content X5 is satisfied, and does not reproduce even if the second reproduction condition is satisfied. That is, the same content is not reproduced twice. Since the selection content is played when either the first playback condition is satisfied or when the second playback condition is satisfied, the selection content is played back as intended by the data distribution side.

(Embodiment 3 )
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not the content data is reproduced based on the selection flag set in advance by the data distribution side. However, in this embodiment, the user can reproduce the same content data twice or more. It differs in that it can be set whether or not to reproduce.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 200 according to the present embodiment. The on-vehicle device 200 further includes an input receiving unit 263. Since other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, different parts will be described.

  The input receiving unit 263 receives an instruction input for designating whether or not the content data already reproduced by the data reproduction unit 253 when the first reproduction condition is satisfied is to be reproduced again when the second reproduction condition is satisfied. Received from the user and input to the data playback unit 253. The operation unit 204 and the control unit 207 cooperate to function as the input reception unit 262.

  The data reproducing unit 253 causes the data storage unit 251 to store information indicated by the instruction input input from the input receiving unit 263. That is, the data storage unit 251 stores information indicated by this instruction input. Typically, the data storage unit 251 determines whether or not to replay the content data that the data reproduction unit 253 has already reproduced when the first reproduction condition is satisfied, when the second reproduction condition is satisfied. The replay flag shown is stored. The replay flag is set to “ON (play once again)” or “OFF (do not play once played)”.

  Then, in step S405 described above, the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether to reproduce the content data based on the re-reproduction flag instead of the selection flag. That is, when the replay flag is set to “ON”, the process proceeds to step S406, and the data playback unit 253 determines whether or not the second playback condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the replay flag is set to “OFF”, the playback process is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, in content data for which a plurality of information provision start positions are designated, if the content data has already been reproduced at one information provision start position, the user reproduces it at another information provision start position. It can be set not to let it pop up.

(Embodiment 4 )
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the reproduction processing when the second reproduction condition is satisfied is changed depending on whether the content data reproduced when the first reproduction condition is satisfied is the above-described common data or individual data.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the reproduction processing of this embodiment.
First, the data acquisition unit 251 acquires content data from the roadside apparatus 100 by push distribution, and stores the content data in the data storage unit 260 (step S501).

  The position coincidence determining unit 255, the direction coincidence determining unit 257, and the road type determining unit 259 each determine whether or not the first reproduction condition specified in the reproduction condition is satisfied (step S502). This process is repeated until the determination result of step S402 becomes YES.

  When it is determined that the first reproduction condition is satisfied (step S502; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether to reproduce the content data received by push distribution (step S503). For example, the data reproduction unit 253 determines whether or not other content data to be reproduced with priority over the received content data is currently being reproduced based on the priority designation information 405 of the content data. It is determined whether or not to do so. Further, the data reproducing unit 253 determines whether or not to reproduce by determining whether or not the timing is appropriate for reproducing the content data received by push distribution.

  If it is determined not to reproduce the content data (step S503; NO), the process proceeds to step S507 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the content data is to be reproduced (step S503; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data (step S504). The content data reproduced here is either common data or individual data.

  Further, the data reproducing unit 253 determines whether or not the content data reproduced in step S504 is common data (step S505).

  When the content data reproduced in step S504 is not common data (step S505; NO), the process proceeds to step S507 described later. On the other hand, if the data is common data (step S505; YES), the data reproducing unit 253 determines whether the data to be reproduced next is common data (step S506). The data to be reproduced next is content data designated to be reproduced when the second reproduction condition is satisfied.

  If the data to be reproduced next is common data (step S506; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process. That is, since the common data has already been reproduced in step S504, the data reproduction unit 253 does not reproduce the same common data.

  When the data to be reproduced next is not common data, in other words, when the data to be reproduced next is individual data (step S506; YES), the position coincidence determining unit 255, the direction coincidence determining unit 257, and the road type determining unit 259 are: It is determined whether or not the second reproduction condition specified in the reproduction condition is satisfied (step S507). This process is repeated until the determination result of step S507 becomes YES.

  When it is determined that the second playback condition is satisfied (step S507; YES), the data playback unit 253 determines whether to play back the content data (step S508).

  When it is determined not to reproduce the content data (step S508; NO), the data reproduction unit 253 ends the reproduction process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the content data is to be reproduced (step S508; YES), the data reproduction unit 253 reproduces the content data (step S509). The data reproduced here is individual data or common data when not reproduced in step S504.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately select data to be reproduced depending on whether the data to be reproduced is common data or individual data. Data created individually to be played at each information provision start position is played if the playback condition is satisfied, and data that only needs to be played at any of the information provision start positions is repeatedly played. It will never be done. Therefore, the data is reproduced as intended by the data distribution side.

  Each of the above-described embodiments is merely for description, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. For example, a computer program for operating the vehicle-mounted device 200 as all or part of the apparatus is stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical Disk). This may be installed in another computer and operated as the vehicle-mounted device 200, or a process performed by the vehicle-mounted device 200 may be executed. Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and a program suitable for reproducing content at a timing suitable for the data receiving side. it can.

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure of an information provision system. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a traffic information delivery server. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a roadside radio | wireless apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of onboard equipment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of onboard equipment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline structure of content data. It is a figure for demonstrating the target point information of content data. It is a figure for demonstrating the real data part of content data. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between onboard equipment and the various apparatuses etc. which were installed by the roadside etc. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of onboard equipment. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st reproduction conditions and the 2nd reproduction conditions. It is a flowchart for demonstrating reproduction | regeneration processing. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process according to the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the onboard equipment of Embodiment 3. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process according to the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Roadside Device 101 Wireless Communication Unit 102 Communication Control Unit 103 Storage Device 104 Control Unit 105 ROM
106 RAM
107 System Bus 200 On-board Unit 201 Communication Unit 201a GPS Module 201b DSRC Module 202 Audio Processing Unit 203 Output Unit 204 Operation Unit 205 I / O Device 206 Storage Device 207 Control Unit 208 ROM
209 RAM
210 System bus 225 Sensor group 251 Data acquisition unit 253 Data reproduction unit 254 Self-position detection unit 255 Position match determination unit 256 Travel direction detection unit 257 Direction match determination unit 258 Road type detection unit 259 Road type determination unit 260 Data storage unit 261 Map Storage unit 262 Route search unit 263 Input reception unit 300 Traffic information distribution server 301 Input unit 302 Output unit 303 First communication control unit 304 Second communication control unit 305 Storage device 306 Control unit 307 ROM
308 RAM
401 Provider information 402 Information provider information 403 Target point information 404 Actual data part 405 Priority designation information 411 Target point coordinates 412 Provided time information 413 Detailed reproduction setting information 414 Target point icon information 415 Information provision start information 416 Display time information 421 Display text information 422 Display still image information 423 Display moving image information 424 Playback audio file information 425 Speech TTS file information

Claims (7)

An information providing apparatus that reproduces content data and provides information to a user,
From the distribution device that distributes the content data including the priority of reproduction and the first reproduction condition and the second reproduction condition that specify the position or area of the information providing device that reproduces the content data; Data acquisition means for acquiring data;
Data storage means for storing the content data acquired by the data acquisition means;
Data reproducing means for reproducing the content data stored in the data storage means;
Position measuring means for measuring a current position of the information providing device;
Position determining means for determining whether or not the current position measured by the position measuring means is included in the position or area indicated by the first reproduction condition or the position or area indicated by the second reproduction condition;
With
The data reproduction means is determined by the position determination means when the current position measured by the position measurement means is included in a position or region indicated by the first reproduction condition or the second reproduction condition, and
(X) If the priority content data which is other content data having a higher priority than the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is not reproduced, the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is reproduced,
(Y) In the case where connected content data that is consistent information is being reproduced by reproducing a part at the second position and then reproducing another part at the second position, the data acquisition means acquires Continuing to play the connected content data in preference to the content data
An information providing apparatus characterized by that. The data reproduction means is a case where the priority content data is not reproduced, and
(A) When the position determination unit determines that the current position measured by the position measurement unit is included in the position or region indicated by the first reproduction condition, the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is Play and
(B) When the current position measured by the position measurement unit is included in the position or region indicated by the second reproduction condition, the position determination unit determines the position and the position indicated by the first reproduction condition. If not, play the content data acquired by the data acquisition means,
(C) When the current position measured by the position measurement unit is included in the position or region indicated by the second reproduction condition, the position determination unit determines that the current position is the position indicated by the first reproduction condition. When played back, the content data acquired by the data acquisition means is not played back.
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1. In the case where the data acquisition means acquires the first content data and the second content data,
The first content data and the second content data respectively specify the priority of reproduction and the position of the information providing apparatus that reproduces the first content data or the second content data. Including one reproduction condition and the second reproduction condition,
The current position measured by the position measuring means is included in the position indicated by the second reproduction condition of the first content data, and the position indicated by the first reproduction condition of the second content data The data reproducing means reproduces the second content data when it is determined by the position determining means that
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information providing apparatus is an information providing apparatus. The content data distributed from the distribution device includes a connection flag indicating whether the content data is the connection content data,
The data reproduction means determines whether the content data acquired by the data acquisition means is the connected content data based on the connection flag.
The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information providing apparatus includes: The content data is predetermined to be reproduced when the current position is included in either the position or area indicated by the first reproduction condition or the position or area indicated by the second reproduction condition. Common data,
The data reproduction means does not reproduce the common data when the second reproduction condition is satisfied when the common data is reproduced when the first reproduction condition is satisfied;
The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information providing apparatus includes: A data acquisition step of acquiring the content data including a playback priority, and a first playback condition and a second playback condition for designating a position or region of an information providing apparatus for playing back the content data;
A data storage step of storing the content data acquired in the data acquisition step in a memory;
A data reproduction step of reproducing the content data stored in the memory;
A position measurement step for measuring the current position of the self;
A position determination step for determining whether or not the current position measured in the position measurement step is included in the position or area indicated by the first reproduction condition or the position or area indicated by the second reproduction condition; ,
With
In the data reproduction step, the position determination step determines that the current position measured in the position measurement step is included in a position or region indicated by the first reproduction condition or the second reproduction condition; and ,
(X) If the priority content data which is other content data having a higher priority than the content data acquired in the data acquisition step is not reproduced, the content data acquired in the data acquisition step is reproduced.
(Y) In the case where connected content data that is consistent information is being played back by playing back a part at the second position after a part is played at the first position, it is acquired in the data acquisition step. Continuing to play the connected content data in preference to the content data
An information providing method characterized by the above. A computer that reproduces content data and provides information to the user.
The content data is distributed from a distribution device that distributes the content data including a reproduction priority and a first reproduction condition and a second reproduction condition that specify a position or area of the computer that reproduces the content data. Data acquisition means to acquire,
Data storage means for storing the content data acquired by the data acquisition means;
Data reproducing means for reproducing the content data stored in the data storage means;
Position measuring means for measuring the current position of the computer;
Position determining means for determining whether or not the current position measured by the position measuring means is included in the position or area indicated by the first reproduction condition or the position or area indicated by the second reproduction condition;
Function as
The data reproduction means is determined by the position determination means when the current position measured by the position measurement means is included in a position or region indicated by the first reproduction condition or the second reproduction condition, and
(X) If the priority content data which is other content data having a higher priority than the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is not reproduced, the content data acquired by the data acquisition unit is reproduced,
(Y) In the case where connected content data that is consistent information is being reproduced by reproducing a part at the second position and then reproducing another part at the second position, the data acquisition means acquires Continuing to play the connected content data in preference to the content data
A program characterized by that.

Images