JP2007163413A - Arrival time information notification device, navigation device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an arrival time information notification device or the like, capable of performing notification of information at the desired arrival time, with the timing desired by the user. <P>SOLUTION: Desired arrival time desired by the user, contact address communication information (telephone number, e-mail address) corresponding to the desired arrival time, and timing conditions (passing points, notification time) for the notification of the arrival time information are set (S20, S30). When it is determined that the set timing conditions have been satisfied, the estimated arrival time at the destination is calculated. Communication with respect to the contact address is performed, on the basis of the contact address communication information (S40), and the user is notified of a prescribed message (arrival time information), on the basis of the relation between the calculated arrival prediction time and the set desired arrival time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for notifying a user of information regarding arrival time when moving along a route to a destination at a desired timing.

  Conventionally, a position is detected by a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like as the vehicle travels, and an appropriate route from the current position to the destination is calculated and obtained, and further, driving guidance for the route is obtained by voice or screen display. Navigation systems to perform are known.

  Some of such navigation systems have a function of displaying the expected arrival time at the destination on the screen or notifying by voice. The estimated arrival time is repeatedly calculated by predicting the required time from the current position of the vehicle to the destination during route guidance. Therefore, it is possible to know the arrival time that changes depending on the traveling situation, which is very convenient for the user. Furthermore, a system for calculating the estimated arrival time in consideration of traffic jam information acquired by communication has been devised, and a more accurate arrival prediction has been realized.

For example, there is a car navigation device described in Patent Literature 1 as an application of the above-described technology. This car navigation device predicts the required time from the current position to the destination, calculates an estimated arrival time at the destination, and compares the estimated arrival time with the desired arrival time set by the user. If there is a possibility that the expected arrival time may exceed the desired arrival time, the user is notified of this.
No. 2004-61236

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the intention of the user is not reflected on the timing for notifying that the desired arrival time is not met. Therefore, if the notification timing is too late for the user, take necessary measures such as notifying the user that the arrival is delayed or that the schedule will be changed to the contact information (for example, company or meeting partner). However, it may be too late.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide an arrival time information notification device or the like that can notify information related to a desired arrival time at a timing desired by a user. .

  The arrival time information notification device according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve the above object, is based on a determination result relating to whether or not the desired arrival time is in time when the set notification time is reached. Is notified to the user.

  Specifically, the above arrival time information notification device includes a route setting unit that sets a route to a set destination based on map data, a notification unit that notifies the user of information, and an estimated arrival time calculation unit. , Setting means, notification time determination means, arrival time determination means, and notification control means.

  Of these, the estimated arrival time calculating means calculates the estimated arrival time at the destination by predicting the required time from the current position to the destination when traveling according to the route set by the route setting means. The setting means is for setting a desired arrival time at the destination and a time condition related to a time when the arrival time information is notified. The notification time determination means determines whether or not it is time to notify the arrival time information based on the time condition set through the setting means. The arrival time determination means determines that the expected arrival time calculated by the estimated arrival time calculation means is set via the setting means when the notification time determination means determines that the arrival time information notification time has been reached. It is determined whether the time is exceeded. The notification control means notifies the arrival time information related to the desired arrival time and the estimated arrival time via the notification means according to the determination result by the arrival time determination means.

  The desired arrival time and time condition are set by the user via setting means embodied as an operation switch or the like. Further, the notification means here may be, for example, a display device such as a monitor that displays information on a screen, a voice output device that outputs information by voice, or the like. Further, the desired arrival time and the time condition set via the setting means may be one or more, respectively.

  Further, as the contents of the arrival time information to be notified, for example, when the expected arrival time does not exceed the desired arrival time, a message indicating that the arrival time is in time is included. On the other hand, when the estimated arrival time exceeds the desired arrival time, a message indicating that the expected arrival time is not in time is given. In any case, the estimated arrival time itself may be notified together with the above message.

  According to the arrival time information notification apparatus configured as described above, the user can notify the information about the desired arrival time at a timing desired by the user by setting the time condition via the setting unit. In other words, the user should be aware of his / her own circumstances so that he / she is not too late to take necessary actions such as notifying the user that his / her arrival will be delayed or that his / her schedule will be changed. It is convenient because an appropriate time condition can be set in consideration of the above. In addition, by notifying the user that the desired arrival time is in time at a timing desired by the user, for example, the user can make a contact for reserving a movie or a restaurant at an appropriate timing, which is very convenient. is there.

  By the way, it is conceivable that the set time condition is when the user arrives at a passing point that the user wants to notify, as shown in claim 2. That is, the setting means is configured to be able to set a passing point on the route to the destination as a time condition. Then, the notification time determination means determines that it is time to notify the arrival time information when it reaches the set passing point.

  Thus, when setting a passing point as a time condition, it is convenient in the following points. For example, if a place that can cause a significant impact on the arrival time such as an intersection where traffic congestion is expected or a crossing that has a long interruption time is set, the user can determine whether or not the arrival time can be met in such a place. Can know.

  In addition, it is conceivable that the time condition to be set is when the time that the user wants to notify is reached as shown in claim 3. That is, the setting means is configured to be able to set the time for notifying the arrival time information as the time condition. Then, the notification time determination means determines that it is time to notify the arrival time information when the set time is reached.

  Thus, when setting the time which alert | reports arrival time information as time conditions, it is convenient at the following points. For example, by setting a time limit for changing the schedule or contacting the other party, the user can take necessary measures at an appropriate timing depending on whether or not it is in time for the desired arrival time. .

  By the way, in the case where a plurality of desired arrival times can be set, it may be configured as an arrival time information notification device according to claim 4. That is, the setting means is configured to be able to set a plurality of desired arrival times. The arrival time determination means determines whether or not the estimated arrival time exceeds all of the plurality of desired arrival times. The notification control means notifies the arrival time information that the latest arrival time is not in time when the arrival time determination means determines that the expected arrival time has exceeded all of the plurality of desired arrival times. If it is determined that the estimated arrival time does not exceed at least one of the desired arrival times, the arrival time information indicating that it is in time for the earliest desired arrival time not in excess is notified.

  In order to realize the above processing, more specifically, it may be configured as an arrival time information notification device according to claim 5. That is, the arrival time determination means determines whether or not the expected arrival time exceeds the desired arrival time in order from the earliest one of the plurality of desired arrival times. Then, when the arrival time determination means determines that the estimated arrival time does not exceed the desired arrival time, the notification control means notifies arrival time information indicating that the arrival time is in time. In this way, it is possible to notify arrival time information indicating that it is in time for the earliest desired arrival time that has not exceeded the estimated arrival time.

  According to the arrival time information notification device according to claim 4 or 5, as the desired arrival time, for example, a plurality of attendance times at a company introducing a flextime system or a screening of a movie to be shown a plurality of times a day. By setting a plurality of desired arrival times that may be in time for any time, such as the start time, it is convenient because the user can know which time is in time or which time is not in time.

  By the way, there is a case where the user wants to contact a person at the destination after receiving a notification as to whether or not the arrival time is in time. For example, when it is known that it is not in time for the company's attendance time, it is conceivable to contact the superior of the company or to notify the queuing partner whether or not it will arrive at the promised time.

  Therefore, the arrival time information notification device according to claim 6 may be configured. Specifically, the setting means is further configured to be able to set contact address communication information for communicating with a contact address. Then, after the arrival time information is notified by the notification control means, a communication control means for automatically communicating with a contact specified from the contact communication information set through the setting means is provided.

  If a plurality of desired arrival times can be set, a configuration as shown in claim 7 may be used. In other words, the setting means is configured to be able to set a plurality of contact address communication information for communicating with a contact address in association with each desired arrival time. Then, after the arrival time information is notified by the notification control means, communication is automatically made to the contact specified from the contact communication information set in association with the desired arrival time corresponding to the arrival time information. Communication control means for performing is provided. In this case, it is convenient because it is possible to deal with cases where the contact information varies depending on the time of arrival at the destination.

  Note that communication to a contact can be performed by telephone or electronic mail using a mobile communication terminal, for example. In this case, as the contact address communication information, as shown in claim 8, a telephone number or an e-mail address may be adopted. For example, when communicating with a contact by telephone, the communication control means is configured to automatically call the contact with which the communication control means has been set, and the user may talk to the other party who answered the call. On the other hand, when communication is performed by electronic mail, for example, a configuration in which a pre-registered message is automatically transmitted to a contact address set by a control unit can be considered.

  According to the arrival time information notification apparatus as described above, since the user is notified whether it is in time for the desired arrival time, communication is automatically performed to the set contact information. This is convenient when it is desired to communicate the arrival time to the person at the destination at the timing.

Although the above has been described as an invention of an arrival time information notification device, it can also be realized as an invention of a navigation device as shown in claim 9.
In addition, although the above-mentioned arrival time information alerting | reporting apparatus and a navigation apparatus can be mounted in a vehicle, it is not limited to this. For example, it can be mounted on various mobile devices such as a mobile phone and a notebook personal computer. If a travel route to a destination using various transportation facilities is set in these devices to which the present invention is applied, arrival time information can be notified at an appropriate timing when traveling along the route. However, if attention is paid to the fact that traffic conditions peculiar to vehicles such as traffic jams tend to affect the arrival time, the effect is conspicuous by mounting the arrival time information notification device and the navigation device of the present invention on the vehicle.

  Functions of the route setting means, estimated arrival time calculation means, notification time determination means, arrival time determination means, notification control means, and communication control means in the arrival time information notification apparatus as described above are realized by a computer system. In order to do so, the program may be provided as a program activated on the computer system side as described in claims 10 and 11. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk, a ROM, or a RAM, and loaded onto the computer as necessary. A function as a means can be realized.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Description of configuration of in-vehicle navigation device 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle navigation device 1 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle navigation device 1 is similar to the position detector 21 that detects the current position of the vehicle, the operation switch group 22 for inputting various instructions from the user, and the operation switch group 22. A remote control terminal (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 23a capable of inputting various instructions to the remote controller 23b, a remote controller sensor 23b for inputting a signal from the remote controller 23a, an external memory 24, an external recording medium on which map data and various information are recorded A map data input device 25 for inputting map data and the like, a display device 26 for performing various displays such as a map display screen and a TV screen, a voice output device 27 for outputting various guide voices, etc., and communication A device 28, a VICS receiver 30, and a control device 29 are provided.

  The position detector 21 receives a radio wave transmitted from an artificial satellite for GPS via a GPS antenna, detects a position of the vehicle, etc., a GPS receiver 21a, and a gyro that detects the magnitude of rotational motion applied to the vehicle. A scope 21b and a distance sensor 21c for detecting the distance traveled by the vehicle are provided. Each of the sensors 21a to 21c has an error having a different property, and is configured to be used while complementing each other. Depending on the accuracy, a part of the sensors described above may be used, or a steering rotation sensor, a wheel sensor of each rolling wheel, or the like may be used.

The operation switch group 22 includes a touch panel that is configured integrally with the display device 26 and installed on the display screen, and a mechanical key switch provided around the display device 26.
The external memory 24 stores contact condition communication information such as a time condition for determining a desired arrival time and a time to notify the arrival time information input by the user, a contact phone number, an e-mail address, and the like. As the external memory 24, for example, a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory can be used.

  The map data input device 25 is a device for inputting various types of data including so-called map matching data for improving position detection accuracy, map data, route guidance data, and the like. As a recording medium for these data, a hard disk, DVD, CD-ROM, memory, memory card, or the like can be used.

  The display device 26 is a color display device, such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or a CRT, any of which may be used. The display screen of the display device 26 includes a mark indicating the current location identified from the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detector 21 and the map data input from the map data input device 25, a guidance route to the destination, and a name. Additional data such as landmarks and symbol marks of various facilities can be displayed in an overlapping manner.

  The audio output device 27 is configured so that various information can be notified to the user by voice. Thereby, various types of guidance such as route guidance can be given to the user by both the display by the display device 26 and the voice output from the voice output device 27.

The communication device 28 is for communicating with a contact specified by the set contact communication information, and is configured by a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone.
The VICS receiver 30 is for receiving information provided from a fixed station for a VICS (registered trademark, Vehicle Information and Communication System) service arranged near the road. Information received via the VICS receiver 30 is processed by the control device 29.

  The control device 29 is configured around a known microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, a bus line connecting these configurations, and the like, and controls the configuration of each unit described above. The control device 29 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM or the like.

  For example, the navigation-related processing includes map display processing and route guidance processing. In the map display processing, the current position of the vehicle is calculated as a set of coordinates and traveling directions based on each detection signal from the position detector 21, and a map or the like near the current position read via the map data input device 25 is calculated. This is a process of displaying on the display device 26. The route guidance processing is performed based on the point data stored in the map data input device 25 and the destination set in accordance with the operation of the operation switch group 22 or the remote controller 23a. This is a process of calculating a route and performing travel guidance for the calculated route. As a method for automatically setting an optimum route in this way, a method such as cost calculation by the Dijkstra method is known.

  In addition, the control device 29 performs various processes for informing information about the arrival time at a timing desired by the user in parallel with the route guidance process described above. Detailed description of these various processes will be described later.

  The schematic configuration of the in-vehicle navigation device 1 has been described above, but the correspondence between the configuration of the in-vehicle navigation device 1 in the present embodiment and the configuration described in the claims is as follows. The control device 29 in the present embodiment corresponds to the route setting means, arrival time calculation means, notification time determination means, arrival time determination means, notification control means, and guidance means in the claims. Further, the audio output device 27 corresponds to a notification unit. The operation switch group 22, the remote controller 23a, and the remote controller sensor 23b correspond to setting means. The control device 29 and the communication device 28 correspond to communication control means.

  Hereinafter, among the processes executed by the control device 29, various processes for notifying the information regarding the arrival time at a timing desired by the user will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 6 and FIGS.

[Main processing]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main processing for notifying information on arrival time at a timing desired by the user. This main process is executed when there is an instruction from the user via the operation switch group 22 or the remote controller 23a.

  First, a destination is set based on an instruction from the user, and a route to the destination is set (step 10; hereinafter, the step is simply expressed by symbol S). The destination is set by directly instructing on the map displayed on the display device 26, inputting the destination telephone number, selecting from a point registered in advance in the memory, or instructing an address. Made by. The route setting to the destination is realized by a technique such as the Dijkstra method described above.

  Next, user input processing 1 is executed (S20). This user input process 1 displays an input screen as shown in the screen display example of FIG. 7A, receives an instruction from the user, and receives a desired arrival time at the destination and a notification corresponding to the desired arrival time. This is a process for setting destination communication information (in this embodiment, a telephone number and an e-mail address). The detailed contents of the user input process 1 will be described later.

  Subsequently, user input processing 2 is executed (S30). The user input process 2 is a process for setting a time condition for specifying the timing for notifying arrival time information based on an instruction from the user. In the present embodiment, the passage point and the notification time can be set as a time condition for specifying the timing for notifying the arrival time information. When setting the time condition, a selection screen as shown in the screen display example of FIG. 7B is displayed on the display device 26, and an instruction to set a passing point or a specified time (notification time). Is received from the user. Details of the user input process 2 will be described later.

  When the user input process 2 in S30 is completed, a route to the destination is displayed on the display device 26, and a voice for guiding the route is output from the voice output device 27 according to the traveling state of the vehicle, so-called route guidance. Is started. In parallel with this route guidance, arrival time information notification processing is executed (S40). The outline of this arrival time information notification process is as follows. First, when it is determined that the time condition set in S30 is satisfied, an estimated arrival time at the destination is first calculated. Then, a predetermined message (arrival time information) is notified to the user based on the relationship between the calculated estimated arrival time and the desired arrival time set in S20. Furthermore, communication is performed with respect to the contact based on the contact communication information set in S20. The detailed contents of this arrival time information notification process will be described later.

  After executing the arrival time information notification process of S40, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle has arrived at the destination (S50). Here, when it determines with not having arrived at the destination (S50: NO), it returns to the process of S40. On the other hand, when it determines with having arrived at the destination (S50: YES), a main process is complete | finished.

[User input processing 1]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the user input process 1 of S20 in the main process (see FIG. 2).

  First, a desired arrival time is set based on an input from the user (S210). In this embodiment, it is possible to set a plurality of desired arrival times, and the user inputs the desired arrival times according to an input screen as shown in the screen display example of FIG. Based on this input screen, first, an input of “time 1” which is the first desired arrival time is received from the user. The user inputs a desired time by depressing the “▲, ▼” icons next to the display portion and by increasing or decreasing the numerical value indicating the time. The inputted desired arrival time is stored in the external memory 24.

  After the input of “time 1” by the user is completed, the input of “contact 1” that is contact communication information (phone number or e-mail address) corresponding to this “time 1” is accepted. Here, it is determined whether the contact communication information (telephone number or e-mail address) corresponding to the input desired arrival time has been input (S220). As for the input of contact communication information by the user, characters may be directly input using the operation switch group 22 or the remote controller 23a, or selected from a list or the like registered in advance in the external memory 24 or the like. Also good.

  Here, when it is determined that the contact communication information corresponding to the previously-arrived desired arrival time is input (S220: YES), the input contact communication information is associated with the desired arrival time in the external memory. 24 (S230), and the process proceeds to S240. On the other hand, when it is determined that the contact communication information corresponding to the arrival time previously input is not input (S220: NO), specifically, the input of the contact communication information from the user is skipped. When an instruction or the like is input, the process proceeds to S240.

  In S240, it is determined whether or not the next desired arrival time is input. Specifically, the user is inquired whether or not to input the next desired arrival time by displaying on the display device 26 or the like, and receives an answer from the user. If it is determined that the next desired arrival time is to be input (S240: YES), that is, if an answer to input the next desired arrival time is received from the user, the process returns to S210. Thereafter, by repeating S210 to S240, the desired arrival time such as “Time 2”, “Contact 2”, “Time 3”, “Contact 3”, etc. along the input screen of FIG. In addition, contact communication information is sequentially set. The set desired arrival times are sorted and stored in the external memory 24 in ascending order of time. If it is determined in S240 that the next desired arrival time is not input (S240), that is. When the user accepts an answer to end the input of the desired arrival time, the number of input arrival times (the number of inputs) is stored in the external memory 24 or the RAM in the control device 29 (S250), and the user input Process 1 is terminated.

[User input processing 2]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the user input process 2 in S30 in the main process (see FIG. 2).

  First, a selection screen as shown in the screen display example of FIG. 7B is displayed on the display device 26, and either a passing point or a specified time (notification time) as a time condition for notifying arrival time information is set. A selection instruction is received from the user (S310). Whether the user sets the passing point or the notification time by pressing one of the icons “notify at the passing point” or “notify when the specified time is reached” displayed on this selection screen. Enter the selection instruction.

  Here, when it is determined that an instruction to set a passing point has been received (S310: Passing point setting), an instruction for specifying a passing point on the map is received from the user, and the specified passing point is set as a time condition. (S320). Specifically, the passing point may be set by the user directly specifying a point on the route to the destination displayed together with the map on the display device 26.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the next passing point is input (S330). Here, when it is determined that the next passing point is input (S330: YES), specifically, when an instruction or the like for inputting the next passing point is input from the user, the process returns to S320. On the other hand, when it is determined that the next passing point is not input (S330: NO), specifically, when an instruction to end the passing point is input from the user, the process proceeds to S360.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S310 that an instruction to set the notification time has been received (S310: notification time setting), an instruction to specify the time is received from the user, and the specified time is set as a time condition (S340). . Specifically, the notification time may be specified by the user inputting the time according to the input screen for inputting the notification time displayed on the display device 26.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the next notification time is input (S350). Here, when it is determined that the next notification time is input (S350: YES), specifically, when an instruction or the like for inputting the next notification time is input from the user, the process returns to S340. On the other hand, when it is determined that the next notification time is not input (S350: NO), specifically, when an instruction to end the input of the notification time or the like is input from the user, the process proceeds to S360.

  In S360, a selection instruction is received from the user as to whether or not to end the process of setting the time condition for notifying the arrival time information (S360). If it is determined that a selection instruction for continuing the setting process has been received (S360: NO), the process returns to S310. On the other hand, when a selection instruction to end the setting process is received (S360: YES), the user input process 2 is ended.

[Arrival time information processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the arrival time information notification process of S40 in the main process (see FIG. 2).

  First, based on the detection signal from the position detector 21, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle has reached the passing point set in the user input process 2 (see FIG. 4) (S410). Here, when it determines with having reached the set passing point (S410: YES), it transfers to the process of S430. On the other hand, when it is determined that the set passing point has not been reached (S410: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not the notification time set in the user input process 2 (see FIG. 4) has been reached (S420). ). This determination is made by determining whether or not the current time has passed the notification time. The current time may be specified using a clock function in the in-vehicle navigation device 1, information received via the VICS receiver 30, or a time acquired from a radio wave signal received by the GPS receiver 21a. Here, when it is determined that the set notification time is not reached (S420: NO), the arrival time information notification process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the set notification time has come (S420: YES), the process proceeds to S430.

  In S430, the estimated arrival time at the destination is calculated. The estimated arrival time is calculated based on the average speed based on the road type specified by the map data from the map data input unit 25, traffic information received via the VICS receiver 30, and the like.

  Next, the value of the counter i (= i) in the control device 29 is set to 1 (S440). Then, the i-th desired arrival time [i] from the earliest desired arrival time set in the user input process 1 (see FIG. 3) is read from the external memory 24, and the estimated arrival time calculated in S430 is the desired arrival time. It is determined whether time [i] has been exceeded (S450).

  Here, when it is determined that the expected arrival time does not exceed the desired arrival time [i] (S450: NO), “message indicating that the desired arrival time [i] is in time” is displayed as the arrival time information on the display device 26 and The user is notified by the audio output device 27 (S460). Specifically, for example, if it is determined that the set passing point has been reached (S410: YES), as shown in FIG. 8A, the fact that the specified point has been passed, the estimated arrival time, and the arrival request A message indicating that the time [i] is in time is displayed on the display device 26, and a read-out sound of the message is output from the sound output device 27.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S450 that the estimated arrival time exceeds the desired arrival time [i] (S450: YES), the value of the counter i is the number of input desired arrival times stored in S250 of the user input process 2. It is determined whether or not they are equal (S470). If it is determined that the value of the counter i is not equal to the input number of the desired arrival time (S470: NO), the counter i is incremented by 1 (i = i + 1) (S480), and the process returns to S450. . Thereafter, the above processing is repeated for the next desired arrival time.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the counter i is equal to the number of inputs of the desired arrival time (S470: YES), the arrival time information indicates that “the desired arrival time [i] (that is, the latest desired arrival time) is not in time”. Is displayed to the user by the display device 26 and the audio output device 27 (S490). Specifically, for example, if it is determined that the set notification time has come (S420: YES), as shown in FIG. 8B, the fact that the designated time has been reached, the expected arrival time, the desired arrival time A message indicating that it is not in time for [i] is displayed on the display device 26, and a read-out voice of the message is output from the voice output device 27.

  After notifying the arrival time information in the process of S460 or S490, the contact process is subsequently executed (S500). This contact process is a process for automatically communicating with the contact specified by the contact communication information (set in the user input process 1; see FIG. 3) corresponding to the desired arrival time [i]. is there. Hereinafter, the detailed contents of the contact process will be described.

[Contact processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the contact process in S500 in the arrival time information notification process (see FIG. 5).

  First, it is determined whether or not the contact communication information (set in the user input process 1; see FIG. 3) corresponding to the desired arrival time [i] that has been notified in S460 or S490 is set (S510). . If it is determined that the contact communication information corresponding to the desired arrival time [i] is not set (S510: NO), the contact process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the contact communication information corresponding to the desired arrival time [i] is set (S510: YES), it is determined whether or not to make a call to the contact specified by the contact communication information. (S520). Specifically, an inquiry is made to the user as to whether or not to make a call to the contact by display on the display device 26, and an answer from the user is accepted. For example, when the set contact communication information is a telephone number, a selection screen as shown in the screen display example of FIG. 9A is displayed to accept a selection instruction from the user. When the set contact communication information is an e-mail address, a selection screen as shown in the screen display example of FIG. 9B is displayed and a selection instruction from the user is accepted.

  Here, if it is determined that the call is to be sent to the contact (S520: YES), that is, if an answer to the effect that the call is sent from the user to the contact (the “Yes” icon is pressed in the screen display example of FIG. 9) is received, A call is made based on the contact communication information (S530). For example, when the contact communication information is a telephone number, that is, when a call is made to the contact by telephone, the communication apparatus 28 automatically dials the telephone number of the contact. And a user should just talk with the other party who answered the telephone using a hands-free function. When the contact communication information is an e-mail address, that is, when an e-mail is transmitted to the contact by e-mail, a message registered in advance by the communication device 28 is automatically transmitted. Note that a message to be transmitted by e-mail may be configured to be registered in advance in the external memory 24 or the like by the user. Moreover, the structure which a user selects the message transmitted from the some message registered previously may be sufficient.

  After the completion of the automatic call processing in S530, or when it is determined in S520 that the call is not sent to the contact (S520: NO), that is, an answer indicating that the call is not sent from the user to the contact (“No” in the screen display example in FIG. 9) If the “” icon is pressed), the contact process is terminated.

[effect]
According to the in-vehicle navigation device 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
The user can notify the arrival time information at a timing desired by the user by setting the passing point and the notification time as timing conditions via the operation switch group 22 and the remote controller 23a. In other words, in order for the user not to be too late to take necessary measures such as notifying the company where he / she is working or the person he / she is meeting will be delayed in arrival or to change the schedule, It is convenient because it can set various time conditions.

  In addition, after notification of whether it is in time for the desired arrival time, communication by telephone or e-mail is automatically performed to the set contact information, so that the person at the destination at the desired timing This is convenient when you want to contact the arrival time. For example, the user can make a contact for reserving a movie or a restaurant at an appropriate timing.

  Moreover, when setting a passage point as a time condition, it is convenient in the following points. For example, if you set a place that can have a significant impact on arrival time, such as an intersection where traffic congestion is expected on the route to the destination or a crossing with a long stoppage time, the desired arrival time at such a place The user can know whether or not it is in time.

  Moreover, when setting the time which alert | reports arrival time information as time conditions, it is convenient at the following points. For example, by setting a time limit for changing the schedule or contacting the other party, the user can take necessary measures at an appropriate timing depending on whether or not it is in time for the desired arrival time. .

  In addition, since it is possible to set multiple desired arrival times, for example, at several times, such as multiple attendance times at a company that has introduced a flextime system, or the start time of a movie that is shown multiple times a day By setting a plurality of desired arrival times that may be in time, the user can know which time is in time or which time is not in time.

  In addition, since a contact address can be set for each of a plurality of desired arrival times, it is possible to cope with a case where a user desires to contact a different contact address depending on a time zone of arrival at a destination.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above embodiment, one contact communication information (telephone number / e-mail address) can be set for one desired arrival time. It is good also as a structure which can set contact communication information. For example, when both a telephone number and an e-mail address are set as contact address communication information for one desired arrival time, communication may be performed for both at the same time. Alternatively, a telephone number may be dialed first, and a message may be transmitted using an e-mail address when a busy tone is detected or a ringing tone is detected a predetermined number of times and there is no response.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is implemented as the vehicle-mounted navigation device 1, but the technical idea of the present invention can also be applied to mobile devices such as a mobile phone and a notebook personal computer. For example, if a route to a destination using various types of transportation is set, arrival time information can be notified in the same way as in the above-described embodiment when traveling along the route.

It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of in-vehicle navigation device 1 of an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process for alerting | reporting the information regarding arrival time at the timing which a user desires. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the user input process 1 of S20 in a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the user input process 2 of S30 in a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the arrival time information alerting | reporting process of S40 in a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the contact process of S500 in an arrival time information alerting | reporting process. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a screen display in the user input process 1, (b) is a figure which shows the example of a screen display in the user input process 2. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display in the arrival time information alerting | reporting process, and the example of an audio | voice output. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display in a contact process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus, 21 ... Position detector, 21a ... GPS receiver, 21b ... Gyroscope, 21c ... Distance sensor, 22 ... Operation switch group, 23a ... Remote control, 23b ... Remote control sensor, 24 ... External memory, 25 ... Map data input device, 26 ... display device, 27 ... voice output device, 28 ... communication device, 30 ... VICS receiver.

Claims (11)

Route setting means for setting a route to a set destination based on map data;
An informing means for informing the user of information;
An estimated arrival time calculating means for calculating an estimated arrival time at the destination by predicting a required time from the current position to the destination when traveling according to the route set by the route setting means;
A setting means for setting a desired arrival time at the destination and a time condition related to a time for notifying the arrival time information;
Based on the time condition set via the setting means, notification time determination means for determining whether or not the time to notify the arrival time information has been reached;
If it is determined by the notification time determination means that the time to notify the arrival time information has been reached, the estimated arrival time calculated by the estimated arrival time calculation means is the desired arrival time set via the setting means. An arrival time judging means for judging whether or not it exceeds,
An arrival time information notification comprising: notification control means for notifying the arrival time information related to the desired arrival time and the estimated arrival time via the notification means according to the determination result by the arrival time determination means. apparatus. The arrival time information notification device according to claim 1,
The setting means can set a passing point on the route to the destination as the time condition,
The arrival time information notifying device, wherein the notification time determining means determines that the time to notify the arrival time information has been reached when the set passage point is reached. In the arrival time information notification device according to claim 1 or 2,
The setting means can set a time for informing the arrival time information as the time condition,
The arrival time information notification device, wherein the notification time determination means determines that it is time to notify the arrival time information when the set time is reached. In the arrival time information alerting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The setting means can set a plurality of desired arrival times,
The arrival time determination means determines whether or not the estimated arrival time exceeds all of the plurality of desired arrival times,
The notification control means, when the arrival time determination means determines that the expected arrival time has exceeded all of the plurality of desired arrival times, provides arrival time information indicating that the latest arrival time is not in time. When it is determined that the estimated arrival time does not exceed at least one of the desired arrival times, the arrival time information indicating that it is in time for the earliest arrival time that has not exceeded is notified An arrival time information notification device characterized by the above. In the arrival time information notifying device according to claim 4,
The arrival time determination means determines whether or not the expected arrival time exceeds the desired arrival time in order from the earliest one of the plurality of desired arrival times,
The notification control means, when the arrival time determination means determines that the expected arrival time does not exceed the desired arrival time, notifies the arrival time information that it is in time for the desired arrival time. Arrival time information notification device. In the arrival time information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The setting means can further set contact communication information for communicating to a contact,
After the arrival time information is notified by the notification control unit, the communication control unit automatically communicates with a contact specified from the contact communication information set through the setting unit. A characteristic arrival time information notification device. In the arrival time information notifying device according to claim 4 or 5,
The setting means can further set a plurality of contact communication information for communicating with a contact address in association with each desired arrival time,
After the arrival time information is notified by the notification control means, communication is automatically made to the contact specified from the contact communication information set in association with the desired arrival time corresponding to the arrival time information. An arrival time information notifying device, comprising: a communication control means for performing. In the arrival time information notification device according to claim 6 or 7,
The arrival time information notification device, wherein the contact communication information is a telephone number or an e-mail address of the contact. An arrival time information notifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A navigation device comprising: guidance means for performing guidance along a route to the destination.   6. The computer is caused to function as route setting means, expected arrival time calculation means, notification time determination means, arrival time determination means, and notification control means in the arrival time information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Program for.   The route setting means, estimated arrival time calculation means, notification time determination means, arrival time determination means, notification control means, and communication control means in the arrival time information notification device according to any one of claims 6 to 8. A program that allows a computer to function.

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