JP2001093087A - Navigation device for vehicle, and system and method for communication navigation, and computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation device for vehicle and a communication navigation system and a communication navigation method by which information related with a region in which radio communications with an outside device is difficult is efficiently obtained, and a computer-readable storage medium. SOLUTION: When a vehicle is traveling on a path guide lane, and a region incapable of communications is present ahead by a first prescribed distance L from the present position, an on-vehicle machine 1 transmits a signal including plural coordinate data constituting the path guide lane included in the region incapable of communication and data indicating a prescribed distance range with the path guide lane as a center as a retrieval range for obtaining data related with a category selected by a user from an information center. Thus, the category data of a facility existing in the retrieval range and belonging to the category can be obtained. When any path guide lane is not set, a prescribed distance range included in the region incapable of communications having a road on which the vehicle can travel in front of the present position on the road on which the vehicle is traveling at present at the center can be used as the retrieval range.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a vehicle navigation apparatus, a communication navigation system, a communication navigation method, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a system in which a navigation unit for route guidance mounted on an automobile is connected to the Internet via a communication device, and traffic information and facility information can be obtained from a predetermined server on the Internet. ,
For example, JP-A-9-257501 or JP-A-10-
No. 089976 and the like.

[0003]

According to the above-described conventional navigation device capable of communicating with the Internet, various information can be obtained even while moving by car, and excellent convenience of efficient movement by car can be obtained. There is.

[0004] However, there are areas on the running road of automobiles where wireless communication with the outside is impossible or areas where communication is unstable, such as mountainous areas and tunnels. If a car equipped with the navigation device is located in the vehicle, information cannot be obtained from outside.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle navigation device, a communication navigation system, a communication navigation method, and a computer-readable storage medium for efficiently obtaining information on an area where wireless communication with an external device is difficult. I do.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a vehicle navigation apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration.

[0007] That is, a vehicular navigation apparatus provided with communication means for performing bidirectional communication with an external device, wherein, prior to entering an area in which communication with the external device by the communication means is not possible, the vehicle enters the area. And a control unit for obtaining information about the external device from the external device by the communication unit.

In addition, for example, the control means may determine that, prior to entering an area where communication with an external device is impossible, a vehicle equipped with the vehicle navigation device may travel in the entire area. It is only necessary to obtain information on a certain area.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication navigation method according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, a communication navigation method for informing various kinds of information in a vehicular navigation device using an external device capable of two-way communication and a vehicular navigation device, wherein at least a vehicle equipped with the vehicular navigation device is mounted. A storage step of storing information on an area around a road on which the vehicle can travel in a database of an external device; and, prior to entering an area where communication with the external device is impossible, information on the area is stored in the external device. An information requesting step of transmitting at least the specific information of the area to the external device, and in the external device, the database based on the specific information of the area included in the signal received from the vehicle navigation device. A search step of searching for, and information relating to the area searched in the search step, Characterized with the information acquisition step of obtaining at the vehicle navigation apparatus.

Also, in the information requesting step, for example, prior to entering an area where communication with an external device is impossible, a vehicle on which the vehicle navigation device is mounted travels in the entire area. By transmitting specific information for specifying only a possible region to the external device, it is preferable to obtain only information on the region in the information obtaining step.

Further, a communication navigation system that achieves the above object is characterized by comprising a vehicle navigation device for executing the above communication navigation method and an external device.

The above-described vehicle navigation device,
In the communication navigation method and the communication navigation system, the two-way communication between the external device and the vehicle navigation device may be performed via a packet communication network in consideration of economy.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a computer-readable storage medium stores a control program code of the above-described vehicle navigation device.

[0015]

According to the present invention described above, a vehicle navigation device, a communication navigation system, a communication navigation method, and a computer-readable storage medium for efficiently obtaining information on an area where wireless communication with an external device is difficult. Is realized.

That is, according to the first, seventh and eleventh aspects of the present invention, prior to the vehicle navigation device entering an area where communication with the external device is not possible, the vehicle navigation apparatus is required to enter the area. Information (for example, category information of facilities existing in the area and location information of the facilities) can be efficiently obtained.

According to the second, eighth and twelfth aspects of the invention, it is possible to efficiently update the information on the area already stored in the vehicular navigation device.

According to the third, ninth, and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to obtain necessary and sufficient information in the vehicle navigation device with a small amount of communication.

According to the fourth and sixth aspects of the present invention, only the information desired by the user of the vehicle navigation device can be efficiently obtained.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a vehicle navigation device according to the present invention will be described in detail as an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a typical automobile, with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a communication environment in which the navigation device in this embodiment can obtain information.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle-mounted device mounted on a vehicle. Reference numeral 2 denotes an information center where the vehicle-mounted device 1 can obtain various information. Here, the information center 2 has a general configuration as an Internet server and a mail server (more specifically, a mobile mail server) as a basic configuration, and has a large-capacity database therein.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a base station in the market for exchanging a packet communication network with a PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) circuit switching network which is an example of a portable telephone communication network. It transmits and receives wireless signals to and from a mobile phone (a mobile phone 13 described later) mounted on the mobile phone.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a gateway (G · G) serving as a communication interface between the packet communication network and the Internet.
W). Reference numeral 6 denotes an ISP (Internet service provider) serving as a communication interface between the PDC circuit switching network and the Internet.

Next, the hardware configuration and software configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the vehicle-mounted device according to the present embodiment. The vehicle-mounted device 1 is roughly divided into a communication unit 11 and a navigation unit 1.
2 and a mobile phone 13.

The mobile telephone 13 communicates with the PDC circuit switching network via the packet communication network (in this embodiment, i-mode (trademark) is assumed as an example) via the base station 3 shown in FIG. It has a switchable configuration, and the mobile phone 1
3, when the packet communication network is selected, charging is performed according to the amount of data transmitted / received (pay-as-you-go charging).
When the PDC circuit switching network is selected, charging is performed according to the time that the line is occupied (time-based charging). Note that the mobile phone 13 may be configured integrally with the communication unit 11.

The communication unit 11 is provided when the user
Hands-free (H / F) for talking without holding 3
The unit 115, a modem for both PDC communication and packet communication, which is a communication interface between the mobile phone 13 and the CPU 111, a CPU 111 for controlling the operation of the communication unit 11, a communication processing program executed by the CPU 111, various parameters, and the like. R stored in advance
OM, and RAM1 used as a temporary storage area
13 is provided.

In the navigation unit 12, 1
Reference numeral 21 denotes a CPU that executes image display control on the display 130, a communication navigation function described later, and the like. A ROM 122 stores programs executed by the CPU 121, various parameters, and the like. 123 is
This is a RAM used as a temporary storage area. 124
Is a drawing IC for displaying an image on the display 130 under the control of the CPU 121. Reference numeral 125 denotes a clock. Reference numeral 126 denotes a general gyro for detecting the behavior of the own vehicle. A DVD drive 127 reads information from a DVD-ROM, which is an example of a storage medium in which map information, facility information, and the like are registered (or reads and writes information from and to a DVD-RAM). Reference numeral 128 denotes a RAM (or a storage device such as a hard disk) that stores information and the like not stored in the DVD-ROM obtained from the information center 2, for example.

The input / output (I / O) controller 12
9 is a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 15
, A signal indicating the operation state of the ignition key switch 18, a signal indicating the operation state of the operation switch group 19 provided in the navigation unit 12, detection control of the GPS signal, data input / output control with the communication unit 11, and Navigation unit 1 above
2 is a controller for controlling data input / output of each block.

Further, the navigation unit 12
An AM / FM tuner 134 for receiving a radio wave received from the outside via the M / FM antenna 17 and a VICS for receiving road traffic information and the like from a beacon or the like provided on the road side.
(Road traffic information) A tuner 135, a general MD (or cassette) deck 133, an amplifier 132 for amplifying an audio signal output to the speaker 16, and an audio CPU 131 for controlling these blocks are provided.

In the configuration of the navigation unit 12, when the function of the navigation unit 12 itself is configured to be updatable like a general computer, an operation control program such as a communication navigation function realized by the above configuration is executed. Instead of storing the information in the ROM 122 in advance, the D
A VD-ROM or a mobile phone 13 is provided so as to be available from the outside via the mobile phone 13.
And so on.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the vehicle-mounted device in the present embodiment, and shows a schematic configuration of a software program executed on the hardware of FIG. 2 described above.

In the figure, a communication unit 11 has a communication interface function with a packet (i-mode) communication network,
It is provided with software for realizing a communication interface function with a PDC circuit switching network and a function for switching any one of these two types of communication modes.

The navigation unit 12 is roughly composed of software for a communication navigation function and an audio function, which will be described later.

The communication navigation function operates on a multitask OS (ITRON in this embodiment), and includes general inter-device communication software such as drawing software and serial communication, and general navigation such as route guidance. Navigation application that realizes functions,
Transmission Control Protocol / In (TCP / IP) as PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) and its upper layer
Internet Protocol) and HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer P)
rotocol) and software for implementing i-mode protocols, an Internet browser function and a mailer function for transmitting and receiving data in accordance with these communication protocols, and software for drawing a browser.

The audio function is audio C
This is realized by an audio device control application executed by the PU 131, but since it is a general function, detailed description in this embodiment is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the program for realizing the Internet browser function is the point information including the latitude and longitude in the mutual communication with the information center 2 via the packet (i-mode) communication network or the PDC circuit switching network. Can be transmitted and received.

That is, the Internet browser executed by the navigation unit 12 conforms to the Mobile Web (Mobile Web) specifications of the Mobile Web Council, which is a standardization organization for navigation devices having a communication function, and is handled in the navigation function. General coordinate information and point information including the latitude and longitude obtained from the information center 2 via the PDC circuit switching network (in this embodiment, PO
I: Point of Interest).
On the other hand, when communication via the packet (i-mode) communication network is selected, a predetermined TA defined in the i-mode is used.
G transmits and receives point information including latitude and longitude.

Thus, the navigation unit 12
When the map information read from the DVD drive 127 is displayed on the display 130, the position corresponding to the point information obtained from the information center 2 can be easily plotted on the display screen.

[Communication Navigation Function] The communication navigation function realized between the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the information center 2 will be described below. The communication navigation function according to the present embodiment can be performed using a PDC circuit switching network or a packet communication network. However, in consideration of economy and convenience, a packet communication network of a metered system is used. It is better to use.

First, signals transmitted and received between the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the information center 2 in the present embodiment will be described, and functions realized by the transmitted and received signals will be outlined.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transmission / reception signals between the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the information center 2 according to the present embodiment. Each signal shown in FIG. 4 has a function described below.

Each signal described below is used in the wireless communication between the on-vehicle device 1 and the base station 3 in addition to a predetermined field for specifying a function of each signal and an information center 2.
A predetermined identification number (ID) or URL (Unif
orm Resource Locator), a predetermined I that specifies the in-vehicle device 1
D or the telephone number of the mobile phone 13 and common fields such as a general header and an error check field. In addition, data communication between the information center 2 and the base station 3 for each of these signals adopts a general communication mode, and detailed description in this embodiment is omitted.

(1) Data request signal: a signal transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 1 to the information center 2 every predetermined time period, and exists in a communication impossible area where the vehicle (vehicle-mounted device 1) enters. Sent when requesting the information center 2 to download facility information belonging to the category (landmark type) desired by the user.

The data request signal includes RAM1
23, the category (landmark type) of the facility desired by the user stored in the information center 23, and the information center 2 for the category.
Includes a search range indicating a search request range, and a predetermined field configuration indicating information requesting download of search results. Here, the facility category stored in the RAM 123 included in the data request signal is an item selected on a category selection screen (FIG. 13) described later. In addition, the search range is an area in which the on-vehicle device 1 has received facility information in the past, in a communication impossible area where the on-vehicle device 1 enters from now on (shaded portion in FIG. 18).
Is equivalent to

(2) Download request signal: Unlike the data request signal transmitted every predetermined time period, a guidance screen (FIG. 1) is displayed before the vehicle (vehicle-mounted device 1) enters the communication impossible area. When a predetermined operation is performed in 14), download of facility information belonging to a category (landmark type) desired by the user, where the in-vehicle device is present in a non-communicable area from which the in-vehicle device enters, is performed. Transmitted to the information center 2.

The download request signal includes the RAM 1
23, the category (landmark type) of the facility desired by the user stored in the information center 23 and the information center 2 for the category
A search range representing a range for which a search is requested (within a predetermined distance range centered on a currently set route guidance route (see FIG. 16) or a travelable road (details will be described later). )), And a predetermined field configuration representing information indicating that download of search results is requested. Here, RA included in the download request signal
The facility category stored in M123 is the item selected on the guidance screen (FIG. 14) described later. Here, the search range included in the download request signal is not limited to the entire non-communicable area existing in front, but is within a predetermined distance range (for example, within a range of 2 km left and right) around the route guidance road or the drivable road. This is because when the download request signal is transmitted, the direction in which the host vehicle (the on-vehicle device 1) will proceed can be specified by the route guidance route or the drivable road. This is because it is necessary and sufficient if facility information can be obtained only for a limited area, and the communication cost can be reduced.

(3) Download signal: A signal transmitted from the information center 2 to the vehicle-mounted device 1 in response to receiving the data request signal or the download request signal. Sent when downloading to an onboard device.

The download signal includes information indicating that the download signal includes a previously received data request signal or a search result corresponding to the download request signal, and a search performed by searching a database (D / B) provided in the information center 2. It includes data representing a range, a landmark type identification number (ID) representing a facility belonging to a user-desired category existing within the search range, and a predetermined field configuration representing a position (coordinate) of the facility.

The facility information field in the download signal may further include a business hours of the facility, a telephone number, image data representing the appearance of the facility, and the like.

(4) Category data acquisition request signal: a signal transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 1 to the information center 2 prior to the transmission of the download request signal, and in which the own vehicle (the vehicle-mounted device 1) cannot communicate. Is transmitted when requesting the information center 2 for all categories (landmark types) available to the in-vehicle device in the communication unavailable area before entering the information center. The category data acquisition request signal includes a search range (within a predetermined distance range (see FIG. 16) around the currently set route guidance route in the communication impossible area, or a runnable road (for details, This includes a predetermined field configuration that represents information within a predetermined distance range (corresponding to a later-described area) (see FIG. 17) around the center (see FIG. 17), and a request for download of categories of various facilities existing in the search range.

(5) Category data signal: a signal transmitted from the information center 2 to the vehicle-mounted device 1 in response to the above-mentioned category data acquisition request signal, and a search range of the database (D / B) provided in the information center 2 , The search range included in the category data acquisition request signal, and an identification number (I) indicating the category (landmark type) of all types of facilities existing in the search range.
D), and a predetermined field configuration indicating information indicating that the search result of the search range is to be downloaded.

Here, the functions realized by the above-described signals will be outlined. According to the category selection screen shown in FIG. 13, the in-vehicle device 1 indicates that landmarks are displayed on the display 130 even if the in-vehicle device enters a non-communicable area among facilities existing in the non-communicable area. A desired facility category can be selected. The D / B provided in the information center 2 stores at least a plurality of types of facilities belonging to a category (landmark type) selectable by the on-vehicle device 1 and coordinates (landmark positions) of the facilities. The device 1 detects the incommunicable area to be entered from now on and, prior to entering the area, the facility information in the area selected for the category selected on the category selection screen (the landmark type of the existing facility). And its location). This series of processing may be performed every predetermined time period, or may be performed on demand for the category selected on the guidance screen shown in FIG.

Next, with respect to the communication navigation processing for realizing the transmission and reception of each signal described above, the CPU 1 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 will be described.
The processing executed by the information center 21 and the processing executed by the CPU (not shown) of the information center 2 will be described separately.

<In-Vehicle Device 1> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the overall configuration of the communication navigation process in the in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment, which is started when the ignition key switch 18 is turned on.

In the figure, step S1: The present location is displayed on the display 130 by executing the present location display routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a current position display routine included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1, and shows the details of step S1 in FIG.

In the figure, step S101: GPS
Using the output signal of the receiver 15, the output signal of the gyro 126, and the like, the current position and the traveling direction of the vehicle-mounted device 1 (own vehicle) are detected by a general method.

Step S102: According to the scale selected as the display mode of the display 130, map information including the current position detected in step S101 is converted to a DV format.
Read from the D drive 127.

Step S103: The facility which exists within the range of the current location read out in step S102 (a range of a predetermined radius centering on the current position) and has already been stored in the RAM
The facility landmark information stored in 132 is read. The landmark information includes information for specifying a category (convenience store, restaurant, post office) to which the facility belongs, and position (coordinate) information of the facility.

Step S104: Display 130
As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the map information read in step S102, a predetermined symbol representing the current position of the vehicle (the on-vehicle device 1), and a selection area of various operation switches (in this embodiment, an operation switch group) 19 is selected by a predetermined switch), and
At a location on the displayed map corresponding to the position information read in step S103, a predetermined symbol identifying the facility read together with the position information is displayed.

Step S105 to Step S107: R
It is determined whether a route guidance route has already been set in the AM 123 or the like (step S105).
A portion of the route guide path that can be displayed in the display area displayed in step S104 is read (step S104).
106), including the portion, is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 (step S107).

Here, the description returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. Step S2: It is determined whether the “destination setting” switch has been operated on the display 130 displayed as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG.
When S (operation is performed), the process proceeds to step S3, and NO
When there is no operation, the process proceeds to step S4.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a destination setting routine included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1, and shows details of step S3 in FIG.

In the figure, steps S111 to S113: The menu screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display 130 (step S111), and any item is displayed within a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds) on the display screen. It is determined whether or not the item has been selected (step S112), and when selected, the type of the selected item is determined (step S113). At this time, if none of the items is selected, or if "Cancel" in [5] is selected, the destination setting routine ends.

Step S114, Step S115: If "Destination input" of [1] is selected in step S113, the telephone number and the display 130 are displayed using various information stored in the DVD-ROM. The route guidance route to the destination set by the user is calculated by a general method such as selecting a specific position of the displayed map (step S114), and the set destination is calculated by the calculated route guidance. It is stored in the RAM 123 together with the road (step S115).

Steps S116 and S117: If "reset route" of [2] is selected in step S113, the route guidance route is set for the destination newly set by the user as in step S114. The calculated destination is set as a new destination together with the calculated route guidance route in the RAM 1 (step S116).
23 (step S117).

Step S118, Step S119: The category selection screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display 130 (Step S118), and the data specifying the category selected by the user on the display screen is stored in the RA.
It is stored in M123 (step S119). Here, on the category selection screen shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of items such as a golf course, a restaurant, and a convenience store are displayed as categories (types) to which various facilities belong.
The user selects a desired item from the plurality of items, and operates a “decision” switch to store data specifying the category of the selected item in the RAM 12.
3 is stored.

Step S120: If “route clear” of [4] is selected in step S113, the current R
The route guidance route information to the destination stored in the AM 123 is cleared.

Here, the description returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps S4 and S5: It is determined whether or not a predetermined time period has elapsed. If the determination is NO (when the predetermined time period has not elapsed), the process proceeds to the data acquisition routine 2 in step S6, and if YES, (When a predetermined time period has elapsed), the process proceeds to the data acquisition routine 1 in step S5.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the data acquisition routine 1 included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1, and shows the details of step S5 in FIG. The data acquisition routine 1 is executed for each of the predetermined time periods.

In the figure, steps S131 and S132: Data for specifying the communication disabled area stored in the RAM 123 is read (step S13).
1) It is determined whether or not the read out communication disabled area includes the current position detected in step S101 of the current position display routine (FIG. 6) (step S132). If it is (out of the area), the process proceeds to step S133, and YES (the current position is in the area)
In the case of, the data acquisition routine 1 is terminated and step S
The process proceeds to the data acquisition routine 2 of No. 6.

Here, the communication impossible area where communication between the on-vehicle device 1 and the information center 2 is difficult is defined as an area where communication is impossible due to the absence of the base station 3 in the city (for example, a mountain area). Etc.) and is stored in the RAM 123 in advance.

Step S133, Step S134: It is determined whether the area of the map currently displayed on the display 130 includes an area in which facility information belonging to a desired category has not been obtained yet (Step S133). If the determination is NO (there is no unacquired area),
The data acquisition routine 1 ends and the process proceeds to the data acquisition routine 2 in step S6. If YES (there is an unacquired area), the in-vehicle device 1 is within an area within a predetermined distance range from the current position and has been previously Among the various facilities existing in an area (hatched part in FIG. 18) that is not included in the area where the device 1 is receiving the facility information, a desired category (ie, FIG.
Items selected by the user on the category selection screen shown in 3)
The data request signal for requesting the facility information regarding the facilities belonging to the information center 2 is transmitted to the information center 2 (step S134).

Step S135, Step S136: It is determined whether there is data of the facility information stored in the RAM 123 before the predetermined time. If the determination is YES, the corresponding data is cleared (deleted) from the RAM (step S135). S136) If NO, end the data acquisition routine 1 and proceed to the data acquisition routine 2 in step S6.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the data acquisition routine 2 included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1, and shows the details of step S6 in FIG.

In the figure, step S141: As in step S131 of FIG. 8, data for specifying a communication disabled area stored in the RAM 123 is read.

Step S142: It is determined whether the in-vehicle device 1 is performing route guidance. If the determination is YES (during route guidance), the process proceeds to step S142; if NO (if route guidance is not being performed), the process proceeds to step S142. Proceed to S146.

Steps S143 and S144: In front of the route guidance route, whether the route guidance route passes near any of the communication disabled areas read in step S141 (closer than a predetermined separation distance), Alternatively, it is determined whether the vehicle passes through the communication impossible area (step S14).
3) When the determination is YES (when the route guideway passes near or inside the communication disabled area), the length of the guideway from the current position to the communication disabled area is equal to the first predetermined distance. It is determined whether the distance is within L (step S144: see FIG. 16). If the determination is YES (the length of the guide path to the communication disabled area is within the first predetermined distance L), the flow proceeds to step S145. On the other hand, if the determination in step S143 or S144 is NO, step S1
Go to 49.

Step S145: Since the length of the route guidance path from the current position to the communication impossible area is within the first predetermined distance L, in this step, all of the user selected on the category selection screen described above are selected. A category data acquisition request signal for requesting data relating to a category within a search range described below is transmitted to the information center 2. Here, the search range included in the category data acquisition request signal in this step will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a search range transmitted to the information center 2 by a download request signal when a route guidance route is set in the vehicle-mounted device 1.
In this case, since it is determined in step S142 that the route guidance route has been set, the search range included in the category data acquisition request signal transmitted in step S145 is, as shown in FIG. A predetermined distance range (shaded area) around the road is necessary and sufficient. Therefore,
The download request signal transmitted in this step includes a signal that is at least a first predetermined distance L ahead of the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 1,
A plurality of pieces of coordinate data constituting the route guidance route included in the non-communicable area and the data representing the predetermined distance range may be included as the search range.

Steps S146 and S147: On a road that can proceed ahead of the current position (runnable road), whether any of the communication disabled areas read in step S141 is within the first predetermined distance L from the current position. Is determined (step S146: refer to FIG. 17). That is, since it is determined that the route is not being guided in step S142, unlike the above steps S143 to S145, as shown in FIG. And Step S
If the determination at 143 is YES (the distance from the current position is the first
If there is a communication impossible area within the predetermined distance L), it is determined whether or not the own vehicle is close to the communication impossible area (step S147). Here, the approaching state is a state in which the distance between the host vehicle and the communication disabled area is shorter than a predetermined distance. Then, step S14
If the determination in step 6 is YES (proximity state), step S1
Go to 48. On the other hand, step S147 or step S147
If the determination at 148 is NO, the process proceeds to step S149.

Step S148: The length of the travelable road from the current position to the communication impossible area is the first predetermined distance L
Therefore, in this step, a category data acquisition request signal for requesting data on all categories selected by the user on the above-described category selection screen within the prying range described below is transmitted to the information center 2. . Here, the search range included in the category data acquisition request signal in this step will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a search range transmitted to the information center 2 by a download request signal when a route guidance route is not set in the vehicle-mounted device 1. In this case, unlike step S145 described above,
Since it is determined in step S142 that no route guidance route has been set, the search range included in the category data acquisition request signal transmitted in step S148 is, as shown in FIG. A predetermined distance range (hatched portion) is sufficient. Therefore, the download request signal transmitted in this step includes a plurality of pieces of coordinate data that constitute a travelable road that is more than the first predetermined distance L from the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 1 and that is included in the communication impossible area. And data representing the predetermined distance range may be included as a search range.

Step S149: In response to the category data acquisition request signal transmitted in step S145 or step S148, it is determined whether or not the category data signal transmitted by the information center 2 has been received. When (NO) is received, the process proceeds to step S150, and when NO (when the signal is not received), the process proceeds to step S155.

Steps S150 and S151: R
The category data already stored in the AM 123 is read out (step S150), and among the category data included in the category data signal detected to be received in step S149, the category data read out in this step is included. It is determined whether or not category data indicating the type of facility that does not exist is included (step S151). When the determination is YES (when there is category data not included), the process proceeds to step S152, and when the determination is NO (when there is no category data not included), the process proceeds to step S155.

Steps S152 to S154: A guidance screen as shown in FIG. 14 is also displayed on the display 130 on which map information and the like are displayed as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 15 (step S152). In the displayed guidance, items indicating that the subject vehicle will enter a communication impossible area in the future and an item indicating a category of a facility that is newly available in the area are displayed. The categories (items) displayed at this time are the categories determined to have not been stored in the RAM 123 by the data comparison in step S151. The user selects a desired item from a plurality of (category) items displayed on the guidance screen (in FIG. 14, the state of the golf course and the restaurant is selected), and then “get data”. Operate the switch. In step S151, it is determined whether any item is selected within a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds) on the guidance screen and the “data acquisition” switch is operated, and if any item is selected, the process proceeds to step S151. In S154, a download request signal including an ID for specifying the selected item (category) is transmitted to the information center 2. On the other hand, if the input operation is not detected even after the predetermined time has elapsed in step S153, the process proceeds to step S155.

Step S155, Step S156: It is determined whether a download signal has been received from the information center 2 (Step S155). If the determination is NO (when the signal is not received), the data acquisition routine 2 is terminated. , YES (when the signal is received)
Search range information included in the received download signal,
The facility information (the landmark type indicating the category of the facility and the location (coordinates) of the facility) is stored in the RAM 123, and the data acquisition routine 2 ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a communication navigation process in the information center 2 according to the present embodiment.

In the figure, step S201: It is determined whether or not the above-mentioned category data acquisition request signal has been received from the vehicle-mounted device 1. If the determination is NO (if the signal is not received), the process proceeds to step S205. If YES (when the signal is received), the process proceeds to step S202.

Step S202: Based on the information contained in each field of the received category data acquisition request signal, a search is made for a D / B provided in the information center 2. Specifically, from the facility information stored in the D / B,
A search range included in the category data acquisition request signal (within a predetermined distance range centered on a currently set route guidance route (see FIG. 16) in a communication disabled area detected by the on-vehicle device 1, or , All categories (landmark types) of facilities existing in the search range and positions of those facilities within a predetermined distance range (see FIG. 17) centered on a drivable road (details will be described later). (Coordinates).

Step S203: A category data signal including category data (landmark types) of a plurality of types of facilities existing in the search range searched in step S202 and data representing the search range is transmitted to the vehicle. To the device 1.

Step S204: When a download request signal is received in a step described later, in order to refer to data necessary for transmitting the download signal in response to the signal, the vehicle-mounted device which transmitted the category data acquisition request signal The ID 1 and the category data (landmark type) and coordinates (landmark position) detected from the D / B in the search processing in step S202 are stored in a RAM or the like in association with each other.

Step S205: It is determined whether or not the above-described download request signal has been received from the vehicle-mounted device 1. If the determination is NO (if the signal is not received), the process proceeds to step S209. If the determination is YES (the signal is not received). Is received), the process proceeds to step S206.

Step S206: The download request signal detected in step S205 from the data representing the facility information (landmark type and landmark position) stored in the RAM or the like in association with the ID of the vehicle-mounted device 1 in step S204. Only the data of the category (landmark type) included in the signal (that is, the data of the desired category selected by the user on the guidance screen shown in FIG. 14) among the data on the in-vehicle device 1 that transmitted the .

Steps S207 and S208: A download signal including the category (landmark type) and coordinates (landmark position) read in step S206 is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 1 which has transmitted the download request signal detected in step S205. (Step S20)
7) In step S204, the data stored in the RAM or the like in association with the ID of the vehicle-mounted device 1 is cleared.

Steps S209 and S210: It is determined whether or not the facility information stored in the RAM or the like for a plurality of in-vehicle devices 1 includes data that has passed a predetermined time or more (step S209). If NO (when there is no facility information stored for more than the predetermined time), the process proceeds to step S211. If YES (when there is facility information stored for more than the predetermined time), the process proceeds to step S211. The data to be cleared is cleared (step S210).

Step S211: It is determined whether the above-mentioned data request signal has been received from the on-vehicle device 1. When the determination is NO (when the signal is not received), the process returns. When the determination is YES (when the signal is received). If so, the process proceeds to step S212.

Step S212: Based on the information contained in each field of the received data request signal, a search is made for a D / B provided in the information center 2. In particular,
From the facility information stored in the D / B, based on the category (landmark type) and the search range included in the data request signal, facilities belonging to the category in the search range, and Search for the location (coordinates) of the facility. Here, the search range is within a predetermined distance range from the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 1 detected in step S134 in FIG. 8 and the vehicle-mounted device 1 has received the facility information in the past. This corresponds to a communication impossible area (a hatched portion in FIG. 18) not included in the area.

Step S213: A download signal including the designated category (landmark type) existing in the search range searched in step S212 and the location (coordinates) of the facility is detected in step S211. The data request signal is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 1 that has transmitted the data request signal.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to efficiently obtain information on an area where communication with the information center 2 is difficult.

In the above-described embodiment, the category data and the facility information are transmitted and received separately by the data acquisition routine of the vehicle-mounted device 1 (FIG. 9) and the communication navigation process of the information center 2 (FIG. 10). However, the present invention is not limited to this processing configuration.
To step S155 and step S20 in FIG.
It is also possible to adopt a processing configuration in which steps S204 to S204 are omitted, and transmission / reception of data relating to the category is omitted, and facility information is directly obtained from the vehicle-mounted device 1.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a communication environment in which a navigation device according to an embodiment can obtain information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the vehicle-mounted device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the vehicle-mounted device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transmission / reception signals between the on-vehicle device 1 and the information center 2 in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an overall configuration of a communication navigation process in the vehicle-mounted device 1 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a current location display routine included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a destination setting routine included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a data acquisition routine 1 included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a data acquisition routine 2 included in the communication navigation processing in the vehicle-mounted device 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a communication navigation process in the information center 2 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed on the display of the vehicle-mounted device 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed on the display of the vehicle-mounted device 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed on the display of the vehicle-mounted device 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed on the display of the vehicle-mounted device 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed on the display of the vehicle-mounted device 1 in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a search range transmitted to the information center 2 by a download request signal when a route guidance route is set in the vehicle-mounted device 1.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an information center 2 in response to a download request signal when a route guidance route is not set in the vehicle-mounted device 1.
Is a diagram for explaining a search range transmitted to the server.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a search range transmitted to the information center 2 by a data request signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: onboard equipment, 2: information center, 3: base station, 5: gateway, 6: internet service provider, 11: communication unit, 12: navigation unit, 13: mobile phone, 15: GPS receiver, 16: speaker, 17: AM / FM antenna, 18: ignition key switch, 19: operation switch group,

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C032 HB05 HB25 HC08 2F029 AA02 AB07 AC02 AC18 5H180 AA01 BB02 BB04 BB05 BB13 EE18 FF05 FF12 FF13 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF32 9A001 CC07 JJ25 JJ78

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A vehicular navigation apparatus comprising communication means for performing two-way communication with an external device, wherein the vehicle navigation apparatus enters an area where communication with the external apparatus by the communication means is impossible. And a control unit for obtaining information about the vehicle from the external device by the communication unit. 2. The vehicular navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit updates information about an area stored in advance when communicating with the external device. 3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, prior to entering an area where communication with an external device is impossible, a possibility that a vehicle equipped with the vehicular navigation device is to travel in the entire area is determined. 2. The vehicular navigation device according to claim 1, wherein only information on a certain area is obtained. 4. The vehicular navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes a man-machine interface capable of selecting in advance a category of information obtained as information on said area. 5. The vehicular navigation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the area includes category information of facilities existing in the area and position information of the facilities. 6. The control means includes a man-machine interface capable of selecting whether or not to acquire information on an area before entering an area where communication with an external device is impossible. The vehicle navigation device according to claim 1, wherein 7. A communication navigation system comprising an external device capable of two-way communication and a vehicle navigation device, wherein the vehicle navigation device enters an area where communication with the external device is impossible. And a control unit for transmitting information on the area by transmitting at least the specific information of the area to the external device, wherein the external apparatus is capable of running at least a vehicle equipped with the vehicle navigation device. A database that stores information about an area around a suitable road, and information about the area is selected by searching the database according to the specific information of the area included in the signal received from the vehicle navigation device. Search means for transmitting information to the vehicle navigation device. Communication navigation system that. 8. In the vehicular navigation device, when there is a difference between the information on the area stored in advance and the information on the area received from the external device, the control means stores the information. The communication navigation system according to claim 7, wherein the information is updated according to the received signal. 9. The vehicle navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided with the vehicle navigation device in an entire area before entering the area where communication with an external device is impossible. 8. The communication navigation system according to claim 7, wherein by transmitting specific information specifying only an area in which the vehicle may travel, only information on the area is obtained from the external device. 10. The communication navigation system according to claim 7, wherein the information related to the area includes category information of facilities existing in the area and position information of the facilities. 11. A communication navigation method for informing various information in a vehicle navigation device using an external device capable of two-way communication and a vehicle navigation device, wherein the vehicle has at least a vehicle navigation device mounted thereon. A step of storing information on an area around a road on which the vehicle can travel in a database of an external device; and before entering an area where communication with the external device is impossible, information on the area is stored in the external device. An information requesting step of transmitting at least the specific information of the area to the external device, in the external device, based on the specific information of the area included in the signal received from the vehicular navigation device, the database. A search step of searching for, information on the area searched in the search step,
A communication navigation method, comprising: obtaining information obtained by the vehicle navigation device. 12. In the information obtaining step, when there is a difference between the information on the area stored in advance and the information on the area received from the external device, the stored information is received. The communication navigation method according to claim 11, wherein updating is performed according to a signal. 13. In the information requesting step, prior to entering an area where communication with an external device is impossible, a vehicle equipped with the vehicular navigation device may travel in the entire area. 12. The communication navigation method according to claim 11, wherein, in the information obtaining step, only information related to the area is obtained by transmitting specific information for specifying only an area having a possibility to the external device. 14. The communication navigation method according to claim 11, wherein the information on the area includes category information of facilities existing in the area and position information of the facilities. 15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program code for a vehicle navigation device according to claim 1. Description: