JPH10232138A - Information exchanging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the report of an emergency state to a specified organization automatically by a sound conversation type and to perform the data transmittion of the information to a service organization and voice conversation at the same time by providing a speech synthesis means and a speech recognizing means. SOLUTION: This information exchanging device 1, which is carried by a user and mounting on a moving body, has a means ANTg for detecting a ground position, a speech synthesis means, which converts word information into the speech signal and outputs the signal, and a speech recognizing means for recognizing the speech signal. For example, when a transmission instruction signal (theft detection signal, air-back operation signal and the like) is generated, the information exchanging device 1 is connected to the conversation destination, for examples, police 600 and an emergency organization 500 assigned in the transmission instruction signal, and the information exchanging device 1 performs the reporting with the speech for speech question from the conversation destination. Therefore, the operator at the conversation destination can perform the communication in the ordinary telephone conversation form. It is not necessary to provide the special data communication device at the conversation destination. Even when a driver is absent and the telephone liaison is impossible, the reporting is performed automatically.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information exchange apparatus carried by a user or mounted on a mobile body and automatically transmitting the current position in an interactive manner, and in particular, although not intended to be limited to this, used. The present invention relates to a navigation terminal that provides a mobile route guidance to a person and automatically transmits his / her position to a specific organization in an emergency in an emergency, and a navigation system including the terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In data communication performed between a mobile unit and a base station, navigation data (current position, moving speed, moving direction, etc.) of the mobile unit is included in data transmitted from the mobile unit. With this addition, data including the current position of the mobile unit can be accurately transmitted to the base station of the data communication, so that the use range of the data communication is expanded.

A navigation system mounted on a vehicle for obtaining navigation data of a moving body monitors a moving direction of the vehicle with a gyro, a compass or the like mounted on the vehicle and counts a traveling distance of the vehicle. How to know the current position of a vehicle and / or GPS (Global Positioning System)
Receives the information transmitted by a plurality of satellites and calculates its own current position (latitude, longitude, and altitude if necessary), and repeats this at substantially fixed intervals to calculate its own moving speed and moving direction Then, the operator calculates the direction and distance of the destination set in advance from the current position by the operator, and displays the distance and direction to the destination, or a method of using both of them. It has been known. The calculation of the current position, the moving speed, and the moving direction using the GPS receiver is known, and its accuracy is relatively high.

[0004] If mobile data communication is performed by adding the current position, moving speed, moving direction, and the like obtained by such a navigation system to data for data communication, a communication partner can be obtained. Since various data relating to a mobile body are transmitted, the use value of the data is increased and it is effective. For example, if the navigation data of the mobile unit is added to the data transmitted from the mobile unit to the emergency center when the mobile unit falls into an emergency, the emergency center can take an emergency measure. It is effective for

[0005] To display data on the distance and direction from the current position to the destination, the operator must provide the navigation device with positional information on the destination. There are many destination input methods. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-151712 discloses a vehicle navigation device having a map memory. The operator reads a required map from the map memory on a two-dimensional display and inputs his / her position on the displayed map. The navigation device updates the map display to one centered on its own position as the vehicle (own device) moves.

However, the conventional navigation device using a map memory requires a large amount of map memory, resulting in a high cost and large volume of the navigation device and a decrease in input operability or a small amount of map memory. Therefore, there is a problem that it can be applied to only a very limited area and has low versatility (possibility of being usable in any area). Further, a difference between the map data and the actual road network occurs with the passage of time, but it is difficult to correct this.

[0007] A problem of this kind is that a user's navigation terminal transmits his / her current location and destination to a fixed station via a wide area communication network such as a communication line such as a car telephone line or a portable telephone line. This is improved by a navigation system that determines a route (route) from the current location to the destination at a fixed station and transmits the route information (route information) to the navigation terminal through the communication line (particularly). No. 8-228586).

In this case, one fixed station can correspond to an unspecified number of moving route guidance devices.
Large and detailed map memory or two locations (current location,
A large amount of route information connecting destinations can be held. Even in this case, to maintain or establish a fixed station,
The cost per vehicle navigation system is extremely low.

[0009]

By the way, although data communication is performed between the navigation terminal and the fixed station, when a theft detection signal is generated in a vehicle, theft is stolen by a specific agency (for example, police). Notification and notification of an accident to a specific agency (for example, a fire department or a road service company) when an airbag activation signal is generated on a vehicle is by voice communication because the public data communication standard of the other party has not been established. It is necessary to inform by conversation. However, when the theft detection signal is generated, the driver (driver) is absent, and when the airbag activation signal is generated, the driver itself may be in a state of being unable to contact the telephone. Therefore, it is desirable to automatically perform voice communication in a conversational manner.

[0010] On the other hand, it is conceivable that a contract is made with a specific service institution, and in the event of an emergency, the emergency state is notified to the service institution and the service institution arranges for emergency. In this case, when the service organization is equipped with the data communication system, the emergency communication can be performed between the navigation terminal and the service organization by automatic data communication.
However, only the automatic data communication has a problem that it is difficult for the service organization to understand the details of the situation of the emergency communication source (site). For example, in the case of a vehicle rescue notification, a case in which the vehicle itself has a problem such as a vehicle accident, a case in which there is a problem in the driving environment such as a road collapse, and a case in which the driver has a problem such as sudden driver illness. There can be a wide variety of situations. Even if the automatic notification by data communication is applied to all of them, even if the amount of data increases, it is difficult for the service organization to grasp the situation. Therefore, it is preferable to transmit the vehicle position and vehicle state information by automatic data communication so that the driver does not need to rely on the driver as much as possible. Is preferred.

[0011] In addition, during driving, there are cases where an inquiry about the current location of the driver is received from a family member or the like. In this case, notification of the current location of the vehicle by operating the telephone is quite troublesome.

Further, through a communication line, ie, a wide area communication network such as a car telephone line or a mobile telephone line,
For example, there is a case where a user wants to make a hotel reservation. Doing this by manipulating the phone during driving is quite tedious.

[0013] A first object of the present invention is to automatically notify a specific organization of an emergency by voice conversation.
The second purpose is to automatically answer inquiries of others and make reservation applications to others using a public communication line in a voice-conversation manner, and to provide data on vehicle position and vehicle state information to a service organization. It is a third object of the present invention to substantially simultaneously perform data transmission and status inquiry / response by a real voice conversation with a service organization.

[0014]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) An information exchange device (1) carried by a user or mounted on a mobile object according to the present invention comprises means for detecting a ground position (ANtg, 5/12, 2); word or sentence information. Speech synthesis means (10) for converting into speech signals and outputting them; speech recognition means (9) for recognizing words or sentences represented by speech signals; speech synthesis means (10) and speech recognition means for communication lines Line connection means (8) for connecting (9);
Call destination (600/500) addressed to the transmission instruction signal in response to the transmission instruction signal (theft detection signal / air-bag activation signal)
The voice synthesizing means (10) is connected to the transmission line of the communication line via the line connection means (8), and the voice recognition means is connected to the receiving line.
(9), and when the voice recognition means (9) recognizes the query word or sentence, the report word or sentence addressed to the transmission instruction signal and the ground position detecting means ( ANtg, 5/12, 2), a communication controller (2) for providing a word or sentence indicating the ground position detected to the voice synthesizing means (10).

To facilitate understanding, reference numerals or corresponding items of corresponding elements of the embodiment shown in the drawings and described later are added for reference in parentheses.

According to this, when a transmission instruction signal (for example, a theft detection signal / air-bag activation signal, etc.) is generated, the information exchange device (1) transmits the call destination (600/500) addressed to the transmission instruction signal. ), And the information exchange device (1) responds to the voice inquiry from the callee (600/500) with the report sound addressed to the transmission instruction signal, and the position to the ground is sounded by the callee (600/50).
Report to 0). Therefore, the operation of the call destination (600/500)
Can communicate with the information exchange device (1) in the form of a normal telephone conversation to recognize the current location of the information exchange device (1) and the intention of the call. There is no need to equip a data communication device, and the versatility of communication of the information exchange device (1) is high. When the information exchange device (1) is mounted on the vehicle and the transmission instruction signal is a theft detection signal or an air bag activation signal, the notification is automatically performed regardless of whether the driver is absent or the telephone cannot be contacted. Therefore, the notification of theft or the activation of the air bag is ensured.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(2) When the line connection means (8) connects to the third party in response to the incoming call from the third party, the communication controller (2) sends the voice recognition means (9) to the receiving line. The speech synthesizer (10) is connected to the speech line, and when the speech recognizer (9) recognizes the question word or sentence, it responds to it and outputs the corresponding word or sentence to the speech synthesizer.
Give to (10). According to this, the information exchange device (1) automatically answers by voice to an inquiry by voice from a third party. The user of the information exchange device (1) does not need to perform telephone operations, and the burden of operation is reduced.

(3) The information exchange device (1) includes an input means (MIC, 9 / SW1, SWe) for a user to set a destination telephone number and reservation application information; the communication controller ( 2)
Connects the line connection means (8) to the destination telephone number set by the input means, and connects the voice recognition means (9) to the receiving line.
When the voice synthesizing means (10) is connected to the transmission line and the voice recognition means (9) recognizes the word or sentence of the response and the question, the word or the word of the reservation application information is responded to this. The sentence is given to the speech synthesis means (10). According to this, the other party uses the public communication line,
A reservation application can be made by voice conversation.

(4) The information exchange device (1) further includes an emergency communication instruction switch (SWa), a first transmitter / receiver (MIC, SP), a first data communication modem (7), and the line connection means ( 8),
First connection means (ASW) for selectively connecting the handset to the first data communication modem (7); the communication controller (2) comprises:
In response to the turning on of the emergency communication instruction switch (SWa), a communication line is formed with the specific station (100) via the line connection means (8), and the first connection means (ASW) and the first data are formed. Communication modem
(7), the ID of the information exchange device (1) and the ground position are transmitted, and after this transmission, the line connection means (8) is connected to the first connection means (ASW) for a predetermined time (3 sec). First transmitter and receiver (MIC, S
P), and after the lapse of the predetermined time, the first data communication modem
(7) transmitting data to the specific station (100) via the first connection means (ASW);
Second line connection means (UT) for forming a communication line with the call in response to the call of (1), and second transmission and reception units (MI, HH)
And a second data communication modem (UM).
Via connection means (AS), second line connection means (UT), second connection means (AS) and second data communication modem (UM),
Data is received from the information exchange device (1), and after this reception, the second connection means (AS) sends the second transmission / receiver to the second line connection means (UT) for the predetermined time (3 seconds). MI, HH), and after the lapse of the predetermined time, the second line connection means (UT) and the second connection means (A
S) and a receiving controller (U) for receiving data from the information exchange device (1) via the second data communication modem (UM).
C).

According to this, when the user turns on the emergency communication instruction switch (SWa), the first controller (2) of the information exchange device (1) transmits the ID and ID of the device by data communication. After transmitting the ground position, the first connection means (ASW) connects the first transmitter / receiver (MIC, SP) to the first line connection device (8) for a predetermined time (3 sec) after the transmission, and After a lapse of time, the specific station (100) is connected via the first data communication modem (7) and the first connection means (ASW).
To send the data. That is, data transmission and conversation connection are alternately repeated in a time division manner.

Then, the second controller (U) of the specific station (100)
C) receives the data from the information exchange device (1), and after receiving the data, transmits the second data to the second line connection device (UT) by the second connection means (AS) for the predetermined time (3 seconds). , A receiver (MI, HH), a second line connection device (UT), and a second connection means after a lapse of the predetermined time.
The data is received from the information exchange device (1) via the (AS) and the second data communication modem (UM). That is, in synchronization with the data transmission and the conversation connection of the information exchange device (1), the data reception and the conversation connection are alternately repeated in a time-division manner.

The data amount of the above-mentioned data transmission in response to the turning on of the emergency communication instruction switch (SWa) is small, for example, several bytes to several tens of bytes, for example, 1200 bps four-phase PSK (ITU-T
High-speed data communication of 0.2 seconds or less is required for low-speed data communication of the standard V.22), and negotiation is unnecessary, so data communication efficiency is high. The data communication and the conversation mode connection are alternately repeated, but the conversation mode connection is relatively long (for example, 3).
By setting (sec.), the existence of the data communication period does not substantially hinder the conversation, and the conversation (question of the operator of the specific station 100 / answer of the user of the information exchange apparatus 1) by the specific station The operator can recognize the situation more specifically and accurately. In the specific station (100), the ID and the ground position of the information exchange device (1) received by the second controller (UC) are output by an output device (display, printer), and the operator refers to it. It is possible to quickly grasp the situation by having a conversation while proceeding, and to quickly start the treatment method.

(5) The information exchange device (1) is provided with input means (MIC, 9 / S) for the user to give a destination and a transmission command.
W1, SWe), means for generating guidance information for traveling along the route indicated by the route information (2), and means for informing the user of the guidance information (10, 11, SP / LCD), The communication controller (2) includes the input means (MIC, 9 / SW1, SWe).
A communication line is formed between the information exchange device (1) and the specific station (100) via the line connection means (8) of the information exchange device (1), and the first data communication modem (7) 1 connection means (ASW) and the ground position detection means (ANT) through the line connection means (8).
g, 5/12, 2) and the input means (MIC, 9 / SW
1, SWe) to transmit the destination given by the user to the specific station (100), and transmit the route information from the transmitted current position to the destination by the first connection means (ASW) and the first data. Communication modem (7)
The guide information generating means (2) generates guide information for moving along the route indicated by the received route information; and the notification means (10, 11). , SP / LC
D) broadcasts the guidance information; the specific station (100) stores node information specifying each of a number of locations and link information indicating a route connecting adjacent ones of those locations. Database (DBm) and the information exchange device
The current position and destination received from (1) and the data base
Means (UE) for determining a route from the current position to the destination based on the information of the route (DBm) and generating route information representing the route; ) Transmits the route information to the second data communication modem (UM) and the second connection means (A).
S) and the second line connection means (UT) to the information exchange device (1).

According to this, when the information exchange device (1) transmits the current position and the destination to the specific station (100) in response to the steady data transmission command, the specific station (100) generates route information. Means (UE) receives the current position and the destination,
Based on the information of the database (DBm), a route from the current position to the destination is determined, and route information representing the route is generated. Then, the specific station (100) transmits the route information to the information exchange device.
Send to (1). When the information exchange device (1) receives this,
The guidance information generating means (2) outputs the route indicated by the received route information.
To generate guidance information for traveling along
(10, 11, SP / LCD) notifies the user of the guide information.

In the information exchange device (1) carried by the user or carried or carried in the vehicle, the specific station (100) determines the route based on the database as described above. Information (current position, destination) to the specific station (100)
Since the database is located in the specific station (100), the information exchange device
The burden on (1) map memory equipment is eliminated. Since many information exchange apparatuses (1) having the same function can share the specific station (100), the data exchange is performed more easily than when each information exchange apparatus has a database such as a map memory. The cost of equipment installation and maintenance (the burden on each information exchange device) can be greatly reduced, and it is possible to equip the database with fine map data over a wide range.

(6) Each of the first and second data communication modems (7, UM) has a low-speed data communication function and a high-speed data communication function, and has the emergency communication instruction switch (SW).
In the data communication responding to the ON of a), that is, the emergency data communication, the low-speed data communication function allows
Data communication in response to a data transmission command, that is, route guidance data
In data communication, data is transmitted and received by a high-speed data communication function.

In the emergency data communication, as described above, even if the amount of data is small and the data transmission time is long due to the low-speed data communication function, the negotiation is performed prior to the data transmission. Therefore, the time required for the entire data transmission is much shorter than when high-speed data communication requiring negotiation is used. In emergency communication, data communication and conversation mode connection are repeated alternately. However, since negotiation is not required for each data communication, the data communication time is short and the conversation mode is short. The interruption time of the node is short,
There is virtually no interruption in conversation due to the intervention of data communication.

The conversation data connection does not intervene in the route guidance data communication, and the amount of data is large, but all data is transmitted after one negotiation, so that the data communication is performed. The time required as a whole is short, and the transmission and reception efficiency of route guidance data communication is high.

(7) The low-speed data communication function is based on ITU-T standard V.2
The high-speed data communication function specified in 2 is based on ITU-T standard V.
32.

(8) The information exchange device is mounted on a vehicle, the transmission instruction signal is a theft detection signal on the vehicle, and the report word or sentence is a theft notification word or sentence.

(9) The information exchange device is mounted on a vehicle, the transmission instruction signal is an airbag activation signal on the vehicle, and the report word or sentence is an airbag activation notification word or sentence. .

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0033]

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. Route search device (information exchange device) 1 mounted on vehicle
Communicates with the route guidance support center (specific station) 100 via a public line by the relay station 400 and the exchange 300 via a built-in cellular telephone unit (first line connection device) 8 (described later) and a cellular telephone antenna ANTt. Then, data is exchanged.

The route search device 1 converts radio waves from satellites into GPs.
The position of the vehicle is received by the S antenna ANTg and recognized by a built-in GPS unit (ground position detection means) 5 (described later). If the number of receivable satellites is insufficient or the reception of radio waves from the satellites is not possible, the lack of information is supplemented by vehicle position calculation based on direction detection using a gyro and integration of traveling speed. Alternatively, the vehicle position is recognized. Then, in response to the driver's input command, data such as the position of the vehicle and the driver's command are transmitted to the support center 100 via the public line, and the search route or vehicle or destination transmitted from the support center 100 is transmitted. And informs the driver.

The route search device 1 also includes a built-in cellular telephone unit 8 (described later) and a cellular telephone antenna A
Via the NTt, the relay station 400, the exchange 300 communicates with the route guidance support center 100, the public institution (emergency center) 500, the public institution (police) 600, the home 700, the hotel 800, etc. through a public line, and Exchanges data and voice signals.

For example, when an emergency (theft detection signal or airbag activation signal) occurs in the vehicle, a telephone line is automatically set up with the rescue organization 500 or the public organization (police) 600 through the public line, and the emergency state is set. A synthesized voice (synthesized voice message) representing the vehicle is reported together with the position information of the vehicle recognized by the GPS unit 5 (described later), and the voice content received from the partner station is identified by voice recognition. Respond with the voice of the synthesized voice. When the current position is inquired from the home 700 or the like via a public line, the position of the vehicle recognized by the GPS unit 5 is automatically synthesized by voice using a voice recognition and voice synthesis function. Notify by voice.
Furthermore, based on the information input in advance, at a designated time, the hotel 800 has a function of making a telephone call to the hotel 800 through a public line using a synthetic voice and automatically making a hotel reservation. At the designated time, the route search device 1 automatically calls the designated hotel based on the information input by the driver in advance, for example, the phone number of the hotel, the accommodation date, the reservation time, and the like. Based on the stored contents, a voice synthesis message is transmitted via a cellular telephone unit (car telephone transmitting / receiving circuit) 8, and the received voice content from the hotel is automatically recognized by voice recognition. Have a conversation about hotel reservation at the hotel.

The support center 100 has a map database DBm and a yellow page database DB described later.
y, a database unit UD including a POI database DBp and a traffic information database DBT are provided to search and / or calculate data requested by the route search device 1 and transmit the data to the route search device 1 through a public line. Further, it receives traffic information sent from the traffic control center 200 and updates the traffic information database DBT. The data of the traffic information database DBT is used for searching and calculating data required by the route search device 1.
The control operation of the control unit (second controller) UC is output and displayed on the terminal PC. The terminal PC can communicate with the route search device 1 via the control unit UC and a modem (second data communication modem) UM.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the route searching device 1 and an external connection mode, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the route searching device 1. Referring to FIG. 2, a display LCD, a power switch SWp, an input switch SWe, and an emergency communication instruction switch SWa are provided in front of the route search device 1. The display LCD is a character display that shows 20 characters side by side in two lines. The power switch SWp switches on / off the main power of the route search device 1. The route search device 1 includes operation keyboards SW1 and GP.
An S antenna ANTg, a speaker SP, a microphone MIC, a car phone TEL, and a cellular phone antenna (transceiver antenna for car phone) ANTt are connected. Note that the car telephone TEL may be built in the route search device 1 or externally attached.

Referring to FIG. 3 showing the configuration of the route searching device 1, a DC voltage + B and an accessory voltage (DC constant voltage) A are supplied from a power supply circuit (not shown) on the vehicle.
cc and a reference potential (equipment earth level) are given.
In addition, a theft detection circuit (not shown), an airbag driver,
An operation state signal or a detection signal is provided from a vehicle speed sensor or the like. The switch signal of the operation keyboard SW1 is also given. The input switch SWe is operated by the operation keyboard S.
This switch is used by the driver to instruct the driver to read data or commands input by the driver through W1 and displayed on the display LCD. The emergency communication instruction switch SWa is a switch for the driver to instruct a media notification.

FIG. 27A shows a display example on the display LCD at the time of command input, and FIG. 27B shows an operation key.
The operation surface of the board SW1 is shown. The display LCD has two lines, an upper line and a lower line. The upper line displays characters (characters, numbers, symbols, etc.) for user selection, and the lower line shows a user.
Displays the character selected by the user. The upper and lower rows each have a cursor display.
The upper or lower row is selected by the up and down arrow keys of the arrow key SWd of the key SW1. The cursor of the selected stage blinks. The driver moves the upper or lower cursor (blinking cursor) selected by the left and right arrow keys to the left or right. By moving the upper cursor to the rightmost or leftmost end of the LCD and continuing to press the right and left arrow keys further to the right or left, numbers, characters, and symbols such as 0 to 1, A to Z, etc. are displayed in the upper row and rightward. Or it is scrolled to the left.

[0041] The driver sets the 0 to 1, A to
Of the numbers, characters, and symbols such as Z, the upper cursor (underline under "F" in FIG. 27A) is placed below the appropriate numbers, characters, and symbols by operating keyboard SW1. Up arrow key SW
d Press the left and right arrow keys to move
Press the SET key SWs of W1 (decision). Then, the determined characters, numbers, symbols, and the like are displayed on the lower cursor (the right part of “F” in FIG. 27B).
The lower cursor moves one position to the right. Here, if the down arrow key is pressed, the lower cursor can be moved right and left by the left and right arrow keys. If you want to correct or delete the character once determined, move the lower cursor to it and delete it with the clear key SWc, or move the lower cursor to the character etc. you want to correct and press the up arrow key to move the upper cursor again. The correct character or the like that has been selected and re-selected by the upper cursor may be overwritten at the position of the lower cursor.

When the driver completes the input command or data at the lower stage by such an operation, the display L
Press the input switch SWe next to the CD. When the input switch SWe is turned on, the CPU 2 of the route search device 1 shown in FIG.
Read as an input by the board SW1.

Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 again. The theft detection circuit on the vehicle, not shown, detects the physical state of the vehicle or its change when the vehicle encounters theft, such as starting the engine by means other than operating the engine key, or noise or shock vibration inside the vehicle while the engine is stopped. CPU2 detects and detects theft detection signal
Output to The CPU 2 that has detected the theft detection signal connects the telephone line to the public agency (police) 600 through the public line. The CPU 2 recognizes the voice of the terminal operator of the public institution (police) 600 via the voice recognition unit 9 and converts the message content corresponding to the theft stored in the voice synthesis unit 13 into voice according to the content. Then, the message is transmitted to the terminal operator of the public institution (police) 600. Similarly,
When the airbag device on the vehicle generates an airbag activation signal, the CPU 2 connects the telephone line to the rescue agency 500 through the public line. The CPU 2 recognizes the voice of the terminal operator of the rescue facility 500 via the voice recognition unit 9 and converts the message content corresponding to the airbag operation stored in the voice synthesis unit 13 into voice according to the content. To the terminal operator of the emergency organization 500.

In these communication messages, information on the current position (latitude, longitude) of the vehicle recognized by the GPS unit 5 is also transmitted in a synthesized voice.

The CPU 2, the RAM 3, and the ROM 4 include:
The operating voltage is applied regardless of whether the power switch SWp is on or off. When the power switch SWp is switched from off to on, or when the power switch SWp is turned on, the theft detection signal, the airbag operation signal, or the emergency communication instruction signal (switch SW
When the ON signal of “a” arrives, the power is turned on to all the elements of the route search device 1 (the entire device 1).

When power is supplied to the entire apparatus 1, the CPU 2
Is a GPS antenna, a GPS unit (GPS receiving circuit) 5, and a connection interface (LSI) with other circuits.
The current position (latitude and longitude information) of the vehicle is recognized through the extended serial 6 which is a. The CPU 2 recognizes the current position (latitude, longitude information) of the vehicle based on the information received from the GPS unit 5 and the position recognition by the GPS unit 5 based on the gyro 12 and the vehicle speed (vehicle speed) is incomplete or impossible. Complementary processing of the current position at that time is also known, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The CPU 2 is connected to a public line via a telephone antenna ANTt, a cellular telephone unit (car telephone transmitting / receiving circuit) 8 and a modem 7, and can transmit and receive various information from the telephone antenna ANTt. The extended serial input / output port 6 performs data serial input / output and serial / parallel conversion input / output.

The driver's voice input by the microphone MIC is converted into digital data representing a word character via the voice recognition unit 9 and input to the CPU 2. The CPU 2 further includes a voice synthesis unit 10 and a switch SW1.
1, a message (output information) for the driver is notified (vocalized) by the in-vehicle speaker SP as necessary. When voice data is output from the CPU 2, the switch SW11 switches the connection between the in-vehicle audio and the speaker SP to the connection between the voice synthesis unit 10 and the speaker SP.
At this time, the CPU 2 simultaneously displays a message transmitted to the driver by voice from the in-vehicle speaker SP in characters on the display LCD. This allows the driver to check the message from the CPU 2 by hearing and vision. FIG. 28 shows an example of a message displayed on the display LCD.

The transmitting and receiving lines of the cellular telephone unit 8 are selectively connected to a microphone MIC as a transmitter and a speaker SP as a receiver or a modem 7 via an analog switch circuit ASW. You. During standby, the analog switch circuit ASW sends and receives the signal to the modem 7
(Data communication mode). When the conversation mode is set, the CPU 2 supplies a switching instruction signal (conversation mode connection instruction signal) to the analog switch circuit ASW.
The transmission and reception lines of the cellular telephone unit 8 are transmitted, and the receiver MI
Connect to C and SP.

FIG. 4 shows the outline (main routine) of the operation of the CPU 2. In the following description of the routine, step numbers in parentheses are indicated by omitting the word “step” in parentheses.

First, referring to FIG. 4, when the power is turned on to the CPU 2, the CPU 2 initializes and sets the internal memory and the input / output port to the standby state (1). The initialization (1) is performed when the route search device 1 is connected to the power supply line (+ B, GND, Acc) or when a theft detection signal, an airbag operation signal, or an emergency communication instruction is issued. This is performed regardless of ON / OFF of SWp.

Next, the CPU 2 checks whether the theft detection signal, the airbag activation signal or the emergency communication instruction switch SWa has been turned on. When the theft detection signal is generated, the CPU 2 stores it in the status register (one area of the internal memory) Fp. "1" indicating this is written (51-53), when an airbag activation signal is generated, "1" indicating this is written into the status register Fr (54-56), and when the emergency communication instruction switch SWa is turned on, the status register is turned on. "1" representing this is written to Fa (57-59), and in either case, "urgent processing"
Proceed to (70). When the theft detection signal disappears, the status register Fp is cleared (51, 60), and when the airbag operation signal disappears, the status register Fr is cleared (5).
4, 61). When the emergency communication instruction switch SWa is turned on again (this means an instruction to end the emergency communication) while the data of the status register Fa is "1", the cellular telephone unit 8 during the emergency communication is turned on (line). Off).

If all of the status registers Fp, Fr and Fa are "0" and none of the theft detection signal, the airbag activation signal or the emergency communication instruction switch SWa is generated, the "Navigation process" is executed. (6
Proceeding to 4), if any operator input is detected, the corresponding processing is executed.

Upon recognizing that the power switch SWp has changed from off to on, or when detecting a theft detection signal, an airbag activation signal, or the emergency communication instruction switch SW.
When recognizing the occurrence of the ON of “a”, the CPU 2 turns on the power of the entire route search device 1. When recognizing that the power switch SWp has changed from on to off, the power supply circuits of other elements except the standby monitoring system (CPU2, RAM3, ROM4) of the route search device 1 are turned off. However, theft detection signal, airbag activation signal or emergency communication instruction switch SW
state information (Fp, Fr or Fa =
When 1) is held in the internal memory (status register), the power is not turned off.

-"Emergency processing" (70)-FIG. 5 shows the contents of the "emergency processing" (70). At this point, the CPU 2 first sets the data in the status register Fp to "1".
It is checked whether it is (theft notification required), and if so, the analog switch circuit ASW is switched to the conversation mode (b-side connection) (71, 72). Then, the cellular telephone unit 8 connects the car telephone to the public institution (police) 600 via the public line (73). The CPU 2 analyzes the voice question of the operator of the public institution (police) 600 through the voice recognition unit 9 and determines whether the question belongs to the group A "event question" (74a) or not, and
Whether it belongs to "Situation Question" (74b), Group C "Question of proof" (74c), or Group D
Whether it belongs to "others" or not (74d) is identified. FIG. 7 shows an example (message division) of a question message in the groups A to D stored in the voice recognition unit 9. The speech recognition unit 9 identifies the classification (group) to which the question message by the voice of the operator of the public organization belongs, and responds to the message information (word or word) corresponding to the group. The sentence is read from the memory and given to the speech synthesis unit 10 (75a to 75d). The voice synthesizing unit 10 utters this message (generates a voice signal) and sends it out to the operator of the public agency (police) 600 via the cellular telephone unit 8. This response message includes the current position information of the vehicle obtained from the GPS (75b). The route search device 1 repeats the above steps each time a question by the voice of the operator of the public institution (police) 600 is repeated. When on-hook (line disconnection) (76), the cellular telephone unit 8 (terminal side) of the route search device 1 is also turned on-hook (line disconnection) (77). And the analog switch circuit AS
W is returned to the data communication mode (side contact with a) (78), and the process returns to step 51 of FIG. The speech recognition element used in the speech recognition unit 9 of this embodiment is capable of recognizing about 1,000 Japanese words with one chip.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the data of the status register Fr is "1" (airbag operation notification required), the CPU 2 sets the analog switch circuit ASW to the conversation mode (b side connection). Switch (79, 80). Then, the cellular telephone unit 8 connects the car telephone to the emergency service 500 via the public line (81). The CPU 2 analyzes the voice question of the operator of the rescue facility 500 via the voice recognition unit 9, and determines whether the question belongs to the group A "event question" (82a) or the group B "situation question". (82b), group C "question for physical evidence"
(82c) or belongs to group D "others" (82d). Then, response message data corresponding to the identification result is read from the memory and sent to the voice recognition unit 9 (83a to 83d). The voice synthesizing unit 10 generates a voice message of the response message and transmits the voice signal to the operator of the emergency center 500 via the cellular telephone unit 8. This response message includes the current position information of the vehicle obtained from the GPS (83b). The route search apparatus 1 repeats the above steps each time a question by voice of the operator of the rescue agency 500 is repeated.
When the operator on-hook the receiver (84), the on-board terminal also goes on-hook (77 in FIG. 5), and switches the analog switch circuit ASW to the data communication mode (a side connection).
(78), and returns to step 51 of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the data of the status register Fa is "1" (notification to the support center is required), the CPU 2 switches the analog switch circuit ASW to the data communication mode (a side). Connection) (85, 86). The CPU 2 first makes a call to the center 100 and establishes a telephone connection between the route search device 1 and the center 100 (8).
7). Analog switch circuit ASW is a side connection (connection between telephone unit 8 and modem 7), fixed at 1200bps 4-phase PSK
Modem 7 in low-speed data communication (equivalent to ITU-T standard V.22)
And the center 100 (the modem UM). The modem 7 and the UM have fixed settings.

Next, the CPU 2 sends out one frame of data to the center 100 via the modem 7 (88). As shown in FIG. 9, the data of one frame is: synchronization bit + start bit + ID of route search device 1 (8 bytes) + current position (latitude and longitude 4 bytes each) + vehicle information [notification 1 byte for contents (theft / airbag operation / emergency communication instruction), 1 byte for vehicle type, 1 byte for vehicle color, 1 byte for vehicle speed, total 4 bytes] + CRC check code (2 bytes), 1 frame The data transmission time is about 0.2 sec in the low-speed data communication described above. And CPU2 is 3se
c The timer is started (89A), and the analog switch circuit ASW is set to the conversation mode (89B). That is, a switching instruction signal (conversation mode connection instruction signal) is given to the analog switch circuit ASW, whereby the analog switch circuit ASW is connected to the b side, and the transmission and reception lines of the cellular telephone unit 8 are transmitted. , SP.

Next, the CPU 2 waits for the time over of the 3 sec timer, and during that time, checks whether the other party (100) is on-hook or whether the emergency communication instruction switch SWa is turned on again (user's communication end instruction). (89
C, 89D, 89E). When the 3 second timer expires, the CPU 2 switches the analog switch circuit ASW to the data communication mode (a side connection) (89F) and sends out the above-mentioned one frame of data (88). ). When this is completed, the 3-sec timer is restarted (89A), and the analog switch circuit ASW is switched to the conversation mode (b side connection) (89B). Thereby, the cellular telephone unit 8
And the receiving line is connected to the receivers MIC and SP. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned one frame data transmission (about 0.2 sec) is performed until the other party (100) is turned on hook or the emergency communication instruction switch SWa is turned on again (user's communication end instruction). Conversation connection (3sec) is performed alternately. As a result, the route search device 1 alternately repeats one-frame data transmission (approximately 0.2 sec) and conversation connection (3 sec) as shown in FIG.

The other party (100) is on-hook (line disconnected)
Or when the emergency instruction switch SWa is turned on again, this is detected in step 89C or 89D, the status register Fa is cleared (89G), and the in-vehicle terminal also goes on-hook (77 in FIG. 5), Then, the analog switch circuit ASW is returned to the data communication mode (a side contact) (78), and the process returns to step 51 of FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the controller unit (second controller) UC of the center 100 corresponding to the above-mentioned turning on of the emergency instruction switch SWa of the CPU 2 (an emergency communication command by the user of the route search device 1). Reception operation "Center
100). Center 1
The analog switch circuit AS of 00 is also connected to the a side for connecting the transmission and reception lines of the telephone unit UT to the modem UM during standby.
00, the modem UM responds to the incoming call of the telephone unit UT and the modem UM responds to the control signal of the modem 7 by 1200 bps.
Connect to the modem 7 by low-speed data communication with 4-phase PSK fixed (equivalent to ITU-T standard V.22) (91, 92). And CPU
2 receives the data of one frame transmitted (93).
Upon completion of this reception, controller unit UC sets 3
The sec timer is started (94), and the analog switch circuit AS is set to the conversation mode (95). That is, a switching instruction signal (conversation mode connection instruction signal) is given to the analog switch circuit AS, whereby the analog switch circuit AS is connected to the b side, transmitting the telephone units U and T, transmitting the receiving line, and receiving the handset MI. (Microphone), HH
(Headphones) (95). Then, the received data is given to the terminal PC, and the received data is displayed on the two-dimensional display.

Then, it waits for the 3 sec timer to time over, during which time it is checked whether or not the other party (route search device 1) is on-hook (96A, 96B). Then, the analog switch circuit AS is switched to the data communication mode (a side connection) (97), and one frame of data is received (98). Upon completion of this reception, controller unit UC gives the received data to terminal PC and displays the received data on its two-dimensional display. If the other party is not on-hook, the 3-sec timer is started (94), and the analog switch circuit AS is switched to the conversation mode (b).
(Interview) (95). Hereinafter, the data of one frame described above is kept until the other party (route search device 1) goes on-hook.
Data reception (about 0.2 sec) and conversation connection (3 sec) alternately.
When the other party goes on-hook, this is detected in step 96A or 99A, the telephone unit UT is turned off-hook (99B), and the analog switch circuit AS is switched to the data communication mode (a side connection) (99C). .

By the above-described reception processing of the controller unit UC, the support center 100 synchronizes with the data transmission (approximately 0.2 sec) and the conversation connection (3 sec) of the route search device 1 alternately. Data reception (about 0.2 sec) and conversation connection (3 sec) are alternately repeated. When the operator of the center 100 facing the terminal PC looks at the display data on the two-dimensional display of the terminal PC and utters a question, the question is converted into an audio signal by the microphone MI, and the route search device 1 Through to
It flows from the speaker SP of the route search device 1. When the user of the route search device 1 utters an answer to this question, it is converted into an audio signal by the microphone MIC, passes through the center 100, and flows from the headphones HH of the center 100. That is, since most of the period during the media communication is a conversation connection (3 sec), a real voice conversation is possible between the center 100 and the route search device 1, and the operator of the center 100 is more detailed and Accurate information can be obtained by conversation from the user of the route search device 1, and countermeasures or measures taken by the center 100 can be notified or reported to the user of the route search device 1 by voice. Of course, voice advice from the center 100 to the route search device 1 is also possible.

-"Reception of telephone call from third party" (100)-The current position is reported from a third party such as a family member or a friend other than the route guidance support center 100 to a car telephone of a vehicle moving via a public line. FIG. 11 shows the contents of the reception response, that is, reception of a telephone call from a third party "(100) when a call for confirmation is received. The CPU 2 detects the incoming call and outputs the data.
If not, the analog switch circuit ASW is switched to the conversation mode (b side connection), a response message for first answering the incoming call from the third party is read out from the memory, and given to the speech synthesis unit 10. (101, 102). Correspondingly, the voice message given by the other party (third party) is identified by the voice recognition unit 9 to which of the groups M, N and O belongs (103a to 103).
c). Groups M〜 stored in the voice recognition unit 9
An example of each message of group O is shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 2 sends a response message corresponding to the determined group.
The page is read from the memory and given to the speech recognition unit 9 (104a to 104c). The message of the third party is a group
If the inquiry is about the current position belonging to the map M, a response message including the current position information of the vehicle obtained from the GPS is created in response to the inquiry and given to the speech synthesis unit 10 (104a). Message from third party is group N
When the inquiry is about the vehicle status belonging to the above, a response message indicating whether the vehicle is running or stopped is given to the voice synthesizing unit 10 in response to the inquiry (104b), and the message from the third party is received. When belonging to group O (analysis failure), a third party is urged to send a message (104c),
The voice of the third party is converted into digital data by the voice recognition unit 9, compressed and written into the memory, and when the pause (silent section) reaches a predetermined time, the voice writing is terminated and the next voice is output. Proceed to recognition (steps 103a to 103c). When the other party (third party) goes on-hook, the cellular phone unit 8 is turned on-hook and the analog switch circuit AS is used in the case of the above-mentioned voice-written call.
W is switched to the data communication mode (a side contact), and the display L of the route search device 1 indicates that there is a message.
Notify the driver via CD and speaker SP (1
07-109). In the case of a call in which voice writing is not performed, the cellular telephone unit 8 is turned on-hook, and the analog switch circuit ASW is switched to the data communication mode (a side connection) (105A, 105B).

The display LCD and the speaker S
The driver that recognizes the notification of the reception of the third-party message by the P can instruct the CPU 2 to reproduce the message by an operation keyboard or voice input.
The PU 2 reads out the written voice data from the memory and gives it to the voice synthesizing unit 10, whereby the message is sent.
J flows from the speaker SP.

-"Hotel Reservation" (110)-FIGS. 13 to 15 show the contents of "Hotel Reservation" (110), and FIG. 16 shows a message (estimated message) stored in the memory. Here is an example. In order for the route search device 1 to automatically make a hotel reservation, necessary items are input to the route search device 1 in advance. That is, the user (driver) preliminarily inputs the telephone number of the hotel, the number of rooms to be reserved, the accommodation date, the time for performing the reserved communication (communication time), and the like via the operation keyboard ( 111). The input data is stored in the memory. When the communication time stored in the memory comes, the CPU 2 of the route searching device 1 switches the analog switch circuit ASW to the conversation mode (b side connection) and makes a call to the telephone number stored in the memory (112, 11
3) The reservation message in the memory is read out and sent to the speech synthesis unit 10 (114). The voice recognition unit 9 recognizes the response message from the partner (hotel) and determines which of the groups E to L it belongs to. In response to this determination, the CPU 2 responds to the message corresponding to the determination. Read from the memory and sent to the speech synthesis unit 10 (11
8-123). If the determination is group L, the cellular telephone unit 8 is turned on-hook (124) and the display LCD of the route search device 1 indicates that the hotel has been reserved.
And notify the driver via the speaker SP (12
5).

If the answer message to the reservation application (114) is not a question of the group E, the transmission of the reservation application message is repeated, and it is checked whether the other party is on-hook during that time (114, 115). , 11
8) When on-hook, the cellular telephone unit 8 is turned on-hook (line disconnected) and the analog switch circuit A
SW is switched to the data communication mode (side contact a) (11
6), the driver is notified that the reservation could not be made via the display LCD and the speaker SP of the route search device 1 (117).

The speech recognition unit 9 executes the reservation application (11
When the other party's answer to 4) is recognized as a group E condition question, the CPU 2 sends an accommodation date message to the speech synthesis unit 10 (118, 119). Whether the response from the hotel staff belongs to group F "positive sentence" (120a) or group G "negative sentence"
(120b) or the group H "other sentence" (120c). FIG. 14 shows the processing contents when the response contents of the hotel staff analyzed by the voice recognition unit 9 belong to the group F “positive sentence”. If the response content is "affirmative sentence", the voice recognition unit 9 sends the subsequent message to the group I "name question" (121).
a), it is determined which of Group J “Contact question” (121b) and Group H “Other” (121c). When the voice recognition unit 9 determines a group corresponding to the question by the voice of the hotel staff, a response message corresponding to the group is converted to a voice synthesis unit 10.
(122a-122c). The above steps (121 to 123) are repeated until a group L "confirmation message" is obtained from the hotel staff, and when the "confirmation message" is obtained, the cellular telephone unit 8 is turned on. Then, the analog switch circuit ASW is switched to the data communication mode (a side connection) (124), and the fact that the desired hotel has been reserved is displayed on the display L of the route search device 1.
The user (driver) is notified via the CD and the speaker SP (125).

FIG. 15 shows that the voice recognition unit 9 responds in step 120b with the voice response of the hotel staff.
The processing when a negative sentence of group G is recognized is shown. In this case, the CPU 2 reads out the acknowledgment message from the memory and gives it to the speech synthesis unit 10 (12).
6). Then, the analog switch circuit ASW is set in the data communication mode (a) with the cellular telephone unit 8 on-hook.
(127), and the fact that the reservation was not made
Display LCD and speaker SP of route search device 1
(128) to the user (driver) via.

Next, the contents of the "navigation process" (64) will be described. Referring again to FIG. 4, the CPU 2
A key input by the operation keyboard SW1 and a voice input by the car telephone TEL or a microphone are read (2, 3). When there is an input in the input reading (2, 3), the input is analyzed (4). If the input specifies "navigation processing" (64) in accordance with the analysis result, the process proceeds to any one of steps 5 to 9. After the execution of the routine from step 5 to step 9, the process proceeds to step 10, and in step 10, the register flag Fo is set.
And the contents of the register flag F1 are checked, and if the contents of both the register flag Fo and the register flag F1 are 1
If the content of either of the register flag Fo and the register flag F1 is not 1, the flow returns to the input reading (2).

Hereinafter, the processing contents of Steps 5 to 9 corresponding to the input when there is an input will be described.

-Step 5: "Keyword Setting"-FIG. 17 shows the contents of the "keyword setting" (5) shown in FIG. “Keyword setting” is to register a destination as an index for route search in advance in association with a fixed keyword. If the input indicates “keyword setting” in step 4, the CPU 2 proceeds to step 5. Then, in step 5a, output is made to the display LCD so as to designate an input method. The input method of “keyword setting” includes a. "Enter phone number",
b. "GPS current position input", c. There are three types of "address / POI input", and when the driver specifies (inputs) an input method by voice or operation of the operation keyboard SW1, steps 5g, 5b or 5k are performed according to the input method.
Proceed to.

A. If the input method is designated as "input telephone number" in step 5a, the CPU 2 first connects the car telephone TEL to the support center 100 through a public line (5).
g). Next, the driver is requested to input a keyword (address name) of the destination table and a telephone number corresponding to the destination table, and the driver inputs the key by voice or by operating the operation keyboard SW1. The keyword (address name) and telephone number are transmitted to the support center 100 (5h). In addition,
Including the transmission of the above-mentioned keyword (address name) and telephone number, the route search device 1 to the center 100 and the center 10 in the "navigation process" (64).
0 to the path traversing device 1
ITU-T standard V.M, which uses MNP5 as a data compression method and MNP10-EC which varies a packet size as an error countermeasure. 32 high-speed data communication functions. The information of the destination table is as follows.

Destination table Address No. Keyword Position designation information (address name) 1 HOME telephone number / ground position / address / POI 2 OFFICE telephone number / ground position / address / POI 3 POINT 1 telephone number / Ground position / address / POI 4 POINT 2 telephone number / ground position / address / POI 5 POINT 3 telephone number / ground position / address / POI 6 POINT 4 telephone number / ground position / address / POI 7 POINT 5 telephone number / ground Position / Address / POI In the case of “input telephone number” described above, the telephone number input by the driver is sent to the position designation information column. The support center 100 sends the received telephone number to the address of the received keyword (address name) in the destination table (one area of the database) assigned to the number of the car telephone TEL. The number is written, and the written data (telephone number) and its keyword (address name) are transmitted to the route search device 1 via the car telephone TEL connected through a public line. Upon receiving this, the CPU 2 of the route search device 1 displays them (keyword and telephone number) on the display LCD (5i). The driver checks the data displayed on the display LCD, and if it is an error, inputs a command to retry. When the retry instruction is input, the CPU 2 returns to step 5h and requests the driver again to input the destination keyword (address name) and telephone number (5j). If the display on the display LCD is intended, the driver inputs “memory” to the CPU 2. The CPU 2 disconnects the car phone TEL from the public line (cuts the car phone) (5e). Then, at the address of the keyword (address name) displayed on the display LCD of the destination table (one area on the memory) of the internal memory or the RAM 3, the data being displayed is also displayed.
(5f), and the process proceeds to step 10.

B. "GPS current position input" In step 5a, the command input of the input method is "G
If the input is "PS current position input", the CPU 2 first connects the car telephone TEL to the support center 100 via a public line (5b). Next, the current position (ground position) of the vehicle from the GPS unit 5 via the extended serial input / output port 6
To read and store it in the destination table
The driver is requested to input the address (address name), and the driver positions the ground position in association with the voice or the keyword (address name) input by operating the operation keyboard SW1. The information is written in the destination table, and the position to the ground is transmitted to the support center 100 (5c). The support center 100 searches for address information of a position corresponding to the ground position with reference to the map database DBm, and searches the address information via a car telephone TEL connected through a public line. 1
Send to Upon receiving this, the CPU 2 of the route search device 1 displays them (keyword and address information) on the display LCD (5d). Then, the CPU 2 disconnects the car phone TEL from the public line (cuts the car phone) (5e). Then, the process proceeds to step 10.

C. "Address / POI Input" In step 5a, if the command input of the input method is an address / POI input, the CPU 2 firstly enters the support center 1
At 00, a car telephone TEL is connected through a public line (5k). Here, the POI is a Point Of Interest, that is, a name of a target place (destination) or an index place (passing place). The CPU 2 provides the driver with a key for the destination table.
Address (address name) and the corresponding address or POI
(Name) is requested, and the driver inputs a voice (keyword (address name) and address or POI (name) input by operating the operation keyboard SW1) to the destination tape.
And write it to the support center 100 (5 m). The support center 100 has a map database D
Referring to the Bm or the POI data table DBp, position information (link No., node No. & distance: FIG. 3) of the position to which the received address or POI (name) corresponds.
2) is searched, and the position information is transmitted to the route search device 1 via the mobile phone TEL connected through a public line. Upon receiving the information, the CPU 2 of the route search device 1 displays them (keyword and position information) on the display LCD.
And the current position is displayed on the displayed link. The driver checks the data displayed on the display LCD, and if it is an error, inputs a command to retry. When the retry instruction is input, the CPU 2 returns to step 5m and requests the driver for the destination keyword (address name) and address or POI (name) again (5o). If the display on the display LCD is intended, the driver inputs “memory” to the CPU 2. The CPU 2 disconnects the car phone TEL from the public line (cuts the car phone) (5e). Then, the process proceeds to step 10.

Step 6: “Route Request” FIG. 18 shows the contents of the “route request” shown in FIG.
“Route request” requests the support center 100 for a route to a destination. First, the CPU 2 sets search conditions (6a). FIG. 19 shows the contents of the "search condition setting" (6a) shown in FIG. Search conditions include road priority, time priority (use of highway), straight ahead,
There is congestion avoidance, and the CPU 2 displays these search condition items on the display LCD and sounds,
The driver is requested to select a corresponding item (6a1). Then, the CPU 2 reads the voice or the input command by the operation key SW1, and stores the read search condition in the internal memory (6a2).

Referring again to FIG. The CPU 2 having set the search condition reads the current position of the vehicle from the GPS unit 5 via the extended serial input / output port 6 (6).
b) Connect the car telephone TEL to the support center 100 via a public line (6c), and transmit the current position of the vehicle to the support center 100 (6d). Next, the CPU 2 requests the driver to input a destination (6e).

FIG. 20 shows the “destination input” shown in FIG.
The following shows the subroutine. In "Destination input", CP
U2 first requests the driver to specify an input method. Here, the input method includes a. "Enter TEL No. (telephone number)", b. "Keyword input" and c. "Address / PO
I input ”and step 6e depending on the input method.
The process proceeds to 2, 6e5, 6e8 (6e1).

A. “TEL No. input” In step 6e1, the designation of the driver is “TEL N.
o. If "input" is indicated, the CPU 2 proceeds to step 6e.
Proceed to 2. Then, the destination telephone number input by operating the operation key SW1 or by voice is read (6e2). Then, the telephone number of the read destination is provided to the support center 1
At 00, it is transmitted together with the yellow page search instruction, and waits until the search result is returned from the support center 100 (6e3). The support center 100 is a yellow page database DB in which the contents of the yellow pages are registered.
y, and searches for the names and position information of individuals, organizations, and facilities corresponding to the telephone number transmitted from the route search device 1, and transmits them to the route search device 1. Upon receiving the search result from the support center 100, the CPU 2 displays the search result on the display LCD and notifies the user by voice (6e4).

B. "Keyword input" In step 6e1, if the driver's designation indicates "keyword input", the CPU 2 proceeds to step 6e5. Then, the operation of the operation key SW1 by the driver or the input of a keyword (address name) by voice is read (6e5). Then, the CPU 2 reads out position designation information (telephone number, ground position, address or name) corresponding to the read keyword (address name) from the destination table and transmits it to the support center 100 together with a search instruction. Then, it waits until the search result is returned from the support center 100 (6e6). The support center 100 converts the position information (FIG. 32, FIG. 33) corresponding to the position designation information (telephone number, ground position, address or name) into a yellow page database DBy and a map database DBm. Or POI data
Search from the database DBp. Then, the searched position information is transmitted to the route search device 1 (6e6). When receiving the position information from the support center 100, the CPU 2 displays the position information on the display LCD and notifies the user by voice (6e7).

C. Address / Name Input In step 6e1, if the designation of the driver is "address / name input", the CPU 2 proceeds to step 6e8. Then, the address / name input by operation of the operation key SW1 or voice is read (6e8). Then, the read address / name is transmitted to the support center 100 together with the address / name search instruction, and the process waits until the search result is returned from the support center 100 (6e9). The support center 100 searches the map database DBm or the POI database DBp in which the contents of the address / name are registered, and maps the position information (FIG. 33) corresponding to the address / name transmitted from the route search device 1 to the map. Database DBm
Alternatively, it is searched from the POI database DBp and transmitted to the route search device 1. CPU2 is the support center 100
When the position information is received from, it is displayed on the display LCD and notified by voice (6e10).

Then, if the destination displayed on the display LCD is not the designated place, the driver inputs a command to retry. When the retry instruction is input, the CPU 2 returns to step 6e1 (6e11). If the retry instruction is not input, the CPU 2 executes step 6f shown in FIG. 18, and transmits the determined destination position information to the support center 100 again (6f).

Further, the CPU 2 transmits a route search instruction from the current position to the determined destination to the support center 100 together with the search conditions, and waits until the route search result is transmitted (6g). When the route search result is transmitted from the support center 100, the route search result is received, displayed on the display LCD, and notified by voice (6i). The driver is displayed on the display LCD,
In addition, the route search result notified by voice is confirmed, and when the search result is acknowledged, an "OK" command is input by voice or the operation key SW1. However, if another route is desired, the driver inputs a “retry” command, and if the route search is stopped, the driver inputs a “stop” command. If the command input in step 6j is “retry”, the CPU 2 returns to step 6e and performs the route search again. Route search after retry (2
In the second and subsequent steps 6e to 6i, the support center 100 executes the second and subsequent steps 6e to 6i.
A different route is searched for each of the routines .about.6i. CP
U2 inputs 0 to the flag F1 if the command input in step 6j is "stop" (6n).
However, if the command input in step 6j is "OK", 1 is input to flag F1 (6k).
When the input of the flag F1 is completed, the CPU 2 turns off the car phone (6 m) and proceeds to step 10 (FIG. 4). When the route search is completed, the CPU 2 stores the searched information (search route data) in a save (memory).

Step 7: “Start guidance” / Step 8: “Stop guidance” — Please refer to FIG. 4 again. In step 4, if the content of the command (designation) input by the driver using a key or voice indicates "guidance start", the CPU 2 proceeds to step 7 and sets 1 to the flag F0 (1 to the flag register FO). Write). If the content of the command indicates "guidance stop", the CPU 2 proceeds to step 8 and changes the flag F0 to 0. When the setting of the flag F0 is completed, the CPU 2 proceeds to step 10.

-Step 9: "Confirm Current Position"-In step 4, if the content of the command input by the driver using a key or voice indicates "confirm current position", the CPU 2 proceeds to step 9. FIG. 21 shows FIG.
9 shows the contents of the “current position check” (9) shown in FIG. CPU
2 reads the current position (ground position) of the vehicle via the GPS unit 5 and the extended serial input / output port 6 (9a). Then, the mobile telephone is connected to the public line by the cellular telephone unit 8 and the support center 10 is connected.
0 (9b). When the connection to the support center 100 is completed, the CPU 2 transmits the ground position of the vehicle obtained from the GPS to the support center 100 (9c). The support center 100 stores the received ground position in a map database DB.
m, the position information of the ground position (FIGS. 32 and 3
3) is generated and transmitted to the route search device 1. CP
U2 receives this address information via the cellular telephone unit 8 (9d). Then, the received address information is notified to the driver by voice or LCD display (9e), and the connection with the public line of the car telephone is cut off. That is, the car telephone is disconnected (9f). And FIG.
Proceed to step 10.

As described above, in step 10, the contents of the register flag Fo and the register flag F1 are checked. If the contents of both the register flag Fo and the register flag F1 are 1, the "route guidance" in step 11 is executed. Is executed, and if the content of one of the register flag Fo and the register flag F1 is not 1, step 1
Return to and perform initialization.

FIG. 22 shows the “route guidance” (1) shown in FIG.
FIG. 23 shows the contents of step 1b "matching process with guidance route data" shown in FIG.
FIG. 24 shows step 11 shown in FIG.
c Shows the contents of "output process of guidance information". CPU2
First, the current position (ground position) of the vehicle is read via the GPS unit 5 and the extended serial input / output port 6 (11a), and the process proceeds to step 11b. Then, the position on the route search data (the position on the route) is determined by comparing it with the search route data being saved (11b1:
(FIG. 23). The CPU 2 divides the traveling state of the vehicle into eight types shown in FIG. 25, and determines which current traveling state of the vehicle corresponds to (11b2: FIG. 23). Then, step 11c is executed, and display data and voice data of the display LCD shown in FIG. 26 are created according to the current traveling state of the vehicle determined in step 11b2 (11c1), and the data is displayed on the display LC.
D display and sound are automatically output at the timing shown in FIG. 26, respectively. Steps 11a to 11c in FIGS. 22 to 24 are performed until it is confirmed that the arrival guide shown in FIG. 26 has been output to notify that the vehicle has arrived at the destination.
repeat. When the arrival guidance shown in FIG. 26 is output, the process returns to step 1 of the main routine shown in FIG. 4 (11d).

FIG. 29 shows a system configuration of the support center 100. Further, please refer to FIG. 1 again. The support center 100 includes a map database DBm, a yellow page database DBy, and a POI database DB.
A database unit UD and a traffic information database DBT are provided. The search engine unit UE searches for necessary data from various databases according to a command (request) of the route search device 1, and the route search device through a public line. Send to 1. Control of each search engine of the search engine unit UE and connection control with a public line via each modem in the modem unit UM are performed by the controller C1 in the control unit UC.
The controller C2 in the control unit UC performs reception of the traffic information sent from the traffic control center 200 and management of accumulation in the traffic information database DBT. The control operation of the control unit UC is performed by the controller C
2 is output and displayed on the terminal PC. In addition, the terminal PC can communicate with (the telephone TEL of) each vehicle through the controllers C1 and C2.

The database unit UD includes a map database DBm, a yellow page database DBy, P
It consists of an OI database DBp. Map database D
In Bm, intersections, junctions, right-turn points, left-turn points, and the like on the road are stored as “nodes”, and roads between nodes are stored as “links”. Each node information includes a node No. And its position information (latitude and longitude) and address information. And the node Nos. Of both ends to which it is connected. , Shape regulation information,
And road name information.

The route information (route search data) transmitted from the support center 100 to the route search device 1 is all the “node” No. And "Link" No. Combination of The current position can be represented by a position on a link between specific nodes (distance along the link from the node). The support center 100 receives the node No. near the current position received from the route search device 1. And the link No. connected to it. For the link No. to which the current position belongs. And the node Nos. Is determined. Similarly, for the destination, the link No. to which it belongs. And the node Nos. Is determined. Then, the link No. determined for the current position. And node no. And the current position on the link and the link N determined for the destination
o. And node no. Also, the destination from the current position to the destination (node No. & link N) is referred to the destination position on the link with reference to the data of the map database DBm.
o. ) Is selected according to the search condition. That is, the route is determined according to the search condition.

FIG. 31 shows an example of a link from node 1 to node 3 stored in the map database DBm. For example, when the support center 100 performs a route search from the node 1 to the node 3, the shortest route is “node 1 → link 1 → node 2 → link 2 → node 3”. Selects the above route. In the search condition setting (FIG. 18: step 6a) of the route request (FIG. 4: step 6) of the route search device 1, traffic jam avoidance is specified as a search condition item, and the traffic information If the data in the database DBT indicates traffic congestion on the link 2, or if a route request from the route search device 1 (FIG. 4: step 6) is issued, a retry instruction (FIG. 1)
8: When step 6g) arrives, the support center 100 reads “node 1 → link 1 → node 2 → link 3”.
→ Node 4 → Link 4 → Node 3 ”.

FIG. 32 shows the data structure of the yellow page database DBy. In the yellow page database DBy, the name and position information of the individual, organization, facility, etc. corresponding to the telephone number corresponding to the telephone number (the link No. where it exists, the node No. & The distance from this node along the link (road) is stored. Support Center 100
In the keyword setting of the route search device 1 (FIG. 4: step 5) or the route request (FIG. 4: step 6), the position information assigned to the transmitted telephone number is compared with the yellow data base. Read from DBy.

FIG. 33 shows the data structure of the POI database DBp. In the POI database DBp, location information (link No. where the address exists, and node No. connected to one end thereof) of the address posted on the yellow page (along with the telephone number) corresponding to the address and name of the individual, group, facility, etc. && The distance from this node along the link (road) is stored. The support center 100 uses the POI data table for the position information assigned to the sent name in the keyword setting of the route search device 1 (FIG. 4: step 5) or the route request (FIG. 4: step 6). From the DBp.

In the database UD, there are only m sets of these three databases DBm, DBy, DBp. And these database DB
One of the search engines e1 to en in the search engine unit UE is assigned and connected to a set of m, DBy, and DBp. The route search is performed by the search engines e1 to en in the search engine unit UE based on the data in the databases DBm, DBy, and DBp connected to the search engines e1 to en in the search engine unit UE according to an instruction from the controller C1.

In the modem unit UM, the number of modems m1 to m equal to the number of connected lines (the number of route search devices 1) N
n. The modems m1 to mn output data from the connected public line to the controller C1 or output data transferred and output from the controller C1 to the connected public line according to the instruction of the controller C1.

The controller 2C is connected to the road traffic control center, reads traffic information (traffic congestion, road work, etc.) at a predetermined cycle, and reads the traffic information database D
Update the data on Bt. Further, the controller C1
And outputs the operation status of the system in the support center 100 to the terminal PC, and communicates with the controller C1 in response to the input from the terminal PC to stop the system and to search for each route search device 1 (each vehicle). Communicate with

FIG. 30 shows an outline (main routine) of the control operation of the controller C1. The controller C1 is
First, after initialization (step 101), command data of the connected modems 1 to N is read (10).
2) Analyze the content, that is, the request (103). Then, each search engine e in the search engine unit UE
It is checked whether there is a search engine that is not currently in use among 1 to en (104), and a request from each modem is allocated to a vacant (not currently in use) search engine (105).

The search engine retrieves data from the database unit UD based on the allocated request. For example, when converting the current position (ground position) given by the route search device 1 into position information (FIGS. 32 and 33), a node No. close to the ground position may be used. And the link No. connected to it.
Is searched from the map database DBm, and the link No. to which the current position belongs is searched. And the node Nos. Is determined. In the case of a destination, location information (FIGS. 32 and 3) corresponding to a given telephone number, address or name (POI)
3) is read from the map database DBm or the POI database DBp.

In the case of a route search, the current position (ground position)
A route starting from the above-described position information and ending with the above-described position information of the destination is searched based on the map database DBm and the search condition. That is, the route is determined by searching for the via nodes and links from the starting point to the end point. The controller C1 is provided for each of the search engines e1 to en
Route information (node No. and link N)
o. Is collected (106), and the captured data is transferred and output to the assigned modem (107). Each modem outputs data to each route search device 1 through a public line.

The controller C1 further outputs an operation status to the controller C2. Conversely, when there is a communication output from the terminal to the specific modem through the controller C2, the line between the concerned modem and the terminal is connected to the controller C2.
2 (108).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the route search device 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a route search device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a control operation of a CPU 2 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the contents of “emergency processing” (70) shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the contents of “emergency processing” (70) shown in FIG. 4;

7 is a chart showing an example of a message in a group determined in steps 82a to 82d shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of the contents of “emergency processing” (70) shown in FIG.

9 is a diagram illustrating a communication set with a communication line between the route search device 1 and the support center 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the communication with the route guidance support center 100 shown in FIG. 8 in the emergency processing (70). This is a time chart showing mode switching, and also shows data items of transmission data.

FIG. 10 is a route guidance support center 100 shown in FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the contents of data reception processing corresponding to communication from the route search device 1.

11 is a diagram showing “Reception of Third Party Phone” (10) shown in FIG.
This is a flowchart showing the contents of 0).

FIG. 12 shows steps 103a to 103c shown in FIG.
6 is a table showing an example of a message in a group determined in step (a).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the contents of “hotel reservation” (110) shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of the contents of “hotel reservation” (110) shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the rest of the contents of “hotel reservation” (110) shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is a step 118 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14;
It is a chart which shows the example of the message in a group determined by -123.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the content of “keyword setting” (5) shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of “route request” (6) shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of “search condition setting” (6a) shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of “destination input” (6e) shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of “confirm current position” (9) shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of “route guidance” (11) shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the content of “matching process with guidance route data” (11b) shown in FIG. 22.

24 is an "information output process" (11c) shown in FIG.
Is a flowchart showing the contents of the above.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing several examples of the positions of vehicles on the road when the CPU 2 gives guidance to the driver by “guidance route guidance” (11) shown in FIG. 22.

26. Guidance information (message) notified to the driver by the CPU 2 by “guidance route guidance” (11) shown in FIG.
6 is a table showing several examples of (d).

FIG. 27A is a plan view showing an example of a display on the display LCD of the route search device 1 when a driver gives an instruction to the route search device 1 using the operation board SW1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3B is an enlarged plan view showing the appearance of the operation key SW1.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing an example of a display on the display LCD when the CPU 2 notifies a driver of guidance by “guidance route guidance” (11) shown in FIG. 22.

29 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the support center 100 illustrated in FIG.

30 is a flowchart showing an outline of a control operation of a controller C1 shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing an example of a combination of nodes and links stored in the map database DBm shown in FIG. 29 in the form of a plane distribution.

FIG. 32 is a chart showing a data configuration of a yellow page database DBy shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a chart showing a data configuration of a POI database DBp shown in FIG. 29.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Route search device 2: CPU 3: RAM 4: ROM 5: GPS unit 6: Extended serial 7: Modem 8: Cellular telephone unit ASW: Analog switch circuit 9: Voice recognition unit 10: Voice synthesis unit 11: SW switching 12 : Gyro sensor LCD: Display ANTt: Cellular phone antenna ANTg: GPS
Antenna SWa: Emergency communication instruction switch SWp: Power switch SWe: Input switch SWd: Arrow key SWc: Clear key SWs: SET key SP: Speaker MIC: Microphone TEL: Car phone SW1: Operation key 100: Route guidance support center UC: Control Unit C1, C2: Controller UE: Search engine unit DBT: Traffic information database UM: Modem unit UD: Database unit DBm: Map database DBy: Yellow page database DBp: POI database UT: Telephone unit UT: Analog switch circuit 200: Traffic control Center 300: Exchange 400: Relay station 500: Specific agency (emergency center) 600: Specific agency (police) 700: Home (third party) 800: Hotel

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A means for detecting a ground position; a voice synthesizing means for converting word or sentence information into a voice signal and outputting the voice signal; a voice recognition means for recognizing a word or sentence represented by the voice signal; A line connecting means for connecting the voice synthesizing means and the voice recognizing means thereto;
In response to a transmission instruction signal, to a call destination addressed to the transmission instruction signal, connect the voice synthesis unit to a transmission line of a communication line via the line connection unit, and connect the voice recognition unit to a reception line, When the voice recognizing means recognizes the question word or sentence, in response thereto, a report word or sentence addressed to the transmission instruction signal and a word or word indicating the ground position detected by the ground position detecting means. Communication control for providing a sentence to the speech synthesis means
An information exchange device carried by a user or mounted on a mobile object. 2. The communication controller according to claim 1, wherein the line connection means connects to the third party in response to an incoming call from the third party, and the voice recognition means is provided on the reception line, and the voice synthesis means is provided on the transmission line. 2. The information exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the voice recognition means recognizes the question word or sentence, the word or sentence corresponding thereto is given to the voice synthesis means in response thereto. 3. The information exchange device includes input means for allowing a user to set a destination telephone number and reservation application information; and said communication controller sets the destination telephone number set by said input means. The line connecting means is connected to connect the voice recognition means to the receiving line and the voice synthesizing means to the transmission line. When the voice recognizing means recognizes the word or sentence of the response and the question, it responds to this. 2. An information exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a word or sentence of the reservation application information is provided to said voice synthesizing means. 4. The information exchange apparatus further includes an emergency communication instruction switch, a first transmitter / receiver, a first data communication modem, and a transmitter / receiver for selectively transmitting and receiving data to the line connection means. Communication controller, in response to the emergency communication instruction switch being turned on,
A communication line is formed with the specific station through the line connection means, and the communication line is formed through the first connection means and the first data communication modem.
After transmitting the ID of the information exchange device and the ground position, the first connection means connects the first transmitter / receiver to the line connection means for a predetermined time after the transmission, and after the predetermined time elapses, the first data communication. Transmitting data to the specific station via a modem and first connection means; the specific station responding to the call of the information exchange apparatus and forming a communication line with the information exchange apparatus; , Second connection means for selectively connecting the second transmitter / receiver to the second data communication modem, and second line connection means, the second connection means and the second data communication modem. Receiving the data from the information exchange device, connecting the second transmitter / receiver to the second line connection means by the second connection means for the predetermined time after the reception, and after the predetermined time elapses, the second connection The information exchange via the line connection means, the second connection means and the second data communication modem. Device Karade - receiving receives the data control - are those containing La, a; information exchange apparatus according to claim 1. 5. An information exchange apparatus comprising: an input unit for a user to give a destination and a transmission command; a unit for generating guide information for moving along a route indicated by route information;
And a means for notifying the user of guidance information; wherein the communication controller responds to a transmission command from the input means and communicates with a specific station via a line connection means of the information exchange apparatus. A communication line is formed to specify a first data communication modem, a first connection means, a current position detected by the ground position detection means via the line connection means, and a destination given by the user via the input means. And transmitting the route information from the current position to the destination from the specific station via the first connection means and the first data communication modem. Generating guidance information for moving along the indicated route; the notifying means notifying the guidance information; the specific station includes node information for specifying each of a number of positions, and node information of those positions. Le connecting neighboring things A database storing link information indicating a link, a current position and a destination received from the information exchange device, and a route from the current position to the destination based on the information of the database. Means for determining a route and generating route information representing the route; the receiving controller stores the route information in a second data communication modem, a second connection means, and a second line connection means. The information exchange apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information exchange apparatus transmits the information to the information exchange apparatus via a network. 6. The first and second data communication modems each have a low-speed data communication function and a high-speed data communication function, and perform data communication in response to turning on of the emergency communication instruction switch. That is, in the emergency data communication, the data communication is performed by the low-speed data communication function, and in the data communication in response to the steady data transmission command, that is, in the route guidance data communication, the data is transmitted by the high-speed data communication function. The information exchange apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information exchange apparatus sends and receives data. 7. The low-speed data communication function is defined in ITU-T standard V.22, and the high-speed data communication function is defined in ITU-T standard V.32.
7. The information exchange device according to claim 6, wherein the information exchange device is defined as follows. 8. The information exchange device is mounted on a vehicle, the transmission instruction signal is a theft detection signal on the vehicle, and the report word or sentence is a theft notification word or sentence. An information exchange apparatus according to claim 2, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, or claim 7. 9. The information exchange device is mounted on a vehicle, the transmission instruction signal is an airbag activation signal on the vehicle, and the report word or sentence is an airbag activation notification word.
8. The information exchange device according to claim 1, wherein the information exchange device is a sentence or a sentence.