JPH1164016A - Mobile radio communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile radio communication system, wherein communication safety between cars is assured by setting a transmission level of a transmission means, based on a specified condition when a request signal is transmitted, operating the transmission means at the means at the transmission level, so that the possibility that the communication between remote third-person mobile bodies interferes with the request signal is eliminated. SOLUTION: A transmission means P1 which transmits a request signal that makes unspecified other mobile body P2 transmit a reply signal, a control means P3 which makes the transmission means P1 transmit a request signal in accordance with a pre-specified rule, and a receiving means P4 for receiving the reply signal transmitted from the other mobile body P2, are provided to the mobile radio communication system, which comprises a level setting means P5, wherein the transmission level of the transmission means P1 is set based on a specified condition, and the transmission means P1 is operated at the transmission level.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile unit which changes the transmission intensity of a request signal transmitted from the own mobile unit to another mobile unit, a simple information signal or a reply signal returned in response to the request signal. Related to a communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for transmitting a request signal and obtaining necessary information such as position information, vehicle speed information, and congestion information from another responding mobile unit, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-334798 discloses a device. In other words, in the route guidance display device of the in-vehicle traveling position display device (so-called navigation system), a memory for transmitting and receiving traveling locus data of the own vehicle and a memory for storing traveling locus data of another vehicle And a communication device for transmitting and receiving travel locus data of the own vehicle and other vehicles, and when a subsequent vehicle requests transmission of travel locus data from the preceding vehicle to the preceding vehicle, the preceding vehicle travels to the succeeding vehicle through the communication device. The trajectory data is transmitted (information is provided), and the position and map of the own vehicle and the trajectory of the preceding vehicle are displayed on the display of the following vehicle, so that the following vehicle can be easily tracked. It is a device that makes you feel good.

However, in this conventional device, there is no technical idea of making the transmission intensity (for example, electric field intensity) of the above-mentioned request signal variable. There is a possibility that the above-mentioned request signal may disturb the communication, and there is a problem that it is not possible to secure sufficient security of the inter-vehicle communication.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a transmission intensity of a transmission unit is set based on a predetermined condition when a request signal is transmitted, and the transmission unit is operated at the transmission intensity. Accordingly, there is provided a mobile communication device capable of ensuring communication security between vehicles without concern that communication between mobiles of a third party existing at a long distance is interrupted by the request signal. With the goal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, at the time of transmitting an information signal (a signal irrelevant to a request signal), the transmission intensity of the transmission means is set based on a predetermined condition, and the transmission means is controlled by the transmission intensity. By operating, there is no concern that communication between moving objects of a third party existing at a long distance is hindered by the above-mentioned information signal, and the stability of communication between vehicles can be ensured. A communication device is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first or second aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle speed of the mobile unit on the signal transmitting side is low, the transmission intensity is reduced, thereby enabling automatic transmission. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication device that does not hinder inter-vehicle communication in areas other than a desired area.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first or second aspect, by setting the transmission intensity at random, the intensity can be easily set, and If the transmission strength is set to strong or weak according to the setting, especially when the strength is set to weak, the distance between the communication partner and the own mobile unit is unknown without interfering with the communication between the above third party mobile units. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication device that is effective in any case.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the fourth aspect, the operation of the transmitting means is performed a plurality of times to improve the signal arrival probability, thereby improving the communication probability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication device capable of improving reliability.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first aspect, an information obtaining area is set, and a transmission intensity is set according to a reaching distance to the area. It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication device capable of securing a transmission intensity at which a request signal sufficiently reaches a required area.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first aspect, when a reply signal is not received within a predetermined time after a request signal is transmitted, the transmission strength is increased. By retransmitting (retrying) the request signal, it is possible to provide a mobile communication device capable of reliably transmitting the request signal when a response signal cannot be obtained due to bad radio conditions due to, for example, the terrain. Aim.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the seventh aspect, when the receiving means cannot receive the reply signal again, the transmission intensity is increased again and the request signal is transmitted again. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication device capable of ensuring communication more reliably.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the seventh aspect, the transmission intensity at the time of initial transmission (at the time of the first transmission) is set to a minimum necessary value. It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication device that does not adversely affect the communication between the above-mentioned third-party mobile objects.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when transmitting a reply signal in response to receiving a request signal, the transmission intensity of the transmission means is set based on a predetermined condition, and the transmission means is operated at this transmission intensity. This eliminates the concern that communication between mobile units of a third party existing at a long distance is hindered by the above-described response signal, and a mobile communication device that can ensure communication security between vehicles. For the purpose of providing.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmitting means for transmitting a request signal for transmitting a reply signal to an unspecified other moving object, and the transmitting means according to a predetermined rule. A communication device for a mobile body, comprising: control means for transmitting a request signal to the communication means; and reception means for receiving the reply signal transmitted from another mobile body,
A transmission apparatus for a mobile body, comprising: a transmission intensity of the transmission means set based on a predetermined condition, and an intensity setting means for operating the transmission means at the transmission intensity.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, a transmitting means for transmitting an information signal and transmitting the information signal to the transmitting means based on a predetermined rule Control means for setting the transmission intensity of the transmission means based on a predetermined condition, and operating the transmission means at the transmission intensity. The device is characterized in that:

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle speed is provided in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the present invention. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission intensity is reduced at the time of transmission.
Or the communication device for a mobile object according to item 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the intensity setting means randomly sets the transmission intensity. It is a physical communication device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means is a communication device for a mobile body which causes the transmitting means to operate a plurality of times. And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, an area setting means for setting an information acquisition area and a distance detecting means for detecting a reaching distance to the area Wherein the strength setting means is a mobile communication device that sets the transmission strength according to the reach distance.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, when the control means does not receive a reply signal within a predetermined time after the transmission of the request signal, the control means outputs The mobile communication device is characterized in that the transmission intensity is increased by a predetermined amount by the setting means and the request signal is retransmitted at the transmission intensity.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the seventh aspect, when the receiving means cannot receive a reply signal again, the control means increases the transmission intensity again. It is a mobile communication device that transmits a request signal again.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus for a mobile unit, wherein the transmission intensity at the time of initial transmission is set to a minimum necessary intensity. It is characterized by the following.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving a request signal transmitted from another mobile object, a transmitting means for transmitting a reply signal to the other mobile object, and the receiving means for transmitting the request signal. Control means for transmitting a reply signal to said transmission means upon reception, comprising: a transmission setting means for setting a transmission intensity of said transmission means and operating said transmission means at said transmission intensity. A mobile communication device comprising:

[0024]

According to the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention (invention viewed from the moving body transmitting the request signal), as shown in the claim correspondence diagram in FIG. 16, the transmission means P1 is unspecified. The control means P3 transmits the request signal to the above-described transmitting means P1 according to a predetermined rule, and the receiving means P4 transmits the request signal from the other mobile body P2 according to a predetermined rule. When the reply signal is received, the strength setting means P5 sets the transmission strength of the transmission means P1 based on a predetermined condition, and operates the transmission means P1 with the transmission strength. As a result, a third-party moving object P6 located far away
There is no fear that communication between P7s will be interrupted by the above-mentioned request signal, and there is an effect that communication stability between vehicles (between moving bodies) can be ensured.

According to the invention described in claim 2 of the present invention (invention viewed from a mobile unit transmitting an information signal unrelated to the request signal), the transmitting means transmits the information signal, and the control means transmits the information signal according to a predetermined rule. The transmitting means transmits an information signal to the transmitting means on the basis of the above condition. The intensity setting means sets the transmitting intensity of the transmitting means on the basis of a predetermined condition, and operates the transmitting means at this transmitting intensity. For this reason, there is no concern that communication between mobile units of a third party existing at a long distance is hindered by the above-mentioned information signal, and the effect that communication stability between vehicles (between mobile units) can be ensured. There is.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the intensity setting means reduces the transmission intensity when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means is low. As a result, the transmission intensity can be set for the parameter (vehicle speed), and there is an effect that the inter-vehicle communication is not automatically disturbed except for the desired area.

According to the invention described in claim 4 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned intensity setting means sets the transmission intensity at random, so that the transmission intensity is changed to high or low, especially when the transmission intensity is set to low intensity. This is effective even when the distance between the communication partner and the own mobile unit is unknown without interrupting the communication between the mobile units of the third parties, and has the effect of facilitating the intensity setting.

According to the invention described in claim 5 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means causes the transmitting means to perform a plurality of times, so that the signal arrival probability of the request signal or the information signal is improved.
There is an effect that communication reliability can be improved.

According to the invention described in claim 6 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the area setting means sets an information obtaining area, the distance detecting means detects a reaching distance to the set area, and the intensity setting means sets the above-mentioned reaching distance. Set the transmission strength corresponding to. For this reason, there is an effect that the transmission intensity at which the request signal sufficiently reaches the required area can be secured. According to the invention described in claim 7 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the above-mentioned control means is provided when the reply signal is not received within a predetermined time after the transmission of the request signal. Then, the transmission intensity is increased by a predetermined amount by the intensity setting means, and the request signal is retransmitted at this transmission intensity. As a result, for example, when the transmission state is poor due to the terrain or the like and a reply signal cannot be obtained, there is an effect that the request signal can be transmitted reliably and information can be obtained.

According to the invention described in claim 8 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the receiving means cannot receive the reply signal again, the control means increases the transmission intensity again and transmits the request signal again, so that the communication is secured more reliably. This has the effect that information can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 7, since the transmission intensity at the time of initial transmission (at the time of the first transmission) is set to the minimum necessary intensity, communication between the third-party mobile units can be performed. There is an effect that no adverse effect is caused and the power consumption is reduced.

According to the invention described in claim 10 of the present invention (invention viewed from a mobile unit which receives a request signal and transmits a response signal to the request signal), the above-mentioned receiving means is provided from another mobile unit. Upon receiving the transmitted request signal, the transmitting means transmits a response signal to the other mobile unit, and the control means causes the transmitting means to transmit the response signal when the receiving means receives the request signal. The setting unit sets the transmission intensity of the transmission unit, and operates the transmission unit based on the transmission intensity. As a result, there is no concern that communication between third-party mobile units located far away from the own mobile unit will be disturbed by the above-mentioned response signal, and communication stability between mobile units (between vehicles) will be achieved. There is an effect that can be.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Although the drawing shows a communication device for a mobile object, the navigation system configuration of the vehicles A, B, and D as the mobile object in FIG. 4 is the same. First, the navigation system configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Will be described.

1 and 2, the vehicle 1 (vehicles A, B,
D), a transmitting / receiving antenna 2 having directivity is provided upright, and a receiving circuit 3 and a transmitting circuit 4 are connected to the antenna 2. The antenna 2 and the receiving circuit 3 constitute a receiving means, and the receiving means uses the request signal α, the reply signal β or the information signal d from another vehicle (FIG. 4).
Reference). That is, the vehicle A in FIG. 4 receives the reply signal β and the information signal d, and the vehicle B in FIG. 4 receives the request signal α.

The transmitting means is constituted by the antenna 2 and the transmitting circuit 4, and the transmitting means comprises the request signals α,
It is configured to transmit a reply signal β or an information signal d (see FIG. 4). That is, the vehicle A in FIG. 4 transmits a request signal α, the vehicle B in FIG. 4 transmits a response signal β in response to the request signal α, and the vehicle D in FIG. 4 transmits an information signal d.

The above-mentioned receiving circuit 3 and transmitting circuit 4 are connected to a CPU 5 as control means, and this CPU 5 controls transmission of a request signal α, a reply signal β or an information signal d to a transmission signal based on a predetermined rule. On the other hand, GPS
A GPS receiving device 7 is connected to a GPS antenna 6 for receiving a radio wave from a satellite (not shown). The GPS receiving device 7, a gyro 8 as relative running direction detecting means, and a vehicle speed as vehicle speed detecting means are connected. The sensor 9 is connected to the CPU 5, and the own vehicle position, traveling direction, and speed calculating unit 10 serving as own moving object state detecting means configured inside the CPU 5.
The position, traveling direction, and traveling speed of the vehicle 1 are calculated by a calculation unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a calculation unit).

Inside the CPU 5, the arithmetic unit 10 described above is provided.
Transmission / reception signal processing unit 11, random number generation unit 12, timer 1
3 and the transmission / reception signal processor 11 prohibits the transmission of the reply signal β based on the state of the own vehicle (specifically, the traveling direction) and the state of the other vehicle (specifically, the traveling direction). The prohibition processing unit 14 is configured.

On the input side of the CPU 5, a manual switch 15 for performing various input operations, a route guidance input means 16 such as a joystick for inputting and setting a route guidance route, and a CD-ROM for storing map information are provided. The map memory 17 is connected via an interface.

On the output side of the above-mentioned CPU 5, a navigation screen, various input operation screens, an LCD 18 as a display means for displaying the state of the moving body (vehicle speed, air conditioning setting, etc.) in a touch-operable manner, and an informing means And a buzzer 19 are connected via an interface.

The CPU 5 described above stores in the ROM 20 based on various input signals from the GPS receiver 7, the gyro 8, the vehicle speed sensor 9, the receiving circuit 3, the route guidance input means 16, the map memory 17, and the manual switch 15. According to the stored program, the transmission circuit 4, the LCD 18,
The drive of the buzzer 19 is controlled, and the RAM 21 stores necessary data and maps.

FIG. 3 shows an example of display contents displayed on the LCD 18 described above.
, The own vehicle position a, and the traffic congestion position b as indicated by the white arrow are visually displayed. FIG. 5 shows a data format of a request signal α transmitted from a vehicle on the information receiving side, that is, A. The request signal α is composed of a start bit 22, an own vehicle ID bit 23, and a reply signal β.
(See FIG. 6) An area designation type bit 24 for designating an area to be obtained, an area designation bit 25 for designating a coordinate point, etc., a vehicle position information bit 26, a vehicle traveling direction bit 27, and route guidance is in progress. A route guidance bit 28 which becomes a "1" signal and becomes a "0" signal while the route is not guided, a route guidance direction bit 29 including, for example, a road number and a traveling direction of the vehicle, and an end bit 30. It is composed of

Here, the above-mentioned area designation type bit 24
Is a type bit for designating an area where a reply signal β (see FIGS. 4 and 6) is to be obtained. For example, it designates a specific area for which a reply signal β is to be obtained among a large number of areas defined by thin lines in FIG. Or a designated type bit for designating a range within a predetermined radius centering on a pinpoint such as an intersection c, or for designating a specific part of a route guidance destination.

FIG. 6 shows a data format of a reply signal β returned from the vehicle B (see FIG. 4) on the information providing side. The reply signal β has a start bit 31 and a source ID bit 32.
(The same as the own vehicle ID bit 23 shown in FIG. 5), a time bit 33, a vehicle ID bit 34 as a recognition bit for specifying the vehicle B on the information providing side, a position information bit 35,
The vehicle speed bit 36 and the detected vehicle speed are averaged and the CPU
5 includes a traffic jam bit 37 automatically determined, a traveling direction bit 38, and an end bit 39.

By the way, the GPS receiver 7 shown in FIG.
, Gyro 8 and vehicle speed sensor 9
Current position detecting means for detecting the current position of the current position.
The CPU 5 shown in FIG. 2 sets the transmission intensity of the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2 as transmission means based on predetermined conditions, and sets the transmission intensity of the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2 at the set transmission intensity (FIG. (Refer to the ninth step Q9 in the flowchart of FIG. 8). The operation of the thus configured mobile communication device will be described below. First, the storage operation process of the CPU 5 in the vehicle A that issues the request signal α will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that, in this case, the vehicle A shown in FIG. 4 becomes the own moving body, and the vehicle B becomes the other moving body.

In the first step U1, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the GPS signal has been received at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 5 seconds, based on the input from the GPS receiver 7, and skips to the fourth step U4 when NO is determined. On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process moves to the next second step U2. In this second step U2, the CPU 5 calculates the current position based on the received GPS signal, and in the next third step U3, the CPU 5 stores the calculated current position in the RAM 21.

Next, in a fourth step U4, the CPU 5 determines whether or not a predetermined short time, for example, 3 seconds, has elapsed. When the determination is NO, the CPU 5 skips to the eighth step U8, while YES
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to the next fifth step U5. This fifth
In step U5, the CPU 5 calculates the vehicle speed V based on the input from the vehicle speed sensor 9, and in the next sixth step U6, the CPU 5
Numeral 5 calculates the traveling direction based on the input from the gyro 8.

The processing in the fifth and sixth steps U5 and U6 is performed when a GPS signal from a GPS satellite is not sufficiently obtained (for example, when traveling in a tunnel).
This is autonomous navigation processing to supplement this. Next, in a seventh step U7, the CPU 5 obtains the current position from the vehicle speed V and the traveling direction as the above-described calculation results, and stores the three of the vehicle speed V, the traveling direction, and the current position in the RAM 21.

Next, in an eighth step U8, the CPU 5 determines whether or not a predetermined time, for example, one minute has elapsed.
When the determination is S, the process proceeds to the next ninth step U9. In the ninth step U9, the CPU 5 determines that the vehicle speed V is 1.5 km, for example.
/ h is determined, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the thirteenth step U13. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next tenth step U10.

In this tenth step U10, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the determination of V <1.5 km / h has continued for a predetermined number of times, for example, five or more times.
13 and if YES, the next eleventh step U
Move to 11. The ninth and tenth steps U9, U
Since there is a possibility that an error is possibly included in the determination based on the predetermined value of 1.5 km / h and the five times at 10, smoothing control is performed.

In the above-mentioned thirteenth step U13, the CPU 5
In step U11, the CPU 5 determines whether the determination of V <1.5 Km / h is a predetermined number of times, for example, five consecutive times. That is, the process in the eleventh step U11 is for smoothing the process. When the NO determination is made in the eleventh step U11 (for example, six or more consecutive times), the fourteenth step U11
The process skips to step S14 and moves to the next twelfth step U12 when YES is determined.

At the twelfth step U12, the CPU 5 responds to the determination that V <1.5 Km / h has been made five times,
It is determined that there is a traffic jam and stored in the RAM 21. In other words, this corresponds to setting the traffic jam bit 37 in FIG. Next, in a fourteenth step U14, the CPU 5 determines whether or not a response signal β set by the request signal α, that is, a signal from the vehicle B has been received, and if YES, skips to the sixteenth step U16. When the determination is NO, the next fifteenth
Move to step U15.

In the fifteenth step U15, the CPU 5 transmits a transmission signal from another vehicle D (this signal is a request signal α
Is determined to be an information signal d from another vehicle D which does not respond to the above.) When the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the 16th step U16, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the 17th step U17. I do.

In the above-described sixteenth step U16, the CPU 5
Stores the data of the received signal in the RAM 21 and
In step U17, the CPU 5 determines whether or not there is data in the RAM 21 for a predetermined time, for example, five minutes or more. When the determination is NO, the process returns to the first step U1. On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process shifts to the eighteenth step U18.
Clear data 5 minutes or more before 1.

In short, the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is to update and store all the received information in the RAM 21. Based on the sequentially updated data, for example, the traffic congestion position b as shown by a white arrow in FIG. , The own vehicle position a can be visually displayed.

Next, the transmission processing of the information signal d will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 (corresponding to claims 2, 3, 4, and 5). In this case, the vehicle D shown in FIG. 4 becomes the own vehicle (own vehicle), and the vehicle A becomes another mobile object (other vehicle). In the first step Q1, the CPU 5 determines whether or not a predetermined time, for example, about 10 minutes, has elapsed. When the determination is NO, the CPU 5 shifts to the next second step Q2, and when the determination is YES, shifts to another fourth step Q4. .

In the above-described second step Q2, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the manual switch 15 has been operated.
At the time of O determination, the process proceeds to the next third step Q3, while Y
When the ES is determined, the process proceeds to the fourth step Q4. In the above-described third step Q3, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the vehicle is just before the curve based on the current position of the vehicle D and the map information. When the determination is NO, the process returns to the first step Q1, whereas when the determination is YES, the process returns to the fourth step Q4. Transition. This fourth step Q4
Then, the CPU 5 detects the vehicle speed V based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 9, and in the next fifth step Q5, the CPU 5
Start counting.

Next, in a sixth step Q 6, the CPU 5 uses the random number generator 12 to create a random coefficient r 1 for setting transmission timing random. Next, in a seventh step Q7,
The CPU 5 has a random coefficient r3 for random setting of the transmission intensity.
Create Next, in an eighth step Q8, the CPU 5 multiplies the random coefficient r1 by a predetermined value t1 and sets the transmission timing (T
1 = r1 × t1).

Next, in a ninth step Q9, the CPU 5 calculates the transmission strength E of the information signal d by multiplying the random coefficient r3 by the predetermined value r3 and (V / Vt). Where V is the vehicle speed, Vt
Is a predetermined value. Next, in a tenth step Q10, the CPU
5 determines whether or not the count value of the timer 13 has reached the transmission timing T1.
On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process shifts to the next eleventh step Q11.

In this eleventh step Q11, the CPU 5 transmits a transmission signal, that is, the information signal d shown in FIG. Next, in a twelfth step Q12, the CPU 5 stops counting by the timer 13, and proceeds to the next thirteenth step Q1.
At 3, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the information signal d has been transmitted a predetermined number of times, for example, three times. When the determination is YES, the CPU 5 returns to the first step Q1. When the determination is NO, the CPU 5 returns to the fourth step Q4. Each step Q4-Q1
The transmission of the information signal d is repeated until the predetermined number of times is reached by the processing in 3.

As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 (the embodiment viewed from the vehicle D transmitting the information signal d unrelated to the request signal α), the transmission means (see the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2) After transmitting the information signal d, the control means (see CPU 5) causes the above-mentioned transmission means to transmit the information signal d based on a predetermined rule, but the intensity setting means (the ninth step Q9).
) Sets the transmission intensity E of the above-mentioned transmission means (see the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2) based on a predetermined condition, and operates the transmission means at this transmission intensity E. For this reason, communication between third-party mobiles existing at a long distance is caused by the above-described information signal d.
Therefore, there is an effect that the stability of communication between vehicles (between moving bodies) can be ensured without any fear of being disturbed.

The intensity setting means (see ninth step Q9) decreases the transmission intensity E when the vehicle speed V detected by the vehicle speed detecting means (see vehicle speed sensor 9) is low. As a result, the transmission intensity E can be set for the parameter (vehicle speed V), and there is an effect that the inter-vehicle communication is not automatically disturbed except for a desired area.

Further, the above-described intensity setting means (refer to the ninth step Q9) determines whether the random coefficient r3 (the seventh step Q7
) Is used to randomly set the transmission strength E,
The transmission intensity E is changed to a low level, and especially when the transmission level is set to a low level, the communication between the third-party mobile units is not obstructed, and the own mobile unit (see the vehicle A) ahead of the communication partner (see the vehicle A) is used. This is effective even when the separation distance from the own vehicle D) is unknown, and has the effect of facilitating the intensity setting.

In addition, the above-mentioned control means (see CPU 5)
Causes the transmitting means (see the transmitting circuit 4 and the antenna 2) to be operated a plurality of times (see the thirteenth step Q13), so that the signal arrival probability of the information signal d is improved and the reliability of communication is improved. There is an effect that can be done.

Next, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 (corresponding to claims 1, 6, 7, and 8), the request signal α
Will be described. In this case, the vehicle A shown in FIG. 4 becomes the own vehicle (own vehicle), and the vehicle B becomes another mobile object (other vehicle). In the case of this embodiment, the CPU 5
Is an area setting means for setting an information acquisition area (see third and fifth steps G3 and G5 in the figure), and a distance detecting means for detecting the reaching distance to this area (see a sixth step G6 in the figure). , And also serves as intensity setting means for setting the transmission intensity of the transmitting means (see the seventh step G7 in FIG. 7).

In the first step G1, the CPU 5 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. When the determination is NO, the CPU 5 proceeds to the next second step G2. When the determination is YES, the CPU 5 proceeds to another fourth step G4. In the above-mentioned second step G2, CP
U5 determines whether a predetermined condition that the manual switch 15 has been operated or that the vehicle is in front of a curve is determined. When the determination is NO, the process returns to the first step G1, while the determination is YES.
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to the next third step G3. This third
At step G3, the CPU 5 executes the area selection in response to the operation of the manual switch 15 or the position just before the curve.

On the other hand, in the above-described fourth step G4, the CPU
5 sets an area on the entire display screen about every 30 minutes, for example, or sets an area on the traveling passage about every 5 minutes. Next, in a fifth step G5, the CPU 5 sequentially selects a desired area from among the plurality of divided areas (refer to the area divided by the thin line shown in FIG. 3) (specifically, sequentially selects the closer areas).

Next, in a sixth step G6, the CPU 5 detects the reaching distance from the current position of the vehicle A to the selected desired area. Next, in a seventh step G7, the CPU 5 variably sets the transmission intensity Ea according to the reach distance. Next, in an eighth step G8, the CPU 5 transmits the request signal α (see FIGS. 4 and 5) at the above-described transmission intensity Ea.

Next, at a ninth step G9, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the reply signal β from the other vehicle B has been received within a predetermined time, and skips to the twelfth step G12 when the determination is YES, or skips when the determination is NO. Next tenth step G1
Move to 0. In this tenth step G10, the CPU 5
Determines whether the request signal α has been transmitted a predetermined number of times, for example, three times.
The process proceeds to the eleventh step G11 when the determination is NO.

In the eleventh step G11, the CPU 5 adds the predetermined value s to the transmission intensity Ea to obtain the transmission intensity Ea at the time of retransmission or re-retransmission, and thereafter, at the sixth step G6.
Return to On the other hand, the twelfth step G12
Then, the CPU 5 determines whether or not there is a next area,
When the determination is made, the process returns to the first step G1 while the YE
When S is determined, the process returns to the sixth step G6.

As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 (the invention as seen from the mobile unit A transmitting the request signal α), the transmitting means (see the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2) is an unspecified other mobile unit (see FIG. 9). The control means (see CPU 5) transmits the request signal α to the above-mentioned transmission means (see the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2) in accordance with a predetermined rule so that the reply signal β is transmitted to the other vehicle B (see other vehicle B). And send
The receiving means (see the receiving circuit 3 and the antenna 2) receives the reply signal β transmitted (replyed) from the other vehicle B, but the strength setting means (see the seventh step G7) performs the above-described transmission based on a predetermined condition. The transmission intensity Ea of the means is set, and the above-mentioned transmission means (see the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2) is determined by the transmission intensity Ea.
Activate As a result, there is no concern that communication between mobile units of a third party existing at a long distance is obstructed by the above-described request signal α, and communication stability between vehicles (between mobile units) can be ensured. effective.

The above-mentioned area setting means (see steps G3 and G5) sets an information obtaining area, and the distance detecting means (see sixth step G6) detects the reaching distance to the set area and obtains the intensity. The setting means (see the seventh step G7) sets the transmission intensity Ea according to the above-mentioned reach distance. Therefore, there is an effect that the transmission intensity Ea at which the request signal α reaches the required area sufficiently can be secured. Further, the above-described control means (see CPU 5)
When the response signal β is not received within a predetermined time after the transmission of the request signal α, the transmission intensity Ea is increased by the predetermined amount s by the intensity setting means (the eleventh step G11
) And retransmit the request signal α at this transmission intensity (Ea + s). As a result, for example, when the transmission state is poor due to the terrain or the like and a reply signal cannot be obtained, the request signal α can be transmitted reliably and the information can be obtained.

In addition, when the receiving means (see the antenna 2 and the receiving circuit 3) cannot receive the reply signal β again,
By repeating the steps G9, G10, G11, and G6 to G8, the control means (refer to the CPU 5) increases the transmission intensity Ea again and transmits the request signal α again, so that it is possible to secure communication more securely and obtain information. There is an effect that can be.

Next, another embodiment of the transmission processing of the request signal α will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 (corresponding to claims 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9). In this case, the vehicle A shown in FIG. 4 becomes the own vehicle (own vehicle), and the vehicle B becomes another mobile object (other vehicle). Further, in the case of this embodiment, the above-mentioned CPU 5 also serves as intensity setting means (refer to the fourth step J4 in the figure).

In the first step J1, the CPU 5 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and proceeds to the next second step J2 only when YES is determined. In this second step J2,
The CPU 5 detects the vehicle speed V based on the output from the vehicle speed sensor 9, and in the next third step J3, the CPU 5 creates a random coefficient r4 for setting a random transmission intensity.

Next, in a fourth step J4, the CPU 5 obtains the transmission intensity E from the following [Equation 1]. [Equation 1] E = r4 × t4 × (V / Vt) Here, r4 is a random coefficient t4 is a predetermined value V is a vehicle speed Vt is a predetermined value.

Next, in a fifth step J5, the CPU 5 transmits a request signal α based on the transmission intensity E obtained above. However, the above-mentioned transmission intensity E is set to a minimum necessary value at the time of the first transmission. Next, the sixth step J6
The CPU 5 responds to the response signal β from the other vehicle B within a predetermined time.
It is determined whether or not a response signal β has been received.
), The process returns to the first step J1.
When the determination is NO (when the response signal β is not received), the process proceeds to the next seventh step J7.

In the seventh step J7, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the transmission of the request signal α has been performed a predetermined number of times, for example, three times. When the determination is YES, the process returns to the first step J7. 8 steps J8
Move to In the eighth step J8, the CPU 5 adds a predetermined value s to the current transmission intensity E to obtain the transmission intensity E at the time of retransmission or re-retransmission, and thereafter, at the fifth step J5.
The request signal α is retransmitted or re-transmitted at the transmission intensity E, that is, (E = E + s).

As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 (the embodiment viewed from the mobile unit A transmitting the request signal α), the transmitting means (see the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2) is an unspecified other mobile unit. (See the other vehicle B) to transmit the response signal β, and the control means (see the CPU 5) sends the request signal to the above-mentioned transmission means (see the transmission circuit 4 and the antenna 2) in accordance with a predetermined rule. α, and the receiving means (see the receiving circuit 3 and the antenna 2) receives the reply signal β transmitted (returned) from the other vehicle B, but the intensity setting means (see the fourth step J4) satisfies a predetermined condition. Based on the above-mentioned transmitting means (transmitting circuit 4, antenna 2
) Is set, and the above-mentioned transmitting means is operated at the transmission intensity E. As a result, there is no concern that communication between mobile units of a third party existing at a long distance is obstructed by the above-described request signal α, and communication stability between vehicles (between mobile units) can be ensured. effective.

The intensity setting means (see the fourth step J4) reduces the transmission intensity E when the vehicle speed V detected by the vehicle speed detecting means (see the vehicle speed sensor 9) is low. As a result, the transmission intensity E can be set for the parameter (vehicle speed V), and there is an effect that the inter-vehicle communication is not automatically disturbed except for a desired area.

Further, the above-mentioned intensity setting means (refer to the fourth step J4) uses the random coefficient r4 to determine the transmission intensity E.
Is set at random, so that the transmission strength E is changed to a high level and a low level, especially when the transmission level E is set to a low level, without interfering with the communication between the third-party mobile units and the communication partner (others). This is effective even when the separation distance of the vehicle (see the vehicle B) from the own vehicle (see the vehicle A) is unknown, and has the effect of facilitating the strength and setting.

Furthermore, since the above-mentioned control means (see CPU 5) causes the transmission means (see transmission circuit 4 and antenna 2) to operate a plurality of times (see the seventh step), the signal arrival probability of request signal α is improved. Thus, there is an effect that the reliability of communication can be improved.

In addition, the above-mentioned control means (see CPU 5)
When the response signal β is not received within a predetermined time after the transmission of the request signal α, the transmission intensity E is increased by the predetermined amount s by the intensity setting means (see the eighth step J8).
And the request signal α is retransmitted at this transmission intensity (E + s). As a result, for example, when the transmission state is poor due to the terrain or the like and the response signal β cannot be obtained, the request signal α can be transmitted reliably and the information can be obtained.

When the receiving means (see the receiving circuit 3 and the antenna 2) cannot receive the reply signal β again, the control means (see the CPU 5) executes the processing of each step J6, J7, J8 and J5 again to determine the transmission intensity. Since E is increased and the request signal α is transmitted again, there is an effect that communication can be secured and information can be obtained more reliably.

Further, since the transmission intensity E at the time of the initial transmission (at the time of the first transmission) is set to the minimum necessary intensity, the third party does not adversely affect the communication between the mobile units. Further, there is an effect that power consumption is reduced.

Next, referring to a flowchart shown in FIG. 11 (corresponding to claims 1, 3, 4, 5, and 9), still another embodiment of the transmission processing of the request signal α will be described.
In this case, the vehicle A shown in FIG. 4 becomes the own vehicle (own vehicle), and the vehicle B becomes another mobile object (other vehicle). Further, in the case of this embodiment, the above-mentioned CPU 5 is provided with a strength setting means (the fourth one in FIG.
(See step C4).

In the first step C1, the CPU 5 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and shifts to the next second step C2 only when YES is determined. In this second step C2,
The CPU 5 detects the vehicle speed V based on the output from the vehicle speed sensor 9, and in the next third step C3, the CPU 5 creates a random coefficient r4 for random setting of the transmission intensity.

Next, in a fourth step C4, the CPU 5 obtains the transmission intensity E from the following [Equation 2]. [Equation 2] E = r4 × t4 × (V / Vt) Here, r4 is a random coefficient t4 is a predetermined value V is a vehicle speed Vt is a predetermined value.

Next, in a fifth step C5, the CPU 5 transmits a request signal α based on the transmission intensity E obtained above. However, at the time of the first transmission, the transmission intensity E is set to a necessary minimum value. Next, in a sixth step C6, the CP
U5 starts counting by the timer 13, and in the next seventh step C7, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the transmission of the request signal α has been completed a predetermined number of times, for example, three times. When YES is determined, the CPU 5 proceeds to the next eighth step C8. The process proceeds to another ninth step C9 when the determination is NO.

In the above-described eighth step C8, the CPU 5 stops counting by the timer 13, while in the above-described ninth step C9, the CPU 5 reaches the transmission delay timing T6 (for example, 3 seconds). When the determination is NO, the process returns to step C9. On the other hand, when the determination is YES (timer = T6), the process returns to the above-described third step C3. Resend or resend.

Even in such a configuration, substantially the same operations and effects as those of the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 10 are obtained except for the determination of the response signal β. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the transmission delay timing T6 is set at the time of transmitting the request signal α after the second time, so that the request signals α from the plurality of vehicles A, A are transmitted to the other vehicle B. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to satisfactorily prevent reception failure on the side of another vehicle B due to simultaneous delivery. The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be applied to the transmission processing of the information signal d by replacing the request signal α with the information signal d.

Next, with reference to a series of flowcharts (corresponding to claim 10) shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14, the transmission processing of the reply signal β in the vehicle B receiving the request signal α will be described. In this case, the vehicle B shown in FIG. 4 becomes the own vehicle (own vehicle), and the vehicle A becomes another mobile object (other vehicle). Further, in the case of this embodiment, the above-mentioned CPU 5 is used as the intensity setting means (the fourth step S in the subroutine shown in FIG. 13).
14).

First, the main routine shown in FIG. 12 will be described. In the first step S1, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the own vehicle B has received the request signal α from the other vehicle A. The process proceeds to a second step S2. In this second step S2, the CPU 5 executes a response possibility determination, and in the next third step S3, the CPU 5
It is determined whether it is K or not. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next fourth step S4, whereas if the determination is NO (when there is no need to reply), the process returns to the first step S1.

In the above-described fourth step S4, the CPU 5 creates a reply signal β (see FIGS. 4 and 6). In this case, when the request signal α has an ID stored in the RAM (see the vehicle ID bit 23 in FIG. 5), the ID of the vehicle B (see the vehicle ID bit 34 in FIG. 6) is also inserted into the reply signal β. .

Next, in a fifth step S5, the CPU 5 sets the return timing of the reply signal β and the transmission intensity of the reply signal β, and transmits the reply signal β based on the set contents. The processing of the fifth step S5 corresponds to the processing by the subroutine of FIG. Next, the subroutine shown in FIG. 13 will be described.
The PU 5 starts counting by the timer 13, and in the next second step S12, the CPU 5 creates a random coefficient r1 for setting a return timing.

Next, in a third step S13, the CPU 5 obtains a return timing (T1 = r1 × t1) by multiplying the random coefficient r1 by a predetermined value t1. Next, the fourth step S1
At 4, the CPU 5 sets the intensity E of the response signal β. This transmission intensity setting will be described later with reference to the subroutine of FIG.

In the next fifth step S15, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the count value of the timer 13 has reached the return timing T1.
Move to 16. In the sixth step S16, the CPU 5
Transmits the reply signal β to the other company A at the signal strength E, and the CPU 5 stops the counter of the timer 13 in the next seventh step S17.

Next, in an eighth step S18, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the response signal β has been returned a predetermined number of times, for example, three times. If the determination is YES, the process is terminated. If the determination is NO, the process returns to the first step S11. The above process is repeated until the number of times reaches a predetermined number.

Next, the processing for setting the intensity of the response signal β will be described with reference to a subroutine shown in FIG. In a first step S21, the CPU 5 determines a random coefficient r3 for intensity setting.
In the next second step S22, the CPU 5 multiplies the random coefficient r3 by a predetermined value t3 to calculate the intensity of the response signal β (E = r3 × t3), and reflects the calculated value in the flowchart of FIG. Let it.

As described above, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 (the embodiment viewed from the mobile unit B that receives the request signal α and transmits the response signal β to the request signal α)
According to the above, the above-mentioned receiving means (see the antenna 2 and the receiving circuit 3) receives the request signal α transmitted from another moving body (see the vehicle A), and receives the above-mentioned transmitting means (see the antenna 2 and the transmitting circuit 4). Transmits a reply signal β to another mobile unit (see vehicle A), and the control means (see CPU 5) causes the transmitting means to transmit the reply signal β when the receiving means receives the request signal α. Means (fourth step S14)
) Sets the transmission intensity E of the transmission means (see the antenna 2 and the transmission circuit 4), and operates the transmission means with the transmission intensity E. As a result, there is no concern that the communication between the moving bodies of the third parties present at a long distance from the own moving body (see the vehicle B) will be disturbed by the above-mentioned response signal β, and the communication between the moving bodies (between the vehicles) will not occur. There is an effect that communication stability can be achieved.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart (subroutine) showing another embodiment of the processing for setting the intensity of the reply signal β shown in FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, first, in a first step S31, the CPU 5 determines the current position of the own vehicle B and the other vehicle A
From the current position of the vehicle B, the distance L between the two vehicles B and A is calculated.

Next, in a second step S32, the CPU 5 obtains the transmission strength E of the reply signal β by the following [Equation 3]. [Equation 3] E = x1 + y1 × L Here, x1 and y1 are predetermined values, and L is a distance.

Since the transmission intensity E obtained in the second step S32 is reflected in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the reply signal β is reliably transmitted to the other vehicle A and is located farther than the distance L. This has the effect of not interfering with third-party communication between vehicles.

In correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment, the moving body of the present invention is the vehicle 1, A,
The transmitting means corresponds to the antenna 2 and the transmitting circuit 4, the receiving means corresponds to the antenna 2 and the receiving circuit 3, the control means corresponds to the CPU 5, and the intensity setting. Means are steps Q9, G
7, J4, C4, S14, the vehicle speed detecting means corresponds to the vehicle speed sensor 9, and the area setting means corresponds to each step G
3 and G5, the distance detecting means performs the sixth step G6
However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a vehicle navigation system.

FIG. 2 is a control circuit block diagram illustrating a mobile communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display on an LCD.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the mobile communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format of a request signal.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format of a reply signal.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing CPU storage operation processing of the information receiving vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a signal transmission process of the information signal transmitting vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a signal transmission process of a request signal transmission-side vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the signal transmission process of the request signal transmission side vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another embodiment of the signal transmission processing of the request signal transmission side vehicle.

FIG. 12 is a main routine showing a signal transmission process of a response signal transmitting vehicle.

FIG. 13 is a subroutine showing a reply signal transmission process.

FIG. 14 is a subroutine showing intensity setting processing.

FIG. 15 is a subroutine showing another embodiment of the intensity setting process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to claims.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, A, B, D vehicle (moving body) 2 antenna 3 receiving circuit 4 transmitting circuit 5 CPU (control means) 9 vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed detecting means) G4, G7, J4, Q9, A14 Intensity setting means G3, G5 area setting means G6 distance detection means α reply signal β request signal d information signal

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A transmitting means for transmitting a request signal for transmitting a reply signal to an unspecified other mobile body, a control means for transmitting said request signal to said transmitting means in accordance with a predetermined rule, and a transmission from another mobile body. Receiving means for receiving the reply signal, wherein the transmission intensity of the transmitting means is set based on a predetermined condition, and the intensity setting means operates the transmitting means at the transmission intensity. A communication device for a mobile body comprising: 2. A mobile communication device comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting an information signal; and a control means for causing the transmitting means to transmit the information signal based on a predetermined rule. A communication device for a mobile body, comprising: intensity setting means for setting the transmission intensity of the means and operating the transmission means at the transmission intensity. 3. The mobile communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle speed, wherein said intensity setting means reduces the transmission intensity when the detected vehicle speed is low. 4. The mobile communication device according to claim 1, wherein said intensity setting means randomly sets said transmission intensity. 5. The mobile communication device according to claim 4, wherein said control means causes said transmitting means to perform a plurality of operations. 6. An area setting means for setting an information obtaining area, and a distance detecting means for detecting a reaching distance to the area, wherein the intensity setting means sets the transmission intensity according to the reaching distance. Item 2. A communication device for a mobile object according to Item 1. 7. The control means increases the transmission intensity by a predetermined amount by the intensity setting means when no reply signal is received within a predetermined time after the transmission of the request signal.
2. The mobile communication device according to claim 1, wherein the request signal is retransmitted at the transmission intensity. 8. The mobile communication device according to claim 7, wherein when the receiving means cannot receive the reply signal again, the control means increases the transmission intensity again and transmits the request signal again. 9. The mobile communication device according to claim 7, wherein the transmission intensity at the time of initial transmission is set to a minimum necessary intensity. 10. A receiving means for receiving a request signal transmitted from another mobile, a transmitting means for transmitting a reply signal to another mobile, and a reply to the transmitting means when the receiving means receives the request signal. What is claimed is: 1. A communication apparatus for a mobile object, comprising: control means for transmitting a signal; and a transmission setting means for setting a transmission intensity of the transmission means and operating the transmission means at the transmission intensity.