WO2008026411A1

WO2008026411A1 - Communication terminal device, communication method, communication program and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2008026411A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/064975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroaki Shibasaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-08-28
Filing date: 2007-07-31
Publication date: 2008-03-06

Abstract

A communication network (100) is composed of a plurality of terminal devices (110) that can reciprocally communicate with each other, a communication terminal device (110a) functioning as a data transmission side terminal device is comprised of a designating unit (111), a generating unit (112) and a transmitting unit (113). The designating unit (111) receives designation of conditions with respect to the transmission side communication terminal device that becomes a destination of transmitting data. The generating unit (112) generates an attached file including information with respect to the conditions designated by the designating unit (111). The transmitting unit (113) transmits data to which the attached file generated by the generating unit (112) is attached.

Description

Specification

COMMUNICATION TERMINAL DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, COMMUNICATION PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

Technical field

The present invention relates to a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium in a communication network including a plurality of communication terminal devices that can communicate with each other. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the communication terminal device, communication method, communication program, and recording medium described above.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, broadcast communication in which the same information is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of communication terminal devices on a network has been performed. Such broadcast communication is similarly performed using wireless communication or the like even when the communication terminal device moves. For example, in a mobile communication system that transmits broadcast data from a base station controller that has received broadcast data from the network side to a mobile wireless terminal via a radio base station, the base station controller Means for identifying the type of radio channel for transferring data for broadcast communication from a radio base station to a mobile radio terminal as a transmission destination, and a radio common channel shared by a plurality of mobile radio terminals. Means for assigning a broadcast service terminal identifier to the broadcast data when it is identified, and when performing broadcast communication from the base station controller to each mobile radio terminal via the radio base station. In addition, a mobile communication system capable of efficiently distributing data by reducing the amount of extra communication data has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-294879

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, according to the above-described prior art, there is a problem that a communication terminal device that performs broadcast communication must be specified in advance. For this reason, one problem is that broadcast communication cannot be performed only for communication terminal devices that meet dynamically changing conditions. For example, communication of a predetermined communication base station Broadcast communication can be performed by designating a communication terminal device located in the area, but broadcast communication cannot be performed only to a communication terminal device located in an arbitrary area selected by the user.

[0005] For this reason, for example, there is a problem that information having high regional characteristics or information that requires real-time property cannot be broadcast and effective information cannot be provided to the user. Can be mentioned. Moreover, since information is transmitted without considering the position of the communication terminal device, there is a problem that a lot of information unnecessary for the user may be transmitted.

Means for solving the problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the communication terminal device which is the power of the invention of claim 1 is a communication terminal device in a communication network comprising a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of communicating with each other. A specification unit that receives specification of a condition for a transmission destination communication terminal device that is a data transmission destination, a generation unit that generates an attachment file including information on the condition specified by the specification unit, and the generation unit Transmitting means for transmitting the data attached with the file for attachment generated by the above.

[0007] Further, the communication terminal device according to the invention of claim 4 is a communication terminal device in a communication network composed of a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of communicating with each other, and is configured to transmit data transmitted to the communication network. A determination means for determining whether or not information on a condition for a transmission destination communication terminal device as a transmission destination of the data is included in the attached file; and the determination means determines that the information on the condition is included. An extraction unit that extracts information on the condition from the attached file; and a determination unit that determines whether or not the own apparatus matches the condition based on the information on the condition extracted by the extraction unit; Receiving means for receiving the data when the judgment means judges that the condition is met.

[0008] Further, the communication method according to the invention of claim 6 is a communication method used in a communication terminal device in a communication network including a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of communicating with each other, and is a data transmission destination. A specification process that accepts specification of conditions for the destination communication terminal device, and a generation that generates an attachment file that contains information about the conditions specified in the specification process And a transmission step of transmitting the data attached with the file for attachment generated in the generation step.

[0009] Further, the communication method which is particularly advantageous for the invention of claim 7 is a communication method used in a communication terminal device in a communication network composed of a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of communicating with each other, wherein the communication network A determination step for determining whether or not the attached file of the data transmitted to includes information on conditions for the transmission destination communication terminal device that is the transmission destination of the data, and information on the conditions in the determination step If it is determined that it is included, whether the device matches the above condition based on the extraction process for extracting the information on the condition from the attached file and the information on the condition extracted in the extraction process. And a receiving step of receiving the data when it is determined that the condition is met by the determining step.

[0010] The communication program according to the invention of claim 8 causes a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 6 or 7.

[0011] Further, a recording medium that is advantageous for the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that it can be read by a computer in which the communication program according to claim 8 is recorded.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication network.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of data broadcast transmission processing by the communication terminal device.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of data broadcast reception processing by the communication terminal device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a communication network.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of navigation data transmission processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of navigation data reception processing. Explanation of symbols

[0013] 100 communication network

110a, 110b Communication terminal equipment 111 Designated part

112 generator

113 Transmitter

121 Judgment part

122 Extractor

123 Acquisition Department

124 Judgment part

125 Receiver

130 communication network

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] (Embodiment)

First, the functional configuration of the communication network 100 that focuses on the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication network. The communication network 100 includes a plurality of communication terminal devices 110 (for example, communication terminal devices 11 Oa and 110b) that can communicate with each other, and the plurality of communication terminal devices 110 are connected to each other by a communication network 130 such as the Internet. ing. Communication between the communication terminal devices 110 may be performed directly between the communication terminal devices 110 without going through the communication network 130! /.

In communication network 100, communication terminal devices 110 can transmit and receive data to and from each other. The communication terminal device 110 can transmit and receive data to each communication terminal device 110 located in a predetermined area in addition to transmitting / receiving data by designating each terminal. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, communication terminal device 110a is described as a data transmission side terminal device, and communication terminal device 110b is described as a data reception side terminal device. However, communication terminal device 110 is a communication terminal device. The functional configuration of both the 110a and the communication terminal device 110b is provided.

A communication terminal device 110a that is a data transmission side terminal device includes a designation unit 111, a generation unit 112, and a transmission unit 113. The designation unit 111 is a destination communication that is a data destination. Accepts specification of conditions for the terminal device. For example, the designation unit 111 accepts designation of an area where the transmission destination communication terminal device is located (hereinafter referred to as “transmission area”). More specifically, the designation unit 111 accepts designation of a transmission region by inputting position information (such as latitude / longitude information) of the transmission region. In addition, for example, the designation of the transmission area is accepted by inputting the name or name of a feature such as an intersection or road.

[0018] The transmission area may be a range (area) having a two-dimensional or three-dimensional spread, or may be a single point having no two-dimensional or three-dimensional spread. If one point is specified as the transmission area, only that point will be set as the transmission area, and a predetermined range from that point will be set as the transmission area.

[0019] In addition, the designation unit 111 may accept designation of a time zone in which another communication terminal device 110 serving as a transmission destination is located in the transmission area. In this case, for example, the designation unit 111 receives the designation of the time zone by designating the start time and end time of the time zone in which the other communication terminal device 110 serving as the transmission destination is located in the transmission region. In addition, for example, it may be possible to accept the designation of the time zone based on the current time, for example, between the current time and a period of 00 minutes. The time zone specified by the specification unit 111 may be a past time zone or a future time zone. It may also include the current time and the past and future. In addition, the designation unit 111 may designate a plurality of transmission regions and time zones.

Furthermore, the designation unit 111 may designate a group to which the transmission destination communication terminal device belongs.

. A group is, for example, a group of communication terminal devices owned by friends, a group of communication terminal devices with the same manufacturer, or a group of communication terminal devices with the same model.

The generation unit 112 generates an attachment file including information regarding the condition specified by the specification unit 111. For example, when the transmission area is designated to the designation section 111, the generation unit 112 converts the latitude / longitude information of the designated transmission area into a character string based on a predetermined rule! Generate an attachment file that describes the column. In addition, for example, when a transmission area is specified by inputting a feature name or a place name to the specification unit 111, the position information of the feature or area is acquired and then the position information is acquired. Predetermined Is converted to a character string based on the rules, and an attached file describing the character string is generated.

The transmission unit 113 transmits data with the attached file generated by the generation unit 112 attached. Transmitting data with an attached file means, for example, transmitting data and the attached file in association with each other. The transmission unit 113 may transmit data with the broadcast IP address including information specifying broadcast communication to the transmission destination communication terminal device as the transmission destination IP address! /.

Here, the information designating broadcast communication to the destination communication terminal device is, for example, a flag indicating that broadcast communication to another communication terminal device 100 located in a predetermined area is designated. It is. The IP address is information indicating the location of data existing on a communication network 130 such as the Internet including the communication network 100, and is binary data having a predetermined number of bits.

Next, a functional configuration of communication terminal apparatus 110b that is a data reception side terminal apparatus will be described. The communication terminal device 110b includes a determination unit 121, an extraction unit 122, an acquisition unit 123, a determination unit 124, and a reception unit 125. The determination unit 121 determines whether the attached file of the data transmitted to the communication network 100 includes a condition for the transmission destination communication terminal device that is the transmission destination of the data!

[0025] The determination unit 121 determines, for example, whether or not a flag indicating that broadcast communication to the transmission destination communication terminal apparatus has been specified is set in the data transmission destination IP address. Is set, it is determined that the attached file attached to the data includes information regarding the conditions for the destination communication terminal device. Also, for example, if an attachment file is attached to the data, be sure to leave the attachment file and include the character string described according to the specified rule! / If the character string is included, it is determined that the information regarding the condition for the destination communication terminal device is included.

[0026] When the determination unit 121 determines that the information regarding the condition for the transmission destination communication terminal apparatus is included, the extraction unit 122 extracts the information regarding the condition for the transmission destination communication terminal apparatus from the attached file. For example, the extraction unit 122 records in an attached file. The described character string is converted in accordance with a predetermined rule, and information position information relating to conditions for the destination communication terminal device is extracted. The extraction unit 122 extracts, for example, position information of an area where the transmission destination communication terminal apparatus is located (hereinafter referred to as “transmission area”) as information on conditions for the transmission destination communication terminal apparatus.

[0027] The acquiring unit 123 acquires the current position information of the device itself. For example, the acquisition unit 123 receives GPS information from the GPS satellite and calculates the current position information of the device itself. Also, for example, a VICS (registered trademark) information transmission oscillator provided near the own device may be identified, and the position information may be approximated to the position information of the own device! /.

[0028] Based on the information regarding the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 122, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the own apparatus matches the conditions. For example, when the location information of the transmission area is extracted by the extraction unit 122, the determination unit 124 is based on the location information extracted by the extraction unit 122 and the current location information acquired by the acquisition unit 123. Then, it is determined whether or not the own device is located in the transmission area. For example, if the position information extracted by the extraction unit 122 indicates a predetermined range (area), the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the current position of the own device is located in the area. In addition, if the position information extracted by the extraction unit 122 indicates a predetermined point, it is determined whether the current position of the device is located at that point or whether it is located at a predetermined distance from the point. to decide.

[0029] If the determination unit 124 determines that the own device is located in the transmission area, the reception unit 125 receives data.

Next, data broadcast processing by the communication terminal apparatus 110 will be described. First, data broadcast transmission processing by the communication terminal device 110a which is a data transmission side terminal device will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data broadcast transmission processing by the communication terminal device. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the communication terminal device 110a first waits until the specification unit 111 receives specification of conditions for the destination communication terminal device (step S201: No loop).

When the specification of the condition is accepted (step S201: Yes), the generating unit 112 generates an attachment file including information on the specified condition (step S202). Then, the transmitter 113 transmits the data attached with the attachment file generated in step S202. (Step S203), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. At this time, the transmission unit 113 may transmit data using a broadcast IP address including information designating broadcast communication for the transmission destination communication terminal apparatus as a transmission destination IP address.

Next, data broadcast reception processing by communication terminal device 110b which is a data reception side terminal device will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for data broadcast reception processing by the communication terminal device. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, communication terminal apparatus 110b waits until data is transmitted to communication network 100 (step S301: No loop). When data is transmitted to the communication network 100 (step S301: Yes), the determination unit 121 determines whether or not the attached file attached to the data includes information on conditions for the destination communication terminal device. Judgment is made (step S302). At this time, if the attachment file is not attached to the data, the processing according to this flowchart may be terminated.

[0033] When the information regarding the condition for the destination communication terminal apparatus is included (step S302: Yes), the extraction unit 122 extracts the information regarding the condition for the destination communication terminal apparatus from the attached file ( Step S303). On the other hand, if the information about the condition for the destination communication terminal device is included! /, !! (step S302: No), the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0034] When information related to the condition for the destination communication terminal apparatus is extracted in step S303, the determination unit 124 determines whether the own apparatus matches the condition for the destination communication terminal apparatus (step S304). Specifically, for example, when the location information of the transmission area is extracted as a condition for the destination communication terminal device, the acquisition unit 123 acquires the current location information of the device, and the device transmits it. Determine whether it is located in the area. The acquisition of the current position information by the acquisition unit 123 may be performed before extraction of the position information.

If the own apparatus matches the conditions (step S304: Yes), the data is received (step S305), and the processing according to this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the own device does not meet the conditions (step S304: No), the data is not received, and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. [0036] As described above, according to communication terminal apparatus 110, data can be broadcasted to other communication terminal apparatus 110 that matches the specified condition. As a result, it is possible to transmit highly regional information or information that requires real-time properties to the appropriate communication terminal device 110. Further, since data can be transmitted without specifying individual IP addresses of communication terminal apparatus 110, data can be transmitted efficiently.

[0037] In addition, by including information on the condition of the destination communication terminal apparatus in the attached file, the condition of the destination communication terminal apparatus can be accurately specified. In particular, since the capacity of the attached file can be increased compared to a part of the header of the data, the conditions can be described in detail, and the communication terminal device that is the destination can be specified more accurately. The power S

[0038] In addition, by including information specifying broadcast communication in the broadcast IP address, it can be distinguished from data transmitted by a normal method, and processing at the communication terminal device 110 on the receiving side Efficiency can be improved.

Example

Next, an example of the communication network 100 that focuses on the above-described embodiment will be described. In the following embodiment, a case where the communication network 100 is applied to data communication using the navigation device 420 mounted on a vehicle will be described. Further, in the following embodiment, as conditions for the transmission destination communication terminal device, the area where the transmission destination communication terminal device (navigation device 420 as the transmission destination) is located and the group to which the transmission destination communication terminal device belongs are included. A case where data communication is performed by specifying will be described.

[0040] (Configuration of communication network)

First, the configuration of a communication network that focuses on the embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the communication network. In FIG. 4, a communication network 400 connects navigation devices 420 (420a to 420f: see FIG. 5) respectively mounted on vehicles 410 (410a to 410f) so that they can communicate with each other by radio. It is configured. The communication network 400 is connected to each other using a radio or a communication cable. The navigation device 420 constituting the communication network 400 and a communication terminal device (for example, a personal computer) other than the navigation device 420 are used. By being shaped Constitute part of the Internet.

[0041] In addition, each navigation device 420 mounted on each vehicle 410 is assigned an IP address unique to each navigation device 420 (hereinafter referred to as "unique IP address"! /). The As described above, the IP address is binary data with a predetermined number of bits. When the user sees it, the IP address may be converted into a format that is easy for the user to understand, such as “carnavi200505All”. Good. In this case, the navigation device 420 includes a recording medium that records the IP address and information (hereinafter referred to as “mail address”) obtained by converting the IP address into a format that is easy for the user to use. In FIG. 4, the unique IP address is shown in a frame next to each vehicle 410.

[0042] (Hardware configuration of navigation device 420)

Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation device 420 mounted on the vehicle 410 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device. In FIG. 5, the navigation device 420 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, and an audio I / F (interface) 508. , Microphone 509, speaker 510, input device 511, video I / F 512, display 513, communication I / F (interface) 51 4, GPS unit 515, and various sensors 516 Yes. Also, each of the components ˜ 516 is connected by a bus 520! /, Respectively.

First, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the navigation device 420. The ROM 502 records programs such as a boot program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a guidance sound generation program, a communication program, and an IP address conversion program.

The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The magnetic disk drive 504 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 505 according to control of CPU501. The magnetic disk 505 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504. As the magnetic disk 505, for example, HD (node disk) or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

The optical disk drive 506 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disk 507 according to the control of the CPU 501. The optical disk 507 is the same as the optical disk drive 506. This is a detachable recording medium from which data is read from the optical disc 507 according to control. As the optical disc 507, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 507, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

[0046] Another example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507 is map information used for route search and route guidance. The map information has background data that represents features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road. Draw in the dimension. When the navigation device 420 is guiding a route, the map information and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the GPS unit 515 described later are displayed in an overlapping manner.

[0047] The background data of the map information includes latitude and longitude information of representative points of various features in addition to latitude and longitude information of each point on the map. For this reason, for example, when one point on the map information displayed on the display 513 to be described later is designated by the user, the latitude and longitude information of that point can be extracted from the map information. Also, for example, when the name of a certain feature is input, it is calculated by the force S for extracting the latitude / longitude information of the representative point from the map information.

In this embodiment, the map information is recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map information may be provided outside the navigation device 420, rather than being recorded only in the one integrated with the navigation device 420 hardware. In that case, the navigation device 420 acquires the map information via the communication network 400 through the communication I / F 514, for example. The acquired map information is stored in the RAM 503 or the like.

The audio I / F 508 is connected to a microphone 509 for audio input and a speaker 510 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 509 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 508. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 510. Examples of the input device 511 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

[0050] The video I / F 512 is connected to the display 513. Specifically, the video I / F512 For example, based on the graphic controller that controls the entire display 513, the buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and the image data output from the graphic controller, the display 513 Consists of a control IC that controls display.

[0051] Display 513 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As this display 513, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

The communication I / F 514 is connected to the communication network 400 via wireless and functions as an interface between the other navigation device 420 and the CPU 501. Communication between the navigation devices 420 via the communication I / F 514 may be performed directly, or may be performed via a predetermined base station. The communication I / F 514 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via radio, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 501.

[0053] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks, mobile phone networks, and the like. Specifically, the communication I / F 514 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) / Beacon Resino, a non-spring communication device, and other communication devices.

[0054] 0-3 Unit 515 receives a radio wave from a GPS satellite and outputs information indicating the current position of vehicle 410 (current position of navigation device 420). The output information of the GPS unit 515 is used when the CPU 501 calculates the current location of the vehicle 410 together with output values of various sensors 516 described later. The information indicating the current location is information that identifies one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

Various sensors 516 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle 410, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output information of the various sensors 516 is used for the calculation of the current position by the CPU 501 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction.

[0056] In the communication terminal device 110a shown in FIG. 1, the specification unit 111 is realized by the input device 511, the generation unit 112 is realized by the CPU 501, and the transmission unit 113 is realized by the communication I / F 512. To do. In addition, the determination unit 121, the extraction unit 122 in the communication terminal device 110b, the semi-IJ disconnection 124, or the CPU 50: Thus, the acquisition unit 123 or the GPS unit 515, various sensors By means of 516 and CPU 501, the receiving unit 125 realizes the respective functions by means of communication I / F 514.

[0057] (Communication Processing Procedure of Navigation Device 420)

Next, a communication processing procedure between the navigation devices 420 in the communication network 400 will be described. As described above, the navigation device 420 can transmit data to other navigation devices 420 via the communication network 400. In this case, the unique IP address of the destination navigation device 420 is attached to the data to identify the data transmission destination.

[0058] Further, the navigation device 420 does not specify the unique IP address of each navigation device 420, specifies an arbitrary condition, and transmits data to the navigation device 420 that matches the condition. Can be sent. For example, an arbitrary area is specified, and data located in that area is broadcast. As a result, the transmission destination of the data can be specified by the condition, and for example, information specialized for a predetermined area can be transmitted to a more appropriate recipient.

[0059] For example, if information related to an event being held is transmitted to the navigation device 420 located around the venue of the event, it is possible to more efficiently recruit participants to the event. Also, for example, when the navigation device 420 that is the data transmission source is involved in a traffic jam, if the traffic jam occurrence information is transmitted to the navigation device 420 mounted on the vehicle 410 traveling behind Real-time traffic information can be distributed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of navigation data transmission processing. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the navigation device 420 first determines whether or not to perform the broadcast transmission specifying the condition for the navigation device 420 that is the data transmission destination for the data to be transmitted this time (step). S601). Whether or not to perform broadcast transmission with specified conditions is determined, for example, based on whether or not broadcast transmission with specified conditions is selected on the option selection screen during data transmission. The conditions specified at this time are, for example, conditions such as a region (transmission region) where the navigation device 420 as a transmission destination is located, a time zone and a group located in the transmission region, and the like. [0061] If broadcast transmission is designated (step S601: Yes), the navigation device 420 sets a condition designation flag indicating that the condition for the destination navigation device 420 is designated broadcast transmission. A broadcast IP address is generated (step S602). Instead of using a condition specification flag, a general broadcast IP address (an IP address that includes a flag or character string indicating broadcast transmission) may be used as the destination IP address. In this case, for example, the receiving-side navigation device 420 is made to uniformly open a data attachment file, which will be described later, to determine whether or not condition information is included, or from the name of the attachment file, Determine if the area is specified data.

Next, the navigation apparatus 420 waits until a condition is specified for the navigation apparatus 420 that is the data transmission destination (step S 603: No loop). Specifically, when the designated condition is an area where the navigation apparatus 420 serving as a data transmission destination is located, for example, it is determined whether or not the longitude and latitude of the transmission area are designated. For example, the latitude and longitude are specified by inputting numerical values such as east longitude 128.34-128.36 and north latitude 38.23 to 38.24. Further, for example, the latitude / longitude of the central point of the transmission area and the radius from the central point may be designated. For example, the transmission area can be specified by entering a number of points such as 128.34 east longitude, 38.24 km latitude, and a radius of 2.00 km.

[0063] Further, for example, the surface of the display 513 on which the map information is displayed may be traced, the designated area may be read with a touch panel, and converted into latitude and longitude information of the designated area. Further, for example, road names, intersection names, place names, landmark names, etc. may be input, and the latitude and longitude information of the corresponding features may be read from the map information. For example, the radius from the current position may be specified based on the current position of the navigation device 420 that is the data transmission source, or the area may be specified based on the traveling direction and the travel route.

[0064] Further, among the navigation apparatuses 420 located in the transmission area, data may be transmitted only to the navigation apparatuses 420 belonging to a predetermined group. The predetermined group is, for example, a group of navigation devices 420 registered in advance, such as friends, a group of navigation devices 420 with the same manufacturer, or a navigation with the same model. For example, a group of the navigation device 420, a group of the navigation device 420 of the vehicle 410 equipped with a specific electric device, and the like.

When such a group is designated, the navigation apparatus 420 generates a group character string that identifies the group designated as the transmission destination. The group character string may be read out in advance. The group character string becomes a part of the description of the attached file in the same manner as the position information character 歹 IJ. You can also send a broadcast by specifying only the group without specifying the transmission area.

[0066] Further, the conditions specified in this way may be determined by the broadcast IP address. For example, the group character string may be part of the broadcast IP address, or the location information of the transmission area may be included in the broadcast IP address. For example, place names such as “Tokyo” and “Meguro-ku” and postal codes are converted to character strings and included in the broadcast IP address. In this way, it is possible to identify the specified conditions to some extent simply by checking the broadcast IP address, and the navigation device 420 does not need to check the conditions by opening the attached file. Become.

[0067] When the condition is specified (step S603: Yes), the navigation apparatus 420 generates an attachment file describing information on the condition (step S604). The attached file is, for example, text data finale, such as “East longitude 128.34—128.36, 4 匕 'latitude 38.23 to 38.24”, “00 radius within 500m” In addition, the location information of the transmission area specified in step S602 is described in a natural language.

[0068] Further, for example, the information related to the condition specified in step S603 may be coded according to a predetermined rule and described in the attached file. For example, if the sending area is specified by 'Latitude / Longitude only', ί こ (or Ε12834Ε12836Ν3823Ν3824 (E.S. 128.34-128.36, 4 匕 'lat 38.23-38.24)), etc. If the transmission area is specified by the latitude and longitude of the central point and the radius from the central point, for example, “E12834N3824R200 (East 128.34, 4 匕 'latitude 38.24 From the point of the point, describe a character string such as “a radius of 2.00 km).” In this way, by encoding the position information according to a predetermined rule, it is possible to reduce the amount of information and receive it. To reduce the possibility of misrecognition on the side navigation device 420 side Can do.

[0069] In addition, the file name of the attachment file is a name that can be identified as! / For example, a predetermined extension is added to the file name, or the first few characters of the file name are used as a predetermined character string.

[0070] In addition, a plurality of pieces of position information may be described in the attached file, and a plurality of regions may be specified at the same time to perform broadcast transmission. Further, the attached file may describe conditions for further narrowing down the navigation device 420 that receives data that is not just location information. For example, a past or future time zone or time may be described so that the navigation device 420 located or located in the area may receive data. Alternatively, the attached file may be encrypted so that only the navigation device 420 that meets a predetermined condition can decrypt it.

[0071] Note that the method for generating an attachment file or group character string (see steps S602 and S604) and the method for generating a broadcast IP address may be defined as a rule applied to all the navigation devices 420. As a rule that applies only to the navigation device 420 belonging to a specific group, it can be incorporated only in the navigation device 420 belonging to that group.

[0072] Then, navigation apparatus 420 attaches the attached file generated in step S604 and transmits the data (step S605), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. At this time, the broadcast IP address generated in step S602 is set as the destination IP address. If broadcast transmission with specified conditions is not performed (step S601: No), data is transmitted using the IP address of each navigation device 420 as the destination IP address (step S605). The process by is terminated.

[0073] Next, data reception processing of the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the navigation data reception process. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the navigation device 420 first waits until data is transmitted to the communication network 400 (step S701: No loop). When data is transmitted to the communication network 400 (step S701: Yes), it is determined whether or not the transmission destination IP address of the transmitted data is a unique IP address of the own device (step S702). [0074] If it is the unique IP address of its own device (step S702: Yes), the process proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, if it is not the unique IP address of its own device (step S702: No), it is determined whether or not the destination IP address is the broadcast IP address (step S703). If it is not a broadcast IP address (step S703: No), the transmitted data is not likely to be addressed to the local device, so the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0075] On the other hand, if the destination IP address of the destination is a broadcast IP address (step S703: Yes), expand the attached file and determine whether the destination group is specified. (Step S704). Whether or not a group is designated is determined, for example, by determining whether or not a character string at a predetermined position in the attached file is an array based on a group character string generation rule. In addition, it may be judged by whether or not a group designation flag is set at a predetermined position of the broadcast IP address! /.

[0076] If a group is specified (step S704: Yes), the group character string is extracted from the attached file (step S705), and whether or not the group specified as the transmission destination belongs to the own device. Is determined (step S706). If it is not the group to which the own device belongs (step S706: No), the own device is not designated as the destination, and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0077] On the other hand, if the group belongs to the device (Step S706: Yes) or if no group is specified in Step S704 (Step S704: No), the data transmission area is specified! / (Step S707). Whether or not the transmission area is specified! /, For example, whether or not location information is described in the attached file, or a location designation flag is set at a predetermined location of the broadcast IP address. Judgment by whether or not! If no transmission area is specified (step S707: No), the process proceeds to step S710.

Yes

[0078] If the transmission area is specified (step S707: Yes), the position information is extracted from the attached file (step S708), and it is determined whether or not the device is located in the transmission area (step S708). S709). Specifically, it is determined whether the current position calculated by the CPU 501 and the area specified by the position information are within the area specified by the output information of the GPS unit 515 and various sensors 516. If your device is not located in the transmission area (step S709: No) Is not designated as a destination, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0079] On the other hand, if the local device is located in the transmission area (step S709: Yes), the data is transmitted to the local device, so the data is received (step S710), and this flow chart The process by is terminated. Note that the order of the process related to group designation (steps S704 to S706) and the process related to position designation (steps S707 to S709) may be reversed.

[0080] As described above, according to the navigation device 420, data can be broadcast to other navigation devices 420 that meet the specified conditions. As a result, it is possible to transmit highly regional information or information that requires real-time properties to the appropriate navigation device 420. In addition, since data can be transmitted without specifying individual IP addresses of the navigation device 420, the power S can be efficiently transmitted.

[0081] In addition, by including information about conditions in the attached file, it is possible to accurately specify the conditions for the navigation apparatus 420 as a transmission destination. In particular, since the capacity of the attached file can be increased compared to the header portion of the data, the conditions can be described in detail, and the navigation device 420 as the transmission destination can be more accurately specified. Identify with power S.

[0082] In addition, by setting a flag indicating that the communication is a broadcast communication in which a condition is specified for the broadcast IP address and distinguishing it from the data transmitted by the normal method, Processing efficiency can be improved.

Note that the communication method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A communication terminal device within a communication network that is capable of communicating with each other,

A designation means for accepting designation of a condition for a destination communication terminal device as a data transmission destination;

Generating means for generating an attachment file including information on the condition specified by the specifying means;

Transmitting means for transmitting the data with the attached file generated by the generating means;

A communication terminal device comprising:

[2] The designation means accepts designation of an area where the destination communication terminal device is located (hereinafter referred to as “transmission area”),

2. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates an attachment file including latitude / longitude information of the transmission area.

[3] The transmission means may transmit the data using a broadcast IP address including information designating broadcast communication to the destination communication terminal apparatus as a destination IP address. The communication terminal device according to 1.

[4] A communication terminal device in a communication network that is capable of communicating with each other.

A determination means for determining whether or not the attached file of the data transmitted to the communication network includes information on a condition for a transmission destination communication terminal device that is a transmission destination of the data;

An extraction unit that extracts information on the condition from the attached file when the determination unit determines that the information on the condition is included;

Determination means for determining whether or not the own apparatus matches the condition based on information on the condition extracted by the extraction means;

A receiving means for receiving the data when the determining means determines that the condition is met; A communication terminal device comprising:

[5] It has an acquisition means for acquiring the current position information of its own device,

The extraction means extracts location information of an area where the destination communication terminal device is located (hereinafter referred to as “transmission area”),

The determining means determines whether or not the device is located in the transmission area based on the position information extracted by the extracting means and the current position information acquired by the acquiring means,

5. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the receiving unit receives the data when it is determined that the own apparatus is located in the transmission area.

[6] A communication method used in a communication terminal device in a communication network that has a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of communicating with each other.

A specification process for receiving specification of conditions for a destination communication terminal device that is a data transmission destination;

A generation step for generating an attachment file including information on the conditions specified in the specification step;

A transmission step of transmitting the data with the attached file generated in the generation step;

The communication method characterized by including.

[7] A communication method used in a communication terminal device in a communication network that is capable of communicating with each other and includes a plurality of communication terminal devices,

A determination step of determining whether or not the attached file of the data transmitted to the communication network includes information regarding a condition for a transmission destination communication terminal device that is a transmission destination of the data;

If it is determined that the information regarding the condition is included in the determination step! /, An extraction step of extracting the information regarding the condition from the attached file;

A determination step of determining whether or not the own device matches the condition based on information on the condition extracted in the extraction step;

If the determination step determines that the condition is met, the data is received. A receiving process,

The communication method characterized by including.

[8] A communication program causing a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 6 or 7.

[9] A computer-readable recording medium on which the communication program according to claim 8 is recorded.