JPH1188553A - Information service system and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a driver or the like to easily obtain desired information around a vehicle position by storing daily change information and real time information for each of amusement installations and specific areas, receiving a vehicle position, a date and genre data from an on board terminal, retrieving corresponding information of the area, reading the desired information and sending the information to the on board terminal by an information center. SOLUTION: An information center 11 stores event information for each of plural amusement installations and specific areas, daily change information such as weather forecast, and real time information such as idle parking place information to a data base section 5. A center side control section 10 controls each section of the center and receives data sent at any time from update terminals placed to each installation via a center side communication section 6 and updates data of the data base section 5 to be up-to-date contents. Furthermore, the control section 10 makes communication with an onboard terminal via the center side communication section 6, executes a retrieval request from the onboard terminal, based on the received vehicle position, date and genre information and transmits the edited result to the onboard terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention transmits real-time information such as event information relating to various events held in a plurality of recreational facilities and specific areas, daily information such as weather forecasts, and parking lot free information. The present invention relates to an information providing system including an information center, an in-vehicle information terminal that accesses the information center and receives daily information and real-time information, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a navigation system, which is an in-vehicle information terminal, is connected to an information center by a telephone line, and is held at a plurality of recreational facilities and specific areas registered and stored in a database from the information center. Navigation system (vehicle information terminal) equipped with a function for receiving real-time information such as daily event information such as event information and weather forecast relating to various events to be performed or parking lot free space information; It has been proposed to configure an information providing system including a center.

The information providing system will be briefly described. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an information center 1 has daily information such as event information and weather forecasts for a plurality of recreational facilities and specific areas, or a parking lot. A database in which real-time information such as vacancy information is registered and stored is provided, and a navigation system mounted on the car 2 and the information center 1 are connected by a telephone line using a mobile phone or a car phone. Has become.

[0004] Then, the information system 1 is called from the navigation system side, the telephone line is connected to enable mutual communication, and when there is a search request for certain event information from the navigation system, the request is sent to the information center. Is transmitted to the information center, the database is searched in the information center, the requested event information is read out, the read out event information is transmitted from the information center 1 to the navigation system, and the event received on the display screen of the navigation system The details of the information are displayed, and the driver or the like of the vehicle 2 can know what kind of event will be held from the display.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned system, when a search request is made to the information center, daily information such as events and real-time information are sequentially transmitted to the navigation system at a nationwide level or a considerably large area unit. For example, even when the driver of the car 2 wants to know what kind of event is being held around the current position,
It is necessary to wait until the daily information and the real-time information around the current position are transmitted, which causes a problem that the communication time with the information center 1 becomes extremely long.

Also, when extracting and displaying the daily information and the real-time information around the current position from the daily information and the real-time information received by the navigation system which is an in-vehicle information terminal, the information is transmitted from the information center. Since the amount of daily information and real-time information is enormous, the extraction processing in the navigation system also becomes very burdensome.

Further, when the daily information and real-time information stored in the database of the information center 1 are updated to the latest contents, the above-mentioned system updates the daily information and real-time information from each entertainment facility or specific area. The information center 1 confirms whether or not it is necessary to update the information. If necessary, the information center 1 collects the updated contents, and updates the daily information and real-time information by using an operation unit such as a keyboard provided in the information center 1. However, there is a problem that the information center 1 takes a lot of trouble to grasp the daily information and the real-time information to be updated, and the information updating work becomes very complicated.

[0008] A first problem to be solved by the present invention is to make it possible to easily obtain daily information and real-time information around a current position.

A second object is to make it possible to easily update daily information and real-time information.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention according to claim 1 provides daily information such as event information, weather forecast, etc. relating to various events to be held in a plurality of recreational facilities and specific areas or parking lot free information. An information providing system comprising: an information center for transmitting real-time information such as information, and an in-vehicle information terminal for accessing the information center and receiving the daily information and the real-time information, wherein the information center includes a plurality of entertainment facilities. And a main data storage unit that stores the daily information and real-time information for each specific area, a center-side control unit that searches the main data storage unit and reads out predetermined information, and a read-out unit that is controlled by the center-side control unit. And a center communication unit that transmits the issued predetermined information and receives a request from the in-vehicle information terminal. The vehicle-mounted information terminal includes a position detection unit that detects a current position of the vehicle, a vehicle-mounted communication unit that performs transmission and reception with the center-side communication unit, and displays the daily information and real-time information. Alternatively, a notification unit configured to output a sound and output, and a vehicle-side control unit that controls the vehicle-side communication unit and the notification unit, wherein the vehicle-side control unit controls the vehicle-side communication unit, and the position detection unit The position data of the own vehicle position detected by the vehicle-side communication unit is transmitted from the vehicle-side communication unit and received by the center-side communication unit, and the center-side control unit receives daily position information around the area based on the received position data. And the real-time information is read from the main data storage unit, transmitted from the center side communication unit, received by the vehicle side communication unit, and transmitted by the vehicle side control unit. It is characterized in that the received display or by voice of the daily information and real-time information so as to control the notification unit to be outputted.

According to such a configuration, the position data of the current position of the vehicle detected by the in-vehicle information terminal is transmitted from the in-vehicle information terminal to the information center, and is received and received by the information center. Daily information and real-time information around the area based on the position data are read from the main data storage unit, and the read daily information and real-time information are transmitted to the on-board information terminal. Is received and real-time information is received and the content is displayed or converted to sound and output.

Therefore, the driver or the like can easily obtain daily information such as event information around the current position of the vehicle and weather forecast and real-time information.

At this time, the on-vehicle information terminal includes a on-vehicle operation unit for inputting data, as described in claim 2.
When desired date data is input by the in-vehicle operation unit, the in-vehicle control unit controls the in-vehicle communication unit to transmit the date data together with the position data of the own vehicle position by the position detection unit. The data is transmitted from the vehicle-side communication unit and received by the center-side communication unit, and the center-side control unit transmits daily change information and real-time information on the date according to the date data around the area based on the received position data. The data is read out from the data storage unit, transmitted from the center side communication unit, received by the vehicle side communication unit, and received by the vehicle side control unit, so that the received daily information and real-time information are displayed or voiced and output. The notification unit may be controlled.

In this case, for example, by inputting data such as today, this week or this month as date data,
Daily information and real-time information on a date according to the date data around the current position of the vehicle can be obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the on-vehicle information terminal includes a on-vehicle operation unit for inputting data, and genre data for designating a desired event type is input by the on-vehicle operation terminal. When the vehicle-side control unit controls the vehicle-side communication unit to transmit the genre data from the vehicle-side communication unit together with the position data of the own vehicle position by the position detection unit, the center-side communication unit The center-side control unit reads the daily information and real-time information on the event of the type according to the genre data around the area by the received position data from the main data storage unit, and reads out the real-time information from the center-side communication unit. This is transmitted and received by the vehicle-side communication unit, and the received daily information and It is real-time information display or by voice the so as to control the notification unit to be outputted is effective.

In this case, for example, as genre data,
By inputting data such as exhibitions, festivals, and shows, it is possible to obtain daily information and real-time information on events of the type based on the genre data around the current vehicle position.

Further, the vehicle-mounted information terminal includes a vehicle-mounted operation unit for inputting data, and the vehicle-mounted information terminal uses the vehicle-mounted operation unit to specify desired date data and genre data for specifying a type of an event. Is input, the in-vehicle control unit controls the in-vehicle communication unit to transmit the date data and the genre data from the in-vehicle communication unit together with the position data of the own vehicle position by the position detection unit. The center-side communication unit receives this, and the center-side control unit receives daily information and real-time information on an event of the type according to the genre data on the date according to the date data around the area according to the received position data. The data is read out from the main data storage unit, transmitted from the center side communication unit, and transmitted by the vehicle side communication unit. By receiving this, the in-vehicle control unit controls the notifying unit to display or audibly display the received daily information and real-time information, and the date according to the date data around the current position of the own vehicle is obtained. The user can obtain daily information and real-time information on an event of the type according to the genre data.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, update data for updating the daily information and the real-time information stored in the main data storage unit to the latest contents is installed in each of the entertainment facilities and the like. An update information terminal for transmitting to the information center, the update information terminal includes a terminal-side communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving the center-side communication unit, a terminal-side operation unit for inputting update data, and the terminal-side A terminal-side control unit that controls the terminal-side communication unit to transmit the update data input by the operation unit to the center-side communication unit, and that the center-side communication unit receives the update data. Preferably, the information stored in the main data storage unit by the center-side control unit is updated based on the update data.

With this configuration, the terminal communication unit of the update information terminal is connected to the center communication unit, and the update data input by operating the terminal operation unit of the update information terminal is transmitted to the information center. As a result, the daily information and the real-time information stored in the main data storage of the information center are updated.

Further, as a control method of the information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, as described in claim 6, an identification number assigned in advance to the on-board information terminal together with the position data. The identification number received from the vehicle-side communication unit and received by the center-side communication unit is stored in the information center, and the time required for the search by the center-side control unit is a predetermined time set in advance. , The communication between the onboard communication unit and the center communication unit of the onboard information terminal with the stored identification number is temporarily interrupted, and the search result by the center control unit is obtained. When the communication between the center-side communication unit and the vehicle-side communication unit is restarted, it is possible to eliminate useless communication when the search is prolonged.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a block diagram of an information center, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an in-vehicle information terminal, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an update information terminal, FIGS. 4 to 6 are flowcharts for explaining operations, FIGS. Is an operation explanatory diagram.

First, FIG. 1 showing an information center constituting an information providing system will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a center-side database as a main data storage for storing daily information such as event information and weather forecasts for a plurality of recreational facilities and specific areas, or real-time information such as parking lot availability information. And 6, a center communication unit for transmitting and receiving information via a telephone line to and from an in-vehicle information terminal including a navigation system to be described later and an updating information terminal installed in each facility, etc., and 7 denotes a liquid crystal display, a CRT, etc. A display unit consisting of
Reference numeral 8 denotes a center operation unit including a keyboard used for updating data of the center database unit 5, reference numeral 9 denotes a storage unit for temporarily storing data, and reference numeral 10 denotes a center control unit, which controls each unit. A search request from an in-vehicle information terminal, which will be described later, is received via the center-side communication unit 6, and based on the received request, the center-side database unit 5
And retrieves predetermined daily information and real-time information, transmits the read daily information and real-time information via the center-side communication unit 6, and receives update data transmitted from an update information terminal described later. The daily information and real-time information of the center side database unit 5 are updated to the latest contents as appropriate.

As described above, the information center 11 is constituted by the center side database unit 5, the center side communication unit 6, the display unit 7, the center side operation unit 8, the storage unit 9, and the center side control unit 10.

Next, FIG. 2 showing an in-vehicle information terminal constituting the information providing system will be described.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 15 denotes an in-vehicle communication unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the center communication unit 6 of the information center 11 using a telephone line, and 16 denotes a G for detecting the current position of the vehicle.
A position detection unit comprising a PS (Global Positioning System), 17 is a vehicle-side operation unit provided with a plurality of operation keys for moving a cursor, 18 is a display unit as a notification unit comprising a liquid crystal display, and 19 is a navigation unit. An audio output unit as a notification unit for synthesizing and outputting guidance information and the like, 20 is a storage unit for temporarily storing data, 21 is a vehicle-side control unit, which controls each unit, and is detected by the position detection unit 16. The map data around the own vehicle position, the map data around the destination set by operating the operation unit 17 and the position data of the destination are stored in a CD-R not shown in FIG.
Read from the local database unit composed of OM etc.,
The display unit 18 has a function of displaying a road map based on the read map data and a mark indicating the detected position of the vehicle, and derives an optimal route to the set destination to display the route on the map being displayed. Is displayed, and a route guidance function is provided for guiding the user by voice from the voice output unit 19 according to the route.

As described above, the in-vehicle communication unit 15, the position detection unit 16, the in-vehicle operation unit 17, the display unit 18, and the audio output unit 1
9, the storage unit 20 and the vehicle-side control unit 21 constitute a vehicle-mounted information terminal 22.

When there is an information acquisition request from the information center 11, the vehicle-side control unit 21 controls the vehicle-side communication unit 15 and transmits the position data of the own vehicle position detected by the position detection unit 16 to the vehicle-side communication. The data is transmitted from the unit 15 to the center communication unit 6, and desired date data such as today, this week or this month or desired genre data such as exhibitions, festivals, and shows are input by key operation of the in-vehicle operation unit 17. In this case, it has a function of transmitting date data and / or genre data together with the position data of the vehicle position detected by the position detection unit 16 from the vehicle-side communication unit 15 to the center-side communication unit 6.

Further, position data from the in-vehicle information terminal 22 is received by the center communication section 6, and the center control section 10 uses the position data to provide daily information and real-time information around the area (for example, within a distance of 10km). Is read from the center-side database unit 5 and transmitted, the vehicle-side control unit 21 controls the vehicle-side communication unit 15 to receive the daily information, and controls the display unit 18 to receive the daily information. And a function of displaying the real-time information and controlling the audio output unit 19 to appropriately convert the received daily information to audio and output it.

Next, FIG. 3 showing an updating information terminal installed in an entertainment facility or the like which constitutes the information providing system will be described.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 25 denotes a center side communication unit 6.
A terminal-side communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the
26 is a terminal operation unit for inputting update data, 27 is a display unit composed of a liquid crystal display, 28 is a storage unit for temporarily storing data, and 29 is a terminal control unit, which is a database update request from the information center 11. Has a function of controlling the terminal-side communication unit 25 to transmit the update data input by the terminal-side operation unit 26 to the center-side communication unit 6 based on the. Thus, the terminal-side communication unit 25 and the terminal-side operation unit 2
6, an update information terminal 30 is configured by the display unit 27, the storage unit 28, and the terminal-side control unit 29.

Next, the operations of the information center 11, the in-vehicle information terminal 22, and the update information terminal 30 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, the operation of the information center 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, is there a request for a telephone line connection between the vehicle-side communication unit 15 and the center-side communication unit 6 of the vehicle-mounted information terminal 22? Is determined (step S
1), if the determination result is NO, the updating information terminal 3
It is determined whether there is a telephone line connection request from the terminal-side communication unit 25 to the center-side communication unit 6 (step S2). If the determination result is NO, the in-vehicle communication unit 15 is determined. Then, it is determined whether there is a request to disconnect the telephone line between the terminal side communication unit 25 and the center side communication unit 6, that is, a request to disconnect the telephone line being connected (step S).
3) If the result of the determination is NO, the process returns to step S1, and if the result of the determination is YES, the telephone lines to the in-vehicle information terminal 22 and the update information terminal 30 that have not been connected are disconnected (step S1). S4), and then return to step S1.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the above step S1 is YES, the in-vehicle information
Is connected (step S5), and the center-side communication unit 6 receives the position data transmitted from the in-vehicle information terminal 22 as described above (step S5).
6) The center-side control unit 10 searches for and reads daily information such as event information within a 10 km radius of the area based on the position data (step S).
7), the read daily information is transmitted to the center side communication unit 6
(Step S8), and then returns to Step S1.

At this time, in the in-vehicle information terminal 22,
When any of desired date data such as today, this week or this month or desired genre data such as an exhibition, a festival, or a show is input by operating the vehicle-mounted operation unit 17, date data or genre data together with the position data described above is input. When either one of the date data and the genre data is input, both the date data and the genre data are transmitted from the in-vehicle communication unit 15 to the center communication unit 6 together with the above-described position data, and the process proceeds to step S6.
Receive these data.

When both the date data and the genre data are received together with the position data, step S
In the process of step 7, the daily information related to the event of the type according to the genre data on the date according to the date data around the area based on the received position data is searched. Will be sent.

As shown in FIG. 4, if the result of the determination in step S2 is YES, the telephone line is connected to the updating information terminal 30 that has requested connection (step S9). As described above, the update information terminal 30
Is received by the center-side communication unit 6 (step S10), and the corresponding one of the daily information stored in the center-side database unit 5 is updated to the content based on the received update data (step S10). S11), and then return to step S1.

Next, the operation of the in-vehicle information terminal 22 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a request from the user is read by operating the in-vehicle operation unit 17 (step T1). It is determined whether there is an information acquisition request (step T2). If this determination is NO, the process returns to step T1, and if the determination is YES, the current vehicle detected by the position detector 16 is determined. The position data of the position is taken into the vehicle-side controller 21 (step T3), and the vehicle-side controller 21
Is controlled to connect the telephone line to the information center 11 (step T4), and the acquired position data of the own vehicle position is transmitted to the information center 11 (step T4).
5).

At this time, as described above, the in-vehicle operation unit 1
By the operation of 7, when either desired date data or genre data is inputted, either date data or genre data is inputted together with the position data, and when both date data and genre data are inputted, the date data is inputted together with the position data. And both genre data
It is transmitted from the vehicle-side communication unit 15 to the center-side communication unit 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not a search result from the information center 11, that is, predetermined daily information searched and transmitted by the information center 11 has been received (step T6). If this determination is NO, this determination is repeated until the determination becomes YES,
If the determination result is YES, the on-vehicle side communication unit 15 is controlled by the on-vehicle side control unit 21 to issue a non-connection request to disconnect the telephone line, and the telephone line with the information center 11 is disconnected (step T7). At the same time, the received daily information is displayed on the display unit 18, and at the same time, is appropriately converted into audio by the audio output unit 19 and output (step T8), and thereafter, the process returns to step T1.

Next, the operation of the update information terminal 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user's request is read by operating the terminal side operation unit 26 (step U).
1) It is determined whether or not there is an update request from the information center 11 (step U2). If the determination result is NO, the process returns to step U1 and the terminal-side control unit 29 controls the terminal-side communication unit 25. Then, the telephone line with the information center 11 is connected (step U3), and the terminal side operation unit 2 is connected.
The update data entered by the operation 6 is transmitted to the information center 1
1 (step U4), the terminal-side control unit 29 controls the terminal-side communication unit 25 to issue a disconnection request to disconnect the telephone line, and the telephone line to the information center 11 is disconnected ( Step U5), and then return to step U1.

As described above, when the date data and the genre data are transmitted together with the position data from the in-vehicle information terminal 22, the information center 11 displays the information of the genre held on the date within, for example, 10 km from the area based on the position data. Information about the event is searched, and the searched information is sent from the information center 11 to the in-vehicle information terminal 2.
2 is displayed on the display unit 18 of the in-vehicle information terminal 22, or the daily information is displayed on the display unit 18, or is output as audio by the audio output unit 19.

The procedure for inputting date data and genre data in the in-vehicle information terminal 22 will be briefly described. For example, a menu screen as shown in FIG. By selecting the mark with the cursor, a list of date data registered in advance, such as today, this week, one week from today, this month, all, etc., is displayed, and by selecting a desired date data from these, the date data is displayed. Input is performed. Similarly, by selecting the カ ー ソ ル mark in the genre column of the menu screen displayed on the display unit 18 with the cursor,
A list of genre data such as festivals, fireworks, beaches, flea markets, exhibitions, and circuses registered in advance is displayed, and genre data is input by selecting desired genre data from the list.

Finally, by selecting the key screen portion "Search" on the menu screen of FIG. 7, the input date data and genre data are transmitted to the information center 11 together with the position data of the own vehicle position, and the information is transmitted. Center 1
In step 1, a search is performed. As a result, for example, a search result as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. By selecting a desired facility from the displayed corresponding facilities or the like, details of the facility being held or scheduled to be held at that facility are displayed. The content of the event is displayed or converted to audio and output.

Further, the content of the event changes at a certain facility, and the center side database unit 5 of the information center 11
If it is necessary to update the daily information of this facility stored in the facility to the latest content, the terminal-side operation unit 26 of the updating information terminal 30 installed in the facility is operated as described above. The input update data is transmitted from the update information terminal 30 to the information center 11, the center-side control unit 10 controls the center-side database unit 5, and based on the received update data, The daily information of the facility is updated to the latest content.

Therefore, according to the above-described first embodiment, it is not necessary to wait for a long time until the daily information around the own vehicle position is transmitted from the information center, unlike the related art.
The driver or the like can easily obtain daily information such as event information around the current position of the vehicle and weather forecast.

Further, by inputting desired date data such as today, this week, and this month, and genre data representing the type of event such as a festival or an exhibition, the desired date around the current vehicle position on the input date can be obtained. Daily information such as genre-related event information can be easily obtained.

The update data input by operating the terminal side operation unit 26 of the update information terminal 30 is transmitted to the information center 1.
By transmitting the information to the first side, the daily information stored in the center side database unit 5 of the information center 11 can be updated.

In the first embodiment, the case where date data and genre data are transmitted to the information center 11 together with the position data has been described. However, these date data and genre data are not transmitted unless input. Needless to say, the present invention can, of course, be implemented even when the function itself for transmitting date data and genre data is not provided. What is necessary is to transmit the position data of the current own vehicle position to be transmitted from the in-vehicle information terminal 22 to the information center 11.

Further, in the first embodiment described above, the case where the updating information terminal 30 is provided in each facility or the like has been described. However, the updating information terminal is not always required to be provided as an information providing system. .

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. However, in the present embodiment, since the information center 11 and the in-vehicle information terminal 22 have the same configurations as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, FIG. 1 and FIG.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, in addition to the current position data of the own vehicle position detected by the position detecting section 16 from the on-board information terminal 22, the on-board information An identification number ID assigned to the terminal 22 in advance, search distance data indicating a search range input by operating the vehicle-side operation unit 17, and genre data indicating types of information such as restaurants, shopping, events, and the like are stored in the information center 11. The information center 11 that has transmitted and received the information searches for the daily information of the specified genre within the specified search distance range from the received position data. Is that the telephone line with the in-vehicle information terminal 22 is once forcibly disconnected.

The operations of the information center 11 and the in-vehicle information terminal 22 will be described.

First, the operation of the information center 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, there is a request for a telephone line connection between the vehicle-side communication unit 15 and the center-side communication unit 6 of the vehicle-mounted information terminal 22. Is determined (step V
1) If this determination result is NO, it is determined whether or not the search result waiting flag is set (step V2). If this determination result is NO, the in-vehicle communication unit 1 is determined.
It is determined whether there is a request for disconnection of the telephone line between the communication line 5 and the center side communication unit 6, that is, a request for disconnecting the telephone line being connected (step V3).
If so, the process returns to step V1, and if the determination result is YES, the telephone line with the in-vehicle information terminal 22 that has not been connected is disconnected (step V4), and thereafter, the process returns to step V1.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the above step V1 is YES, the in-vehicle information
Is connected (step V5), and the center-side communication unit 6 receives the position data transmitted from the vehicle-mounted information terminal 22 and the identification number ID of the vehicle-mounted information terminal 22 as described above. (Step V6). At this time, in addition to the position data and the identification number ID, when search distance data indicating the search range and genre data are transmitted, these data are also received.

Subsequently, based on the data received in step V6, a search is made for the daily information related to the specified genre within the search distance received from the area based on the position data received by the center-side control unit 10, and the search at that time is performed. It is determined whether the required time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time set in advance (step V7).

Then, the decision result in the step V7 is YES.
If so, the search result waiting flag is set (step V8), and the identification number ID of the in-vehicle information terminal 22 received in step V6 is stored in the storage unit 9 (step V9). Is temporarily disconnected (step V10), and the center-side control unit 1
From 0, a search request is issued to the center side database unit 5 (step V11), and the process returns to step V1. By temporarily disconnecting the telephone line in this way, useless communication between the in-vehicle information terminal 22 and the information center 11 is eliminated.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step V7 is N
If O, a search request is made from the center-side control unit 10 to the center-side database unit 5 (step V12).
It is determined whether there is a search result, that is, whether there is daily information based on the data transmitted from the on-board information terminal 22 (step V13).
If it is O, this determination is repeated until it becomes YES, and if the determination result becomes YES, the daily information obtained as a result of the search is transmitted to the in-vehicle information terminal 22 (step V1).
4) Then, the process returns to step V1.

If the result of the determination in step V2 is YES, it is determined in step V8 that the search result waiting flag has been set, and it is determined whether or not there is a search result (step V8). V1
5) If this determination result is NO, the above-described step V is performed.
Then, if the determination result is YES, the telephone number of the in-vehicle information terminal 22 stored in the storage unit 9 is retrieved from the identification number ID of the terminal (step V16), and the retrieved telephone number is dialed. Then, the telephone line with the corresponding on-vehicle information terminal 22 is connected (step V17), and the process proceeds to step V14.

Next, the operation of the in-vehicle information terminal 22 will be described. As shown in FIG.
Is read (step W1), and it is determined whether or not there is an information acquisition request from the information center 11 (step W2). If the determination result is YES, the position detecting unit The position data of the current vehicle position detected by the vehicle 16 is taken into the vehicle-side control unit 21 (step W3), and the vehicle-side communication unit 15 is controlled by the vehicle-side control unit 21 to make a telephone call with the information center 11. The line is connected (step W4), the acquired position data of the own vehicle position and the identification number I assigned in advance.
D is transmitted to the information center 11 (step W5).
At this time, when the search distance data and the genre data are input, these data are transmitted together with the position data and the identification number ID from the vehicle-side communication section 15 to the center-side communication section 6.
Sent to.

Further, it is determined whether or not the daily information obtained by the search by the information center 11 has been received (step W6). If the determination result is YES, the vehicle-side control unit 21 causes the vehicle-side control unit 21 to perform the determination. 15 is controlled, a disconnection request is issued to disconnect the telephone line, and the telephone line with the information center 11 is disconnected (step W7).
The received daily information is displayed on the display unit 18 and, at the same time, is appropriately vocalized and output by the audio output unit 19 (step W8), and then returns to step W1.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the above step W6 is NO, it is determined whether or not the telephone line with the information center 11 is disconnected (step W9).
If this determination is NO, the process returns to step W6 again, and if the determination is YES, the process returns to step W1.

If the result of the determination in step W2 is NO, it is determined whether or not there is a connection request from the information center 11 (step W10). If the result of the determination is YES, the above-described steps are performed. The process proceeds to the determination of W6, and if the determination result is NO, the process returns to step W1.

As described above, the identification number ID assigned in advance to the terminal 22 and the separately input search distance data and genre data are transmitted from the vehicle information terminal 22 to the information center 11 together with the position data. The center 11 searches the center side database unit 5 based on these data. At this time, if the time required for the search in the information center 11 is longer than a predetermined time, the telephone line is forcibly disconnected from the information center 11 side, and if the search result is obtained, the information center 11 stores the search result. The in-vehicle information terminal 22 having the identification number ID is called, the telephone line is connected during that time, and the daily information obtained by the search is transmitted from the information center 11 to the in-vehicle information terminal 22.

Therefore, according to the above-described second embodiment, when a long time is required for the search, the in-vehicle information
Useless communication between the communication center and the information center 11 can be eliminated, and the communication fee can be reduced.

In the above embodiments, the daily information and the real-time information are displayed on the display unit 18 of the on-board information terminal 22.
And the audio output unit 19 appropriately audibly converts the daily information and the real-time information to both the display and the audio.
, Or only the voice output by the voice output unit 20.

In each of the above embodiments, the operation in the case where the daily information is transmitted / received and updated has been described. Needless to say, the same operation is performed.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes other than those described above can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0070]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to wait for a long time until the daily information around the position of the own vehicle is transmitted from the information center as in the prior art. Can easily obtain daily information and real-time information such as event information and weather forecast around the current vehicle position.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention,
Daily information and real-time information on a date according to the date data around the current position of the vehicle can be obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain daily information and real-time information on an event of the type based on the genre data around the current position of the vehicle.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
It is possible to obtain daily information and real-time information on an event of the type based on the genre data on the date based on the date data around the current position of the vehicle.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the terminal-side communication unit of the update information terminal is connected to the center-side communication unit, and the update data inputted by operating the terminal-side operation unit of the update information terminal. Is transmitted to the information center, the daily information and the real-time information stored in the main data storage unit of the information center can be easily updated to the latest contents.

According to the control method of the sixth aspect, when the search in the information center is prolonged, useless communication between the information center and the in-vehicle information terminal can be eliminated, and the communication fee can be reduced. It becomes possible to plan.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of a different part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing still another part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an information providing system as a background of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 Center-side database unit (main data storage unit) 6 Center-side communication unit 10 Center-side control unit 11 Information center 15 In-vehicle communication unit 16 Position detection unit 17 In-vehicle operation unit 18 Display unit (notification unit) 19 Audio output unit ( Notification unit) 21 In-vehicle control unit 22 In-vehicle information terminal 25 Terminal-side communication unit 26 Terminal-side operation unit 29 Terminal-side control unit 30 Update information terminal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FIG06F 15/403 340A

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An information center for transmitting event information relating to various events held in a plurality of recreational facilities, specific areas, etc., daily information such as weather forecasts, or real-time information such as parking lot availability information, and the information. An information providing system comprising an in-vehicle information terminal that accesses a center and receives the daily information, wherein the information center includes a main data storage unit that stores the daily information for each of a plurality of entertainment facilities and a specific area. A center-side control unit that searches the main data storage unit and reads out predetermined information; and a transmission of the predetermined information read by being controlled by the center-side control unit and a request from the vehicle-mounted information terminal. A center communication unit that performs reception, the in-vehicle information terminal includes a position detection unit that detects a current vehicle position, An in-vehicle communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the center-side communication unit, an informing unit that displays or audibly outputs the daily information and real-time information, and an in-vehicle side that controls the in-vehicle communication unit and the informing unit The vehicle-side control unit controls the vehicle-side communication unit, and transmits the position data of the vehicle position detected by the position detection unit from the vehicle-side communication unit to the center side. This is received by the communication unit, and the center-side control unit reads out daily information and real-time information around the area based on the received position data from the main data storage unit and transmits it from the center-side communication unit to transmit the vehicle-side communication. Receiving this by the unit, and displaying or converting the received daily information and real-time information to the in-vehicle control unit. Ku information providing system characterized in that so as to control the notification unit. 2. The vehicle-mounted information terminal includes a vehicle-mounted operation unit for inputting data. When desired date data is input by the vehicle-mounted operation unit, the vehicle-mounted control unit controls the vehicle-mounted communication unit. The date data is transmitted from the vehicle-side communication unit together with the position data of the own vehicle position by the position detection unit and received by the center-side communication unit, and received by the center-side control unit. The daily data and real-time information on the date according to the date data around the area according to the position data are read from the main data storage unit, transmitted from the center communication unit, received by the vehicle-side communication unit, and received by the vehicle-side communication unit. The control unit controls the notification unit to display or convert the received daily information and real-time information into a display or a voice. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The in-vehicle information terminal includes an in-vehicle operation unit for inputting data, and when genre data for designating a desired event type is input by the in-vehicle operation unit, the in-vehicle control unit is provided. The vehicle-side communication unit is controlled by transmitting the genre data together with the position data of the own vehicle position by the position detection unit from the vehicle-side communication unit, and receiving the genre data by the center-side communication unit. The control unit reads the daily information and real-time information related to the event of the type according to the genre data in the vicinity of the area by the received position data from the main data storage unit, transmits the information from the center-side communication unit, and transmits the information from the vehicle-side communication unit. Upon receiving this, the vehicle-side control unit displays or sounds the received daily information or real-time information. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is controlled so as to output a voice. 4. The vehicle-mounted information terminal includes a vehicle-mounted operation unit for inputting data. The vehicle-side communication unit is controlled by the vehicle-side communication unit, and the date data and the genre data are transmitted from the vehicle-side communication unit together with the position data of the own vehicle position by the position detection unit. Is received by the center-side control unit,
Daily information and real-time information on an event of the type according to the genre data on the date according to the date data around the area according to the received position data are read from the main data storage unit and transmitted from the center side communication unit to transmit the vehicle side communication. 2. The information receiving section according to claim 1, wherein the in-vehicle-side control section controls the notification section to display or convert the received daily information and real-time information into a sound or output. Information providing system. 5. Update information that is installed in each of the entertainment facilities or the like and that transmits update data for updating the daily information and real-time information stored in the main data storage unit to the latest contents to the information center. A terminal-side communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving to and from the center-side communication unit, a terminal-side operation unit for inputting update data, and the update data input by the terminal-side operation unit. A terminal-side control unit that controls the terminal-side communication unit to transmit the data to the center-side communication unit.When the center-side communication unit receives the update data, the center-side control unit controls the main unit. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the data storage unit is updated based on the update data. 6. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein an identification number pre-assigned to the in-vehicle information terminal is transmitted from the in-vehicle communication unit together with the position data to the center side. This is received by the communication unit, the identification number received by the information center is stored, and when the time required for the search by the center-side control unit exceeds a predetermined time set in advance, the center-side communication unit and the center-side communication unit When the communication with the vehicle-mounted communication unit is temporarily interrupted and the search result by the center-side control unit is obtained, the vehicle-mounted communication unit of the vehicle-mounted information terminal of the stored identification number and the center side A method for controlling an information providing system, wherein communication with a communication unit is restarted.