WO2008072283A1

WO2008072283A1 - Communication terminal, communication method, communication program, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2008072283A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/324543
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroaki Shibasaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-12-08
Filing date: 2006-12-08
Publication date: 2008-06-19

Abstract

In a communication terminal (110a) which is a terminal on the data transmission side includes: a specification section (111) which receives the specification of the data destination communication terminal of an access permission area; a generating section (112) which generates a transmission address to the destination communication terminal according to position information on the access permission area; and a transmission section (113) which transmits the data to the destination communication terminal by using the transmission address. A communication terminal (110b) as a terminal on the data reception side includes: a reception section (121) which receives the data addressed to its own terminal; an extraction section (122) which extracts the position information on the access permission area of the data from the destination address of the data; an acquisition section (123) which acquires the current position information on its own terminal; and a judgment section (124) which judges whether its own terminal is positioned in the access permission area. If the judgment section judges that the terminal is positioned therein, an access processing section (125) performs an access processing to the data.

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 having a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of mutual communication. 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

Conventionally, data transmission / reception is performed between a plurality of communication terminal apparatuses via a communication network. Examples of data transmitted and received include e-mail data, document data, image data, and application data. In addition, such data transmission / reception is performed using an address for identifying a transmission destination (for example, a communication terminal device of the transmission destination) on the communication network, such as an electronic mail address or an IP address.

[0003] In addition, in order to confirm that an e-mail has been received at the transmission destination and opened at the transmission destination, a function is provided for sending a return mail for confirmation of opening when the e-mail is opened. An e-mail system is known. In such an e-mail system, an e-mail system comprising an e-mail server device connected to a distributed network, a mailbox device connected to the e-mail server device, and a terminal device connected to the e-mail server device In this case, the terminal device includes a functional means capable of executing return mail transmission at the time of reception or after the time of opening the return mail transmitted in response to the opening confirmation request, and the created return mail message. Functional means that can edit the format, and functional means that can specify only a specific destination when requesting opening confirmation (for example, see Patent Document 1 below.) O

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-302834

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, according to the above-described prior art, the transmitted data is opened (viewed) at the transmission destination. An example is the problem that the transmission source cannot control the conditions for opening the data to be transmitted. For example, data access (opening, browsing, etc.) cannot be restricted by the location or time zone of the destination communication terminal device.

[0006] For example, there are cases where useful data when a communication terminal device is located in a certain area becomes unnecessary information when located in another area. Whether data is useful or not depends on the time zone located in a certain area. For this reason, there is the problem of distributing information that is not useful to all destinations, such as information about a specific region or information that is valid only at a specific date and time.

[0007] For example, in the case of a communication terminal device fixed at a certain place, it is possible to select data to be transmitted (data that seems to be useful) based on the place. On the other hand, when the destination communication terminal device is a movable terminal device, the position of the communication terminal device changes with time, so it is difficult to specify what data is useful. There is a problem.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a communication terminal apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is a communication terminal apparatus in a communication network having a plurality of communication terminal apparatus capabilities capable of mutual communication. A designation means for accepting designation of a data transmission destination communication terminal device and an area where access to the data is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “access-permitted area”), and location information of the access-permitted area designated by the designation means And generating means for generating information for transmission to the destination communication terminal apparatus, and transmission means for transmitting the data to the destination communication terminal apparatus including the information for transmission generated by the generating means, It is characterized by providing.

[0009] Further, the communication terminal device according to the invention of claim 4 is a communication terminal device in a communication network having a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of communicating with each other, and is transmitted to the communication network. Receiving means for receiving the addressed data, and extraction for extracting the location information of the area permitted to access the data (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area”) from the data received by the receiving means And current position information of own device Determination means for determining whether or not the device is located in the access-permitted area based on the acquisition means, the position information extracted by the extraction means, and the current position information acquired by the acquisition means And an access processing means for performing an access process to the data when the determination means determines that the own apparatus is located in the access-permitted area.

[0010] Further, the communication method according to the invention of claim 8 is a communication method used in a communication terminal device in a communication network having a plurality of communication terminal devices capable of communicating with each other, and is a data transmission destination communication terminal Based on the designation process for accepting the designation of the device and the area where access to the data is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area” and! 」), And the location information of the access-permitted area designated in the designation process. A generation step of generating information for transmission to the destination communication terminal device, and a transmission step of transmitting the data to the destination communication terminal device including the transmission information generated in the generation step It is characterized by including.

[0011] The communication method according to the invention of claim 9 is a communication method used in a communication terminal device in a communication network having a plurality of communication terminal device powers capable of communicating with each other, and is transmitted to the communication network. A receiving step for receiving the data addressed to the communication terminal device, and location information of an area where access to the data is permitted from the data received in the receiving step (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area”). A step of determining whether or not the communication terminal device is located in the access-permitted area based on the extraction step of extracting, the location information extracted in the extraction step, and the current location information of the communication terminal device; And an access processing step of performing an access process to the data when it is determined in the determination step that the communication terminal device is located in the access-permitted area. Characterized in that it.

[0012] Further, a communication program according to claim 10 causes a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 8 or 9.

[0013] A recording medium according to the invention of claim 11 is readable by a computer having the communication program of claim 10 recorded thereon.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication network. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data transmission processing by the communication terminal apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data reception processing by the communication terminal apparatus.

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 data transmission processing of the navigation device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data reception processing of the navigation device.

Explanation of symbols

[0015] 100 communication system

110a, 110b Communication terminal equipment

111 Designated part

112 generator

113 Transmitter

121 Receiver

122 Extractor

123 Acquisition Department

124 Judgment part

125 Access processing section

130 communication network

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of a communication terminal device, a communication method, a communication program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] (Embodiment)

First, a functional configuration of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication network. Communication system 100 Consists of a plurality of communication terminal devices 110 (for example, communication terminal devices 110a 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. Note that communication between the communication terminal devices 110 may be performed directly between the communication terminal devices 110 without passing through the communication network 130.

In communication system 100, communication terminal apparatuses 110a and 110b can transmit and receive data to and from each other. The communication terminal devices 110a and 110b transmit and receive data using, for example, an e-mail address or an IP address (hereinafter referred to as “network address”) that specifies the position of each terminal in the communication network 130. 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. Both functional configurations of the device 110a and the communication terminal device 110b may be 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 includes a communication terminal device 1 10 that is a data transmission destination (hereinafter referred to as “transmission destination communication terminal device 110”), an area that permits access to data (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area”), The specification of is accepted. The access to data is, for example, processing such as browsing, saving, processing, and deletion of the data. When an access permission area is specified, data can be accessed only when the destination communication terminal apparatus 110 is located in the access permission area.

[0020] The designation unit 111 accepts designation of the destination communication terminal apparatus 110 by inputting the network address of the destination communication terminal apparatus 110, for example. For example, the specification unit 111 prepares an address book in which the network address of the communication terminal device 110 is associated with the name and affiliation of the user, and specifies the name and attributes of the user of the destination communication terminal device 110. By doing so, the designation of the destination communication terminal apparatus 110 may be accepted.

In addition, the designation unit 111 accepts designation of an access-permitted area, for example, by inputting position information (latitude and longitude information) of the access-permitted area. For example, the designation unit 111 receives designation of an access-permitted area by inputting the name of a feature such as an intersection or a road and the name of the place. Access permitted areas are 2D or 3D It may be a range (area) with a spread of 2 or a single point without a 2D or 3D spread. The transmission area where data is transmitted is not limited by the setting of the access permission area, but only the access permission area (including the location) may be set as the transmission area. It can be said that the range can be set as the transmission area.

[0022] In addition, the designation unit 111 may accept designation of a period during which access to data contents is permitted (hereinafter referred to as "access permission period") along with designation of an access-permitted area. The access permission period may be several hours or may span several days. When the access permission period is specified, data can be accessed only when the destination communication terminal apparatus 110 is located in the access permission area within the access permission period.

[0023] The designation unit 111 accepts designation of an access permission period, for example, by designating a start time and an end time of a time zone in which the destination communication terminal apparatus 110 is located in an access-permitted area. In addition, for example, a time zone designation may be accepted with reference to the current time, for example, from the current time to 00 hours later. In addition, for example, when a specific event occurs (for example, when data is received or when a specified mail is opened), or when a specific event occurs. Yes. In addition, the designation unit 111 may designate a plurality of transmission regions and time zones.

Generation unit 112 generates information for transmission to transmission destination communication terminal apparatus 110 based on the location information of the access-permitted area specified by specification unit 111. The generation unit 112 generates, for example, a transmission address designated as a data transmission destination as the transmission information. The sending information can be sending information, additional information added to the data body, attached files, etc.! /.

[0025] For example, the generation unit 112 generates a transmission address by adding a character string obtained by converting location information of an access-permitted area based on a predetermined rule to the network address of the transmission destination communication terminal device 110. To do.

[0026] In addition, when the name or place name of a feature is input to the designation unit 111, the generation unit 112 obtains the position information of the feature or the region and then obtains the position information according to a predetermined value. Converted to a character string based on the rule and added to the network address of the destination communication terminal device 110 To do. The generation unit 112 may generate a transmission address by adding a flag indicating that the access permitted area is specified data to the network address of the transmission destination communication terminal device 110, for example. Yo ...

In addition, when the access permission period is specified by the specification unit 111, the generation unit 112 generates a transmission address based on the location information of the access permitted area and the information related to the access permission period. The information related to the access permission period is, for example, a character string obtained by converting the time input to the designation unit 111 based on a predetermined rule. For example, the generation unit 112 converts the start time and end time of the time zone input to the specification unit 111 into a character string based on a predetermined rule, and converts it into a network address of the destination communication terminal device 110. Append.

Transmitting section 113 transmits data including transmission information generated by generating section 112 to transmission destination communication terminal apparatus 110. Specifically, the transmission unit 113 transmits data to the transmission destination communication terminal device 110 using, for example, a transmission address.

[0029] Next, a functional configuration of communication terminal apparatus 110b that is a data receiving side terminal apparatus will be described. The communication terminal device 110b includes a reception unit 121, an extraction unit 122, an acquisition unit 123, a determination unit 124, and an access processing unit 125.

[0030] The receiving unit 121 receives data addressed to its own device transmitted to the communication network. The receiving unit 121 is connected to a mail server (not shown), for example, and receives data (e.g., mail) addressed to the own device from a mailbox corresponding to the address of the own device. In addition, the reception unit 121 identifies a transmission destination address of data transmitted to the communication network 130, and receives data whose transmission destination address matches the address of the own device.

The extraction unit 122 extracts the location information of the access permitted area from the data received by the reception unit 121. Further, the extraction unit 122 may extract information on the access permission period together with the location information of the access permission area. The extraction unit 122 extracts, for example, the location information of the access-permitted area and the information on the access-permitted period as well as the transmission destination address of the data received by the reception unit 121. More specifically, for example, the extraction unit 122 converts a character string at a predetermined position in the transmission destination address according to a predetermined rule, and extracts position information of an access-permitted area and information regarding an access permission period. To do. In addition, for example, the extraction unit 122 determines whether or not a flag indicating that the data is designated with an access-permitted region or an access-permitted period is set in the data transmission destination address. If it is, the location information of the access-permitted area and the information related to the access-permitted period may be extracted.

[0032] The acquiring unit 123 acquires the current position information of the device itself. For example, the acquisition unit 123 receives the GPS satellite force GPS information, calculates the current position information of the device itself, and records the movement trajectory, thereby acquiring the movement history information. In addition, for example, an oscillator for transmitting VICS (registered trademark) information provided in the vicinity of its own device is identified, its position information is approximated to the position information of its own device, and a movement trajectory is recorded. Moyo.

[0033] Based on the location information extracted by the extraction unit 122 and the current location information acquired by the acquisition unit 123, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the device itself is positioned in the access-permitted area. . For example, when the current position information of the own device matches or is included in the access permitted area, the determining unit 124 determines that the own apparatus is located in the access permitted area.

[0034] In addition, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the device itself is positioned in the access-permitted area, and determines whether or not the current time is within the access-permitted period. The determination of whether or not the device is in the access permission area and whether or not the current time is within the access permission period may be performed in any order.

[0035] When the determination unit 124 determines that the own apparatus is located in the access-permitted area, the access processing unit 125 performs access processing to data. Further, the access processing unit 125 performs data access processing when the own unit is located in the access-permitted area by the determination unit 124 and the current time is within the access-permitted period.

[0036] The access processing unit 125 accesses the data, for example, displays the contents of the data or processes the data by a user operation or the like. In addition, the access processing unit 125 may notify the user that the data has been received and notify that the data can be accessed! /.

Next, the procedure of data transmission / reception processing by the communication system 100 will be described.

In the following description, a case where a transmission address is used as transmission information will be described. . First, data 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 transmission processing by the communication terminal apparatus. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the communication terminal device 110a first designates the transmission destination communication terminal device 110 that is the data transmission destination, the access permitted area that permits access to the data, and the access permission period by the designating unit 111. Is accepted (step S201).

Next, the generation unit 112 generates a transmission destination address based on the location information of the access-permitted area and the information on the access-permitted period (step S202). Then, the transmission address generated in step S 202 is used to transmit data to the destination communication terminal apparatus 110 (step S 203), and the processing according to this flowchart ends.

Next, data broadcast reception processing by communication terminal apparatus 110b which is a data reception side terminal apparatus will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data reception processing by the communication terminal apparatus. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, communication terminal apparatus 110b waits until receiving section 121 receives data addressed to itself (step S301: No loop).

[0040] Upon receiving the data addressed to the device itself (step S301: Yes), the communication terminal device 110b causes the extraction unit 122 to access the data access permitted area and the data from the data transmission destination address. The permission period is extracted (step S302). Further, the acquisition unit 123 acquires the current position information of the own device (step S303). Then, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the current position of the own apparatus is located in the access-permitted area (step S304). If it is located in the access permission area (step S304: Yes), it is determined whether or not the current time is within the access permission period (step S305).

If it is within the access permission period (step S305: Yes), the access processing unit 125 performs access processing to the data (step S306), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, if the current location of the device is not located in the access-permitted area (step S304: No) or the current time is not within the access-permitted period (step S3 05: No), the data access process is not performed. The processing according to this flowchart ends. [0042] As described above, according to the communication system 100, when data is transmitted and received between the communication terminal devices 110, it is possible to specify a region and a time in which access to data is permitted. . As a result, it is possible to improve the possibility of providing useful information to the transmission destination by controlling access to data considered unnecessary for the transmission destination. For example, even information that is difficult to determine whether it is useful information for the transmission destination, such as information about a predetermined area or information that changes with time, can be transmitted without hesitation.

[0043] Even when the data transmission destination is! /, It is possible to reduce the trouble of confirming the received data. In particular, when data is received during driving of the vehicle, the driver must perform the driving operation and the data checking operation, which may leave safety management during driving. According to the communication system 100, only the data that seems to be useful for the destination can be accessed. Therefore, compared with the case where no access restriction is performed, the labor for checking the data at the destination is reduced. Thus, safety during driving can be improved.

Example

Next, an example of the communication system 100 that works on the above-described embodiment will be described. In the following examples, a description will be given of a case where the communication system 100 according to the embodiment is applied to data communication using a navigation device 420 mounted on a vehicle.

[0045] (Configuration of communication network)

First, the configuration of a communication network that works well with 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 420d: see FIG. 5) respectively mounted on vehicles 410 (410a to 410d) so that they can communicate with each other by radio. It is configured. In addition, the communication network 400 is connected to each other using a communication terminal device other than the navigation device 420, such as a personal computer 430 or a mobile phone terminal 440, such as a strong radio or a communication cable. Hereinafter, the navigation device 420, the personal computer 430, and the mobile phone terminal 440 are collectively referred to as a “communication terminal device”. Each communication terminal device is given a unique IP address. The IP address is a binary data with a predetermined number of bits. When the user sees it, it may be expressed in a format that is easy for the user to share, such as “carnavi200 505A1111”. ! /. In this case, each communication terminal device records an IP address and a recording medium that records the IP address in association with V (information that will be referred to as “e-mail address”!). Prepare. In FIG. 4, the IP address of each communication terminal device is expressed as a three-digit number (111 to 116) surrounded by a frame next to each communication terminal device.

[0047] (Hardware configuration of navigation device 420)

Next, a hardware configuration of the navigation device 420 mounted on the vehicle 410 will be described as an example of the communication terminal device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hard- ware 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, an audio IZF (interface) 508, and a microphone. 509, a speaker 510, a human power device 511, a video I / F 512, a display 513, a communication IZF 514, a GPS unit 515, and various sensors 516. Further, the components 501 to 516 are 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 data reading Z writing to the magnetic disk 505 according to the control of the CPU 501. 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 and writing of data to the optical disk 507 according to the control of the CPU 501. The optical disc 507 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read from the optical disc 507 under the control of the optical disc drive 506. As the optical disc 507, a writable recording medium can be used. Also this The removable recording medium may be the power of the optical disc 507, an MO, a memory card, or the like.

Another example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 505 and the optical disk 507 is map information used for route search / 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.

[0052] 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, which will be described later, is specified by the user, the latitude and longitude information of that point can also be extracted as map information. For example, when the name of a certain feature is input, the latitude / longitude information of the representative point can be extracted 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 this case, the navigation device 420 acquires map information via the communication network 400 through the communication IZF 514, for example. The acquired map information is stored in the RAM 503 or the like.

The audio IZF 508 is connected to a microphone 509 for audio input and a speaker 510 for audio output. Audio received by the microphone 509 is AZD converted in the audio IZF508. 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.

The video IZF 512 is connected to the display 513. Specifically, the video IZF512 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 513, and a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately. And a control IC for controlling display of the display 513 based on image data output from the graphic controller.

[0056] Display 513 displays an icon, a cursor, a menu, a window, 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.

Communication IZF 514 is connected to communication network 400 via wireless and functions as an interface between other navigation device 420 and 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 IZF 514 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 501.

[0058] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication IZF 514 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) Z beacon resino, a wireless communication device, and other communication devices.

[0059] The GPS unit 515 receives a radio wave from a GPS satellite and outputs information indicating the current position of the vehicle 410 (current position of the 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The specification unit 111 in the communication terminal device 110a shown in FIG. 1 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 514. To do. Also, in the communication terminal device 110b, the reception unit 121 functions by the communication IZ F514, the extraction unit 122, the determination unit 124, the access processing unit 125 by the CPU 501, the acquisition unit 123 by the GPS unit 515, various sensors 516, and the CPU 501. Is realized. [0062] (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. In the following example, a case where data (more specifically, mail data) is transmitted and received between the navigation devices 420 will be described. However, between the navigation device 420 and the personal computer 430, The same processing can be performed when data is transmitted to and received from the mobile phone terminal 440.

[0063] As described above, the navigation device 420 can transmit data to other navigation devices 420 via the communication network 400. In this case, the IP address (mail address) of the destination navigation device 420 is attached to the data, the data destination is specified, and the data is transmitted. The other navigation device 420 as the data transmission destination receives the data and performs processing such as browsing and caching of the data.

[0064] In addition, the navigation device 420 can transmit data by designating an area and time (time, time zone, etc.) in which data to be transmitted can be accessed. Accessibility to data means that, for example, mail data can be opened (viewed) or a file attached to an e-mail can be expanded by an application. Hereinafter, the area where data can be accessed is called “access permitted area”, and the time when data can be accessed is called “access permitted period”. As a result, whether data can be accessed can be specified by region and time zone, and data can be used at a more appropriate location and time.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data transmission processing by the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the navigation apparatus 420 first generates mail data to be transmitted this time (step S601). The mail data is generated using, for example, a character string in which user power is also input via the input device 511.

Next, the process waits until the navigation device 420 to which the mail is to be sent is designated (step S602: No loop). The mail destination is specified by, for example, causing the user to input the IP address or mail address of the navigation device 420 that is the destination. In addition, an address book that associates information identifying each navigation device 420 (for example, the name of the owner of the navigation device 420) with an IP address or the like is used. Thus, information for specifying the navigation device 420 as a transmission destination may be designated. In addition, a mail received in the past may be specified, and the sender of the mail may be specified as the destination of data to be transmitted this time.

When the mail transmission destination is designated (step S602: Yes), the navigation device 420 acquires the address of the designated navigation device 420 (transmission destination) (step S603). If an IP address or e-mail address is entered in step S602, the entered address is used as it is. In addition, when the navigation device 420 serving as the transmission destination is designated using the address book in step S602, an address corresponding to the designated navigation device 420 is read. If the sender of the mail received in the past is designated as the destination in step S602, the sender mail address included in the header of the mail received in the past is extracted.

Subsequently, the navigation device 420 determines whether or not the access permission area and the access permission period are designated for the mail to be transmitted this time (step S604). For example, the navigation device 420 displays an access permission area input screen and an access permission period band input screen, and when the user power area or time is input on the input screen, the access permission area and the access permission period band are displayed. Is determined to be specified. Note that only the access-permitted area may be specified in step S604, or both the access-permitted area or the access-permitted period may be specified. Multiple regions and time zones may be specified.

Here, the access permission area is specified by, for example, specifying the longitude and latitude of the access permission area. For example, the access-permitted area is specified by entering numerical values such as east longitude 128.34-128.36 and north latitude 38.23-38.24. Further, for example, the latitude / longitude of the center point of the access-permitted area and the radius from the center point may be designated. For example, the access-permitted area may be specified by inputting a numerical value such as a radius of 2.OOkm from the point of east longitude 128.34 and north latitude 38.24.

[0070] Also, for example, the surface of the display 513 on which the map information is displayed is traced, the specified area is read by the touch panel, and the latitude and longitude information of the specified area is converted. May be. 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.

[0071] Also, the access permission period is specified as, for example, "start time of specified time (time zone)", such as "06/10/2006 15:00 to 2006/06/10 18:00". When the end time is specified, the time zone specification is accepted. Also, for example, you may accept a time specification based on the current time, such as “between the current time and June 9, 2006, 15:00” or “between the current time and 00 minutes later”. ! ヽ.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, a predetermined event may occur and the relative time of force may be specified as the access permission period. The predetermined event is, for example, opening a specified mail or arriving at a specified location. When opening a specified email is used as a criterion for the access permission period, for example, a character string that identifies the email, such as the email title and email number, and the time from that point (for example, “60 minutes” or “60 m , Etc.)).

[0073] When the access permission area and the access permission period are specified (step S604: Yes), the position information character string and the time information character are based on the position information of the specified access permission area and the access permission period. A column is generated (step S605). If only the access permitted area is specified in step S603, only the position information character string is generated.

[0074] For example, if the access-permitted area is specified only by latitude and longitude, the location information string may be "E12834E12836N3823N3824 (E.S. 128.34 to 128.36, N. Latitude 38. 23-38. 24)" To do. For example, if the access-permitted area is specified by the latitude and longitude of the central point and the radius of the central point force, “E12834N3824 R200 (East point 128.34, north latitude 38.24 point force, radius 2.OOkm ) "Etc.

[0075] In addition, the time information character string is set to “200606101500200606101800” (June 10th, 2006, 10-15, for example) when the access permission period is specified in step S603. : 00 to June 2006 10 曰 18: 00) ". Also, for example, the current If the access permission period is specified based on the current time, “200606091500 (between current time and June 9, 2006 15:00)” “1 ^ 301 ^ 11 (up to 30 minutes from the current time) Between) You can omit the current time, such as J! /.

[0076] Also, for example, when arrival at a specified place is used as a reference for the access permission period, a flag indicating that the arrival place is specified by the position character string and the arrival time at the arrival place is the access permission period It is also possible to add ヽ.

[0077] Furthermore, among the navigation devices 420 located in the access-permitted area within the access-permitted period, data may be transmitted only to the navigation device 420 belonging to a predetermined group. For example, a predetermined group includes a group of navigation devices 420 registered together, such as friends, a group of navigation devices 420 with the same manufacturer, a group of navigation devices 420 with the same model, or a specific electrical device. A group of navigation devices 420 of a vehicle 410 equipped with a vehicle.

When such a group is designated, in addition to the position information character string and the time information character string, a group character string for specifying the group designated as the transmission destination is generated. Group character strings are stipulated in advance, and you can read them out! /.

[0079] Next, the navigation device 420 uses the address of the destination navigation device 420 acquired in step S603 and the position information character string and time information character string generated in step S605. A transmission address is generated (step S606). At this time, if a loop character string has been generated (or read), a data transmission address is also generated using the group character string.

[0080] The transmission address is generated based on a predetermined rule. For example, a symbol “#” is added to the end of the address of the destination navigation apparatus 420, and a position information character string and a time information character string are added after the symbol. As a result, a character string before “#” can be distinguished from a character string indicating the address of the destination navigation device 420, and a character string after “#” can be distinguished from a character string indicating position information and time information. it can.

[0081] Further, for example, a position information character string or a time information character string may be inserted at an arbitrary position in the character string of the address of the destination navigation apparatus 420. In this case, depending on the format of the position information character string and the time information character string, the address of the destination navigation device 420 is added. Distinguish from the character string of Les. In addition, for example, a position information character string or a time information character string may be inserted at an arbitrary position in the address character string of the navigation device 420 of the transmission destination between “#” and “#”. . In this case, a character string from “#” to “#” can be distinguished from a character string indicating position information and time information, and a character string other than that is a character string indicating an address of the destination navigation device 420. it can.

[0082] Further, an area designation flag or a time designation flag indicating that an access permitted area or an access permitted period is specified for the mail to be transmitted this time may be set in the transmission address. As a result, the destination navigation device 420 can immediately know that the mail is designated with an access-permitted area and an access-permitted period. Similarly, when a destination group is designated, a group designation flag may be set. These flags may be set separately or a single flag.

[0083] Further, the method for generating the position information character string and the time information character string (see step S605) and the method for generating the transmission address (see step S606) are defined as rules to be applied to all the navigation devices 420. However, as a rule to be applied only to the navigation apparatus 420 belonging to a specific group, it may be incorporated in advance only in the navigation apparatus 420 belonging to the group.

[0084] Then, the navigation apparatus 420 transmits an e-mail using the transmission address generated in step S606 as a transmission destination (step S607), and ends the processing according to this flowchart. If the access permitted area and the access permitted period are not specified in step S604 (step S604: No), an e-mail is transmitted using the address of the navigation device 420 of the transmission destination acquired in step S603 as it is. (Step S607), the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[0085] Next, data reception processing of the navigation device 420 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data reception processing of the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the navigation apparatus 420 determines whether or not the mail transmitted to the communication network 400 is a mail addressed to itself (step S701). If the mail is for the device itself (step S701: Yes), the mail is received (step S702). On the other hand, if it is not an e-mail addressed to the local device (Step S701: No), follow this flowchart. The process ends. Whether or not it is a mail addressed to its own device is determined, for example, based on whether or not the address of its own device is included in the destination address column of the mail sent to the communication network 400. Also, for example, it connects to a mail server, and mail sent to a mailbox corresponding to the address of its own device is determined as mail addressed to its own device.

[0086] When the mail is received in step S702, the navigation apparatus 420 determines whether or not the mail destination address includes a position information character string or a time information character string (step S703). Whether the location information character string or the time information character string is included is determined by, for example, the ability to include a character string other than the address of the device itself, for example, a character such as “#”, in the mail destination address. Judgment by whether or not. Also, for example, it may be judged by whether or not the mail address contains a flag indicating that the access permission area and access permission period are specified! /, .

[0087] When a position information character string or a time information character string is included! / Invoke (step S703: Yes), the navigation device 420 extracts the position information character string or the time information character string from the address ( In step S704), the information is converted into location information in the access-permitted area and time information in the access-permitted period (step S705). On the other hand, when the position information character string and the time information character string are not included (step S703: No), the process proceeds to step S709.

[0088] When the position information character string and the time information character string are converted into the position information and the time information in step S705, the navigation device 420 uses the data output from the GPS unit 515 and the various sensors 516, The current position information of the device is calculated (step S706). The current position information is calculated sequentially while the vehicle 410 is traveling.

[0089] Then, the current position information calculated in step S706 and the position information converted in step S705 are compared, and it is determined whether or not the current position of the own device is located in the access-permitted area (step S707). . If it is located in the access permission area (step S707: Yes), it is determined whether or not the current time is within the access permission period (step S708). If the access permission period is not specified, the process of step S708 is omitted.

If it is within the access permission period (step S 708: Yes), the user is notified of mail reception (step S 709), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. Also, if the address contains a position information character string or a time information character string! / ヽ (in step S703: No) Notification of mail reception is made (step S709), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. For example, the notification of mail reception is performed by displaying a message such as “Mail received” on the display 513 or outputting sound or sound effect from the speaker 510.

[0091] After notifying the reception of the mail, for example, the contents of the mail are displayed or output as a voice by a user operation. Further, for example, the content of the mail may be displayed or output as a voice together with the notification of reception without waiting for the user's operation. Furthermore, when a reception notification, mail content display / sound output is performed, a reception notification or a read notification may be sent to the mail sender. In this case, for example, the reception notification or the opening notification is transmitted automatically or by a user operation (manual).

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that it is not located in the access permitted area (step S707: No), or if it is determined in step S708 that it is not within the access permission period (step S708: No). ), Return to step S706 and repeat the subsequent processing. In other words, mail reception is not notified until it is located in the access-permitted area and is within the access-permitted period. If the access permission period elapses without being located in the access permission area, the received mail may be deleted automatically or manually.

In the above-described flowchart, the power of notifying the reception of the mail at the timing of being located in the access-permitted area is not limited to this. For example, the reception of the mail may be notified at the timing of receiving the mail. In this case, if the user is not located in the power access permission area where he / she knows that he / she has received the mail, he / she cannot display the mail or output the voice. In addition, the reception may be notified at the time when the mail is received, and at the same time, the notification that the access permitted area is designated may be notified. Furthermore, the location of the access-permitted area may be notified when it is notified that the access-permitted area is a specified mail.

Further, when a destination group is designated, an address power group character string is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the group designated as the destination belongs to the group to which the own device belongs. If it is not the group to which the local device belongs, the local device is not specified as the destination and will not receive mail. To determine whether a group is specified, For example, a group designation flag is set at a predetermined position of the address, and it is determined by determining whether or not it is strong. If the group designation flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the character string at a predetermined position of the address is an array based on the group character string generation rule.

[0095] Further, for example, the mail may be deleted according to the instruction of the user of the transmission source until the mail once transmitted is opened. In this case, for example, “delete mail” is transmitted from the mail sender to the mail destination to be deleted. In the delete mail, describe the information (specific information) that identifies the mail you want to delete, such as the transmission time, mail title, and mail number of the mail you want to delete. The description location of the specific information is, for example, a transmission destination address, a transmission source address, a mail text, or an attached file. In addition, for example, a flag indicating that it is a delete mail is set in the destination address, or a predetermined character string is included in the body of the delete mail or an attached file to distinguish the delete mail from the normal mail. Well ...

[0096] The navigation device 420 that has received the delete mail deletes the mail if access to the mail specified by the delete mail is still made (if the mail has been opened). To do. As a result, even if you are located in an access-permitted area, you cannot view the contents of the email.

In the above description, the location information of the access-permitted area and the information related to the access-permitted period are included in the data transmission destination address. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Information on the location of the access-permitted area and information on the access-permitted time may be included. In addition, for example, only a flag indicating that an access-permitted area or an access-permitted period is specified is attached to the destination address. Include it in the header and data body.

[0098] As described above, according to the communication system 400, when transmitting data, it is possible to specify an area and time for which access to the data is permitted. As a result, it is possible to improve the possibility that information with high regional characteristics and information with high time dependence can be accessed under appropriate conditions and that useful information can be provided to the destination. [0099] Even when the data transmission destination is! /, It is possible to reduce the trouble of confirming the received data. In particular, when the navigation device 420 receives data while the vehicle 410 is traveling, the driver must perform the driving operation and the data checking operation, which may neglect the safety management during driving. is there. The communication system 400 can access only the data that seems to be useful for the destination, so that the time required for checking the data at the destination is reduced compared to the case where no access restrictions are applied. Thus, safety during driving can be improved.

[0100] Specific examples of utilization will be illustrated below. For example, when information related to a specific area, such as an image taken at a traffic jam while driving, is transmitted to an acquaintance's communication terminal device, the area where the information is useful is specified and transmitted. The area where the information is useful is, for example, an area or a road within a predetermined distance range including a traffic jam location when the information is traffic jam information. When the acquaintance is traveling in the designated area, the communication terminal device is notified of the reception and the information can be accessed. In addition, if the acquaintance is not traveling in the designated area, the reception notification is not performed and unnecessary information is not bothered. The sending side of information can also send information without hesitation, considering the potential of acquaintances to go to the area.

[0101] For example, when sending direct mail addressed to an individual, such as a store advertisement, specify an area within a specified radius centered on the location of the store, a municipality, and a main road leading to the store. Send. As a result, when the destination individual is outside the designated area, the reception notification is not performed and unnecessary advertisements are not bothered.

[0102] In addition, for example, an acquaintance's communication terminal that may visit your home is accompanied by a message such as "Please drop in because it is nearby." Send a map of. When an acquaintance passes the designated area, a message or map is displayed on the acquaintance's communication terminal device. This can increase the chances of acquaintances visiting their homes and prevent acquaintances from forgetting the map and getting lost.

[0103] For example, when a customer is invited to a home at a specific date and time, the home mail is designated as an access-permitted area and a welcome mail is transmitted. And invited guests arrive at home When you wear it, you can browse the welcome mail. Also, for example, specify the area around your home as an access-permitted area, and when an invited guest approaches the area near your home, you can browse a detailed map around your home.

[0104] For the inviter, it is only necessary to send an email in advance, so there is no need for guidance. Even if you send it to an invited guest who can no longer attend the day, if you set an access permission period, you will be able to view the welcome mail even if you happen to enter the access permission area on another day. Flower ,.

[0105] Also, for example, a sales guide with a sweepstakes is sent to the personal navigation device 420 with the title of the mail as the store name and the sale name, and the access permitted area as the location of the store. This sale guide is set to notify the reception and access permission area at the same time as receiving. The navigation device 420 that has received the sale information performs route search and route guidance to the access-permitted area so that the user goes to the store. When the user arrives at the store, the body of the e-mail can be accessed and the results of the sweepstakes (1st, 2nd, miss, etc.) are revealed.

Note that the communication method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program 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 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 data transmission destination communication terminal device and an area where access to the data is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area”);

Generating means for generating information for transmission to the destination communication terminal device based on the location information of the access-permitted area specified by the specifying means;

Transmitting means for transmitting the data to the destination communication terminal device including the transmission information generated by the generating means;

A communication terminal device comprising:

[2] The designation means includes:

Along with designation of the access-permitted area, accepting designation of a period during which access to the data is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “access-permitted period” t)

The generating means includes

2. The communication terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission information is generated based on position information of the access-permitted area and information on the access-permitted period.

3. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates a transmission address as the transmission information.

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

A receiving means for receiving data addressed to the own device transmitted to the communication network, and an area where access to the data is permitted from the data received by the receiving means (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area”). Extraction means for extracting position information; acquisition means for acquiring current position information of the device;

A determination unit that determines whether or not the device is located in the access-permitted area based on the position information extracted by the extraction unit and the current position information acquired by the acquisition unit; An access processing unit for performing an access process to the data when the determination unit determines that the own device is located in the access-permitted area;

A communication terminal device comprising:

[5] The extraction means includes:

Along with the location information, information on the period during which access to the data is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “access permission period”) is also extracted by the data force,

The determination means includes

Determine whether the device is in the access-permitted area, determine whether the current time is within the access-permitted period,

The access processing means includes

5. The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein when the device is located in the access-permitted area by the determination means and the current time is within the access-permitted period, the access processing to the data is performed. apparatus.

[6] The extraction unit extracts position information of an area where access to the data is permitted (hereinafter, “access permitted area” t) from the transmission address of the data received by the reception unit. The communication terminal device according to claim 5, wherein:

[7] The extraction means extracts information relating to a period during which access to the data is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “access permission period”) from the transmission address of the data received by the reception means. The communication terminal device according to claim 5, wherein

[8] 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 designation step for accepting designation of a data transmission destination communication terminal device and an area where access to the data is permitted (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area” 、);

Based on the location information of the access-permitted area designated in the designation step, and the generation step for generating information for transmission to the destination communication terminal device,

A transmission step of transmitting the data to the transmission destination communication terminal device including the transmission information generated in the generation step;

The communication method characterized by including.

[9] 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 receiving step of receiving data addressed to the communication terminal device transmitted to the communication network;

An extraction step of extracting location information of an area permitted to access the data (hereinafter referred to as “access permitted area”) from the data received in the receiving step;

A determination step of determining whether the communication terminal apparatus is located in the access-permitted area based on the position information extracted in the extraction step and the current position information of the communication terminal apparatus;

If it is determined in the determining step that the communication terminal device is located in the access-permitted area, an access processing step of performing an access process to the data;

The communication method characterized by including.

[10] A communication program for causing a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 8 or 9.

[11] A computer-readable recording medium on which the communication program according to claim 10 is recorded.