JPH11187469A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system with which various latest information with respect to an area corresponding to a position of a portable information terminal carried by the user is served. SOLUTION: A PHS terminal PS sends an area information request to a PHS service center 3, after registering its position in a service area resident at present to a PHS service center 3. The PHS service center 3 sends the area information request and the position information of the PHS terminal PS to an information service station 4. The information service station 4 extracts area information in the service area, where the PHS terminal PS is resident according to the area information request and the position information. The PHS service center 3 sends the area information from the information service station to the PHS terminal PS. The PHS terminal PS displays the received area information on a display section and when the user carried out dialing, the PHS terminal PS executes dialing of a telephone number included in the area information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system for exchanging various information from information providers in a service area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a portable information terminal (for example, a portable telephone, a PHS terminal: PHS) carried by a user and mutually communicating voice and data with other terminals including a general home telephone.
ersonal Handy Phone System Terminal, pager, PD
A: a personal digital assistant, etc.) and a base station connected to a communication line, wirelessly communicating with the portable information terminal, and connecting the portable information terminal to the communication line are known. In the following description, a PHS terminal (and its communication system) will be described as an example of a portable information terminal. In this communication system, various information is provided to a user of a PHS terminal by a service center installed on a communication line network. In addition, the service center provides advanced services such as a location registration function and a tracking connection function in order to grasp in which service area the PHS terminal is located in order to realize the mobility of the PHS terminal.

The above-described location registration function is for enabling the user of the PHS terminal to make and receive calls in any service area as long as the user is within the service area. It is realized by storing.

[0004] The PHS terminal receives the position information broadcast from the public base station and, if different from the position information stored therein, sends a position registration signal to the base station in the service area where the PHS terminal is located. The location registration signal reaches the service center via the public base station and is stored. When the PHS terminal moves to a different service area and the received location information changes, the above operation is repeated again. Thereby, the service center can always grasp the position of each PHS terminal.

[0005]

By the way, in the conventional communication system, although there are information providing services for various events, restaurants, hotels, and the like, the information providing service for the user of the PHS terminal using the location registration function, At least, an information providing service associated with the position of the user (area where the user exists) has not been proposed.

On the other hand, as a system that provides various types of information on the area according to the position of the user, there is a navigation system using a GPS, which is different from the PHS communication system. In the navigation system, CD-
Information stored in the ROM in advance (building name, business name,
Some have a function of displaying a telephone number of a business establishment, a hotel name, a hotel telephone number, etc.) on a map in accordance with the current position obtained by GPS.

However, when the information is changed or updated, it is necessary to replace the CD-ROM. For this reason, when the information is changed, the contents of the CD-ROM must be changed and updated and distributed again, which is time consuming, costly, and lacks immediacy. Furthermore, there is a problem that whether or not the contents are actually distributed depends on the production company, and there is a case where the contents are not changed or updated.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system capable of providing the latest various information on an area corresponding to the position of a portable information terminal carried by a user.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, a communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a terminal that communicates via a base station connected to a communication network and various services to the terminal. In a communication system comprising management means, the management means recognizes a service area where the terminal is located, and is provided at least by a telephone number of an information provider located in the service area and the information provider. Transmitting area information comprising service information to the terminal, wherein the terminal is a terminal for performing position registration with the management means, and receiving the area information from the management means, displaying the area information. I do.

[0010] In a preferred aspect, the terminal includes:
For example, a call may be made to a telephone number included in the currently displayed area information according to a predetermined operation.

In a preferred embodiment, the management means may recognize a service area where the terminal is located according to the location registration information of the terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, the management means includes, for each service area, area information including a telephone number of an information provider and service information provided by the information provider. May be provided.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the service information may be classified by item according to the service content provided by the information provider.

[0014] In a preferred aspect, when the item is designated by the terminal, the management means transmits only the area information of the designated item to the terminal. You may.

In a preferred embodiment, the management means recognizes a service area in which the terminal exists, and at least stores position data of an information provider located in the service area, In addition to the area information including the telephone number of the information provider and the service information provided by the information provider, map data of the service area is transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal transmits area information from the management unit. Upon receipt, the map data may be displayed, and the position of the information provider may be displayed on the map data based on the position data.

In a preferred embodiment, the management means recognizes a service area in which the terminal exists, and at least stores position data of an information provider located in the service area, Transmitting area information including a telephone number of the information provider and service information provided by the information provider to the terminal, wherein the terminal includes: a predetermined storage medium in which map data is stored; Reading means for reading map data from the storage means, when receiving the area information from the management means, based on the position data of the information provider, while displaying the map data read from the storage medium by the reading means, The position of the information provider may be displayed on the map data.

In a preferred aspect, the management means recognizes a service area in which the terminal is located, and at least stores position data of an information provider located in the service area, Transmitting area information including a telephone number of the information provider and service information provided by the information provider to the terminal, wherein the terminal includes: a predetermined storage medium in which map data is stored; Connected to a navigation system having reading means for reading map data from the navigation system, and when receiving the area information from the management means, transmits the position data and the area information to the navigation system. Read from the storage medium by the reading means based on the position data of the person And displays the Figure, may be displayed the position of the information provider on the map data.

In a preferred embodiment, the terminal is:
For example, as described in claim 10, according to a predetermined operation,
A storage unit for storing the map data and the area information being displayed may be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage means may be a removable storage medium, for example.

In a preferred embodiment, the terminal is:
For example, according to a twelfth aspect, in response to a predetermined operation,
A call may be made to the telephone number included in the currently displayed area information.

In a preferred embodiment, the terminal is:
For example, according to claim 13, in response to a predetermined operation,
The homepage address included in the area information currently displayed may be accessed.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention
An embodiment applied to an HS system will be described with reference to the drawings. The communication method is applied to the PHS, but is not limited to this, and may be a mobile phone or a car phone. Also, if the information terminal has a communication function (communication function separate information terminal, communication function integrated information terminal),
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied. A. Configuration of First Embodiment A-1. Configuration of Communication System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an ordinary analog telephone network or a dedicated digital network (hereinafter, referred to as a communication network) laid all over the country.
Next, the public base stations 2 are installed at predetermined intervals in the communication line network 1 and each have a service area (radio wave reachable range: communication range) with a radius of several hundred meters centered on itself. Is a relay station that wirelessly connects the PHS terminal PS existing in the communication network 1 to the communication network 1.

The PHS terminal PS is a terminal carried by the user and driven by a battery. The PHS terminal PS has the same functions as a normal telephone, such as a liquid crystal display unit and dial keys, and communicates with the public base station 2 wirelessly. The communication is connected to the communication network 1. Also, when the PHS terminal PS moves and changes the service area or when the power is turned on, as described above, the PHS terminal PS receives the position information broadcast from the public base station 2 of the service area located at that time, and stores the information. If it is different from the current location information, it sends a location registration signal to the public base station 2 in the service area where it is located. The location registration signal reaches the service center 3 via the public base station 2 and is stored.

In particular, in the first embodiment, the PHS terminal PS
Sends an area information request (or an area identification information request) to the public base station 2 in the service area located at that time according to the user's instruction. The area information request (or area identification information request) is supplied to the PHS service center 3 via the public base station 2. The details of the area information request (or the area specifying information request) will be described later. The PHS terminal PS receives the area information (or the area specifying information) transmitted via the public base station 2 in response to the area information request (or the area specifying information request) and displays it on the display unit. Has become.

The PHS service center 3 provides line connection and various information to the user (subscriber) of the PHS terminal PS according to the location information. In particular, in the first embodiment, the PHS service center 3 is provided with an information service station 4 for providing the user of the PHS terminal PS with area information in the service area.
Area information request from S (or area specific information request)
Is received, the location information of the corresponding PHS terminal is transmitted to the information service station 4 together with the area information request (or the area specifying information request).

The information service bureau 4 accumulates area information for each service area by item such as restaurant, accommodation facility, leisure facility and the like. The area information can be updated almost in real time in response to a request from an information provider or the like. The information service station 4 searches the area information in real time according to the area information request (or area specifying information request) specified by the PHS service center 3 and the position information of the PHS terminal PS, and provides a service in which the corresponding PHS terminal PS is located. The area information (or area identification information) within the area is extracted and sent to the PHS service center 3. The area information (or area identification information)
Is the corresponding PHS terminal PS via the corresponding public base station 2.
Sent to.

A-2. Area Information of Information Service Station FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining area information of the information service station 4 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the information service bureau 4 stores, as area information, information A1 to A4, B1 for items such as "restaurant", "accommodation", "leisure", "shop" for each service area.
, C1 are stored. For each information provider, detailed information about the information provider, such as the name of the information provider, contact telephone number, fee, business hours (check-in time and check-out time for accommodation facilities), parking at the parking lot Number,
Includes ancillary facilities, Internet homepage addresses, etc.

The information service station 4 takes out the area information of the corresponding service area according to the area information request (or area specifying information request) from the PHS service center 3 and the position information of the PHS terminal PS. For example, P
When the HS terminal PS is located in the service area A shown in FIG. 1, the area information A1 to A4 of the service area A is extracted.

Note that the area information request described above is a PHS
The request for area information of the entire service area in which the terminal PS is located.
It requests area information for any item in the service area where the terminal PS is located. Therefore, when receiving the area information request, the information service station 4 extracts all the area information of the service area obtained from the position information, and when receiving the area specifying information request, the information service station 4 obtains the service area obtained from the position information. Of the area information, only the area information relating to the designated item is extracted and sent to the PHS service center 3.

A-3. Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PHS terminal according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a transmission / reception unit, which comprises a frequency conversion unit and a modem. The receiving unit of the frequency conversion unit mixes the signal received by the antenna ANT with a local oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency output from the PLL synthesizer to convert the signal into an IF (intermediate frequency) signal in the vicinity of the 1.9 GHz band to the 1 MHz band. Perform frequency conversion. Further, the transmitting unit of the frequency conversion unit mixes a π / 4-shift QPSK modulated wave supplied from a modem described later with a local oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency output from the PLL synthesizer so that the frequency becomes 1.9 GHz. Converted,
Radiates from the antenna ANT via the antenna switch. Next, the receiving unit of the above-described modem demodulates the IF signal from the frequency converting unit, separates the IF signal into IQ data, forms a data sequence, and sends the data sequence to the communication control unit 11. Further, in the transmission section of the modem, the IQ supplied from the data supplied from the communication
The data is created, modulated by π / 4 shift QPSK, and transmitted to the frequency conversion unit of the transmission / reception unit 10.

Next, the communication control section 11 performs frame synchronization and slot data format processing. The receiving side of the communication control unit 11 extracts data for one slot from the received data supplied from the modem of the transmitting and receiving unit 10 at a predetermined timing, extracts a unique word (synchronization signal) from this data, and performs frame synchronization. After generating a signal and descrambling the control data section and the audio data section, the control data is sent to the control section 16 and the audio data is sent to the audio processing section 12. The transmitting side of the communication control unit 11 adds control data and the like to the audio data supplied from the audio processing unit 12, adds scramble and the like, and then adds a unique word and the like.
The transmission data for the slot is created, inserted into a predetermined slot in the frame at a predetermined timing, and transmitted to the modem of the transmission / reception unit 10.

Next, the audio processing unit 12 is composed of a speech codec and a PCM codec. The speech codec performs compression / expansion processing of digital data. The receiving side of the audio processing unit 12
The ADPCM audio signal (4
Bits × 8 KHz = 32 Kbps) are decompressed by decoding into PCM audio signals (8 bits × 8 KHz = 64 Kbps) and output to a PCM codec. The transmitting side of the audio processing unit 12 compresses the PCM audio signal supplied from the PCM codec by encoding the PCM audio signal into an ADPCM audio signal, and sends the signal to the communication control unit 11. The above-described PCM codec performs an analog / digital conversion process. The receiving side converts the PCM audio signal supplied from the speech codec into an analog audio signal by D / A conversion, causes the speaker 13 to generate a sound, and transmits the signal. The side converts the analog audio signal input from the microphone 14 to A /
The signal is converted into a PCM signal by D conversion and transmitted to the speech codec.

Next, the key input section 15 is composed of numerical keys for inputting the telephone number of the other party, a switch for on-hook / off-hook, a volume switch for changing the voice output, and the like. The state of these keys and switches is controlled by the control unit 1.
6. Next, the control unit 16 controls the entire apparatus according to a predetermined program. The ROM 17 stores programs executed by the control unit 16 and various parameters. The RAM 18 stores data generated under the control of the control unit 16 and is used as a working area. Next, the display unit 19 is composed of a liquid crystal display for displaying various data such as an operation mode, a telephone number, a call time, and the like, and an LED for indicating ON / OFF of a switch and the like. Under control, various data, in particular, in the first embodiment, area information is displayed.

B. Operation of First Embodiment Next, the PHS terminal PS, the public base station 2, the PHS service center 3, and the information service station 4 according to the first embodiment described above.
Will be described. In the following description, the operation of each unit involved in a call is the same as the operation of a normal terminal, and a description thereof will be omitted.

B-1. Operation for Area Information Request First, the operation for the area information request for requesting all the area information of the service area where the PHS terminal PS is located from the PHS terminal PS will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. Here, FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation in response to an area information request.

First, the PHS terminal PS has a service area (service area A in FIG. 1) where it is currently located.
When the position information notified from the public base station 2 of the service area is received and the position information is different from the position information stored therein, a position registration signal is transmitted to the public base station 2 of the service area where the user is located, whereby the PHS is transmitted. The location is registered in the service center 3 (FIG. 1, FIG. 4). Next, the PHS terminal PS sends an area information request to the PHS service center 3 via the public base station 2 in the service area according to the user's instruction (in FIG. 1).

When receiving the area information request from the PHS terminal PS, the PHS service center 3 sends the area information request and the position information of the PHS terminal PS to the information service station 4 (FIG. 1). On the contrary,
The information service bureau 4 searches the area information in real time in accordance with the area information request specified by the PHS service center 3 and the position information of the PHS terminal PS.
The area information within the service area where the HS terminal PS is located is extracted and sent to the PHS service center 3 (FIG. 1).
of).

The PHS service center 3 transmits the area information from the information service station 4 to the corresponding PHS terminal PS via the corresponding public base station 2 (FIG. 1, FIG. 4). The PHS terminal PS receives the area information transmitted from the public base station 2 (of FIG. 1), and
"Area information reception mark" is displayed (FIG. 4).
As the area information reception mark, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a message "area information available" is displayed.
At this time, the display unit 19 displays a selection menu of “1. Area information confirmation” and “2. Phone registration”.

Here, in order for the user of the PHS terminal PS to refer to the contents of the area information (FIG. 4), the key input unit 15
(Function keys, etc.) to "1. Check area information"
Is selected (FIG. 4), the display area 19 displays the received area information items in a selectable manner. In the example of FIG. 4, "1. restaurant", "2. accommodation", and "3. leisure" are displayed. The number of items displayed on the display unit 19 may be set as appropriate according to the size of the display area.
In the illustrated example, three lines are displayed, and a downward arrow is displayed at the lower portion of the display unit 19 to clearly indicate that there are items that are not displayed. When the user of the PHS terminal PS confirms that a downward arrow is displayed, the user can operate a predetermined key of the key input unit 15 to display more items.

Here, when the user of the PHS terminal PS operates the key input unit 15 (function keys thereof) and selects “2. accommodation” (FIG. 4), the display unit 19 displays the item “accommodation”. Is displayed, the name of the accommodation facility received as the area information related to is displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, “1.xxx hotel”, “2.xxx hotel”, and “3.xx hotel” are displayed. As described above, when it is confirmed that the downward arrow is displayed, the key input unit 15
By operating a predetermined key, a name can be further displayed.

Here, when the user of the PHS terminal PS selects "1. OO hotel" (FIG. 4) as the accommodation facility whose contents are desired to be confirmed, the display unit 19 displays the detailed contents of the accommodation facility. Is displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, a telephone number “0425-79-7319”, a charge “¥ 20,000”, and a check-in time “PM3: 00” are displayed. When it is confirmed that a downward arrow is displayed, the content can be further displayed by operating a predetermined key of the key input unit 15.

When the user of the PHS terminal PS performs a call operation (operates the call key) directly from the screen to call the information provider being displayed, the PHS terminal PS displays Extract the phone number from the contents of the
The call is automatically stored while being stored in the communication history area of M18. When the line is connected, the user can make a normal call.

B-2. Operation for Area Specific Information Request Next, with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the operation for the area information request for specifying a specific item in the area information of the service area in which the PHS terminal PS is located is described above. I will explain. Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the PHS terminal in response to the area specifying information request, and FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation in response to the area specifying information request.

First, the PHS terminal PS executes step S10.
In the current service area, the mobile station receives the position information broadcast from the public base station 2 of the service area, and if the received position information is different from the stored position information, the position information is transferred to the public base station 2 of the service area where the user is located. A registration signal is transmitted, and the location is registered with the PHS service center 3 (FIG. 1, FIG. 6). Next, the PHS terminal PS performs step S
Item 12 specified by the user (for example, “hotel”)
, An area specifying information request is transmitted to the PHS service center 3 via the public base station 2 in the service area (FIG. 1, FIG. 6).

When the PHS service center 3 receives the area specifying information request from the PHS terminal PS, it sends out the location information of the PHS terminal PS to the information service station 4 together with the area specifying information request (FIG. 1). . On the other hand, the information service bureau 4 has the PHS service center 3
Area specifying information request and PHS terminal P specified from
According to the position information of S, area information (area identification information) of the designated item is searched in real time, and the corresponding PH is searched.
It extracts the area identification information in the service area where the S terminal PS is located and sends it to the PHS service center 3 (FIG. 1). In the example of FIG. 6, area information relating to the item “hotel: lodging” is extracted.

The PHS service center 3 transmits the area specifying information from the information service station 4 to the corresponding PHS terminal PS via the corresponding public base station 2 (FIG. 6, FIG. 6).
of). The PHS terminal PS determines whether or not the area specifying information has been received in step S14. When the PHS terminal PS receives the area specifying information via the public base station 2 (FIG. 1), the display unit in step S16. 19, an "area information reception mark" is displayed (FIG. 6). At this time,
The display unit 19 displays a selection menu of “1. Area information confirmation” and “2. Phone registration”.

Next, in the PHS terminal PS, step S1
At 8, it is determined whether or not the area information confirmation has been selected, and the user of the PHS terminal PS operates the key input unit 15 (of the function keys thereof) so as to refer to the contents of the area identification information (FIG. 6). When the user operates and selects “1. Area information confirmation” (FIG. 6), in step S20, the display unit 19 displays a list of information providers received as area identification information on the item “hotel: accommodation”, That is, the name of the accommodation facility is displayed. In the example of FIG. 6, “1.
“2. ○○○ hotel” and “3. □□□ hotel” are displayed. As described above, when it is confirmed that the downward arrow is displayed, the name can be further displayed by operating a predetermined key of the key input unit 15. If the area information confirmation is not selected in step S18, the process proceeds to a process corresponding to the operation.

Next, in the PHS terminal PS, step S2
In step 2, it is determined whether any information provider has been selected. If the user of the PHS terminal PS selects “2. In FIG. 6), in step S24, the display unit 19 displays the detailed information of the selected information provider, that is, the detailed contents of the accommodation facility. In the example of FIG. 6, as in FIG. 4, the telephone number “0425-79-7319” and the charge “¥ 20,00
"0" and check-in time "PM3: 00" are displayed. When it is confirmed that a downward arrow is displayed, the content can be further displayed by operating a predetermined key of the key input unit 15.

Next, in step S26, it is determined whether or not the calling operation has been performed. If the user of the PHS terminal PS confirms the contents, the calling operation is performed. Stores those contents in RAM
18 in the communication history area (FIG. 6), and
At 30, a call is made using the telephone number described in the selected information to make a call.

C. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for describing a configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to FIG. In the second embodiment, the PHS communication network 1 is used as the communication system as in the first embodiment.
The mobile information terminal includes a display unit having a resolution capable of displaying map data and a display area,
For example, a notebook-type or book-type portable computer or a portable information terminal 20 such as a PDA is used.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the portable information terminal of the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to FIG. Portable information terminal 2
0 is the same configuration as a general computer,
U21, ROM 22, RAM 23, key input unit 24, display unit 25, PHS communication unit 26, storage device 27, and storage medium 28. The PHS communication unit 26 has the same function as a so-called PHS terminal, sends data from the CPU 21 to the PHS service center 3 via the public base station 2, and transmits data from the PHS service center 3 to the public base station 2. And supplies it to the CPU 21.
The PHS communication unit 26 shown in FIG.
Even if it is built in, it becomes independent as a normal PHS terminal,
It may be connected via a predetermined interface.

The storage device 27 has a storage medium 28 capable of storing and erasing data.
Is composed of a magnetic or optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 28 is fixedly provided in the storage device 27 or is detachably mounted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the information service station 4 stores the area information A1, A2,.
, C1, C2,... And map data MAP1, MAP2, MAP3,... For each area, and in each area information, position data indicating the position of the information provider (facility) in the area. P1, P2, P3,... Are stored. The PHS service center 3 is a portable information terminal 2
In response to the area information request from 0, the area information, map data, and position data stored in the information service station 4 are transmitted to the portable information terminal 20. When displaying the received area information, the portable information terminal 20 displays the map data and the selected information provider (facility).
Is displayed on the map data based on the position data.

D. Next, the operations of the portable information terminal 20, the public base station 2, the PHS service center, and the information service station according to the above-described second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. . Here, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation (area information request) of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are conceptual diagrams for explaining a display example at the time of area information of the portable information terminal. In the following description, the operation of each part involved in a call is the same as the operation of a normal terminal, and thus the description is omitted. The operation of the area specifying information request is also performed by the map data and information provider (facility) No. 1 except position indication
The description is omitted because it is basically the same as the embodiment.

First, the portable information terminal 20 determines in step S4
0, in the currently located service area, the location information notified from the public base station 2 of the service area is received, and if the received location information is different from the stored location information, the location information is transmitted to the public base station 2 of the service area where the user is located. A position registration signal is transmitted, and the position is registered with the PHS service center 3 (FIG. 7). Next, the portable information terminal 20 determines in step S42
According to the user's instruction, an area information request is sent to the PHS service center 3 via the public base station 2 in the service area (in FIG. 7).

Upon receiving the area information request from the portable information terminal 20, the PHS service center 3 sends the location information of the portable information terminal 20 to the information service station 4 together with the area information request (FIG. 7). . On the other hand, the information service bureau 4 transmits the area information of the specified item together with the map data MAP of the specified service area in accordance with the area information request specified by the PHS service center 3 and the position information of the portable information terminal. A search is performed in real time, area information within the service area where the portable information terminal 20 is located is extracted, and transmitted to the PHS service center 3 (FIG. 7).

The PHS service center 3 transmits the map data MAP and the area information from the information service station 4 to the corresponding portable information terminal 20 via the corresponding public base station 2 (FIG. 7). The portable information terminal 20 determines in step S44
It is determined whether or not the area information has been received. When the area information is received from the public base station 2 (FIG. 7), the map data MA is displayed on the display unit 19 in step S46.
Along with P, an “area information reception mark” is displayed (FIG. 7, FIG. 11).

Next, in the portable information terminal 20, step S
At 48, it is determined whether or not the area information reception mark has been selected, and the user of the portable information terminal 20 operates the key input unit 15 (a function key thereof) to refer to the contents of the area information. When the "area information reception mark" is selected, the service item is displayed on the display unit 19 in step S50 (FIG. 11). Next, in step S52, it is determined whether any of the displayed service items has been selected. Here, if the user of the portable information terminal 20 selects, for example, the service item “2.
At 58, the list of information providers, that is, the name of the accommodation facility, received as the area information on the service item "accommodation" is displayed (FIG. 11). In the example of FIG.
"1.XXX Hotel", "2.XXX Hotel", "3.
□□□ Hotel ”,“ *** Ryokan ”,….
If the area information reception mark is not selected in step S18, the process proceeds to a process corresponding to the operation.

Next, in the portable information terminal 20, step S
At 56, it is determined whether any of the information providers has been selected. Here, when the user of the portable information terminal 20 selects “2. In step S58, the display unit 19 displays the detailed information of the selected information provider, that is, the detailed contents of the accommodation facility (FIG. 12). In the example of FIG. 12, the hotel name is “XXX hotel”, the telephone number is “0425-79-7319”,
The homepage address "http: // www ....", the accommodation fee "¥ 20,000", the check-in time "PM3: 00", the number of parking lots, facilities and the like are displayed. At this time, a “map display” mark for displaying the position of the currently selected information provider in the area on the map data is displayed on the display unit 19.

Next, at step S60, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned map display mark has been selected. When the map display mark has been selected, at step S62, the display unit 19 displays the map data MAP together with the position data P. Based on the information, the position of the information provider in the area, in this case, the position of the XXX hotel is displayed (FIG. 12). Thereby, the user of the portable information terminal 20 can know the position of the desired hotel, and can check the moving route and the moving method (walking, taxi, etc.) there. At this time, a “data save” mark for saving the map data and the detailed information is displayed on the display unit 19.

Next, in the portable information terminal 20, step S
At 64, it is determined whether or not the data storage mark is selected. If the data storage mark on the display unit 19 is selected by the user of the portable information terminal 20, step S66.
Then, the detailed information is stored in the RAM 18 or the storage medium 28 attached to the storage device 27 (FIG. 12). Hereinafter, when it is desired to check other information, the above-described operation is repeated (FIG. 12) to sequentially store desired area information.

E. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to FIG. 1 or FIG. In the third embodiment, a PHS communication network is used as a communication system in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment, and a PHS for exchanging data with a PHS communication network is used as a portable information terminal.
S terminal PS and the PHS terminal PS, and the CD-R
And a navigation system 30 capable of displaying map data stored in the OM or the like. The PHS terminal PS is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The navigation system 30 is mounted on a vehicle,
Use GPS to get the current location and use CD
-Display on the map data of the ROM, or search and display the route (route) to the designated destination value. PH
The S terminal PS and the navigation system 30 are connected by a cable or the like via a predetermined interface.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the navigation system according to the third embodiment. GPS
The control unit 31 recognizes its own position (latitude and longitude information) based on the signal from the satellite received by the antenna, and
Supply to U32. The CPU 32, based on the position information from the GPS control unit 31, according to a predetermined program,
The map data is read from the CD-ROM 36 via the drive 35 and displayed on the display unit. The ROM 33 stores the above C
A program executed by the PU 32 is stored.
The RAM 34 is used as a working area when the CPU 32 executes a program.

Next, the drive 35 drives and rotates the CD-ROM 36 under the control of the CPU 32.
The data recorded on the CD-ROM 36 is read and the CP
Supply to U32. The CD-ROM 36 has a predetermined area,
Alternatively, the map data of the whole country is stored. The display unit 37 includes, for example, a color liquid crystal display device, and displays map data under the control of the CPU 32. The key input unit 38 includes various keys operated by the user, and gives various instructions to the system. The storage device 39 has a storage medium 40 capable of storing and erasing data, and the storage medium 40 is formed of a magnetic or optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium 40 is a storage device 39
To be fixedly mounted on the camera, or to be detachably mounted.

In particular, in the third embodiment, when the navigation system 30 enters a mode for receiving the area information from the PHS terminal PS by a predetermined operation, the navigation system 30 performs a predetermined operation based on the position data of the information provider described above. The map data is read from the CD-ROM 36, and the position of the information provider is clearly indicated on the map data together with the map data by a predetermined mark or the like and displayed on the display unit 37. Further, the navigation system 30 has a function of storing the area information supplied from the PHS terminal PS in the storage medium 40 mounted on the storage device 39. Various instructions (map display,
Page switching and the like) may be performed from either the key input unit 38 of the navigation system or the key input unit 15 of the PHS terminal PS.

As shown in FIG. 15, in addition to the area information described above, the information service station 4 stores position data indicating the position of each item in the area of the information provider (facility). I have. In this case, the navigation system 3
Since 0 has map data, no map data is needed. The PHS service center 3 transmits the area information and the position data stored in the information service station 4 in response to the area information request from the PHS terminal PS. P
The HS terminal PS transfers the received area information and position data to the navigation system 30, and the navigation system 30 selects the selected information provider (facility).
Is displayed on the map data and area information is displayed.

F. Operation of Third Embodiment Next, the portable information terminal (PHS) according to the third embodiment described above
The operation of the terminal PS, the navigation system 30), the public base station 2, the PHS service center 3, and the information service station 4 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG.
Is a portable information terminal (PHS terminal PS,
It is a flow chart for explaining operation of navigation system 30). Note that the display example of the navigation system 30 is the same as that in FIGS. 11 and 12 described above, and therefore, description will be made with reference to this. In the following description, the operation of each unit involved in a call is the same as the operation of a normal terminal, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the operation of the area specifying information request is basically the same as that of the first embodiment except for the map data and the position display of the information provider (facility), and therefore the description is omitted.

First, the PHS terminal PS proceeds to step S70
In the current service area, the mobile station receives the position information broadcast from the public base station 2 of the service area, and if the received position information is different from the stored position information, the position information is transferred to the public base station 2 of the service area where the user is located. A registration signal is transmitted, and the location is registered with the PHS service center 3 (FIG. 13). Next, in step S72, the PHS terminal PS sends an area information request to the PHS service center 3 via the public base station 2 in the service area according to a user's instruction.
(FIG. 13).

When receiving the area information request from the PHS terminal PS, the PHS service center 3 sends the area information request and the position information of the PHS terminal PS to the information service station 4 (FIG. 13). On the other hand, the information service station 4 searches the area information of the specified service area in real time according to the area information request and the position information of the PHS terminal PS specified by the PHS service center 3, and the corresponding PHS terminal PS The area information and the position data in the located service area are extracted and sent to the PHS service center 3 (FIG. 13).

The PHS service center 3 transmits the area information and the position data from the information service station 4 to the corresponding PHS terminal PS via the corresponding public base station 2 (FIG. 1).
3). In step S74, the PHS terminal PS determines whether or not the area information has been received. When receiving the area information from the public base station 2 (FIG. 13), the PHS terminal PS determines in step S76 the received area information and the position. The data is transferred to the navigation system 30 (of FIG. 13). Hereinafter, the operation of the navigation system 30 will be described.

In the navigation system 30, in step S78, a CD-ROM is generated based on the position data.
The map data is read from 36, and an "area information reception mark" is displayed on the display unit 37 together with the map data (FIG. 11). Next, in step S80, it is determined whether or not the area information reception mark has been selected, and the user operates the key input unit (function key or the like) 38 so as to refer to the content of the area information, and the "area information When the "receiving mark" is selected, the service item is displayed on the display unit 37 in step S82 (FIG. 11). Next, in step S84,
It is determined whether any of the displayed service items has been selected. Here, if the user selects, for example, the service item “2. accommodation”, in step S86,
A list of information providers, that is, a name of the accommodation facility, received as the area information on the service item “accommodation” is displayed (FIG. 11). If the area information reception mark is not selected in step S80, the process proceeds to a process corresponding to the operation.

Next, in step S88, it is determined whether or not any information provider has been selected. Here, as the accommodation facility that the user wants to check the contents, "2.
When "hotel" is selected, in step S90, detailed information of the selected information provider, that is, detailed contents of the accommodation facility is displayed on the display unit 37 (FIG. 12). At this time,
The display unit 37 displays a “map display” mark for displaying the position of the currently selected information provider in the area on the map data.

Next, at step S92, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned map display mark has been selected. When the map display mark has been selected, at step S94, the map data is read from the CD-ROM 36 and displayed on the display unit 37. Along with the map data, the position of the information provider in the area, in this case,
○ Display the location of the hotel (FIG. 12). As a result, the user can know the position of the desired hotel, and can confirm the travel route and the travel method (walk, taxi, etc.) there. Further, the shortest route to the desired hotel, the required time, and the like may be obtained by using the function of the navigation system 30. At this time, the display unit 3
7, a "data save" mark for saving detailed information on the currently displayed information provider is displayed.
When saving the detailed information, the user selects the "data saving" mark.

Next, in step S96, it is determined whether or not the data storage mark is selected. When the user selects the data storage mark on the display unit 37, the detailed information is stored in the storage device 39 in step S98. (FIG. 12). Hereinafter, when it is desired to check other information, the above-described operation is repeated (FIG. 12) so that the desired area information is stored in the storage medium 40.
To save.

G. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the area information (detailed information) stored in the portable information terminal 20 shown in FIG. 8 or the navigation system 30 shown in FIG. 14 in the second or third embodiment described above.
The method of using is described. In the following description, a method of using the service information stored in the portable information terminal 20 will be described. However, when applied to the third embodiment, the portable information terminal 20 may be replaced with the navigation system 30.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 18 and 19 are conceptual diagrams for explaining a display example of the portable information terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
First, in step S100, when a predetermined position on the map is selected from the key input unit 24 and "data read" is selected (FIG. 18), in step S102, the area information stored in the storage medium 28 is displayed. From among them, the detailed information of the selected information provider is read and displayed on the display unit 25 (FIG. 18). Here, when the telephone number is described in the detailed information, if the user selects "call", the process proceeds from step S104 to step S106, and the portable information terminal 20 automatically makes a call to the telephone number. ,
In step S108, a call can be made.

On the other hand, if "homepage access" is selected, the process proceeds to step S110, in which the portable information terminal 20 automatically transmits a call to a predetermined provider, accesses the homepage described in the detailed information, and proceeds to step S112. To display the home page (of FIG. 19).
Next, in step S114, it is determined whether or not there is additional storage information on the homepage. Here, if the user needs the contents of the homepage,
Instruct from. Then, if there is a save instruction from the user, in step S116, the position on the map (information provider)
The additional information is stored in the storage medium 28 in association with.

In the first embodiment described above, information is provided only in the area where the PHS terminal is registered. However, since the range of the public base station is about several hundred meters in radius, the user is required to provide information. When information is requested in a wider range, information on an area adjacent to the area may be provided.

In the above-described second embodiment, the portable information terminal 20 may include a drive for reading a CD-ROM. In this case, there is no need to download map data from the PHS service center.
The traffic on the communication line can be reduced, and the time from area information request to display of map data and display of area information can be shortened.

Further, in the third embodiment described above, the PHS terminal and the navigation system are separate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the PHS terminal and the navigation system may be integrated. When the navigation system is moving, the range data indicating the display area of the map is transferred to the PHS terminal at any time, and the PHS terminal requests the PHS service center for the area information in the range data together with the position registration. You may. In this case, the area information can be acquired in conjunction with the map scroll of the moving navigation system.

[0081]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the terminal sends an area information request after registering the location in the management means of the communication line network, the management means determines the service area where the terminal exists in the location registration information. At least, and transmits to the terminal area information including a telephone number of an information provider located in the service area and service information provided by the information provider. Since the area information is displayed, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily provide the latest various information on the area corresponding to the position of the portable information terminal carried by the user.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the terminal sends a call to the telephone number included in the area information currently displayed according to a predetermined operation, so that the terminal can be easily operated. In this case, the user can contact a desired information provider.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the management unit recognizes the service area where the terminal exists according to the location registration information of the terminal.
The advantage is obtained that the existing communication method can be used without newly changing the communication method and the like.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the management means stores, for each service area, area information including a telephone number of an information provider and service information provided by the information provider. Since the storage means is provided, area information can be centrally managed, common information can be provided to any terminal, and even if the content is changed, it can be updated at any time and the latest information can be provided. The advantage is obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the service information is classified by item according to the service content provided by the information provider, so that even if the content is changed, the service information can be easily changed. The advantage is that it can be updated.

According to the invention, when the item is designated by the terminal, the management means transmits only the area information of the designated item to the terminal. Since data transfer to the terminal can be reduced, communication time can be reduced,
The advantage is that the communication channel can be used efficiently.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the management means recognizes a service area where the terminal exists, and at least positions data of an information provider located in the service area, In addition to the area information including the telephone number and the service information provided by the information provider, the map data of the service area is transmitted to the terminal, and when the terminal receives the area information from the management unit, Since the map data is displayed and the position of the information provider is displayed on the map data based on the position data, the user can easily obtain the latest various information on the area corresponding to the position of the portable information terminal carried by the user. And the advantage that the position of the information provider can be easily confirmed.

According to the invention described in claim 8, the management means recognizes a service area where the terminal is located, and at least positions data of an information provider located in the service area, Area information comprising a telephone number and service information provided by the information provider to the terminal, and the terminal transmits a map data from a predetermined storage medium storing map data to the storage medium. Reading area means for receiving the area information from the management means, displaying the map data read from the storage medium by the reading means based on the position data of the information provider, and displaying the map data on the map data. The location of the information provider is displayed on the web browser, so that the latest information on the area corresponding to the location of the portable information terminal carried by the user is displayed. It is possible to easily provide the advantage that the position of the information provider can be easily confirmed obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the management means recognizes a service area where the terminal is located, and at least positions data of an information provider located in the service area, Area information comprising a telephone number and service information provided by the information provider to the terminal, and the terminal transmits a map data from a predetermined storage medium storing map data to the storage medium. Reading area information from the management means, transmitting the position data and the area information to the navigation system, wherein the navigation system transmits the position data of the information provider. Displaying the map data read from the storage medium by the reading means based on In addition, since the position of the information provider is displayed on the map data, it is possible to easily provide the latest various information on the area corresponding to the position of the portable information terminal carried by the user, The advantage is obtained that the position of the provider can be easily confirmed.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the terminal is provided with storage means for storing map data and area information being displayed in accordance with a predetermined operation. The advantage that area information can be reused is obtained.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the storage means is a removable storage medium, the storage medium is attached to another terminal, so that the area information once received can be effectively used. The advantage that it can be obtained is obtained.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the terminal makes a call to the telephone number included in the area information currently displayed according to a predetermined operation.
The advantage is obtained that the desired information provider can be contacted with a simple operation.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the terminal accesses the homepage address included in the currently displayed area information according to a predetermined operation, so that the terminal can be easily operated. In this case, it is possible to obtain more detailed information of a desired information provider.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a first example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining area information of an information service station 4 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a PHS terminal according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation in response to an area information request.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a PHS terminal in response to an area specifying information request.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation in response to an area specifying information request.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a portable information terminal according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining area information of the information service station 4 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation (area information request) of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a display example when area information is displayed on a portable information terminal.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a display example when area information is displayed on a portable information terminal.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for describing a configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining area information of the information service station 4 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal (PHS terminal PS, navigation system 30) according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a display example of a portable information terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a display example of a portable information terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication line network 2 Public base station 3 PHS service center 4 Information service station PS PHS terminal 20 Portable information terminal 30 Navigation system

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A communication system comprising: a terminal that communicates via a base station connected to a communication line network; and a management unit that provides various services to the terminal, wherein the management unit includes a service in which the terminal exists. Recognizing the area, and transmitting, to the terminal, at least area information including a telephone number of an information provider located in the service area and service information provided by the information provider; A terminal for registering a location in the communication system, wherein when receiving the area information from the management means, the area information is displayed. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal transmits a call to a telephone number included in the area information currently displayed according to a predetermined operation. 3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the management unit recognizes a service area where the terminal exists according to the location registration information of the terminal. 4. The management means, for each service area,
2. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing area information including a telephone number of the information provider and service information provided by the information provider. 5. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein said service information is classified according to items according to service contents provided by an information provider. 6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein, when an item is designated by the terminal, the management means transmits only the area information of the designated item to the terminal. 7. The management unit recognizes a service area in which the terminal is located, and at least stores the location data of the information provider located in the service area, the telephone number of the information provider, and the information provider. In addition to the area information including the provided service information, the map data of the service area is transmitted to the terminal. When the terminal receives the area information from the management unit, the terminal displays the map data and displays the position data. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the position of the information provider is displayed on the map data based on the data. 8. The management means recognizes a service area in which the terminal is located, and at least a position data of an information provider located in the service area, a telephone number of the information provider, and the information provider. Transmitting area information comprising provided service information to the terminal, the terminal comprising: a predetermined storage medium in which map data is stored; and reading means for reading map data from the storage medium. When receiving the area information from the management means,
2. The information provider according to claim 1, wherein the map data read from the storage medium by the reading unit is displayed based on the position data of the information provider, and the position of the information provider is displayed on the map data. Communication system. 9. The management unit recognizes a service area in which the terminal is located, and at least stores the location data of the information provider located in the service area, the telephone number of the information provider, and the information provider. The terminal transmits area information including provided service information to the terminal, and the terminal includes a predetermined storage medium storing map data, and a reading unit that reads map data from the storage medium. When connected to a system and receiving the area information from the management means, the location data and the area information are transmitted to the navigation system. The map data read from the storage medium is displayed, and information is provided on the map data. Communication system according to claim 1, wherein the displaying the position of the person. 10. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein said terminal includes a storage unit for storing map data and area information being displayed according to a predetermined operation. . 11. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein said storage means is a removable storage medium. 12. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the terminal transmits a call to a telephone number included in the area information currently displayed in response to a predetermined operation. 13. The terminal according to claim 7, wherein the terminal accesses a homepage address included in the area information currently displayed according to a predetermined operation.
A communication system as described.